Device for winding and securing a cable and method therefor

Abstract

A cable winding device and method for winding a cable which provides for quick and easy removal of a cable from the cable winder such that the winder may readily be used to wind additional cables without additional parts, and such that the wound cable may be efficiently stored.

1 . A cable winding device comprising:
 a rotationally mounted, removable-ended winding spool, said winding spool having;
 (a) a first retaining end; 
 (b) an open-ended spool core to define a generally cylindrical space for winding an elongated cable thereon; and 
 (c) a second retaining end disposed for removable connection to said spool core, and for disposition thereon during retention of the wound cable upon said spool, and for removal thereof to remove the wound cable from said open end of said spool; 
   a strap retainer, carried by said first retaining end and extending generally longitudinally therefrom for supporting a cable tie;   a rotational means for rotating said winding spool; and power means operatively connected to said rotational means for rotating same.   
   
   
       2 . A cable winder comprising:
 a generally cylindrical spool; and   means for rotating said spool;   wherein a cable wound around said spool is removable therefrom by sliding the cable over an end of said spool.   
   
   
       3 . The cable winding device as claimed in  claim 2 , further comprising a means for retaining a wound cable securing device, wherein said retaining means comprises at least one pillar. 
   
   
       4 . The cable winder of  claim 2 , further comprising a housing, where in said means for rotating is at least partially disposed within said housing. 
   
   
       5 . The cable winder of  claim 4 , wherein said housing comprises a flange extending generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said spool. 
   
   
       6 . The cable winding device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the said housing comprises a back cover, a front cover and a tine cover. 
   
   
       7 . The cable winding device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said means for rotating comprises a shaft, wherein said shaft is operably coupled to a first end said spool. 
   
   
       8 . The cable winding device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said spool has a constant radius. 
   
   
       9 . The cable winder of  claim 2 , wherein said spool comprises a plurality of resilient tines arranged about a longitudinal axis of said spool. 
   
   
       10 . The cable winder of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of said plurality of resilient tines is capable of being moved in a direction towards said longitudinal axis to decrease a circumference of said spool. 
   
   
       11 . The cable winder of  claim 9 , wherein each of said plurality of tines is disposed generally perpendicular to and carried by a disc member, wherein said disc member is operably connected to said means for rotating. 
   
   
       12 . The cable winder of  claim 2 , further comprising means for securing a cable in a wound configuration operably connected to said cable winder. 
   
   
       13 . The cable winder of  claim 12 , wherein said means for securing is carried by at least one pillar, wherein said pillar is disposed radially within the circumference of said spool. 
   
   
       14 . The cable winder of  claim 12 , wherein said means for securing comprises a collapsible elongated member, said collapsible elongated member collapsible about a length thereof to substantially form a ring. 
   
   
       15 . The cable winder of  claim 14 , wherein said collapsible elongated member is removably connected at a first end thereof to an exposed portion of said at least one pillar. 
   
   
       16 . The cable winding device as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein said elongated collapsible member magnetically connected to said at least one pillar. 
   
   
       17 . A method for securing a cable in a wound configuration comprising the step of:
 contacting at least a portion of said cable in the wound configuration with a generally planar cable tie,   wherein said contacting step causes said cable tie to collapse around and at least partially encircle at least a portion of said cable to secure said cable in the wound configuration.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the steps of:
 winding the cable around a spool to place said cable in the wound configuration, said spool having at least one open end; and   removing said cable in the wound configuration by sliding said cable over said open end.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said cable tie is removably secured at opposing ends thereof to a cable winding device, and wherein said contacting step comprises contacting at least a portion of said cable with a portion of said cable tie between said ends. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said spool comprises a plurality of tines arranged about a longitudinal axis, said tines flexibly disposed for inward radial movement, such that the circumference of said spool may be decreased.