Winding Spool for Stowage of Wires

Abstract

This invention allows for easy, simple stowage of wires, cables and cords of consumer electronic devices. Being constructed of molded flexible rubber or similar, the Winding Spool will hold wound wires in place with the unique feature of its sheath which is molded to one flange and covers the spool channel. This sheath will fold inside out, sliding open in order to allow wire to be wound to the spool. The notches in the opposite spool flange provide a secure place for the wire to rest, while the sheath grips around the edge of the flange to hold the wire into one of these notches. The flexibility and springiness of the molded rubber provides the gripping feature of the sheath, and allows the wire to be extracted from the spool simply by pulling, since the sheath and notches both will give way to light pressure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A spool for winding wires or cables on electronic products, but not limited to this use, comprised of a spool of a similar shape as a standard bobbin, consisting of a central cylindrical axle with circular flanges on either end, wherein a wire can be wrapped around the spool and be held in place by:
 a) a cover sheath connected to one flange which folds over the open channel of the spool, and   b) a series of evenly spaced notches in the edge of the opposite spool flange, forming the look of a sprocket or gear, into which the wire rests.   
     
     
         2 . The spool of  claim 1 , wherein the central axle is hollow and open on both ends. 
     
     
         3 . The spool of  claim 1 , wherein the sheath covering the channel is molded to the outer edge of one flange. 
     
     
         4 . The spool of  claim 1 , wherein the sheath extends to the opposite flange and covers the edge of said flange. 
     
     
         5 . The spool of  claim 3 , wherein the connection between the flange and its attached sheath is approximately, but not limited to, 90°. 
     
     
         6 . The spool of  claim 5 , wherein the connection between spool and flange and flange and sheath is quarter radiused, rather than a sharp angle, to permit the sheath to remain in the open or closed position. 
     
     
         7 . The spool of  claim 6 , wherein the sheath can be turned inside out in order to allow access to the channel to wind the cord onto the spool. 
     
     
         8 . The spool of  claim 6 , wherein the sheath cover folds back over the spool channel and stays closed, holding the wound cord in place. 
     
     
         9 . The spool of  claim 1 , wherein the notches are in the flange opposite the sheath attachment. 
     
     
         10 . The spool of  claim 1  is of one-piece construction with no moving parts. 
     
     
         11 . The spool of  claim 1  is constructed of molded rubber or similar material which will flex as necessary to either
 a) hold the coiled wire in place, or 
 b) allow the wire to be pulled from the spool. 
 
     
     
         12 . The spool of  claim 1 , wherein the cord can quickly be unwound from the spool to any desired length simply by pulling it from the spool without folding back and opening the sheath cover, after which the remaining coiled wire stays secured in a notch in the sprocket flange. 
     
     
         13 . The spool of  claim 1 , which contains a slot cut into the central axle, which allows the plug end of the cord to be inserted into the slot, thus allowing the spool to remain attached to the wire at all times.