Cord dispensing apparatus

Abstract

A cord dispensing apparatus configured to dispense a length of cord including an L-shaped housing. The apparatus includes a first spool and a second spool disposed within a pair of guide channels within the housing. At least one of the first spool and the second spool includes a central shaft and a free spinning exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface of one of the spools is configured to freely rotate. The apparatus includes a bias member coupled to the first spool and positioned and oriented such that the bias member resists displacement of the first spool in the direction of the second spool. The apparatus includes a cord wound between both the first spool and the second spool, wherein a head of the cord extends outside of the housing. The apparatus includes a mounting structure coupled to the housing and configured to mount the housing to a surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cord dispensing apparatus configured to dispense a length of cord, comprising:
 a) a housing;   b) a first spool disposed within the housing;   c) a second spool disposed within the housing and spaced from the first spool;   d) a bias member coupled to the first spool and positioned and oriented such that the bias member resists displacement of the first spool in the direction of the second spool;   e) a cord wound between both the first spool and the second spool in a plurality of cross-spool windings, a head of the cord extending outside of the housing; and   f) a mounting structure coupled to the housing and configured to mount the housing to a surface.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bias member is positioned between the first spool and the second spool. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first spool and the second spool are disposed within a pair of guide channels. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bias member is a spring. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first spool and the second spool include a central shaft and a free spinning exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface of one of the spools is configured to freely rotate. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is L-shaped. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a ratchet mechanism configured to selectably restrict re-entry of the cord into the housing. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a face plate including an oversized aperture such that when the head of the cord is disposed therethough sufficient access space is available to reach in and grasp the head. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a connection region of the housing including a tail portion of the cord and configured to receive a connection to the cord. 
     
     
         10 . A cord dispensing apparatus configured to dispense a length of cord, comprising:
 a) a housing;   b) a first spool disposed within the housing;   c) a second spool disposed within the housing and spaced from the first spool;   d) a bias member coupled to the first spool and positioned and oriented such that the bias member resists displacement of the first spool in the direction of the second spool;   e) a cord wound between both the first spool and the second spool in a plurality of cross-spool windings, a head of the cord extending outside of the housing;   f) a mounting structure coupled to the housing and configured to mount the housing to a surface; and   g) a connection region of the housing including a tail portion of the cord and configured to receive a connection to the cord.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the bias member is positioned between the first spool and the second spool. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the first spool and the second spool are disposed within a pair of guide channels. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the bias member is a spring. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the first spool and the second spool include a central shaft and a free spinning exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface of one of the spools is configured to freely rotate. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the housing is L-shaped. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a ratchet mechanism configured to selectably restrict re-entry of the cord into the housing. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a face plate including an oversized aperture such that when the head of the cord is disposed therethough sufficient access space is available to reach in and grasp the head. 
     
     
         18 . A cord dispensing apparatus configured to dispense a length of cord, comprising:
 a) a housing; wherein the housing is L-shaped;   b) a first spool disposed within the housing;   c) a second spool disposed within the housing and spaced from the first spool; wherein the first spool and the second spool are disposed within a pair of guide channels; wherein at least one of the first spool and the second spool include a central shaft and a free spinning exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface of one of the spools is configured to freely rotate;   d) a bias member coupled to the first spool and positioned and oriented such that the bias member resists displacement of the first spool in the direction of the second spool; wherein the bias member is positioned between the first spool and the second spool; wherein the bias member is a spring;   e) a cord wound between both the first spool and the second spool in a plurality of cross-spool windings, a head of the cord extending outside of the housing;   f) a mounting structure coupled to the housing and configured to mount the housing to a surface;   g) a connection region of the housing including a tail portion of the cord and configured to receive a connection to the cord;   h) a ratchet mechanism configured to selectably restrict re-entry of the cord into the housing; and   i) a face plate including an oversized aperture such that when the head of the cord is disposed therethough sufficient access space is available to reach in and grasp the head.