Auto-feed/rewind electric cord reel
AssigneeRoyal Appliance Mfg. Co., an Ohio corporation
InventorsMark E. Reindle, David Kisela, Rick W. Walker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An auto-feed/rewind electric cord reel device for controlling a power supply cord of an appliance includes a reel bracket on which a cord reel is rotatably mounted. A motor bracket is movably mounted in relation to the reel bracket and a linkage connects the reel bracket to the motor bracket. A first motor is included for selectively actuating the linkage and moving the motor bracket in relation to the reel bracket. A second motor is included and is spaced from the first motor. An assembly is driven by the second motor for selectively rotating the cord reel in at least one direction.
Claims21
An apparatus for controlling a power supply cord of an appliance, comprising:
- a reel bracket on which a cord reel is rotatably mounted;
- a motor bracket movably mounted in relation to said reel bracket;
- a linkage connecting said reel bracket to said motor bracket;
- a first motor for selectively actuating said linkage and moving said motor bracket in relation to said reel bracket;
- a second motor spaced from said first motor;
- and,
- an assembly driven by said second motor for selectively rotating said cord reel in at least one direction.
A method for managing the tension on an electric power supply cord of an appliance, the cord being wound on a rotary cord reel carried by said appliance for effecting a dispensing and a retraction of the cord, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) sensing an axial force on the cord corresponding to movements of said appliance;
- b) selectively retracting the cord when no axial force on the cord is sensed;
- and,
- c) selectively dispensing the cord when an axial tension of a predetermined minimum amount is sensed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.