In an electrical cord reel, a rotatable member can rotate about a winding axis to spool and unspool a linear material. An input power connector can couple to an electrical power source. An output power connector on the rotatable member can couple to an electrical cord at least partially wound about the rotatable member. A switch is adjustable to allow or prevent electrical current flow from the input power connector to the output power connector. In an aspect, the electrical cord reel includes an electric cord comprising a first power wire, a second power wire, and a signal wire. A method of controlling the electric cord spool system includes energizing the first power wire and the signal wire. The method further includes determining a continuity of the signal wire. The method further includes de-energizing the first power wire when determining discontinuity of the signal wire.

A strap winding, storage, and dispensing assembly for storing and dispensing a plurality of straps includes a spacing element engaged to and extending between a pair of plates. Each of a set of strap stowing units engaged to the pair of plates comprises a spindle having a winding element and a braking element operationally engaged thereto. The spindle can engage a respective end of a strap so that the strap is removably engaged to the spindle. The winding element is positioned to selectively rotate the spindle, in a first direction, to coil the strap therearound. The braking element is engaged to a respective one of the plates and is positioned to selectively engage the spindle, to prevent rotation thereof, to retain the strap therearound. The braking element also is positioned to selectively disengage the spindle so that the spindle can rotate in a second direction to uncoil the strap.

A hose guide for a hose reel deck box is provided. More specifically, the hose guide is a one piece, or unitary body, component. The unitary body hose guide is structured to snap-fit to one or two travel bars that are part of the unitary body of the hose reel deck box housing assembly. The hose guide preferably includes two semi-enclosed passages that are structured to be slidably coupled to the travel bars.

The present invention relates to decoys for simulating the movement of animals on land, air, or water. The invention includes a small, enclosed, and portable unit that comprises a motor, a rechargeable power supply, a timing control mechanism, and a spool attached to a line. The line extends from the unit and attaches to one or more animal decoys and, at the end, to an anchoring mechanism (e.g., an anchor placed in the water or a tether attached to a tree or other stationary support). The anchoring mechanism preferably is attached to the line via a bungee cord or other flexible connection that exhibits elasticity. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises four main parts: (1) a string portion, which extends from an anchor system to a mechanical unit; (2) one or more animal decoys attached to the string portion; (3) an anchor assembly attached to one end of the string assembly for creating tension in the string assembly and securing its position; and (4) a mechanical unit containing a low-power, motorized spool assembly, a rechargeable power supply, a spool, and a timing mechanism for repeatedly winding and releasing the string portion.

A basket assembly coupling assembly is provided. The basket assembly coupling assembly is structured to support a unitary housing component. That is, a unitary sidewall is thin and subject to wear and tear resulting from stress on the unitary sidewall when the hose, and more specifically the basket assembly, is wound. The basket assembly coupling assembly is structured to support the unitary sidewall proximate the coupling of the basket assembly to the unitary sidewall.

A window covering system comprises a headrail, a bottom rail, a covering material, a control unit, and a first rotating unit, wherein the first rotating unit is configured to be driven to rotate in a first direction when the bottom rail descends to expand the covering material; and a locking device coiled to the first rotating unit, wherein the locking device provides a restriction force to the first rotating unit to restrict the first rotating unit from rotating in the first direction, as well as to restrict the bottom rail from descending; and an actuating device configured to operate with the control unit simultaneously; when the control unit drives the actuating device to push the locking device in order to reduce the restriction force provided by the locking device to the first rotating unit, the bottom rail descends to drive the first rotating unit to rotate in the first direction.

A stiffener structured to support a unitary housing component comprised of substantially flat sidewalls is provided. A unitary housing comprised of substantially flat sidewalls, e.g. a housing for a hose reel, is a housing component that is substantially free of support ribs and other contoured surfaces. The stiffener is molded separately from the unitary housing component and coupled thereto. Preferably, the stiffener is a band extending under, or about, the perimeter of the lower side of the unitary housing component. Use of the stiffener allows the unitary housing component to remain free of substantial support ribs and other contoured surfaces thereby allowing for less expensive molds and a reduced failure rate of produced elements.

The disclosure provides an electric winder and a method for controlling the same. The electric winder includes a winder body, a socket and a controller. When a plug is inserted into the contact assembly through the insertion hole, the strain sensor is configured to detect a deformation of the contact assembly caused by the plug, and send the deformation to the controller. The controller is configured to receive the deformation sent from the strain sensor. When the deformation is greater than a deformation threshold, the controller controls the drive mechanism to be in a stop state to prevent the reel from winding.

A flat cable reel device includes a housing, a rotary sleeve, an upper spiral spring and a lower spiral spring. The housing is provided with a board outlet. The reel device includes the upper spiral spring, the lower spiral spring, an upper central shaft and a lower central shaft, which form a symmetrical and balanced double-spring structure; when a flexible printed circuit board is reeled or unreeled, the force and the reaction force generated by the springs are evenly distributed over the upper portion and the lower portion of the rotary sleeve, such that the rotary sleeve can balance.

A pool vacuuming system is comprised generally of a control box, containing a reel motor, and a reel box comprised of a turnable reel and a vacuum hose. The reel motor is powered and operated independently of the pool pump. Separate powering of this system from the pool pump negates issues of reduced power when the pool filter goes uncleaned. Since the vacuum reel is powered and operated by the separate control unit, the vacuum hose is allowed to move in and out of the reel box every time the pool pump turns off or on with consistent power and efficiency, making the movement of the hose more reliable.