Abstract
This invention is directed toward a portable and easy to set up retractable cord system with means to allow athletes to move along specified routes and to form space indicators that show zone areas.
Claims
1. A retractable cord system for grounding on a playing surface, comprising a receptacle, a strap, a button, a spring, a plurality of spikes, a ring, at least one keyring, a ladder connected to the button and connected to the spring, and a retractor; where the receptacle further comprises a top portion and a bottom portion with the top portion and bottom portion being flush; and where the ring encircles the bottom portion.
2. The retractable cord system of claim 1, where the strap exists as a spool inside the bottom portion, where the strap exits the bottom portion through an opening, and where the strap is pulled out from the bottom portion into an expanded state.
3. The retractable cord system of claim 2, where the at least one keyring attaches to an end of the strap that exits the bottom portion.
4. The retractable cord system of claim 3, where the spool encircles the retractor.
5. The retractable cord system of claim 4, where the at least one keyring attaches to the ring of other retractable cord systems and is movable around the ring.
6. The retractable cord system of claim 5, where the strap forms angles when attached to other retractable cord systems.
7. The retractable cord system of claim 6, where the plurality of spikes protrudes from the bottom portion and into the playing surface.
8. The retractable cord system of claim 7, where deployment of the button moves the ladder and compresses the spring, returning the strap through the opening into a collapsed state within the bottom portion.
9. The retractable cord system of claim 8, where the button is on an outward facing surface of the top portion and the spring and the ladder are on an inward facing surface of the top portion.
10. The retractable cord system of claim 5, where the at least one keyring has a magnet at its distal end.
11. A retractable cord system for grounding on a playing surface consisting of a top portion, a bottom portion, an opening, a strap, a button, a ladder, a retractor, a spring, a plurality of spikes, a ring, and at least one keyring, where the top portion and bottom portion are flush, the strap exists as a spool within the bottom portion, the spool encircles the retractor, the spring and ladder are on an inward facing surface of the top portion, the button is on an outward facing surface of the top portion, the strap exits from the opening, the at least one keyring is attached to an end of the strap that exits the opening, the at least one keyring attaches to the ring of other retractable cord systems via a magnet at the at least one keyring's distal end and is movable around the ring, the plurality of spikes protrudes from the bottom portion and into the playing surface, the ladder is connected to the button and the ladder is connected to the spring, the ring encircles the bottom portion, the strap is pulled out from the opening into an expanded state, the strap forms angles when attached to other retractable cord systems, and where deployment of the button moves the ladder and compresses the spring to return the strap to a collapsed state within the bottom portion.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the retractable cord system and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the retractable cord system.
(2) FIG. 1 is a representative collapsed perspective view of an embodiment of the retractable cord system, with discs connected via a strap.
(3) FIG. 2 is a collapsed top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
(4) FIG. 3 is a collapsed cross-sectional top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
(5) FIG. 4 is a collapsed side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, showing the button that a user pushes to lock and release the strap.
(6) FIG. 5 is an alternative collapsed cross-sectional side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, showing the compression spring and tension spring that are responsible for extending and collapsing the strap.
(7) FIG. 6 is an expanded top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
(8) FIG. 7 is an expanded side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
(9) FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a part of the strap shown in FIG. 7, denoting the distance marker on the strap.
(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective collapsed view of another embodiment of the retractable cord system, showing the discs connected via a strap.
(11) FIG. 10 is a collapsed top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.
(12) FIG. 11 is a collapsed cross-sectional top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.
(13) FIG. 12 is a collapsed side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, showing the button that locks and releases the strap.
(14) FIG. 13 is an alternative cross-sectional side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, denoting the compression spring and tension spring used for expanding and collapsing the strap.
(15) FIG. 14 is an expanded top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.
(16) FIG. 15 is an expanded side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.
(17) FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a part of the strap shown in FIG. 15, denoting the distance marker on the strap.
(18) FIG. 17 is the collapsed perspective view of another embodiment of the retractable cord system, showing two discs connected by a strap-snap hook configuration.
(19) FIG. 18 is the collapsed side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, showing the button used to lock and release the strap.
(20) FIG. 19 is the collapsed cross-sectional top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17.
(21) FIG. 20 is a collapsed cross-sectional side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, denoting the compression spring and tension spring responsible for expanding and collapsing the strap.
(22) FIG. 21 is an expanded top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17.
(23) FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a part of the strap shown in FIG. 21, denoting the distance marker on the strap.
(24) FIGS. 23A and 23b are perspective collapsed views of another alternative embodiment of the retractable cord system, with 23A being a top view and 23B being a bottom view.
(25) FIG. 24 is an exploded view of embodiment shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B.
(26) FIG. 25A is a top view of multiple retractable cord systems of the embodiment of FIGS. 23A and 23B connected together, with FIGS. 25B, 25C, and 25D being magnified top views of each retractable cord system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(27) Many aspects of the retractable cord system can be better understood with references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components. Before explaining at least one embodiment, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the retractable cord system are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the retractable cord system are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
(28) FIGS. 1, 2 3, and 4 are the collapsed perspective view, collapsed top view, collapsed cross-sectional top view, and a collapsed side view, respectively, of an embodiment of the retractable cord system 1, with discs 2 connected via a strap 3. The strap 3 originates within the housing of the disc 2 as a spool. Adjacent discs 2 are connected to each other by a strap 3 exiting one disc 2 and entering into an adjacent disc 2. Essentially, upon exiting one disc 2, the strap 3 attaches to an adjacent disc 2 along the circumference of the disc 2. A button 4 is on one of the flat surfaces of the disc 2.
(29) FIG. 5 is an alternative collapsed cross-sectional side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, showing the compression spring 5 and tension spring 6 that are responsible for extending and collapsing the strap 3. Pressing the button 4 from its original position engages the compression spring 5, which locks the strap 3 when in the expanded state. The compression spring 5 lies within the button 4. Pressing the button 4 again releases the compression spring 5, placing tension on the tension spring 6, which allows the strap 3 to collapse.
(30) FIG. 6 is an expanded top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The strap 3 is in the expanded state. When in the expanded state, this embodiment of the retractable cord system 1 assumes the shape of a triangle. The shape of the retractable cord system 1 will differ based on the number of discs 2.
(31) FIG. 7 is an expanded side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, with FIG. 8 as an enlarged view of the strap 3 from FIG. 7. On the strap 3, there are distance markers 7 that show each length the strap 3 is expanded. For instance, the number “1” may indicate that the strap is expanded 1 unit of length. The unit of length may be any common unit, such as yards, feet, meters, or another unit of length.
(32) FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 are the collapsed perspective view, collapsed top view, collapsed cross-section top view, and collapsed side view, respectively, of another embodiment of the retractable cord system 1, with discs 2 connected via a strap 3. In this instance, there are four discs 2. The strap 3 originates within the housing of the disc 2 as a spool. Adjacent discs 2 are connected to each other by a strap 3 exiting one disc 2 and entering into an adjacent disc 2. Essentially, upon exiting one disc 2, the strap 3 attaches to an adjacent disc 2 along the circumference of the disc 2. A button 4 is on one of the flat surfaces of the disc 2.
(33) FIG. 13 is an alternative collapsed side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, showing the compression spring 5 and tension spring 6 that are responsible for extending and collapsing the strap 3. Pressing the button 4 from its original position engages the compression spring 5, which locks the strap 3 when in the expanded state. Pressing the button 4 again releases the compression spring 5, placing tension on the tension spring 6, which allows the strap 3 to collapse to the collapsed state. The compression spring 5 lies within the button 4.
(34) FIG. 14 is an expanded top view of the embodiment of the retractable cord system 1 shown in FIG. 9. The strap 3 is in the expanded state. When in the expanded state, this embodiment of the retractable cord system 1 assumes the shape of a quadrilateral.
(35) FIG. 15 is an expanded side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, with FIG. 16 as an enlarged view of the strap 3 from FIG. 15. On the strap 3, there are distance markers 7 that show each length the strap 3 is expanded. For instance, the number “1” may indicate that the strap is expanded 1 unit of length, such as yards, feet, meters, or another unit of length.
(36) FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 are the collapsed perspective view, collapsed side view, and collapsed cross-sectional top view, respectively, of another embodiment of the retractable cord system 1, showing discs 2 connected by a strap 3 and snap hook 8 configuration. The strap 3, which exits the disc 2, originates as a spool within the disc 2. The snap hook 8 attaches to the distal end of the strap 3. The snap hook 8 attaches to the disc 2 by way of a ring 9 that lines the circumference of the disc 2. A button 8 exists on one of the flat surfaces of the disc 2. Several discs 2 can be connected together by the strap 3 emanating from one disc 2 connecting to a snap hook 8, which then connects to the ring 9 of an adjacent disc 2.
(37) FIG. 20 is an alternative collapsed cross-sectional side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, showing the compression and tension springs that are responsible for extending and collapsing the strap. Pressing the button 4 from its original position engages the compression spring 5, which locks the strap 3 when in the expanded state. Pressing the button 4 again releases the compression spring 5, placing tension on the tension spring 6, which allows the strap 3 to collapse to the collapsed state. The compression spring 5 lies within the button 4.
(38) FIG. 21 is an expanded top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, with FIG. 22 as an enlarged view of the strap 3 from FIG. 21. On the strap 3, there are distance markers 7 that show each length the strap 3 is expanded. For instance, the number “1” may indicate that the strap is expanded 1 unit of length, such as yards, feet, meters, or another unit of length.
(39) FIG. 23a and FIG. 23b is perspective top and bottom view, respectively, of another alternative embodiment of the retractable cord system 1. The receptacle 190 is comprised of a top portion 100 and bottom portion 105. The top portion 100 and bottom portion 105 are flush, connected by screws 135, although the top portion 100 and bottom 105 can be connected via any means known in the art. The strap 115 exits from the opening 110, with the keyring 120 attached the free end of the strap 115. The ring 125 encircles the bottom portion 105. The ring 125 can be made up of any material that allows the keyring 120 to attach to it. If made of a magnetic material such as metal, the ring 125 will allow a keyring 120 with a magnet 195 at the end of the keyring 120 to attach. The keyring 120 will then be able to be moved along the surface of the ring 125. While metal is a suitable material for the ring, other materials, such as polymers, ceramics, and composites, can allow be used as the material for the ring 125. The ring 125 may attach to the bottom portion 105 via any conventional means, such as adhesive, welding, soldering, and screwing. The spikes 145 on the bottom portion 105 are for grounding into a playing surface. Grounding the retractable cord system 1 secures it, anchoring it in the playing surface. The spikes must be of sufficient depth to penetrate into the playing surface to ensure secure placement. These figures show the strap 115 in a collapsed state; the majority of the strap 115 is within the bottom portion 105.
(40) FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the retractable cord system 1 of FIGS. 23a and 23b. The ladder 155 and spring 160 are on the inner surface of the top portion 100, while the button 130 is on the outward surface of the top portion 100. Screws 135 secure the top portion 100 to the bottom portion 105. A ladder screw 140 and washer 150 secure the ladder 155 to the inner surface of the top portion 100. A spring screw 165 secures the spring 160 to the inner surface of the top portion 100. The button 130, ladder 155, and spring 160 are interconnected; the ladder 155 is connected to the spring 160 and the button 130. The deployment of the button 130 causes the ladder 155 to compress the spring 160, which allows the strap 115 to return to a collapsed state within the bottom portion 105. While, in this embodiment, deployment is executed by pushing the button 130 laterally, deployment can be by any means, including pressing, pushing, pulling, or any other physical means. The strap 115 exists as a spool 180 inside the bottom portion 105, with the strap 115 exiting the bottom portion 105 via an opening 110. The spool 180 rests on a first disc 175, with a second disc 185 on top of the spool 180; the first disc 175 and second disc 185 are meant to keep the spool 180 in place within the bottom portion 105. The spool 180 surrounds a retractor 170, with the retractor 170 rotating when the strap 115 is removed from the bottom portion 105 and when the strap 115 is returned through the opening 110 into the bottom portion 105. Spikes 145 are on the bottom surface of the bottom portion 105. While the spikes can be manufactured directly onto the bottom surface of the bottom portion 105, the spikes 145 can, as seen in the figure, be manufactured separately and attached to the bottom portion 105 via conventional mans like adhesive, welding, soldering, and other means known in the art. The ring 125 encircles the bottom portion 105, with the keyring 120 moving along the surface of the ring 125. A magnet 195 at the distal end of the keyring 120 is how the keyring 120 is attachable to the ring 125.
(41) FIG. 25a shows a view of multiple retractable cord systems 1 connected together, with FIGS. 25b, 25c, and 25d showing magnified views of the multiple retractable cord systems 1 connected together. In FIG. 25a, the strap 115 is shown in the expanded state, that is, when the strap 115 is pulled from the bottom portion 105. Three retractable cord systems 1 are shown in FIG. 25a, but configurations with more than three or less than three retractable cord systems 1 are also possible. Multiple retractable cord systems 1 connect to each other to form angles. FIG. 25a shows three retractable cord systems 1 connected together via their straps 115 to form a triangle. FIGS. 25b, 25c and 25d show the result of the keyring 120 from FIGS. 23a and 23b attaching to the rings 125 of other retractable cord systems 1. The keyring 120 is on the free end of the strap 115, with a magnet 195 at the distal end of the keyring 120. When the strap 115 is pulled out from the bottom portion 105, the keyring 120 from one retractable cord system 1 attaches to the ring 125 of another retractable cord system 1 via the magnet 195.
(42) All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.
