Retractable cable reel
US6220413A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4453
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cable storage device has a reel rotatably mounted in a frame. The reel has a hub that rotates with the reel. A connector panel has a plurality of connectors for interconnecting with an end of the cable on the reel. The connector panel will fit on a reel docking station for rotation with the reel. The connector panel also fits on a frame docking station while the reel is not to be rotated. A locking member is engaged by the connector panel when the connector panel is mounted to the reel docking station to allow rotation of the reel. The locking member is biased to a locking position when the connector panel is removed from the reel docking station. A cable presence sensor locks the reel against rotation if substantially all of the cable is pulled from the reel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.