Retractable cord reel
View Patent ↗A retractable cord reel is disclosed. The retractable cord reel may have a spool having a conductor carried thereon. The cord reel may also have a conductor lead coupled to a ratchet. The spool and the ratchet may be configured to make an electrical connection with each other.
1. A retractable cord reel apparatus, the apparatus comprising
a housing,
a spool positioned within the housing and arranged for rotation relative to the housing, the spool having a conductor mounted thereon,
a stationary cord extending from the housing,
a retractable cord capable of being extended from and retracted into the housing and further capable of being in electrical communication with the stationary cord, and
a ratchet mounted on the housing, the ratchet comprising a conductor lead having an engaged position wherein the conductor contacts the conductor lead and the ratchet having a disengaged position, wherein the ratchet is not in electrical communication with the spool.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the conductor is prevented from contacting the conductor lead when the retractable cord is being extended from the housing.
3. A retractable cord reel apparatus, the apparatus comprising
a housing,
a spool having a conductor coupled thereto, the spool being positioned within the housing and arranged for rotation relative to the housing,
a ratchet positioned to selectively engage the spool, the ratchet comprising a conductor lead configured to make contact with the conductor on the spool, and
a retractable cord being extendable from the housing,
wherein an electrical current is passed through a conductor coupled to the spool.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the conductor is prevented from contacting the ratchet when the retractable cord is being extended from the housing.