Extension cord retention system

Abstract

A power cord retaining system for use with a power tool configured for accommodating an extension cord includes a cord capture formation for retaining the extension cord disposed on the tool, and a cord channel disposed on the tool and configured for supporting a loop of the cord substantially along an arc defined by the loop. In the preferred embodiment, the cord capture formation defines an enclosed aperture for retaining the cord at two points, defining a cord loop therebetween, and the cord channel defines a semi-circular arc for supporting the cord loop substantially along its apex. A cord lock is preferably formed in association with the cord channel for releasably locking the cord in the channel and preventing unwanted cord release.

1 . A power cord retaining system for use with a power tool configured for accommodating an extension cord, said system comprising: 
 a cord capture formation for retaining the extension cord disposed on the tool; and    a cord channel disposed on the tool and configured for supporting a loop of the cord substantially along an arc defined by the loop.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said cord capture formation and said cord channel are disposed in operational relationship to each other on the tool to restrain the loop of cord in a cord plane, said cord plane being generally parallel to a major axis of the tool.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the tool has a receptacle for receiving an end of the extension cord, and said cord capture formation and said cord channel are disposed in relation to the tool so that the restrained cord forms only two loop planes when the cord is plugged into the tool.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said cord capture formation is configured to define a closed space when attached to the tool.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein said cord capture formation has first and second ends, at least one of which is provided with a radiused edge.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the tool defines a longitudinal axis, and said cord capture formation and said cord channel are linearly aligned on the tool along the axis.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein said tool has a working end, and said cord channel is closer to the working end than said cord capture formation.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said cord channel defines a semi-circular channel for supporting the entire apex of the loop of the cord.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said cord channel has inclined leading and trailing edges.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  further including a cord lock for securing the cord in said cord channel.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein said cord lock is configured for accommodating a range of cord diameters for retention in said channel.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10  wherein said cord lock is configured for biasing the cord in said channel.  
     
     
         13 . A power cord retaining system for use with a power tool configured for accommodating an extension cord, said system comprising: 
 a cord channel disposed on the tool and defining a radius configured for supporting a loop of the cord substantially along an arc defined by the loop.    
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  further including a cord lock for securing the cord in said cord channel.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said cord lock includes a pivoting cord member engaging a catch for securing the cord in said channel.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14  wherein said cord lock is configured for biasing the cord in said channel.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13  further including a cord capture formation disposed on the tool and configured for retaining the extension cord at two locations.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17  wherein said cord channel and said cord capture formation are integrally formed with the tool.  
     
     
         19 . A power cord retaining system for use with a power tool configured for accommodating an extension cord, said system comprising: 
 a cord capture formation for retaining the extension cord disposed on the tool; and    a cord channel disposed on the tool and configured for supporting a loop of the cord substantially along an arc defined by the loop;    said capture formation and said channel being disposed on the tool so that the cord engages said system along an axis which is generally parallel to a major axis of the tool.    
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19  wherein said cord capture formation has first and second ends, both of which have radiused edges.  
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 19  wherein said cord channel has a locking formation for retaining the cord in said channel.