Abstract

A cord rewinder device stores and dispenses flexible cord and includes a base, a reel, a spring element and a brake mechanism. The reel is rotatably mounted to the base and is operative to rotate an axis of rotation in a first direction and second direction opposite the first direction. In the first direction, the flexible cord is wound about the reel for storage within the cord rewinder device. In the second direction, the flexible cord is dispensed from the cord rewinder device. The spring element is connected to and between the base and the reel and is operative to apply a winding force to the reel. The brake mechanism is mounted to the base and is operative to move to and between a reel engaged position and a reel disengaged position. In the reel engaged position, the brake mechanism contacts the reel preventing the rotation of the reel in the first direction while permitting rotation of the reel in the second direction. In the reel disengaged position, the brake mechanism is disengaged from contact with the reel to permit the reel to automatically rotate in the first direction as a result of the winding force. The cord rewinder device is especially useful when used in a horizontal orientation with a shop-type vacuum cleaner for rewinding the electrical cord for the vacuum cleaner.