US 2012/0223174 A1 · CARTRIDGE HAVING A RECESSED POWER SPRING FOR MANAGING EAR BUD CABLES

Abstract

A cartridge for managing an ear bud cable includes a housing having an input jack that is electronically connectable to an audio-source and a hub electrically connected with the input jack. A spool rotatably mounts on, and is electrically connected with, the hub. A power gear mounts in the housing and in contact with the spool for rotating the spool. The power gear defines a recessed interior. An ear bud cable wraps at least partially around the spool. A power gear spring mounts within the recessed interior of the power gear to minimize the size and, particularly, the thickness of the cartridge. In an alternate embodiment, the spool includes a recessed portion and a spool power spring mounts within the recessed portion of the hub. In yet another embodiment, the spool and the power gear both have recessed portions that hold a power spring.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A cartridge for managing an ear bud cable, comprising:

a housing having an input jack that is electronically connectable to an audio-source;
a hub fixed in the housing, the hub being electrically connected with the input jack;
a spool rotatably mounted on the hub, the spool being electrically connected with the hub;
a power gear being mounted in the housing and in contact with the spool for rotating the spool, the power gear defining a recessed interior;
an ear bud cable wrapped at least partially around the spool, the ear bud cable has a first end and a second end, the first end being electrically connected with the spool and the second end being electrically connected with at least one ear bud;
a power gear spring mounted within the recessed interior of the power gear for rotating the power gear;
and
whereby rotation of the spool selectively retracts and dispenses the ear bud cable.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cartridge having a recessed power spring for managing ear bud cables

Life of this patent

Cartridge having a recessed power spring for managing ear bud cables

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20