# US 7,744,404 B1 · Cable management system for product display

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 7,744,404 B1
- Document ID: US7744404B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 12/611,432
- Filed: 2009-11-03
- Granted: 2010-06-29
- Earliest claimed: 2009-11-03
- Assignees: Merchandising Technologies, Inc.
- Inventors: Donald Henson; Donald Niderost; James Larry Peacock
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7744404B1

## CPC

- H01R 13/72: Means for accommodating flexible lead within the holder
- H02G 11/006: {using extensible carrier for the cable, e.g. self-coiling spring (extensible conductors or cables H01B7/06)}
- H02G 3/0462: {Tubings, i.e. having a closed section}
- H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H02G: INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES

## Abstract

A cable retraction mechanism for displaying merchandise mounted on a display post in a retail location. The cable retraction mechanism includes a cable assembly having a coiled or equivalent elastically stretchable section. The mechanism also includes a coaxial housing that is connected to a portion of the cable assembly. The reciprocating motion or action of the shuttle within the housing facilitates extension and retraction of the cable assembly in a manner that is independent of the coiled section.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A cable management system for displaying one of a plurality of electronic devices in a commercial setting, comprising:
a first cable assembly having an elastically stretchable length;
a housing;
a moveable shuttle portion carried by the housing, wherein the shuttle portion is connected to a portion of the cable assembly in a manner so that movements of the shuttle portion facilitate extension and retraction movements of the cable assembly independent of the elastically stretchable length;
a mounting member on which an electronic device may be mounted, the mounting member being connected to the first cable assembly;
a second cable assembly, electrically coupled to the first cable assembly, the second cable assembly also being adapted for electrical coupling to the electronic device.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, including a swivel assembly that is operatively connected to the first cable assembly, for enabling one portion of the first cable assembly to rotate relative to another portion while maintaining an electrically conductive path between two cable assembly portions.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The system of claim 2, wherein the swivel assembly is received within the housing.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The system of claim 2, wherein the swivel assembly is received within the mounting member.

### Claim 5

A cable retraction mechanism for use in displaying one of a plurality of electronic devices in a commercial setting, comprising:
a cable assembly having an elastically stretchable length; and
a housing that is connected to a portion of the cable assembly, the housing carrying a spring, connected to the cable assembly in a manner so as to facilitate extension and retraction movements of the cable assembly independent of the elastically stretchable length; and wherein
the cable assembly is electrically coupled to an electronic device.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The system of claim 5, including a swivel assembly that is in-line in the first cable assembly, for enabling one portion of the first cable assembly to rotate relative to a second portion while maintaining an electrically conductive path between the two cable assembly portions.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The system of claim 6, wherein the swivel assembly is received within the housing.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The system of claim 6, wherein the swivel assembly is received within the mounting member.

### Claim 9

A cable management system for displaying one of a plurality of electronic devices in a commercial setting, comprising:
a first cable assembly having an elastically stretchable length;
a spring that is connected to a portion of the first cable assembly, wherein the spring facilitates extension and retraction movements of the first cable assembly independent of the elastically stretchable length;
a mounting member on which an electronic device may be mounted, the mounting member being connected to the first cable assembly; and
a second cable assembly, electrically coupled to the first cable assembly, the second cable assembly also being adapted for electrical coupling to the electronic device.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The system of claim 9, including a swivel assembly that is in-line in the first cable assembly, for enabling one portion of the first cable assembly to rotate relative to a second portion while maintaining an electrically conductive path between the two cable assembly portions.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, wherein the swivel assembly is received within the first cable assembly includes a swivel assembly.

### Claim 12 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, wherein the swivel assembly is received within the mounting member.