BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Recent advances in electronics have provided the businessman with a plethora of portable electronic devices such as cellular phones, personal data assistants ("PDAs"), laptop computers and the like. These products are highly desirable due to their portability, which is directly related to their size and weight.

Battery technology has not kept pace with these advances, forcing the businessperson to bring his AC adapters or battery chargers along

with him to work, to meetings or while traveling. Typically, the batteries in a PDA or a cellular phone will power the unit only for a few hours of continuous use, which is inadequate for the normal businessperson. Manufacturers prefer smaller batteries because they allow them to market smaller, more desirable products, but power capacity in the form of battery life is sacrificed. As a result, users of these devices take their battery chargers or electrical adapters with them wherever they go and connect to high voltage power whenever possible.

Little effort has been allotted to improving the portability of the electrical adapters. The cords attached to these adapters are usually randomly coiled by hand around the adapter housing, hindering its portability and often resulting in tangled and/or damaged cords. If a coiled cord is placed on a table or in a briefcase, it begins to uncoil as soon as it is released. The lack of portability is very much incongruous with the excellent portability of the devices they power.

A common power adapter has a square or rectangular housing containing electrical components such as a transformer and/or power conditioning electronics. Protruding from the housing are male contacts for engagement with an electrical receptacle. When the adapter is inserted into the wall outlet, the housing bears against the wall, hanging by the plug. A low voltage cord is connected to this power adapter for connection to a rechargeable product, such as a cellular phone. When the businessperson travels, the adapter is unplugged from the wall receptacle, the cord is randomly

coiled around the power adapter housing as it is packed into a briefcase or suitcase.

Prior art references disclose the use of cord reels to take up excess cable in a variety of uses. U. S. Patent No. 3,773,987 to Davis discloses an electrical cable retractor with an integral male connector. The spool rotates with respect to both the housing and the electrical connector, requiring a mechanism that maintains an electrical circuit connection between the inner end of the cable and the electrical connector during the winding and unwinding of the cable. See also U. S. Patent No. 5,094,396 to Burke showing the use of a cord reel for storage of a telephone cord.

Wagner, in U. S. Patent No. 5,590,749, describes a telephone jack extension where the spool rotates about the low voltage jack. It utilizes electrically conducting contact brushes and conductive rings to carry the electrical signal as the spool rotates. A circuit board may be used to distribute the signal over the conducting rings, however, the electrical signal is not modified in any way.

Whereas the prior art discloses retractable cord reels, and whereas power adapters and other devices that modify electrical signals are known in the art, heretofore, there has been no known teachings on how to combine a cord reel with an electrical adapter.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved electrical adapter with an integrated cord reel that allows direct electrical connection between a power source and an electrical device.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved electrical adapter with an integrated cord reel that minimizes space.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide an improved electrical adapter with an integrated cord reel that easily stores and protects the accompanying cable in a convenient and useful manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects are met or exceeded by the present invention, which features a combined cord reel for an electrical adapter.

The combined cord reel and electrical adapter of the invention comprises a housing, a spool rotatably mounted in the housing, and an electronic component held in an internal cavity within the spool. A first connector is rigidly mounted to either the spool or housing, and is in electrical communication with the electronic component. A cable is at least partially carried on the spool. One end of the cable, preferably the fixed end, is in electrical communication with the electronic component. The free end of the cable has a second connector.

In a preferred application of the invention, the electrical adapter is a power transformer that converts household current to low voltage direct current for a cellular telephone other electronic device. The retractable cable is extended from the spool, and the second connector is connected to the cellular phone. The first connector is a conventional plug adapted for connection to a

standard outlet. After the telephone has been charged, the cord may be retracted back into the housing by rotating the spool.

A first preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a combination cord reel and an electrical adapter that includes a first connector fixedly mounted to the spool. The electronic component is held within the interior cavity of the spool.

In a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connector is on the housing and is in electrical communication with the fixed end of the cable through the electronic component. A rotation translator allows for electrical communication as there is relative rotational movement between the first connector and the electronic component. The rotation translator may be a captive cable or electrical wiping contacts.

In both embodiments, the electronic component changes at least one property of the electrical communication, e. g. a transformer or converter.

Optionally, a portion of the spool acts as a knob that projects through an opening in the housing, and is hollow to extend the volume of the interior cavity. A preferred embodiment for use with a cellular phone has a transformer installed in the interior cavity that outputs low voltage power to the cable.

The combination cord reel and electrical adapter of the present invention includes a cord reel for the convenient storage of the cable. Instead of hastily wrapping the cable around the adapter housing, the cord reel provides a storage space for the cable. The cable is neatly coiled inside the housing, where the cable will not unwind when released. Further, the housing provides

protection for the cable. Use of the cord reel provides an area for smooth, continuous winding of the cable. The cables are less likely to be damaged.

The housing also protects the cable from bumps, cuts and other hazards.

The combined adapter and cord reel are also designed to conserve space. The electronic components are stored in the hub of the spool, or the interior space in an optional knob on the top portion of the spool, or a combination thereof. The knob is suitable for manually turning the spool to retract the cable, as well as providing space to house the electronic components.

In a preferred embodiment, several additional features are present. A portion of the spool preferably protrudes through an opening in the housing, providing additional interior space for the electrical adapter or other electronic components. Also, it is preferred for the first connector to mount directly to the spool so that there is no relative motion between the first connector and the spool. Most preferably, the adapter is a transformer designed for a cellular phone and the cable is a low voltage cable with a low voltage connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of the combination cord reel and electrical adapter of the invention; FIG. 2 is an end view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a side view thereof; FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view thereof; FIG. 5 shows an exploded side view thereof; FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along lines 6-6 of FIG 1; FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the combination cord reel and electrical adapter of the invention; FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of second embodiment; FIG. 9 is a side view of the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG.

9; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 7 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9; and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG.

7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A first preferred embodiment of a combination cord reel and electrical adapter, generally 10, is shown in FIGs. 1-6. The electrical adapter 10 is used to provide an electrical communication from a source to an electronic device, and to convert, transform or otherwise adapt the source signal for the electronic device. As shown, the electrical adapter 10 may find

particular use as a power adapter for a cellular phone. The apparatus of the invention may find numerous other uses, e. g., a power adapter for a portable computing device. It is understood that the adapter shown in the drawings and the uses of this device described herein are intended to be illustrative of the invention only, and not limiting in any way.

Referring to the drawings, the electrical adapter 10 comprises a housing 12. Contained at least partially within the housing are a cord reel or spool 14, a cord or retractable cable 16, a first electrical connector 20 and an electronic component 22. Any material is suitable for manufacturer of the housing 12, if it is lightweight, durable and inexpensive. When used with portable devices, weight is important, as it is undesirable for the user to become bogged down with heavy equipment. Transport of the electrical adapter 10 with the electronic device leads to packing of the electrical adapter 10 in suitcases, computer cases or briefcases. During transportation, the contents of the case may shift, causing the adapter to be thrown against the walls of the case or other objects. The suitable material from which the housing 12 is constructed should be able to withstand the normal bumps and bruises that are likely to occur in such situations. Finally, the housing 12 is also made of a material that is relatively inexpensive to fabricate or mold. Plastics are the most preferred housing material because they fit all three of these criteria.

Metals, such as aluminum, are useful but not preferred because they are generally more expensive.

The spool 14 is rotatably mounted on and at least partially held in the housing 12. The housing 12 on one face has a circular opening 36 through which a knob 42 portion of spool 14 extends. The opposite face of housing 12 has a circular opening 37 through which a circular portion 62 of spool 14 extends. Accordingly, spool 14 is free to rotate relative to the housing 12 with openings 36,37 forming bearing surfaces with spool portions 42 and 62, respectively.

Electrical communication is maintained from the first connector 20 through the electronic component 22 to the fixed end 64 of the cable 16.

Communication is facilitated by close proximity between the three parts. Lack of motion between the first connector 20 and the spool 14 allows for direct connections between the first connector 20 and the electronic component 22 and from the electrical component 22 to the cable 16. Direct electrical connections between these parts are preferred.

Spool 14 and cable 16 are held within at least a portion of the housing 12. Cable 16 is at least partially carried by the spool 14. There is a cavity 30 within a hub 34 of the spool 14 holding and storing the electronic component 22. A portion of the spool 14 optionally protrudes through the opening 36 in the housing 12, forming the knob 42 that is easily gripped for manual rotation of the spool 14 within the housing 12. The knob 42 can be of unitary construction with the spool 14, or, the spool can be assembled from the base 40 and the knob 42.

The first connector 20 is mounted to the spool 14. Preferably the connector 20 is mounted to a base 40 of the spool 14 as shown in FIG. 2.

However, the connector can be mounted anywhere on the spool, such as on the knob 42.

The electronic component 22 is sized and adapted to fit the cavity 30 of the spool 14. In the case of a cellular phone, component 22 may comprise a transformer to convert 110VAC to low voltage direct current.

However, depending on the application, the electronic component 22 is suitable as long as it changes the properties of the electrical communication between the first connector 20 and the cable 16, and may comprise a switch, a transformer, a voltage regulator, an electrical converter, battery charger or the like. The specific nature of the electronic component 22 is limited only by its size and usefulness with a portable electrical adapter 10.

Electricity flows through electrical adapter 10 between the first connector 20, the electronic component 22, cable 16 and a second connector 26. Direction of the electricity flow is not important to the invention, and will depend entirely upon the specific use of the electrical adapter 10. The use to which the electrical adapter 10 is to be put also determines the choice of the first and second connectors 20,26. Any connectors are useful with the invention such as low or high voltage power plugs, telephone, modem or network connectors and the like. In the illustrated embodiments, the second connector 26 is a low voltage connector such as those used to charge batteries or supply power to battery driven electronic devices.

In the first embodiment, the first connector 20 is a male plug suitable for use with a common electrical receptacle or outlet. The first connector 20 may be connected to the electrical adapter 10 in various ways. It is preferably fixedly mounted to the electrical adapter 10, but may also be connected via a separate, short cable or be attached to a second full length cable co-wound with the cable 16 on the spool 14. Use of a cord reel assembly with multiple cords co-wound on the same spool 14 is taught in PCT Application US01/03368 to Skowronski, herein incorporated by reference.

In the first embodiment, the first connector 20 is attached to the spool 14 of the electrical adapter 10. When the first connector 20 is located on the spool 14, there is no relative motion between the spool and the connector so that a direct connection between the connector and the electronic component 22 can be made. This technique is preferred because it results in less expensive and more compact adapter 10.

The housing preferably has a pocket or chamber 24 for storing the second connector 26 when not in use, as seen in FIGs. 2 and 4. The second connector 26 can be molded onto the cable 16 as an integral part of it. The connector 26 neatly fits into the chamber 24. In this embodiment, the storage chamber 24 for the second connector 26 is located along the path followed by the cable 16 as it is retracted into the housing 12. The connector 26 is drawn into the housing 12 and into the storage chamber 26 without separate handling by the user. In the alternative, the chamber 26 is optionally located to one side of the path followed by the cable 16. Following retraction, the connector 26 is

manually fit into the chamber 24 for storage. Alternately, if there is no chamber 26, the second connector 26 can be left hanging on the outside of the housing 12.

An optional window 25 in the side of the housing 12 allows access to the second connector 26 when the cable 16 is fully retracted into the housing. A lever, button, slide or other mechanism (not shown) may also be employed to push or pull the second connector 26 out of the housing 12. A stop bar 28, shown in FIG. 5, is optionally used to block inward movement of the second connector 26 after it is retracted into the housing 12. This keeps it in the proper place where it is conveniently accessed by the user. Where it is not desirable to store the second connector 26 inside the housing, the stop bar 28 prevents the second connector from being retracted too far into the housing 12.

Preferably, the knob 42 is designed as a separate unit and affixed to the base 40 after installation of the electronic component 22. The knob 42 is preferably designed to extend the cavity 30, allowing additional room to accommodate the electronic component 22. In the most preferred arrangement for the spool 14, a base 40 has at least one rim 46 and at least one cord winding surface 48. The knob 42 includes at least a second rim 50 and a gripping surface 54. Preferably, the second rim 50 extends outward from the gripping surface, leaving a hollow space 56 inside the knob 42 for extension of the cavity 30. After installation of the component 22, the knob 42 is attached to the base 40 forming the spool 14 with the hub 34 and at least two rims 46,50.

In another optional arrangement, the cord winding surface 48 is at the center of the spool 14, such that no cavity 30 exists at the hub 34 of the spool. In this arrangement, the electronic component 22 is located entirely in cavity 30 of the knob 42.

The gripping surface 54 optionally has a finger guide 60 to act as an indexing feature when aligning the first connector 20 with the receptacle. It is often difficult to see the how the connector 20 aligns with the receptacle while the electrcial adapter 10 is close to the receptacle when trying to mate them. Having visible and tactile feedback as to the position of the connectors 20 improves the ease of inserting the connector into the receptacle. The guide 60 may also assist gripping of the knob 42, providing a flat surface on which to rest a thumb or finger.

The knob 42 is shown as being round, however, alternate configurations may be used as desired to achieve the volume required to house the electronics and the desired aesthetics. For example the electronic component 22 could be configured to fit partially or entirely within the hub 34 or entirely in the knob 42 of the spool 14. Preferably, the overall size of the unit is minimized to enhance portability.

The fixed end 64 of the cable 16 is connected to the electronic component 22 at or near the hub 34 of the spool 14. Preferably, the cable 16 is routed through an opening 66 on the cord winding surface 48 of the hub 34 for connection to the electronic component 22. A free end 68 of the cable 16 is preferably fitted with the second connector 26. The type of cable 16 and the

second connector 26 used with the present invention are selected by suitability for the particular application for which the electrical adapter 10 is intended to be used. For use with a cellular phone, for example, a low voltage mini-plug is one of the appropriate second connectors 26. Many other types of electrical cables 16 or second connectors 26 are also suitable for various applications.

In the preferred configuration, the cord reel housing 12 also has cable guides and or rollers 70, shown in FIG. 5, to guide the cable 16 into its stored position so that the windings of cable lie neatly together to minimize space as they are wound on the spool 14. The cable 16 is fed between a plurality of cord guides 70, or a single guide and another stationary element, such as the housing 12, preventing tangled portions of the cable from entering the housing 12 and possibly becoming lodged inside the electrical adapter 10.

A friction device 72 between the spool 14 and housing 12 is optionally used to prevent the cable 16 from unwinding at inopportune times.

When the cable is retracted, if there is very little friction between the spool 14 and the housing 12, the spool may tend to partially unwind, for example, as a result of the elasticity of the polymer insulation being bent as it wraps around the spool during the winding process. A friction device minimizes any unwinding tendency after the winding is complete, or between turns of a manually wound unit. Friction devices, such as wave washers or friction washers, are well known in the art. A preferred friction device 72 is optionally molded into the cord reel housing 12, eliminating the need for additional parts.

Slots 74 are preferably molded into the housing 12, forming a leaf spring 76

between each adjacent pairs of slots. A portion of the leaf spring 76 protrudes toward and biases against the spool 14 pressing against the spool to cause friction between spring 76 and the spool rim 46.

A second embodiment of the electrical adapter, generally 110, is shown in FIGs 7-12. Unless specifically noted, parts corresponding to the second embodiment of an electrical adapter 110 have the same numbers and features and properties as the first embodiment 10 discussed above, but in the 100 sequence. In the second embodiment, the first connector 120 is preferably mounted to the housing 112.

The electrical adapter 110 includes a housing 112 in which the spool 114 is rotatably mounted. When the connector 120 is fixedly mounted to the housing 112, but the electronic component 122 and the cable 116 rotate with the spool 114, the housing 112 also carries a rotation translator 118 for electrically accommodating the relative motion of the first connector 120 and the electronic component 122. Two common methods of making this accommodation are through the use of a captive cable, such as that taught in U.

S. Patent No. 3,773,987 to Davis, herein incorporated by reference, U. S. Patent No. 5,094,396 to Burke, herein incorporated by reference, or by using conducting brushes as taught in U. S. Patent No. 5,590,749 to Wagner, herein incorporated by reference. Incorporation of a spring into the retraction mechanism, also contemplated as being used in this invention, is also taught in the above-referenced patents. Use of the captive cable 118 is discussed further

by way of an example only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

When the captive cable 118 is used to accommodate the rotation of the spool 114, the captive cable is held in a captive cable compartment 119 of the spool 114. Compartment 119 is preferably on the side of the spool adjacent the first connector 120 to facilitate connection between connector 120 and adapter 122. A first end 121 of captive cable 118 is electrically connected to the first connector 120, and the second end 123 of the captive cable is connected to the electronic component 122. The spool 114 preferably has an interior wall 129 that separates captive cable 118 from retractable cable 116.

During winding or unwinding of the retractable cable 116, the captive cable 118 is coiled or uncoiled allowing it to maintain electrical communication without becoming tangled. The second end 123 of the captive cable 118 enters the hub 134 of the spool 114 axially through or near the axis of rotation of the spool. As the cable 116 is wound into the spool 114, the captive cable 118 is wound tightly in the center of the compartment 119.

Unwinding of the retractable cable 116 uncoils the captive cable 118 within compartment 119. Whether the captive cable 118 coils or uncoils during the winding of the retractable cable 116 is unimportant, and is easily controlled by merely specifying the direction in which captive cable 118 coils when it is installed.

The adapter of the second embodiment of the invention allows extension or extraction of the cable 116 onto and off of the spool 114 while the

first connector 120 is connected to a wall receptacle. It is particularly convenient for those who routinely recharge their electronic device in the same location and like to leave the electrical adapter 100 plugged into the wall.

During operation, the free end 168 of the cable 116 is pulled to unwind the cable. The spool 114 rotates within the housing 112 to allow the cable 116 to unwind. While the spool 114 is turning, the captive cable 118 uncoils and the housing 112 is stationary. The process is reversed when the retractable cable 116 is withdrawn onto the spool 114.

With the first electrical connector 120 attached to the housing 112, use of the finger guide is less important. Since the first connector 120 does not rotate with the spool 114, the finger guide is not required for aligning the first connector 120 with the corresponding receptacle. However, the finger guide remains useful as a means of getting a better hold of the gripping surface 154.

The remaining features of the first embodiment 10 are equally applicable to the second embodiment of the electronic device 100 and serve the same functions. Accordingly, the combination cord reel and electrical adapter of the invention is a compact device that conveniently stores a retractable cable inside the housing. It can also house an electronic components compactly within the hub 134 of the spool 114. It provides a facile solution to longstanding problems in the art.

While a particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.