Technical Field

The present invention is directed to improvements in and relating to cable storage devices and systems.

More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a cord storage device, for winding cords onto and off the device.

It is envisaged the cable storage device provides a solution to known problems associated with the use and storage of cords. However, it should be appreciated that this invention may have applications outside this field.

Background Art

The use of electrical cords and cables for and with power dependent devices and with the transfer of audio, video or data from one device to another, is widespread and common. Further, the use of cords to connect various devices for a variety of purposes has become so commonplace that it is not unusual to see tangled cords and cables around devices, such as personal media players, stereos and musical equipment, computers, appliances, and power tools in workshops.

Disadvantages with loose cords include the risk of tangling a cord about itself, snagging of a cord with other cords or items, damaging the cord by twisting, crimping or bending the wires or damage induced by direct impact on the cord by sharp and/or heavy objects.

Damage is also possible to plugs and/or other forms of wire/cord terminations including, but not limited to, earpieces, probes, sensors, light emitting/receiving devices, microphones, speakers and chargers.

The power dependent device itself may be at risk from damage also. While the present invention has a number of potentially realisable applications, it is in relation to problems associated with existing systems or practices for storing cables (whether the cables are in use or not), that the present invention was developed. More specifically, it was with the problems associated with the storage and use of cables/cords associated with the use of electronic devices, that the present invention was developed.

Having a simple system for storing a cable/cord when not in use, or for storing a cable/cord in a manner that minimises damage yet facilitates ready access to the cable at a length when required, would benefit the user in terms of time, effort, integrity of the cable/cord, and so forth.

It would be useful therefore, to have a cable storage device that: a) Could have the benefits of being used with a range of cables/cords; yet b) Could be easy to use, requiring minimum time and physical requirements on the part of the user; and c) Could be compact and easy to hold; and d) Could potentially minimise damage to the integrity of cable/cord; and e) Offered a system which accommodated not only the cable/cord itself, but also the end pieces of the cable/cord - whether they are plugs, earpieces, and so forth.

It would therefore be advantageous to have an invention that offered at least some if not all of the advantages of the above proposed system.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to consider the above problems and provide at least one solution which addresses a plurality of these problems. Ideally the present invention will also provide a cable storage system which allows for the substantially trouble free storage of a cable/cord, but having some if not all of the advantages outlined above.

It is also a further object of the present invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice or alternative system.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. It should be appreciated that variations to the described embodiments are possible and would fall within the scope of the present invention.

Disclosure of Invention

The cable storage device of the present invention is considered to offer a means to store and organise cords and the like. The term cord is not intended to be seen as limiting. Therefore, for purposes of ease of description references herein to "cords" refers to and includes any electrical cables and leads, wires, rope, tubes or similar.

Reference to "plug" refers to a minor cord end termination portion. Typically, a plug shall relate to and mean a device to which may be attached the conductors of a cord and which by insertion in a jack, or screwing into a receptacle, establishes contact. However, use of this term is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Reference to "earpiece" relates to the earphone speaker end of a cord and is merely used to example of one of many bulky cord end termination portions possible. Typically, the term shall relate to any device that converts electric signals, as from a telephone, stereo, or radio receiver, to audible sound and telephone receiver or hearing aid, that fits in, over or is held next to the ear such as headphones, any related cover for the ear, and so forth; and as such is not intended to be limiting only to earpieces. The term "hub" is used broadly to relate to a center piece configured as part of the invention around which the cord is capable of being wound. Although a hub is typically considered to be round in configuration, the hub of the present invention may be otherwise configured. As such the resultant hub may be overall oval, triangular, square, and so forth depending on the final design of the invention. However, use of this term is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The term "flange" as used in this specification shall mean and include any projecting rim, collar, or wing, cast or formed to provide a supporting area, or to provide a place to assist the attachment or retention of the cord/cable. However, use of this term is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The term "stand-off as used in this specification shall mean and include a prop or spacer for retaining the outer flanges of the invention away from the surface of the body of the cable storage device to which the stand-off is also attached and which in effect supports the outer flange above the adjacent body surface. However, use of this term is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The dimensions of the stand-off, including the height which creates the space between the outer flange and the body of the cable storage device will depend on the cable being accommodated and stored in relation thereto.

According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a cable storage device, said device comprising a body, outer flange portions distanced from said body by stand-offs to effect a hub portion; said hub portion adapted to receive a cord wound there-around; said body adapted to receive and accommodate either or both said cord and termination portions of said cord.

The cable storage device preferably includes a body. In one preferred embodiment, said body is substantially cone-shaped. However, the body may take any shape. The body takes the form of a hopper/pouch/case/skin to store and protect any cord termination and/or power dependent device. In effect, the body operates as a bag, sack, or similar receptacle, to accommodate the cord and/or relate terminal portions of the cord. The cable storage device also preferably includes at least a pair of outer-flanges. The outer flanges are oriented in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said body, but are separated from said body by a preferred distance.

The distancing of each outer flange from the body of the cable storage device is effected by a stand-off. A hub portion is effectively created due to a channel formed from the connection of the outer-flanges to the main body of the device by the stand-offs. The main body preferably provides an opposing flange for the channel.

The hub portion is configured to enable the cord to be wound thereabout within the formed channel, for the purpose of storage of the cord, as required.

Adjacent outer flanges and associated stand-offs are preferably separated by a gap. The gap is preferably dimensioned to permit the passage of the cord(s) itself there-between.

The body of the cable storage device also includes a longitudinal slit or separation that is aligned with the gap created between the adjacent outer flanges and associated stand offs.

The gap and separation are provided to allow the cord to be directed into the body pouch to permit the earpieces (or other such awkward shaped cord termination or power dependent device) to nestle down into the pouch. The pouch is preferably intended to provide protection for the earpieces, minimising the risk of damage to the cord and its termination.

The shape of the pouch can be molded to fit a specific cord termination shape or generously proportioned to accommodate various shaped earpieces.

The cable storage device is generally and preferably configured to receive and retain a cord in a wound up state. The cord, when retained relative to the cable storage device, may or may not be functioning in an active state by supplying power, signals or otherwise. However, generally the cord will be stored in a passive state in the channel of the device. Preferably the invention is formed of a flexible material. This aids cords to be readily wrapped around in the channel of the device; and in conjunction with a suitably spaced gap between the outer-flanges will provide a degree of resistance to the cords, preventing unintentional unraveling of the cords - hence retaining them in the wound stored orientation.

It should be appreciated that the power dependent devices with which a cord may be required include I-Pods, MP3 players, portable CD or DVD players, mobile phones, smart phones and any other such electronic devices. As such the present invention may be adapted to accommodate any such devices and/or the cords for such devices.

It should further be appreciated a variety of different embodiments, uses, and applications of the present invention exist, even within the ambit of the above described system. A specific embodiment for the present invention will now be given by way of example only, to help better describe and define the present invention. However, describing one embodiment should not be seen as limiting the scope of this invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 Shows a perspective view of a cord storage device 1 according to one embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 2 Shows a side view of the cord storage device 1 according to one embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 3 Shows a top plan view of the cord storage device 1 according to one embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 4 Shows a bottom plan view of the cord storage device 1 according to one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 Shows a cross sectional view through A-A of the cord storage device 1 in figure 3; and

Figure 6 Shows a cross sectional view through B-B of the cord storage device 1 in figure

3; and

Figure 7 Shows a perspective view of the cord storage device 1 with an earphone stored by way of an example; and

Figure 8 Shows a cord storage device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and

Fi ure 9 Shows a cord storage device in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 10 Shows a cord storage device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 11 Shows a cord storage device in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Best Modes for carrying out the Invention

With reference to the diagrams (Figures 1 to 1 1 ), by way of example only, there is provided a cable/cord storage device (generally indicated by arrow (1)).

Figures 1 to 7, illustrate one embodiment of a cord storage device, of the present invention.

The cord storage device 1 is configured and arranged to receive and retain a cord 2 in a wound up state (as shown in figure 7). The cord 2, when retained on the device 1, may or may not be functioning in an active state by supplying power, signals or otherwise.

However, generally the cord 2 will be stored in a passive state in the channel 3 of the device 1. The cable storage device 1 includes a body portion 5 in the form of a pouch and outer flanges 4 separated from the body portion by stand-offs 6, to form a hub.

A channel 3 of device 1 is formed by a combination of the outer-flanges 4, the pouch 5 and the stand-offs 6 from the hub.

Gap 7 (created in between the adjacent outer flanges) and separation 8 (in the body in the region of a stand-off void 13 located interior of and between the stand-offs 6) are provided to allow cord 2 to be entered into the pouch 5 to permit earpieces 10 (or other such awkward shaped cord termination portions or power dependent devices) to nestle down into the pouch 5. The pouch 5 is intended to provide protection for the earpieces 10, by minimising the risk of damage to cord 2 and its termination portions. The shape of the pouch 5 can be molded to fit a specific cord termination shape or be generously proportioned (as shown in figures 1 to 7) to accommodate various shaped earpieces 10.

Once earpieces 10 are in place, cord 2 is wound around the hub in channel 3 until the desired length of cord 2 remains. The cord 2 can then be locked off by passing through the appropriately sized gap 7 created between the outer-flanges 4. The plug 1 1 can then remain outside of the pouch 5, inserted into either end of the pouch 5 for added protection, or secured into any additional notch or holder about the device 1 (not shown).

When the earpieces 10 are required for operation, the plug 1 1 can be gently pulled on in such a manner as to extract the end of cord 2 with plug attached, from a stand-off-void 13 by passing the cord 2 through the gap 7. Then cord 2 can be partially or completely unwound from channel 3. The operator can then elect to separate the cable storage device 1 entirely from the cord 2, by passing the cord 2 out through the separation 8 and gap 7. Alternatively it may be desirable to, leave the cord 2 passing through the pouch 5 during the operation of the power dependent device. The cable storage device 1 would desirably slide easily along the cord 2 towards the plug 1 1 where the cable storage device 1 would rest up against the plug 11 or the power dependent device. It is anticipated that the small-opening 17 would be of sufficient size as to pass freely over any obstacles along the length of cord 2 such as in the case of an earphone, any cord-choke beads, clamps that retain the integrity of multi- core cords and other known obstacles. The shape of the small-opening 17 is not limited to a round shape. An elliptical shape may be desirable by squeezing the elliptical shape together at the extremities so as to pass over known obstacles along the length of the cord 2. The elliptical shaped small-opening 17 may then be released before the plug 1 1 so as to come to rest against the plug 11 or the power dependent device (not shown).

The gap 7 should measure less than the anticipated cord thickness and it is envisaged the material used to manufacture the device 1 would be soft enough to provide a degree of flex along the gap-edge 12, thus providing a more forgiving tolerance for the interference fit of the cord 2 as it passes through the gap 7.

The minimum distance of the gap 7 is illustrated as occurring over the stand-off-void 13, but is not limited to this region, as it may alternatively occur anywhere along the inner edges of the outer-flanges 4 and at one or more points (not shown).

To maximise the volume of the stand-off- void 13, and therefore the potential to permit multiple passes of the cord 2 through this stand-off-void 13, it is envisaged the underside of the inner edges along the outer- flanges 4 will have a relatively large underside-chamfer 14. This chamfer/edge-thinning would also ease the passage of the cord 2 between the outer- flanges 4 by virtue of their increased flex due to the thinning of the material. The resulting minimal outer chamfer/radius would, in addition, benefit the pushing through of the cord 2 made more difficult by the natural, relatively broad curvature of a typical person's finger, which would be exasperated by an overly large outer chamfer/radius.

A rib 9 runs partly or fully along the edge(s) of separation 8. The resulting face(s) the rib(s) 9 offers is adapted to prevent the two opposing separation 8 edges overlapping each other when the cord 2 is wound about the channel 3. If the separation 8 edges were to overlap, this would diminish the desired gap 7 between the outer-flanges 4 and hamper the passage of the cord 2 when locking it off. The rib 9 can be on either or both of the separation 8 edges. Rib 9 is also adapted to operate as a fulcrum when the pouch 5 is squeezed in such a manner as to allow the gap-edge 12 of the outer flanges to increase in opening distance to aid the cord 2 to pass through when locking and/or unlocking. This assists in the potential stowing of end terminations such as plug 1 1 in the region of the stand-off void 13.

A pouch-void 16 is a portion of the pouch 5 removed to permit the ease of removal of the earpiece^) 10. This pouch-void 16 can be a large notch as illustrated in figure 1 or take the form of a hole(s) in the pouch 5 wall sufficient to permit easier dislodging of an earpiece 10 should it jam in the pouch 5.

A large lead-in region 15 is desirable to permit the ease of both inserting and removal of the cord 2 into or from the pouch 5. This lead-in should ideally encompass the leading edges of the rib(s) 9. Both ends of the pouch 5 would benefit from a relatively large lead-in 15.

It is also envisaged that the device 1 can be provided with at least one or more pockets for additional storage purposes (not shown). The pockets may be formed of fabric that may not or may be attached to the device 1 by any known attachment means. This pocket may additionally or separately encase the entire device 1 including its stored cord 2, providing a "carry all bag" (not shown).

Indicia and labeling can be provided on the fabric and/or device 1 as desired.

It is seen then that the cord 2 can be stored in the device 1 to prevent twisting or tangling of the cord 2 and such cord 2 is also protected from damage by being protected by the channel 3. It is envisaged that the size of the device 1 and the capacity of the channel 3 that is formed by the adjacent features can vary depending on non-limiting factors such as the diameter and length of the cord 2 being stored. Also, the size/shape of both cord 2 terminations; and the particular application may dictate the size of the device. Furthermore, it is envisaged that a plurality of adjacent channels 3 may be configured and arranged to retain and store a variety of cables or one much larger length cable, as required. An increase in both the number and width of gap(s) 7 presented by multiple outer-flange 4 pairings is also possible (not shown).

Referring to Figure 8, a cord storage device 20 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated. A belt/pocket clip could be incorporated onto a device 20 that is the same or similar to the device 1 to permit the convenience of clipping the device 20 about a person's clothing, belt or environment.

Referring to Figure 9, a cord storage device 21 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

A buckle comprising one or more slots and suitably sized to weave a belt or arm/leg band through the buckle which forms part of a cord storage device 21 that is the same or similar to the device 1. This would allow the owner the option of attaching the device 21 to any existing or after-market belts they may own; or a belt may be supplied with the device 21. This would reduce the risk of dislodging the device 21 from the belt or arm/leg band. The buckle face may be contoured to better fit the intended profile it would be strapped to.

Referring to Figure 10, a cord storage device 22 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

Device 22 is illustrated with an additional pouch/case/skin deliberately designed and specified to fit original equipment devices such as personal media devices, metering and testing equipment. In another application, the instrument or tool could be kept off hygienic surfaces as seen in the medical, surgical or food industries.

It may also be a variant that the pouch 5 in device 1 be entirely replaced by the specific original equipment pouch/case/skin so that only the cord storage, cord locking and minor end termination stowing capabilities be retained from device 1 (not shown). Referring to Figure 11, a cord storage device 23 in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated.

The device 23 has a band comprised of hook and pile, or hook and loop tape, or a loop of elastic band that is attached to the device 23 by any known attachment means. This would permit the device 23 to be worn about a person or fixed around the environment. Any other means of providing for the ability for the cable storage device to be worn by an individual or attached to an object, can be used with or adapted for use with the present invention.

Wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although this invention has been described by way of example of possible embodiments, it is to be appreciated that improvements and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

When referring to the description of the present invention, it should also be understood that the term "comprise" where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, 'comprise' does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list.

This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art. The prior art description should not be regarded as being an authoritative disclosure of the true state of the prior art but rather as referring to considerations in and brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims.