U.S. patent application number 11/649654 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for apparatus for secure display of small electronic devices having an essential signal or power cord.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vira Manufacturing, Inc.. Invention is credited to Alan Rabinowitz, Richard Ryczek.
Application Number | 20080156922 11/649654 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39582471 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080156922 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rabinowitz; Alan ; et
al. |
July 3, 2008 |
Apparatus for secure display of small electronic devices having an
essential signal or power cord
Abstract
There is provided an apparatus for secure display of a portable
electronic device wherein the device has an attached electrically
conductive cable that is integral to the device and essential to
the operation thereof, the device cable having a first end
connected to the device and a second end, and an intermediate
section, the apparatus comprising: device support means normally
supporting the device and means for extending and retracting the
device cable. The means for extending and retracting the cable
includes pulley means having a first set of pulleys having a fixed
position and a second set of linearly movable spring loaded
pulleys. As the device is moved from the device support the second
set of pulleys is urged towards the first set of pulleys thereby
extending the device cable against the resistance of the spring
loading, thereby creating retractive force for retraction of the
cable. When the device is released the cable is retracted to the
device support until halted by a cable stop. Headsets and earbud
sets are examples of devices that are suitable for display on the
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Rabinowitz; Alan; (Freehold,
NJ) ; Ryczek; Richard; (Butler, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EPSTEIN DRANGEL BAZERMAN & JAMES, LLP
60 EAST 42ND STREET, SUITE 820
NEW YORK
NY
10165
US
|
Assignee: |
Vira Manufacturing, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
39582471 |
Appl. No.: |
11/649654 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
242/372 ;
242/375; 242/385; 242/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 2701/34 20130101;
H02G 11/003 20130101; B65H 75/368 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/372 ;
242/400; 242/375; 242/385 |
International
Class: |
B65H 75/48 20060101
B65H075/48; B65H 75/44 20060101 B65H075/44; B65H 75/30 20060101
B65H075/30 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for secure display of a portable electronic device
wherein said device has an attached electrically conductive cable
that is integral to said device and essential to the operation
thereof, said device cable having a first end connected to said
device and a second end, and an intermediate section, said
apparatus comprising: Device support means normally supporting said
device, means for extending and retracting said device cable with
said extending and retracting means attached to said device support
means, means for securing a section of said device cable proximate
to said second end thereof to said display apparatus, and said
intermediate section being engaged by said cable extending and
retracting means, wherein said cable is normally retracted and
wherein said extending and retracting means allows said device
cable to be extended, thereby permitting a potential customer to
move said device to a location remote from said device support
means to be examined, and wherein said extending and retracting
means retract said device cable when said device is released by
said potential customer.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said extending and retracting
means comprise pulley means.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said extending and retracting
means comprise a spring loaded pulley means.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said pulley means comprises a
first set of pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of
linearly movable spring loaded pulleys.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said cable further comprises
means to connect to a signal source.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said cable further comprises
means to connect to a power source.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said signal source comprises
media player means connected to said connection means.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a power source
connected to say connection means.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cable further comprises
means to halt retraction of said cable.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said device support means
further comprises means to receive said means to halt cable
retraction.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said device support means
further comprises means to receive said device.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said device is selected from
the group of devices consisting of headsets having at least one
earphone and earbud sets having at least one earbud.
13. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said device is selected from
the group of devices consisting of headsets having at least one
earphone and earbud sets having at least one earbud.
14. Apparatus for secure display of a portable electronic device
wherein said device has an attached electrically conductive cable
that is integral to said device and essential to the operation
thereof, said device cable having a first end connected to said
device and a second end, and an intermediate section, said
apparatus comprising: Device support means normally supporting said
device, means for extending and retracting said device cable
wherein said extending and retracting means comprises pulley means
attached to said device support means, means for securing a section
of said device cable proximate to said second end thereof to said
apparatus, and said intermediate section being engaged by said
pulley means, wherein said cable is normally retracted and wherein
said pulley means allows said device cable to be extended, thereby
permitting a potential customer to move said device to a location
remote from said display support means to be examined, and wherein
said pulley means retract said device cable when said device is
released by said potential customer.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said pulley means comprise a
spring loaded pulley means.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said pulley means comprises a
first set of pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of
linearly movable spring loaded pulleys.
17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said cable further comprises
means to connect to a signal source.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said signal source comprises
media player means connected to said connection means.
19. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said cable further comprises
means to connect to a power source.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a power source
connected to say connection means.
21. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said cable further comprises
means to halt retraction of said cable.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said device support means
further comprises means to receive said means to halt cable
retraction.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said device support means
further comprises means to receive said device.
24. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said device support means
further comprises means to receive said device.
25. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said device is selected from
the group of devices consisting of headsets having at least one
earphone and earbud sets having at least one earbud.
26. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said device is selected from
the group of devices consisting of headsets having at least one
earphone and earbud sets having at least one earbud.
27. Apparatus for secure display of a portable electronic device
wherein said device has an attached electrically conductive cable
that is integral to said device and essential to the operation
thereof, said device cable having a first end connected to said
device and a second end, and an intermediate section, said
apparatus comprising: Device support means normally supporting said
device, means for extending and retracting said device cable
wherein said extending and retracting means comprises pulley means
attached to said device support means, means for securing a section
of said device cable proximate to said second end thereof to said
apparatus, and Media player means connected to said second end,
said intermediate section being engaged by said pulley means,
wherein said cable is normally retracted and wherein said pulley
means allows said device cable to be extended, thereby permitting a
potential customer to move said device to a location remote from
said display support means to be examined, and wherein said pulley
means retract said device cable when said device is released by
said potential customer.
28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said pulley means comprise a
spring loaded pulley means.
29. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said pulley means comprises a
first set of pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of
linearly movable spring loaded pulleys disposed at a distance from
said fixed pulley set.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein each pulley set has at least
one pulley and wherein said cable forms at least one loop
encompassing and contacting said at least one pulley of each set
thereby coupling the rotation of said pulleys, so that as said
device is moved to said remote location said second set of pulleys
is urged towards said first set of pulleys thereby extending said
cable, with said urging resisted by said spring loading thereby
creating retractive force for retraction of said cable.
31. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said cable further comprises
means to halt retraction of said cable.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said device support means
further comprises means to receive said means to halt cable
retraction.
33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said device support means
further comprises means to receive said device.
34. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said device support means
further comprises means to receive said device.
35. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said device is selected from
the group of devices consisting of headsets having at least one
earphone and earbud sets having at least one earbud.
36. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said device is selected from
the group of devices consisting of headsets having at least one
earphone and earbud sets having at least one earbud.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for securely
displaying, marketing and demonstrating small electronic devices
having a signal or power cord that is an integral part of the
device and essential to its operation, wherein the device is
secured to the apparatus by means of the signal or power cord. The
apparatus allows consumer devices such as headphones, and small
appliances and that require a long wire connection, to be displayed
neatly without drooping wires that are unsightly and also can
become entangled.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art Including Information Disclosed
Under 37 CFR 1.97 AND 1.98
[0004] The display and demonstration of consumer electronic devices
is an essential part of the sales process in today's marketplace.
An apparatus that provides for the secure display and demonstration
of small battery powered hand held electronic devices such as cell
phones is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,382 issued to Ryczek on
Dec. 9, 2003. U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,382 discloses a device that
securely holds a battery powered device such as a cell phone and
secures it to a tether that is part of a display apparatus.
[0005] The small devices that are contemplated in the aforesaid
reference are all battery powered and are always secured to the
display apparatus by a specially designed security tether or cable
which does not form a part of the device itself but is part of the
display apparatus. These tethers are securely fastened to device
securing means and are a basic element in permitting a potential
customer to remove such a device a short distance from the display
and examine it.
[0006] Other small consumer electronic devices such as headsets or
earbud sets require a long wire connection that is an integral part
of the device and essential to its operation because the long wire
connection connects the device to a program source such as a music
phone, MP3 player, portable CD player and the like. Such devices
that require a long wire connection in order to function are often
sold by allowing a potential customer to try out the features of
such an item on display in a store. Small electrical appliances
such as electrical clothes irons, clocks that require connection to
house current and other small appliances having a power cord that
is an integral part of the device and essential to its operation
are often presented for sale on displays where a potential customer
can handle them. Apart from the issue of discouraging pilferage of
such items it is often difficult to maintain a neat attractive
display for devices such as headphones or headsets having long wire
connections since after repeated handling by potential customers
during the course of the day these wires or cables tend to droop
and become entangled creating an unsightly display. Use of a
separate security cable and clamping device with such devices can
produce an unsightly display and cause entanglement of the long
wire signal/power connections integral to such devices with the
security cable, thereby discouraging potential customers from
examining these devices.
[0007] There is a need for a convenient means and method to
discourage pilferage of such devices while on public display and
available for examination.
[0008] There is a need for a convenient means to maintain the long
wire connections integral to such devices in a neat attractive
display that prevents entanglement while such devices are on public
display and available for examination.
[0009] There is a further need for any such means to be easily and
conveniently usable by a potential customer that wishes to examine
and try the item on display.
[0010] There is a further need to protect the long wire connections
from damage, fraying or degradation when the device is not in use
rendering said device unusable.
[0011] There is a still further need for such means to be easily
and conveniently usable by store personnel who must from
time-to-time change the device on display.
[0012] Because a potential customer is interested in a
demonstration of the qualities of devices such as headphones or
headsets there is also a need for the apparatus to provide
convenient connection of the long wires or cables that are integral
to the device to a signal source or a power source in addition to
maintaining these wires in a neat presentable condition.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a an
apparatus for securely displaying, marketing and demonstrating
small electronic devices having a long wire connection that is a
signal or power cord that is an integral part of the device.
[0014] It is a further objective of the present invention to
provide an apparatus to maintain the long wire connections that are
signal or power cables integral to such small electronic devices in
a neat presentable manner while such a device is on public display
and available for examination.
[0015] It is a still further objective of the present invention to
provide an apparatus to prevent entanglement of the long wire
connections that are signal or power cables integral to a small
electronic device while such a device is on public display and
available for examination.
[0016] It is also an objective of the present invention that such
apparatus be easily and conveniently usable by a potential
customer.
[0017] Another objective of the present invention is that the
aforesaid apparatus be easily and conveniently usable by store
personnel who must from time-to-time change the device on
display.
[0018] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
a method for securely displaying, marketing and demonstrating small
electronic devices having a long wire connection that is a signal
or power cord that is an integral part of the device.
[0019] Yet a further objective of the present invention is to
provide a method to maintain the long wire connections that are
signal or power cables integral to such small electronic devices in
a neat presentable manner while such a device is on public display
and available for examination.
[0020] Yet a still further objective of the present invention is to
provide a method to prevent entanglement of the long wire
connections that are signal or power cables integral to a small
electronic device while such a device is on public display and
available for examination.
[0021] According to the present invention for achieving the
objects, there is provided an apparatus for secure display of a
portable electronic device wherein the device has an attached
electrically conductive cable that is integral to the device and
essential to the operation thereof, the device cable having a first
end connected to the device and a second end, and an intermediate
section, the apparatus comprising: device support means normally
supporting the device, means for extending and retracting the
device cable, with the extending and retracting means attached to
the device support means, means for securing a section of the
device cable proximate to the second end thereof to the display
apparatus, and the intermediate section being engaged by the cable
extending and retracting means, wherein the cable is normally
retracted and wherein the extending and retracting means allows the
device cable to be extended, thereby permitting a potential
customer to move the device to a location remote from the device
support means to be examined, and wherein the extending and
retracting means retract the device cable when the device is
released by the potential customer.
[0022] In another aspect of the apparatus of the present invention
the extending and retracting means comprise pulley means.
[0023] In yet another aspect of the apparatus of the present
invention the extending and retracting means comprise a spring
loaded pulley means.
[0024] In a further aspect of the apparatus of the present
invention the extending and retracting means comprise a spring
loaded pulley means, the pulley means comprises a first set of
pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of linearly
movable spring loaded pulleys.
[0025] In a still further aspect of the apparatus of the present
invention the extending and retracting means comprise a spring
loaded pulley means and the pulley means comprises a first set of
pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of linearly
movable spring loaded pulleys and the cable further comprises means
to connect to a signal source.
[0026] In yet a further aspect of the apparatus of the present
invention the extending and retracting means comprise a spring
loaded pulley means, the pulley means comprises a first set of
pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of linearly
movable spring loaded pulleys and the cable further comprises means
to connect to a power source.
[0027] In a still further aspect of the apparatus of the present
invention the extending and retracting means comprise a spring
loaded pulley means and the pulley means comprises a first set of
pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of linearly
movable spring loaded pulleys, the cable further comprises means to
connect to a signal source and the signal source comprises media
player means connected to the connection means.
[0028] In yet a further aspect of the apparatus of the present
invention the extending and retracting means comprise a spring
loaded pulley means, the pulley means comprises a first set of
pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of linearly
movable spring loaded pulleys, the cable further comprises means to
connect to a power source and a power source connected to the
connection means.
[0029] In another aspect of the apparatus of the present invention
the cable further comprises means to halt retraction of the
cable.
[0030] In another aspect of the apparatus of the present invention
the cable further comprises means to halt retraction of the cable
and the device support means further comprises means to receive the
means to halt cable retraction.
[0031] In yet another aspect of the apparatus of the present
invention the cable further comprises means to halt retraction of
the cable, the device support means further comprises means to
receive the means to halt cable retraction and the device support
means further comprises means to receive the device.
[0032] In yet another aspect of the apparatus of the present
invention the device is a headset having at least one earphone or
ear bud.
[0033] In yet a still further aspect of the apparatus of the
present invention the extending and retracting means comprise a
spring loaded pulley means and the pulley means comprises a first
set of pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of linearly
movable spring loaded pulleys, the cable further comprises means to
connect to a signal source, the signal source comprises media
player means connected to the connection means and the device is
selected from the group of devices consisting of headsets having at
least one earphone and earbud sets having at least one earbud.
[0034] According to the present invention for achieving the
objects, other embodiments of the apparatus of the present
invention are also provided. For example, there is provided a
second embodiment of the apparatus for secure display of a portable
electronic device wherein the device has an attached electrically
conductive cable that is integral to the device and essential to
the operation thereof, the device cable having a first end
connected to the device and a second end, and an intermediate
section, the apparatus comprising: device support means normally
supporting the device, means for extending and retracting the
device cable wherein the extending and retracting means comprises
pulley means attached to the device support means, means for
securing a section of the device cable proximate to the second end
thereof to the apparatus, and the intermediate section being
engaged by the pulley means, wherein the cable is normally
retracted and wherein the pulley means allows the device cable to
be extended, thereby permitting a potential customer to move the
device to a location remote from the display support means to be
examined, and wherein the pulley means retract the device cable
when the device is released by the potential customer.
[0035] In another aspect of a second embodiment of the apparatus of
the present invention the pulley means comprise a spring loaded
pulley means.
[0036] In a further aspect of a second embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention the pulley means comprises a first set of
pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of linearly
movable spring loaded pulleys.
[0037] In a still further aspect of a second embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention the cable further comprises
means to connect to a signal source.
[0038] In yet a still further aspect of a second embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention the cable further comprises
means to connect to a signal source and the signal source comprises
media player means connected to the connection means.
[0039] In yet another aspect of a second embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention the cable further comprises
means to connect to a power source.
[0040] In yet another aspect of a second embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention the cable further comprises
means to connect to a power source and a power source connected to
the connection means.
[0041] In a further aspect of a second embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention the cable further comprises means to halt
retraction of the cable.
[0042] In a still further aspect of a second embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention the cable further comprises
means to halt retraction of the cable and the device support means
further comprises means to receive the means to halt cable
retraction.
[0043] In yet a still further aspect of a second embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention the cable further comprises
means to halt retraction of the cable and the device support means
further comprises means to receive the means to halt cable
retraction and means to receive the device.
[0044] In a further aspect of a second embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention the device support means further comprises
means to receive the device.
[0045] In a further aspect of a second embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention the device is selected from the group of
devices consisting of headsets having at least one earphone and
earbud sets having at least one earbud.
[0046] In yet a still further aspect of a second embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention the cable further comprises
means to halt retraction of the cable and the device support means
further comprises means to receive the means to halt cable
retraction and means to receive the device and the device is
selected from the group of devices consisting of headsets having at
least one earphone and earbud sets having at least one earbud.
[0047] According to the present invention for achieving the
objects, other embodiments of the apparatus of the present
invention are also provided. For example, there is provided a third
embodiment of the apparatus for secure display of a portable
electronic device wherein the device has an attached electrically
conductive cable that is integral to the device and essential to
the operation thereof, the device cable having a first end
connected to the device and a second end, and an intermediate
section, the apparatus comprising: device support means normally
supporting the device, means for extending and retracting the
device cable wherein the extending and retracting means comprises
pulley means attached to the device support means, means for
securing a section of the device cable proximate to the second end
thereof to the apparatus, and media player means connected to the
second end, the intermediate section being engaged by the pulley
means, wherein the cable is normally retracted and wherein the
pulley means allows the device cable to be extended, thereby
permitting a potential customer to move the device to a location
remote from the display support means to be examined, and wherein
the pulley means retract the device cable when the device is
released by the potential customer.
[0048] In another aspect of a third embodiment of the apparatus of
the present invention the pulley means comprise a spring loaded
pulley means.
[0049] In a further aspect of a third embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention the pulley means comprises a first set of
pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of linearly
movable spring loaded pulleys.
[0050] In yet a further aspect of a third embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention each pulley set has at least one
pulley and the cable forms at least one loop encompassing and
contacting the at least one pulley of each set thereby coupling the
rotation of the pulleys, so that as the device is moved to the
remote location the second set of pulleys is urged towards the
first set of pulleys thereby extending the cable, with the urging
resisted by the spring loading thereby creating retractive force
for retraction of the cable.
[0051] In a further aspect of a third embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention the cable further comprises means to halt
retraction of the cable.
[0052] In a still further aspect of a third embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention the cable further comprises
means to halt retraction of the cable and the device support means
further comprises means to receive the means to halt cable
retraction.
[0053] In yet a still further aspect of a third embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention the cable further comprises
means to halt retraction of the cable and the device support means
further comprises means to receive the means to halt cable
retraction and means to receive the device.
[0054] In a further aspect of a third embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention the device support means further comprises
means to receive the device.
[0055] In a further aspect of a third embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention the device is selected from the group of
devices consisting of headsets having at least one earphone and
earbud sets having at least one earbud.
[0056] In a further aspect of a third embodiment of the apparatus
of the present invention the device support means further comprises
means to receive the device and the device is selected from the
group of devices consisting of headsets having at least one
earphone and earbud sets having at least one earbud.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS
[0057] To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter
appear, the present invention relates to signal and power cable
recoiler apparatus for the commercial display and demonstration of
small electronic devices having integral signal or power cables
essential to the operation thereof as described in detail in the
following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken
together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals
refer to like parts and in which:
[0058] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the assembled recoiler
in fully retracted condition in use with a set of headphones;
[0059] FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing the assembled recoiler
in partially extended condition in use with a set of
headphones;
[0060] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view showing the
disassembled recoiler components;
[0061] FIG. 4A is a view of the front of the device support showing
a device resting on the device support; and
[0062] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the back of the device
support showing a recoiler and a media player mounted on the device
support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0063] FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A and 4B depict an embodiment of the display
apparatus 5 of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 1 the
apparatus 5 of the present invention comprises a signal and power
cable recoiler apparatus 10 for the commercial display and
demonstration of small electronic devices A having integral signal
or power cables 12. In FIG. 1 device A is exemplified by, but not
limited to, a headset. The invention includes pulley support means
14, a first set of pulleys 16 that are fixed to pulley support
means 14 and a second set of pulleys 18 movably mounted on pulley
support 14. Coiled band spring 20, located on spring bracket 22 is
attached at one end to pulley support means 14. Clamping means 24
securely clamps a section of cable 12 distal from device A to
pulley support 14 or alternatively to the back 46 of device support
37. Slit opening 26 in pulley support 14, receives split ring
grommet 28 through which cable 12 passes. A corresponding slit or
slot opening 42 in device support means 37 (FIG. 4A) which may also
be fitted with a split grommet allows cable 12 to conveniently pass
through the front of device support 37. In one embodiment of device
support means 37 having a base 37, slot 42 continues (not shown)
through base 47 to facilitate winding cable 12 on cable recoiler
apparatus 10 (FIG. 4B). Cable stop means 30 affixed to cable 12 is
received or stopped by split grommet 28 stopping the retraction of
cable 12. In practice, cable recoiler apparatus 10 is securely
mounted on or affixed to device support 37 (FIG. 4B) usually via
pulley system support 14 using fastening means known in the art.
Also seen in FIG. 4B, which is a bottom perspective cutaway view
through base 47 of the rear of display apparatus 5, are optional
brackets 53 and 54 mounted on cable recoiler 10 and optional
supports 51 and 52 mounted on device support 37. Device support 37
is in turn generally securely mounted or affixed to a display
support thereby anchoring cable recoiler apparatus 10 and device A
which is attached thereto. Cable 12 is generally secured by cable
clamping means 24 securely attached to display apparatus 5 of the
present invention. Pilferage of device A is thereby discouraged as
it cannot be easily removed from cable recoiler apparatus 10
without severing cable 12 which is essential to the functioning of
the device. Use of the apparatus of the present invention thereby
provides a convenient method to discourage pilferage from a display
of a device A having a signal or power cable integral to the device
that is essential for its functioning.
[0064] As seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B when device A is a device such as
a headset or earbud set that requires a signal feed for
demonstration, signal connector 32 may be connected to a device
such as a media player 50 that can provide audible media for
demonstration of device A. Said media player 50 may be situated in
device support 37 (FIG. 4B) or may be located outside device
support 37 at a distance from cable recoiler apparatus 10. Means to
receive device A such as a hook, projection 40 (FIG. 4A) or shelf
may be attached to the outside or front 38 of device support 37.
When media player 50 is mounted at the rear 46 of device support 37
(FIG. 4B), openings may be provided as needed in device support 37
for media player controls 44a, 44b and 44c (FIG. 4A).
[0065] A potential customer interested in examining a device A,
such as a headset, may lift it from a drooping position at the
front 38 of device support 37 or lift it from means to receive
device A such as a hook or protrusion 40 (FIG. 4A) attached to the
front 38 of device support 37 and withdraw it a sufficient distance
from device support 37 to examine it or in the case of a headphone
or earbud set place it over the ears.
[0066] FIG. 2 depicts the position of the second set of pulleys 18
and coiled band spring 20 when cable 12 is partially extended by
withdrawing device A from its position at the front of apparatus
10. As seen in FIG. 2 extension of cable 12 causes movable pulley
set 18 which is mounted on pulley carrier 21 (see FIG. 3) to move
upward on track 36 which forms part of apparatus support 14,
against the action of band spring 20, which uncoils as movable
pulley set 18 moves upward, thereby generating a retractive force
on cable 12. As seen in FIG. 2 spring fastener 34 secures the
outside end of coiled band spring 20 to apparatus support 14. As
coiled band spring 18 uncoils the uncoiled band spring 20u is held
against pulley system support 14. When device A is released the
recoiling action of coiled band spring 20, forces movable pulley
set 18 downward thereby retracting cable 12 and generally returning
pulley set 18 and cable 12 to the position seen in FIG. 1. By
adjusting the position of cable stop 30, which clamps onto cable
12, the amount of slack in cable 12 between cable stop 30 and
device A can be regulated. As will be evident to those skilled in
the art, the distance between pulley sets 16 and 18, as well as the
size and number of pulleys in each set may be adjusted to
accommodate the actual length of cable 12 encountered in practice
so that a length of cable that is convenient for the purpose of
examination and demonstration is extended from recoiler apparatus
10.
[0067] FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view of the components of an
embodiment of the apparatus of the instant invention. As seen in
FIG. 3 pulley track 36 forms part of apparatus support means 14.
Pulley track 36 is an elongated strip having rolled edges 36a and
36b that run the length of the strip. Pulley carrier 21, having
coiled band spring 20 seated in spring bracket 22, with the
uncoiled section of the spring 20u in contact with track 36 is
dimensioned to fit under rolled edges 36a and 36b to allow free
sliding motion while retaining pulley carrier 21 on track 36.
Spring fastener 34, which may be a rivet, bolt or the like is
inserted through whole 34a in the bottom of uncoiled spring section
20u and into hole 34b at the bottom of track 36 to secure spring 20
to track 36 so that coiled spring 20 seated in bracket 22 uncoils
as pulley carrier 21 slides along track 36. As indicated in FIGS.
1-3 spring 20 is a coiled or rolled up band spring that resists the
unrolling action. Other types of springs available in the art such
as coiled wire springs or other types of metallic springs as well
as springs formed from elastic materials including polymeric
elastomers may be used as a component of the means to extend and
retract cable 12 preferably in the form of a coil or roll providing
that when said roll or coil is unrolled or uncoiled a retractive
force resisting the unrolling or uncoiling action is produced that
is sufficient to retract cable 12 attached to device A. Although
the retractive force produced by the uncoiling or unrolling of
spring 20, when device A is taken from device support 37 and moved
to a location remote to the display for examination and trial, must
be sufficient to return device A to the device support after it is
released, the retractive force exerted by spring 20 is preferably
less than the force required to cause disruption or damage of any
physical or electrical connection between cable 12 and device
A.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 3 spacer 19s and pulleys 18a, 18b and 18c
fit on axle 19 and are held in place by insertion of cotter pin 19p
(see FIGS. 1 and 2) or the like. Axle 17 is affixed near the top of
track 36 between rolled edges 36a and 36b. As shown in FIG. 3
spacer 17s and pulleys 16a, 16b and 16c fit on axle 17 and are held
in place by insertion of cotter pin 17p (see FIGS. 1 and 2) or the
like. Opening 26 in pulley system support 14 is preferably a
slotted opening which receives cable grommet 28 which is preferably
a split cable grommet. Slotted opening 26 and split grommet 28
facilitate the string up of cable 12 in recoiler apparatus 10 by
allowing cable 12 to be inserted through opening 26 regardless of
the size of plugs or connectors at the end of cable 12. Cable clip
or clamp 24 which secures a section of cable 12 distal from device
A to apparatus support 14 may be affixed to pulley system support
14 through opening 25 by rivet, bolt or any secure fastening means
known in the art. In other embodiments of the apparatus of the
present invention pulley system support means 14 may have different
configurations including faceplates, housings and the like or may
be mounted on a separate faceplate or within a separate housing. In
such configurations opening 26 and cable clamp 24 may be provided
in the housing or faceplate in a manner similar to that illustrated
herein or any other convenient manner.
[0069] Depending on the actual requirements of the display, the
apparatus of the present invention may be used in a vertical
configuration with the movable pulley set 18 at the bottom and the
fixed pulley set 16 at the top or the reverse with the fixed pulley
set 16 at the bottom and the movable pulley set 18 at the top, in a
horizontal configuration, or any other convenient geometric
arrangement as required for display of device A. The device support
means 37 or any housing or facing used in conjunction with the
display apparatus of the instant invention my also include media
player means such as flash media players and the like, CD players,
DVD players or any other device useful for transmitting an
appropriate signal to device A through connector 32 and cable 12.
Power outlets connected to an external power source or other power
sources appropriate to meet the power requirements of device A may
also be included in the apparatus support means or any housing or
facing used in conjunction with the apparatus of the instant
invention for transmitting power through connector 32 and cable 12
when cable 12 is a power cable.
[0070] While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the
present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration,
it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made
thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and
variations which fall within the scope of the present invention, as
defined by the following claims.
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