SE1651012A1

SE1651012A1 - Device for managing cords and cables

Info

Publication number: SE1651012A1
Application number: SE1651012A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Kullstam Niclas
Original assignee: Nk Link Ab
Priority date: 2016-07-07
Filing date: 2016-07-07
Publication date: 2018-01-08
Also published as: WO2018009132A1; SE540193C2

Abstract

Disclosed is a device (1) for managing cables. The device comprises an elongated elastic casing (10) having a closed end (20) and an open end (30) and a receiving device (40), disposed at the closed end (20) of the casing. The receiving device comprises a semi-circular passage with a first opening and a second opening, wherein the passage is adapted to receive a cable.

Description

DEVICE FOR IVIANAGING CORDS AND CABLES Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for managing cords and cables, such as headphones.

Background art

[0002] Most people today use headphones, and other types of cords and cablessuch as chargers, on various occasions, especially in connection with usage ofsmartphones and other mobile devices.

[0003] Generally speaking, the length of most cords and cables cannot beadjusted, which results in that the cords is often either too short or too long for optimal user comfort.

[0004] Another problem is that the cords lack a storage function, and that theyoften get tangled up.

[0005] Since most people already have existing headphones and similar devicescomprising cords that cannot be adjusted, it would be beneficial with a solution tothe existing problems that does not require a user to buy new such devices.

Summary of invention[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve at least some of theproblems outlined above. lt is possible to achieve these objects and others by using devices and systems as defined in the attached independent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a device for managingcables. The device comprises an elongated elastic casing having a closed endand an open end. The device further comprises a receiving device, disposed at theclosed end of the casing. The receiving device comprises a semi-circular passagewith a first opening and a second opening, wherein the passage is adapted toreceive a cable.

[0008] By having such a device, cords and cables may be managed, stored andadjusted in a better way. The elastic casing makes it so the device does not takeup a lot of space, and the receiving device enab|es easy adjustment of the lengthof cords and cables.

[0009] According to optional embodiments, the receiving device comprises awheel. By having a wheel, the length of a cord inserted into the device may beadjusted more easily, and it also becomes possible to wind the cord in an easierway, in embodiments wherein the cord may be wound around the wheel.

[0010] According to optional embodiments, the device may further comprise alocking mechanism, disposed at the open end of the elastic casing, adapted tohold a cable in place. By having such a locking mechanism, the device is better at keeping the length of cords and cables relatively fixed.

[0011] According to optional embodiments, the locking mechanism may beadapted to engage with the receiving device, such that the locking mechanismmay be used to open and close the receiving device. According to optionalembodiments, the locking mechanism may be further adapted for guiding a cable into the receiving device.

[0012] According to optional embodiments, the casing is elastic in a longitudinaldirection and substantially non-elastic in a direction transversal to the longitudinal direction.

[0013] According to a second aspect, there is provided a system for managingcables. The system comprises a device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, acord and a fitting tool, adapted to insert the cord into the device. By having a fitting device, a cord may be inserted into the device more easily.

[0014] The aspects and embodiments described above are freely combinablewith each other. There are optional embodiments of the second aspect thatcorrespond to the optional embodiments of the first aspect.

Brief description of drawinds

[0015] The solution will now be described more in detail, by way of example,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Fig. 1A shows a device according to the present disclosure, comprising a casing and a receiving device.

[0017] Fig. 1B shows a device according to the present disclosure comprising acasing and a receiving device, and a cord.

[0018] Fig. 2A shows a casing according to the present disclosure in acontracted state.

[0019] Fig. 2B shows a casing according to the present disclosure in a stretchedstate.

[0020] Fig. 3A shows a top view of a receiving device according to the presentdisclosure, in an open position.

[0021] Fig. SB shows a top view of a receiving device according to the presentdisclosure, together with a cord accommodated in the receiving device, in a closed position.

[0022] Figs. 4A-4C show a usage of a device and a cord.

[0023] Figs. 5A-5C show a usage of a device and a cord.

[0024] Fig. 6 shows a fitting tool according to the present disclosure.

[0025] Figs. 7A and 7B show a first type of locking mechanism according to thepresent disclosure.

[0026] Figs. 8A and 8B show second and third types, respectively, of a lockingmechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 9A shows a fourth type of a locking mechanism.

[0028] Fig. 9B shows a stopping element for a locking mechanism.

[0029] Fig. 10 shows an interaction between a fitting tool, a Iocking mechanismand a receiving device according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Figs. 11A through 11E show an interaction between a Iocking mechanism and a receiving device according to the present disclosure.

Description of embodiments

[0031] ln the following, a detailed description of the different embodiments of thesolution is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. All examplesherein should be seen as part of the general description and are therefore possible to combine in any way in general terms.

[0032] Briefly described, the solution relates to a device and systems formanaging cords, such as cords for headphones. A device and a system isprovided for managing cords, which may be used to adjust the length of the cordand store the cord. Furthermore, by using such a device or system, tangling of cords may be decreased or avoided altogether.

[0033] Throughout the description, the terms cord and cable are usedinterchangeably, and both are intended to encompass the most commonly usedcords and cables in everyday life, especially those that are prone to get tangledup. Headphone cords and charging cables are two of the most common examplesof what is intended by the terms cord and cable throughout this disclosure, but theterms may also include other types of cables and cords such as skipping ropesand shoelaces. The device may be adapted differently depending on which typesof cables and cords it is intended for, and as will be understood a device used forheadphones will be smaller than a device used for a skipping rope.

[0034] Fig. 1A shows a device 1 according to the present disclosure in aretracted position. The device comprises a casing 10 with a closed end 20 and anopen end 30. ln the closed end 20, there is disposed a receiving device 40, whichis adapted to receive a cord. The receiving device is intended to be used such thata cord is inserted into one opening and exits out from the other, effectively foldingthe cord. ln some embodiments, the receiving device comprises an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position is intended for placing a cordtherein, and the closed position is intended for regular use of the device.

[0035] Fig. 1B shows the device together with a headphone cord 50, where thecord 50 has been folded and received in the receiving device 40 as describedabove.

[0036] Fig. 2A shows a casing 10 of a device according to the presentdisclosure, in a contracted state. The casing 10 is elastic, such that it may bestretched re|ative to its original state, and such that in a stretched state, the casing10 strives to go back to an un-stretched, original state. By the casing being elastic,a better and more compact storage of cords may be achieved, that also requires little or no interaction from a user.

[0037] Fig 2B shows a casing 10 of a device according to the presentdisclosure, in an extended state. As can be seen in Figs. 2A and 2B, the elasticcasing 10 is possible to stretch several times its length in a contracted state. For adevice intended to be used for headphones, the casing is approximately 3-5centimeters long in contracted state, and can be stretched up to approximately 50-60 cm. Suitable materials for the casing 10 include elastane fiber and othermaterials with similar properties.

[0038] ln some embodiments, the casing 10 is adapted to be very elastic in alongitudinal direction, but substantially non-elastic in a direction transversal to thelongitudinal direction. When accommodating a cord into the casing 10, it may beadvantageous for it to be slightly elastic in the direction transversal to thelongitudinal direction. ln some embodiments, the casing is adapted to be elastic inone direction and non-elastic in the other direction.

[0039] Fig. 3A shows a receiving device 100 according to the present disclosurein an open state, intended to be disposed at the closed end of the casing forreceiving a cord. The receiving device 100 comprises a top part 110, a bottom part 120 and a middle part 130, around which a cord is intended to be folded.

[0040] Fig 3B shows the receiving device 100 in a closed state, with a cord 150received in it. The closed device comprises a semi-circular passage with twoopenings 140, 145, with the middle part 130 in the middle of the passage. Themiddle part 130 is preferably circular, although it may have other shapes, and in some embodiment it comprises a wheel.

[0041] The receiving device 100 preferably comprises at least an open state anda closed state, but in some embodiments the receiving device 100 may not havean open and a closed state. ln such an embodiment, cords may be inserted intothe receiving device by inserting one end of the cords into one of the openings140, 145 and then moving it through the semi-circular passage so that said oneend exits from the other opening 140, 145.

[0042] As can be seen from the figures, a cord 150 is intended to be foldedaround the middle part 130 of the receiving device, which effectively halves thelength of the cord. As will be understood, users will likely want to adjust the lengthof their cords when using a device according to the present disclosure, and thismay be done by pulling on either end of the cords 150. The cord will then passthrough the semi-circular passage, and by having a wheel 130 as the middle part130, such operation is facilitated and a cord being received in the device may beadjusted more easily. lt is also possible to achieve an easier adjustment of cords in other ways, such as by lubricating the semi-circular passage.

[0043] ln some embodiments, the device may comprise a locking mechanism,disposed at the free end of the casing. Such a locking mechanism has at least twostates, an open state in which a cord may pass freely through the lockingmechanism and a closed state in which a cord may not pass though the lockingmechanism. This further improves user experience since it gives a user morecontrol over his or her cords, e.g. such that a user may adjust the device andcords in order to find an optimal length for everyday use, and then use the locking mechanism to keep that length of the cord.

[0044] An exemplary usage of a device according to the present disclosure willnow be described.

[0045] Fig 4A shows a device 200 according to the present disclosure and acord 210 intended to be inserted into the device. By doing this, the length of thecords can easily and readily be adjusted, and the device 200 may also be used tostore and/or carry the cords 210.

[0046] Looking now at Fig. 4B, the cords are inserted into the casing through theopen end, and are placed in the receiving device 220 at the closed end of thecasing, such that both ends of the cord exits from the open end of the casing. Thereceiving device 220 is preferably in an open state when the cords are insertedtherein, as shown in Fig. 4B.

[0047] After the cords have been inserted into the receiving device 220, thereceiving device 220 is closed. Fig. 4C shows the device 200 with the receivingdevice 220 in a closed state. This is the primarily intended state for everydayusage, when a user has inserted cords into the device 200. When this has beendone, the user may adjust the length of the cords 210 by pulling in either one ofthe ends.

[0048] As seen in Figs. 4B and 4C, the locking mechanism 230 is also shown,disposed at the free end of the casing. As described, this may be used to lock the cords into a position in which their length cannot be adjusted.

[0049] As will be understood, the device as shown in Fig. 4C may be stretchedin order to accommodate a larger part of the cord, and/or in order to decrease thesize of the device, which may be useful for e.g. storing and/or transportingpurposes. Such an operation would be performed by e.g. pulling the free end ofthe casing until it covers the cords, and when released, the device would retractinto a retracted position due to the elastic properties of the casing. This will now befurther described with reference to Figs. 5A-5C.

[0050] Fig. 5A shows a state in which the elastic casing has been stretched toaccommodate substantially all of a cord, except for the parts that a user could wish to interact with.

[0051] Fig. 5B shows the device in a contracted state, which may be achievede.g. simply by releasing the elastic casing when it is in the extended positionshown in Fig. 5A. As evident from the figure, this will entail that the cord is alsocontracted, as shown in Fig. 5B.

[0052] Fig. 5C shows an example of how a device according to the presentdisclosure may be used, with the cord being adjusted due to a part of it beingaccommodated into the casing. When wanting to adjust the length of a cord beingreceived in a device according to the present disclosure, a user may e.g. pull inone of the ends of the cord. The cord will then slide and/or rotate in the semi-circular passage of the receiving device. ln embodiments wherein the receivingdevice comprises a wheel, the cord may rotate around the wheel in order to beadjusted. ln some embodiments, the receiving device may be adapted to act as awinding, such that the cord may be wound around it, such as when the receiving device comprises a wheel.

[0053] Looking now at Fig. 6, a fitting tool 300 is shown, which may be used inconnection with the device according to the present disclosure. This tool preferablyhas an elongated shape with two ends, one end intended to be held by a user andone end which complements the shape of the semi-circular passage of thereceiving device, such that the tool may be used to put a cord into the receivingdevice. As seen in Fig. 6, this may be achieved by the tool having two notches atone end thereof, such as notches 310 or notches 320. ln most embodiments, thefitting tool has notches on only one side thereof, but in some embodiments, thetool may have notches on both sides. The notches may be either horizontal 320 or vertical 310, depending on the implementation.

[0054] Looking now at Figs. 7A and 7B, a first type of locking mechanism 400suitable for the present disclosure is shown. This locking mechanism may be inthe form of a clip, disposed at the free end of the device, and is adapted to hold acable in place when in a locked state. The locking device comprises a first half-circle 410 adjoined to another half-circle 420, wherein the radius of one half-circle420 is smaller than the radius of the other half-circle 410.

[0055] The locking mechanism 400 may be locked by folding it onto itself, asshown by the arrows in Figs. 7A and 7B. Preferably, this is done when a cord isfitted through the circular opening formed by half-circles 410 and 420, which willhave the effect of locking the cord in place, such that it does not move if either end is pulled at.

[0056] Figs. 8A and 8B show a second type 800 and third type 810 of a locking mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0057] The locking mechanism 800 shown in Fig. 8A comprises a body 810,having a first end 820 and a second end 830, with a passage 840. The lockingmechanism is preferably made of a flexible material and is preferably integrallyformed. By the material being flexible, a user may exert pressure on both ends820, 830 of the mechanism in order to increase the height of the passage 840,which facilitates insertion of a cord. When releasing the pressure, the lockingmechanism 800 will revert back to a state with a decreased height of the passage840 relative to when pressure is being exerted on both ends.

[0058] The locking mechanism 850 shown in Fig. 8B comprises a circular body860 having a wedge shaped portion 870 and a circular passage 880. Thedimensions of the mechanism 850 may be such that cords may be inserted easily,but still held in place when they have been inserted. The wedge shaped portion870 may be used to interact with the receiving device, which will be explained more in detailer later.

[0059] Fig. 9A shows another type of locking mechanism 700, comprising abody 710 defining a passage 730, and having a recess 720 for the fitting of a cord.ln some embodiments, the recess 720 is dimensioned in accordance with the mostcommonly used cords, such as a 3,5 mm connector. l\/lany cords comprises athicker portion right next to the connector portion, and in some embodiments therecess is adapted for these dimensions. By having a locking mechanism as shownin Fig. 9A, the length of a cord may be adjusted while holding the connector inplace, due to the connector being held in place in the recess 720. As will beunderstood, the dimensions of the locking mechanism may be varied depending on the type of cord intended to be fitted into it. The same goes for other parts ofthe device according to the present disclosure.

[0060] ln some embodiments, the Iocking mechanism may further comprisefeatures for holding a cord in place. An example is shown in Fig. 9B. As shown inFig. 9B, the Iocking mechanism may comprise an element for adjusting the widthand/or height of the circular passage. By decreasing the width and/or height, acord may be held in place in a tighter manner, and by increasing the width and/orheight, insertion and removal of a cord is facilitated.

[0061] Such an element for adjusting the width and/or height may comprise d aspring element 770, wherein the spring element 720, in an engaged position,presses against a cord inserted in to the passage, and in a disengaged positiondoes not press against an inserted cord. The Iocking mechanism for attachment ofthe spring element 770 typically comprises a body 760 encompassing a passage780.

[0062] As will be understood, an element for adjusting the width/and or height ofthe Iocking mechanism, as described above, may be used for many different typesof Iocking mechanisms, for example it may be used on the types shown in Figs. 8Band 9A.

[0063] ln some embodiments, the mechanism 850 may further comprise an elastic band, which may be used to hold a cord in place after it has been inserted.

[0064] Fig. 10 shows a fitting tool 900, a receiving device 910 and a Iockingmechanism 920. A casing is not shown in the figure, due to it being intended toshow the internal workings of the device, which would be obscured by the casing.The fitting tool 900 may be inserted through the passage of the Iocking mechanism920, and the fitting tool 900 may be used to guide the fitting toll 900 into thereceiving device 910. This kind of operation may be used to fit a cord into a device according to the present disclosure in an easy manner.

[0065] Looking now at Figs. 11A-1 1 E, an interaction between the Iockingmechanism 1010 and the receiving device 1000 will now be described. The 11 locking mechanism 1010 may comprise a wedge shaped portion 1020, which canbe used to open the receiving device 1020. As will be understood, this operationmay also be performed with the device comprising a casing, although the casing isnot shown in the figure. Opening the receiving device is primarily done to facilitateinsertion and/or extraction of cords into the receiving device.

[0066] Fig. 11A shows how the locking mechanism 1010, may be pushedagainst the receiving device 1000, such that the wedge shaped portion engageswith the receiving device. As shown in Fig. 11B, the locking mechanism 1010 maythen be rotated, which entails that the wedge shaped portion 1020 will engage withthe receiving device 1000 and open the receiving device 1000. Fig. 11C showsanother perspective of the engagement between the locking mechanism 1010 andthe receiving device 1020. ln some embodiments, the dimensions of the lockingmechanism 1010 are smaller than the dimension of the receiving device 1000, inorder to facilitate such an operation as described above.

[0067] After the locking mechanism 1010 has been used to open the receivingdevice 1000, it may be returned to a position, shown in 11D, in which a cord 1030may be guided into the receiving device 1000. The insertion of a cord 1030 intothe receiving device through the locking mechanism 1010 is shown in Fig. 10E.

[0068] Although the description above contains a plurality of specificities, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the concept described herein butas merely providing illustrations of some exemplifying embodiments of thedescribed concept. lt will be appreciated that the scope of the presently describedconcept fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious tothose skilled in the_art, and that the scope of the presently described concept isaccordingly not to be limited. Reference to an element in the singular is notintended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one ormore". l\/loreover, it is not necessary for a device or system to address each andevery problem sought to be solved by the presently described concept, for it to beencompassed hereby.

Claims

12 CLAIIVIS

1. A device (1) for managing Cables, comprising:an elongated elastic casing (10) having a closed end (20) and an open end (30); a receiving device (40), disposed at the closed end (20) of the casing, comprisinga semi-circular passage with a first opening and a second opening, wherein the passage is adapted to receive a cable.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving device comprises a wheel.

3. The device according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising: a Iocking mechanism (30) disposed at the open end of the elastic casing, adaptedto hold a cable in place.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the Iocking mechanism is adapted toengage with the receiving device in order to open the receiving device.

5. The device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the casing iselastic in a longitudinal direction and substantially non-elastic in a directiontransversal to the longitudinal direction.

6. A system for managing cables, comprising: a device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising a receiving device and a casing;a cord; anda fitting tool, adapted to insert the cord into the device.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the fitting tool is an elongated devicecomprising two notches at an end thereof, the notches being adapted to receivethe cord. 13

8. The system according to any one of c|aims 6 or 7, wherein the device furthercomprises a Iocking mechanism and wherein the Iocking mechanism is adapted to engage with the receiving device.

9. The system according to any one of c|aims 6 to 8, wherein the device furthercomprises a Iocking mechanism and wherein the dimensions of the Iocking mechanism is smaller than the dimensions of the receiving device.