US20070124895A1

US20070124895A1 - Cord management systems

Info

Publication number: US20070124895A1
Application number: US11/603,798
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-11-22
Filing date: 2006-11-22
Publication date: 2007-06-07

Abstract

Cord management systems comprise a housing unit comprising at least one compartment for receiving at least one electronic device with a cord and a means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device, wherein the means for managing comprises at least one passageway that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit. are provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cord management systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Every day new and better technology is introduced on the market to make a consumers life a little easier. Consumers buy, use and eventually become dependent upon these new technologies. Eventually, consumers are overcome with the multitude of electronic devices and the cords required to give them power and/or to recharge their batteries. Counter tops, shelves, homes and offices are littered with the cords associated with these electronic devices. Not only are the cords aesthetically displeasing, but the cords also cause safety hazards.
There have been attempts to alleviate both of these problems, but the success has been limited. Historically, cord management systems have focused on bundling cords together through the use of clips, Velcro, ties, tubes, etc. These solutions, however, leave either the bundled cords visible or leave visible a device, which is obviously meant to hide the cords, and it is not aesthetically pleasing. As such, there is a need in the art for safe and aesthetically pleasing cord management systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to cord management systems comprising a housing unit comprising at least one compartment for receiving at least one electronic device with a cord and a means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device, wherein the means for managing comprises at least one passageway that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit.
Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to cord management systems comprising a housing unit comprising at least one compartment for receiving at least one electronic device with a cord; a first means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device, wherein the first means for managing comprises at least one passageway that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit; a cord storage compartment that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit; and a second means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device.
Embodiments of the present invention are further directed to cord management systems comprising a housing unit comprising two or more compartments for receiving at least one electronic device with a cord; a means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device, wherein the means for managing comprises at least one passageway that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit; and a cord storage compartment that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit; and a power source.
Additional embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGS. 1A-B illustrate an embodiment of the cord management system of the present invention;
FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate another embodiment of the cord management system of the present invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the cord management system of the present invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the cord management system of the present invention;
FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate another embodiment of the cord management system of the present invention;
FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another embodiment of the cord management system of the present invention;
FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate another embodiment of the cord management system of the present invention; and
FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate another embodiment of the cord management system of the present invention; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to cord management systems. The cord management systems comprise a housing unit comprising at least one compartment for receiving at least one electronic device with a cord and a means for managing the cord of the least one electronic device, wherein the means for managing comprises at least one passageway that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit. FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an embodiment of the cord management system in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cord management system 5 comprises a housing unit 10 comprising at least one compartment 15 for receiving at least one electronic device 20 with a cord 22 and a means 25 for managing the cord of the least one electronic device 20.
One skilled in the art will appreciate the various configurations for the housing unit and the at least one compartment of the cord management system, any of which may be employed herein. Embodiments of the configurations of the housing unit 10 of the cord management system 5 are illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. In specific embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 2A and 3, the housing unit 10 of the cord management system 15 may comprise multiple tiers of compartments 15. Configurations for the at least one compartment of the cord management system include, but are not limited to, trays, bays, tubes, boxes, bowls, pull-out drawers, flip-down drawers, flip-up drawers, cabinets, lockers, slots or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, as illustrated FIG. 3, the cord management system 5 comprises at least one compartment 15 in the configuration of a bay (FIG. 3A), at least one compartment 15 having a closure 17 which is adapted to flip-up and flip-down (FIG. 3B); and/or at least one compartment 15 configured as a pull-out drawer 19 (FIG. 3C). FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a cord management system 5 comprising at least one compartment 15 which is adapted to flip-up and flip-down. FIGS. 8A and 8C illustrate a further embodiment of a cord management system 5 comprising a housing unit 10 which is configured to slide-out and a compartment 15 which is adapted to slide-out and flip-down.
The at least one electronic device with a cord is received in the at least one compartment of the housing unit. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, each compartment 15 receives one electronic device with a cord 20. In another embodiment, each compartment may receive a plurality of electronic devices with respective cords. One skilled in the art will appreciate the various electronic devices with removable or fixed cords, any of which may be employed herein. Examples include, but are not limited to, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), telephones, mobile phones, cellular phones, digital cameras, calculators, MP3 players, video game consoles, hand-held game consoles, other portable electronic devices, computers or any combination thereof. In addition to receiving the at least one electronic device with a cord, the at least one compartment may receive additional devices which may or may not need cord management.
The cords that are associated with their respective electronic devices may be numerous and varied in not only the size and shape of the cord, but its functionality. In addition, the cord associated with the electronic device may be removable from the electronic device or may be fixed to the electronic device. For example, a game console comprises a multitude of unsightly cords that are removable from and fixed to the game console such as a power cord, an internet cord, a television connection cord and a high-definition cord. In addition, with electronic devices that are not associated with more than one or two cords, when the electronic device is combined with other electronic devices on a countertop or shelf, for example, the cords quickly become aesthetically displeasing. The cords associated with their respective electronic devices therefore, may become intertwined and also may cause safety hazards.
The cord management system comprises means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device received in the at least one compartment of the housing unit, wherein the means for managing comprises at least one passageway that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit. One skilled in the art will appreciate the various passageways that may be used to manage the cord(s) of the electronic device(s), any of which may be employed herein. The at least one passageway that is in communication with the compartment may be positioned to communicate with the compartment in any desired area of the compartment in order to manage the cord of the at least one electronic device. In addition, the at least one passageway that is in communication with the compartment for managing the cord of the electronic device may comprise various forms. Examples of the forms of the passageway include, but are not limited to, openings, holes, slots, recesses, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, as illustrated, in FIGS. 1B, 2B and 8A-8B, the passageway means for managing the cord 22 of the at least one electronic device 20 comprises at least one opening 25 in communication with the compartment 15 for managing the cord 22 of the least one electronic device 20. FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment, wherein the at least one passageway 25 is in the form of a hole. FIG. 5A illustrates yet another embodiment wherein the at least one passageway 25 is in the form of a slot. The housing unit of the cord management system may further comprise additional means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device. Such means, include, but are not limited to, snaps, Velcro, straps, twist ties, ribbons or any combination thereof.
The at least one compartment of the housing unit may comprise means for securing the at least one electronic device within the compartment to securely position the electronic device within the compartment. One skilled in the art will appreciate the various means for securing the at least one electronic device within the compartment, any of which may be employed herein. Means for securing include, but are not limited to, pads, grooves, cups, slots, straps, adjustable straps, docks, dividers, adjustable dividers, adjustable-sliding rails or any combination thereof. FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of means for securing the at least one electronic device 20 in the compartment 15, wherein the at least one electronic device 20 with a cord is secured in the compartment 15 with adjustable dividers 30 and pads 32.
The housing unit of the cord management system may also comprise a cord storage compartment that is in communication with the at least one passageway that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit. In certain embodiments, the cord storage compartment may be used to hide any portion or all of the cord of the electronic device. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the cord storage compartment 35 is in communication with the at least one passageway 25 of the compartment 15 and hides the cord 22 of the electronic device 20. As with the housing unit, discussed in detail above, one skilled in the art will appreciate the various configurations for the cord storage compartment, any of which may be employed herein. Embodiments of configurations of cord storage compartments 35 are illustrated in FIGS. 2-5.
The cord management system may also comprise a second means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device. One skilled in the art will appreciate the various means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device, any of which may be employed herein. Examples include, but are not limited to, pegs, straps, snaps, Velcro, wire, strings, ribbons, molded pieces, cord winders, sleeves, tubes, tracks, channels, clamps, twist ties, cable managers, cord clips, bundlers or any combination thereof.
The cord management system may comprise additional components, which may or may not need cord management. One skilled in the art will appreciate the various components, any of which may be employed herein. Examples include, but are not limited to, LED indicator lights, clocks, radios, alarms, removable and non-removable lights, CD player, tape player, eyeglass compartments, pen/pencil holder, paperclip holder, envelope/paper organizer, storage compartments, drawers, slots, trays, or a combination thereof. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8B, the cord management system 5 comprises at least one LED indicator light 42. FIGS. 1A and 2A illustrate embodiments of cord management systems 5 comprising additional storage compartments 44. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 5A, 6A-6B and 7A-7C, the cord management system 5 comprises a light source 40. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the light source 40 is removable and can also be used as a book light 48. In the embodiments wherein the housing unit comprises a light, the light source may comprise a single or multiple light sources. In addition, the light source may be movable and/or flexible and be provided on an arm and/or a track.
As illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 2B, 5A-5B and 6B, the cord management system 5 may also comprise a power source 46. One skilled in the art will appreciate the various power sources, which may be employed herein. Examples include, but are not limited to, power strips, USB ports, individual plugs, batteries, rechargeable batteries or a combination thereof. The power source may be provided on the housing 10 or within the housing 10, for example in a cord storage compartment or an additional compartment. The cord management system may also comprise a universal adaptor and/or circuit breaker.
The cord management system may be adapted to be mounted and/or stored on any desired surface, including but limited to, a table or desktop, under a cabinet or a shelf, on a wall, or other vertical surface, in a briefcase, on a car dashboard, or a console, or any combination thereof. FIG. 8 illustrates a cord management system 5 which is adapted to be mounted under a cabinet or a shelf. The cord management system may further comprise a handle and/or wheels in order to facilitate in the transportation of the cord management system. In addition, the cord management system may also be stackable with one or more additional cord management systems.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that various materials may be used for the cord management system, any of which may be employed herein. Such materials include, but are not limited to, leather, faux leather, rattan, metal, wood, cardboard, pressboard, plastic, glass or any combination thereof.
The cord management systems of the present invention manage the cord of the electronic device to create aesthetically pleasing and organized system for one or more electronic devices. As illustrated, for example, in FIG. 2A-2B, the cord 22 of the electronic device 20 is managed in the passageway 25 that is communication with the at least one compartment 30 and the cord storage compartment 35 to create a cord management system 5 that hides the cord 22 of the electronic device 20 from view.
The specific illustrations and embodiments described herein are exemplary only in nature and are not intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims. Further embodiments and examples will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this specification and are within the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A cord management system comprising a housing unit comprising at least one compartment for receiving at least one electronic device with a cord and a means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device, wherein the means for managing comprises at least one passageway that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit.

2. The cord management system of claim 1, wherein the cord of the at least one electronic device is removable from or fixed to the at least one electronic device.

3. The cord management system of claim 1, wherein the at least one passageway comprises an opening, a hole, a slot, a recess, or any combination thereof.

4. The cord management system of claim 1, wherein the housing unit further comprises a cord storage compartment that is in communication with the at least one passageway that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit.

5. The cord management system of claim 1, wherein the cord management system comprises a second means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device.

6. The cord management system of claim 5, wherein the second means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device comprises pegs, straps, snaps, velcro, twist ties, wire, string, ribbon, molded pieces, cord winders, sleeves, tubes, clamps, cable managers, cord clips, bundlers or any combination thereof.

7. The cord management system of claim 4, wherein the second means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device is located within the cord storage compartment.

8. The cord management system of claim 1, further comprising one or more radio, LED indicator light, clock, alarm, removable light source, non-removable light source, CD player, tape player, eyeglass compartment, pen/pencil holder, paperclip holder, envelope/paper organizer, storage compartment, drawer, slot, tray, or any combination thereof.

9. The cord management system of claim 1, wherein the housing unit is adapted to be mounted and/or stored on a table, desktop, under a cabinet, under a shelf, on a wall, on another vertical surface, in a briefcase, on a car dashboard, on a console or any combination thereof.

10. The cord management system of claim 1, further comprising at least one organizational storage compartment.

11. The cord management system of claim 1, further comprising a power source.

12. The cord management system of claim 4, wherein a power source is positioned in the cord storage compartment.

13. The cord management system of claim 1, wherein the configuration of the at least one compartment for receiving the at least one electronic device with a cord comprises a tray, a bay, a tube, a box, a bowl, a pull-out drawer, a flip-down drawer, a flip-up drawer, a locker, a cabinet, a slot or any combination thereof.

14. The cord management system of claim 1, wherein the at least one compartment for receiving the at least one electronic device comprises means for securing the at least one electronic device within the compartment to securely position the at least one electronic device within the at least one compartment.

15. The cord management system of claim 14, wherein the means for securing the at least one electronic device within the compartment comprises pads, grooves, cups, slots, docks, straps, adjustable straps, dividers, adjustable dividers, adjustable-sliding rails, or any combinations thereof.

16. A cord management system comprising a housing unit comprising at least one compartment for receiving at least one electronic device with a cord; a first means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device, wherein the first means for managing comprises at least one passageway that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit; a cord storage compartment that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit; and a second means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device.

17. The cord management system of claim 16, further comprising one or more radio, LED indicator light, clock, alarm, removable light source, non-removable light source, CD player, tape player, eyeglass compartment, pen/pencil holder, paperclip holder, envelope/paper organizer, storage compartment, drawer, slot, tray, or any combination thereof.

18. The cord management system of claim 16, wherein the housing unit is adapted to be mounted and/or stored on a table, desktop, under a cabinet, under a shelf, on a wall, on a vertical surface, in a briefcase, car dashboard, console or any combination thereof.

19. The cord management system of claim 16, further comprising at least one organizational storage compartment.

20. A cord management system comprising a housing unit comprising two or more compartments for receiving at least one electronic device with a cord; a means for managing the cord of the at least one electronic device, wherein the means for managing comprises at least one passageway that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit; and a cord storage compartment that is in communication with the at least one compartment of the housing unit; and a power source.