초록 ▼

A cord retraction assembly for an electronic device includes a reel for winding and retracting the cord, a catch element adapted to engage the reel to prevent retraction of the cord, and an interlock for disabling the catch element when the cord is wound unto the reel. The catch element is urged int

A cord retraction assembly for an electronic device includes a reel for winding and retracting the cord, a catch element adapted to engage the reel to prevent retraction of the cord, and an interlock for disabling the catch element when the cord is wound unto the reel. The catch element is urged into engagement with the reel by a spring to prevent retraction of the cord during use. A release button disengages the catch element from the reel, allowing the cord to retract. The interlock comprises a pivotally-mounted arm that rides over the cord as the cord accumulates on the reel. The accumulation of the cord on the reel pushes the arm outward into engagement with the catch element so as to prevent the catch element from moving back to the engaged position. As the cord is unwound from the reel, the catch element is able to return to the engaged position.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A cord retraction assembly with a self-disabling locking mechanism for retracting a cord comprising:a) a reel for winding and retracting said cord;b) a biasing member for rotating said reel so as to retract and wind said cord onto said reel;c) a catch element having a one

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A cord retraction assembly with a self-disabling locking mechanism for retracting a cord comprising:a) a reel for winding and retracting said cord;b) a biasing member for rotating said reel so as to retract and wind said cord onto said reel;c) a catch element having a one-way locking mechanism, said catch element movable between engaged and disengaged positions adapted to prevent retraction of said cord in the engaged position and to allow retraction of said cord in the disengaged position; andd) an interlock engaged by said cord as the cord is retracted and wound onto said reel and responsive to accumulation of said cord on said reel to hold said catch element in the disengaged position when the cord is retracted, and operative to permit return of the catch element to the engaged position as the cord is unwound from the reel.