Abstract:
A portable storage device within which earbud cords are able to be neatly stored and easily accessed to untangle the world from earbud cords, providing consumers with a more user friendly means of listening to music while exercising or engaging in normal daily activities without the user becoming tangled in cords, as well as providing a unit for storing and transporting earbuds in a pocket or purse without risking damage to these loose cords.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/882,518, filed Sep. 25, 2013 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of cord retraction and storage devices and more specifically relates to a headphone cord retraction system. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many individuals in modern society enjoy listening to music. The way we listen to music has changed drastically in recent years. The days of playing scratchy 45&#39;s on a turntable are gone forever and it seems like even the revolutionary compact disc is quickly becoming a relic of the past. Millions of consumers now play their music on a device called an MP3 player. An MP3 player is a digital audio player or “DAP”; a portable electronics device that stores, organizes and plays audio files. Some DAPs, such as Zune audio players and iPods® are referred to as portable media players as they have image viewing or video playing support software. Most DAPs are powered by rechargeable batteries and are convenient for portable use. 
     Although many MP3 players can be connected to stereo systems enabling consumers to enjoys a surround sound experience, most consumers who own these devices listen to their music through headphones that are connected to the player via elongated power cords. These systems may feature earbuds which are inserted into the ears; music played through an MP3 player is crystal clear and can be enjoyed at even top volume without compromising sound integrity. Perhaps the only drawback associated with listening to music through a set of earbuds has to do with the earbud&#39;s power cords. Typically, consumers will tuck an MP3 player into a pocket, or utilize an arm band holder to store the player during use; the wiring dangling as an obstruction which is not typically desirable. 
     Unfortunately, the elongated power cords which connect the headphones to the player then dangle freely about and can become easily tangled. Whether one enjoys listening to music while working at a job site, exercising at the gym, or if one is using their earbuds to converse on their cellular telephone, these elongated cords can become easily knotted and pulled loose from the sound producing source. As many consumers would readily attest, there is little more frustrating than having to continuously stop in the middle of a satisfying workout or other such activity to unwind cords from weight and tension bars for example. 
     Further, after using their MP3 player, most consumers are faced with the challenge of what to do with their earbud&#39;s when storing the device. If left loose, earbud cords can become a tangled mess, especially if stored in a pocket or gym bag. As can be imagined, attempting to enjoy a favorite podcast while working out, only to spend several minutes untangling earbud cords can be an extremely frustrating experience. Further, storing delicate headphones in such an unsecured fashion can result in them coming loose, as well as becoming frayed, pinched and otherwise damaged when placed in a gym bag, purse or back pack for transport. 
     Various attempts have been made to solve problems found in retraction systems for managing earphone or headphone cords art. Among these are found in: U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,957 to Robert C. Cummins; U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,390 to Wilma Albert et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,684,883 to Tonny Chen. This prior art is representative of retraction systems for managing earphone or headphone cords. 
     Ideally, an headphone cord retraction system should provide a convenient a tangle-free means to store headphones/earbuds and associated wiring and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable headphone cord retraction system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known cord retraction and storage devices art, the present invention provides a novel headphone cord retraction system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a convenient, compact and user-friendly means to efficiently store headphones and associated wiring for in-use and non-use periods. 
     A headphone cord retraction system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising: a headphone-cord-retraction-assembly including a housing assembly (comprising a front-housing-member, and a back-housing-member), and a retraction assembly (including a first-retraction-wheel with a first-retraction spring, a second-retraction-wheel with a second-retraction spring, and a third-retraction-wheel with a third-retraction spring). As such, the headphone cord retraction system comprises the headphone-cord-retraction-assembly; wherein the headphone-cord-retraction-assembly comprises in functional combination the housing assembly, and the retraction assembly. 
     The housing assembly comprises in coupled communication the front-housing-member and the back-housing-member which envelopes the retraction assembly to provide substantially enclosed storage means for headphone wiring, the headphone wiring able to be retracted for non-use conditions and extended to a user-determined length for in use conditions. In preferred embodiments the housing assembly comprises outer-periphery-receivers for frictionally receiving the earbuds (during non-use conditions such that the earbuds do not dangle and are not easily damaged by impact forces). Further, the outer-periphery-receivers are structured and arranged to allow the first headphone and the second headphone to be inserted therein to prevent the first headphone and the second headphone from ingressing into the housing assembly during the non-use condition. The user can access the earbuds with relative ease since this feature is provided. 
     Referring now to the headphone wiring; the headphone wiring is attached on a first-terminal-end to a first headphone and a second headphone is attached on a second-terminal-end and the headphone wiring is attached on a third-terminal-end to a jack. The jack is structured and arranged to removably-couple to a sound-providing source (such as an MP3 or the like). The headphone wiring may comprise a microphone for use with devices such as smart phones or the like. 
     The housing assembly preferably comprises a cylindrical profile when snap-coupled; wherein the housing assembly may in preferred embodiments comprise at least one hinge such that the front-housing-member and the back-housing-member are able to swing open and closed in relation to one another, suitable latching means are used to maintain closed conditions such that the housing may be opened as desired and remain closed during normal use. 
     The headphone wiring may be bifurcated a distance from the first-terminal-end and the second-terminal-end to allow for range of motion when inserting the first headphone and the second headphone into to the first-ear and the second-ear (to allow for head and neck clearance); wherein the first headphone and the second headphone are able to be removably coupled to a first-ear and a second-ear, respectively, of a user-wearer (repeatedly as desired). The first headphone and the second headphone are able to be removably coupled into a first-ear and into a second-ear; the first headphone and the second headphone comprising earbuds (other headphones may be externally mounted in relation to ears for listening). 
     The retraction assembly comprises in functional combination the first-retraction-wheel, the second-retraction-wheel, and the third-retraction-wheel; wherein the first-retraction spring, the second-retraction spring, and the third-retraction spring operate in substantial unison to allow evenly displaced retraction and extension of the headphone wiring, as manipulated by the user-wearer (when pulled or when rewinding on reels/wheels). The retraction assembly comprises a ratcheting means suitable for stop-and-go control of the headphone wiring as it is pulled or retracted. The first-retraction-wheel, the second-retraction-wheel and the third-retraction-wheel each comprise a reel, as referred to previously; the reel(s) each having an inner diameter and sidewalls to collect wiring and dispense therefrom. 
     In preferred embodiments the first-retraction spring, the second-retraction spring, and the third-retraction spring control operation of the first-retraction-wheel, the second-retraction-wheel, and the third-retraction-wheel, respectively, such that the first-retraction-wheel, the second-retraction-wheel, and the third-retraction-wheel are able to be controllably-rotated to dispense-unwind and alternately receive-wind the headphone wiring about the first-retraction-wheel, the second-retraction-wheel, and the third-retraction-wheel(s). As such the wiring can be stopped at a desired length for listening to music and adjusted as needed. A clutching means may be used whereby a user pulls slightly the wiring before it is retracted and wiring can be stopped from retracting movement in increments. 
     In still referring to the retraction springs in greater detail; the first-retraction spring, the second-retraction spring, and the third-retraction spring are engaged into an in-tension state as the headphone wiring is extended out of the housing assembly to a desired stopping point whereby the headphone wiring is able to be temporarily held in stasis for an in-use condition. The first-retraction-wheel, the second-retraction-wheel and the third-retraction-wheel are preferably oriented within the housing assembly in a triangular orientation; the third-retraction-wheel nearest a bottom of the housing assembly when used, and the other remaining first- and second-retraction-wheels in an upper positioning in a side-by-side orientation. This feature promotes ease of use as the wiring is retracted and/or extended such that ‘even feed’ is maintained. 
     The first-retraction-wheel, the second-retraction-wheel and the third-retraction-wheel are able to freely rotate in relation to the housing assembly; the first-retraction-wheel, the second-retraction-wheel and the third-retraction-wheel mounted on a first-shaft, a second-shaft, and a third-shaft respectively. As such, once the user-wearer disengages the headphone wiring from the in-use condition into the non-use condition the headphone wiring is able to be sequentially retracted onto the first-retraction-wheel, the second-retraction-wheel, and the third-retraction-wheel, respectively for storage substantially within confines of the housing assembly. 
     A kit is disclosed herein including: the headphone-cord-retraction-assembly, the headphone wiring comprising the microphone, headphones, and jack and a set of user-instructions. 
     A method of using a headphone cord retraction system is also described herein comprising the steps of: extending headphone wiring from a housing assembly to a desired length for use, inserting a first headphone and a second headphone into to a first-ear and a second-ear of a user-wearer, plugging a jack into a sound-providing source, and listening to audible tones (music or the like). The method may further comprise the steps of removing the jack from the sound source, the earbuds from the ears and retracting the headphone wiring into the housing assembly via a retraction assembly. The device is able to be easily stored in this condition. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a headphone cord retraction system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, headphone cord retraction system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a headphone cord retraction system in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a headphone-cord-retraction-assembly of the headphone cord retraction system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the headphone-cord-retraction-assembly as equipped with retraction means for storing earbuds and associated wiring according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective view illustrating the headphone-cord-retraction-assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the headphone cord retraction system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a cord retraction and storage device and more particularly to a headphone cord retraction system, entitled ‘cricket Systems’ as used to improve the efficiency of storing headphones and associated wiring for in-use and non-use periods in a retractable and compact manner. 
     Generally speaking, the Cricket (headphone cord retraction system) is offered as an aftermarket accessory to be utilized in conjunction with existing headphones. Made available in circular, oval or triangular configurations, the Cricket may be comprised of a two-piece hinged or interlocking casing, comprising three, oval shaped openings positioned about the perimeter of the device to accommodate either earbud and the end of the earbud cord, respectively. Thus comprised of two pieces, the Cricket may be closed or snap fitted over existing headphone cords contained within. 
     Housed within the interior of the unit and mounted in a triangular configuration may be three, retractable or ratchet-style spools or reels, around which each piece of the elongated “Y” cording (which includes the cord for each ear bud and the cord below the point where the unit bifurcates) may be wound. These reels may have integrated notched fasteners that run the perimeter of each and serve to gently, yet securely hold the cording in place. To accommodate earbuds featuring an integrated microphone, a series of small, swivel mounted hinged holders may be positioned about the perimeter of the exterior of the Cricket and with which the user may secure the approximately 6 inches of cording that bridges the distance between the microphone and the actual earbud. In addition, 3 niches sized appropriately for each ear bud and the remainder of the plug-in cord may be located on the back of the unit housing to keep everything neatly tucked away and secure. The Cricket may be offered in a variety of vibrant colors, as well as understated neutral hues. 
     The Cricket may offer consumers a convenient, hassle-free means of storing their unwieldy earbuds during and following use of an MP3 player or similar audio device. Consumers should appreciate that while they exercise, enjoy a leisurely walk, clean house or engage in other activities while listening to their favorite music, audio books or podcast, they may release just enough cord from the Cricket so that the earbuds comfortably reached the ears, without the threat of becoming tangled in one&#39;s clothing, exercise equipment or other objects. In addition, once their designated activity is complete, the user may wind the remainder cording within the Cricket, providing effortless and orderly storage. 
     Eliminating the hassle associated with untangling cords that have become hopelessly disheveled when stored loosely in a gym bag, purse or backpack, this unique holder may provide a practical means of securing one&#39;s audio equipment. A sensible alternative to winding cords around the MP3 player itself, where they can become easily damaged and frayed (or otherwise damaged), use of the Cricket may spare the user the expense of replacing costly earbuds that have become irrevocably ruined because of haphazard storage. As such, use of the Cricket may save consumers money, aggravation, and time. Simple in design and practical in function, this uniquely designed storage tool may prove a favorite accessory of any music aficionado, as well as those who depend on earbuds when conversing on the phone, or utilizing a computer. 
     Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , various views of headphone cord retraction system  100 . Headphone cord retraction system  100  comprises: headphone-cord-retraction-assembly  110  including housing assembly  120  (comprising front-housing-member  122 , and back-housing-member  124 ), retraction assembly  130  (including first-retraction-wheel  132  with first-retraction spring  134 , second-retraction-wheel  136  with second-retraction spring  138 , and third-retraction-wheel  140  with third-retraction spring  142 ); wherein headphone cord retraction system  100  comprises headphone-cord-retraction-assembly  110 . Headphone-cord-retraction-assembly  110  comprises in functional combination housing assembly  120 , and retraction assembly  130 . 
     Housing assembly  120  comprises in coupled communication front-housing-member  122  and back-housing-member  124  which envelopes retraction assembly  130  to provide substantially enclosed storage means for headphone wiring  150 ; headphone wiring  150  able to be retracted for non-use conditions and extended to a user-determined length for in use conditions. Headphone wiring  150  is attached on first-terminal-end  152  to first headphone  154  and second headphone  158  is attached on second-terminal-end  156 . Headphone wiring  150  is attached on third-terminal-end  160  to jack  162 ; wherein jack  162  is structured and arranged to removably-couple to sound-providing source  170  of choice. First headphone  154  and second headphone  158  are able to be removably coupled to a first-ear and a second-ear, respectively, of a user-wearer, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Housing assembly  120  may comprise at least one hinge (preferably side-mounted) such that front-housing-member  122  and back-housing-member  124  are able to swing open and closed in relation to one another to access headphone wiring  150  or to install/remove headphone wiring  150 . It is preferred that the present invention comprise plastic due to its lightweight properties and cost-effective manufacture. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, composites, non-plastics, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Retraction assembly  130  comprises in functional combination first-retraction-wheel  132 , second-retraction-wheel  136 , and third-retraction-wheel  140 ; wherein first-retraction spring  134 , second-retraction spring  138 , and third-retraction spring  142  operate in unison to allow evenly displaced retraction and extension of headphone wiring  150 , as manipulated by the user-wearer. 
     First-retraction spring  134 , second-retraction spring  138 , and third-retraction spring  142  control operation of the first-retraction-wheel  132 , second-retraction-wheel  136 , and third-retraction-wheel  140 , respectively, such first-retraction-wheel  132 , second-retraction-wheel  136 , and third-retraction-wheel  140  are able to be controllably-rotated to dispense-unwind and alternately receive-wind headphone wiring  150  about first-retraction-wheel  132 , second-retraction-wheel  136 , and third-retraction-wheel  140 . First-retraction spring  134 , second-retraction spring  138 , and third-retraction spring  142  are engaged into an ‘in-tension’ state as headphone wiring  150  is extended out of housing assembly  120  (out of apertures or the like) to a desired stopping point whereby headphone wiring  150  is able to be temporarily held in stasis for an in-use condition. Once the user-wearer disengages headphone wiring  150  from the in-use condition into the non-use condition headphone wiring  150  is able to be sequentially (automatically) retracted onto first-retraction-wheel  132 , second-retraction-wheel  136 , and third-retraction-wheel  140 , respectively for storage substantially within confines of housing assembly  120 . 
     Headphone wiring  150  as shown in  FIGS. 2 &amp; 3  may comprise microphone  164  for use with smart cellular phones, computers or the like. First headphone  154  and second headphone  158  are able to be removably coupled into a first-ear and a second-ear (of the user-wearer, as shown in  FIG. 1 ); first headphone  154  and second headphone  158  may comprise earbuds (insertable versions). In alternate embodiments first headphone  154  and second headphone  158  are able to be removably coupled adjacent a first-ear and a second-ear; first headphone  154  and second headphone  158  external to the first-ear and the second-ear in these particular embodiments. Headphone wiring  150  may be bifurcated a distance from first-terminal-end  152  and second-terminal-end  156  to allow for range of motion when inserting first headphone  154  and second headphone  158  into to the first-ear and the second-ear. 
     Retraction assembly  130 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-4  comprises a ratcheting means suitable for stop-and-go control. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of ratcheting means as described herein, methods of stop and go in increments via suitable resistance/clutching means will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
     Referring now to housing assembly  120 ; housing assembly  120  comprises outer-periphery-receivers  126 , as shown; wherein outer-periphery-receivers  126  are structured and arranged to allow first headphone  154  and second headphone  158  to be inserted therein to prevent first headphone  154  and second headphone  158  from ingressing into housing assembly  120  during the non-use condition. Outer-periphery-receivers  126  promote ease of user accessing first headphone  154  and second headphone  158  with relative ease. Front-housing-member  122  and back-housing-member  124  snap-couple together in certain embodiments; wherein housing assembly  120  comprises a cylindrical profile when ‘snap-coupled’. 
     Referring back now to retraction assembly  130 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 ; first-retraction-wheel  132  and second-retraction-wheel  136  preferably rotate dependent on each other&#39;s relative rotational displacement. Rotation of third-retraction-wheel  140  is not dependent on displacement of the relative rotational displacement (distance turned) of first-retraction-wheel  132  and second-retraction-wheel  136 . First-retraction-wheel  132  and second-retraction-wheel  136  and third-retraction-wheel  140  are able to freely rotate in relation to housing assembly  120 ; first-retraction-wheel  132  and second-retraction-wheel  136  and third-retraction-wheel  140  are mounted on first-shaft  133 , second-shaft  137 , and third-shaft  141  respectively. First-retraction-wheel  132 , second-retraction-wheel  136  and third-retraction-wheel  140  each comprise a reel; wherein the first-retraction-wheel  132 , second-retraction-wheel  136  and third-retraction-wheel  140  are oriented within housing assembly  120  in a triangular orientation; third-retraction-wheel  140  nearest a bottom of housing assembly  120  when used. 
     Headphone cord retraction system  100  may be sold as a kit as shown in  FIG. 4  comprising the following parts: at least one headphone-cord-retraction-assembly  110 ; at least one headphone wiring  150  (with first headphone  154 , first headphone  154 , microphone  164 , and jack  162 ; and at least one set of user instructions. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Headphone cord retraction system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , showing a flowchart  550  illustrating a method of use  500  for headphone cord retraction system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     A method of using (method of use  500 ) headphone cord retraction system  100  comprises the steps of: step one  501  extending headphone wiring  150  from housing assembly  120  to a desired length for use, step two  502  inserting first headphone  154  and second headphone  158  into to a first-ear and a second-ear of a user-wearer, step three  503  plugging jack  162  into a sound-providing source  170 , and listening to audible tones. The method  500  may further comprise the optional steps  504 - 506  of removing jack  162  from sound-providing source  170 , the earbuds (first headphone  154  and second headphone  158 ) from the ears and retracting headphone wiring  150  into housing assembly  120  via retraction assembly  130 . 
     It should be noted that step  504 - 506  are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  500 . 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.