Abstract:
A flat extension cord that provides electrical power and/or digital data interconnectivity to a device. Preferably, the flat, retractable extension cord is rewindable into a housing much like a tape measure. The flat extension cord has a first end attached to a spool mechanism, a second end extending from the housing. The extension cord includes an elongate dielectric strip having a substantially concave cross-section which house a plurality of flexible electric conductors.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/084,330, filed May 5, 1998. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a flat extension cord. More particularly, the invention relates to a flat extension cord that provides electrical power and/or signal communication interconnectivity in an easy-to-use, portable device that prevents snaggled wires and tripping. The invention further relates to a retractable extension cord that provides electrical power and/or signal communication interconnectivity to a device much like a tape measure. The invention also relates to a housing for a retractable extension cord where the housing utilizes rotary structure for extending or retracting the cord. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     With the advent of remote access communication and portable computing devices, there is a need to provide reliable electrical power to these devices in a convenient fashion. Coupled with the need for reliable and convenient electrical power, is the need provide reliable and convenient data communication connections for these devices. The rising market for laptop computers alone attests to this need. 
     Commensurate with the need for reliable and convenient power and data communication connections, is the need for mobile and efficient peripheral devices such as printers and scanners. Mobile and efficient, in this sense, typically means small and light-weight. Additionally, there is a need to provide ergonomically designed devices that do not inhibit or interfere with users, or adversely affect the working environment. 
     Currently, when a laptop computer user wants to plug the computer into an electrical outlet and/or a data outlet (e.g., a network data port or a telephone jack), the user must run a power extension cord to the computer along with a separate data line cord. Because these cords may be bulky and loose, they can become entangled. The cords can also be a hazard to pedestrians who may trip over the cords, causing injury, or may pull the computer onto the floor, causing equipment damage. In a meeting where everyone brings a laptop, the resultant tangle of wires is downright hazardous. 
     Ergonomically designed extension cords are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,780,994 discloses a flat extension cord for use under carpet. However, this device is not retractable into a housing and, because it is placed under the carpet, it is not readily portable. Additionally, this device does not include data transmission lines. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,749 (&#39;749 patent) and 5,701,981 (&#39;981 patent) disclose retractable cords and housings. The &#39;749 patent discloses a spring-biased, retractable reel within a housing, wherein an electrical cord is wound around the reel. The &#39;981 patent also discloses a spring-biased, retractable reel within a housing, wherein an electrical cord is wound around the reel. However, neither of these patents discloses a multi-functional, substantially flat extension cord for providing both power and data transmission to a device. 
     Thus, there is a need to provide a mobile, light-weight device that can connect portable communication and computing devices to an electrical power source and/or a data communication source. The device should allow a variable length of cord to be utilized to prevent a personnel or equipment hazard. The device also should be robust enough to withstand frequent and numerous “plugging” and “unplugging” events, and the handling and displacement associated with transportation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a flat extension cord that can connect portable communication and/or computing devices to respective electrical power and data communication sources. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a retractable extension cord that can simultaneously connect portable communication and computing devices to both an electrical power source and a data communication source, and which can be retracted into a portable housing. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a housing for a retractable extension cord. 
     In one aspect of the present invention a flat extension cord includes a thin, elongate dielectric strip. A plurality of flexible electrical power conductors extend lengthwise within the strip. Additionally, a plurality of flexible data transmission conductors, electrically insulated from the electrical power conductors, extend lengthwise within said strip. A first connector is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors and the plurality of data transmission conductors at a first end of the strip. A second connector is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors at a second end of the strip. A third connector is electrically connected to the plurality of data transmission conductors at the second end of said strip. Preferably, the strip is stiff so that it lays flat on the floor, preventing tripping. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a retractable, flat electrical cable includes a concave, longitudinally-extending support member, and at least one electrical conductor coupled to the support member. A housing, and a rewinder coupled to the housing which rewinds the support member and the conductor into the housing. The concave support member preferably biases the cord to add longitudinal stiffness, allowing the cord to be flat, be easily moved, and be easily extended and retracted. 
     In a further aspect of the present invention, a retractable extension cord includes a housing, and a spool mechanism rotatably mounted within the housing, and a flat extension cord having a first end attached to the spool mechanism and a second end extending from a first opening in the housing. The extension cord includes an elongate dielectric strip, a plurality of flexible electrical power conductors extending lengthwise within the strip, a plurality of flexible data transmission conductors electrically insulated from the electrical power conductors and extending lengthwise within the strip, and a first connector electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors and the plurality of data transmission conductors at a second end of the extension cord. A second connector is mounted to an external surface of the housing and is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors at the first end of the extension cord. Additionally, a third connector is mounted in a second opening of the housing and is electrically connected to the plurality of data transmission conductors at the first end of the extension cord. 
     In still a further aspect of the present invention, a retractable extension cord includes a housing, a spool mechanism rotatably mounted within the housing, and a flat extension cord having a first end attached to the spool mechanism and a second end extending from a first opening in the housing. The extension cord includes an elongate dielectric strip, a plurality of flexible electrical power conductors extending lengthwise within the strip, a plurality of flexible data transmission conductors electrically insulated from the electrical power conductors and extending lengthwise within the strip, and a first connector electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors and the plurality of data transmission conductors at a second end of the extension cord. A second connector is pivotally mounted to an external surface of the housing and is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors at the first end of the extension cord. A third connector mounted in a second opening of the housing is electrically connected to the plurality of data transmission conductors at the first end of the extension cord. 
     In an additional aspect of the present invention, a housing for a retractable extension cord includes a hollow casing having a removable cover plate and an opening through which the retractable extension cord extends. A reel mechanism is rotatably mounted within the hollow casing, and a rewinder is coupled to the reel mechanism. A bracket is pivotally mounted to at least one external surface of the hollow casing. 
     In still an additional aspect of the present invention, a housing for a retractable extension cord includes a hollow casing having a removable cover plate and a first opening through which the retractable extension cord extends. A spool is rotatably mounted within the housing, and a rewinder is attached to the spool. A bracket is pivotally mounted to at least one external surface of the hollow casing, and the bracket has a multi-prong electric plug attached thereto. A second opening in the hollow casing is so dimensioned as to receive electrical conductors extending from the multi-prong plug into the hollow casing. A third opening in the hollow casing is so dimensioned as to receive a telephone line connector. A button is attached to an external surface of the hollow casing and extends longitudinally toward a hub of the spool, such that depressing the button toward the hub substantially inhibits the spool from rotating. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a retractable extension cord includes a hollow housing, a spool mechanism rotatably mounted within the housing, a rewinder attached to the spool mechanism, and a flat extension cord having a first end attached to the spool mechanism and a second end extending from a first opening in the housing. The extension cord includes an elongate dielectric strip, a plurality of flexible electrical power conductors extending lengthwise within the strip, a plurality of flexible data transmission conductors electrically insulated from the electrical power conductors and extending lengthwise within the strip, and a first connector electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors and the plurality of data transmission conductors at a second end of the extension cord. A circuit protection mechanism is mounted within the housing and is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of electrical power conductors at the first end of the extension cord. A multi-prong plug is rotatably mounted to an external surface of the housing and is electrically connected to the circuit protection mechanism and at least one of the plurality of power conductors at the first end of the extension cord. A female telephone jack is mounted in a second opening of the housing and electrically connected to the plurality of data transmission conductors at the first end of the extension cord. 
     In yet an additional aspect of the present invention, a retractable extension cord includes a hollow housing, a spool mechanism rotatably mounted within the housing, a rewind mechanism coupled to the spool mechanism, and a flat extension cord having a first end attached to a hub of the spool and a second end extending from a first opening in the housing. The extension cord includes an elongate dielectric strip, a plurality of flexible electrical power conductors extending lengthwise within the strip, a plurality of flexible data transmission conductors electrically insulated from the electrical power conductors and extending lengthwise within the strip, and a first connector electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors and the plurality of data transmission conductors at a second end of the extension cord. A bracket is rotatably mounted to an external surface of the housing. A multi-prong plug is mounted to an external surface of the bracket and is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors. A female telephone jack is mounted in a second opening of the housing and is electrically connected to the plurality of data transmission conductors at the first end of the extension cord. 
     In yet still a further aspect of the present invention, a retractable extension cord includes a hollow casing having a removable cover plate and a first opening through which the retractable extension cord extends. A reel is rotatably mounted within the hollow casing, and a rewinder is attached to the reel. A flat extension cord has a first end attached to the hub and a second end extending from a first opening in the hollow casing. The extension cord includes an elongate dielectric strip, a plurality of flexible electrical power conductors extending lengthwise within the strip, a plurality of flexible data transmission conductors electrically insulated from the electrical power conductors and extending lengthwise within the strip, and a first connector electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors and the plurality of data transmission conductors at a second end of the extension cord. A circuit protection mechanism is mounted within the hollow casing and is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of electrical power conductors at the first end of the extension cord. A bracket is rotatably mounted to at least one external surface of the hollow casing. A multi-prong plug is mounted to an external surface of the bracket and is electrically connected to the plurality of electrical power conductors at the first end of the extension cord, the prongs of the multi-prong plug being pivotally mounted thereto. A female data transmission connector is mounted in a second opening of the hollow casing and is electrically connected to the plurality of data transmission conductors at the first end of the extension cord. A button is mounted in a third opening of the hollow casing and extends longitudinally toward a hub of the reel, wherein depressing the button toward the hub substantially inhibits the reel from rotating. 
     These and other objects, aspects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS.  1 ( a ) and  1 ( b ) depict top and cross-section views, respectively, of an extension cord of the present invention. 
     FIGS.  2 ( a )- 2 ( c ) depict perspective, front, and rear views of a dual connector of the present invention. 
     FIGS.  3 ( a )- 3 ( f ) depict cross-sectional views of an extension cord of various embodiments of the present invention. 
     FIG.  4 ( a ) is an exploded view of the retractable extension cord housing of a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG.  4 ( b ) is a perspective view of a rewind mechanism of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS.  5 ( a )- 5 ( c ) depict the connections of internal wiring to the extension cord according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS.  6 ( a )- 6 ( c ) depict the connections of internal wiring to the extension cord according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS.  7 ( a )- 7 ( c ) depict side, top, and front views, respectively, of a transformer bracket according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS.  8 ( a )- 8 ( c ) provide front, end, and rear views, respectively, of an assembled housing of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates an anchor device of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 depicts a typical use setting of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a functional schematic diagram of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS.  1 ( a ) and  1 ( b ) depict a top view and section view, respectively, of the extension cord according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The cord  10  includes a plurality of power conductors  12  and data transmission conductors  14 . Shielding  16  surrounds the data transmission conductors to inhibit interaction with the power signals on power conductors  12 , and inhibit noise from external sources. Shielding  16  can be any type of shielding material known to an ordinarily skilled artisan. For example, shielding  16  could be metal foil, mesh, ribbon, etc., but in the preferred embodiment is copper foil. The power  12  and data transmission  14  conductors are encased in a dielectric insulation material  18 . This material can be any transparent or opaque flexible dielectric insulator known to an ordinarily skilled artisan. For example, insulator  18  could be teflon, plastic, rubber, etc., but in the preferred embodiment is transparent Kapton. 
     Insulator  18  is preferably transparent to enhance visibility of cord  10 . A transparent insulation allows the user and pedestrians to see cord  10  when extended if various colored conductors are used. Alternatively, a small light source could be included and flexible optical fibers  15  could extend within cord  10 . This arrangement would also enhance the cord&#39;s visibility. In another arrangement, various design patterns could be included to enhance visibility. Examples of various design patterns include cross hatches, a railroad crossing-type design, or coloring variations. Additionally, a fluorescent material could be coated on the surface of cord  10 . The ordinarily skilled artisan will, of course, realize that these examples are not limiting and that many of these examples could be implemented with either transparent or opaque insulation. 
     The insulator  18  preferably has substantial “stiffness” due to its shape and/or material. Stiffness is advantageous since the cord should lay flat on the floor and resist being overturned or set on edge. These stiffness features are similar to the well-known tape measure which is made of a thin metal and formed in a concave shape. Similarly, in the present invention, the insulator  18  should be made of a stiff dielectric material that will be flat year easy roll up into a winder housing. Alternatively, the insulator could be a soft plastic affixed to a stiff substrate such as a thin concave metal strip. The dimensions of the insulator  18  should also provide the required stiffness. For example, a cord with both power and data cables may be 1 inch wide by ¼ inch thick, although cables as wide as 3 inches and as thick as 1 inch may be used. Even layer cords may be provided for multiple-user configurations. 
     A dual purpose connector  22  is connected at one end of the flexible extension cord  10 . This dual purpose connector includes both a female electrical power connector  24  and a female data connector  26 . Two additional connectors can be provided at the opposite end of flexible extension cord  10 . One connector is an electrical power connector  28 , for connecting the cord to an electrical power source. The other connector is a data connector  32  for connecting the cord to a data source. Connectors  28  and  32  can be separate connectors or, like connector  22 , can be integrally formed. Connectors  28  and  32  can be either male or female connectors, depending upon the specified end use, and can be any type known in the art for connecting electrical conductors to electrical and data sources. For example, connector  28  could be a conventional, three-prong, or two-prong, male AC plug connector. Connector  32  can be, for example, a conventional RJ 11  telephone jack or plug. These devices are, of course, not limited to these embodiments. 
     FIGS.  2 ( a )- 2 ( c ) depict perspective, front, and rear views of dual connector  22 , respectively. As shown in these Figures, female electrical power connector  24  includes slots for a multi-prong plug. These slots could be any number necessary for the electrical configuration of the device being used, but in the preferred embodiment is a dual-slot device. Data connector  26  can also be any type known in the art, but in the preferred embodiment is designed to fit a male RJ 11  telephone plug connector. Since connectors  24  and  26  are on opposite sides of the housing, connections can be quickly and easily made. 
     FIGS.  3 ( a )- 3 ( f ) depict cross-section views of cord  10  according to various embodiments. As depicted in these Figures, cord  10  can include any number of power conductors  12  and data transmission conductors  14 , depending upon the user&#39;s need. The conductors could be fully embedded within insulator  18 , in which case cord  10  would have a smooth contour. Alternatively, conductors  12  and  14  could protrude (while still being covered with electrical insulation) from the top surface of  18 , the bottom surface of insulator  18 , or any variation thereof. In the preferred embodiment, both conductors  12  and  14  are fully embedded within insulator  18 . Additionally, the cross-section of cord  10  could take on various shapes. Non-limiting examples include or cross-sections for cord  10  include a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a concave cross-section, or a convex cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, however, cord  10  has a concave cross-section to provide enhanced stability when extended. 
     To provide transportability and ease of use, flexible extension cord  10  is preferably mounted within a housing that allows extension from the housing to a desired length, and retraction back into the housing. In this configuration, the power and data sources are provided to extension cord  10  using connectors provided with the housing. Referring now to FIGS.  4 ( a ) and  4 ( b ), a description of such a housing will now be provided. 
     Housing  30  comprises a casing  31  which, together with a removable cover plate  32 , retains the cord unwind/rewind mechanisms internally. Casing  31  and cover plate  32  can be formed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, or fiberglass, but in the preferred embodiment are molded plastic. Housed within casing  31  is cable spool or reel mechanism  33 . Mechanism  33  rotates, on bearings  34 , around support  35 , which can be formed integrally with casing  31  or be manufactured as a separate part. Support  35  includes conductor bearing races  36 , upon which bearings  34  rest. 
     The above described components are maintained within housing  30  by cover plate  32 . Cover plate  32  is preferably removable, but can be attached to casing  31  using any know means, such as adhesive, rivets, or nails, but preferably using screws  37 . Cover plate  32  can include an opening  38 . This opening accommodates attachment of a handle  39 . Handle  39  attaches to the hub of mechanism  33  and is used to manually retract cord  10  around mechanism  33 . This attachment can be by any method known to the ordinarily skilled artisan, but in the preferred embodiment is attached via detents  41  within mechanism  33  hub. Handle  39  includes a pivotally retractable operator  42 . Operator  42  pivots approximately 180° about an axis, which allows operator  42  to lie substantially flush against housing  30  for storage, and to be extended outwardly for ease of rotating mechanism  33 . 
     Pivotally attached to one or more external surfaces of casing  31  is a bracket  43 . Bracket  43  pivots approximately 180° as well. Attached to bracket  43  is a multi-prong power connector  44 . Connector  44  can be any known connector for attachment to power source, but in the preferred embodiment is a male, multi-prong AC plug, wherein the prongs are pivotally mounted (discussed further below). Connector  44  is electrically connected to cord  10  and a circuit protection device  45  via wiring  46 , extending through openings  47 . Circuit protection device  45  is housed within circuit protection housing  48  and protects the cord and attached peripherals from an over-power condition. Circuit protection device  45  could be any circuit protection mechanism known to an ordinarily skilled artisan, such as a resettable circuit breaker switch, but in the preferred embodiment is a pop-out fuse. 
     A data source connection  49  is also provided in casing  31 . Data source connection may be any type known in the art, but in the preferred embodiment is an RJ 11  telephone jack. Data source connector  49  is also electrically connected to cord  10  via wiring  51  (see FIG.  5 ( c )). 
     Also extending through casing  31  is lock button  52 . Lock button  52  will prevent further extension of cord  10  when pressed against the unwound portion of cord  10 . Thus, the amount of cord  10  extracted from housing  30  will not change. Lock button  52  may be any type known to the ordinarily skilled artisan. Non-limiting examples include a spring-release type switch, or a simple friction fit switch which fits through an opening in casing  31 . 
     FIG.  4 ( b ) depicts an alternative mechanism for rewinding cord  10  back into housing  30  in an alternative embodiment. According to this embodiment, rather than providing handle  39 , a rewind spring  55  is used. Spring  55  can attach to a central portion of mechanism  33  via inner portion  56 , and to a portion of either casing  31  or removable cover plate  32 , via outer portion  57 . Thus, as cord  10  is retracted, spring  55  places mechanism  33  under tension, urging it to rewind. When a desired length of cord  10  has be extended from housing  30 , lock button  52  is depressed to maintain this amount of extension. When the user desires to retract cord  10 , lock button  52  need only be released and cord  10  will automatically retract under the tension of spring  55 . 
     Referring now to FIGS.  5 ( a )- 5 ( c ), the connection of internal wiring  46 ,  51  to cord  10  will now be discussed. FIG.  5 ( a ) depicts a side view of housing  30  with cover  32  removed. Shown in this Figure are casing  31 , mechanism  33 , circuit protection device  45  and housing  48 , wiring  46  and data source connection  49 . FIG.  5 ( b ), which is a cross-section along lines Z—Z of 
     FIG.  5 ( a ), shows mechanism  33 , conductive bearings  34 , support  35 , and lock button  52 . As shown, lock button  52  extends toward the hub of mechanism  33 , and when depressed prohibits movement of the cord into or out of the housing  30 . FIG.  5 ( c ), which is an exploded portion of FIG.  5 ( b ), depicts how internal wiring  46  and  51  connects to cord  10 . As shown, internal wiring  46  and  51  are connected to conductive elements  46 ′ and  51 ′ within support  35 . In electrical contact with elements  46 ′, and placed within bearing races  36 , are conductive bearings  34 . Conductive bearings  34  are also in electrical contact with conductive elements  46 ″ within the hub of mechanism  33 . Electrically connected to elements  46 ″ are power conductors  12  of cord  10 . Conductive elements  51 ′ are electrically connected to conductive elements  51 ″ within the hub of mechanism  33  via spring contacts  52 . Conductive elements  51 ″ are electrically connected to data transmission conductors  14  of cord  10 . 
     FIGS.  6 ( a )- 6 ( c ) depict an alternative mechanism  33 ′ support and connection arrangement. FIG.  6 ( a ) shows a side view of the alternative embodiment with cover plate  32  removed. FIG.  6 ( b ) depicts the arrangement of the internal components for this alternative embodiment. As shown, casing  31  includes support  35  and circuit protection housing  48 . However, rather than conductive bearings riding within races of support  35 , bearings  34 ′ rest against a wall of casing  31  and provide rotational support for mechanism  33 . Placed around support  35  are the devices for providing electrical connection to cord  10 . These devices include dielectric spacers  53  and  54 , and conductive spacers  46 ′″ and  51 ′″. As depicted in FIG.  6 ( c ), dielectric spacers  53  and  54  hold, and separate, conductive spacers (copper or brass)  46 ′″ and  51 ′″ around support  35 . Within mechanism  33 ″ are sets of electrical contacts (beryllium types)  46 ″″ and  51 ″″ which are, respectively, in electrical contact with conductive spacers  46 ′″ and  51 ′″. Internal wiring  46  and  51  are electrically connected, respectively, to conductive spacers  46 ′″ and  51 ′″, respectively. Conductive spacers  46 ′″ and  51 ′″ are in turn electrically connected to contacts  46 ″″ and  51 ″″, respectively, which are in turn, respectively, connected to power conductors  12  and data transmission conductors  14  or cord  10 . 
     FIGS.  7 ( a )- 7 ( c ) an alternative embodiment for bracket  43 . In this alternative embodiment, bracket  43 ′ includes an internal transformer  58 . Transformer  58  can be any type of small transformer known to an ordinarily skilled artisan, and can be used to step the incoming voltage up or down. 
     Turning now to FIGS.  8 ( a )- 8 ( c ), illustrated is the front, end, and rear view, respectively, of an assembled housing  30  according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS.  8 ( a ) and  8 ( c ), the prongs  59  of connector  44  are pivotally mounted within connector  44 . FIG.  8 ( a ) depicts prongs  59  pivoted to the point where they are substantially flush against bracket  43 . Also depicted in FIGS.  8 ( b ) and  8 ( c ) are anchor devices  61 . Anchor devices  61  snap into housing  30  and when removed are used to anchor cord  10  to the surface along which it is running, for example to the carpeting of a room. An end view of an anchor device  61  is shown in FIG.  9 . These devices may be formed of any material known to the ordinarily skilled artisan, for example, plastic or metal. In the preferred embodiment, anchors  61  are formed of ABS plaster. 
     FIG. 10 depicts the retractable cord  10  and housing  30  in a typical use setting. Prongs  59  are fully extended and inserted into an AC wall plug (not shown). Depending upon the magnitude of the voltage, housing  30  may include alternative bracket  43 ′ to step the voltage to the appropriate level. Cord  10  extends outwardly from housing  30  toward the floor  65 . Anchors  61  are shown anchoring cord  10  to the floor  65 . Because bracket  43  (or  43 ′) is pivotally mounted to casing  31 , housing  30  can be rotated to place it substantially flush against the wall. This also provides a safeguard against persons accidentally bumping into the housing while it is plugged into the wall. Once the housing  30  and cord  10  are in place, communications or computing devices can be plugged into either power connector  24 , data connector  26 , or both. 
     A functional schematic diagram of cord  10  and housing  30  is depicted in FIG.  11 . Depending upon the user&#39;s location, the AC power source can vary, as depicted, between 100-240 VAC at a frequency of 50-60 Hz. Thus, a user may or may not need optional transformer bracket  43 ′. While this Figure depicts transformer  43 ′being used, this is clearly not limiting. The AC power then runs through circuit protection device  45 , through power conductors  12  (not shown) in cord  10 , to power connector  24  (not shown) within dual connector  22 . A data source can also be connected to data source connector  49  (not shown). The data signal runs through conductors  51  (not shown), data conductors  14  (not shown) in cord  10 , to data connector  26  (not shown) within dual connector  22 . 
     While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of the preferred embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, the power and/or data source connections may be made at the retractable end of the cord, while the rewind housing has multiple power and data connections for user connections. It will be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.