Abstract:
Apparatus and method according to which a line extends through a sleeve so that a first amount of the line is disposed within the sleeve. After stretching and permitting the sleeve to retract, a second amount of the line is disposed within the sleeve, with the second amount being greater than the first amount.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   This invention relates in general to an apparatus and method for manipulating a line such as a cable or cord, with the manipulation including but not limited to storing, packaging or collapsing the line, or fully or variably extending the line from a sleeve, sheath, tubing or the like, or any combination thereof. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided that includes a sleeve defining a passage through which a line is adapted to extend, the passage defining an internal surface of the sleeve; wherein the sleeve comprises a first configuration in which the sleeve has a first length, and a first amount of the line is disposed within the passage when the line extends through the passage; a second configuration in which the sleeve has a second length wherein the second length is greater than the first length; and a third configuration in which the line extends through the sleeve and at least a portion of the internal surface of the sleeve engages at least a portion of the line, and a second amount of the line is disposed within the passage wherein the second amount of the line is greater than the first amount of the line. 
   According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided that includes extending a line through a sleeve having a first length so that a first amount of the line is disposed within the sleeve: stretching the sleeve to a second length that is greater than the first length; and permitting the sleeve to retract to a third length that is less than the second length so that a second amount of the line is disposed within the sleeve wherein the second amount is greater than the first amount. 
   According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided that includes an elastic sleeve adapted to be stretched and permitted to retract, and through which a line is adapted to extend so that a first amount of the line is disposed within the elastic sleeve before the elastic sleeve is stretched and permitted to retract; wherein, when the line extends through the elastic sleeve and after the elastic sleeve stretches and retracts, a second amount of the line is disposed within the elastic sleeve wherein the second amount is greater than the first amount. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an elevation view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1   a  is a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  taken along line  1 A— 1 A. 
       FIG. 2  is an elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  but depicting another configuration. 
       FIG. 3  is an elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  but depicting another configuration. 
       FIG. 4  is an elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  but depicting another configuration. 
       FIG. 5  is an elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  but depicting another configuration. 
       FIG. 6  is an elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a configuration substantially similar to the configuration of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 7  is an elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  but depicting another operational mode. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  but depicting another operational mode. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 8  but depicting another configuration. 
       FIG. 10   a  is a perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10   b  is an elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10   a  but depicting another configuration. 
       FIG. 10   c  is an elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10   a  but depicting another configuration. 
       FIG. 10   d  is an elevation view of the apparatus of  FIG. 10   a  but depicting another configuration. 
       FIG. 11   a  is an exploded view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11   b  is an enlarged view of an unexploded portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 11   a.    
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 1   a , an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  10 , and is engaged with a line in the form of a conventional cable  12  extending from an electronic device in the form of a power adapter  14 . A plug element  12   a  is connected to the distal end of the cable  12 . 
   The apparatus  10  includes a sleeve  16  defining a passage  18  through which the cable  12  extends. The sleeve  16  is in the form of an elastic sleeve and is adapted to stretch and retract under conditions to be described. An internal surface  20  of the sleeve  16  is defined by the passage  18 , and at least a portion of the internal surface  20  is engaged with at least a portion of the cable  12 . 
   A clip  22  extends at least partially circumferentially about an end portion  16   a  of the sleeve  16  and the proximal end portion of the cable  12  disposed within the end portion  16   a  of the sleeve  16 , clamping the end portion  16   a  of the sleeve  16  against the proximal end portion of the cable  12  and thereby substantially fixing the end portion  16   a  of sleeve  16  relative to the cable  12 . It is understood that the proximal end portion of the cable  12  may include a conventional strain relief that may promote the clamping of the end portion  16   a  of the sleeve  16  against the proximal end portion of the cable  12 . 
   A fitting  24  is generally in the form of an annular member through which the cable  12  extends and is partially inserted into the passage  18  at an end portion  16   b  of the sleeve  16  so that the sleeve  16  grips the fitting, thereby connecting and securing the fitting  24  to the sleeve  16 . It is understood that additional connecting means may be used to further secure the fitting  24  to the sleeve  16  such as, for example, adhesive disposed between the fitting  24  and the internal surface  20  of the sleeve  16 . 
   In operation, the sleeve  16  may be in the configuration depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 1   a , with the sleeve  16  in a crumpled condition and large amount, or the majority, of the cable  12  at least partially crumpled and disposed within the passage  18 . The internal surface  20  of the sleeve  16  engages the cable  12  at several points along the longitudinal length of the sleeve  16  so that at least portions of the sleeve  16  conform to and/or grip the corresponding portions of the cable  12 , thereby resisting relative movement between the sleeve  16  and the cable  12 . Such relative movement may include unwanted travel of the cable  12  through the fitting  24  and out of the passage  18  of the sleeve  16 . 
   If required and/or desired, the sleeve  16  may then be placed in the configuration depicted in  FIG. 2  by moving the plug element  12   a  in a direction away from the fitting  24 , thereby reducing the amount of the cable  12  disposed within the passage  18  and defining a crumpled portion  16   c  and a relaxed portion  16   d  of the sleeve  16 . The longitudinal lengths of the crumpled portion  16   c  and the relaxed portion  16   d  are dependent upon the amount of the portion of the cable  12  that moved out from the passage  18  of the sleeve  16 . That is, as the plug element  12   a  is moved away from the fitting  24 , the cable  12  also travels through the fitting  24  and out of the passage  18  of the sleeve  16 . As the cable  12  so travels, the cable  12  disengages from the corresponding portions of the internal surface  20  of the sleeve  16  so that the corresponding portions of the sleeve  16  no longer conform to and/or grip the cable  12 , thereby defining the longitudinal length of the relaxed portion  16   d  of the sleeve  16 . The longitudinal length of the crumpled portion  16   c  of the sleeve  16  is, in turn, defined by the longitudinal length of the relaxed portion  16   d  of the sleeve  16 . 
   As much of the cable  12  as is necessary and/or desired may be moved out from the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  for any desired reason such as, for example, initiating conventional operation of the power adapter  14  by inserting the plug element  12   a  into a receptacle (it is understood that the power adapter  14  may be plugged into a conventional power outlet to effect this conventional operation). The crumpled portion  16   c  of the sleeve  16  continues to conform to and/or grip portions of the cable  12 , thereby continuing to resist relative movement between the sleeve  16  and the cable  12  so that the desired amount of the cable  12  extending outside of the passage  18  remains substantially constant. 
   If required and/or desired, the sleeve  16  may then be placed in the configuration depicted in  FIG. 3  by continuing to move the plug element  12   a  in a direction away from the fitting  24  so that a minimum amount of the cable  12  is disposed within the passage  18  and a maximum amount of the cable  12  extends outside of the passage  18 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , no portion of the sleeve  16  between the end portions  16   a  and  16   b  conforms to and/or grips any portion of the cable  12  and thus the entire length of the sleeve  16  extending between the end portions  16   a  and  16   b  is in a relaxed condition. 
   In view of the foregoing, it is understood that the amount of the cable  12  disposed within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  may be varied as desired or as dictated by environmental constraints such as, for example, the position of the conventional power outlet to which the power adapter  14  is connected and the position of the receptacle into which the plug element  12   a  is inserted during the operation of the power adapter  14 . As the amount of the cable  12  disposed within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  is varied, the amount of the cable  12  extending outside of the passage  18  is correspondingly varied. 
   The sleeve  16  may be placed in the configuration depicted in  FIG. 4  by grasping the fitting  24  and/or the end portion  16   b  of the sleeve  16  and moving same in a direction away from the clip  22  and the power adapter  14 , with the position of the end portion  16   a  of the sleeve  16  and the clip  22  clamped therearound remaining substantially constant, thereby increasing the length of and stretching the sleeve  16  over the cable  12 . Thus, an increased amount of the cable  12  is disposed within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16 , in comparison to the amount of the cable  12  disposed within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  in the configuration of  FIG. 3 . Moreover, due to the stretching of the sleeve  16 , the cross-sectional area of the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  in the configuration of  FIG. 4 , at one or more locations along the longitudinal length of the sleeve  16 , is less than the cross-sectional area of the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  in the configuration of  FIG. 3 , at the corresponding one or more locations along the longitudinal length of the sleeve  16 . 
   The sleeve  16  may be placed in the configuration depicted in  FIG. 5  by continuing to stretch the sleeve  16  over the cable  12  so that length of the sleeve  16  continues to increase and an increased amount of the cable  12  is disposed within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16 , in comparison to the amount of the cable  12  disposed within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  in the configuration of  FIG. 4 . Moreover, due to the additional stretching of the sleeve  16 , the cross-sectional area of the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  in the configuration of  FIG. 5 , at one or more locations along the longitudinal length of the sleeve  16 , is less than the cross-sectional area of the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  in the configuration of  FIG. 4 , at the corresponding one or more locations along the longitudinal length of the sleeve  16 . 
   It is understood that the sleeve  16  may be stretched so that the fitting  24  is at any desired location along the longitudinal length of the cable  12  between the position of the fitting  24  as depicted in  FIG. 3  and the plug element  12   a  of the cable  12 . 
   The sleeve  16  may be placed in the configuration depicted in  FIG. 6  by permitting the sleeve  16  to retract so that the fitting  24  moves from the position shown in  FIG. 5  to the position shown in  FIG. 6  and the length of the sleeve  16  decreases. During retraction, at least a portion of the internal surface  20  of the sleeve  16  engages at least a portion of the cable  12  so that the sleeve  16  at least partially conforms to and/or grips the portion of the cable  12 . This engagement may occur due to the above-described reduction in the cross-sectional area of the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  in the stretched configuration of  FIG. 5 , which positions the internal surface  20  closer to the cable  12  and thereby enables the internal surface  20  to engage the cable  12 . In the alternative, the sleeve  16  may be pinched or pressed against the cable  12  so that the internal surface  20  engages the cable  12 . 
   Due to the engagement between the internal surface  20  and the cable  12 , the portion of the cable  12  disposed within the passage  18  in the stretched configuration of  FIG. 5  remains within the passage  18  as the sleeve  16  is permitted to retract. Since the overall length of the sleeve  16  decreases during the retraction, and the amount of the cable  12  within the passage  18  remains substantially constant, the internal surface  20  applies a force to the cable  12  to at least partially collapse, bunch together and/or crumple the cable  12  within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  during the retraction of the sleeve  16 . 
   As the cable  12  at least partially collapses, bunches together and/or crumples within the passage  18 , the internal surface  20  engages the cable  12  at multiple points along the length of the sleeve  16  so that the sleeve  16  grips and/or conforms to the cable  12  at these points, further promoting the collapse of the cable  12 . Moreover, these engagements may serve to assist in the prevention of unwanted tangling of the cable  12  within the passage  18  by causing the cable  12  to collapse in a uniform manner. For example, the cable  12  may collapse so that the cable  12  forms a spiral or a reversing loop. For another example, the cable  12  may collapse in an “accordion-type” manner. It is understood that, in some cases, the cable  12  may collapse in a uniform manner, a non-uniform manner or a combination thereof. It is further understood that several factors may affect the uniformity of the collapse including but not limited to the dimensions and/or stiffness of the cable  12 . Moreover, it is understood that the collapse of the cable  12  in a uniform manner may maximize the degree of collapse of the cable  12  and/or the cable  12 &#39;s ability to easily travel out from the passage  18 . 
   It is understood that length of the sleeve  16  in the configuration of  FIG. 6  may range from a length equal to about the length of the sleeve in the configuration of  FIG. 3  to a length slightly less than the length of the sleeve in the configuration of  FIG. 5 . Further, it is understood that the sleeve  16  is able to retract due to its elasticity and its being stretched within its elastic regime, in which case the deformation that the sleeve  16  experiences during stretching is not permanent. Still further, it is understood that the sleeve  16  may be permitted to retract in a variety of ways such as, for example, by grasping the end portion  16   b  and/or the fitting  24  and guiding the sleeve  16  back to its relaxed configuration, or by letting go of the sleeve  16  and allowing the sleeve  16  to snap back to its relaxed configuration from its stretched configuration. 
   As a result of its retraction, the sleeve  16  now stores and retains a large amount, or a majority, of the cable  12  within the passage  18 , and the cable  12  may be easily pulled out of the sleeve  16  as required and/or desired. 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , the power adapter  14  is packaged in a container  26 , with the power adapter  14  disposed in a cavity  26   a  formed in the container  26 . The cable  12  is packaged in the sleeve  16  in a manner similar to that discussed above in connection with the configuration of  FIG. 6 , and the cable  12  and the sleeve  16  are disposed in a channel  26   b  formed in the container. Thus, the sleeve  16  functions as packaging for the cable  12 , and it is understood that the sleeve  16  may be used as a substitute for twisty ties, plastic bags and/or other conventional means for packaging lines such as cables. 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , another application for the apparatus  10  is depicted, with a hands-free cable  28  extending from a cell phone  30  and through the sleeve  16 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the sleeve  16  is in a relaxed configuration that is substantially similar to the configuration of  FIG. 3 , with a minimum amount of the cable  28  disposed within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16 , thereby enabling unencumbered use of a hands-free headset  32  connected to the distal end of the cable  28 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , when the hands-free headset  32  is not in use, the sleeve  16  may be placed in a retracted configuration in a manner similar to the operation described above in connection with  FIGS. 3–6 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the sleeve  16  is in a retracted configuration that is substantially similar to the retracted configuration of  FIG. 6 , with a maximum amount of the cable  28  disposed within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16 . Since the sleeve  16  assists in preventing the cable  28  from becoming entangled as described above in connection with the configuration of  FIG. 6 , the cable  28  may easily be stored in a small space such as, for example, a shirt pocket. When it is desired to again use the hands-free headset  32 , the sleeve  16  may again be placed in the relaxed configuration of  FIG. 8  in a manner similar to the operation described above in connection with  FIGS. 1–3 . Thus, the sleeve  16  functions as a storage device for the cable  28 . 
   In addition to cables for hands-free accessories for cell phones, such as headsets and ear pieces, it is understood that the sleeve  16  may function as a storage device for a wide variety devices from which one or more lines extend such as, for example, cables for MP3 and digital music players. For devices with cables extending from left and right ear pieces or the like, the prevention of entanglement between the left and right cables by the sleeve  16  in its retracted configuration is especially helpful. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 10   a  through  10   d , an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  34 . The embodiment of  FIGS. 10   a  through  10   d  is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 through 9  and contains several parts of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 through 9  which are given the same reference numerals. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 10   a  through  10   d , a pair of splices  36   a  and  36   b  are formed at the end portion  16   a  of the sleeve  16 , and a pair of splices  38   a  and  38   b  are formed at the end portion  16   b  of the sleeve  16 . 
   In operation, with continuing reference to  FIGS. 10   a  through  10   d , a line such as a cable  40  is inserted into the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  so that the cable  40  extends through the passage  18 . It is understood that the presence of the splices  36   a ,  36   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  may facilitate the cable  40 &#39;s insertion into and extension through the passage  18  of the sleeve  16 . A knot  42  is formed by tying the splices  36   a  and  36   b  together, and a knot  44  is formed by tying the splices  38   a  and  38   b  together. It is understood that the knots  42  and  44  may somewhat limit relative movement between the sleeve  16  and the cable  40  by reducing the gap between the cable  40  and the internal surface  20  of the sleeve  16 . 
   Upon insertion and extension of the cable  40  through the passage  18  of the sleeve  16 , and the forming of the knots  42  and  44 , the sleeve  16  is in the configuration depicted in  FIG. 10   b . The sleeve  16  may be placed in the configuration depicted in  10   c  by grasping the knots  42  and  44  and pulling the knots  42  and  44  away from each other, thereby stretching the sleeve  16  and increasing the length thereof so that an increased amount of the cable  40  is disposed within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16 , in comparison to the amount of the cable  40  disposed within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  in the configuration of  FIG. 10   b.    
   Moreover, due to the stretching of the sleeve  16 , the cross-sectional area of the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  in the configuration of  FIG. 10   c , at one or more locations along the longitudinal length of the sleeve  16 , is less than the cross-sectional area of the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  in the configuration of  FIG. 10   b , at the corresponding one or more locations along the longitudinal length of the sleeve  16 . 
   The sleeve  16  may be placed in the configuration depicted in  FIG. 10   d  by permitting the sleeve  16  to retract so that the knots  42  and  44  move toward each other. During retraction, at least a portion of the internal surface  20  of the sleeve  16  engages at least a portion of the cable  40  so that the sleeve  16  at least partially conforms to and/or grips the portion of the cable  40 . This engagement may occur due to the above-described reduction in cross-sectional area of the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  in the stretched configuration of  FIG. 10   c , which positions the internal surface  20  closer to the cable  40  and thereby enables the internal surface  20  to engage the cable  40 . In addition, or in the alternative, the engagement may occur due to the above-described reduction in the gap between the cable  40  and the sleeve  16  due to the knots  42  and  44 , which positions the internal surface  20  closer to the cable  40  to thereby enable the internal surface  20  to engage the cable  40 . In addition, or in the alternative, the sleeve  16  may be pinched or pressed against the cable  40  so that the internal surface  20  engages the cable  40 . 
   The engagement between the internal surface  20  and the cable  40  occurs at at least two locations along the longitudinal length of the sleeve  16 , with one of the locations between the center of the sleeve  16  and the knot  42 , and the other of the locations between the center of the sleeve  16  and the knot  44 . Due to these engagements, the portion of the cable  40  disposed within the passage  18  in the stretched configuration of  FIG. 10   c  remains within the passage as the sleeve  16  is permitted to retract. Since the overall length of the sleeve  16  decreases during the retraction, and the amount of the cable  40  within the passage  18  remains substantially constant, the internal surface  20  applies a force at each of the at least two locations of engagement between the internal surface  20  and the cable  40  to at least partially collapse, bunch together and/or crumple the cable  40  within the passage  18  of the sleeve  16  during the retraction of the sleeve  16 . As the cable  40  at least partially collapses, bunches together and/or crumples within the passage  18 , the internal surface  20  engages the cable  12  at an increased number of locations along the length of the sleeve  16  so that the sleeve  16  grips and/or conforms to the cable  40  at these locations, further promoting the collapse of the cable  12 . 
   Moreover, these engagements may serve to assist in the prevention of unwanted tangling of the cable  12  within the passage  18  by causing the cable  40  to collapse in uniform manner. For example, the cable  40  may collapse so that the cable  40  forms a spiral or a reversing loop. For another example, the cable  40  may collapse in an “accordion-type” manner. It is understood that, in some cases, the cable  40  may collapse in a uniform manner, a non-uniform manner or a combination thereof. It is further understood that several factors may affect the uniformity of the collapse including but not limited to the dimensions and/or stiffness of the cable  40 . Moreover, it is understood that the collapse of the cable  40  in a uniform manner may maximize the degree of collapse of the cable  40  and/or the cable  40 &#39;s ability to easily travel out from the passage  18 , via the end portion  16   a  and/or  16   b.    
   It is understood that the sleeve  16  is able to retract due to its elasticity and its being stretched within its elastic regime, in which case the deformation that the sleeve  16  experiences during stretching is not permanent. It is further understood that the sleeve  16  may be permitted to retract in a variety of ways such as, for example, by grasping the knots  42  and  44  and guiding the sleeve  16  back to its relaxed configuration, or by letting go of the knots  42  and  44  and allowing the sleeve  16  to snap back to its relaxed configuration from its stretched configuration. 
   As a result of its retraction, the sleeve  16  now stores and retains a large amount, or a majority, of the cable  40  within the passage  18 , and the cable  40  may easily be pulled out of the sleeve  16 , via the end portion  16   a  and/or  16   b , as required and/or desired. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b , an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral  46 . The embodiment of  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 through 9  and contains several parts of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 through 9  which are given the same reference numerals. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b , a pair of fittings  48  and  50  are adapted to engage the end portions  16   a  and  16   b , respectively, of the sleeve  16 . The fittings  48  and  50  include increased-diameter portions  48   a  and  50   a , respectively, and longitudinally-extending slots  48   b  and  50   b , respectively. 
   Fittings  52  and  54  are adapted to engage the fittings  48  and  50 , respectively, and include end caps  52   a  and  54   a  that define cavities  52   b  and  54   b , respectively (end cap  54   a  not shown). Radially-extending slots  52   c  and  54   c  are formed in the end caps  52   a  and  54   a , respectively. Longitudinally-extending slots  52   d  and  54   d  are formed in the fittings  52  and  54 , respectively, and intersect the slots  52   c  and  54   c , respectively. 
   To assemble the apparatus  46 , the fitting  48  is inserted into the passage  18  at the end portion  16   a  of the sleeve  16  so that the sleeve  16  fits over the increased-diameter portion  48   a , circumferentially extending about and secured to the fitting  48 , as shown in  FIG. 11   b . It is understood that a conventional connecting means may be used to further secure the fitting  48  to the sleeve  16  such as, for example, adhesive disposed between the fitting  48  and the internal surface  20  of the sleeve  16 . The fitting  50  is inserted into the passage  18  at the end portion  16   b  of the sleeve  16  in a manner substantially identical to the foregoing. 
   The cavity  52   b  of the fitting  52  receives the fitting  48  and the end portion  16   a  of the sleeve  16  so that the fitting  52  surrounds the fitting  48  as shown in  FIG. 11   b . It is understood that the fitting  52  may apply a clamping-type force to the end portion  16   a , and that adhesive or the equivalent may be disposed between the end portion  16   a  of the sleeve  16  and the walls of the fitting  52  defined by the cavity  52   b . The fitting  54  engages the fitting  50  in a manner substantially identical to the foregoing. 
   It is understood that a line such as a cable (not shown) may be extended through the passage  18 , the fittings  48  and  50 , and the slots  52   c  and  54   c  of the fittings  52  and  54 , respectively. It is further understood that the cable may be extended through the passage  18  before inserting the fittings  48  and  50  into the passage  18 , in which case portions of the cable may be passed through the slots  48   b  and  50   b , in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the cable. Moreover, it is understood that the cable may be extended through the passage  18  and the fittings  48  and  50  before the fittings  52  and  54  receive the fittings  48  and  50 , respectively, in which case portions of the cable may be passed through the slots  52   d  and  54   d , in a direction that is perpendicular the longitudinal extension of the cable, so that, as a result, the cable longitudinally extends through the slots  52   c  and  54   c . Passage of the cable through the slots  52   d  and  54   d , prior to the receipt of the fittings  48  and  50  by the fittings  52  and  54 , respectively, may prevent any unwanted interference between the end caps  52   a  and/or  52   b  and any plug element, receptacle, device, or the like that is connected to the cable. 
   The operation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  is substantially similar to the operation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 10   a  through  10   d  and therefore will not be described in detail except that, unlike the knots  42  and  44 , the fittings  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  do not readily serve to promote the engagement between any cable that extends through the passage  18  and the internal surface  20  of the sleeve  16  in the vicinity of the end portions  16   a  and  16   b.    
   Variations 
   It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the sleeve  16  may be composed of any type of material suitable for elastic deformation such as, for example, any type of elastic material such as, for example, any type of rubber or elastomer. Also, the sleeve  16  may be in the form of any type of sleeve, jacket, sheath, tubing or the like. 
   Moreover, instead of the cable  12  or  40 , the line may be in a wide variety of forms including but not limited to any type of cable including ribbon cable or twisted-pair cable, cable assembly, wire, wire assembly, cable harness assembly, cord, string, rope, twine, thread, braided bands and other types of bands, tape, tubing, tether, fabric, mesh, sheet, chain, or any combination thereof. The line may serve a wide variety of functions including but not limited to mechanical, electrical or electro-mechanical functions. Mechanical functionality includes but is not limited to the line serving as a pull-string or a tie-down component, or the line serving as a heat-sinking component. Electrical functionality includes but is not limited to signal and/or current-carrying functions, radio-frequency applications and digital electronics applications. 
   Also, it is understood that the mechanical, dimensional and physical properties of the line may be designed and/or selected in view of the mechanical, dimensional and physical properties of the sleeve  16 , or vice versa, to promote optimum operation with respect to, for example, the collapsing of the line within the sleeve  16 . In particular, the line may be specially designed to include a soft plastic component such as, for example, an outer jacket, that will not retain a stiff “memory,” thereby enabling the line to easily collapse in a manner similar to that described above. It is further understood that the line may be “seasoned” or mechanically processed to further promote its collapse within the sleeve  16 . For example, the line may be wound into a spiral in such a manner, prior to the operation of the sleeve  16  with respect to the line, so that the line exhibits a propensity to collapse in the form of a spiral within the sleeve  16 . 
   Further, in addition to the power adapter  14  and the cell phone  30 , the apparatus  10 ,  34  or  46  may be used in conjunction with one or more lines connected to and/or extending from all types of radio, electronic, electrical, mechanical, electromechanical or other types of devices in home, business, office or industrial settings including but not limited to routers, personal computers, industrial computers, window shades, window blinds, printers and other computer peripherals, personal digital assistants, communications devices, communication network equipment, audio equipment and video equipment. Also, the apparatus  10 ,  34  or  46  may be used with a line that is normally free and not connected to any type of device, or that is removably connected or connectable to any type of device. 
   Still further, the line does not have to be a single, individual line but instead may be composed of multiple lines extending through the sleeve  16 . The multiple lines may themselves be surrounded by tubing such as heat-shrink tubing or, in the alternative, may be in the form of several, individually free lines. 
   Moreover, additional clips and/or other conventional types of hardware may be added to the apparatus  10 ,  34  or  46  to further secure the sleeve  16  to the cable  12  or  40 , the power adapter  14 , the cell phone  30  or any other device. Moreover, the cross-section of the sleeve  16  does not have to be circular and may instead be in the form of other shapes, such as rectangular shapes. Also, it is understood that the dimensions of the sleeve  16  may be varied including but not limited to the length and the cross-sectional area of the passage  18 . 
   Further, it is understood that the fitting  24  and the clip  22  may be removed from the apparatus  10 , that the splices  36   a ,  36   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  and the knots  42  and  44  may be removed from the apparatus  34 , and that the fittings  48 ,  50 ,  52  and  54  may be removed from the apparatus  46 . 
   Still further, it is understood that the apparatus  10 ,  34  or  46  may be provided as a kit including one or more components. If the apparatus  10 ,  34  or  46  is provided as a kit, some degree of assembly may be required prior to the operation of the apparatus  10 ,  34  or  46 . 
   It is understood that one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations. 
   Any foregoing spatial references, such as “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “between,” “vertical,” “angular,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above. 
   Although an exemplary embodiment of this invention has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiment without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.