Patent ID: 8657224

Claim:
A cord retractor ( 195 ), comprising: (a) a first frame ( 110 ) having first and second frame ends ( 112 , 114 ), wherein the first and second laterally spaced tracks ( 150 , 155 ) extend between and are fixed to the frame ends; (b) a second frame ( 115 ) having first and second end portions ( 117 , 119 ), wherein the first end portion is coupled to the second frame end in such a manner that the second frame is configured to pivot relative to the first frame; (c) a first pair of pulleys ( 131 ) rotatable on a first axis (A 1 ) and being disposed in the first and second laterally spaced tracks for sliding motion between the first and second frame ends; (d) a slideable block ( 50 ) having a bracket ( 52 ) coupled in-between the first pair of pulleys and at least one spring spool ( 145 ), wherein the at least one spring spool is mounted at the first frame end and the slideable block is disposed in the first and second tracks; (e) a second pair of pulleys ( 132 ) having a gear ( 178 ), wherein one of the second pair of pulleys is rotatable on a second axis (A 2 ), and wherein the second pair of pulleys is journalled at the second frame end of the first frame; (f) a cord ( 120 ) having an intermediate storage section ( 122 ), wherein one end of the storage section ( 122 ) is fixed to one of the first and second frame ends and the other end of the storage section comprising a free end ( 126 ) extending from the first frame through the second frame and beyond the second end portion, the cord storage section being at least partially wound over the first and second pair of pulleys; and (g) a damper ( 175 ) coupled to one of the second pair of pulleys, which engages one of the second pair of pulleys to rotate about the second axis to damp the rotary motion of one of the second pair of pulleys in such a manner that the intermediate storage section is in tension during retraction and withdrawal.