Patent ID: 7515706

Claim:
A retractable headset system for a portable communication device, comprising: an electronic device; a headset; a cord extending between the electronic device and the headset, wherein the cord transmits an audio signal and further comprising a power switch to turn on the device when the cord is extended; retracting means for retracting the cord into a coil during periods of non-use; additionally comprising retraction detection means for determining a condition of retraction of the cord with respect to the retraction means; wherein the retraction detection means outputs a signal indicating the condition of retraction of the cord with respect to the retraction means and wherein the signal output by the retraction detection means is sent to a switch of the electronic device, the signal from the retraction detection means causing the switch to assume a power-off condition when the retraction detection means detects that the cord is in a substantially retracted condition, the signal from the retraction detection means causing the switch to assume a power-on condition when the means detects that the cord is not in the substantially retracted condition.