Mobile device case with retractor reel assembly for user-provided headphones

摘要

A mobile device case includes a reel assembly, including a reel, a supporting plate, and a hub between the reel and the supporting plate. The hub includes a first cavity between the hub and the supporting plate for housing a spring, and a second cavity between the hub and the reel for housing a flat flexible cable (FFC). The spring is wound in a first direction, while the FFC is wound in a second direction. The FFC includes a first end for electrically coupling to a female jack connector of a device. A female connector is electrically coupled to a second end of the FFC for engaging a male jack connector of user-provided headphones. When the reel rotates in the first direction, the spring tightens and the FFC loosens. When the reel rotates in the second direction, the spring loosens and the FFC tightens.

主权项

1. A mobile device case, comprising:
a first assembly, comprising:
a reel with a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the reel for storing a cord of user-provided headphones on a surface of the first side;a cable residing at the second side of the reel for providing electrical coupling, the cable comprising a first end and a second end; anda female connector of the cable residing on the surface of the first side of the reel and electrically coupled to the second end of the cable, the female connector of the cable for engaging a male jack connector of the user-provided headphones physically fixably coupled to the cord of the user-provided headphones at the first side of the reel, wherein when the male jack connector of the user-provided headphones is engaged with the female connector of the cable, the user-provided headphones are physically removably coupled to the reel; and a second assembly, comprising:
a male jack connector of the second assembly electrically coupled to the first end of the cable; anda sliding switch coupled to the male jack connector of the second assembly, wherein when the sliding switch is moved in a given direction, the male jack connector of the second assembly is moved to connect to a female jack connector of a device.