Cable storage device

• US 6,966,791 B1
• Filed: 06/27/2002
• Issued: 11/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Phillip G. Farr
• Original Assignee: Phillip G. Farr
• Inventors: Farr, Phillip G.
• Primary Examiner(s): FIDEI, DAVID
• Application Number:
  US10/184,275
• Time in Patent Office: 1,244 Days
• Field of Search: 206/303, 206/320, 206/408, 206/409, 206/576, 206/701, 206/719, 206/720, 206/721, 361/212, 361/683, 174/35.C, 439/367
• US Class Current: 439/367
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 2701/3919 USB, earphones, audio or video cables, e.g. for connecting small electronic devices such as MP3 players or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 75/406 hand-held during use B65H75/48, B65H75/4473 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/72 Means for accommodating flexible lead within the holder
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 11/02 using take-up reel or drum

Abstract

A device for storing computer cables, including a body portion, a lid portion, an optional electrically conductive shield, and a closure for fastening the body and lid portions in a closed position. The body portion includes at least one circumferential channel for storing a cable; the ends of the cable may extend outwards through openings in the device. The device may also include compartments and pockets for storing small accessory items.

Claims

1. A cable storage system, comprising:

a cable storage device comprising

a body defining a cable storage area;

a lid configured to substantially block or provide access to the cable storage area, as desired;

a plurality of concentric channels defined by the body in the cable storage area or by an insert carried in the cable storage area, each of the channels configured to receive at least one cable;

a plurality of openings defined by the body and through which cables may extend out of the body; and

a cable entering into the cable storage device through one of the plurality of openings defined by the body, the cable extending through at least one of the plurality of concentric channels defined by the body and exiting the cable storage device through the entry opening or through another of the plurality of openings defined by the body.

2. A cable storage system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the channels carries a spool on which a cable may be wound.

3. A cable storage system according to claim 1, further comprising a tab to help retain cables in the channels.

4. A cable storage system according to claim 1, wherein the body or the insert defines at least one compartment configured to receive at least one cable.

5. A cable storage system according to claim 1, wherein the lid is integrally formed with the body.

6. A cable storage system according to claim 1, wherein the lid is hinged on the body.

7. A method for storing cables, comprising:

providing a cable storage device, the cable storage device comprising a body defining a cable storage area a lid configured to substantially block or provide access to the cable storage area, as desired, a plurality of concentric channels defined by the body in the cable storage area or by an insert carried in the cable storage area, each of the channels configured to receive at least one cable, and a plurality of openings defined by the body and through which cables may extend out of the body;

opening the lid of the cable storage device to provide access to the cable storage area;

inserting a cable into the cable storage device through one of the plurality of openings in the body of the cable storage device;

first extending the cable through at least one of the plurality of concentric channels defined by the body of the cable storage device;

then extending the cable out of the cable storage device through the entry opening or through another of the plurality of openings defined by the body of the cable storage device; and

closing the lid of the cable storage device to block access to the cable storage area.

8. A method for storing cables according to claim 7, wherein:

a tab to help retain the cable in the at least one channel is provided in said providing step;

before said first extending step, said method further comprises positioning the tab to provide access to the channels; and

after said first extending step, said method further comprises positioning the tab to help retain the cable in the at least one channel.