MOTORIZED CABLE RETRACTOR

Abstract

A cable retractor includes a housing. A motorized drive section within the housing urges at least a segment of cable past the drive section. A chamber within the housing holds at least another segment of the cable that is stored freely without a specific arrangement of the cable. The motorized drive section urges the cable in a first direction to draw the at least another segment from the chamber, then past the motorized drive section, and then through an external opening in the housing to outside. The motorized drive urges the cable in a second, opposing direction to draw the another segment through the external opening in the housing from outside, then past the motorized drive section, and then into the chamber, the another segment being urged freely into the chamber without a specific arrangement of the cable in the chamber.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present embodiments relate to the storing, withdrawing, and retracting of a cable and, more particularly, to a motorized cable retractor that provides controlled withdrawal and retraction of a cable.

Background Art

In many applications, it is desirable to provide video, audio, power, and/or data connections to an electrical or electronic device using cables which may be dispensed when needed and then retracted when no longer needed. For example, many business and academic environments include conference rooms in which meetings are held where the participants bring laptop or notebook computers, video projectors or other devices that require various data connections. It is desirable that the conference room or similar facility be configured to deliver these services by providing cables which are connectable to such devices. It further desired that the cables can be stowed away out of sight when no longer needed.

Various apparatuses are known which can provide such cable connections. As an example, tabletop enclosures may be provided that are recessed in an opening in the conference table or other work surface and which have a housing that extends below surface of the tabletop. The connector end of the cable is accessible from within the enclosure and the rest of the cable may be stored in a device, such as a cable retractor, that permits the cable to be pulled out from the enclosure when needed and then retracted after use.

Known cable retractors typically require the cable to be withdrawn manually from the retractor. Such retractors may permit the entire length of the cable to be pulled out but often not do not allow for only a portion of the length to be withdrawn. A locking mechanism is provided that locks the cable in place when the cable is fully extended and which is unlocked subsequently after use. Alternatively, a locking mechanism may be provided by which the cable may be held in place after being partially or fully withdrawn manually. The locking mechanism must later be manually unlocked to retract the cable.

As a further alternative, other known cable retractors use an electrically controlled device that permits any length of cable to be manually withdrawn from the cable retractor and then holds that length in place. To retract the cable, a manual switch or a timer causes the electrically controlled device to release the cable, and then a spring-driven mechanism draws back the cable. With a spring-driven cable retractors, however, the cable may be held under tension from the spring. The copper cable that typically is the conductor is known to be prone to fatigue from the tension that the cable is held under and from the many cycles of the cable repeatedly being withdrawn and retracted. Thus, by storing the cable under tension, the life of the cable may be shortened.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved cable retractor in which the cable is not held under tension while being stored.

As a still further alternative, other known cable retractors use a gravity-driven mechanism. A length of cable may be manually pulled out from the retractor and the laid flat on a surface. The friction from the bending of the cable, as well as the reduction in weight of the portion of the cable remaining in the retractor, cause the withdrawn portion of the cable to remain in place. Upon lifting the end of the cable to a near vertical orientation, the friction that held the cable in place is removed, and the cable begins to be returned to within the retractor using its own weight. For example, the fliptop may allow the cable to be pulled out for use, and then retracted when done by lifting the cable vertically above the fliptop.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved cable retractor that avoids the need to manually withdraw the cable from the retractor and/or manually return the cable into the retractor. It is further desirable to provide an improved cable retractor that uses a motorized mechanism to permit any length of the cable to be withdrawn from the cable retractor, holds the length of cable in place during use, and then retracts the cable back into the retractor.

Recently, with the introduction of USB-C and other standards, the cables used in a retractor may carry both power and data. The higher currents provided when power is being delivered can result in resistance losses over the length of the cable. Similarly, use of the cable in higher frequency applications can also result in losses along the length of the cable. Some known cable retractors, however, require a length of cable much longer than the maximum length to be retracted in order for the retractor to operate.

Also, various data standards also have limitations on the length of the cable to avoid high-frequency losses. As an example, the recent introduction of USB 3.2 compliant, USB-C cable is such a cable. Several existing cable retractors have constructions that require duplication of the cable length and are unsuitable for use with such data standards.

It is therefore also desirable to provide an improved cable retractor in which the total length of the cable is shortened to reduce the losses along the length of the cable without reducing the length available to be drawn by a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that both the general and detailed descriptions that follow are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with an aspect, a cable retractor comprises (a) a housing; (b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section; and (c) a chamber disposed within the housing and configured to hold at least another segment of the cable, the at least another segment of the cable being stored freely therein without a specific arrangement of the cable; (d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a first direction to draw the at least another segment of the cable from the chamber, then past the motorized drive section, and then through an external opening in the housing to outside of the housing, and (2) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a second, opposing direction to draw the at least another segment of the cable through the external opening in the housing from outside of the housing, then past the motorized drive section, and then into the chamber, the at least another segment of the cable being urged freely into the chamber without a specific arrangement of the cable in the chamber.

According to another aspect, a cable retractor comprises (a) a housing; (b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section; and (c) a circular chamber disposed within the housing and configured to hold at least another segment of the cable, including (1) a circular-shaped spindle located at a center of the circular chamber, the at least another segment of the cable looping around the circular-shaped spindle; (d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a first direction to draw the at least another segment of the cable from the circular chamber, then past the motorized drive section, and then through an external opening in the housing to outside of the housing, and (2) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a second, opposing direction to draw the at least another segment of the cable through the external opening in the housing from outside of the housing, then past the motorized drive section, and then into the circular chamber, the at least another segment of the cable being urged into the circular chamber, then around the circular-shaped spindle, and then looping around itself in a circular manner..

According to yet another aspect, a cable retractor comprises (a) a housing; (b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section; and (c) a chamber disposed within the housing and including (1) a first pulley rotatable a first axis having a fixed location adjacent to an end of the chamber, and (2) a second pulley rotatable about a second axis, (3) a third pulley rotatable about a third axis, (4) at least one of the second pulley and the third pulley being translatable along a length of the chamber, (5) the cable slidably entering the chamber at a first opening, then being partially wound around the second pulley, then being partially wound around the first pulley, then being partially wound around the third pulley, and thereafter exiting the chamber at a second opening; (d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a first direction to extract at least a length of the cable from the chamber, the at least one translatable pulley translating toward the first pulley such that a decrease in distance between the first axis and the axis of the at least one translatable pulley is proportional to the extracted length of the cable, and (2) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a second, opposing direction to retract into the chamber the at least length of the cable through the first opening in the housing, the at least one translatable pulley translating away from the first pulley such that an increase in distance between the first axis and the axis of the at least one translatable pulley is proportional to the retracted length of the cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures further illustrate the present embodiments.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side view of a motorized cable retractor and module insert in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the motorized cable retractor of FIG. 1 showing the motorized cable retractor in greater detail.

FIG. 3 is another side view of a motorized cable retractor and module insert of FIG. 1 showing the module insert in greater detail.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 1; FIGS. 4B and 4C respectively are perspective views of the connector resting in, and partially withdrawn from, the module insert of FIG. 1; FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a sensor and switching circuit board in accordance with an embodiment; and FIGS. 4E, 4F and 4G show exploded, top perspective, and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a module insert of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are side and perspective views, respectively, of an example of a flip top unit mounted in an opening in a surface with the motorized cable retractor of FIG. 1 mounted on the flip top unit; and FIGS. 5C and 5D are top and side perspective views, respectively, of the flip top unit of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIGS. 6A-6E are side views of a motorized cable retractor in accordance with another embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7E are side views of a motorized cable retractor in accordance with yet another embodiment.

FIGS. 8A-8C are side views of a motorized cable retractor and flip top unit in accordance with still another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments provide a cable retractor that uses one or more electrically controlled motors to withdraw a length of cable from the cable retractor. The present embodiments further provide a cable retractor that uses one or more electrically controlled motors to retract a withdrawn length cable back into the cable retractor.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

List of Reference Numbers for the Major Elements in the Drawing

The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings in numerical order.

100 Motorized Cable Retractor
102 Drive Section
104 Cable Storage Section
106 Module Insert
108 Retractor Housing
110 Cable
112 Cover
114 Hook
202 Power Supply
204 Motor
206 Bevel Gear
208 Drive Belt
210 Drive Roller
212 Idler Roller
214 Torsion Spring
220 Cable Guide
230 Opening
232 Storage Chamber
234 Opening
300 Connector
302 Connector Housing
304 Terminal
304 Inner Wall
310 Magnet
402 Sensor
404 Switch
406 Power Cord
408 Power Connector
410 Sensor And Switching Circuit Board
414 Switch Cover
420 Module Wall
422 Side Cover
424 Switch Cover Opening
426 Bottom Opening
428 Guide
500 Flip Top Box
502 Wall
504 Bezel
506 Door
520 Surface
522 Top Opening
524 Side Slot
526 Bottom Surface
528 Guide
600 Motorized Cable Retractor
602 Drive Section
604 Idler Roller
606 Drive Roller
608 Opening
610 Retractor Housing
612 Translating Pulley
614 Fixed Pulley
616 Translating Pulley
620 Guide Rod/Lead Screw
622 Pulley Carriage
624 Opening
626 Cable Clamp
700 Motorized Cable Retractor
702 Drive Section
704 Idler Roller
706 Drive Roller
708 Opening
710 Retractor Housing
712 Translating Pulley
714 Fixed Pulley
716 Translating Pulley
720 Guide Rod
722 Pulley Carriage
724 Opening
800 Motorized Cable Retractor
802 Drive Section
804 Idler Roller
806 Drive Roller
810 Retractor Housing
812 Cover
814 Chamber
820 Center Spindle
822 Guide Post
824 Guide Post
830 Periphery Post

Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

The embodiment described herein in the context of a motorized cable retractor, but is not limited thereto, except as may be set forth expressly in the appended claims.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a motorized cable retractor 100 is depicted in which a cable 110 is collected freely within a chamber in accordance with an embodiment.

The motorized cable retractor 100 includes a retractor housing 108 having a drive section 102 and a cable storage section 104. A cable 110 is partially disposed within the housing 108 but also extends outside of the housing 108 at each end thereof. A cover 112 covers over the retractor housing 108.

The cable 110 may be configured to conform to one or more connector and wiring standards, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB, USB-A, USB-B, Mini-USB, Micro-USB, and USB-C), Ethernet, power over Ethernet (PoE), 15-pin Video Graphics Array (VGA) (plus audio combined), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Visual Interface (DVI), Category-5 (Cat-5), Category-5 Enhanced (Cat-5E), Category-6 (Cat-6), Augmented Category 6 (Cat-6a), optical fiber, audio, DisplayPort, or any other type of cable.

A module insert 106 may be disposed at one end of the cable 110 for insertion into a fliptop unit.

FIG. 2 shows the motorized cable retractor 100 of FIG. 1 with the cover 112 removed to show the inner workings of the retractor.

Inside the drive section 102, a power supply 202 powers a motor 204 which drives a pair of meshed bevel gears 206. The turning of the bevel gears both rotates a drive roller (not shown) and drives a drive belt 208 to turn another drive roller 210. A pair of torsion springs 214 cause a pair of idler rollers 212 to press against the drive rollers 210 and rotate when the drive rollers 210 rotate. The spring tensioned idler rollers 212 also hold the cable against the drive rollers 210 such that the rotation of each drive roller 210 against its adjacent spring tensioned idler roller 212 causes the cable 110 to move in one direction or another.

To withdraw the cable 110, the pairs of drive rollers 210 turn in a direction which draws the cable 110 out from the chamber 232. The cable is then directed through an opening 230 in the retractor housing 108 and then into and then through the module insert 106, for example.

To retract a withdrawn cable, the pairs of drive rollers 210 rotate in an opposite direction which pulls the cable 110 back into the chamber 232. The cable 110 may also, for example, first pass through the module insert 106 before passing through the opening 230 and then the drive rollers 210. The cable 110 then freely collects inside the chamber 232.

The motorized cable retractor 100 therefore has the advantage of not requiring any pulleys or other elements to organize the cable within the chamber 232. Further, less cable is required because there is no routing of cable over pulleys or other elements.

Additionally, because the cable 110 freely collects within the chamber 232, the cable 110 is not constrained to a particular bend pattern and is allowed to fill the chamber 232 according to the path of least resistance. Therefore, the cable 110 is not subject to the stresses placed on cables as are present in other known retractors. The absence of such stresses prolongs the life of the cable. The pattern of the stored cable 110 may change over time with repeated use of the retractor.

The motorized cable retractor 100 has the further advantage that the same drive mechanism is used to both withdraw and retract the cable 110. Namely, the same components of the drive section 102, such as the drive rollers 210, the idler rollers 212, and the elements that drive the drive rollers 210, are used to both withdraw the cable 110 from and retract the cable 110 into the retractor housing 108 and the storage area 232.

Though a particular arrangement of components of the drive section 102 is shown in FIG. 2, the depicted drive section is merely an example. Other arrangements or other components of a drive section are also possible and within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the drive section may include additional or fewer drive rollers and/or include additional or fewer idler rollers. The motor may be located in any of a number of various positions relative to the drive rollers. The motor may also be connected to the drive rollers using other combinations of belts and/or gears. Also, other types of gears may be used in place of the bevel gears. Other combinations and/or arrangements are also within the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows another view of the motorized cable retractor 100 together with a cutaway view of the module insert 106. An end of the cable 110 passes through a bottom opening (not shown) in the module insert 106 and terminates in a connector housing 302 of a connector 300.

At least one sensor (not shown) may be disposed within the walls 306 of the module insert 106 to detect the presence or absence of the connector 300 within the module insert 106. A connector terminal 304 is provided at the other end of the housing 302. The connector terminal 304 may be configured to conform to one or more of the connector and wiring standards.

FIG. 4A shows illustrates an example of the connector 300 according to an embodiment. The connector 300 includes the connector housing 302 that is attached at one end to an end of the cable 110.

A magnet 310 may be secured to the housing 302 of the connector 300 and used for detecting whether the connector 300 is disposed within the module insert 106 by detecting the presence or absence of the magnet 310. FIG. 4B shows the connector 300 fully disposed within the module insert 106, and FIG. 4C shows the connector 300 disposed outside of the module insert 106.

As an alternative to, or in addition to, the magnet 310, a particular color or pattern may be present on the connector housing 302 so that an optical sensor may detect whether the connector 300 is disposed within the module insert 106.

FIG. 4D shows a sensor and switching board 410 that may be disposed within the module insert 106. The sensor and switching board 410 includes a sensor 402 that detects whether the connector 300 is disposed within the module insert 106. For example, when the motorized cable retractor 100 retracts the cable 110 into the chamber 232, if the sensor 402 detects the presence of the magnet 310 within the module 106, then the connector 300 is disposed within the module insert 106 and the cable 110 is fully retracted. The drive section 102 of the motorized cable retractor 100 is then deactivated.

FIG. 4E shows an exploded perspective view of the module insert 106 when the sensor and switching board 410 is employed therein. The sensor and switching board 410 may be located inside the module housing 420 and protected by a cover 422. The cover 422 includes one or more guides 428 which allow for correct insertion of the module insert 106 within a flip top unit.

The sensor and switching board 410 further includes one or more switches 404 by which the motorized cable retractor 100 may be controlled by a user. When the sensor and switching board 410 is employed within the module housing 420, the one or more switches 404 may be located beneath an opening 424. Though only a single switch 404 is shown in FIG. 4D, one or more such switches may be provided, either in the opening 424 or at another location in the module insert 106 or in the retractor housing 108.

One or more switch covers 414 are disposed in the opening 424 and protects the one or more switches 404. Though only a single switch cover 414 is shown in FIG. 4E, one or more such switch covers may be provided depending on the number and location of the one or more switches 404. The user may activate or deactivate the motorized cable retractor 100 to extend or retract the cable 110 by depressing or releasing the one or more switch covers 414 to operate the one or more switches 404.

FIGS. 4F and 4G show top and bottom perspective views of the module insert 106 which, for example, may include the switching board 410 and a sensor (not shown). The end portion of the cable 110 passes through an opening 426 in the bottom of the module insert 106 and enters the interior of the module insert 106 where it may connect to the connector 300.

In operation, when the cable 110 is fully retracted, the connector 300 rests fully within the module insert 106. The presence of the connector 300 may be detected by the sensors located within the module insert 106. Upon activation of the motorized cable retractor 100, the cable begins to be urged out from the retractor housing 108, driving the connector 300 out from inside the module insert 106. This absence of the connector 300 is also detected by the sensors located within the module insert 106. The sensors located within the module insert 106 may also be configured to detect other locations on the cable 110 so that the length of withdrawn cable, whether the cable110 is fully extracted, or movement of the cable 110 may also be detected. Additional magnets may be disposed at various locations along the length of the cable 110 for detection by the sensors. Additional sensors may also be located at other locations in the retractor housing 108 and may also detect whether the cable is fully or partially withdrawn.

Alternatively, when the cable is fully or partially extracted, the motorized cable retractor 100 may also be activated to retract the cable to within the retractor housing 108. The sensors located within the module insert 106 may be configured to detect that return of the cable to the retractor housing 108 is in progress, such as by sensing one or more of the additional magnets that may be disposed at various locations along the length of the cable 110.

When the cable is fully retracted, the connector 300 is returned to within the module insert 106, and the presence of the connector 300 is detected by the sensors, which may generate a signal that shuts off operation of the motorized cable retractor 100.

In addition to sensing the cable 110, other sensors may be present in the retractor housing 108 to provide other sensing functions. For example, such sensors may be used to detect movement and direction of rotation of the idler or drive rollers. Other sensors may also be used to detect whether a roller has slipped against the cable or whether the drive motor has stalled.

Examples of possible situations that may occur and what is be detected by the sensors are shown in Table 1. Also shown are the possible responses that may be taken by a processor to such situations.

Reactions to possible circumstances
Situation	Detection	Action
Cable reaches full retraction	“Home” sensor is triggered	Stop motor
Cable reaches fulf extraction	- No more slack, cable tightens -> Motor detects stall	Stop motor
User pulls cable from 0̂-1ft	Encoder detects cable is extracting & motor is not moving> Slip detected	Motor extracts cable X ft and flashes button LEDs
User pulls cable from 1-5 ft	Encoder detects cable is extracting & motor is not moving> Slip detected	Motor extracts cable X ft or to max length, and flashes button LEDs
User pushes cable in	Encoder detects cable is retracting & motor is not moving> Slip detected	Motor retracts cable X″, and flashes buttons LEDs
Cable gets caught during retraction	Motor is moving & encoder detects idler is not moving-> Slip detected /OR/ Motor detects stall	Stop motor
Cable gets blocked during extraction	Motor is moving & encoder detects idler is not moving-> Slip detected /OR/ Motor detects stall	Stop motor

Other examples of various situations, what may be detected, and the possible responses thereto are also within the scope of the disclosure.

When one of the one or more switches 404 on the module insert 106 is depressed, a signal is sent to a processor (not shown) which may be situated on the circuit board 410 that is located in the module insert 106. Alternatively, a signal is sent to a processor (not shown) which may be situated in another location in the retractor housing 108, such as in the drive section 102. Depending on what the sensors are detecting, and the specific input received from the one or more switches 404, the processor will choose an action accordingly, such as whether to start or stop the motor, the direction to turn the motor, whether to activate or de-activate an LED, or the like.

There are many ways to utilize the one or more switches, and various levels of control may be offered. An example of controlling the retractor 100 using two switches, namely an IN button and and OUT button, is shown in Table 2.

2 Button Operation
Situation	Detection	Action
OUT button pressed while at home	“Home” flag is active	Cable extracts
OUT button press while fully extracted	Motor stall previously detected	Motor remians off, and flashes button LEDs
OUT button press while cable is extracting	Motor is extracting	Stop motor
IN button press while at home	“Home” flag is active	Motor remains off, and flashes button LEDs
IN button press while extracted	“Home” flag is not active	Motor retracts cable to home
IN button press while retracting	Motor is retracting	Stop motor

Other examples of controlling the retractor 100 using two switches are also within the scope of the disclosure.

An example of controlling the retractor 100 using a single switch to define a state machine is shown in Table 3.

1 Button Operation
Situation                       Action
Button Press                    Moves to next sequence in state machine
Button Press when at home       State machine: Cable starts extracing
Button Press when at max length State machine: Cable starts retracting
State Machine
Stop -> Extract -> Stop -> Retract -> Beginning
If stall is detected increment state

Other examples of controlling the retractor 100 using a single switch are also within the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a side view of the motorized cable retractor 100 of FIG. 1 when attached to a flip top unit 500 that has itself been inserted into an opening in a table or other surface 520. Prior to attaching the motorized cable retractor 100 to the flip top unit 500, the housing 502 is inserted into the opening so that only a bezel 502 and a door 506 are visible from above the surface 520.

The cable 110 is run from the retractor housing 108 of the motorized cable retractor 100 through an opening in the flip top housing 502 and then into the bottom of the module insert 106 which was previously inserted into the flip top housing 502. The end of the cable 110, or the connector 300, may be visible above the top of the flip top unit 500 when the cable 110 is partially or fully extracted from motorized cable retractor 100.

FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of the motorized cable retractor 100 of FIG. 1 attached to the flip top unit 500 that was installed in the opening of the table or other surface 520.

FIGS. 5C and 5D are perspective views of the flip top unit 500 showing an opening 522 into which one or more of the module inserts 106, or other types of module inserts, may be inserted. Guides 528, which correspond in shape to the guides 428 in the module insert housing 420, are provided to allow for correct insertion of each module insert.

Side openings 524 are provided in the sidewall of the box portion of the flip top unit 500 for receiving hooks 114 of the housing 108 and correspond in location to the hooks 114. Further, each side opening has a wider upper part and a narrower lower part. When the housing 108 is mounted onto the sidewall of the box portion of the flip top unit 500, the hooks 114 are first inserted into the wider upper part of the openings 524. Then, the housing 108 is slid along the sidewall until the hooks 114 engage the narrower lower part of the openings 524 and press against the inside of the sidewall.

When the housing 108 of the motorized cable retractor 100 is mounted to the sidewall of the flip top unit 500 and locked in place, the opening 230 at the top of the housing 108, from which the cable 110 extends, is located beneath the bottom surface 526 of the flip top unit 500. When the module insert 106 is then inserted into the opening 522 of the flip top unit 500, and a portion of the cable 110 may be routed up through the bottom opening 426 of the module insert 106 to be accessible from above.

To dismount the housing 108 from the flip top unit 500, a snap connector (not shown) may be is pressed away from the sidewall of the flip top unit 500 in a manner that unlocks the snap connector. Then, the housing is slid along the openings 514 until the hooks 114 are clear of the narrow part of the openings. The housing 108 may then be moved away from the sidewall of the flip top unit 500.

FIGS. 6A-6E show another motorized cable retractor 600 that uses an arrangement of pulleys according to another embodiment. The motorized cable retractor 600 is configured to withdraw the cable 110 stored within the retractor housing 610 which then passes through the external opening 608 to the outside, such as to the module insert 106 or other insert of the flip top unit 500 described above. The motorized cable retractor 600 is further configured to retract the cable 110 from outside the retractor housing 610, such as through, for example, the module insert 106 or the fliptop unit 500, and then through the external opening 608 into the retractor housing 610.

A drive section 602, which may be an arrangement similar to that described in connection with FIG. 2 or another arrangement, turns a drive roller 606 which opposes a spring tensioned idler roller 604. The cable 110 passes between the drive roller 606 and the idler roller 604 such that driving the drive roller 606 to rotate in a first direction draws the cable 110 out of the retractor housing 610, and driving the drive roller 606 to rotate in an opposite, second direction retracts the cable 110 back into the retractor housing 610.

A fixed pulley 614 is disposed adjacent to an upper end of the retractor housing 610. A pair of translating pulleys 612, 616 are located at opposing ends of a pulley carriage 622 and are translatable along at least part of the length of the retractor housing 610.

One or more threaded lead screws 620 may be provided and may be driven by the drive section 602 or by another motor (not shown). Each threaded lead screw 620 is caused to turn within a threaded opening in the pulley carriage 622 to drive the pulley carriage 622 up and down. Using the one or more threaded lead screws 620 to drive the pulley carriage 622 provides an added advantage that the threaded lead screws 620 support the weight of the pulley carriage 622 and the pulleys 612, 616 so that their weight does not rest upon the cable 110. Thus, stress on the cable 110 is further reduced.

Alternatively, the pulley carriage 622 is moveable along a pair of guide rods 620 that allow the pulley carriage 622 and the pulleys 612, 616 to move up and down as the cable 110 is withdrawn or retracted by the drive section 602.

After passing between the rollers 604 and 606, the cable 110 winds around the translating pulley 612, then around the fixed pulley 614 and thereafter around the translating pulley 616. A fixed end of the cable 120 then exits the retractor housing 610 through an opening 624 and is held in place by a clamp 626.

FIG. 6A shows the motorized cable retractor 600 with the pulleys 612, 616 at their greatest distance from the fixed pulley 614 so that a maximum length of the cable 110 is stored within the retractor housing 610 as the cable 110 traversed from the translating pulley 612 to the fixed pulley 614 and from the fixed pulley 614 to the translating pulley 616.

When the cable 110 is drawn by the rollers 604, 606 out of the retractor housing 610, the length of the cable 110 that is within the retractor housing 610 is reduced. Concurrent with the operation of the rollers 604, 606, the one or more threaded lead screws 620 are turned to drive the pulley carriage 622 toward the fixed pulley 614. Generally, the distance that the pulley carriage 622 is moved toward the fixed pulley 614 is proportional to the length of the cable 110 drawn by the rollers 604, 606 so that no slack is present in the cable.

Alternatively, when the guide rods are provided in place of the threaded lead screws, the portion of the cable 110 drawn out of the retractor housing 610 by the rollers 604, 606 pulls on the translating pulleys 612, 616. This pulling cause the pulley carriage 622 to move along the guide rods 620 toward the fixed pulley 614 and thereby draws the pulley carriage 622 and the pulleys 612, 616 toward the fixed pulley 114.

FIG. 6B shows an example of the position of the pulley carriage 622 and the translating pulleys 612, 616 after the cable is partially withdrawn.

The rollers 604, 606 continue to draw the cable 110 out from the retractor housing 610 until a minimum length of the cable 110 remains within the retractor housing 610. The pulley carriage 622 and the translating pulleys 612, 616 are then at their closest distance to the fixed pulley 614. FIG. 6C shows an example of the position of the pulley carriage pulley carriage 622 and the translating pulleys 612, 616 at that time.

To draw the cable 110 back into the retractor housing 610, the direction of rotation of the drive roller 608 is reversed and causes the pair of rollers 604, 606 to retract the cable back 110 into the retractor housing 610. The threaded lead screw 620 is turned in an opposite direction so that the pulley carriage 622, and the translating pulleys 612, 616, are drawn away from the fixed pulley 614. FIG. 6D shows the position of the pulley carriage 622 and the translating pulleys 612, 616 after the cable 110 is partially retracted.

Alternatively, or in addition to, when the guide rods 620 are provided in place of the one or more threaded lead screws 620, the drawing of the cable 110 back into the retractor housing 610 increases the length of the cable 110 in the retractor housing 610. The increased length of the cable 110 within the retractor housing 610 allows the pulley carriage 622 to slide downward along the guide rods 620 due to gravity. The translating pulleys 612, 616 therefore move downward, away from the fixed pulley 614, and take up more of the cable.

The pair of rollers 604, 606 may continue to draw the cable 110 back into the retractor housing 610 until a maximum length of the cable 110 is within the retractor housing 610. The pulley carriage 622 and the translating pulleys 612, 616 are then at their maximum distance from the fixed pulley 614. FIG. 6E shows the position of the pulley carriage 622 and the translating pulleys 612, 616 after the cable 110 is fully retracted.

In this manner, the arrangement of the pulleys 612, 614, 616 draws the cable back into the retractor in an ordered, predetermined manner that reduces the likelihood of the cable snagging or becoming twisted within the retractor.

FIGS. 7A-7E show an alternative arrangement of a motorized cable retractor 700. Here, in place of the pair of translating pulleys 612, 616 located at opposing ends of a pulley carriage 622 as shown in FIGS. 6A-6E, a first translating pulley 712 is stacked atop a second translating pulley 716 and, preferably, located coaxial with the first translating pulley 712 at the center of a pulley carriage 722. The path of the cable 110, after winding around the first translating pulley 712, traverses out of the plane of the first translating pulley 712 either before winding around the fixed pulley 714 or before winding around the second translating pulley 716.

A drive section 702 may be similar to the drive section 602 of the motorized cable retractor 600. For example, a drive roller 706 and an opposing, spring tensioned idler roller 704 may operate in a manner similar to that of the drive roller 606 and the idler roller 604 shown in FIGS. 6A-6E.

The pulley carriage 722 is moveable up and down in a manner similar to that described in connection with the pulley carriage 622 of FIGS. 6A-6E. That is, one or more threaded lead screws 720 may be provided which may be driven by the drive section 702 or by another motor (not shown). Each threaded lead screw 720 is caused to turn within a threaded opening in the pulley carriage 722 and drives the pulley carriage 722 up or down.

Using the one or more threaded lead screws 720 to drive the pulley carriage 722 provides an added advantage that the threaded lead screw 720 supports the weight of the pulley carriage 722 and the pulleys 712, 717 so that their weight does not rest on the cable 110 and provide stress on the cable 110.

Alternatively, the pulley carriage 722 is moveable along a pair of guide rods 720 that allow the pulleys 712, 716 to move up and down as the cable 110 is withdrawn or retracted by the drive section 702.

FIG. 7A shows the motorized cable retractor 700 with the translating pulleys 712, 716 at their greatest distance from the fixed pulley 714 so that a maximum length of the cable 110 is stored within the retractor housing 710. FIG. 7B shows an example of the pulley carriage 722 and the translating pulleys 712, 716 after the cable is partially extracted from the retractor housing 710. FIG. 7C shows an example of the pulley carriage 722 and the translating pulleys 712, 716 after the cable is fully extracted.

FIG. 7D shows the position of the pulley carriage 722 and the translating pulleys 712, 716 after the cable 110 is partially retracted back into the retractor housing 710. FIG. 7E shows the position of the pulley carriage 722 and the translating pulleys 712, 716 after the cable 110 is fully retracted.

In this manner, the arrangement of the pulleys 712, 714, 716 draws the cable back into the retractor in an ordered, predetermined manner that reduces the likelihood of the cable snagging or becoming twisted within the retractor.

Though particular arrangements of the cable and the pulleys are shown in FIGS. 6A-6E and 7A-7E, other arrangements of the cable and other arrangements of the location and number of pulleys are also possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Further, other cable drivers and other alternatives to the elements shown in FIGS. 6A-6E and 7A-7E are also possible and are also within the scope of the disclosure.

Additionally, the motorized cable retractor 600 shown in FIGS. 6A-6E and motorized cable retractor 700 shown in FIGS. 7A-7E may each operate in conjunction with the module insert 106 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Also, the motorized cable retractors 600 and 700 may each include one or more of the connectors, sensors, circuitry, and switches described in connection with FIGS. 4A-4G and may operate in a manner similar to that described in part or all of Tables 1 to 3. Further, the motorized cable retractors 600 and 700 may each operate in conjunction with the flip top unit shown in FIGS. 5A-5D.

FIGS. 8A-8C show an example of a motorized cable retractor 800 in which the cable 110 is fed into and out of a circular-shaped chamber 814 in accordance with a still further embodiment.

FIG. 8A shows the motorized cable retractor 800 with a cover 812 in place over the chamber 814. A drive section 802, which may be an arrangement similar to that described in connection with FIG. 2 or another arrangement, includes a motor-driven drive roller 806 and an opposing, spring tensioned idler roller 804. The cable 110 passes between the drive roller 806 and the idler roller 804 such that driving the drive roller 806 to rotate in a first direction draws the cable 110 out of the chamber 814, past the idler and drive rollers 804, 806, and then urges the cable 110 outside the housing 810 of the motorized cable retractor 800. The cable 110 may then be urged into, for example, the flip top box 500, and thereafter external to the fliptop box.

Alternatively, rotating the drive roller 806 in a second, opposite direction draws the cable 110 from, for example, outside the flip top box 500 and then through the flip top box 500. The cable 110 is then drawn into the housing 810 of the motorized cable retractor 800, past the idler and drive rollers 804, 806, and then into the chamber 814.

FIGS. 8B and 8C show the motorized cable retractor 800 with the cover 812 removed and showing the chamber 814. The chamber 814 includes a plurality of posts 830 located along a periphery of the chamber 814, and a pair of guide posts 822, 824 located in proximity to the drive section. A circular-shaped spindle 820 is located at the center of the chamber 814 and holds an end section of the cable 110 in place which then passes through an external opening in the chamber 814. Another portion of the cable 110 is stored within the chamber 814 and winds around the center spindle 820 between the center spindle 820 and periphery posts 830. The cable 110 then runs between the two guide posts 822, 824 towards the idler and drive rollers 804, 806.

FIG. 8B shows the feeding of the cable 110 into the chamber 814. When the drive roller 806 is rotated in the second direction, the cable 110 is drawn past the idler and drive rollers 804, 806 and then urged against the guide roller 824 into the chamber 814. The cable 110 is then urged along the periphery posts 830 in a circular manner, looping around itself and around the center spindle 820 in the manner shown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 8C shows the withdrawal of the cable 110 from the chamber 814. When the drive roller 806 is rotated in the first direction, the idler and drive rollers 804, 806 draw the cable 110 from the chamber 814 against the guide roller 822 toward the idler and drive rollers 804, 806.

The motorized cable retractor 800 therefore has the advantage of not requiring any pulleys or other elements to organize the cable within the chamber 232. Further, less cable is required because there is no routing of cable over such pulleys or other elements.

Additionally, because the cable 110 collects freely around the center spindle 820 within the chamber 814, the cable 110 is not constrained. Therefore, the cable 110 is not subject to the stresses placed on cables as are present in other known retractors. The absence of such stresses prolongs the life of the cable.

Though a particular arrangement of the driver section 802 and cable 110 is shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, alternative arrangements are also possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Further, alternative configurations of the chamber 814 and other alternative to the elements shown in FIGS. 8A-8C are also possible and are also within the scope of the disclosure.

Additionally, the motorized cable retractor 800 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C may operate in conjunction with the module insert 106 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Also, the motorized cable retractor 800 may include one or more of the connectors, sensors, circuitry, and switches described in connection with FIGS. 4A-4G and may operate in a manner similar to that described in part or all of Tables 1 to 3. Further, the the motorized cable retractor 800 may operate in conjunction with the flip top unit shown in FIGS. 5A-5D.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

To solve the aforementioned problems, the present embodiments provide examples of motorized cable retractors.

It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed embodiments. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may be practiced without such specific details.

Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments are described as being in particular combinations, each feature or element may be used alone, without the other features and elements of the embodiments, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein.

This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus, the embodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementation that may be derived from the description contained herein by a person skilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items.

In addition, the above disclosed methods are not meant to limit the aspects of the embodiments, or to suggest that the aspects of the embodiments should be implemented following the aforementioned methods. The purpose of the aforementioned methods is to facilitate the understanding of one or more aspects of the embodiments and to provide the reader with one or many possible implementations of the processed discussed herein. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the steps of the aforementioned methods may be performed in a different order and that some steps may be eliminated or substituted.

All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, and publications discussed above are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Alternate Embodiments

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A cable retractor, comprising (a) a housing;(b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section; and(c) a chamber disposed within the housing and configured to hold at least another segment of the cable, the at least another segment of the cable being stored freely therein without a specific arrangement of the cable;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a first direction to draw the at least another segment of the cable from the chamber, then past the motorized drive section, and then through an external opening in the housing to outside of the housing, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a second, opposing direction to draw the at least another segment of the cable through the external opening in the housing from outside of the housing, then past the motorized drive section, and then into the chamber, the at least another segment of the cable being urged freely into the chamber without a specific arrangement of the cable in the chamber.

2. The cable retractor of claim 1, wherein the motorized drive section further com prises (a) a motor driven drive roller; and(b) an idler roller,(c) at least one of the drive roller and the idler roller pressing against another of the drive roller and the idler roller, the at least segment of the cable being disposed between the drive roller and the idler roller;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a first rotational direction to draw the at least portion of the cable from the chamber, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a second, opposite rotational direction to retract the at least portion of the cable into the chamber.

3. The cable retractor of claim 1, further comprising (a) a sensor configured to detect at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of a region of the cable.

4. The cable retractor of claim 3, further comprising (a) a circuit element configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the sensor detecting the at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of the region of the cable.

5. The cable retractor of claim 1, further comprising (a) at least one switch configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the at least one switch being one of being activated or deactivated.

6. The cable retractor of claim 1, further comprising (a) a module external to the housing and configured to be inserted into a fliptop box, the module having an opening through which the cable passes.

7. The cable retractor of claim 6, wherein the module further comprises (a) a sensor disposed within the module and configured to detect at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of a region of the cable; and(b) a circuit element disposed within the module and configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the sensor detecting the at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of the region of the cable.

8. The cable retractor of claim 6, wherein the module further comprises (a) at least one switch disposed within the module and configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the at least one switch being one of being activated or deactivated.

9. A cable retractor, comprising (a) a housing;(b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section, wherein the motorized drive section further comprises (1) a motor driven drive roller, and(2) an idler roller,(3) at least one of the drive roller and the idler roller pressing against another of the drive roller and the idler roller, the at least segment of the cable being disposed between the drive roller and the idler roller; and(c) a chamber disposed within the housing and configured to hold at least another segment of the cable, the at least another segment of the cable being stored freely therein without a specific arrangement of the cable;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a first rotational direction to urge the cable to draw the at least another segment of the cable from the chamber, then past the motorized drive section, and then through an external opening in the housing to outside of the housing, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a second, opposite rotational direction to urge the cable to draw the at least another segment of the cable through the external opening in the housing from outside of the housing, then past the motorized drive section, and then into the chamber, the at least another segment of the cable being urged freely into the chamber without a specific arrangement of the cable in the chamber.

10. A cable retractor, comprising (a) a housing;(b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section, wherein the motorized drive section further comprises (1) a motor driven drive roller, and(2) an idler roller,(3) at least one of the drive roller and the idler roller pressing against another of the drive roller and the idler roller, the at least segment of the cable being disposed between the drive roller and the idler roller;(c) a chamber disposed within the housing and configured to hold at least another segment of the cable, the at least another segment of the cable being stored freely therein without a specific arrangement of the cable;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a first rotational direction to urge the cable to draw the at least another segment of the cable from the chamber, then past the motorized drive section, and then through an external opening in the housing to outside of the housing, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a second, opposite rotational direction to urge the cable to draw the at least another segment of the cable through the external opening in the housing from outside of the housing, then past the motorized drive section, and then into the chamber, the at least another segment of the cable being urged freely into the chamber without a specific arrangement of the cable in the chamber;(e) a sensor configured to detect at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of a region of the cable;(f) a circuit element configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the sensor detecting the at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of the region of the cable; and(g) at least one switch configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the at least one switch being one of being activated or deactivated.

11. A cable retractor, comprising (a) a housing;(b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section; and(c) a circular chamber disposed within the housing and configured to hold at least another segment of the cable, including (1) a circular-shaped spindle located at a center of the circular chamber, the at least another segment of the cable looping around the circular-shaped spindle;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a first direction to draw the at least another segment of the cable from the circular chamber, then past the motorized drive section, and then through an external opening in the housing to outside of the housing, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a second, opposing direction to draw the at least another segment of the cable through the external opening in the housing from outside of the housing, then past the motorized drive section, and then into the circular chamber, the at least another segment of the cable being urged into the circular chamber, then around the circular-shaped spindle, and then looping around itself in a circular manner.

12. The cable retractor of claim 11, wherein (a) a location on the cable is affixed to a location on the center spindle.

13. The cable retractor of claim 11, wherein (a) when the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable into the circular chamber, the at least another segment of the cable is urged against a periphery of the circular chamber.

14. The cable retractor of claim 11, wherein the motorized drive section further com prises (a) a motor driven drive roller; and(b) an idler roller,(c) at least one of the drive roller and the idler roller pressing against another of the drive roller and the idler roller, the at least segment of the cable being disposed between the drive roller and the idler roller;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a first rotational direction to draw the at least portion of the cable from the circular chamber, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a second, opposite rotational direction to retract the at least portion of the cable into the circular chamber.

15. The cable retractor of claim 11, further comprising (a) a sensor configured to detect at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of a region of the cable.

16. The cable retractor of claim 15, further comprising (a) a circuit element configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the sensor detecting the at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of the region of the cable.

17. The cable retractor of claim 11, further comprising (a) at least one switch configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the at least one switch being one of being activated or deactivated.

18. A cable retractor, comprising (a) a housing;(b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section, wherein the motorized drive section further comprises (1) a motor driven drive roller, and(2) an idler roller,(3) at least one of the drive roller and the idler roller pressing against another of the drive roller and the idler roller, the at least segment of the cable being disposed between the drive roller and the idler roller; and(c) a circular chamber disposed within the housing and configured to hold at least another segment of the cable, including (1) a circular-shaped spindle located at a center of the circular chamber, the at least another segment of the cable looping around the circular-shaped spindle;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a first rotational direction to urge the cable to draw the at least another segment of the cable from the chamber, then past the motorized drive section, and then through an external opening in the housing to outside of the housing, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a second, opposite rotational direction to urge the cable to draw the at least another segment of the cable through the external opening in the housing from outside of the housing, then past the motorized drive section, and then into the circular chamber, the at least another segment of the cable being urged into the circular chamber, then around the circular-shaped spindle, and then looping around itself in a circular manner.

19. A cable retractor, comprising (a) a housing;(b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section, wherein the motorized drive section further comprises (1) a motor driven drive roller, and(2) an idler roller,(3) at least one of the drive roller and the idler roller pressing against another of the drive roller and the idler roller, the at least segment of the cable being disposed between the drive roller and the idler roller; and(c) a circular chamber disposed within the housing and configured to hold at least another segment of the cable, including (1) a circular-shaped spindle located at a center of the circular chamber, the at least another segment of the cable looping around the circular-shaped spindle;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a first rotational direction to urge the cable to draw the at least another segment of the cable from the chamber, then past the motorized drive section, and then through an external opening in the housing to outside of the housing, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a second, opposite rotational direction to urge the cable to draw the at least another segment of the cable through the external opening in the housing from outside of the housing, then past the motorized drive section, and then into the circular chamber, the at least another segment of the cable being urged into the circular chamber, then around the circular-shaped spindle, and then looping around itself in a circular manner;(e) a sensor configured to detect at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of a region of the cable;(f) a circuit element configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the sensor detecting the at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of the region of the cable; and(g) at least one switch configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the at least one switch being one of being activated or deactivated.

20. A cable retractor, comprising (a) a housing;(b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section; and(c) a chamber disposed within the housing and including (1) a first pulley rotatable a first axis having a fixed location adjacent to an end of the chamber, and(2) a second pulley rotatable about a second axis,(3) a third pulley rotatable about a third axis,(4) at least one of the second pulley and the third pulley being translatable along a length of the chamber,(5) the cable slidably entering the chamber at a first opening, then being partially wound around the second pulley, then being partially wound around the first pulley, then being partially wound around the third pulley, and thereafter exiting the chamber at a second opening;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a first direction to extract at least a length of the cable from the chamber, the at least one translatable pulley translating toward the first pulley such that a decrease in distance between the first axis and the axis of the at least one translatable pulley is proportional to the extracted length of the cable, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a second, opposing direction to retract into the chamber the at least length of the cable through the first opening in the housing, the at least one translatable pulley translating away from the first pulley such that an increase in distance between the first axis and the axis of the at least one translatable pulley is proportional to the retracted length of the cable.

21. The cable retractor of claim 20, wherein (a) the second pulley and the third pulley are translatable in tandem along a length of the chamber.

22. The cable retractor of claim 20, further comprising (a) a pulley carriage translatable along a length of the chamber,(b) wherein the second pulley and the third pulley are disposed at opposite ends of the pulley carriage and are translatable with the pulley carriage.

23. The cable retractor of claim 22, further comprising (a) at least one threaded lead screw extending along the length of the housing and extending through a threaded opening in the pulley carriage,(b) the at least one threaded lead screw rotating in coordination with the motorized drive section such that (1) when the motorized drive section is operable to extract the at least length of the cable, the at least one threaded lead screw rotates to drive the pulley carriage the distance proportional to the extracted length of the cable toward the first pulley, and(2) when the motorized drive section is operable to retract the at least length of the cable, the at least one threaded lead screw rotates to drive the pulley carriage the distance proportional to the retracted length of the cable away from the first pulley.

24. The cable retractor of claim 22, further comprising (a) at least one guide rod extending along the length of the housing and extending through an opening in the pulley carriage,(b) the pulley carriage being translatable along the guide rod.

25. The cable retractor of claim 20, wherein (a) the second pulley is disposed on a pulley carriage, and(b) the third pulley is disposed atop the second pulley and coaxial with the second pulley.

26. The cable retractor of claim 25, further comprising (a) at least one threaded lead screw extending along the length of the housing and extending through a threaded opening in the pulley carriage,(b) the at least one threaded lead screw rotating in coordination with the motorized drive section such that (1) when the motorized drive section is operable to extract the at least length of the cable, the at least one threaded lead screw rotates to drive the pulley carriage the distance proportional to the extracted length of the cable toward the first pulley, and(2) when the motorized drive section is operable to retract the at least length of the cable, the at least one threaded lead screw rotates to drive the pulley carriage the distance proportional to the retracted length of the cable away from the first pulley.

27. The cable retractor of claim 25, further comprising (a) at least one guide rod extending along the length of the housing and extending through an opening in the pulley carriage,(b) the pulley carriage being translatable along the guide rod.

28. The cable retractor of claim 20, wherein the motorized drive section further com prises (a) a motor driven drive roller; and(b) an idler roller,(c) at least one of the drive roller and the idler roller pressing against another of the drive roller and the idler roller, the at least segment of the cable being disposed between the drive roller and the idler roller;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a first rotational direction to extract the at least length of the cable from the chamber, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to rotate the drive roller in a second, opposite rotational direction to retract the at least length of the cable into the chamber.

29. The cable retractor of claim 20, further comprising (a) a sensor configured to detect at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of a region of the cable.

30. The cable retractor of claim 29, further comprising (a) a circuit element configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the sensor detecting the at least one of a presence of, an absence of, a movement of, or a lack of movement of the region of the cable.

31. The cable retractor of claim 20, further comprising (a) at least one switch configured to at least one of (i) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the first direction, (ii) activate the motorized drive section to urge the cable in the second direction, or (iii) deactivate the motorized drive section, in response to the at least one switch being one of being activated or deactivated.

32. A cable retractor, comprising (a) a housing;(b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section; and(c) a chamber disposed within the housing and including (1) a first pulley rotatable a first axis having a fixed location adjacent to an end of the chamber, and(2) a pulley carriage translatable along a length of the chamber,(3) at least one threaded lead screw extending along the length of the housing and extending through a threaded opening in the pulley carriage, the at least one threaded lead screw being rotatable to drive the pulley carriage along the length of the housing,(4) a second pulley rotatable about a second axis and disposed at one end of the pulley carriage, and(5) a third pulley rotatable about a third axis and disposed at an opposing end of the pulley carriage, the second pulley and the third pulley being translatable with the pulley carriage,(6) wherein the cable slidably enters the chamber at a first opening, then partially winds around the second pulley, then partially winds around the first pulley, then partially winds around the third pulley, and thereafter exits the chamber at a second opening;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a first direction to extract at least a length of the cable from the chamber, the pulley carriage translating toward the first pulley such that a decrease in distance between the first pulley and the pulley carriage is proportional to the extracted length of the cable, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a second, opposing direction to retract into the chamber the at least length of the cable through the first opening in the housing, the pulley carriage translating away from the first pulley such that an increase in distance between the first pulley and the pulley carriage is proportional to the retracted length of the cable.

33. A cable retractor, comprising (a) a housing;(b) a motorized drive section disposed within the housing and configured to urge at least a segment of the cable past the drive section; and(c) a chamber disposed within the housing and including (1) a first pulley rotatable a first axis and having a fixed location adjacent to an end of the chamber, and(2) a pulley carriage translatable along a length of the chamber,(3) at least one threaded lead screw extending along the length of the housing and extending through a threaded opening in the pulley carriage, the at least one threaded lead screw being rotatable to drive the pulley carriage along the length of the housing,(4) a second pulley rotatable about a second axis disposed on the pulley carriage, and(5) a third pulley rotatable about a third axis and disposed at an opposing end of the pulley carriage, the second pulley and the third pulley being translatable with the pulley carriage,(6) wherein the cable slidably enters the chamber at a first opening, then partially winds around the second pulley, then partially winds around the first pulley, then partially winds around the third pulley, and thereafter exits the chamber at a second opening;(d) whereby (1) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a first direction to extract at least a length of the cable from the chamber, the pulley carriage translating toward the first pulley such that a decrease in distance between the first pulley and the pulley carriage is proportional to the extracted length of the cable, and(2) the motorized drive section is operable to urge the cable in a second, opposing direction to retract into the chamber the at least length of the cable through the first opening in the housing, the pulley carriage translating away from the first pulley such that an increase in distance between the first pulley and the pulley carriage is proportional to the retracted length of the cable.