GB2509487A

GB2509487A - Restraining means

Info

Publication number: GB2509487A
Application number: GB1220347.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeffrey Stuart Hindle
Original assignee: PHONECATCHER Ltd
Current assignee: PHONECATCHER LIMITED
Priority date: 2012-11-12
Filing date: 2012-11-12
Publication date: 2014-07-09
Also published as: CN104918515A; WO2014072745A1; AU2013343230A1; GB201310191D0; GB201420760D0; US20150272304A1; EP2916684A1; CA2890868A1; GB2517607A; GB201220347D0; GB2507840A

Abstract

A restraining device restrains movement of a portable communication device, such as a mobile phone, if it is accidentally dropped. The device comprises a centrifugally actuated restraining mechanism 500 (700, fig.6), (810, fig. 7), (920, fig.8) and (1000, fig. 9). As the reeling out of the cord (300, fig.1) causes the cord dispenser (400, fig.1) to reach a predetermined angular velocity, the engagement member (or arm 520 in figure 5) is cause to move under centrifugal force to a position where it engages with second engagement members in the form of teeth 530, which are preferably arranged on the stationary support (200, fig. 1). The cord (300, fig.1) is arranged to be attached to the mobile phone at one end, or alternatively to be attached to a user, with the stationary support incorporated into the mobile phone.

Description

COMMUNICATION DEVICE RESTRAINING MEANS AND METHOD

THEREOF

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a restraining device and a method for restraining a portable communication device such as a mobile phone, FDA or other electronic device in the event that it is dropped accidentally.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable communication devices, such as mobile phones and PDAs, are frequently dropped accidentally, particularly when in use at a work site. This can cause damage to these devices which is often irreparable. Restraining devices have been developed to reduce the likelihood of damage occurring to such portable communication devices. One such example is provided in US 7665684 B2, wherein a portable communication device is attached to a tether that comprises a cable which is wound around a reel. The reel is connected to a coil spring which is configured to apply sufficient a tensile force to the cable to prevent extension of the cable from the reel when subject to the weight of the portable device.

However, since the force applied to the cable by the spring is directly proportional to the rotational displacement of the spring, the greater the weight of the portable device the greater the extension of the cable. For particularly heavy portable devices, the extension of the cable could be undesirably long, such that prior to being restrained the portable device collides with other objects including the ground.

Furthermore, if whilst using the device it is necessary to the extended the cable a large distance, a high force is applied to the portable device via the cable. Such a force can cause discomfort when using the portable device.

An object of the present invention is to provide a restraining device which overcomes one of the above or other problems. More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a restraining device which provides adequate restraint of a portabe communication device, when dropped, regardless of the weight of the device and / or a restraining device which causes less discomfort in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a restraining device to restrain movement of a portable communication device, restraining device comprising: a stationary support configured to be connected to a user; a cord configured to be connected to the portable communication device at a first point of the cord; a cord dispenser, which is rotatably supported on the stationary support, the cord dispenser operable to dispense a portion of cord, which comprises the first point of the cord, upon rotation of the cord dispenser; characterised in that the device comprises a restraining mechanism, the restraining mechanism being configured such that a centrifugal force caused by rotation of the cord dispenser, when above a predetermined amount, is operable to restrain rotation of the cord dispenser and there by prevent dispensing of the cord.

Accordingly, the first objective is solved since the restraining device is operable to prevent dspensing of a cord that is attached to a portable device depending on the rate at which the portable device falls at, regardless of the weight of the portable device. Furthermore, since the device does not rely on a coil spring to restrain the portable communication device, as found in the prior art, when using the portable communication device a user feels less pulling on the cord and hence less discomfort.

Preferably, the device is configured such that a force applied to the cord due to the weight of a portable communication device s operable to cause rotation of the cord dispenser.

Preferably, the portable communication device comprises a device, such as a mobile phone, PDA, a laptop or music player, such as an mp3 player.

Preferably, the predetermined centrifugal force is achieved when the rotation of the cord dispenser exceeds a predetermined angular velocity and / or a predetermined angular acceleration.

Preferably, the predetermined angular velocity is defined as a rate of rotation of the cord dispenser about an axis of rotation relative to the stationary support and is preferably at least 0.1047 radians per second.

Preferably, the predetermined angular acceleration is defined as a rate of the angular velocity of rotation of the cord dispenser about an axis of rotation relative to the stationary support.

Preferably, the restraining mechanism is configured such that it is actuated in response to a force applied to the cord which occurs shortly after the portable communication device is dropped.

Preferably, the restraining mechanism comprises: one or more first engagement member, which is disposed on the stationary support; one or more second engagement member which is attached to an actuator, the actuator being connected to the cord dispenser such that it rotates with the cord dispenser, wherein the actuator is centrifugaly actuated, such that that rotation of the cord dispenser above a predetermined rate causes the actuator to move, relative the cord dispenser, such that the or each second engagement member engages with the or one or more first engagement member of the stationary support, to thereby restrain rotation of the cord dispenser and prevent further dispensing of the cord.

Preferably, the first and second engagement members when engaged are in a first engaged position, and when disengaged are in a second disengaged position.

Preferably, the first and I or second engagement members are biased into the second disengaged position by means of a biasing member.

Preferably, the first and second engagement member and actuator are configured such a force F, resulting from the weight of the portable communication device, applied through the first and second engagement member to the actuator urges the actuator to maintain the first and second engagement member in the first engaged position such that a force B applied by the biasing member to the actuator is overcome.

Preferably, the first and second engagement member and actuator are configured such that when the force F is removed / reduced below the force B, the biasing member returns the first and second engagement member to the second disengaged portion.

Advantageously, to release the restrained portable communication device the user has only to lift the portable communication device such that the force applied to the cord is reduced.

Preferably, the cord dispenser is configured such the rotation of the cord dispenser in a coiling direction causes cord to be coiled around the cord dispenser to form a coil. Preferably, the cord dispenser is configured such the rotation of the cord dispenser in a dispensing direction causes cord to be uncoiled and dispensed from the cord dispenser. Preferably, the cord dispenser is configured to rotate in the dispensing direction to dispense cord when the portable communication device is dropped.

Preferably, the cord is connected to the cord dispenser at a second point of the cord.

More preferably the second point is connected to the cord dispenser proximate an axis of rotation of the cord dispenser.

Preferably, the cord dispenser is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and preferably comprises an axially arranged coiling portion and preferably one or more guide members which are arranged to guide the cord around the coiling portion to enable the formation of the coil.

Preferably, the stationary support comprises a housing that extends at least partially around the cord dispenser and preferably extends at least partially around the or each first engagement members.

Preferably, the Iirst engagement member comprises one or more teeth, and the second engagement member comprises one or more teeth, the teeth of the first engagement member being operable to interlock with the teeth of the second engagement member, when in the first engaged position.

Preferably, the or each teeth of the first engagement member are disposed circumferentially around the cord dispenser. Preferably, the or each teeth of the first engagement member are arranged to extend substantially towards the axis of rotation of the cord dispenser. Preferably, the teeth of the first engagement member are arranged such that they are n alignment with the teeth of the second engagement member when in the first engaged position.

Preferably, the stationary support is formed by injection mounding, and preferably the first engagement member is formed integrally with the stationary support.

Preferably, a coil biasing member is configured to urge the cord into the coiled position on the cord dispenser. Preferably, the biasing member comprises a spiral spring, which has a first end attached to the cord dispenser and a second end attached to the stationary support.

Preferably, the spiral spring is arranged in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the force applied by the coil biasing member is sufficient the recoil the cord when unloaded, and is preferably substantially less than the force applied to the coil by the weight of the portable communication device.

Preferably, the cord is 1 -3 mm thick, and is preferably translucent.

Preferably, the stationary support comprises a retaining means which is configured to attach the stationary support to an item of cothing.

Preferably, the housing is substantially circular and is 3 -10 cm in diameter, and is preferably 0.5-5cm thick.

Preferably, the stationary support comprises an aperture through which the cord is dispensable.

Optionally, the restraining mechanism comprises an actuator in the form of an arm which is connected to the cord dispenser by means of a pivot, such that it rotates with the cord dispenser about the axis of rotation of the cord dispenser and rotates relative the cord dispenser about the pivot, the arm comprising the or each second engagement member, the arm preferably being movable by the centrifugal force between a first engaged position and second disengaged position, wherein in the first engaged position the second engagement member is engaged with the first engagement member. Preferably, in the second disengaged position the first engagement member is disengaged from the second engagement member.

Preferably, the arm is biased into the second disengaged position by a biasing member.

Preferably, the biasing member is configured such that a biasing force of the biasing member is overcome when the centrifugal force action on the arm reaches the first predetermined amount.

Preferably, the second engagement member extends from a first portion of the arm, and the biasing member acts upon the first and / or a second portion of the arm. Preferably, the first and second portion of the arm are located on opposite sides of the pivot.

Preferably, the arm is arranged such that the second engagement member is movable in a radial direction.

Optionally, the restraining mechanism comprises an actuator in the form body which is arranged to rotate with the cord dispenser by means or protrusions, the body having at least one movable member, the movable member comprising the or each second engagement member. The movable member being movable by the centrifugal force between the first engaged position and the second disengaged position, wherein in the first engaged position the second engagement member is engaged with the first engagement member. Preferably, in the second disengaged position the first engagement member is disengaged from the second engagement member. Preferably, the movable member is movable relative the axis of rotation of the cord dispenser.

Optionally, the movable member is connected to the axis of rotation of the cord dispenser and / or a second movable member by means of a biasing member, the biasing member being configured to bias the or each movable member into the second disengaged position.

Preferably, the movable member is movable in a radial direction.

Preferably, the body is fixed to the cord dispenser by means of a guide configured to prevent axial movement of the body along the axis of rotation of the cord dispenser, preferably the guide comprises a washer.

Optionally, the body is disk shaped. Optionally the body comprises a quadrilateral shape.

Optionally, the body is mounted to the guide members of the cord dispenser. Optionally, the body is formed from the guide members of the cord dispenser.

Optionally, the restraining mechanism comprises a body having a channel, which is configured to retain the actuator in the form of a movable member, and to enable radial displacement of the movable member along the channel. The movable member being movable by the centrifugal force between a first engaged position and second disengaged position, wherein in the first engaged position the second engagement member is engaged with the first engagement member. Preferably, in the second disengaged position the first engagement member s disengaged from the second engagement member. Preferably, the movable member is movable relative the axis of rotation of the cord dispenser.

Preferably, the channel is configured to retain a biasing member which is configured to bias the movable member in to the second disengaged position.

Preferably, the channel is configured to retain a ball bearing which is arranged to transfer centrifugal force to the movable member during rotation.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of restraining movement of a portable communication device using a restraining device, the restraining device comprising: a stationary support which is connected to a user; a cord which is connected to a communication device at a first point of the cord; a cord dispenser, which is rotatably supported on the stationary support, the cord dispenser operable to dispense a portion of cord which comprises the first point upon rotation of the cord dispenser; characterised in that the method comprises displacing the portable device to apply a force through the cord to the cord dispenser to effect rotation of the cord dispenser, the rotation of the cord dispenser applying a centrifugal force to a restraining mechanism, the restraining mechanism restraining the rotation of the cord dispenser and thereby preventing further dispensing of the cord when the centrifugal force exceeds a predetermined amount.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a restraining device to restrain movement of a portable device, restraining device comprising: a stationary support configured to be connected to the portable device; a cord configured to be connected to a user at a first point of the cord; a cord dispenser, which is rotatably supported on the stationary support, the cord dispenser operable to dispense a portion of cord which comprises the first point upon rotation of the cord dispenser; characterised in that the device comprises a restraining mechanism, the restraining mechanism being configured such that a centrifugal force caused by rotation of the cord dispenser, when above a predetermined amount, is operable to restrain rotation of the cord dispenser and there by prevent further dispensing of the cord.

Advantageously, in this embodiment the restraining device is installed in the portable device or is connected to the portable device.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure I shows a cross-sectional view of a restraining device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a left side view of a cord dispenser of the restraining device of figure 1; Figure 3 shows a right side view of a cord dispenser of the restraining device of figure 1; Figure 4 shows a side view of the connection of the cord to a mobile phone; Figure 5 shows a side view of a restraining mechanism of the restraining device of figure I; Figures 6 -9 show side views of alternative restraining mechanism which may be used in the restraining device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a cross sectional vew of an exemplary embodiment of a restraining device 100, which is operable to restrain a portable communication device, such as a mobile phone (not shown), in the event it is dropped. The restraining device 100 comprises a stationary support 200, a cord 300 and a cord dispenser 400 which is rotatably attached to the stationary support. The device further comprises a restraining mechanism 500 to restrain rotation of the cord dispenser in the event the mobile phone is dropped. The mechanism is actuated in response to a centrifugal force due to rotation of the cord dispenser 400 as will be discussed in more detail below.

Firstly, considering the cord dispenser 400 in more detail. With reference to figures 1 -3 the cord dispenser is arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation 402, and comprises an axially arranged coiling portion 410. The coiling portion 410 is substantially circular in cross section around which the cord 300 can be coiled. At a first end 412A and second end 412B of the coiling portion there are respective guides 420A, 420B, which comprise substantially planer circular members, the centre of which being aligned to the axis 402. The guides 420 ensure the cord 300 is coiled in the correct position on the coiling portion 410. The cord dispenser 400 is rotatably connected to the stationary support 200 at an axle 202, as best shown on figure 1.

Considering the cord 300 in more detail, the cord comprises a nylon yarn which is about -3 mm thick, however it will be appreciated that any suitable material may be used. The cord 300 comprises an attachment member 310 (as shown in figure 4A) which is connected to a first point 320 of the cord, which in this example is at an end of the cord 300. The attachment member 310 comprises a latch which is suitable for receiving an eyelet on the mobile phone 600, as will be discussed in more detail beow. Referring back to figure 1, a second point 330 of the cord 300, which in this example is at the other end of the cord, is attached to the cord dispenser 400. In particular the cord 300 is attached to the coiling portion 4i 0, although it will be appreciated that the cord can be attached at another location on the cord dispenser.

Considering the stationary support 200 in more detail, the stationary support comprises a housing that extends around the cord dispenser 400 and restraining mechanism 500. In this example the housing is substantially circular in shape, however it will be appreciated that other shapes are possible. The stationary support comprises an axle support 502 to support the axle 202. In this example the axle 202 comprises a protrusion which is fixed to the stationary support and extends into a hole 403 in the cord dispenser 400. However it will be appreciated that the axle may alternatively be fixed to the cord dispenser 400 and extend into a hole in the stationary support. The stationary support 200 further comprises an aperture 210, through which the cord can be dispensed. The statonary support 400 may be formed from a first part 200A and second part 20DB, and held together around the cord dispenser by known means such as an adhesive or screws. The stationary support comprises a retaining means 220 in the form of a compliant clip which is configured to attach the device 100 to an item of clothing of a user.

It will be appreciated that the size of the housing of the stationary support 200 will vary depending on the weight of the mobile phone 600 the restraining device 100 is intended for use with, however it is generally is 3-10 cm in diameter, and is preferably 0.5-5cm thick.

The stationary support 200 can be formed by injection mounding, with the first engagement member, which is discussed in more detail below formed integrally as part of the injection mounding.

As best shown in figures 1 and 3, a biasing member in the form of a spiral spring 430 is arranged to urge the cord 300 into a coil on the cord dispenser 400. In more detail the spiral spring 430 is arranged to abut the guide 420B. A centre 432 of the spiral spring is connected to the stationary support 200, and the outer end 434 of the spiral spring is connected proximate a periphery of the guide 42DB.

Considering the restraining mechansm 500 in more detail, in the example shown in figures 1, 2 and 5, part of the restraining mechanism comprises a plurality of first engagement members 510, which in this example are in the form of teeth shaped cut-outs. The cut-outs are formed on the stationary support 200 and are circumferentially disposed about the axis 202 such that they are positioned around the cord dispenser 400. As best shown in figure 5, it will be appreciated that the first engagement members 510 may extend around the entire circumference of the cord dispenser 400 or around part of the circumference of the cord dispenser 400. In this way it will be appreciated that there may be one or more cut-outs.

As best seen in figure 2, the restraining mechanism 500 further comprises an actuator in the form of an arm 520, which is which is connected to the guide 420A of the cord dispenser 400 by means of a pivot 522. The pivot 522 is positioned between the centre of the guide 402 (at the axis 202) and its circumference. The pivot 522 comprises a pin which extends outwardly from the guide 420A and into a hole in the arm 520, and is arranged to provide an axis of rotation of the arm 520 which is parallel to the axis 202.

The arm 520 comprise a first portion 524 and a second portion 526, which are disposed on opposite sides of the pivot 522. A second engagement member 530 extends from the first portion 524 of the arm, which is in the form of a tooth that is shaped to fit into the tooth shaped cut-outs of the first engagement members 510, as will be described in more detail below.

Figure 5A shows the first and second engagement members 530, 510 in a first engaged position, wherein the tooth is engaged with the cut-outs. Figure SB shows the first and second engagement members 530, 510 in a second disengaged position, wherein the tooth is disengaged from the tooth shaped cut-outs. As shown in figure 5B a biasing member 540 applies a pushing force which acts upon the second portion 526 of the arm to urge the arm into the second disengaged position.

The mass of the first portion 524 of the arm is substantially larger than the mass of the second portion 526. Accordingly, rotation of the cord dispenser 400 applies a centrifugal force to the arm 520. As the angular velocity is increased, the centrifugal force applied to the first portion of the arm increases such that the biasing force applied by the biasing member 540 is overcome and the arm moves from the second disengaged position of figure SB to the a first engaged position, of figure 5A.

As best shown in figures 5A and 5B, a stop 527 is positioned on the guide 420A which is arranged to abut the second portion 526 of the arm when the arm is in the first engaged position. Accordingly, the stop 527 prevents over extension of the arm in response to the force applied through it from the first and second engagement members 510, 530 when engaged with each other.

As best shown in figure 5A, the teeth defined by the cut-outs of the first engagement members 510 of the stationary support 200 are arranged to extend in a radial direction substantially towards the axis 202 of rotation of the disc dispenser. It will also be appreciated from the figures that the teeth have a first edge 513 and a second edge 515, wherein the first edge is located further around the circumference in the dispensing direction (which is figure 5 is clockwise) than the second edge. As shown in the example, the first edge 513 as well as having a radial component partially points in the coiling direction (which is figure 5 is anti-clockwise), and the second edge 515 as well as having a radial component partially points in the dispensing direction (which is figure 5 is clockwise). The extent to which the second edge 515 points in the dispensing direction is less than extent to which the first edge 513 points in the coiling direction. Although it will be appreciated that to achieve in interlocking engagement between the first and second engagement members, the teeth may have other configuration, for instance they are symmetrically arranged with respect to each other about the centre line 512.

In a similar fashion, the tooth of the first engagement member 530 is arranged to extend from the arm 520 such that a first edge of the tooth 511 engages in alignment that the first edge 515 of the tooth of the second engagement ember 510.

The tooth of the first engagement member 510 is arranged with respect to the pivot 522 of the arm such that when the first and second engagement members are engaged, the arm 520 is urged into the first engagement position by the force. This is achieved by arranging the arm 520 and pivot 522 such that the tangential fore F' applied to the arm at the engagement members is a normal distance of ft away from the pivot, as shown in figure 5A.

In this way the first and second engagement members remain engaged under the weight applied by the mobile phone 600 in spite to there being no centrifugal force. The engagement members are then disengaged by removal of the force from the weight of the mobile phone, as is discussed in more detal below.

It will be appreciated that the mass of the first portion 524 of the arm 520 and spring constant of the biasing member 540 are selected the adjust the predetermined magnitude of the centrifugal force that the arm moves from the second disengaged position to the first engaged position at. It will also be appreciated that this magnitude will vary depending on the particular mobile phone 600 that the restraining device 100 is intended for use with.

Figure 4 shows the attachment of the cord 300 to the communication device 600. In more detail, figure 4B shows the attachment of an eyelet 602 by means of an adhesive strip 604. The adhesive strip 604 is adhered to a portion of the communication device 600 by means of a sucker fixing based on air pressure, or by a chemical adhesive, such as a glue.

Figure 4C shows another example of an attachment for an eyelet 602. In this example the adhesive strip comprises a first portion 604A and a second portion 604B which are arranged perpendicular to each other so that they fit discretely around a corner of the communication device. The eyelet 602 is removably attached to the attachment member 310 of the cord 300, as shown in figure 4A.

A method of using the restraining device 100 will now be described. Initially the restraining device 100 is attached to a user by means of the retaining means 220, and the cord 300 is attached to the mobile phone 600 at the eyelet 602 by means of the attachment member 310. Thereafter, the communication device can be used. The spring constant of the biasing member 430 is selected such that it applies a nominal amount of force to the cord which is sufficient to re-coil the dispensed coil when no force is applied to the cord. In this way the user feels no discomfort from the cord pulling the device. It will be appreciated that the particular spring constant will vary depending on the weight of the cord and size of the mobile phone 600.

If the communication device 600 is dropped accidentally, the weight of the communication device applies a tensile force to the cord 300. This causes the cord to uncoil and effect rotation of the cord dispenser 400 in a dispensing direction (in the example of figure 5A the dispensing direction is in the clockwise direction). As the angular velocity and I or angular acceleration of the cord dispenser increase the magnitude of the centrifugal force applied to the arm 520 increases. When a predetermined magnitude of the centrifugal force is exceeded the arm is caused to move from the second disengaged position to the first engaged position, wherein the first and second engagement members engage to restrain rotation of the cord dispenser. It will be appreciated that the predetermined magnitude of the centrifugal force is selected such that the mobile phone is restrained shortly after it is dropped. Accordingly, rotation of the cord dispenser 400 is prevented, which prevents further dispensing of the cord 300, and the mobile phone 600 is prevented from dropping any further.

Since the tooth of the first engagement member 510 is arranged with respect to the pivot 522 of the arm such that when the first and second engagement members are engaged, the arm 520 is urged into the first engagement position by the force, the first and second engagement members remain engaged under the weight applied by the mobile phone 600 in spite to there being no centrifugal force. Accordingly, to release the arm the user lifts the communication device 600 to relieve the force on the cord 300. In this way the cord dispenser is rotated a nominal amount in a direction reverse to the dispensing direction (in the example of figure 5A in the anticlockwise direction) such that the first and second engagement members 530, 510 disengage from each other and the arm is allowed to return to the second disengaged position by means of the biasing member 540.

Figures GA and GB show an alternative embodiment of a restraining mechanism. In this embodiment the restraining mechanism 700 comprises a body 710 which is substantially disc shaped. The disc is orientated with a centre aligned to the axis 202, and is arranged to abut the guide 420A of the cord dispenser 400. In this example the body 710 is composed of two semi-circular movable members, hence a first and second movable member 720A, 720B.

Although, it will be appreciated that in other examples there can be a greater number of movable members.

The movable members 720 are connected to each other by means of a biasing member 730, in the form of two springs, which are disposed on opposite sides of the axis 202, and extend parallel to each other in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the straight edge 722 of the movable member 720. The biasing member 730 enables the movable members to move apart in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the straight edge 722 along which they are adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the movement includes a radial component of displacement, as will be discussed in more detail below.

As shown in figure 6A, the movable members 720 are held apart by about 2 -3mm by protrusions 723, which are in the form of pins that extend outwardly from the guide 420A. The protrusions drive the movable members to rotate with the guide 420A. Furthermore, the pins retain the movable members in a spaced apart centrally aligned position such that they move correctly in response to the centrifugal force.

The movable members are retained on an axle 725 which extends from the guide 420A of the cord support 400 by a guide member in the form of a washer 724. Accordingly, the washer 724 prevents axial movement of the movable members 720 along the axis 202.

A crcular edge comprising the outer periphery of the movable members 720 comprises a second engagement member 740, which may comprise one or more teeth which are configured as described in the above. In this example both of the movable members 720 comprises the second engagement members 740, however it will be appreciated that in other examples only one of the movable members 720 may comprise the second engagement members 740. In this embodiment second engagement members 510 are as described in the above.

The biasing member 730 applies a force which urges the movable members 720 together into the second disengaged position as shown in figure GA, wherein the first and second engagement members 740, 510 are disengaged from each other.

During rotation of the cord dispenser 400 the centrifugal force, when above the first predetermined magnitude, causes the movable members 720 to move outward and apart from the second disengaged position to the first engaged position, as shown in figure 6B, wherein the first and second engagement members 740, 510 are engaged with each other.

An alternative example of the mechanism shown in figure 6 is shown in figure 7. In this example the body 810 is substantially square shaped. The square is orientated with a centre aligned to axis 202, and is arranged to abut the guide 420A of the cord dispenser 400. The body is composed of two rectangular movable members, hence a first and second movable member 820A, 820B. Although, it will be appreciated that in other examples there can be a greater number of movable members. At the vertices of the square there are the second engagement members 830, which are in the form of one tooth per vertex.

An alternative example of the mechanism shown in figure 5 is shown in figure 8. In this example the arm 920 is connected to the guide 420A of the cord dispenser 400 by means of a pivot 922. The pivot 922 is positioned on a line which extends between the centre of the guide (at the axis 202) and its circumference. A first engagement member 930, comprising teeth that are configured as discussed in the above, is positioned distal from the pivot 922, such that it is movable in response to a centrifugal force above a predetermined magnitude from a second disengaged position to a first engaged position, wherein the first engagement member 930 is engaged with the second engagement member 510 of the stationary support 200. A biasing member 940 in the form of a spring is arranged to bias the arm 902 into the second disengaged position. In this embodiment the biasing member and second engagement member are positioned on the same portion of the arm, and the pivot is postioned distal form the biasing member and engagement member.

Figure 9 shows a yet further alternative embodiment of a restraining mechanism. In this embodiment the restraining mechanism 1000 comprises guide members 1O1DA, B, C which protrude outwardly from the guide 420A to form a channel for retaining a biasing member 1020. A second engagement member 1010 is retained in a second disengaged position, as shown in figure 9, by the biasing member 1020. The second engagement member 1010 comprises a tooth which is configured as discussed in the above. A weight 1030 such as a ball bearing, is positioned within the biasing member 1020, between the second engagement member 1010 and axis 202, such that rotation of the cord dispenser 400 causes a centrifugal force to be applied to the weight. When the centrifugal force exceeds a predetermined amount the weight applies a force to the second engagement member which is sufficient to move the second engagement member 1010 from the second disengaged position to a first engaged position. In the first engaged position the first and second engagement members 1010, 510 are engaged with each other as discussed in the above.

Although the restraining device 100 has been exemplified for use with a communication device such as a mobile phone, or FDA, it will be appreciated that the restraining device can be used equally as effectively with other portable objects, such as portable music players.

The stationary support 200, cord dispenser 400, and appropriate components of the restraining mechanism 600, 700, together with other associated components are made form a material which is plastic based, hence they may be formed by injection mounding or other suitable techniques. It will also be appreciated that these components may be formed from other suitable materials, such as metal, or composite.

Although in the restraining mechansm of figure 5 the biasing member comprises a tension spring, it will be appreciated that the biasing member may also comprises a comprising spring which alternatively acts on the second portion of the arm. Furthermore, the biasing member in the restraining mechanism embodied in figures 5 and 8 may alternatively be a torsion spring.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.