Adjustable Length Cabling Systems

Abstract

Adjustable length cabling systems are disclosed. A disclosed cabling system for use with a passenger vehicle having a plurality of rows of passenger seats includes a multi-conductor cable having a length and first and second ends having respective first and second connectors coupled thereto. The multi-conductor cable is configured to convey electrical signals to at least one of the rows of seats. The disclosed cabling system also includes a cable storage unit configured to hold a coiled portion of the length of the multi-conductor cable. The cable storage unit has a housing portion configured to be mounted underneath at least one of the passenger seats.

1 . A cable assembly for use with a passenger vehicle having a plurality of rows of passenger seats, comprising: 
 a multi-conductor cable having a length and first and second ends having respective first and second connectors coupled thereto, wherein the multi-conductor cable is configured to convey electrical signals to at least one of the rows of seats;    a cable storage unit configured to hold a coiled portion of the length of the multi-conductor cable, wherein the cable storage unit has a housing portion configured to be mounted underneath at least one of the passenger seats.    
   
   
       2 . A cable assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the cable storage unit comprises a chamber sized to accommodate the coiled portion of the mult-conductor cable.  
   
   
       3 . A cable assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the cable storage unit comprises a reel configured to be rotated relative to the housing to change the size of the coiled portion within the cable storage unit.  
   
   
       4 . A cable assembly as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the housing comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs configured to enable the reel to be rotated relative to the housing.  
   
   
       5 . A cable assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second connectors include at least one of a DIN connector or an RCA connector.  
   
   
       6 . A cable assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the multi-conductor cable comprises at least one Ethernet conductor.  
   
   
       7 . A cable assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.  
   
   
       8 . A cable assembly as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the multi-conductor cable includes at least one conductor made of braided film coated wires.