Power converter with retractable cable system

Abstract

A modular power converter including a first housing enclosing a converter circuit, and a selectively detachable second housing enclosing a retracting power cable. In a first orientation, the detachable second housing is secured to the first housing to form a unitary housing. In a second orientation, the second housing is detached from the first housing such that a first end of the extended power cable may tether to the first housing output a selectable distance therefrom. The cable also has a second end extendable from the second housing a predetermined distance. This modular power converter forms a single compact device when the power cable is not extended from the second housing.

1 . A power converter, comprising:
 a first housing;   a circuit having a feedback loop disposed in the housing and having an input and an output, the circuit adapted to convert a voltage provided at the input to an output voltage at the output;   a second housing selectively securable to the first housing to collectively form a unitary housing, the second housing having a retractable electrical cable disposed therein.   
   
   
       2 . The converter as specified in  claim 1  wherein the electrical cable has a first end and a second end, the first end being selectively extendable from the second housing. 
   
   
       3 . The converter as specified in  claim 2  wherein the second end is also selectively extendable from the second housing. 
   
   
       4 . The converter as specified in  claim 2  wherein the electrical cable first end has a first connector adapted to selectively couple to the circuit output. 
   
   
       5 . The converter as specified in  claim 4  wherein the electrical conductor second end has a second connector adapted to selectively couple to a third connector. 
   
   
       6 . The converter as specified in  claim 5  wherein the third connector is adapted to mechanically and electronically couple to a portable electronic device. 
   
   
       7 . The converter as specified in  claim 6  wherein the third connector comprises an electrical component adapted to selectively establish the output voltage at the circuit output. 
   
   
       8 . The converter as specified in  claim 7  wherein the electrical component selectively establishes a resistor in the circuit feedback loop to establish the selectable output voltage. 
   
   
       9 . The converter as specified in  claim 7  wherein the electrical component comprises a passive electrical component. 
   
   
       10 . The converter as specified in  claim 9  wherein the passive electrical component comprises a resistor. 
   
   
       11 . The converter as specified in  claim 6  wherein the circuit is adapted to power the portable electronic device. 
   
   
       12 . The converter as specified in  claim 1  wherein the cable is coiled within the second housing. 
   
   
       13 . The converter as specified in  claim 1  wherein the second housing is adapted to positively lock to the first housing. 
   
   
       14 . The converter as specified in  claim 12  wherein the first and second housing each have a outer surface adapted to be flush with each other when the second housing is coupled to the first housing. 
   
   
       15 . The converter as specified in  claim 12  wherein the circuit converts a DC input voltage to a selectable output voltage. 
   
   
       16 . The converter as specified in  claim 12  wherein the circuit converts a DC input voltage or an AC input voltage to a selectable output voltage. 
   
   
       17 . The converter as specified in  claim 1  wherein the first housing has a member adapted to provide strain relief to the cable when coupled to the first housing.