This is a retractable (sp?) lanyard attachment for cell phones, just like those ones for keychains, the ones that look like miniature tape-measures.
The base clips to your belt, and the lanyard pulls out enough to reach your ear or wherever you like to hold it. In the base is an inertial reel, like the ones used in seatbelts.
Now this can work one of two ways: Simple or Complex.
Simple:
The inertial reel locks with the force of the phone falling. Since the cord will have retracted along the way down to the belt-level, it will be stopped and locked right near the belt level, so it never hits the ground.
Complex:
A bluetooth connection or RFID chip activates the inertial reel if downward motion is detected without a hand clamped around the phone.
Note: If using the Complex method, settings also allow the owner to have the inertial reel activated if lateral motion is deteced as well. This setting is for those who lose their temper and throw their phones when angry, then regret it later.-- 21 Quest, Nov 29 2006 What is the invention?-- Chefboyrbored, Nov 30 2006 ?
<<<<<-- 21 Quest, Nov 30 2006 I thought this was an RJ11 jack that would let you tap into working phone lines in an emergency when the cell towers go out.
I think this might be a good idea if you can make the user not look clumsy.-- twitch, Nov 30 2006 If I had one I'd just be dropping my cellphone instead of putting it back in my pocket.
I like it.-- tastycat, Nov 30 2006 That 1970's lineman's handset gets you plenty of respect when you wear it on your tool belt. Even though its an outdated and obsolete piece of equipment, having one of those strapped on commands such a great deal of authority. When the lines are long and the crowds are large, you can easily get through by having a clipboard and this handset. "Excuse me! Comming through! Important business here! Step aside please!" and everyone will think that you are someone important.-- Jscotty, Nov 30 2006 21Q I was just saying that we already have retractable saftey cords. It dosen't matter what you clip it to, your phone, beeper, hammer, keys, children, id badges and even pens. You are simply suggesting we clip this already existing device to our cell phones.-- Chefboyrbored, Nov 30 2006 Complex way is the only way to go. the phone rings you pull it up and the think lock cause you pulled it so fast, and after a few angery attempts you realise you need to move it slowly, you do so and by the time it's at your ear it's stopped ringing, so you take the phone away from you ear phone them back go to talk and it locks again.
My phone has a loop of string attached. i just stick this round my wrist when i pick it up.
or you could just not drop your phone, if your scared of dropping things just get sticky gloves-- balloon, Nov 30 2006 They should release something like this for the PSP! =)-- Dickcheney6, Apr 19 2008 Wow... never got around to responding to Chef's comment. Just got around to this idea for the first time in nearly 5 years. What I would have said at the time, had I realized a comment had been made, is that while yes there are retractable safety cords, I have yet to see one with an inertial reel.-- 21 Quest, Aug 08 2011 5 years to respond...that's impressive.-- blissmiss, Aug 08 2011 random, halfbakery