Abstract: In a retractable case assembly, e.g. for an earphone, a flexible circuit board (FCB) element, preferably having a coiled portion, is used to provide a fixed, good quality, electrical connection between a retractable cable and circuitry that may be mounted on a land portion of the FCB. The circuitry may include a socket for connection to the input/output of a device with which the earphone is to be used, e.g. a mobile phone, portable computing device or personal sound system. The cable may be wound about a take-up reel, and the FCB coil may be wound in the opporite direction within the reel, so that as the cable is extended or retracted, the FCB coil expands or contracts. The reel may be biased to retract the cable by a spring. A microswitch may signal when the cable is extended.