Abstract: The present invention features a modular assembly for a handset, including a handset housing having a cord reel receptacle. A modular cord reel has a reel housing and a retractable cord adapted for connection to the handset. The cord reel is installed in and removable from the receptacle in the handset housing. At least one fastener removably secures the cord reel to the receptacle. Preferably the fastener is captively held in the cord reel housing to minimize dropping and loss of the fasteners.

Abstract: A latch apparatus which prevents connectors from separating from each other is provided by means of a simplified configuration as compared to conventional latch springs. A curled latch spring has knuckles or bent portions that fit into grooves to secure connectors. A coiled latch spring has coil portions that fit into grooves in the plate of a mating connector. When the latch spring is turned around a spring leg holder, three-dimensional knuckle portions of the latch spring contact and engage a spring holder to hold the latch spring by the spring holder. A first connector on the computer side and a second connector on the cable side are connected and fastened only by the latch spring. Consequently, the first and second connectors can be easily and surely engaged and fastened only by the latch spring.