ipod headphone design, whats with that little plastic thingy...?

Question

Hi, I just recently bought a ipod nano, second generation and I had a look at the head phone, and where the two wires split into the left ear peice and the right, there is a little plastic thingy that is used to split the two wires neatly. This bit is removeable as in you can move it along the wire. At first I thought the point of having this little plastic thingy was so that you could wear the headphones around your neck, but later found out that you don't actually get enough wire to do so. So my question is, what is the point of having this little plastic thingy? Since if it has no use, why the hell is it on the headphone.

I know it is a stupid question, but it is an interesting one...

Thanks

Ok, better edit. There is already another plastic in place to do that job, but the thing is, usally you can split it yourself and create a bigger wire bit to hang around your neck, but this doesn't allow. If you have an ipod, you understand what I am talking about. It just doesn't make sense why one would design the headphones this way.

But why is it to keep the wires together? It doesn't make sence, since you are always going to put that little plastic thingy at the base of the headphones and in that case, there is already a plastic thing there. There must be another use for them. If not, it is just a crappy design

Answer 1

I think its to keep the wires togethor and size them. I have the same thing.

Answer 2

its probably to keep the wire from continuing to split down the seam.

Answer 3

it's to keep the wires together