Abstract: A curtain lowering apparatus directed to cleaning and maintaining a curtain suspended above a floor, the apparatus having a first, not-lowered position at a height “H” above the floor, and a second, lowered position of H?L above the floor, the apparatus comprising: a curtain rod attached to at least two curtain rod rings, the curtain suspended from the curtain rod; at least two apparatus rod supports, the rod supports directed to support the at least two curtain rod rings; a drive unit configured to drive at least two drive cables, with respective drive cables routed through respective apparatus rod supports and respective drive cables further connected to respective curtain rod rings; wherein the curtain rod is alternately maintained at the first, not-lowered position and at the second, lowered position.

Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a cord winder device that may include a housing that may include a first segment and a second segment. The product may further include a roller assembly positioned between the first segment and the second segment. The cord winder device may further include a lever assembly positioned between the first segment and the second segment. The cord winder device may further include a handle assembly in mechanical communication with the roller assembly. The cord winder device may be constructed and arranged to feed out or retract in cord, hose, cable, or the like.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a spool, a housing defining an opening, where the spool is rotatably coupled to the housing, and a blade including a first end and a second end, where the first end is connected to the spool and the second end is movable through the opening between a retracted position and an extended position. The manually retractable tape measure further includes a cleaning assembly positioned within the housing adjacent the opening such that the cleaning assembly is in contact with the blade to push away debris from the blade as the blade moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a motor vehicle seat belt, with a belt shaft (1) in a housing frame, a profile head (2) which can be locked and a force limitation device (3) with a first end (4) coupled to the profile head (2) and a second end (5) is coupled to the belt shaft (1) and which allows a force-limited relative rotation of the belt shaft (1) with regard to the locked profile head (2).

Abstract: Running-end spool containment devices and systems are described herein that allow a user to secure a running-end of a strap within a lockable device to anchor the running-end of the strap at a selectable length when the device is in a locked mode, and to enable the running-end of the strap be lengthened or shortened when the device is in an unlocked mode. In an embodiment, the device includes an axel about which the running-end of a strap can be wound and unwound, a lock case that can engage the axel to prevent axel rotation in the locked mode and that can be disengaged from the axel to allow the axel to rotate freely in the unlocked mode, and a spring case that causes the axel to rotate and the running-end of the strap to wind around the axel when the lock cases is in the unlocked mode.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for traction device is provided, including: a push-pull button 1, a push-pull button decoration ring 2, a switching button 3, a reset spring 4, a right shell 5, a reel 6 and a left shell 7; wherein the push-pull button decoration ring 2 is sleeved on the push-pull button 1, in such a manner that the push-pull button 1 is fitted with a cambered surface of the left shell 7 and a cambered surface of the right shell 5; the switching button 3 is sleeved in the push-pull button 1; the push-pull button 1, the push-pull button decoration ring 2 and the switching button 3 form an integrated unit and are provided on the right shell 5 and the left shell 7. Sealing treatment is performed, in such a manner that deep hole directly entering internal part of the products is prevented.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt retractor with a belt shaft (10) and a coupled profile head lockable to a housing. A force-limiting device has at least two elements (11, 12) between profile head and belt shaft (10). Free ends (15, 16) of the force-limiting elements (11, 12) are coupled to each other by a connecting tube (13) via a coupling element (18). The coupling element (18) has a hook-shaped spring element with a locking hook (19) which slides over the connecting tube (13) when the belt shaft (10) rotates and engages in a locking groove (20) to couple the connecting tube (13) to the belt shaft (10). At a preset angle of rotation of the belt shaft (10) is reached, the bridging device releases the coupling element (18) for the locking hook (19) to latch into the connecting tube locking groove (20).

Abstract: There is described a carrier, such as a backpack, waist bag or bum bag, which includes a retractable towing belt assembly, suitable for towing children along a ski slope.

Abstract: A traction switching device, comprising a push-pull button, a manual button, an upper casing, a pulley, a lower casing, a reset spring, wherein the lower casing is provided with a first slot; the push-pull button is imbedded in and sliding back and forth along the first slot; the manual button is sleeved on the hole corresponding to the push-pull button and simultaneously is installed at the position corresponding to the lower casing and the upper casing; the pulley is installed at the central axis of the lower casing; the reset spring is installed in the manual button. The traction switching device is featured with manual, flexible and easy operation, applicable to all domestic pets. By pulling the push-pull button while pressing the manual button, the traction switching device is fully locked; conversely, the traction switching device is unlocked by the push-pull button.

Abstract: A system for retaining a leash or other equipment or implement to a structure, such as a building, includes a clamp, a spool connected to the clamp, a leash wrapped on the spool, the leash has a first end connected to the spool and a second end extendable from the spool, a spring connected to the spool, the spring biases the spool to retrieve the leash when extended from the spool, and a leash clutch connected to the clamp. The leash clutch is engaged to brake the leash to limit extension and retraction of the leash on the spool. The leash is attachable to a fixture of the structure to maintain the ladder or other equipment or implement positioned in respect to the structure.

Abstract: In an object holding device, it is possible to prevent loosening of a cord-like body for holding an object without requiring any user's special operation. The object holding device includes a fixing belt (3) wound on a plastic tank (2), a male buckle (9) provided at a fixing belt, a reel (4) having the fixing belt wound around and urged to rotate in a winding direction of the fixing belt and a reel housing (11) connecting with a male buckle. When the male buckle is connected to the reel housing, a rotation of the reel is restricted at least in a counter-winding direction of the fixing belt.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a length of at least one safety harness strap with an adjuster comprises positioning the adjuster at a desired location along the at least one strap, winding the at least one strap about the shaft, and locking the shaft with the locking mechanism to prevent rotation in an unwinding direction. The at least one strap is selected from the group consisting of at least one shoulder strap, at least one chest strap, at least one waist strap, at least one seat strap, and at least one leg strap. The adjuster includes a base, a shaft rotatably operatively connected to the shaft and defining a slot configured and arranged to receive the at least one strap, and a locking mechanism interconnecting the base and the shaft. The locking mechanism allows rotation of the shaft in one direction and prevents rotation of the shaft in an opposite direction.

Abstract: In a tension device for a nonskid chain, a winding reel is supported, so that it can rotate about its axis inside the housing and is prestressed in the winding direction and has a gear rim with teeth arranged along its circumference. A tension line that can be retracted into the housing can be connected to the winding reel, such that a ratchet in a first position blocks a rotational movement of the winding reel in the tension direction by engagement of the ratchet in the teeth. Areas free of teeth on the circumference of the gear rim of the winding reel alternate with areas with teeth.

Abstract: The present invention is a two or more subject retractable leash retractable leash, and methods of use regarding the same, which includes a roll-back feature on the retractable leash. The leashes may be locked in place by engaging a single lever. The leashes retract regardless of whether the spools are locked or unlocked. The leashes retract independently of the other leashes, such that a dual leash may be used to walk one subject.

Abstract: A mechanism for retracting and extending a length of flexible material including a gear mechanism having a toothed gear, a coil spring, and a stop mechanism. The stop mechanism includes a trigger button, at least one barb and latch combination and a gear tooth engaging member. Pushing the button a first time causes the barb to lock in the latch and causes the tooth engaging member to engage gear teeth, preventing movement of the gear and preventing extension or retraction of the flexible material. Pressing the button again releases the barb from the latch and disengages the tooth engaging member from the gear, enabling the gear to rotate to extend or wind up the flexible material.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding articles, such as keys, which is attachable to a person's clothing, handbag or a purse, and wherein a physical or electronic tether is used to allow the user to use the articles stored thereupon without removing them from the holder or from their clothing, handbag, purse, briefcase or other hand carried item. The tension on the tether is manageable by the use of a tension management system, so that the tension of the tether will not damage the article or the mechanism that the article is used with and the article is tracked by use of the tether so that the user does not lose the article. Infrared, radio frequency, and transponder and polling versions of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spring assembly for a roller blind, the assembly including a stationary end, a rotatable end and a spring arrangement located therebetween which is connected at a first end thereof to the stationary end and at a second end thereof to the rotatable end, wherein the rotatable end includes a rotatable body which is adapted to rotate relative to a fixed body about a rotational axis, and wherein the spring assembly further includes a locking pin coupled to the fixed body such that it has a locked configuration in which it engages a portion of the rotatable body and prevents rotation of the rotatable body relative to the fixed body and a free configuration in which rotation of the rotatable body relative to the fixed body is permitted.

Abstract: An automatic universal cord reeling device capable of consolidating, organizing and storing cords and flexible tubes from any source comprising, a two tiered spool and a spring motor used to drive the mechanism to provide stored energy to the system through the operations of a set of gears and a spring loaded plunger and detent system. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a mini alternator may be attached to the spring motor drum of the system to generate electric current which is stored in a battery pack incorporated within the system. In this embodiment, the stored energy in the form of electric current can be tapped through a plug to drive an electronic mobile or other device.

Abstract: Self-tensioning snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel. The self-tensioning snow chain includes a chain and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture defined by the top and the bottom when joined together; a lever interconnected to the housing; a cord; a ratchet spool having a set of ratchet teeth on an upper surface, the ratchet teeth mate with the housing teeth, an under surface and a channel between the upper and under surfaces to receive the cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring interconnected with the ratchet spool that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring positioned between a top surface of the bottom of the housing and the under surface to bias the ratchet spool towards the housing teeth.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved reel assembly for use in conjunction with an occupant restraint system. The assembly employs a dual locking arrangement whereby an occupant can be restrained during both major and minor incidents. After a major incident, the reel assembly remains locked until the occupant disengages the reel via a push button. After a minor incident, the reel assembly can be conveniently unlocked, without the need for accessing the push button, by applying counter tension to the webbing.

Abstract: In a tension device for a nonskid chain, a winding reel is supported, so that it can rotate about its axis inside the housing and is prestressed in the winding direction and has a gear rim with teeth arranged along its circumference. A tension line that can be retracted into the housing can be connected to the winding reel, such that a ratchet in a first position (A) blocks a rotational movement of the winding reel in the tension direction by engagement of the ratchet in the teeth. Areas free of teeth on the circumference of the gear rim of the winding reel alternate with areas with teeth.

Abstract: Retractable leashes use a braking mechanism to stop a dog from movement. A mechanism is provided for smoothly or gradually braking the unreeling of the line, and can include a brake with a pad or pads for stopping the dog much like a bicycle. The brake and pads allow the user to squeeze the trigger lightly or more aggressively to slow and stop the dog's movement without the sudden jerk of traditional retractable leashes. The consumer may ultimately clamp down on the trigger to clamp the pads to the reel instantly for an aggressive stop if needed.

Abstract: A tightening system (135) for use with anti-skid and traction devices for wheeled vehicles comprising a sealed tightening mechanism (130) which can clutch and ratchet the rotational movement applied by the user on a knob (212). The system further comprises at least one connection assembly (134) which is adapted to be pivotably and releasably attached to a proximal end of a surface contact member (63;71) and which is adapted to be connected to the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism comprises a locking component (193) which has a base plate (240), an inner sidewall (195) and an outer sidewall (194) standing perpendicular to said base plate (240). The inner sidewall recessed portion has a plurality of recess (230;231) which are adapted to engage with a peripheral projection of the upper clutch (206) for holding the knob in place during locked and unlocked positions of the knob.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor for a safety belt of a motor vehicle having a belt shaft (1) rotatably mounted in a frame, a profile head (2) lockable in relation to the frame, a load limiting device (20) located between the profile head (2) and the belt shaft (1) for enabling the belt shaft (1) to undergo a load limited rotation in the belt webbing extraction direction (A) with the profile head (2) being locked and a load limiting level predetermined by the load limiting device (20) being exceeded.

Abstract: A retractable carry strap (12) for carrying cases (10) such as luggage, suitcases, or briefcases, wherein the retractor device is in the form of compact spring biasing compartments (12) are provided to apply resilient retraction forces (10) to the carry strap to return it to a position in close proximity to the carrying case and to store strap retracting energy when the shoulder strap is extended away from the carrying case.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus (60) for an anti-skid chain to be mounted on a vehicle wheel, a tensioning strand (7) which can be pulled into the housing is connected within the housing (61) to a winding roll (62) with a ratchet wheel (65), which winding roll is pretensioned in the winding direction and rotatable about its axis. A ratchet pawl (64) associated with the ratchet wheel can be moved to the outside under the influence of centrifugal force during wheel rotation, starting from a release position not in engagement with the ratchet wheel and the tensioning strand is not blocked, causing an engagement of the ratchet pawl in the ratchet wheel and a blocking of the tensioning strand against its tensioning direction. A magnetic holding element (68) cooperates with the ratchet pawl and counteracts deflection of the ratchet pawl from the release position during standstill or slow rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: Self-tensioning snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel. The self-tensioning snow chain includes a chain and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture defined by the top and the bottom when joined together; a lever interconnected to the housing; a cord; a ratchet spool having a set of ratchet teeth on an upper surface, the ratchet teeth mate with the housing teeth, an under surface and a channel between the upper and under surfaces to receive the cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring interconnected with the ratchet spool that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring positioned between a top surface of the bottom of the housing and the under surface to bias the ratchet spool towards the housing teeth.

Abstract: A retractable lead of the present invention includes a brake trigger provided in the vicinity of the front surface of a body casing that contains a reel below a draw-out port. The brake trigger is attached in a state of being able to be pushed in the body casing in the direction opposite to the direction in which the lead is drawn out (backward) and being biased in the direction in which the brake trigger is pushed back. If the brake trigger is pushed in, an engaging claw portion protruding from the brake trigger engages with an engaging tooth portion formed on a flange of the reel, thereby restricting rotation of the reel in the draw-out direction.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for a rope pulley of a leash. A rope is unwound from a pulley against the force of a spring and wound onto the pulley due to the force. The brake mechanism includes a brake button movable from an idle position, in which the pulley is freely rotatable, into a functional position, in which the brake button blocks unwinding of the rope. The brake button has an actuatable upper part protruding from the leash housing and a lower part cooperating with the pulley. The lower part is pivotable in the winding direction such that unwinding of the rope from the pulley is prevented, but can be wound onto the pulley in the functional position. The lower part cooperates with the pulley by means of bristles of a brush in the functional position to pivot the lower part due to pulley rotational movement in the winding direction.

Abstract: Self-tightening snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred self-tightening snow chain includes a traction cable and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; a lever interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive a cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. A preferred tensioning device includes a cord sub-unit having two knobs, one on each end, and a grommet encircling the cord. A method of assembling the tensioning device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Self-tightening traction assemblies or snow chains having tensioning devices that can be used with snow chains for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; an actuator interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive at least one cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. Preferred embodiments include a bracket that can secure the actuator to the housing and provide strength to the tensioning device. The tensioning devices of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of applications not limited to self-tightening snow chains.

Abstract: A leash assembly for an animal leash that can be wound up and unwound is provided. The leash assembly features a housing (11) and a roll (12) that is rotatably supported in the housing, and the leash (13) can be unwound from this roll against the force of a spring and wound up on the roll with the aid of this spring force. The roll cooperates with a gear mechanism that drives a plate cam. The plate cam releases a pawl that can be engaged with the roll and stops the rotation of the roll in the unwinding direction once a predetermined length of the leash is unwound.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding articles, such as keys, which is attachable to a person's clothing, handbag or a purse, and wherein a physical or electronic tether is used to allow the user to use the articles stored thereupon without removing them from the holder or from their clothing, handbag, purse, briefcase or other hand carried item. The tension on the tether is manageable by the use of a tension management system, so that the tension of the tether will not damage the article or the mechanism that the article is used with and the article is tracked by use of the tether so that the user does not lose the article. Infrared, radio frequency, and transponder and polling versions of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A retractable lifeline comprises a housing a drum rotationally mounted in said space and a lanyard wound about said drum. The lanyard extends from the housing and is extendable from said housing and retractable into said housing. The retractable lifeline further includes a lock assembly to prevent rotation of said drum, and hence extension or retraction of said lanyard, when said lanyard is at a desired length, and an override of the lock mechanism in case of a fall so that the retractable internal shock absorption and clutch mechanism can arrest the fall.

Abstract: A horizontal-pulling roll screen door for which the right/left hand can be set or changed easily and safely even by a layman and in a screen door in which a net wound up by a winding shaft of a movable stile is made capable of opening/closing by horizontal pulling. First and second caps rotatably supporting the winding shaft are mounted at the both ends of the movable stile capable of replacement by each other. A lock mechanism which can hold a locked state as necessary is provided between a connecting cylindrical shaft connected to the winding shaft and an intermediate support member connected to the first or the second cap unrotatably and removably. Rotation of the winding shaft by an urging force of a winding spring is prevented by this lock mechanism even when the both caps are removed for assembling or change of the right/left hand.

Abstract: A belt retractor (10) is suitable especially for use in an adaptive seat belt system and has a rotatable belt roll (14), a rotary member (18) that can be connected in a torsion-proof manner to the belt roll (14), and an actuator (32; 72) which generates an actuating force and acts upon at least one frictional element (22, 22?) in order to engage said frictional element (22, 22?) with the rotary member (18) that can be connected in a torsion-proof manner to the belt roll (14) so as to decelerate a rotational movement of the belt roll (14). An arrangement for self-reinforcing the actuating force generated by the actuator (32, 72) is disposed between the actuator (32; 72) and the rotary member (18).

Abstract: An enhanced structure for measuring tape, comprises a tape casing having a wheel disposed in its interior, a metal tape being wound around said wheel 11 and having a tail end fixedly connected to said wheel so as to generate elastic force to let said tape eject automatically from said tape casing when no braking force is applied; a press button pivotally connects to the top of said tape casing, said press button having a curved tooth face disposed at top of inner wall thereof, with said curved tooth face and a removable transmission element meshing with each other; and a driving element and a power receiving element mesh with each other and are disposed near said transmission element, wherein said power receiving element links with said wheel; a user can use one hand to eject the tape, when he/she wants to retract the tape, he/she can press said press button with the hand that holds the measuring tape to let said curved tooth face inside said press button to rotate downward for an angle, and then to drive sai

Abstract: A retractable leash device is comprised of a housing with a handle, and a leash wound around an internal reel. The reel is biased by a spring to automatically retract the leash. A momentary unidirectional lock in the housing is arranged to be normally disengaged from unidirectional teeth on the reel. When the momentary unidirectional lock is actuated, the reel is engaged by a ratchet to prevent rotation in the release direction but permit rotation in the retract direction. A toggle lock in the housing is movable between an unlocked position away from the reel, and a locked position between cogs on the reel. A geared rotation damper is engaged with a concentric gear on the reel to limit retraction speed. A clip attached to the housing may be clipped around the leash when the leash is wrapped around a fixed object.

Abstract: A retractable lifting device for use by a hunter or nature photographer on an elevated observation platform. The device compresses a reel, spring loaded to wrap up a lifting rope or cord of about 30 feet in length. A clip attaches to an object to be lifted. The reel is spring loaded so that the reel winds up when an object is not fastened to the lifting cord. An operator can then leave an object on the ground while the operator ascends to the observation platform. The lifting cord remains conveniently taut until the operator pulls the lifting cord to elevate the object.

Abstract: An extendible and retractable lead that can be extended or retracted and locked in position in a single action. The lead comprises a casing (4) housing a reel (14), a lead windable about the reel, the casing having an outlet (8) for passage of the lead and further comprising a moveable member (12) for engagement and disengagement with the reel, a part (32) of the moveable member being engageable with a retainer (52) on movement of the member towards the reel to lock the member against the reel in a single action.

Abstract: A measuring tape has a check device for automatically preventing a ruler from rewinding. The check device is installed within the casing and positioned between a winding wheel and a ruler body. The check device comprises a rotary wheel formed by an elastic wheel and two ratchets; a guide block having stop blocks; a stop claw; a driven element installed between the press button and the stop claw; and a press. By above components, the ruler body can be installed between the elastic wheel and the guide block. As the ruler body is pulled out, it can be stopped automatically. Only after pressing the press button, the ruler body rewinds. Thereby, the user may operate it by only one hand not to worry about that the hand will be hurt due to the rewinding of the ruler body.

Abstract: A retractable hose reel assembly comprises a reel (2) rotatably mounted in a casing (1) and a torsion spring (8) for rotating the reel in a direction corresponding to winding of the hose on the reel (2). A ratchet (14) and pawl (18) prevent or limit rotational movement of the reel (2) in the winding direction. A lever (20) is manually movable to a locking position in which unwinding movement of the reel (2) is prevented, for example to prevent vandalism or to prevent a child pulling the hose from the reel and suffering discomfort or injury as a result of retraction of the hose by the spring (8).

Abstract: In a clamping lock for antiskid chains with a housing supporting an actuating lever which has a catch position in which a clamping rope which can be pulled through a housing opening into the housing for purposes of clamping can be locked against its clamping direction and has a release position in which the clamping rope can be released from this locking, the clamping rope is connected inside the housing to a winding device which is pretensioned in the wind-up direction.

Abstract: Self-tightening snow chain for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred self-tightening snow chain includes a traction cable and a tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; a lever interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive a cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. A preferred tensioning device includes a cord sub-unit having two knobs, one on each end, and a grommet encircling the cord. A method of assembling the tensioning device is also disclosed.