Abstract: A system, comprising a harness configured to be releasably attached to a portion of an animal; a retractable leash assembly comprising at least one structural feature; a receptacle coupled with the harness, the receptacle comprising at least one structural feature; wherein the at least one structural feature of the retractable leash assembly is configured to be releasably mated with the at least one structural feature of the receptacle upon application of a force on the retractable leash assembly causing at least a portion of the retractable leash assembly to be releasably mated with the at least one structural feature of the receptacle.

Abstract: A system, comprising a harness configured to be releasably attached to a portion of an animal; a retractable leash assembly comprising a first structural feature and a second structural feature; a receptacle coupled with the harness, the receptacle comprising a first structural feature a second structural feature; wherein the first structural feature of the retractable leash assembly is configured to be releasably mated with the first structural feature of the receptacle upon application of a force on the retractable leash assembly causing at least a portion of the retractable leash to move in a first direction; and wherein the second structural feature of the retractable leash assembly is configured to be releasably mated with the second structural feature of the receptacle upon application of a force on the retractable leash assembly causing at least a portion of the retractable leash to move in a second direction.

Abstract: A system, comprising a harness configured to be releasably attached to a portion of an animal; a retractable leash assembly comprising a first structural feature and a second structural feature; a receptacle coupled with the harness, the receptacle comprising a first structural feature a second structural feature; wherein the first structural feature of the retractable leash assembly is configured to be releasably mated with the first structural feature of the receptacle upon application of a force on the retractable leash assembly causing at least a portion of the retractable leash to move in a first direction; and wherein the second structural feature of the retractable leash assembly is configured to be releasably mated with the second structural feature of the receptacle upon application of a force on the retractable leash assembly causing at least a portion of the retractable leash to move in a second direction.

Abstract: A system, comprising: an axle structure defining an axis of rotation; an engagement plate translatable between a first position and a second position in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, the engagement plate comprising one or more tooth protrusions and one or more ramp recesses; a spool rotatably movable about the axle structure, the spool comprising one or more tooth recesses configured to mate with the one or more tooth protrusions of the engagement plate responsive to a movement of the engagement plate into the second position; and a release ring at least partially rotatable between a first release ring position and a second release ring position, the release ring comprising one or more ramps; wherein, responsive to a predetermined movement of an actuator, the release ring is causes the tooth protrusions of the engagement plate to disengage with the tooth recesses of the spool.

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.