Abstract: A low-profile retractable cord system in which a line is attached to a pair of retractor mechanisms located in the sides of an article to be carried (such as a briefcase, a purse, a handbag, suitcase, tote, bag, knapsack, sports bag, gym bag, etc.). The line is high-tensile braided line threaded out through eyelets which are offset inwardly and downwardly from the upper corners of the article to be carried. This way, the line and shoulder pad attached thereto lie flat along the carried article. Various retractor mechanisms are shown, including an opposed pair of coil-spring-biased reels, opposed independent pulley mechanisms, or a common pulley mechanism. An alternate embodiment employs a single retractor mechanism and line for a single loop-handle is also shown.

Abstract: An arrangement for carrying or storing or transporting portable items for quick access by a user includes a magnetically assisted mechanical catch and carrying system which has a carrying unit with a cavity and a carried member with a protrusion that is received in the cavity. The carried member has a recess and the carrying unit has a movable latch that can be engaged into the recess for locking the carrier member in the cavity. Mutually magnetically attracting parts or materials are provided in or on the carrying unit and carried member for magnetically attracting the protrusion into the cavity. At least one or both of the latch and the protrusion are shaped to allow easy insertion of the protrusion into the cavity, or the latch may be manually pushed aside to allow insertion of the protrusion into the cavity.

Abstract: A low-profile retractable cord system in which a line is attached to a pair of retractor mechanisms located in the sides of an article to be carried (such as a briefcase, a purse, a handbag, suitcase, tote, bag, knapsack, sports bag, gym bag, etc.). The line is high-tensile braided line threaded out through eyelets which are offset inwardly and downwardly from the upper corners of the article to be carried. This way, the line and shoulder pad attached thereto lie flat along the carried article. Various retractor mechanisms are shown, including an opposed pair of coil-spring-biased reels, opposed independent pulley mechanisms, or a common pulley mechanism. An alternate embodiment employs a single retractor mechanism and line for a single loop-handle is also shown.

Abstract: An arrangement for carrying or storing or transporting portable items for quick access by a user includes a magnetically assisted mechanical catch and carrying system which has a carrying unit with a cavity and a carried member with a protrusion that is received in the cavity. The carried member has a recess and the carrying unit has a movable latch that can be engaged into the recess for locking the carrier member in the cavity. Mutually magnetically attracting parts or materials are provided in or on the carrying unit and carried member for magnetically attracting the protrusion into the cavity. At least one or both of the latch and the protrusion are shaped to allow easy insertion of the protrusion into the cavity, or the latch may be manually pushed aside to allow insertion of the protrusion into the cavity.