Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for a retractor includes a flat spring (72), securely disposed between an interior surface of the sidewall (30) and an outside diameter surface (64) of a cylindrical spool (60). The flat spring has a detent (92) integrally formed thereon. The detent slidably engages notches (68) formed on the outside diameter surface to permit rotation in one direction but not the other. The ratchet mechanism further includes a thumb slide (74) that engages the flat spring and releases the detent from the notches to allow the spool to rotate under the force of the torsional spring (62).

Abstract: A retraction unit for keys and the like having a housing with a reel mounted in the housing for rotation, a retraction spring for the reel, and a cable carried on the reel, with the inner end of the cable connected to the reel, and a cable end fitting carried on the outer end of the cable.

Abstract: A retraction unit for keys and the like having a housing with a reel mounted in the housing for rotation, a retraction spring for the reel, and a cable carried on the reel, with the inner end of the cable connected to the reel, and a cable end fitting carried on the outer end of the cable.

Abstract: An attachment for mounting an object on a belt or the like, including a spring clip having a U-shape with first and second arms joined at a bight, an arrangement for mounting the first arm of the clip on a face of the object, a pin support carried on the object, the pin support having spaced arms projecting from the face of the object and aligned openings in the spaced arms, and a pin for positioning in the aligned openings for maintaining the free end of the second arm in position between the pin and the face of the object. The free end of the second arm has an inward bend towards the first arm and an outward bend away from the first arm defining a groove for receiving the pin.

Abstract: A spring drive retractor having a case with an inner space for a spring and a reel, with one end of the spring connected to the case and the other end of the spring connected to the reel, with an extension member having one end connected to the reel and the other end passing outward through the case, with the reel comprising a body and a post molded as a single piece with the post projecting laterally from the body in line with a transverse opening in the body and with the post and body joined by a rupturable membrane, the post having an extension member receiving opening whereby an extension member may be connected to the reel by driving the post into the body opening.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance adapted to be secured to a tooth by any suitable means, such as a tooth band or by direct bonding. The appliance consists of a bracket and a lock pin which holds an arch wire to the bracket in any of a plurality of attitudes to accommodate successive phases in orthodontic treatment. The offset head of the lock pin engages the gingival edge of the bracket to define the limits of the arch-wire-receiving slot on a gingival-occlusal axis. A notch in the edge inhibits the pin from moving laterally or rotating in the bracket. The bracket is formed by embossing a sheet of material to form a pin-receiving channel. Tabs are bent inwardly from the channel side walls to provide fulcrum edge means approximating a knife edge, on which the arch wire bears as it passes through the bracket.