Abstract: A retractor system for personal articles comprising a retractor having a mounting mechanism for mounting to a user, with the retractor comprising a housing with a top surface, an internal spring, and an extendable line capable of extending from the housing through the retractor top surface. The internal spring urges retraction of the extendable line back in the retractor housing. An adaptor can be included that is integral to or mounted to a personal article, with the adaptor having an extension portion extending away from the personal article. The extendable line is attached to the adaptor or personal article such that when the line is retracted into the retractor, the extension portion is on the retractor's top surface. The retractor system can also comprise one or more magnets that provide a magnetic attraction between the personal article and the retractor to securely hold the personal article to the retractor.

Abstract: Retractor systems are disclosed that reduce the wear on the retractor line from repeated extensions and retractions. Some embodiments comprise a retractor system having a retractor with a retractor housing having a front surface. A line and a line retraction mechanism can be included within the housing, with the line retraction mechanism urging retraction of the line in a first direction that is substantially parallel to the front surface. A line opening is included in the front surface through which the line extends from the housing at a second direction that is different from the first direction. A personal article attached to the line, and an anti-friction mechanism is included at said line opening to provide a smooth surface upon which the line rides when extending from the housing. Some anti-friction mechanisms comprise an eyelet proximate to said line opening and having a smooth surface that can take many different shapes and sizes, such as a funnel or hour glass shaped surface.

Abstract: Connector and retractor systems are disclosed with some embodiments comprising a retractor housing and a line within the retractor housing. The housing also has a hole from which the line extends, and a spring within the retractor housing which urges retraction of the line. A personal article can be attached to the line. A connector is included between the retractor housing and the personal article, with the connector having magnets to cause alignment of the personal article with the retractor housing when the personal article is retracted to the housing.

Abstract: Holstering retractor devices or systems for securing a device or instrument when not in use, such that the instrument does not have to be held or slid into a pocket. The systems are coupled with a retracting device, integrated into the holster, such that if said instrument or device pops out of holster, or is dropped while in use, it is not lost or damaged. The present invention is also directed to systems utilizing the holster retractors, such as vest system having the holster retractor mounted to the vests.

Abstract: Tool belts are disclosed that provided improved safety features and can be worn both as a conventional tool belts, but also have integral features that allow them to be mounted to structure (e.g. railing or fence) at a construction/work site when the tool belt is removed from the user. This allows the user to remove the belt during work to reduce fatigue and to reduce the danger that the belt will cause the user to be thrown off balance. The integral attachment mechanism allows the tool belt to be held in place near the worker so that the tools and supplies can be accessed and the tool belt will be held in place even if one of the tools falls. This eliminates the risk that the tool belt fall to the ground by the tool or by misplacement of the tool belt near a ledge. The tool belts according to the present invention can also include safety tethers or retractors for attachment to tools being used and stored in the tool belt.

Abstract: A retractor system for personal articles is disclosed that only allows for easy access to the personal article, but also provides for anti-swing mechanisms that prevent swinging of the personal article when it is not in use. One such retractor system comprises a garment with a retractor mounted to the garment. The retractor comprising a housing with an internal spring and a line capable of extending from the housing, with the spring urging retraction of the line back in the housing. The line passing through an opening in the housing and comprising an attachment mechanism for attaching to a personal article. A stop is also included on the line, wherein the stop prevents a portion of the line from retracting into the housing, with the personal article hanging from the retractor when not in use. A holding feature, such as a magnet, is included to hold the personal article against the garment when not in use, with the holding feature preventing swinging of the personal article.

Abstract: Holstering retractor devices or systems for securing a device or instrument when not in use, such that the instrument does not have to be held or slid into a pocket. The systems are coupled with a retracting device, integrated into the holster, such that if said instrument or device pops out of holster, or is dropped while in use, it is not lost or damaged. The present invention is also directed to systems utilizing the holster retractors, such as vest system having the holster retractor mounted to the vests.

Abstract: Connector and retractor systems are disclosed with some embodiments comprising a retractor housing and a line within the retractor housing. The housing also has a hole from which the line extends, and a spring within the retractor housing which urges retraction of the line. A personal article can be attached to the line. A connector is included between the retractor housing and the personal article, with the connector having magnets to cause alignment of the personal article with the retractor housing when the personal article is retracted to the housing.

Abstract: Retractors and vests having the retractors are disclosed, wherein the retractor can be attached by an attachment mechanism to a web system on the vest. An accessory can be attached to a line within the retractor, and the user can extend the line from the retractor housing when the accessory is in use. When the line is extended from the housing, the retractor housing rotates so it is in alignment with the extended line. This alignment of the housing and line significantly reduces the stresses on the line, which in turn extends the reliability and lifespan of the retractor. Further, the line can be under a retraction force that retracts the line back into the retractor housing when the extension force is released. The retraction force can be strong enough to prevent the line from extending from under weight of the accessory. The retractor can also minimize the dangle length of the retracting device to the attachment point to minimize movement when not in use.

Abstract: Holstering retractor devices or systems for securing a device or instrument when not in use, such that the instrument does not have to be held or slid into a pocket. The systems are coupled with a retracting device, integrated into the holster, such that if said instrument or device pops out of holster, or is dropped while in use, it is not lost or damaged. The present invention is also directed to systems utilizing the holster retractors, such as vest system having the holster retractor mounted to the vests.

Abstract: Holstering retractor devices or systems for securing a device or instrument when not in use, such that the instrument does not have to be held or slid into a pocket. The systems are coupled with a retracting device, integrated into the holster, such that if said instrument or device pops out of holster, or is dropped while in use, it is not lost or damaged. The present invention is also directed to systems utilizing the holster retractors, such as vest system having the holster retractor mounted to the vests.

Abstract: Retractors and vests having retractors are disclosed, wherein the retractor can be attached by an attachment mechanism to a web system on the vest. An accessory can be attached to a line within the retractor, and the line can be extended from the retractor housing during accessory use. When the line is extended from the housing, the retractor housing rotates so it aligns with the extended line. This alignment of the housing and line reduces stresses on the line, which extends the reliability and lifespan of the retractor. Further, a retraction force can retract the line back into the retractor housing when the extension force is released. The retraction force can be strong enough to prevent the line from extending from under weight of the accessory. The retractor can also minimize the dangle length of the retracting device to the attachment point to minimize movement when not in use.

Abstract: A retractable tether is disclosed which may be used in conjunction with personal communication devices (such as a Cell Phone, Pager or PDA) mounting system for the prevention of loss or damage. The retracting tether may be clipped to a belt, pants or purse next to the location in which the device is being held or stored. The retractable tether allows the device to be easily used while connected to the retracting tether. Should the device be dropped or dislodged from it's clip mount, holster or storage pocket, the retracting tether prevents the device from hitting the ground thereby preventing loss or damage to the device. A separation mechanism is also incorporated to allow the device to be easily removed from the retractable tether.

Abstract: A quick, easy to use, and inexpensive device is disclosed for controlling most of the glass shards that can spread during the breaking of a window. A substrate material is mounted over the window by an adhesive, and the window is broken. The substrate material and adhesive are strong enough to hold the shards, and the substrate material with the window shards can be removed from the window area to allow for safe access through the window opening.

Abstract: A retractable tether is disclosed which may be used in conjunction with personal communication devices (such as a Cell Phone, Pager or PDA) mounting system for the prevention of loss or damage. The retracting tether may be clipped to a belt, pants or purse next to the location in which the device is being held or stored. The retractable tether allows the device to be easily used while connected to the retracting tether. Should the device be dropped or dislodged from it's clip mount, holster or storage pocket, the retracting tether prevents the device from hitting the ground thereby preventing loss or damage to the device. A separation mechanism is also incorporated to allow the device to be easily removed from the retractable tether.

Abstract: A retractable tether is disclosed which may be used in conjunction with personal communication devices (such as a Cell Phone, Pager or PDA) mounting system for the prevention of loss or damage. The retracting tether may be clipped to a belt, pants or purse next to the location in which the device is being held or stored. The retractable tether allows the device to be easily used while connected to the retracting tether. Should the device be dropped or dislodged from it's clip mount, holster or storage pocket, the retracting tether prevents the device from hitting the ground thereby preventing loss or damage to the device. A separation mechanism is also incorporated to allow the device to be easily removed from the retractable tether.

Abstract: A retracting tether apparatus is disclosed comprising a retractor housing having a locking post on its outside surface. The apparatus also includes an attachment mechanism, such as a belt clip, for attaching to a body and a retaining section, the attachment mechanism being integral to the retaining section. The retaining section has a retaining section hole sized to mate with the locking post and the locking post has a mechanism for holding the post in the retaining section hole. The inside surface of the retaining section hole rides on an outside surface of the locking post to provide for smooth rotation of the retractor housing in relation to the retaining section.

Abstract: A retracting tether apparatus is disclosed comprising a retractor housing having a locking post on its outside surface. The apparatus also includes an attachment mechanism, such as a belt clip, for attaching to a body and a retaining section, the attachment mechanism being integral to the retaining section. The retaining section has a retaining section hole sized to mate with the locking post and the locking post has a mechanism for holding the post in the retaining section hole. The inside surface of the retaining section hole rides on an outside surface of the locking post to provide for smooth rotation of the retractor housing in relation to the retaining section.