Abstract: The carrier system of the present invention includes an enclosable case for stowing items, a tether to extend and retract the enclosable case and an anchoring element for quick and easy fastening and removal of the carrier system to something, for example, a piece of luggage.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus for a power tool can comprise a first power tool connector attachable to a power tool, a retraction device attached to the first power tool connector, a strap with a first end and a second end, a strap connector attached to the second end of the strap; and a second power tool connector attachable to the power tool. The latching device can be capable of latching to the strap connector, and the strap can be secured to the retraction device at the first end, and can be extendable from and retractable to the retraction device.

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 retractable lanyard assembly connects directly to the docking port of a personal multimedia device, eliminating the potential entanglement of the device via external connecting points, while protecting the docking port from foreign objects, dust, and moisture. The lanyard assembly can be secured to various static objects including a belt; thus, securing the personal multimedia devices to the owner and protecting it from theft, loss, or damage due to dropping.

Abstract: The side-mounted, biomechanically designed lifting device maximizes the lifting capability of human anatomy. A harness with a shoulder pad crosses the user's body diagonally. The load is supported by an adjustable load strap at the user's side from a support ring attached to the harness. One end of the support strap is attached to the harness and the other to a lifting handle. With this device and method heavy and awkward loads like plywood and drywall may be carried and manipulated easily. The side-mounted lifting harness causes the user to lean away from the load. This transfers the weight of a load to a point near the ground, below the vertical center of gravity of the user and between the lifter's feet. There is significant biomechanical advantage to this load configuration. One person can carry heavy, awkward loads safely and quickly with a minimum of physical stress.

Abstract: A spool holder and dispenser comprising a body fitted with a belt clip and two spool support arms extending from the body and defining between them a spool space, wherein at least one of said spool support arms is pivotal and spring biased towards said other spool support arm, and at least one of said spool support arms is fitted at its free end with a spool retention member; said spool support arms being displaceable between a retaining position wherein a tape is retained within the spool space, and a dispensing position wherein a tape is free to be discharged therefrom.

Abstract: A head-mountable apparatus mountable on a head of an observer comprises a first pressing member which presses a first portion of the head; a second pressing member which presses a second portion of the head; and adjustment unit adapted to move the first pressing member and the second pressing member to positions where the first pressing member and the second pressing member respectively press the first portion and the second portion.

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: An improved fishing accessory for use in fishing operations. The fishing accessory comprises a housing configured to be affixed to a user's hip or waist via an item of clothing. The housing may further include a retractable fish gripping-glove and a tool such as a fish hook-extraction member.

Abstract: A harness (10) for reducing the load on the arms of operator working with a pole saw or pole hedge trimmer at operating positions at angles particularly between 10 to 105 degrees from a vertical line, in which the power tool (1) is suspended in a strap (31) extending from a front portion (12) of the harness (10), through at least one fairlead (6) provided on the power tool (1) and to a rear portion (11) of the harness (10). The strap (31) is included in a tool balancer (30), which includes a spring loaded reel (32) for the strap (31) and is attached to or preferably integrated with a chest plate/buckle (14) in the harness (10), and which permits locking of the reel (32). The at least one fairlead (6) includes a hook (8) for easy hooking of the power tool (1) onto the strap (31) and unhooking of the same therefrom.

Abstract: Provided is a carrying device having a housing including a housing recess defining a recess face. The device further includes an alignment member being insertable within the housing recess. The alignment member defines an insertion orientation relative to the housing when an inner end portion is facing toward the housing recess, the outer end portion is facing away from the housing recess, and the alignment face is facing toward the recess face. The alignment member is sized to limit insertion into the housing recess to insertion when the alignment member is in the insertion orientation. The alignment member is disposed in a stowed position in fixed relation relative to the housing upon insertion into the housing recess. A tether is connected to the alignment member and is retractably connected to the housing.

Abstract: A holder (1) adapted for use for a portable device and having a windable strap. The holder (1) includes a case body (4) having an upper case (3) and a lower case (2); the strap (10); a strap winding drum (20) for winding the strap (10) on it; a drive spring (30) for applying bias in the direction of winding the strap to the strap winding drum (20); strap openings (50), each functioning as the entrance and exit for the strap (10); and a fixation mechanism (40) for controlling a mechanism for receiving the strap (10). To pull out the strap (10), a user places one finger on a slope member (51) of the upper case (3), places another finger on the rear side of the strap (10), and pulls out the strap (10). Even if the strap is frequently pulled out, the strap does not have a permanent set.

Abstract: A holder system for mobile devices includes a generally rectangular holder base and a holder configured to secure the mobile device therein. The holder may be removably attachable to the holder base. A retractor mechanism may be attached to the holder base. The holder base includes a pair of spaced cord ports, each cord port receiving a line part of a retractable cord that is engaged to the retractor mechanism.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for use with a portable electronic device (101) includes a case (110) having a first surface (211) and a second surface (111), where the first surface and the second surface define therebetween a space (105) capable of receiving the portable electronic device. The attachment mechanism further includes a clip (120) attached to the second surface of the case. The clip includes a body (221) adjacent to the second surface, a first extension (222) spaced apart from and extending toward the second surface, and a second extension (223) also spaced apart from and extending toward the second surface. The second piece creates a first pocket (231) between the case and the clip, and the second piece creates a second pocket (232) between the case and the clip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a carrying device enabling hands-free transporting of a personal data assistant, cellular telephone, pager, MP3 Player, media player, hand held game, hand held GPS device or any other personal accessory or hand held device that may be attached to the body of a user. The device enables a detachment of the handheld device from a housing while maintaining a secured link of the hand held device to the user's body with and automatic facilitated comfortable adjustment of a secure link of the hand held device, thereby providing hand-free carrying and an elimination of risk of loss from accidental misplacement.

Abstract: A button provides an adhesive flat bottom surface for attachment to a cell phone or similar hand held device. A leash extends from the button and terminates with a finger ring. When the device is held in a hand with one finger secured in the ring, the device is secured in the hand so that it is less likely to fall. The ring may be an extension of the leash, both a part of an elastic cord loop where the leash is secured within the button and the ring extends away from the button. The leash may be retractable.

Abstract: A retractable marking device comprising a casing holding a retractor, an engagement element, a fastener, and a barrel. The engagement element holds marking instruments having a variety of diameters, wherein the marking instruments may comprise, for example, pencils, pens, chalk, and the like. Additionally, the engagement element is secured to the retractor, wherein the retractor comprises a coil retractably wound around a reel, such that the engagement element can be repeatedly extended from and retracted to the casing. The fastener secures the device to a user's garb or working paraphernalia for ready accessibility. Furthermore, the barrel holds a sharpener, wherein the sharpener sharpens the marking instrument. Additionally, depending upon the particular embodiment, the retractable marking device may sharpen the marking instrument either manually or mechanically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrying bag, particularly a shopping bag having a preferably net and/or mesh like bag body 18 which has at least one strap 40, a housing 11 which has a retraction opening 17 and retraction means connected to the bag body 18, the means being made for example of a spring loaded reel 26, wherein the retraction opening 17 and the retraction means 26 are designed such that the bag body 18 is folded in a tubular manner when pulled into the housing 11 and is rolled up in the housing 11.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a harness adjustment system that may be used in various applications including backpacks, windsurf harnesses, kite-board harnesses, mountain climbing harnesses, utility harnesses, backpack shoulder straps, tie-down straps, and various belts for numerous applications. The harness adjustment system includes a first webbing strap, a winding reel, a cable tension member, and a strap lock. The winding reel is secured to a first portion of the strap. The cable is interconnected between a second portion of the strap and the winding reel. The cable loops from the strap to the reel such that winding of the reel retracts the cable to pull the second portion of the strap toward the first portion. The lock is coupled to the first strap second portion. The lock is selectively engageable with the second portion of the strap to relieve tension from the cable. Both cam and plate locks are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a carrying device having a housing including a housing recess defining a recess face. The device further includes an alignment member being insertable within the housing recess. The alignment member defines an insertion orientation relative to the housing when an inner end portion is facing toward the housing recess, the outer end portion is facing away from the housing recess, and the alignment face is facing toward the recess face. The alignment member is sized to limit insertion into the housing recess to insertion when the alignment member is in the insertion orientation. The alignment member is disposed in a stowed position in fixed relation relative to the housing upon insertion into the housing recess. A tether is connected to the alignment member and is retractably connected to the housing.

Abstract: A hands free adhesive tape dispenser comprising a protective housing shell consisting of a base, a body with tape cutting blade and a hinged lid/cover, including an interior turning hub for mounting adhesive tape or label rolls, the running end of which is threaded through a discharge opening to which the tape is available for quick access at the U notch where a finger or thumb easily fits to grasp the running end of the tape to pull and cut the desired length on the serrated cutting edge. The end of such tape rests at the dispenser's cutting edge ready for the next retrieval. The base housing comprising a rotary mount to which a role tape hub rides and actuated by movement as the user pulls tape from the dispenser housing during the tape retrieving and cutting process. As tape is severed a new tape end remains adhered until released by the next retrieved application.

Abstract: A golf accessory holder is made up of an oblong housing for a spring-loaded spool, a divot repair tool is slidable through a guideway on the housing, the tool being attached at one end to a flexible line which is wound upon the spool to enable extension of the tool when grasped by the golfer to repair a divot in the ground and to automatically retract the tool when released to slide upwardly into the groove; and other accessories, including a ball marker and golf tees may be releasably mounted on the housing.

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: The invention is directed to a portable carrying device that includes a housing, an elongated flexible strap extendable from the housing, and at least one rigid support arm attached to the housing and configured for supporting an article to be carried. The portable carrying device can include a coupler disposed on a first end of the elongated flexible strap and a mating structure disposed on a portion of the housing for releasably securing the coupler. The rigid support arm can be movable from a first position in which the rigid support arm is compactly stored relative to the housing, to a second position in which the rigid support arm is at least partially extended away from the housing. The housing can have at least one recess for receiving the rigid support arm and the rigid support arm can have a shape corresponding to the recess.

Abstract: A button provides an adhesive flat bottom surface for attachment to a cell phone or similar hand held device. A leash extends from the button and terminates with a finger ring. When the device is held in a hand with one finger secured in the ring, the device is secured in the hand so that it is less likely to fall. The ring may be an extension of the leash, both a part of an elastic cord loop where the leash is secured within the button and the ring extends away from the button. The leash may be retractable.

Abstract: A system for carrying and securing portable devices such as cellular phones, pagers, personal digital assistant (PDA) organizers, IPOD® devices, CD players, radios, digital cameras, keys, utensils or tools on a person, bicycle or vehicle. In particular, an ergonomic system for carrying and securing portable electronic devices such as cellular phones, pagers, personal digital assistant (PDA) organizers, IPOD® devices, CD players, radios, digital cameras and the like on a person in a manner that reduces stress on the human body and that prevents the device from being lost or dropped. The system allows a person to carry one or more portable devices that are secured against loss or damage, while the carrier's hands are free for other activities. The portable devices are maintained in proximity to the person's body, allowing unencumbered access to the device when desired.

Abstract: A writing instrument holder comprises a substantially funnel-shaped body configured to hold concurrently one writing instrument internally and another writing instrument externally. The writing instruments are frictionally held in a substantially conical fashion. A retractable fastener is coupled to one end of the substantially funnel-shaped body.

Abstract: An identification card holder, on the front side of which a replaceable identification card can be placed. A spring-loaded yo-yo is fastened and positioned on the reverse side of the holder, such that the yo-yo remains partially or completely invisible as the card, along with its holder, is viewed from the front side. As the yo-yo is integrated with the holder, the result will be a small-sized, readily portable, and easy-to-handle assembly, which can be distanced from a bearer to the proximity of a code reader for an electric lock without releasing the suspension.

Abstract: Tool holder devices are provided, which are designed to hold tools having spring clip mechanisms. In one aspect, a tool holder device comprises a guiding portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion is adapted to engage a spring clip of a tool for mounting the tool. The guiding portion is adapted to guide a spring clip towards the mounting portion as a person slides the tool from the guiding portion to the mounting portion while maintaining contact between the spring clip and the guiding portion.

Abstract: A retractable applicator system for retractably securing a lip care product to a garment of a user. The retractable applicator system includes an applicator for containing and applying a lip care substance to the lips of the user. A retractor assembly is coupled to the applicator for removably mounting the applicator to a garment of the user in a manner that permits selective movement of the applicator away from the body of the user.

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: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a retractable instrument holder. More specifically, the instrument holder is composed of an adapter coupled to a retractable reel. The adapter includes a main cavity that has an inner bore of varying diameters. Accordingly, the adapter is capable of retaining instruments of varying sizes as well as those instruments having a variety of shapes.

Abstract: An assembly for facilitating the recording of golf scores adapted to be secured to a golf bag or clothing of the scorer. The assembly includes holders for a pencil and a golf score card which are affixed to the distal ends of separate cords that can be retractably withdrawn from spring loaded storage reels.

Abstract: Tool holder devices are provided, which are designed to hold tools having spring clip mechanisms. In one aspect, a tool holder device comprises a guiding portion and a mounting portion. The mounting portion is adapted to engage a spring clip of a tool for mounting the tool. The guiding portion is adapted to guide a spring clip towards the mounting portion as a person slides the tool from the guiding portion to the mounting portion while maintaining contact between the spring clip and the guiding portion.

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: An assembly for facilitating the recording of golf scores adapted to be secured to a golf bag or clothing of the scorer. The assembly includes holders for a pencil and a golf score card which are affixed to the distal ends of separate cords that can be retractably withdrawn from spring loaded storage reels.

Abstract: A portable liquid container is provided wherein an elongated, flexible container is filled with a beverage through a closable filling orifice, and the container is belted on a user using belt end fasteners, e.g. hook-and-loop material. The user grasps a nozzle on the end of an flexible, extendable straw that is stored and wound within a spring-loaded winder mechanism attached to the surface of the container. Pulling on the nozzle causes the straw to extend sufficiently to reach the user's mouth. When finished, the user allows the straw to be rewound into the winder mechanism. A collecting member with an intake positioned low within the container delivers beverage to a mating member that establishes fluid communication between the collecting member and the straw. A color-coded temperature gauge and liquid level indicator are attached to the container. An isolating member is also provided between the user and the container.

Abstract: A device and associated method for attaching an electronic device to a tether so that it cannot be stolen or inadvertently lost. The device includes a housing. Within the housing is contained a spool and a spring for rewinding the spool. A tether extends from the spool out of the housing. The tether terminates outside of the housing with a connector element. The connector element is selectively attachable to an electronic device. As the tether is wound on the spool, the connector element is drawn toward an attachment area on the housing of the device. The connector element and the attachment area are magnetically attracted. As such, when the connector element approaches the attachment area on the housing, the connector element becomes magnetically affixed to the attachment area, thereby joining the electronic device to the housing in a fixed orientation.

Abstract: A device and associated method for attaching an electronic device to a tether so that it cannot be stolen or inadvertently lost. The device includes a housing. Within the housing is contained a spool and a spring for rewinding the spool. A tether extends from the spool out of the housing. The tether terminates outside of the housing with a connector element. The connector element is selectively attachable to an electronic device. As the tether is wound on the spool, the connector element is drawn toward an attachment area on the housing of the device. The connector element and the attachment area are magnetically attracted. As such, when the connector element approaches the attachment area on the housing, the connector element becomes magnetically affixed to the attachment area, thereby joining the electronic device to the housing in a fixed orientation.

Abstract: A combination holster is disclosed for use with weapons having a front stock and a butt-stock, wherein the combination holster comprises a front stock holster having an interior portion and an exterior portion, the interior portion mimicking the contour of the front stock, and a butt-stock retraction means having a first connection to the body of the user and a second connection to the butt stock. The butt-stock retention means may be a retractable cord connected to the body of the user with a vest. In use, the weapon is secured in a first position whereby the front stock is securely gripped by the front-stock holster, and the butt-stock is securely retained near the body of the user with the butt-stock retraction means. The user may decide to unsecure the weapon by removing the front stock from the front-stock holster and applying a drawing force to the butt-stock retention means to pull the butt-stock away from the user's body, thereby enabling the user to properly utilize the weapon.

Abstract: A writing instrument is attached to a cord that is itself retractable into a housing. The housing includes a spool connected to a spring. The retractable cord is connected to the spool, and the spool is adapted to wind the cord around it as a result of the spring being biased to turn the spool so the cord is wound around it. A mount connects the housing to a surface. The housing may have written indicia displaying on it. Further, the mount can be rotatably connected to the housing.

Abstract: A retractable article holder assembly for use preferably in conjunction with a disposable cigarette lighter comprises in one embodiment an article holder for securing a disposable cigarette lighter, a support housing, a retraction mechanism mounted within the support housing comprising a spring-biased reel for extracting and retracting a cord secured at a first end thereto, a clip secured to one side of the support housing for attaching the housing to an object, and a fastener strap for connecting the article holder to the retraction mechanism. A plurality of protrusions is provided in an interior portion of the article container for preventing movement of the article relative to the article holder.

Abstract: A portable cloth holder device 8 including a cloth 50 made of moisture absorbent material selectively connected to a cord attached at it proximal end to a spring-loaded reel mechanism 25 located in an outer housing 9. The outer housing 9 is selectively attached to the user or to a support surface via an adjustable clip 18. The cloth 50 can be selectively extended by pulling the distal end of the cord 30 from the outer housing 9. The cord 30 is sufficient length so that when the cloth 50 is pulled and fully extended, moisture and perspiration can then be removed by the user from his or her head, legs, and arms when the outer housing 9 is attached to the user's waist. When the user has finished drying the body, the cloth 50 retracts and automatically returns to its resting position inside the outer housing 9. The cloth 50 may be easily removed from the cord 30 for washing.

Abstract: A communications device leash comprising means adapted for attachment to an interior surface of a vehicle for securing an end of a flexible means having a secureable end and a second end remote from the securable end, the second end being adapted for receiving and retaining a communications device, the flexible means when secured being operable between a first extended position and a second retracted and stored position and means for moving the flexible means from the first extended position to the second retracted and stored position when tension on the flexible means is released. Preferably the leash comprises a spring loaded reel to move the flexible means from the first extended position to the second retracted and stored position. In a preferred embodiment the first extended postion is selectable from a series of positions wherein the flexible member is withdrawn from the secured and stored position in small increments.

Abstract: A carrier for fishing accessories which can be worn without interfering with the fishing operation, whether standing, sitting, or walking. Broadly, the carrier includes a pouch, carrying mechanism and fishing rod suspension device. The pouch is capable of holding many different types of fishing accessories. The versatile carrying mechanism, such as, an adjustable shoulder strap and waist strap, allows the fisherman to wear the pouch on the hip, back or shoulder, and on either the right side or left side of the body. The fishing rod suspension device supports and suspends the fishing rod from the pouch thereby freeing the fisherman's hands for rigging the line or performing other fishing operations. The carrier may also include a work surface, such as a magnetic plate, to hold fishing accessories such as flies, hooks, lures, weights, and tools.

Abstract: A holder assembly which may be removably mounted on the person of a user and which is designed for holding a cigarette lighter and a bottle opener for convenient and repeated use by bartenders in order to properly service their customers, wherein the holder assembly includes a base having a pocket structure formed on a front surface thereof which is specifically dimensioned and configured to correspond to the cigarette lighter. A compartment is disposed in said base and is dimensioned and configured to contain a retraction structure which is operatively connected to the bottle opener and includes a spring biased take-up reel from which a flexible, cord extends and is secured to the bottle opener, thereby facilitating the outwardly extended yet retractable positioning of the bottle opener for use while maintaining secure attachment thereof to the user.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a label from a backing strip comprises a cartridge, a tab, and a detaching mechanism. The tab includes a first side, a second side and distal end. The detaching mechanism is configured to operatively cause the strip of backing material to be routed along each of the first and second sides of the tab and configured to detach the label from the strip of backing material as the corresponding strip of backing material traverses the distal end of said tab.

Abstract: A backpack with at least one strap that can quickly be retracted or extended to permit the user to easily put on or remove the backpack. The backpack includes a retracting mechanism and a locking device. The retracting mechanism allows the retracting strap to extend or retract as desired. The locking device keeps the strap from extending or retracting while the backpack is being carried.

Abstract: A body-mounted, strap-on fishing rod holder primarily designed for use by a disabled person who has the use of one arm. The invention includes a stabilized frame, attachable to the user's body, upon which is secured an adjustable rod-receiving element. The rod-receiving element is adjustable to any desired vertical angle, and the entire apparatus is easily reversible for right- or left-hand operation. The user can cast and reel in a fishing line with one hand while in a sitting or standing position.

Abstract: An archer's bow includes a riser between upper and lower limbs, and secured to limbs with bolt fasteners. A housing contains a spool with flexible webbing wound thereon. A leg extends at an acute angle to the housing and includes an aperture for securement to one of the bolt fasteners. Webbing extends through an opening in the housing and is wound to one side of the riser so as to be maintained clear of the sight window. The webbing automatically retracts when worn by a user to adjust tension in the webbing as a bow is carried while climbing or running. Further, the webbing automatically retracts immediately upon dismount and clears the sight window before even a quick shot can be taken.