Abstract: Apparatus selectively attachable to the outer case of a cellular telephone or other similarly sized portable device. The apparatus desirably includes a housing containing an elastomeric band that is principally disposed inside the housing when the apparatus is not in use. When the apparatus of the invention is attached to the outer case of a cell phone, a portion of the elastomeric band is manually withdrawn through an opening in the housing and can be releasably latched in place to form a flexible, continuous loop outside the housing. The flexible, continuous loop can be used as a selectively retractable carrying strap when the cell phone or other similar device is not in use. Alternatively, the flexible continuous loop can be used, for example, to support the cell phone around a user's neck for hands-free use when the user is engaged in other activities.

Abstract: An adapter system is provided that facilitates convenient access to a plurality of adapters, e.g., DVI-D to HDMI adapter(s), Micro-HDMI to HDMI adapter(s), Mini-HDMI to HDMI adapter(s), Mini-DisplayPort to HDMI adapter(s), DisplayPort to HDMI adapter(s), VGA to HDMI adapter(s), MNL to HDMI adapter(s), and/or USB to HDMI adapter(s). The adapter system includes an elongated wire that features a plurality of adapters mounted/secured with respect thereto. The wire is at least partially stored within a housing and extends therefrom. The adapters are mounted/secured with respect to a portion of the wire that extends from the housing. The housing includes a retraction mechanism that facilitates retraction of the wire into the housing for convenient storage thereof. The present disclosure further provides structures that are configured and dimensioned to receive the disclosed housing, e.g.

Abstract: A measuring tape device may include a housing having an aperture, a reel assembly defining an axis, a blade having a first end configured to extend from the housing through the aperture and a second end configured to be wound on the reel assembly, a locking assembly configured to alternately allow and prevent winding of the blade onto the reel assembly based on a position of the locking assembly, and a guard assembly comprising guard members extending on opposing lateral sides of the locking assembly to protect the locking assembly from impact.

Abstract: A dual retractable badge and key holder apparatus for conveniently securing keys and a badge includes a spool housing having an outer wall, an inner wall, and a sidewall. A median wall is coupled to the sidewall and lies parallel with the outer wall and the inner wall to define an outer cavity and an inner cavity. An axle is coupled to the spool housing. A pair of retractors comprises an outer retractor and an inner retractor coupled to the axle within the outer cavity and the inner cavity, respectively. Each retractor comprises a spool having a spring and a cord wound around the spool. A key ring is coupled to the inner retractor and is configured to secure a plurality of keys. A badge clip is coupled to the outer retractor and configured to secure a badge. A clamp is coupled to the axle adjacent the inner wall.

Abstract: A mobile peripheral adapter rotationally couples first and second circular housings with a spindle to define and cable cavity. A cable retracts into and extends from the cable cavity by rotation of the housing portions to bring a cable connector into the cable cavity at an opening formed to align with the cable connector at retraction. First and second magnets disposed in the cable cavity retrain the cable connector when retracted. The opening at the bottom surface of the peripheral adapter reduces the vertical height of the cable cavity by providing vertical space within which the cable connector can reside.

Abstract: A device tethering system is provided for securing a device to a source location as may be assisted by a tether. The device tethering system may include a retraction component, tether, pouch, belt, device mounting component, device aspect of the device mounting component, and/or tether aspect of the device mounting component. A method for securing a device to a source location using the device tethering system is also provided.

Abstract: A retractor device includes a housing including a back plate, a faceplate spaced apart from the back plate, and a sidewall extending between the back plate and the faceplate. The retractor device also includes a rotatable reel inside the housing, a spring biasing rotation of the rotatable reel in one direction, a tether wound around the rotatable reel, and an end fitting coupled to an end of the tether. A retainer of the housing is in contact with the end fitting when the end fitting is in the retracted position. The retractor device also includes at least one bearing inside the housing proximate to the retainer, and first and second extension openings in the sidewall of the housing on opposite sides of the retainer. The tether is configured to engage the bearing when the tether is extended through one of the first and second extension openings.

Abstract: A vacuum hose reel assembly has a spiral torsion spring. One end portion of the spiral torsion spring is received in a slot defined by a spring holder. As a vacuum hose is unwound from the reel, the spring is wound as the reel turns in a first direction. To wind the vacuum hose back on the reel, the spring unwinds and turns the reel in a second, opposite, direction. In the event that the forces between the end portion of the spring and the spring holder become too high, the end portion of the spring disengages the spring holder such that the end portion of the spring turns about the spring holder, thereby preventing the spring from breaking.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses a control mechanism for a scrolling of a Torah parchment in a Torah scroll case, comprising an internal handle located inside a Torah scroll case, mounted on a pole on which the parchment is rolled an external cogwheel located outside of the Torah scroll case, mounted on a pole on which the parchment is rolled, rotation of the external cogwheel results in rotation of the pole; and, a springy unit pressed towards a niche in said external cogwheels utilized to control the movement of the pole on which the parchment is rolled.

Abstract: A wire-winding device comprising: an upper cover; a spiral spring; a rotary base having a groove to accommodate the spiral spring on the bottom surface thereof; a transmission line winding around the rotary base; a lower cover assembled with the upper cover; and a pillar, an outlet, and a wire casing formed on one side of the groove, and two spacers surrounding the peripheral edge of the groove, the pillar having a first end portion which shifts outward to the edge of rotary base, the wire casing having a smooth curved surface formed on the bottom surface thereof near the outlet to enlarge the accommodating space near the outlet and reduce the friction between the transmission line and the spacers.

Abstract: A device having a self-winding element is described. The self-winding element is built on a flexible membrane; it has an extended form and a retracted form. Stiffness in the extended form may be provided using membrane curvature, or a retractable support member may be used, or both. Transitions between the extended form and the retracted form are preferably accomplished using sequential activation of tensile members that are configured in segments of the membrane. Activation of the tensile elements is preferably implemented using a processor or controller that activates tri-state drivers in a predetermined sequence in order to pass a current through each element when heating is desired. A preferred material used for the tensile elements is thin film NITINOL.

Abstract: A webbing take-up device is obtained that is capable of reducing the load on a reduction balance spring without using special components, and without performing special processing on a spiral direction inside end of the reduction balance spring. When the reduction balance spring rotates in a take-up direction as winding of the reduction balance spring loosens, an inside engagement portion turns in the take-up direction inside an engagement groove. Accordingly, a load absorption portion which is further to a main body portion side of the reduction balance spring than the inside engagement portion curves into a concave shape that is open towards a pull-out direction as the load absorption portion stands up. In this state, when further load in the take-up direction acts on the reduction balance spring, this load is absorbed by the load absorption portion undergoing resilient deformation so as to curve further.

Abstract: A webbing retractor that can alleviate the load on a reducing balance spring without increasing cost and weight is obtained. When a ring inertially rotates in a retraction direction together with a ratchet gear, a ring-side pressing portion of a load receiving portion accommodating portion formed in the ring presses a spring-side load receiving portion of a clutch spring in the retraction direction. Due to this, the clutch spring is loosened, whereby the ring can easily inertially rotate in the retraction direction together with the ratchet gear, and the load acting on a reducing balance spring can be alleviated.

Abstract: A spring-driven reel adapted to have a line or cable wound onto the spool of the cable. As the line or cable is pulled from said spool, a helical spring is compressed. The helical spring causes the line or cable to be wound upon the spool if slack occurs in the line or cable.

Abstract: A mobile device case includes a reel assembly, including a reel, a supporting plate, and a hub between the reel and the supporting plate. The hub includes a first cavity between the hub and the supporting plate for housing a spring, and a second cavity between the hub and the reel for housing a flat flexible cable (FFC). The spring is wound in a first direction, while the FFC is wound in a second direction. The FFC includes a first end for electrically coupling to a female jack connector of a device. A female connector is electrically coupled to a second end of the FFC for engaging a male jack connector of user-provided headphones. When the reel rotates in the first direction, the spring tightens and the FFC loosens. When the reel rotates in the second direction, the spring loosens and the FFC tightens.

Abstract: A webbing take-up device which can improve the workability of the assembly work of a tension reducer is obtained. In this webbing take-up device, a take-up spring unit is arranged closer to the opening side of a case than a reduction spring unit within a case. For this reason, when a clutch is arranged inside the reduction balance spring and the inner end of the reduction balance spring in a spiral direction is locked to a spring case of the clutch, the clutch and the reduction balance spring can be easily and visually recognized from the opening side of the case. Thus, the other end of the reduction balance spring can be easily locked to the spring case.

Abstract: A device is provided for unfurling and refurling comprising at least one tape spring having an axis of unfurling and of refurling parallel to an axis X and a rotor capable of rotating about an axis Y perpendicular to the axis X, the tape spring being able, autonomously, to pass from a state in which it is wound around the rotor to an unwound state. The tape spring is mounted bent in two in the shape of a U and comprises a first end fixed rigidly to a first anchor point that may be secured to a stator or to the rotor and a second end wound around the rotor.

Abstract: A spring-driven reel adapted to have a line or cable wound onto the spool of the cable. As the line or cable is pulled from said spool, a helical spring is compressed. The helical spring causes the line or cable to be wound upon the spool if slack occurs in the line or cable.

Abstract: It is provided a webbing winding device with good assembly characteristics of components in a second lock unit. In the webbing winding device, due to a leading end of a spring tab of a guide plate interacting with ratchet teeth of an internal ratchet and a second lock base rotating in the pull-out direction in this state, relative rotation occurs between the guide plate and the second lock base, and a second lock pawl is meshed with the ratchet teeth of the internal ratchet. Since this configuration is not a configuration in which relative rotation between the guide plate and a second lock base is induced by bias force of bias means, such as a compression coil spring or the like, there is no bias force received in the rotational circumferential direction when the guide plate and the second lock base are being assembled, resulting in easy assembly.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for tensioning suture. The methods and devices are particularly useful in surgical suturing applications in which it is desirable to maintain tension on suture being delivered, yet to allow the tension to be released as desired without retracting the suture. Thus, when tension is released, a length of suture extended from the device can remain extended without any tension being applied thereto. Tension is only applied to any additional length of suture that is extended from the device. The tension applied to the suture is proportional to the length of the suture extended from the device until the tension is released and reset.

Abstract: A mobile device case includes a reel assembly, including a reel, a supporting plate, and a hub between the reel and the supporting plate. The hub includes a first cavity between the hub and the supporting plate for housing a spring, and a second cavity between the hub and the reel for housing a flat flexible cable (FFC). The spring is wound in a first direction, while the FFC is wound in a second direction. The FFC includes a first end for electrically coupling to a female jack connector of a device. A female connector is electrically coupled to a second end of the FFC for engaging a male jack connector of user-provided headphones. When the reel rotates in the first direction, the spring tightens and the FFC loosens. When the reel rotates in the second direction, the spring loosens and the FFC tightens.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic banner roll-up mechanism for automatically rolling up a banner or poster, which includes two tubes, a foldable material cloth, a connecting rod, two plugs, a cylindrical spring, a stopper and two mounting supports. One end of the connecting rod is sheathed by one plug and the cylindrical spring, and it is retained in one of the mounting supports. Ball bearings in one of the plugs are engaged with the connecting rod when the plug is rotated to twist cylindrical spring tight. After rotating the plug in a reverse direction to release the cylindrical spring, the connecting rod rotates in the reverse direction, thereby rolling up the foldable material. Further, the foldable material may be coated or printed with various patterns for decorative or sun-shading purposes.

Abstract: A mobile hose winding apparatus, including a case, a hose winding mechanism for hose winding, a sprinkler mechanism and a water inlet and outlet mechanism. One end of the water inlet and outlet mechanism is used to connect to the hose on the winding mechanism while the other end is connected to the water inlet of the sprinkler mechanism; the hose winding mechanism and the water inlet and outlet mechanism are fitted in the case, with the sprinkler mechanism in the front of the case. The mobile hose winding apparatus abandons the wall-mounted connecting mode of the conventional hose winding apparatus, and thus the apparatus according to the present disclosure can be moved as a whole for operation.

Abstract: An auto-reversible reel includes a wheel-shaped housing, a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing, a pull rope fastened to and winding round the rotor, a control member fastened to one end of the pull rope outside the housing and operable to pull the pull rope out of the housing, and a power spring adapted for reversing the rotor to take up the pull rope. The rotor has a retaining block located on the inside wall thereof and a stop plate extending over the retaining block. The power spring has a retaining hole located on the outer end thereof and fastened to the retaining block of the rotor in such a manner that the stop plate prohibits disconnection of the outer end of the power spring from the retaining block.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for tensioning suture. The methods and devices are particularly useful in surgical suturing applications in which it is desirable to maintain tension on suture being delivered, yet to allow the tension to be released as desired without retracting the suture. Thus, when tension is released, a length of suture extended from the device can remain extended without any tension being applied thereto. Tension is only applied to any additional length of suture that is extended from the device. The tension applied to the suture is proportional to the length of the suture extended from the device until the tension is released and reset.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a socket with power supply, comprising a housing having a upper cover and a lower cover which are connected together to form a receiving space; a transformer connected with an alternate current source through a plug protruding out of the first opening; at least a socket capable of outputting the alternate current; a rectifying circuit capable of rectifying the alternate current to direct current; and an output power plug coupled with the rectifying circuit and protruding out of the second opening through a power cord to output the direct current to an electronic device.

Abstract: A quick acting clutch, the quick acting clutch comprising: a friction plate; a clutch plate movably mounted to the friction plate about a center of rotation of the friction plate and the clutch plate, the clutch plate being configured to rotate with respect to the friction plate; an actuator arm pivotally mounted to at least one of the friction plate or the clutch plate, the actuator arm being configured to amplify movement of a first end of the actuator arm and rotational movement of the friction plate relative to the clutch plate moves the first end of the actuator arm; and a lock pawl pivotally mounted to the clutch plate for movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, the lock pawl and a second end of the actuator arm each being configured to contact each other and rotational movement of the friction plate with respect to the clutch plate causes movement of the first end to be amplified at the second end such that the second end of the actuator arm and the actuator arm contacts the lock

Abstract: A positioning rod structure for a single-pull reel which will be positioned upon pulling out of cord from the reel and will restore to its original position if the cord is pulled for a second time. When the cord is pulled for one round, a positioning of the cord is done, and the pulling of the cord provides multi control of the cord, accordingly, the pulling of cord is precisely controlled.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt with a frame has a belt reel (10) rotatably mounted in the frame, a coupling disk (14) rotatably mounted relative to the belt reel (10), and a clip spring (16) which is attached to the belt reel (10) and to the coupling disk (14).

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for secure display of a portable electronic device wherein the device has an attached electrically conductive cable that is integral to the device and essential to the operation thereof, the device cable having a first end connected to the device and a second end, and an intermediate section, the apparatus comprising: device support means normally supporting the device and means for extending and retracting the device cable. The means for extending and retracting the cable includes pulley means having a first set of pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of linearly movable spring loaded pulleys. As the device is moved from the device support the second set of pulleys is urged towards the first set of pulleys thereby extending the device cable against the resistance of the spring loading, thereby creating retractive force for retraction of the cable. When the device is released the cable is retracted to the device support until halted by a cable stop.

Abstract: A recoiler has a retractable cable with an attachment pad on the distal end of the cable for attachment to an item of merchandise. The cable is stored on a spring biased spool located within a recoiler housing. The housing is freely rotatably mounted on a post extending upwardly from a base plate secured to the spool housing by a fastener and adapted to be secured to a support structure.

Abstract: Belt retractor and a belt-retractor spring-cassette housing for a belt retractor. The belt-retractor spring-cassette housing can be installed in a particularly simple and therefore cost-effective manner. The belt-retractor spring-cassette housing has a spring core and a driving spring which is held in the spring core, the belt-retractor spring-cassette housing and/or the spring core are designed symmetrically so that the driving spring can have any desired torque direction.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor includes a spool formed into a hollow cylindrical shape and capable of winding a seatbelt onto a spool outer periphery or unwinding the seatbelt from the spool outer periphery. The retractor includes a motor accommodated in a cylindrical space of the spool and a motor speed-reduction mechanism configured to reduce the rotational speed of the motor via a plurality of gears. A controller is provided to control the operation of the motor.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor assembly has a seat belt retractor for generating a retraction force to rewind a seat belt on a reel. A coupling device selectively couples and decouples the retractor from the reel. A tensioning device generates a tensioning force in the seat belt when in an activated state. The coupling device decouples the retractor from the reel when the tensioning device is activated.

Abstract: A power-return tape measure uses a retainer to help keep a retraction spring in the proper position. The tape measure may have a reel with an interior central cavity with a post extending therethrough. A spring is wound substantially within the central cavity and mounted to the post so as to provide a retraction bias. A cap is secured to the reel so as to substantially enclose the reel's central cavity and the spring. The retainer is disposed between the spring and the cap. The cap has a first hole of a first size and the retainer has a second hole of a second, smaller, size. The post extends through the second hole with a sliding fit and through the first hole in spaced relation to the cap. The post and the retainer substantially close off the first hole. A main case substantially encloses the reel.

Abstract: A drive-type tape ruler in which a spring disposed within the blade take-up spool constitutes a spring-loaded wheel that is installed at one or two sides of the blade take-up spool, enabling the blade take-up spool to accommodate the winding of a tape ruler blade that is approximately 2 to 2.5 times lengthier than possible with a conventional blade take-up spool of the same diameter and, furthermore, the torque of the spring-loaded wheel rewinds the tape ruler blade, thereby enhancing tape ruler utility and performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seatbelt retractor of an automobile, which is provided with a frictional clutching means for decreasing the rotating speed of a drum shaft where a webbing and a spiral spring are fixed, whereby locking of a vehicle sensor is inhibited by reducing the shock caused by sudden expansion of the spiral spring.

Abstract: A pull-cord keeper provided for a window treatment assembly, where the keeper comprises a housing configured for secure mounting attachment on a wall near an upper portion of the window treatment assembly, the housing further defining a cavity therein; an opening in communication with the cavity; a spool adapted for rotational movement within the cavity to reel and collect through the opening a length of a slender, flexible material; and a sealed spring cartridge assembly for spring biasing the spool in a rotational direction for reeling the length of the slender, flexible material during a constant spring-loaded state.

Abstract: Header to support one end of a rewind roll and to close off at least one end of the casing, used particularly for fly screens, includes: a bottom from which, along the perimeter of the side close to the casing, there is a discontinuous border that protrudes, with a number of seats for fitting the corresponding end of the said header; and a flat, monolithic part formed in the said bottom that protrudes downwards, with holes formed on the surface in order to fasten it to the uprights of an opening; wherein, in a bottom, there is a central hole with a key-way into which the end of a pin is connected and thus fixed to the part of the header. The end is mushroom shaped and is flexible, and fits into a hollow in the rear part, that is, on the side on the outside of the header.

Abstract: A measuring tape core has a support (23), an opening (22) defined underneath and adjacent the support (23), an I-shaped opening (24) in communication with the opening (22) and two regulators (21) each oppositely formed adjacent to the opening (22) and on top of the I-shaped opening (24), such that when the coiled spring extends out from the core, the force applied on the coiled spring will not break the coiled spring easily.

Abstract: A rewind spring in a cassette for a seat belt retractor is assembled by first placing a mechanism cover on a winding jig. An arbor is fitted to a winding shaft of the jig. One end of a coiled metal bank spring is then fixed to the spring arbor. The band is then wound onto the arbor in the mechanism cover and a spring cover is fitted to the mechanism cover. Finally, a locking clip is attached to the spring cover to lock the arbor against rotation. A spring arbor for use in the cassette has a generally cylindrical shape and an axially extending slot for receiving an end of the spring. A step is provided in the profile of the cylindrical outer surface of the arbor in the region of the slot to compensate for the thickness of the band wound thereon.

Abstract: A motor for controlling the elevating and lowering of a load comprises a storage drum, an output drum and a spring member operatively connected therebetween to provide a spring motor therewith, and a pair of cord drums aligned with and respectively adjacent the storage drum and the output drum. A gear train including an idler gear associated with the storage drum drivingly interengages the cord drums with the output drum, whereby the elevating and lowering of a load attached to the cords on the cord drums is balanced regardless of whether the elevating or lowering force is applied centrally between the points of attachment of the cords to the load.

Abstract: A motor for controlling the elevating and lowering of a load comprises a storage drum, an output drum and a spring member operatively connected therebetween to provide a spring motor therewith, and a pair of cord drums aligned with and respectively adjacent the storage drum and the output drum. A gear train including an idler gear associated with the storage drum drivingly interengages the cord drums with the output drum, whereby the elevating and lowering of a load attached to the cords on the cord drums is balanced regardless of whether the elevating or lowering force is applied centrally between the points of attachment of the cords to the load.

Abstract: A tape measure (11) is provided having a first plate (13), a second plate (15), and a spool assembly positioned between the first and second plates. In one embodiment, the first plate includes a central hub (17) and a plurality of upright posts (25), the combination being integrally formed from a single piece of plastic material. In one embodiment, the spool assembly includes a spiral spring (53), a tape (51), a spring-retaining disc (31) having a central hole (35) and an upright intermediate wall (41) with a slot opening (47), an upper disc (33), and a connector (55). In an assembled state, one end of the spiral spring engages the hub, while the other end of the spiral spring engages one end of the connector. The other end of the connector extends through the upright intermediate wall slot opening and engages one end of the tape. The connector second end is held outward of the wall slot in a manner prohibiting its passage back therethrough during use.

Abstract: The present invention automatically rolls up bands, such as curtains, sunshades and mobile panes. The present invention consists of a tubular structure which incorporates in its interior a spindle with two sections threaded in opposite directions acting, thorough rotation, upon corresponding mobile structures on each side, displacing them and causing a compression or traction of a spring placed between them. The tubular structure has in its interior side longitudinal protuberances, which fit into corresponding slits of the mobile structures, thus rotating as they move.

Abstract: A roller for rewinding and tensioning a flexible element, the element having a greater length than width, includes a tubular body to which one end of the flexible element is fixed; a shaft positioned so that it is coaxial to the tubular body, the two being attached in such a way that they may rotate relative to one another about a shared axis; at least one helical spring driving element made of wire, housed in the tubular body, the ends of the spring being connected, by means of support and connecting parts, to the shaft and the tubular body so as to contrast the reciprocal rotation in the direction of unwinding of the flexible element, at least one of the support and connecting parts being able to slide along the axis of the roller on relative guides so as to position itself along the shaft, adapting each time to the variations in the axial length of the spring driving element, the variations being caused by the unwinding and rewinding of the flexible element on the roller.

Abstract: A cane retrieval device includes a flexible linking member that retractably joins a cane to a wrist-mounted attachment strap. A constant, tension-spring controlled positioning assembly allows placement of a tethered cane in a user-selected location remote from the user's hands, while drawing the cane into a readily grasped orientation in a uniform manner upon demand. A brake mechanism prevents unwanted cane retraction. The wrist-mounted attachment strap is adjustable and requires no special dexterity during securement or removal.

Abstract: Continously variable-length antenna, operating in a wide frequency range that's simple, lightweight and reliable, and can be constructed by using a metal case-resided, coiled steel band spring returnable metal tape for the actual antenna, and pulling or releasing it by a thin insulating line. A strong, lightweight insulating tube, guiding the metal tape in its mechanical excursions, also provides for weatherproof construction. Remote controlling and an extremely wide range of antenna lengths can easily be realized.

Abstract: A safety belt reeling device with comfort function has a housing and a reeling shaft rotatably supported in the housing. A pawl wheel is fastened to the reeling shaft and switchable between a locked position in which rotation of the pawl wheel is blocked and a release position in which the pawl wheel is rotatable. A winding spring, connected with a first end to the housing and with a second end to the pawl wheel, is provided for rotating the reeling shaft when the pawl wheel is in the release position. A comfort spring with a weaker spring force than the winding spring is provided. The comfort spring is connected with a first end to the pawl wheel and with a second end to the reeling shaft. The pawl wheel has a stay with a first and a second end. The first end of the comfort spring is guided in a single loop about the first end of the stay. An elastically deformable dampening element is positioned between the first end of the stay and the single loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a USB cable capable of being fed out of and returned to a cable reel is disclosed along with a cable reel that houses the cable and provides connectivity for the cable.