Abstract: A backrest for a vehicle seat, comprising a backrest frame on which a backrest head support element provided for supporting a seat user in the shoulder region can be pivoted. In particular, the support element can be pivoted via a drive unit arranged on the support element and a lever mechanism which interacts with the drive unit so as to be actuated by an external force.

Abstract: An adjustable support stake for securing and supporting items above the ground including a substantially tapered stake at a first end and a housing formed around a rotatable member that can be rotated about a longitudinal axis from an access point on the housing at a second end. The rotatable member being capable of attaching to a cable that is also attached to the item to be secured or supported so that when the rotatable member is rotated the tension in the cable is increased. A tension release member further allows for adjustability by reducing cable tension when decoupled from the rotational member. The adjustable support stake can be used by inserting the stake into the ground, attaching a cable to both the rotatable member and the item to be supported, and rotating the rotatable member to create tension in the cable.

Abstract: Clothing drying device has: a drum with a rope wound around; a casing body having an entrance/exit surface and storing the drum, the entrance/exit surface being provided adjacent to a wall surface to which the casing body is fixed, the entrance/exit surface allowing the rope to go in and out; and a gate-shaped guide member provided on the entrance/exit surface, comprising a hole portion provided inside the guide member and the rope is passed through, a pair of pole portions extending in the direction intersecting with the wall surface and having an arc surface becoming convex toward the hole portion, and a beam portion passed between the pair of pole portions at the end portion opposite to the end portion of the wall surface side of the pair of pole portions and having an arc surface becoming convex toward the hole portion.

Abstract: A leash system and methods of use are provided that includes a leash cord configured to be affixed at a first end portion to a user of a personal watercraft, a switch cord, and an anchoring cord. The switch cord has a first end portion affixed to a key for connection to a kill switch of the watercraft and a second end portion affixed to the leash cord. The anchoring cord has a first end portion configured to fixedly secure the anchoring cord to the watercraft and a second end portion affixed to the leash cord. A loop is affixed in preferred examples along the anchoring cord that is configured to slidably receive the switch cord therethrough. When the leash cord is pulled taut while the anchoring cord is fixedly secured to the watercraft, the first end portion of the switch cord is drawn toward the loop to remove the key.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a resistance device including left and right sheaves and associated rewind mechanisms. Left and right cords are routed from the sheaves through left and right swivel pulleys to left and right force receiving members. A person stands on a foot platform and exercises by using her arms and/or her legs to pull the cords from the sheaves. The person may stabilize herself by placing one or both hands on handlebars when those hands are not involved in the pulling activity.

Abstract: A load restraint fastener for use with a plurality of load restraint attachments is described. The load restraint fastener includes a body. The body includes a substantially planar portion having a front face and an opposite rear face. The substantially planar portion defines an opening and includes a first receiving portion having a receiving surface. The first receiving portion also defines a first portion of the opening. The substantially planar portion includes, in addition, a second receiving portion having a receiving surface. The second receiving portion is spaced apart from the first receiving portion and symmetric with the first receiving portion about at least one axis of symmetry. The second receiving portion defines a second portion of the opening. The body also includes a projecting portion having a receiving surface. The projecting portion extends outwardly from the rear face of the substantially planar portion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for triggering an occupant protection device in a vehicle with a parking brake, wherein for the case in which a deceleration of the vehicle is demanded by operating the parking brake while travelling, the occupant protection device is triggered automatically and displaced from an initial position into a protective position.

Abstract: A cord winding module, comprising a rotary wheel (9) on which a cord (11) is wound and a stop button (4) working cooperatively with the rotary wheel. The cord winding module further comprises a spring wire (5) working cooperatively with the stop button as an elastic support device, and the stop button automatically brakes the rotary wheel under the action of the elastic force of the spring wire and prevents the rotary wheel from retracting the cord. The spring wire has an arc shape, or exhibits an arc shape when pre-pressed and deformed by the stop button.

Abstract: A truck deck includes a floor that defines a cargo area on a top surface. The deck also includes a pocket disposed in the floor. The pocket defines a space disposed below the floor and a pocket opening. The deck further includes a selectively openable and closable pocket cover movable between an open position and a closed position. The pocket cover is disposed to cover the pocket in the closed position. The deck also includes a tie-down device disposed in the pocket. The tie-down device includes an attachment device, an adjustment device, and an elongated strap having an attachment end that is attached to the attachment device configured for attachment to a cargo, and an adjustment end that is attached to the adjustment device. The tie-down device is configured to adjust the length of the strap and apply a downward tensioning force to the cargo.

Abstract: An animal tethering assembly includes an anchor that may be inserted into ground. A leash unit is removably coupled to the anchor. The leash unit includes a leash that may be attached to an animal thereby restricting movement of the animal. The leash is selectively urged outwardly from the leash unit. Moreover, the leash is selectively retracted into the leash unit.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for securing a fall arrest device to a structure, the mounting bracket including a base plate configured for attachment to a structure, and at least one device mounting arrangement attached to or integral with the base plate and configured to secure the fall arrest device to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Cases, devices, and methods for protecting and holding portable handheld devices, such as cell phones and smart phones, in separate protective cases having outwardly extending resilient bumper corner eye lit rings which cushion the case and function as bumpers when the portable electronics device is dropped. The outwardly extending bumpers/eye lit rings can also support lanyards and keychain rings, and the like, so that the cases with portable electronics devices can be easily and safely held in one's finger, about their wrist, or on their neck. A central ring can be formed from an upper middle portion of the case for allowing the forefinger of a user to be inserted therein with the back of the hand supporting the case, and the lanyard wrapped about the user's wrist. The novel cases can also be used to safely protect other types of portable electronic devices, such as tablets and laptop computers, and the like, in similar manners.

Abstract: A cellular phone tethering system includes a housing that includes a rear wall with a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. An outer wall is attached to and extends along the top edge and at least a portion of each of the first and second side edges. The outer wall extends forward of the rear wall. An inwardly extending lip is attached to and coextensive with an outer edge of the outer wall positioned opposite of the rear wall. The lip is configured to retain a cellular phone in the housing and in abutment with the rear wall. A loop is attached to the housing and a tether is attached to the loop. A reel is attached to the tether and a clip is attached to the reel. The clip is configured to releasably attach the reel to a personal item.

Abstract: An adjustment apparatus for swinging a comfort element in relation to a load-bearing structure about a pivot axis from a normal position to a pivoted position includes a locking device having a centrifugal force pendulum, a spring element, and a locking pin movable in opposition to a spring force of the spring element in parallel relationship to the pivot axis from a locked position in which the centrifugal force pendulum acts on the locking pin to seek engagement to a released position. The locking pin interacts with the comfort element in such a way that a pivoting of the comfort element from the normal position causes the locking pin to disengage from the locked position.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a main body including a cord reel around which a power cord is wound and a cord reel button for operating the cord reel.

Abstract: A pedestal, a system and/or a method secures and/or displays an article. The pedestal secures an article to a fixture while allowing manipulation, testing and/or maneuvering of the article with respect to the pedestal and/or a surface. A drum, cable and a spring may be used to deter theft and/or removal of the article. The article may be on display and/or may be used, manipulated, tested and/or transported by consumers in an environment, such as, for example, a retail store. The pedestal may allow for extension of the cable by pulling the article away from the pedestal and/or the drum. The pedestal, the system and/or the method may allow for extension of the cable using a spring.

Abstract: A retractable leash apparatus includes opposed first and second open ends and defines an interior area. A retraction assembly is operatively coupled to the handle member and defines an inner space and an aperture, the retraction assembly having a spool rotatably positioned in the inner space. A leash member having a first end is connected to the spool, the spool being selectively movable between a retracted configuration in which the leash is substantially inside the inner space and an extended configuration in which the leash member is substantially outside the inner space. The handle member includes a partition positioned in the handle member interior area so as to divide the handle member interior area into a first interior portion and a second interior portion, the first interior portion being selectively accessible through the first open end and the second interior portion being selectively accessible through the second open end.

Abstract: A picture frame and hanger combination features a reel for winding and unwinding of the cord, a locking mechanism to lock the cord in any of a number of partially unwound states of different length, and a frame bordering a picture opening for receiving a picture in a position facing outward from the picture opening to a front side of the frame. The frame has a hollow cavity positioned and sized to accommodate the reel and locking mechanism, which may be combined into a single unit, in positions at least partially recessed in the frame and concealed from the front side thereof. The recessing of the reel into the frame avoids bulky installation on the rear of the frame that may otherwise prevent the frame from lying closely against the wall or other upright surface behind the picture frame.

Abstract: A cable roller, a system and/or a method extend and/or retract a coiled cable. The cable roller, the system and/or the method secure an article to a fixture while allowing manipulation, testing and/or maneuvering of the article with respect to the fixture. A drum attaches to the fixture. The drum has a sleeve that rotates freely with respect to the central axis of the drum. A spring action of the coiled cable rotates the sleeve to extend and/or to retract the coiled cable from an underside of the fixture.

Abstract: The seatbelt pretensioner, which is designed for reducing slack in seatbelt webbing upon deployment in response to a triggering event, comprises an igniter that generates gas in response to the triggering event, an elongate body defining a chamber for receiving and the confining gas generated by the igniter, a piston movable within the elongate body by the gas generated, a slack-reducing assembly that responds to movement of the piston and is connected to at least a portion of seatbelt webbing, movement of the piston causes the slack-reducing assembly to move the seat belt webbing reducing slack in the seatbelt webbing; and a controlled pressure release that enables gas to escape from the elongate body after deployment, relieving gas pressure within the pretensioner.

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: An, adjustable, retractable hanging system that enables hangers to be easily attached, moved, and removed from a ceiling or wall rail. The hanger, which houses a spring-loaded reel and a retractable cable, is backed with a pressure-clip or in an alternate embodiment, a raised platform. The hanger affixes to a ceiling or wall rail by means of a pole and cup assembly. Once attached to a ceiling or wall, the retractable cable within the hanger extends to receive the object to be hung. The cable is reached by means of a hook that is affixed to the pole and cup assembly and is lowered to within arm's reach. An adjustable cable-stop, which is also attached to the cable, allows individuals the ability to adjust the suspending height of the object to be hung.

Abstract: An adjustable, retractable hanging system. The hanger, housing a spring-loaded reel and a retractable cable, is attached to a ceiling or exposed ductwork by either opposing flanges or bonding material that is located on the hanger's flat exterior housing wall. A cup, lined with a flexible gasket and having a fin-like appendage on its surface, holds the hanger and is also attached to a pole. The cup and pole assembly attaches the hanger to a ceiling or exposed ductwork without the use of a ladder or any elevating device. After the hanger is attached, the cup's fin-like appendage is used to engages the clip on the cable, allowing the user to lower the clip to within reach. An adjustable cable-stop, which is also attached to the cable, allows the user to adjust the suspended height of the material to be hung.

Abstract: A webbing take-up device that can regulate displacement of a held part such as clutch while suppressing or preventing a drop in the assembility of the held part such as clutch. A projection is formed on a bridge portion in a wall portion on the opposite side of a holding portion side. When a cover plate is attached to a frame, a base portion of the cover plate contacts a distal end of the wall portion, but at the portion where the projection is formed, the based portion presses the projection and bends the bridge portion. By the bridge portion bending, a touching surface of the holding portion contacts a base portion of a clutch plate and regulates displacement of the clutch plate. Moreover, in a state where the bridge portion is not bending, a clearance is formed between the touching surface and the base portion when the clutch plate is disposed, so the clutch plate can be also be easily attached.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for securing an item to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated cable, a retraction member, a coupling member, and a locking mechanism. The elongated cable is retractably received within the retraction member. The coupling member is secured to the retraction member. The coupling member is engageable with a vehicle receiver to secure the coupling member to the vehicle receiver. The vehicle receiver shaped to receive a separate hitch mounted accessory. The engagement between the coupling member and the vehicle receiver, in certain embodiments, is designed such that the vehicle receiver is accessible for receiving the separate hitch mounted accessory with the coupling member engaged with the vehicle receiver.

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 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: A personal portable devices keeper (10) and its method of use are disclosed. The keeper mainly comprises a housing formed by a shell (12) and a base (14), a spool assembly (16) controlled by a spiral spring (18) and a ratchet mechanism consisting of a ratchet plate (32) in the spool, a ratchet bead (20), and a straight slot (50) in the base, a clip (22), and a length of cord (24) with a bob (72) securing a strap loop (90). The shell has a cord port (28) and is rotatable independently from the spool so that the cord remainder is adjustable even after the cord is fully retracted by the spring. The strap loop ties a personal portable device directly through its strap holder or the like. The keeper is fully operable through the cord dragged by the portable device that is normally held and operated by one hand.

Abstract: A webbing winding device includes a clutch mechanism interposed between a spool and an output shaft of a motor and has a simple structure and high operability. In an interference piece that has an interference portion interfering with a connection pawl when an input gear of a clutch is rotated in the winding direction, a base portion is disposed between an outer retaining ring and an inner retaining ring formed at a gear box, and the base portion comes into press contact with an inner peripheral portion of the outer retaining ring and an outer peripheral portion of the inner retaining ring. The interference portion keeps interfering with the connection pawl until a pressing force more than a maximum static frictional force generated between the inner peripheral portion of the outer retaining ring and the outer peripheral portion of the inner retaining ring, and the base portion is applied to the interference portion, thereby rotating the connection pawl.

Abstract: The invention is concerned, inter alia, with a belt retractor (10) for a seat belt, with a belt reel (20) for winding up and unwinding the seat belt, and a lockable locking flange (40) which is connected to the belt reel and, prior to a locking action, is rotated together with the belt reel and, after a locking action, is blocked in its rotational movement. According to the invention, it is provided that the locking flange and the belt reel are secured against relative axial displacement.

Abstract: A very lightweight long-range extending member formed from assembled tapes. The strength of an extended structure can be greatly increased by forming a composite structure from individual single tapes. This invention describes various composite structures and the means for forming them.

Abstract: A rotation-type single-pull retract mechanism includes a housing with a lower housing and an upper cover, a rotation mold, a plate-shaped spring, and a wire material. The lower housing has a positioning shaft and at least one blocking element movably mounted on the lower housing. Two wire-outlet holes are formed on the sides of the housing. The rotation mold has a wire winding shaft and a ratchet-wheel-shaped boss with at least two positioning teeth that corresponds to the blocking element. The rotation mold has a wire-through hole, a wire winding annular wall with the plate-shaped spring placed within, and a first through-hole engaged with the positioning shaft. Therein, an inner root portion of the plate-shaped spring is fixedly connected with the positioning shaft. Thereby, the wire material may be reeled on the wire winding annular wall, so that two ends of the wire material passes through the two wire-outlet holes.

Abstract: A rescue line apparatus is configured as a horizontal tether for being readily connected between a door and a portion of the door jamb or other entry location and extending a line as the user moves within the structure. The device allows the user to readily locate their way back for egressing the structure, and can be readily disengaged by the user, which activates a braking system that prevents unit “run-away”. A multi-attach anchor head couples the far end of the line to any desired structure, and has a beacon assembly which outputs a light pattern of sufficient brightness to be seen by the user when visually locating their attachment point within the structure. A multi-element visual indicator is configured for indicating line extension distance, and displaying tether line status. Many options promote safety and a fully cooperative environment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hanging device including: a reeling portion which includes a reel adapted to reel a cord connected to an electronic device or component part and in which the reel is turned to pull out the cord from an orifice portion of a casing and to reel the cord through the orifice portion; an engaging portion disposed in the vicinity of the orifice portion of the reeling portion; and a connecting member attached to the cord so as to be engageable with and disengageable from an engaging portion of the orifice portion.

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 clip configuration including a contoured case forming a support opening for a movable clasp element defining a universal clip. A winding mechanism within the casing includes a spring urged spool having a retractable cord which extends with an attachment ring positioned on its free end.

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: A retracting tow system is disclosed which provides a spring loaded tow rope which automatically winds the tow rope around an included spool when not in use. The tow rope is affixed to a supplied shaft in a manner which prevents damage to the retracting mechanism while in use. An offset fairlead is also supplied which reduces the force on the shaft during a tow.

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: An attachable accessory device is provided which has a housing assembly with an external cylindrical tube with an elongate slot, an internal cylindrical tube capable of rotational movement within the external cylindrical tube, and housing a spring member for providing the rotational movement. An elongate spring member is engaged within the internal cylindrical tube providing rotational movement of the internal cylindrical tube.

Abstract: A wire-winding device includes a circuit unit, a wire-winding disk, two cables, a scroll spring and a circuit unit. The insulating body has receiving space. The wire-winding disk is rotatably located in the receiving space. The wire-winding disk has at least one concave slot. There is a rolling ball between the concave slot and the insulating body. The scroll spring is connected between the wire-winding disk and the insulating body. The circuit unit is located in the wire-winding disk and is electrically connected with the two cables. Thereby, the user can rapidly receive or lease the cable to adjust the length of the cable, and use the circuit unit to convert the input voltage or current into a desired voltage or current for outputting.

Abstract: A restraint system for a motor vehicle includes a safety belt, an end of which can be attached by means of an end pre-load tensioning device to the vehicle body. The end pre-load tensioning device includes a seat belt retractor that takes up the end of the seat belt and a tensioning device connected thereto for the belt shaft of the seat belt retractor. The belt shaft is formed as a hollow shaft, and a blocking element blocks the belt shaft that is released in the event of an accident.

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 cap is provided for a seat belt retractor having a housing. The cap is placed onto a side of the seat belt retractor facing a sensor. The cap is made of aluminum and is equipped with an adhesive plate by which the cap is glued onto the housing. The adhesive plate may consist of a butyl adhesive.

Abstract: A retractable badge reel with a billboard designed to display a logo, such that unadorned badge reels can be manufactured separately from the billboards that contain the logos. The billboard is optionally removable, allowing the logo being displayed to be changed without having to produce new retractable badge reels in their entirety. In another embodiment, a billboard designed to display a logo is adapted to be installed over the face of an existing retractable badge reel, such that the logo on the existing unit is hidden and the new logo on the billboard is instead displayed. A casement comprising the billboard and a back housing member have a mating portion that mates with a bob mating portion of a bob attached to the exterior end of the retractable cord to prevent the bob from shifting or twisting when the cord is in the retracted position.

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 includes an apparatus for attachment to a camera. One embodiment of the invention includes an attachable storage container. Another embodiment of the invention includes an attachable retractable tether, and a third embodiment includes both an attachable storage container with a retractable tether.

Abstract: An automatic adjustable tension reel carried on one's person having a housing assembled of steel, plastic, or other appropriate material and a bottom lid is disclosed.

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 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.