Abstract: A retractable modem cord device wherein a window in the front face of the case of the device is provided, through which a design, such as a pattern, inscription, or logo can be seen. When a retractable cord of this device is pulled out of the case it causes the design to rotate or spin. Likewise, when the cord is retracted back into the case of the retractable modem cord device, the design spins. Thus, anyone observing the retractable modem cord device will see the spinning design. It is believed this spinning design will be interesting to observers, thus lending special appeal to the device.

Abstract: A gas tubing reel includes a housing having a tubing-reel rotatably positioned therein for unwinding and retracting tubing. The tubing-reel is biased in a retracting direction and includes ratcheting and releasing means for selectably paying out or retracting the tubing. One side wall of the housing defines an opening through which the tubing-reel may be slidably removed. The cable reel includes a line guide engaged with a worm gear for reciprocative movement between side walls of the housing whereby to evenly distribute the gas tubing on the tubing-reel. A swivel housing is coupled to the tubing-reel in a bearing relationship and includes an inlet port for receiving an end of the tubing and an outlet port for coupling to a nasal cannula. Thus, a gas may be delivered from a gas source through the gas tubing, swivel coupling, and cannula to a patient without tangling or twisting the tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying mobile phones and other hand-held devices comprised of a clamping system, a retracting system and a positioning system is provided. The clamping system comprises two parts which are fastened together around a fitting attached to the end of a tethering cable. A security screw or bolt having a head with a non-conventional slot holds the two parts together with a special key required to turn the head of the bolt or screw. The clamping system is thus locked onto the hand-held device and cannot be removed without the proper key. A tethering cable is anchored to the fitting used to fasten the clamping device through the male component of a positioning guide. The retracting system comprising a constant force spring maintains a retracting force on a spool of tethering cable so that when the tethered hand-held device is removed from the display and released, it is drawn back to the display.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a frame (10), a spool (12) rotatably mounted in the frame and a blocking mechanism for selectively blocking rotation of the spool to prevent belt webbing from being withdrawn from the retractor. The frame has a threaded hole for a screw bolt permitting safe connection of the frame (10) to the vehicle bodywork. Mounting condition sensing devices are functionally inserted between the blocking mechanism and the screw bolt and effective to maintain the blocking mechanism in a blocking condition if and as long as an incomplete mounting condition is detected. The mounting condition sensing devices comprises a sleeve (22) adapted to be contacted by a front end of the bolt and to be pushed into a predetermined position by the bolt when a completed mounting condition is detected, therapy allowing release of the blocking mechanism.

Abstract: A recoil module is provided for use in toy airplanes or other suitable devices. The recoil module includes an outer shell including an outer surface and an interior cavity within the shell. A recoil spool is retained within the cavity of the shell and is supported on an elastic band that spans the interior cavity of the shell. The elastic band is held fixed at its opposed ends by the shell. A pull cord is affixed to a portion of the spool and has an end extending through the shell to the outer surface. The pull cord has a free end that can be grasped to extend the pull cord from the shell and store potential energy in the elastic band. When released, the pull cord retracts back to the interior cavity of the shell. The module shell and the recoil spool can each be constructed for easy snap together assembly. The recoil module can be installed on a toy requiring or benefitting from its use. A recoil device is also disclosed that can be integrated into a toy or other object such as a toy glider airplane.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an absorption means of liquid spills and fluids that may leak or fall from underneath the chassis of a motor vehicle 12. The present invention 10 discloses a main enclosure 16 being a cylindrical-shaped structure having a thin, rectangular aperture 22 therein through which an absorbing element 14 passes. On each end of the main enclosure are retaining cap ends 28 which have retaining grooves 53 therein which provide coupling means for the present invention 10. The counterweight element 36 is provided in the base of the main enclosure 16 for providing anchorage and stability to the present invention. Rubber feet having threaded members 48 are provided which pass through threaded apertures 50 of the counterweight 36 and provide means for connecting the end caps 28, counterweights 36 and rubber feet 30 together The absorbing member 14 is a rectangular-shaped structure comprising a porous material layer 58, an absorbing material layer 60 and an impermeable material layer 62.

Abstract: A wire winding box with an increasing area includes a box body, a housing, a communication cable, a wire winding disk, and a spiral spring. The box body has a wire groove and a shaft. The wire winding disk has a first disk body. Two surfaces of the first disk body are installed with a receiving groove and a wire winding ring. The wire winding disk is placed in the wire groove of the box body. The wire winding disk is pivotally installed to the shaft by an axial hole. The communication cable is further wound around the wire winding ring of the wire winding disk so that the communication cable are installed in the receiving groove and out of the wire winding ring at two surface of the first disk body.

Abstract: A retractor having a retractable tether and a spring biased reel providing a retracting force throughout the full extension of the tether to take up any slack in the tether and to return the tether to its normal wound storage position on the reel. The retractor having a housing and a swivel attachment component extending from the housing which enables the housing of the retractor to pivot relative to the surface to which the retractor is connected. The general structure of the swivel attachment component permits ready assembly of any one of various configured swivel attachment components to the retractor housing.

Abstract: A device for winding a strap or strip of material for maneuvering a shutter, roller blind or equivalent device comprising a member for winding and tensioning the strap disposed inside a box formed by two shells each including at least one edging extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a principal web of each shell. The edgings are adapted to be brought into mutual engagement by a relative translation in a direction substantially parallel to the respective principal webs of the shells, in a configuration where an edging of a first shell is covered by an edging of a second shell.

Abstract: An improved retractable modem cord device wherein a window in the front face of the case of the device is provided, through which a design, such as a pattern, inscription, or logo can be seen. When a retractable cord of this device is pulled out of the case it causes the design to rotate or spin. Likewise, when the cord is retracted back into the case of the retractable modem cord device, the design spins. Thus, anyone observing the retractable modem cord device will see the spinning design. It is believed this spinning design will be interesting to observers, thus lending special appeal to the device.

Abstract: A measuring tape has a housing with a tape rolled in the housing and a sliding proof device securely mounted on top of the housing. The sliding proof device has stubs and bosses formed on the inner face thereof, such that the stubs and bosses are able to be inserted into the corresponding apertures and holes in the housing to secure the engagement between the sliding proof device and the housing.

Abstract: A retractable badgeholder wherein a window in the front face of the case of the badgeholder is provided, through which a design, such as a pattern, inscription, or logo can be seen. When a retractable cord of this improved badgeholder is pulled out of the case it causes the design to rotate or spin. Likewise, when the cord is retracted back into the case of the badgeholder, the design spins. Thus, anyone observing the badgeholder will see the spinning design. It is believed this spinning design will be interesting to observers, thus lending special appeal to the improved badgeholder.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and lowering hunting supplies has a hollow housing with a line aperture. A spring-loaded cord reel is rotatably mounted in the housing with a line wound on the reel and having a free end extending through the line aperture. A hook for attachment to hunting supplies is attached to the line free end and can be removably inserted into the housing through the line aperture or a separate storage opening. A slider mounted on the housing is movable between a released position permitting free rotation of the reel for automatically winding and manually unwinding the line and a hold position engaging the line to prevent rotation of the reel.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor for a seat belt has a belt reel mounted rotatably about an axis on a frame. An electric motor can be coupled to the belt reel and has an internal planet gear with a planet carrier that forms an output that can be connected to the belt reel. The planet carrier is mounted externally in a cylindrical external bearing that is connected non-rotatably to the frame and internally to a bearing journal that projects axially from the belt reel.

Abstract: A webbing take-up device for taking up and unwinding a webbing belt in a vehicle is provided that includes a rotatably mounted take-up shaft adapted for receiving and anchoring an end of the webbing belt, and rotatably urged in a direction for taking up the webbing belt; and a frame having a pair of leg plates opposing each other between which the take-up shaft extends. The frame further includes a connecting portion integrally extending from one leg plate to the other, and a fixing portion adapted for fastening to the vehicle, the connecting portion has a plurality of engraved portions on either side defined therein, and at least some of the engraved portions are formed as elongated holes or thinned portions having a longitudinal axis formed substantially along a direction in which tensile force is applied via the take-up shaft and leg plates when the webbing belt is unwound.

Abstract: In a winding mechanism for a sun screen comprising a winding tube which is rotatable about a central axis for winding and unwinding the sun screen and driving means for said winding tube, the central axis is curved and the winding tube is flexible. A possible use of such a winding mechanism is in an open roof construction of a vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor holder and a sensor cover are provided at an outer side of a first leg plate of a webbing retractor. Attachment holes formed in the first leg plate and engaging pawls which engage with sensor openings are formed at appropriate portions of a sensor holder. Removal preventing portions are formed at corresponding portions of the sensor cover so as to prevent the engaging pawl from coming out of the attachment hole. Thus, the sensor holder and the sensor cover can be firmly secured to the first leg plate of the frame without using plugs.

Abstract: A retractor and boot for limiting passage of dirt and foreign material on the retractor belt. The boot includes a plastic housing surrounding the retractor and has an outwardly extending portion forming a channel through which the belt is movable. A pair of scraping edges are located offset along the longitudinal channel axis and are spaced apart relative to each other a distance less than the belt thickness allowing dirt and foreign material to be scraped from the belt as the belt is retracted.

Abstract: A device for winding and unwinding a seat belt has an electric drive which supplies a torque to a belt reel that is loaded in the belt winding direction by a motive spring. The motive spring can be wound to a blocking configuration by the torque.

Abstract: An energy management device (10) for seat belt webbing (18) for restraining a vehicle occupant includes a base (40) for attachment to the vehicle. The device (10) also includes a plastically deformable torsion bar (60) having a first portion (66) fixed relative to the base (40) and a second portion (72) rotatable relative to the first portion and the base. The torsion bar (60) twists upon rotation of the second portion (72) relative to the first portion (66). A spool (80) is supported on the base (40) and is fixed for rotation with the second portion (72) of the torsion bar (60) relative to the first portion (66) of the torsion bar. The spool (80) has an outer peripheral surface (90). A flexible member (100) is wound on the outer peripheral surface (90) of the spool (80). The flexible member (100) has a first end portion (104) connected with the spool (80) and a second end portion (110) extending from the spool (80) for connection with the seat belt webbing (14) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor spool has a spool body with opposed end flanges. A ratchet wheel is arranged on one end flange. A torsion bar is located in a bore in the spool body and is coupled to the ratchet wheel by means of a toothed portion at one end thereof. The other end of the torsion bar has a plurality of radial projections which cooperate with axial protrusions on the end flange to couple the bar 10 to the spool.

Abstract: A rotatable reel carried on one's person having a housing assembled from an upper lid and a bottom lid is disclosed. A male upper cover and a female lower cover are provided in the housing to form a reel axle to be placed therein a coil spring and a roll of pulling rope. One end of the rope is exposed to the exterior of the housing to connect with a clamp on the surface of the bottom lid. A slightly smaller lining sleeve is slipped in the upper lid, the bottom lid is slipped over the lining sleeve and abutted on a protruding portion provided on the lining sleeve for tight connecting with the upper lid. A rivet sleeve is extended through central holes of the bottom lid, the reel and the lining sleeve and is rivet fastened with its end to the lining sleeve. The upper lid is provided directly on the planar surface thereof with a hole for receiving a decorative piece, the hole can be formed by punching molding to have various shapes to give various decorative possibilities for the reel.

Abstract: A measuring tape dispenser with an impact buffer housing and tentative tape halting device, in which the housing is at least or partially covered with an impact buffer layer formed of an elastic material so as to protect the housing from being deformed or even destroyed. Furthermore, a slip resistant effect and tentative tape halting device is also provided.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a lock cup mounted for pivotal or rotational movement in relation to a bush mechanism over a predetermined arc of a circle. The arc subtends an active working section of less than 360°. A wedge extends into the gap between the lock cup and the bush mechanism to reduce the gap when the retractor is at rest. Preferably a wedge extends from both the lock cup and the bush mechanism. Such an arrangement reduces the slack between the lock cup and bush mechanism without jamming the mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a two-way citizens band radio microphone in a designated place in a vehicle includes a retractable tether wound on a spring-biased reel. This allows a user to pull the microphone from its housing and then return it automatically by the tether that may be a cable thirty-eight inches long. The apparatus is adjustable, compact and able to be mounted to any flat, smooth surface by a hook and loop type of fastener.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint apparatus (10) comprises a length of seat belt webbing (16) extensible about a vehicle occupant and a mechanism (80) associated with the length of seat belt webbing. The mechanism (80) includes at least one movable component (82, 84) and a one-piece cover member (90) defining a chamber (88) in which the at least one movable component is located. The cover member (90) encloses the at least one movable component (82, 84) and damps audible noise generated by vibration of the at least one movable component. The one-piece cover member (90) comprises at least two layers (92, 94) of dissimilar polymeric material bonded together. The layer includes a base layer (92) and an outer layer (94). One of the layers (92, 94) is made of an impact resistant material and the other of the layers (92, 94) of a noise absorbing material bonded to the one layer.

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: An intermittent stop device for tape measures includes a gradually raised gill portion provided at a side edge of a top portion of the housing of a tape measure. The gill portion is adapted for pressing by a thumb. The gill portion has a central through hole which allows a stop switch to pass through to be exposed on the outside. The stop switch has a base pad capable of contacting one side of a reel inside the tape measure to achieve a frictional stopping function. A lock switch may be provided at the top portion of the housing to position the reel. The gill portion is located at a side edge of the top portion of the housing near the lock switch so that the stop switch is near the lock switch to facilitate pressing by the user with his thumb. Additionally, a stop block may be provided at the inner wall of the housing relative to the stop switch to support the reel wheel when the latter is subject to a side pressure and to achieve a frictional stop function to prevent the reel wheel from becoming eccentric.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicular occupant restraint system has a load-bearing frame and a stud for securing the belt retractor to a vehicle. The stud has a free end facing away from the frame, this free end being provided with a connecting projection. The connecting projection is provided with a guide pin for a nut adapted to be screwed on the stud.

Abstract: An emergency hammer comprising a handle and a hammer head. A holding device fastenable to a surface and including a shaped recess on the exterior of the housing of the holding device for receiving the hammer. An anti-theft device comprising a flexible security cable extending between the hammer and a winding drum inside the housing of the holding device. The security cable being windable onto and off the drum. The security cable constructed to protect against its tearing or being cut.

Abstract: A retractable wire removal device for capturing wire cable and the like which is being run through walls or other enclosed spaces. The device comprises a flexible "tape" which forms a loop within a wall. Once the wire cable or other material is positioned within the loop, the tape is retracted, thus capturing the wire within it. The device along with the wire is then removed from the wall at the same time.

Abstract: A constant force dock compensator that provides an mooring system for floating docks. The dock compensator is comprised of constant force power springs, a reel around which sufficient lengths of cable are wound, and a case containing the springs, cables and reel. The dock compensator is attached underneath a floating dock. The cables are withdrawn from the dock compensator and attached to weights placed on the floor of the body of water. The springs maintain a constant pull-force on the cables to hold the dock in place, and the cables automatically dispense or retract to compensate for changes in water level. Thereby, the dock has some leeway in terms of movement in response thereto, but is eventually stabilized by the dock compensator.

Abstract: A housing for a safety belt device has a U-shaped base body consisting of a single stamped housing blank folded to form a base, two legs, and a spacer portion attached to each one of the legs. The spacer portions are folded toward one another and connected to one another to form a spacer stay connecting the two legs.

Abstract: A hand-held measuring device including a case and flexible steel spring-biased measuring tape wound about an annular reel fitted within a circular housing within the case, a single battery-powered motor having an output shaft, a driving wheel fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor for directly engaging the surface of the tape and thereby pushing the tape out of the case, a first switch mounted on the case for controlling the motor, a pull rod connected to the drive wheel, and a second switch mounted on the case and connected to the pull rod for disengaging the driving wheel from the tape surface.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle occupant restraining system comprises a load bearing frame provided with a sleeve-like cylindrical boss. The cylindrical boss has an external screw thread on which a nut may be screwed for the attachment of the belt retractor on the vehicle. An elongated guide pin extends through the cylindrical boss to provide for guidance of the nut.

Abstract: A portable lock has a housing, a locking member connected to the housing, and a lock control mounted on the housing for selectively locking and unlocking the locking member. The housing is formed with a base and a tip, first and second sidewalls each extending from the base to the tip, and front and back walls each extending between the base, tip, and first and second sidewalls. The base is wider than the tip and the first and second sidewalls are farther apart from each other near the base than near the tip. When the housing is grasped by a hand having any orientation relative to the housing, the lock control is reachable for manipulation by at least one digit of the same hand. A light is mounted on the housing, and a wheel is mounted within the housing and has a hollow portion defining a compartment.

Abstract: A mesh storage apparatus comprises a conformal mesh member (14), which is attached to a retraction mechanism (10). Because the mesh member (14) has a point of attachment (20), rather than multiple points spread along one of its sides, the force of the retraction mechanism or another applied force collapses the mesh member along its major diagonal (13) into an elongated form, similar to that of a cable, rope, or strap, allowing for easy storage. It, therefore, takes advantage of the contractility of the mesh openings and the behavioral characteristics of conformal material under tension to store the mesh member (14) in a much more compact manner than with traditional storage apparatus.

Abstract: A tethering device for securely holding and extendably presenting an article, particularly an article such as scuba diving equipment and the like required for activities performed in extreme environments. The device includes a durable body-mountable plastic case housing a cord-retracting mechanism. One end of a tethering cord is attached to the cord-retracting mechanism. The other end of the cord extends through a guide hole in the case and has means thereon for attachment to an article such as a tool thereby tethering the article to the case. The tethered article may be extended for use at arms length then automatically retracted toward the case by the coil spring retracting mechanism. The case housing the retracting mechanism and cord also includes means for attaching the device to a user. In one embodiment the back of the case contains a removable mounting plate. A strap or belt may be sandwiched between the case and mounting plate to securely attach the device to the belt.

Abstract: A wire winder comprises a first pulley, a second pulley, a spiral spring, a shaft on which the first pulley and the second pulley are mounted, a first housing for housing the first pulley, and a second housing for housing the second pulley. The first pulley is composed of a first disk and a hollow first cylindrical body fastened at one end thereof with one side of the first disk. The first cylindrical body is provided in the wall thereof with a plurality of ribs having an axial hole. The spiral spring is received in the first cylindrical body. The second pulley is composed of a second disk and a hollow second cylindrical body fastened at one end thereof with one side of the second disk. The second cylindrical body is provided in the wall thereof with a plurality of through holes corresponding in location to the axial holes of the ribs of the first cylindrical body for receiving the fastening screws which are engageable with the axial holes of the ribs.

Abstract: An electrical cord storage and dispensing organizer is disclosed for gathering the exiting excess cords of an existing computer, thereby making the appearance around the computer's area neat and organized. Constructed mainly of plastic materials, the present organizer has rectangular shaped housing, and opens in a similar fashion to that of a briefcase. The housing contains a cordwheel, coilspring, lock button, lock spindle, compression spring, latch, and hinges. To use the present invention the latch of the top of the organizer's housing is released and the sides are moved apart in opposite directions. Turning the cordwheel approximately one turn for every foot of cord that needs to be stored within the unit will provide sufficient tension to retract the cord. A lock button holds the cordwheel with coilspring compressed. Taking a computer cord, either power or communication, and double it in half, it is then wrapped around the cord loop and close the unit.

Abstract: An auxiliary module for computer apparatus providing the basic function of an organizer as to the slack or excess wad of cord which connects the mouse roll-around input device to the computer. In one form it provides a can-like shell releasably held over an upright spool-like spindle, the shell and spindle being movably and releasably held together for the user to manage the lengthy strip of excess cord, the shell both retaining and concealing the excess cord; and in another embodiment the cord is kept interiorly of a body member by lipped flanges carried by a spindle portion of the body member, all yielding both attractiveness of the work area and avoidance of the bother by the mouse cord as the mouse is manipulated in its use of controlling the computer screen's pointer or curser feature.

Abstract: A power string and chalk line tool for obtaining a straight line reference using a line having a wound end and a free end is provided. The tool includes a housing having an upper face and a lower face, a support rod mounted between the upper and lower faces, and a line aperture. A spool having two end plates separated by a hollow axle is sized to fit and rotatably mounted about the support rod inside the housing, such that the wound end of the line can be wound around the spool and the free end of the line can be pulled from the housing via the line aperture. A coil spring affixed to the spool maintains rotational tension on the spool, biasing the spool against unwinding the line from the spool and towards rewinding the line onto the spool. A speed control member is provided that is movably attached to the housing and extends adjacent the spool for applying pressure against the spool to create friction, thereby reducing the speed of or stopping spool rotation.

Abstract: A hose storage system comprising a cylindrical core with opposed ends and a central hose supporting extent therebetween; a bracket having a centrally disposed horizontal central component and vertically disposed end components with apertures rotatably receiving the ends of the core; a drive controller coupled to one end component of the bracket; and a box having an open interior end and an open exterior end and a passage therethrough for the passage of portions of a hose supported on the core, the box having a long interior extent and a short exterior extent.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (30) comprising: a frame (32) having a base and two parallel side walls (34,36) extending therefrom, each side wall includes an first opening (40 41) therein, a spool (50, 54), rotatably positioned relative to the side walls, first and second disks (92a,b) positioned relative to the spool, a plurality of bars or pins, the first and second disks positioned on opposite sides of the spool, the pins received within cooperating bores in the spool and joining the disks together, a shaft rotationally linked to the disks for providing an axis of rotation of the spool and disks, a locking mechanism for engaging the disks to prevent protraction of safety belt webbing.

Abstract: A belt retractor for vehicular seat belt restraining systems is equipped with a novel housing structure. The load-bearing part of this housing comprises a shell section (10) surrounding the locking toothings (26a, 28a) on the circumference of the flanges of the belt reel (18) and the end pieces of which are located one on the other and secured together to form a base plate. Under a high load only tensile forces occur substantially in the shell section (10), whereby the shell section (10) surrounding the locking toothings (26a, 28a) acts as a band brake, thereby relieving the load on the locking pawls (22, 24).

Abstract: A multiple electrical socket comprises a housing, a base, two reels, two fastening blocks, a shaft, and two extension cords provided respectively with an electrical socket fastened thereto. The reels and the fastening blocks are mounted on the shaft which is located by the base. The extension cords are wound respectively on the reels such that the extension cords can be pulled out of the housing, and that the extension cords can be retracted respectively by a winding spring mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: A retractable strap apparatus for containing a strap which is commonly used on wheeled emergency tables and stretchers to secure a patient. The strap is wound around a spring loaded retracting mechanism which is contained within a cylindrical strap housing. The strap housing is mounted to a side of a wheeled emergency stretcher or table, and serves to contain the strap so as to prevent the strap from becoming entangled in a wheel of the stretcher or table. A group release for simultaneously releasing multiple straps and a loose strap alarm are also included in the design.

Abstract: An improved retractable leash is provided for attaching a surfboard to a surfer. The leash consists of an elongated line with a storage unit for the line. Elements are for mounting the storage unit onto the surfboard and to allow the storage unit to rotate three hundred and sixty degrees. A component is for attaching a free end of the line to the surfer. When the surfer falls off the surfboard in any direction, the line will pull out more directly from the storage unit. A structure is for retracting the line into the storage unit, so that the slack of the line is taken up to eliminate long line drag in the water as the surfer rides the surfboard on the waves.

Abstract: A structure (10) is provided for use in a seat belt retractor (11) having a frame (13), a spool (15) supported in the frame and rotatable in belt winding and unwinding directions, a spring member (75) biasing the spool in the belt winding direction, and a spring cover (26) attachable to the frame for enclosing the spring member. The structure includes a first plastic portion (22) which is at least a part of the frame (13) of the retractor (11). The structure also includes a second plastic portion (26) which comprises the spring cover. A plastic hinge portion (28) interconnects the first and the second plastic portions (22, 26). The plastic hinge portion (28) enables the first and second plastic portions (22, 26) to pivot relative to each other and into position with the second plastic portion (26) covering the spring member (75).

Abstract: A hand-held measuring device including a case and flexible steel spring-biased measuring tape wound about an annular reel fitted within a circular housing within the case, a single battery-powered motor having an output shaft, a driving wheel fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor for directly engaging the surface of the tape and thereby pushing the tape out of the case, a first switch mounted on the case for controlling the motor, a pull rod connected to the drive wheel, and a second switch mounted on the case and connected to the pull rod for disengaging the driving wheel from the tape surface.