Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The spring-based retraction system includes at least two springs that drive a tape spool during tape retraction. The springs are indirectly coupled to each other via a single center post, in one embodiment, two center posts on a single spool, in another embodiment, or two center posts that are on different spools, in another embodiment.

Abstract: An auxiliary label device for attaching to an object, such as a container having a side wall, includes a label enclosure that includes a longitudinal slot therethrough, a bottom side, and a top side. A rotatable spool fixed within the label enclosure is fixed with a first end of a label that traverses the slot of the label enclosure. A spring connected between the label enclosure and the spool urges the spool to wind the label around the spool in a coiled configuration. A second opposing end of the label is attached to the container, and with the spool and label under tension of the spring to urge the label around the spool, the label enclosure is urged to contact the container. The label thereafter is unwound from the spool in an extended configuration for viewing when the label enclosure is manually grasped and pulled away from the container.

Abstract: A measuring tape for measuring the size of limbs or waists is provided with a tape head capable of being stably inserted into a positioning hole during measurement and being automatically ejected out of the positioning hole after measurement, and includes a shell, and a cavity formed in the shell and used for receiving a flexible rule. An elastic switch assembly for clamping the tape head in the positioning hole is disposed at a position, close to the positioning hole, in the cavity. The elastic switch assembly and a leaf spring are disposed in the positioning hole, allowing the tape head to be inserted thereinto, in the shell, such that the tape head can be stably disposed in the positioning hole after being inserted into the positioning hole, and will not slide out of the positioning hole when users observe measure data.

Abstract: A leash control device includes: a housing including a top cover and a bottom cover rigidly connected to the top cover; a cable wheel including a cylindrical outer ring, the cylindrical outer ring being configured for a leash cable to be wounded on an outer surface of the cylindrical outer ring; a button having a cylindrical member configured on an upper portion of the button and a base configured on a lower portion of the button, the cylindrical member being configured to be extended through a central hole of the top cover; and a compression spring configured to bias the button in an upward direction to cause the button to engage with the cable wheel; wherein: when a pressing force is applied to the cylindrical member of the button to counter an upward biasing force of the compression spring and no pulling force is applied to the leash cable, the button is configured to be pressed down and disengaged from the cable wheel, and after the button is disengaged from the cable wheel, the cable wheel is configured

Abstract: A device for taking a measurement of a dimension of a part of the body of a patient, includes: an electronic tape measure having a portable housing, a winder accommodated in the housing, a tape which is partially wound on the winder and of which a portion, called the “unwound portion”, extends outside the housing, and a measuring module for a measurement, relative to the unwound portion; a consistency control module for checking the consistency of the measurement by at least one consistency rule and at least one context datum; and an alert module for delivering an alert if an inconsistency is detected by the consistency control module.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly is provided having a primary showerhead and one or more retractable and extendable ancillary showerheads. The showerhead assembly includes a showerhead body having a central conduit for transporting water to the primary showerhead's nozzles. In addition, the showerhead body includes one or more ancillary conduits for transporting water to one or more ancillary showerheads. The ancillary showerheads are connected to the showerhead body by flexible hoses which can be extended or retracted from the showerhead body.

Abstract: An assembly for a pacifier is provided. The assembly includes a container defining a cavity for housing a bulbous portion of a pacifier, a tether for coupling the container to the pacifier, a spool housed within the container for permitting translation of the pacifier in relation to the container, and a band extending through a slot defined by the container for selectively engaging the assembly to an object or person. Configurations are provided to manage rotation of the spool for ease of use.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a lead storage apparatus capable of selecting a lead unreeling range in which the lead can be unreeled and reeled by a user's operation. A lead storage apparatus 10 includes a reel 50, a rotational member 130 having an engaged section 132, an engaging member 70, and a switch member 140 that can restrict rotation of the rotational member 130 with rotation of the reel 50 in a normal direction by engaging an engaging section 74 with the engaged section 132, and switch the lead between a engageable state in which the engaged section 132 can engage with the engaging section 74 and an unengageable state in which the engaged section 132 cannot engage with the engaging section 74.

Abstract: A retractable spool reel integrated inside of or attached to a waterfowl decoy comprises a spool and a locking assembly housed inside an internal compartment such that a weighted line wound around the spool may be locked in place at a desired length. The weighted line may be pulled until the locking assembly is set in the locked position. The pulling of the weighted line unwinds the spool and coils a flat spring integrated into the spool. The uncoiling of the flat spring once the line is released allows the line to retract back into the spool once the locking assembly is removed from the locked position.

Abstract: A locking retractor is disclosed, as are stretchers and cots using the retractor to secure a patient. The retractor includes structure for locking the retractor spool to prevent rotation in both directions. However, a cam is coupled to the shaft and is arranged relative to the locking structure to prevent the spool from locking during an initial portion of the spool's rotation, until a first locking point is reached. Once the first locking point has been reached, a clutch prevents the locking structure from engaging while the spool is still rotating, but the locking structure will engage to lock the spool in both directions once active rotation stops. A user-actuatable lever is provided externally that disengages the locking structure when actuated to allow the spool to extend and retract freely.

Abstract: A single pull rope driving device for a window curtain includes a bracket (1), a reeling drum (2) mounted to the bracket (1), a pull rope (12) for driving the reeling drum (2) to rotate, a gear (7) coupled to the reeling drum (2), a pivotable toothed bar (8) pivotably mounted beside the gear (7), and a spring (11) connected to the pivotable toothed bar (8). The pivotable toothed bar (8) includes a lever (9) with teeth (10). The teeth (10) of the pivotable toothed bar (8) can be engaged with teeth (7a) of the gear (7), preventing rotation of the reeling drum (2). The reeling drum (2) can be driven by moving the pull rope (12) to overcome the spring (11) and to disengage the teeth (10) of the lever (9) from the teeth (7a) of the gear (7).

Abstract: A device to assist with the working of a zipper is described herein. The device includes a retractor body and a retractable clasp connected to the retractor body with a flexible member. The retractor body has a brake system in order to maintain a desired length of a flexible member. A removable decorative cap is also applied to the retractor body.

Abstract: A retractable tow strap apparatus includes a housing containing a spool operably connected to a crank on the exterior of the housing. A tow strap is wound around the spool, the ends of the strap extending through a pair of apertures on opposite sides of the housing. Unwinding the strap from the spool through the apertures rotates the spool in a first direction. The strap is retrieved onto the spool by rotating the spool in a second direction using the crank. Springs within the housing apply a braking force on the portion of the strap that is on the spool, whereby slack in the strap and resultant tangling may be minimized as the strap is wound and unwound from the spool. The strap is formed of a unitary webbing element that extends through the spool, thereby minimizing the application of tension forces directly to the spool during a towing operation.

Abstract: A cord reel configured in such a manner that the position of a cord reel body can be easily adjusted when the cord reel body is located at an intermediate portion of cords.

Abstract: A handheld control device for a pet leash includes a rope reeled on a braking reel, a pawl unit pivotable by operation of a spring-loaded pushbutton to engage one ratchet tooth of the braking reel so as to disable rotation of the braking reel in an unwinding direction, and a locking lever operable to swing a weight end between unlocked and locked positions to disengage from and engage the pawl unit, respectively, so as to selectively prohibit rotation of the braking reel in both winding and unwinding directions and control the length of the rope that extends outwardly of a housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for storing a flexible conduit, such as an electrical cord of a set of personal head phones or similar. The device has a body and a drum rotationally coupled to the body. The drum is biased to rotate in a first direction. A latch movable between a latched position and an unlatched position prevents rotation of the drum in the first direction when the latch is in the latched position. The body has an opening for positioning a portion of flexible conduit. At least one coupling disposed on the drum extends into the opening for catching a portion of a flexible conduit positioned within the opening. When the latch is in the unlatched position the drum rotates in the first direction to cycle the coupling through the opening. A coupling catches a flexible conduit positioned within the opening to wind the flexible conduit onto the drum.

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 strap-tensioning apparatus includes a frame, a handle, a reel, two ratcheted wheels, two detents and a strap-damping unit. The handle is connected to the frame. The reel is supported on the frame. The ratcheted wheels are secured to the reel. The strap is inserted through a slit of the reel. The first detent is supported on the handle for engagement with the ratcheted wheels to rotate the reel when the handle is pivoted in a direction. The second detent is supported on the frame for engagement with the ratcheted wheels to stop the reel when the handle is pivoted in an opposite direction. The strap-damping unit includes a crossbar, a pressing element and a spring. The crossbar is supported on the frame. The pressing element is biased toward the crossbar by a spring. The strap is inserted through a gap between the pressing element and the crossbar.

Abstract: A retraction apparatus comprising a support housing comprising one or more generally cylindrical spindles, and a retraction assembly mounted on each of the spindles is provided. The retraction assembly comprises a spring member, a generally cylindrical spool member, a retractable cable, a latch member, and a contact wheel member. The spring member is mounted on each of the spindles and affixed to the support housing. The spool member comprising serrated plates is affixed to the spring member. The retractable cable is circularly wound around a cylindrical section defined between the serrated plates of the spool member and extends outwardly from the support housing. The latch member, in engageable communication with the spool member, controls rotation of the spool member. The contact wheel member, in engageable communication with the spool member, via selective drive mechanisms, is rotated to rotate the spool member for retracting the retractable cable.

Abstract: The suspended gun rest includes a pivoting arm adjustably mounted to a rigid support by a mount. The mount comprises an L-shaped bracket having a mounting hole and three holes for adjustment screws. A cradle is provided, the cradle including two strings, a string routing system, a locking mechanism and a spindle. A hook is connected to one end of the pivoting arm. The two strings are connected to the spindle and routed through the cradle by the routing system and attached to the hook on the pivoting arm.

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: A retractable tethering apparatus preferably includes a portable housing, a spring-actuated spool positioned within the housing, a flexible cord retractably wound about the spring-actuated spool, and a coupling section secured to a distal end of the cord. Such a coupling section is removably connected to the cellular telephone. Also provided is a mechanism for automatically notifying the user when the coupling section is disengaged from the housing by emitting an alert signal when the cord is unwound from the spring-actuated spool. In this manner, the coupling section may be completely disengaged from the housing when the cord is extracted from the housing.

Abstract: A retraction apparatus comprising a support housing comprising one or more generally cylindrical spindles, and a retraction assembly mounted on each of the spindles is provided. The retraction assembly comprises a spring member, a generally cylindrical spool member, a retractable cable, a latch member, and a contact wheel member. The spring member is mounted on each of the spindles and affixed to the support housing. The spool member comprising serrated plates is affixed to the spring member. The retractable cable is circularly wound around a cylindrical section defined between the serrated plates of the spool member and extends outwardly from the support housing. The latch member, in engageable communication with the spool member, controls rotation of the spool member. The contact wheel member, in engageable communication with the spool member, via selective drive mechanisms, is rotated to rotate the spool member for retracting the retractable cable.

Abstract: A tightening system (135) for use with anti-skid and traction devices for wheeled vehicles comprising a sealed tightening mechanism (130) which can clutch and ratchet the rotational movement applied by the user on a knob (212). The system further comprises at least one connection assembly (134) which is adapted to be pivotably and releasably attached to a proximal end of a surface contact member (63;71) and which is adapted to be connected to the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism comprises a locking component (193) which has a base plate (240), an inner sidewall (195) and an outer sidewall (194) standing perpendicular to said base plate (240). The inner sidewall recessed portion has a plurality of recess (230;231) which are adapted to engage with a peripheral projection of the upper clutch (206) for holding the knob in place during locked and unlocked positions of the knob.

Abstract: A concealed-type retractable extension cord organizing structure includes a junction box having a front cover plate provided with a fixed socket and a rewinding control button; and at least one movable socket movably mounted on the front cover plate and connected at an inner end to a reel via a power cord. The power cord is normally invisibly wound up in a space provided in the reel. The movable socket and power cord can be pulled out with fingers to an extended position and locked thereto for use. When the rewinding control button is pushed, the power cord is retracted into the junction box and rewound around the reel, so that the movable socket becomes flush with the front cover plate again and the power cord is concealed behind the front cover plate and neatly wound up without occupying extra space.

Abstract: A single pull wire winding device comprises a wire winding reel; the wire winding reel has two recesses respectively on both surfaces thereof for containing a flexible printed board and a coil spring, the wire winding reel having a peripheral groove on its periphery for containing a power connection wire, and a bulkhead on one side of the peripheral groove has at least one stopping portion; a switch is provided within the containing groove along a tangential direction of the wire winding reel so that the stopping block of the switch engages with the stopping portion of the wire winding reel to stop the rotation of the wire winding reel. Thus, the present invention, wherein a flatter flexible printed board is used to substitute for a portion of a thicker power connection wire to reduce the volume of the assembled device, is widely applied to various electronic products.

Abstract: The suspended gun rest includes a pivoting arm adjustably mounted to a rigid support by a mount. The mount comprises an L-shaped bracket with a mounting hole and three holes for adjustment screws. A cradle is provided which includes two strings, a string routing system, a locking mechanism and a spindle. A hook is connected to one end of the pivoting arm. The two strings are connected to the spindle and routed through the cradle by the routing system and attached to the hook on the pivoting arm.

Abstract: A self-retracting lifeline includes a replaceable lifeline and comprises a housing, a drum rotatably operatively connected to the housing, a lifeline, and a locking member operatively connected to the drum and moveable from an unlocked position to a locked position for locking the drum relative to the housing to assist in replacing the lifeline.

Abstract: A leash assembly for an animal leash that can be wound up and unwound is provided. The leash assembly features a housing (11) and a roll (12) that is rotatably supported in the housing, and the leash (13) can be unwound from this roll against the force of a spring and wound up on the roll with the aid of this spring force. The roll cooperates with a gear mechanism that drives a plate cam. The plate cam releases a pawl that can be engaged with the roll and stops the rotation of the roll in the unwinding direction once a predetermined length of the leash is unwound.

Abstract: This practical new model makes an improved binding machine known to the public, which includes main body, handle, ratchet wheel, roller, fastening belt, latch reed spring, control plate. Among them, the handle's side board is linked with the main section's side board through torsion spring. In this manner, when the fastening belt needs to be tightened as the binding machine is being used, the user can press down the handle which will resume its initial position with the bounce force of the torsion spring. It is not necessary for the user to push it back to the initial position after pressing the handle down. It is very easy and labor-saving with higher efficiency. Furthermore, it can also set a coil spring in the outside end of the roller. The fastening belt can withdraw inside the main section automatically, which is very convenient.

Abstract: The tensioning device for belts and the like comprises a supporting base (2), a winding reel (6) which can rotate relative to the base (2) about a respective axis of rotation (A1), a ring gear (13) which rotates integrally with the reel (6), an operating lever (14) for rotating the reel (6) in a first predetermined direction of rotation (S1) for winding the belt, a ratche mechanism (39), operating on the ring gear (13) and designed to prevent the reel (6) from rotating in a second direction of rotation (S2) opposite to the first predetermined direction (S1), the ratchet mechanism (39) comprising respective release means for allowing belt unwinding by reel (6) rotation in the second direction of rotation (S2). Further, the ratchet mechanism (39) comprises a first tooth (19) for engagement with the ring gear (13), the first tooth being designed to oscillate about two respective axis of oscillation (O1, O2).

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 rotation control device for pet leash includes a casing, a cover, and a wheel disposed in the casing. The casing includes a locking button, an unlocking button, and a self lock slider connected with a locking spring, an unlocking spring, and a self lock spring respectively. The unlocking button has an unlocking retaining hole having a position corresponding to an unlocking column on the casing. The unlocking button includes an unlocking retaining pole is inserted into an unlocking sliding groove of the casing. The locking button has a locking retaining rectangular hole having a position corresponding to a locking column on the casing. The self lock slider includes a self lock retaining pole is inserted into a self lock sliding groove in the casing, wherein the self lock retaining pole is against an unlocking retaining pole.

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 horizontal-pulling roll screen door for which the right/left hand can be set or changed easily and safely even by a layman and in a screen door in which a net wound up by a winding shaft of a movable stile is made capable of opening/closing by horizontal pulling. First and second caps rotatably supporting the winding shaft are mounted at the both ends of the movable stile capable of replacement by each other. A lock mechanism which can hold a locked state as necessary is provided between a connecting cylindrical shaft connected to the winding shaft and an intermediate support member connected to the first or the second cap unrotatably and removably. Rotation of the winding shaft by an urging force of a winding spring is prevented by this lock mechanism even when the both caps are removed for assembling or change of the right/left hand.

Abstract: A headphone with a cord take-up device is provided, which is put into practice relatively easily and which prevents a harsh clicking sound from arising when an input cord is pulled out of a headphone housing. The headphone with a cord take-up device includes: an input cord; take-up means provided in a housing and forced to wind and retract the input cord into the housing; ratchet means interacting with the take-up means, including a ratchet wheel and an engaging pawl provided at one end of a turning arm and forced toward the side of the ratchet wheel, preventing the input cord from being wound and retracted by the take-up means and allowing the input cord to be pulled out of the housing; and a buffer material provided between the turning arm and the housing; wherein movement of the engaging pawl at one end of the turning arm is restricted by the buffer material when the input cord is pulled out of the housing.

Abstract: A wire winding device includes a case, a reel received in the case for winding a wire thereon, a restricting member for restricting/releasing the reel, and a resilient member for interconnecting the case and the reel and rotating the reel and being movable with reel in an axis direction of the reel when the reel starts to rotate.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable fixture, such as a ceiling hook, comprises a base member adapted to be secured to an overhead surface, e.g. a ceiling, a beaded cable retractable in and extendable out of the base member, and a hook at a lower end of the cable for connection to an article such that the article may be suspended from the ceiling. An extension/retraction mechanism provided in the base member includes a fixed axle and a reel rotatable around the axle, with a spring force existing therebetween, the cable being partly wound around the reel. The elevation of the hook is maintained by one of the beads of the cable firmly lodging, in a locked position thereof, in a recess defined at the bottom of the cover. Manipulation of the cable to dislodge the bead from the recess unlocks the cable, thereby allowing the elevation of the hook to be adjusted.

Abstract: Self-tightening traction assemblies or snow chains having tensioning devices that can be used with snow chains for attachment to a vehicle wheel to provide traction. The preferred tensioning device including a housing having a top including a set of housing teeth, a bottom and at least one aperture; an actuator interconnected to the housing; a ratchet spool within the housing having a set of ratchet teeth that mate with the housing teeth and a channel between upper and under surfaces to receive at least one cord that is interconnected with the ratchet spool; a tension spring that places a bias on the ratchet spool toward a wind-up direction; and a wave spring. Preferred embodiments include a bracket that can secure the actuator to the housing and provide strength to the tensioning device. The tensioning devices of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of applications not limited to self-tightening snow chains.

Abstract: An improved reel is described. The reel includes a fine-tuning structure for adjusting the length of wires or cords drawn from the reel and a button component for winding the wires or cords. Thereby, the length of cords or wires is adjusted to a desired level in multiple stages as necessary, and the cords or wires of such reel are collected quickly and smoothly.

Abstract: An improved reel is described. The reel includes two cords or wires, one of which is reeled in or out concurrently as the other is drawn out. Additionally, the length of cords or wires is adjusted to a desired level in multiple stages, and the cords or wires of such reel are collected smoothly and quickly.

Abstract: The method is for using a cord holder. A cord holder has a bottom cover and a removable top cover with a spring bracket disposed therebetween. The removable top cover is removed from the bottom cover without removing a spring from a spring bracket so that the spring remains in the spring bracket and the bottom cover while the top cover is removed. A cord is placed around a first spacer and a second spacer of the spring bracket. A knob is pressed to permit a spring, disposed inside the spring bracket, to roll up the cord.

Abstract: A measuring tape housed within an ergonomically configured housing with a spirally wound spring motor is disclosed which facilitates the paying out and retraction of the flexible metal blade carrying the measuring indicia thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an application field for computer hardware, especially to a computer-adapting wire collector. It comprises a top cover; a bottom cover; a button, a spring; a positioning cover; a swirl-rotated spring, and a wire collecting stand. A buckle of each of the step-shaped extending tenon legs of the button along a circle direction is wedge-shaped buckle; the wire collecting stand comprises two corresponding upward wedge-shaped legs disposed at a circle of the wire collecting stand; the wedge-shaped buckle and a first side of the corresponding wedge-shaped leg of the wire collecting stand are against each other along with a relieving direction of the swirl-rotated spring.

Abstract: A tape capable of automatically arresting is provided which includes a casing, a gauge accommodated in the casing, arresting members, and a button movably mounted on an end of the casing. A notch is defined at an end of the casing. The gauge includes a reel shaft and a scale strip spirally enlacing the reel shaft. Each arresting member includes a rod, an abutting block on an end of the rod and corresponding to a side of the reel shaft, and a resilient portion around the rod. A button includes a pressing portion received in the notch, and a rotating shaft corresponding to the pressing portion. The rotating shaft includes a first arm and a second arm in response to the abutting blocks of the arresting members. In the event the scale strip of the gauge is pulled out, the arresting members automatically limit movement of the scale strip.

Abstract: A roll-up barrier has a base, an end cap, a drive shaft connected between the base and the end cap, a rolling assembly, a resilient element and a flexible barrier. The end cap has an arresting mechanism having a control button and an arrestor. The rolling assembly is mounted rotatably around the drive shaft and has a rolling bushing. The rolling bushing has an actuator and multiple one-way arresting teeth. The resilient element provides a reposition force for rolling back the rolling assembly. The flexible barrier is mounted retractably around the rolling assembly. When the control button is pressed and rotated, the actuator detaches the arrestor from the arresting teeth to allow rotation of the rolling assembly. When the control button is released, the arrestor engages the arresting teeth to prevent the rolling assembly from rotation so the flexible barrier can be pulled out and held at a desired length.

Abstract: A press cord reel box is comprised of an upper casing, a press spring, a push button, a revolving cylinder, a wiring material, and a lower casing characterized in that through changed location of a pivot for the push button to press and supporting the push button by the turning axle from the lower casing, the present invention effectively prevents the push button from collapsing after longer period of repeated press; and that the purpose of product quality assurance is achieve; and that a longer service life is provided; furthermore, all structural members are reasonably disposed in the present invention to achieve simple, compact, and smaller sized assembly to provide powerful utility.

Abstract: A tape measure of the present invention includes a casing formed by two covers. An outlet is defined in one side of the casing. A tape coiling is received in the casing. An end of the tape coiling extends from the outlet. A push button is movably disposed at a side edge of the casing corresponding to the outlet of the casing. A pivot portion extends from an end of the push button adjacent to the outlet. A control member is movably disposed in the casing adjacent to the outlet. The control member is pivotably connected with the pivot portion of the push button.

Abstract: A cable reel having a one-way locking mechanism for locking a cable winding hub in one direction so that the user can adjust the extending status of the cables freely, and a button for unlocking the one-way locking mechanism for enabling the cable winding hub to receive the cables by means of the spiral spring force of a spiral spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elongate material management apparatus. It is comprised of a housing removably connected to a base plate that may be opened for the placement of tubing therein. Disposed within the housing is a dual spool to wind and unwind tubing. The dual spool is disposed on a spindle vertically supported on the base plate. The dual spool include a u-turn channel to reverse the direction of the tubing without collapsing it so that the tubing can either wind up or unwind from both of halves of the dual spool simultaneously. The dual spool is energized with a torsional drive that may be a coil spring to wind up unused tubing, one end of which is attached to a slot in the dual spool while the other is attached to the housing to achieve mild tension in the tubing from both directions. The inventive apparatus also includes a ratchet and pawl type device to selectively hold the dual spool in a given position without tension being on the tube when it is not needed.