Abstract: A cable retractor for use in a variety of applications includes a housing forming an internal chamber, and first and second drums within the chamber for winding of the cable. The first drum may include a stationary outer surface, and the second drum may be formed by a plurality of rollers mounted on a rotatable frame. The rollers may orbit about the first drum upon rotation of said frame, with each of the rollers also rotating about its own roller axis. The first and second drums may be sized to enable wrapping of the cable both side-by-side and in multiple layers about at least one of the first drum and the second drum. The cable retractor may include structure to urge the rollers to rotate with respect to the frame as the frame rotates. For example, a portion of the rollers may be frictionally engaged with a track, and capable of slipping with respect to the track to provide smooth extension and retraction of the cable even as multiple layers of cable are wound about the first and second drums.

Abstract: A cushion includes a three-dimensional net, a plurality of metallic fastening members attached to the three-dimensional net on opposite sides thereof, and two resinous frames attached to the opposite sides of the three-dimensional net, respectively. The metallic fastening members are sandwiched between the resinous frames and the opposite sides of the three-dimensional net, and the resinous frames together with the metallic fastening members are joined to the three-dimensional net by vibration welding.

Abstract: An equine restraint system which allows a single person to control a horse while performing tasks such as leading, holding, saddling or loading of the horse. The restraint system has a portion that fits behind the horse's ears and a portion that fits under the horse's upper lip. The restraint system has a single cord which can be pulled to simultaneously apply pressure behind the horse's ears and under the horse's upper lip.

Abstract: A device for controlling a horse with a line which contains a first layer of material joined to a second layer of material, several filaments located between the first and second layers of material and extending through an opening in one of such layers of material, a locking device connected to such filaments for removably connecting the line to a horse's bit, a first crimping sleeve disposed around such filaments and above the layers of material, and a strap with fastening elements for connecting the line to a horse's bit.

Abstract: A bridle which has a first portion that is placed inside the horse's mouth and which can serve as reins so the rider can control the horse. It has a second portion which secures to the first portion and which is readily adjustable so the bridle can be attached to different size animals.

Abstract: An equestrian training aid comprises a chain 10, having spring clips 14, 15 for attachment to the side rings 12, 13 of a horse's bit 11. A plurality of weights 16, in the form of cylindrical bodies each with an axial hole, are carried on the chain, with the chain 10 threaded through the holes of the weights. The number and total mass of the weights are selected to impose a load on the horse's bit and bridle to encourage a desired carriage of the head and promote correct muscular development. The weights will be worn below the horse's jaw behind the chin. The effective length of the chain 16 can be varied by moving one or both of the clips to selected links of the chain, to suit the jaw width of individual horses. The weights may be enclosed in a resilient covering 17 and retained by a resilient disc at each end 18.

Abstract: A combination clothing belt and animal headstall device (10) in which an intermediate portion (19) of the belt comprises two strap-like portions (20), (21) which, in the headstall configuration, part to form a loop to encircle the nose of the animal whilst the end portions (11/24) (14) of the belt cooperate to encircle and hold the head of the animal.

Abstract: A harness 10 includes a buckle 20 for releasably securing harness strap ends 13 and 14 in one of two alternative conditions. The buckle includes a frame 21 and a pivoted clasp member 37. One strap end 13 is secured to the buckle frame. The other strap end 14 may be connected through an opening 38 between the clasp member 37 and a clamping surface 26 on the frame. The clasp 37 is normally held closed by a spring 46, operating against an eccentric clamp surface 42 on the clasp member 37. Alternatively, a spring arm of the spring 46 may be lifted, and the free end of the strap end 14 may be inserted through the buckle between the clasp member 37 and the spring arm. When released against the strap, the spring arm will hold the strap for release upon application of prescribed tension along the straps. The clasp member is mounted to the frame within angular slots to permit opening of the clasp to accept thick straps or straps of double thickness.