A retractable reel system includes a reel, a gear assembly, a paddle wheel and a spring. The reel includes a concentric wheel shaft where the reel and wheel shaft rotate to wind and unwind a length of material from the reel. The gear assembly engages with an end of the wheel shaft to provide a gear reduction ratio between the wheel shaft and an output shaft of the gear assembly. The paddle wheel is connected to and concentric with the output shaft, and the paddle wheel includes a paddle that extends beyond an outer edge of the paddle wheel that rotates with the paddle wheel. The spring is arranged outside the outer edge of the paddle wheel. The spring is compressed by the paddle to store an energy when the reel is rotated to unwind the length of material from the reel. The stored energy is used to rotate the reel to wind the length of material around the reel.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to recoilers, merchandise security systems, and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the merchandise security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a base for removably supporting the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The system also includes a recoiler operably coupled to the sensor. The recoiler includes a rotatable member defining a helical recess. The system further includes a cable configured to connect to the sensor and to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. The cable is configured to be extended from the recoiler in response to the sensor being lifted off of the base, and the cable is configured to be retracted into the recoiler in response to the sensor being moved to a seated position on the base. The helical recess is configured to at least partially receive the cable therein as the cable is wound on the rotatable member.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to recoilers, merchandise security systems, and methods for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise from theft. In one example, the merchandise security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a base for removably supporting the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The system also includes a recoiler operably coupled to the sensor. The recoiler includes a rotatable member defining a helical recess. The system further includes a cable configured to connect to the sensor and to be unwound from and wound on the rotatable member as the cable is extended and retracted. The cable is configured to be extended from the recoiler in response to the sensor being lifted off of the base, and the cable is configured to be retracted into the recoiler in response to the sensor being moved to a seated position on the base. The helical recess is configured to at least partially receive the cable therein as the cable is wound on the rotatable member.

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

A multipurpose accessory and storage system for an electronic device includes a housing member attaching to the electronic device and a charging station structured on the housing member to charge, arrest and dispense an accessory item. The accessory item includes a protective membrane housing a logic board, a power component, an image sensor, a transmitter configured to transfer a signal or data to the electronic device or the housing member and a software program stored in the logic board. The transmitter establishes a pairing or electronic connection between the electronic device or the housing member and the accessory item. The pairing or electronic connection enables content captured by the image sensor to be relayed to the electronic device to permit a user to view the content on the display of the electronic device and/or to control components and features of the accessory item via the electronic device.

A multipurpose accessory and storage system for an electronic device includes a housing member attaching to the electronic device and a charging station structured on the housing member to charge, arrest and dispense an accessory item. The accessory item includes a protective membrane housing a logic board, a power component, an image sensor, a transmitter configured to transfer a signal or data to the electronic device or the housing member and a software program stored in the logic board. The transmitter establishes a pairing or electronic connection between the electronic device or the housing member and the accessory item. The pairing or electronic connection enables content captured by the image sensor to be relayed to the electronic device to permit a user to view the content on the display of the electronic device and/or to control components and features of the accessory item via the electronic device.

A temporary horizontal lifeline device includes a main frame, a central shaft pivotally arranged on the main frame, a drum and an external gear affixed on the central shaft, a spanner adapted for driving the central shaft to rotate, and a cable member winded around the drum. A gear groove is arranged on the periphery of the external gear. A first spring is arranged on the main frame so as to provide a force to enable the drum to retrieve the cable member. The main frame also comprises a brake element and a detent provided thereon. The brake element has a first state for restrict the gear groove and a second state for releasing the gear groove, which prevents the external gear from rotating forward and backward when the external gear is in the first state. The detent has a first position to mesh the gear groove and a second position to release the gear groove, so that the external gear is only allowed to unidirectionally rotate in the first position. Accordingly, the present invention is convenient and safe to use when conducting retrieving operation, and effectively improves the stress concentration issue of conventional detents.

A cable adjuster contains a gear shaft, a base, a rotatable disc, and a cable. The gear shaft includes a first column, a second column, a circular peg, and a threaded orifice. The base includes a first fixer and a second fixer. The first fixer has a first groove, and the second fixer has a second groove. An accommodation chamber is defined between the first groove and the second groove, the first fixer has a toothed notch and a circular notch, and the second fixer has a hollow shoulder, two T-shaped slots, and two holders. The rotatable disc includes a fixing orifice, a cylinder, and a recess. A head of the cable is received in the second fixer via the two T-shaped slots and is engaged in the recess so that an extension is fixed in one holder, and the rotatable disc is received in the second groove.

The present invention discloses a rotary self-lock catch. As a rope penetrates into the take-up cavity of the take-up reel and a tail end of the rope is limited at a boundary between a through hole and a hollowed cavity, when the rotary knob is rotated, the take-up reel can be driven to rotate together, so that the rope is wound in the take-up cavity by the take-up reel, and the rotary knob is allowed to rotate along one direction, so that an effect of tightening the rope can be realized.

A toy retrieval apparatus wherein the present invention is configured to facilitate retrieval of a fallen toy or similar object subsequent a child sitting in the rear seat of a vehicle dropping the toy and a passenger in the front seat can utilize the present invention to retrieve the toy. The toy retrieval apparatus includes a housing wherein the housing has a spring loaded winding member disposed in the interior volume thereof. The spring loaded winding member has a cord member secured thereto. The cord member has attached to the distal end an attachment member. The attachment member of the present invention is formed to releasably secure to a toy through either adherence to the outer cover of the attachment member or being secured with finger members of the attachment member. The attachment member includes a malleable metal structural insert member that provides bending of the finger members.