Tethering system with retractor and eyelet opening

Abstract

Retractor systems are disclosed that reduce the wear on the retractor line from repeated extensions and retractions. Some embodiments comprise a retractor system having a retractor with a retractor housing having a front surface. A line and a line retraction mechanism can be included within the housing, with the line retraction mechanism urging retraction of the line in a first direction that is substantially parallel to the front surface. A line opening is included in the front surface through which the line extends from the housing at a second direction that is different from the first direction. A personal article attached to the line, and an anti-friction mechanism is included at said line opening to provide a smooth surface upon which the line rides when extending from the housing. Some anti-friction mechanisms comprise an eyelet proximate to said line opening and having a smooth surface that can take many different shapes and sizes, such as a funnel or hour glass shaped surface.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A retractor system, comprising,
 a retractor with a retractor housing having a front surface;   a line and a line retraction mechanism within said housing, said line retraction mechanism urging retraction of the said line in a first direction that is substantially parallel to said front surface;   a line opening in said front surface through which said line extends from said housing at a second direction that is different from said first direction;   a personal article attached to said line; and   an anti-friction mechanism at said line opening to provide a smooth surface upon which said line rides when extending from said housing.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said anti-friction mechanism comprises an eyelet with an opening through which said line passes. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said eyelet is mounted adjacent said line opening. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said smooth surface is funnel or hourglass shaped. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a connector mechanism to removable connect said personal article to said retractor housing. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said connector comprises a two part connector with a first connector part on said personal article and a second on said retractor housing, said first and second connector parts cooperating to hold said personal article to said retractor housing. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said first and second connector parts snap together. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said first connector part has tabs that cooperate with slots in said second connector part. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said line retraction mechanism comprises a spool and coil spring. 
     
     
         10 . A retractor system, comprising,
 a retractor housing having a front surface and a mounting mechanism for mounting said retractor to a user;   a line that is retracted into said housing under a retraction force in a first direction;   a personal article mounted in proximity to said front surface;   an line opening in said front surface through which said line extends from said housing at a second direction that is different from said first direction; and   an anti-friction mechanism at said line opening.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said anti-friction mechanism comprises an eyelet with an opening through which said line passes. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said eyelet is mounted adjacent said line opening. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said anti-friction mechanism comprising a smooth surface upon which said line rides during extension and retraction. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a connector mechanism to removable mount said personal article in proximity to said retractor mousing. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein said connector mechanism comprises a two part connector with a first connector part on said personal article and a second on said retractor housing, said first and second connector parts cooperating to hold said personal article to said retractor housing. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said first connector part has tabs that cooperate with slots in said second connector part. 
     
     
         17 . A retractor system, comprising,
 a retractor housing having a front surface, and a mounting mechanism for mounting said retractor to a user;   a line that is retracted into said housing under a force in a first direction that is substantially parallel to said front surface;   a line opening in said front surface through which said line extends through said front surface at a second direction that is different from said first direction;   an anti-friction mechanism proximate said line opening; and   a personal article connected to said line and removably mountable to said retractor housing.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein said anti-friction mechanism comprises an eyelet mounted adjacent said line opening. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein said smooth surface is funnel or hourglass shaped. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein said personal article is removably mounted to said retractor housing by a two part connector with a first connector part on said personal article and a second on said retractor housing, said first and second connector parts cooperating to hold said personal article to said retractor housing.