Patent ID: 8702025
Filing Date: 2014-04-22
Classification: A01K,B65H

Abstract:
1. A retraction apparatus for a flexible member, the retraction apparatus having a housing with a reel mounted in the housing for rotation, a rewinding spring coupled to the housing and the reel, and the flexible member has an inner end and an outer end where the flexible member is wound around the reel with the inner end being connected to the reel and the outer end being unattached or attached to a writing instrument or other item, the improvement comprising: tracks located on a side surface of the reel, a track arm having an outer end and an inner end, the inner end being pivotally coupled to an elevation post; and an arm post attached to the outer end of the track arm for engaging the tracks on the side surface of the reel; wherein the inner end of the track arm can be raised or lowered to provide a no tension mode of operation or a tension mode of operation; the arm post is perpendicular to the track arm; and the elevation post is coupled to a switch locking track lever which raises or lowers the track arm.