Retractable holder

Abstract

A tethering device for securely holding and extendably presenting an article, particularly an article such as scuba diving equipment and the like required for activities performed in extreme environments. The device includes a durable body-mountable plastic case housing a cord-retracting mechanism. One end of a tethering cord is attached to the cord-retracting mechanism. The other end of the cord extends through a guide hole in the case and has means thereon for attachment to an article such as a tool thereby tethering the article to the case. The tethered article may be extended for use at arms length then automatically retracted toward the case by the coil spring retracting mechanism. The case housing the retracting mechanism and cord also includes means for attaching the device to a user. In one embodiment the back of the case contains a removable mounting plate. A strap or belt may be sandwiched between the case and mounting plate to securely attach the device to the belt. The wall of the case has two flushing holes extending therethrough positioned to permit removal of water and debris from the internal winding mechanism without disassembly. The flushing holes also provide a means for cleaning the device and allowing the cord retracting spring mechanism enclosed within the case to dry. The device is particularly adapted for use as a retractable tether for tools used in extreme environments such as underwater diving equipment.