BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus having at least one magnet providing increased resistance to initial operation, suitable for use in securing items such as keys, badges, specialty tools, cellular phones, and personal hydration delivery tubes. More particularly the present invention relates to a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus having a pair of magnets providing increased resistance force during initial extension operation and a lower resistance force during the remainder of extension without substantial increase in the overall size, weight, or complexity of said reel apparatus. And further particularly the invention relates to a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus having one magnet and at least one ferromagnetic element in cooperative combination providing increased resistance force during initial extension operation and a lower resistance force during the remainder of the extension without substantial increase in the overall size, weight, or complexity of said reel apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Spring actuated retracting reels have been in use since their original invention by Russ Lummis covered under U.S. Patent 2,732,148 issued January 24, 1956.

Lummis was a railroad man who saw a need for brakemen and switchmen to have a better, safer, and more convenient way to handle their keys. The original device, marketed under the KEY-BAK® brand, was a success in the railroad industry and then in other industries wherever keys were a part of the job.

The general embodiment of the spring actuated retracting reel has evolved over the years to include larger and heavier applications, such as dog leash reels, electrical extension cord reels, pneumatic hose reels, and overhead workstation reels for commonly accessed tools. Refinements to the basic retracting reel have also been disclosed, as in U.S. Patent 5,833,165 issued November 10, 1998 to Paugh teaches an embodiment that reduces bending stress on the retracing cable for certain applications.

The general embodiment of the spring actuated retracting reel has also evolved to include smaller and lighter applications, such as the badge reel commonly used to retractably hold employee identification and security access cards. Many other commercial examples exist of custom applications for the lighter duty retracting reels, commercial examples exist of custom applications for the lighter duty retracting reels, such as a bottle opener reel used by waiters and waitresses, and a fishing tool reel, commonly known as zingers, used by anglers.

One of the underlying trade-offs with retracting reels illustrated by the examples cited above is that the size of the reel scales with the size and weight of the application. This is due to the underlying mechanism of the retracting reel assembly, typically a coiled strip of spring steel from which a tension force in a retracting element is derived. Common retracting elements include string, chain, cable, cord, strap, and hose. Larger loads and longer travel require correspondingly larger and longer springs, which result in a larger apparatus being required. Similarly, the retracting element itself affects the size of the apparatus, scaling in proportion to the gauge and length of the application. A 100 foot retracting garden hose reel is necessarily substantially larger than a 24 inch retracting badge reel. This trade-off leads to some retracting reel applications being undersized for their end use, when the load force applied exceeds the retaining force of the reel. This can happen by simply overloading the device with too much weight, as when a person attempts to hold multiple badges, ID's, security access cards, photos, business cards, credit cards, etc., on a device that is typically designed for loads up to 2 ounces. Overloading of a retracting reel assembly can also occur unintentionally and unexpectedly by outside forces or dynamic environments, for example a badge being held by a badge reel can become extended away from the reel by a strong wind, or by the dynamic forces generated by the mass of the badge while the wearer runs down stairs. These examples illustrate the benefit that would be derived from increasing the holding force of a reel assembly under certain circumstances without having to increase the retracting force, and most desirably without increasing the general size and scale of the apparatus.

One approach to augmenting the holding force applied by a retracting reel spring is to incorporate a latching mechanism that can be engaged to lock the reel in a desired position. Automatic locking safety belts employed in passenger vehicles, for example, in U.S. Patent N° 3,603,525 issued September 7, 1971 to Pringle; U.S.

Patent N° 3,995,787 issued December 7, 1976 and U.S. Patent J b 4,036,322 issued July 19, 1977 to Takada; and U.S. Patent JN° 4,529,144 issued July 16, 1985 to Fohl; all teach such an approach. These systems are effective at achieving their objective, however, the added functionality are obtained at the price of increased size, weight, complexity and cost of the product. Furthermore, many applications like the badge reel example would primarily benefit from an increase in holding force only at the fully retracted position. When a user wishes to extend the badge away from the stored position it is most desirable to have the holding force become reduced rather than increasing or locking motion out all together as the badge is extended away from the reel.

There are still other more time-tested systems for securing commonly accessed items. Tools of a trade, for example, are often arranged in dedicated racks that are easy to access at a workstation or are transported about in a dedicated work belt or pouch. Various keys and other accessories conveniently fit in the pockets of clothing. Long cords and hoses can be manually looped and stored. These systems are simple and intuitive; however, they do demand the user manually replace the tool or item back into its location, which requires additional time and attention relative to an automatically retracting reel apparatus.

As is evidenced by the shortcomings of the related art previously described, there is a clear need for an improved retracting reel assembly that can provide increased holding force in the fully retracted condition without substantial increase in the overall size, weight, or complexity of the reel assembly.

Numerous custom mechanical closure systems have been devised to serve a similar purpose as the retracting reel, specifically to assist in securing frequently accessed items. They are specifically adapted to the equipment or garments of the application. These closures typically serve to hold a component that a compact retracting reel, such as a badge reel, would be overloaded by. Such a system can be seen on hydration back packs, where the free end of a flexible drink tube can be secured by various mechanical closure systems. For example the CamelBak Tube Trap™ is a U-shaped plastic clip that mounts to fabric webbing on the shoulder strap of a hydration back pack. The hydration tube is manually inserted into the clip which holds it against undesirable motion. This clip, or its equivalent, is important for some pack/tube configurations and usages, where the system is dynamically subjected to rapid acceleration and decelerations (bumpy conditions), such as in running, bicycling, operating an off-road-vehicle, and piloting aircraft. Under bumpy conditions the free end of the flexible hydration tube, which is fitted with a bite valve, can undergo objectionable displacement that can be distracting from the primary activity being engaged. The Tube Trap™ type of clip system requires manual actuation of the mechanical closure system by the user, which is a clear disadvantage from an ease-of-use and safety perspective relative to automatic systems such as the retracting reel. A compact retracting reel of suitable size for this application, however, does not exert enough holding force to adequately control the load of a typical hydration tube filled with water and fitted with a bite-valve assembly. Use of a larger reel with more holding force is undesirable, since the dynamic applications that give rise to the need are also concerned with minimizing size and weight of the overall system. Another closure system designed to secure the tube and bite valve of a hydration pack system utilizes a set of magnets. The NALGENE™ Bite Me™ valve with magnet and clip fixes one magnet into a custom bite valve assembly and a second mating magnet into a clip which is then secured to a portion of fabric webbing on the hydration back pack, as with the CamelBak Tube Trap™. This type of device is taught, for example, in U.S. Pat. Application Jfc 20070181616 published August 9, 2007 to Horito and Brown. The advantage of this system is that it can operate without user actuation, providing the two magnets come into close enough proximity to one another to engage. In the event that the magnets do not come into working distance of one another, then the user is required to manually actuate this closure. Another disadvantage of this simple magnetically coupled system is that under forces great enough to overcome the magnetic holding force the closure system fails and the tube/bite valve are again free to bounce around. This type of configuration is an improvement upon the non-magnetic attachment clip but continues to require manual attachment of the tube/bite valve in many instances.

U.S. Patent N° 6,666,360 issued December 23, 2003 to Swank teaches the use of a retractable "badge" reel device to hold and control a mid-span of flexible hydration tubing on a very specifically defined waste pack hydration system for runners.

However, there remains the need for a retractable reel apparatus that can securely hold an item or device securely in place in the full retracted position of the reel and yet have a reduced pull force required once the item or devices is drawn forth from the reel body. Furthermore, there is a need for such a retractable reel that is small in physical size, light in weight, simple in design, and inexpensive to manufacture.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus that provides enough force to securely hold the attached device in place while also providing a lower amount of force when the device is used with the retracting reel cord at least partially extended from the retracting reel body.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus that is small in size, light in weight, and inexpensive to manufacture.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus having a pair of magnets providing increased resistance force during initial operation and a lower resistance force during the remainder of extension comprising in cooperative combination: a reel case comprising; a reel case front, a reel case back, spool, a spool axel, a spring securable within said spool, and a fixedly attached first magnet; an end fitting having a second magnet fixedly attached thereto; and a cord having a first end fixedly attached to said spool and a second end fixedly attached to said end fitting, further said cord passing through bores in said reel case, said first and second magnets, and said end fitting and being extendable and retractable from and to said spool; thereby providing a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus having a pair of magnets providing increased resistance force during initial operation and a lower resistance force during the remainder of extension without substantial increase in the overall size, weight, or complexity of said reel apparatus.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus having a single magnet and a single ferromagnetic element providing increased resistance force during initial operation and a lower resistance force during the remainder of extension comprising in cooperative combination: a reel case comprising; a reel case front, a reel case back, spool, a spool axel, a spring securable within said spool, and a fixedly attached first magnet; an end fitting having a first ferromagnetic element fixedly attached thereto; and a cord having a first end fixedly attached to said spool and a second end fixedly attached to said end fitting, further said cord passing through bores in said reel case, said first magnet and said first ferromagnetic element, and said end fitting and being extendable and retractable from and to said spool; thereby providing a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus having a single magnet and a single ferromagnetic element providing increased resistance force during initial operation and a lower resistance force during the remainder of extension without substantial increase in the overall size, weight, or complexity of said reel apparatus.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus having a single magnet and a pair of ferromagnetic elements providing increased resistance force during initial operation and a lower resistance force during the remainder of extension comprising in cooperative combination: a reel case comprising; a reel case front, a reel case back, a spool, a spool axel, a spring securable within said spool, and a fixedly attached second ferromagnetic element and first magnet; an end fitting having a first ferromagnetic element fixedly attached thereto; and a cord having a first end fixedly attached to said spool and a second end fixedly attached to said end fitting, further said cord passing through bores in said reel case, said first magnet and said first ferromagnetic element, and said end fitting and being extendable and retractable from and to said spool; thereby providing a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus having a single magnet and a pair of ferromagnetic elements providing increased resistance force during initial operation and a lower resistance force during the remainder of extension without substantial increase in the overall size, weight, or complexity of said reel apparatus.

According to still yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus adaptable to securing a variety of tools, personal effects, hydration and other fluid tubes, electrical cords, and the like.

The present invention thus advantageously provides a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus having enough holding force in the fully retracted or closed position to securely hold an attached device in place while also allowing for a much lower force requirement for drawing the device away from the magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus and extending the reel cord to its full extended position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective front view of a preferred embodiment of the magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective front view of a preferred embodiment of the magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus of the present invention suitable for securing an ID card or employee badge.

Figure 3 shows a perspective back view of a preferred embodiment of the magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus of the present invention suitable for securing a flexible hydration tube to the end fitting and the retracting reel to a strap or webbing.

Figure 4 show an exploded perspective rear view of the embodiment of the invention of Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a plan back view of a preferred embodiment of the

magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus of the present invention utilizing a spring clip means for attaching the retracting reel to a person's clothing or gear.

Figure 6 shows a plan side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown through section line A - A of Figure 5.

Figure 7 shows a perspective rear view of a preferred embodiment of the magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus of the present invention utilizing a clip mounting device suitable for mounting the retracting reel to a tube or rod.

Figure 8 shows a perspective side view of another preferred embodiment of the magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus of the present invention utilizing an alternative magnet mounting orientation. Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus of the present invention of Figure 8.

Figure 10 shows a side cross section plan view of another preferred

embodiment of the magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 1 1 shows a side cross section plan view of a preferred embodiment of a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus utilizing a single magnet and a pair of ferromagnetic elements.

Figure 12 shows a side cross section plan view of another preferred

embodiment of a magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus utilizing a single magnet and a pair of ferromagnetic elements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein to the extent possible like reference numerals are utilized to designate like components throughout the various views. Referring to Figure 1 , there is presented an exploded view of one preferred embodiment of the claimed magnetically assisted retracting reel apparatus. The reel assembly 101 is comprised of a case 100 comprising a reel case back 102 having an axel 103, a reel case front 104, a spool 106, a spring 108, and further having a cord 110, a first magnet 1 12 fixedly attached to said case 100, a second magnet 1 14 fixedly attached to an end fitting 1 16. The spool 106 fits over an axel 103 on the reel case back 102. The spring 108 having an inner end and an outer end fits within the spool 106. The inner end of the spring 108 is sharply bent allowing it to hook into a slot 103 a in the axel 103. The outer end of the spring 108 terminates in a desired configuration allowing attachment into a receiving slot 106a on said spool 106. The spring 108 is assembled such that it exerts a rotational bias on the spool 106, thereby creating a desired nominal tension force in the cord 1 10. The fixed first magnet 1 12 is held in an opening created by bore 105a in said case 100 comprising said reel case back 102 and reel case front 104. The cord 110 is connected at a first end through a bore in the spool 106. The cord 1 10 is secured to the spool 106 by tying a knot that is incapable of passing back through the bore. The cord 110 is wound around the spool 106 and the second end of the cord 1 10 passes through bores 105b in the first magnet 112, the second magnet 1 14, bore 105a in the case 100, and bore 107 (see Figure 6) in the end fitting 1 16. The second end of the cord 1 10 is secured to the end fitting 1 16 by tying a knot that is incapable of passing back through the bore 107 (see Figure 6). The reel case front 104 fits to the reel case back 102, thereby containing the spool 106, the spring 108, and the bulk of the cord 1 10, and the two case parts are joined together by known means presently preferably by means of a weld or adhesive joint. The axel 103 can be integrally formed as a feature of either the reel case back 102 or of the reel case front 104 or it can be a separate component that is assembled into the unit. The spring 108 can be fixedly attached at the inner end by other means than by hooking into a slot in the axel 103, said other means being well known in the art. The spring 108 can be attached by outer end to the spool 106 by other means also well known in the art. It is to be understood that said first magnet 1 12 can be secured by means well known in the art such as, for example, physical encapturement between the reel case front 104 and reel case back 102, and adhesive attachment to one or both of said reel case front 104 and said reel case back 102.

Referring again to Figure 1 , the retracting reel operates by holding the case 100 while simultaneously pulling on the end fitting 1 16, causing the end fitting 1 16, second magnet 1 14, and the end of cord 1 10 that is attached to the end fitting 1 16, to extend away from the reel case 100. Extension of the cord 1 10 causes the spool 106 to rotate, which in turn causes the spring 108 to wind up further, thus increasing the tension force against the cord 1 10. The first magnet 112 and second magnet 114 are attracted to one another, augmenting the holding force exerted by the cord 1 10 when the end fitting 1 16 is retracted and the second magnet 1 14 is in close proximity to the first magnet 1 12. As the end fitting 1 16 and second magnet 1 14 are extended away from the case 100, and first magnet 1 12, the holding force of the magnetic coupling is rapidly diminished and effectively broken after a distance of displacement. As the extended end fitting 1 16 and second magnet 114 are allowed to retract under tension from spring 108 upon the cord 1 10 toward the case 100, and first magnet 1 12, the magnetic coupling between the first magnet 112 and the second magnet 114 reengages, reaching maximum holding force at the fully retracted position.

Figure 2 shows a magnetically assisted badge reel embodiment, having a hiring 220 and a badge strap 222 adapted to the end fitting 1 16 of the reel assembly 101. Alternative arrangements to the tri-ring 220 and badge strap 222 can be employed to serve the function of attaching a badge to a magnetically assisted retracting reel. For example, a clip could be integrated into the end fitting 116 design, thereby eliminating the tri-ring 220 and badge strap 222. Many other specific embodiments are possible for attaching a badge to a reel assembly. The general embodiment is capable of holding items other than badges as well including for example security access cards, membership cards, photos, credit cards, work documents, etc.

Shown in Figure 3 is a retracting reel assembly 101 with magnets suitable for securing a flexible hydration tube 317 to a section of fabric webbing 323. The retracting reel incorporates a tube clip 316 to affix a flexible hydration tube 317. The tube 317 removably clips into the tube clip 316. The size of the tube clip 316 is designed such that it creates a non-slipping attachment to the tube 317 without excessively pinching or collapsing the tube 317. The outside diameter of hydration tubing commonly used with hydration packs ranges from approximately 3/8" to 1/2". Hydration tubing used in mobile hydration systems is typically composed of a flexible food grade material, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, PVC, or silicone. The retracting reel also incorporates a webbing mount 324 with which the unit can be removably attached to a section of fabric webbing 323. Fabric webbing is commonly employed on shoulder and sternum straps of hydration packs, and provides a base support to which the unit can be attached. The webbing component may be composed of a material other than fabric, for example a flexible plastic strip of similar size and shape.

Turning to Figure 4 there is shown an exploded view of the retracting reel assembly of Figure 3 comprising the retracting reel assembly 101 as shown in Figure 1, wherein a tube clip 316 replaces end fitting 1 16 and further comprising a webbing mount 324 attachment device for mounting said retracting reel assembly 101 onto a fabric webbing 323 (see Figure 3), and a mounting post 302 to fixedly attach webbing mount 324 to reel case back 102. The webbing mount 324 has^a bore 325 in it dimensioned to fit over the weld post 302. The protruding portion of the mounting post 302 is formed by ultrasonic, thermal, or other mechanical deformation means over the webbing mount 324 after mounting said webbing mount 324 thereon. The webbing mount 324, thus being moveably fixedly attached to the rear case 102, allowing said webbing mount 324 to rotate relative to the rear case 102 about the axis of the mounting post 302.

Alternative methods of attaching the reel unit to a hydration pack or other garment worn by a user include, for example, a simple belt clip 418 as shown in Figures 5 and 6, or a custom clip for use with cords or piping as shown in Figure 7.

Turning now to Figure 5 there is shown a retracting reel with magnets embodiment for securing a flexible hydration tube to a hydration pack or garment by way of a belt clip 418 fixedly mounted to the exterior of reel case back 102 of reel assembly lOland having a tube clip end fitting 316.

Figure 6 shows a cross section through section line A - A of Figure 5 showing the retracting reel with magnets assembly 101 having a tube clip 316 end fitting, a belt clip 418 attachment, and a belt clip back case 402. The belt clip 418 attaches to the belt clip back case 402 by passing through a slot shaped bore 403 in the belt clip back case 402 and hooking over a post (not shown) on the inside of the belt clip back case 402. The use of a belt clip attachment system is commonly found on standard commercially available badge reels and is well known in the art. Other attachment systems can be substituted for the belt clip 418, for example an alligator type clip. Also, the clip attachment means can be embodied so as to allow rotation between the clip 418 and the reel assembly 101. Also shown are magnets 112 and 1 14, reel case front 104, spool 106, spring 108, axel 103, bore 107, and cord 110.

Figure 7 shows a retracting reel with magnets assembly 101 , comprising reel case front 104, reel case back 102 with a tube clip 316 end fitting, for securing a flexible hydration tube 317 by means of mounting post 302 to a hydration pack or garment (not shown) by way of a piping mount 518. Piping is a commonly employed structure in soft-goods, consisting of semi-rigid cord that is sewn into a fabric sheath to create a cylindrical rail. Accessory components may be attached to the piping such that their position can be adjusted along the length of the piping element.

In Figure 8 there is shown an alternative embodiment of a retracting reel with magnets assembly 101 comprising a reel case back 102, a magnet housing end fitting 616 having a second magnet 114 (see Figure 9) mounted parallel to the outer face of reel case front 104, and a reel case front 104 having a first magnet 1 12 mounted on the outside face of said reel case front 104 in operative position to second magnet 1 14 (see Figure 9) thus positioning the magnets on the side of said reel assembly 101.

Now turning to Figure 9 there is shown an exploded view of the reel assembly 101 of Figure 8 comprising a reel case back 102, a magnet housing end fitting 616 having a second magnet 114 mounted parallel to the outer face of reel case front 104, and a reel case front 104 having a first magnet 1 12 mounted on the outside face of said reel case front 104 in operative position to second magnet 114 thus positioning the magnets on the side of said reel assembly 101. Also shown are reel case back 102 with axel 103 having slot 103a therein, spool 106, spring 108, and cord 110. Also shown is eyelet 624 which functions to guide cord 1 10 through bore 105a and assist in protecting said cord 110 from undue exposure to abrasion during operation. It is understood to those skilled in the art that alternative size, shape, and placement of the first and second magnets 112 and 1 14 may used without departing from the scope of the presently claimed invention.

Shown in Figure 10 is a plan side view cross-section of another embodiment of a magnetically assisted retracting reel assembly 101 in an extended position. First magnet 1 12 being fixedly attached in reel case 100 comprising case back 102 including mounting post 302 and case front 104 and a first ferromagnetic element 1 1 1 fixedly attached to end fitting 1 16 creating a magnetic coupling augmenting cord

1 10 tension when not extended. Also shown are spool 106, spring 108, bore 105a through reel case 100, bores 105b through first magnet 112 and first ferromagnetic element 1 1 1 , and bore 107 through end fitting 1 16. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the positions of first magnet 112 and first ferromagnetic element

1 11 may be reversed. That is the first magnet 1 12 may be fixedly attached to end fitting 1 16 and first ferromagnetic element 1 11 may be fixedly attached to reel case 100.

In Figure 1 1 there is shown a plan side view cross-section of yet another embodiment of a magnetically assisted retracting reel assembly 101 in an extended position wherein a first magnet 1 12 and first and second ferromagnetic elements 111 and 1 13 respectively are employed as the magnetically coupled elements that augment the cord 1 10 tension when not extended. Said first magnet 112 and said second ferromagnetic element 1 13 being fixedly attached to reel case 100 comprising reel case back 102 including mounting post 302 and reel case front 104, and said first ferromagnetic element 11 1 being fixedly attached to tube clip 316. Also shown are spool 106, spring 108, bore 105a through reel case 100, bores 105b through first magnet 1 12 and first and second ferromagnetic elements 1 1 1, 113 respectively, and bore 107 through tube clip 316.

Finally turning to Figure 12 there is shown a plan side view cross-section of still another embodiment of a magnetically assisted retracting reel assembly 101 in an extended position wherein a first magnet 1 12 and first and second ferromagnetic elements 1 11 and 1 13 are employed as the magnetically coupled elements that augment the cord 1 10 tension when not extended. Said first magnet 1 12 and said first ferromagnetic element 11 1 being fixedly attached to end fitting 116 and said second ferromagnetic element 1 13 being fixedly attached to reel case 100 comprising reel case back 102 including mounting post 302 and reel case front 104. Also shown are spool 106, spring 108, bore 105a through reel case 100, bores 105b through first magnet 112 and first and second ferromagnetic elements 11 1, 1 13 respectively, and bore 107 through end fitting 1 16.

The last two embodiments represented in Figures 11 and 12 are the presently preferred embodiments of the claimed invention. The use of two ferromagnetic elements in cooperative combination with one magnet provides significant increase in holding force over embodiments utilizing two magnets or of those utilizing one magnet and one ferromagnetic element. In some cases the holding force of the embodiments disclosed in Figures 1 1 and 12 can be twice as much as two magnets and one magnet - one ferromagnetic element systems of comparable size.

Additionally, the cost of the presently preferred embodiments are significantly lower over a two magnet embodiment due to the reduction of the number of relatively expensive magnets compared to the cost of ferromagnetic elements.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the number, orientation and position of magnets and/or ferromagnetic elements may be selected to provide any desired degree of magnetic assistance. In practice permanent magnets are the preferred type of magnet for use in the presently claimed invention. A permanent magnet is an object made from a material that is magnetized and creates its own persistent magnetic field. Suitable types of permanent magnets for use in the presently claimed invention include Ceramic or Ferrite magnets, Alnico magnets, Samarium cobalt magnets and Neodymium iron boron magnets. Suitable particular magnet composition, shape such as cylinder, plate, or rod for example; dimensions, and holding strength are selected for the particular application.

Ferromagnetic elements may be steel washers, steel plates, steel rods, or other desired geometric shapes. In addition, any magnetic materials may be used in place of steel as is well known in the art. Presently preferred ferromagnetic elements are steel cylinders.

The case, end fittings, and spool may comprise any well known suitable material such as, for example, formed metal, molded carbon fiber composite, Nylon, ABS, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and blends thereof. In addition, the various components may all comprise the same material or of different materials

The spring may comprise carbon steel or stainless steel and further may be made using either pre-tempered material or annealed material which is tempered after production of the spring shape. Presently preferred are pre-tempered materials.

Suitable spring materials include, for example, 1050, 1075, and 1095 grade carbon steels and 301 , 302 and 17-7PH stainless steels.

Suitable cord materials include, for example, braided Nylon, braided Kevlar, stainless steel chain, plated steel chain, and various monofilaments well known in the art.

Further alternative magnetic assisted retracting reel embodiments are contemplated including, for example an application specific reel may be designed to retractably secure any hand held device (e.g. cellular phone, or tool) into a cradle, pocket, dock or holster.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been disclosed, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.