Self-retracting device and shaft therefor

Abstract

The self-retracting device includes a housing assembly having a first housing cover removably connected to a second housing cover. The self-retracting device also includes a rotatable hub received within an interior of the housing assembly and having a cord associated therewith, and a retraction member received within the interior of the housing assembly between the rotatable hub and the first housing cover. The self-retracting device also includes a shaft having a first end fixedly but removably connected to the first housing cover, a main body extending through the retraction member and the rotatable hub, and a second end engaged with at least a portion of the rotatable hub.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 488,495, filed September 29, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 086,920, filed October 2, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to safety systems and arrangements, and in particular to self-retracting devices (e.g., fall arrestors or controlled descent devices) including self-retracting tethers that can be connected to a harness to protect the wearer from sudden acceleration and fall-prevention events, and self-retracting devices having an axle. Background Technology

[0004] Self-retracting devices can be used in a variety of situations and applications. For example, one type of self-retracting device takes the form of a retractable tether, such as a self-retracting tether (SRL), which is commonly used for fall protection in industrial environments, as well as in recreational activities. SRLs have many industrial end uses, including but not limited to construction, manufacturing, hazardous materials / remediation, asbestos reduction, painting, sandblasting, welding, mining, numerous oil and gas industry applications, power and utilities, nuclear energy, paper and pulp, grinding, polishing, stage rigging, roofing, scaffolding, telecommunications, automotive repair and assembly, warehousing, and railroad construction.

[0005] SRLs often include a housing containing a rotatable roller or hub on which a rope, typically made of webbing, cable, rope, and / or synthetic materials, is wound. When a certain level of tension is intentionally applied, the hub rotates to release (or “release”) the rope from its housing. As the tension decreases or is released, the hub can slowly rotate in the opposite direction via a retraction mechanism, causing the rope to retract or rewind around the roller or hub. The retraction mechanism may include a power spring that is energized when the rope is released from the housing and de-energized to retract the rope back into the housing. Some SRLs may also include a braking mechanism or component to inhibit hub rotation if a non-elastic rope (e.g., steel cable) is released too quickly (i.e., faster than its predetermined maximum speed during normal release). A sudden release of the rope may indicate that the tethered wearer / user has experienced a fall and needs to stop or prevent the fall.

[0006] The rollers of the SRL rotate about an axis located at the center of the rollers' rotation. The axis is typically made of metal and can be keyed to one or more components of the SRL. Conventional shafts often have complex geometries requiring expensive and time-consuming manufacturing steps. Furthermore, during assembly and inspection of the SRL, such as when at least a portion of the outer cover is removed, conventional shafts do not secure the retraction mechanism in a way that prevents the retraction mechanism's power spring from dangerously releasing. Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved self-retracting device with an improved shaft. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, and generally, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure, a self-retracting device with an improved shaft is provided.

[0008] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure, a self-retracting device is provided, which may have a housing assembly including a first housing cover detachably connected to a second housing cover; a rotatable hub received inside the housing assembly and having a rope associated therewith; a retraction member received inside the housing assembly between the rotatable hub and the first housing cover; and a shaft having a first end fixedly but detachably connected to the first housing cover, a body extending through the retraction member and the rotatable hub, and a second end received to engage at least a portion of the rotatable hub.

[0009] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure, the shaft may have a first thread at a first end, which is configured to engage with a second thread on a first housing cover. The second thread may be defined on an insert that is non-removably connected to the first housing cover. The second end of the shaft may have a bolt head configured to engage with a fastening tool. When the first housing cover is connected to the second housing cover, the first and second ends of the shaft may be received within the housing assembly. When the second housing cover is connected to the first housing cover, the second end of the shaft may be received within a recess in the second housing cover.

[0010] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure, the first housing cover may be detachably connected to the second housing cover by one or more fasteners, clips, adhesives, or any combination thereof. The rope may have a first end directly or indirectly attached to a rotatable hub, opposite to the first end, and extending out of a second end of the housing assembly.

[0011] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure, the retraction member may bias the rotatable hub in a first rotational direction. The rotatable hub may be configured to: (i) retract the rope into the interior of the housing assembly by winding the rope around the rotatable hub when the rotatable hub moves in the first rotational direction; and (ii) release the rope from the interior of the housing by unwinding it from the rotatable hub when the rotatable hub moves in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. The retraction member may be a power spring. The power spring may include a first end fixed relative to the housing assembly and a second end directly or indirectly secured to the rotatable hub.

[0012] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure, a brake assembly can be configured to prevent rotation of a rotatable hub when the brake assembly is actuated. The brake assembly may include a speed-sensitive mechanism having an actuated position and an actuated position. The speed-sensitive mechanism can rotate with the rotatable hub and can be configured to transition from the actuated position to the actuated position at a predetermined rotational speed of the rotatable hub.

[0013] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure, the self-retracting device may include a housing assembly having a first housing cover detachably connected to a second housing cover; a rotatable hub and a retraction member received within the housing assembly; and a shaft having a first end fixedly but detachably connected to the first housing cover and a second end engaging with at least a portion of the rotatable hub. The rotatable hub and the retraction member may be secured between the second end of the shaft and the first housing cover.

[0014] According to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure, a first end of the shaft may be threadedly connected to a first housing cover. A second end of the shaft may have a shoulder configured to engage a rotatable hub. When the second housing cover is connected to the first housing cover, the second end of the shaft may be received within a recess in the second housing cover. The first end of the shaft may be connected to the first housing cover by one of the following: a threaded connection, a rivet head on the end of the first end, a cap threadedly connected to the first end, a locking clip connected to a recess or opening in the first end, and a movable locking lug on the first end engaging with a locking lip on the first housing cover.

[0015] According to some implementation schemes or aspects, the self-retracting device may be characterized by one or more of the following:

[0016] Clause 1: A self-retracting device comprising: a housing assembly including a first housing cover detachably connected to a second housing cover; a rotatable hub received inside the housing assembly and having a rope associated therewith; a retraction member received inside the housing assembly between the rotatable hub and the first housing cover; and a shaft having a first end fixedly but detachably connected to the first housing cover, a body extending through the retraction member and the rotatable hub, and a second end engaging at least a portion of the rotatable hub.

[0017] Clause 2: The self-retracting device according to Clause 1, wherein the shaft has a first thread at the first end, the first thread being configured to engage with a second thread on the first housing cover.

[0018] Clause 3: The self-retracting device according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the second thread is defined on an insert that is non-removably connected to the first housing cover.

[0019] Clause 4: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein the second end of the shaft has a bolt head configured for engagement with a fastening tool.

[0020] Clause 5: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-4, wherein when the first housing cover is connected to the second housing cover, the first end and the second end of the shaft are accommodated inside the housing assembly.

[0021] Clause 6: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-5, wherein when the second housing cover is connected to the first housing cover, the second end of the shaft is received in a recess in the second housing cover.

[0022] Clause 7: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein the first housing cover is detachably connected to the second housing cover by one or more fasteners, clips, adhesives or any combination thereof.

[0023] Clause 8: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein the rope has a first end directly or indirectly attached to the rotatable hub and a second end opposite the first end and extending out of the housing assembly.

[0024] Clause 9: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein the retracting member biases the rotatable hub in a first rotational direction.

[0025] Clause 10: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-9, wherein the rotatable hub is configured to: (i) retract the rope into the interior of the housing assembly by winding the rope around the rotatable hub when the rotatable hub moves in the first rotational direction; and (ii) release the rope from the interior of the housing by unwinding it from the rotatable hub when the rotatable hub moves in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0026] Clause 11: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-10, wherein the retraction member is a power spring.

[0027] Clause 12: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-11, wherein the power spring includes a first end fixed relative to the housing assembly and a second end directly or indirectly secured to the rotatable hub.

[0028] Clause 13: The self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-12 further includes a brake assembly configured to prevent rotation of the rotatable hub when the brake assembly is actuated.

[0029] Clause 14: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-13, wherein the brake assembly includes a speed-sensitive mechanism having an actuated position and a non-actuated position.

[0030] Clause 15: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 1-14, wherein the speed-sensitive mechanism is rotatable with the rotatable hub and is configured to transition from the non-actuated position to the actuated position at a predetermined rotational speed of the rotatable hub.

[0031] Clause 16: A self-retracting device comprising: a housing assembly including a first housing cover detachably connected to a second housing cover; a rotatable hub and a retraction member received within the housing assembly; and a shaft having a first end fixedly but detachably connected to the first housing cover and a second end engaging at least a portion of the rotatable hub, wherein the rotatable hub and the retraction member are held between the second end of the shaft and the first housing cover.

[0032] Clause 17: The self-retracting device according to Clause 16, wherein the first end of the shaft is threadedly connected to the first housing cover.

[0033] Clause 18: The self-retracting device according to Clause 16 or 17, wherein the second end of the shaft has a shoulder configured to engage the rotatable hub.

[0034] Clause 19: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 16-18, wherein when the second housing cover is connected to the first housing cover, the second end of the shaft is received in a recess of the second housing cover.

[0035] Clause 20: A self-retracting device according to any one of Clauses 16-19, wherein the first end of the shaft is connected to the first housing cover by one of the following: a threaded connection, a rivet head at the end of the first end, a cap threaded to the first end, a locking clip connected to a recess or opening in the first end, and a movable locking lug on the first end engaging with a locking lip on the first housing cover.

[0036] These and other features and characteristics of this disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and function of related elements and structures, the combination of components, and the economics of manufacture, will become more apparent when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, all of which form part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals indicate corresponding components in the figures. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and are not intended to be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a self-retracting device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the self-retracting device shown.

[0039] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the self-retracting device shown;

[0040] Figure 4 It is an isometric 3D view of the shoulder bolt shaft;

[0041] Figures 5A to 5F This is a schematic side sectional view of a self-retracting device according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of this disclosure;

[0042] Unless otherwise stated, Figures 1 to 5F The same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same parts. Detailed Implementation

[0043] As used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0044] Spatial or directional terms such as “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” “above,” and “below” are relevant to the implementation or aspect shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be considered restrictive, as various alternative orientations may be adopted for the implementation or aspect.

[0045] All figures used in the specification and claims should be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about”. “About” means within plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value. However, this should not be construed as limiting any analysis of the values ​​under the doctrine of equivalence.

[0046] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein should be understood to encompass the starting and ending values, as well as any and all subranges or subratios included therein. For example, the specified range or ratio of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10 (and the end values ​​are included); that is, all subranges or subratios begin at the minimum value of 1 or greater and end at the maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and / or ratios disclosed herein represent averages within the specified ranges and / or ratios.

[0047] The terms “first,” “second,” etc., are not intended to refer to any particular order or sequence, but rather to different conditions, attributes, or elements.

[0048] All documents mentioned in this article are incorporated in their entirety by reference.

[0049] The term "at least" is synonymous with "greater than or equal to".

[0050] As used herein, “at least one of…” is synonymous with “one or more of…”. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” means any one of A, B, or C, or any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” contains only A; or only B; or only C; or contains A and B; or contains A and C; or contains B and C; or contains all of A, B, and C.

[0051] The terms “contain” and “include” are synonymous.

[0052] As used herein, the term “parallel” or “essentially parallel” means (if extended to the theoretical intersection) the relative angle between two objects (e.g., elongated objects), including reference lines, namely 0° to 5°, or 0° to 3°, or 0° to 2°, or 0° to 1°, or 0° to 0.5°, or 0° to 0.25°, or 0° to 0.1°, including the values ​​mentioned.

[0053] As used herein, the terms “perpendicular” and “nearly perpendicular” mean that the relative angle between two objects at their actual or theoretical intersection is 85° to 90°, or 87° to 90°, or 88° to 90°, or 89° to 90°, or 89.5° to 90°, or 89.75° to 90°, or 89.9° to 90°, including the values ​​mentioned.

[0054] The discussion of various embodiments or aspects may describe certain features as “particularly” or “preferred” within certain limitations (e.g., “preferred,” “more preferred,” or “even more preferred” within certain limitations). It will be understood that this disclosure is not limited to these specific or preferred limitations, but covers the entire scope of the various embodiments and aspects described herein.

[0055] This disclosure includes, constitutes, or substantially constitutes any combination of the following embodiments or aspects. Various embodiments or aspects of this disclosure are illustrated in separate drawings. However, it will be understood that this is merely for ease of illustration and discussion. In practice, one or more embodiments or aspects illustrated in one drawing may be combined with one or more embodiments or aspects illustrated in one or more other drawings.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, certain preferred and non-limiting embodiments or aspects of a self-retracting device 10 for industrial environments and recreational activities are provided. The self-retracting device 10 can be implemented in any suitable application or environment where users or workers are engaged in activities at elevated positions and require some protection in case of a fall. Furthermore, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the self-retracting device 10 of this disclosure takes the form of a fall protection device or tether, such as a self-retracting tether. The self-retracting device 10 is configured to protect the user at the onset of an unintentional, accidental fall. The self-retracting device 10 is configured to prevent the user from falling too far or stopping too quickly, as discussed in detail herein.

[0057] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The self-retracting device 10 has a housing 12, the enclosure of which is configured for releasing the rope 11 from the housing 12 and retracting the rope 11 back into the housing. The housing 12 has a connector 13 for attaching the self-retracting device 10 to a fixed anchor point (e.g., floor, wall, railing, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the connector 13 may be a ring configured to receive a connecting element attached to the fixed anchor point. The housing 12 may have a handle 14 for easy carrying of the self-retracting device 10 when not in use. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle 14 may also serve as an auxiliary attachment point for attaching the self-retracting device 10 to the anchor point.

[0058] Continue to refer to Figure 1The rope 11 can be connected to a first end 15 of an energy absorber 16, which is configured to deploy in the event of an accidental fall to safely prevent the user from falling. The energy absorber 16 can be self-deployable when the rope 11 is exposed to tension exceeding a predetermined threshold. A hook 17 is connected to a second end 18 of the energy absorber 16. The hook 17 is configured for detachable connection to a safety harness worn by the user. For example, the hook 17 can be detachably connected to a D-loop on the back portion of the safety harness.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 Furthermore, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the self-retracting device 10 includes a hub 19 on which a rope 11 is wound. The self-retracting device 10 also includes a retraction member 20 biased in a first rotational direction of the hub 19, and an axis 21 about which the hub 19 and the retraction member 20 rotate. The hub 19 is configured to: (i) retract the rope 11 when the hub 19 moves in the first rotational direction; and (ii) release the rope 11 when the hub 19 moves in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first rotational direction may be counterclockwise about the longitudinal axis L of the axis 21, and the second rotational direction may be clockwise about the axis 21. In further non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first rotational direction may be clockwise about the axis 21, and the second rotational direction may be counterclockwise about the axis 21.

[0060] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The self-retracting device 10 includes a housing assembly 22 having a first housing cover 22a and a second housing cover 22b. The first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b define a housing 12 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b may be detachably connected to each other. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, one or more fasteners 23 may be provided to detachably connect the first housing cover 22a to the second housing cover 22b. The one or more fasteners 23 may be disposed around the outer periphery of the housing assembly 22. Each of the one or more fasteners 23 may be configured to thread-engage a threaded hole 24 in one of the first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b and extend through a through hole 25 on the other of the first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b. In some embodiments or aspects, the first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b may be detachably connected to each other by clips, adhesives, fasteners, or any combination thereof.

[0061] Continue to refer to Figure 2The housing assembly 22 defines an internal cavity 26 for receiving the components of the retraction device 10. For example, the internal cavity 26 may be defined between a first housing cover 22a and a second housing cover 22b. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the internal cavity 26 of the housing assembly 22 is configured to receive the hub 19, the shaft 21, the brake assembly 27, and the retraction member 20. The shaft 21 may be at least partially supported by the housing assembly 22 and extend between the first housing cover 22a and the second housing cover 22b.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the hub 19 has a body 28 that defines a recessed portion 29 for receiving a rope 11. The rope 11 is wound around the recessed portion 29 and includes a first end 30 attached to the hub 19 and a second free end 31 positioned opposite the first end 30. The second end 31 of the rope 11 is configured for connection to a first end 15 of an energy absorber 16. The body 28 of the hub 19 includes an opening 32 for receiving a shaft 21. In some embodiments or aspects, the opening 32 extends through the center of the body 28 of the hub 19. The hub 19 is rotatable within a housing assembly 22 and is configured to release the rope 11 from the housing assembly 22 or retract the rope 11 into the housing assembly 22 as the hub 19 rotates within the housing assembly 22 about the longitudinal axis L of the shaft 21.

[0063] Continue to refer to Figure 2The retraction member 20 is received within the internal cavity 26 of the housing assembly 22 and configured to bias the hub 19 in a first rotational direction. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the retraction member 20 is positioned between the hub 19 and the first housing cover 22a. A noise-dampening pad 33 may be positioned between the retraction member 20 and the first housing cover 22a to absorb noise and vibration that could otherwise be caused by contact between the retraction member 20 and the first housing cover 22a. The retraction member 20 is configured to: (i) retract the rope 11 when the hub 19 moves in the first rotational direction due to the release of potential energy stored in the retraction member 20, and (ii) release the rope 11 when the hub 19 moves in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction due to an external force. The movement of the hub 19 in the second rotational direction builds potential energy in the retraction member 20. This potential energy can be released when the external force is removed so that the rope 11 is retracted into the housing assembly 22 by wrapping it around the hub 19. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the retraction member 20 may be a power spring having a first end 34 fixed relative to the housing assembly 22 (e.g., the first housing cover 22a) and a second end 35 directly or indirectly secured to the rotatable hub 19. In this way, during the release of the rope 11 from the housing assembly 22, the rotation of the hub 19 in the second direction builds potential energy in the power spring, which is then used to rotate the hub 19 in the first direction to retract the rope 11 into the housing assembly 22 when the tension on the rope 11 is unloaded.

[0064] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The self-retracting device 10 may have a brake assembly 27 configured to prevent rotation of the hub 19 when the brake assembly 27 is actuated. The brake assembly 27 is disposed within an internal cavity 26 of the housing assembly 22 and includes a speed-sensitive mechanism 36 having an actuated position and an inactive position. The speed-sensitive mechanism 36 is connected to the hub 19 and is rotatable with the hub 19. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 of the brake assembly 27 may include one or more pawls biased to a first position by a biasing member 37 such as a spring.

[0065] The speed-sensitive mechanism 36 is configured to transition from an inactive to an actuated position at a predetermined rotational speed of the hub 19. The predetermined rotational speed of the hub 19 at which the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 transitions from the inactive to the actuated position is selected to correspond to a rotational speed that would indicate a fall event. As the rope 11 is released from the hub 19, the hub 19 and the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 rotate until they reach the predetermined rotational speed. When the rotational speed of the hub 19 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the biasing force acting on one or more pawls of the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 due to the biasing member 37 is overcome by a centripetal force. At this predetermined threshold, the one or more pawls transition to a second position configured to engage one or more teeth on the housing assembly 22, such as the second housing portion 22b. When the speed-sensitive mechanism 36 engages with the housing assembly 22, the release of the rope 11 stops to prevent further movement by the user connected to the rope 11.

[0066] Reference Figure 3 The shaft 21 has a first end 38a that is fixedly but detachably connected to the first housing cover 22a, a body 38b extending through the retracting member 20 and the hub 19, and a second end 38c received within a recess 43 on the second housing cover 22b. As used herein, the phrase "fixedly but detachably connected" means that the shaft 21 is fixed to the first housing cover 22a such that the retracting member 20 and the hub 19 are held between the second end 38c of the shaft 21 and the first housing cover 22a, but the shaft 21 can be removed from the first housing cover 22a, for example, using a fastening tool. The first end 38a of the shaft 21 has a first thread 39 configured to engage with a second thread 40 on the first housing cover 22a. In this way, the shaft 21 is fixedly connected relative to the first housing cover 22a, but the shaft 21 can be removed from the first housing cover 22a by loosening the first thread 39 of the shaft 21 from the second thread 40 of the first housing cover 22a. For example, shaft 21 can be connected to the first housing cover 22a such that it cannot rotate and / or translate relative to the first housing cover 22a when the first thread 39 and the second thread 40 are threadedly engaged. Because the body 38b of shaft 21 extends through the hub 19 and the retraction member 20, the second end 38c of shaft 21 remains connected to the hub 19 and the retraction member 20 of the first housing cover 22a. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first housing cover 22a may have an insert 30 non-removably connected to the first housing cover 22a. The insert 30 may have a second thread 40 and may be integrally formed with the first housing cover 22a. The first end 38a of shaft 21 may be completely received within the internal cavity 26 of the housing assembly 22, such that shaft 21 is not visible and / or inaccessible from the outside of the housing assembly 22.

[0067] Continue to refer to Figure 3The second end 38c of the shaft 21 has a shoulder 41 configured to engage with the body 28 of the hub 19. Figure 4 (As shown). The outer diameter D1 of the shoulder 41 is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the body 38b of the shaft 21 (see...). Figure 4 In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the shoulder 41 may be configured to contact at least a portion of the hub 19. In this way, when the first end 38a of the shaft 21 is connected to the first housing cover 22a, the hub 19 and the retraction member 20 are held between the second end 38c of the shaft 21 (i.e., the shoulder 41) and the first housing cover 22a. Therefore, if the second housing cover 22b is removed from the first housing cover 22a (e.g., by removing fastener 23), the hub 19 and the retraction member 20 remain connected to the first housing cover 22a via the shaft 21. This prevents the retraction member 20 from accidentally disengaging when the second housing cover 22b is removed.

[0068] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The second end 38c of shaft 21 can define the head 42 (also in Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the head 42 is configured to engage with a fastening tool (e.g., a wrench or socket). In this way, using the fastening tool on the head 42 of the shaft 21, the shaft 21 can be connected to and disconnected from the first housing cover 22a. The head 42 is sized to receive within a recess 43 on the second housing cover 12b. In this way, the second end 38c of the shaft 21 can be completely accommodated within the internal cavity 26 of the housing assembly 22, making the shaft 21 invisible and / or inaccessible from the outside of the internal cavity 26.

[0069] Figures 5A to 5F Various alternative, non-limiting embodiments or aspects are shown for connecting the hub 19 and the retraction member 20 to the first housing cover 22a via the shaft 21.

[0070] Reference Figure 5AThe shaft 21a has a first end 38a fixedly and non-removably connected to a first housing cover 22a; a body 38b extending through a retractable member 20, a noise-reducing pad 33, and a hub 19; and a second end 38c configured to engage (e.g., via a shoulder 41) the outer surface of the hub 19 body. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first end 38a of the shaft 21a may be riveted to the first housing cover 22a. For example, the first end 38a may have a rivet body 44 and a rivet head 46 at the end of the rivet body 44, the rivet body 44 being configured to extend through an opening 45 in the first housing cover 22a. The rivet head 46 is positioned inside and outside the first housing cover 22a and is configured to engage the outer surface 47 of the first housing cover 22a. The outer diameter of the rivet head 46 is larger than the outer diameter of the rivet body 44 and the inner diameter of the opening 45, such that once the shaft 21a is installed, the rivet head 46 cannot pass through the opening 45. In this manner, shaft 21a is fixedly and non-removably connected to the first housing cover 22a. In other words, once shaft 21a is connected to the first housing cover 22a, shaft 22a cannot be removed from the first housing cover 22a unless at least one of shaft 21a and the first housing cover 22a is physically destroyed. In some embodiments or aspects, a rivet head 46 may be formed on the first housing cover 22a such that it secures and retains the rivet body 44 of shaft 21a. In this manner, shaft 21a is fixedly but detachably connected relative to the first housing cover 22a, preventing shaft 21a from rotating or translating relative to the first housing cover 22a. Because the body 38b of shaft 21a extends through the hub 19, the retraction member 20, and the noise-reducing pad 33, the second end 38c of shaft 21a holds the hub 19, the retraction member 20, and the noise-reducing pad 33 on the first housing cover 22a.

[0071] Reference Figure 5B The shaft 21b has a first end 38a fixedly but detachably connected to the first housing cover 22a; a body 38b extending through the retraction member 20, the noise-reducing pad 33, and the hub 19; and a second end 38c configured to engage (e.g., via shoulder 41) the outer surface of the hub 19 body. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first end 38a of the shaft 21a may have a self-tapping thread 48 configured to screw into the sidewall 49 of the first housing cover 22a. In this way, the shaft 21b can be fixedly but detachably connected relative to the first housing cover 22a, such that the shaft 21b cannot rotate or translate relative to the first housing cover 22a. Because the body 38b of the shaft 21b extends through the hub 19, the retraction member 20, and the noise-reducing pad 33, the second end 38c of the shaft 21b holds the hub 19, the retraction member 20, and the noise-reducing pad 33 on the first housing cover 22a.

[0072] Reference Figure 5CThe shaft 21c has a first end 38a that is fixedly but detachably connected to the first housing cover 22a; and a body 38b extending through the retractable member 20, the hub 19, and the noise-reducing pad 33. The shaft 21c also has a second end 38c configured to engage (e.g., via shoulder 41) the outer surface of the hub 19 body. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first end 38a of the shaft 21c may have a receiver 50 with female threads configured for threadably engaging a cap 51. The first end 38a may be configured to extend through an opening 45 on the first housing cover 22a. The cap 51 is outside the first housing cover 22a and configured to be threadably connected to the receiver 50 at the first end 38a of the shaft 21c. In this way, the shaft 21c can be fixedly but detachably connected relative to the first housing cover 22a, such that the shaft 21c cannot rotate or translate relative to the first housing cover 22a. Because the main body 38b of the shaft 21c extends through the hub 19, the retraction member 20 and the noise reduction pad 33, the second end 38c of the shaft 21c holds the hub 19, the retraction member 20 and the noise reduction pad 33 on the first housing cover 22a.

[0073] Reference Figure 5D The shaft 21d has a first end 38a fixedly and non-removably connected to the first housing cover 22a; and a body 38b extending through the retractable member 20, the hub 19, and the noise-reducing pad 33. The shaft 21d also has a second end 38c configured to engage the outer surface of the hub 19 body. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first end 38a of the shaft 21c may be fixedly and non-removably connected to the first housing cover 22a. The second end 38c may have a receiver 50 having a male or female thread configured to threadably engage a corresponding thread on a cap 51. The cap 51 defines a shoulder 52 for engaging the outer surface of the body 28 of the hub 19. In this way, the shaft 21d can be fixedly and non-removably connected relative to the first housing cover 22a, such that the shaft 21d cannot rotate or translate relative to the first housing cover 22a. In other words, once the shaft 21d is connected to the first housing cover 22a, the shaft 21d will not be removed from the first housing cover 22a unless at least one of the shaft 21d and the first housing cover 22a is physically destroyed. Because the body 38b of the shaft 21d extends through the hub 19, the retraction member 20, and the noise reduction pad 33, the second end 38c of the shaft 21d holds the hub 19, the retraction member 20, and the noise reduction pad 33 on the first housing cover 22a.

[0074] Reference Figure 5EThe shaft 21e has a first end 38a that is fixedly but detachably connected to the first housing cover 22a; and a body 38b extending through the retraction member 20, the hub 19, and the noise reduction pad 33. The shaft 21e also has a second end 38c configured to engage (e.g., via a shoulder 41) the outer surface of the hub 19 body. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first end 38a of the shaft 21e extends through an opening 45 in the first housing cover 22a. The first end 38a has a recess 53 or opening configured to engage a locking clip 54. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking clip 54 may be a retaining ring, a resilient retaining ring, or other tethering hardware. When connected to the first end 38a of the shaft 21e, the locking clip 54 prevents the shaft 21e from being removed from the first housing cover 22a. The second end 38c has a shoulder 41 for engaging the outer surface of the hub 19 body. In this manner, shaft 21e can be fixedly but detachably connected relative to the first housing cover 22a, such that shaft 21e cannot rotate or translate relative to the first housing cover 22a. Because the body 38b of shaft 21e extends through the hub 19, the retraction member 20, and the noise reduction pad 33, the second end 38c of shaft 21e holds the hub 19, the retraction member 20, and the noise reduction pad 33 on the first housing cover 22a.

[0075] Reference Figure 5F The shaft 21f has a first end 38a fixedly but detachably connected to the first housing cover 22a; and a body 38b extending through the retraction member 20, the hub 19, and the noise-reducing pad 33. The shaft 21f also has a second end 38c configured to engage (e.g., via shoulder 41) the outer surface of the hub 19 body. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first end 38a of the shaft 21f has a locking lug 55 configured for retention by a locking lip 56 on the first housing cover 22a. For example, the locking lug 55 may be a spring-loaded element movable radially relative to the shaft 21f. When the locking lug 55 contacts the locking lip 56, a ramp 57 on the locking lug 55 facilitates radial movement of the locking lug 55 in a radially inward direction (indicated by arrow A). Once the locking lug 55 passes the locking lip 56, for example, when the shaft 21f is pushed in the direction of arrow B, the locking lug 55 can (e.g., due to the restoring force of the spring) move radially outward in the direction of arrow C. In this way, the locking lug 55 is secured below the locking lip 56 to prevent the shaft 21f from being removed from the first housing cover 22a. In this way, the shaft 21f can be fixedly but detachably connected relative to the first housing cover 22a, such that the shaft 21f cannot rotate or translate relative to the first housing cover 22a. Because the body 38b of the shaft 21f extends through the hub 19, the retraction member 20, and the noise-reducing pad 33, the second end 38c of the shaft 21f holds the hub 19, the retraction member 20, and the noise-reducing pad 33 on the first housing cover 22a.

[0076] Although this disclosure has been described in detail for illustrative purposes based on embodiments or aspects currently considered most practical and preferred, it should be understood that such details are for that purpose only and that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but rather is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it should be understood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect.

Claims

1. A self-retracting device, comprising: A housing assembly, the housing assembly including a first housing cover detachably connected to a second housing cover; A rotatable hub, which is received inside the housing assembly and has a rope associated therewith; A retractable member received inside the housing assembly between the rotatable hub and the first housing cover; as well as The shaft has a first end fixedly but detachably connected to the first housing cover, a body extending through the retractable member and the rotatable hub, and a second end. The second end of the shaft has a first diameter that is larger than the adjacent diameter of the body of the shaft, thereby forming a head at the second end, the head being configured to engage the rotatable hub.

2. The self-retracting device according to claim 1, wherein the shaft has a first thread at the first end, the first thread being configured to engage with a second thread on the first housing cover.

3. The self-retracting device according to claim 2, wherein the second thread is defined on an insert that is non-removably connected to the first housing cover.

4. The self-retracting device according to claim 1, wherein the head is configured to engage the outer surface of the rotatable hub.

5. The self-retracting device of claim 1, wherein when the first housing cover is connected to the second housing cover, the shaft is completely contained within the interior of the housing assembly, such that the shaft is inaccessible from the outside of the housing assembly.

6. The self-retracting device according to claim 1, wherein when the second housing cover is connected to the first housing cover, the second end of the shaft is received in a recess in the second housing cover.

7. The self-retracting device of claim 1, wherein the first housing cover is detachably connected to the second housing cover by one or more fasteners, clips, adhesives or any combination thereof.

8. The self-retracting device of claim 1, wherein the rope has a first end that is directly or indirectly connected to the rotatable hub and a second end that is opposite the first end and extends out of the housing assembly.

9. The self-retracting device according to claim 1, wherein the retracting member biases the rotatable hub in a first rotational direction.

10. The self-retracting device of claim 9, wherein the rotatable hub is configured to: (i) retract the rope into the interior of the housing assembly by winding the rope around the rotatable hub when the rotatable hub moves in the first rotational direction; and (ii) release the rope from the interior of the housing assembly by unwinding it from the rotatable hub when the rotatable hub moves in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

11. The self-retracting device according to claim 1, wherein the retracting member is a power spring.

12. The self-retracting device of claim 11, wherein the power spring comprises a first end fixed relative to the housing assembly and a second end directly or indirectly secured to the rotatable hub.

13. The self-retracting device of claim 1, further comprising a brake assembly configured to prevent rotation of the rotatable hub when the brake assembly is actuated.

14. The self-retracting device of claim 13, wherein the brake assembly includes a speed-sensitive mechanism having an actuated position and a non-actuated position.

15. The self-retracting device of claim 14, wherein the speed-sensitive mechanism is rotatable with the rotatable hub and configured to transition from the non-actuated position to the actuated position at a predetermined rotational speed of the rotatable hub.

16. The self-retracting device according to claim 1, wherein the first end protrudes from one side of the rotatable hub, and the second end protrudes from the opposite side of the rotatable hub.

17. A self-retracting device, comprising: A housing assembly, comprising a first housing cover detachably connected to a second housing cover; A rotatable hub and a retractable member are received inside the housing assembly; as well as A shaft having a first end and a second end fixedly but detachably connected to the first housing cover, and a body. The second end of the shaft has a first diameter larger than the adjacent diameter of the shaft body, the adjacent diameter being located within the retractable member or the rotatable hub; the first diameter thereby forms a head at the second end, the head being configured to engage the rotatable hub. The rotatable hub and the retractable member are attached between the second end of the shaft and the first housing cover.

18. The self-retracting device of claim 17, wherein the first end of the shaft is threadedly connected to the first housing cover.

19. The self-retracting device of claim 17, wherein the head is configured to engage the outer surface of the rotatable hub.

20. The self-retracting device according to claim 17, wherein when the second housing cover is connected to the first housing cover, the second end of the shaft is received in a recess in the second housing cover.

21. The self-retracting device of claim 17, wherein the first end of the shaft is connected to the first housing cover by one of: a locking clip connected to a recess or opening in the first end, or a movable locking lug on the first end engaging with a locking lip on the first housing cover.

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