US20090084697A1

US20090084697A1 - Retractable carrying device for an optical device

Info

Publication number: US20090084697A1
Application number: US11/904,390
Authority: US
Inventors: Travis A. Gross
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-27
Filing date: 2007-09-27
Publication date: 2009-04-02

Abstract

There is provided a retractable carrying device for an optical device. The carrying device includes a support member including an alignment contact element configured to dispose the optical device in a stowed position in fixed orientation relative to the support member. The carrying device further comprises a retraction assembly including a tether attachable to the optical device and a retraction mechanism attached to the tether. The retraction mechanism applies a longitudinal biasing force along an exposed segment of the tether upon extension of the exposed segment. A locking mechanism is engagable with the retraction assembly to prevent application of the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment. Further extension of the exposed segment beyond an operative length disengages the locking mechanism with the retraction assembly to allow application of the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

(Not Applicable)

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

(Not Applicable)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a retractable carrying device and more particularly, to a retractable device mountable on a host member to enable carrying of an optical device commonly used for hunting and other sporting activities.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is well known among hunters and target shooters that gravity influences the trajectory of a projectile, whether it be a bullet, arrow, or other hunting ammunition. Consequently, it is very important for a hunter to know the distance to a particular target. As the distance between the hunter and his target increases, the hunter must make a larger adjustment to account for the influence of gravity on his shot. Some hunters draw on past experience to estimate the distance to the target. However, there is inherent inaccuracy involved with estimation which leads to undesirable results.
Improvements in hunting technology have lead to range-finding devices that provide the hunter with a more accurate determination of the distance between the hunter and the target. The range-finding devices provide the hunter with valuable information which the hunter uses to adjust his shot, accordingly.
Although range-finding devices may be a useful tool to a hunter, the hunter may be required to carry the range-finding device while he searches for a target. Hunters typically hunt in remote locations which are only accessible by foot. Therefore, many of the range-finding devices are designed to be compact and easily carried. Many range-finding devices fit into a carrying case which may include a strap wearable around the neck or shoulder of the hunter. Other carrying cases are mountable directly to a belt, shoulder strap or the like which may be worn or carried by the user.
Despite the fact that carrying cases alleviate transport of the range-finding devices, the carrying cases may hinder access and operability of the devices. For instance, the range-finding device may be tightly or compactly stored within the carrying case thereby making removal a loud and time consuming endeavor. Furthermore, once the device is removed from the case, the hunter may spend time positioning the range-finder within his hand to enable proper operation of the device (i.e. positioned such that the eyepiece is adjacent to a hunter's eye and the trigger button is depressed). Hunting is a sport that requires quick and quiet movements in order to take advantage of a brief window in which the target is attainable. This retrieval process consumes valuable time and may produce noise which is likely to scare away the game.
As such, there is a need in the art for a carrying case for a rangefinder that provides quick and easy access thereto. Furthermore, there is a need for a carrying device which repeatedly positions the range-finder in a ready-to-use orientation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retractable carrying device for an optical device. The retractable carrying device includes a support member including an alignment contact element being engageable with the optical device. The alignment contact element is configured to dispose the optical device in a stowed position in fixed orientation relative to the support member upon engagement with the optical device. The retractable carrying device further comprises a retraction assembly connected to the support member. The retraction assembly includes a tether attachable to the optical device and a retraction mechanism attached to the tether. An exposed segment of tether extends between the retraction mechanism and the optical device. The exposed segment is free of lateral support from the retraction mechanism and the optical device. The exposed segment is also extendable upon removal of the optical device from the stowed position. The retraction mechanism is operative to apply a longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment of the tether upon extension of the exposed segment. The retractable carrying device also includes a locking mechanism having locked and unlocked configurations. The locking mechanism is engaged with the retraction assembly to prevent application of the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment in the locked configuration. The exposed segment defines an operative length when the locking mechanism is in the locked configuration. Upon further extension of the exposed segment beyond the operative length the locking mechanism assumes the unlocked configuration with the locking mechanism disengaged with the retraction assembly to allow application of the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment.
The retraction mechanism may include a roller being biased to rotate in a first direction to apply the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment. The retraction mechanism may also include a ratchet gear attached to the roller. The ratchet gear may include a plurality of gear teeth extending therefrom. The ratchet gear may include a first portion having a first radius and a second portion having a second radius smaller than the first radius. The plurality of teeth may extend from the first portion.
The locking mechanism may include a pawl being pivotable about a pivot axis. The pawl may be engageable with respective ones of the plurality of teeth in the locked configuration. The pawl may include a locking portion having an engagement end. The pawl may also have an arm length defined by the pivot axis and the engagement end. A threshold length being defined by the rotation and pivot axes, the combined arm length and first radius being greater than the threshold length to enable lockable engagement between the locking portion and respective ones of the gear teeth, the combined arm length and second radius being less than the threshold length to enable disengagement between the locking portion and the gear teeth.
The retractable carrying device of the present invention provides an efficient and reliable means of carrying an optical device. It is contemplated that the carrying device may be mounted on a belt, strap or other equipment employed by a user. When the user desires to utilize the optical device, the user simply reaches for and grabs the optical device and moves it from the stowed position into an operable position. As the user moves the rangefinder from the stowed position and into the operable position, the exposed segment of tether increases in length. The tether becomes locked to define an operative length when the locking mechanism is in the locked configuration. In this regard, the tension in the tether is reduced, which mitigates the shaking of the optical device during operation. When the user desires to return the optical device to the stowed position, the user simply pulls on the tether to slightly extend it beyond the operative length to disengage the locking mechanism. Thereafter, the tether retracts to return the optical device to the stowed position.
The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retractable carrying device secured to a user's belt, wherein the retractable carrying device includes a tether that is attachable to an optical device;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view illustrating the carrying device of FIG. 1 in the stowed position;

FIG. 2A is a top elevational view of the carrying device as illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a sectional side elevational view of the carrying device with a mounting member attached to a strap worn by the user;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the carrying device with a clip that is attachable to a strap worn by the user; and

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a roller, a ratchet gear attached to the side of the roller, and a pawl that is engageable with the ratchet gear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-5 depict a retractable carrying device 2 constructed in accordance with the present invention. Referring specifically to FIG. 1, a user 10 is shown in phantom utilizing a specific embodiment of the retractable carrying device 2. It is contemplated that the retractable carrying device 2 may be used to carry an optical device 18. As used herein, an optical device 18 is a tool or accessory that is temporarily positioned adjacent a user's eye 12 during operation. The optical device 18 shown in FIG. 1 is a rangefinder commonly used by shooters and hunters to determine the distance to a particular target. However, it is understood that other optical devices 18 including, but not limited to telescopes, binoculars, night vision goggles, and cameras may be used in connection with the carrying device 2 without exceeding the spirit and scope of the present invention. The optical device 18 shown in FIG. 1 includes an eyepiece 21 that is positionable adjacent an eye 12 of a user 10, and a lens 26 that is in optical communication with the eyepiece 21. The optical device 18 also includes an optical housing 19 having opposing contact and gripping surfaces 36, 38.
According to a particular embodiment, the retractable carrying device 2 includes a support member 28. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the support member 28 includes a cavity 24 and an aligning surface 29. Several carrying device components may be contained within the cavity 24, as discussed in more detail below. However, it is understood that other embodiments of the present invention include a support member 28 that simply provides an external framework which the components may attach to. In such an embodiment, the components may not be contained within a cavity 24.
The support member 28 shown in FIGS. 1-4 further includes an alignment contact element 30 that is engageable with the optical device 2. The alignment contact element 30 is configured to dispose the optical device 18 in a stowed position in fixed orientation relative to the support member 28 upon engagement with the optical device 18. In this regard, the alignment contact element 30 disposes the optical device 18 in the same position and orientation upon engagement with the optical device 18. This enables the user 10 to confidently reach for the optical device 18 and know that it will be in an ergonomic, ready-to-use position. In other words, the optical device 18 is positioned to enable the user 10 to easily grab onto the gripping surface 38. Consequently, the user 10 may not be required to look down to find the optical device 18. This may be particularly beneficial for hunters who have to maintain eyesight with the target. If the user 10 is required to look down to locate the optical device 18, he may lose sight of the target. In one embodiment, the alignment contact element 30 is a female connection portion 34, such as a hole, and the optical device 18 includes a male connection portion 32, such as a protrusion, connected to the optical housing 19. The male connection portion 32 may be a feature that is designed into the optical device 18, and is permanently attached thereto, or the male connection portion 32 may be temporarily attached to the optical device 18 to enable use with the carrying device 2.
FIGS. 2-4 show the optical device 18 in the stowed position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the contact surface 36 of the optical device 18 is disposed substantially adjacent to the aligning surface 29 of the support member 28 when the optical device 18 is in the stowed position. In this regard, the contact surface 36 may abut the aligning surface 29; however, abutment is not required. Furthermore, the gripping surface 38 is easily accessible to the user 10.
Referring now specifically to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the alignment contact element 30 is disposed within the aligning surface 29 of the support member 28. The alignment contact element 30 includes a female connection portion 34 disposed within the aligning surface 29 that cooperatively engages with a male connection portion 32 on the optical device 18. The engagement of the male connection portion 32 with the female connection portion 34 disposes the optical device 18 in the stowed position. The optical device 18 defines a longitudinal axis 31 as shown in FIG. 3. According to a particular embodiment, the longitudinal axis 31 is substantially parallel to the aligning surface 29 of the support member 28. When the male connection portion 32 is engaged with the female connection portion 34, the position of the optical device 18 is fixed along the longitudinal axis 31. In other words, the engagement of the male connection portion 32 and the female connection portion 34 prevents the optical device 18 from moving along the longitudinal axis 31. As such, the optical device 18 is in fixed orientation relative to the support member 28.
According to one embodiment of the invention, and as shown in FIG. 3, the diameter of the female connection portion 34 varies through the aligning surface 29. The female connection portion 34 includes an outer diameter d₁that is larger than the inner diameter d₂. In this regard, the female connection portion diameter tapers inwardly from the aligning surface 29 toward the cavity 24. Similarly, the diameter of the male connection portion 32 varies to compliment the diameter of the female connection portion 34. The male connection portion 32 includes a distal diameter D₁that is smaller than a proximal diameter D₂to enable complimentary engagement with the female connection portion 34. Although the male and female connection portions 32, 34 are shown in FIGS. 1-3 as being substantially circular, it is contemplated that they may be sized and configured to be any shape, so long as they cooperatively engage with each other.
The retractable carrying device 2 further comprises a retraction assembly 39 connected to the support member 28. The retraction assembly 39 includes a tether 40 that is attachable to the optical device 18. The tether 40 may be attached to the optical device 18 via an adhesive, strap, hook and loop fasteners, or other similar attachment mechanisms known by those having skill in the art. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 show the tether 40 attached to the male connection portion 32 on the optical housing 19. However, the attachment of the tether 40 to the optical device 18 is not limited thereto. In one particular implementation, the tether 40 is releasably attached to the optical device 18. In this regard, the tether 40 may be removed from one optical device 18 and attached to another optical device 18. Therefore, if one optical device 18 breaks, or if the user 10 owns a number of different optical devices 18, the same carrying device 2 may be used with multiple optical devices 18.
The retraction assembly 39 further includes a retraction mechanism 48 attachable to the tether 40. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the tether 40 is attachable to the optical device 18 on one end is attachable to the retraction mechanism 48 on the opposing end. An exposed segment “S” of tether 40 extends between the retraction mechanism 48 and the optical device 18. The exposed segment S is free of lateral support from the retraction mechanism 48 and the optical device 18. In this regard, the portions of the tether 40 on either side of the exposed segment S touch and receive lateral support from the optical device 18 and the retraction mechanism 48. However, the exposed segment S freely extends between the optical device 18 and the retraction mechanism 48 without receiving lateral support therefrom.
The exposed segment S is extendable upon removal of the optical device 18 from the stowed position. In other words, as the user 10 removes the optical device 18 from the stowed position, the length of the exposed segment S increases. The retraction mechanism 48 is operative to apply a longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment S of the tether 40 upon extension of the exposed segment S. In this regard, the biasing force urges the exposed segment S toward the support member 28 which, in turn, urges the optical device 18 toward the stowed position. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3 the tether 40 extends between the optical device 18 and the retraction mechanism 48 through the female connection portion 34. Therefore, the female connection portion 34 may guide the tether 40 toward the retraction mechanism 48 as the exposed segment S is shortened.
According to one embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 1-3, and 5, the retraction mechanism 48 includes a roller 50 connected to the tether 40. The roller 50 rotates about a rotation axis 52 as the length of the exposed segment S varies. The roller 50 is biased to apply the longitudinal biasing force to the exposed segment S as the optical device 18 is removed from the stowed position. A biasing spring may be coupled to the roller 50 to create the biasing force.
In one particular implementation of the invention, the tether 40 is attached to and winds about the roller 50 as the length of the exposed segment S is shortened. Therefore, when the optical device 18 is in the stowed position, a substantial amount of tether 40 is wound about the roller 50. This provides efficient storage of the tether 40 and mitigates the likelihood that the tether 40 will become tangled. As the exposed segment S is extended, the tether 40 is unwound from the roller 50. According to a specific embodiment, the roller 50 is disposed within the cavity 24 of the support member 28, thereby protecting it from debris external to the carrying device 2 which could hinder the rotation and operation of the roller 50. The tether 40 is also disposed within the cavity 24 when the optical device 18 is in the stowed position, thereby protecting the tether 40 from prolonged exposure from outside elements, which may shorten the lifespan of the tether 40.
According to various embodiments of the present invention, the retractable carrying device 2 further includes a locking mechanism 64 having locked and unlocked configurations. The locking mechanism 64 engages with the retraction assembly 39 to prevent application of the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment S in the locked configuration. The exposed segment S defines an operative length when the locking mechanism 64 is in the locked configuration. Upon further extension of the exposed segment S beyond the operative length, the locking mechanism 64 assumes the unlocked configuration with the locking mechanism 64 disengaged with the retraction assembly 39 to allow application of the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment S.
It is contemplated that proper usage of the optical device 18 typically requires placement of the optical device 18 adjacent the eye 12 of a user 10. Therefore, the user 10 may remove the optical device 18 from the stowed position and dispose the optical device 18 adjacent his eye 12. When the optical device 18 is positioned adjacent the user's eye 12, the locking mechanism 64 is configured to engage with the retraction assembly 39 to prevent the longitudinal biasing force from being applied along the exposed segment S. This enables the user 10 to position the optical device 18 in an operable position without it being biased toward the stowed position. Such a biasing force may cause unsteady operation of the optical device 18 which decreases the effectiveness thereof.
Referring now to FIG. 5, one particular embodiment of the invention includes a ratchet gear 54 attached to the roller 50. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the ratchet gear 54 is disposed on the side of the roller 50 and rotates about a common rotation axis 52. The ratchet gear 54 includes a first portion 56 having a first radius r₁and a second portion 58 having a second radius r₂. The first radius r₁is larger than the second radius r₂. Furthermore, the first portion 56 includes a plurality of gear teeth 60 disposed about the first radius r₁. The plurality of gear teeth 60 define a plurality of notches 62. Adjacent gear teeth 60 define a respective notch 62.
According to another embodiment, the carrying device 2 further includes a pawl 66 that is engageable with the ratchet gear 54. The pawl 66 pivots about a pivot axis 68 between a locked position 74 and an unlocked position 74′. FIG. 5 shows the pawl 66 in phantom in the unlocked position 74′. The pawl 66 includes a locking portion 70 having an engagement end 72. The pawl 66 also includes an arm length “A” defined by the pivot axis 68 and the engagement end 72. In the locked position 74 the pawl 66 is engaged with the first portion 56 of the ratchet gear 54.
The roller 50 is biased to rotate in a first direction in order to shorten the length of the exposed segment S of tether 40. The roller 50 rotates in a second direction when the exposed segment S of tether 40 is extended. As shown in FIG. 5, the first direction is clockwise and the second direction is counterclockwise. In order for the roller 50 to rotate in the first direction, the pawl 66 pivots into the unlocked position 74′. When the pawl 66 is in the locked position 74 and engaged with the first portion 56 of the ratchet gear 54, the roller 50 is prevented from rotating in the first direction. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the combined arm length A and first radius r₁is larger than the threshold length “T”. As used herein, the threshold length T is defined as the distance between the pivot axis 68 and the rotation axis 52. Therefore, when the first portion 56 of the ratchet gear 54 is adjacent the engagement end 72 of the pawl 66, the pawl 66 is restricted from pivoting into the unlocked position 74′. In this regard, the greater combined arm length A and first radius r, relative to the threshold length T causes locked engagement between the locking portion 70 of the pawl 66 and the gear teeth 60. Consequently, rotation of the ratchet gear 54 in the first direction is restricted.
However, in the embodiment depicted, it is important to note that engagement between the pawl 66 and the ratchet gear 54 does not inhibit rotation of the ratchet gear 54 in the second direction. When the ratchet gear 54 rotates in the second direction, and the first portion 56 is adjacent the engagement end 72, the locking portion 70 of the pawl 66 contacts a respective gear tooth 60. The tooth 60 slides along the surface of the locking portion 70 until it reaches the engagement end 72 and disengages with the pawl 66. Upon disengagement, the pawl 66 begins to pivot toward the unlocked position 74′. However, another gear tooth 60 contacts the locking portion 70 to prevent the pawl 66 from pivoting into the unlocked position 74′. The pawl 66 continues to engage with the gear teeth 60 until the second portion 58 is positioned adjacent the engagement end 72.
The pawl 66 is configured to pivot into the unlocked position 74′ when the second portion 58 is positioned adjacent the engagement end 72 due to the combined arm length A and second radius r₂being less than the threshold length T. This enables locking portion 70 of the pawl 66 to disengage from the gear teeth 60. When the pawl 66 disengages from the gear teeth 60, the roller 50 may rotate in the first direction, thereby shortening the length of the exposed segment S of tether 40.
Therefore, when the pawl 66 is engaged with the ratchet gear 54, and the user 10 desires to shorten the length of the exposed portion S, the user 10 extends the exposed segment S to cause the ratchet gear 54 to rotate to position the second portion 58 of the ratchet gear 54 adjacent the pivot end 72 of the pawl 66. This enables the pawl 66 to disengage from the ratchet gear 54 and allows rotation of the roller 50 in the first direction.
According to one embodiment, the pawl 66 includes a curved portion 71 which contacts the gear teeth 60 as the gear 54 rotates in the first direction. In this regard, the teeth 60 slide along the curved portion 71 and prevent the pawl 66 from pivoting back into the locked position 74. When the user 10 desires to extend the exposed segment S, the gear 54 begins to rotate in the second direction. When the second portion 58 of the gear 54 is disposed adjacent the engagement end 72 during rotation in the second direction, the pawl 66 pivots into the locked position 74 and the locking portion 70 of the pawl 66 engages with the gear teeth 60 upon subsequent rotation of the gear 54.
As stated above, it is contemplated that the carrying device 2 of the present invention may be particularly useful in connection with an optical device 18 commonly used by hunters. It is understood that hunting may require a substantial amount of gear, including weapons, ammunition, and possibly food and water. Furthermore, hunting is primarily done on foot. Therefore, a hunter may carry most of the gear that will be needed on a particular hunting excursion. Consequently, it is desirable that the carrying device 2 be mountable to the gear or clothing worn by the hunter. According to various embodiments, the carrying device 2 includes a mounting element 76 connected to the support member 28. The mounting element 76 may be comprised of a clip 78, bracket 80 or other similar mounting means known by those having skill in the art. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 shows the carrying device 2 mounted upon a host member 46, such as a belt or shoulder strap worn by the hunter. It is contemplated that the host member 46 may be fed through the mounting element 76 to secure the device 2 thereto. The mounting element 76 depicted in FIG. 4 is a clip 78 that is coupled to the support member 28. The clip 78 may also be attached to a belt or strap worn by the hunter. It may be particularly useful for bow and arrow hunters to mount the carrying device 2 onto a shoulder strap. It is important that the carrying device 2 does not interfere with the hunter as he draws the arrow back before releasing it. As described above, the carrying device 2 may also be mounted onto a belt worn on the hunter. This particular configuration may be favorable for hunters using guns. Although the above describes mounting the carrying device 2 on a shoulder strap or a belt, the device 2 may be mounted onto any conveniently placed host member 46, such as a piece of equipment that is positioned near the hunter, such as a tree stand harness.
The following describes the operation of a particular embodiment of the present invention. In operation, the carrying device 2 is mounted onto a shoulder strap or belt worn on the user 10 as discussed above. As the user 10 approaches the target, he reaches for his optical device 18 which is oriented in the stowed position. After the user 10 has a firm grip on the optical device 18, he pulls it up to eyelevel such that the eyepiece 21 is disposed adjacent the user's eye 12 to enable the user 10 to look through the viewfinder and perceive his target. The carrying device 2 is configured to mitigate noise upon extension and/or retraction of the tether 40 so as to facilitate a near silent operation of the device 2. When the eyepiece 21 is disposed adjacent the user's eye 12, the tether 40 is extended to the operative length and the locking mechanism 64 prevents the tether 40 from being retracted by the retraction mechanism 48, as discussed above. When the user 10 is done with the optical device 18, the user 10 pulls the tether 40 a slight amount to disengage the locking mechanism 64. This causes the tether 40 to quietly retract into the carrying device 2. As the tether 40 is being retracted, the alignment contact element 30 positions the optical device 18 in the stowed position for the next usage.
The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

Claims

1. A retractable carrying device for an optical device, the retractable carrying device comprising:

a support member including an alignment contact element being engageable with the optical device, the alignment contact element being configured to dispose the optical device in a stowed position in fixed orientation relative to the support member upon engagement with the optical device;

a retraction assembly connected to the support member including:

a tether being attachable to the optical device; and

a retraction mechanism attached to the tether, an exposed segment of tether extending between the retraction mechanism and the optical device, the exposed segment being free of lateral support from the retraction mechanism and the optical device, the exposed segment being extendable upon removal of the optical device from the stowed position, the retraction mechanism being operative to apply a longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment of the tether upon extension of the exposed segment; and

a locking mechanism having locked and unlocked configurations, the locking mechanism being engaged with the retraction assembly to prevent application of the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment in the locked configuration, the exposed segment defining an operative length when the locking mechanism is in the locked configuration, upon further extension of the exposed segment beyond the operative length the locking mechanism assumes the unlocked configuration with the locking mechanism disengaged with the retraction assembly to allow application of the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the retraction mechanism includes a roller being biased to rotate in a first direction to apply the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the tether winds about the roller as the length of the exposed segment decreases.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the locking mechanism includes a ratchet gear attached to the roller, the ratchet gear having a plurality of gear teeth extending therefrom.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the ratchet gear includes a first portion having a first radius and a second portion having a second radius smaller than the first radius, the plurality of teeth extending from the first portion.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the locking mechanism further includes a pawl being pivotable about a pivot axis, the pawl being engageable with respective ones of the plurality of teeth in the locked configuration.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the pawl includes a locking portion having a engagement end, the pawl having an arm length defined by the pivot axis and the engagement end, a threshold length being defined by the rotation and pivot axes, the combined arm length and first radius being greater than the threshold length to enable lockable engagement between the locking portion and respective ones of the gear teeth, the combined arm length and second radius being less than the threshold length to enable disengagement between the locking portion and the gear teeth.

8. The device of claim 2 wherein the locking mechanism includes a ratchet gear attached to the roller, the ratchet gear having a plurality of gear teeth extending therefrom.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein roller and ratchet gear are rotatable about a rotation axis.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the ratchet gear includes a first portion having a first radius and a second portion having a second radius smaller than the first radius, the ratchet gear having a plurality of teeth extending from the first portion.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism further includes a pawl being pivotable about a pivot axis, the pawl being engageable with respective ones of the plurality of teeth in the locked configuration.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the pawl includes a locking portion having a engagement end, the pawl having an arm length defined by the pivot axis and the engagement end, a threshold length being defined by the rotation and pivot axes, the combined arm length and first radius being greater than the threshold length to enable lockable engagement between the locking portion and respective ones of the gear teeth, the combined arm length and second radius being less than the threshold length to enable disengagement between the locking portion and the gear teeth.

13. The device of claim 1 further comprising a mounting element connected to the support member, the mounting element being attachable to a host member.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the mounting element is a clip.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein the mounting element is a bracket.

16. A optical tool comprising:

an optical device; and

a retraction assembly connected to the support member including:

a tether being attachable to the optical device; and

a retraction mechanism attached to the tether, an exposed segment of tether extending between the retraction mechanism and optical device, the exposed segment being free of lateral support from the retraction mechanism and the optical device, the exposed segment being extendable upon removal of the optical device from the stowed position, the retraction mechanism being operative to apply a longitudinal biasing force along an exposed segment of the tether upon extension of the exposed segment; and

a locking mechanism having locked and unlocked configurations, the locking mechanism being engaged with the retraction assembly to prevent application of the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment in the locked configuration, the exposed segment defining an operative length when the locking mechanism is in the locked configuration, and upon further extension of the exposed segment beyond the operative length the locking mechanism assumes the unlocked configuration with the locking mechanism disengaged with the retraction assembly to allow application of the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein the alignment contact element includes a female connection portion and the optical device includes a male connection portion, the male and female connection portions being cooperatively engageable to dispose the optical device in the stowed position.

18. The device of claim 16 wherein the retraction mechanism includes a roller being biased to rotate in a first direction to apply the longitudinal biasing force along the exposed segment.

19. The device of claim 18 wherein the locking mechanism includes a ratchet gear attached to the roller, the ratchet gear having a plurality of gear teeth extending therefrom.

20. The device of claim 19 wherein the locking mechanism further includes a pawl being pivotable about a pivot axis, the pawl being engageable with respective ones of the plurality of teeth in the locked configuration