U.S. patent application number 09/931392 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-20 for buckle lanyard connector and system.
Invention is credited to Hicks, Bryan K., Mackay, Brandon Robert.
Application Number | 20030033697 09/931392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25460717 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030033697 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hicks, Bryan K. ; et
al. |
February 20, 2003 |
Buckle lanyard connector and system
Abstract
A lanyard system conveniently suspends entry badges, keys or
other objects about the neck. The system comprises a connector
having a male buckle portion and a female buckle portion. The male
buckle portion has an attachment coupling thereon such that the
male buckle portion can be selectively mounted within a female
buckle portion and can selectively receive an attachment thereon.
Knobs on the sides of the connector provide a convenient gripping
surface.
Inventors: |
Hicks, Bryan K.; (Salt Lake
City, UT) ; Mackay, Brandon Robert; (Salt Lake City,
UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER & SEELEY
1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
25460717 |
Appl. No.: |
09/931392 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/615 ;
24/3.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 11/266 20130101;
Y10T 24/1397 20150115; A44B 11/006 20130101; Y10T 24/45529
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/615 ;
24/3.13 |
International
Class: |
A44B 011/25 |
Claims
What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters
Patent is:
1. A lanyard connector, comprising: a lanyard connector body that
is configured to be coupled to the ends of a lanyard substrate, and
a coupling portion extending from the lanyard connector body to
thereby allow selective attachment of an attachment to the lanyard
connector, wherein the lanyard connector body comprises: (i) a
first portion that is configured to be coupled to the ends of the
lanyard substrate; and (ii) a second portion that is selectively
coupled to the first portion, such that a user can: (A) selectively
attach an attachment to the coupling portion; and (13) selectively
attach the first portion of the connector body to the second
portion of the connector body.
2. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and
second portions of the lanyard connector body are each plastic
members.
3. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the first
portion of the lanyard connector body comprises a female portion
and the second portion comprises a male portion that is selectively
mounted within the female portion.
4. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 3, wherein the coupling
portion of the lanyard connector is coupled to the male portion of
the lanyard connector body.
5. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the first
portion of the lanyard connector body comprises a female buckle
portion and the second portion comprises a male buckle portion that
is selectively mounted within the female portion.
6. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the coupling
portion is configured to receive an attachment rotatably coupled to
the coupling portion.
7. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 6, wherein the first and
second portions are configured to be nonrotatably coupled to each
other, such that the attachment rotates about the coupling portion
while the connector body is firmly, nonrotatably secured to the
lanyard substrate.
8. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the lanyard
connector body receives the ends of the lanyard substrate
therein.
9. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the coupling
portion comprises a neck upon which an attachment is selectively
mounted.
10. A lanyard connector, comprising: a lanyard connector body that
is configured to receive the ends of a lanyard substrate therein,
and a neck extending from the lanyard connector body to thereby
allow selective, rotatable attachment of an attachment to the
lanyard connector, wherein an attachment is selectively, rotatably
mounted onto the neck, and wherein the lanyard connector body
comprises: (ii) a first portion that is configured to receive the
ends of the lanyard substrate therein; and (ii) a second portion
that is selectively coupled to the first portion, such that a user
can: (A) selectively, rotatably mount an attachment onto the neck;
and (B) selectively attach the second portion to the first
portion.
11. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 10, wherein the first
portion of the lanyard connector body comprises a female portion
and the second portion comprises a male portion that is selectively
mounted within the female portion.
12. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 11, wherein the male
portion includes the neck thereon.
13. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 10, wherein the male
portion comprises first and second prongs that selectively mount
within the female portion.
14. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 10, wherein the lanyard
connector body comprises: (i) a male clamping portion; and (ii) a
female clamping portion, the male clamping portion selectively
mounting within the female clamping portion to clamp the first and
second ends of the lanyard substrate therebetween.
15. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 10, wherein wherein the
lanyard connector body comprises a female buckle portion; and a
male buckle portion, the male buckle portion including the neck
thereon, the male buckle portion being selectively mounted within
the female buckle portion, such that a user can: (A) selectively,
rotatably attach an attachment to the neck; and (B) selectively
attach the male buckle portion to the female buckle portion
16. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 15, wherein the female
buckle portion has (i) a male clamping portion; and (ii) a female
clamping portion.
17. A lanyard connector as recited in claim 15, wherein the female
buckle portion has (i) a male clamping portion; and (ii) a female
clamping portion, the male clamping portion selectively mounting
within the female clamping portion to clamp the first and second
ends of the lanyard substrate therebetween.
18. A lanyard, comprising: a lanyard substrate having first and
second ends; a lanyard connector body, comprising: a female buckle
portion; and a male buckle portion, and a neck extending from the
lanyard connector body to thereby allow selective, rotatable
attachment of a variety of different attachments to the lanyard
connector, wherein the male buckle portion is selectively mounted
within the female buckle portion, such that a user can: (A)
selectively, rotatably attach an attachment to the neck; and (B)
selectively attach the male buckle portion to the female buckle
portion, and wherein the female buckle portion comprises: a male
clamping portion; and a female clamping portion, the male clamping
portion selectively mounting within the female clamping portion
with the first and second ends of the lanyard substrate
therebetween.
19. A lanyard as recited in claim 18, wherein the male and female
body portion of the lanyard connector are each made from a plastic
material.
20. A lanyard as recited in claim 18, wherein the male portion
comprises first and second prongs that selectively mount within the
female portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is in the field of lanyards. More
specifically, this invention is in the field of connectors that
connect lanyards to one or more attachments.
[0003] 2. State of the Art
[0004] A lanyard is a cord, strap, line or other such member used
to hold or fasten to an object. Lanyards are often worn about the
neck of a user. A lanyard connector connects the first and second
ends of a lanyard substrate (e.g., a strap or cord) together,
forming a circular assembly. A variety of different lanyards and
lanyard connectors are presently available within the art.
[0005] Lanyard connectors also typically connect to an attachment,
such as a clip. The clip may clip to another object, such as a
security badge, for example, which a user desires to wear about the
user's neck. However, typical lanyard technology fails to offer
modular connectors that conveniently connect to a variety of
different attachments. Past designs and solutions have typically
been made from off the shelf available components. Components have
been sourced from a variety of designs and/or sources, e.g.,
VELCRO, crimps, snaps, hooks, buckles, sewing, glue, sonic welding,
and rings.
[0006] These prior solutions required a number of steps in the
manufacturing process to modify and/or prepare the available
componentry and/or substrates for functional compatibility.
Furthermore, once manufactured, there was typically no possibility
for retro-fitting for dual or changing use of a product.
[0007] In addition, recent technology requires products that are
not electrically conductive or static retaining. An integrated
system is needed that can cost effectively satisfy that need.
Furthermore, as for market acceptability, because typical products
are made from existing off-the-self components, it is difficult to
maintain a competitive advantage in either price or design
employing typical products.
[0008] In addition, typical lanyard technology includes rounded
lanyard connectors that are difficult to decorate and fail to lay
flat against the body of a user.
[0009] There is therefore a need in the art for improved lanyard
systems which feature modular componentry and lanyard connectors
which conveniently connect to a variety of different
attachments.
[0010] There is also a need in the art for a lanyard system
featuring the use of a convenient lanyard connector and modular
components selectively coupled thereto that is non-conductive and
convenient to manufacture and use.
[0011] There is also a need in the art for a lanyard connector that
is convenient to decorate and lays flat against the body of a
user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a
modular lanyard system for selectively coupling a variety of
different items to a variety of different lanyard substrates.
[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a modular
lanyard system in which a variety of different attachments can be
selectively coupled to a lanyard connector.
[0014] It is another object of the invention to provide a lanyard
connector and/or lanyard substrate which lays flat against the body
of a wearer.
[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide a lanyard
connector which allows an attachment to rotate with respect to the
lanyard connector.
[0016] It is another object of the invention to provide a lanyard
connector that is convenient to decorate or place a logo on.
[0017] It is another object of the invention to provide an
integrated system of componentry within a lanyard system.
[0018] It is another object of the invention to provide a lanyard
connector that allows attachments to be retrofit thereon.
[0019] It is another object of the invention to incorporate the
flexibility of post manufacture redesign and retrofit.
[0020] It is another object of the invention to produce final
assembled products with limited or no electrical conductivity or
static retention.
[0021] It is another object of the invention to provide a system
component that will provide a safety release if required by the
market or the product design.
[0022] It is another object of the invention to reduce decoration
(e.g., screen printing, pad printing, hot stamping) and spoilage
costs of manufactured items, such as by employing a recylable
system.
[0023] It is another object of the invention to create a system
that is both visually and functionally unique.
[0024] It is another object of the invention to connect dissimilar
or unrelated substrates with a novel modular system.
[0025] It is another object of the invention to provide a number of
different manners for connecting and disconnecting a lanyard
connector from an attachment.
[0026] It is another object of the invention to provide a lanyard
system having a variety of different interchangeable parts.
[0027] The present invention relates to a universally
interchangeable linking or attachment system for securing a variety
of items to a variety of lanyard substrates so as to accommodate or
achieve a variety of uses and/or applications. The modular system
has interchangeable components that aesthetically connect or
interact with each other. The system has component multiple-use
capability.
[0028] One embodiment of the lanyard system of the present
invention comprises (i) a lanyard substrate, such as a fabric
strap, (ii) a lanyard connector which couples the first and second
ends of the substrate together; and (iii) an attachment that
selectively, rotatably couples to the lanyard connector. The
lanyard connector can attach to a variety of different modular
attachments, each of which can be configured to selectively,
rotatably couple to the connector, thus achieving modularity and
interchangability.
[0029] An integrated system of componentry creating simple or
complex solutions to needs of products is achieved by employing
compatible attachments that allow for reduced inventory
requirements.
[0030] The invented system employs a novel internal securing
design, including upper and lower teeth that grip the substrate
ends. The system also provides for economical decoration,
personalization and business identification processes which are key
to the promotional products industry. Economical decoration can be
achieved, for example, by employing a flat or substantially flat
lanyard connector on which an insignia such as a logo can be
readily placed, as opposed to a round connector that is more
difficult to place a logo on.
[0031] Items which can be held by the lanyard systems of the
present invention include, but are not limited to cameras, trade
show badges, security and safety identification badges, workplace
name/photo identification, hidden personal and travel safety items,
binoculars and umbrellas, luggage tags, zipper pulls or attachment
points for flashlights, whistles, keys, cards, personal
security/protection devices, etc for bags, cases, packs and
carrying devices of all types.
[0032] Novel devices that can be created by this system include,
but are not be limited to, neck lanyards and other types of
lanyards. These may be employed for various types of uses and may
have non-conductive and non-static storing properties. These
properties have significant and important application where clean
areas of manufacturing and services are required, including but not
limited to the computer industry, scientific research and
development, and medical and pharmaceutical environments.
[0033] In order to achieve this non-conductive capability, in one
embodiment, the system of the present invention provides modular
system thermo-plastic fastening and connecting component devices.
For example, through the use of high-tech, engineering grade, UV
protected thermo molding plastics, a durable component system is
created that will allow for component disassembly and use changes
without compromising the integrity of the product. Such plastics
also have non-conductive and non-static storing properties and can
thus be conveniently employed for lanyard connectors and
attachments of the present invention.
[0034] Lanyard connectors and attachments of the present invention
may be comprised of a variety of different materials, such as a
thermoplastic material that is readily injection moldable and
nonconductive, e.g., CELCON plastic, nylon, polypropylene, and/or
DELRIN. The use of plastic components with the non conductive
substrates give a unique and novel system for clean room use.
[0035] Lanyard substrates that can be coupled to the lanyard
connector may be comprised of woven, braided and/or knitted natural
and/or synthetic materials, neoprene, rubber or similar natural or
synthetic materials, for example. These materials can be in a
variety of different forms, such as straps, cords, lines, and a
variety of different shapes and designs which fit about the neck of
a user, for example.
[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, a two-part
configuration of the lanyard connector allows a portion of the
connector to (i) selectively couple to a variety of different
lanyard substrates, such as straps, cords, lines, and other members
having a variety of different shapes and designs; and (ii)
selectively couple to a variety of different attachments. Thus, the
user can selectively decouple the attachment from the lanyard
substrate (e.g., a strap) by selectively decoupling an attachment
directly from a lanyard connector or by selectively decoupling a
first portion of the connector from a second portion of the
connector.
[0037] For example, one embodiment of the lanyard connector body
comprises: (i) a first portion that is coupled to the ends of the
lanyard substrate; and (ii) a second portion that is selectively
coupled to the first portion. A coupling portion extends from the
lanyard connector body to thereby allow selective attachment of an
attachment to the lanyard connector, such that a user can: (A)
selectively attach an attachment to the coupling portion; and (B)
selectively attach the first portion of the connector body to the
second portion of the connector body.
[0038] The two part configuration may be a male/female buckle
combination, for example. The first portion may be a female or male
portion, while the second portion may be a corresponding male or
female portion, for example, that is selectively coupled to the
corresponding portion. The coupling portion is, by way of example,
a split neck. Such a two-part connector allows a user to attach or
detach an attachment to the connector and also allows a user to
attach or detach one portion of the connector from another portion.
The connector portions and attachment may require different amounts
of force to be exerted in order to be coupled or decoupled, for
example. Therefore, providing these different options provides a
user diversity and choice in connecting to a particular
attachment.
[0039] In one male/female buckle embodiment, for example, the male
buckle has first and second connection points: a rotating
connection point at one end and a buckling connection point at an
opposing end. This male buckle portion is a dual male portion,
having a male connection on each of the opposing sides of the
buckle portion. Thus, the male buckle portion is modular on both
ends of the male buckle portion, not merely on one end of the male
buckle portion.
[0040] For example, if the user employs a variety of different
lanyard straps and a variety of different attachments, the user can
use the same male buckle portion to couple the lanyard straps to
each of the respective attachments.
[0041] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in description which follows, and in part will be obvious
from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the
invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations
particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other
objects and features of the present invention will become more
fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,
or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lanyard system of the
present invention;
[0044] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a lanyard system of the
present invention with an attachment rotatably coupled to the
lanyard connector;
[0045] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the lanyard connector of FIG.
1;
[0046] FIG. 3 is an exploded top plan view of the lanyard connector
of FIG. 1 with a socket portion depicted in phantom lines, and with
an alternate central protuberance 362a shown;
[0047] FIG. 3A is a view taken along lines 3A-3A of FIG. 3
demonstrating a socket configured to receive a ball portion;
[0048] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the lanyard connector of FIG.
1;
[0049] FIG. 4A is a bottom plan view of the lanyard connector of
FIG. 1;
[0050] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the lanyard connector of FIG.
1, the opposing side being the mirror image thereof;
[0051] FIG. 6 is a rear end view of the lanyard connector of FIG.
1;
[0052] FIG. 7 is a front end view of the lanyard connector of FIG.
1;
[0053] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lanyard connector system
of FIG. 1, with the strap and the O-ring connected to the connector
being shown in phantom lines;
[0054] FIG. 9 is a view of an alternative system of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] FIG. 1 demonstrates an example of a lanyard connector 310 of
the present invention that is capable of modular coupling to a
variety of different attachments. Lanyard connector 310 has a
substantially flat, preferably nonconductive (e.g., plastic), body
312 that is capable of receiving the solid ends 313a-b of a lanyard
substrate worn around the neck of a user in a relatively flat
fashion. Extending from body 312 is a universal connector neck
portion 314 that allows convenient, rotatable connection to many
different attachments, such as the attachment 322 shown in FIGS. 1
(detached) and 1a (attached) and in U.S. Design Pat. No. 420,800,
entitled "Clip," issued Feb. 22, 2000 to Hicks, et al, which is
incorporated herein by reference. Connector 310 thus has a body
portion 312 and a neck portion 314 extending therefrom. Neck 314
serves as a coupling portion to which an attachment may be
coupled.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, body 312 comprises: (i) a female
buckle portion 350; and (ii) a male buckle portion 352 selectively
coupled thereto. Neck 314 extends from the the male buckling
portion 352. Thus, a user can optionally detach the male buckling
portion 352 from the female buckling portion 350 or detach an
attachment from the neck 314 to remove the attachment from the
lanyard.
[0057] Female buckling portion 350 has a female clamping portion
315 and a male clamping portion 316 which is selectively mounted
within female clamping portion 315 to thereby maintain the
substrate ends 313a-b of a lanyard substrate therebetween. Male and
female clamping portions 315, 316, respectively, are mounted on
first and second opposing ends 313a-b of a lanyard substrate to
thereby secure the lanyard substrate ends 313a-b within body 312.
Upon securing the lanyard substrate ends within body 312, the
resulting lanyard can be conveniently worn about the neck of a
user.
[0058] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, female buckling
portion 350 further has upper and lower sets of teeth 318, 320
(teeth 320 shown in phantom lines) mounted on respective opposing
female and male clamping portions 315, 316. Teeth 318, 320, as
shown, are configured such that upon mounting the ends 313a-b of
the lanyard substrate between the male and female clamping portions
315, 316 and coupling the male and female portions 315, 316
together, the ends of the lanyard substrate are clamped between
teeth 318, 320 such that the ends of the lanyard substrate are
affixed within lanyard connector body 312. Teeth 318, 320 can be
employed to selectively secure the opposing ends of a variety of
different lanyard substrates within connector body 312, such as
cords, straps, and lines and a variety of other members, to thereby
cause the lanyard to be held about a user's neck, for example, in a
circular assembly. In one embodiment, only a single set of teeth is
employed on the female or male portion. For example, a single set
of teeth may be employed in the male portion 316 that fits between
dual sets of teeth in the female portion 315 during assembly.
[0059] Male and female clamping portions 316, 315 can be held
together in a variety of different manners, such as through
friction fit between adjacent sides of the members, adhesion, or
through the mechanical coupling of mating ridges 326 and grooves
327 on opposing sides of respective members, for example, as
depicted in FIG. 2. While only one ridge 326 and groove 327 are
shown in FIG. 2, both sides of male portion 316 preferably have a
ridge 326 thereon, each of which fit into corresponding grooves 327
in female portion 315.
[0060] With reference to FIGS. 2-3A, in addition to the mating
ridges and grooves, a mating ball 334 and socket 336 (FIGS. 3-3A)
may be employed to assist in orienting the male and female portions
316, 315 and maintaining the male and female portions in desired
positions with respect to each other. The ball portion 334 may be
disposed on the male portion while the socket portion may be
disposed on the female portion, for example. The ball 334 is shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3, while the socket is shown in FIG. 3A and in
phantom lines in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, during assembly, the
ball is oriented within the socket, after which the ridges 326 are
pressed into the grooves 327 to thereby sandwich the lanyard
substrate ends between the male and female portions 316, 315. While
the embodiment of FIG. 9 does not show the ball in the alternate
male clamping portion 316a, in another embodiment, the male
clamping portion 316a of FIG. 9 employs a ball while the female
portion 315a employs a socket, or vice versa.
[0061] Also as shown, body 312 further has side gripping grooves
340a, 340b which enable a user to conveniently grasp lanyard
connector 310 on the sides thereof. Grooves 340a, 340b taper
inwardly from proximal shoulders 342a, 342b and distal shoulders
346a, 346b (see FIG. 8). The opposing sidewalls of body 312 have a
series of knobs 348a-348b thereon which enhance gripping of the
surfaces. Knobs 348a-b, which can be rounded, square-shaped or a
variety of different shapes and configurations are examples of
means for enhancing the gripping surface of connector 310. Other
embodiments of means for enhancing include knurled surfaces, uneven
surfaces, and a variety of other gripping surfaces known to one
skilled in the art. Knobs 340a-b can also serve to ameliorate the
appearance of a molding line that can occur in certain molding
processes along the sidewalls.
[0062] As further shown in FIGS. 1-6, body 312 includes integral
bulbous distal portions 324a, 324b. Neck portion 314 shown
comprises a split distal neck 314 extending from the collective,
combined bulbous portions 324a, 324b. Bulbous distal portions 324a,
324b allow a convenient matching interface with a rotating
attachment coupled to neck 314, such that the attachment makes a
substantially seamless transition with the bulbous distal
portions.
[0063] The substantially flat male and female portions 316, 315 are
part of substantially flat body 312 and conveniently allow
insignia, such as a logo, to be stamped, molded, painted, or
otherwise formed thereon.
[0064] With reference now to FIGS. 4-7, split distal neck 314
comprises right and left neck members 328a, 328b extending
individually from male buckle portion 352 and spaced apart from
each other. Each member 328a, 328b has a substantially semicircular
cross section, such that neck 314 overall has a substantially
circular cross section. The right and left neck members 328a, 328b
collectively form a split neck 314 to which an attachment can be
selectively coupled and about which an attachment can selectively
rotate. In one embodiment, the neck members of split neck 314 can
flex inwardly when being mounted within the base of an attachment,
then flex outwardly to maintain (e.g., temporarily) the neck within
the base.
[0065] Each neck member 328a, 328b comprises a thinner proximal
member 330a, 330b (FIG. 4), respectively and a distal wider skirt
member 332a, 332b, respectively, extending therefrom. The proximal
members 330a, 330b collectively form a proximal portion having a
substantially circular cross sectional configuration and the skirt
members 332a, 332b collectively form a skirt portion which tapers
proximally, widening as they proceed toward the male buckle portion
352.
[0066] It will also be appreciated that split neck 314 allows an
attachment member to be selectively mounted thereon by pressing at
least a portion of an attachment member over the skirted members
332a, 332b. Skirt members 332a, 332b, which collectively form a
skirt with a substantially circular cross section, can at least
temporarily prevent the attachment from being moved off the neck
314 as the attachment rotates neck 314.
[0067] Split neck 14 allows the skirt portions 332a, 332b to flex
inwardly with respect to each other as the attachment member is
mounted thereon. After the mounting of the attachment member 322
thereon, as shown for example in FIG. 1a, the skirt members 332a-b
spring outwardly again, thereby maintaining at least a portion of
the attachment member rotating about the thinner portions 330a,
330b (FIG. 4) between the skirted portions and the male coupling
portion 352.
[0068] With reference to FIGS. 1, 1a and FIG. 8, in one embodiment,
upon mounting an attachment member such as clip 322 upon the split
neck, skirt members 332a, 332b rotate along a ridge 370 (e.g., an
annular ridge) located on the inner diameter portion of the base
372 of the attachment member. The ridge 370 is partially shown in
FIG. 1. In one base embodiment, first and second opposing side
members 374 (only one shown in FIG. 1) are mounted on the outer
diameter portion of the base 372. In one embodiment, the interior
portion of the base is tapered to allow convenient mounting of the
attachment onto the neck. The interior portion can be non tapered,
however. A variety of different attachment members may be rotatably
mounted upon neck 14, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the
art in light of this disclosure.
[0069] In one embodiment, it is possible to detach the attachment
(e.g., 322) from the connector 310 upon applying sufficient force
to move the parts apart e.g., by bending the connector 310 with
respect to the attachment and pulling the parts apart, causing the
skirt members 332a-b to move off ridge 370 and out of base 372.
[0070] Lanyard connector 310 may be comprised of a non-conductive
material, such as a plastic material to thereby allow the connector
310 to be used in a variety of different settings where
non-conductivity is desired, such as when working with computer and
other electrical equipment. In addition, a non-conductive
attachment (e.g., plastic) and lanyard substrate (e.g., knitted
fabric) may be attached thereto to form an overall non-conductive
lanyard system.
[0071] Lanyard connector 310 may be employed on a variety of
different lanyard substrates, such as lanyard substrates having
rounded ends, square ends and a variety of different shapes. In one
embodiment, connector 310 is employed with a lanyard substrate
material having relatively solid ends. In addition, it is possible
to employ a lanyard substrate material having relatively flat ends
that can be conveniently mounted within the body 312 of lanyard
connector 310.
[0072] As shown and discussed above, lanyard connector 310
comprises a proximal female buckle body portion 350 and a distal
male buckle body portion 352 that selectively mounts into the
female buckle portion 350. Proximal female buckle portion 350
comprises a plurality of recesses 354, 356, 358 (FIG. 2) that
selectively receive corresponding protuberances 360, 362, 364 of
distal body portion 352. Protuberances 360, 364 act as prongs of a
buckle, thereby allowing a user to "buckle" the male buckle portion
352 into the female buckle portion 350. As shown, portions of
protuberances 360, 364 extend out of apertures in body 350 after
passing through the resepective recesses mentioned above.
Protuberances 360, 364 are semi-rigid such that they are flexible
enough to be buckled into respective apertures 366, 368, but are
rigid enough to be maintained within the female portion, as shown
in FIG. 4, until the user unbuckles the protuberances 360, 364 by
pressing inwardly thereon and moving the parts apart (or in one
embodiment until such a significant force is exerted to pull the
protuberances from the apertures).
[0073] Optional designs for certain protuberances 362a and mating
recesses 356a are shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, although a variety of
different configurations are available.
[0074] By providing a two-part male buckle portion, it is possible
to provide multiple methods for disengaging the object coupled to
the lanyard from the neck of the wearer. For example, the wearer
can disengage an object direcly from the attachment, such as from a
clip 322 as shown in FIG. 1, or the O-ring 376 shown in phantom in
FIG. 8. Optionally, the wearer can disengage an attachment (e.g.,
attachment 322) from the male buckle portion 352, or the wearer can
disengage the male buckle portion 352 from the male female buckle
portion 350. The male buckle portion is modular on both ends of the
male buckle portion, not merely on one end of the male buckle
portion, such that the male buckle portion can be selectively
attached to a variety of different lanyard substrates and/or
attachments.
[0075] While injection molding of DELRIN or CELCON plastic is one
method for manufacturing lanyard connector 310, and/or the
attachments to be coupled thereto, a variety of different methods
may be employed.
[0076] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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