LANYARD

Abstract

A lanyard wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person. The lanyard may include one or more cables including a transmission medium operative to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals. The cable includes connectors having connector elements on opposite ends of the cable, which may be in operative communication with the transmission medium for transmitting the at least one of electric current signals and light signals. A loop of the cable is sized for being received on body part of the person. In some embodiments, a mount of the lanyard includes a loop of the cable sized for receiving the item for mounting the item on the lanyard. In some embodiments, at least one of the connectors includes a tangible computer readable electronic storage medium.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/692,545, filed Aug. 23, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to lanyards for supporting an item on a body part of a person, and more particularly to lanyards including a transmission medium operative for transmitting electric current or light signals or including a tangible computer readable storage medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lanyards are used in various situations to display informational media on body parts of persons. Conventional lanyards may be formed using various types of ribbon, fabric, or rope. Some lanyards are worn as necklaces or bracelets from which informational media such as identification cards or access cards may be suspended.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a lanyard wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person. The lanyard includes a cable having first and second ends and a length extending between the ends. The cable includes a transmission medium extending along the length of the cable. The transmission medium is operable to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals along the transmission medium between the first and second ends of the cable. The lanyard also includes first and second connectors on the respective first and second ends of the cable. The connectors include connector elements in operative communication with the transmission medium and are operable to transmit the at least one of electric current signals and light signals. Portions of the cable between the first and second ends are secured together. The secured cable portions have a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A segment of the cable extending between the secured cable portions on the first side of the secured cable portions defines a mount in the form of a first loop on the first side of the secured cable portions. The first loop is sized for receiving the item for mounting the item on the first loop. First and second sections of the cable extend from the second side of the secured cable portions to the respective first and second connectors. The first and second connectors are configured for releasably connecting to each other for securing the first and second sections of the cable extending from the secured cable portions in the form of a second loop on the second side of the secured cable portions. The second loop when formed is sized for reception on the body part of the person.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lanyard wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person. The lanyard includes a cable having first and second ends and a length extending between the ends. The cable includes a transmission medium extending along the length of the cable. The transmission medium is operable to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals along the transmission medium between the first and second ends of the cable. First and second connectors are on the respective first and second ends of the cable. The connectors include connector elements in operative communication with the transmission medium and operable to transmit the at least one of electric current signals and light signals. The first and second connectors are configured for forming a direct releasable connection of the first and second connectors. The connectors when connected secure the cable in the form of a loop sized for reception on the body part of the person. A mount on the cable between the first and second ends of the cable is adapted for receiving the item for mounting the item on the mount.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lanyard wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person. The lanyard includes a cable having first and second ends and a length extending between the ends. The cable includes a transmission medium extending along the length of the cable. The transmission medium is operable to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals along the transmission medium between the first and second ends of the cable. First and second connectors on the respective first and second ends of the cable include connector elements in operative communication with the transmission medium and are operable to transmit the at least one of electric current signals and light signals. The first connector element has a shape different than a shape of the second connector element. The lanyard also includes an intermediate connector including third and fourth connector elements. The third connector element corresponds to the first connector element and is configured for forming a releasable connection with the first connector element. The fourth connector element corresponds to the second connector element and is configured for forming a releasable connection with the second connector element. The first and third connector elements and the second and fourth connector elements when connected secure the cable in the form of a loop sized for reception on the body part of the person. A mount on the cable between the first and second ends of the cable is adapted for receiving the item for mounting the item on the mount.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lanyard wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person and for electronically storing information readable by a computer. The lanyard includes a cable having first and second ends and a length extending between the ends. The cable includes a mount positioned between the ends of the cable adapted for receiving the item for mounting the item on the mount. First and second connectors are on the respective first and second ends of the cable. The first connector is configured for releasably receiving the second connector for forming a releasable connection of the first and second connectors. The connectors when connected secure the cable in the form of a loop sized for reception on the body part of the person. At least one of the first and second connectors includes a tangible computer readable storage medium. The storage medium is adapted for electronically storing information which is readable by the computer. At least one of the first and second connectors includes a connector element in operative communication with the storage medium. The connector element is operative to transmit information electronically stored on the storage medium.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lanyard wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person. The lanyard includes a first cable having opposite ends and a length extending between the ends. The cable includes a transmission medium extending along the length of the cable. The transmission medium is operable to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals along the transmission medium between the ends of the cable. First and second connectors are on respective ends of the first cable. The first and second connectors include connector elements in operative communication with the transmission medium and are operable to transmit the at least one of electric current signals and light signals. The lanyard includes a second cable having opposite ends and a length extending between the ends. Third and fourth connectors are on respective ends of the second cable. The first and third connectors are configured for forming a releasable connection of the first and third connectors. The second and fourth connectors are configured for forming a releasable connection of the second and fourth connectors. The first and third connectors and the second and fourth connectors when connected secure the first and second cables in the form of a loop sized for reception on the body part of the person. A mount positioned on one of the first and second cables between the ends of the one of the first and second cables is adapted for receiving the item.

Other features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a first embodiment of a lanyard of the present invention received on a neck of a person and displaying an item mounted on a mount of the lanyard;

FIG. 2 is a perspective of the lanyard of FIG. 1 showing connectors of the lanyard being connected directly to each other;

FIG. 3 is a view of the lanyard similar to FIG. 2 but showing the connectors disconnected from each other;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the mount of the lanyard;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective of a thimble of the mount;

FIG. 6 is a perspective of a second embodiment of a lanyard of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective of a third embodiment of a lanyard of the present invention showing connectors of the lanyard being connected directly to each other;

FIG. 8 is a view of the lanyard similar to FIG. 7 but showing the connectors disconnected from each other;

FIG. 9 is a perspective of a fourth embodiment of a lanyard of the present invention showing connectors of the lanyard being connected indirectly to each other via connection with an intermediate connector;

FIG. 10 is a view of the lanyard similar to FIG. 9 but showing the connectors disconnected from the intermediate connector;

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a fifth embodiment of a lanyard of the present invention including first and second cables;

FIG. 12 is a perspective of another embodiment of a lanyard mount of the present invention including a securing member having a frangible portion;

FIG. 13 is a view of the lanyard mount similar to FIG. 12 but showing the securing member torn along the frangible portion; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective of a sixth embodiment of a lanyard of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Lanyards constructed according to the present invention are wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person. For example, the lanyards may be wearable around a neck, arm, wrist, or other body part. Items which may be displayed on the lanyards include but are not limited to informational media (e.g., identification, badges, licenses, tickets, nametags, passes, photographs, and other media), apparel or consumer items (e.g., glasses, sunglasses, sunscreen, food), and access items (e.g., keys, access cards). Other items may be displayed on the lanyards without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, an item such as a coupling (e.g., fastener, clip, buckle, or clamp) may be mounted on the lanyard for assisting in mounting a different item (e.g., informational media, apparel items, consumer items, or access items) on the lanyard.

As will be explained in further detail below, the lanyards disclosed herein are multi-purpose lanyards. Besides being wearable on a person for displaying an item on the person, the lanyards, in some embodiments, include a cable including a transmission medium operable to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals along the transmission medium. For example, the lanyards may be used to connect electrical components such as two computers, a computer and an electronic audio or video player, or other electrical devices. In other embodiments, the lanyards may include tangible computer readable storage medium (e.g., a USB flash drive) for electrically storing data.

The multiple functions of the lanyards render them particularly useful. In one example, a person may wear the lanyard to display an item associated with their employment (e.g., identification badge), and, when necessary, remove the lanyard from their person to use the lanyard to connect electrical devices or upload or download electronic data. In another example, the lanyards may be distributed to attendees of a conference or other gathering for the attendees to display an item (e.g., identification such as a ticket or pass) associated with the gathering. When the gathering is complete, the attendees may take their lanyard with them to then use as a transmission cable or electronic storage device, depending on the configuration of the lanyard. These uses of the lanyards are given by example and not by limitation. The lanyards may be used in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a lanyard according to the present invention is designated generally by the reference number 20. The lanyard 20 is shown around a neck of a person P. In general, the lanyard 20 includes a cable 22, first and second connectors 24A, 24B, a body part receiving loop 30, and a mount 40. The mount 40 is configured for mounting an item 50 (e.g., a piece of informational media) on the lanyard. In the illustrated embodiment, the item 50 includes a coupling 52 for connecting the item to the mount 40. Alternatively, the coupling 52 itself may be referred to broadly as an “item” which is mounted or mountable on the mount 40 of the lanyard 20. Various types of couplings (“items”) 52 such as fasteners, clips, buckles, or clamps may be mounted on the lanyard for assisting in mounting a different item (e.g., informational media, apparel items, consumer items, or access items) on the lanyard without departing from the scope of the present invention. In manufacture, the coupling 52 may be provided on the mount 40 for receiving a portion of the item 50, or the coupling may be provided on the item 50 for reception on the mount. Moreover, the coupling may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a portion of the item 50 may be directly receivable on the mount 40.

The cable 22 has first and second ends and a length extending between the ends. The cable 22 includes a transmission medium extending along the length of the cable. For example, the transmission medium may be one or more strands of wire (e.g., copper wire), glass, or other medium. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission medium is covered by an outer sheath which insulates or protects the outer surface of the transmission medium. The transmission medium is operable to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals along the transmission medium between the first and second ends of the cable 22. For example, a transmission medium including one or more strands of wire such as copper wire is operable to transmit electric current signals, and a transmission medium including one or more strands of glass (i.e., fiber optic transmission medium) is operable to transmit light signals. For example, the transmission medium may be operable to transmit signals including at least one of video, audio, data, digital, analog, power, or other signals without departing from the scope of the present invention. The cable 22 may be referred to as a signal cable. For example, the cable 22 may be a fiber optic cable, speaker cable, power cable, USB cable, mini-USB, micro-USB cable, HDMI cable, 30-pin/USB cable, 30-pin/USB cable, and/or other cable without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The first and second connectors 24A, 24B are provided on the respective first and second ends of the cable 22. The connectors 24A, 24B are shown connected directly to each other in FIGS. 1 and 2 and shown disconnected from each other in FIG. 3. The connectors 24A, 24B include connector elements 24A′, 24B′ which are in operative communication with the transmission medium and are operable to transmit the at least one of electric current signals and light signals. Accordingly, the first and second connectors 24A, 24B may be connected to respective devices to transmit signals between the devices across the transmission medium. In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors 24A, 24B comprise USB connectors. The first connector 24A includes a male USB connector element 24A′, and the second connector 24B includes a female USB connector element 24B′. Thus, the first connector 24A is a male connector and the second connector 24B is a female connector configured for releasably matingly receiving the male connector. The connectors may be transposed or reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the first connector 24A may be a female connector and the second connector 24B may be a male connector. The connector elements 24A′, 24B′ are configured for being connected directly to each other. The cable 22 having these connector elements 24A′, 24B′ may be used as a USB cord extender or for operatively connecting devices having male and female USB connector elements. Other connectors may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the connectors may include HDMI, USB, micro-USB, Category 5, 30-pin, and/or other connector elements without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The lanyard mount 40 is shown in closer detail in FIG. 4. Two portions 22A of the cable 22 are secured together adjacent the mount 40. The mount 40 is positioned on a lower side of the secured cable portions 22A. The mount 40 includes a segment 22B of the cable 22 extending between the secured cable portions 22A on the lower side of the secured cable portions. The segment 22B of the cable 22 forms a loop 60 (broadly “first loop”) sized for receiving the coupling 52 of the item 50 for mounting the item on the first loop.

Referring still to FIG. 4, first and second sections 22C, 22D of the cable extend from an upper side of the secured cable portions 22A (opposite the lower side) to the respective first and second connectors 24A, 24B. As explained above, the first and second connectors 24A, 24B are configured for releasably connecting to each other. As shown in FIG. 2, when connected together, the connectors 24A, 24B secure the first and second sections 22C, 22D of the cable 22 in the form of the body part receiving loop 30 (broadly “second loop”). The body part receiving loop 30 when formed is sized for reception on the body part of the person P, which in the illustrated embodiment is the neck of the person (FIG. 1). The body part receiving loop 30 and the mount loop 60 may have sizes other than the illustrated sizes without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, in general, the mount loop 60 is desirably smaller than the body part receiving loop 30. It will be appreciated that the first and second sections 22C, 22D of the cable 22 extending from the upper side of the secured cable portions 22A have different lengths such that when the connectors 24A, 24B are connected to each other they are offset from the mount 40. As shown in FIG. 1, this positions the connectors 24A, 24B to the side of the person's neck rather than behind their neck. The cable sections 22C, 22D may have the same length without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In one aspect of the present invention, the connector elements 24A′, 24B′ are configured to be readily disconnected from each other by mere application of tension to the first and/or second sections 22C, 22D of the cable 22. This enhances safety in using the lanyard 20. For example, if the mount 40 or item 50 becomes snagged on an impediment thus applying tension to the first and/or second sections 22C, 22D of the cable 22, the connectors 24A, 24B will readily become disconnected from each other, thus preventing injury to the body part on which the lanyard 20 is worn. In other words, the connector elements 24A′, 24B′ form a non-latching, readily releasable connection, which may be disconnected by applying force solely in axial directions of the connectors 24A, 24B (along the length of the cable 22) and not in radial directions of the connectors (transverse to the length of the cable). In various embodiments, the lanyards disclosed herein include this safety feature. However, other types of connections may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the secured cable portions 22A are secured together by a securing member 70 which overlays the cable portions. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing member 70 is a piece of tubing (e.g., thermoplastic tubing) received over the cable portions 22A. For example, the tubing 70 may be positioned over the cable portions 22A in a generally loose fitting state and then be heated to become positioned in snug heat-shrunk overlying engagement with the cable portions to secure the cable portions to each other. The cable portions 22A may be secured together in other ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, an insulating or protective sheath over the transmission medium may be fused, bonded, or adhered together (the securing member 70 may be omitted), or other securing members such as sleeves, wraps, clips, clamps, or staples, may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mount 40 includes a thimble 80 positioned in the mount loop 60. The thimble 80 protects the inner portion of the cable segment 22B forming the mount loop 60 from abrasion from the coupling 52 for mounting the item 50 on the mount 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the illustrated thimble 80 includes a curved channel member 80A having a radially outward facing channel 80B. The channel 80B is sized to receive the segment 22B of the cable 22 forming the mount loop 60. The thimble 80 may be formed of any suitable material such as metal (e.g., zinc plated) or plastic. For example, the thimble 80 may have a size ranging from 1/16 inch to 5/64 inch. The size of the thimble 80 may vary depending on the diameter of cable 22 used. Thimbles having other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the thimble 80 may be omitted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, the securing member 70 is mated with the thimble 80. More specifically, the thimble 80 includes recesses 80C in opposite ends of the curved channel member 80A (FIG. 5), and the lower end of the tubing 70 is received in the recesses 80C to mate the securing member 70 with the thimble 80. This mating relationship of the securing member 70 and the thimble 80 improves the stability of the thimble in the mount loop 60 and assists in preventing the thimble from becoming dislodged from the mount loop. In manufacture, for example, the tubing 70 may be received over the cable portions 22A before the thimble 80 is positioned in the mount loop 60. After the thimble 80 is positioned in the mount loop 60, the tubing 70 may be slid down into mating engagement with the thimble and then be heat shrunk into snug fit with the cable portions. Other mating relationships of the securing member 70 and thimble 80 may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the securing member 70 may be received over the thimble 80 such that the securing member overlies the upper end of the thimble.

In view of the above disclosure, it will be understood that the lanyard 20 may be used to display an item 50 on a person and that the lanyard may be used to transmit electric and/or light signals between the connectors 24A, 24B along the transmission medium. Thus, the lanyard 20 is a multi-purpose lanyard.

Referring to FIG. 6, a second embodiment of a lanyard of the present invention is designated generally by the reference number 120. The lanyard 120 is similar to the lanyard 20, and corresponding features are designated by corresponding reference numbers, plus 100. For example, the lanyard 120 includes a cable 122, first and second connectors 124A, 124B, and a mount 140. In this embodiment, the mount does not include a loop (like loop 60) defined by the cable 122. Instead, the mount 140 comprises a fitting having a first end including a recess 140A sized for receiving a segment of the cable and having a second end including an opening 140B sized for receiving the item coupling. In manufacture, the cable is inserted into the recess 140A, and the recess is deformed (e.g., compressed or clamped) to secure the fitting 140 on the cable 122. Thus, the fitting 140 is mounted on the cable 122 for mounting an item on the cable. All other aspects of the lanyard 120 may be the same as the lanyard described above and are thus not described in further detail.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a third embodiment of a lanyard of the present invention generally designated by the reference number 220. The lanyard 220 is similar to the lanyard 20, and corresponding features are designated by corresponding reference numbers, plus 200. For example, the lanyard 220 includes a cable 222, first and second connectors 224A, 224B, and a mount 240. In this embodiment, the connectors 224A, 224B include 30-pin connector elements 224A′, 224B′ instead of USB connector elements. For example, the connectors 224A, 224B may be used with any device having a 30-pin receptacle such as a smart telephone or portable video/audio device (e.g., a MP3 player). As shown in FIG. 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the first connector 224A includes a male 30-pin connector element 224A′, and the second connector 224B includes a female 30-pin connector element 224B′. The connectors may be transposed or reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the first connector 24A may be a female connector and the second connector 24B may be a male connector. Thus, the cable 222 may be used as an extender for extending a cord (e.g., a male 30-pin/male USB cord) configured for connecting a device such as a smart telephone or portable video/audio device to a another device such as a computer. All other aspects of the lanyard 220 may be the same as the lanyard 20 described above and are thus not described in further detail.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a lanyard of the present invention generally designated by the reference number 320. The lanyard 320 is similar to the lanyard 20, and corresponding features are designated by corresponding reference numbers, plus 300. For example, the lanyard 320 includes a cable 322, first and second connectors 324A, 324B, and a mount 340. In this embodiment, the lanyard 320 also includes an intermediate connector 390. The first and second connectors 324A, 324B do not include corresponding male and female connector elements. Thus the first and second connectors 324A, 324B are not configured for connecting directly to each other. However, the first and second connectors 324A, 324B are configured for connecting to each other via connection to the intermediate connector 390. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector 324A has a male connector element 324A′, and the second connector 324B has a male connector element 324B′ having a different shape than the male connector element of the first connector. More specifically, the first connector 324A includes a male USB connector element 324A′, and the second connector 324B includes a male 30-pin connector element 324B′. The connectors may be transposed or reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention. The connector elements 324A′, 324B′ have different cross sections and are configured differently for different operative connection with electrical devices. The intermediate connector 390 includes upper and lower connector elements 392A, 392B corresponding to the male connector elements 324A′, 324B′ of the first and second connectors 324A, 324B. In particular, the upper connector element 392A comprises a female USB connector element, and the lower connector element 392B comprises a female 30-pin connector element. Thus, the intermediate connector 390 is configured for receiving connector elements 324A′, 324B′ having different configurations or cross sections for connecting the connector elements to each other for forming the body part receiving loop 330 of the lanyard. The illustrated cable 322 including the male USB and 30-pin connector elements 324A′, 324B′ may be used, for example, to connect any device having a 30-pin receptacle such as a smart telephone or portable video/audio device (30-pin connector element) to a device having a USB receptacle such as computer or power adapter (USB connector element).

FIG. 11 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a lanyard of the present invention generally designated by the reference number 420. The lanyard 420 is similar to the lanyard 20, and corresponding features are designated by corresponding reference numbers, plus 400. In this embodiment, the lanyard 420 includes first and second cables 422, 426. The first cable 422 includes connectors 424A, 424B on opposite ends of the cable 422, and the second cable 426 includes connectors 428A, 428B on opposite ends of the cable. The mount 440 is provided on the first cable 422. The connector elements 424A′, 424B′ of the first cable 422 are connectable to each other via connection to the second cable 426. In other words, the second cable 426 bridges the gap between the connectors 424A, 424B of the first cable 422 to close the body part receiving loop 430. The connectors 424A, 424B of the first cable 422 include a female 30-pin connector element 424A′ and a female USB connector element 424B′. The connectors 428A, 428B of the second cable 426 include male connector elements 428A′, 428B′ corresponding to the female connector elements 424A′, 424B′ of the first cable 422. In particular, the connectors 428A, 428B of the second cable 426 include a male 30-pin connector element 428A′ and a male USB connector element 428B′. Thus, the connectors 428A, 428B of the second cable 426 have differently shaped male connector elements 428A′, 428B′. The connectors may be transposed or reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention. The second cable 426 may be used for connecting any device having a 30-pin receptacle such as a smart telephone or portable video/audio device (30-pin connector element) to a device having a USB receptacle such as computer or power adapter (USB connector element). The first cable 422 may be used in conjunction with the second cable as a 30-pin extension cable (with the USB connector elements connected to each other) or as a USB extension cable (with the 30-pin connector element connected to each other).

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of a mount of the present invention generally indicated by the reference number 540. The mount 540 is similar to the mount 40 described above, and corresponding parts are designated with corresponding reference numbers. For example, the mount 540 includes a cable segment 522B forming a mount loop 560 and a thimble 580. A securing member 570 secures two cable portions 522A to each other to secure the cable segment 522B in the form of the loop 560. Although not shown, it is understood connectors such as those described above would be provided on ends of the cable sections 522C, 522D. In this embodiment, the securing member 570 includes a frangible portion 570A along which the securing member may be readily torn for releasing the securing member from the cable portions 522A. Accordingly, the cable portions 522A may be readily unsecured by tearing the securing member 570 along the frangible portion 570A. The frangible portion 570A (e.g., a line of perforations) is sized and positioned to permit removal of the securing member 570 from the cable portions 522A when the securing member is torn along the frangible section. In FIG. 13, the securing member 570 is shown torn along the frangible portion 570A and removed from the cable portions 522A. For example, tension applied to the cable sections 522C, 522D may be sufficient to cause the securing member 570 to tear along the frangible section 570A. Thus, when it is no longer desired to use the cable 522 as a lanyard, the mount 540 may be deconstructed by removing the securing member 570 from the cable portions 522A, which permits the cable 522 to be removed from the thimble 580. The cable 522 would then no longer be a lanyard, but merely a transmission or signal cable having connectors at each end.

FIG. 14 illustrates a sixth embodiment of a lanyard of the present invention generally designated by the reference number 620. The lanyard 620 is similar to the lanyard 20, and corresponding features are designated by corresponding reference numbers, plus 600. For example, the lanyard 620 includes a cable 622, first and second connectors 624A, 624B, and a mount 640. In this embodiment, the first connector 624A comprises a tangible computer readable electronic storage medium 631. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first connector 624A comprises a USB flash drive 631 having a male USB connector element 631′. The second connector 624B comprises a cap 641 having a corresponding female connector element 641′ for forming the body part receiving loop 630 by connection to the male USB connector element 631′. The connectors may be transposed or reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention. In this embodiment, the cable 622 may not include a transmission medium without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally or alternatively, the cap 641 of the second connector 624B comprises a tangible computer readable electronic storage medium. If the cap 641 of the second connector element 624B includes a tangible computer readable electronic storage medium, the cable 622 may include a transmission medium for transmitting data from/to the storage medium of connector 624B to the connector element 631′ of the connector 631.

Lanyards according to the present invention may include graphics or text on various parts of the lanyards. For example, a picture, logo, and/or name may be provided on the lanyards. For example, the lanyards may include graphics or text on the connectors (e.g., connectors 24A, 24B), the cable (e.g., cable 22), or the tubing (e.g., tubing 70). For example, the connectors and tubing provide a suitable location when the lanyard is worn for displaying the graphics or text on the person's chest where it may be readily viewed by other persons.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A lanyard wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person, the lanyard comprising:

a cable having first and second ends and a length extending between the ends, the cable including a transmission medium extending along the length of the cable, the transmission medium being operable to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals along the transmission medium between the first and second ends of the cable;

first and second connectors on the respective first and second ends of the cable, the connectors including connector elements in operative communication with the transmission medium and operable to transmit said at least one of electric current signals and light signals;

portions of the cable between the first and second ends being secured together, the secured cable portions having a first side and a second side opposite the first side;

a segment of the cable extending between the secured cable portions on the first side of the secured cable portions defining a mount in the form of a first loop on the first side of the secured cable portions, the first loop being sized for receiving the item for mounting the item on the first loop;

first and second sections of the cable extending from the second side of the secured cable portions to the respective first and second connectors; and

the first and second connectors being configured for releasably connecting to each other for securing the first and second sections of the cable extending from the secured cable portions in the form of a second loop on the second side of the secured cable portions, the second loop when formed being sized for reception on the body part of the person.

2. A lanyard as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first loop is smaller than the second loop.

3. A lanyard as set forth in claim 2 wherein the second loop is sized for reception around a neck of the person.

4. A lanyard as set forth in claim 1 wherein the secured cable portions are secured together by a securing member which overlays the cable portions.

5. A lanyard as set forth in claim 4 wherein the securing member is a piece of tubing received over the cable portions.

6. A lanyard as set forth in claim 5 wherein the tubing is positioned in snug heat shrunk engagement with the cable portions.

7. A lanyard as set forth in claim 4 wherein the securing member includes a frangible portion sized and positioned to permit removal of the securing member from the cable portions when the securing member is torn along the frangible section.

8. A lanyard as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a thimble positioned in the first loop.

9. A lanyard as set forth in claim 8 wherein the thimble includes a curved channel member having a radially outward facing channel, the channel receiving the segment of the cable forming the first loop.

10. A lanyard as set forth in claim 9 wherein the thimble is mated with the securing member.

11. A lanyard as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a thimble positioned in the first loop.

12. A lanyard as set forth in claim 11 wherein the thimble includes a curved channel member having a radially outward facing channel, the channel receiving the segment of the cable forming the first loop.

13. A lanyard as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first and second connectors are configured for being releasably connected directly to each other for securing the first and second sections of the cable in the form of the second loop.

14. A lanyard as set forth in claim 13 wherein the first connector is a male connector and the second connector is a female connector configured for releasably matingly receiving the male connector.

15. A lanyard as set forth in claim 1 further comprising an intermediate connector and wherein the first and second connectors are configured for being releasably connected to each other via connection with the intermediate connector for forming the second loop.

16. A lanyard as set forth in claim 15 wherein the first connector is a male connector having a connector element having a first shape and the second connector is a male connector having a connector element having a connector element having a second shape different than the first shape.

17. A lanyard wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person, the lanyard comprising:

a cable having first and second ends and a length extending between the ends, the cable including a transmission medium extending along the length of the cable, the transmission medium being operable to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals along the transmission medium between the first and second ends of the cable;

first and second connectors on the respective first and second ends of the cable, the connectors including connector elements in operative communication with the transmission medium and operable to transmit said at least one of electric current signals and light signals, the first and second connectors being configured for forming a direct releasable connection of the first and second connectors, the connectors when connected securing the cable in the form of a loop sized for reception on the body part of the person; and

a mount on the cable between the first and second ends of the cable, the mount being adapted for receiving the item for mounting the item on the mount.

18. A lanyard as set forth in claim 17 wherein the first connector is a male connector and the second connector is a female connector configured for releasably matingly receiving the male connector.

19. A lanyard wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person, the lanyard comprising:

a cable having first and second ends and a length extending between the ends, the cable including a transmission medium extending along the length of the cable, the transmission medium being operable to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals along the transmission medium between the first and second ends of the cable;

first and second connectors on the respective first and second ends of the cable, the connectors including connector elements in operative communication with the transmission medium and operable to transmit said at least one of electric current signals and light signals, the first connector element having a shape different than a shape of the second connector element;

an intermediate connector including third and fourth connector elements, the third connector element corresponding to the first connector element and being configured for forming a releasable connection with the first connector element, the fourth connector element corresponding to the second connector element and being configured for forming a releasable connection with the second connector element, the first and third connector elements and the second and fourth connector elements when connected securing the cable in the form of a loop sized for reception on the body part of the person; and

a mount on the cable between the first and second ends of the cable, the mount being adapted for receiving the item for mounting the item on the mount.

20. A lanyard as set forth in claim 19 wherein the first connector element is a male connector element having a first shape and the second connector element is a male connector element having a second shape different than the first shape.

21. A lanyard wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person and for electronically storing information readable by a computer, the lanyard comprising:

a cable having first and second ends and a length extending between the ends, the cable including a mount positioned between the ends of the cable adapted for receiving the item for mounting the item on the mount;

first and second connectors on the respective first and second ends of the cable, the first connector being configured for releasably receiving the second connector for forming a releasable connection of the first and second connectors, the connectors when connected securing the cable in the form of a loop sized for reception on the body part of the person;

at least one of the first and second connectors including a tangible computer readable storage medium, the storage medium being adapted for electronically storing information which is readable by the computer, at least one of the first and second connectors including a connector element in operative communication with the storage medium, the connector element being operative to transmit information electronically stored on the storage medium.

22. A lanyard wearable on a body part of a person for displaying an item on the person, the lanyard comprising:

a first cable having opposite ends and a length extending between the ends, the cable including a transmission medium extending along the length of the cable, the transmission medium being operable to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals along the transmission medium between the ends of the cable;

first and second connectors on respective ends of the first cable, the first and second connectors including connector elements in operative communication with the transmission medium and operable to transmit said at least one of electric current signals and light signals;

a second cable having opposite ends and a length extending between the ends;

third and fourth connectors on respective ends of the second cable;

wherein the first and third connectors are configured for forming a releasable connection of the first and third connectors, the second and fourth connectors are configured for forming a releasable connection of the second and fourth connectors, and the first and third connectors and the second and fourth connectors when connected secure the first and second cables in the form of a loop sized for reception on the body part of the person; and

a mount positioned on one of the first and second cables between the ends of said one of the first and second cables, the mount being adapted for receiving the item.

23. A lanyard as set forth in claim 22 wherein the second cable includes a transmission medium extending along the length of the cable, the transmission medium being operable to transmit at least one of electric current signals and light signals along the transmission medium between the ends of the cable, and wherein the third and fourth connectors include connector elements in operative communication with the transmission medium and are operable to transmit said at least one of electric current signals and light signals.

24. A lanyard as set forth in claim 23 wherein the first connector includes a male connector element, the third connector includes a female connector element, and the male and female connector elements are configured for forming a releasable mating connection.

25. A lanyard as set forth in claim 24 wherein the second connector includes a male connector element, the fourth connector includes a female connector element, and the male and female connector elements are configured for forming a releasable mating connection, the male connector element of the first connector having a first shape and the male connector element of the second connector having a second shape different than the first shape.