RETRACTABLE RETAINING DEVICES AND RELATED SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS

Abstract

A retaining device assembly. The retaining device assembly may include an attachment element. The retaining device assembly may further include a housing coupled to the attachment element. The housing may include a self-winding reel. The retaining device assembly may further include a line coupled to the housing through the self-winding reel. The retaining device assembly may also include a releasable coupling coupled between the line and the attachment element.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to retaining devices. Specifically, some embodiments relate to retractable retaining devices and related systems, apparatus, and methods.

BACKGROUND

Retaining devices may be used to secure property to a user. For example, a user may use a retaining device to secure items such as keys, access cards, identification (ID) badges, etc. In some embodiments, the retaining devices may be retractable, such as a retractable lanyard. For example, the retaining device may be configured to allow the user to extend the item being secured away from the user's body to engage another component, such as a lock or a card access reader. Once the user releases the item the retaining device may be configured to automatically wind the retaining device, effectively returning the item to the secured location on the user.

Retaining devices may also be used to secure equipment, devices, and/or people to a structure. For example, a retractable lanyard may be used to secure a person to a structure through a harness such that the person may move around the structure. If the person falls from the structure the retractable lanyard may be configured to arrest the person's fall. In some embodiments, a retractable lanyard may be used to temporarily secure equipment to a structure or to secure equipment to a lifting device, such as a hoist or a crane.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a retaining device assembly. The retaining device assembly may include an attachment element. The retaining device assembly may further include a housing coupled to the attachment element. The housing may include a self-winding reel. The retaining device assembly may further include a line coupled to the housing through the self-winding reel. The retaining device assembly may also include a releasable coupling coupled between the line and the attachment element.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lanyard device. The lanyard device may include a housing defining an interior cavity. The lanyard device may further include a self-winding reel coupled to the housing within the interior cavity. The lanyard device may also include a lanyard including a first end and a second end. The first end may be coupled to the self-winding reel within the interior cavity. The second end may extend out of the housing and include a coupling feature. The lanyard device may further include a releasable clip configured to couple the second end of the lanyard to the housing.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a retaining device assembly. The retaining device assembly may include a housing including a self-winding reel. The retaining device assembly may further include an attachment element fixed to the housing on a first side of the housing. The retaining device assembly may also include a lanyard including a first end and a second end. The first end may be coupled to the self-winding reel. The second end may include a coupling feature extending out of the housing on a second side of the housing opposite the first side of the housing. The retaining device assembly may further include a releasable clip including a first end coupled to the attachment element and a second end coupled to the coupling feature configured to releasably couple the coupling feature to the attachment element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming embodiments of the present disclosure, the advantages of embodiments of the disclosure may be more readily ascertained from the following description of embodiments of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a retractable retaining device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of the embodiment of the retractable retaining device of FIG. 1 in an extended position;

FIG. 3 illustrates partial cut-away view of a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a retractable retaining device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of the retractable retaining device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates a view of the embodiment of the retractable retaining device of FIGS. 4-5 in an extended position;

FIG. 7 illustrates an expanded side view of the embodiment of the retractable retaining device of FIGS. 4-6 in an extended position; and

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate views of embodiments of a locking mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular retracting device or component thereof, but are merely idealized representations employed to describe illustrative embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale.

As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a given parameter means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, a parameter that is substantially met may be at least about 90% met, at least about 95% met, at least about 99% met, or even at least about 100% met.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., are generally used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings and do not connote or depend on any specific preference, orientation, or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “and/or” means and includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

FIG. 1 illustrates a retractable retaining device 100. The retractable retaining device 100 may include a housing 104 secured to an attachment element 110 of a strap 114. The housing 104 may be secured to the attachment element 110 by a fixed coupling 102. The strap 114 may be configured to couple the retractable retaining device 100 to a person or a structure. For example, the strap 114 may be a neck strap configured to be worn around the neck of a person. In some embodiments, the strap 114 may be a small strap configured to couple the retractable retaining device 100 to an article of clothing, such as through a belt loop, around a belt, around a button, etc. In some embodiments, the strap 114 may be configured to secure the retractable retaining device 100 to a structure, such as through a tie-off point or a support beam.

In some embodiments, a size of the strap 114 may be adjusted through an adjuster 116. For example, the adjuster 116 may be configured to slide up and down the strap 114 changing a size of a loop 120 formed by the strap 114. In some embodiments, the adjuster 116 may be configured to change a length of the strap 114.

In some embodiments, the strap 114 may include a coupling 118. In some embodiments, the coupling 118 may allow the strap 114 to be opened at the coupling 118 thereby opening the loop 120. For example, the coupling 118 may allow the loop 120 to be opened, such that the strap 114 may be placed around a body part of the user, such as a user's neck. In some embodiments, the coupling 118 may allow the loop 120 to be opened, such that the strap 114 may be placed around a structural component, such as a tie off, beam, structural support, etc. In some embodiments, the coupling 118 may allow the loop 120 to be open, such that the strap 114 may be placed around something worn by the user, such as an article of clothing, a belt, a belt loop, etc.

In some embodiments, the coupling 118 may be configured to release under tension for user safety. For example, if a user works around mechanical equipment, the coupling 118 may be configured to release opening the loop 120 if the retractable retaining device 100 is caught in a piece of machinery such that the user is not pulled into the machinery by the retractable retaining device 100.

The housing 104 may be coupled to the attachment region 110 through a fixed coupling 102. In some embodiments, the fixed coupling 102 may include an eyelet 124 fixed to the housing 104. In some embodiments, the fixed coupling 102 may include a coupler 122, such as a ring, a strap, a crimp, a button, a snap, loop, etc. In some embodiments, the eyelet 124 may be fixed to the housing 104. In some embodiments, the eyelet 124 and/or the coupler 122 may be configured to swivel with respect to the housing 104. In some embodiments, the eyelet 124 and/or the coupler 122 may be configured to pivot and/or bend with respect to the housing 104.

The retractable retaining device 100 may include a coupling feature 112. The coupling feature 112 may be coupled to the retractable retaining device 100 through an extendable end 106 extending from the housing 104. The extendable end 106 may be coupled to the housing 104 through a line 108 (e.g., a cable, a string, a wire, a lanyard, etc.).

The coupling feature 112 may be configured to couple to personal property, equipment, devices, harnesses, etc. For example, the coupling feature 112 may be coupled to personal property such as access control devices (e.g., key cards, keys, access badges, etc.) or identification material (e.g., identification badges, credentials, etc.)

The extendable end 106 may include an eyelet 128 and/or a coupler 126 configured to couple the extendable end 106 to the line 108. In some embodiments, the eyelet 128 may be fixed to the line 108. In some embodiments, the eyelet 128 and/or the coupler 126 may be configured to swivel with respect to the line 108.

FIG. 2 illustrates the retractable retaining device 100 with the extendable end 106 extended away from the housing 104. The line 108 may extend from the housing 104, such that the extendable end 106 may be coupled to the housing 104 through the line 108 in the extended position. As described above, the coupling feature 112 may be coupled to personal property, such as access control devices or identification material. The retractable retaining device 100 may enable the wearer to extend the personal property away from the wearer's body to use the personal property. For example, if the personal property includes an access control device, the wearer may extend the access control device away from the wearer's body to gain access, such as by scanning an access badge, unlocking a door, inserting a key into a lock, etc. If the personal property include identification materials, the wearer may extend the identification materials away from the body to be inspected by security personnel.

The housing 104 may be configured to retain the line 108 when the retractable retaining device 100 is not in the extended position. In some embodiments, the line 108 may be wrapped around a spool inside the housing 104. In some embodiments, the housing 104 may be configured to retract the line 108 into the housing 104 when no force is applied to the extendable end 106 extending the extendable end 106 away from the housing 104.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cutaway view of the housing 104. The housing 104 may define an internal cavity 306 within the housing 104. The housing 104 may enclose a self-winding reel 304. The line 108 may be wound over the self-winding reel 304. One end of the line 108 may be connected to the reel periphery, while a second end may extend through the housing and coupled to the eyelet 128.

The self-winding reel 304 may include a spiral spring 302 that may allow the line 108 to be extended away from the housing 104 and retracted into the housing 104 upon its release. For example, the spiral spring 302 may be configured to retract the line 108 when only the weight of standard access control devices and/or identification materials are applied to the second end of the line 108. The user may apply a greater force to the second end of the line 108 extending the line 108 out of the housing 104 and winding the spiral spring 302 into a tighter coil. When the user releases the second end of the line 108 the spiral spring 302 may retract the line 108 back into the housing 104 by returning to a resting position.

In some cases, the person that the personal property, equipment, or device is secured to with the retractable retaining device may move around other equipment, structures, or furniture. The personal property, equipment, and/or device may catch on the other equipment, structures or furniture causing the retractable retaining device to extend. In some cases, extending the retractable retaining device in this manner may damage the retractable retaining device and/or cause an injury.

Similarly, when the retractable retaining device is configured to secure equipment, devices, or people to a structure, the retractable retaining device may catch on structural devices, equipment, etc., as the person, equipment, or device is moved. For example, before a person is secured to a structure with the retractable retaining device, the retractable retaining device may be secured to the person. As the person moves relative to the structure, such as moving to a securing location, the retractable retaining device may catch on structure or equipment and extend. The extending retractable retaining device may cause the person to lose their balance and/or fall potentially causing injury or damage.

In some cases, one may use a retractable retaining device to secure heavy personal property, such as keys or electronics that may overpower the spiral spring 302. The heavy personal property may cause the retractable retaining device to extend due to the weight of the heavy personal property. The unintentional extension of the retaining device may cause items to be lost from the retractable retaining device and/or may cause the wearer to trip over the heavy personal property.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may enable a user to secure a retractable retaining device in a non-extended position until the user is ready to extend the retractable retaining device. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a retractable retaining device 400. The retractable retaining device 400 may include a housing 406 coupled to an attachment element 410. As described above, the attachment element 410 may be configured to couple the retractable retaining device 400 to a person or a structure. For example, the attachment element 410 may include a neck strap configured to couple the retractable retaining device 400 to the neck of a person. In some embodiments, the attachment element 410 may be configured to couple the retractable retaining device 400 to an article of clothing, such as through a belt loop, around a belt, around a button, etc. In some embodiments, the attachment element 410 may be configured to secure the retractable retaining device 400 to a structure, such as through a tie-off point or a support beam.

The housing 406 may be coupled to the attachment element 410 on a fixed end 404 of the housing 406. An extendable end 408 may be coupled to an opposite end of the housing 406 from the fixed end 404. The extendable end 408 may be coupled to the housing 406 through a line 502 (FIG. 5) (e.g., cable, string, lanyard, etc.). As described above, the housing may be configured to retract the line 502 into the housing 406. The housing 406 may include a self-winding reel 304 and a spiral spring 302 (FIG. 3) configured to wind the line 502 into the housing 406 retracting the extendable end 408 of the retractable retaining device 400.

The extendable end 408 may include a coupling feature 416 configured to couple the retractable retaining device 400 to personal property, such as access control devices and/or identification materials. The extendable end 408 may further include a lock coupler 412 configured to secure the extendable end 408 to the fixed end 404. For example, the lock coupler 412 may be coupled to a locking mechanism 414, such as a clip, buckle, snap, latch, etc. The locking mechanism 414 may be coupled to the fixed end 404 through a fixed lock coupler 402.

The locking mechanism 414 may be configured to be a releasable locking mechanism. For example, the locking mechanism 414 may be a clip configured to secure the extendable end 408 to the fixed end 404 when the line 502 is fully retracted into the housing 406. The locking mechanism 414 may allow a user to release the locking mechanism 414 such that the extendable end 408 may be extended away from the housing 406. The user may then re-engage the locking mechanism 414 when the extendable end 408 no longer needs to be extended from the housing 406. For example, if access control devices are coupled to the coupling feature 416, the user may release the locking mechanism 414 when passing through multiple access points. After the user has passed through the multiple access points, the user may re-engage the locking mechanism 414 securing the extendable end 408 to the fixed end 404, such that the extendable end 408 does not extend away from the housing 406 unless the locking mechanism 414 is first released by the user.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the retractable retaining device 400. The housing 406 may be coupled to the attachment element 410 through an eyelet 508 and/or a coupler 504 on the fixed end 404 of the housing 406. In some embodiments, the fixed lock coupler 402 may be coupled to the attachment element 410 of the retractable retaining device 400. In some embodiments, the fixed lock coupler 402 may be coupled to the coupler 504. For example, the fixed lock coupler 402 and the coupler 504 may be straps. The fixed lock coupler 402 may be coupled to the coupler 504 through stitching. In some embodiments, the fixed lock coupler 402 may be coupled to the coupler 504 through mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, buttons, snaps, etc. In some embodiments, the fixed lock coupler 402 may be coupled directly to the housing 406. For example, the fixed lock coupler 402 may be coupled to the eyelet 508 on the fixed end 404 of the housing 406.

The fixed lock coupler 402 may be coupled to a first locking end 516 of the locking mechanism 414. The first locking end 516 of the locking mechanism 414 may be configured to engage with a second locking end 514 of the locking mechanism 414. For example, the first locking end 516 may be configured to be inserted into the second locking end 514. In some embodiments, the second locking end 514 may be configured to be inserted into the second locking end 514.

The second locking end 514 may be coupled to the lock coupler 412 of the extendable end 408. In some embodiments, the lock coupler 412 may be coupled to the coupling feature 416. In some embodiments, the lock coupler 412 may be coupled to the coupler 506 of the extendable end 408. For example, the lock coupler 412 and the coupler 506 may be straps. The lock coupler 412 may be coupled to the coupler 506 through stitching. In some embodiments, the lock coupler 412 may be coupled to the coupler 506 through mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, buttons, snaps, etc. In some embodiments, the lock coupler 412 may be coupled to the line 502 through an eyelet 510. For example, the lock coupler 412 may be coupled to the same eyelet 510 as the coupler 506.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 414 may be configured to rest against a flat side of the housing 406, such that an opposite face 512 of the housing 406 is substantially free from the locking mechanism 414. For example, the locking mechanism 414 may rest against a rear face of the housing 406 leaving the opposite face 512 (e.g., front face) substantially free from encumbrance. In some embodiments, the face 512 may be substantially flat. In some embodiments, the face 512 may be configured to display a graphic, such as a logo.

FIG. 6 illustrates the retractable retaining device 400 in an expanded position. The first locking end 516 may be disengaged from the second locking end 514. Once the first locking end 516 and the second locking end 514 are disengaged, the locking mechanism 414 may allow the extendable end 408 to extend away from the housing 406.

As described above, the housing 406 may enclose a self-winding reel. The line 502 may be wound over the self-winding reel. One end of the line 502 may be connected to the reel periphery, while a second end may extend through the housing and coupled to the eyelet 510.

The self-winding reel may include a spiral spring that may allow the line 502 to be extended away from the housing 406 and retracted into the housing 406 upon its release. For example, the spiral spring may be configured to retract the line 502 when only the weight of standard access control devices and/or identification materials are applied to the second end of the line 502. The user may apply a greater force to the second end of the line 502 extending the line 502 out of the housing 406 and winding the spiral spring into a tighter coil. When the user releases the second end of the line 502 the spiral spring may return to a resting position and retract the line 502 back into the housing 406.

In some embodiments, the second locking end 514 may be configured to slide along the lock coupler 412. For example, the second locking end 514 may be coupled to the lock coupler 412 through an eyelet 602. The lock coupler 412 may be a strap. In some embodiments, the lock coupler 412 may form a loop 608 between a first connection point 604 and a second connection point 606. For example, the lock coupler 412 may be coupled to the line 502 through the eyelet 510 at the first connection point 604 and the lock coupler 412 may be coupled to the coupler 506 at the second connection point 606. The lock coupler 412 may pass through the eyelet 602 of the second locking end 514, such that the second locking end 514 is positioned within the loop 608 formed by the lock coupler 412. The eyelet 602 of the second locking end 514 may allow the second locking end 514 to slide along the lock coupler 412 between the first connection point 604 and the second connection point 606.

In some embodiments, the first locking end 516 may remain in substantially the same position when the retractable retaining device 400 is in the extended position as when the retractable retaining device 400 is in the retracted position. For example, the first locking end 516 may be positioned adjacent to a rear face of the housing 406. When the retractable retaining device 400 is in the retracted position the first locking end 516 may be engaged with the second locking end 514 in the position adjacent to the rear face of the housing 406. When the second locking end 514 is disengaged from the first locking end 516, the second locking end 514 may move along the lock coupler 412 as described above. The first locking end 516 may remain in substantially the same position adjacent to the rear face of the housing 406.

In some embodiments, the fixed lock coupler 402 may form a loop between a first connection point and a second connection point similar to the lock coupler 412 described above. In some embodiments, the first locking end 516 may be configured to slide along the fixed lock coupler 402 similar to the second locking end 514 described above. In some embodiments, the fixed lock coupler 402 may be coupled to the fixed end 404 on a first end 610 of the fixed lock coupler 402 and coupled to the first locking end 516 on a second end 612 of the fixed lock coupler 402.

In some embodiments, the lock coupler 412 may be a movable connection, such as a pivoting connection or a bending connection. For example, the lock coupler 412 may be configured to limit movement of the second locking end 514 relative to the extendable end 408 to a single direction rotation about an axis of the lock coupler 412. In some embodiments, the lock coupler 412 may be a rigid connection, such that the second locking end 514 may not move relative to the extendable end 408.

In some embodiments, the fixed lock coupler 402 may be a movable connection, such as a pivoting connection or a bending connection. For example, the fixed lock coupler 402 may be configured to limit movement of the first locking end 516 relative to the housing 406 to rotation about an axis of the fixed lock coupler 402. In some embodiments, the fixed lock coupler 402 may be a rigid connection, such that the first locking end 516 may not move relative to the housing 406.

FIG. 7 illustrates an expanded view of the retractable retaining device 400 in the area around the housing 406. In some embodiments, the coupler 506 and the lock coupler 412 on the extendable end 408 may be formed from the same component. For example, the coupler 506 and the lock coupler 412 may be formed from a substantially continuous strap 706. The strap 706 may form the loop 608. For example, the strap 706 may pass through both the eyelet 602 of the second locking end 514, the eyelet 510 coupled to the line 502, and the coupling feature 416. In some embodiments, the strap 706 may be secured to itself in at least one location such as the second connection point 606. The strap 706 may be secured to itself through stitching, crimping, melting, hardware (e.g., snap, rivet, button, etc.), weaving, etc.

If the strap 706 is secured to itself at the second connection point 606, the strap 706 may define a second loop 710. For example, the second loop 710 may be configured to couple the strap 706 to the coupling feature 416 and the loop 608 may be configured to couple the strap 706 to the second locking end 514 and the line 502. In some embodiments, the loop 608 may be larger than the second loop 710. The separate loops 608 and 710 may allow the second locking end 514 to move along the strap 706 relative to the line 502 but substantially prevent the coupling feature 416 from moving relative to the line 502 and/or the second locking end 514.

In some embodiments, the coupler 504 and the fixed lock coupler 402 on the fixed end 404 may be formed from the same component. For example, the coupler 504 and the fixed lock coupler 402 may be formed from a substantially continuous strap 708. The strap 708 may form a loop 704. For example, the strap 708 may pass through the eyelet 508 of the housing 406, an eyelet 702 of the first locking end 516, and the attachment element 410. In some embodiments, the strap 708 may be secured to itself in at least one location such as at or near the first end 610 of the fixed lock coupler 402. The strap 708 may be secured to itself through stitching, crimping, melting, hardware (e.g., snap, rivet, button, etc.), weaving, etc.

If the strap 708 is secured to itself at the first end 610 of the fixed lock coupler 402, the strap 708 may define a second loop 712. For example, the second loop 712 may be configured to couple the strap 708 to the attachment element 410 and the loop 704 may be configured to couple the strap 708 to the first locking end 516 and the housing 406. In some embodiments, the loop 704 may be larger than the second loop 712. The separate loops 704 and 712 may allow the first locking end 516 to move along the strap 708 relative to the housing 406 but substantially prevent the attachment element 410 from moving relative to the housing 406 and/or the first locking end 516.

The locking mechanism 414 may include releasable clips, hooks, buckles, snaps, etc. FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate exemplary embodiments of the locking mechanism 414. FIG. 8A illustrates a three pronged clip embodiment of the locking mechanism 414A. The locking mechanism 414A may include a first locking end 516A and a second locking end 514A. The first locking end 516A may include an eyelet 702A configured to receive a fixed lock coupler 402 as described above. The second locking end 514A may include an eyelet 602 configured to receive a lock coupler 412 as described above.

The first locking end 516A may be configured to be inserted into a receiving aperture 806 of the second locking end 514A. The first locking end 516A may include multiple prongs extending from the first locking end 516A. For example, the first locking end 516A may include one or more locking prongs 802. In some embodiments, the first locking end 516A may include two locking prongs 802 positioned on opposite sides of the first locking end 516A. The one or more locking prongs 802 may be configured to interface with a locking surface 808 on the second locking end 514A

The first locking end 516A may include one or more locating prongs 804 extending from the first locking end 516A. For example, the first locking end 516A may include a central locating prong 804 configured to interact with a feature in the second locking end 514A. In some embodiments, the locating prong 804 may be configured to position the first locking end 516A relative to the second locking end 514A when the first locking end 516A is inserted into the receiving aperture 806 of the second locking end 514A. Positioning the first locking end 516A relative to the second locking end 514A may enable the locking prongs 802 to interface correctly with the locking surface 808 of the second locking end 514A, such that the first locking end 516A may be secured to the second locking end 514A.

The locking prongs 802 may be formed from a resilient material. For example, the locking prongs 802 may be flexible and biased outward, such that the locking prongs 802 may compress toward the central locating prong 804 when being inserted into the receiving aperture 806 and then move back to an outward position when the locking prongs 802 reach the locking surface 808 of the second locking end 514A. The locking mechanism 414A may be releasable by compressing the locking prongs 802 manually toward the central locating prong 804 and disengaging the locking prongs 802 from the locking surface 808 of the second locking end 514A.

FIG. 8B illustrates another embodiment of a locking mechanism 414B. The locking mechanism 414B may include a first locking end 516B and a second locking end 514B. Each of the first locking end 516B and the second locking end 514B may include respective eyelets 602B, 702B configured to couple the locking mechanism 414B to the retractable retaining device 400 as described above.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 414B may include a substantially planar locking plate 812 configured to engage a locking aperture 810. For example, the first locking end 516B may include the locking plate 812 biased from the first locking end 516B such that the locking plate 812 extends away from a face of the first locking end 516A at an angle. The locking plate 812 may be coupled to the first locking end 516B at a front portion 822 of the first locking end 516B. The locking plate 812 may extend at an angle from the front portion 822 of the first locking end 516B toward the eyelet 702B of the first locking end 516B, such that the locking plate 812 extends above the face of the first locking end 516B in an area near the eyelet 702B.

When the first locking end 516B is inserted into the second locking end 514B, the extended portion of the locking plate 812 may engage the locking aperture 810 securing the first locking end 516B in the second locking end 514B. The locking mechanism 414B may be releasable by compressing the locking plate 812 toward the face of the first locking end 516B and disengaging the locking plate 812 from the locking aperture 810, such that the first locking end 516B may be removed from the second locking end 514B.

FIG. 8C illustrates another embodiment of a locking mechanism 414C. The locking mechanism 414C may include a first locking end 516C and a second locking end 514C. Each of the first locking end 516C and the second locking end 514C may include respective eyelets 602C, 702C configured to couple the locking mechanism 414C to the retractable retaining device 400 as described above.

In some embodiments, the first locking end 516C may include a locking aperture 814 defined within a face of the first locking end 516C. The first locking end 516C may be configured to be inserted into a receiving aperture 820 of the second locking end 514C. The second locking end 514C may include a locking plate 818 configured to engage the locking aperture 814 of the first locking end 516C after the first locking end 516C is inserted into the receiving aperture 820 of the second locking end 514C.

The second locking end 514C may include one or more releases 816 on the body of the second locking end 514C. The releases 816 may be configured to disengage the locking plate 818 from the locking aperture 814. For example, the first locking end 516C may be inserted into the receiving aperture 820 of the second locking end 514C. The locking plate 818 may be biased toward the receiving aperture 820 in the second locking end 514C such that the locking plate 818 may be inserted into the locking aperture 814 once the first locking end 516C is inserted into the receiving aperture 820 of the second locking end 514C. The locking plate 818 may engage the locking aperture 814 of the first locking end 516C securing the first locking end 516C in the second locking end 514C. The releases 816 may be configured to lift the locking plate 818 out of the locking aperture 814 disengaging the locking plate 818 from the locking aperture 814 and allowing the first locking end 516C to be removed from the receiving aperture 820 of the second locking end 514C.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may enable a retractable lanyard to be selectively secured or locked. Selectively securing a retractable lanyard may enable the wearer to control when the lanyard can be extended. This may prevent unintentionally extending the lanyard by catching the lanyard on furniture, equipment, and/or structures when the wearer moves around. Unintentionally extending the lanyard may damage equipment or the retractable lanyard. In some cases, unintentionally extending the lanyard may cause injury to the wearer or others in the vicinity. For example, if the wearer is unaware that the lanyard caught on furniture, equipment, or a structure while moving the sudden catch when the lanyard extends to its full length may cause the wearer to lose their balance and/or fall. In some cases, the extended lanyard may create a tripping hazard that may cause a person passing by to trip over the extended lanyard. Preventing unintentional extensions of the lanyard may substantially prevent injury and/or damage caused by an unintentionally extended lanyard, while enabling the wearer to retain the benefits of a retractable lanyard.

The embodiments of the disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of the disclosure, which is encompassed by the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, various modifications of the disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein, such as alternative useful combinations of the elements described, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Such modifications and embodiments also fall within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

1. A retaining device assembly comprising:

an attachment element;

a housing coupled to the attachment element, the housing comprising a self-winding reel;

a line coupled to the housing through the self-winding reel; and

a releasable coupling coupled between the line and the attachment element.

2. The retaining device assembly of claim 1, wherein the releasable coupling comprises a first locking end and a second locking end.

3. The retaining device assembly of claim 2, wherein the first locking end is secured to the attachment element.

4. The retaining device assembly of claim 2, wherein the first locking end is secured to the housing.

5. The retaining device assembly of claim 2, wherein the second locking end is secured to the line.

6. The retaining device assembly of claim 2, wherein the first locking end is configured to releasably lock into the second locking end.

7. The retaining device assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment element comprises a neck strap.

8. The retaining device assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment element comprises a clip configured to secure the retaining device assembly to an article of clothing.

9. The retaining device assembly of claim 1, wherein the self-winding reel comprises a spring.

10. A lanyard device comprising:

a housing defining an interior cavity;

a self-winding reel coupled to the housing within the interior cavity;

a line comprising a first end and a second end; the first end coupled to the self-winding reel within the interior cavity; the second end extending out of the housing and comprising a coupling feature; and

a releasable clip configured to couple the second end of the line to the housing.

11. The lanyard device of claim 10, wherein the releasable clip comprises a first end and a second end.

12. The lanyard device of claim 11, wherein the first end of the releasable clip comprises an eyelet.

13. The lanyard device of claim 12, wherein the first end of the releasable clip is coupled to the second end of the line through the eyelet.

14. The lanyard device of claim 13, wherein the coupling feature comprises a strap coupled to the second end of the line passing through the eyelet.

15. The lanyard device of claim 11, wherein the second end of the releasable clip is coupled to the housing.

16. The lanyard device of claim 11, wherein the first end of the releasable clip is configured to receive the second end of the releasable clip.

17. The lanyard device of claim 16, wherein the second end of the releasable clip is configured to releasably latch to the first end of the releasable clip.

18. A retaining device assembly comprising:

a housing comprising a self-winding reel;

an attachment element fixed to the housing on a first side of the housing;

a line comprising a first end and a second end; the first end coupled to the self-winding reel; the second end comprising a coupling feature extending out of the housing on a second side of the housing opposite the first side of the housing; and

a releasable clip comprising a first end coupled to the attachment element and a second end coupled to the coupling feature configured to releasably couple the coupling feature to the attachment element.

19. The retaining device assembly of claim 18, wherein the attachment element comprises a strap forming a loop coupling the attachment element to the housing and the first end of the releasable clip.

20. The retaining device assembly of claim 18, wherein the coupling feature comprises a strap forming a loop coupling the coupling feature to the second end of the line and the second end of the releasable clip.