Plastic molded, stretchable neck strap

Abstract

Disclosed is a neck strap comprising an elongated molded plastic member with integral molded holding members at the ends thereof. In one preferred embodiment, the holding members are designed to hold an ID badge, or convention badge, or a ski pass, or the like. In another embodiment, the neck strap and the holding members are stronger than those used for ID cards or the like, and the unit can support heavier objects, such as glasses, cameras, binoculars, tools, and the like.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority from commonly owned, copending U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/468,042, filed May 5, 2003, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel and inexpensive neck strap to suspend pre-holed badge holders from a person's neck.

[0003] The common, conventional method today for providing an inexpensive, temporary, throw-away badge holder is to use a thin, clear plastic, usually of PVC or other transparent plastic to form the holder, and attach to it an elastic neck cord through two evenly spaced, round “chain holes”. While metal and plastic beaded chain are also commonly used, they are not nearly as inexpensive or as widely used as the thin, “elastic” cord variety normally equipped with “crimped” metal barbs (also known as tagets) fastened to the ends. These barbs (tagets), when inserted through the holes, are inhibited from pulling back through the hole because the length of each barb (approx. ¾″) is larger than the diameter of the hole. The cord is “crimped” mid-way to the metal barb so that the cord exits centrally to the barb. The hole diameters vary from 2.5 mm to 5 mm (approx.) depending on the preferred style of the badge holder manufacturer.

[0004] Due to changing market conditions, both of material and importing costs of “elastic” cord, as well as the secondary built-in labor costs for assembly of barbs, it has become apparent that a more viable product is desired for this “temporary hanging badge” application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] As described in detail below, the neck strap of the present invention comprises an elongated molded plastic member with holding members at the ends thereof. In one preferred embodiment, the holding members are designed to hold an ID badge, or convention badge, or a ski pass, or the like. In another embodiment, the neck strap and the holding members are stronger than those used for ID cards or the like, and the unit can support heavier objects, such as glasses, cameras, binoculars, tools, and the like.

[0006] Thus, the present invention is directed to a neck strap for holding objects comprising an elongate molded plastic member with two integral molded holding members disposed at the ends thereof.

[0007] Advantageously, the neck strap comprises a plastic member that is flexible and stretchable. Preferably, the neck strap further comprises holding members that comprise two anchor ends, each configured in the shape of a “T” or an arrowhead. Preferably, the T-shaped anchor ends comprise a long, relatively thin plastic member perpendicular to a short, relatively thicker plastic member. More preferably, the size, thickness and rigidity of the “T” is such that it will fit through and lock with a hole size of from about 2.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0008] In preferred embodiments, the plastic is injection moldable. Advantageously, the injection moldable plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, rubber-like plastics, and combinations of such materials.

[0009] In the most preferred embodiment, the neck strap for holding objects comprises a flat neck section, optionally transitioning to a pair of relatively thin, round elongated members from each end, with a “T” at each end serving as an anchor member. Advantageously the flat neck section (which may extend the entire length of the strap) is particularly well suited for printing corporate names or logos. Preferably, the horizontal bar of the “T” is about twice the length of the vertical bar, and sized such that the T will pass through and lock with an object having a hole with a diameter of from about 2.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0010] In another embodiment, the neck strap for holding objects comprises a single elongate molded plastic member, about 20 to 40 inches in length, preferably about 30 inches in length, with anchor members at each end. Preferably, the length of the neck strap is about 30 inches in length. Preferably, the anchor members are “T” ends. It will be appreciated that the shape of the elongate member could be any shape, such as for example, true round, oval, flat on one side, or other cross-sectional shapes. Preferably, in addition to the “T” shaped anchors, other “anchor” shaped ends may be used, for example arrowheads, snap rivets, hole plugs, and snap-backs.

[0011] If desired or necessary, the strength of the neck strap can be increased, for example by modifying the material, hardness and thickness of the neck strap, whereby the strap is adapted to accommodate objects of significant weight. Likewise, by modifying the material, hardness and thickness of the anchor members, the anchor members may be adapted to accommodate articles of significant weight. In such cases, the neck strap may further include a safety “breakaway” feature created, for example, by scoring, narrowing, or otherwise weakening any of the sections of the strap or anchors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the neck strap of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the neck strap of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An especially preferred embodiment of this invention provides a novel, disposable, low-cost, molded plastic device for attaching to, and suspending therefrom, a hanging badge through existing or pre-made “chain-holes” used in most plastic badge holders.

[0015] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a one piece molded, flexible, and stretchable plastic neck strap, equipped with two anchor ends, each configured in the shape of a “T”, formed from a long, relatively thin member perpendicular to a short, relatively thicker member to provide the appropriate flexibility for insertion and anchoring the long, thin, stretchable members of the strap through the provided holes.

[0016] Advantageously, the size, thickness and rigidity of the “T” is sized such that it will conveniently fit the standard hole sizes of the industry (e.g., about 2.5 mm to about 5 mm), and resist most normal loads to pull the “T” back through the holes thus acting as an “anchor” for the badge holder.

[0017] The preferred plastic of use will be injection moldable, very flexible, with significant elongation—such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, other rubber type material, or combination of such materials. Advantageously, the finished product is configured so as to be essentially completely flat throughout the structure, including the narrow elongate members at each end. The flat structure becomes a two-sided printable platform—useful for advertising, promotion, identification and the like. Generally the thickness of the flat cross-sections would be from about a few thousandths of an inch (e.g., 0.005 inches) to about 0.010 inches, depending upon the materials used in the formation and the useful lifetime desired for the product. The anchor ends (barbs, arrows, tagets, and the like) should be sufficiently solid to permit them to perform their intended function of holding the badge to the neck strap.

[0018] One preferred configuration (see, FIG. 1) of the finished product comprises a flat, relatively thin neck section (about 8 inches to about 12 inches long by about 0.005 inches wide and about 0.010 inches thick), transitioning to a pair of relatively thin, round elongated members from each end, each round member being about 0.030 inches thick by about 8 inches to about 10 inches long, with a “T” bar end, the horizontal bar of the “T” being approximately twice the length to accommodate the standard range of 2.5 mm to 5 mm diameter holes, commonly employed in the badge holder industry.

[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the geometry of the flat neck section is particularly well suited for printing corporate names or logos. The 30 inch length is a standard in the badge holder industry, however, it is recognized that a wide range and combination of lengths, shapes and/or thicknesses could suffice to successfully accommodate other preferences.

[0020] It should be recognized that different geometric configurations are possible (see, FIG. 2 for instance), where the flat neck portion is eliminated with the result that the completed configuration would be one long tubular member with a pair of anchors, e.g., “T” bars, at the ends. The shape of the elongate member could be any shape, for example, a true round, oval, flat on one side, or other cross-sectional shapes. Further while the “T” bar ends are considered the preferred embodiment of this design, it is recognized that other “anchor” styled ends such as “arrowheads” or snap rivets, hole plugs or other common fasteners including “snap-backs” could be used. The only requirement is that the end of the strap be capable of serving as a holding member.

[0021] It should also be recognized that variations in material length, hardness and thickness of the neck strap of the present invention could be varied to accommodate other applications. For instance, the “T” bar could be sized to fit any “O” type ring, and the material hardened to accommodate articles of significant weight, like binocular, glasses, cell phones and a wide range of tools.

[0022] Further, it is recognized that should an increase in integrity or strength be desired, a safety “breakaway” feature could be built into a number of locations in the neck strap, for example by “scoring”, “narrowing,” or otherwise weakening any of the disparate elements.

[0023] The present invention has been described in detail, including the preferred embodiments thereof. However, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon consideration of the present disclosure, may make modifications and/or improvements on this invention and still be within the scope of this invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A neck strap for holding objects comprising a molded plastic central member with two molded plastic holding members disposed at the ends thereof.

2. The neck strap of claim 1, wherein the central member is flexible and stretchable.

3. The neck strap of claim 1, wherein the holding members are flexible and stretchable.

4. The neck strap of claim 1, wherein the holding members comprise two anchor ends, each configured in the shape of a “T”.

5. The neck strap of claim 3, wherein the T-shaped anchor ends comprise a long, relatively thin plastic member perpendicular to a short, relatively thicker plastic member.

6. The neck strap of claim 3, wherein the size, thickness and rigidity of the “T” is such that it will fit through and lock with an object having holes with a diameter of from about 2.5 mm to 5 mm.

7. The neck strap of claim 1, wherein the plastic is injection moldable.

8. The neck strap of claim 7, wherein the injection moldable plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, rubber-like plastics, and combinations of such materials.

9. A neck strap for holding objects comprising a flat central neck section, transitioning to a pair of relatively thin, round elongated members from each end, with a “T” at each end, serving as an anchor member.

10. The neck strap of claim 9, wherein the flat, relatively thin central neck section is about 8 inches to about 12 inches long, about 0.005 inches wide and about 0.010 inches thick.

11. The neck strap of claim 9, wherein the geometry of the flat central neck section is adapted for printing corporate names or logos.

12. The neck strap of claim 9, wherein the round elongated members extending from each end are about 0.030 inches thick and about 8 inches to 10 inches long.

13. The neck strap of claim 9, wherein the horizontal bar of the “T” is about twice the thickness of the vertical bar.

14. The neck strap of claim 12, wherein the T will pass through and lock with an object having a hole with a diameter of from about 2.5 mm to about 5 mm.

15. A neck strap for holding objects comprising a single elongate molded plastic member, about 20 to 40 inches in length, with anchor members at each end.

16. The neck strap of claim 15, wherein the anchor members are “T” ends.

17. The neck strap of claim 15, wherein the shape of the central or holding members comprises a shape selected from the group consisting of a true round, oval, flat on one side, and other cross-sectional shapes.

18. The neck strap of claim 15, wherein other “anchor” shaped ends are provided selected from the group consisting of arrowheads, snap rivets, hole plugs, and snap-backs.

19. The neck strap of claim 15, wherein by modifying the material, hardness and thickness of the neck strap, the strap is adapted to accommodate objects of significant weight.

20. The neck strap of claim 15, wherein by modifying the material, hardness and thickness of the anchor members, the anchor members are adapted to accommodate articles of significant weight.

21. The neck strap of claim 19, wherein the neck strap further includes a safety breakaway feature created by scoring, narrowing, or otherwise weakening any of the sections of the strap or anchors.