Lanyard device for children

Abstract

The lanyard device for children is a device including a collar having a plurality of lanyards detachably secured thereto via an array of rings. Toys or other paraphernalia are detachably secured to the lanyards. The collar may be removably attached to a structure so that the lanyards are within easy reach of the child. The structure could be any structure used to secure a child therein (high chair, stroller, car seat, etc.). The collar and lanyards are designed to prevent the infant from being ensnared therein. The collar rings and lanyards are fabricated in various textures and colors so as to stimulate the infant's sensory perceptions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/923,624 filed Apr. 16, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to accessories for children. More specifically the present invention relates to a lanyard device for children for supporting a variety of toys and other children's paraphernalia in close proximity to a child.

2. Description of the Related Art

While strapped into a car seat, highchair or the like, it seems that infants drop toys or utensils to the floor with monotonous regularity. With a painful howl, the infant demands that the dropped object be returned at once. It is often inconvenient for the caregiver to immediately retrieve the object of the infant's affection. Furthermore the object may pick up dirt and germs from the floor and needs to be wiped cleaned (adding another task for the caregiver) before the object can safely be returned to the infant. The art would certainly welcome a safe device that would support an array of objects (including toys and utensils) within easy reach of an infant and also prevent the objects from falling out of reach if dropped. Thus, a lanyard device for children solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The lanyard device for children is suitable for children from six months to five years of age. The device comprises a collar having a plurality of lanyards detachably secured thereto via an array of rings. Toys or other paraphernalia are detachably secured to the lanyards. The collar may be removably attached to a structure so that the lanyards are within easy reach of the child. For safety reasons, it has been determined that the collar should be attached at least 15″ below the chin of the child. As indicated above, the structure could be any structure used to secure a child therein (highchair, stroller, car seat, etc.). The collar and lanyards are designed to prevent the infant from being ensnared therein. The collar rings and lanyards are fabricated in various textures and colors in order to stimulate the infant's sensory perceptions.

Accordingly, the invention presents an accessory adapted to secure a child's toys and other objects in a manner to prevent such toys and objects from being dropped or thrown. Compact, lightweight and easily transported, the accessory is easily cleaned and is resistant to chemical attacks from mild disinfectants or the hot temperatures and detergents typically found in dishwashers or washing machines. The accessory is devoid of sharp edges, pinch points, and small, removable parts that might inflict cuts or present a choking hazard to the infant. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a lanyard device for children according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lanyard device for children according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial, perspective view of a lanyard device for children according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial, perspective view of the details of a stretchable ring for a lanyard device for children according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial, perspective view of the details of a connector clip for a lanyard device for children according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lanyard device for children according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Attention is first directed to FIGS. 1-3 wherein the lanyard device of the present invention is generally indicated at 10. Lanyard device 10 is supported from a structure 12 in easy reach of an infant C, which infant is strapped in a high chair 14 or the like. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, lanyard device 10 comprises a collar member 16 having an array of loops 16a spaced along the length of the collar. As presently contemplated, collar 16 is provided with seven loops 16a. It should be noted however, that the collar could be designed with more or fewer loops if desired. Collar 16 is fabricated from a sturdy flexible material and has an overall maximum length of approximately twelve inches for safety reasons, as discussed below. A releasable clasp 18 is provided for securing the ends of the collar together. Collar 16 is designed to be non-elastic as a safety feature to prevent ensnarement of the infant's hand, arm or neck between the collar and the structure to which the collar is attached. The small diameter (approximately four inches) of the collar, when secured, provides secure mounting to the structure without the risk of the infant becoming ensnared. A respective ring member 20 is secured in each loop 16a. A respective lanyard 22 is attached to each ring member 20. Each lanyard has a length up to 19.5 inches to ensure that no strangulation hazard is present. Each lanyard is provided with a male snap fastener 24 fixed adjacent each end of each lanyard at an appropriate distance from each end (approximately ¼ of an inch). Female (or male) snap fasteners 26 are spaced along the length of each lanyard and function to receive a male (or female) snap fastener therein. This arrangement allows one end of each lanyard to be removably attached to a respective ring 20. The other end of the lanyard can be adjusted (by selecting the proper female fastener) to secure a toy T (FIG. 1) or other selected objects to a respective lanyard.

The selected objects may include a closable pouch 30 for stowing lanyards not in use, an elastic band connector(s) (to be made available in various sizes) 32 for releasably retaining various sized containers such as a sippy cup 32a (FIG. 4), a small book or the like therein and an adjustable, non-pinching, clip connector 34 (FIG. 5) for retaining items, such as small sunglasses or the like. In some instances certain connectors may be permanently attached to a respective lanyard end in a safe conventional manner (sewing, staples non-toxic glue, etc.). Alternatively, the lanyard may be permanently attached to a respective ring member. In other instances a connector may be attached directly to a ring 20. It should be noted that the playthings, connectors and other paraphernalia that may be attached to the lanyards or rings are innumerable. A master storage container (not shown) may be provided to store all the components of the lanyard device when not in use and to enhance portability. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment that incorporates adjustable buckles 36 for attaching the lanyards to rings 20. Buckles 36 are of the conventional side release type and may be utilized to connect as many lanyards as desired.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A lanyard device for children, comprising:

a collar member having a maximum length, a first end and a second end;

an array of loops disposed on the collar member, the loops being spaced along the length of the collar;

a corresponding ring member engaged in each of the loops;

a corresponding lanyard attached to selected ones of the respective ring members; and

a releasable clasp device attached to the first end and the second end of the collar member, wherein the first end and the second end can be selectively fastened together.

2. The lanyard device for children according to claim 1, wherein said collar member is fabricated from an inelastic material.

3. The lanyard device for children according to claim 1, wherein each of the lanyards has an adjustable length.

4. The lanyard device for children according to claim 1, wherein said maximum length of said collar is approximately twelve inches.

5. The lanyard device for children according to claim 1, wherein each lanyard has a maximum length of 19.5 inches.

6. The lanyard device for children according to claim 1, further including a closable pouch attached to one of the respected ring members.

7. The lanyard device for children according to claim 1, further including an elastic band attached to at least one of the respected lanyards.

8. The lanyard device for children according to claim 1, further including a plastic clip attached to one of the respected lanyards.

9. A lanyard device for children, comprising:

a collar member having a maximum length of approximately twelve inches, a first end and a second end;

an array of loops disposed on the collar member, the loops being spaced along the length of the collar;

a corresponding ring member engaged in at least one of the loops of the array;

a corresponding lanyard, having an adjustable length, attached to each respective ring member; and

a releasable clasp device attached to the first end and the second end of the collar member, wherein the first end and the second end can be selectively fastened together.

10. The lanyard device for children according to claim 9, wherein each of the lanyards has a first end and a second end, the lanyard device further comprising:

corresponding male snap fasteners disposed adjacent each of the first ends and each of the second ends; and

a corresponding array of female snap members disposed along the length of each of the lanyards.

11. The lanyard device for children according to claim 10, wherein said collar member is fabricated from an inelastic material.

12. The lanyard device for children according to claim 10, wherein each said lanyard has a maximum length of 19.5 inches.

13. The lanyard device for children according to claim 10, further including a closable pouch attached to one of the respected ring members.

14. The lanyard device for children according to claim 10, including at least one elastic band attached to one of the lanyards.

15. The lanyard device for children according to claim 10, including a clip attached to one of the respected lanyards.

16. A lanyard device for children, comprising:

a collar member fabricated from inelastic material and having a maximum length of approximately twelve inches, the collar having a first end and a second end;

an array of loops disposed on the collar member, the loops being spaced along the length;

a corresponding ring member engaged in each of the loops of the array;

a corresponding lanyard having an adjustable length attached to each of the ring members; wherein each of the lanyards has a maximum length of 19.5 inches; and

a releasable clasp device attached to the first end and the second end of the collar member, whereby the first end and the second end can be selectively fastened together.

17. The lanyard device for children according to claim 16, wherein each of the lanyards has a first end and a second end, and wherein a corresponding male snap fastener is disposed adjacent each of said first ends and each of said second ends, and a corresponding array of female snap members disposed along the length of each of the lanyards.

18. The lanyard device for children according to claim 17, further including a closable pouch attached to one of the respected ring members.

19. The lanyard device for children according to claim 17, further including at least one elastic band attached to one of the lanyards.

20. The lanyard device for children according to claim 17, further including a clip attached to one of the lanyards.