Lanyard with pocket

Abstract

A lanyard includes at least one portion around its perimeter configured to securely hold an item such as, for example, a writing implement for easy and ready access. In particular, the lanyard may include at least one loop portion through which the writing implement, or device, may be inserted. Various techniques for securing the writing implement, or device, within the loop are contemplated. Additionally, the attachment of safety equipment to the lanyard improves its versatility as well.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications 61/215,643 (filed May 7, 2009), 61/199,079 (filed Nov. 13, 2008), and 61/201,912 (filed Dec. 16, 2008), all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a wearable apparatus and more particularly with an apparatus typically worn around a person's neck that facilitates storage of a writing implement, or similar device.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

There are numerous instances throughout a person's day that they have a need for ready and simple access to a writing implement or other small device like a screwdriver, flashlight, cigarette lighter, or specialized tool. Often people simply stuff these items such as pens, pencils, or markers in a pocket or in a fashion accessory such as a purse, fanny pack or backpack. Because of this, a number of utility devices have been devised that help simplify storage and retrieval of writing implements from such locations. However, these solutions have their own drawbacks such as potential injury due to being stuck by the implement in a pocket, potentially leaking ink or otherwise staining clothing, and fishing around in large pockets in an inefficient search for the implement.

In many instances in today's society, the lanyard has become a common accessory at work and during recreation. As commonly conceived, a lanyard is looped around a wearer's neck so that it extends downward in front of the wearer. At the far end of the lanyard is usually some kind of fastening device for connecting a separate device. As is known, these devices can include identification cards, whistle, electronic fobs, keys, etc.

Equipment that aids in protecting people under potentially dangerous conditions comes in a variety of forms and provide a variety of functions. However, safety equipment is only effective if it actually worn and properly used. And even though a person may know it is better for them to use safety equipment in a particular situation, everyone does not always do so. The excuses or rationalizations for doing so are numerous and sometimes are the fault of the person; however, the safety equipment itself can contribute to a person's reluctance to use it because it is cumbersome, easy to forget, or difficult to use.

Two particular areas of safety equipment that are typically useful are hearing protection and eye protection. Safety glasses or regular eyewear are useful in a wide variety environments to help protect a wearer's eyes from debris, dust, flying particles and the like. A retaining strap of some sort is particularly useful in that it helps keep the eyewear in place around a person's neck and it helps keep the eyewear securely in place when the eyewear is being used. Ear protection is another useful type of safety equipment that comes in a wide variety of styles. Individual foam ear plugs are useful but can be easily forgotten and, even if remembered, are typically stuffed in a person's pocket from where they need to be retrieved before being useful.

There remains, as of yet, an unmet need for a combination eyewear retainer and/or ear protection device that provides simplicity, flexibility, and ready customization for various sized users.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a lanyard that includes at least one portion around its perimeter configured to securely hold an item such as, for example, a writing implement for easy and ready access. In particular, the lanyard may include at least one loop portion through which the writing implement may be inserted. Various techniques for securing the writing implement within the loop are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Additionally, safety equipment such a eyeglass retaining devices and hearing protection may also be attached to the lanyard.

It is understood that other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein it is shown and described only various embodiments of the invention by way of illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various aspects of a lanyard, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts another embodiment of a lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts yet another embodiment of a lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an additional feature compatible with a lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of a lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict attachment adapters in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C depict safety devices attachable to a lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts another embodiment of a lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In general, the lanyard includes a left half 101 and a right half 102 that form a loop of material that is configured to fit around a wearer's neck. The lengths of the lanyard may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. The length, for example, may be chosen based on the size of the wearer, the intended use of the lanyard, or a combination of both. Also, the length may be adjustable in nature as well. Typically, the lanyard will include a lower portion near where the bottom ends of the two halves 101, 102 connect that is configured to connect to some device or article that the wearer wants quick, ready and easy access to. In FIG. 1, for example, the lanyard includes a transition portion 114 that couples with a hook 112. The transition portion 114 can be, for example, a quick-connect device such that something on the hook 112 may be disconnected from the lanyard 100. Alternatively, the lower portion may be an extendable/retractable connector as well. One of ordinary skill will recognize that various, different connectors are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As for material of construction, the lanyard 100 may be made from any material suitable for the environment to which the lanyard will be exposed. Thus, the lanyard 100 may be made from a waterproof material for certain environments but may also be made from a cloth material for less-harsh environments. The material made be selected for ease of cleaning or to improve its visibility or to have certain electromagnetic or temperature characteristics. In some circumstances, the material may be elastic and in other circumstances, the material may be selected for its wear and abrasion resistance.

One optional safety feature depicted in FIG. 1 is a break-free, or break-away, connector 108. As known to one of ordinary skill, such a connector may be made that exhibits a predetermined break-free force. If more force is applied than the break-free amount, then the connector separates. In this way, the lanyard 100 may be prevented from injuring or strangling a wearer if the lanyard were to become lodged in moving machinery or a similar situation.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the lanyard 100 includes at least one portion, or pocket, 104 that is configured to securely and easily hold a device such as, for example, a writing implement 110. As shown in FIG. 1, the lanyard 100 includes two portions, or pockets, for holding a respective writing implement. However, all embodiments of the present invention do not require exactly two such pockets 104 be present. For example, only one pocket may be used and, alternatively, if sized properly, more than two pockets 104 may be included as well around the perimeter of the lanyard 100.

The pockets 104 are shown near the bottom of the lanyard 100 because this location provides a number of benefits to the wearer such as positioning the pockets 104 at a location that is easily accessible. However, the pockets 104 may be located at different locations along the perimeter of the lanyard 100 without departing from the intended scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a pocket on one side of the lanyard may be located at a different height that a pocket on the other side of the lanyard.

The exemplary pocket 104 of FIG. 1 has a cylindrical tube shape that may be formed by a loop of material that is attached to the lanyard 100 such as, for example, by sewing. Other ways of connecting the loop to the lanyard 102 are contemplated as well. The diameter of the loop, the length of the loop, the type of material of the loop, and the thickness of the material of the loop may all vary to accommodate different devices or writing implements without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although not shown, the pocket 104 may also be formed inside the lanyard 100, if the lanyard has an appropriate construction. For example, if the lanyard 100 is a closed tube of material, then a pocket 104 may be formed simply by cutting a slit into the material of the lanyard. Much like the cavity where a drawstring is located on a pair of sweatpants, a similar cavity may be formed within the lanyard to hold a writing implement or other device.

The particular embodiment of FIG. 1 shows an opening 106 located at the top of the pocket 104. Thus, as shown, the writing implement 110 would be inserted downwardly into the opening 106. The bottom of the pocket 104 may be closed so that the writing implement 110 does not improperly slip out of the bottom of the pocket 104. Alternatively, the bottom of the pocket 104 may be open such that a clip or other fastener on the writing implement 110 secures the writing implement 110 within the pocket 104.

In one particular embodiment, the material of the lanyard 100 may be one half of a hook-and-loop fastener such as Velcro® or the like. In this way, the pocket 104 may be unnecessary to secure a writing apparatus or other implement to the lanyard 100. For example, if the lanyard 100 has a portion of material which were the “hooks”, then a portion of “loops” could be attached to an implement (e.g., via adhesive or a stick-on piece) so that the implement could be readily and easily attached to the lanyard 100 so as to be conveniently available to the wearer. If the pocket 104 is desired, they could be permanently attached or they can be attached and removed using a similar hook-and-loop fastener system. Substantially the entire lanyard 100 may be fabricated from a material that incorporates the “loops” (or the “hooks”) on its outside surface so that implements can be attached almost anywhere along the lanyard's length. Alternatively, just a portion of the lanyard 100 may be constructed of such a material with the remaining portion being constructed from more traditional materials. In one embodiment, one side of the lanyard 100 may provide the “hooks” while the other side provides the “loops”. In this way, implements having either hooks or loops can be attached to the same lanyard.

FIG. 2 depicts another embodiment of a lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In this embodiment, the opening 202 is on the bottom of the pocket 204 such that a writing implement is inserted upwardly into the pocket 204. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the portion of the pocket 204 that is opposite the opening 202 may, itself, be either open or closed.

FIG. 3 depicts yet another embodiment of a lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the pocket 304 includes a flap 302 that covers an opening in the pocket 304. This flap 302 may securely close the pocket 304 by any of a variety of means such as, for example, Velcro, button, snap, zipper, etc. In this way, a writing implement or other device without its own clip or fastener may be securely held within the lanyard 100. A separate flap (not shown) could also be included at the lower end of the pocket 304 if desired. One of ordinary skill will recognize that the lanyard of FIG. 3 may be easily modified to include a flap on both ends of the pocket 304. In this way, the wearer can elect to insert the writing implement either downwardly or upwardly into the pocket 304. Likewise, the writing implement may be retrieved from either direction as well.

Although FIGS. 2 and 3 showed only one side of the lanyard, it is contemplated that two or more such pockets may be included in a lanyard, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, similar to the lanyard shown in FIG. 1. Also, the use of the phrase “writing implement” is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. One of ordinary skill will recognize that the pockets on the lanyards discussed herein may also hold a variety of articles such as magic markers, pens, tampons, pencils, carpenter pencils, laser pointers, penlights, medicine (e.g., Epi-Pen), screwdrivers, lighters, cigarettes, nails, rolled-up money, lip stick, chalk, etc.

The pocket may be constructed of elastic material such as spandex or the like so that it provides a firm grip on the device that is inserted therein. Also, although a tubular-shaped pocket has been discussed in the above description, pockets having other cross-sectional shapes are contemplated as well. For example, square or triangular cross-sections may be used to accommodate custom shaped devices having a similar cross section.

FIG. 4 depicts an additional feature compatible with a lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention. From the side view of the lanyard 100 in FIG. 4, a leash or tether 408 is shown connected to the lower portions of the lanyard 100 on the side that is closest to the wearer when the lanyard is worn. The purpose of the leash 408 is to prevent the bottom portion of the lanyard 100 from swinging away from the wearer when the wearer is bent over or in a similar position. Thus, even though FIG. 4 depicts the leash 408 being connected to the lanyard 100 at the transition portion 114, the actual connection location may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, locating the leash 408 relatively low on the lanyard 100 will prevent the most amount of movement of an article attached at the bottom of the lanyard 100.

The leash may be formed integrally with the lanyard 100 or be an optional item that can be connected/disconnected when desired. The leash 408, for example, may have a connecting portion 402, a linking portion 404 and an anchoring portion 406. The connecting portion 402 is configured to couple with the lanyard 100. To facilitate this coupling, the lanyard 100 may have incorporated therein a structure or device to assist the connecting portion 402 to securely couple to. Buttons, snaps, Velcro, tacks and the like may all be used to couple the leash 408 and the lanyard 100. The linking portion 404 is designed to limit the movement of an article connected to the lanyard; thus, its length can be customized for an intended purpose without departing from the scope of the present invention. The linking portion 404 may be elastic or may be unstretchable depending on the intended use. The anchoring portion 406 is configured to anchor to the clothing around a wearer's torso. For example, the anchoring portion may resemble a loop that secures around a button, or have a configuration similar to a cuff-link, or have a pin-and-frog construction, similar to some tie-tacks.

FIG. 5 depicts a lanyard 500 that includes a ring 504 on one half 502 of the lanyard. A similar ring (not shown) may be located on the other half 501 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, more than one ring and rings of different sizes may be used as well. The rings can be located closer to the pocket 506 or further up the lanyard 500 if desired. Although shown as a circular ring, other shaped rings (e.g., square, triangular, rectangular, etc.) could be used if desired. The ring 504 provides an attachment point for a variety of clips and devices and, therefore, improves the utility and versatility of the lanyard 500.

The ring 504 can be similar to a key ring in that a loop of material of the lanyard can be threaded onto the ring. Alternatively, the ring 504 could have the material of the lanyard sewed, or otherwise fastened, around the ring. The ring 504 can even be hinged so that it can open up and can snap together to close.

Also depicted in FIG. 5 is a slit 510 located on one half 501 of the lanyard 500. The slit 510 can be used to accomplish the same function as the leash, or tether, described with respect to FIG. 4. For example, the slit 510 could be attached to a button on a wearer's article of clothing so that the movement of the bottom portion of the lanyard 500 is restricted.

One beneficial aspects of various embodiments of the present invention is that the lanyard can be used to also provide safety equipment to a wearer. Instead of a person needing to keep track of safety glasses, hearing protection, ID badges, pens, flashlights, etc., embodiments of the present invention allow all those items to be aggregated in one apparatus.

For example, using Velcro, snaps, sewing, or other attachment means, hearing protection and eyeglass retainers can be attached to the lanyard. In the referenced and incorporated provisional patent applications, a wide variety of different methods and techniques are described in detail about how earplugs and other devices can be attached to a lanyard.

However, FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate two particularly beneficial techniques for attaching accessories to the lanyard. As mentioned, however, any of a wide variety of ways of attaching these accessories is contemplated as well. In FIG. 6A an adapter 603 is attached to one half 601 of a lanyard (a similar adapter may be use on the other half of the lanyard as well.) The adapter is configured to rotate around a central axis 605. The rotation can be accomplished using a pin or similar portion that passes through the adapter 603 and is affixed to the lanyard half 601. The adapter 603 includes cavities 607 and 609 at one or both ends. These cavities 607 and 609 are configured to receive complimentary shaped pieces attached to various accessories. In this way, accessories can be coupled to the lanyard.

FIG. 6B illustrates an alternative adapter 621 that attaches to the lanyard half 601 via a rotatable rivet 625 or the like. Thus, the adapter 621 can rotate to accommodate various forces applied to it. The adapter 621 includes a cavity 623 that accepts a complimentary shaped piece that is attached to an accessory.

The adapters 603, and 621 are purposely shown on just a portion of the lanyard because they can be located along any portion of the lanyard without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the adapters can be incorporated into the break-away clasp near the top of the lanyard or incorporate into the pockets near the bottom of the lanyard.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depict exemplary accessories that may be attached to the lanyard. These figures show an end portion that is complimentary to the adapters discussed in FIGS. 6A and 6B. However, other methods and techniques for connecting the accessories are contemplated. For example, in the referenced and incorporated provisional patent applications, the accessories can be attached so that they have adjustable lengths, attached so that they can be stored within the material of the lanyard, attached so that they are retained by clips or similar devices on the outside of the lanyard, or attached so that portions of the accessories can be replaceable without disconnecting the entire accessory. One example attachment technique is to use the hook and loop fasteners discussed above to attach accessories. In this way, the accessories can be easily removed if not needed for a particular environment and can be quickly reattached when desired.

FIG. 7A depicts a hearing protection device, or ear plug, that can be attached to the lanyard of the present invention. One end 702 is configured to appropriately attach to the lanyard and from this end 702 a cord or leash 706 extends. The cord 706 ends with an ear plug 704 that provides hearing protection. One of ordinary skill will recognize that any of a wide variety of styles of ear-plugs can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. FIG. 7B depicts one type of eyeglass retainer. A sleeve of material 724 extends from one end 720 and terminates with an opening 722. One arm of a pair of eyeglasses can be slipped into the opening 722 and securely held by the sleeve 724 while the end 720 is configured to attach to the lanyard. FIG. 7C depicts a different type of eyeglass retainer that includes a loop 742 attached to the end of a leash 744 coupled to the connector 740.

FIG. 8 shows variations of a lanyard in accordance with the principles of the present invention that include features in addition to those discussed above. The lanyard is similar to those discussed earlier in that two halves 801, 802 are present that form a loop. One or more pockets 803 can be included at various portions of the lanyard. In addition there is a pocket 806 that is formed near the bottom junction of the lanyard. This pocket 806 may have an opening so that items can be placed within the pocket and securely held. Accordingly, the opening of the pocket 806 may include a fastening mechanism.

Additionally, the connector portion 804 may be magnetic or may be an agreed-upon standardized plug/receptacle. In this way any of a wide variety of items having a complementary plug/receptacle can be quickly attached to, or detached from, the lanyard. Thus, the same lanyard may be used for a wide variety of purposes because of the ease of reconfiguring its use via the standardized plug/receptacle system. Other variations that can be included involve putting the break-away mechanism anywhere along the perimeter of the lanyard or incorporating a soft material or a soft covering (e.g., lamb's wool) near the top of the lanyard to reduce irritation caused to a wearer's neck due to the lanyard.

The example accessories discussed above have included two-piece systems wherein one portion of the accessory is attached to a respective half of the lanyard. However, a one piece accessory is contemplated as well. For example, disposable ear plugs typically involve two end plugs connected by a long cord. The lanyard could include a clip or hook device so that the cord of the ear plug could be attached to the lanyard. A similar arrangement could be used to attach a one piece eyeglass retainer. In this way a single piece accessory could be attached to the lanyard as well.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with each claim's language, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.”

Claims

1. 1. A lanyard comprising:

a first half extending from a respective first end to a respective second end;

a second half extending from a respective first end to a respective second end, wherein said respective first ends are coupled together and respective second ends are coupled together to form a loop; and

a first pocket attached to said first half, said first pocket having a major axis extending in a direction substantially similar to a direction in which said first half extends.

2. The lanyard of claim 1, further comprising:

a second pocket attached to said second half, said second pocket having a major axis extending in a direction substantially similar to a direction in which said second half extends.

3. The lanyard of claim 1, further comprising:

a break-away coupling connecting respective first ends of the first half and second half.

4. The lanyard of claim 1, further comprising:

a clip coupled to a portion of the lanyard where the respective second ends of the first half and second half are coupled together.

5. The lanyard of claim 4, further comprising:

a retractable connector configured to couple the clip to the portion of the lanyard.

6. The lanyard of claim 1, further comprising:

an anchor having a tether with a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector is configured to attach to a portion of the lanyard proximate to where the respective second ends of the first half and second half are coupled together and the second connector configured to attach to an article of clothing.

7. The lanyard of claim 6, wherein the second connector is configured to attach to a button on the article of clothing.

8. The lanyard of claim 1, further comprising:

a first eyeglass retainer apparatus attached to the first half; and

a second eyeglass retainer apparatus attached to the second half.

9. The lanyard of claim 8, wherein the first eyeglass retainer apparatus and the second eyeglass retainer apparatus are detachable from the lanyard.

10. The lanyard of claim 1, further comprising:

a first hearing protection apparatus attached to the first half; and

a second hearing protection apparatus attached to the second half.

11. The lanyard of claim 10, wherein the first hearing protection apparatus and the second hearing protection apparatus are detachable from the lanyard.

12. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein the first pocket comprises a cylindrical tube, attached to the first half along an outside edge of the first pocket, and open at both ends of the cylindrical tube.

13. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein the first pocket comprises a cylindrical tube, attached to the first half along an outside edge of the first pocket, the cylindrical tube being open at a bottom end and closed at a top end.

14. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein the first pocket comprises a cylindrical tube, attached to the first half along an outside edge of the first pocket, the cylindrical tube being closed at a bottom end and open at a top end.

15. The lanyard of claim 14, wherein the bottom end comprises a flap that is moveable to cover and uncover the bottom end.

16. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein the first half includes a ring located between the respective first end and respective second end of the first half.

17. The lanyard of claim 1, further comprising:

an adapter located proximate to where the respective second ends of the first half and second half are coupled together and configured to receive attachments for the lanyard.

18. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first half comprises one of a hook material or a loop material of a hook-and-loop coupling system.

19. The lanyard of claim 1, wherein the first pocket is attached to the first half via a hook-and-loop coupling system.

20. A lanyard comprising:

a first half extending from a respective first end to a respective second end;

a second half extending from a respective first end to a respective second end, wherein said respective first ends are coupled together and respective second ends are coupled together to form a loop;

a first pocket attached to said first half, said first pocket having a major axis extending in a direction substantially similar to a direction in which said first half extends;

a second pocket attached to said second half, said second pocket having a major axis extending in a direction substantially similar to a direction in which said second half extends;

a first eyeglass retainer apparatus attached to the first half;

a second eyeglass retainer apparatus attached to the second half;

a first hearing protection apparatus attached to the first half; and

a second hearing protection apparatus attached to the second half.