METHOD AND MECHANISM FOR CONNECTING A FLEXIBLE MATERIAL TO A CLIP OR OTHER DEVICE

Abstract

A method and/or mechanism configured for connecting a flexible material includes a locking portion. The locking portion is configured to lock the flexible material onto the connector mechanism and has a top side, a bottom side and an entrance side. The locking portion includes a first hole, a second hole, a first lock, a second lock, and a third lock. The first hole is positioned approximate the entrance side. The second hole is spaced apart from the first hole. The first lock is positioned between the first hole and the entrance side and is configured to grip the flexible material. The second lock is positioned between the first hole and the second hole and is configured to grip the flexible material. The third lock is positioned on a first side of the second hole and is configured to grip the flexible material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/060,000, filed on Aug. 1, 2020, entitled “Method and Mechanism for Connecting a Flexible Material to a Clip or Other Device”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a method and/or means for connecting a flexible material to a clip or other device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method and/or mechanism configured for connecting a flexible material to a clip or other device, like for connecting a paracord lanyard to a facemask or sunglasses.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, the present disclosure relates to the method of connecting a flexible material to a hard material, such as a clip or other device. This disclosure more particularly pertains to connecting paracord to a hook or clip. Flexible materials such as paracord, rope, twine, silk, plastic coated cotton, etc. often are required to be quickly connected to another material, such as plastic, metal, wood, glass, silicone or the like, that can hold the cord in place. As such, an easy solution to making such a quick connection, like for making quick connections of cords to things such as paracord bracelets, lanyards, sunglass lanyards, face mask lanyards or crafts is clearly needed.

The instant disclosure may be designed to address at least certain aspects of the problems or needs noted above by providing a method and/or mechanism for connecting a flexible material to a clip or other device.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may solve the aforementioned limitations of the currently available connection methods and mechanism by providing a method and/or mechanism for connecting a flexible material to a clip or other device. A method and/or mechanism configured for connecting a flexible material may generally include a locking portion. The locking portion may be configured to lock the flexible material onto the connector mechanism. The locking portion may have a top side, a bottom side and an entrance side. The locking portion may include a first hole, a second hole, a first lock, a second lock, and a third lock. The first hole may be through the locking portion from the top side to the bottom side. The first hole may be positioned approximate the entrance side. The second hole may be through the locking portion from the top side to the bottom side. The second hole may be spaced apart from the first hole. The first lock may be positioned between the first hole and the entrance side. The first lock may be configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the first lock from the top side. The second lock may be positioned between the first hole and the second hole. The second lock may be configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the second lock from the bottom side. The third lock may be positioned on a first side of the second hole. The third lock may be configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the third lock from the second hole.

One feature of the disclosed connector mechanism may be that the locking portion may be configured to lock the flexible material into position on the locking portion via the first lock, the second lock, and the third lock.

Another feature of the disclosed connector mechanism may be that the locking portion may be configured to lock the flexible material into position on the locking portion by inserting the flexible material into the first hole through the top side, snaking the flexible material from the first hole over the second lock and into the second hole through the bottom side. Whereby, the flexible material may be locked into position on the locking portion in three locking locations via the first lock, the second lock, and the third lock.

Another feature of the disclosed connector mechanism may be that when the flexible material is inserted into the first hole through the top side, and snaked from the first hole over the second lock and into the second hole through the bottom side, the flexible material may be secured in the three locking locations by moving the flexible material into the third lock in the second hole and then pulling on the flexible material from the top side of the locking portion thereby moving the flexible material into the second lock on the bottom side between the first hole and the second hole, and then moving the flexible material down into the first lock.

In select embodiments of the disclosed connector mechanism, the first lock may include a top opening. The top opening may be sized smaller than a width of the flexible material. Wherein, the top opening may be configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the top opening of the first lock. In select embodiments of the first lock, the top opening may include a narrow opening with a top rounded passageway thereunder.

In select embodiments of the disclosed connector mechanism, the second lock may include a bottom opening. The bottom opening may be sized smaller than the width of the flexible material. Wherein, the bottom opening may be configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the bottom opening of the second lock. In select embodiments of the second lock, the bottom opening may include a first squared off passageway, and a second squared off passageway thereunder. The first squared off passageway may be wider than the second squared off passageway

In select embodiments of the disclosed connector mechanism, the third lock may include a side opening. The side opening may be sized smaller than the width of the flexible material. Wherein, the side opening may be configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the side opening of the third lock. In select embodiments of the third lock, the side opening may include a rounded side opening.

Another feature of the disclosed connector mechanism may be that it can be configured for connecting any flexible material. In select embodiments, the flexible material may include, but is not limited thereto, a cord, a paracord, a rope, a twine, a silk, a plastic-coated cotton, the like, and/or combinations thereof. In select possibly preferred embodiments, the connector mechanism may be configured for connecting a paracord.

Another feature of the disclosed connector mechanism may be the inclusion of a connector portion. The connector portion may be configured to connect the flexible material locked into the locking portion to another object. In select embodiments, the connector portion may be positioned on a connector end of the locking portion. The connector end of the locking portion may be on an opposite side of the locking portion from the entrance side.

In select embodiments of the disclosed connector mechanism, the connector portion may include a hook connector. The hook connector may include a third hole from the top side to the bottom side. The third hole may include a slot therethrough positioned to create the hook connector from the third hole.

In select embodiments of the disclosed connector mechanism, the connector portion may include a side release buckle. The side release buckle may include a male portion and a female portion. The male portion may be affixed onto the locking portion of a first connector mechanism. The female portion may be affixed onto the locking portion of a second connector mechanism.

In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a lanyard system. The lanyard system disclosed herein may generally utilize the disclosed connector mechanism in any embodiment and/or embodiments shown and/or described herein. The lanyard system may generally include a flexible material with a first end and a second end, and two connector mechanisms. A first connector mechanism is connected to the first end of the flexible material, and a second connector mechanism is connected to the second end of the flexible material. Each of the two connector mechanisms a locking portion. The locking portion may be configured to lock the flexible material onto the connector mechanism. The locking portion may have a top side, a bottom side and an entrance side. The locking portion may include a first hole, a second hole, a first lock, a second lock, and a third lock. The first hole may be through the locking portion from the top side to the bottom side. The first hole may be positioned approximate the entrance side. The second hole may be through the locking portion from the top side to the bottom side. The second hole may be spaced apart from the first hole. The first lock may be positioned between the first hole and the entrance side. The first lock may be configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the first lock from the top side. The second lock may be positioned between the first hole and the second hole. The second lock may be configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the second lock from the bottom side. The third lock may be positioned on a first side of the second hole. The third lock may be configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the third lock from the second hole.

One feature of the disclosed lanyard system may be that the locking portion of each of the two connector mechanisms may be configured to lock the flexible material into position on the locking portion via the first lock, the second lock, and the third lock by inserting the flexible material into the first hole through the top side, snaking the flexible material from the first hole over the second lock and into the second hole through the bottom side. Whereby, the flexible material may be locked into position on the locking portion of each of the two connector mechanisms in three locking locations via the first lock, the second lock, and the third lock.

Another feature of the disclosed lanyard system may be that when the flexible material is inserted into the first hole through the top side, and snaked from the first hole over the second lock and into the second hole through the bottom side, the flexible material may be secured in the three locking locations by moving the flexible material into the third lock in the second hole and then pulling on the flexible material from the top side of the locking portion thereby moving the flexible material into the second lock on the bottom side between the first hole and the second hole, and then moving the flexible material down into the first lock.

In select embodiments of the disclosed lanyard system, the first lock of each of the two connector mechanisms may include a top opening. The top opening may be sized smaller than a width of the flexible material. Wherein, the top opening may be configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the top opening of the first lock. In select embodiments of the first lock, the top opening may include a narrow opening with a top rounded passageway thereunder.

In select embodiments of the disclosed lanyard system, the second lock of each of the two connector mechanisms may include a bottom opening. The bottom opening may be sized smaller than the width of the flexible material. Wherein, the bottom opening may be configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the bottom opening of the second lock. In select embodiments of the second lock, the bottom opening may include a first squared off passageway, and a second squared off passageway thereunder. The first squared off passageway may be wider than the second squared off passageway

In select embodiments of the disclosed lanyard system, the third lock of each of the two connector mechanisms may include a side opening. The side opening may be sized smaller than the width of the flexible material. Wherein, the side opening may be configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the side opening of the third lock. In select embodiments of the third lock, the side opening may include a rounded side opening.

Another feature of the disclosed lanyard system may be that it can be configured for connecting any flexible material. In select embodiments, the flexible material may include, but is not limited thereto, a cord, a paracord, a rope, a twine, a silk, a plastic-coated cotton, the like, and/or combinations thereof. In select possibly preferred embodiments, the lanyard system may be configured with a paracord.

Another feature of the disclosed lanyard system may be that each of the two connector mechanisms may include a connector portion. The connector portion of each of the two connector mechanisms may be configured to connect the flexible material locked into the locking portion to another object. In select embodiments, the connector portion may be positioned on a connector end of the locking portion. The connector end of the locking portion may be on an opposite side of the locking portion from the entrance side. In select embodiments, the connector mechanism of each of the two connector mechanisms may include a hook connector. The hook connector may include a third hole from the top side to the bottom side. The third hole may include a slot therethrough positioned to create the hook connector from the third hole.

Another feature of the disclosed lanyard system may be the inclusion of an adjustment device. The adjustment device may be configured to adjust a length of the flexible material between the first connector mechanism locked onto the first end of the flexible material and the second connector mechanism locked onto the second end of the flexible material. In select embodiments, the adjustment device may include a left cinching portion and a right cinching portion. The left cinching portion may include a left glide hole with a left locking hole connected thereto via a left passageway. The left glide hole may be sized larger than a width of the flexible material, and the left locking hole may be sized smaller than the width of the flexible material for compressing and locking the flexible material into position in the left locking hole. The right cinching portion may include a right glide hole with a right locking hole connected thereto via a right passageway. The right glide hole may be sized larger than the width of the flexible material, and the right locking hole may be sized smaller than the width of the flexible material for locking the flexible material into position in the right locking hole. Wherein, the first end of the flexible material may be inserted through the left glide hole of the left cinching portion and the second end of the flexible material may be inserted through the right glide hole of the right cinching portion. Whereby, the length of the flexible material may be configured to be adjustable. Wherein, the adjustment device may be configured for tightening the flexible material around an object.

In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces a facemask system. The facemask system disclosed herein may generally utilize the disclosed connector mechanism and lanyard system in any embodiment and/or embodiments shown and/or described herein. The facemask system may generally include a mask portion with a first ear loop and a second ear loop and the disclosed lanyard system with the disclosed connector mechanism in any embodiment and/or embodiments shown and/or described herein.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the disclosure, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the connector mechanism according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure in a right-hand hook configuration of the connector portion;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the connector mechanism according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with a left-hand hook configuration of the connector portion;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the connector mechanism from FIG. 2 with a flexible material or cord inserted and locked therein;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the connector mechanism from FIG. 2 showing the insertion pathway for inserting and snaking the flexible material or cord therein to be locked into place;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the connector mechanism from FIG. 2 with the flexible material or cord inserted and locked therein;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the connector mechanism from FIG. 2 with the flexible material or cord inserted and locked therein;

FIG. 7 is an entrance side view of the connector mechanism from FIG. 2;

FIG. 8A is a top view of two connector mechanisms according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure connected together with a side release buckle as the connector portion;

FIG. 8B is a top view of the two connector mechanisms from FIG. 8A with the side release buckle disconnected showing the male portion on the first connector mechanism and the female portion on the second connector mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the lanyard system according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure showing one connector mechanism with a left-hand hook configuration of the connector portion, another connector mechanism with a right-hand hook configuration of the connector portion, and the adjustment mechanism;

FIG. 10 shows a top entrance side perspective view of the lanyard system from FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows the connector mechanism according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with two locking portions positioned end-to-end configured for connecting together two flexible materials or cords end-to-end;

FIG. 12 shows the connector mechanism according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with two locking portions side-by-side configured for connecting together two flexible materials or cords side-by-side;

FIG. 13 shows the connector mechanism according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with three locking portions side-by-side configured for connecting together three flexible materials or cords side-by-side;

FIG. 14 shows the connector mechanism according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with four locking portions side-by-side configured for connecting together four flexible materials or cords side-by-side;

FIG. 15 shows the connector mechanism according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with four locking portions configured for connecting together four flexible materials or cords, with pairs of side-by-side flexible materials or cords connected end-to-end;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the lanyard system according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure showing one connector mechanism with a left-hand hook configuration of the connector portion, another connector mechanism with a right-hand hook configuration of the connector portion, with the flexible material or cord connected therebetween of the locking portions of each connector mechanism;

FIG. 17 shows another perspective view of the lanyard system of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the facemask system according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure with the lanyard system according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure hanging the facemask around the user's neck;

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the facemask system of FIG. 18 with the lanyard system tightened around the back of the user's head via the adjustment device;

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the facemask system of FIG. 18 with the lanyard system tightened around the back of the user's neck via the adjustment device;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the facemask system of FIG. 18 with the lanyard system loosened and hanging around the back of the user's neck via the adjustment device, where the ear loops of the face mask are used for positioning the facemask;

FIG. 22 shows a top perspective view of the adjustment device according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure for use in the lanyard system and/or facemask system of the instant disclosure; and

FIG. 23 shows a bottom perspective view of the adjustment device from FIG. 22 with the flexible material or cord inserted therein and locked into position in the left locking hole in the left cinching portion and the right locking hole in the right cinching portion.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-23, in describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 1-7, the present disclosure may solve the aforementioned limitations of the currently available connection methods and mechanism by disclosing connector mechanism 10. Connector mechanism 10 may provide a means and/or method for connecting flexible material 12 to an object or other device or flexible material. Connector mechanism 10 may generally include locking portion 14. Locking portion 14 may be sized, shaped, or positioned anywhere on connector mechanism 10. Locking portion 14 may be configured to lock flexible material 12 onto connector mechanism 10. Locking portion 14 may generally include top side 16, bottom side 18, and entrance side 20. Locking portion 14 may include first hole 22, second hole 24, first lock 26, second lock 28, and third lock 30. First hole 22 may be through locking portion 14 from top side 16 to bottom side 18. First hole 22 may be positioned approximate entrance side 20. Second hole 24 may be through locking portion 14 from top side 16 to bottom side 18. Second hole 24 may be spaced apart from first hole 22 on connector mechanism 10. First lock 26 may be positioned between first hole 22 and entrance side 20. First lock 26 may be configured to grip flexible material 12 when inserted into first lock 26 from top side 16 of connector mechanism 10. Second lock 28 may be positioned between first hole 22 and second hole 24. Second lock 28 may be configured to grip flexible material 12 when inserted into second lock 28 from bottom side 18 of connector mechanism 10. Third lock 30 may be positioned on first side 31 of second hole 24. Third lock 30 may be configured to grip flexible material 12 when inserted into third lock 30 from first side 31 of second hole 24.

As shown in FIGS. 3-6, one feature of connector mechanism 10 may be that locking portion 14 may be configured to lock flexible material 12 into position on locking portion 14 via the combination of first lock 26, second lock 28, and third lock 30. As shown in FIG. 4, locking portion 14 may be configured to lock flexible material 12 into position on locking portion 14 by inserting flexible material 12 into first hole 22 through top side 16, snaking flexible material 12 from first hole 22 over second lock 28 and into second hole 24 through bottom side 18. Whereby, flexible material 12 may be locked into position on locking portion 14 in three locking locations 32 via first lock 26, second lock 28, and third lock 30. When flexible material 12 is inserted into first hole 22 through top side 16, and snaked from first hole 22 over second lock 28 and into second hole 24 through bottom side 18, flexible material 12 may be secured in three locking locations 32 by moving flexible material 12 into third lock 30 in second hole 24 and then pulling on flexible material 12 from top side 16 of locking portion 14, thereby moving flexible material 12 into second lock 28 on bottom side 18 between first hole 22 and second hole 24, and then moving flexible material 12 down into first lock 26.

First lock 26 may be included on locking portion 14 of connector mechanism 10. First lock 26 may be for providing one of the three locking locations 32 on locking portion 14. First lock 26 may include any device, mechanism, and/or means for providing a locking location for flexible material 12 on locking portion 14. In select embodiments of connector mechanism 10, first lock 26 may include top opening 34. Top opening 34 may be sized smaller than width 36 of flexible material 12. Wherein, top opening 34 may be configured to compress flexible material 12 when inserted into top opening 34 of first lock 26. In select embodiments of first lock 26, top opening 34 may include narrow opening 42 with top rounded passageway 44 thereunder, as shown in the Figures.

Second lock 28 may be included on locking portion 14 of connector mechanism 10. Second lock 28 may be for providing one of the three locking locations 32 on locking portion 14. Second lock 28 may include any device, mechanism, and/or means for providing a locking location for flexible material 12 on locking portion 14. In select embodiments of connector mechanism 10, second lock 28 may include bottom opening 38. Bottom opening 38 may be sized smaller than width 36 of flexible material 12. Wherein, bottom opening 38 may be configured to compress flexible material 12 when inserted into bottom opening 38 of second lock 28. In select embodiments of second lock 28, bottom opening 38 may include first squared off passageway 46, and second squared off passageway 48 thereunder, as shown in the Figures. First squared off passageway 46 may be wider than second squared off passageway 48.

Third lock 30 may be included on locking portion 14 of connector mechanism 10. Third lock 30 may be for providing one of the three locking locations 32 on locking portion 14. Third lock 30 may include any device, mechanism, and/or means for providing a locking location for flexible material 12 on locking portion 14. In select embodiments of connector mechanism 10, third lock 30 may include side opening 40. Side opening 40 may be sized smaller than width 36 of flexible material 12. Wherein, side opening 40 may be configured to compress flexible material 12 when inserted into side opening 40 of third lock 30. In select embodiments of third lock 30, side opening 40 may include rounded side opening 50, as shown in the Figures.

Another feature of connector mechanism 10 may be that it can be configured for connecting any flexible material 12, including any size, shape, and/or material of a flexible material. In select embodiments, connector mechanism 10 may be configured for connecting flexible material 12 including, but not limited thereto, cord 52, paracord 54, a rope, a twine, a plastic-coated cotton, a silk, the like, and/or combinations thereof. In select possibly preferred embodiments, connector mechanism 10 may be configured for connecting paracord 54, as shown in the Figures. The diameter or width 36 of flexible material 12 can vary and first lock 26, second lock 28 and/or third lock 30 of locking portion 14 can be sized up or down accordingly.

Another feature of connector mechanism 10 may be the inclusion of connector portion 60. Connector portion 60 may be sized, shaped, or positioned anywhere on connector mechanism 10. Connector portion 60 may be configured to connect flexible material 12 locked into locking portion 14 to another object, like the ear loops of a facemask (as shown in FIGS. 18-21), sunglasses, a badge or ID holder, a weapon, an electronic, a whistle, a safety strap, the like, etc. In select embodiments, connector portion 60 may be positioned on connector end 62 of locking portion 14. Connector end 62 of locking portion 14 may be on opposite side 66 of locking portion 14 from entrance side 20. This configuration with connector portion 60 positioned opposite of entrance side 20 may keep the proper tension on flexible material 12 as it is locked into position on locking portion 14.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 1-6, 9-10, and 16-21, in select embodiments of connector mechanism 10, connector portion 60 may include hook connector 68. Hook connector 68 may include third hole 70 from top side 16 to bottom side 18. Third hole 70 may include slot 72 therethrough positioned to create hook connector 68 from third hole 70. Slot 72 may be positioned on the right side, as shown in FIG. 1, for creating a right-side hook configuration. Slot 72 may also be positioned on the left side, as shown in FIG. 2, for creating a left-side hook configuration. The combination of the right-side hook configuration and the left-side hook configuration may be utilized in lanyard system 100 and/or facemask system 200, as shown in FIGS. 9-10, and 16-21. The size or diameter of third hole 70 and/or slot 72 of hook connector 68 can be sized up or down to allow proper connection to various other objects, like ear loops 204 and 206 of face mask system 200.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in select embodiments of connector mechanism 10, connector portion 60 may include side release buckle 74, or the like. Side release buckle 74 may include male portion 76 and female portion 80. Male portion 76 may be affixed onto locking portion 14 of first connector mechanism 78. Female portion 80 may be affixed onto locking portion 14 of second connector mechanism 82.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 11-15, in select embodiments of connector mechanism 10, multiple locking portions 14 may be included. The number or amount of locking portions 14 on connector mechanism 10 may be unlimited, like for connecting an unlimited amount of flexible materials 12. As shown in FIG. 11, in select embodiments 2 locking portions 14 may be positioned end-to-end on connector mechanism 10. These 2 locking portions 14 placed end-to-end may be configured for connecting together two flexible materials 12 or cords 52 end-to-end. As shown in FIG. 12, in select embodiments 2 locking portions 14 may be positioned side-by-side on connector mechanism 10. These 2 locking portions 14 side-by-side may be configured for connecting together two flexible materials 12 or cords 52 side-by-side. As show in FIG. 13, in select embodiments 3 locking portions 14 may be positioned side-by-side on connector mechanism 10. These 3 locking portions 14 side-by-side may be configured for connecting together three flexible materials 12 or cords 52 side-by-side. As show in FIG. 14, in select embodiments 4 locking portions 14 may be positioned side-by-side on connector mechanism 10. These 4 locking portions 14 side-by-side may be configured for connecting together four flexible materials 12 or cords 52 side-by-side. As shown in FIG. 15, in select embodiments 4 locking portions 14 may be included with pairs of side-by-side locking portions 14 positioned end to end with another pair of side-by-side locking portions 14. These 4 locking portions pairs of side-by-side locking portions 14 positioned end to end with another pair of side-by-side locking portions 14 may be configured for connecting pairs of side-by-side flexible materials 12 or cords 52 connected end-to-end with another pair of flexible materials 12 or cords 52.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 9-10 and 16-23, in another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces lanyard system 100. Lanyard system 100 disclosed herein may generally utilize connector mechanism 10, or multiple connector mechanisms 10, in any embodiment and/or embodiments shown and/or described herein. Lanyard system 100 may generally include flexible material 12 with first end 102 and second end 104, and two connector mechanisms 10. First connector mechanism 106 may be connected to first end 102 of flexible material 12, and second connector mechanism 108 may be connected to second end 105 of flexible material 12. Each of the two connector mechanisms 106 and 108 may include locking portion 14 in any embodiment and/or embodiments shown and/or described herein.

One feature of lanyard system 100 may be that locking portion 14 of each of the two connector mechanisms 10 may be configured to lock flexible material 12 into position on locking portion 14 via first lock 26, second lock 28, and third lock 30 by inserting flexible material 12 into first hole 22 through top side 16, snaking flexible material 12 from first hole 22 over second lock 28 and into second hole 24 through bottom side 18. Whereby, flexible material 12 may be locked into position on locking portion 14 of each of the two connector mechanisms 106 and 108 in three locking locations 32 via first lock 26, second lock 28, and third lock 30. For each of the two connector mechanisms 106 and 108, when flexible material 12 is inserted into first hole 22 through top side 16, and snaked from first hole 22 over second lock 28 and into second hole 24 through bottom side 18, flexible material 12 may be secured in three locking locations 32 by moving flexible material 12 into third lock 30 in second hole 24 and then pulling on flexible material 12 from top side 16 of locking portion 14, thereby moving flexible material 12 into second lock 28 on bottom side 18 between first hole 22 and second hole 24, and then moving flexible material 12 down into first lock 26.

Another feature of lanyard system 100 may be that it can be configured for connecting any flexible material 12, including any size, shape, and/or material of a flexible material. In select embodiments, each of the two connector mechanisms 106 and 108 may be configured for connecting flexible material 12 including, but not limited thereto, cord 52, paracord 54, a rope, a twine, a silk, a plastic-coated cotton, the like, and/or combinations thereof. In select possibly preferred embodiments, each of the two connector mechanisms 106 and 108 may be configured for connecting paracord 54, as shown in the Figures.

Another feature of lanyard system 100 may be that each of the two connector mechanisms 106 and 108 may include connector portion 60. The connector portion 60 of each of the two connector mechanisms 106 and 108 may be configured to connect flexible material 12 locked into locking portion 14 to another object, like ear loops of a facemask (see FIGS. 18-21), sunglasses, a badge or ID holder, a weapon, an electronic, a whistle, a safety strap, the like, etc. In select embodiments, connector portion 60 of each of the two connector mechanism 106 and 108 may be positioned on connector end 64 of locking portion 14. The connector end of locking portion 14 may be on opposite side 66 of locking portion 14 from entrance side 20. In select embodiments, as shown in the Figures, but clearly not limited thereto, connector portion 60 of each of the two connector mechanisms 106 and 108 may include hook connector 68. Hook connector 68 may include third hole 70 from top side 16 to bottom side 18. Third hole 70 may include slot 72 therethrough positioned to create hook connector 68 from third hole 70.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 9-10, and 18-23, another feature of lanyard system 100 may be the inclusion of adjustment device 110. Adjustment device 110 may be configured to adjust length 112 of flexible material 12 between first connector mechanism 106 locked onto first end 102 of flexible material 12 and second connector mechanism 108 locked onto second end 104 of flexible material 12. Adjustment device 110 may include any device, means and/or mechanisms for adjusting length 112 of flexible material 12 between first connector mechanism 106 locked onto first end 102 of flexible material 12 and second connector mechanism 108 locked onto second end 104 of flexible material 12. In select possibly preferred embodiments, as shown in the Figures, adjustment device 110 may include left cinching portion 114 and right cinching portion 122. Left cinching portion 114 may include left glide hole 116 with left locking hole 118 connected thereto via left passageway. 120 Left glide hole 116 may be sized larger than width 36 of flexible material 12, and left locking hole 118 may be sized smaller than width 36 of flexible material 12 for compressing and locking flexible material 12 into position in left locking hole 118. Likewise, right cinching portion 122 may include right glide hole 124 with right locking hole 126 connected thereto via right passageway 128. Right glide hole 124 may be sized larger than width 36 of flexible material 12, and right locking hole 126 may be sized smaller than width 36 of flexible material 12 for locking flexible material 12 into position in right locking hole 126. Wherein, as shown in FIG. 23, first end 102 of flexible material 12 may be inserted through left glide hole 116 of left cinching portion 114 and second end 104 of flexible material 12 may be inserted through right glide hole 124 of right cinching portion 122. Whereby, length 112 of flexible material 12 may be configured to be adjustable. Wherein, adjustment device 11—may be configured for tightening flexible material 12 around an object, like around neck 210 and/or back of head 208, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 18-21, in another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces facemask system 200. Facemask system 200 disclosed herein may generally utilize the disclosed connector mechanism 10, or multiple connector mechanisms 10, and lanyard system 100 in any embodiment and/or embodiments shown and/or described herein. Facemask system 200 may generally include mask portion 202 with first ear loop 204 and second ear loop 206 and lanyard system 100 with connector mechanisms 10 in any embodiment and/or embodiments shown and/or described herein. As shown in FIG. 18, lanyard system 100 of facemask system 200 may be utilized to hang facemask 202 from ear loops 204 and 206 around neck 210 of user 212. As shown in FIG. 19, utilizing adjustment device 110, length 112 of flexible material 12 of lanyard system 100 may be tightened around back of head 208 of user 212. This may prevent ear loops 204 and 206 from irritating the ears of user 212. Likewise, as shown in FIG. 20, utilizing adjustment device 110, length 112 of flexible material 12 of lanyard system 100 may be tightened around neck 210 of user 212. This may also prevent ear loops 204 and 206 from irritating the ears of user 212. As shown in FIG. 21, lanyard system 100 of facemask system 200 may be merely connected to ear loops 204 and 206 when user 212 is wearing mask portion 202, where lanyard system 100 is discretely and comfortably positioned behind user 212.

The present disclosure provides connector mechanism 10, and/or a method of use thereof, that provides a clip that has two holes to snake flexible material 12, like cord 52 or paracord 54, through in order make the connection. The clip has three locking locations 32 that flexible material 12 will lock in place. As an example use, and clearly not limited thereto, face mask system 200 with lanyard system 100 can utilize paracord 54 (or other flexible material 12) with two connector mechanisms 10, each with hook connectors 68 thereon. Adjustment device 110 may be utilized for saving the ears of user 212 by tightening length 112 of paracord 54 around neck 210 or back of head 208 of user 212 to take the pressure off of the ears from ear loops 204 and 206.

The disclosed method of connection utilizing connector mechanism 10, in general, is used to make a quick connection of a paracord like material to a hard material without the use of a knot or tying. Once the cord is snaked through locking portion 14 of connector mechanism 10, it is then locked in place at third lock 30. It is pulled tight to make the initial connection, then locked into place two more time. Second lock 28 is engaged by pulling the cord tight in the opposite direction from third lock 30. It is then locked into first lock 26 by pulling it tight out entrance end 20. When this connection is used on facemask system 200 with lanyard system 100, flexible material 12 (like cord 52 or paracord 54, or the like) may be connected to hook connectors 68 at each end of flexible material 12.

Face mask system 200 and/or lanyard system 100 may include adjustment device 110. Adjustment device 110 may be positioned on flexible material 12 and use to tighten flexible material 12 on back of head 208 or neck 210 of user 212, like when using it as a face mask lanyard (see FIGS. 18-21). This adjustment device 110 element locks flexible material 12 in place to keep the elastic of a face mask from touching the back of the ears of user 212. This adjustment device 110 component is made up of two holes toward the center (left glide hole 116 and right glide hole 124), with two smaller holes toward the outside (left locking hole 118 and right locking hole 126). The holes toward the center (left glide hole 116 and right glide hole 124) are used to thread flexible material 12 through adjustment device 110 and the two smaller holes (left locking hole 118 and right locking hole 126) are used to lock flexible material 12 in place (see FIG. 23). Adjustment device 110 can slide up and down flexible material 12 to adjust length 112 so it can be adjusted as needed.

A feature of the present method of connection is that various connector portions 60 or hook connectors 68 can be designed and easily adapted to different flexible materials 12 or cords 52 and colors without tying knots or adding materials to hold flexible material 12 or cords 52 in place. The method of connection can be adapted across different crafts and devices that use a flexible material such as paracord, rope, twine, silk, etc. to a hard or semi hard material, such as plastic, wood, metal, silicone or similar material. This connection can be used as a single, double, triple or more, to connect any number of cord pieces to the connecting material (see FIGS. 11-15). When this method of connection is used as a paracord bracelet, it may have one or more connection locations on each part of connector mechanism 10. As an example, this could be in place of the traditional bar that is used to loop the paracord around before tying a knot.

Another feature of this disclosure may be that face mask system 200 and/or lanyard system 100 in which the hooks with adjustment device 110 may be a better solution to the traditional methods of just an ear saver that can hurt the back of your head or neck and is not fully adjustable. Adjustment device 110 can be adjusted to any desired tightness and is small and flat so it does not bother the back of one's head or neck. Hook connectors 68 can easily slip on and off of the mask ear loops 204 and 206.

The connection of flexible material 12, like paracord 54, to connector mechanism 10 may be unique and can be applied to clips, hooks, connectors, breakaways, charms, embellishments, belt hooks, buckles, bracelets, necklaces, etc. Connector mechanism 10 can be used in place of the traditional way of tying or knotting a flexible material or cord, string, or rope to keep it in place.

The disclosed method and/or mechanism of connection can be altered for a variety of uses. The connection method can be applied to an unlimited number of connections or a single connection in the same direction or different directions. The materials used in these hooks, clips and connectors will vary depending on how it is used. Hooks for a sunglass lanyard could be made of silicone, while the hooks for boat could be made of metal. The hooks used of the product of the face mask system 200 and/or lanyard system 100 may preferably be made of plastic and paracord 54. The ornamental design will vary, but the connection will remain the same.

In sum, the present disclosure relates to a method of connecting a flexible material to a hard material, such as a clip or other device. The disclosure more particularly may be designed to connect paracord 54 to a hook or clip. With the instant disclosure, flexible material 12 such as paracord 54, rope, twine, silk, plastic coated cotton, etc. can be easily connected to another material, such as plastic, metal, wood, glass, silicone or the like, that can hold paracord 54 in place. The disclosed method and/or mechanism may give an easy solution to making a quick connection and may be a better solution to making things such as paracord bracelets, lanyards, sunglass lanyards, face mask lanyards or crafts. The disclosed method and/or mechanism 10 may be used for making lanyards for face masks with the connection being applied to the hook on each end of the cord.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A connector mechanism configured for connecting a flexible material comprising:

a locking portion configured to lock the flexible material onto the connector mechanism, the locking portion having a top side, a bottom side and an entrance side, the locking portion including: a first hole therethrough from the top side to the bottom side, the first hole is positioned approximate the entrance side; a second hole therethrough from the top side to the bottom side, the second hole is spaced apart from the first hole; a first lock positioned between the first hole and the entrance side, the first lock is configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the first lock from the top side; a second lock positioned between the first hole and the second hole, the second lock is configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the second lock from the bottom side; and a third lock positioned on a first side of the second hole, the third lock is configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the third lock from the second hole.

2. The connector mechanism of claim 1, wherein the locking portion is configured to lock the flexible material into position on the locking portion via the first lock, the second lock, and the third lock.

3. The connector mechanism of claim 2, wherein the locking portion is configured to lock the flexible material into position on the locking portion by inserting the flexible material into the first hole through the top side, snaking the flexible material from the first hole over the second lock and into the second hole through the bottom side, whereby, the flexible material is locked into position on the locking portion in three locking locations via the first lock, the second lock, and the third lock.

4. The connector mechanism of claim 3, wherein, when the flexible material is inserted into the first hole through the top side, and snaked from the first hole over the second lock and into the second hole through the bottom side, the flexible material is secured in the three locking locations by moving the flexible material into the third lock in the second hole and then pulling on the flexible material from the top side of the locking portion thereby moving the flexible material into the second lock on the bottom side between the first hole and the second hole, and then moving the flexible material down into the first lock.

5. The connector mechanism of claim 1, wherein:

the first lock includes a top opening sized smaller than a width of the flexible material, wherein the top opening is configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the top opening of the first lock;

the second lock includes a bottom opening sized smaller than the width of the flexible material, wherein the bottom opening is configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the bottom opening of the second lock; and

the third locking includes a side opening sized smaller than the width of the flexible material, wherein the side opening is configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the side opening of the third lock.

6. The connector mechanism of claim 5, wherein

the top opening of the first lock includes a narrow opening with a top rounded passageway thereunder;

the bottom opening of the second lock includes a first squared off passageway, and a second squared off passageway thereunder, the first squared off passageway is wider than the second squared off passageway; and

the side opening of the third lock includes a rounded side opening.

7. The connector mechanism of claim 1, wherein the flexible material is selected from a group consisting of: a cord; a paracord; a rope; a twine; a silk; a plastic-coated cotton; and combinations thereof.

8. The connector mechanism of claim 1, wherein the flexible material is a paracord.

9. The connector mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a connector portion, the connector portion is configured to connect the flexible material locked into the locking portion to another object.

10. The connector mechanism of claim 9, wherein the connector portion is positioned on a connector end of the locking portion, the connector end of the locking portion is on an opposite side of the locking portion from the entrance side.

11. The connector mechanism of claim 9, wherein the connector portion including:

a hook connector, the hook connector including a third hole from the top side to the bottom side, the third hole including a slot therethrough positioned to create the hook connector from the third hole.

12. The connector mechanism of claim 9, wherein the connector portion including:

a side release buckle, the side release buckle including: a male portion affixed onto the locking portion of a first connector mechanism; and a female portion affixed onto the locking portion of a second connector mechanism.

13. A lanyard system comprising:

a flexible material with a first end and a second end;

two connector mechanisms including a first connector mechanism connected to the first end of the flexible material, and a second connector mechanism connected to the second end of the flexible material;

each of the two connector mechanisms comprising: a locking portion configured to lock the flexible material onto the connector mechanism, the locking portion having a top side, a bottom side and an entrance side, the locking portion including: a first hole therethrough from the top side to the bottom side, the first hole is positioned approximate the entrance side; a second hole therethrough from the top side to the bottom side, the second hole is spaced apart from the first hole; a first lock positioned between the first hole and the entrance side, the first lock is configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the first lock from the top side; a second lock positioned between the first hole and the second hole, the second lock is configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the second lock from the bottom side; and a third lock positioned on a first side of the second hole, the third lock is configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the third lock from the second hole.

14. The lanyard system of claim 13, wherein the locking portion of each of the two connector mechanisms is configured to lock the flexible material into position on the locking portion via the first lock, the second lock, and the third lock by inserting the flexible material into the first hole through the top side, snaking the flexible material from the first hole over the second lock and into the second hole through the bottom side, whereby, the flexible material is locked into position on the locking portion in three locking locations via the first lock, the second lock, and the third lock; and

wherein when the flexible material is inserted into the first hole through the top side, and snaked from the first hole over the second lock and into the second hole through the bottom side, the flexible material is secured in the three locking locations by moving the flexible material into the third lock in the second hole and then pulling on the flexible material from the top side of the locking portion thereby moving the flexible material into the second lock on the bottom side between the first hole and the second hole, and then moving the flexible material down into the first lock.

15. The lanyard system of claim 13, wherein:

the first lock includes a top opening sized smaller than a width of the flexible material, wherein the top opening is configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the top opening of the first lock, the top opening of the first lock includes a narrow opening with a top rounded passageway thereunder;

the second lock includes a bottom opening sized smaller than the width of the flexible material, wherein the bottom opening is configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the bottom opening of the second lock, the bottom opening of the second lock includes a first squared off passageway, and a second squared off passageway thereunder, the first squared off passageway is wider than the second squared off passageway; and

the third locking includes a side opening sized smaller than the width of the flexible material, wherein the side opening is configured to compress the flexible material when inserted into the side opening of the third lock, the side opening of the third lock includes a rounded side opening.

16. The lanyard system of claim 13, wherein the flexible material is a paracord.

17. The lanyard system of claim 13, wherein each of the two connector mechanisms further comprising a connector portion, the connector portion of each of the two connector mechanisms is configured to connect the flexible material locked into the locking portion to another object; and

wherein the connector portion of each of the two connector mechanisms is positioned on a connector end of the locking portion, the connector end of the locking portion is on an opposite side of the locking portion from the entrance side.

18. The lanyard system of claim 17, wherein the connector portion of each of the two connector mechanisms including:

a hook connector, the hook connector including a third hole from the top side to the bottom side, the third hole including a slot therethrough positioned to create the hook connector from the third hole.

19. The lanyard system of claim 13 further comprising an adjustment device, the adjustment device is configured to adjust a length of the flexible material between the first connector mechanism locked onto the first end of the flexible material and the second connector mechanism locked onto the second end of the flexible material, the adjustment device comprising:

a left cinching portion including a left glide hole with a left locking hole connected thereto via a left passageway, the left glide hole is sized larger than a width of the flexible material, and the left locking hole is sized smaller than the width of the flexible material for compressing and locking the flexible material into position in the left locking hole;

a right cinching portion including a right glide hole with a right locking hole connected thereto via a right passageway, the right glide hole is sized larger than the width of the flexible material, and the right locking hole is sized smaller than the width of the flexible material for locking the flexible material into position in the right locking hole;

wherein, the first end of the flexible material is inserted through the left glide hole of the left cinching portion and the second end of the flexible material is inserted through the right glide hole of the right cinching portion, whereby, the length of the flexible material is configured to be adjustable; and

wherein, the adjustment device is configured for tightening the flexible material around an object.

20. A facemask system comprising:

a mask portion with a first ear loop and a second ear loop;

a lanyard system comprising: a flexible material with a first end and a second end; two connector mechanisms including a first connector mechanism connected to the first end of the flexible material, and a second connector mechanism connected to the second end of the flexible material; each of the two connector mechanisms comprising: a locking portion configured to lock the flexible material onto the connector mechanism, the locking portion having a top side, a bottom side and an entrance side, the locking portion including: a first hole therethrough from the top side to the bottom side, the first hole is positioned approximate the entrance side; a second hole therethrough from the top side to the bottom side, the second hole is spaced apart from the first hole; a first lock positioned between the first hole and the entrance side, the first lock is configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the first lock from the top side; a second lock positioned between the first hole and the second hole, the second lock is configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the second lock from the bottom side; and a third lock positioned on a first side of the second hole, the third lock is configured to grip the flexible material when inserted into the third lock from the second hole; and a connector portion, the connector portion of each of the two connector mechanisms is configured to connect the flexible material locked into the locking portion to the first ear loop and the second ear loop, wherein the connector portion of each of the two connector mechanisms is positioned on a connector end of the locking portion, the connector end of the locking portion is on an opposite side of the locking portion from the entrance side, wherein the connector portion of each of the two connector mechanisms including: a hook connector, the hook connector including a third hole from the top side to the bottom side, the third hole including a slot therethrough positioned to create the hook connector from the third hole; and an adjustment device, the adjustment device is configured to adjust a length of the flexible material between the first connector mechanism locked onto the first end of the flexible material and the second connector mechanism locked onto the second end of the flexible material, the adjustment device comprising: a left cinching portion including a left hole with a left locking hole connected thereto via a left passageway, the left hole is sized larger than a width of the flexible material, and the left locking hole is sized smaller than the width of the flexible material for locking the flexible material into position in the left locking hole; a right cinching portion including a right hole with a right locking hole connected thereto via a right passageway, the right hole is sized larger than the width of the flexible material, and the right locking hole is sized smaller than the width of the flexible material for locking the flexible material into position in the right locking hole; wherein, the first end of the flexible material is inserted through the left hole of the left cinching portion and the second end of the flexible material is inserted through the right hole of the right cinching portion, whereby, the length of the flexible material is configured to be adjustable; wherein, the adjustment device is configured for tightening the flexible material around a back of a head or a neck of a user.