Lanyard connector and system

Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Article holder attachable to apparel or body – Neck supported holder

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C024S625000, C024S003100

Reexamination Certificate

active

06711785

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
This invention is in the field of lanyards. More specifically, this invention is in the field of connectors that connect lanyards to one or more attachments.
2. State of the Art
A lanyard is a cord, strap, line or other such member used to hold or fasten to an object. Lanyards are often worn about the neck of a user. A lanyard connector connects the first and second ends of a lanyard substrate (e.g., a strap or cord) together, forming a circular assembly. A variety of different lanyards and lanyard connectors are presently available within the art.
Lanyard connectors also typically connect to an attachment, such as a clip. The clip may clip to another object, such as a security badge, for example, which a user desires to wear about the user's neck. However, typical lanyard technology fails to offer modular connectors that conveniently connect to a variety of different attachments. Past designs and solutions have typically been made from off the shelf available components. Components have been sourced from a variety of designs and/or sources, e.g., VELCRO, crimps, snaps, hooks, buckles, sewing, glue, sonic welding, and rings.
These prior solutions required a number of steps in the manufacturing process to modify and/or prepare the available componentry and/or substrates for functional compatibility. Furthermore, once manufactured, there was typically no possibility for retrofitting for dual or changing use of a product.
In addition, recent technology requires products that are not electrically conductive or static retaining. An integrated system is needed that can cost effectively satisfy that need. Furthermore, as for market acceptability, because typical products are made from existing off-the-self components, it is difficult to maintain a competitive advantage in either price or design employing typical products.
In addition, typical lanyard technology includes rounded lanyard connectors that are difficult to decorate and fail to lay flat against the body of a user.
There is therefore a need in the art for improved lanyard systems which feature modular componentry and lanyard connectors which conveniently connect to a variety of different attachments.
There is also a need in the art for a lanyard system featuring the use of a convenient lanyard connector and modular components selectively coupled thereto that is non-conductive and convenient to manufacture and use.
There is also a need in the art for a lanyard connector that is convenient to decorate and lays flat against the body of a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a modular lanyard system for selectively coupling a variety of different items to a variety of different lanyard substrates.
It is another object of the invention to provide a modular lanyard system in which a variety of different attachments can be selectively coupled to a lanyard connector.
It is another object of the invention to provide a lanyard connector and/or lanyard substrate which lays flat against the body of a wearer.
It is another object of the invention to provide a lanyard connector which allows an attachment to rotate with respect to the lanyard connector.
It is another object of the invention to provide a lanyard connector that is convenient to decorate or place a logo on.
It is another object of the invention to provide an integrated system of componentry within a lanyard system.
It is another object of the invention to provide a lanyard connector that allows attachments to be retrofit thereon.
It is another object of the invention to incorporate the flexibility of post manufacture redesign and retrofit.
It is another object of the invention to produce final assembled products with limited
or no electrical conductivity or static retention.
It is another object of the invention to provide a system component that will provide a safety release if required by the market or the product design.
It is another object of the invention to reduce decoration (e.g., screen printing, pad printing, hot stamping) and spoilage costs of manufactured items, such as by employing a recylable system.
It is another object of the invention to create a system that is both visually and functionally unique.
It is another object of the invention to connect dissimilar or unrelated substrates with a novel modular system.
It is another object of the invention to provide a number of different manners for connecting and disconnecting a lanyard connector from an attachment.
It is another object of the invention to provide a lanyard system having a variety of different interchangeable parts.
The present invention relates to a universally interchangeable linking or attachment system for securing a variety of items to a variety of lanyard substrates so as to accommodate or achieve a variety of uses and/or applications. The modular system has interchangeable components that aesthetically connect or interact with each other. The system has component multiple-use capability.
One embodiment of the lanyard system of the present invention comprises (i) a lanyard substrate, such as a fabric strap, (ii) a lanyard connector which couples the first and second ends of the substrate together; and (iii) an attachment that selectively, rotatably couples to the lanyard connector. The lanyard connector can attach to a variety of different modular attachments, each of which can be configured to selectively, rotatably couple to the connector, thus achieving modularity and interchangability.
An integrated system of componentry creating simple or complex solutions to needs of products is achieved by employing compatible attachments that allow for reduced inventory requirements.
The invented system employs a novel internal securing design, including upper and lower teeth that grip the substrate ends. The system also provides for economical decoration, personalization and business identification processes which are key to the promotional products industry. Economical decoration can be achieved, for example, by employing a flat or substantially flat lanyard connector on which an insignia such as a logo can be readily placed, as opposed to a round connector that is more difficult to place a logo on.
Items which can be held by the lanyard systems of the present invention include, but are not limited to cameras, trade show badges, security and safety identification badges, workplace name/photo identification, hidden personal and travel safety items, binoculars and umbrellas, luggage tags, zipper pulls or attachment points for flashlights, whistles, keys, cards, personal security/protection devices, etc for bags, cases, packs and carrying devices of all types.
Novel devices that can be created by this system include, but are not be limited to, neck lanyards and other types of lanyards. These may be employed for various types of uses and may have non-conductive and non-static storing properties. These properties have significant and important application where clean areas of manufacturing and services are required, including but not limited to the computer industry, scientific research and development, and medical and pharmaceutical environments.
In order to achieve this non-conductive capability, in one embodiment, the system of the present invention provides modular system thermo-plastic fastening and connecting component devices. For example, through the use of high-tech, engineering grade, UV protected thermo molding plastics, a durable component system is created that will allow for component disassembly and use changes without compromising the integrity of the product. Such plastics also have non-conductive and non-static storing properties and can thus be conveniently employed for lanyard connectors and attachments of the present invention.
Lanyard connectors and attachments of the present invention may be comprised of a variety of different materials, such as a thermoplastic material that is readily injection moldable and nonconductive, e.g., CELCON plastic, nylon, polypropylene, and/o

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