Continuously variable, closed loop, instrument tether

Abstract

A tether for securing a variety of instruments. The tether may include a band sized to fit a human wrist, a lanyard formed as a continuous, closed loop, an interface connecting the lanyard to the band, and a lock. The lock may adjustably pinch the lanyard to form two sub-loops therefrom. By adjusting the location where the lock pinches the lanyard, the size of one sub-loop may be continuously increased or decreased, while the size of the other sub-loop may be simultaneously, continuously, and respectively decreased or increased. Accordingly, by adjusting the location where the lock pinches the lanyard, the size of the one sub-loop may continuously vary between a minimum size and a maximum size. In one embodiment, this minimum size may corresponding to an interior diameter within the one sub-loop of substantially zero.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. The Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to object retention systems and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for tethering to a user instruments such as tools, fasteners, and the like. [0003] 2. The Background Art [0004] In many situations, it is inconvenient, costly, or dangerous to drop an instrument (e.g., a tool, fastener, or the like) during use. For example, in the printing business it is often necessary to work on printing machinery that is in use. If a technician, while perform repairs or effecting adjustments, were to in advertently drop an instrument into such machinery, the typical solution would require the entire printing line to be stopped while someone retrieved the instrument. Such a solution is certainly inconvenient. It is also costly, as production time would be wasted. Moreover, depending on where the instrument were to fail, it may enter and damage moving mechanisms, resulting in repair cost as well as additional...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] In certain embodiments, the first sub-loop may engage the interface. Accordingly, the second sub-loop may be available to engage and secure an instrument. For example, an instrument may be placed and secured within the second sub-loop. The position of the lock on the lanyard may then be adjusted until the second sub-loop is sufficiently small to resist inadvertent removal of the instrument from therewithin. Accordingly, a tether in accordance with the present invention may provide significant convenience and security by controlling the placement, movement, and proximity of a wide variety of instruments.

Problems solved by technology

In many situations, it is inconvenient, costly, or dangerous to drop an instrument (e.g., a tool, fastener, or the like) during use.

Such a solution is certainly inconvenient.

It is also costly, as production time would be wasted.

Moreover, depending on where the instrument were to fail, it may enter and damage moving mechanisms, resulting in repair cost as well as additional wasted time.

In automobile repair, there are certain tasks or situations where inadvertently dropping an instrument may render it difficult to retrieve and, as a result, decrease the mechanic's efficiency.

In other situations or professions, dropping an instrument may render it effectively unretrievable.

For example, while working over water, a worker may inadvertently drop an instrument.

The depth of the water or the inconvenience of diving in may be such that the worker would rather forfeit the value of the instrument than pay the cost of retrieving it.

In still other situations, dropping an instrument may constitute a safety hazard.

For example, while working on scaffolding, if a worker were to inadvertently drop a hammer, the falling hammer may constitute a significant safety hazard to those below.

Of course, even if the falling hammer caused no physical damage, the worker must still face the substantial inconvenience of climbing down the scaffolding, retrieving the hammer, and climbing back up the scaffolding before returning to productive labor.

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