JP7794428B2 - Neck strap and its holder - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a neck strap and a holder for the same.

Neck straps, which allow name holders and other items to be hung around the neck for display, have traditionally been used in many situations, such as at workplace events. The string portion of a neck strap that is worn around the neck may be made of a string-like material, such as a hollow weave or plain weave (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Flat string-like material, which allows for easy application of a company name or design on its surface, may also be used for the string portion.

One common procedure for processing such string-like objects is to manually sew both ends of the band-like string-like object together to form a circular loop (see Figure 15). It has also been proposed to attach a part (such as a "rivet," a resin part that is assembled from the front and back and crimped together; designated by the reference numeral 10' in Figures 16 and 17) to the sewn portion, thereby hiding the sewn portion and improving the overall design of the neck strap (see Figure 16).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-200408

However, the manufacturing process for neck straps involves manually sewing both ends of the string, which takes time and effort. Furthermore, with conventional neck straps constructed as described above, it is difficult to ensure that the surface of the string (the surface printed with the company name, etc.) and the name holder face forward when in use (see Figure 17).

The present invention aims to provide a neck strap and a holder that reduces the labor required in the manufacturing process and is designed to make it easier for the surface of the suspended object, such as a name holder, or a string-like object to face forward.

One aspect of the present invention is a holder that is formed by combining at least two holder components and fastening a portion of a band-like string body to form a neck strap for hanging around the neck, comprising:
a locking member that locks a part of the string-like body;
an engaging member for engaging the holder components with each other;
A holder comprising:

With the above-described retainer, it is possible to fasten a portion of the string-like body to the fastening member through the relatively simple and easy process of engaging the retainer components together, without having to manually sew both ends of the string-like body together, and to form the string-like body into a circular shape. This reduces the amount of work required in the manufacturing process compared to sewing both ends of the string-like body together.

Furthermore, by locking a portion of the string to the locking member in a state in which the string can rotate easily relative to the holder, or by fixing both ends of the string locked to the locking member in a V-shaped open state, it becomes possible to maintain both ends of the string in a V-shaped open state when the neck strap is worn around the neck. Maintaining such a state helps to maintain a state in which the surface of the string (the surface printed with the company name, etc.) and the name holder can easily face forward.

In the above-described retainer, the locking member may be composed of a pin-shaped protrusion.

In the above-mentioned retainer, the locking member may be configured in a cylindrical or columnar shape.

The retainer described above may also have a receiving portion into which the end of the locking member fits.

In the above-described retainer, the engaging member may be a claw-shaped member that elastically deforms and engages when the retainer components are pressed together.

In the above-described retainer, the engaging member may be configured to be operable from an engaged state to a disengaged state.

In the above-described retainer, the locking member may be sized to lock the string-like body in a relatively rotatable state around the locking member.

The above-mentioned retainer may further include a limiting portion that limits the relative rotation range of the string-like body around the locking member.

The above-mentioned retainer may further include a restricting member that restricts relative rotation of the string-like body around the locking member.

Another aspect of the present invention is a neck strap for suspending a suspended object, which is composed of a holder as described above and a string-like body with through holes at both ends large enough to allow the insertion of a locking member.

In the neck strap described above, holes through which the locking members can be inserted may be provided at both ends of the string-like body.

In the above-mentioned neck strap, both ends of the string-like body may be heat-treated.

This invention allows for labor-saving during the manufacturing process and also allows for a structure that makes it easier for the surface of the hanging object, such as a name holder or string-like object, to face forward.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a crimp (retainer) and a strap (string-like body), illustrating the outline of the configuration of a neck strap in one embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the end of the strap is engaged with the engaging projection of the main body part of the rivet. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the neck strap with the lid part attached to the crimped main body part. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the rear side of the caulking lid part. 1 is a perspective view of the crimp with the body part and the lid part assembled, viewed obliquely from below on the front side. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main body part and the cover part taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the main body part and the cover part taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 5. This is an image showing the neck strap of this embodiment in use, with the string-like body and name holder facing forward when worn around the neck. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the state of the vicinity of the crimp of the neck strap when worn around the neck. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how a processing mold is applied to the end of the strap while a heat cutter is used to cut it. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the end of the strap after cutting, together with a processing mold. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a crimp (retainer) and a strap (string-like body), illustrating the outline of the configuration of a neck strap according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the rear side of the caulking lid part shown in FIG. 11 . FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the rear side of a crimped lid part in yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a body part and a cover part of a caulking device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. For reference, this is an image showing a conventional neck strap in which both ends of a band-like string are manually sewn together to form a circular shape. This is an image showing a resin part attached to the sewn part of the string-like body of a conventional neck strap, and the surrounding area. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional neck strap in which the name holder and the like are oriented at an angle when worn around the neck. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a main body part and a cover part of a rivet having small protrusions formed in a cone shape. FIG.

Below, we will explain in detail preferred embodiments of the neck strap and its holder according to the present invention, with reference to the drawings (see Figures 1 to 7, etc.).

This specification discloses a so-called neck strap used to hang a name holder (sometimes called a "name plate") 100 or the like from the neck, and a new configuration for the holder that makes up the neck strap. The neck strap 1 of this embodiment, described below, includes a rivet 10 and a strap 50.

The rivet 10 is an example of a component (retainer) that combines at least two retainer components and forms a neck strap for hanging around the neck by engaging a portion of the strap 50 (usually both ends) (see Figure 1, etc.). In this embodiment, the rivet 10 has a structure formed by combining two retainer components, a main body part 20 and a cover part 30. In this embodiment, both parts 20 and 30 are molded, for example, by injection molding, from a relatively hard synthetic resin with a certain degree of rigidity (e.g., ABS, polypropylene, polyacetate, engineering plastic, etc.), but this is just one suitable example and the materials and specific configuration are not limited to those shown below.

The main body part 20 is configured as a part including a main body portion 21, a locking protrusion (locking member) 22, and an engaging claw (engaging member) 23 (see Figure 1, etc.). The lid part 30 is configured as a part including a main body portion 31, a recess (receiving portion) 32, a claw engaging portion 33, a boss 34, and a stopper (restricting portion) 35 (see Figure 1, etc.).

The main body portion 21 of the main body part 20 is a component that combines with the main body portion 31 of the lid part 30 to form the crimp 10.

The locking protrusion 22 of the main body part 20 is a pin-shaped protrusion that is inserted into a portion of the strap 50, specifically, through holes 51, 52 near both ends 50A, 50B, to lock the strap 50 (see Figure 1, etc.). In this embodiment, the locking protrusion 22 is cylindrical (or may be cylindrical with a hollow) and protrudes from approximately the center of the main body part 21 toward the cover part 30. However, this is only one example of a suitable shape; it may also be tapered or have a polyhedral shape such as a prism. Regardless of the shape, the locking protrusion 22 is preferably sized or shaped to allow the strap 50 to rotate relative to the crimp 10 around the locking protrusion 22. The tip of the locking protrusion 22 is inserted and fitted into the recess 32 of the cover part 30 (see Figure 7).

The engagement claws 23 of the main body part 20 engage with the claw engagement portions 33 of the main body portion 31 of the lid part 30, thereby assembling the main body portion 21 of the main body part 20 and the main body portion 31 of the lid part 30. In this embodiment, engagement claws 23 are provided at three locations, one on each side of the main body portion 21 and one on the bottom (see Figure 1, etc.). However, this is merely a preferred example, and the number and locations are not limited. Each of these engagement claws 23 is wedge-shaped with an inclined surface 23S, and elastically deforms when the main body part 20 and the lid part 30 are assembled, engaging with the claw engagement portions 33 (see Figures 6, 7, etc.). Furthermore, these engagement claws 23 may be configured to be operable from an engaged state to a disengageable state. In this case, it is possible or easy to remove and separate the combined main body part 20 and lid part 30. Although not specifically shown, configurations for enabling operation to a detachable state include a shape in which part of the engagement claw 23 protrudes from the surface of the main body 31 to make it easier to operate with a fingertip, and a shape with a recess that makes it easier to insert the tip of a tool (such as a flathead screwdriver) to deform the engagement claw 23.

The main body portion 31 of the lid part 30 is a component that combines with the main body portion 21 of the main body part 20 to form the crimp 10.

The recess 32 of the lid part 30 is formed as a receiving portion into which the inserted tip portion of the locking protrusion 22 fits (see Figure 7, etc.). In this embodiment, a boss 34 protruding toward the main body part 20 is formed in the portion of the main body part 31 corresponding to the locking protrusion 22, and the tip portion of the locking protrusion 22 is inserted into the central recess 32 (see Figure 4). Note that in this embodiment, the boss 34 is cylindrical, but its shape is not particularly limited as long as it is structured to receive the inserted tip portion of the locking protrusion 22.

The boss 34 of the cover part 30 is a member that protrudes toward the main body part 20 and has the recess 32 formed in its center as described above (see FIG. 4 , etc.). The boss 34 may be configured to function as a restricting member that restricts relative rotation of the strap 50 around the locking projection 22. In other words, if the boss 34 is formed to provide an appropriate contact resistance to the strap 50 attempting to rotate relative to the locking projection 22, it is possible to appropriately restrict the strap 50 from rotating relative to the locking projection 22 in an extremely loose state during use (moving without resistance against the crimp 10), thereby appropriately improving the feel and texture of the product for the user. Specific structural examples of the boss 34 that function as a restricting member in this way include the following:
(1) By appropriately changing the height H of the boss 34 (the protruding height from the main body 31 to the end face 34F), the width W of the gap formed between the end face 34F and the main body 21 of the main body part 20 can be adjusted (see FIG. 7). The width W of the gap is adjusted depending on the material and thickness of the strap 50 (for example, whether it is hollow woven or plain woven), and the strap 50 is sandwiched between the end face 34F and the main body 21 of the main body part 20 to provide an appropriate contact resistance.
(2) Changing the condition of the annular end surface 34F of the boss 34. For example, in this embodiment, the end surface F is configured as a smooth surface perpendicular to the central axis of the locking projection 22, but by configuring the end surface F as a surface other than this, for example, a surface inclined with respect to the central axis of the locking projection 22, or a surface having irregularities such as a wave shape, a tooth shape, or small protrusions (one example of which is a small protrusion formed in a cone shape, shown by reference numeral 40 in FIG. 18), a restricting member that provides an appropriate contact resistance to the strap 50 can be configured.
(3) By using either or a combination of (1) and (2) above, the strap 50 is held in a V-shaped open state at a predetermined angle and tightly clamped between the end face 34F and the main body part 21 of the main body part 20, preventing relative rotation and fixing it at that angle.

The claw engagement portions 33 of the lid part 30 are formed to engage with the engagement claws 23 of the main body part 20. In this embodiment, three claw engagement portions 33 are provided on the left, right, and bottom of the main body part 31 of the lid part 30, corresponding to each of the three engagement claws 23 provided on the main body part 20 (see Figures 4, 5, etc.). The specific shape and structure of these claw engagement portions 33 are not particularly limited, but as an example, in this embodiment, notches are provided to match the size of each engagement claw 23, and an inclined surface 33S is provided at the portion where the tip of the engagement claw 23 abuts, making it easier for the engagement claw 23 to elastically deform (see Figures 6, 7, etc.).

The stopper 35 of the lid part 30 is formed to limit the range of relative rotation of the strap 50 around the locking projection 22. For example, in this embodiment, a generally arc-shaped notch 36 for passing the strap 50 is provided in the portion of the main body 31 of the lid part 30 above the boss 34, and the wall portions on both the left and right ends of this notch 36 serve as stoppers 35 that limit the range of rotation of the strap 50 (see Figures 3, 4, etc.).

The strap 50 constitutes the string-like portion of the neck strap 1 that is worn around the neck, and is made of a thin, band-like member made of a flexible, relatively soft synthetic fiber (e.g., polyester, nylon, etc.). Specifically, the strap 50 can be made of a woven string with a width of, for example, 10 mm, or a plain woven string with a width of, for example, 10 mm or 15 mm. The surface of the strap 50 (the surface facing the lid part 30) can be used as a printed surface on which the company name or various designs can be applied (see Figure 8A).

Each end 50A, 50B of the strap 50 has through-holes 51, 52 large enough to accommodate the locking projections 22 (see Figures 1, 2, etc.). Each end 50A, 50B of the strap 50 may be appropriately cut or heat-treated. As an example, in this embodiment, a processing mold 400 is placed on each end 50A, 50B of the strap 50, and a heat cutter 300 is used to cut each end 50A, 50B into a roughly semicircular shape centered on the through-hole 51 (52) (see Figures 9 and 10). The strap 50, with its corners cut off, is easily rotated relative to each other within the main body 21, 31. Furthermore, the edges of each end 50A, 50B are heated to melt the fibers, solidifying them and providing them with adequate tensile strength. As a result, even when a strong pulling force is applied via the locking projections 22, the strap 50 is able to withstand external forces without easily tearing or breaking (see Figures 8A, 8B, etc.).

The assembly and manufacturing process for the neck strap 1 and its crimp 10 configured as described above is extremely simple. First, prepare the strap 50, which has been processed by providing holes 51 and 52 at both ends 50A and 50B. First, attach one end 50A to the main body part 20 by inserting the locking projection 22 into the hole 51. Next, attach the other end 50B to the main body part 20 by inserting the locking projection 22 into the hole 52 (see Figures 1 and 2). Of course, the strap 50 may also be attached to the main body part 20 with both ends 50A and 50B overlapping in a V-shape. Thereafter, the lid part 30 is aligned with the main body part 20 and pushed in (alternatively, the main body part 20 and the lid part 30 can be pinched together using fingers or a jig), causing the engagement claws 23 to engage with the engagement claws 33, and the two parts 20, 30 are combined (see Figure 3, etc.), completing the entire assembly process without having to manually sew both ends of the string-like body together. Needless to say, the neck strap 1 and its crimping part 10 of this embodiment, which greatly simplify the work required for assembly and production, can reduce the labor required in the production process.

Furthermore, in the neck strap 1 of this embodiment, the strap 50 can be locked to the crimp 10 in a state where it can rotate relatively or easily, or both ends 50A, 50B of the strap 50 can be tightly pinched by the boss 34 or the like and fixed in a V-shaped open state, so that the strap 50 (both ends 50A, 50B) can easily be opened in a V-shaped state when worn around the neck.
50B) is open in a V-shape, the surface of strap 50 (the surface printed with the company name or the like) and name holder 100 are likely to face forward, and even if name holder 100 is turned sideways, the hanging force component via both left and right straps 50, which forms a V-shaped vector, acts to turn name holder 100 forward (see FIGS. 3, 8A, and 8B). In contrast, in the case of a neck strap in which both ends of the string-like body are sewn by hand or parts are attached to the sewn parts, both ends of the string-like body are aligned (not open in a V-shape), so if the name holder or the like is facing diagonally forward, for example, a force is unlikely to act to turn it forward (see FIG. 17).

While the above-described embodiment is one preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is not intended to be limiting and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the shape and structure of the rivet 10 shown in the above-described embodiment are merely exemplary and can be modified as appropriate depending on the intended use. For example, the above-described embodiment and drawings do not describe the structure for attaching and suspending the name holder 100. However, this need not be specifically mentioned, and conventional devices and structures can naturally be applied to the structure of the rivet 10 itself or the structure below it. (As an example, a conventional mounting member interposed between the name holder 100 and the rivet 10 for attaching the name holder 100 is indicated by the reference numeral 200 in Figure 8B.) Furthermore, although not specifically shown, by appropriately modifying the hanging device and structure, it is possible to hang items other than the name holder 100, such as award medals or name tags, around the neck as the object to be suspended by the neck strap 1.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the rivet 10 is configured by combining a main body part 20 having a locking projection 22 and an engaging claw 23 with a lid part 30 having a recess 32, a claw engagement portion 33, a boss 34, a stopper 35, and a notch 36. However, it goes without saying that this is merely one example of a suitable configuration. For example, the engaging claw may be provided on the lid part 30 and the claw engagement portion on the main body part 20, or the notch and stopper may be provided on the main body part 20 rather than the lid part 30. The point is that the configuration is not particularly limited as long as it simplifies the process of assembling the strap 50 and the rivet 10 and makes it easier for the surface of the strap 50 and the name holder 100 to face forward when the strap is worn around the user's neck.

Furthermore, it is of course possible to modify the shape and structure of the rivet 10 as appropriate depending on the material, width, thickness, size, etc., of the strap 50. For example, while the rivet 10 shown in the above embodiment is designed to accommodate a 10 mm-wide plain weave cord as the strap 50, the structure may be modified as appropriate to accommodate a wider 15 mm plain weave cord. Specific examples are shown below (see Figures 11 and 12). That is, in this embodiment, the width of the notch 36 is made wider to accommodate the wider strap 50 (see Figure 11, etc.). Accordingly, the stoppers 35 on both sides are positioned further to the side (see Figure 12, etc.). Furthermore, in this embodiment, a hoof-shaped rib 37, for example, with the same height as the height H of the boss 34, is provided around the boss 34 of the lid part 30 (see Figure 12). The presence of this rib 37 increases the contact area between the strap 50 and the lid part 30 accordingly.

Another specific example is shown below (see Figures 13 and 14). In this embodiment, the crimp 10 is configured assuming that a hollow woven string (e.g., 10 mm wide) will be used as the strap 50. Specifically, considering that the strap 50 will be thicker than a plain woven string, the lid part 30 does not have a boss 34 like in the above embodiment (see Figure 13, etc.). In addition, a recess (receiving portion) 32 into which the tip of the locking projection 22 fits is provided in the main body part 31 (see Figure 14, etc.).

The present invention is suitable for use with a holder that fastens a portion of a band-like string to form a neck strap for wearing around the neck, and for neck straps equipped with such a holder.

1... Neck strap 10... Caulking (retainer)
20...Main body part (holding tool component)
21... Main body part 22... Locking protrusion (locking member)
23...Engagement claw (engagement member)
23S... Inclined surface 30... Lid part (holder component)
31: Main body portion 32: Recessed portion (receiving portion)
33...claw engagement portion 33S...inclined surface 34...boss (regulating member)
34F... end surface of boss 35... stopper (limiting portion)
36: Notch portion 37: Rib 40: Small protrusion (regulating member)
50...Strap (string-like body)
50A, 50B...Ends 51, 52...Through-hole 100...Name holder (hanging object)
200... Mounting member 300... Heat cutter 400... Processing mold H... Height of boss W... Width of gap formed between end face of boss and main body of main body part

Claims (6)

A neck strap for suspending a suspended object, comprising a holder that combines at least two holder components and that fastens a portion of a band-like string-like body to form a neck strap for hanging around the neck, and the string-like body ,
The holder is
a locking member for locking through holes provided at both ends of the string-like body;
an engaging member for engaging the holder components with each other;
a receiving portion into which an end of the locking member is fitted ;
a notch for passing the string-like body;
limiting portions each consisting of a wall provided at each end of the notch portion so as to limit the relative rotation range of the string-like body around the locking member to a predetermined range;
Equipped with
the locking member is formed to have a size that allows the string-like body to be locked around the locking member in a relatively rotatable state;
The neck strap is designed to easily maintain both ends of the string-like body in a V-shaped open state when the neck strap is worn around the neck. 2. The neck strap according to claim 1, wherein the locking member is configured as a pin-shaped protrusion. 3. The neck strap according to claim 2, wherein the fastening member is formed in a cylindrical or columnar shape. 4. The neck strap according to claim 1, wherein the engaging member is a claw-shaped member that is elastically deformed to engage when the holder components are pressed together. The neck strap according to claim 4 , wherein the engaging member is operable from an engaged state to a disengageable state. The neck strap according to claim 1 , further comprising a restricting member that restricts relative rotation of the string-like body around the locking member.