Customizable modular lanyard system

Abstract

The present disclosure is, in one aspect, directed to a customizable, modular lanyard system, which system includes a plurality of interconnectable sections that can be used to form a user customizable lanyard of a desired length and/or configuration. Each section of the plurality of interconnectable sections can have universal connectors at each of its ends. Each section of the plurality of interconnectable sections also can include a flexible material having at least one of a color, user selectable, design, or patterning and/or one or more graphic representations, themes, scenes, or character depictions. The system further can have a base that can be connected to the one or more of the universal connectors, which base can include a connector that allows for attachment of one or more articles to the user customizable lanyard.

What we claim is: 
     
         1 . A customizable, modular lanyard system, comprising:
 a plurality of interconnectable sections that are connectable to form a user customized lanyard of a selected length and/or configuration, wherein each of the plurality of interconnectable sections comprises a flexible material having at least one of a color, user selectable, design, or patterning and/or one or more graphic representations, themes, scenes, or character depictions;   a series of universal connectors each disposed at an end of each of the plurality of interconnectable sections, wherein the universal connectors are configured to releasably couple to one another to form the user customized lanyard of the selected length and/or configuration; and   a base having a body configured to receive and releasably connect to the one or more of the universal connectors so as to attach the base to at least one section of the plurality of interconnectable sections, the base further comprising a connector that is configured to releasably attach one or more articles to the user customized lanyard.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more sections of the plurality of sections comprise a varying length, size, and/or width. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible material comprises a fabric material. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each universal connector comprises a body having a pair of flexible projecting portions extending outwardly, recesses configured to receive at least a portion of a corresponding flexible projection portion therein, and one or more biased tabs defined in the body substantially adjacent the recesses, and wherein the universal connectors are connected by moving the flexible projecting portions of a pair of universal connectors into the corresponding recesses and into frictional, interlocked engagement with one or more of the biased tabs. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the flexible projecting portions comprises a protrusion disposed therealong, and wherein the protrusion is at least partially engaged by a biased tab when its projecting portion is moved into a corresponding recess of another universal connector. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the universal connectors each comprise a breakaway strength of approximately 3 lbs. to approximately 6 lbs. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the connector of the base is pivotally mounted thereto to enable the one or more articles to swivel and/or pivot in multiple directions. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more articles attached to the connector includes a carrier, a badge, a placard, a pass, and/or one or more ornamental items. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a series of decorative charms configured for attachment to one of the sections of the plurality of interconnectable sections. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein each charm of the series of decorative charms is mounted to a slider, the slider comprising a body having a first part including a surface to which the charm is mountable, a second part, and a channel defined between the first part and the second part, wherein the channel is configured to at least partially receive at least a portion of the one or more sections of the plurality of interconnectable sections such that the slider is movably attached thereto. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the second part of the body of the slider comprises a gap for receipt and movement of the portion of the section into the channel, and at least one projection adapted to bear against the portion of the section received within the channel and to which the slider mounted to generate a frictional engagement sufficient to hold the charm in a desired position or location along the section, while also enabling sliding movement of the charm therealong. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one section of the series of interconnectable sections is sized and/or configured to form a bracelet. 
     
     
         13 . A method of generating a user customizable or modular lanyard, comprising:
 receiving user selections of one or more designs, colors, patterns or indicia to be placed on one or more of a plurality of modular lanyard sections, wherein the one or more designs include one or more specific colors, graphic representations, themes, scenes, and/or character depictions;   applying the user selected designs to the one or more modular lanyard sections; and   providing the one or more modular lanyard sections having the user selected designs applied thereon, to the user, each modular lanyard section further comprising a universal connector at an end thereof such that the sections are releasably interconnectable by the user to form a user customized lanyard having a desired length and/or configuration.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein applying the one or more designs comprises printing or dying the one or more specific colors, graphic representations, themes, scenes, and/or character depictions selected by the user onto the desired sections of the plurality of sections; adhesively or heat pressing stickers, appliques, decals, and/or embellishments containing the one or more specific colors, graphic representations, themes, scenes, and/or character depictions selected by the user onto the desired sections of the of the plurality of sections; or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the one or more specific colors, graphic representations, themes, scenes, and/or character depictions selected by the user are printed onto the desired sections of the of the plurality of sections and/or the stickers, appliques, decals, or embellishments applied thereto with photochromic or thermochromic ink that change colors in different light conditions or upon contact with at least a portion of a person's body. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the user's selections are received at a kiosk or at an online website.