# US 12,108,867 B2 · Tool lanyard device and method of use thereof > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,108,867 B2 - Document ID: US12108867B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/144,778 - Filed: 2023-05-08 - Published: 2023-08-31 - Granted: 2024-10-08 - Earliest claimed: 2018-05-25 - Applicants: Sanita Kazaka; Normunds Kazaks - Inventors: Sanita Kazaka; Normunds Kazaks - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12108867B2 ## CPC - A45F 5/004: {with an automatic spring reel} - B25H 3/00: Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments (containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents B65D83/00; {nail dispensers B25C3/00}) - A45F 5/021: {to the belt} - A45F 5/022: {within pockets} - B25H 3/006: {Storage means specially adapted for one specific hand apparatus, e.g. an electric drill} - A45F 5/1575: {Holders or carriers for portable tools} - A45F 2005/006: {comprising a suspension strap or lanyard} - A45F: TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY - B25H: WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS (storing or packaging B65) ## Abstract A lanyard device suitable for connecting a tool to a user in use, including a housing at least part of which is adapted to be connected to clothing, belt and/or safety harness. The housing including at least one socket means formed thereon and/or therein, said device also including a flexible lanyard or tether means, at least one end of which is adapted to connect to a tool in use. At least part of the said lanyard means includes a portion to be received and/or engage with said socket means and said socket means shaped and/or orientated such that the flexible lanyard cannot pass freely through said socket means when the user lets go of the tool and/or lanyard. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A lanyard device to connect a hand tool to a user, said device comprising: a housing at least part of which is adapted to be connected to clothing, belt and/or safety harness, said housing including at least one socket means formed thereon and/or therein in the top or towards the top of the housing, said device including a retractable flexible lanyard or tether means, at least one end of which is adapted to connect to a hand tool and wherein at least part of the said lanyard means includes a non-flexible, rigid ball, pin or bar to be received and/or engage with said socket means and said socket means shaped and/or configured to receive at least part of the non-flexible, rigid ball, pin or bar part of the lanyard means therein and further shaped and/or orientated such that the flexible part of the lanyard means cannot pass freely through said socket means when the user lets go of the hand tool characterised in that the weight of the hand tool is borne by coupling socket means and the non-flexible, rigid ball, pin or bar portion together thereby preventing the flexible lanyard or tether means from extending and letting the hand tool hang or dangle in a non-fixed orientation when not in use and the user lets go of the hand tool, and wherein the socket means and non-flexible, rigid ball, pin or bar are disengaged by pulling the lanyard means and/or tool in an upwards direction. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A lanyard device according to claim 1 wherein the device includes a retraction mechanism. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A lanyard device according to claim 1 wherein the socket and/or non-flexible, rigid portion are formed from plastics material or from metal or metallic material. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A lanyard device according to claim 1 wherein the socket and/or non-flexible, rigid portion are formed from plastics material or from metal or metallic material. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A lanyard device according to claim 1 wherein at least part of the socket is formed from a material that is harder than the material forming the housing. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A lanyard device according to claim 1 wherein the housing is formed from plastics material. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) A lanyard device according to claim 1 wherein the device housing includes at least one aperture and/or clip means by which the device can be attached to the user's clothing, belt, pocket and/or harness. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A lanyard device according to claim 1 wherein the housing includes an extension portion that extends or protrudes in a linear direction from the main housing body. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) A lanyard device according to claim 1 wherein the housing body is cylindrical or hexagonal. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A lanyard device according to claim 1 wherein the non-flexible, rigid portion has a diameter greater than the lanyard diameter or thickness. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) A lanyard device according to claim 1 wherein the distal or free end of the flexible lanyard includes attachment means configured to attach a tool to the end of the flexible lanyard means and/or non-flexible, rigid portion. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) A lanyard device according to claim 1 wherein the socket is a female engagement or connecting member and the non-flexible, rigid portion is a male engagement or connecting member.