Patent Publication Number: US-2007095870-A1

Title: Continuously variable, closed loop, instrument tether

Description:
BACKGROUND  
      1. The Field of the Invention  
      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.  
      2. The Background Art  
      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 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&#39;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.  
      In summary, there are numerous situations where a user may desire to tether an instrument, rather than face the consequences of inadvertently dropping that instrument. Accordingly, what is needed is an inexpensive tether of sound construction that is able to engage and secure instruments of various sizes and weights. Such a tether should be able to secure instruments when they are being used or manipulated as well as when they are not.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a tether comprising a band sized and shaped to engage some portion of a user&#39;s hand, forearm, upper arm, belt, tool belt, clothing, or the like. For example, a band may be sized and shaped to encircle a wrist.  
      A lanyard may be connected to the band. In certain embodiments, a lanyard in accordance with the present invention may be formed as a closed, continuous loop That is, a lanyard may be formed as a single, closed loop, without any joints or seams. It has been found that an O-ring seal of circular cross-section and sufficient size provides a suitable lanyard.  
      The connection between a band and a lanyard may be accomplished in any suitable manner. In certain embodiments, a lanyard may connect to a band by simply looping directly therethrough. In other embodiments, an interface may connect the lanyard to the band. In one embodiment, an interface may be a loop of material secured to the band and extending to engage the lanyard.  
      In selected embodiments, a lock may be applied to the lanyard. A lock may adjustably pinch the lanyard to form first and second sub-loops. By adjusting the location where the lock pinches the lanyard, the size of the first and second sub-loops may be controlled. It has been found that a cord lock provides a suitable lock.  
      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. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tether comprising a band, interface, lanyard, and lock, wherein the band engages the wrist of a user and the lanyard secures an instrument in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a band showing various alternative closures that may be applied thereto in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a band showing various alternative interfaces that may be applied thereto in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one possible first step in forming a band and interface from a single, continuous piece or strip of material, namely the step of folding the strip to extend at a ninety degree angle with respect to itself, thereby delineating a band portion and an interface portion;  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one possible second step in forming a band and interface from a single, continuous piece or strip of material, namely the step of folding the interface portion back over itself toward the band portion;  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of possible third and forth steps in forming a band and interface from a single, continuous piece or strip of material, namely the steps of applying a closure to the interface portion to maintain the single, continuous strip of material in the desired configuration and applying a closure to the band portion;  
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional, side view of one embodiment of a lock in accordance with the present invention with the lock in an engaged position;  
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional, side view of the lock of  FIG. 7  with the lock in a disengaged position;  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a lock in accordance with the present invention, wherein the lock comprises no moving parts;  
       FIG. 10  is a side, elevation view of a lock positioned on a lanyard to substantially minimize the size of the second sub-loop;  
       FIG. 11  is a side, elevation view of a lock positioned on a lanyard to substantially maximize the size of the second sub-loop to accommodate an instrument of significant girth;  
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a tether in accordance with the present invention comprising a band, an interface, and multiple lanyards with corresponding locks;  
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a tether comprising a band, interface, lanyard, and lock, wherein the band engages the wrist of a user and the lanyard secures an instrument being manipulated by the user in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of multiple lanyards chained together in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 15  is a schematic block diagram illustrating a method for constructing a tether in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 16  is a schematic block diagram illustrating a method for utilizing a tether in accordance with the present invention;  
       FIG. 17  is a schematic block diagram illustrating a method for engaging an instrument using a lanyard and lock in accordance with the present invention; and  
       FIG. 18  is a schematic block diagram illustrating a method for utilizing a tether in accordance with the present invention to secure multiple instruments.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS  
      It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , in selected embodiments a tether  10  in accordance with the present invention may include a band  12  sized and shaped to engage some portion of a user&#39;s hand, forearm, upper arm, belt, tool belt, clothing, or the like. For example, in certain embodiments, a band  12  may be sized and shaped to encircle one or more fingers or a thumb. In other embodiments, a band  12  may be sized and shaped to receive a belt therethrough. In still other embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a band  12  may be sized and shaped to encircle a wrist  14 .  
      In certain embodiments, a lanyard  16  may be connected to the band  12 . A lanyard  16  in accordance with the present invention may be formed as a closed loop. If desired, a lanyard  16  may also be continuous. That is, a lanyard  16  may be formed as a single, closed loop, without any separable or discontinuous joints or seams.  
      A lanyard  16  may be formed of any suitable material. Characteristics that may be considered when selecting the material for a lanyard  16  may include cost, availability, workability, durability, strength, aesthetic appeal, flexibility, tack or frictional engagement with other materials, and the like. Suitable materials may include metals, metal alloys, naturally-occurring fibers, synthetic fibers, polymers, and the like. For example, in selected embodiments, a lanyard  16  be formed of metal strands braided together.  
      In other embodiments, a lanyard  16  may be formed of an elastic material. For example, if desired, a lanyard  16  may be formed of an elastomeric polymer. It has been found that an O-ring seal of circular cross-section and sufficient size provides a suitable lanyard  16 . Such seals are readily available in a variety of sizes, have sufficient tensile strength, have sufficient durability, and provide an excellent, almost tacky, non-slip frictional engagement with a wide variety of materials.  
      The connection between a band  12  and a lanyard  16  may be accomplished in any suitable manner. In certain embodiments, a lanyard  16  may connect to a band  12  by simply looping directly therethrough. In other embodiments, an interface  18  or bracket  18  may connect the lanyard  16  to the band  12 . In one embodiment, an interface  18  may be a loop of material secured to the band  12  and extending to engage the lanyard  16 .  
      In selected embodiments, a lock  20  may be applied to the lanyard  16 . In some embodiments, a lock  20  may adjustably pinch the lanyard  16  to form a first sub-loop  22  and a second sub-loop  24 . By adjusting the location where the lock  20  pinches the lanyard  16 , the size of the first and second sub-loops  22 ,  24  may be controlled. Movement of the lock  20  on the lanyard  16  may continuously increase or decrease the size of the first sub-loop  22 , while simultaneously, continuously, and respectively decreasing or increasing the size of the second sub-loop  24 . The sub-loops  22 ,  24  may be reduced to zero open area in the absences of anything captured therein, due to the resilience or elasticity of the material.  
      In certain embodiments, the first sub-loop  22  may engage the interface  18 . Alternatively, in embodiments were the interface  18  is omitted, the first sub-loop  22  may directly engage the band  12 . Accordingly, the second sub-loop  24  may be available to engage and secure an instrument  26 . That is, an instrument  26  may be placed and secured within the second sub-loop  24 . The position of the lock  20  on the lanyard  16  may then be adjusted until the second sub-loop  24  is sufficiently small to resist inadvertent removal of the instrument  26  from therewithin.  
      An instrument  26  in accordance with the present invention may be a component, fastener, tool, or any other item for which tethering is desired. For example, an instrument  26  may be a screw, nail, staple, bolt, nut, rivet, pin, pair of scissors, pair of pliers, wrench, driver, rachet, hammer, pneumatic tool, power tool, or the like. The ability of the lock  20  to control the size of the second sub-loop  24  facilitates securement of instruments  26  of various dimensions with a single apparatus  10 . Accordingly, a tether  10  in accordance with the present invention may provide significant convenience and security by controlling the placement, movement, and proximity of instruments  26  of various sizes and weights.  
      Referring to  FIG. 2 , in selected embodiments, a band  12  in accordance with the present invention may be discontinuous. That is, a band  12  may include a discontinuity  28  facilitating application of the band  12  to a wrist  14 , arm, finger, thumb, belt, or the like. Such a discontinuity  28  may be coupled with a closure  30  selectively and adjustably closing the discontinuity  28 .  
      For example, in some embodiments  32 , a closure  30  such as a hook-and-loop arrangement or securement (e.g., Velcro®) may be applied to a discontinuity  28 . In other embodiments  34 , a closure  30  such as a snap may be used. In still other embodiments  36 , a closure  30  such as a buckle may be used. In general, a closure  30  may be any mechanical arrangement providing the desired adjustability and securement strength.  
      A band  12  in accordance with the present invention may be formed of any suitable material. Suitable materials maybe chosen based on cost, comfort, availability, workability, durability, strength, aesthetic appeal, flexibility, and the like. Suitable materials may include natural as well as synthetic materials. For example, in selected embodiments, a band  12  may be formed of leather. In other embodiments, a band  12  may be formed of woven polymeric strands (e.g., nylon, polyester, or the like).  
      In still other embodiments, a band  12  may be formed of an elastomeric material. If desired, a band  12  may be formed of a solid, continuous piece of elastomeric material. Alternatively, the band  12  may be formed of woven strands of elastomeric material. In certain embodiments  38 , band  12  formed of elastomeric material may be formed without any discontinuity  28 . In such embodiments, the resilience of the material may facilitate easy application and securement of the band  12  to the wrist  14 , arm, finger, thumb, or the like, with minimal adjustment.  
      In certain applications, it may be desirable to stow a tether  10  when it is not being used. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a band  12  may include a securement mechanism facilitating stowage. For example, a band  12  may include a first patch of hook-and-loop material. A user may apply a corresponding second patch of hook-and-loop material to a desired stowage location. Accordingly, by applying the first patch to the second patch, the tether  10  may be secured at a location facilitating subsequent use.  
      Referring to  FIG. 3 , the connection between a band  12  and a lanyard  16  may be accomplished in any suitable manner. Accordingly, the connection may be made with or without an interface  18 . In embodiments  40  without an interface  18 , a lanyard  16  may connect to a band  12  by simply looping through the interior  42  thereof. In embodiments including an interface  18 , that interface  18  (or bracket  18 ) may comprise any suitable mechanism capable of securing a lanyard  16  to a band  12 . A hook, clamp, slot, ring, loop, or the like may form a bracket of any suitable material to receive and retain a lanyard  16 .  
      In selected embodiments, an interface  18  may comprise a loop of material secured to the band  12  and extending to engage the lanyard  16 . In such embodiments, an interface  18  may include a closure  44 . The nature of the closure  44  may determine whether the interface  18  provides permanent or non-permanent securement of a lanyard  16  to a band  12 , to the interface  18 , or to both  12 ,  18 .  
      For example, in certain embodiments  46 , an interface  18  may include a closure  44  in the form of a snap. Accordingly, the closure  44  may be snapped to secure the lanyard  16  and unsnapped to permit removal of the lanyard  16 . In other embodiments  48 , a closure  44  in the form of a hook and loop securement may likewise provide non-permanent securement of a lanyard  16  to a band  12 .  
      In other embodiments, the closure  44  may be in a form providing permanent securement of a lanyard  16  to a band  12 . For example, in selected embodiments  50 , a closure  44  may comprise stitching closing an interface  18  and permanently securing any engaged lanyard  16  to the corresponding band  12 . In other embodiments  52 , a closure  44  in the form of a rivet may likewise provide permanent securement of a lanyard  16  to a band  12 . The interface may even be a solid, continuous ring  18 .  
      In selected embodiments, an interface  18  in accordance with the present invention may include configurations other than the looped arrangements discussed hereinabove. For example, in some embodiments  54 , a strip of material  56  may be positioned along a band  12 . The strip of material  56  may be secured to the band  12  by first and second closures  44   a ,  44   b . Accordingly, a middle portion  58  positioned between the first and second closures  44   a ,  44   b  may provide an enclosed space through which a lanyard  16  may pass.  
      In the illustrated embodiment  54 , the first and second closures  44   a ,  44   b  are illustrated as stitching. However, any closure  44  or combination of closures  44  may be used. For example, if a non-permanent engagement with a lanyard  16  is desired, a first closure  44   a  may be stitching, while the second closure  44   b  may comprise a snap.  
      If desired, an interface  18  may include more than one component  60 . For example, in certain embodiments  62 , an interface  18  may include first and second components  60   a ,  60   b . A first component  60   a  may be patterned after the strip or loop type interfaces  18  discussed hereinabove. A second component  60   a  may engage this first component  60   a  and extend to engage a lanyard  16 . In selected embodiments, the second component  60   b  may be a mechanical device such as a clip, carabiner, or the like.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 4-6 , an interface  18  in accordance with the present invention may be formed of any suitable material. As with a band  12 , suitable material for an interface  18  may be chosen based on cost, comfort, availability, workability, durability, strength, aesthetic appeal, flexibility, and the like. Accordingly, suitable materials may include natural as well as synthetic materials. For primarily aesthetic reasons, the interface  18  is typically formed of a material comparable to that of the corresponding band  12 . Accordingly, if the band  12  is to be formed of a particular leather, the interface  18  may also be formed of that particular leather. However, mixing and matching of various materials is also contemplated within the present invention.  
      In selected embodiments, it may be desirable to form a band  12  and interface  18  from a single, continuous piece or strip of material  64 . This may be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, in one embodiment, a single, continuous strip of material  64  may be folded to extend at substantially a ninety degree angle with respect to itself, thereby delineating a band portion  12  and an interface portion  18 .  
      The interface portion  18  may then be folded back over itself toward the band potion  12 . An appropriate closure  44  for the interface portion  18  may then be selected and applied. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the closure  44  for the interface portion  18  comprises stitching maintaining the single, continuous strip of material  64  in the desired configuration. Finally, an appropriate closure  30  may be selected and applied to the band portion  12 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a hook and loop closure  30  has been applied to the band portion  12 . Alternatively, a ring  18  may slip over the bank  12  and through the lanyard  16 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a lock  20  in accordance with the present invention may have any suitable configuration and method of operation. For example, in selected embodiments, a lock  20  may be configured as a cord lock. Such a lock  20  may include a housing  66 , a piston  68 , and a biasing member  70 .  
      When the piston  68  is urged to compress or deflect the biasing member  70 , an aperture  72  in the piston  68  may align with an aperture  74  in the housing  66 . Accordingly, in a compressed configuration  76 , a lanyard  16  may pass through the aligned apertures  72 ,  74 . Alternatively, when in a non-compressed configuration  78 , the biasing member  70  may urge the aperture  72  in the piston  68  out of alignment with the aperture  74  in the housing  66 . Thus, in an non-compressed configuration  78 , the piston  68  and housing  66  may pinch a previously inserted lanyard  16  sufficiently to resist further movement of the lock  20  therealong.  
      Referring to  FIG. 9 , in selected embodiments, the operation of a lock  20  may be simplified sufficiently to avoid moving parts. For example, in one embodiment, a lock  20  may simply comprise an object  80  with an aperture  82  passing therethrough. The size and shape of the aperture  82  may be selected to provide a frictional engagement with the lanyard  16 . That is, the aperture  82  may be sized and shaped to travel along the lanyard  16  when intentionally manipulated, yet grip the lanyard  16  with sufficient friction to resist inadvertent travel therealong.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , in selected embodiments, a lanyard  16  may be formed as a closed loop. Accordingly, a lock  20  may adjustably pinch such a lanyard  16  to form two sub-loops  22 ,  24 . In such an arrangement, adjusting the location where the lock  20  pinches the lanyard  16  will continuously increase or decrease the size of one sub-loop  22 ,  24 , while simultaneously, continuously, and respectively decreasing or increasing the size of the other sub-loop  24 ,  22 . Accordingly, by adjusting the location where the lock  20  pinches the lanyard  16 , the size of the second sub-loop  24  may transition between a minimum size  84  and a maximum size  86 . Alternatively, each sub-loop  22 , 24  may be sized independently by its own lock  20 .  
      At is minimum size  84 , the second sub-loop  24  may have an interior diameter of substantially zero. So configured, the second sub-loop  24  may encircle and secure very slender instruments  26  (e.g., needles, pins, or the like). Conversely, at its maximum size  86 , the majority of the lanyard  16  is included within the second sub-loop  24 . So configured, the second sub-loop  24  may encircle and secure instruments  26  of significant girth (e.g., power tools or the like).  
      Referring to  FIG. 12 , in selected situations or applications, it may be desirable to simultaneously tether more than one instrument  26 . For example, it may be desirable to tether a screw as well as a corresponding screwdriver. Accordingly, in selected embodiments, a user may apply and simultaneously utilize more than one tether  10  in accordance with the present invention.  
      For example, in one embodiment, a user may secure a first instrument  26  using a first tether  10  applied to one wrist  14 , while securing a second instrument  26  using a second tether  10  applied to the other wrist  14 . In other embodiments, a user may apply multiple tethers  10  in accordance with the present invention to the same appendage. For example, a user may apply two or more tethers  10  to the same wrist  14 .  
      In still other embodiments, a tether  10  in accordance with the present invention may include a single band  12 , but multiple lanyards  16 . For example, a single band  12  may support a single interface  18  that, in turn, may support multiple lanyards  16 , each having a corresponding lock  20 .  
      In one embodiment, a tether  10  in accordance with the present invention may be provided with multiple lanyards  16  representing various sizes (e.g., diameters, cross-sectional areas), multiples of similar sizes, or some combination thereof as well as an interface  18  having a non-permanent closure  44 . Accordingly, before securing any instruments  26 , a user may connect an arrangement of lanyards  16  sufficient to perform the task or tasks contemplated. If desired, in addition, or as an alternative, to securing various lanyards  16 , an interface  18  may engage other types of structures for securement of instruments  26 . For example, an interface  18  may secure one or more strap securements using hook-and-loop arrangements to rap and secure an instrument  26 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 13 , in selected embodiments, a tether  10  in accordance with the present invention may be used to secure diminutive instruments  26  or parts. For example, as illustrated, a tether  10  may be used to secure a screw, even while that screw is being manipulated (e.g., started, rotated). Also, the interface  18  and lanyard  16  may be centered on the user&#39;s palm, permitting work in tight or constricting environments.  
      During certain uses, a tether  10  may inadvertently snag on moving machinery. If such a tether  10  were overly strong, it may pull the hand, arm, or entire body of a user into a dangerous and harmful environment. To eliminate the potential for such accidents, a tether  10  in accordance with the present invention may provide a specified breakaway strength. That is, a tether  10  may be designed to fail, thereby freeing the user, when loads greater than a specified amount are applied to a tether  10  or lanyard  16 . In selected embodiments, such specified loads may reside somewhere above loads representing normal use, but well below loads representing an inadvertent snag.  
      The breakaway strength of a tether  10  or lanyard  16  in accordance with the present invention may be controlled in any suitable manner. For example, in selected embodiments, a lanyard  16  may be designed to fail at loadings above the specified limit. In other embodiments, the closure  44  of an interface  18  may be designed to fail at loadings above the specified limit. In other embodiments, the closure  30  of a band  12  may be designed to fail at loadings above the specified limit. In still other embodiments, one or more, or some combination, of the lanyard  16 , closure  44  of the interface  18 , and closure  30  of the band  12  may be designed to fail at loadings above the specified limit.  
      In selected embodiments, it may be desirable to increase the effective tethering distance  88  (i.e., the distance  88  between the band  12  and the instrument  26 ). For example, when securing instruments  26 , the size of the first sub-loop  22  largely determines the tethering distance  88 . However, the size of the first sub-loop  22  is controlled by, and varies inversely with, the size of the second sub-loop  24 . Accordingly, unlike the illustrated arrangement incorporating an instrument  26  of diminutive size, when securing instruments  26  of substantial girth, the majority of the lanyard  16  may be included within the second sub-loop  24 . In such situations, the tethering distance  88  may be limited. If too limited, the tethering distance  88  may preclude proper manipulation of the instrument  26 .  
      Additional tethering distance  88  may be provided in any suitable manner. For example, in selected embodiments, a lanyard  16  having a greater size or circumference may be selected when securing larger instruments  26 . With a greater circumference, sufficient length or size may remain in the first sub-loop  22 , even when the second sub-loop  24  encircles an instrument  26  of substantial girth.  
      In other embodiments, the length  90  of an interface  18  may be increased to provide the necessary or desired tethering distance  88 . By increasing the length  90  of an interface  18 , the tethering distance  88  may be less dependent on the size of the first sub-loop  22 . Accordingly, even when the majority of the lanyard  16  is included within the second sub-loop  24 , the length  90  of the interface  18  may provide a desired or necessary tethering distance  88 .  
      In certain embodiments, an interface  18  in accordance with the present invention may have an adjustable length  90 . For example, the closure  44  of an interface  18  may accommodate an array of securement locations. Each such securement location may correspond to a different length  90 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 14 , in selected embodiments, to provide additional tethering distance  88 , lanyards  16  in accordance with the present invention may be chained together. For example, as stated hereinabove, a tether  10  in accordance with the present invention may be provided with multiple lanyards  16   a ,  16   b  representing various sizes, multiples of similar sizes, or some combination thereof, as well as an interface  18  having a non-permanent closure  44 . Accordingly, one or more of these lanyards  16   a ,  16   b  may be removed from the interface  18  and chained together to increase the tethering distance  88 . In such arrangements, even when substantially all of the last lanyard  16   b  on the chain is consumed within a second sub-loop  24   b  encircling a large instrument  26 , the other lanyard  16   a  or lanyards  16  are still available to provide the desired tethering distance  88 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 15 , a method  92  for manufacturing a tether  10  in accordance with the present invention may begin with the selection  94  of the material for the band  12 . For example, this step may comprise selection  94  of a woven, polymeric, strap from which a band  12  may be formed. Depending on the nature of the material selected  94  for the band  12 , a closure  30  for the band  12  may also be selected  96 . That is, if the material for the band  12  is elastomeric, perhaps a closure  30  may be omitted. On the other hand, if the material for the band  12  is inextensible, a closure  30  may be useful. In certain embodiments, a hook-and-loop arrangement may be selected  96  as the closure  30  for the band  12 .  
      If an interface  18  is to be included within the tether  10 , the material for that interface  18  may then be selected  98 . In general, the selection  98  of the material for the interface  18  may mirror or complement the selection  94  of the material for the band  12 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, a common material may be selected  94 ,  98  for both the band  12  and the interface  18 . Depending on whether a permanent or non-permanent securement of a lanyard  16  is desired, the interface  18  may include any of various closures  44 . For example, if permanent securement is desired, stitching or a rivet-type closure  44  may be selected  100 . Alternatively, if non-permanent securement is desired, a snap, hook-and-loop, or clip-type of closure  44  may be selected  100 .  
      Next, one or more lanyards  16  may be selected  102 . In certain embodiments, selection  102  of a lanyard  16  may include the selection of an “off-the-shelf” type of product. For example, in one embodiment, selection  102  of a lanyard  16  may comprise the selection of an O-ring have the desired cross-sectional shape, cross-sectional thickness, and overall circumference. Loops  16  of tubing (e.g. plastic, polymers, elastomers, etc.) or cord  16  may serve as lanyards as well. Frictional capacity to grip may vary according to the material.  
      One or more locks  20  may be selected  104  according to the number of lanyards  16 . In selected embodiments, selection  104  of a lock  20  may similarly include the selection of an “off-the-shelf” type product. For example, in one embodiment, selection  104  of a lock  20  may include selection of a cord lock corresponding in size to the cross-sectional thickness of the lanyard  16 .  
      Finally, once the various pieces have been collected, the tether  10  may be assembled  106 . Assembling  106  a tether  10  in accordance with the present invention may include cutting materials for the band  12  and interface  18  to the desired length, processing cut edges to resist fraying, then folding, sewing, riveting, applying closures  30 ,  44 , securing lanyards  16 , applying locks  20 , or the like.  
      Referring to  FIG. 16 , a method  108  of utilizing a tether  10  in accordance with the present invention may begin with application  110  of the band  12 . In selected embodiments, this application  110  simply comprises securing the band  12  at an appropriate location on the user (e.g., the user&#39;s wrist  14 , belt, clothing, or the like). In alternative embodiments, the band  12  may be either augmented or replaced by a clip or pin securing the system  10  to clothing, such as a sleeve of a shirt, jacket, or coveralls.  
      An instrument  26  may then be positioned  112  for securement. In general, such positioning  112  may comprise placing the instrument  26  within the second sub-loop  24 . The size of the second sub-loop  24  may then be adjusted (reduced) to engage  114  the instrument  26 . Once secured, the instrument  26  may be utilized  116  as desired or necessary.  
      When the user has finished using  116  the instrument  26 , it may be released  118  from the second sub-loop  24 . The user may then position  112  another instrument  26  and repeat the process. Alternatively, if the user has no more need for tethering, the band  12  may be removed  120  and the tether  10  stowed for future use.  
      Referring to  FIG. 17 , the step of engaging  114  an instrument  26 , as set forth hereinabove, may include various sub-steps. For example, in selected embodiments, engaging  114  an instrument  26  may begin with release  122  of a lock  20 . This may free the lock  20  to travel along the lanyard  16 . Accordingly, the lock  20  may be advanced  124  toward the instrument  26  being secured. This may have the effect of constricting the second sub-loop  24  around some portion of the instrument  26 . Alternatively, the instrument  26  or tool  26  may be pulled to stretch the lanyard  16  or loop  16 , adding elastic forces before tightening the lock  20 . The sub-loop  24  may then apply more force to support friction for retaining the instrument  26 .  
      The lock  20  may be advanced  124  until the second sub-loop  24  appropriately secures or grips the instrument  26 . How tightly the second sub-loop  24  should grip the instrument  26  may depend on how the instrument  26  is to be utilized  116 . For example, in embodiments where the instrument  26  will be rotated, less gripping may be required. That is, the second sub-loop  24  may sufficiently grip the instrument  26  to provide the desired tethering, but may not sufficiently grip the instrument  26  to resist rotation of the instrument  26  within the second sub-loop  24 .  
      Alternatively, in selected embodiments, it may be desirable for the second sub-loop  24  to grip the instrument  26  sufficiently to resist all relative motion therebetween. In such embodiments, the lock  20  may be advanced toward the instrument  26  until sufficient tension is generated  126  in the second sub-loop  24 . In embodiments where the lanyard  16  comprises an elastomeric material, this tensioning  126  may include elastic deformation (e.g. stretching) of the second sub-loop  24 .  
      Once the lock  20  has been advanced  124  to the desired position with respect to the instrument  26 , the lock  20  may be engaged  126 . So engaged  126 , the lock  20  may resist further travel along the lanyard  16 . Accordingly, the lock  20  may prevent the second sub-loop  24  from expanding and loosening its grip on the instrument  26 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 18 , the present invention may be used to simultaneously secure multiple instruments  26 . A method  130  of so utilizing the present invention may involve applying  110  a singleband  12  supporting multiple lanyards  16 . Alternatively, it may involve applying  110  various bands  12  (or clips, etc.) at various locations (e.g., one band  12  on a left wrist and another on a right wrist). For purposes of discussion, this method  130  will be presented as involving two instruments  26 . However, within the scope of the present invention, the principles of this method  130  may be applied to more than two instruments  26 , such as a set of several tools  26 , or tools  26  and parts.  
      The method  130  may continue with positioning  112   a  the first instrument  26 . Such positioning  112   a  may comprise placing the first instrument  26  within an appropriate second sub-loop  24 . The size of that second sub-loop  24  may then be reduced to engage  114   a  the first instrument  26 . A similar positioning  112   b  and engaging  114   b  process may be implemented to secure the second instrument  26  within some other second sub-loop  24 , and so on until a last tool  26  or part is engaged. Once secured, both the first and second instruments  26  may be utilized  116   a ,  166   b  as desired or necessary.  
      When the user has finished using  116   a ,  116   b  either instrument  26  or part, one or both may be released  118   a ,  118   b  from the corresponding second (or nth sub-loop  24 . The user may then position  112   a ,  112   b  other instruments  26  and repeat the process. Alternatively, if the user has no more need for tethering, the band  12  or bands  12  may be removed  120  and the tether  10  or tethers  10  stowed for future use. The loop may simply be slipped along an arm out of the way.  
      The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its basic functions or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.