PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9033199-B2
Application Number: US-201213621821-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Lanyard with tool coupled thereto and related system and method

Abstract:
Attachment mechanisms may be employed to attach accessory devices to electronic devices. The attachment mechanisms may each include a displaceable post that is moveable between recessed and extended configurations. In the extended configuration an accessory may be attached to the displaceable post, whereas in the recessed configuration the displaceable post may be at least partially inaccessible. The accessory device may be a lanyard with a tool coupled thereto. The tool may be configured to engage a head of the accessory device to rotate the displaceable post and move the accessory device between the recessed configuration and the extended configuration. The tool may be embedded in the lanyard.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus, comprising:
 a lanyard defining an opening configured to engage a head of an attachment mechanism coupled to an electronic device to couple the lanyard to the electronic device; and 
 a tool coupled to the lanyard, the tool comprising an engagement mechanism configured to engage the attachment mechanism and be rotated by an end user of the tool to move the attachment mechanism from a recessed configuration to an extended configuration. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tool further comprises a backing plate with the engagement mechanism extending therefrom. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the backing plate is embedded in the lanyard. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the backing plate is positioned between a first layer and a second layer of the lanyard, and the engagement mechanism extends through the first layer. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tool clamps together a first portion of the lanyard and a second portion of the lanyard to form a loop. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the opening in the lanyard defines a major aperture configured to receive the head of the attachment mechanism therethrough and a minor aperture configured to engage a shaft of the attachment mechanism. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the tool comprises a wire that extends around a portion of the opening in the lanyard, and
 wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a first end and a second end of the wire extending from an end of the lanyard and configured to engage a plurality of recesses in the attachment mechanism. 
 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the tool comprises a substantially flat piece of metal configured to engage a slot in the attachment mechanism, the substantially flat piece of metal defining a hole therethrough that is aligned with the opening in the lanyard. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the lanyard further comprises a number of layers. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the layers of the lanyard are formed of a material selected from the group consisting of fabric, nylon, plastic and rubber. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the lanyard further comprises a support member disposed between two of the layers of the lanyard, the support member being positioned within a portion of the lanyard that defines the opening of the lanyard and configured to strengthen the portion of the lanyard defining the opening. 
     
     
       12. A system, comprising:
 an electronic device comprising an attachment mechanism comprising a head configured to move between a recessed configuration and an extended configuration; and 
 an accessory device comprising:
 a lanyard defining an opening configured to engage the head of the attachment mechanism to couple the lanyard to the electronic device; and 
 a tool coupled to the lanyard, the tool comprising an engagement mechanism configured to engage the attachment mechanism and be rotated by an end user of the tool to move the attachment mechanism from the recessed configuration to the extended configuration. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 12 , wherein the tool further comprises a backing plate with the engagement mechanism extending therefrom. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the backing plate is embedded in the lanyard. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14 , wherein the backing plate is positioned between a first layer and a second layer of the lanyard, and the engagement mechanism extends through the first layer. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the opening in the lanyard defines a major aperture configured to receive the head of the attachment mechanism therethrough and a minor aperture configured to engage a shaft of the attachment mechanism. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the tool comprises a wire, and
 wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a first end and a second end of the wire extending from an end of the lanyard and configured to engage a plurality of recesses in the attachment mechanism. 
 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 16 , wherein the tool comprises a substantially flat piece of metal configured to engage a slot in the attachment mechanism, the substantially flat piece of metal defining a hole therethrough that is aligned with the opening in the lanyard. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 12 , wherein the tool clamps together a first portion of the lanyard and a second portion of the lanyard to form a loop.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to accessory devices configured to engage attachment mechanisms, and more particularly to lanyards configured to engage attachment mechanisms coupled to an electronic device and associated tools. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various methods and apparatuses have been developed for coupling accessory devices to other items. For example, eyelets, hook and loop fasteners, threaded fasteners, and other mechanisms have been developed for this purpose. Such mechanisms are employed in a wide variety of applications. 
     By way of example, in the field of electronic devices, lanyards may be coupled thereto by looping the lanyard through an eyelet coupled to the electronic device to provide a user with a way to secure the device to his or her hand. Further, electronic devices such as cameras may include a female threaded boss configured to receive a male threaded member of a tripod. However, existing embodiments of mechanisms configured to couple accessory devices to devices such as electronic devices may prove unsatisfactory to a user. In this regard, existing embodiments of such mechanisms may detract from the aesthetic appeal of the device or alter the form factor of the device to a less desirable configuration. Further, tools may be required to attach the accessory devices to the attachment mechanisms. 
     Accordingly, improved apparatuses, systems, and methods for attaching accessory devices may be desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     Attachment mechanisms may be configured to couple accessory devices such as lanyards to electronic devices. In one example embodiment, an attachment mechanism includes a displaceable post that is moveable between extended (deployed) and recessed (stored) configurations. The displaceable post may include an enlarged head to which an accessory device may be mounted. In the recessed configuration, the displaceable post is retracted such that the enlarged head is at least partially inaccessible. For example, the enlarged head may define a smooth surface with the surrounding housing of the electronic device such that the attachment mechanism does not adversely affect the cosmetic appearance of the electronic device. However, when the displaceable post is moved outwardly to the extended configuration, the enlarged head is exposed and accessible, such that an accessory device may be coupled thereto. 
     The accessory device may comprise a lanyard with an opening configured to engage the attachment mechanism. The accessory device may also include a tool. The tool may be configured to engage the attachment mechanism to move the attachment mechanism between the recessed and extended configurations. For example, the tool may define two or more prongs configured to engage a similar number of recesses in the head of the attachment mechanism. Alternatively, the engagement mechanism may define a flat head screwdriver configured to engage a slot in the head of the attachment mechanism. Various other shapes and types of engagement mechanisms are also provided. 
     The tool may be coupled to the lanyard. For example, the tool may be embedded between layers of material defining the lanyard. The engagement mechanism may extend through at least one of the layers of material defining the lanyard such that the engagement mechanism may engage an attachment mechanism, as described above. Accordingly, the tool usable to move the attachment mechanism between the recessed and extended positions may always be conveniently available when use of the accessory device is desired. 
     Other apparatuses, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed assemblies, methods, and systems. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the disclosure by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a rear view of an electronic device including an attachment mechanism according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of an attachment mechanism comprising a post that is rotatable between recessed and extended configurations according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an overhead view of an embodiment of an accessory device comprising a lanyard and a tool embedded therein according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an overhead view of the accessory device of  FIG. 3  when the lanyard is configured into a loop configuration; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged view of inset A of the accessory device from  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of the accessory device of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an accessory device comprising a lanyard and a tool, wherein the tool acts as a clamp to hold the lanyard in a loop configuration according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the tool of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a lanyard comprising an opening configured to engage a head of an attachment mechanism according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of an accessory device including a lanyard comprising an opening defining major and minor apertures and a tool comprising a wire configured to extend around at least a portion of the opening according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment of an accessory device including a lanyard comprising an opening defining a generally ovular configuration and a tool comprising a wire configured to extend around at least a portion of the opening and define major and minor apertures according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment of an accessory device including a lanyard comprising an opening defining major and minor apertures and a tool comprising a substantially flat piece of material configured to extend around at least a portion of the opening according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an embodiment of an accessory device including a lanyard comprising an opening defining a generally ovular configuration and a tool comprising a substantially flat piece of material configured to extend around at least a portion of the opening and define major and minor apertures according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an embodiment of a post for an attachment mechanism comprising a slot in a head thereof according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a schematic diagram of a method for assembling an accessory device comprising a lanyard and a tool according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example applications of apparatuses, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the disclosure. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     Attachment mechanisms may be employed for a variety of purposes. In this regard,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of an electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  may comprise a housing  102  and an attachment mechanism  104 . The attachment mechanism  104  may be configured to engage an accessory device, such as an embodiment of the lanyards disclosed below, to form a system. 
     Various embodiments of attachment mechanisms may be employed to couple an accessory device to the electronic device  100 . For example, a stationary attachment mechanism may extend from the housing  102  of the electronic device  100 . However, a stationary attachment mechanism may be undesirable for cosmetic reasons. Additionally, a stationary attachment mechanism may affect the ability of the electronic device to lie flat on a surface such as a table, even when the attachment mechanism is not in use. 
     Accordingly, attachment mechanisms that are moveable between retracted and extended configurations may be desirable. For example,  FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of an attachment mechanism  200 , which may be employed to couple an accessory device such as a lanyard thereto. As illustrated, the attachment mechanism  200  includes a displaceable post  202  comprising a head  204  and a shaft  206 , wherein the head is enlarged relative to the shaft. The attachment mechanism  200  further comprises a displacement mechanism comprising a receptacle  208 , a follower  210 , and a fastener  212 . 
     The displaceable post  202  and the receptacle  208  are inserted through an aperture  214  in an outer surface  216  of the housing  102 , and the follower  210 , and the fastener  212  are connected thereto proximate an inner surface of the housing. More particularly, the displaceable post  202  and the receptacle  208  including matching threads and recesses that allow that displaceable post to screw into and out of the receptacle. A clip  220  engages the housing  102  and the receptacle  208  and the fastener  212  holds the follower  210  to the displaceable post. 
     Due to the threaded engagement between the displaceable post  202  and the receptacle  208 , the displaceable post may be moved between recessed and extended configurations by rotating the displaceable post. As the displaceable post  202  rotates, the follower  210 , which may be fixed thereto via the fastener  212 , may also rotate and contact a protrusion  222  on an outer surface of the receptacle  208 . This contact may provide the user with a satisfying click and/or increase in force indicative of the displaceable post  202  reaching the fully extended configuration. In the extended configuration, a lanyard or other accessory device may be coupled to the displaceable post  202 , whereas in the recessed configuration the displaceable post may be at least partially recessed in the displacement mechanism and the head  204  may be at least partially inaccessible. 
     In order to allow for rotation of the displaceable post  202 , while maintaining a relatively smooth exterior surface, the displaceable post may include one or more recesses in the head  204  configured to receive a tool to allow for rotation thereof. In the illustrated embodiment two round recesses  224   a,b  are provided in the head  204 . However, it should be understood that various other shapes, sizes, and numbers of recesses may be provided in the head of the attachment mechanism. Further, it should be understood that the attachment mechanism  200  described above is merely one of many embodiments of attachment mechanisms that are configured for engagement with a tool and movement between recessed and extended configurations. In this regard, in another embodiment the head may define one or more protrusions extending therefrom that are configured to engage recesses in a tool. Various other example embodiments of attachment mechanisms that may be employed in accordance with the present disclosure are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/607,635, filed Sep. 7, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     However, one issue with embodiments of attachment mechanisms that employ tools to move the attachment mechanisms between recessed and extended configurations is that a user must somehow retain possession of the tool so that it is conveniently available for use. In this regard, if the tool is, for example, retained on a keychain, the user may not always have the keychain with him or her at the time the user needs the tool. Accordingly, Applicants have determined that it may be desirable to retain the tool configured to engage the attachment mechanism in a convenient location for use in moving the attachment mechanism between the recessed and extended positions. More particularly, Applicants have determined that it may be desirable to couple the tool to an accessory device configured to engage the attachment mechanism. 
     By way of example,  FIG. 3  illustrates an overhead view of a lanyard  300  configured to engage an attachment mechanism, such as the above-described attachment mechanism  200  and various other embodiments of attachment mechanisms. The lanyard  300  is illustrated in an unfolded configuration in  FIG. 3 . However, when fully assembled, the lanyard  300  may define a loop, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this regard, the lanyard  300  may comprise an adhesive member  302 , or other mechanism configured to join first and second portions of the lanyard together to form a loop. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the adhesive member  302  is configured to join first and second ends  304   a,b  of the lanyard together to form the loop. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the lanyard  300  may define one or more openings  306   a,b . The openings  306   a,b  may be configured to overlap one-another to define a single opening  306  when the ends  304   a,b  of the lanyard  300  are joined together to define a loop with a single end  304 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The opening  306  may be configured to engage a head of an attachment mechanism, as described above, such that the lanyard  300  may couple to an electronic device, or other device. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged view of inset A of  FIG. 4 . As illustrated, the lanyard  300  may further comprise support member  308 . The support member  308  may be configured to provide support to the opening  306  and provide secure engagement with the shaft of an attachment mechanism. In this regard, the support member  308  may define a major opening  310 , a constriction  312 , and a minor opening  314 . After the head of the attachment mechanism is received through the opening  306  in the lanyard  300 , a shaft of the attachment mechanism may directed through the major opening  310  and the constriction  312 , and into the minor opening  314  of the support member  308 . The minor opening  314  may define dimensions configured to engage the shaft of the attachment mechanism to thereby provide a secure connection between the lanyard  300  and the attachment mechanism. The support member  308  may be formed from a relatively rigid material such as metal or plastic that allows for a secure engagement with the attachment mechanism. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a tool  316  may be coupled to the lanyard  300 . The tool  316  may comprise an engagement mechanism configured to engage an attachment mechanism to move the attachment mechanism from a recessed configuration to an extended configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement mechanism comprises first and second prongs  318   a,b , which may collectively define a spanner wrench. The prongs  318   a,b  may extend from a backing plate  320 . The prongs  318   a,b  may be configured to engage recesses in an attachment mechanism. For example, the prongs  318   a,b  may engage the recesses  224   a,b  in the head  204  of the above-described attachment mechanism  200 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded view of the lanyard  300 . The lanyard  300  may comprise multiple layers. In the illustrated embodiment, the lanyard  300  comprises first, second, and third layers  322 ,  324 ,  326  of material. The first layer  322  may define an inner layer, the second layer  324  may define a middle layer, and the third layer  326  may define an outer layer when the lanyard  300  is formed into a loop. The material may comprise a fabric, nylon, plastic, rubber, or any other embodiment of material depending on the desired use of the lanyard  300 . 
     As illustrated, the support member  308  may couple to an outer surface of the second layer  324  of the lanyard  300  in some embodiments. Further, in some embodiments the tool  316  may be embedded in the lanyard  300 . More particularly, the backing plate  320  of the tool may be embedded in the lanyard  300  between the first layer  322  and the second layer  324  of the lanyard in one embodiment. Further, the engagement mechanism may extend through the first layer  322  such that it is accessible for use in moving an attachment mechanism between recessed and extended positions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the prongs  318   a,b  extend through corresponding through holes  328   a,b  in the first layer  322  of the lanyard. Thereby, the prongs  318   a,b  may be accessible. 
     Accordingly, the prongs  318   a,b  may extend inwardly toward a center of the loop formed by the lanyard  300  when the adhesive member  302  secures the two ends  304   a,b  of the lanyard together. This may keep the prongs  318   a,b  generally out of view when not in use, which may be desirable. Further, in some embodiments the first layer  322  of the lanyard  300  may include a second set of through holes  330   a,b  at the opposite end  304   b  thereof. The second set of through holes  330   a,b  may be configured to receive the prongs  318   a,b  therein when the tool  316  is not in use. This configuration may prevent the prongs  318   a,b  from being visible when not in use and further this configuration may prevent the prongs from scraping or otherwise damaging the first layer  322 . However, when the tool  316  is needed, the lanyard  300  may be twisted or otherwise manipulated such that the prongs  318   a,b  exit the second set of through holes  330   a,b  and are exposed for use. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a lanyard  400 . As illustrated, a tool  402  may be coupled to the lanyard  400 . The tool  402  may be configured to clamp together a first portion  404  of the lanyard  400  and a second portion  406  of the lanyard to form a loop. In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the tool  402  may define a gap  408  or other feature that allows the tool to be compressed to retain the first and second portions  404 ,  406  of the lanyard  400  in place. Thus, the tool  402  may plastically deformed during coupling to the lanyard  400 , or the tool may define a spring bias configured to clamp the first and second portions  404 ,  406  of the lanyard in place. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the tool  402  may include prongs  410   a,b , or another embodiment of an engagement mechanism in other embodiments, configured to engage an attachment mechanism, as described above. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an additional embodiment of a lanyard  500 . As illustrated, the lanyard  500  defines an opening  502  configured to engage an attachment mechanism. The opening  502  may be shaped such that it defines a major aperture  504  configured to receive the head of the attachment mechanism therethrough, a constriction  506 , and a minor aperture  508  configured to engage a shaft of the attachment mechanism. However, since the lanyard  500  may be formed from a flexible material such as a fabric, the lanyard may not be sufficiently rigid to retain the attachment mechanism in the minor aperture  508 . In this regard, the embodiment of the lanyard  300  illustrated in  FIGS. 3-6  includes a support member  308 . 
     However, Applicants have determined that a tool coupled to the lanyard may provide support and structure to an opening in a lanyard. In this regard,  FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a lanyard  600  that defines an opening  602 . The opening  602  is shaped such that it defines a major aperture  604  configured to receive the head of the attachment mechanism therethrough, a constriction  606 , and a minor aperture  608  configured to engage a shaft of the attachment mechanism, as described above. However, the lanyard  600  also includes a tool  610 . The tool  610  comprises a wire that extends around at least a portion of the opening  602  in the lanyard  600 . In this regard, the tool  610  defines a major aperture configured to receive the head of the attachment mechanism therethrough, a constriction, and a minor aperture configured to engage a shaft of the attachment mechanism. These features may substantially correspond to and/or be partially defined by, the major aperture  604 , the constriction  606 , and/or the minor aperture  608  of the opening  602 . 
     Note that although the opening  602  in the lanyard  600  is illustrated as defining the major aperture  604 , the constriction  606 , and the minor aperture  608 , in another embodiment, this may not be the case. For example, in the embodiment of the lanyard  600 ′ illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the opening  602 ′ is generally ovular, and the constriction  606 ′ is entirely formed by the tool  610 , and the major aperture  604 ′ and the minor aperture  608 ′ are at least partially formed by the tool. Accordingly, the lanyard and the tool may respectively define some or all of the contours of the opening configured to engage an attachment mechanism. 
     Regardless of the particular implementation of the opening, the lanyard  600 ,  600 ′ may include an engagement mechanism. In this regard, the tool  610  may include an engagement mechanism comprising a first end  612   a  and a second end  612   b  of the wire extending from an end  614  of the lanyard  600 ,  600 ′. The ends  612   a,b  of the tool  610  may be configured to engage a plurality of recesses in an attachment mechanism. 
     An alternate embodiment of a lanyard  700  defining an opening  702  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The opening  702  is shaped such that it defines a major aperture  704  configured to receive the head of the attachment mechanism therethrough, a constriction  706 , and a minor aperture  708  configured to engage a shaft of the attachment mechanism, as described above. The lanyard  700  also includes a tool  710 . The tool  710  may comprise a substantially flat piece of metal defining a hole  712  therethrough that is aligned with the opening  702  in the lanyard  700 . In this regard, the tool  710  may extend around at least a portion of the opening  702  in the lanyard  700  and define a major aperture  714  configured to receive the head of the attachment mechanism therethrough, a constriction  716 , and a minor aperture  718  configured to engage a shaft of the attachment mechanism. These features may substantially correspond to and/or be partially defined by, the major aperture  704 , the constriction  706 , and/or the minor aperture  708  of the opening  702  in the lanyard  700 . 
     Note that although the opening  702  in the lanyard  700  is illustrated in  FIG. 12  as defining the major aperture  704 , the constriction  706 , and/or the minor aperture  708 , in another embodiment, this may not be the case. For example, in the embodiment of the lanyard  700 ′ illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the opening  702 ′ is generally ovular, and the constriction  716  is entirely formed by the tool  710 , and the major aperture  714  and the minor aperture  718  are at least partially formed by the tool. Accordingly, the lanyard and the tool may respectively define some or all of the contours of the opening configured to engage an attachment mechanism. 
     Regardless of the implementation of the opening, the lanyard  700 ,  700 ′ may include an engagement mechanism. In this regard, the tool  710  may include an engagement mechanism comprising an end  720  thereof. The end  720  of the tool  710  may be configured to engage an attachment mechanism. In this regard, whereas the attachment mechanisms have generally been describe above as defining a plurality of recesses, for example two round recesses, embodiments of the tools disclosed herein may be configured to engage other embodiments of attachment mechanisms. For example,  FIG. 14  illustrates an overhead view of a post  800  for an attachment mechanism comprising a head  802  including a slot  804  therein. In this regard, the end  720  of the tool  710  included with the lanyards  700 ,  700 ′ illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13  may be configured to fit inside and engage the slot  804 . Thus, the engagement mechanism may comprise a flat head screwdriver in some embodiments. 
     Note that although the present description generally discusses use of the tools provided herein as being useable to engage recesses in a head of an attachment mechanism to move the attachment mechanisms between recessed and extended configurations, in other embodiments the tool may engage the attachment mechanism via alternate methods and structures. For example, the tool may additionally or alternatively include a Phillips head screwdriver, a high friction surface, or any other shape or material configured to mate with another mechanism. In one alternative embodiment the tool may comprise a pin which, when inserted into the electronic device, releases an attachment mechanism. 
     Further, although the tools disclosed herein are generally described as being used to move an attachment mechanism from a recessed configuration to an extended configuration, the tools may additionally or alternatively be employed to move an attachment mechanism from the extended configuration to the recessed configuration. Additionally, the tools disclosed herein may be configured to perform other functions in addition to, or alternate from moving an attachment mechanism between recessed and extended configurations. 
     Embodiments of related methods for assembling an accessory device are also provided. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the method may include providing a lanyard defining an opening at operation  900 . The opening may be configured to engage a head of an attachment mechanism coupled to an electronic device to couple the lanyard to the electronic device. Additionally, the method may include coupling a tool to the lanyard at operation  902 . The tool may comprise an engagement mechanism configured to engage the attachment mechanism to move the attachment mechanism from a recessed configuration to an extended configuration. 
     In some embodiments of the method, coupling the tool to the lanyard at operation  902  may comprise embedding a backing plate of the tool in the lanyard between a first layer and a second layer of the lanyard and extending the engagement mechanism through the first layer. In another embodiment coupling the tool to the lanyard at operation  902  may comprise clamping together an end of the lanyard to a remainder of the lanyard to form a loop. In an additional embodiment coupling the tool to the lanyard at operation  902  may comprise extending the tool around at least a portion of the opening in the lanyard. The method may further comprise joining the first and second portions of the lanyard together to form a loop, with the engagement mechanism extending inwardly toward a center of the loop. 
     Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described disclosure may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120917
Publication Date: 20150519
Grant Date: 20150519
Priority Date: 20120917
Inventors: WEBER TRENT
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F3/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y10T29/49826", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F2005/006", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F3/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 50273434