Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Definition of a lanyard used for holding ID credentials


Definition of a lanyard...

We get many calls from customers looking for a “Neck cords, ID necklace, ID Cord, ID Hanger then we let the customer know “oh your looking for a lanyards” then the customer reply’s “What’s a Lanyard?”

In our industry of selling identification products the product holding your ID badges, Trade show pass, Coaches Whistle and now in the digital age USB devices and Cell phones that have a cord attached is called a lanyard.

I decided to do a web search to get as much information I could find regarding the definition
of a corded lanyard and here is what I have found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanyard

A lanyard, lanyards, or wrist strap is a rope or cord often worn around the neck or wrist to carry something. Usually it is used where there is a risk of losing the object or to ensure it is visible at all times. Aboard ship, it may refer to a piece of rigging used to secure objects, or to a cord with a hook at the end which is used to fire a cannon.

In the military, lanyards were originally used to connect a pistol, sword or whistle (for signaling) to a uniform on a semi-permanent basis. Lanyards were used in situations where there was a good chance of otherwise losing the object - commonly by cavalry and naval officers at sea. A well made pistol lanyard can be easily removed and reattached by the user, but otherwise will stay connected to the pistol whether it is drawn or in a holster. Lanyards later became more decorative.

Lanyards of various color combinations and braid patterns are also commonly worn on the shoulders of military uniforms to denote the wearer's qualification or regimental affiliation. Many regiments were originally mounted and wore the lanyard on the left, enabling the rider to pull a whistle from his left tunic pocket and maintain communication with the rest of his troop.

Simple lanyards made of braided fabric with a clip attached to the end are used frequently in retail and business situations for holding name badges. The typical arrangement is to attach a plastic badge holder with at least one clear side to the lanyard, with the person's name badge facing the front and occasionally small items such as business cards, pens or tools stashed behind the badge for easy access. Such lanyards can also be used as key chains, particularly in situations where keys can easily be lost for lack of storage, such as gyms, public pools and communal showers.
Lanyards are widely used with small electronic devices such as cameras, MP3 players and USB flash drives to prevent loss or dropping. Electronics designed to take a lanyard usually have a small through-hole built into a corner or edge of the case or anchored to the frame of the device; the corresponding lanyard generally has a loop of thread on the end that is attached to that hole with a simple knot, usually a cow hitch. Some earphones incorporate the audio signal into the lanyard, meaning it doubles up as headphone cords as well. Lanyards are often used to keep keys on.
Lanyards are commonly used to display badges, tickets or ID cards for identification where security is required. Many public places such as hospitals, prisons and some schools as well as public gatherings such as pop concerts, conventions and trade fairs as well as many commercial enterprises.
Lifeguards typically use lanyards to accommodate their whistles for the obvious reason that they lack pockets.
The Wii Remote uses a sort of lanyard, called a wrist strap, due to its nature to be swung around by the player.
Lanyards are usually attached to dead man's switches or "kill switches" on dangerous machinery, such as large industrial cutting/slicing machines, and also on vehicles, such as jet-skis or trains, so that if the operator suddenly becomes incapacitated, their fall will pull on the lanyard attached to their wrist, which will then pull the switch to immediately stop the machine or vehicle.
Lanyards can be custom printed with a slogan or company logo to promote your business or add additional security to your employees and staff.

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