MEDAL DISPLAY APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS

Abstract

An apparatus for displaying a medal coupled to a lanyard includes a body and a first arm and a second arm coupled to the body. The arms are configured to facilitate wrapping of the lanyard on the apparatus such that the lanyard extends along the body and between the medal and the body.

Claims

1. An apparatus for displaying a medal coupled to a lanyard, the apparatus comprising: a body; and a first arm and a second arm coupled to the body, wherein the arms are configured to facilitate wrapping of the lanyard on the apparatus such that the lanyard extends along the body and between the medal and the body.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first arm extends parallel to the second arm.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first arm and the second arm have cylindrical cross-sections.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first channel is defined between the body and the first arm and a second channel is defined between the body and the second channel; and wherein the first channel and the second channel are configured to permit the lanyard to extend therethrough when the lanyard is wrapped on the apparatus.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first projection coupled to the body and extending therefrom; and a second projection coupled to the body and extending therefrom; wherein the first arm is coupled to the first projection and extends perpendicular from the first projection; and wherein the second arm is coupled to the second projection and extends perpendicular from to the second projection.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a clip configured to mount the apparatus on a medal display unit.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the clip has a first leg and a second leg configured to engage the medal display unit.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first leg or the second leg are elastically deformable.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first leg has a lip that extends toward the second leg.

10. A system for displaying a medal with a lanyard attached thereto, the system comprising: an apparatus including: a body having a first body surface; and a first arm and a second arm coupled to the body, wherein the arms are configured to facilitate wrapping of the lanyard on the apparatus such that the lanyard extends along the first body surface, the lanyard extends between the medal and the body, and medal faces away from the first body surface.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus includes: a first projection extending from the body and to which the first arm is coupled; and a second projection extending from the body and to which the second arm is coupled; and wherein a first channel is defined between the body and the first arm and a second channel is defined between the body and the second channel; and wherein the first channel and the second channel are configured to permit the lanyard to extend therethrough when the lanyard is wrapped on the apparatus.

12. The system according to claim 10, the first arm extends parallel to the second arm.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the first arm and the second arm have cylindrical cross-sections.

14. The system according to claim 10, further comprising a medal display unit, and wherein the apparatus includes a clip configured to engage the medal display unit and thereby couple the apparatus to the medal display unit.

15. The system according to claim 10, wherein the medal display unit includes a bar, and wherein the clip has an arm that elastically deforms when engaging the bar.

16. The system according to claim 10, further comprising a medal display unit with a support member, and wherein the apparatus includes a cavity configured to receive the support member, wherein the support member vertically supports the apparatus.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the body has a second body surface that engages the support member when the support member is received in the channel.

18. A method for displaying a medal with a lanyard attached thereto, the method includes: providing an apparatus with a first arm, a body, and a second arm; wrapping the lanyard around the second arm such that the lanyard extends through a second channel defined between the body and the second arm; pivoting the lanyard along the body such that the lanyard lies along the body; moving the lanyard through the first channel; wrapping the lanyard around the first arm; and placing the lanyard along the body such that the medal is oriented in a direction away from the apparatus.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising coupling the apparatus to a medal display unit with a clip that is coupled to the body.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising coupling the apparatus to a medal display unit by placing the body onto a support member of the medal display unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present disclosure is described with reference to the following Figures. The same numbers are used throughout the Figures to reference like features and like components.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example medal attached to a lanyard and an example apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 2-3 are left and right isometric views of an example apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 4-8 are various views of an example operational sequence of winding a lanyard around the apparatus of FIGS. 2-3 and mounting the apparatus of FIGS. 2-3 onto an example medal display unit of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 9-10 are left and right isometric views of another example apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0017] FIGS. 11-13 are various views for an example sequence of mounting the apparatus of FIGS. 9-10 on another example medal display unit of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another example medal display unit according to the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 15 is a partial view of the medal display unit of FIG. 14.

[0020] FIGS. 16-18 are various views for an example sequence of mounting the apparatus of FIGS. 9-10 on the medal display unit of FIGS. 14-15.

[0021] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of another example apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 20-22 are isometric views of one or more apparatuses of FIG. 19 on example medal display units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present inventor recognized that conventional devices and systems for displaying medals are difficult to use, often do not easily display medals, and/or cannot accommodate different medals having various shapes, sizes, and/or ribbon or lanyard lengths. As will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, the medal display apparatuses, systems, and methods of the present disclosure advantageously organize and display medals with ribbons or lanyards attached thereto. As such, the medals can then be easily viewed and admired by the recipient and/or other persons.

[0024] Accordingly, through research and experimentation, the present inventor developed the example display apparatuses, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure that are improvements over conventional devices. The apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure (described herein below) allow for lanyard-medal awards to be displayed in a way that is attractive, orderly, and allows for easy rearrangement. The apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure also employ advantageous methods for winding and managing the lanyards so that the lanyards can be neatly tucked behind the medal. Once wound upon the apparatus, the medal and lanyard conceal the apparatus when viewed from the front. The apparatuses of the present disclosure can then be attached to a mounting structure, such as a wall-mounted rack or frame, which may advantageously conceal the apparatus from the sides. The apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure can be utilized with a wide range of award collection sizes. Since the apparatuses are largely concealed from view, the apparatuses and the systems of the present disclosure can be customized for different style decors. In addition, the apparatuses of the present disclosure are easily rearranged within an example system to thereby accommodate changes to the user's lanyard-medals collection.

[0025] The apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure further provide a means for displaying lanyard-medals in a way that is orderly, attractive, scalable (to a wide range of collection sizes), and easily reconfigurable. In one non-limiting example, an example apparatus of the present disclosure permits the lanyard to be wound around the apparatus in such a way that the lanyard can be tucked behind the medal. The apparatus can be secured to a mounting structure such as a rack or frame. The lanyard is wound so as to permit the apparatus to be secured to a mounting structure. Furthermore, the neatly winding the lanyard around the apparatus facilitates relocation of the apparatus to any position on the mounting structure.

[0026] FIG. 1 depicts an example medal 10 attached to an example lanyard 12. The lanyard 12 has a first end 13 coupled to the medal 10 via an opening 11 therein and a second end 14. In other examples, both ends 13, 14 are coupled to the medal 10 or the ends 13, 14 are coupled to each other such that the lanyard 12 forms a loop that passes through the opening 11. The lanyard 12 is coupled to an example medal display apparatus 20, and as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, the apparatus 20 facilitates winding and storage of the lanyard 12 and display of the medal 10. Several example apparatuses 20, 120, 220 are described in greater detail hereinbelow. Note that each of the example apparatuses 20, 120, 220 include features and components which may be utilized or combined with any of the other apparatuses 20, 120, 220. Furthermore, the present disclosure is inclusive of other undepicted example apparatuses having any of the features and/or the components of the example apparatuses 20, 120, 220 described and depicted herein.

[0027] FIGS. 2-3 depict the example apparatus 20 of FIG. 1 in more detail. The apparatus 20 generally longitudinally extends between a front and an opposite rear (see example longitudinal axis L), transversely between a first side and an opposite second side (see example lateral axis T), and vertically between a top and an opposite bottom (see example vertical axis V). The apparatus 20 has a body 21 with a first body surface 22 and an opposite second body surface 23. Note that the size and shape of the body surfaces 22, 23 can vary. In one example, the first body surface 22 has a curved (e.g., concave) surface portion on both sides of a center planar surface portion positioned therebetween. In one example, the second body surface 23 has a curved (e.g., convex) surface portion on both sides of a center planar surface portion positioned therebetween. In certain examples, the body 21 has a laterally extending width in the range of 2.5-2.75 inches. A pair of projections, namely a first projection 26 and a second projection 27 are coupled to and extend from the body 21. In certain examples, the projections 26, 27 longitudinally extend from the body 21. In certain examples, the body 21 includes opposing ends 24 having curved surfaces to reduce or prevent creasing or damaging the lanyard 12 as the lanyard 12 is moved around the body 21. The shape of the end 24 can vary, and in one non-limiting example, the ends 24 have a bulb-shaped cross-section. In certain examples, the ends 24 permit the lanyard 12 to be wound around the end 24 such that the portion of the lanyard 12 adjacent to the end 24 has an approximately 90.0 degree curve.

[0028] A first arm 31 is coupled to the first projection 26 and a second arm 32 is coupled to the second projection 27. The arms 31, 32 extend from the projections 26, 27, respectively, and as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, the lanyard 12 (FIG. 1) is wrapped around the arms 31, 32. In certain examples, the each arm 31, 32 extends along a separate arm axis 35. In certain examples, the arms 31, 32 have a cylindrical cross-section. In certain examples, the arms 31, 32 extend perpendicular from the projections 26, 27. In certain examples, the free ends 33 of the arms 31, 32 are rounded to thereby prevent snagging or tearing the lanyard 12. In certain examples, the arms 31, 32 have a radius sufficiently large (e.g., 0.50 inches) to permit wrapping of the lanyard 12 there around without creasing or damaging the lanyard 12. In one instance, the lanyard 12 is wound about the arms 31, 32 such that the portion of the lanyard 12 adjacent to the arm 31, 32 has an approximately 200.0 degree curve. Note that the arms 31, 32 are spaced apart from the body 21 such that channels 29 are defined between the body 21 and the arms 31, 32. In certain examples, the arms 31, 32 extend parallel to the sides of the body 21. In certain examples, the arms 31, 32 extend parallel to each other. In certain examples, the projections 26, 27 extend parallel to each other. Note that the channel 29 should have sufficient width to permit the lanyard 12 to pass therethrough without creasing or damaging the lanyard 12.

[0029] A clip 40 is coupled to the second body surface 23 and is configured to engage a mounting structure 60 (see FIG. 6; described hereinbelow) such that the apparatus 20 is coupled to and/or suspended from the medal display unit 60. The clip 40 is positioned between the arms 31, 32 and longitudinally extends in the same direction as the projections of the body 21. In the example depicted in FIGS. 2-3, the clip 40 includes a pair of legs, namely a first leg 41 and a second leg 42, that are coupled to the second body surface 23 and longitudinally extend therefrom. As the clip 40 is moved to thereby couple to the medal display unit 60, one or both legs 41, 42 elastically deform relative to each other. The free clip ends 44 are enlarged or barbed to prevent the clip 40 from inadvertently decoupling from the medal display unit 60. Note that the apparatus 20 defines an axis 37 about which the apparatus 20 may pivot (see example pivot directions depicted by arrows A and B). As the clip 40 is attached to a bar 63 (described hereinbelow) one or both legs 41, 42 elastically flex away from each other such that the distance 57 (FIG. 3) between the legs 41, 42 increases. The legs 41, 42 apply forces (e.g., compression forces) to the bar 63 which resist rotation of apparatus 20 about the bar 63. The present inventor recognized that the weight of the medal 10 may cause the apparatus 20 to rotate about the axis 37 when coupled to the bar 63 and thus the legs 41, 42 should apply sufficient forces to the bar 63 to prevent rotation of the apparatus 20.

[0030] Turning now to FIGS. 4-8, an example operational sequence for winding a lanyard 12 around the apparatus 20 and mounting the apparatus 20 on a medal display unit 60 is depicted. At FIG. 4, the lanyard 12 is wrapped around the second arm 32 such that the lanyard 12 extends away from the second arm 32 and has two generally parallel extending lanyard portions. The length of the parallel lanyard portions can vary. Next, the user pivots the lanyard 12 and the medal 10 about the second arm 32 (see arrow C on FIG. 4) such that the lanyard 12 extends along the first body surface 22 (as seen in FIG. 5). The user then moves (e.g., tucks) the lanyard 12 through the channel 29 (see arrow D on FIG. 5) defined between the first arm 31 and the body 21. As such, the lanyard 12 and the medal 10 are orientated on the back of the apparatus 20. Next, the user wraps the lanyard 12 around the first arm 31 (see arrows E in FIGS. 5-6) and further moving the lanyard on top of the portion of the lanyard 12 that already extends along the first body surface 22 such that the portions of the lanyard 12 are stacked on each other, as depicted in FIG. 6. As such, the lanyard 12 is wrapped or wound onto the apparatus 20 in a compact, tangle free manner. The medal 10 is also oriented to face outwardly away from the first body surface 22 and/or the front of the apparatus 20. The apparatus 20 advantageously prevents the lanyard 12 from inadvertently unwinding and sliding off. In certain examples, the apparatus 20 is sized to allow the user to fully wrap the lanyard 12 around the apparatus 20 such that the apparatus 20 takes up the lanyard 12 and there are no loose excess portions of lanyard 12. In certain examples, the apparatus 20 permits a lanyard 12 with a length in the range of 14.0-19.0 inches to be wrapped therearound.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, the apparatus 20 with the lanyard 12 and the medal 10 coupled thereto, can be coupled to a medal display unit 60. The type, size, and/or shape of the medal display unit 60 can vary, and in the example depicted in FIG. 7, the medal display unit 60 is a frame 61 having opposing sidewalls 62 with bars 63 extend therebetween (e.g., the medal display unit 60 is ladder-like). The shape of the bars 63 can vary, and in certain examples, the shape of the bar 63 corresponds to the shape of the clip 40. In the example depicted in FIGS. 7-8, the bar 63 is generally an elongated cylindrical hollow rod. The clip 40 is configured to coupled to the bar 63 such that both legs 41, 42 engage the outer surface of the bar 63. In certain examples, the outer surface of the bar 63 is ribbed to prevent inadvertent rotation of the apparatus 20 about the axis 37 while still permitting the use to rotate the apparatus 20 into discrete positions. To remove the apparatus 20 from the bar 63, the user pulls the apparatus 20 in a direction away from the bar 63 such that the leg(s) 41, 42 elastically deform. In certain examples, the bar 63 has 0.75 inches outside diameter. In certain examples, the bars 63 are rotationally fixed to the sidewalls 62 to prevent rotation of the bar 63 and the apparatus 20 which may be otherwise caused by the apparatus 20 due to its weight and/or the weight of the medal 10 and the lanyard 12.

[0032] FIGS. 9-10 depict another example apparatus 120 according to the present disclosure. The body 121 includes projections 126, 127 and arms 131, 132. Each arm 131, 132 extends along an arm axis 135. The clip 140 includes a first leg 141 with a lip 143 that extends toward the second leg 142. In certain examples, the first leg 141 is hook-shaped or L-shaped. The end 44 of the second leg 42 is enlarged to prevent the clip 140 from inadvertently decoupling from a medal display unit 160 (FIG. 11). In certain examples, the length 147 of the second leg 142 is less than the length of the first leg 141. Increasing the length 147 of the second leg 142 relative to the length of the first leg 141 increases the engagement force applied by the legs 141, 142 to bar 63 (FIG. 13). Similarly, decreasing the length 147 of the second leg 142 relative to the length of the first leg 141 decreases the engagement force applied by the legs 141, 142 to bar 63. The operational sequence for winding a lanyard 12 around the apparatus 120 is similar to the above-described operational sequence for winding a lanyard 12 around the apparatus 20 depicted in FIGS. 2-3.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, the apparatus 120 with the lanyard 12 and the medal 10 coupled thereto can be coupled to the medal display unit 160. In the example depicted in FIG. 11, the medal display unit 60 is a frame 161 having opposing sidewalls 162 with bars 163 extending therebetween (e.g., the medal display unit 160 is ladder-like). In certain examples, the medal display unit 60 is formed from a planar sheet of material (e.g., plastic) and holes 164 are cut into the material such that the sidewalls 162 and the bars 163 are defined. The bars 163 are generally planar rectangles. The clip 140 is configured to couple to the bar 163 by placing the first leg 141 through a hole 164 and then rotating the apparatus 120 (see arrow F) such that the second leg 142 engages the bar 163 and elastically deforms as it engages the bar 163. Once the end 144 of the second leg 142 passes the bar 163, the second leg 142 elastically moves back toward its original, undeformed position (see FIG. 13) securing the clip 140 to the bar 163. Note that in certain examples, when the second leg 142 moves toward its original position, the second leg 142 remains in a partially deformed state and does not completely move to its original, undeformed position. In these examples, the remaining/residual tension in the second leg 142 maintains a tight fit between the second leg 142 and the bar 163. The lip 143 of the first leg 141 prevents the apparatus 120 from inadvertently moving off the bar 163 in a first direction (see arrow M). To remove the apparatus 120 from the bar 163, the user pushes/pivots the second leg 142 away from the bar 163 and rotates the apparatus 120 (see arrow G). In certain examples, the height of the bar 163 is 1.0 inches.

[0034] FIGS. 14-15 depict another example medal display unit 260. The medal display unit 261 includes one or more hanger bars 266 with notch or cutouts 267 that are configured to receive a wall anchor (not depicted e.g., nail head or screw head) and thereby suspend the medal display unit 261 from a wall. The hanger bars 266 extend between a pair of opposing side wings 268. A bar 263 also extends between the wings 268. The bar 263 extends parallel relative to the hanger bars 266. As depicted in FIGS. 16-18, the sequence for coupling the apparatus 120 to the medal display unit 261 is similar to the above-described sequence described for the medal display unit 160 described with respect to FIGS. 11-13.

[0035] FIGS. 19-22 depict another example apparatus 220 according to the present disclosure and other example medal display units according to the present disclosure. Note that the example apparatus 220 can include features and/or components from any of the other apparatuses 20, 120 described herein and that the other apparatuses 20, 120 can include any of the features and/or components described with reference to the apparatus 220 described herein with reference to FIG. 19.

[0036] The apparatus 220 includes a body 221 with a first body surface 222 and an opposite second body surface 223. The body 221 also has a cavity 251. The apparatus 220 includes a first arm 231 and a second arm 232 around which the lanyard 12 is wound. The arms 231, 232 extend from projections 226 that are coupled to the body 221. The arms 231, 232 are spaced apart from the body 221 such that channels 229 are defined between the body 221 and the arms 231, 232. Each arm 231, 232 extends along an arm axis 235.

[0037] To attach the lanyard 12 around the apparatus 220, the lanyard 12 is wrapped around the second arm 232 and then the lanyard 12 is moved around the body 221 (see arrows P) such that the medal 10 faces outwardly away from the first body surface 22.

[0038] The second body surface 223 is configured to rest on the medal display units which are pedestals 290 for displaying one or more medals thereon. The pedestals 290 can be placed onto a horizontal support such as a table, shelf, or countertop. FIG. 20-22 depict different example pedestals 290. A support member 290 (e.g., plate) of the pedestal 290 extend from a base 292 and is received into the cavity 251. The support member 291 engages the second body surface 223 and vertically supports the apparatus 220 thereon the pedestal 290. Optionally, a removable cover 295 closes the sides of the body 221. Note that FIG. 19 depicts one cover 295, and in other examples a cover 295 is provided at both sides of the apparatus 220. In certain examples, the cover 295 has a lip that prevents movement of the lanyard 12 off the body 12. Note that the other apparatuses 20, 120 disclosed therein may include a lip (not depicted) to prevent the lanyard 12 from slipping off the apparatuses 20, 120.

[0039] In certain independent examples, an apparatus for displaying a medal coupled to a lanyard includes a body and a first arm and a second arm coupled to the body. The arms are configured to facilitate wrapping of the lanyard on the apparatus such that the lanyard extends along the body and between the medal and the body.

[0040] Optionally, the first arm extends parallel to the second arm. Optionally, the first arm and the second arm have cylindrical cross-sections. Optionally, a first channel is defined between the body and the first arm and a second channel is defined between the body and the second channel and the first channel and the second channel are configured to permit the lanyard to extend therethrough when the lanyard is wrapped on the apparatus. Optionally, a first projection is coupled to the body and extends therefrom and a second projection is coupled to the body and extends therefrom, the first arm is coupled to the first projection and extends perpendicular from the first projection, and the second arm is coupled to the second projection and extends perpendicular from to the second projection. Optionally, a clip is configured to mount the apparatus on a medal display unit. Optionally, the clip has a first leg and a second leg configured to engage the medal display unit. Optionally, the first leg or the second leg are elastically deformable. Optionally, the first leg has a lip that extends toward the second leg.

[0041] In certain independent examples, a system for displaying a medal with a lanyard attached thereto includes an apparatus having a body with a first body surface and a first arm and a second arm coupled to the body. The arms are configured to facilitate wrapping of the lanyard on the apparatus such that the lanyard extends along the first body surface, the lanyard extends between the medal and the body, and medal faces away from the first body surface.

[0042] Optionally, the apparatus includes a first projection extending from the body and to which the first arm is coupled, a second projection extending from the body and to which the second arm is coupled, a first channel is defined between the body and the first arm, a second channel is defined between the body and the second channel, and the first channel and the second channel are configured to permit the lanyard to extend therethrough when the lanyard is wrapped on the apparatus. Optionally, the first arm extends parallel to the second arm. Optionally, the first arm and the second arm have cylindrical cross-sections. Optionally, the system includes a medal display unit, and the apparatus includes a clip configured to engage the medal display unit and thereby couple the apparatus to the medal display unit. Optionally, the medal display unit includes a bar, and the clip has an arm that elastically deforms when engaging the bar. Optionally, the system includes a medal display unit with a support member, and the apparatus includes a cavity configured to receive the support member, wherein the support member vertically supports the apparatus. Optionally, the body has a second body surface that engages the support member when the support member is received in the cavity.

[0043] In certain independent examples, a method for displaying a medal with a lanyard attached thereto includes providing an apparatus with a first arm, a body, and a second arm, wrapping the lanyard around the second arm such that the lanyard extends through a second channel defined between the body and the second arm, pivoting the lanyard along the body such that the lanyard lies along the body, moving the lanyard through the first channel, wrapping the lanyard around the first arm, and placing the lanyard along the body such that the medal is oriented in a direction away from the apparatus.

[0044] Optionally, the method includes coupling the apparatus to a medal display unit with a clip that is coupled to the body. Optionally, the method includes coupling the apparatus to a medal display unit by placing the body onto a support member of the medal display unit.

[0045] Citations to a number of references are made herein. The cited references are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. In the event that there is an inconsistency between a definition of a term in the specification as compared to a definition of the term in a cited reference, the term should be interpreted based on the definition in the specification. Note that ranges disclosed herein include the end values of the range.

[0046] In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses, systems, and methods. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.