A lanyard is a cord, length of webbing, or strap that may serve any of various functions, which include a means of attachment, restraint, retrieval, and activation and deactivation. A lanyard is also a piece of rigging used to secure or lower objects aboard a ship. In the French military, lanyards were used to connect a pistol, sword, or whistle (for signaling) to a uniform semipermanently. Lanyards were used by mounted cavalry on land and naval officers at sea. A pistol lanyard can be easily removed and reattached by the user, but will stay connected to the pistol whether it is drawn or in a holster. lanyard design 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 throughhole 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. The Wii Remote wrist strap is a form of lanyard, keeping the device attached to a player`s arm during the often vigorous movements involved in its use.
Lanyards are commonly used to display badges, tickets or ID cards for identification where security is required, such as businesses, corporations, hospitals, prisons, conventions, trade fairs, and backstage passes used in the entertainment industry. Such lanyards are often made of braid or woven fabric or are split with clips attached to the ends. Attached to the strap with a person's name tag or ID is a plastic pouch or ID holder with at least one transparent face. Occasionally, small items such as business cards, pens, and tools can be placed behind the badge for easy access. The lanyard can also be used as a key fob in situations where the key is easily lost, especially while driving. B. Gym, public pool, shared shower. Read more...