U.S. patent application number 10/302640 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-27 for compartmented belt buckle for storing folded eyeglasses.
Invention is credited to Conner, William A..
Application Number | 20040099702 10/302640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32324832 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040099702 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Conner, William A. |
May 27, 2004 |
Compartmented belt buckle for storing folded eyeglasses
Abstract
A new and unique style of belt buckle forms a compartment for
storing folding eyeglasses. Individuals engaged in strenuous
activities such as motorcycle or bicycle riding, horse back riding
or construction work require means for safely and conveniently
storing eyeglasses. The embodiments of the present invention
provide a heavily constructed protective compartment within a belt
buckle. Several variations of a closure means are provided by the
versatile design embodiments. The belt buckle can also be used by
individuals not engaged in strenuous activities for storing a
second pair of eyeglasses or possibly keys, papers or other small
articles. In all embodiments, the belt buckle may include the
appearance of a highly decorative front face for concealing the
storage function of the belt buckle.
Inventors: |
Conner, William A.; (San
Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Quirk & Tratos
Suite 500 North
3773 Howard Hughes Parkway
Las Vegas
NV
89109
US
|
Family ID: |
32324832 |
Appl. No.: |
10/302640 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/163 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 11/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/163 |
International
Class: |
A44B 011/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A compartmented belt buckle for containing folding eyeglasses
comprising: a mounting unit having an attachment member connected
to a rear surface thereof, said attachment member for attaching
said mounting unit to a belt; a retaining hook integrated to the
rear surface of the mounting unit, said hook for restraining the
belt in a proper position; and a cover unit rotatably connected to
said mounting unit such that inner recesses of the cover unit and
mounting unit in combination define a compartment having a
perimeter shape generally matching the shape of the eyeglasses in a
folded position.
2. The belt buckle of claim 1 wherein a lower edge of the cover
unit is connected by a hinge to a lower edge of the mounting unit
such that the cover unit opens by rotating about the hinge in a
generally forward direction to provide frontal access to the
compartment.
3. The belt buckle of claim 2 wherein the hinge is spring loaded to
maintain the cover in a closed position.
4. The belt buckle of claim 1 wherein the mounting unit and cover
unit each incorporate corresponding magnetic clasps for maintaining
the cover in a closed position.
5. A compartmented belt buckle comprising: a mounting unit defining
a compartment, said mounting unit having an attachment member and
retaining hook joined to a rear surface thereof, said attachment
member for attaching said mounting unit to a belt and said hook for
restraining the belt in a proper position; and a cover unit
rotatably connected to a side of the mounting unit such that the
cover unit opens by rotating in a generally forward direction to
provide side access to the compartment.
6. A compartmented belt buckle comprising: a mounting unit defining
a compartment, said mounting unit having an attachment member and
retaining hook joined to a rear surface thereof, said attachment
member for attaching said mounting unit to a belt and said hook for
restraining the belt in a proper position; and a cover unit
rotatably connected to a side of the mounting unit such that the
cover unit opens by rotating in a generally side ways direction to
provide side access to the compartment.
7. The belt buckle of claim 6 wherein the cover unit defines a
partial compartment which combines with the mounting unit
compartment to increase an overall compartment size when the cover
unit is in a closed position.
8. A compartmented belt buckle comprising: a mounting unit defining
a compartment, said mounting unit incorporating two frontal
grooves, said mounting unit having an attachment member and
retaining hook joined to a rear surface thereof, said attachment
member for attaching said mounting unit to a belt and said hook for
restraining the belt in a proper position; and a cover unit having
an integrated lip on each opposite edge thereof, said lips for
receipt by said grooves such that the cover unit is translatably
coupled to said mounting unit for providing frontal access to the
compartment.
9. The belt buckle of claim 8 wherein the grooves and lips are
vertically positioned such that the cover unit is translatable in a
generally vertical direction.
10. The belt buckle of claim 8 wherein the grooves and lips are
horizontally positioned such that the cover unit is translatable in
a generally horizontal direction.
11. The belt buckle of claim 9 wherein the mounting unit further
includes a spring biased ball detent and the cover unit further
includes a concave cavity on an inner surface thereof for receipt
of the ball detent to maintain the cover unit in a closed
position.
12. In combination a pair of folding eyeglasses and a belt buckle
for containing said eyeglasses comprising: a pair of folding
eyeglasses; a mounting unit defining a compartment for containing
said eyeglasses in a folded position, said mounting unit having an
attachment member connected to a rear surface thereof, said
attachment member for attaching said mounting unit to a belt; a
retaining hook integrated to the rear surface of the mounting unit,
said hook for restraining the belt in a proper position; and a
cover unit movably coupled to said mounting unit for providing
access to said compartment.
13. The combination of claim 12 wherein the cover unit is movably
coupled to said mounting unit such that inner recesses of the cover
unit and mounting unit in combination define a compartment having a
perimeter shape generally matching the shape of the eyeglasses in a
folded position.
14. The combination of claim 13 wherein a lower edge of the cover
unit is connected by a hinge to a lower edge of the mounting unit
such that the cover unit opens by rotating about the hinge in a
generally forward direction to provide frontal access to the
compartment.
15. The combination of claim 12 wherein the cover unit is movably
coupled to a side of the mounting unit such that the cover unit
opens by rotating in a generally forward direction to provide side
access to the compartment.
16. The combination of claim 12 wherein the cover unit is movably
coupled to a side of the mounting unit such that the cover unit
opens by rotating in a generally side ways direction to provide
side access to the compartment.
17. The combination of claim 12 wherein the cover unit includes an
integrated lip on each opposite edge thereof, said lips for receipt
by grooves in said mounting unit such that the cover unit is
translatably coupled to said mounting unit for providing frontal
access to the compartment.
18. The combination of claim 17 wherein the grooves and lips are
vertically positioned such that the cover unit is translatable in a
generally vertical direction.
19. The combination of claim 17 wherein the grooves and lips are
horizontally positioned such that the cover unit is translatable in
a generally horizontal direction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a new and
unique device for conveniently storing and carrying folding
eyeglasses within a compartment of a belt buckle. The buckle's
compartment is accessible by several means, including a cover that
may or may not be self-closing, a conventional clasping mechanism
or a magnetic clasp.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conveniently carrying and storing reading glasses and
sunglasses is a constant problem in that the glasses are often
lost, misplaced or damaged when not being worn. Moreover, many
people carry more than one pair of eyeglasses. For example, people
may require reading glasses to read menus and sunglasses while they
are outside. It is not uncommon to see people carrying eyeglasses
in their hair, on a cord around their neck or loosely attached to a
shirt by a temple member. Based on the creative methods of carrying
eyeglasses during non-use, it is easy to see why eyeglasses need to
be replaced so often.
[0003] The latest and most convenient form of eyewear comes in the
form of folding eyeglasses which incorporate telescoping or folding
temples and a rotatable bridge member for folding the eyeglasses
thereabout. In this manner, the size of the eyeglasses is reduced
dramatically. But even with folding eyeglasses, there is a
continued need for a safe and convenient location to store them
when people are engaged in strenuous activities such as
construction work, horseback riding, bicycle riding or motorcycle
riding. By way of example, construction workers require sunglasses
for working outdoors, but may also require a pair of reading
glasses to read blueprints or other plans. Similarly, people riding
motorcycles may require a pair of riding eyeglasses and a pair of
sunglasses.
[0004] The prior methods of carrying eyeglasses have not addressed
the situation whereby people require multiple eyeglasses during a
rigorous activity. For example, certain U.S. patents disclose and
claim certain belt buckles for holding various items. However, the
disclosed belt buckles are not suitable for folding eyeglasses, are
overly complex and are not fashionable.
[0005] The embodiments of the present invention transform a belt
buckle into a convenient and safe carrying case for folding
eyeglasses. In but one example, the western style belt buckle has
been around for many years and is a favorite buckle style worn by
men and women wearing jeans and a western style belt. Western style
belts typically have a large and highly ornamented buckle. In one
embodiment of the present invention, a western style belt buckle is
adapted to form a unique compartmented means for safely carrying,
storing and protecting a pair of folding eyeglasses.
[0006] This new and unique compartmented belt buckle is not limited
to carrying just eyeglasses, but has been found to be a very
convenient location for storing other articles such as keys,
motorcycle registrations, drivers licenses, etc. By its very
location, the belt buckle provides ready access to stored articles.
Moreover, carrying eyeglasses and other articles in the pockets of
jeans can cause damage to the articles. In particular, eyeglasses
carried in pockets tend to have their lenses scratched by other
articles in the pocket or have their frames bent.
[0007] Thus, there is a continuing need for providing a convenient
and safe compartmented location for quick and easy storing and
removing of folding eyeglasses and other articles. The embodiments
of the present invention address the continued need of providing a
convenient and safe location for carrying folding eyeglasses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] While the objects of the present invention are numerous, the
following are illustrative of the objectives of present
invention.
[0009] A first object of the embodiments of the present invention
is to create a compartmented belt buckle for storing folding
eyeglasses.
[0010] Another object of the embodiments of the present invention
is to create a compartmented belt buckle for storing folding
eyeglasses in a durable, heavy metal enclosure that prevents the
eyeglasses from being damaged or lost during strenuous
activities.
[0011] Yet another object of the embodiments of the present
invention is to create a compartmented belt buckle for storing
folding eyeglasses that can also be used to store other
similarly-sized articles.
[0012] Yet another object of the embodiments of the present
invention is to create a compartmented belt buckle for storing
folding eyeglasses or other articles in a location where they are
easy to access..
[0013] Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention
accomplish the desired objects by providing a unique sealed and
latched compartment within a belt buckle, including western or
motorcycle style buckles. In a first embodiment of the present
invention, the belt buckle consists of a back mounting unit with a
fixed belt attachment bale and a variable size adjustment prong.
The back mounting unit has a partial compartment and is connected
to a cover by means of a hinge, that may be spring-loaded. The
mounting unit and cover may also incorporate a conventional or
magnetic clasp to maintain the cover in a closed position. An
interior portion of the cover incorporates a partial compartment
that in combination with the partial compartment of the back
mounting unit forms a complete compartment. An exterior portion of
the cover is available for ornamentation. With this style of
compartmented belt buckle for storing folding eyeglasses, access to
the compartment is accomplished by opening the cover a forward
direction of the person wearing the belt buckle.
[0014] A first alternate embodiment of the compartmented belt
buckle for storing folding eyeglasses includes a tubular
compartment accessible from either end by means of a
forward-rotating cover. A fixed belt attachment bale and variable
size adjustment prong are located on a rear side of the buckle.
Again, the buckle's front face is available for decorative
ornamentation. The buckle cover rotates forward on a pivot pin to
reveal the internal compartment for easy storage and removal of
contents. The cover may or may not be spring-loaded and/or may
incorporate a conventional or magnetic clasp.
[0015] A second alternate embodiment of the compartmented belt
buckle for storing folding eyeglasses includes a tubular
compartment accessible from either end by means of a
forward-rotating cover. The cover on this embodiment incorporates a
portion of the compartment on an inner portion thereof. The third
embodiment incorporates a flexible belt attachment bale and the
variable size adjustment prong located on the back of the buckle
with a front face for decorative ornamentation.
[0016] A third alternative embodiment of the compartmented belt
buckle for storing folding eyeglasses includes a cover that slides
longitudinally within horizontal grooves formed adjacent a front
face of the buckle. The cover has a lip on an upper and lower edge
for engaging the grooves thereby allowing it to slide
longitudinally along the grooves. A spring biased ball detent
positioned for receipt by a corresponding concave groove integrated
on an inner surface of the cover acts as a locking means.
[0017] A fourth alternate embodiment of the compartmented belt
buckle for storing folding eyeglasses incorporates a cover that
slides vertically along vertical grooves. In this embodiment, the
cover includes a lip on a left and right side edge for engaging the
vertical grooves. The force of gravity maintains the cover in a
closed position.
[0018] In each of the embodiments, the belt buckle used for storing
the folding eyeglasses may be equipped with a magnetic clasp, a
conventional clasping mechanism or a spring-loaded closing feature.
These together with other objects and advantages which will become
subsequently apparent from the details of the construction and
operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view showing a first embodiment
of a compartmented belt buckle, for storing folding eyeglasses,
with a buckle cover in an open state and the folding eyeglasses
resting in a partial compartment formed in an interior portion of
the cover;
[0020] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of the compartmented belt buckle, for storing folding eyeglasses,
with the compartment accessible on a right edge by means of an end
cover that rotates in the forward direction about a pivot pin;
[0021] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of another alternate
embodiment of the compartmented belt buckle, for storing folding
eyeglasses, with the compartment accessible from a left edge by
means of an end cover which hinges open to the side;
[0022] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of the compartmented belt buckle, for storing folding eyeglasses,
with a longitudinally sliding cover in a partially closed position;
and
[0023] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of
the compartmented belt buckle, for storing folding eyeglasses, with
a vertically sliding cover in a partially closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] A compartmented belt buckle generally designated with
reference numeral 10 consists of a mounting unit 13 having a fixed
belt attachment bale 14 and a variable size adjustment prong 16 for
engaging a belt 20. The mounting unit 13 of the belt buckle 10
defines a first partial compartment 22 and is connected to a cover
30 by means of hinge 24. Hinge 24 may be spring-loaded 26 so that
the cover 30 is held in a closed position by means of spring
tension. In addition, or alternatively, a conventional clasp or
magnetic clasping mechanism 28 incorporated on an interior portion
of the mounting unit 13 removably engages a corresponding clasping
mechanism 34 on an interior portion of the cover 30 to secure the
cover 30 in a closed position. The cover 30 of the compartmented
belt buckle 10 forms a second partial compartment 32 which combines
with the first partial compartment 22 to define a complete
compartment for holding a pair of folding eyeglasses 38. A front
cover face 36 is available for ornamentation. In this arrangement,
the cover 30 opens in a forward direction away from a wearer
thereby providing convenient access to the stored folding
eyeglasses 38.
[0025] A first alternate embodiment of the compartmented belt
buckle 50 consists of an integral tubular compartment 54 accessible
by means of a rotating cover 56 incorporated at one end thereof.
The cover 56 rotates about a rotating pin 58 secured to an inner
portion of the compartment 54. A fixed belt attachment bale 60 and
a variable size adjustment prong 62 are integrated on a back
surface 64 of the buckle 50. A front face 66 is available for
decorative ornamentation. In this arrangement, the cover 56 rotates
in a forward direction to provide access to the tubular compartment
54 and folding eyeglasses stored therein. The cover 56 may be
spring-loaded so that the cover 56 is held in a closed position by
means of spring tension. In addition, or alternatively, a
conventional clasp or magnetic clasping mechanisms may be
incorporated on an interior portion of the cover 56 and an outer
edge of the compartment 54 thereby securing the cover 56 in a
closed position.
[0026] A second alternate embodiment of the compartmented belt
buckle 80 consists of a first integral tubular compartment 82
accessible by means of a hinged cover 88. The hinged cover 88 may
be spring-loaded to maintain the cover 88 in a closed position. The
cover 88 of this embodiment defines a partial compartment 90 which
combines with the first compartment 82 to define a complete
compartment for containing the folding eyeglasses. A flexible belt
attachment bale 92 and a variable size adjustment prong 94 are
attached and integrated respectively on a back surface 96 of the
buckle 80. A front face 98 is once again available for decorative
ornamentation.
[0027] A third embodiment of the compartmented belt buckle 110
consists of a cover 112 that translates longitudinally within
grooves 114 to reveal a compartment 116. The cover 112 includes
lips 120 on an upper edge and lower edge for engaging the grooves
114 allowing the cover 112 to translate in a generally horizontal
direction. A spring biased ball detent 122 positioned for receipt
by a corresponding concave groove integrated on an inner surface of
the cover 112 acts as a locking means.
[0028] A fourth alternate embodiment of the compartmented belt
buckle 130 consists of a cover 132 which translates in a generally
vertical direction. Lips 134 on a right and left edge of the cover
132 engage grooves 136 thereby permitting vertical translation of
the cover 132. In this arrangement, gravity provides sufficient
force to maintain the cover 132 in a closed position.
[0029] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to multiple embodiments, additional variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *