U.S. patent application number 11/928143 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-05 for eyeglass retainer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Boris and Natasha, Inc. dba Dynamic Business Associates. Invention is credited to Gary Severen, Boris M. Tonoff.
Application Number | 20080127460 11/928143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39474095 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080127460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Severen; Gary ; et
al. |
June 5, 2008 |
EYEGLASS RETAINER
Abstract
An eyeglass retainer having a clip for attaching the eyeglass
retainer to an article, such as a shirt collar, is provided. An
emblem is affixed to and substantially covers the clip when the
eyeglass retainer is attached to the article. Furthermore, an
elastic loop is coupled to the clip and extends away from the
emblem and selectively receives an eyeglass temple bar therein. The
clip further includes a pair of spring biased jaws having
interconnecting teeth and an extension flange for substantially
permanently retaining the elastic loop therein. The emblem is
adhesively, thermally or mechanically affixed to the clip and may
comprise an American flag, a playing card, a representation of a
hand or the like.
Inventors: |
Severen; Gary; (Mission
Viejo, CA) ; Tonoff; Boris M.; (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE, SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Assignee: |
Boris and Natasha, Inc. dba Dynamic
Business Associates
Beverly Hills
CA
|
Family ID: |
39474095 |
Appl. No.: |
11/928143 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60868688 |
Dec 5, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/3.3 ;
24/3.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/1371 20150115;
A45F 5/02 20130101; A45F 2200/0541 20130101; A45F 5/06 20130101;
Y10T 24/1394 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/3.3 ;
24/3.12 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/02 20060101
A45F005/02 |
Claims
1. An eyeglass retainer, comprising: a clip for attaching the
eyeglass retainer to an article; an emblem affixed to and
substantially covering the clip when attached to the article; and
an elastic loop coupled to the clip and extending away from the
emblem for selectively receiving the eyeglass therein.
2. The eyeglass retainer of claim 1, wherein the clip comprises a
set of spring-biased jaws.
3. The eyeglass retainer of claim 2, wherein the jaws comprise
interconnecting teeth.
4. The eyeglass retainer of claim 2, wherein the clip comprises an
alligator clip.
5. The eyeglass retainer of claim 1, wherein the emblem is
adhesively, thermally or mechanically affixed to the clip.
6. The eyeglass retainer of claim 1, wherein the clip includes an
extension flange for retaining the elastic loop.
7. The eyeglass retainer of claim 6, wherein the extension flange
encompasses the elastic loop for substantial permanent retainment
therein.
8. The eyeglass retainer of claim 1, wherein the emblem comprises
an American flag, a playing card, or a representation of a
hand.
9. The eyeglass retainer of claim 1, wherein the elastic loop is
stretchable to at least double in size in comparison with its
un-stretched size.
10. An eyeglass retainer, comprising: a clip comprising a set of
spring-biased jaws for attaching the eyeglass retainer to an
article; an emblem adhesively, thermally or mechanically affixed to
and substantially covering the clip when attached to the article;
an elastic loop coupled to the clip and extending away from the
emblem for selectively receiving the eyeglass therein, the elastic
loop being stretchable to at least double in size in comparison
with its un-stretched size; and an extension flange for retaining
the elastic loop.
11. The eyeglass retainer of claim 10, wherein the jaws comprise
interconnecting teeth.
12. The eyeglass retainer of claim 10, wherein the clip comprises
an alligator clip.
13. The eyeglass retainer of claim 10, wherein the extension flange
encompasses the elastic loop for substantial permanent retainment
therein.
14. The eyeglass retainer of claim 10, wherein the emblem comprises
an American flag, a playing card, or a representation of a hand.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an eyeglass retainer. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a clip-on eyeglass
retainer for attachment to a clothing article and capable of
carrying a plurality of small objects suspended from an elastic
loop.
[0002] Misplacement of eyeglasses or other small carry-along
articles is a common problem that affects many individuals. For
example, eyeglasses are frequently removed and applied multiple
times throughout the day. Such eyeglasses may include reading
glasses, driving glasses or intermediate glasses for reading
computer screens or the like. Eyeglasses are usually stored in a
case or carried in a pocket or purse when not in use. Sunglasses
are also removed when unneeded, such as during cloud cover, evening
hours, or after going indoors. It is even common for individuals to
remove or exchange prescription sunglasses with regular eyeglasses
when transitioning from sunny areas to relatively dimmer areas, or
vice versa. Conventional eyeglasses holders, such as a case or
pouch, are commonly misplaced throughout the course of the day.
Hence, it comes as no surprise that eyeglasses, sunglasses, and
other similarly frequently changed articles are frequently
misplaced.
[0003] There are a variety of methods of remedying misplacement of
eyeglasses. For example, eyeglasses may be stored in articles of
clothing such as a shirt pocket or pants pocket. Shirt pockets are
often loose and the eyeglasses may easily fall out and consequently
be lost or broken. In pants, eyeglasses can have a bulging
appearance, cause discomfort, or even be scratched, damaged or
broken. In another example, eyeglasses are hung from a neck strap
that has a loop or end fastener for retaining the temple bars. The
eyeglasses remain open when hung around the neck. During physical
movement the eyeglasses may swing, even wildly at times. Such an
eyeglasses holder certainly restricts the wearer's activity, can be
extremely distracting, cumbersome and certainly subjects the open
eyeglasses to possible damage. Even changing to a different pair of
eyeglasses is inconvenient as the straps must be removed from each
temple bar and reapplied to the temple bars of the new pair of
eyeglasses.
[0004] There are various styles of eyeglass holders known in the
art that endeavor to remedy the above problems. Some eyeglass
holders are designed to attach to a clothing article, such as a
jacket or blouse. These holders incorporate a pin that perforates a
clothing article layer. Pins are generally undesirable, especially
for dresses or other expensive clothing, as the clothing article is
subject to pin holes. Additionally, pins are often difficult to
attach and pose pinprick injury to the person applying the pin.
[0005] In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,812 to Moennig
discloses an eyeglass holder for securing a pair of eyeglasses to a
clothing article when the eyeglasses are not in use. The eyeglass
holder has a flexible strand that folds back upon itself to form a
loop that encircles and releasibly retains a temple bar of the
eyeglasses. An adjusting sleeve runs along the length of the loop
and adjusts the size thereof. A retention bead prevents the
adjusting sleeve from sliding off the loop. A spring loaded clamp
attached to the loop selectively clamps the eyeglass holder to a
selected clothing article. But, such an eyeglass holder is often an
eyesore as the holder, flexible strand, loop and sleeve are readily
visible. Moreover, the flexible loop is not stretchable to best
accommodate variously sized objects.
[0006] Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,925 to Kraut discloses an
eyeglass holder configured to be worn by means of a clothing
article. The holder includes a base having a pivotal jaw. A
mounting ring is connected to the base for supporting an elastic or
otherwise flexible ring that receives the temple bar of a pair of
eyeglasses. The flexible ring can swivel such that the eyeglasses
assume a normal flat position relative to the body. But, Kraut does
not provide a means for aesthetically disguising the otherwise
obvious and unappealing eyeglass holder. Furthermore, the clipping
force produced between the movable jaw and the base is also less
than ideal because of the limited surface contact area. Therefore,
the eyeglass holder is limited to retaining relatively lighter
objects.
[0007] Moreover, U.S. Publication No. 2002/0170147 to Heller
discloses an eyeglass holder that attaches to a clothing article
and comprises a loop integral to a decorative design. The loop is
adapted to receive the temple piece of the eyeglasses for
suspension therefrom. The eyeglass holder magnetically attaches to
a clothing article. The Heller eyeglass holder is consequently
limited by the thickness of the clothing article. Ultimately, the
eyeglass holder may detach from the clothing article such that
hanging eyeglasses may fall to the floor and risk being broken.
Thicker clothing articles will prevent use of the eyeglass holder
at all because the magnet will be unable to sufficiently attach
through the thickness of the clothing article.
[0008] Accordingly, there exists a need for a simplified and
versatile eyeglass retainer compatible with a wide range of
clothing articles. Such a eyeglass retainer should clip-on and be
nondestructive to the clothing article, should be aesthetically
pleasing as hidden or otherwise masked by an emblem, should provide
convenient and fast access to the eyeglasses for rapid and easy
changes, and should be able to stretch to fit or retain multiple
pocketable objects. The present invention fulfills these needs and
provides further related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides an eyeglass retainer having a
clip for attaching the retainer to an article, such as a piece of
clothing or a car interior. An emblem is affixed to and
substantially covers the clip when the clip is attached to the
article. An elastic loop coupled to the clip and extending away
from the emblem is included for selectively receiving an eyeglass
temple bar therein.
[0010] More specifically, the clip comprises a set of spring biased
jaws having interconnecting teeth which is preferably manufactured
from a durable metal material. In an especially preferred
embodiment, the clip is an alligator clip, similar to those used
for electrical connections. The corresponding emblem is adhesively,
thermally or mechanically affixed to the clip. The emblem is
preferably substantially permanently affixed to the clip to prevent
disconnection therefrom during rough use, especially placement in a
washing machine or dryer. The clip further includes an extension
flange for substantially and permanently retaining the elastic loop
therein. The emblem may include a wide variety of designs including
an American flag, a playing card, or a representation of a
hand.
[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which
illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an eyeglass retainer clipped
to a shirt collar;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the eyeglass retainer
having an American flag emblem;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the eyeglass retainer
illustrating the flexibility of the elastic loop;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of the eyeglass retainer having a
playing card emblem; and
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the eyeglass retainer
illustrating the elastic loop coupled to the clip as attached to
the backside of an emblem.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the
present invention relates to an eyeglass retainer, generally
referred to by the reference number 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the
eyeglass retainer 10 may attach to a shirt collar 12 or
alternatively, a sleeve 14, a shirt pocket 16, a blouse or pant
loop (not shown), etc. In essence, the eyeglass retainer 10 has the
versatility for attaching to a clothing article most comfortable
and most accessible to the wearer. Likewise, the eyeglass retainer
10 may attach to other items that most accessible to the user. Such
items may include, but are not limited to, various locations in an
automobile, including a visor or dashboard, a purse, carry-along,
bag or other storage or transportation device or article.
[0019] As further shown in FIG. 1, the eyeglass retainer 10 is used
to secure eyeglasses 18 to an elastic loop 20. Likewise, the
eyeglass retainer 10 may be used to secure other items such as a
cell phone, voice recorder, ear buds, glasses, pens, badges,
thermometer, clip-ons, pencils or any other "pocketable" item that
fits into or attaches to the elastic loop 20. The eyeglass retainer
10 is a multipurpose clip such that a plurality of small objects
may be suspended from the elastic loop 20.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 2, the eyeglass retainer 10 has an
alligator clip 22 to which the elastic loop 20 is fastened.
Preferably, the alligator clip 22 is a 5/8 inch standard clip,
similar to alligator clips typically used for electrical
connections. Accordingly, the alligator clip 22 is adhesively,
thermally, or mechanically coupled to an emblem 24, as generally
shown. The alligator clip 22 further comprises an inner jaw 26
coupled to an outer jaw 28 about a pivot 30. The inner jaw 26 and
the outer jaw 28 are sufficiently maintained in the closed position
as shown in FIG. 2 by means of a coil spring (not shown) coupled
between the jaws 26, 28. A set of teeth 32 disposed at a front end
34 of the alligator clip 22 prevent the alligator clip 22 from
slipping out from a clipped material, such as the shirt collar 12
in FIG. 1. The teeth 32 at the front end 34 are opened by applying
pressure along the directional arrow shown in FIG. 2 such that the
back end 36 of the inner jaw 26 is compressed toward the back end
38 of the outer jaw 28. Accordingly, the coil spring disposed about
the pivot 30 is compressed therein and provides resistance thereto.
Thereafter, the inner jaw 26 rotates relative to the outer jaw 28
about the pivot 30 to open the teeth 32. After releasing the back
end 36 of the inner jaw 26 from the back end 38 of the outer jaw
28, the coil spring forces the alligator clip 22 to close at the
front end 34. The serrated teeth 32 thereafter grip to the attached
item, like the shirt collar 12 in FIG. 1. Thereafter, the coil
spring tension in addition to the serrated teeth 32 help keep the
eyeglass retainer 10 attached to the clothing article (or other
attached item), leaving the elastic loop 20 available for insertion
of the eyeglasses 18 (FIG. 1) or any other comparable small item
mentioned herein.
[0021] The elastic loop 20 is attached to the back end 36 of the
inner jaw 26 by folding a metal connector 40 about a portion of the
closed elastic loop 20. The connector 40 is preferably manufactured
with an 1/8 inch metal extension capable of folding all the way
over the elastic loop 20. Narrow ends on each side of the connector
40 (not shown) are bent sideways to lock the connector 40 to the
back end 36 of the inner jaw 26 thereby permanently attaching the
elastic loop 20 to the alligator clip 22. The connector 40 may be
welded shut or otherwise adhesively or mechanically secured around
the elastic loop 20 to ensure full attachment thereto.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates the elastic loop 20 being stretched from
a resting position to a stretched position (in phantom). The
elastic loop 20 is stretchable to over twice its unstretched size.
The elastic loop 20 is preferably rounded or oval in shape so as to
provide the easiest and most convenient means for attaching any of
the above-identified items, especially the eyeglasses 18. Also, the
elastic loop 20 is preferably approximately 3/4 inch and may be
colored to match or coordinate with the corresponding emblem 24.
But, the elastic loop 20 may be any size or shape, including being
rigid, such that the elastic loop 20 meets the needs of the
specific user. Of course, the elastic loop 20 may be stretched
around other small objects for retention therein. These objects may
include a wide variety of "pocketable" items, including:
sunglasses, as mentioned above, badges, pens or pencils, ear buds,
portable voice recorders, thermometers, clip-ons, or other small
items attachable to the elastic loop 20.
[0023] In use, as shown in FIG. 1, the pair of eyeglasses 18
attaches to the elastic loop 20 by threading a temple bar 42 of the
eyeglasses 18 through the elastic loop 20. The alligator clip 22 is
tensioned to sufficiently maintain engagement with the collar 12,
despite the added weight of the eyeglasses 18 as connected to and
hanging from the elastic loop 20. Alternatively, virtually any
small item of comparable weight to the eyeglasses 18 may be hung
from or passed through the elastic loop 20 for retention therein.
For example, headphones or ear bud wires slide easily into the
interior of the elastic loop 20. Alternatively, a cell phone clip
(not shown) may be inserted into the elastic loop 20 and retained
therein. Accordingly, the elastic loop 20 stretches to accommodate
the variety of items previously described. The elastic loop 20 in
conjunction with the eyeglass retainer 10 is ideal for temporary
retention of small items that may otherwise fall from a shirt
pocket 16. The elastic loop 20 is also an ideal alternative for a
shirt pocket 16 when one does not exist. The eyeglass retainer 10
also provides retention of items when attached to other clothing
articles or when attached to other items in general, such as the
visor of an automobile. In an automobile, security badges or tags,
toll road devices or driving glasses are ideally retained by the
eyeglass retainer 10 of the present invention.
[0024] In still other uses, pens retained in the elastic loop 20
are more accessible and do not mark clothing, such as the shirt
pocket 16, when effectively retained by the eyeglass retainer 10.
In the medical profession, the eyeglass retainer 10 has a variety
of uses for hanging thermometers or ID badges thereon. Small voice
recorders (not shown) may also attach to the elastic loop 20 for
easy accessibility, especially when driving, to instantly record
ideas.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the eyeglass retainer 10 is used in
conjunction with the emblems 24 shown therein. FIG. 3 illustrates a
hand emblem 24, FIG. 4 illustrates a playing card emblem 24 and
FIG. 5 illustrates an American flag emblem. As best shown in use in
FIG. 1, the emblem 24 substantially hides the alligator clip 22.
The emblem 24 is designed primarily for aesthetic purposes.
[0026] In construction, the eyeglass retainer 10 should be simply
designed and built with sufficient strength to withstand dropping
or washing in an industrial washing machine. Only the elastic loop
20 extends beyond the exterior of the emblem 24 to provide easy
accessibility for attaching any of the above described items while
sufficiently hiding the alligator clip 22.
[0027] Although several embodiments have been described in detail
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to
each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the
appended claims.
* * * * *