U.S. patent application number 13/215181 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-15 for combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case.
Invention is credited to Milton Friedman, Rivka T. Friedman.
Application Number | 20110303560 13/215181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45095356 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110303560 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Friedman; Milton ; et
al. |
December 15, 2011 |
Combination Cell Phone and Eyeglass Dedicated Case
Abstract
A trim, compact combination case dedicated to storing a cell
phone (or PDA or other small electronic device) and an accessible
pair of eyeglasses is disclosed. The combination cell phone and
eyeglass case includes only a phone housing compartment and an
adjacent eyeglass housing compartment, which are configured to hold
the cell phone and eyeglasses side by side. An optional
eyeglass-housing cap and an optional swivel belt clip are also
disclosed. The compact design allows the combination case to be
easily carried in a bag, purse, briefcase or pocket. The
combination case advantageously positions the eyeglasses oriented
and located for quick retrieval when needed to view the phone
screen or buttons.
Inventors: |
Friedman; Milton;
(Cedarhurst, NY) ; Friedman; Rivka T.;
(US) |
Family ID: |
45095356 |
Appl. No.: |
13/215181 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12713965 |
Feb 26, 2010 |
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13215181 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2005/008 20130101;
A45F 5/021 20130101; A45C 11/04 20130101; A45F 2200/0541 20130101;
A45C 15/00 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 |
International
Class: |
B65D 77/00 20060101
B65D077/00 |
Claims
1. A case for eyeglasses and a phone, comprising: a single
rectangular sheet of flexible material folded in half and seamed on
both opposing outer edges and seamed along an interior
compartment-dividing line parallel to said opposing outer edges,
thereby creating only two adjacent compartments, wherein said two
adjacent compartments comprise a larger phone housing compartment
sized and configured to accommodate said phone and a smaller
eyeglass housing compartment sized and configured to accommodate
said eyeglasses.
2. The case for eyeglasses and a phone, as recited in claim 1,
wherein said interior compartment-dividing line is offset from one
of said opposing outer edges between 15 and 30 percent of the
distance between said opposing outer edges, whereby said phone
housing compartment is larger than said phone housing
compartment.
3. The case for eyeglasses and a phone, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said flexible material comprises natural leather.
4. The case for eyeglasses and a phone, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said flexible material comprises leatherette.
5. The case for eyeglasses and a phone, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said single rectangular sheet is seamed with nylon
thread.
6. The case for eyeglasses and a phone, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said single rectangular sheet is seamed with polyester
continuous filament thread.
7. The case for eyeglasses and a phone, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said single rectangular sheet is seamed with a corespun
thread.
8. A case for eyeglasses and a phone, comprising: a phone housing
compartment sized and configured to accommodate said phone, wherein
said phone housing compartment comprises a phone-housing bottom
wall, phone-housing front wall, phone-housing back wall, and two
opposing phone-housing side walls, with the tops of said
phone-housing front wall, said phone-housing back wall, and said
two opposing phone-housing side walls defining a phone-housing top
opening sized and configured to receive said phone into said phone
housing compartment; an eyeglass housing compartment disposed
adjacent to said phone housing compartment, said eyeglass housing
compartment sized and configured to accommodate said eyeglasses,
wherein said eyeglass housing compartment comprises an
eyeglass-housing bottom wall, eyeglass-housing front wall,
eyeglass-housing back wall, and two opposing eyeglass-housing side
walls, with the tops of said eyeglass-housing front wall, said
eyeglass-housing back wall, and said two opposing eyeglass-housing
side walls defining an eyeglass-housing top opening sized and
configured to receive said eyeglasses into said eyeglass housing
compartment; and a joining mechanism configured to permanently
attach one of said two opposing phone-housing side walls to one of
said two opposing eyeglass-housing side walls.
9. The case for eyeglasses and a phone, as recited in claim 8,
further comprising: an eyeglass-housing cap configured to restrain
said eyeglasses within said eyeglass housing compartment; and a cap
fastening mechanism to removably secure said eyeglass-housing cap
to said eyeglass housing compartment.
10. The case for eyeglasses and a phone, as recited in claim 8,
wherein said cap fastening mechanism comprises a magnetic
closure.
11. The case for eyeglasses and a phone, as recited in claim 8,
further comprising a case attachment affixed to said phone-housing
back wall, wherein said case attachment is configured to allow said
case for said eyeglasses and said phone to be attached to another
article.
12. The case for eyeglasses and a phone, as recited in claim 8,
wherein said joining mechanism comprises thread used for sewing one
of said two opposing phone-housing side walls to one of said two
opposing eyeglass-housing side walls.
13. A dedicated, hand-held case for containing eyeglasses and a
phone, comprising a single flexible sheet of leather folded in half
and sewn with thread along both opposing outer edges and sewn along
an interior compartment-dividing line that is parallel to said
opposing edges to form only two compartments, wherein said two
compartments comprise a larger phone housing compartment sized and
configured to accommodate said phone and a smaller eyeglass housing
compartment sized and configured to accommodate said eyeglasses,
wherein said interior compartment-dividing line is offset from one
of said opposing outer edges between 15 and 30 percent of the
distance between said opposing outer edges to create said larger
phone housing compartment and said smaller eyeglass housing
compartment.
14. The dedicated, hand-held case for containing eyeglasses and a
phone, as recited in claim 13, wherein said thread comprises nylon
thread.
15. The dedicated, hand-held case for containing eyeglasses and a
phone, as recited in claim 13, wherein said thread comprises
polyester continuous filament thread.
16. The dedicated, hand-held case for containing eyeglasses and a
phone, as recited in claim 13, wherein said thread comprises a
corespun thread.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/713,965, filed on Feb. 26, 2010, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to cases and
carriers, and more particularly, to a compact, streamlined case
dedicated to storing a personal digital assistant (PDA), smart
phone or cell phone, and conveniently situated eyeglasses.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] The cell phone has become a ubiquitous personal accessory.
It fulfills the need not only for communication, but also performs
an ever-increasing number of functions that make life more
efficient and enjoyable. New cell phone applications, with ever
expanding functionality, are being rapidly developed, thus adding
to the dominance of the cell phone in modern electronic life.
[0004] Cell phones themselves continue to become smaller and thus
more convenient to carry. Yet the miniaturization of cell phones
requires their display screens to be small, even if they are
designed to occupy the entire front of the cell phone. Entire
documents or spreadsheets may be read from this small screen. For
some people the text, icons and images of the screen, as well as
the buttons on the device, may be difficult to see clearly.
Especially as the population ages, presbyopia, the loss of the
ability to clearly see close objects, increases. Thus, many cell
phone users need to locate their reading glasses to see the screen.
Often there is pressure to retrieve the glasses quickly, such as to
determine the identity of the caller while the phone is
ringing.
[0005] Currently many cell phone users store their cell phones and
eyeglasses in separate cases within a bag, purse or briefcase.
Significant inconvenience and annoyance may ensue as they rummage
through their bag attempting to quickly locate each separate case,
attempt to hurriedly open both cases, and then attempt to disengage
both the cell phone and the eyeglasses from their individual
cases.
[0006] Other cell phone users opt to use a multipurpose bag with
numerous compartments to store the cell phone with other small
electronic devices or personal items. Such multi-purpose bags are
disclosed in several patents and patent applications, such U.S.
Pat. No. 7,293,635 issued to Repke, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,467,695 and
7,503,440 to Gormick, U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,518 to Chao, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,264,029 to Motson, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0194267
to Lam, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0029754. While some of
the various general compartments are suitable for holding a cell
phone and eyeglasses, the generic compartments do not lend
themselves to quick and easy access. Many multi-purpose bags are
also encumbered with shoulder straps, flaps with closures, zippers,
snaps or other encumbrances that restrict or interfere with quick
retrieval of the phone and glasses. Nor are the multi-purpose bags
simple and uncomplicated to construct. None provide a dedicated,
streamlined case allowing a user to quickly access the eyeglasses
and phone, allowing a user to conveniently store the compact case,
and allowing a manufacturer to reduce materials cost.
[0007] Additionally available are eyeglass cases or phone cases
that include compartments suitable for storing other personal items
of various types. Such cases are disclosed in U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2005/0173268 to Lam, U.S. Design Pat. No. D548,959
to McClain, U.S. Design Pat. No. D379,262 to Siegel, U.S. Pat. No.
6,424,823 to Moles, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0113306 to
Paci, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0010575 by Sanka. While
these disclose the concurrent storage of eyeglasses or phones with
other items from mirrors to calculators, none of these successfully
present a dedicated, compact storage for a pair of glasses and a
phone, while allowing quick and easy access to both.
[0008] Patents for a wide variety of bags and cases are available
in this crowded field of art. Each bag is designed to meet a
particular need. For example, the mail bag of U.S. Pat. No. 746,013
to Burton presents a mail bag with many transverse pockets (each
designed to hold the mail of a single individual) that can be
folded onto themselves and rolled into a bag. While this bag and
others in this crowded field are satisfactory for their intended
purpose, they not satisfactory for storing a cell phone alongside
eyeglasses in a very compact dedicated case that is easy to stow
away within a crowded purse or briefcase.
[0009] Another bag is presented by Blackman in U.S. Pat. No.
5,002,401 for an Article Holder and Carrier. This holder and
carrier has an assortment of pockets for holding a variety of
articles of varying sizes and shapes, which can be folded into a
carrier. Though this holder and carrier may fit the need of a
student to carry pencils, glue, scissors, paper, and other schools
supplies, it is not suitable for containing eyeglasses with a cell
phone. Its numerous pockets and structures involved with its
self-folding and carrying abilities cause the Blackman holder to be
bulky and to take time to open to retrieve items. When receiving an
incoming phone call, it may be difficult to extract both a cell
phone and a pair of glasses stored within the Blackman bag before
the call ends or is routed to voice mail.
[0010] Accordingly, though a diverse array of cases are available
that can potentially hold a cell phone and a pair of eyeglasses,
the available cases do not meet the need for a compact, streamlined
case dedicated to storing a mobile phone and conveniently located
eyeglasses, while providing quick and easy retrieval of both items
and providing for a reduction in manufacturing cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention is directed to a trim, compact
combination case dedicated to storing only a cell phone and a
readily accessible pair of eyeglasses. The combination cell phone
and eyeglass case includes a phone housing compartment and an
adjacent eyeglass housing compartment. Both the phone-housing top
opening and the eyeglass-housing top opening are preferably
oriented in the same direction. The combination case advantageously
positions both the phone and the eyeglasses oriented and located
for quick retrieval when needed to view the phone screen or
controls.
[0012] Construction methods are presented for preferably forming
the combination dedicated case from a single piece of material.
Optional construction methods are also presented. An optional
eyeglass-housing cap and an optional swivel belt clip are also
disclosed.
[0013] The compact design of the combination dedicated case
provides benefits for users, manufacturers and/or retailers. The
lightweight, streamlined design, without cumbersome latches,
zippers, straps, etc., is economic of space, allowing the
combination case to be easily carried in (and retrieved from) bags,
purses, briefcases, and pockets. The straightforward combination
dedicated case allows quick retrieval of either, or both, the phone
and eyeglasses. Also, the trim, compact design reduces materials
required for manufacturing, minimizes costs to transport from
manufacturer to retailer, and decreases shelf space required for
display.
[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case that
conveniently holds a cell phone and a pair of eyeglasses in a
manner in which they are easy to quickly extract for use.
[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case that is trim and
compact.
[0016] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case that allows a
user to keep eyeglasses handy and readily available, when
needed.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case whose
minimalistic design reduces manufacturing materials.
[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case that can be
easily inserted into a case, bag, purse, briefcase or pocket.
[0019] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more readily apparent from the
attached drawings and from the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments, which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter
be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to
illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations
denote like elements, and in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of
the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of
the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of
the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case of the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of
the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a front view showing the fifth embodiment of the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a cut view taken along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 5,
showing the fifth embodiment of the combination cell phone and
eyeglass dedicated case of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a cut view taken along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 4
illustrating an optional lining depicted with the fourth embodiment
of the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a cut view taken along the lines 8-8 of FIG. 3,
showing the third embodiment of the combination cell phone and
eyeglass dedicated case of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a top view showing the sixth embodiment of the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the seventh embodiment of the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the eighth embodiment
of the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the ninth preferred
embodiment of the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated
case of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a top view showing the ninth preferred embodiment
of the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a front view showing the material of the
unconstructed ninth preferred embodiment of the combination cell
phone and eyeglass dedicated case of the present invention; and
[0035] FIG. 12 is a front view showing the ninth preferred
embodiment of the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated
case of the present invention.
[0036] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is
directed toward a combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated
case, shown generally as reference number 10. The combination case
10 has a trim, streamlined design focused on holding a pair of
eyeglasses in a readily accessible position for quick retrieval so
they are close at hand when needed to provide a better view of the
phone screen and/or controls. The combination case 10 includes only
a phone housing compartment 20 dedicated to securing a cell phone
25 and an adjoined separate eyeglass housing compartment 30
dedicated to securing a pair of eyeglasses 15, such as reading
glasses or prescription glasses.
[0038] The phone housing compartment 20 conveniently protects a
cell phone 25, yet allows for easy access. The adjacent positioning
of the eyeglass housing compartment 30 keeps the eyeglasses 15
protected, yet handy and easy to reach, if they are needed by the
user. Although the phone housing compartment is particularly
designed for use with a cell phone 25, it is also suitable for use
with other portable consumer electronic devices. Therefore,
throughout this disclosure, unless otherwise indicated by context,
the term "phone" (and grammatical equivalents) includes any
portable consumer electronic device, such as, for example, mobile
phones, PDA's, music players, iPods.COPYRGT., smart phones,
handheld electronic language translators, tablet computers, and the
like.
[0039] Nine exemplary embodiments are presented, a first
embodiment, (FIG. 1), a second embodiment (FIG. 2), a third
embodiment (FIG. 3, FIG. 8), a fourth embodiment (FIG. 4, FIG. 7),
a fifth embodiment (FIG. 5, FIG. 6), a sixth embodiment (FIG. 9), a
seventh embodiment (FIG. 10), an eighth embodiment (FIG. 11), and a
preferred ninth embodiment (FIGS. 12, 13, 14, 15).
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 1, the combination cell phone and
eyeglass dedicated case is illustrated in accordance with a first
preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the
combination dedicated case 10 of the first embodiment comprises a
phone housing compartment 20 and adjacent eyeglass housing
compartment 30, permanently joined by a joining mechanism 11. In
the first embodiment the longitudinal eyeglass-housing axis 60
(running from the center of the eyeglass-housing top opening edge
33 to the center bottom of the eyeglass housing compartment 30) is
substantially parallel to the longitudinal phone-housing axis 50
(running from the center of phone-housing top opening edge 23 to
the center bottom of the phone housing compartment 20).
[0041] The phone housing compartment 20 is sized and configured to
accommodate the phone 25, allowing the phone 25 to be easily
inserted into, and removed from, the phone housing compartment 20.
The phone housing compartment 20 also provides protection to the
phone when the phone 25 is installed within the phone housing
compartment 20.
[0042] The phone housing compartment 20 of the first through eight
embodiments comprises a phone-housing bottom wall 21, phone-housing
front wall 26, phone-housing back wall 28, and two opposing
phone-housing side walls 27 (FIG. 6, FIG. 7), 29 joined to form a
pouch-like phone receptacle.
[0043] The tops of the phone-housing front wall 26, phone-housing
back wall 28, and said two opposing phone-housing side walls 27, 29
define a phone-housing top opening edge 23 (FIG. 3) sized and
configured to receive the phone into the phone housing compartment
30. In the first embodiment of FIG. 1, an upper back extension 22
is disposed above the phone-housing back wall 28 and above the
phone-housing top opening edge 23 and extends upwardly to provide
an additional measure of support to the back of the encased phone
25. Upper back extension 22 may be formed integrally with
phone-housing back wall 28 or may be formed separately and
permanently attached.
[0044] The slim eyeglass housing compartment 30 is sized and
configured to accommodate a pair of eyeglasses 15, allowing the
eyeglasses 15 to be easily inserted into, and removed from, the
eyeglass housing compartment 30. The eyeglass housing compartment
30 provides protection to the eyeglasses 15 when the eyeglasses 15
are installed within the eyeglass housing compartment 30.
[0045] The eyeglass housing compartment 30 of the first through
eight embodiments comprises an eyeglass-housing bottom wall 31,
eyeglass-housing front wall 36, eyeglass-housing back wall 38, and
two opposing eyeglass-housing side walls 37, 39 joined to form a
pouch-like eyeglass receptacle.
[0046] The tops of the eyeglass-housing front wall 36,
eyeglass-housing back wall 38, and two opposing eyeglass-housing
side walls 37, 39 define an eyeglass-housing top opening edge 33
sized and configured to receive the eyeglasses 15 into the eyeglass
housing compartment 30. In the first embodiment the eyeglass
housing compartment 30 and the phone housing compartment 20 are
similarly oriented so that eyeglass-housing top opening edge 33 and
the phone-housing top opening edge 23 open upwardly. The
eyeglass-housing top opening edge 33 and the phone-housing top
opening edge 23 may be of similar height (as illustrated in FIG. 3
and FIG. 4); or the eyeglass housing compartment 30 may extend
upward somewhat, with the eyeglass-housing top opening edge 33 at a
higher level than the phone-housing top opening edge 23 (as
illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2); or the eyeglass-housing top
opening edge 33 may be at a lower level (not shown) than the
phone-housing top opening edge 23.
[0047] The eyeglass housing compartment 30 and the phone housing
compartment 20 of the first through eighth embodiments are
preferably formed of a molded or hardened leather to give structure
to the dedicated case and to form the walls of the compartments.
The method used to mold the leather are well known in the art; they
include, for example, soaking the leather to increase pliability,
placing a mold within the compartment, and allowing the leather to
dry, either by air drying or heated drying methods.
[0048] The eyeglass housing compartment 30 and the phone housing
compartment 20 of the first through eighth embodiments are
permanently joined together by a joining mechanism 11. Best seen in
the cut views of FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, the eyeglass-housing side
wall 39 and the phone-housing side wall 27 are secured by any of a
variety of permanently joining mechanisms, as are known in the art.
For example, the joining mechanism 11 may be a single row of sewn
thread (FIG. 6), an adhesive (FIG. 7), a double row of sewn thread
(FIG. 8), or the like. The thread used may be any of a wide variety
of filaments, fibers, strands, string, twine, yarn, lines or the
like, but is preferably a heavy duty thread for durability.
Additionally, a combination of two or more joining mechanisms 11
may be utilized.
[0049] In the first embodiment of FIG. 1, the combination cell
phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 further comprises a removable
eyeglass-housing cap 13 forming a top lid configured to secure the
eyeglasses 15 within the eyeglass housing compartment 30. The
eyeglass-housing cap 13 is preferably slidingly engaged with the
eyeglass-housing top opening edge 33. The eyeglass-housing cap 13
may be configured to be slightly smaller than the eyeglass-housing
top opening edge 33 to allow convenient engagement, or vice versa
(best seen in FIG. 5).
[0050] To avoid loss or misplacement, the eyeglass-housing cap 13
is preferably attached to a portion of the eyeglass housing
compartment. The eyeglass-housing cap 13 may be retained by any of
numerous cap-retaining aids, as are known in the art. The
cap-retaining aid 14 may be, for example, a hinge (as shown in FIG.
1), a tether, a strap (as shown in FIG. 5), or a section of
material joining the cap 13 to the eyeglass housing
compartment.
[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the
present invention. The second embodiment of the combination cell
phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 is functionally similar to the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the first
embodiment, with the omission of the upper back extension 22
disposed above the phone-housing back wall 28. Thus the second
exemplary embodiment is more compact than the first embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 3 and FIG. 8 illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of
the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the
present invention. The third embodiment of the combination cell
phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 is functionally similar to the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the first
embodiment, but illustrates a more rounded or contoured eyeglass
housing compartment 30 and a more rounded or contoured phone
housing compartment 20. Additionally, the third embodiment
illustrates the omission of the upper back extension 22 and the
omission of the eyeglass-housing cap 13. The very streamlined third
embodiment is configured with tight-fitting compartments 20, 30 for
the phone and eyeglasses, respectively.
[0053] As seen in FIG. 8, the third embodiment illustrates a
joining mechanism 11 comprising two rows of sewn thread providing a
more rigid attachment with less flexibility between the eyeglass
housing compartment 30 and the phone housing compartment 20 than
with a single row of sewn thread, as in FIG. 6.
[0054] FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 illustrate a fourth exemplary embodiment
of the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the
present invention. The fourth embodiment of the combination cell
phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 is functionally similar to the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the first
embodiment, but illustrates the omission of the upper back
extension 22, the omission of the eyeglass-housing cap 13, the
addition of lining 14 (FIG. 7), the addition of an optional case
attachment 17 (FIG. 7), and the joining mechanism 11 embodied as
adhesive.
[0055] The case attachment 17, such as a belt loop, a swivel belt
clip, or a wrist loop or strap, is either permanently attached to
the back of the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case
10 or removably attachable to the back of the combination cell
phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10. The case attachment 17 allows
the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 to be
conveniently attached to another article, such as, for example, a
belt, purse edge, keychain or user's wrist. Thus the optional case
attachment 17 may allow the user to locate the combination
dedicated case 10 in a convenient, easily retrievable position.
[0056] An optional lining 14 may be provided in the interior of
either or both of the phone housing compartment 20 and/or the
eyeglass housing compartment 30. The lining 14a of the eyeglass
housing compartment 30 will protect the eyeglass lenses from
scratching. The lining 14b of the phone housing compartment 20 will
protect the phone screen from damage. Lining 14 may be any soft,
scratch-free, natural or manmade fabric or material, such as, for
example, flannel, velour, brushed cotton, flocking, knit fabric or
the like. The lining 14 may coordinate or contrast with the outside
materials of the combination dedicated case 10, as may be based on
aesthetic and marketability considerations.
[0057] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate a fifth exemplary embodiment of
the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the
present invention. The fifth embodiment of the combination cell
phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 is functionally similar to the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the first
embodiment, but illustrates an optional cap fastening mechanism 18,
19 and the cap-retaining aid 14 embodied in a strap. FIG. 6
illustrates joining mechanism 11 as a single row of sewn
thread.
[0058] FIG. 9 illustrates a sixth exemplary embodiment of the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the
present invention. The sixth embodiment of the combination cell
phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 is functionally similar to the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the first
embodiment, but illustrates an alternate positioning of the two
compartments 20, 30. As in the first five embodiments the
eyeglass-housing top opening edge 33 and the phone-housing top
opening edge 23 are oriented in a similar direction; also, the
phone-housing axis 50 is generally parallel to the eyeglass-housing
axis 60. However, the eyeglass housing compartment 30 is positioned
in a generally central front area of the phone housing compartment
20, with the eyeglass-housing back wall 38 joined in a central area
of the phone-housing front wall 26.
[0059] FIG. 10 illustrates a seventh exemplary embodiment of the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the
present invention. The seventh embodiment of the combination cell
phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 is functionally similar to the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the first
embodiment, but illustrates a second alternate positioning of the
two compartments 20, 30. As in the first six embodiments the
eyeglass-housing top opening edge 33 and the phone-housing top
opening edge 23 are oriented in a similar direction; also, the
phone-housing axis 50 is generally parallel to the eyeglass-housing
axis 60. However, the eyeglass housing compartment 30 is positioned
off-center of the phone housing compartment 20, with the
eyeglass-housing back wall 38 joined to a side area of the
phone-housing front wall 26.
[0060] FIG. 11 illustrates an eighth exemplary embodiment of the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the
present invention. The eighth embodiment of the combination cell
phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 is functionally similar to the
combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of the first
embodiment, but illustrates a third exemplary alternate positioning
of the two compartments 20, 30 and illustrates that longitudinal
phone-housing axis 50 and longitudinal eyeglass-housing axis 60
need not be parallel. As in the first seven embodiments the
eyeglass-housing top opening 33 and the phone-housing top opening
edge 23 are oriented in a similar direction, but the phone-housing
axis 50 is generally diagonal to the eyeglass-housing axis 60. The
eyeglass-housing back wall 38 is joined diagonally to the
phone-housing front wall 26. Other placements and positions of the
eyeglass housing compartment 30 in relation to the phone housing
compartment 20 are also within the scope of the invention. Other
exemplary placements include the following: reverse positioning
(such as the eyeglass housing compartment 30 attached in a
generally central back area of the phone housing compartment 20,
not shown); bottom positioning (such as the eyeglass housing
compartment 30 permanently joined to the bottom wall 21 of the
phone housing compartment 20 with the phone-housing axis 50 and the
eyeglass-housing axis 60 substantially perpendicular, not shown);
and various positions in which the eyeglass-housing top opening 33
and the phone-housing top opening edge 23 are not oriented in the
same direction (not shown).
[0061] FIGS. 12 to 15 illustrate the preferred ninth exemplary
embodiment of the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated
case 10 of the present invention. The eyeglass-housing top opening
edge 33 and the phone-housing top opening edge 23 are oriented in
the same direction; the phone-housing axis 50 is parallel to the
eyeglass-housing axis 60. The ninth embodiment of the combination
cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 demonstrates a simplified
structure and means of construction.
[0062] In contrast to the first through eighth embodiments, the
phone housing compartment 20 and the eyeglass housing compartment
30 of the ninth embodiment are formed of a single sheet of flexible
material. The single sheet of flexible material is preferably
formed of one piece, but may optionally be formed of multiple
pieces joined together (such as patchwork leather or fabric).
[0063] The single sheet is folded upon itself upon a fold line 61
extending across a mid-section of the flexible sheet. The fold line
61 bisects the rectangular single sheet into two substantially
equal halves, forming the front halves and the opposing rear halves
of the compartments. Preferably the flexible material used is
natural leather or manmade leather (herein referred to as
"leatherette"), but the material may optionally be synthetic
material (such as neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, or
the like) or a thick fabric (such as canvas, corduroy, velvet,
denim, or the like).
[0064] FIG. 14 illustrates the single rectangular sheet of material
from which the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case
10 is formed. (Though shown for clarity of understanding as cut to
size before stitching, in manufacturing multiple cases 10 from a
larger piece of material, some or all of the stitching may be
performed before cutting.)
[0065] To construct the case, the material is folded substantially
in half along fold area 61. The folded material is then stitched
with stitching 63 along the opposing outer edges 62 and stitched
with stitching 65 along an interior compartment-dividing line
parallel to the outer edges 62. Stitching 65 creates two
compartments, the phone housing compartment 20 and the eyeglass
housing compartment 30. The two compartments 20, 30 created are of
unequal proportions, as the compartment 20 for receiving the wider
phone is broader than the compartment 30 for receiving the narrower
eyeglasses. Therefore, the interior compartment-dividing line of
stitching 65 may be offset from one of the opposing ends 62
approximately fifteen to thirty percent of the distance between the
opposing ends 62.
[0066] The stitching 63 and stitching 65 join the back half of the
flexible material to the front half of the flexible material with
stitches of thread. The thread used may be any of a wide variety of
filaments, fibers, strands, string, twine, yarn, lines or the like,
but is preferably a nylon thread, polyester continuous filament
thread, or a polyester/cotton or polyester/polyester corespun
thread. The thread is sufficiently strong to provide a serviceable
product.
[0067] In this preferred ninth embodiment, the eyeglass housing
compartment 30 and phone housing compartment 20 are closed tubular
pouches separated only by stitching 65. By rotating the case 10
horizontally 180.degree., the eyeglass housing compartment 30 may
be positioned either on the right or left of phone housing
compartment 20. A front may be designated by designs, patterns or
logos, such as may be created by printing, embroidery, stamping,
coloring or the like.
[0068] If the preferred leather material is used, no hem or seam is
required along the eyeglass-housing top opening edge 33 or the
phone-housing top opening edge 23; however a finished edge may be
included, if aesthetically preferable or if required for
durability. If the top edges 23, 33 are finished with a hem, the
hem may be turned to the inside or to the outside of the
compartments 20, 30.
[0069] The material used to form the case 10 is generally
sufficiently flexible to allow both the phone and the eyeglasses to
be inserted into their respective compartments 20, 30. However, if
greater expansion is desired (such as when a somewhat heavier
weight leather is chosen for usage), leather molding techniques, as
are known in the art, can be used to slightly expand the deeper
recesses of one or both compartments 20, 30.
[0070] Thus the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case
10 of the present invention is very economical to manufacture due
to the ease of construction and the minimal materials required.
Additionally, the sleek, compact form factor facilitates storage of
the case 10 within a crowded purse or briefcase.
[0071] The combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 of
the present invention has been shown in numerous and varied
exemplary embodiments having an eyeglass housing compartment 30 and
an adjacent phone housing compartment 20 to form the combination
cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10 and functioning to hold
the juxtaposed cell phone and eyeglasses. The features and
variations described and their equivalents can be utilized together
or separately in a wide variety of combinations in designing and
manufacturing the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated
case 10. For example, variations may include aesthetic
ornamentation (such as embellishments, coloring, embroidery,
stamping, printing); the inclusion, omission, and type of any case
attachment 17 (FIG. 7); and/or the inclusion, omission, and type of
lining 14 (FIG. 7). Other examples in the first eight embodiments
include variations for functional and/or aesthetic reasons may
include one or more of the following: the phone-housing axis 50 in
relation to the eyeglass-housing axis 60; the height of the
eyeglass-housing top opening edge 33 in relation to the
phone-housing top opening edge 23; the orientation of the
eyeglass-housing top opening edge 33 in relation to the
phone-housing top opening edge 23; in the type of permanent joining
mechanism 11 used; the inclusion or omission of a top lid 13; the
type of cap-retaining aid 14; the angularity or curvature of the
eyeglass housing compartment 30; the angularity or curvature of the
phone housing compartment 20; the inclusion, omission, or height of
upper back extension 22; and/or the particular wall of the eyeglass
housing compartment 30 that is permanently joined to the particular
wall of the phone housing compartment 20. To secure or latch the
cap 13 onto the top of eyeglass-housing top opening edge 33, a cap
fastening mechanism 18, 19 may optionally be included. The cap
fastening mechanism 18, 19 may be any latch or fastening mechanism,
as is known in the art. The cap fastening mechanism 18, 19 may be a
magnetic closure, corresponding snaps, a quick release latch,
complementary hook and loop fasteners or the like.
[0072] The spacing between the eyeglass housing compartment and the
phone housing compartment may vary slightly, as illustrated by the
close spacing of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 and the slightly larger spacing
of FIG. 6.
[0073] The combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated case 10
may be formed of any natural or manmade material that is suitable
for cases, luggage, purses or other bags, such as, for example,
natural leather, leatherette, neoprene, nylon, cotton, polyester,
canvas, and any of a variety of plastics, including a semi-rigid
molded plastic. Or the combination cell phone and eyeglass
dedicated case 10 may be formed of a combination of materials,
either for functional or for aesthetic reasons. The walls of the
eyeglass housing compartment and of the phone housing compartment
may be formed integrally or one or more may be formed separately
and permanently joined using conventional case-making and
luggage-making techniques, as are known in the art.
[0074] The trim, minimalistic design provides advantages to the
manufacturer, distributor and retailer, as well as ecologic
advantages. The compact size minimizes materials used for
manufacture, transportation costs and shelf display space. Also,
the streamlined design allows the user to easily insert the case 10
into a bag, purse, briefcase or the like that is already in his or
her possession.
[0075] To use the combination cell phone and eyeglass dedicated
case 10 of the present invention, the user stores his or her phone
25 (or other handheld consumer device) within the phone housing
compartment 20 and stores a pair of eyeglasses 15 in the eyeglass
housing compartment 30. Although the user may answer the phone or
perform other tasks at times without removing the eyeglasses, when
needed the eyeglasses are readily available and quick and easy to
extract.
[0076] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the
invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing
description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted
as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the
invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents.
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