Combination eyeglass case and eyeglass strap

Abstract

The invention relates to a combination eyeglass case and eyeglass strap. The case includes a outer wall and two side walls. The outer wall has a first, second and third section, the first and second section are pivotably attached to the third section. A fastening device connects said first section with the second section to open and close the case. A post is affixed to each side wall. A strap having two free ends with each free end being removably from the attachment to each post permitting each free end of the strap to alternatively be attached to eyeglasses.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to eyeglass cases and straps for holding eyeglasses about the neck of a user, and more particularly, to a combination case and strap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Eyeglass cases are presently available in a multitude of shapes, colors, designs and materials to suit the aesthetic and practical desires of the user. In addition numerous straps or the like are known in the prior art which are adapted to retain eyeglasses around the neck of a user. However in the prior art these elements have not been able to be physically attached to one another and have generally been utilized as two distinct elements.

[0003] The distinct and separate nature of eyeglass cases and straps in the prior art has created various problems with their use. First, a person must carry two separate, unattached items to properly store and use their glasses which is inconvenient. Moreover, since the case and strap were separate and distinct elements it is easy to lose one or both of the items. Further, since the items are not coupled to one another in any fashion the strap may not be readily accessible when the user retrieves the case from a pocketbook, backpack or the like.

[0004] Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved combination eyeglass strap and eyeglass case, the combination eyeglass strap and eyeglass being constructed such that the eyeglass strap is selectively attachable to the eyeglass case.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to avoid the above drawbacks of prior art eyeglass cases.

[0006] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved combination eyeglass strap and eyeglass case in which the eyeglass strap is selectively attachable to the eyeglass case.

[0007] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a combination eyeglass case and eyeglass strap which allows the user to easily eyeglasses within the case and the eyeglass strap may be used to effectively retain eyeglasses around the users head and/or neck.

[0008] In view of the foregoing objectives a combination eyeglass case and eyeglass strap according to the invention includes an eyeglass case generally comprising a substantially rigid body, the body including a pivotable flap which enables selective access to the interior of the case to thereby enable a user to selectively insert and remove a set of eyeglasses from the interior of the case.

[0009] The case further includes first and second posts that are fixedly secured to an exterior surface of the case and extend outwardly therefrom. The combination eyeglass case and eyeglass further includes a strap having first and second ends, each of the first and second ends being structured and arranged to enable each one of the ends to be selectively secured to one of the posts extending from the exterior of the case. In addition the first and second ends of the straps are structured and arranged such that when they are removed from the posts they may be selectively secured to the frame of a pair of eyeglasses so that the eyeglasses may be hung around the neck of a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The following drawings are illustrative of embodiments of the invention and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention as encompassed by the claims.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a combination eyeglass case and strap showing the case in a closed state;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the combination eyeglass case and strap showing the case in an open state;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2 showing the combination eyeglass case and strap showing the case in an open state;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the eyeglass strap removed from the case and attached to a frame of a pair of eyeglasses;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing how the strap is removed from the case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring now to the figures a combination eyeglass case and eyeglass strap according to the present invention is identified generally by the reference numeral 10. FIG. 1 shows the combination eyeglass case and strap 10 in the closed position and includes a case 12 a strap 14. The eyeglass case 12 is formed by an outer wall 16 and two opposing side walls 18. The outer wall 16 is fixedly attached to the opposing side end walls 18 as shown. The outer wall 16 includes a first section 20, a second section 22 and a third section 24. The specific shape and construction of the case itself is not critical as long as the case defines an interior adapted to receive a pair of eyeglasses and the interior of the case is accessible to a user to enable the user to selective insert and remove the eyeglasses from the case.

[0017] The side walls 18 and the outer wall 20 is preferably formed of a rigid material in the preferred embodiment shown however they may be formed of any suitable durable material. A post 26 is affixed to and extends from each side wall 24. The post 26 protrudes outwardly from the side wall 18 to receive a resilient loop 28 that is fixedly attached to each end of the eyeglass strap 14 as shown. Although the loops 28 and the strap 14 are shown as separate elements in the figures it is possible the that the strap 14 and the loops 28 could be formed as integral elements as long as each of the loops 28 are structured and arranged to fit over and around a respective post 26. The loops 28, and optionally also the strap, are structured from a somewhat elastic material so that the each of the loops can be stretched to fit over a the enlarged heads of a respective one of the posts, and then after being stretched, each loops contracts slightly. In this manner after each of the loops have been stretched to fit over the enlarged head of one of respective posts 26 the each of the loops 28 contract slightly thereby preventing each of the loops 28 from inadvertently becoming detached from its respective post 26.

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 2 the combination eyeglass case and strap according to the present invention is shown with the first section 20 and the second section 22 of the outer wall 16 in the open position. As shown in FIG. 2, the first section 20 and the second section 22 are pivotably connected to the third section 24 of the outer wall 16 to enable the case to be selectively opened and closed to permit a user to selectively insert and remove a pair of eyeglasses, to and from the eyeglass case, as desired.

[0019] The eyeglass case 12 includes a fastener 30 which is adapted to secure the first section 20 of the outer wall 16 with the second section 22 to thereby enable a user to selectively open and close the case and desired and also maintain the case in a closed state when a pair of eyeglasses are stored within the case. Although a snap type closure is shown in the figures other appropriate closures, e.g. hook and loop, could be used.

[0020] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the strap 14 may be selectively removed from the eyeglass case 12 by slightly stretching the ends of each of the loops 28 so that each of the loops 28 can be removed from around the enlarged head of its respective post 26. Once the strap 14 has been removed from the case 12 each of the ends fo the strap 14 may be attached to a pair of eyeglasses as shown in FIG. 4. Specifically each of the loops 28 are structured and arranged so that they can be fit around a respective arm (i.e. a respective temple portion) of a pair of eyeglasses 32 as shown. In this manner the user may selectively remove the strap 14 from the eyeglass case 12 and attach the strap 14 to a pair of eyeglasses 32 as desired.

[0021] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications or alterations may be made, none of which depart from the spirit of the present invention. All such changes, modifications or alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A combination eyeglass case and eyeglass strap comprising:

a case having an interior which is selectively accessible;

a first and second post extending from an exterior of said case;

a strap having first and second free ends, said first and second free ends being structured and arranged to be selectively attachable to one of said first and second posts respectively and said first and second free ends being structured and arranged such that when they are detached from said posts they may be selectively attached to a frame of a pair of eyeglasses.

2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means is selected from the group of fastener, snap, latch, buckle and velcro strip.

3. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the first, second and third sections are structured and arranged to define a cavity.

4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the first, second and third sections are shaped in an oval configuration.

5. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the first, second and third sections are shaped in a rectangular configuration.

6. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the free ends of the strap are constructed from resilient material and form a first resilient loop and a second resilient loop on each of the free ends of the strap, said first resilient loop attached to the eyeglass strap and the second resilient loop attached to the eyeglass case.

6. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the first and second resilient loop are formed by a crimp in the mid-section of the resilient material on each free end of the strap.

7. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the strap is constructed of decorative material.