EYEGLASS RETAINER
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 INVENTIONThe 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.
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.
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.
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
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
As further shown in
Referring to
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 ⅛ 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.
In use, as shown in
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.
As shown in
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.
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.
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.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 30, 2007
Publication Date: Jun 5, 2008
Applicant: Boris and Natasha, Inc. dba Dynamic Business Associates (Beverly Hills, CA)
Inventors: Gary Severen (Mission Viejo, CA), Boris M. Tonoff (Los Angeles, CA)
Application Number: 11/928,143
International Classification: A45F 5/02 (20060101);