PORTABLE SOFT CASE FOR EYEGLASSES

Abstract

There is provided a portable soft case for storing, transporting, and protecting eyeglasses. The case includes a body portion having a semi rigid skin defining an interior cavity for storing the eyeglasses. The body further includes a front side and a second side which define the interior cavity. A mouth is positioned at the top of the body portion; and the mouth defines an open position and a closed position such that the human user can pass the pair of eyeglasses through the mouth when the mouth is in the open position, into the interior cavity, and such that mouth holds the glasses in the interior cavity when the mouth is in the closed position. The mouth may also define a first lip and a second lip which can sealingly engage so as to close the mouth and so as to provide a substantial level of water resistant protection. The case and mouth are advantageously formed of a flexible semi-rigid material such as silicone rubber such that the human user opens the mouth by manual pressure on the two edges. Releasing manual pressure allows the case to revert to its natural closed position. A bottom is connected to the body portion, and it can be substantially planar and aligned with the body portion such that the glasses case can stand erect on its bottom. The case may further be provided with eyelets positioned on a first edge and a second edge of the body. A strap can be positioned on the eyelets. The human user can then hang the strap around his neck thereby carrying the glasses case in a comfortable hands free manner and without the need for pockets.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES

This application claims priority from the Provisional US patent application filed Feb. 5, 2009, entitled PORTABLE SOFT CASE FOR GLASSES, having Dwight David Roberts as inventor, and having provisional application No. 61/150,258.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for storing and protecting personal objects. More particularly the present invention relates to a portable case for protecting, storing, and transporting eyeglasses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Glasses (or spectacles) are commonly used in a variety of forms by people widely ranging in age, gender, and nationality. In American English usage, a set of glasses is often referred to as a “pair” of glasses or eyeglasses, and in this application both terms will be used. Other equivalent and often used terms are eyewear and sunglasses. They are a very common item, and as such there is an ongoing need to improve the human usage and interaction with this device, the common pair of glasses.

A common structure for eyeglasses includes a pair of lenses positioned in a frame which is connected to a right and a left hinged arm. The hinged arms can be extended so as to rest in conjunction with the user's ears. A bridge or nose rest is typically positioned between the two lenses on the frame and is shaped so as to rest on the bridge of the user's nose. Glasses may have clear lenses or shaded lenses. The frame for the pair of glasses may itself be utilitarian in shape or may have varying degrees of decoration and ornamentation. Glasses are generally fragile structures. Additionally, some pairs of glasses can be expensive items. Thus, it is generally desired to provide a means of protecting the glasses when they are not in use. However in the closed or folded position, a pair of eyeglasses can take an awkward or unusual shape, and accordingly specialized cases have been developed to receive and protect glasses. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing need to provide improved cases or means for protecting glasses.

The wide usage of glasses can be the occasion for various problems with respect to carrying and storing the glasses. For example a user of glasses may have multiple pairs of glasses that are used in different situations. Often a user will have a first pair of glasses that have optical, translucent lenses for vision correction. In addition the user may have a second pair of sunglasses which provide sun protection in an outdoors or bright environment. Additionally, a user may have a third pair of glasses that provide magnified vision for up close reading. A common difficulty arises of how to store the glasses when switching from one pair to another. It is awkward to carry multiple cases, and it would be desired to have a single case that can function with several different shapes.

In another situation, a user may find himself or herself in a situation where a rigid, clamshell-type case does not function well. An example of this would be a day at the beach, park, hiking, or some other outdoor activity. The user may wish to take off his glasses while pursuing a swimming activity or other outdoor activity. The hard shell or rigid case is difficult and awkward to carry. It may have to be carried by hand if the user does not have on clothing with a shirt pocket or coat pocket. In such a situation the user may even feel inhibited from pursuing physical activities because he would not want to risk damaging his glasses. It would be desired to provide an alternative means for storage of eyeglasses that ameliorates this problem.

To elaborate on the above example, a problem associated with the storage of glasses under known prior art can arise during a typical day at the beach or swimming pool. A person may arrive at the beach area in an automobile. This individual may then walk toward the beach area wearing swimming trunks, a T-shirt, and also wearing his glasses. Typical swimming trunks and T-shirts do not have pockets. Thus, at some point the person may desire to remove his glasses, but will not have a pocket or other means in which store them. Also, further discussing the beach example, when the individual leaves his car he may also wish to carry certain simple items with him in addition to his glasses. Such items might include a credit card, cash, or pocket change. Additionally the user would typically want to carry on his person either his car keys or hotel room key if he is staying at a nearby hotel. A set of sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen would also be carried. In each of these situations, it would be desired to provide an improved means by which an individual can transport an extra pair of glasses, and even other small items, during a typical day at the beach.

A further example is any situation in which the person simply does not have a front pocket (or other receptacle) in which to store his glasses. However, the user may still have a need to remove and store his glasses in such a situation. Thus it would also be desired to provide an improved case for storing and carrying glasses without the need for a shirt pocket in which to place the case.

A common form of case for eyeglasses is the clamshell-type structure shown for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,796,422 and 6,398,017. Other designs are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,320,397; 6,796,422; and 6,398,017. An examination of this art shows a rigid structure defined by a rigid first half shell hingedly connected to a rigid second half shell. The two half shells define an interior wherein the glasses may be positioned. While the clamshell-type case has proven to be a useful design, it nevertheless suffers from shortcomings. For example, the clamshell case is typically not waterproof and/or water resistant. Water can be admitted between the seam defined by the two half shells. Further, the rigid clamshell structure can be awkward to carry on the user's person. Typically the case would be inserted into a shirt pocket, a jacket pocket, some other pocket, or into a purse or other bag. However when placed in a pocket, the clamshell case tends to bulge out. Further, the rigid feel of the case can be uncomfortable against the wearer's body. Thus, it would be desired to find an alternative storage case that alleviates these shortcomings.

Hence there has been identified a need to provide an improved glasses case design. It would be desired to provide a glasses case that is comfortable to carry on the person, particularly in active environments. It would also be desired that an improved design of a glasses case allow for it to be carried in those situations where the user does not have a shirt pocket in which to place the case. It would further be desired to provide a case that can accommodate glasses of varying shapes. Still further it would be desired to provide a glasses case that can provide water resistant protection. The present invention addresses one or more of these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, and by way of example only, there is provided a portable soft case for storing, transporting, and protecting eyeglasses. The case includes a body portion having a semi rigid skin defining an interior cavity for storing the eyeglasses. The body further includes a front side and a second or rear side which define the interior cavity. A mouth is positioned at the top of the body portion; and the mouth defines an open position and a closed position such that the human user can pass the pair of eyeglasses through the mouth when the mouth is in the open position, into the interior cavity, and such that mouth holds the glasses in the interior cavity when the mouth is in the closed position. The mouth may also define a first lip and a second lip which can sealingly engage so as to close the mouth and so as to provide a substantial level of water resistant protection. The case and mouth are advantageously formed of a flexible semi-rigid material such as silicone rubber such that the human user opens the mouth by applying manual pressure on the two edges of the case. Releasing manual pressure allows the case to revert to its natural closed position. A bottom may be connected to the body portion, and it can be substantially planar and aligned with the overall body portion such that the glasses case can stand erect on its bottom. The case may further be provided with eyelets positioned on a first edge and a second edge. A strap can be positioned on the eyelets. The human user can then hang the strap around his neck thereby carrying the glasses case in a hands free manner and without the need for pockets. The soft semi rigid material makes the case comfortable to carry on the user's person.

In a further embodiment, and still by way of example only, the portable soft case for glasses can be provided with a magnetized closing. In such an embodiment, opposing flaps of the glasses case contain opposing magnets. The magnets are of a size and force such that they provide a tendency to keep the mouth of the case in the closed position, where the magnets are attracted to each other by north-south forces. The user can open the case by applying hand force or pressure to a portion of the case that tends to flex the opening such that the magnets are pushed away from each other. Again, the magnets are of a size and force such that they do not inordinately oppose the opening force when the case is flexed. Rather the magnets are of an intermediate force such that they tend to keep the case close when it is at rest and yet also allows the case to be opened by flexion. Further, the lip or mouth area where the magnets are positioned can be configured with opposing flat surfaces in the matrix material with the magnets themselves encased or encapsulated in the matrix material. In this manner two opposing flaps of a silicone rubber material, that have flat opposing surfaces, can be brought into close contact by the magnets encased within the silicone rubber material. Further, the flat surfaces, when in contact, provide a good closure at the mouth that serves to generally keep the classes within the receiving body of the case.

Other independent features and advantages of the portable soft case for glasses will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of several examples of portable glasses cases seen from differing angles, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a portable glasses case exhibiting the mouth in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a top view of a portable glasses case exhibiting the mouth in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

The following reference numbers are noted on the attached figures.

• • 10 case
  • 11 skin
  • 12 bottom
  • 13 wall
  • 14 mouth
  • 15 strap
  • 16 eyelet
  • 17 first lip
  • 18 second lip
  • 19 tear drop
  • 20 cutaway region
  • 21 front side
  • 22 rear side
  • 23 interior central cavity
  • 24 left edge
  • 25 right edge

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention. Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, common reference numbers are used throughout the multiple figures.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 there is shown an exemplary embodiment of case 10. Case 10 includes skin 11, bottom 12, wall 13, and mouth 14. Case 10 may be formed of a unitary piece of material which forms skin 11. In such a unitary embodiment, skin 11 also forms bottom 12, wall 13, and mouth 14. The body of case 10 further defines interior central cavity 23 for receiving, storing, and transporting a pair of eyeglasses. It is noted that the access to interior central cavity 23 is provided through mouth 14.

In the preferred embodiment, wall 13 of case 10 further comprises a front side 21 and a rear side 22. Generally it is preferred that the shapes of front side 21 and rear side 22 are symmetrical and approximately equal. Thus, in overall shape, case 10 is somewhat similar to the clamshell-type case of the prior art. However, this shape is taken in order to accommodate the general shape of standard eyewear within interior central cavity 23. It is noted that embodiments of the present invention do not employ a first half clamshell hingedly connected to a second half clamshell. Further, while the case 10 is described as having a front side 21 and a rear side 22 it will be appreciated that this is a useful convention even though the sides may be equivalent in shape because the rear side 22 may have certain further options attached thereto, such as a pocket or a clip; and in general a consumer would tend to position that rear side of case 10 against his body so as to present the front side 21 to the public. As further noted, the front side 21 of case 10 is generally well configured so as to receive further decoration, printing, advertising, or logo placement as may be desired for commercial exploitation of the device. Material selection, discussed further herein, would also preferably be such so as to allow impressions, molds, symbols, decorations and the like to be formed on a surface of the case.

In one embodiment bottom 12 of case 10 is generally flat or planar. This provides the useful advantage of providing a flat surface on which to stand the case 10, and thus bottom 12 is also preferably centered and aligned with respect to the overall body of the case 10 such that the case 10 can balance in an erect configuration when resting on bottom 12. However, it should also be appreciated that bottom 12 can take other shapes such as, for example, a rounded or curved shape. Bottom 12 may also take an angled shape so as to assist in holding glasses firmly within case 10.

Mouth 14 may further comprise a first lip 17 and second lip 18. A reciprocally engaging closure means may be positioned on first lip 17 and second lip 18. In one embodiment the closure means can provide a desired level of sealing of mouth 14 so as to protect the glasses within interior central cavity 23. One kind of closure means is a tongue and groove seal. With such a structure it is possible to obtain a substantially water resistant seal so as to adequately protect glasses within case 10 when in humid or moist environments. Any level of sealing may be provided such as water proof sealing. The tongue and groove sealing mechanism can be configured such that it requires the application of manual force to seal and unseal the mechanism.

In a further embodiment, the portable soft case for glasses can be provided with a magnetized closing. In such an embodiment, opposing flaps of the glasses case contain opposing magnets. The magnets are of a size and force such that they provide a tendency to keep the mouth of the case in the closed position, where the magnets are attracted to each other by north-south forces. The user can open the case by applying hand force or pressure to a portion of the case that tends to flex the opening such that the magnets are pushed away from each other. Again, the magnets are of a size and force such that they do not inordinately oppose the opening force when the case is flexed. Rather the magnets are of an intermediate force such that they tend to keep the case close when it is at rest and yet also allows the case to be opened by flexion. Further, the lip or mouth area where the magnets are positioned can be configured with opposing flat surfaces in the matrix material with the magnets themselves encased or encapsulated in the matrix material. In this manner two opposing flaps of a silicone rubber material, flaps that have flat opposing surfaces, can be brought into close contact by the magnets encased within the silicone rubber material. Further, the flat surfaces, when in contact, provide a good closure at the mouth that serves to generally keep the classes within the receiving body of the case.

In a preferred embodiment, each half of a glasses case is provided with a pair of two generally round magnets. Thus, with two halves combined, a preferred embodiment contains four magnets in total. In the preferred embodiment, each of the magnets is positioned within the one half such that, when the case is closed, each of the magnets will substantially align with the matching magnet positioned in the opposite half. This alignment assists in providing a good magnet closure while keeping the weight of the magnets relatively light to the overall weight of the case.

Still referring to FIG. 1 it is noted that the seam where front side 21 meets rear side 23 forms a left edge 23 and a right edge 24. In a further embodiment eyelets 16 may be positioned on the case 10 preferably with one eyelet positioned on left edge 23 and a second eyelet on right edge 24. Strap 15 may be configured so as to engage with eyelets 16. Alternatively strap 15 may be affixed to case 10 through a different means such as by directly affixing a cord or strap to case 10.

A preferred embodiment of attaching strap 15 to eyelets 16 is achieved by providing the two ends of strap 15 with a tear drop shape, a tear drop end 19. The tear drop end 19 is of a size such that a user can stretch and flex the eyelet 16 so as to force the tear drop end 19 through the eyelet 16. Once the tear drop end 19 is put through the eyelet 16, the eyelet 16 reverts to its original nonflexed shape; and the tear drop shape of the tear drop end 19 now prevents it from sliding back through. In this manner case 10 can be suspended from strap 15 in a stylish and appealing manner. However, if a user prefers to remove strap 15, he need merely gently but steadily pull the tear drop ends 19 through eyelets 16, and eyelets 16 will stretch so as to allow the ends to pass through. However, in normal usage, with just the weight of the case 10 hanging on strap 15, the eyelets 16 hold and do not allow the tear drop ends 19 to pass through.

Still referring to FIG. 1 it is noted that case 10 defines interior central cavity 23 which is an open space defined by skin 11. Generally, cavity 23 is of a shape and dimension such that it can receive and contain a pair of common glasses. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that glasses do come in differing sizes and dimensions. Thus, case 10 can also be formed in various sizes so as to accommodate differing dimensions and shapes of glasses. It should also be appreciated that skin 11 can flex. Thus, if there is not a perfect fit with a pair of glasses in the cavity 23 the skin 11 may be able to flex sufficiently so as to still be able to receive and hold the glasses.

Referring still to FIG. 1 it is noted that the preferred embodiment of case 10 includes a cutaway region 20 which is positioned on both front side 21 and rear side 22. In general geometric description, cutaway region 20 is a recessed area in that the surface of skin 11 is positioned at an angle relative to the body of case 10 defined by front side 21 and rear side 22. At a lower end, cutaway region 20 merges into each of front side 21 and rear side 22; at an upper end, cutaway region 20 merges into first lip 17 and second lip 18. Cutaway region 20 helps to hold glasses that are positioned in the interior central cavity 23. Additionally cutaway region 20 helps to hold mouth 14 in a closed position while also allowing mouth 14 to be moved to an open position as further described herein.

In a preferred embodiment, case 10 is formed as a unitary piece of a semi rigid polymer material. A semi rigid polymer such as silicone rubber is preferred. It is found that this material can be formed by typical polymeric processes such as casting or molding such that upon curing it receives a relaxed or natural shape. However, the material is plastic in that it can be manipulated by a user's hands to take shapes other than that of the relaxed shape. However, once the force that is exerted onto the material by the user's hands is stopped or removed, then the material reverts to its relaxed position. In the polymer industry such materials may also be referred to as memory polymers in that the material will revert to or “remember” its original cast shape. While not wishing to be limited to any particular materials referred to herein, it has been found that materials such as Thermal Plastic Rubber (TPR), Thermal Plastic Elastomer (TPE), and Silicone Rubber provide the desired semi rigid and memory function desired.

Referring next to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown mouth 14 of case 10 in the open and the closed positions respectively from a top perspective. These figures thus illustrate how a human user can manipulate case 10 so as to open and close mouth 14. As previously described the closed position represents the natural or unflexed position of mouth 14. Hence, once glasses have been placed in interior central cavity 23, mouth 14 would tend to stay in the closed position thereby holding the glasses therein. However the human user can manipulate the case 10 so as to transition mouth 14 from the closed to the open position. This may be achieved by simultaneously applying force on left edge 24 and right edge 25. In other words the user can take case 10 in his hands and gently squeeze on the opposite sides, left edge 24 and right edge 25. Like a coin purse this manual pressure will move first lip 17 away from second lip 18 thereby creating the open-mouthed position. In this position the user can readily slip his glasses through mouth 14 and into interior central cavity 23. Once the user has dropped his pair of glasses through mouth 14 and into interior central cavity 23, the user stops or removes manual force on case 10. Case 10 then reverts to the closed/normal position, and the glasses are held in place for storage, protection, and transportation.

Thus, a method of operating or using the glasses case would go as follows, according to a preferred embodiment. A user would grasp an empty case 10 which is in the closed position. The user would place case 10 in his hands such that the user can apply manual force on left edge 24 and right edge 25. The user applies sufficient force on case 10 so as to cause the case to transition from closed position to open position. The user can then slip his pair of glasses through mouth 14 into interior central cavity 23. The glasses come to rest in this location. The user can then release his manual force on case 10, and mouth 14 reverts to the closed position. The glasses are now held in case 10. If so configured, the user can additionally apply manual force to seal or engage (or unseal) a sealing mechanism, such as a tongue and groove seal, positioned on first lip 17 and second lip 18 of mouth 14. If configured with a magnetic closure, the application of manual force on the left edge 24 and right edge 25 serves to flex the opening and cause the magnets to disengage from one another. Likewise, when manual force is released, the case relaxes and transitions to the closed position. When the magnets come sufficiently close together through the relaxation movement, the mutual attractive force of the magnets brings them into close proximity and serves to hold the case in the closed position.

Additional embodiments of case 10 can include a clip to assist in carrying the case. A clip may be affixed to wall 13 of case 10 by which the case can be attached to a belt or piece of clothing (for example a shirt pocket) of the wearer. In a further embodiment wall 13 of case 10 can be configured with a generally flat surface such as rear side 22. A flat surface may more advantageously rest against a user's body such as when the case 10 is clipped to a user's belt or shirt. Even if the clip embodiment is not present, case 10 may include one surface that is flatter than the other for a more form fitting configuration for resting against a user's body.

A further alternative is to provide a storage pocket on case 10. Again, a wall 13 of case can be provided with a pocket. It would be desired to include a pocket in which the user could store materials related to the glasses such as wipes.

In still a further embodiment, a case 10 can be provided with dimensions that are optimally formed for the storage of personal items such as coins, cash, credit cards, car keys, room keys, lip balm protection, sunscreen tubes, and the like. When designed for usage with glasses, case 10 tends to take an elongate overall shape which is suitable for holding and storing glasses. However, it is also anticipated that the same case design could also be shortened or otherwise changed in overall shape so as to accommodate the storage of the described miscellaneous “beach” items. It will be appreciated, however, that the function and design of case 10 does not change from what has been described except that the overall shape, dimensions of length, width, and depth, may be adjusted from what would be preferred for glasses.

There are several advantages to be achieved by providing a glasses case made of the semi rigid material described herein. In a first example, silicone rubber can provide insulation. Glasses stored in a cold or hot environment would be protected from the exterior environment. A common example includes placing the glasses case in the car, such as on the dash, where it would be exposed to the heat of the sun. Another advantage is that the material provides an excellent protection from banging and jostling, and thus the case provides one desired function of protecting the glasses from being damaged. A further advantage is that a case 10 of this material will feel comfortable against the human user's body. Unlike hard shell cases a soft case such as described herein will itself present a gentler, softer material to contact the user. Thus if the glasses are suspended around a user's neck, the case 10 will gently bump against the user's chase. Similarly if the case 10 is placed in an inner coat pocket, it will more gently press against the user's body. Additionally, embodiments of the glasses case provide for easy transportation in a hands-free and pockets-free manner. The case can be carried by slipping the strap over the user's neck.

A further advantage of the case embodiments is that it presents an attractive and stylish means of carrying glasses. The case can be decorated as desired. Thus a user of glasses will not feel inhibited from bringing along any pair of glasses. It is further anticipated that the case 10 provides for flexibility in how the case is used by differing genders. The case could be designed in a unisex manner; or alternatively the case could be designed and decorated so as to appeal to either a male audience or a female audience. The inherent flexibility of the design allows commercial exploitation to be directed as desired for marketing, sales, or other reasons.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to a particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A case for a human user to store a pair of eyeglasses comprising:

a body portion having a semi rigid skin defining an interior cavity for storing the eyeglasses;

the body portion comprising a front side and a rear side; and

a mouth affixed to the body portion, the mouth having a first lip and a second lip, and the mouth defining an open position and a closed position such that the human user can pass the pair of eyeglasses through the mouth when the mouth is in the open position, into the interior cavity, and such that mouth holds the glasses in the interior cavity when the mouth is in the closed position.

2. The case according to claim 1 further comprising a bottom connected to the body portion.

3. The case according to claim 2 wherein the bottom is substantially planar and aligned with the body portion such that the glasses case can stand on the bottom.

4. The case according to claim 1 further comprising a clip attached to the body portion.

5. The glasses case according to claim 1 further comprising a pocket attached to the body portion.

6. The case according to claim 1 wherein the first lip and the second lip have reciprocally engaging closure means positioned thereon.

7. The case according to claim 6 wherein the closure means comprises a tongue and groove.

8. The case according to claim 6 such that the first lip and the second lip close so as to provide a substantially water resistant seal.

9. The case according to claim 1 wherein the semi rigid skin comprises a material selected from the group consisting of thermal plastic rubber, thermal plastic elastomer, and silicone rubber.

10. The case according to claim 1 further comprising a cutaway region on a front side and a cutaway region on a rear side.

11. The case according to claim 1 further comprising at least one magnet positioned in the first lip and at least one magnet positioned in the second lip wherein the magnet of the first lip substantially aligns with the magnet of the second lip when the case is in the closed position.

12. The case according to claim 11 wherein the first lip and the second lip each have substantially planar surfaces that are held in proximity by the magnets in the closed position.

13. A portable case for a human user storing and transporting eyeglasses comprising:

a body portion defining an interior cavity for storing the eyeglasses;

the body portion comprising a front side and a rear side so as to define a left edge and a right edge;

a mouth affixed to the body portion, the mouth defining an open position and a closed position such that the pair of eyeglass; and

a strap affixed to the eyelets such that the strap can pass around the neck of the human user.

14. The portable case according to claim 13 further comprising a first eyelet positioned on the left edge and a second eyelet positioned on the right edge and wherein the strap comprises a first end and a second end such that the first end attaches to the first eyelet and the second end attaches to the second eyelet.

15. The portable case according to claim 14 wherein the first end and the second end of the strap define a tear drop end which rests against the eyelet.

16. The portable case according to claim 13 wherein the mouth further defines a first lip having at least one magnet disposed within the first lip, and a second lip having at least one magnet disposed within the second lip, and wherein the magnet of the first lip substantially aligns with the magnet of the second lip when in the closed position.

17. The portable case according to claim 16 wherein the first lip and the second lip each comprises a substantially planar surface that is held in close contact in the closed position.

18. A method for opening and closing a soft case for a pair of eyeglasses comprising the steps of:

providing a soft case having a front side and a rear side and a first edge and a second edge and a mouth of the soft case that provides access to an internal cavity such that the mouth of the soft case is in the closed position when free from external forces; and

applying manual pressure on a first edge and second edge of the case so as to transition the mouth of the case from the closed position to the open position.

19. The method according to claim 18 further comprising the steps of:

passing the pair of eyeglasses through the mouth into the internal cavity; and

releasing manual pressure on the case such that the mouth of the case reverts to the closed position thereby holding the glasses within the case.

20. The method according to claim 18 further comprising the steps of providing a mouth of the soft case having at least one magnet positioned within a first lip and at least one magnet positioned within the second lip, and the step of applying manual pressure to the first edge and the second edge of the case so as to cause magnets positioned in the first lip to disengage with magnets positioned in the second lip.