MULTI-PURPOSE HEADWEAR ACCESSORY

Abstract

Examples are disclosed for a customizable multi-purpose accessory that holds eyewear and provides for a removable add-on component. In one example, a customizable multi-purpose accessory device includes a housing, a magnet, a spool having a top surface facing a top inner surface of the housing, the magnet being disposed between the top surface of the spool and the top inner surface of the housing, and a retractable cord. The customizable multi-purpose accessory device may also include a torsion spring positioned in a central bore of the spool.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/786,125 entitled “MULTI-PURPOSE HEADWEAR ACCESSORY”, filed Dec. 28, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

The present description relates to a customizable multi-purpose accessory for headwear and/or other apparel.

BACKGROUND

Eyewear is frequently worn intermittently, with people removing or donning sunglasses, eyeglasses, or goggles when they change tasks or environments. The constant removal of eyewear leads to it being frequently misplaced, dropped, or broken as users store sunglasses, eyeglasses, or goggles in pockets and bags, or simply set them down when not in use, forgetting them when they change locations. Users have attempted to address this issue by buying multiple pairs of eyewear and storing them in multiple locations, stashing the eyewear on top of their heads, hanging them from the collar of their shirt, or securing the eyewear with a standalone eyewear cable/cord that hangs around the back of their neck. However, each of these solutions have drawbacks.

Acquiring and storing multiple pairs can be cost prohibitive. Loosely stowing eyewear (e.g., on top of a head of a wearer) may result in the eyewear slipping off and being damaged during even moderate activity. Securing the eyewear to a standalone cable or cord extending around a neck of a wearer may be uncomfortable and interfere with movement as well as lead to undesirable side-effects, such as skin irritation or tan lines around the neck. Further, such options lack personalization as eyewear is frequently selected to suit individual styles and tastes. Current methods of securing eyewear are limited to a single type or style, requiring the purchase of a plethora of accessory items and cumbersome removal and replacement in order to suit individual tastes and desires. There is therefore an unmet need for alternative means of securing eyewear.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are disclosed for a customizable multi-purpose accessory for headwear, e.g., an eyewear-securing system, which may include components for adjustably securing eyewear to the headwear and components for removably coupling one or more add-ons (e.g., golf ball markers and/or ear-buds) to extend the capabilities and customization of the accessory. The components for adjustably securing eyewear to the headwear may include a pair of housings that are mountable on opposing sides of the headwear, each housing including a retractable cord with a securing mechanism on a terminal end to couple to a respective earpiece of the eyewear. The retractable cord may allow for at least 180 degree rotation, providing for at least three adjustable positions for positioning the eyewear: the face of the wearer, the crown of the head of the wearer, and centered on the chest of the wearer.

The housing may include a locking mechanism for biasing the retractable cord to a particular length, to one of the adjustable positions, and/or for resisting movement from a particular position. The components for removably coupling the add-ons may include a magnet integrated in the housing, though other attachment means may also be used including, but not limited to, sleeves, soft joints, snaps, clasps, brads, hooks, screws, clips, adhesives and the like.

It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introduce in simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defined uniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be better understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an example placement of a multi-purpose accessory on headwear in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an example side isometric view of a multi-purpose accessory in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows an example outer side view of a multi-purpose accessory in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows an example side/bottom isometric view of the multi-purpose accessory of FIG. 3 with an add-on spaced from a housing of the multi-purpose accessory in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an example bottom view of the multi-purpose accessory of FIG. 3 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows an example inner side view of the multi-purpose accessory of FIG. 3 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows an example front view of the multi-purpose accessory of FIG. 3 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows an example rear view of the multi-purpose accessory of FIG. 3 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows an example exploded view of the multi-purpose accessory of FIG. 3 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows an example routing of a retractable cord through a spool of a multi-purpose accessory in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows an example exploded view of a multi-purpose accessory with a retractable cord absent from a housing in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A shows an example exploded view of the multi-purpose accessory of FIG. 11 with the retractable cord inserted in the housing in a neutral position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B shows an example exploded view of the multi-purpose accessory of FIG. 11 with the retractable cord inserted in the housing in a taut position in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 13-16 show example movements and/or positions of a retractable cord for a multi-purpose accessory in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 shows an example cross section of a bottom view of multi-purpose accessory in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 shows an example cross section of a bottom isometric view of the multi-purpose accessory of FIG. 17 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 shows example adjustable positions for eyewear coupled to a multi-purpose accessory in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 shows an example isometric view of a multi-purpose accessory with a headphone add-on coupled thereto in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Current approaches to securing eyewear suffer from a lack of reliability, flexibility, and customizability. For example, some approaches may utilize low cost materials that are not considered to be high-quality, durable, and/or rugged, which may lead to part failures. Approaches that utilize cords or cables wrapped around a wearer's neck may also present issues relating to skin irritation, unwanted tan lines, and less controllable positioning opportunities. Further, such approaches additionally lack customization opportunities, limiting a user to a single appearance or functionality.

The customizable multi-purpose accessory described in the present disclosure alleviates the issues described above and provides a useful alternative solution for securing eyewear while providing flexible rotational functionality to enable the eyewear to be stored or retained in multiple positions (e.g., head, face, chest, etc.). The customizable multi-purpose accessory of the present disclosure may also provide a locking mechanism that allows the user to adjust eyewear to a desired tension for a given position. The customizable multi-purpose accessory of the present disclosure also includes a retaining mechanism (e.g., having a magnetic component) for coupling a removable (e.g., quick-release) add-on, such as a golf ball marker, a secondary accessory (e.g., headphones), and/or other component, allowing a user to customize both the functionality and appearance of the accessory.

FIG. 1 shows an example placement of a customizable multi-purpose accessory 100 on a side of headwear 102. In one example, headwear 102 may be a baseball cap, as shown in FIG. 1. In other examples, headwear 102 may be any other type of headwear, such as a hat, a headband, etc. The customizable multi-purpose accessory 100 may be secured to an earpiece 104 of eyewear 106 (e.g., via a retractable cord, described in more detail below) in order to maintain connection of the eyewear 106 to a wearer, allowing to the eyewear 106 to be arranged in a variety of positions relative to the wearer. Although only one customizable multi-purpose accessory 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1, it is to be understood that a second customizable multi-purpose accessory, substantially identical to the illustrated customizable multi-purpose accessory 100, may be installed on an opposite side of headwear 102 from the customizable multi-purpose accessory 100 and coupled to a second earpiece of eyewear 106. In this way, a multi-purpose accessory in accordance with the present disclosure may be installed on opposing sides of a head of a wearer 108 to secure eyewear 106 to the head of the wearer. More details regarding features of customizable multi-purpose accessories in accordance with the present disclosure are described below with regard to FIGS. 2-20.

FIG. 2 shows an example side isometric view of a pair of customizable multi-purpose accessories 200a and 200b. A set of reference axes 201 are provided for comparison between views shown, indicating a y-axis, an x-axis, and a z-axis. Each of the customizable multi-purpose accessories 200a, 200b may have a circular outer geometry, when viewed along the x-axis, with a central axis 203 parallel with the x-axis. It is to be understood that customizable multi-purpose accessories 200a and 200b may be substantially identical to one another, accordingly, features that are described with reference to one of the illustrated multi-purpose accessories are also applicable to the other illustrated customizable multi-purpose accessory. For example, features relating to an outer side (e.g., facing outward, away from a wearer/headwear when installed on the headwear) of the customizable multi-purpose accessories will be described with respect to multi-purpose accessory 200a and features relating to an inner side (e.g., facing inward, toward a wearer/headwear when installed on the headwear) of the customizable multi-purpose accessories will be described with respect to customizable multi-purpose accessory 200b though accessory 200a is understood to have an inner side substantially similar to that shown for accessory 200b and accessory 200b will be understood to have an outer side substantially similar to that shown for accessory 200a.

As shown in FIG. 2, customizable multi-purpose accessory 200a includes a housing 202a having a removable add-on 204a installed thereon. The removable add-on 204a may be installed on a side of the housing 202a facing away from a wearer, e.g., away outwards and away from the wearer's head. Removable add-on 204a is illustrated as a golf ball marker in the example of FIG. 2, however, it is to be understood that any suitable add-on may be removably coupled to the housing 202a in order to expand the functionality and/or appearance options of the customizable multi-purpose accessory. For example, accessories specific to activities of the user may be adapted as removal add-ons which may be attached to the customizable multi-purpose accessory. This may allow the user to carry less gear or may enhance a performance and/or efficiency of the user while the user participates in an activity. Furthermore, the user may readily substitute one type of add-on with another when a different activity is carried out.

In some examples, the add-on 204a may include decorative or functional patterns on all or part of the outer surface as shown by gripping structure 206a. For example, patterns such as that shown by gripping structure 206a may be used around at least a portion of a periphery and/or circumference of the add-on in order to assist with placement and/or removal of the add-on. In other examples, a surface of the add-on 204a may be uniform. One or both of the add-on 204a and the housing 202a may include or have mounted thereto a retention mechanism for removably coupling the add-on to the housing. Such retention mechanisms may be of any form generally used including, but not limited to, magnetic components, hooks, snaps, adhesives, clasps and the like. While such retention mechanisms are generally releasable, allowing for add-on 204a to be interchanged with alternative add-ons depending on the desires of the user, in some aspects the add-on 204a may be permanently affixed. In some examples, the retention mechanism for the add-on may include a magnetic component. A more detailed description of such a magnetic retention mechanism is described below with respect to FIG. 9.

Housing 202a may also include an outlet 208a from which a retractable cord 210a extends. At least a portion of the retractable cord may be maintained enclosed within the housing 202a during use of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 200a. A length of the retractable cord 210a that extends outside of the housing 202a may be adjustable by pulling the retractable cord outward away from the housing 202a and/or activating a mechanism to recoil the retractable cord within the housing 202a. A first, outer terminating end of the retractable cord 210a is coupled to and/or terminates into an eyewear coupling 212a. A second, inner terminating end of the retractable cord 210a may be secured inside the housing 202a. The eye wear coupling 212a may be configured to receive a portion of an eyewear article, such as an end of an earpiece of a pair of eyeglasses, for example.

The eyewear coupling 212a may have the same and/or a larger overall diameter and/or thickness than the retractable cord 210a. The eyewear coupling 212a may be composed of a different material (e.g., having a different tensile strength, elasticity, durability, etc.) than the retractable cord 210a. In other examples, the eyewear coupling 212a may be composed of the same material as the retractable cord 210a. At least a portion of the eyewear coupling 212a may be hollow, forming an opening 214a for accepting an earpiece of an eyewear in order to secure the eyewear to the customizable multi-purpose accessory 200a. In some examples, the material of the eyewear coupling 212a may be uniform on both an outer surface 216a and within an inner surface 218a of the opening 214a. In other examples, the inner surface 218a may include a different material and/or may have a different texture in order to grip the earpiece of eyewear that is coupled to the eyewear coupling 212a. For example, the inner surface 218a may have a higher frictional property than the outer surface 216a. In some aspects, the outer surface 216a and inner surface 218a may both be textured or otherwise functionalized to provide enhanced gripability, assisting in placing and retaining eyewear in the eyewear coupling 212a. In some aspects, the eyewear coupling 212a may have an elasticity property that enables the opening 218a to expand to accept an earpiece of eyewear to be inserted therein, while biasing the opening 218a to close around the earpiece and prevent accidental slippage of the earpiece out of the opening.

Turning now to customizable multi-purpose accessory 200b, as noted above, similar components to those discussed with respect to customizable multi-purpose accessory 200a are also present on customizable multi-purpose accessory 200b and given associated reference numerals. For example, housing 202b, add-on 204b, outlet 208b, retractable cord 210b, eyewear coupling 212b, and opening 214b may correspond to the likewise-named counterparts described above with respect to customizable multi-purpose accessory 200a. In FIG. 2, an inner side, e.g., facing a wearer, of customizable multi-purpose accessory 200b is shown, including a fastening means 220b for securing the customizable multi-purpose accessory to headwear or another object. While fastening means 220b is shown as a clip, it may be any fastening suitable for attaching the customizable multi-purpose accessory to headwear or another object including, but not limited to, a spring clip, snap clip, hook and loop, pin, button, and the like. Clip 220b may be secured to the housing 202b at a bottom portion of the clip and suspended at a distance from the housing 202b at an opposing top portion of the clip in order to allow a portion of the headwear and/or other object (e.g., a headband of a hat as shown in FIG. 1) to pass between the clip 220b and the housing 202b. In the illustrated example, the clip 220b includes two terminating ends 222b and 224b that are coupled to the housing 202b. From the terminating end 222b, the clip 220b extends outward from the housing 202b, then upward parallel to an inner surface 226b of the housing 202b, then follows a circumference of the housing 202b in a clockwise manner until reaching the bottom portion of the clip 220b, where the clip 220b extends downward parallel to the inner surface 226b of the housing then inward toward the housing, reaching terminating end 224b. At least a portion of the clip 220b may be resilient to allow the clip to be pulled or flexed away from the housing 202b (e.g., to allow the clip to be coupled to headwear or another object) and to be biased (e.g., in the circumferentially-extending region) toward the housing and/or parallel to the inner surface of the housing to hold the customizable multi-purpose accessory 200b in place on the headwear or the other object. The clip 220b may be pivotable around a central pivot point (e.g., a pivot screw 228b, thereby allowing the clip to be positioned with an open end (the end opposite the terminal ends 222b and 224b) at any suitable orientation. In some examples, a groove 230 may be provided in the housing 202b to constrain movement to a selected range of orientations (e.g., at least 180 degrees) by interfacing with a component of the clip 220b that is configured to travel inside the groove 230. Thus, in some aspects, the housing may rotate up to 180 degrees relative to the clip allowing for re-positioning of the eyewear coupling and thus any eyewear retained by the customizable multi-purpose accessory as described in further detail in FIGS. 13-19, without disturbing the attachment of the accessory to the headwear.

FIGS. 3-9 show different views of a customizable multi-purpose accessory 300, which includes the features of customizable multi-purpose accessories 200a and 200b described above. In the illustrated views, the same description may be applicable to features having the same name and/or corresponding reference numerals. For example, housing 302, add-on 304, outlet 308, retractable cord 310, eyewear coupling 312, opening 314, and clip 320 of FIGS. 3-9 may be understood to correspond to housing 202a/b, add-on 204a/b, outlet 208a/b, retractable cord 210a/b, eyewear coupling 212a/b, opening 214a/b, and clip 220a/b of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows an example outer side view of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 300, including a view of the add-on 304 (a ball marker in the non-limiting illustrated example) coupled to housing 302. The retractable cord 310 is shown extending from outlet 308 of the housing 302 and terminating in/coupling to eyewear coupling 312. In the illustrated example, the retractable cord 310 is partially extracted from the housing 302, and may be pulled in a direction away from the housing to extend the length of an exposed portion of the retractable cord 310 that extends outside of the housing.

FIG. 4 shows an example side/bottom isometric view of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 300 with the add-on 304 spaced from the housing 302 (e.g., representing a state of the multi-purpose accessory 300 after a force is applied to pull the add-on away from the housing). As described above, the add-on may be removably coupleable to the housing via a retaining mechanism including but not limited to a magnetic force supplied by a magnet integrated or disposed within the housing 302. Accordingly, in the above-described example, the add-on 304 may be removed from the housing 302 by pulling the add-on with sufficient force to overcome the magnetic force that otherwise retains the add-on on the housing. The removable coupling allows the add-on 304 to be hot-swapped quickly, improving customizability and allowing for a quick change of functionality of the multi-purpose accessory 300.

FIG. 5 shows an example bottom view of the multi-purpose accessory 300. As shown in FIG. 5, portions of the clip 320 may be suspended in a spaced-apart manner from the housing 302 in order to enable an object, such as a headband of a hat in a non-limiting example, to be inserted between the clip and the housing. The clip 320 may be biased to maintain the position illustrated in FIG. 5 and/or biased toward the housing 302 in order to provide a retaining force to secure the multi-purpose accessory 300 to the object that is inserted between the clip and the housing. As shown in the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the add-on 304 is substantially a same diameter 502 as the housing 302. In other examples, an add-on that is coupled to the housing may have one or more different dimensions from the housing (e.g., may be smaller or larger than the housing).

FIG. 6 shows an example inner side view of the multi-purpose accessory 300. The clip 320 is shown in the illustrated example to be coupled to the housing 302 at a bottom portion of the housing. As described above, the clip 320 may be rotated, as indicated by arrow 602 to change an orientation of the clip relative to the housing 302, such that the point at which the clip is coupled to the housing may be moved around a periphery of the housing. In this way, the clip 320 may be adjusted to accommodate insertion of an object between the clip and the housing regardless of the orientation of the object. Furthermore, in non-limiting examples where the multi-purpose accessory 300 is one of a pair of mirror-identical multi-purpose accessories (e.g., for attaching to different sides of a hat), each of the pair of accessories may be interchangeable (e.g., adjustable to attach to either side of the hat) while maintaining a constant directionality of the eyewear coupling 312.

FIG. 7 shows an example front view of the multi-purpose accessory 300. As shown, the eyewear coupling 312 may include an opening 314 configured to accept an earpiece of an eyewear frame in order to couple the eyewear to the multi-purpose accessory 300. In some non-limiting examples, the opening 314 may have an oval shape as shown in FIG. 7 while in a default state. In other examples, the opening may have another shape, such as a circular shape or a rectangular shape. The eyewear coupling 312 may be formed of a material having an elastomeric property that enables the opening to be reshaped to accommodate different shapes of earpieces of eyewear.

FIG. 8 shows an example rear view of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 300. Similar to FIG. 5, the view shown in FIG. 8 illustrates a distance between the regions of the clip 320 that are spaced 802 from an anchor point (e.g., the point at which the clip 320 is attached to the housing 302).

Turning now to FIG. 9, an exploded view of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 300 is illustrated. In the illustrated example, the add-on 304 includes a ball marker, which is coupleable to an upper body 322 of the housing 302. The upper body 322 may be a molded snap-fit part configured to couple to a lower body 324 and/or other element of the housing 302. Example materials that may be used to construct the upper body 322 include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a thermoplastic polymer, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and/or polyethylene (PE). A magnet 326 may be included in the housing (e.g., abutting an inner surface of the upper body 322 such that the magnet is as close to an outer region of the upper body as possible). The magnet 326 may include neodymium rare earth metals, metal alloys, steel, nickel, iron, and/or other materials to provide a magnetic component to the customizable multi-purpose accessory 300. The magnet 326 may be configured to attract the add-on 304 in order to provide a retaining force to keep the add-on secured to the upper body 322 until an overcoming force is applied to the add-on (e.g., a user grips the add-on and pulls the add-on away from the upper body). Although shown as a component within the housing 302, it is to be understood that in other examples, the magnet 326 may be integrated with the upper body 322, may form or be coupled to an outer surface (e.g., an add-on-facing surface) of the upper body 322, and/or may be otherwise positioned between the housing and the add-on 304. In still other examples, the magnet 326 may be replaced by a metal component that is magnetically attracted to a magnet disposed in the add-on 304.

Moving further within the housing 302, a flat torsion spring 328 may be positioned within a spool 330 for retaining and controlling an extension of the retractable cord 310. The spring 328 may form a tight spiral with a first terminating end 328a in an interior of the spiral and a second terminating end 328b extending outward from the spiral and forming a hook for engaging one or more shelves 332a/b of the spool 330. The spool 330 may be cylindrical and may have an outer diameter that is sized to fit within an inner diameter 902 of the upper body 322 and/or the lower body 324. The spool 330 includes a central opening 334 (e.g., a bore extending at least partially through a central region of the spool) having a diameter 904 that is sized to house the spring 328. For example, the diameter 904 of the central opening 334 may be substantially the same size as an overall diameter of the spring 328.

The central opening 334 may include a first shelf 332a (as used herein, the term shelf may also be referred to as a ledge) that extends outward from an inner wall 336 of the central opening 334. The first shelf 332a may be configured to separate an anchored end of the retractable cord 310 from the spring 328, as shown in FIG. 10 and discussed in more detail below. The central opening 334 may further include a second shelf 332b that is housed within a cut-out 338 of the inner wall 336. The second shelf 332b may be configured to interface with the hooked second terminating end 328b of the spring (e.g., the second terminating end 328 may be largely positioned abutting an outer surface (e.g., a surface facing outward toward an outer perimeter of the housing 302) of the second shelf 332b and/or may be largely positioned between the outer surface of the second shelf 332b and an interior surface of the housing 302. A retract ball 339 may be used to control the movement/rotation of the spool during extension of the retractable cord 310, as described in more detail below.

A bottom surface of the spool 330, with respect to the x-axis, includes a central bore hole 340 that is sized to allow passage of a complementary post 342 extending from the lower body 324 of the housing 302. The post 342 may include a notched top surface configured to secure the spring 328. In some examples, the spring 328 may be configured to enable the post 342 to pass through in order to assist in the snap-fit connection to the upper body 322 and/or to secure the retractable cord 310. In additional or alternative examples, the snap-fit connection between the lower body 324 and the upper body 322 may be provided by complementary snap-fit structures around a periphery of an interior of the lower body 324 and the upper body 322.

The spool 330 and/or the lower body 324 may be formed of the same material as the upper body 322. In other examples, one or both of the spool 330 and/or the lower body 324 may be formed of different material from one another and/or from the upper body 322. Example materials that may be used in forming the spool 330 and/or the lower body 324 include ABS, a thermoplastic polymer, PET, PP, and/or PE, as described above with respect to the upper body 322.

The retractable cord 310 may include a selected length of material(s), such as stainless steel, poly-paraphenylene terephthal amide cord, polycarbonate vinyl, silicon coated cable, and/or other material(s). In a non-limiting example, the length of the retractable cord 310 may be 10-13 inches.

The retractable cord 310 may be coupled to and/or terminate in the eyewear coupling 312 at a first terminating end. The eyewear coupling 312 (which may also be referred to as a glasses boot) may be formed of an elastomeric material such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and/or silicon rubber. The retractable cord 310 may be coupled to and/or terminate in an interior component of the housing 302 at a second, opposing terminating end. For example, the second, opposing terminating end may be secured via the notched top surface of the post 342 of the lower body 324. In another non-limiting example, the second, opposing terminating end of the retractable cord 310 may be knotted or otherwise configured to be larger than a slit in a side wall of the spool 330 in order to secure the cord to the spool.

Turning briefly to FIG. 10, an example of the above-described cord securing mechanism is shown. In the example of FIG. 10, a spool 1000, which may be an example of spool 330 of FIG. 9, includes at least two slits 1002 and 1004 in a peripheral or side wall 1006 of the spool 1000. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the slits 1002 and 1004 may be opposite of one another (e.g., separated from one another by approximately 180 degrees along the circumference of the side wall 1006 of the spool 1000). A retractable cord 1008, which may be an example of retractable cord 310 of FIG. 9, is illustrated as being knotted at terminating end 1010. In this way, the knotted end of the retractable cord 1008 may be prevented from passing through the slit 1002. The retractable cord 1008 may extend from the knotted end through slit 1002, along an interior surface of the side wall 1006 between a shelf 1012 (e.g., an example of first shelf 332a of FIG. 9) and the interior surface of the side wall 1006, and then out through slit 1004. In this way, a portion of the length of the retractable cord 1008 may be secured within a central interior region of the spool 1000 while the remaining length of the retractable cord 1008 may be wound around an outer surface of the side wall 1006 and/or extend out away from the spool (e.g., when pulled out by a user of a multi-purpose accessory that includes the spool 1000). The remaining length of the retractable cord 1008 may terminate at an opposite end of the cord from the terminating end 1010 at an eyewear coupling (not shown in FIG. 10) or other element. Returning to FIG. 9, a portion of the retractable cord 310 that is wound around the spool 330 (e.g., around an outer periphery of the spool 330) may be stowed within the lower body 324.

As noted above, the retract ball 339 may be used to control retraction/extraction of the retractable cord 310. The retract ball 339 may be positioned between a bottom surface of the spool 330, with respect to the x-axis, and an interior surface of the lower body 324. The retract ball 339 may be formed of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal or metal alloys, such as steel. The retract ball 339 may slide between the underside of the spool 330 and the lower body 324 in a groove (e.g., a track in the underside/bottom surface of the spool 330) during retraction/extraction of the retractable cord 310 (e.g., during winding/unwinding of the retractable cord around the spool 330). The retract ball 339 may be wedged into a body valley 341 of the lower body 324 to facilitate a locking mechanism (e.g., to lock the retractable cord in place until an unlocking movement is directed to the retractable cord). A combination of mechanics including tension from the torsion spring 328 and the retract ball 339 being wedged in and out of the body valley 341 work together to provide the locking/unlocking mechanisms. For example, when the retractable cord 310 is pulled (e.g., to unwind the cord from the spool), the combination of mechanics creates retractability (e.g., the retract ball is allowed to roll around the lower body freely) and locking (e.g., the retract ball is wedged in the body valley 341). When the retractable cord 310 is in a locked state (e.g., retained at a set length of extension outside of the housing), a subsequent pull of the retractable cord releases the retract ball 339 from the body valley 341, allowing for free movement of the retractable cord 310.

Outside of the lower body 324, clip 320 may be utilized as a releasable attachment mechanism for securing the multi-purpose accessory to an object (e.g., headwear). The clip 320 may be formed of a ring 344, a ring pivot plate 346, and a ring pivot screw 348. The ring 344 may include materials such as metal, aluminum, silver, stainless TPE, silicon coating, and/or other materials. The ring 344 may be coupled to the lower body 324 of the housing via the ring pivot plate 346. For example, the ring pivot plate 346 may include a first hole 346a for accepting the ring pivot screw 348 or other retaining mechanism for connecting the ring pivot plate 346 to an outer surface of the lower body 324. The ring pivot plate 346 may include second holes 346b for coupling to terminating ends 345 of the ring 344. The ring pivot plate 346 may be configured to pivot around the first hole 346a to allow the clip 320 (e.g., the ring 344) to be positioned at any location in 360 degrees around a periphery of the lower body 324. The ring pivot plate 346 may be formed of any suitable material(s), including but not limited to ABS, thermoplastic polymer, PET, PP, and/or PE.

FIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B show example exploded views of a customizable multi-purpose accessory 1100. In FIG. 11, the customizable multi-purpose accessory 1100 is shown without a spring or retractable cord wound inside a housing 1102 in order to show internal features of the housing 1102. In FIGS. 12A and 12B, a spring 1104 and wound retractable cord 1106 are shown in position within the housing 1102.

Turning first to FIG. 11, the customizable multi-purpose accessory 1100 includes an add-on 1108 (e.g., a ball marker), which is configured to be removably coupled to an upper housing 1110 via a magnetic force provided by a magnet 1112. The upper housing 1110 may be configured to be snap-fit to a lower housing 1114, which is shown housing a spool 1116 for winding a retractable cord 1118. The spool 1116 may have an overall shape of a cylinder including an upper surface 1120 that faces the upper housing 1110, an inner surface 1122 that faces a post 1124 of the lower housing 1114, and an outer surface 1126 on which the retractable cord 1118 may be wound. The inner surface 1122 and outer surface 1126 may include one or more slits that do not extend to the upper surface 1120.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show the retractable cord 1118 wound around the outer surface 1126 of the spool 1116 and an interior spring 1128 disposed within the spool 1116 (e.g., where an outer surface of the spring 1128 faces and/or is in face-sharing contact with at least a portion of the inner surface 1122 of the spool). As shown, a terminal end of the spring 1128 is secured via a notch in an upper surface, with respect to the x-axis, of the post 1124 of the lower housing 1114. In FIG. 12A, the retractable cord 1118 is shown in a neutral position passing between an exterior of the upper housing 1110 toward the spool 1116. In FIG. 12B, the retractable cord 1118 is shown in a taut position passing between the exterior of the upper housing 1110 toward the spool 1116 (e.g., as positioned during a pulling of the retractable cord 1118 away from the multi-purpose accessory 1100).

FIGS. 13-16 show an example customizable multi-purpose accessory 1300 and associated capabilities for adjusting a position of eyewear coupled thereto. Multi-purpose accessory 1300 may be an example of any of the above-described customizable multi-purpose accessories, such as customizable multi-purpose accessory 300 of FIGS. 3-9 and/or multi-purpose accessory 1100 of FIGS. 11 and 12B. The features of the above-described customizable multi-purpose accessories may thus be applicable to similarly-referenced features of customizable multi-purpose accessory 1300 of FIGS. 13-16.

In FIG. 13, an inner side view of customizable multi-purpose accessory 1300 is shown. Customizable multi-purpose accessory 1300 includes a clip 1302 for coupling the accessory to an object (e.g., headwear). A retractable cord 1304 may be wound inside a housing 1305 of the accessory and extendible via an outlet 1306 formed in the housing 1305. A first terminal end of the retractable cord 1304 may be secured inside the housing 1305, as shown in FIG. 12B, while a second terminal end may be coupled to and/or terminate in an eyewear coupling 1308. In the illustrated example, the eyewear coupling 1308 is coupled to an earpiece 1310 of eyewear. For example, a terminal end of the earpiece 1310 may be inserted into an opening formed in the eyewear coupling 1308 (as described above with respect to the eyewear coupling 212a/b of FIG. 2 and/or the eyewear coupling 312 of FIGS. 3-9).

FIG. 14 shows an example extension of the retractable cord 1304 away from the housing 1305 of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 1300. The example extension illustrated in FIG. 14 shows a slightly upwardly angled movement of the earpiece 1310 during extension of the retractable cord 1304, however, it is to be understood that the customizable multi-purpose accessory 1300 may be configured to accommodate many different angles of movement of the retractable cord 1304. For example, FIG. 15 shows an example counter-clockwise rotation of the retractable cord 1304 relative to a periphery of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 1300 and a resulting position of the earpiece 1310. The positioning illustrated in FIG. 15 may correspond to a first stowing position for the eyewear (e.g., where the eyewear is positioned to be stowed on a head of a wearer). FIG. 16 shows an example clockwise rotation of the retractable cord 1304 relative to the periphery of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 1300 and a resulting position of the earpiece 1310. The positioning illustrated in FIG. 16 may correspond to a second stowing position for the eyewear (e.g., where the eyewear is positioned to be stowed at a chest of a user). The positioning illustrated in FIG. 14 may correspond to an in-use positioning, where the eyewear is worn on a face of the wearer.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show example cross-sectional views of a customizable multi-purpose accessory 1700. Customizable multi-purpose accessory 1700 may be an example of any of the above-described multi-purpose accessories, such as customizable multi-purpose accessory 300 of FIGS. 3-9, 1300 of FIGS. 13-16, and/or customizable multi-purpose accessory 1100 of FIGS. 11-12B. The features of the above-described customizable multi-purpose accessories may thus be applicable to similarly-referenced features of customizable multi-purpose accessory 1700 of FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 17 shows a bottom cross-sectional view of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 1700 and FIG. 18 shows a bottom isometric cross-sectional view of the multi-purpose accessory 1700. As illustrated, an add-on 1702 is positioned on top of a housing 1704 of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 1700. The add-on 1702 may be removably held in place via a magnetic force from magnet 1706. A spool 1708 may be positioned within the housing 1704, configured to spool a retractable cord 1710 within the housing 1704 (e.g., between an inner surface of the housing 1704 and an outer surface of the spool 1708, where the gap formed between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the spool forms a cord winding chamber 1712). The spool 1708 may be rotatable around a post 1714 extending from a lower portion of the housing 1704 to allow the retractable cord 1710 to be pulled or retracted from an outlet 1716 that passes through a wall of the housing 1704 to provide access to the cord winding chamber 1712. A retract ball 1718 may be provided to guide rotation of the spool around the post 1714. A terminal end of the retractable cord 1710 is coupled to and/or terminates in eyewear coupling 1720, as shown in FIG. 18. The eyewear coupling 1720 includes an interior chamber 1722 for holding an earpiece of an eyewear frame.

A clip 1724 is shown coupled to the housing 1704, the clip 1724 including a ring 1726, a ring pivot plate 1728, and a ring pivot screw 1730. The ring 1726 is coupled to the housing 1704 via the ring pivot plate 1728, which is pivotably connected to the housing 1704 via the ring pivot screw 1730.

FIG. 19 shows example positions for eyewear 1900 connected via a retractable cord 1902 to a customizable multi-purpose accessory 1904 that is installed on headwear 1906. In position (A), the eyewear (not shown in this position, understood to be coupled to a terminal end of the retractable cord 1902 opposite the customizable multi-purpose accessory 1904) is positioned at a high angle (e.g., approximately 30 degrees, or greater than 15 degrees relative to a horizontal axis 1908 of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 1904). In position (B), the eyewear 1900 is positioned on a head of a wearer 1910. In the illustrated example, earpieces of the eyewear 1900 rest on a top of the customizable multi-purpose accessory 1904. In position (C), the eyewear 1900 is positioned close to eye level and extended away from the wearer's face. In position (D), the eyewear 1900 is positioned at chest level and extended away from the wearer's body. In position (E), the eyewear 1900 is positioned at chest level and against the wearer's body. Each of the above-described positions may be accessible without adjusting the position of the multi-purpose accessory 1904 on the headwear 1906. For example, the customizable multi-angled positioning shown in FIG. 19 may be accessed due to the pivoting of a clip of the customizable multi-purpose accessory (e.g., as described in other examples of the present disclosure, such as the examples of FIGS. 2-18).

FIG. 20 shows an example alternate configuration of a pair of customizable multi-purpose accessories 2000a and 2000b. Multi-purpose accessories 2000a and 2000b may be examples of customizable multi-purpose accessories 200a and 200b of FIG. 2 and/or multi-purpose accessory 300 of FIGS. 3-9. Accordingly, the disclosure regarding the above-described customizable multi-purpose accessories are also applicable to customizable multi-purpose accessories 2000a and 2000b of FIG. 20. Each of the customizable multi-purpose accessories 2000a and 2000b are coupled to an add-on in the form of a respective earbud 2002a and 2002b of a pair of in-ear headphones. Each earbud 2002a and 2002b may include and/or be formed of a ferromagnetic material that is attracted to a magnet within the customizable multi-purpose accessories 2000a and 2000b such that the earbuds are removably coupled to an exterior surface of the customizable multi-purpose accessories. It is to be understood that the earbuds shown in FIG. 20 and the ball markers shown in FIGS. 2-9 provide just two examples of customizations that may be coupled to the multi-purpose accessories of the present disclosure. Any suitable component may be removably coupled to the customizable multi-purpose accessories described herein (e.g., via a magnet coupling) without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The above examples provide for a customizable multi-purpose accessory that alleviates issues experienced by users of other eyewear securing mechanisms. For example, by clipping to a headwear or other object, the customizable multi-purpose accessory described in the present disclosure may not utilize a cord or cable that extends around the back of a neck, thereby increasing wearer comfort and increasing positioning flexibility. Positioning flexibility may also be increased relative to other eyewear securing mechanisms due to the rotational clip and retractable cord spool disclosed herein. For example, the disclosed customizable multi-purpose accessories may include a housing encapsulating a spring loaded adjustable locking mechanism with a 180 degree radius for adjustability and comfort of the eyewear on and off the face. Functionality of the customizable multi-purpose accessory of the present disclosure is further expanded by including a retaining mechanism (e.g., having a magnetic component) for coupling a removable (e.g., quick-release) add-on, such as a golf ball marker, a secondary accessory (e.g., headphones), and/or other component. The above-described features provide a customizable all in one device which securely mounts headwear, eyewear, and a ball marker (or other add-on) easily to a person even as the person participates in activities (e.g., outdoor activities such as golf).

The description of embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Suitable modifications and variations to the embodiments may be performed in light of the above description or may be acquired from practicing the methods. The described systems are exemplary in nature, and may include additional elements and/or omit elements. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, and other features, functions, and/or properties disclosed.

FIGS. 1-20 show example configurations with relative positioning of the various components. If shown directly contacting each other, or directly coupled, then such elements may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, elements shown contiguous or adjacent to one another may be contiguous or adjacent to each other, respectively, at least in one example. As an example, components laying in face-sharing contact with each other may be referred to as in face-sharing contact. As another example, elements positioned apart from each other with only a space there-between and no other components may be referred to as such, in at least one example. As yet another example, elements shown above/below one another, at opposite sides to one another, or to the left/right of one another may be referred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown in the figures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to as a “top” of the component and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a “bottom” of the component, in at least one example. As used herein, top/bottom, upper/lower, above/below, may be relative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describe positioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such, elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above the other elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of the elements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shown within another element or shown outside of another element may be referred as such, in one example.

In one embodiment, a device includes a housing enclosing a magnet, an add-on coupled to an outward-facing surface of the housing, a spool having a top surface facing a top inner surface of the housing, the magnet being disposed between the top surface of the spool and the top inner surface of the housing, a torsion spring positioned in a central bore of the spool, the torsion spring interfacing with a ledge extending from a side wall of the spool, and a retractable cord, a first terminating end of the retractable cord being secured within the housing and a second, opposing terminating end of the retractable cord being coupled to an eyewear coupling having an opening configured to grip an eyewear earpiece. In a first example of the device the add-on is maintained at the outward-facing surface of the housing by the magnet and wherein the add-on is a golf ball marker. A second example of the device optionally includes the first example, and further includes a pivotable clip, the pivotable clip comprising a ring and a ring pivot plate, the ring being coupled to a first end of the ring pivot plate and the ring pivot plate being pivotably coupled to the housing at a second, opposing end of the ring pivot plate. A third example of the device optionally includes one or more of the first and second examples, and further includes, wherein the housing comprises an upper body and a lower body configured to couple to one another via a snap-fit connection. A fourth example of the device optionally includes one or more of the first through third examples, and further includes, wherein the lower body further comprises a post having a notched upper surface, the post projecting through the central bore of the spool. A fifth example of the device optionally includes one or more of the first through fourth examples, and further includes, wherein a terminating end of the torsion spring is inserted into the notched upper surface of the post. A sixth example of the device optionally includes one or more of the first through fourth examples, and further includes, wherein the ledge is disposed in a cut-out of the side wall of the spool, an inner surface of the ledge facing the central bore being flush with the side wall of the spool on either side of the cut-out. A seventh example of the device optionally includes one or more of the first through sixth examples, and further includes, wherein the ledge is a first ledge, the spool further comprising a second ledge extending from the side wall of the spool. An eighth example of the device optionally includes one or more of the first through seventh examples, and further includes, wherein the first ledge and the second ledge are positioned at different depths within the central bore relative to the side wall, wherein one of the first ledge and the second ledge is positioned closer to the center of the spool than the other of the first ledge and the second ledge. A ninth example of the device optionally includes one or more of the first through eighth examples, and further includes a retract ball positioned between the spool and the lower body of the housing.

In another embodiment, a system includes a first accessory and a second accessory, the first and second accessories coupled to opposite sides of a headwear article and each having, an outer housing enclosing a magnet and a spool stacked along a central axis of the outer housing, a torsion spring positioned in a central bore of the spool, and a retractable cord attached at a first end to the central bore of the spool and attached at a second end to an eyewear coupling configured to receive a portion of the eyewear, and an add-on coupled to the outer housing along a side of the outer housing facing away from a wearer. In a first example of the system, the first and second accessories are positioned at opposite sides of the wearer's head and coupled to the same eyewear. A second example of the system optionally includes the first example, and further includes, wherein the add-on is coupled to the first and second accessories by the magnet and wherein the magnet is positioned between the spool and the side of the outer housing facing away from the wearer. A third example of the system optionally includes one or more of the first and second examples, and further includes a locking mechanism in each of the first and second accessories, the locking mechanism including a retract ball configured to slide between an underside of the spool and the outer housing in a groove during retraction and extraction of the retractable cord from the outer housing. A fourth example of the system optionally includes one or more of the first through third examples, and further includes, wherein the spool has at least a first slit and a second slit arranged oppositely in a side wall of the spool and the retractable cord passes through first slit to enter the spool, extending along an inner surface of the side wall of the spool and exits the spool through the second slit. A fifth example of the system optionally includes one or more of the first through fourth examples, and further includes, wherein a remaining portion of the retractable cord that is not extending along the inner surface of the side wall of the spool is positioned around an outer surface of the side wall of the spool and/or extending outwards away from the spool. A sixth example of the system optionally includes one or more of the first through fifth examples, and further includes a fastening means coupled to each of the first and second accessory at a side of the outer housing facing a wearer, the fastening means configured to attach the first and second accessory to the headwear article.

In yet another embodiment, a device includes a first housing and a second housing, each of the first and second housings including, a magnet, a spool, a torsion spring, and at least a portion of a retractable cord enclosed within each of the first and second housing, the retractable cord coupled to an eyewear coupling at a first end of the retractable cord positioned exterior to the outer housing, an add-on coupled to an outward-facing surface of each of the first and second housing, and a rotatable clip coupled to an exterior surface of each of the first and second housings, the rotatable clip configured to secure the first and second housings to opposite side of a headwear article. In a first example of the device, the clip is attached to each of the first and second housings at terminating ends of the clip and a portion of the clip following a circumference of the first and second housings is suspended at a distance from an inner side of the first and second housings. A second example of the device optionally includes the first example, and further includes, wherein the clip is pivoted about a central pivot point, the central pivot movable around a periphery of the first and second housings.

As used in this application, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” or “one example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements or a particular positional order on their objects. The following claims particularly point out subject matter from the above disclosure that is regarded as novel and non-obvious.

Claims

1. A customizable multi-purpose accessory device comprising:

a housing enclosing a magnet;

an add-on coupled to an outward-facing surface of the housing;

a spool having a top surface facing a top inner surface of the housing, the magnet being disposed between the top surface of the spool and the top inner surface of the housing;

a torsion spring positioned in a central bore of the spool, the torsion spring interfacing with a ledge extending from a side wall of the spool; and

a retractable cord, a first terminating end of the retractable cord being secured within the housing and a second, opposing terminating end of the retractable cord being coupled to an eyewear coupling having an opening configured to grip an eyewear earpiece.

2. The customizable multi-purpose accessory device of claim 1, wherein the add-on is maintained at the outward-facing surface of the housing by the magnet and wherein the add-on is a golf ball marker.

3. The customizable multi-purpose accessory device of claim 1, further comprising a pivotable clip, the pivotable clip comprising a ring and a ring pivot plate, the ring being coupled to a first end of the ring pivot plate and the ring pivot plate being pivotably coupled to the housing at a second, opposing end of the ring pivot plate.

4. The customizable multi-purpose accessory device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an upper body and a lower body configured to couple to one another via a snap-fit connection.

5. The customizable multi-purpose accessory device of claim 4, wherein the lower body further comprises a post having a notched upper surface, the post projecting through the central bore of the spool.

6. The customizable multi-purpose accessory device of claim 5, wherein a terminating end of the torsion spring is inserted into the notched upper surface of the post.

7. The customizable multi-purpose accessory device of claim 5, wherein the ledge is disposed in a cut-out of the side wall of the spool, an inner surface of the ledge facing the central bore being flush with the side wall of the spool on either side of the cut-out.

8. The customizable multi-purpose accessory device of claim 7, wherein the ledge is a first ledge, the spool further comprising a second ledge extending from the side wall of the spool.

9. The customizable multi-purpose accessory device of claim 8, wherein the first ledge and the second ledge are positioned at different depths within the central bore relative to the side wall, wherein one of the first ledge and the second ledge is positioned closer to the center of the spool than the other of the first ledge and the second ledge.

10. The customizable multi-purpose accessory device of claim 4, further comprising a retract ball positioned between the spool and the lower body of the housing.

11. An eyewear-securing system, comprising:

a first accessory and a second accessory, the first and second accessories coupled to opposite sides of a headwear article and each having; an outer housing enclosing a magnet and a spool stacked along a central axis of the outer housing; a torsion spring positioned in a central bore of the spool; and a retractable cord attached at a first end to the central bore of the spool and attached at a second end to an eyewear coupling configured to receive a portion of the eyewear; and an add-on coupled to the outer housing along a side of the outer housing facing away from a wearer.

12. The eyewear-securing system of claim 11, wherein the first and second accessories are positioned at opposite sides of the wearer's head and coupled to the same eyewear.

13. The eyewear-securing system of claim 11, wherein the add-on is coupled to the first and second accessories by the magnet and wherein the magnet is positioned between the spool and the side of the outer housing facing away from the wearer.

14. The eyewear-securing system of claim 11, further comprising a locking mechanism in each of the first and second accessories, the locking mechanism including a retract ball configured to slide between an underside of the spool and the outer housing in a groove during retraction and extraction of the retractable cord from the outer housing.

15. The eyewear-securing system of claim 11, wherein the spool has at least a first slit and a second slit arranged oppositely in a side wall of the spool and the retractable cord passes through first slit to enter the spool, extending along an inner surface of the side wall of the spool and exits the spool through the second slit.

16. The eyewear-securing system of claim 15, wherein a remaining portion of the retractable cord that is not extending along the inner surface of the side wall of the spool is positioned around an outer surface of the side wall of the spool and/or extending outwards away from the spool.

17. The eyewear-securing system of claim 15, further comprising a fastening means coupled to each of the first and second accessory at a side of the outer housing facing a wearer, the fastening means configured to attach the first and second accessory to the headwear article.

18. A device for securing eyewear, comprising;

a first housing and a second housing, each of the first and second housings including;

a magnet, a spool, a torsion spring, and at least a portion of a retractable cord enclosed within each of the first and second housing, the retractable cord coupled to an eyewear coupling at a first end of the retractable cord positioned exterior to the outer housing, an add-on coupled to an outward-facing surface of each of the first and second housing, and a rotatable clip coupled to an exterior surface of each of the first and second housings, the rotatable clip configured to secure the first and second housings to opposite side of a headwear article.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the clip is attached to each of the first and second housings at terminating ends of the clip and a portion of the clip following a circumference of the first and second housings is suspended at a distance from an inner side of the first and second housings.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the clip is pivoted about a central pivot point, the central pivot movable around a periphery of the first and second housings.