Neck Retainers Patents (Class 351/157)
  • Patent number: 7322692
    Abstract: The present invention provides protective eyewear, also referred to as sport goggles, where the lens and the flexible frame are easily separated and interchangeable. The lens and the flexible frame are both available in a variety of colors. Therefore, the wearer can select and easily assemble a preferred color combination. More specifically, the protective eyewear includes a lens received within a flexible frame and a strap that is permanently attached to the lens for securing the eyewear to a wearer's face. There are at least two connection apertures spaced around an outer perimeter of the lens. The flexible frame has at least two connection protrusions that are aligned with the connection apertures in the lens for removably receiving the connection apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Warrior Lacrosse, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Winningham
  • Patent number: 7303276
    Abstract: A fastening mechanism for fastening eyewear, such as spectacles or clip-on lenses, to clothing has a first and second clips pivotally connected by a pivot. The first clip has jaws is for gripping the eyewear on extremities of pivotally connected respective first and second jaws thereof. The second clip has jaws is for gripping the clothing on extremities of pivotally connected respective first and second jaws thereof. The pivot connects the first lever of the first clip to one of the levers of the second clip, and is situated generally longitudinally opposite the extremities of the first clip, thereby permitting the clips to be freely pivoted relative one another by gravity to suspend the jaws of the first clip, and thereby the eyewear, below the pivot. The jaws of the first clip have cushions which abuttingly contact the eyewear when gripped by the jaws of the first clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Serge Raymond
  • Patent number: 7284855
    Abstract: Glasses for use in sports activities and the like have a frame, at least one lens formed to the frame, and a strap formed to the frame which is configured to inhibit the glasses from falling off of a wearer. A leash is formed to the strap and a collar formed to the leash. The strap, leash, collar or other component of the present invention may optionally be sufficiently buoyant so as to float the glasses in water. A breakaway clip releases the collar from a wearer if the glasses, strap, leash, or collar get caught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: David Bent
  • Patent number: 7230765
    Abstract: To provide an image display device of the type that presents images in a certain part of the field of vision in which the image display device can be used for prolonged periods of time. An image display device 1 includes a main body 10 having a shape of a glasses frame, a right-eye display device 20R and a left-eye display device 20L. Each of the right-eye display device 20R and the left-eye display device 20L is for displaying a predetermined image and is provided in such a manner that it is not very clearly visible for a user when the user wearing the main body 10 on his or her head looks straight ahead and that it becomes clearly visible for the user only when the user moves his or her forward-looking eyes away. The user can get a forward field of vision and can see the images displayed on the right-eye display device 20R and the left-eye display device 20L when he or she looks at 45 degrees down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Scalar Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7182460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to spherical-shaped see through lenses used in eyewear. The lenses have a substantially constant thickness and a substantially constant radius of curvature of between 28–19 mm. The spherical lenses may be supported in a frame formed of either rigid or flexible material and attached to a strap assembly adaptable to be worn by the user. Optionally, each of the lenses may be supported by a flanged member and ventilation passages preferably extending through the frame and/or the lenses to allow air to circulate around the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Elizabeth M. Pierotti
  • Patent number: 7163290
    Abstract: Baby and toddler sunglasses comprising frames having lenses. The frames are secured around the user's head by a band. The band is secured to the frames by a securing piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Lillian R. Paolino
  • Patent number: 7140729
    Abstract: Sunglasses for infants and children includes an elongate integral member including a central portion having a central nose bridge, a lens opening on each side of the central nose bridge, and a temple extending rearwardly of the central portion at a bend in the elongate integral member on each side of the central portion. A lens-defining member is affixed to the central portion, and an elongate integral backing is affixed to the lens-defining member. The backing includes a central nose bridge opposing the central nose bridge of the central portion, and a lens opening on each side of the central nose bridge opposing the lens opening on each side of the central portion. A nose bridge pad is affixed to the backing, and a temple pad is affixed to the backing at each side thereof and to the temples maintaining the bends in the elongate integral member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventors: Renee Resler, Gary W. Hall
  • Patent number: 6974213
    Abstract: The present invention relates to eyewear, and in particular, for a single block assembly having multiple slots and reliefs in substantial alignment for accommodation of a flange for lens attachment, a flange for arm attachment, a magnet location, and an accessory slot. The accessory slot can accommodate attachment of a variety of accessories, including a pivotal auxiliary lens assembly, a stationary auxiliary lens assembly, or a tether cord. The single block design provides a reduced profile which allows the frame to accommodate wider lenses for improved peripheral visibility and improved appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: E'lite Optiks, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Smith
  • Patent number: 6941619
    Abstract: An eyeglass retainer is configured to retain an eyeglass in a desired position on the body of a user, such as the head or neck of the user. The retainer includes (i) a cord having a first end and a second end; (ii) a first connector coupled to the first end of the cord; and (iii) a second connector coupled to the second end of the cord. Each of the first and second connectors have: (i) a tubular wall defining a hollow chamber configured to receive an eyeglass earpiece therein; and (ii) an expandable opening extending through the tubular wall. The expandable opening may comprise: (i) a hole extending through the tubular wall; and (ii) a slit extending through the tubular wall. An eyeglass earpiece can be selectively mounted in each connector or a temple of the eyeglass can be mounted in each connector. Thus, the eyeglass retainer etains the eyeglass in one of a plurality of possible orientations on the body of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Snugz/USA Incorporated
    Inventors: Brandon R. Mackay, Bryan K. Hicks
  • Patent number: 6908194
    Abstract: An eyeglasses system comprises an eyeglasses frame having a pair of opposite temple regions an attachment interface at each temple region, and two or more sets of laces. The lace sets are interchangeably attachable and detachable from the attachment interfaces at the temple regions of the frame, such that laces of different styles may be used with the single frame. There are in some systems plural frames each having a pair of opposite temple regions with an attachment interface at each temple region, such that plural sets of laces may be freely interchanged and worn with plural sets of laces. Individual ones of the lace sets may include laces of one or more of different styles, colors, indicia, widths, or materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Kevin B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6899423
    Abstract: A holding apparatus for eye glasses which have magnets connected to the left and right edges thereof. The holding apparatus has a flexible retaining member for positioning about a users neck. A holding member magnet is connected to each end of the retaining member via a pivotal element which is of sufficient flexibility for moving and orienting the polarity of the holding element magnets for attraction and connection to a respective eye glass magnet when placed in close proximity thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald L. Brazell
  • Patent number: 6871952
    Abstract: The present invention relates to spheric-shaped see through lenses used in eyewear. The lenses have a substantially constant thickness and having a substantially constant radius of curvature of between 27-20 mm. The spheric lenses may be supported in a frame formed of either rigid or flexible material and attached to a strap assembly adaptable to be worn by the user. Optionally, each of the lenses may be supported by a flanged member and ventilation passages preferably extending through the frame and/or the lenses to allow air to circulate around the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Greenhouse Grown Products
    Inventor: Elizabeth M. Pierotti
  • Patent number: 6764177
    Abstract: An eyeglass retainer is disclosed which comprises a filament member having gripping members connected at either end of the filament member, the gripping members being structured for securement to the terminal end of earpieces for eyeglasses. Each gripping member is structured with a plurality of openings through which the terminal end of eyeglasses may be positioned to provide a variety of ways that the retainer may be attached to the glasses. The eyeglass retainer may further include one or more contact members for contacting and engaging a portion of the glasses to facilitate attachment of the eyeglass retainer to the glasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Chisco, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg Chisolm
  • Patent number: 6761448
    Abstract: A multifunctional eyeglass retainer which can be secured to a pair of eyeglasses such that the eyeglasses can be held in either an open or a closed position. In addition, the eyeglass retainer can also be fabricated such that it has sufficient buoyancy to remain floating to even if the eyeglass retainer becomes partially disengaged from the eyeglasses and the eyeglasses fall into water while the wearer is swimming. The eyeglass retainer has connectors at both ends which connect to the temples of a pair of eyeglasses. When connected in this manner, the eyeglasses can be carried in an open configuration. Likewise, the eyeglass retainer can be secured to a pair of eyeglasses by securing the opposing ends of the eyeglass retainer together and using a loop formed by the eyeglass retainer to retain the eyeglasses in a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Vincent J. Ghim
  • Patent number: 6709100
    Abstract: A three-way eyeglass retainer having a retaining cord secured to a retaining member is disclosed. The retaining member is a hollow, tubular member with a cylindrical shape. A channel extends through the member and is defined by a wall fabricated from an elastic material. The channel communicates with the environment of the retaining member by an opening one or more of the ends of the retaining member. The channel further communicates with the exterior through a tunnel that is positioned transverse to the longitudinal axis of the retaining member. The tunnel communicates with the exterior through ports on either end of the tunnel that extend through the wall. A temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses may be inserted into the openings or the ports in the retaining member in various orientations to secure the eyeglasses to the person of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: EK Ekcessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Van Lee Kalbach
  • Publication number: 20040051845
    Abstract: A pair of eyeglasses, which could be sun glasses, has a spring-loaded roller in at least one arm with a cord rollable on the chord. A connector on the end of the cord attaches to a mating receiving means on the other arm. The connector, which could be a small sphere, prevents the cord from fully entering the arm. A roller could be positioned within each arm and the two cords interconnected by a hook connector. A brake arm can be pushed or pulled to retain the roller in a stationary position or release it for rolling up the cord. A double roller could be used in the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Mike Steere
  • Patent number: 6691378
    Abstract: A buckle includes a body having a pressing portion, a clamping portion, and a bendable connecting portion between the pressing portion and the clamping portion. The pressing portion includes two sidewalls and a post fixed between the sidewalls. The clamping portion includes a clamping hole. The connecting portion is mounted around a mounting peg of a main body of a pair of swimming/diving goggles. An end of a head strap of the pair of swimming/diving goggles extends into the body, winds around the post, and extends out of the body. The end of the head strap is pullable to obtain a desired tightness, exerting a force to the post to press against retaining edges on two lateral sides delimiting the clamping hole, thereby reliably positioning the head strap in place. The pressing portion is manually movable to disengage the post from the retaining edges, allowing loosening of the head strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Terry Chou
  • Publication number: 20040001179
    Abstract: A three-way eyeglass retainer having a retaining cord secured to a retaining member is disclosed. The retaining member is a hollow, tubular member with a cylindrical shape. A channel extends through the member and is defined by a wall fabricated from an elastic material. The channel communicates with the environment of the retaining member by an opening one or more of the ends of the retaining member. The channel further communicates with the exterior through a tunnel that is positioned transverse to the longitudinal axis of the retaining member. The tunnel communicates with the exterior through ports on either end of the tunnel that extend through the wall. A temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses may be inserted into the openings or the ports in the retaining member in various orientations to secure the eyeglasses to the person of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Van Lee Kalbach
  • Patent number: 6644808
    Abstract: An end fastener for attaching an end of an eyeglass retainer to the end of an eyeglass temple piece includes an elastomeric fastener body secured to the retainer cord or rope and having an internal bore extending into the body from an insertion opening. The diameter of the bore varies from a largest diameter near the insertion opening to a smallest diameter at the end of the bore away from the opening. A bulbous portion may be provided adjacent the opening and have the largest bore diameter therein. Because of the variety of bore diameters, the bore will receive and hold a wide variety of temple piece end sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Chums, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick E. Liu
  • Patent number: 6604823
    Abstract: A magnifying safety glasses assembly (10) for use by persons with presbyopia, the assembly (10) including a front safety eyepiece portion (11) made substantially of a transparent, nonmagnifying, shatter-proof material, and matching right and left temple portions (12), each affixed to an end of the front eyepiece portion (11), wherein the front safety eyepiece portion includes at least one built-in magnifying corrective segment (13) for correction of a user's near vision. The safety glasses assembly (10) preferably also includes a retainer strap (16) and earplugs (17), each earplug (17) being attached to an end of the retainer strap (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Archibald Wesley Hursey, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030133072
    Abstract: A multifunctional eyeglass retainer which can be secured to a pair of eyeglasses such that the eyeglasses can be held in either an open or a closed position. In addition, the eyeglass retainer can also be fabricated such that it has sufficient buoyancy to remain floating to even if the eyeglass retainer becomes partially disengaged from the eyeglasses and the eyeglasses fall into water while the wearer is swimming. The eyeglass retainer has connectors at both ends which connect to the temples of a pair of eyeglasses. When connected in this manner, the eyeglasses can be carried in an open configuration. Likewise, the eyeglass retainer can be secured to a pair of eyeglasses by securing the opposing ends of the eyeglass retainer together and using a loop formed by the eyeglass retainer to retain the eyeglasses in a closed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Vincent J. Ghim
  • Patent number: 6588899
    Abstract: The present invention relates to spheric-shaped see through lenses used in eyewear. The lenses have a substantially constant thickness and having a substantially constant radius of curvature of between 27-20 mm. The spheric lenses may be supported in a frame formed of either rigid or flexible material and attached to a strap assembly adaptable to be worn by the user. Optionally, each of the lenses may be supported by a flanged member and ventilation passages preferably extending through the frame and/or the lenses to allow air to circulate around the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Greenhouse Grown Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Elizabeth M. Pierotti
  • Patent number: 6564432
    Abstract: A holder for personal articles such as eyeglasses and sunglasses and the like includes: (i) a clamping body with a transparent window for displaying provided inserts, and (ii) a clip portion attached to the clamping body for attaching the holder to clothing, accessories, automobile visors and other areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Gerald Kushner
  • Patent number: 6533413
    Abstract: Neck leash device for retaining eye wear with a resilient leash portion approximately thirty four inches long, a pair of adjustment beads, one for adjusting the leash around the users neck and the other for adjusting the leash around the users head, a leash to eyeglass attachment, the attachment comprised of a length of resilient tubing terminating at one end in a first plastic fastener, the opposite end capable of retaining the ear piece of a pair of glasses, and a mating second plastic fastener that attaches to each end of said leash portion, said mating first and second fasteners comprised of resilient plastic material so that they can snap together and detach from each other in an emergency. A preferred embodiment includes wherein said leash portion is constructed of a lycra covered neoprene strip where said strip is folded over and sewn so that said leash has a hollow portion traveling its entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wright, Anthony Clumeck
  • Patent number: 6520635
    Abstract: Ornamental eyewear includes a jewelry article adapted for attachment as an extension of the temple arm on conventional eyeglasses. The jewelry extension grips the temple arm with a quick-release spring-biased clamp and in turn supports one or more elongated strands of jewelry-type decorations such as beads, charms and other adornment. A decorative boss abuts one side of the spring loaded clamp and extends beyond the jaws of the clamp to hide and provide visual balance to the attachment point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Patricia M. Ignatowski
  • Patent number: 6511176
    Abstract: An improved eyeglass retainer is disclosed, having annular closure attaching to the eyeglass frames. In an alternate embodiment, the closure comprises an elastic band that is only partially attached to the front portion of retainer, meaning that the retainer need not be tubular at the attachment point with elastic band. The invention is designed to present an aesthetically pleasing appearance and to maintain a close fit of the retainer material with the eyeglass frames, even in the presence of winds and inertial forces. In alternate embodiments, the closure in combination with protuberances located on the eyeglass temple pieces secures the retainer to the temple pieces. The protuberances may be integral with the eyeglass frames, or may be separately attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Visual Impact Film Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene Kliot
  • Patent number: 6478419
    Abstract: The combination of a pair of eyeglasses featuring a pair of temple arms, and a highly buoyant, hollow tubing of 100% natural latex extending between the temple arms. The hollow tubing, preferably about seventeen inches in length, with an outside diameter of about ¼ inch and a wall thickness of about {fraction (3/64)} inch, is formed by a hot dipping process to produce multiple layers. When secured to the temple arms, the hollow tubing forms an airtight chamber therebetween to provide buoyancy to the combination to help prevent loss thereof when loose or free in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: V. Robin McDaniel
  • Patent number: 6450640
    Abstract: A device for securing eyeglasses on a person's head. A pair of elastomeric retainers are secured along temples of a pair of eyeglasses for positioning behind a person's ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Pierre C. Van Rysselberghe
  • Patent number: 6428167
    Abstract: Eyewear including an eyewear frame with a first strap coupled thereto, and a ponytail holder member coupled to the first strap. The eyewear frame has first and second opposing frame ends. The first strap has opposing first and second strap ends, the first strap end being engaged with the first frame end of the eyewear frame. The ponytail holder member has a main body with an aperture substantially centrally located therein, and a first slot disposed adjacent the aperture. The first slot receives the first strap at the second strap end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Halo Sports and Safety, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter F. Leonardi
  • Patent number: 6343860
    Abstract: The present invention relates to toric-shaped see through lenses used in eyewear. The lenses have a substantially constant thickness and having base curve with a substantially constant radius of curvature of at least 15 mm and preferably in the range of 19-23 mm. The toric lenses may be supported in a frame formed of either rigid or flexible material and attached to a strap assembly adaptable to be worn by the user. Optionally, each of the lenses may be supported by a flanged member and ventilation passages preferably extending through the frame and/or the lenses to allow air to circulate around the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Greenhouse Grown Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Elizabeth M. Pierotti
  • Patent number: 6322212
    Abstract: An improved eyeglass retainer is disclosed, having an annular closure attaching to the eyeglass frames. The annular closure draws the material of the retainer over the attachment means of the retainer, and bunches and constricts it in front of the attachment means, so as to hide said attachment means from view, and to maintain a close fit of the retainer material with the eyeglass frames, even in the presence of winds and inertial forces. In an alternate embodiment, the annular closure in combination with retaining enclosures located on the eyeglass temple pieces secures the retainer to the temple pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Visual Impact Films Corp.
    Inventor: Eugene Kliot
  • Patent number: 6131209
    Abstract: An eyewear cleaning apparatus utilizes a flexible retaining band which has ends which engage and retain eyewear such as eyeglasses, sunglasses, goggles and the like to allow the eyewear to be carried about the neck of the user. A selectively closeable compartment is positioned on the band intermediate the ends and contains a specialized lens cleaning cloth which is moveable between an extended cleaning position confronting the lenses of the eyewear and a rolled or folded storage position within the compartment where the cloth can be effectively carried, stored and protected from contamination yet always be available for lens cleaning when needed. When in the stored position, the cloth is substantially undetectable to the casual eye, and the band retains its aesthetically attractive appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: Timothy R. Thayer, Brett W. Frey
  • Patent number: 6092897
    Abstract: An adjustable retainer for eyeglasses that have a pair of temple bars. The retainer includes two cords of preferably the same length, one of which is attached to the right temple bar and the other of which is attached to the left temple bar. In one embodiment, the cords are attached by inserting a loop in the end of the cord partially through a hole in the end of the temple bar, and then passing the tail end of the cord through the loop and pulling the cord to tighten the loop around the temple bar. In another embodiment, two elastic cords, each having an enlargement at one end, are pulled through their respective temple bar holes so that the enlargement is held against the outer surface of the hole. In both embodiments, the tail ends of the cords are inserted through a cord holder, which is preferably a cord lock, and secured together to form a stop for the cord holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: First Echelon Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Thomas Smerdon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6070303
    Abstract: A pendant-like device which hangs around the neck and holds clip-on sunglasses (or similar eyewear) in a forward-facing position at mid-chest level. All models consist of a pendant that is suspended at mid-chest level by a cord which loops behind the neck of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventors: Peter M. Macy, Robert N. Shelton
  • Patent number: 6062690
    Abstract: An improved eyeglass retainer is disclosed, having annular closure means on the ends thereof that attach to the eyeglass frames. The annular closure means draws the material of the retainer over the attachment means of the retainer, and bunches and constricts it in front of the attachment means, so as to hide said attachment means from view. Further, by drawing over and constricting in front of the attachment means, the closure means maintains a close fit of the retainer material with the eyeglass frames, even in the presence of winds and inertial forces. An alternate embodiment involving a wider elastic annular closure means is also disclosed, which conforms to the narrower profile in front of the attachment means, rather than bunching material in front of it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Visual Impact Film Corp.
    Inventor: Eugene Kliot
  • Patent number: 6053612
    Abstract: A multi-purpose eyeglass retainer is provided which is capable of connecting to a temple of an eyeglass frame in multiple fashions. The retainer includes an elongated, flexible cord. A slipknot is formed on both of the free ends of the flexible cord. The retainer is connectable to eyeglass temples by slidably receiving the respective slipknots. The retainer is also capable of connecting to the free ends of the temples in a "sport-style" attachment using the same elongated, flexible cord. An adapter includes a hook member on one end and a post member on the other end. The slipknot of the elongated, flexible cord is removably connected to the hook member. A rubber tube member receives the free end of a temple end. The tube is removably connected to the post member. The elongated, flexible cord is adapted to connect to the free ends of the temples. The adapter and tube may be provided alone without the retainer cord for retrofitting to existing retainer cords that have a slipknot on a free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: The Hilsinger Company L.P.
    Inventors: Charles M. MacIntosh, Jr., Ernest P. Giordano
  • Patent number: 6036310
    Abstract: A pair of eyeglass frames are provided having two wrap-around temple portions, and a temple-portion adjustment mechanism. The two wrap-around temple portions pivotally attach to the frame. Each wrap-around temple portion includes a substantially straight portion and a resilient, wrap-around portion connected thereto. The curved portion has a bias to wrap around a wearer's ear. The temple-portion adjustment mechanism includes a beam which may rigidize a selected length of the corresponding wrap-around temple portion. The wearer selects the length rigidized by sliding the beam along an axis of the straight portion. Sliding the beam in a first axial direction draws a length of the wrap-around portion into engagement with the beam and counteracts the bias in the curved portion. This straightens and rigidly supports the selected length of the curved portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: John B. Moetteli
  • Patent number: 6027213
    Abstract: A jewelry article is adapted for attachment as an extension of the temple arm on conventional eyeglasses. The jewelry extension, or "glasstension", grips the temple arm with an elastic loop portion of a gripping member, and the gripping member in turn supports one or more elongated strands of jewelry type decorations, such as beads and charms. Each glasstension is a unitary piece, with the elongated decorative strands being securely affixed onto the gripping member. In one particular embodiment, the glasstension includes two or more decorative strands, and two additional gripping members attached at or near the ends of two of the decorative strands, allowing the glasstension to be converted from a single sided glasstension to a combined double sided glasstension and eyeglass retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Patricia M. Ignatowski
  • Patent number: 6000795
    Abstract: A device for securing eyeglasses on a person's head. A pair of elastomeric retainers are secured along temples of a pair of eyeglasses for positioning behind a person's ears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Pierre C. Van Rysselberghe
  • Patent number: 5956812
    Abstract: An eyeglass holder secures a pair of eyeglasses to a selected article of clothing when the eyeglasses are not being worn. The holder comprises a flexible strand folded back upon itself forming a loop to encircle and releasably hold the eyeglass temple bar. An adjusting sleeve allows size adjustment of the loop. A retention bead engages the loop to prevent the adjusting sleeve from sliding off the loop. The loop is connected to a spring loaded clamp having teeth releasably clamped to the selected article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: January L. Moennig
  • Patent number: 5917576
    Abstract: An eyewear assembly comprising a set of eyewear having a lens piece, two temple pieces, and an attachment member securely connected to each temple piece. The attachment member has a first predetermined length and upon extension to a second length, retains the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Cabot Safety Intermediate Corporation
    Inventor: Robert N. Falco
  • Patent number: 5905560
    Abstract: A personal eyeglass and head gear retainer system to protect the user thereof from the loss of such items. The system comprises, in combination, a conventional style head gear, preferably in the form of a baseball cap or a sun visor, where the head gear features a discontinuous peripheral rim, and conventional style eyeglasses, such as sunglasses. Included in the combination is a pair of flexible cords of a discrete length and joined together at an intermediate position along the lengths. A first end of each cord is secure to the peripheral rim of the head gear, and a second end is secured to a respective free end of the eyeglass ear supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Wallace V. Daniel
  • Patent number: 5898472
    Abstract: An eyeglass holding device (7) has a strap (4') with a clip for attaching the strap end to an eyeglass frame (1'). The strap feeds in and out of a housing (8) which contains reel (14) on which the cord winds. The housing is detachably mounted on a hat or shirt for example with VELCRO. The strap winding mechanism inside the housing includes a torsion spring (21) for retracting the strap back into the housing; a rachet (18) and pawl (17) acting as lock to stop the spring from pulling the strap in once it is pulled out; and a button (16) to release the lock. The eyeglasses can be pulled to bring out any length of the straps. The torsion spring retracts the cords while the button is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Hidetoshi Oshikawa
  • Patent number: 5805262
    Abstract: A fastener, adapted to attach a cord or a chain to a sidepiece of a pair of eyeglasses, has a cylindrical tightening ring and an elastic loop having a cross section with a flat side and a curved side. The inner diameter of the tightening ring is smaller than the length of the flat side of the cross section of the elastic loop. When the elastic loop is passed through the tightening ring, the flat sides of two cross sections of the elastic loop face each other and the curved sides of the two cross sections face the inner surface of the tightening ring to secure the tightening ring to the elastic loop. When the fastener is attached to the sidepiece, the flat side of the cross section of the elastic loop faces the sidepiece to secure the elastic loop to the sidepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Deveney
  • Patent number: 5786882
    Abstract: A retainer for spectacles has slots formed horizontally from front edges in flat plastic depending rear ends or tips of temples hinged on opposite sides of a double eyeglass frame for receiving and retaining opposite end portions of an elastic band extending around the backside of the user's head to retain the spectacles on the user's head. The slots have forward portions with reduced width relative to thickness of the elastic bands and the width of rear portions of the slots so as to retain the elastic bands within the slots. The rear portions of the slots are beveled so as to reduce wear on the elastic band as well as to enhance the retaining of the band within the rear portions of the slots as well as rendering the band less visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Richard W. Satterthwaite
  • Patent number: 5781273
    Abstract: An eyewear retainer to be attached to the forward lens carrying frame of a pair of eyeglasses in substitution for the usual temples. The retainer has two flexible elongated elements connectible at their forward ends to the usual frame carried hinge elements, and which extend rearwardly about the head and are detachably and adjustably connected together at the back of the head, preferably by velcro fastener pads. The elongated elements may be formed as flexible plastic tubes, carrying connectors at their forward ends adapted to extend through openings in the frame carried hinge elements and be retained against separation therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Robert O. Boden
  • Patent number: 5732415
    Abstract: The present invention is an eye protection device adapted to be worn by a canine. The device comprises an eye enclosure element such as a transparent plastic goggle which is adapted to rest snugly against the face of a canine. A pair of side straps extend from opposing sides of the eye enclosure element to connect to a collar adapted to be worn about the neck of the canine. The side straps are length adjustable as by hook and loop attachments, snaps or pawl mechanism and couple to the collar along a selected length of the collar thereby allowing two-dimensional adjustment of the side straps. A preferred embodiment of the invention further includes a pivot element for easily rotating the eye enclosure element away from the eyes of the canine when the invention is not needed. Alternately, the invention can include anti-lift and anti-loss straps for maintaining use of the invention when the wearing animal is using the invention in inclement conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: David J. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5654787
    Abstract: Eyewear and information holder for holding eyewear and information next to a user of the holder. The holder includes an elongated strap having a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to one end of a first flexible retainer. The second end is attached to one end of a second flexible retainer. The first and second retainers include a stud opening and a temple member opening. When the holder is used for holding eyewear, the temple member openings are adapted for receiving a first and a second temple member therethrough of a pair of eyeglasses. A first and a second advertising piece with an attachment stud on the back of each piece are secured next to the sides of the retainers with the attachment stud received through the stud openings. When the holder is used for holding the various types of information, the temple member openings are adapted for receiving a first and a second engagement arm of a connector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph I. Barison
  • Patent number: 5644426
    Abstract: A strap mounting mechanism for an optical viewing device, such as binoculars, has a lens barrel body and a cover member which closes an opening of the lens barrel on the eyepiece side. The lens barrel body is provided at a circumferential surface thereof adjacent to the cover member, with a through hole. The cover member is provided with a strap insertion opening and a strap guide wall integral therewith, which is fitted at its one end in the through hole and is connected at the other end to the strap insertion opening to define a strap passage in the lens barrel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiichi Hotta
  • Patent number: D519542
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Hildegard Keins Goodman