Introduction

This invention relates to spectacles cases, in particular cases for carrying two or more pairs of spectacles simultaneously.

Background of the invention

Spectacle wearers are often faced with challenges when using two or more pairs of spectacles in their day to day lives. For example, a person who wears spectacles for the correction of their eyesight may also wish to wear another pair of spectacles to protect their eyes from the sun. It may therefore be necessary to carry a minimum of two pairs of spectacles on their person at any given time so that they can interchange their spectacles as appropriate.

Commonly, spectacle wearers store their spectacles in a case while not in use. Typically, a spectacles case takes the form of a clamshell comprising two rigid and hollow shells that are hinged together about mutual long edges and are each open to one side. When their open sides are brought together to close the case, the two shells together form a protective volume sized to accommodate a pair of spectacles.

A problem faced by spectacle wearers who need to carry two or more pairs of spectacles is that each pair of spectacles requires its own case. Whilst it may be possible to fit two pairs of spectacles into a standard case together, it would then be likely that both pairs of spectacles would be damaged through contact with each other. Proposals have therefore been made for protective cases that can accommodate two pairs of spectacles simultaneously in respective compartments that are partitioned from each other within the internal volume of the case.

KR 20150058791 describes a spectacles case that is designed to carry two pairs of spectacles at once. The case is similar to the standard clamshell type described above but with the addition of a flap disposed between the two hollow shells. The flap divides the internal volume of the case into two compartments. Each compartment is appropriately sized to house a respective pair of spectacles. The flap is hinged between the shells along their hinge axis so that the flap can be lifted when the shells are hinged apart on opening the case.

Although KR 20150058791 provides a solution for carrying two pairs of spectacles in one case, the user experience is lacking. For example, upon opening the case, the user is immediately presented with a problem because an upper pair of spectacles resting on the flap must be lifted or removed to allow the flap to be lifted for access to a lower pair of spectacles stored below the flap. This is a fiddly operation that requires the use of two hands and increases the risk of the upper pair of spectacles being dropped and damaged. There is also a question of where to place the upper pair of spectacles while viewing or extracting the lower pair.

Similarly, US 2003/0178324 discloses a case for carrying two pairs of spectacles that features a divider between two compartments. Again, the divider is pivotably attached to the shells of the case along their mutual hinge axis, but in this instance the divider is spring-biased into an intermediate angular position between the shells when the case is open. This has the advantage of allowing the wearer to view both pairs of spectacles simultaneously and without having to lift the divider manually. However, automatic movement of the divider also increases the risk of one or both pairs of spectacles dropping accidentally from the case. This risk is exacerbated by the curvature of the divider that trends downwards towards the wearer, which especially increases the risk of the upper pair of spectacles sliding out of the case.

It is against this background that the invention has been devised.

Summary of the invention

The invention resides in a spectacles case, comprising: a pair of hollow shells that are angularly movable relative to each other between a closed state in which mutually opposed open sides of the shells are brought together to enclose an internal volume and an open state in which the open sides of the shells are moved apart for access to the internal volume. A divider is disposed between the open sides of the shells to divide the internal volume into compartments, each of the compartments being within a respective one of the shells. The divider comprises a pair of leaves in face-to-face relation, each leaf of the pair being angularly movable relative to a respective one of the shells between a closed position, in which the leaf lies across the open side of that shell to close the compartment within that shell, and an open position, in which the leaf is moved away from the open side of that shell for access to that compartment.

The leaves may be biased into their open positions relative to their respective shells. For example, such bias may be introduced by at least one torsion spring that acts between the leaf and the respective shell.

The leaves may be pivotably mounted for movement about a pivot axis relative to their respective shell. The pivot axes of the leaves could be substantially parallel to each other and to a hinge axis about which the shells are angularly movable relative to each other.

The leaves may be constrained to move within a limited range of angular movement between the closed and open positions relative to the respective shell. This angular movement within the limited range may be permitted by relative movement between a path implemented on one of the leaf and the shell and a path follower implemented on the other of the leaf and the shell.

The path may have a radius of curvature intersecting a pivot axis of a pivot mounting between a leaf and a shell. The path may extend into the compartment within the shell. In examples to be described, the path may be a slot and the path follower may be a pin received in the slot. In those examples, the slot may extend from the leaf and the pin may project into the compartment within the shell.

The shells may be biased into an open state but may also be biased into the closed state until being biased into the open state when moved angularly beyond an intermediate limit.

The leaves may lie against each other in their closed positions when the shells are in a closed state. The leaves may then remain against each other but with at least one of the leaves in its open position when the shells are in an intermediate state between the closed and open states. For example, one leaf may be in a closed position and the other leaf may be in an open position when the shells are in a first intermediate state between the closed and open states. It is also possible for both of the leaves to be in open positions when the shells are in a second intermediate state between the closed and open states, the shells then being angularly separated to a greater extent than in the first intermediate state. Lastly, the leaves may be splayed apart in their open positions when the shells are in the open state.

The leaves may comprise peripheral wall formations. These wall formations can conveniently extend into the respective compartments when the leaves are in the closed position. Conversely, the wall formations can be outside the respective compartments when the leaves are in the open position.

The case may comprise stop formations acting between the leaves and the shells to block movement of the leaves into the respective compartments.

Each shell of the case may comprise inner and outer shell components in nested relation.

The inventive concept also embraces a method of viewing and retrieving spectacles held in respective compartments within respective hollow shells of a case. By opening the shells with relative angular movement from a closed state toward an open state, at least one of the shells is moved angularly relative to a divider that separates the compartments, that divider comprising a pair of leaves in face-to-face relation. Those angular movements create an access aperture between at least one of the shells and at least one of the leaves through which to view and access spectacles in a compartment within the or each shell. Spectacles can then be retrieved from that compartment through the access aperture.

The method may also comprise: opening the shells to an intermediate state between the closed and open states and creating at least one access aperture between at least one of the leaves and at least one of the shells while the leaves remain against or beside each other; and/or opening the shells to a first intermediate state between the closed and open states and thereby creating an access aperture between one of the leaves and one of the shells while the other leaf closes an open side of the other shell; and/or opening the shells further to a second intermediate state between the closed and open states and thereby creating access apertures between both of the leaves and the respective shells; and/or limiting angular movement of each leaf relative to a respective one of the shells; and/or opening the shells to an extent that causes the leaves to splay apart; and/or biasing the leaves away from the respective shells. In summary, the present invention provides a spectacles case that is capable of storing a plurality of spectacles in an easy-to-use, easily viewable and easily accessible manner while providing secure retention until a chosen pair of spectacles is deliberately removed from the case.

The invention provides a spectacle carrying device or case generally comprising a housing that closes around an internal volume. The housing may be formed of a substantially rigid material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), aluminium or other polymers, composites or metals. In some embodiments, the housing may comprise a mirrored surface, for example on an inner surface. Conveniently, the housing may comprise a lanyard attachment point.

The housing may comprise a displaceable lid or may have a bipartite or clamshell construction. A closure or a lock may be provided to close or restrict access to the internal volume. The closure or lock may, for example, comprise a magnet or may employ spring biasing. For example, a spring latch may bias the housing to a first locked or closed state but may be displaced so as to bias the housing to a second opened state.

The internal volume is divided into a plurality of compartments, such that two or more compartments each provide a space to receive a respective pair of spectacles. In this way, a user of the device can carry plural pairs of spectacles together at any time. Thus, a user can carry an extra pair of spectacles such as a spare pair of spectacles or an additional pair of sunglasses without requiring individual cases for each. For this purpose, the housing may, for example, be divided into two compartments, such that the housing can be reversed or inverted according to the compartment and pair of spectacles that is desired.

The internal volume of the housing may be divided into the compartments by a divider, which may be substantially rigid. The divider may be hinged or pivoted relative to the housing so as to be movable from one position to another, for example where a first position allows access to a first compartment, and a second position allows access to a second compartment. In some embodiments, the compartments may comprise further storage containers, for example drawers, pouches or the like. Embodiments of the invention may comprise a rigid bipartite outer housing, which may have a generally rectanguloid shape although edges and ends of the housing may be rounded or radiused. The housing may open in a clamshell arrangement based on a hinge shared between the housing parts positioned midway along a long side of the housing. An optional lock or latch may act between the housing parts on the opposing long side.

A central divider may allow the internal volume of the housing to be separated into two compartments so that the user can carry two pairs of spectacles safely within respective protective spaces. The divider may be bipartite, forming a lid to a lower compartment and a base to an upper compartment. The divider may share the hinge between the housing parts or the parts of the divider may have individual hinges mounted to the housing parts.

Springs such as torsion springs may act on the respective parts of the bipartite divider. For example, when the case is opened, the springs may open the two compartments and splay the lid and base apart. An upper pair of spectacles may be presented to the user first if the base remains proximate to the lid, and the spectacles may be held in place via a raised lip or wall of the base. The lid may additionally comprise depending lipped or walled sides to provide a bounded platform for the lower pair of spectacles if the case is inverted. Opening the housing further may then engage a catch mechanism for the second part or lid, thereby to open up both of the compartments.

The invention therefore provides a protective case for spectacles or other articles comprising an internal protective volume that is divided into at least two separate compartments. The case operates in a sequential manner in that upon opening the case initially, the first compartment is accessible and opening the case further, the second compartment becomes accessible. This allows a user conveniently to carry two pairs of spectacles without requiring a plurality of cases.

The case may also additionally or alternatively include a stiffer or stronger hinge joining the upper and lower parts of the housing, and a less stiff or weaker hinge joining the divider to the housing, such that opening the housing does not hinge the divider upwards at first. In some embodiments, in addition or in the alternative, the case may be sprung so that initial opening forces movement of a part so as to reveal the top pair of glasses.

To open the housing, a resiliently deformable button may extend from one part of the housing and may flex back when pressed, dislodging from a hole or recess in the other part of the housing to allow the parts of the housing to hinge apart.

The housing may be made from thin metal or polymer with a decorative cover applied to the outside, for example of leather or different coloured films. The housing may comprise an internal liner.

Thus, a spectacles case of the invention comprises a pair of hollow shells that are hinged relative to each other to move between a closed state in which open sides of the shells come together to enclose an internal volume and an open state in which the open sides of the shells splay apart for access to the internal volume. A bipartite divider between the open sides of the shells divides the internal volume into compartments, each of those compartments being within a respective one of the shells.

The divider comprises a pair of leaves in face-to-face relation. Each leaf is angularly movable relative to a respective one of the shells between a closed position, in which the leaf lies across or proximate to the open side of that shell to close, or form a barrier that blocks access to, the compartment within that shell, and an open position, in which the leaf splays apart or otherwise moves away from the open side of that shell for access to that compartment.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a spectacles case of the invention, opened for access to a first pair of spectacles;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the case of Figure 1 , opened for access to a second pair of spectacles; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the case shown in Figures 1 and 2; and

Figures 4a to 4d are a sequence of sectional side views showing stages of opening of the case shown in Figures 1 to 3.

In common with the prior art, a spectacles case 100 of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 4d has a housing 2 that comprises opposed rigid hollow shells 4. The shells 4 can be brought together about their open sides to define an internal protective volume. In contrast to the prior art, the case 100 of the invention comprises a rigid bipartite divider 6 that separates the internal protective volume of the housing 2 into at least two compartments 7.

The divider 6 comprises upper and lower portions, one overlying the other in face-to- face relation. The divider portions, which are generally planar, will be described hereafter as leaves 8 but may also be described as panels, partitions, flaps or like structures. Each of those leaves 8 is attached to a respective one of the shells 4 of the case 100. Each leaf 8 is movable relative to the respective shell 4 between a closed position in which the leaf 8 lies against and closes an open side of the shell 4 and an open position in which the leaf 8 is moved away from the open side of the shell 4.

When the case 100 is closed, the leaves 8 lie against each other in approximately parallel or slightly convergent planes. Those planes are also substantially symmetrical about a split plane about which the shells 4 of the case 100 are divided from each other. The split plane also intersects the hinge axis of the case 100.

When the case 100 is closed as shown in Figure 4a, the upper leaf 8 closes the upper compartment 7. At the same time, the lower leaf 8 closes the lower compartment 7. Thus, when the case 100 is closed, the leaves 8 together form the equivalent of a single divider 6 that divides the protective volume of the case 100 into the upper and lower compartments 7. However, when the case 100 is open as shown in Figures 2 and 4d, the leaves 8 splay apart from each other and from their respective shells 4.

This reveals the contents of both compartments 7 while preventing those contents from falling out of the case 100 and yet allows easy access to and removal of those contents as desired. The relative movements of the shells 4 and the leaves 8 also add an element of intrigue to the operation of the case 100. In the example shown, each leaf 8 is hinged to the respective shell 4 on a respective pivot axis 10. The pivot axes 10 of the leaves 8 could coincide with each other and with the main hinge axis 12 of the case 100. However, in the example shown, the pivot axes 10 of the leaves 8 are instead separate from each other and from the main hinge axis 12. In this instance, the hinge axis 12 and the pivot axes 10 are suitably parallel to each other.

The pivot axes 10 mounting the leaves 8 to the shells 4 are adjacent to the long edge of each shell 4 that is shared with the main hinge defining the hinge axis 12 between the shells 4 of the case 100. The leaf hinges 10 are each biased, in this example by one or more torsion springs 14 that provide pre-tension. That bias pivots the leaves 8 away from the respective shells 4 to open the respective compartments 7 when the case 100 is opened by pivoting the shells 4 apart about the hinge axis 12.

Furthermore, in this example, each leaf 8 has a peripheral wall 16 projecting orthogonally from a generally rectangular and substantially planar panel 17 serving as a base or lid for the associated compartment 7. The peripheral walls 16 of the leaves 8 provide further retention for spectacles 18 housed in the case 100 when the case 100 is open but present minimal restriction to deliberate removal of the spectacles 18 from the case. Those walls 16 project inwardly into the respective compartments 7 when the case 100 is closed, and extend around at least a majority of the exposed edges of the leaves 8. In this example, each peripheral wall 16 is interrupted by breaks or gaps at its two outer corners so that the wall 16 comprises three separate successive segments.

Positional limit formations prevent the leaves 8 from intruding into the respective compartments 7, where a leaf 8 could otherwise damage the contents of a compartment 7. In this example, the limit formations take the form of protruding stops 20 in corners of each shell 4 opposed to the main hinge 12. Each stop 20 comprises a flange formed integrally within the shell 4 with a flat upper face or plateau against which the leaf 8 of the associated shell 4 bears when the open side of the compartment 7 is closed by that leaf 8. The abovementioned gaps in the peripheral wall 16 of each leaf 8 accommodate the respective stops 20.

Initially, upon opening the case 100 by pivoting an upper shell 4 of the case away from a lower shell 4 as shown in Figures 1 and 4b, the upper shell 4 pivots away from the leaves 8. In this way, the interior of the upper compartment 7 is revealed, allowing a user to see the spectacles 18 within. At this point, the leaves 8 remain face-to-face against each other and closing the open side of the lower shell 4 so that the lower compartment 7 is still closed. The spring bias acting on the upper leaf 8, the weight of the upper leaf 8 and the weight of the spectacles 18 in the upper compartment lying on the upper leaf 8 urges the upper leaf 8 away from the upper shell 4 and so holds the leaves 8 together.

Eventually, opening the case 100 further by pivoting the upper shell 4 to a greater angular extent relative to the lower shell 4, as shown in Figure 4c, causes the upper leaf 8 to reach the end of its range of angular movement relative to the upper shell 4. The upper leaf 8 therefore starts to pivot upwardly together with the upper shell 4. This movement would tend to lift the upper leaf 8 away from the lower leaf 8 but instead the spring bias acting on the lower leaf 8 continues to urge the lower leaf 8 against the underside of the upper leaf 8. In consequence, the leaves 8 lift from the lower shell 4 in unison, hence revealing the interior of the lower compartment 7 and allowing the user also to see the spectacles 18 within. Advantageously, the user can see into both compartments 7 at once but the compartments 7 are only partially open at this stage. In other words, the angular gaps between the shells 4 and their associated leaves 8 remain small enough that the contents of the compartments cannot easily fall out.

As the case 100 opens further toward a fully open state shown in Figures 2 and 4d, the upper shell 4 pivots so far relative to the lower shell 4 that the upper leaf 8 lifts away from the lower leaf 8 as the lower leaf 8 reaches the end of its range of angular movement relative to the lower shell 4. Further opening of the shells 4 into the fully open state therefore splays the leaves 8 apart.

This opening sequence of consecutive operations is independent of the orientation of the case 100 as the effect is the same regardless of which compartment 7 is on top. The sequence is automated by mechanisms in the case 100 to minimise user input and to add intrigue to the operation of the case 100, hence to increase the desirability of the case 100 as a product.

The extent to which each leaf 8 can open relative to its respective shell 4 is controlled by a restraint mechanism associated with each shell 4 that promotes a lost-motion effect between the leaf 8 and the shell 4. In the example shown, this restraint mechanism takes the form of a pin-in-slot arrangement in which a pin 22 fixed relative to the shell 4 travels in a curved slot 24 fixed relative to the leaf 8, although this layout could be reversed and still function in the same manner. The pin 22 travels within the confines of the slot 24 to effect a limit on the travel of the leaf 8 relative to the associated shell 4. The slot 24 extends circumferentially about the pivot axis 10 of the leaf 8, describing an arc that terminates at the desired angle of opening.

Many variations are possible within the inventive concept. For example, as best appreciated in Figure 1 and the exploded view of Figure 3, each shell 4 of the case 100 may have a two-part construction comprising a structural component and a decorative component. In this respect, the drawings show that the shells 4 each comprise inner and outer shells in a nested arrangement. Usually, the structural component will be internal to the shell and the decorative component will be external to the shell 4, for example wrapped around the structural component. Alternatively, an external structural component could be matched with a bespoke internal liner, for example shaped to complement the shape of a specific design of spectacles 18 to enhance location and retention.

A benefit of two-part construction of a shell 4 is that one of the components can be relieved of structural or functional duties, allowing it to be made from various materials and/or with various finishes, or such duties can be shared between the components. This enhances the visual appeal of the product and/or adds versatility to the product offering. Nevertheless, the structural component could be common to every case offering, maximising value from the tooling required to manufacture that component in bulk and ensuring that each case provides a sufficient level of protection.

The case 100 may open in a traditional sense using an over-centre biased hinge mechanism 25 shown in Figure 3, as is known in the art, where a bias holds the case 100 in a closed condition under pre-tension in the hinge 25. As the case 100 is opened, the bias reverses to hold the case 100 open.

A latch 26 acting between the shells 4, such as a push-button latch, could be used in conjunction with an over-centre biased hinge mechanism 12. Alternatively, a latch 26 could be used in conjunction with a bias mechanism 12 that acts to open the case 100. In that instance, the case 100 could be opened fully and automatically with the single action of disengaging the latch 26 to release the shells 4 for relative movement. Additionally, the opening and/or closing movement of the shells 4 and/or the leaves 8 may be damped. This adds to the intrigue and quality of the user experience. With respect to the above description, it is to be realised that the optimal dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Consequently, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents fall within the scope of the invention.