DISPOSABLE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR ARMS OF SPECTACLES

This invention relates to spectacles or eyeglasses, and in particular relates to covers for protecting the arms of spectacles or eyeglasses from chemicals used in procedures such as those used in the hairdressing profession.

Many persons colour their hair. Hair colouring is either carried out professionally in hairdressing salons, or on a "do-it-yourself basis at home, using off-the-shelf hair colour products.

Hair colouring products contain harsh chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide. Further chemicals used in such products are listed elsewhere in this specification. It is necessary for hairdressers to use protective gloves when applying colouring materials to the hair of a customer, and the customer's exposed skin and clothing is also protected during the colouring process. Home colour products invariably include a pair of disposable gloves, and sometimes also include a cape for protection of clothing.

It has been estimated that about 80% of hair salon customers wear spectacles. Although it would be possible for persons having their hair coloured to remove their glasses while undergoing the colouring procedure, because the procedure takes a relatively long time - up to two hours in some circumstances - customers need to wear their spectacles, particularly if they are reading spectacles which are used to read magazines, newspapers and the like while waiting for the colouring process to run its course. This ensures that the service provided to a customer is as relaxing as possible, which often results in greater productivity. In addition, for persons colouring or otherwise treating their hair at home, it is often necessary to wear spectacles to read the instructions, before and during the procedure.

Eyeglasses have arms made of plastics material, rubber or the like, or of metal with the end portion, that which rests on and around the ear, made of plastics material, rubber or the like. The chemicals used to colour hair, including hydrogen peroxide, attack such materials, causing permanent damage in the form of staining, discolouration, bleaching, pitting and the like.

Sometimes, materials such as cling wrap, cling film or foil have been used in an attempt to protect the arms of eyeglasses. However, it is often difficult and time- consuming to apply such material to the ends of both arms of a pair of spectacles, and to remove the material at the end of the hair-colouring procedure. In addition, cling film is often unsatisfactory as a protective measure. It is also a messy procedure to remove cling wrap, cling film or foil, as the material has to be unwound from the arms of the spectacles.

The web site www.hairboutique.com suggests that petroleum jelly be applied to the skin of a person about to undergo hair colouring, in the area adjacent to the hair. There is no suggestion that such a substance be used to coat eyeglass arms, and in fact even if such a procedure were followed, it would be extremely time-consuming to coat the arms and subsequently remove the coating of petroleum jelly.

It is an object of this invention to provide protective means for use with eyeglass arms.

The invention provide a protective device for an arm of a pair of spectacles or eyeglasses, characterised in that said device has a first portion for receiving at least part said arm, and in that said device has a second portion for releasably attaching said first portion to said arm.

Embodiments of the invention will be described in detail hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a perspective view from one side of a first embodiment of a protective cover for an arm of a pair of spectacles, in place on such an arm;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a detail of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 1 , showing the cover secured in place;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view from one side of a second embodiment of a protective cover for an arm of a pair of spectacles, in place on such an arm;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a detail of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 5, showing the cover secured in place;

Fig. 7 is a side elevation of a third embodiment of a protective cover for an arm of a pair of spectacles;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a detail of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 8, showing the cover secured in place;

Fig. 10 is side elevation of a fourth embodiment of a protective cover for an arm of a pair of spectacles;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a detail of Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 11 , showing the cover secured in place;

Fig. 13 is a side elevation of a fifth embodiment of a protective cover for an arm of a pair of spectacles;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a detail of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 14, showing the cover secured in place;

Fig. 16 is a side elevation of a sixth embodiment of a protective cover for an arm of a pair of spectacles;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a detail of Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 17, showing the cover secured in place;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view from the side of a seventh embodiment of a protective cover for an arm of a pair of spectacles;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a detail of Fig. 19;

Fig. 21 is a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 20, showing the cover secured in place;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view from the side of an eighth embodiment of a protective cover for an arm of a pair of spectacles;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a detail of Fig. 22;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 23, showing the cover secured in place;

Fig. 25 is a perspective view from the side of a ninth embodiment of a protective cover for an arm of a pair of spectacles;

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a detail of Fig. 25;

Fig. 27 is a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 26, showing the cover secured in place;

Fig. 28 is a perspective view from the side of a ninth embodiment of a protective cover for an arm of a pair of spectacles; and

Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a detail of Fig. 28, showing the cover secured in place;

Conventional spectacles or eyeglasses normally have two arms hinged respectively to the sides of the lens-bearing portion of the spectacles or eyeglasses. Each arm usually has a straight portion of metal or plastics material with a hinge at one end and a curved section at the other end, the curved section being in use is adapted to locate on the ear of the wearer of the pair of spectacles or eyeglasses. With a metal arm, there is normally a portion, conventionally of plastics material encapsulating the metal, which in use is intended to contact the ear of the wearer.

It is to be understood that the shape, dimensions and material(s) of the arm with which the protective cover of the present invention are not limited to those described hereinbefore, but may take any suitable form. For example, the arm may be formed entirely from plastics material.

In a product marketed in Australia and New Zealand as Schwarzkopf Country colours, the "creme developer" contains aqua, hydrogen peroxide, acrylates copolymer, etidronic acid, sodium laureth sulfate, 2,6-dicarboxypyridine and disodium pyrophosphate. The colour lotion contains aqua, isopropyl alcohol, laureth-2, coconut alcohol, propylene glycol, oleic acid, ethanolamine, arginine, hydrolyzed wheat protein, ascorbic acid, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium sulfite, etidronic acid, "parfum" [+/- toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate, 4-amino-m-cresol, tetra aminopyridine sulfate, 1 ,3-bis-(2,4-diaminophenoxy) propane HCL, 2,7- napthalenediol, 1 ,5- napthalenediol, resorcinol, 4-chlorpresorcinol, 2-methyl resorcinol, m-aminophenol, 4-amino-2-hydroxy toluene, 5-amino-6-chloro-o-cresol, HC Blue No. 7, 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine, 2,6-dihydroxyethylaminotoluene, 4- amino-2nitrodiphenylamine-2'-carboxylic acid, tetrahydro-6-nitroquinoxaline, 2- amino-6-chloro-4-nitrophenol, hydroxyethyl-2-nitro-p-toluidine]. The "shine conditioner" contains aqua, parfum liquidum, cetearyl alcohol, glucose, cera alba, chamomilla recuitta, bisabolol, cetyl palmitate, cetromonium chloride, benzophenone-3, dimethylpabamidopropyl laurdimonium tosylate, propylene glycol stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, laureth-10, alcohol denat, phenoxyethanol, methlyparaben, propylparaben and parfum.

Other chemicals used in preparations for the hair are: silica, butylphenyl, methylpropional, linalool, citronella, p6-dimonium chloride phosphate, decyl glucoside, toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate, linoleamideopropyl, m-amino phenol, polyquaternium-2, decyl oleate, potassium oleate, disodium pyrophosphate, phosphoric acid, ammonium hydroxide, cetearyl alcohol, sodium cetearyl sulfate, disodium edta, sodium benzoate, potassium hydroxide, potassium castorate, ammonium polyacrylate, ammonium acrylates, copolymer, titanium dioxide and tetrasodium edta.

Figs. 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a cover 10 according to the present invention, which is intended to be used to cover at least part of an arm 13 of a representative pair of spectacles 11. The cover 10 includes a sleeve portion 12, which is adapted to receive part or all of such an arm. The sleeve portion 12 includes a first part 14 adapted to locate over the straight section of a conventional arm of a pair of spectacles, and a second part 16 adapted to locate over the ear- contacting curved section of such an arm. An opening 18 at the end of portion 14 communicates with the hollow interior of cover 10.

It is envisaged that an effective protective cover of the type shown as 10 in Fig. 1 may only consist of a sleeve portion which engages the ear-contacting section of an arm of a pair of spectacles, as that section is the one most likely to be affected by chemicals in hair treatment preparations. However, it is a preference, in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 29, for the protective cover to cover the ear-contacting portion of an eyeglass arm, such as 15 in Fig. 1 , and part of the straight section of such an arm, such as 17 in Fig. 1.

At the front end of cover 10, that is, the end closest in use to the lens-bearing portion of a pair of spectacles, there are provided means 20 for releasable attachment of the cover 10 to an arm of a pair of spectacles. In Fig. 1 , the attachment means 20 is in the form of a tag attached to sleeve portion 14 and extending therefrom. The tag 20 has a self adhesive portion 22, which before use is covered by a protective sheet or seal 23 as is found in conventional double- sided adhesive tape.

The protective cover 10 is dimensioned such that it will fit over that part of an arm of a pair of spectacles which is intended to be protected. Preferably, the cover 10 will be dimensioned, and/or be formed from a material, which will enable easy location of the cover 10 on the arm, but with a reasonably close fit.

To use a cover 10, the end of an arm of a pair of spectacles is inserted into opening 18, and the cover 10 is then slid as far as possible along the arm. The protective seal 23 is removed from self-adhesive portion 22, and tag 18 is then wrapped around the arm, and the portion 22 pressed to itself to secure the cover in place. This is shown in Fig. 3. Another cover 10 may then be located on the other arm of the pair of spectacles. When the hair treatment has been concluded, the covers 10 may be removed by firstly pulling the self-adhesive portions 22, and then sliding the covers from the arms. Preferably, the cover 10 is disposable, and may then be discarded.

Any material which will prevent chemicals such as hair-colouring chemicals reaching the material of an eyeglass arm would be suitable for the fabrication of cover 10. A suitable plastics material may be preferred. Alternatively, a form of paper may be used, such as a thin, recycled paper, which may advantageously have one shiny surface to facilitate insertion of the arm of a pair of glasses. The paper may be a treated paper. The kind of material currently used for protective gloves, may alternatively be used for the cover of this invention. Such glove materials are latex (natural rubber latex), nitrile rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), neoprene and Kevlar (Registered Trade Mark).

Figs. 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of a cover according to the present invention. The cover 110 includes a sleeve portion 112, which is adapted to receive part or all of an arm 113 of a representative pair of eyeglasses 111. The sleeve portion 112 includes a first part 114 adapted to locate over the straight section 117 of a conventional arm of a pair of spectacles 111 , and a second part 116 adapted to locate over the ear-contacting curved section 115 of such an arm. An opening 118 at the end of portion 114 communicates with the hollow interior of cover 110.

Releasable attachment means 120 consists of two tags 122, 124, extending from portion 114 of cover 110. Tag 122 has a self-adhesive portion 126, covered before use by a protective sheet seal 123 or the like. Preferably, the two tags 122, 124 are each shorter in length than tag 20 of Fig. 1.

To use a cover 110, the end of an arm 113 of a pair of spectacles 111 is inserted into opening 118, and the cover 110 is then slid as far as possible along the arm. The protective seal 123 is removed from self-adhesive portion 126, and tag 122 is then wrapped around the arm, and the portion 126 pressed to tag 124 to secure the cover in place. This is shown in Fig. 6. Another cover 110 may then be located on the other arm of the pair of spectacles. When the hair treatment has been concluded, the covers 110 may be removed by firstly pulling the self- adhesive portions 126 from tag 124, and then sliding the covers from the arms.

Figs. 7 to 9 show a third embodiment of a cover according to the present invention. The cover 210 includes a sleeve portion 212, which is adapted to receive part or all of an arm 213 of a representative pair of spectacles 211. The sleeve portion 212 includes a first part 214 adapted to locate over the straight section 217 of arm 213 of a pair of spectacles, and a second part 216 adapted to locate over the ear-contacting curved section 215 of arm 213. An opening 218 at the end of portion 214 communicates with the hollow interior of cover 210. By way of a preference, the end 230 of cover 210 nearest the opening 218 may be of a reduced diameter compared with the rest of the cover 210.

Releasable attachment means 220 consists of two tags 222, 224, extending from portion 214 of cover 210. Each tag 222, 224 is formed from the type of conventional securing means (ties) used to close garbage bags or freezer bags. Each tag has a central deformable element 226 covered by paper, plastics or the like 228. The element 226 may be formed from wire.

To use a cover 210, the end of an arm of a pair of spectacles is inserted into opening 218, and the cover 210 is then slid as far as possible along the arm. Tags 222, 224 are then twisted together to locate the cover in place. This is shown in Fig. 9. Another cover 210 may then be located on the other arm of the pair of

spectacles. When the hair treatment has been concluded, the covers 210 may be removed by firstly untwisting the tags 222, 224, and then sliding the covers from the arms.

Figs. 10 to 12 show a fourth embodiment of a cover according to the present invention. The cover 310 includes a sleeve portion 312, which is adapted to receive part or all of an arm 313 of a representative pair of eyeglasses 311. The sleeve portion 312 includes a first part 314 adapted to locate over the straight section 317 of arm 313, and a second part 316 adapted to locate over the ear- contacting curved section 315of such an arm. An opening 318 at the end of portion 314 communicates with the hollow interior of cover 310. By way of a preference, the end 330 of the cover 310 closest to the opening 318 may have a smaller diameter relative to the reminder of cover 310.

Releasable attachment means 320 consists of a tag 322, extending from portion 314 of cover 310. The tag 322 is formed from the type of ties referred to in the description of Fig. 3. The tag 322 has a central deformable element 324 covered by paper, plastics or the like 326. The element 324 may be formed from wire.

To use a cover 310, the end of an arm of a pair of spectacles is inserted into opening 318, and the cover 310 is then slid as far as possible along the arm 313. Tag 322 is then twisted around the arm to locate the cover in place. This is shown in Fig. 12. Another cover 310 may then be located on the other arm of the pair of spectacles. When the hair treatment has been concluded, the covers 310 may be removed by firstly untwisting the tag 322 from the arm, and then sliding the covers from the arms.

Figs. 13 to 15 show a fifth embodiment of a cover according to the present invention. The cover 410 includes a sleeve portion 412, which is adapted to receive part or all of an arm 413 of a representative pair of eyeglasses 411. The sleeve portion 412 includes a first part 414 adapted to locate over the straight section 417 of arm 413, and a second part 416 adapted to locate over the ear- contacting curved section 415 of the arm. An opening 418 at the end of portion 414 communicates with the hollow interior of cover 410. By way of a preference,

the part 430 (Fig. 14) of cover 410 nearest opening 418 may have a reduced diameter relative to the remainder of cover 410.

Releasable attachment means 420 consists of a first tag 422, extending from one side of portion 414 of cover 410, and a second tag 424, extending from the other side of portion 414 of cover 410. The tag 422 has a lug 426 (Fig. 14), which is adapted to co-operate with one of apertures 428 in tag 424. The arrangement is generally similar to that used on baseball caps to size such a cap, and on name tags used for patients in hospitals.

To use a cover 410, the end of an arm of a pair of spectacles is inserted into opening 418, and the cover 410 is then slid as far as possible along arm 413. Tag 422 is then folded around the arm such that lug 426 is able to locate in one of apertures 428 to locate the cover in place on the arm. This is shown in Fig. 15. Clearly, the lug 426 which corresponds to the tightest fit may be selected. Another cover 410 may then be located on the other arm of the pair of spectacles. When the hair treatment has been concluded, the covers 410 may be removed by firstly removing lugs 426 from apertures 428, and then sliding the covers from the arms.

Figs. 16 to 18 show a sixth embodiment of a cover according to the present invention. The cover 510 includes a sleeve portion 512, which is adapted to receive part or all of an arm 513 of a conventional pair of spectacles 511. The sleeve portion 512 includes a first part 514 adapted to locate over the straight section 517 of arm 513, and a second part 516 adapted to locate over the ear- contacting curved section 515 of such an arm. An opening 518 at the end of part 514 communicates with the hollow interior of sleeve portion 512.

Releasable attachment means 520 consists of an elasticised attachment means which may be considered to be a miniaturised version of what is seen in a conventional shower cap. A loop 522 (Fig. 17) of an elasticised material is located within a hem or the like (not shown) of sleeve part 514, at opening 518. The elasticised portion is adapted to stretch to permit sleeve 512 to receive arm 513.

To use a cover 510, the end of an arm of a pair of spectacles is inserted into opening 518, stretching the elasticised attachment means 520, and the cover 510 is then slid as far as possible along arm 513. This is shown in Fig. 18. Another cover 510 may then be located on the other arm of the pair of spectacles. When the hair treatment has been concluded, the covers 510 may be removed by simply sliding them from the arms, and may then be discarded. The embodiment of Figs. 16 to 18 is preferred by the applicant.

Figs. 19 to 21 show a seventh embodiment of a cover according to the present invention. The cover 610 includes a sleeve portion 612, which is adapted to receive part or all of an arm 613 of a conventional pair of eyeglasses 611. The sleeve portion 612 includes a first part 614 adapted to locate over the straight section 617 of arm 613, and a second part 616 adapted to locate over the ear- contacting curved section 515 of such an arm. An opening 618 at the end of part 614 communicates with the hollow interior of sleeve part 612. By way pf a preference, the part 630 of cover 610 nearest opening 618 is of reduced diameter relative to the reminder of cover 610.

Releasable attachment means 620 consists of a loop 622 of material which is intended to act as a drawstring. The loop 622 of material is located within a hem or the like (not shown) of sleeve part 614, at or near opening 618. There is clearly at least one aperture connecting the hem with the outside of the cover 610, to allow the loop 622 of material to extend out of the hem. A fastening member 624 is located on loop 622 such that the loop 622, or each side of the loop 622, passes through one aperture or two apertures in fastening member 622.

To use a cover 610, the end of an arm of a pair of spectacles is inserted into opening 618, and the cover 610 is then slid as far as possible along arm 613. At that point, fastening member 624 is pushed down towards the cover 610, tightening that portion of loop 622 around the arm to releasably attach the cover 610 in place. This is shown in Fig. 21. Another cover 610 may then be located on the other arm of the pair of spectacles in a similar fashion. When the hair treatment has been concluded, the covers 610 may be removed by pushing the fastening members 624 away from the covers 610, loosening the loop 622 from

around the arm, and then by sliding the covers from the arms. They may then be discarded.

Figs. 22 to 24 show an eighth embodiment of a cover according to the present invention. The cover 710 includes a sleeve portion 712, which is adapted to receive part or all of an arm 713 of a conventional pair of eyeglasses 711. The sleeve portion 712 includes a first part 714 adapted to locate over the straight section 717 of arm 713, and a second part 716 adapted to locate over the ear- contacting curved section 715 of such an arm. An opening 718 at the end of part 714 communicates with the hollow interior of sleeve part 712. By way of a preference, the part 730 of cover 710 nearest opening 718 is of reduced diameter relative to the reminder of cover 710.

A fastening member 720 has a generally trident shape, with a handle portion 722 for manual gripping of the member 20, and two arms 724, 726 which are adapted to flex.

To use a cover 710, the end of an arm of a pair of spectacles is inserted into opening 718, and pushed along arm 713. Fastening member 720 is then pushed over part 730 and arm 713 to hold cover 710 in place. Another cover 710 may then be similarly located on the other arm of the pair of spectacles. When the hair treatment has been concluded, the covers 710 may be removed by simply removing fastening elements 720 and sliding covers 710 from the arms. The covers 710 and the fastening elements 720 may then be discarded.

Figs. 25 to 27 show a ninth embodiment of a cover according to the present invention. The cover 810 includes a sleeve portion 812, which is adapted to receive part or all of an arm 813 of a conventional pair of eyeglasses 811. The sleeve portion 812 includes a first part 814 adapted to locate over the straight section 817 of arm 813, and a second part 816 adapted to locate over the ear- contacting curved section 815 of such an arm. An opening 818 (Fig. 26) at the end of part 814 communicates with the hollow interior of sleeve part 812.

At the end of cover 810 nearest the opening 818 there are located two fastening

means in the form of two loops 820, 822. To use a cover 810, the end of arm 813 is inserted into opening 818, and the cover 810 is then slid as far as possible along arm 813. At that point, fastening members 820 and 822 are tied around the end of cover 810 and arm 813 to secure the cover 810 in place on arm 813 to releasably attach the cover 810 in place. This is shown in Fig. 27. Another cover 810 may then be located on the other arm of the pair of spectacles in a similar fashion. When the hair treatment has been concluded, the covers 810 may be removed by untying the fastening members 820, 822, and then sliding the covers 810 from the arms. They may then be discarded.

Figs. 28 and 29 show a tenth embodiment of a cover according to the present invention. The cover 910 includes a sleeve portion 912, which is adapted to receive part or all of an arm 913 of a conventional pair of eyeglasses 911. The sleeve portion 912 includes a first part 914 adapted to locate over the straight section 917 of arm 913, and a second part 916 adapted to locate over the ear- contacting curved section 915 of such an arm. An opening 918 (Fig. 29) at the end of part 914 communicates with the hollow interior of sleeve part 912.

In Figs. 28 and 29, the entire cover is elasticised. The closer fit of cover 910 over arm 913 may be seen in Fig. 28. To use a cover 910, the cover 910 is slid over arm 913, with the arm 913 entering the opening 918. The elastic nature of the material of the cover 910 enables it to stretch as it is pushed over the arm 913, and will releasable retain it in place when pushed right over arm 913. Removal of the cover 910 merely involves sliding the cover 910 off arm 913, and discarding it. The same operation may be carried out on the other arm of a conventional pair of eyeglasses 911.

Of course, the releasable attachment means of this invention may take any suitable form, beyond those described in detail hereinbefore. It may be a simple piece of material attached to or integral with (for example) cover 10 of Fig. 1 , to be tied around an arm. In a cover such as 10 which extended most or all of the way to the front end of an arm, the tag may be used to tie around the junction of the arm 10 and the lens-bearing portion (not shown) of the frame of the eyeglasses.

In another embodiment, the attachment means may be a piece of material which joins two covers such as 10, so that covers 10 could be slipped on both arms, with the attachment means resting out of the way above or below the lenses of the spectacles. The attachment means may be elastic, whether attached to only one cover such as 10, or joining two covers 10.

As has been stated, it is intended that the covers described hereinbefore be single-use products, although they may be used more than once. It is further intended that for professional use, pairs of covers would be sold to a hair salon stockist or distributor, which in turn would sell the product into salons. The product may also be made available in places such as pharmacies. With home colouring kits, a pair of the covers could be included in each packet, or with packages which contain material for more than one hair colouring exercise, as many pairs of covers as there are treatments, would be included in the package. In both situations, the customer or product user would be able to continue to use their spectacles whilst undergoing the colouring treatment.

It can be seen that this invention provides an improved cover to protect spectacles during a professional or home care hair colouring service, which is easy for the salon stylist or home hair colour operator to use. The cover may be used in salons throughout the world. It can also be sold to hair salon stock shops, hair colour companies such as the aforementioned Schwarzkopf, home hair colour companies, pharmacies, supermarkets, department stores and salons which provide the service of hair colouring.

The cover of the present invention will be of major benefit to the hairdressing industry throughout the world. It provides assurance to the client that the client's spectacles will be free of damage during a colour service, whether it be professional or at home, and also enables the client to relax during the colour processing time. A salon service is often the only time a client has to sit and relax, to catch up on the late'st world events, through magazines or newspapers, to do paperwork, or to work using a laptop or notebook computer.

The claims form part of the disclosure of this application.