BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tool holder clip. More specifically, the present invention relates to an eyeglasses holder clip having a quick release clasp.

2. Description of the Related Art A vast number of sunglasses and other consumer eye-protection products are sold each year in sizes ranging from very small (nose-bridge glasses) to very large (safety glasses) sizes.

A growing number of eyeglasses are tinted and optionally polarized for eye protection and user comfort. With a growing number of drivers wearing sunglasses, and a growing safety-awareness in the public, it is now understood, that wearing sunglass while driving cuts visual glare, glare-blindness, and improves safety.

Glasses, when not in use, are commonly stored in a shirt pocket, hooked on a shirt collar, or placed in a soft or hard-sided glasses case. Various attempts have also been made to improve convenience in glasses-holders. Unfortunately, a majority of the previous attempts to provide a releasably clasp for holding glasses require two- handed operation detrimental to safe driving.

A clip for eyeglasses, described in U. S. Pat. No. 5,983, 459 to Goldenberg, discusses a hinged plastic clip gripping opposing arms of a pair of glasses. The plastic clip was formed to fit over a belt or shirt pocket. Various protrusions extend between opposing legs releasably gripping the glasses-arms, keep the glasses securely mounted, and prevent damage. Unfortunately, the Goldenberg design requires two-handed operation for both the insertion and withdrawal of glasses and cannot (as described) be used on a vehicle sun-visor.

An alternative to Goldenberg, is described in U. S. Pat. No. 6,210, 003 to Chan. In this disclosure, opposing convex cover members include a separate metal clip for attaching to a belt or sun visor. A centrally located pivot point and a centrally located release point join pivotably opposed cover members. , resulting in a very narrow type of three-point connection. Unfortunately, this design allows easy torsional breakage of the hinges in the open position and also requires an additional hinge axis member increasing production costs.

In the Chan design, foam rubber members in each cover receive and grip only the arms of a pair of glasses and require that the bridge-section be positioned separately, external to one cover member. The Chan design necessitates a two- handed use during glasses insertion and makes extracting glasses difficult.

As an additional detriment, the Chan design requires two-handed use because the release point requires pressure along a line perpendicular to a pivot axis, in a direction from a top-positioned button member toward clip member.

Additional constructions have existed in the art including various chains and loops to attach glasses to a user's shirt, vest, pants, or ears, but none approaches the instant design.

In summary, the problems of commercially available eyeglasses clips and holders include at least the following: 1. Weak and easily damaged pivot hinges located centrally along a clip body.

2. A requirement for two handed operation to both open and remove the tool (glasses) held in the clip.

3. Weak and easily damaged release clasps centrally located in a clip body requiring a two-handed opening.

4. Expensive construction employing separate clip members.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide tool holder overcoming at least one of the problems noted above.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool holder allowing a safe and convenient one-handed use and a strengthened hinge and clasp design.

The present invention relates to a convenient clip-lock tool holder. A first and a second housing member are pivotally hinged on a first end and releasably joined by a clasp at a second end. Both clasp members and pivot legs are positioned proximate an outer wall of first and second housing members providing an improved strength and torsional durability. The orientation of clasp members enables a lateral engagement and disengagement of the clasp and an easy and simple one-handed use improving user safety.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a tool holder assembly, comprising: a front cover member and a back cover member, the front cover member defining an inner front receptacle, the back cover member defining an inner back receptacle, a spring clip including a clip return portion projecting from a clasp end of the back cover member, pivot hinge means for hinge- ably connecting two hinge points at a hinge end of respective front and back cover members opposite the clasp end, a front foam member in the inner front receptacle and a back foam member in the inner back receptacle, a first and a second side opening along opposing sides of the front and back cover members providing a lateral access to the front and back foam members for retaining an external tool item positioned between the front and back foam members, and clasp means for providing a two point snap engagement between the clasp ends of the front and back cover members along a direction substantially parallel to a pivot axis of the pivot hinge means, thereby allowing a one-handed opening of the assembly while prevent a separation of the external tool item from the tool holder.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tool holder assembly, wherein: the pivot hinge means further comprises a first and a second pivot leg projecting from an inward surface of the front cover member proximate respective outer walls of the front cover member, the pivot hinge means further including a pivot base member projecting from an inward surface of the back cover member, a set of opposing pivot pins projecting inwardly from respective first and second pivot legs and pivotably engaging respective pivot holes formed in the pivot base, and the set of pivot pins and the first and second pivot legs serving as the two hinge points at the hinge end of the clip, whereby the pivot hinge means provides an outwardly spaced two-point hinge connection, thereby resisting torsion between the front and back cover member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tool holder assembly, wherein : a first plurality of boundary projections bounds the inner front receptacle, a second plurality of boundary projections bounds the inner back receptacle, and the front and back foam members bounded by respective first and second pluralities of boundary projections, whereby the boundary projections prevent an unintended shifting of the foam members relative to the front and back cover members during a use.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tool holder assembly, wherein: the clasp means includes first and second projecting spring legs, and first and second projecting spring legs separated from respective outer walls of the back cover member by an opposing set of gaps, whereby the gaps increase an elastic pivot length of each the spring leg.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tool holder assembly, wherein: a pressing surface projecting outwardly from each the spring leg away from the tool holder assembly.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tool holder assembly, further comprising: a catch member on a top section each the spring leg opposite the spring clamp and projecting upwardly toward the front cover member, a catch surface and a sloped engagement surface on each the catch member, a first and a second opening on the front cover member proximate respective catch members, the first and second openings each including a snap surface, and the catch surface on each catch member engages a respective snap surface on each opening during the snap-engagement of the clasp means, whereby a pressing of the pressing surfaces inwardly along the direction generally parallel to the pivot point releases the catch members from the first and second openings and opens the tool holder assembly.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tool holder clip, comprising: a front cover member defining an inner front receptacle, a back cover member defining an inner back receptacle, a spring clip projecting from a clasp end of the back cover member, pivot hinge means for hingably connecting two hinge points at a hinge end of respective front and back cover members opposite the clasp end, a front foam member in the inner front receptacle and a back foam member in the inner back receptacle, a first and a second side opening along opposing sides of the front and back cover members providing a lateral access to the front and back foam members for retaining an external tool item positioned between the front and back foam members, clasp means for providing a two point snap-engagement between the clasp ends of the front and back cover members, the clasp means includes first and second projecting spring legs, first and second projecting spring legs separated from respective outer walls of the back cover member by a set of gaps, whereby the gaps increase an elastic pivot length of each the spring leg, and the clasp means enabling the snap-engagement between the front and the back cover members along a direction generally parallel to a pivot axis of the pivot hinge means thereby allowing a one-handed opening of the assembly while prevent a separation of the external tool item from the tool holder.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tool holder clip, further comprising: a pressing surface projecting outwardly from each spring leg away from the tool holder assembly, whereby the pressing surface provides a convenient pressing place for exerting an opening pressure on the clasp means along a direction generally parallel to the pivot axis without requiring a user to look at the tool holder clip.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tool holder clip, wherein : a first plurality of boundary projections bounding the inner front receptacle, a second plurality of boundary projections bounding the inner back receptacle, and the first and second plurality of boundary projections bounding respective front and back foam members, whereby the boundary projections prevent an unintended shifting of the foam members relative to the front and back cover members during a use.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tool holder clip, further comprising: a catch member on a top section, each spring leg opposite the spring clamp and projecting upwardly toward the front cover member, a catch surface and a sloped engagement surface on each catch member, a first and a second opening on the front cover member proximate respective the catch members, the first and second openings each including a snap surface, and the catch surface on each catch member engages a respective snap surface on each opening during the snap-engagement of the clasp means, whereby a pressing of the pressing surfaces inwardly along the direction generally parallel to the pivot point releases the catch members from the first and second openings and opens the tool holder assembly.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conduction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an exploded side view of the tool clip assembly.

Fig. 2 is a perspective side view of a bottom housing member of the tool clip assembly.

Fig. 3 is a perspective side view of a top housing member of the tool clip assembly.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the tool clip assembly in a closed position.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the tool clip assembly in a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In coping with the problems noted above, the present invention provides a tool clip assembly 1 having a top housing member 2 pivotally connected to a bottom housing member 3 by a hinge member 6.

Hinge member 6 includes a pair of opposing pivot pins 6A, 6A projecting inwardly from respective pivot legs 6D, 6D extending upwardly from an inner portion of top housing member 2. Hinge member 6 also includes a pivot base 6B projecting upwardly from an inner portion of bottom housing member 3. A pair of pivot holes 6C, 6C are positioned on the outer side surfaces of projecting pivot base 6B and pivotally engage respective pivot pins 6A, 6A after assembly.

One benefit of the present design is that opposing pivot pins 6A, 6A are integrally formed with pivot legs 6D, 6D and eliminate the need for a separate axial pivot member secured during assembly.

A second benefit of the present hinge member 6 design is that pivot legs 6D, 6D are positioned proximate opposing sides of outer rim of top housing member 2, as shown, and not centrally located thereby spreading pivot strength. This design also allows pivot base 6B to be expanded in width and thereby strengthened and toughened. This type of hinge design spaces the pivot points (pivot pins 6A, 6A) apart from each other thereby maximizing torsional resistance and preventing top housing member 2 from twisting relative to bottom housing member 3 when assembly 1 is in an open position.

As an additional benefit of the robust design for hinge member 6, breakage due to torsional hinge movement is greatly minimized and durability is improved at minimal or lower costs.

A pair of side openings 18, 18 having respective top and bottom curves 18A, 18B are formed on either side of tool clip assembly 1 and provide a lateral access to the interior portion of tool clip assembly 1. Side openings 18, 18 allow a tool, typically a pair of eyeglasses, to be laterally inserted between top and bottom housing members 2,3, and secured there between.

The shape of openings 18, 18 is shown as a curve, but alternative shapes are envisioned allowing the ability to grip and secure a much wider range of glasses shapes. For one example, where side openings 18 (18A, 18B) are shaped very broadly, and foam pieces 4,5 (later described) are selected from particularly soft foam, both the arms and the bridge section of a pair of glasses may be gripped between top and bottom housing members 2,3. As a consequence, the present design enables a very secure hold on a pair of glasses (in toto) and requires no additional manipulation to separate the arms from the bridge section prior to placing the glasses into assembly 1.

A plurality of boundary projections 15A extends from an inner surface of bottom housing member 3, and defines an open sided receptacle 15. A plurality of boundary projections 16A extends from an inner surface of top housing member 2, and defines an open sided receptacle 16.

A first foam member 4 having an adhesive backing 4A is shaped to fit within open sided receptacle 16 in top housing member 2. A second foam member 5 having an adhesive backing 5A is shaped to fit within open sided receptacle 15 in bottom housing member 3. Boundary projections 15A, 16A support the sides of respective foam members 4,5 during use and eliminate shifting relative to respective top and bottom housings 2,3. In this manner, foam members 4,5, are retained firmly in position and degradation to adhesive backings 4A, 5A is minimized. As a consequence the useful life of tool clip assembly 1 is increased.

As shown, foam members 4,5 contact each other along side openings 18 and are positioned to elastically retain any tool positioned within tool clip assembly 1. Foam members 4,5 are typically a thermoplastic-type foam but may be formed from any material capable of elastically retaining a tool within tool clip assembly 1.

Examples of alternative types of foam members 4,5 include rubber, small air bags, urethane, and PVA type foams.

A plurality of supports 17 project upwardly from an inner surface within receptacle 16 within top housing member 2, as shown. Supports 17 serve to enhance the elasticity provided to top foam member 4 by allowing portions of top foam member 4 to be pressed inwardly, within the spaces between supports 17. In this manner, the present invention allows large tool items (e. g. , large sun-glasses) to press portions of foam member 4 between supports 17 during use thereby increasing gripping-capacity.

The use of supports 17 also enables foam body 4 to be more easily compressed and thereby more easily store spring-opening energy. Additionally, the present use of supports 17 also allows adhesive backing 4A (sticking to supports 17) to retain foam member 4 within receptacle 16 after a use and prevent unintended separation. A final purpose to supports 17 is to provide a generally uniform support plane (flat) to foam member 4, allowing adaptation to alternative curved shapes of top housing member 2 without having to change the shape of foam member 4.

While the use of supports 17 are provided in one preferred embodiment noted above, it should be clear that supports 17 are not required in each embodiment of the present invention. In one alternative embodiment, supports 17 are removed and a smooth surface in receptacle 16 is provided for adhesive 4A, increasing the adhesive bonding surface. The use of supports 17 may be alternatively determined by a manufacturer weighing all the manufacturing factors, including cost, speed of manufacture, expected tool (eyeglass) size, type of foam (for foam members 4, 5), type of adhesive (for adhesive backings 4A, 5A), and many other factors common in the consumer product markets.

A top surface portion 2A is formed on an outer surface of top housing member 2 and is a generally smooth curved formed effective to prevent tool clip assembly 1 from rolling or shifting laterally when placed on a flat surface. Top surface portion 2A may include surface texture to further minimize rolling or shifting. Top surface portion 2A may also be shaped to include a visual device without detracting from the function noted above.

An elastic clip 7 projects from a bottom portion of bottom housing member 3, as shown. In the present embodiment, elastic clip 7 is integrally formed with bottom housing member 3 thereby simplifying manufacture and assembly and lowering costs.

A clip return portion 7A at a distal end of clip 7 curves away from the back surface of bottom housing member 3 and facilitates easy attachment to an automobile sun-visor, shirt pocket, belt, or other support member. By employing clip return portion 7A, a user may easily position, and reposition, tool clip assembly 1 as desired.

As shown, tool clip assembly 1 is generally longer in one direction than in another direction, and elastic retaining clip 7 extends along the longer direction (called for descriptive purposes a longitudinal direction). As a result of this type of design, the shorter direction may be descriptively referred to as a lateral direction.

As will be described, the present lateral direction is generally positioned across the longitudinal direction.

A clasp assembly 8 includes a pair of lateral leg members 9,9 projecting upwardly from bottom housing member 3 on either side of assembly 1. A pair of gaps 12,12 separate each leg member 9 from sides of bottom housing member 3 and allows leg members 9 to be elastically flexed inwardly and outwardly during assembly and use. Bottoms of leg members 9,9 are integrally formed with bottom housing member 3, as shown.

A pressing surface 11 projects outwardly on each leg member 9 away from bottom housing member 3. Pressing surfaces 11,11 allow a user to operate tool clip assembly 1 with one hand, by providing a lateral-pressing motion (relative to the body) to release clasp assembly 8, as will be described.

A catch 10 projects upwardly from a top portion of each lateral leg member 9, as shown. Each catch 10 includes a sloped engagement surface 10B and a catching surface 10A.

A pair of openings 13,13 are formed within each top housing member 3 opposite respective leg members 9,9 and catches 10,10.

Openings 13 each include a snap surface 14 for positively engaging respective catching surfaces 10A.

During an engagement of clasp assembly 8, top housing assembly 2 pivots about hinge member 6 and approaches bottom housing assembly 3. During this pivoting motion, catches 10,10 project partially within openings 13,13 allowing sloped engagement surfaces 10B, 10B to slidably-engage sides of openings 13,13 and flex elastic leg members 9,9 laterally and inwardly. As leg members 9,9 flex laterally (inwardly to the assembly as shown), catches 10,10 slid along sloped engagement surfaces 10B, 10B until reaching catching surfaces 10A, 10A where the elastic nature of legs 9,9 presses outwardly engaging catch surfaces 10A, 10A with respective snap surfaces 14,14 within openings 13,13.

In this manner, clasp assembly 8 of the present invention provides a lateral snap-fit positive-engagement. This type of engagement enables both a simple one- handed closure with an audible snap-sound allowing a user to audibly identify a positive lock without looking at assembly 1 and taking their eyes from the road.

The design of hinge member 6 includes projecting edges (shown) that during an opening of hinge member 6 contact each other and stop the opening process at a convenient angle, as will be discussed.

In combination with the present preferred design for hinge member 6, clasp assembly 8 provides a four (4)-point connection between top and bottom housing members 2,3. In other words, catches 10,10 are at opposing sides of a first end of assembly 1, and pivot pins 6A, 6A are at opposing sides of a second opposite end of assembly 1. As a consequence, the present preferred embodiment provides a vary strong and durable four (4)-point joining structure in a convenient package.

During a disengagement of clasp assembly 8, a user positions a thumb on one pressing surface 11 and a finger (preferably from the same hand) on the opposing pressing surface 11. As the user presses surfaces 11,11 inwardly, along a direction parallel to a pivot axis of hinge member 6, flexible projecting legs 9,9 flex and catch surfaces 10A, 10A slid along snap surfaces 14,14 of respective openings 13,13 until they are released. After release, compressed foam pieces 4,5, exert an elastic urging opening tool clip assembly 1 in the direction of arrow X (in Fig. 5) about pivoting hinge member 6.

In view of the above-described opening and closing motion, one preferred use of the present invention emphasizes the convenience provided by the instant one- handed-use-design most desired for storing glasses on a vehicle sun-visor. It should be understood, that one-handed-use designs allow a vehicle operator to quickly access sunglasses while retaining direct control of a vehicle and quickly alleviating detrimental driving glare from a road surface, a building, pool of water, or other reflective surface.

Where tool clip assembly 1 is positioned on a vehicle sun visor (not shown), clip 7 and clip return portion 7A are slipped over the sun visor and elastically retain top and bottom housing members 2,3 on the bottom surface of the sun visor (not shown). This position results in tool clip assembly 1 being positioned at, or above, the approximate head level of a seated vehicle driver.

To release top housing 2 from bottom housing 3, a user raises either hand above their head and positions a thumb and a finger (from the same hand) on respective pressing surfaces 11,11 and presses inwardly (laterally to the housings, as shown) releasing clasp 8 and allowing hinge member 6 to rotate. As foam members 4,5, separate, top surface 2A on top housing member 2 contacts the users'palm and stops opening. Alternative, where the user has a large hand, the opening motion will stop when an opening angle of from approximately 5 to 45 degrees is achieved and outer ends of top and bottom members 2,3 contact near hinge member 6 (as noted above).

As tool assembly 1 opens and contacts a user's palm, the remaining fingers on the opening hand may easily grasp any glasses retained between foam members 4, 5. As a consequence, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the present design allows a user to both open assembly 1 and retrieve glasses stored therein with an economy of motion (one handed), speed, and results in an increase in driver safety.

The present design benefits from positioning the direction opening-pressure is applied in a lateral direction, allowing, top housing member 2 to contact a user's palm (on the same hand) (or be stopped by contacting hinge member projections) and literally deliver glasses stored therein to a user's hand. In this manner, a user's fingers (on a single hand) may easily grasp and control glasses and speedily position them to minimize road glare. In this manner, the present invention improves safety and allows immediate single-handed access to sun-visor mounted sun glasses while allowing the user's other hand to remain in firm contact with a steering wheel.

One alternative embodiment described here includes projections or catch members (both not shown), projecting from either or both of housings 2,3 into the path of access for glasses. These projections or catches may include additional finger-members projecting from top housing 2 (positioned on the bottom when on a sun-visor) proximate the surface and hole 14. In use, as top housing 2 separates from bottom housing 3, the projections (not shown) would prevent glasses from simply sliding outwardly from between foam members 4,5. In another alternative embodiment, foam member 4 may include additional bumps or intermeshing fingers that similarly serve to prevent glasses from sliding outwardly unintentionally.

In another alternative embodiment, the present tool clip assembly 1 is positioned on a user's belt (not shown). The benefits of the present lateral pressing direction may also be realized in this position. As noted above, a user may inwardly press pressing surfaces 11, release clasp 8, and allow top housing member to spring outwardly contacting the user's palm.

It should be recognized that one-handed opening and grasping is afforded by the present design in either a sun-visor position or a user's-belt position, allowing a swift recovery of stored eyeglasses and greatly improved user convenience.

This one-handed opening and grasping use is additionally afforded by one soft-foam embodiment (noted above) allowing the assembly 1 to grip a pair of glasses along both the arms and the bridge section of the glasses, without damage to the glasses hinge sections. In this soft-foam embodiment, side openings 18, 18 are formed much more broadly and foam members 4,5, are selected from a particularly soft type of foam so that both glasses arms and bridge sections are easily accommodated without damage or undue compression likely to damage the glasses hinges.

While tool clip assembly 1, is preferably formed from a thermoplastic, in an injection molding process; it should be recognized that other manufacturing methods may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, top and bottom housing members 2,3 may be formed from metal in a metal-stamping and pressure-forming process.

Another alternative embodiment envisions replacing clip 7 is a metallic spring clip removably-fixed at one end to bottom housing member 3. For example, a threaded member (not shown) may join clip 7 to bottom housing member 3. In another example, bottom housing member may be formed with a female receiving member capable of slidably-receiving a projecting male portion of clip 7 and engaging clip 7. In this alternative male-female design, clip 7 may be slidably assembled with bottom housing member 3 and allow for easy replacement of clip 7.

In the claims, means-or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies entirely on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw's helical surface positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt's head and nut compress opposite sides of at least one wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art should readily recognize that the invention is not limited to those precise exemplary embodiments herein; and that various changes, modifications, and adaptations may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.