RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/415,187, filed 18 November 2010, incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Eyeglasses, sunglasses and protective eye wear (such as safety and sports glasses) provide corrective and/or protective benefits to wearers. However, it is not always desirable to wear the glasses over the eyes, nor is it always desirable to store them in a case. For example, a farsighted person may wish to temporarily remove a pair of eyeglasses when gazing at a distance. In another example, when moving briefly from a bright outdoor environment into a shady area or indoors, a user may remove his sunglasses in order to see better. If he does not intend to tarry long in the darker environment, the user may push the sunglasses atop his head, remove them and hold them in hand, or hang them from his shirt collar. Optionally, a lanyard can be attached to the ear pieces or temple (stem) ends such that the glasses can be removed and left dangling around a wearer's neck.

[0002] Each of the above options for temporarily retaining glasses has its drawbacks. Wearing glasses on top of the head causes the temples to stretch, making the glasses looser and more prone to falling off of the user's face when worn correctly.

Holding the glasses in hand inhibits use of the carrying hand and may also place the glasses in danger of bumps and abrasions from passing objects or people. Glasses worn in a shirt collar are prone to falling out if the wearer bends over, runs or jumps. Lanyards are unsightly, may be irritating to a wearer's neck and may annoy the wearer by catching on the wearer's clothing or hair. Pocketing a pair of glasses subjects the glasses to scratching by any objects or even rough seams within the pocket.

SUMMARY

[0003] The inventions disclosed herein provide a convenient solution to the problem of eyeglass retention. As used herein, the term "glasses" encompasses all types of protective, corrective, assistive and/or fashion eyewear, including but not limited to: prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, sports glasses, safety glasses, surgical glasses, magnification glasses and the like. [0004] The following terminology is provided to enhance understanding of certain terms used herein, and where used herein, these terms are given the following meanings:

• Frame front: Front part of the eyeglass frame that holds the lenses in place and bridges the top of the nose.

• Rims: Part of the frame front into which the lenses are inserted.

• Bridge: The area between the lenses that goes over the nose.

• Temples/ Arms: Parts of the frame that extend over and/or behind the ears to help hold the frame in place.

• Ear piece: portion of the temple that extends over and/or behind the ear.

• Hinges: Part of the frame that connects the frame front to the temples and allows the temples to swing.

[0005] In one embodiment, a magnetic eyewear retention system includes first and second sleeves for fitting with opposing temples of a pair of glasses; the first sleeve including a first magnetic element and the second sleeve including a second magnetic element attractive to the first magnetic element.

[0006] In one embodiment, a magnetic eyewear retention system includes an eyeglass frame having a frame front and first and second temples. A first magnetic element is configured with the first temple, and a second magnetic element, attractive to the first magnetic element, is configured with the second temple. The first and second magnetic elements are positioned along the first and second temples such that when the first and second temples are bent inward on their hinges towards the frame front, the magnetic elements come into sufficient proximity to hold the frame in a closed position by magnetic force

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing self-retaining eyewear includes bonding a first magnetic element with a first eyeglass temple; and bonding a second magnetic element with a second eyeglass temple. The first and second magnetic elements are positioned with the first and second temples such that the magnetic elements make sufficient contact or achieve sufficient proximity to hold the first and second temples together in a closed position via magnetic attraction, when the temples are bent inward towards a frame front, along first and second hinges joining the temples to the frame front. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a magnetic eyewear retention system, according to an embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 mounted with a pair of glasses.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the system and glasses of FIG. 1 hanging in a closed position from a user's shirt collar.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a magnetic eyewear retention system having magnetic sleeve elements and configured with a pair of glasses, according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a magnetic eyewear retention system including one magnetic sleeve element and one magnet mounted with a temple of a pair of glasses, according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a magnetic eyewear retention system including magnetic elements mounted with opposing temples of a pair of glasses, according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a magnetic eyewear retention system including magnetic elements embedded within opposing temples of an eyeglass frame such that the elements are hidden from view, according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a side view showing a self-retaining eyewear system hanging in closed position from a user's shirt collar, according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the system of FIG. with magnetic elements configured beneath outer surfaces of opposing temples of a pair of glasses, according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting a method 600 for forming self- retaining eyewear, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a magnetic eyewear retention system 100, and FIG. 2 shows system 100 configured with a pair of glasses 106. FIGs. 1 and 2 are best considered together with the following description.

[0019] Magnetic eyewear retention system 100, including sleeves 102 and 104, configured with a pair of glasses 106. In one aspect, sleeves 102 and 104 are hollow, each having an entrance aperture 103 and an exit aperture 105 (shown with respect to sleeve 102, FIG. 1). Sleeve 102 fits onto a first temple 108 of glasses 106 and sleeve 104 fits with an opposing temple 1 10. Sleeves 102, 104 may be made with a flexible material such as rubber, fabric or a flexible plastic or polymer, to facilitate placing temple 108 or 109 therethrough. Although shown as having cylindrical shapes, it will be appreciated that exterior shape of sleeves 102, 104 may vary. For example, FIGs. 1-5 show sleeves 102 and/or 104 (and magnetic elements 116 and 118) having a variety of non-limiting shapes, sizes and positions. In FIG. 2, sleeves 102, 104 are shown fitted proximate ear pieces 1 12 and 114; however, sleeve 102 and/or 104 may be positioned elsewhere along temples 108 and 110.

[0020] Each of sleeves 102, 104 has a respective magnetic element or portion 1 16, 1 18. When temples 108 and 1 10 are rotated inward towards a rear face 1 11 of a frame front 1 13 and placed one atop the other, as indicated by directional arrows 120 and 122, elements 116 and 1 18 attract one another and magnetically bond sleeves 102 and 104 together. Magnetic elements 116 and 118 may be sufficiently strong or have sufficient magnetic attraction to form a temporary magnetic bond regardless of whether or not the strips make physical contact with one another. Alternately, the interior of sleeves 102, 104 may have a coefficient of friction that is high enough to prevent the sleeves from slipping off respective temples 108, 110, but that is still low enough to allow sleeves 102 and 104 to spin on temples 108 and 110, thus facilitating contact between or close proximity of magnetic elements 116 and 118. Still alternately, although shown as strips oriented along the long axes of sleeves 102 and 104, it will be appreciated that magnetic elements 116 and 118 may also or alternately be placed circumferentially, such that magnetic elements 116 and 118 touch or come into proximity regardless of which temple (108 or 110) lies over the other when the glasses are folded.

[0021] FIG. 3 depicts glasses 106 folded and hanging from a user's shirt collar 200. Magnetic attraction between elements 116 and 1 18 through fabric 202 of the user's shirt holds glasses 106 in their folded position over shirt collar 200. System 100 advantageously prevents glasses 106 from slipping off collar 200 due to forces of gravity when the user bends over, or due to excessive user movement (i.e., running or jumping).

[0022] Sleeves 102 and 104 are preferably made of a soft, non-abrasive material, such as fabric, plastic, rubber or blends thereof, for user comfort and in order to prevent scratching or nicking of glasses 106. Sleeves 102 and 104 have sufficient elasticity to stretch over ear pieces 112 and 114 and fit snugly about temples 108 and 1 10. In one aspect, where sleeves 102 and 104 are made of fabric, elastic (not shown) or open rubber or plastic caps (also not shown) may be used about the ends of sleeve 102 or 104, to encourage contraction about temple 108 or 1 10. Sleeves 102 and 104 may optionally include inner padding (e.g., foam, rubber, fabric and the like) to protect temples 108 and 1 10 from magnetic elements 116 and 118. It will be appreciated that although magnetic elements 116 and 118 are shown on outer surfaces of sleeves 102 and 104, magnetic elements 116 and 118 may likewise be buried within material of sleeves 102 and 104, such that they are invisible to a user. Burying magnetic elements 116 and 118 for example prevents scratching of temples 108 and 1 10 or rear face 113 of frame front 111.

[0023] In one aspect, magnetic elements 116 and 118 are small neodymium magnets embedded in or applied to a surface of sleeves 102 and 104, respectively.

Alternately, a magnetic coating or paint may be applied to one of both of sleeves 102 and 104, or the magnetic element of one sleeve may be a metal portion attractive to the magnetic element (e.g., a magnet) of the opposing sleeve. Where temples 108 and/or 110 include a metal capable of magnetic bonding, one of sleeves 102 or 104 may be omitted such that the remaining sleeve and magnetic element bond with the metal of the opposing temple of glasses 106. It will be appreciated that sleeve 102 and/or 104 may be permanently or semi-permanently affixed with temples 108 and 110 (e.g., with a glue or other adhesive). In one aspect, glasses 106 are manufactured with sleeves 102 and 104. In another aspect, sleeve(s) 102 and 104 are provided as a retrofit assembly for existing eyewear (one sleeve may suffice for metal-templed glasses).

[0024] FIG. 4 shows sleeves 102 and 104 configured with a pair of sports sunglasses 306. Sleeves 102 and 104 are preferably applied to temples 308 and 310 of glasses 306 such that magnetic elements 116, 118 are on opposing surfaces with respect to temples 308 and 310. For example, as shown, sleeve 102 is positioned such that magnetic element 116 is aligned with an outer surface of temple 308. Sleeve 104 is positioned along temple 310 such that magnetic element 118 is aligned with an inner surface of temple 310. When first temple 308 and then temple 310 are folded inward on their hinges towards a rear aspect of frame front 311, magnetic elements 116 and 118 align to create a magnetic bond holding glasses 306 in a closed position (similar to the position of glasses 106 shown in FIG. 3). As noted above, one of magnetic elements 1 16 and 1 18 may be a magnet and the other may be a metal attractive to the magnet, such that the magnet and the metal stick together when the temples are closed inward. Likewise, magnetic elements 1 16 and 118 may be arranged as continuous rings about the circumference of sleeves 102 and 104, and magnetic elements 1 16 and 1 18 may additionally or optionally be placed below the outer surfaces of sleeves 102 and 104, such that the elements are not visible.

[0025] In an alternate embodiment, one or both of sleeves 102 and 104 is eliminated, and respective magnetic element 116 and/or 118 mounts directly with glasses 106. FIG. 5 shows glasses 306 with a single sleeve 116 mounted with temple 308 and a magnetic element 318 mounted directly with temple 310. Magnetic elements 1 16 and 318 are depicted as bar shapes in FIG. 4, rather than the elliptical or semi-elliptical shapes shown in FIGs. 1-3. It will be appreciated that magnetic elements described herein may take on any shape or configuration appropriate for eyeglass temples and/or sleeves.

[0026] Magnetic element 318 is shown mounted with an inner aspect of temple 310, while magnetic element 316 on sleeve 102 is positioned on an outer aspect of temple 308. It will further be appreciated that the position of magnetic elements described herein may be altered, so long as opposing magnetic elements are positioned to align with one another when temples of the glasses (e.g., temples 108, 110, 308, 310) fold inward on their hinges. It will also be appreciated that magnetic element 318 may be replaced by a metal portion, such that magnetic element 316 is attracted to the metal portion when temples 308 and 310 are folded inward towards frame front 31 1. Where temple 310 is made of or includes a magnetic metal, metal of temple 310 may serve as magnetic element 318 and sleeve 102 may be positioned upon temple 308 such that magnetic element 1 16 aligns with metal of temple 310 to hold the glasses in a closed position via a magnetic bond between the two.

[0027] FIG. 6 shows self-retaining eyewear 400, according to an embodiment. Although eyewear 400 is shown including lenses for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that eyewear 400 may instead be provided as a self-retaining frame, for accepting custom lenses of any prescription or tint. Eyewear 400 includes a frame 406 with magnetic elements 416 and 418 mounted directly with temples 408 and 410. In one aspect, one of magnetic elements 416 and 418 is a small, strong magnet, and the other of magnetic elements 416 and 418 is a magnetic metal. In another aspect, both of elements 416 and 418 are magnets. For example, magnetic elements 416 and 418 may both be small neodymium magnets affixed to or configured with opposing sides of temples 308 and 310, respectively. In one aspect, magnetic elements 416 and 418 are formed with temples 416 and 418 during manufacture. For example, magnetic elements 416 and 418 are placed into molds for temples 416 and 418 and molten material (i.e., plastic) for forming temples 408 and 410 is poured into the molds. Back surfaces of magnetic elements 416 and 418 may be scored or otherwise textured to maximize surface area for contacting and bonding with material of temples 408 and 410. Optionally, an adhesive is applied to back surfaces of magnetic elements 416 and 418 to enhance bonding with material of temples 408 and 410.

[0028] In another aspect, magnetic elements 416 and 418 are affixed to respective temples 408 and 410 following formation of the temples. Temples 408 and 410 may be formed with pockets or depressions shaped to fit magnetic elements 416 and 418 and of sufficient depth that top surfaces of magnetic elements 416 and 418 lie substantially flush with temples 408 and 410 respectively, once applied. Optionally, thin magnetic elements 416 and 418 are glued to temples 408 and 410.

[0029] In another aspect, shown in FIG. 7, magnetic elements 416 and 418 are embedded beneath outer surfaces of temples 408 and 410 of frame 406, such that they are hidden from view. For example, molten material of temples 408 and 410 may be poured into a mold and allowed to harden. Magnetic elements 416 and 418 may be placed atop the partially or completely hardened material, and then additional molten material may be poured over magnetic elements 416 and 418 to complete temples 408 and 410 and bury magnetic elements 416 and 418.

[0030] It will be appreciated that although (in FIGs. 6 and 7) magnetic element 416 is shown along temple 408 proximate an ear piece 412 and magnetic element 418 is shown along surface of temple 410 proximate a temple hinge 424, alternate positions that allow sufficient contact or proximity of the magnetic elements 416 and 418 (when the temples are folded closed) are within the scope hereof. For example, magnetic element 418 may be positioned with an outer aspect of temple 410 while magnetic element 416 is positioned with an inner aspect of temple 408. In another aspect, magnetic elements 416 and 418 are positioned mid-temple, similar to the position of sleeves 102 and 104 a shown in FIGs. 2-3 (see also FIG. 9).

[0031] FIG. 8 shows a self-retaining eyewear system 500, which is similar to eyewear system 400 of FIGs. 6 and 7. Eyewear system 500 includes a frame 506, shown folded and hanging from shirt collar 200 (previously described). Magnetic attraction between elements 516 and 518 through fabric 202 of the user's shirt holds eyewear system 500 in its folded position over shirt collar 200, advantageously preventing eyewear system 500 from slipping off collar 200 due to forces of gravity when the user bends over, or due to excessive user movement (i.e., running or jumping). Whereas FIGs. 6 and 7 show magnetic element 416 positioned proximate temple 412 and magnetic element 518 proximate hinge 424, in FIG. 8, magnetic element 516 is at a distance from an ear piece 512 and magnetic element 518 at a distance from a temple hinge 524, instead positioned with an ear piece 526. FIG. 9 shows frame 506 with magnetic elements 516 and 518 positioned proximate midlines 528 and 530 of temples 508 and 510

(respectively). In FIG. 9, elements 516 and 518 are embedded within temples 508 and 510 and hidden from view, as indicated by dotted outline.

[0032] Fig. 10 illustrates a method 600 of forming self-retaining eyewear. In optional step 602, a first layer of molten material is poured into molds for first and second eyeglass temples. The first layer may be cured, in optional step 603. In optional step 604, intended temple contact surfaces of first and second magnetic elements are scored. In step 606, first and second magnetic elements are placed in the molds for the first and second eyeglass temples. Adhesive is optionally applied to the intended temple contact surface, in optional step 608. Molten temple material is poured into the molds, and over and/or around the magnetic elements, in step 610. The poured temples are dried/cured, in step 612. Method 600 allows for permanent placement of magnetic elements upon surfaces of eyeglass temples, or for embedding of the magnetic elements within the eyeglass temples. In one example of method 600, magnetic element 416 is scored at an intended temple contact surface, and placed contact surface-up in a mold for first temple 408. Adhesive is optionally applied to the temple contact surfaces of magnetic element 416, and molten temple material is poured into the mold and over magnetic element 416. When the first temple is dried and removed from the mold, magnetic element 416 and 418 is configured with an outer surface of temple 408. The mold for temple 410 may be a reverse mold, where placing magnetic element 418 in the mold prior to a pour results in the magnetic element positioned with an inner surface of the final temple. Otherwise, a first pour may be done and cured (steps 602 and 603) prior to placement of magnetic element 418 in the mold and atop the cured first layer. Magnetic element 418 is for example placed with its temple contact side down and in contact with the first layer. Here, the order of steps 606 and 608 may be reversed, and adhesive applied to the temple contact side prior to placing element 418 atop the first layer. Molten temple material is poured around (but not over) element 418, in step 610, and cured in step 612 to form finished temple 410 with magnetic element 418 configured with an outer temple surface. Temples 408 and 410 are joined with frame front 406, in step 614, and lenses are joined with the frame front in step 616. It will be appreciated that certain steps of method 600 may be carried out in a different order than that presented in FIG. 10.

[0033] In another example of method 600, material for forming temples 508 and 510 (as shown in FIG. 9) is poured into temple molds, in step 602, and partially or completely cured, in step 603. Magnetic elements 516 and 518 may be scored on all surfaces, to maximize bonding with the temple material, scored only on upper sides (opposite sides laid onto the partially/completely cured temple material already in the molds) or not scored at all. Elements 516 and 518 are placed into the molds in step 606, and additional molten temple material poured over and around the magnetic elements to fully cover and surround the elements, in step 610. Adhesive (optional step 608) may not be necessary, since elements 516 an d518 will be embedded in the final temples. After curing (step 612), finished temples 508 and 510 with embedded magnetic elements 516 and 518 are joined with frame front 506, and the frame front joined with lenses, in steps 614 and 616.

[0034] While the present invention has been described above, it should be clear that many changes and modifications may be made to the process and product without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. For example, where temples (i.e., temples 408/410 or 508/510) are made of or include a magnetic metal, one magnetic element (i.e., solely 416 or 418, or solely 516 or 518) may suffice to bond the temples together in a closed position. Furthermore, components of different eyeglass retention systems described above may be combined, without departing from the scope hereof.

Combinations of features

[0035] Features described above as well as those claimed below may be combined in various ways without departing from the scope hereof. The following examples illustrate possible, non-limiting combinations the present invention has been described above, it should be clear that many changes and modifications may be made to the process and product without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention:

(a) A magnetic eyewear retention system includes first and second sleeves for fitting with opposing temples of a pair of glasses. The first sleeve includes a first magnetic element and the second sleeve includes a second magnetic element attractive to the first magnetic element.

(b) In the magnetic eyewear retention system denoted as (a), the first magnetic element may be a magnet.

(c) In the system denoted as (a) or (b), the second magnetic element may be a magnet or a magnetic metal.

(d) In the system/s denoted as (a)-(c), the first and/or second magnetic element may be a neodymium magnet.

(e) In the system/s denoted as (a)-(d), the sleeves may have sufficient elasticity to stretch over ear pieces of the glasses and fit snugly at a desired position along the temples.

(f) In the system/s denoted as (a)-(r), the sleeves may include a material selected from the group of plastic, fabric, rubber, flexible polymers and combinations thereof.

(g) A magnetic eyewear retention system includes an eyeglass frame having a frame front and first and second temples. A first magnetic element is configured with the first temple. A second magnetic element that is attractive to the first magnetic element is configured with the second temple. The first and second magnetic elements are positioned along the first and second temples such when the first and second temples are bent inward on their hinges towards the frame front, the magnetic elements come into sufficient proximity to hold the glasses in a closed position by magnetic force.

(h) In the system denoted as (g), the first magnetic element is a magnet.

(i) In the system/s denoted as (g)-(h), the second magnetic element is a magnet or a magnetic metal.

(j) In the system/s denoted as (g)-(h), the first magnetic element may be configured with an outer surface of the first temple, and the second magnetic element may be configured with an inner surface of the second temple

(k) In the systems denoted as (g)-Q), the first magnetic element may be configured with the first temple proximate a temple hinge and the second magnetic element may be configured with the second temple proximate or with an ear piece of the second temple.

(1) In the system denoted as (g)-(j) _> the first magnetic element may be configured with the first temple proximate a midline of the first temple and the second magnetic element may be configured with the first temple proximate a midline of the second temple.

(m) A method for manufacturing self-retaining eyewear includes bonding a first magnetic element with a first eyeglass temple. A second magnetic element is bonded with a second eyeglass temple. The first and second magnetic elements are positioned along the first and second temples such that the magnetic elements make sufficient contact or achieve sufficient proximity to hold the first and second temples together in a closed position via magnetic attraction, when the temples are bent inward along their hinges towards a frame front joined with the temples.

(n) In the method denoted as (m), the steps of bonding include positioning the first and second magnetic elements in respective molds for the first and second temples; pouring molten material for forming the temples into the molds, and drying the materials to form the temples.

(o) The method denoted as (n) may also include scouring or texturizing an intended temple contact surface of the magnetic elements, and/or applying an adhesive to the intended temple contact surface of the magnetic elements, prior to pouring the molten material into the molds.

(p) The method/s denoted as (n)-(o) may also include the step of curing the molds to set the temples with the magnets

(q) In the method/s denoted as (m)-(p), the first magnetic element may be a magnetic metal and the second magnetic element may be a magnet

(r) In the method/s denoted as (m)-(p), the first and second magnetic elements may be magnets.

(s) In the method denoted as (m), the steps of bonding may include gluing the first and second magnetic elements to the first and second temples, respectively.

(t) In the method denoted as (m), bonding the first and second magnetic elements with the first and second temples may include embedding the first magnetic element in the first temple and embedding the second magnetic element in the second temple in a multi-pour molding process, such that the magnetic elements are hidden within the finished temples.