[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/507,778, filed May 17, 2017.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system that magnetically secures the respective eyewear temples to one another as well as to a user or an external object. BACKGROUND

[0003] Eyewear, such as reading glasses or sunglasses, are generally comprised of a frame having two respective lenses situated on opposing sides of a nose piece. The frame further comprises two temples extending away from the frame and lenses. Each of these temples arc pivotally connected to the frame by a hinge which allows each temple to pivot between an open position wherein each temple is perpendicularly situated with reference to the frame, and a folded position wherein each temple is positioned in parallel with reference to the frame. The temples and nose piece support the frame and lenses on the head of the user when the temples are pivoted in an open position.

[0004] It is common for the user to consistently and temporarily remove their eyewear and pivot the temples into a closed folded position. The temporary removal of eyewear from the user's head is often accompanied by several drawbacks, including loss of the eyewear when the user fails to recall where the eyewear was temporarily placed; uncomfortable bouncing against the user's chest when the eyewear is folded against the neckline of the user's clothing or when the eyewear is hung around the user's neck with a lanyard or similar device; or damage to the eyewear when the eyewear is placed in the user's pocket or the when the eyewear falls from the user's neckline. [0005] ft is therefore desirable to integrate a device to the temple of the eyewear that secures the temples to one another, and preferably to other objects. Several prior art designs involve modification of the temple, an unsecured magnetic element that spins around the axis of the eyewear's temple, or permanent attachment of a device to the temple through the manufacture of the eyewear's temple. However, these prior art designs are cumbersome to mount, substantially alter the appearance of the eyewear, involve changes to the manufacturing specifications, or are only compatible with a very limited variety of temple sizes and designs.

[0006] For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,848,787 to Dietz, discloses a clasp for maintaining eyeglasses on clothing material by magnetic means. The magnetic clasps disclosed in Dietz, however, arc only compatible with a specific wire temple design and temple diameter, and in some embodiments, require modification of the temple to accommodate the clasp. Moreover, the magnetized side of the clasp disclosed in Dietz is not secured to an external or internal side of the temple, thereby causing the magnetized side to freely rotate around the axis of the temple.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 7,172,283 to Asta, discloses a magnet attached to a pair of hinge rings that can be secured to the temples of eyeglasses that enables the user to affix the eyeglasses to articles of clothing worn by the user. The device disclosed by Asta, however, has a cumbersome appearance that does not blend with the aesthetic appearance of the temple to which the device is secured. Also, like Dietz, the magnet disclosed in Asta is also not secured to an external or internal side of the temple, thereby causing the magnet to freely rotate around the axis of the temple.

[0008] Therefore, in view of these disadvantages, there is a need in the art for an improved, system for securing eyewear to the user and other objects when the eyewear is not in use. SUMMARY

[0009] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Rather than specifically identifying key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention, its purpose, inter aha. is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0010] The system disclosed herein generally discloses a system for securing eyewear to a user or object The system comprises an eyewear frame having a first temple and a second temple, wherein each temple is pivotally connected to the eyewear frame at a hinge.

[0011] The system further discloses a first sleeve and second sleeve each having an external side, an internal side, an anterior end, a posterior end, and an insertion chamber extending between the external and internal sides of the sleeve and also extending through the anterior and posterior ends of the sleeve. Each sleeve is positioned along the length of the temple by positioning the temple Ihrough the insertion chamber of the sleeve.

[0012] The system further discloses a first magnetized element secured to the external side of the first sleeve of the disclosed system, and a second magnetized element secured to the internal side of the second sleeve of the disclosed system. The magnetized elements are magnetically secured to one another when the eyewear's respective temples are pivoted into a closed folded position.

[0013] The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the invention. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed and the present invention is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawing)!.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings, in which like numerals represent similar parts, illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

[0015] FIG. 1 A illustrates the external side of the sleeve of the system disclosed herein.

[0016] FIG. IB illustrates the sleeve depicted in Fig, 1A secured to the eyewear's temple.

[0017] FIG. 2 A illustrates the system disclosed herein with one temple in the open position and a second temple in a closed folded position.

[0018] FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system wherein a plurality of magnets is enveloped within the sleeve material.

[0019] FIG. 3 A illustrates the disclosed system with both temples in the closed folded position.

[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates the eyewear secured to a user's clothing in the closed folded position.

[0021] FIG. 3C illustrates the eyewear secured to an external object in the closed folded position.

[0022] FIG. 4Λ illustrates a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system having a locking chamber.

[0023] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the locking chamber and locking screw elements of the sleeve depicted in Fig. 4A.

[0024] FIG. 4C illustrates an alternative embodiment of the sleeve depicted in Figure 4A.

[0025] FIG. 5A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system having an inner magnetized element that traverses the entire length of the sleeve. [0026] FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the sleeve depicted in Fig. 5Λ wherein the sleeve is further comprised of a lateral slot for attaching to the temple without removing the temple tip.

[0027] FIG. 5C illustrates the sleeve depicted in Fig. 5 A and 5B, further comprising a threaded anterior end that is compatible with a threaded cap to further secure the sleeve to the temple.

[0028] FIG. 6A illustrates a sleeve of the disclosed system having one insertion chamber.

[0029] FIG. 6B illustrates a sleeve of the disclosed system having two insertion chambers.

[0030] FIG. 6C illustrates a sleeve of the disclosed system having three insertion chambers.

[0031] FIG. 6D illustrates a sleeve of the disclosed system having a flared, flexible anterior end.

[0032] FIG. 7 A illustrates an embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system whereby a magnetized semi-rigid wire is wrapped around the length of the temple.

[0033] FIG. 7B illustrates an embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system whereby a semirigid clip having a magnetized side and two flexible prongs.

[0034] FIG. 7C illustrates an embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system wherein the ends of the sleeve engage one another with hook and loop fasteners.

[0035] FIG. 7D illustrates an embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system whereby the sleeve is secured to the temple with string ties.

[0036] FIG. 7E illustrates an embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system whereby the sleeve further comprises a buckle.

[0037] FIG. 7F illustrates an embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system whereby the sleeve is comprised of an adhesive tape that secures a magnet to the temple on its interior surface.

[0038] FIG. 7G illustrates an embodiment wherein the sleeve is compressed over the exterior of the temple. [0039] FIG. 8Λ illustrates an alternative embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system further comprising a hook for engaging a lanyard or similar device.

[0040] FIG.8B illustrates a lanyard in an unstretched position for attaching to the sleeve illustrated in Figure 8 A.

[0041] FIG. 8C illustrates a lanyard in a stretched position for attaching to the sleeve illustrated in Figure 8 A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the subject matter set forth herein, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the subject matter disclosed herein may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as "examples," are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter disclosed herein. It is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined or that other embodiments may be utilized, and that variations may be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0043] As illustrated in Figure 1A, in one embodiment the system discloses a sleeve 1 having an anterior end 3, a posterior end 5, an exterior side 7, and an interior side 8 (not shown). Sleeve 1 further comprises an insertion chamber 10 extending from the anterior end 3 to the posterior end 5 of the sleeve 1. As illustrated in Figure 1 B, sleeve 1 extends over a section of an eyewear temple 12 having temple tip 14.

[0044] Preferably, sleeve 1 is colored or dyed with any color, pattern, texture, or finish that either resembles the color, pattern, texture, or finish of the eyewear temple, or alternatively, matches the preference of the user. Alternatively, exterior side 7 of sleeve 1 further comprises a trademark, logo, symbol, or other similar identifying mark. Because temple 12 can be comprised of any variety materials suitable for eyewear (including but not limited to polycarbonate, metal, acetate, or wood), or any variety of shapes and styles, it is preferable that sleeve 1 made of an elastic or flexible material, including but not limited to a rubber-based or silicone- based compound. Preferably, sleeve 1 is comprised of a texturized material on the interior 8 side of the sleeve that assists in gripping the sleeve to the user's head. In one embodiment, this texturized material can be in the form of a plurality of raised nodules or lines.

[0045] As further illustrated in Figure 1 A, sleeve 1 is positioned on the temple by inserting temple tip 14 into insertion chamber 10 at the anterior end 3 of the sleeve 1. Sleeve 1 is the slid along the length of the temple until insertion chamber 10 fits snugly around the eyewear's temple at both the anterior end 3 and posterior end 5 of the sleeve 1.

[0046] As illustrated in Figure 2 A, in one embodiment the system discloses eyewear having two respective temples 18, 20. Each temple 18, 20 further comprises a sleeve 22, 24 positioned along the length of each temple. Sleeves 22, 24 further comprise magnets 26, 28 respectively placed within the sleeve. Magnet 26 is positioned on the exterior side of sleeve 22, and magnet 28 is positioned on the interior side of sleeve 24. [0047] As illustrated in Figure 2B, the magnet is embedded within an interior or exterior side of the sleeve. As further illustrated in Figure 2B, the sleeve of the system discloses an alternative embodiment wherein a plurality of magnets is placed within the wall of the sleeve.

[0048] Magnets 26, 28 arc preferably comprised of an iron, steel, or alloy material each having the property of producing a magnetic field external to itself, The magnetic field produced by magnets 26, 28 is preferably strong enough to attract the magnets towards one another when the magnets are positioned less than one inch from one another. Preferably, the strength of the magnetic field should not impede or prohibit a user from using a nominal amount of force for separating magnets 26, 28 after they have been placed in contact with one another. The magnets may also contain certain therapeutic qualities for the user, such as increased blood flow, pain alleviation, and muscle relaxation.

[0049] As further illustrated in Figure 2 A, magnets 26, 28 are attracted to one another when temples 18, 20 are folded at hinges 32, 34, as shown in the direction of lines 29, 30. Preferably, sleeves 22, 24 are positioned on the same location of the respective temples 18, 20 so that magnets 26, 28 come in to contact with one another when temples 18, 20 are folded at hinges 32, 34 into a final folded position. In an alternative embodiment, each of sleeves 22, 24 comprise magnetic elements on their interior and exterior sides so that the magnets will attract and secure their respective temples regardless of which temple is first folded into a closed position.

[0050] In Figure 3 A, the system discloses magnets 26, 28 secured to one another, and temples 18, 20 secured in a final folded position. Once magnets 26, 28 secure temples 18, 20 in this folded position, eyewear 16 can be secured to a variety of objects. For example, as illustrated in Figure 3B, eyewear 16 can be secured to the neckline of the user's clothing. [0061] In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 3C, the exterior side of sleeve 24 further comprises a second external magnet 36. In this embodiment, when temples 18, 20 are secured in a folded position, eyewear 16 can be secured to an object (for example, table 38) mat is attracted to the magnetic field 40 generated by second external magnet 36. In an alternative embodiment, the system further comprises a magnetic pad accessory 39. The pad accessory 39 disclosed by the system comprises an adhesive surface that can engage to an object such as, for example, table 38 depicted in Fig. 3C. The pad accessory 39 further comprises a magnetic surface mat can engage a compatible magnetic material such as, for example, second external magnet 38.

[0052] Figure 4A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the system disclosing sleeve 1 comprised of a magnet 2 enveloped by a flexible outer casing 6 having an anterior end 3, posterior end 5, external side 7 and internal side 8 (not shown). In this embodiment, insertion chamber 10 is formed throughout the interior length of sleeve 1 and extends from the anterior end 3 to the posterior end 5 of the sleeve.

[0053] As further illustrated by Figure 4B, in this embodiment the system discloses the sleeve further comprising a locking chamber 11 that accepts a corresponding locking screw 13. Preferably, locking chamber 11 and locking screw are correspondingly threaded as male and female counterparts. In this embodiment, as illustrated by Figure 4B, locking screw 13 is threaded into locking chamber 11 until the leading end of locking screw contacts the surface of a temple extending through insertion chamber 10. Locking screw 13 is preferably tightened against the surface of the temple until sleeve 1 is securely tightened against the temple.

[0054] Figure 4C illustrates another embodiment of the locking chamber 11 and locking screw 13 wherein the locking chamber and screw are directly incorporated into a posterior and anterior ring and the magnetic element is disposed and secured attached to one or between said rings. [0055] Figures 5 A through 5C disclose an alternative embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system. As illustrated in Figure 5A, in one embodiment the sleeve comprises an outer sleeve portion 42. In the embodiment depicted by Figure 5 A, the outer sleeve portion has a cylindrical shape that preferably engages to a round wire or metal temple. The outer sleeve portion, however, can be of any length or shape to seamlessly engage with a specific temple design. Preferably, the outer sleeve depicted in Figure 5A is comprised of a hard or rigid material. As further depicted in Figure 5A, the system disclosed by this embodiment further comprises an inner magnetic portion 44 that engages the outer sleeve portion 42 by sliding the inner magnetic portion into the outer sleeve portion in the direction of arrows 46, 47 until the entire length of timer magnetic portion is enveloped by outer sleeve portion. Inner magnetic portion 44 further comprises a chamber 49 for receiving a temple and a securing strip 45 for further securing the temple to the outer sleeve.

[0056] Figure SB further illustrates an alternative embodiment of the disclosed system. In this embodiment, outer sleeve portion 42 further comprises outer lateral slot 51, and inner magnetic portion 44 further comprises inner lateral slot 53. When inner magnetic portion engages outer sleeve portion by sliding inner magnetic portion into the outer sleeve portion in the direction of arrow 55, outer lateral slot and inner lateral slot will be aligned, thus allowing the user to snap the sleeve onto a preferred location along the length of the temple without requiring insertion of the sleeve through the terminal end of the temple, which often necessitates removal of the temple tip.

[0057] Figure 5C depicts an alternative embodiment of the outer sleeve depicted in Figure 5Λ further comprising a threaded male segment 57 located at either the posterior end or anterior end of the outer sleeve. As further depicted in Figure 5C, this embodiment further comprises an inner shell 58 preferably comprised of a flexible silicon-based material, and internally threaded cap 59 that engages to the threaded end of the sleeve thereby further securing the sleeve to the temple. In this embodiment the inner shell 38 directly engages the temple and the outer sleeve and cap are fitted over the internal shell be aligning their respective slots through the temple and securing the cap on to the threaded male segment of the outer sleeve to secure inner shell into the temple.

[00S8] In Figures 6A through 6C, the system discloses an alternative embodiment whereby multiple insertion chambers are provided on the sleeve. Figure 6A illustrates an embodiment similar to the sleeve shown in Figures 1 A and 2B wherein the sleeve comprises a single insertion chamber for receiving the eyewear temple. As illustrated in Figure 6B, in another embodiment, the sleeve comprises two separate chambers: a first chamber for receiving the temple, and a second chamber for receiving magnetized elements for securing the eyewear's respective temples to one another and to other objects in accordance with the invention disclosed herein. In yet another alternative embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 6C, the sleeve comprises three separate chambers: a middle chamber for receiving the temple, and an interior and exterior chamber for receiving magnetized elements. Figure 6D further illustrates the sleeve disclosed herein having a flared anterior end, thereby demonstrating the flexibility of the sleeve and applicability to a variety of temple designs. In addition to magnetic elements, the chambers can also be fitted with a small chip having global position system (OPS) capabilities to monitor the whereabouts of the eyewear's user, or wireless of Bluetooth capabilities for communicating with the user's smaitphone or music library.

[0059] Figures 7 A through 70 illustrate several alternative embodiments for securing the magnetic elements of the system disclosed herein to the temple of a user's eyewear. Figure 7A illustrates an embodiment whereby a magnetized semi-rigid wire is wrapped around the length of the temple. Figure 7B illustrates an embodiment whereby a semi-rigid clip having a magnetized side and two flexible prongs for engaging temples of various dimensions and sizes. Figure 7C illustrates an embodiment wherein the ends of the sleeve engage one another with hook and loop fasteners thereby securing the sleeve to the temple. Figure 7D illustrates an embodiment whereby the sleeve is secured to the temple with string ties. Figure 7E illustrates an embodiment whereby the sleeve further comprises a buckle or similar connecting mechanism that secures the ends of the sleeve to one another and to the length of the eyewear temple. Figure 7F illustrates an embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system whereby the sleeve is comprised of an adhesive tape that secures a magnet to the temple on its interior surface. Figure 7G illustrates an embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system whereby the sleeve is first fitted over the temple and the magnetic element is then fitted over the sleeve. The flexible material of the sleeve compresses against the magnetic element thereby securing the magnetic to the temple.

[0060] Figure 8A discloses another embodiment of the sleeve of the disclosed system wherein the sleeve further comprises a hook 61 attached to the posterior end of the sleeve. The hook is shaped to permit a lanyard or similar device to be attached to the hook and around the user's head to further secure the eyewear to the user. Figure 8B discloses another embodiment of the system disclosed herein wherein an extendable lanyard 62 is further provided having a magnet end 63, grip secure system 64 and a loop 65 for engaging the hook 61 depicted in Figure 8 A. In this embodiment a first and second extendable lanyard is attached to a first and second sleeve on first and second temples. The user can then engage the respective magnetic ends of the first and second lanyard to further secure the eyewear to the user's head. As illustrated in Figure 8C, when the lanyard 62 is not in an extended position, the length of the lanyard is short enough so that the magnet end of the lanyard can engage to a magnetic element on the exterior side of the sleeve.

[0061] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions, types of materials and structures described herein are intended to illustrate the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0062] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising ¹ ' or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means— plus- function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. 112(f). unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.