Abstract:
An adjustable eyewear retention device having two cables, two temple retainers, guiding means and grasping means which allow adjustment of the device to the dimensions of a user&#39;s head. In another embodiment, the guiding means is eliminated and the cables are connected by means of the grasping means.

Description:
[0001]    This is a utility continuation of design patent application 29/336,725 entitled “Adjustable Eyewear Retention Device.” 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to devices that retain eyewear on a user. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,467,867 issued to Williams discloses an eyewear retention device having two temple retainers connected by a cable which, when attached to eyeglasses and worn over the ears by a user, maintains a suspended arc over the wearer&#39;s neck, shoulders or garments. Williams&#39; design, however, does not specifically address the need for holding the eyewear securely against a user&#39;s face during rigorous activity. 
         [0004]    What is needed is a superior eyewear retainer design that incorporates adjustability in its structure so that a wearer may easily disengage the retention device in an adjustable fashion and maintain the advantages of the suspended arc in Williams. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0005]    An adjustable eyewear retention device is disclosed that includes two cables, two temple retainers (one at each end of the cable), and means for adjusting the cables at the back of a user&#39;s head. The two cables are the same length, partially overlap one another, and create an arc when the invention is attached to eyeglasses. In one embodiment at least one guide for the two cables is provided. The guide contains at least one tunnel or hole which keeps the two cables in close proximity and also allows the two cables to pass through slideably. In one embodiment the guide has a tunnel for each of the two cables and, in another embodiment, the two cables pass through the same tunnel or hole in the guide. A tab for adjustment is secured to the end of each cable opposite the temple retainer. In one embodiment the tab also contains a tunnel or hole for allowing the other cable to pass through slideably, thus keeping the other cable in a defined path in the arc. In another embodiment, the tab is secured only to the end of one cable and the other cable does not pass through the tab, so the cable with the tab in this embodiment is not in the defined path of the arc. In all embodiments of the invention the tabs allow adjustment by increasing or decreasing the length of the arc. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    An adjustable eyewear retention device incorporating the features of the invention is depicted in the attached figures: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of the invention with two guides in combination with a pair of eyeglasses shown with broken lines appearing for illustrative purposes only. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the invention with two guides. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the invention with two guides. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the invention with two guides. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a left side elevational view of the invention with two guides. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a right side elevational view of the invention with two guides. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a rear elevational view of the invention with two guides. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of the invention with two guides. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the invention with two guides adjusted to an ultimate closed position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a top plan view of the invention with one guide and two tabs, each tab secured to the end of one cable and also having a tunnel for allowing the other cable to pass through slideably. Additionally, there is an inset showing a close-up view of the tab which secures the end of one of the cables and also has a tunnel to allow the other cable to pass slideably through the tab. 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the invention without a guide for the cables and two tabs, each tab secured to the end of one cable and also having a tunnel for allowing the other cable to pass through slideably. 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  contains two left side views of the embodiment with two guides as attached to eyeglass temples and worn over the ears,  12   a  showing the invention adjusted inwardly toward the head, and  12   b  showing outward adjustment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  contains two left side views of the embodiment with one guide and tabs, each tab secured to the end of one cable and each tab disposed around the other cable and allowing the other cable to pass through slideably. The invention is shown attached to eyeglass temples and worn over the ears,  13   a  showing the invention adjusted inwardly toward the head, and  13   b  showing outward adjustment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  contains two left side views of the embodiment without a guide and tabs each tab secured to the end of one cable and each tab disposed around the other cable and allowing the other cable to pass through slideably. The invention is shown attached to eyeglass temples and worn over the ears,  14   a  showing the invention adjusted inwardly toward the head, and  14   b  showing outward adjustment. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0021]    Referring to the figures for a better understanding of the function and structure of the invention,  FIG. 1  shows the invention  10  connected with a pair of eyeglasses  20  in which temples  21   a,b  are inserted into retainers  11   a,b  and from which cables  12   a,b  extend longitudinally away from retainers  11   a,b . The structure and functioning of retainers  11  and cables  12  is more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,467,867 B1 and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/640,872 which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , it may be seen that temples  21  of eyeglasses  20  are placed within apertures  16   a,b  of retainers  11  and held fast within the temple retainers. Other means for retaining the temples to the invention are known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Due to the resilient properties of cables  12 , the cables maintain an arcuate shape  23  around the rear of a wearer&#39;s head when attached to a pair of eyeglasses such that the cables and intersecting structures permitting the adjustability of invention  10  will be suspended in an arc above the wearer&#39;s neck, shoulders or garments. This self-suspending positioning of the cables  12  prevents the invention  10  generally, but especially the cables  12  from becoming soiled with debris from a wearer&#39;s skin or garments, and also prevents interference from the wearer&#39;s garments. 
         [0023]    As shown, each cable  12  extends in an arc  23  around an overlapping portion of the other cable with one end of each cable secured to a tab  14   a,b . Preferably, cable  12  is composed of a resilient material, such as a plastic coated twisted metal cable, plastic monofilament line, or semi-solid plastic tubing. While the preferred embodiment utilizes plastic coated twisted metal cable, any of the other aforementioned resilient cables can be utilized with satisfactory results. Guides  13   a,b  work cooperatively to hold cables  12   a,b  together in close proximity to one another and, in one embodiment, are comprised of a hollow, relatively thick walled plastic material through which cables  12   a,b  may pass simultaneously in parallel fashion. The guides may be constructed of any materials of sufficient strength. The guides  13   a,b  each have a length sufficient to promote parallel positioning of cables  12   a,b  such that each cable tracks the other around the arc  23 . Guides  13  may have a linear shape or may also, preferably, have a slightly arcuate shape to further promote arc  23 . Guides  13   a,b  each may have a single tunnel providing sufficient space to allow the cables  12   a,b  to pass through simultaneously, against one another, and in a parallel traversing configuration. However, in the preferred embodiment, the passage of cables  12  through guide  13  fit snugly within guide  13  in twin hollow longitudinal tunnels in the guide  13 , each tunnel in close proximity to the other, but separate. Each tunnel is sized such that the tunnel walls exert frictional forces on cables  12   a  and  12   b  to prevent spontaneous movement of each cable within the guide during strenuous physical activity or in response to relatively strong gravitational forces upon the invention&#39;s  10  orientation. 
         [0024]    As those skilled in art will recognize, guides  13   a,b  must allow for the free passage of cables  12 , although under a frictional loading, so that tabs  14   a  and  14   b  may be grasped, pulled, and the cables moved to allow for closure of cables  12   a,b  through the progressive overlapping of each cable, thereby cinching the apparatus upon the rear portion of the user&#39;s head. As will also be noted, there are areas of overlap, namely  17  and  18   a,b , that will vary in dimensional length depending upon the position of tabs  14 . As tabs  14   a  and  14   b  are pulled apart from one another, guides  13   a  and  13   b  will move toward one other and toward a virtual center point of arc  23 , thereby decreasing the dimension space  17 . 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , tabs  14   a,b  protrude slightly away from arc  23  so that a user may reach behind each her ears and grasp the tabs  14  on each side. Since tabs  14   a,b  may encounter strong torsional forces from a user&#39;s tugging, these tabs must, preferably, be securely fused to the ends of cables  12   a  and  12   b , and also preferably include such resiliency that cables  12   a  and  12   b  would separate from temple retainers  11   a  and  11   b , respectively, before tabs  14   a,b  detach from the end of each cable. 
         [0026]    While the guides  13  and the tabs  14  have been shown in generic geometries, the inventor envisions variations of ornamental geometries and/or designs to be integrated with these structures in order to enhance the attractiveness to consumers and increase sales of apparatus  10 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it may be seen that the positioning of guides  13   a,b  are positioned along cables  12   a,b  to allow adjustment into a snugly fitting position. 
         [0028]    As more easily seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the cables  12   a,b  may be positioned one above the other (i.e., juxtapositioned) and almost touching, so the guides  13  cause a more secure orientation for each cable against the wearer&#39;s head, thereby increasing stability. Further, while the inventor has appropriately sized the internal diameter of the guides  13  to restrict the movement of cables  12   a,b  relative to one another, the inventor has envisioned that one cable may be affixed within guides  13   a,b  so that only a cable having a tab closest to that guide may be permitted movement. For example, cable  12   a  within guide  13   a  may be fixed within guide  13   a , but cable  12   b  may continue to slide within guide  13   a , and cable  12   b  within guide  13   b  may be fixed within guide  13   b . By affixing one cable within guide  13 , each guide would resist movement along the cable having a temple retainer closest to that guide, but would allow the cable having a tab closest to that guide to move freely. This type of configuration fixes the distance between the guide and its closest temple retainer, and helps to keep the positioning of the guides toward the rear area of a user&#39;s head. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , it may be seen that tabs  14   a,b  have been pulled such that guides  13   a,b  have moved toward one another until they almost touch. This decreases the dimension  17 , until at its ultimate closed position, guides  13   a,b  would contact and bear against one another. Upon guides  13  contacting one another, further pulling on tabs  14  causes lengthening of distances  18   a,b , further closing the diameter of arc  23  and tightening the apparatus  10  against the back of a wearer&#39;s head. This positioning would represent a cinched or closed position that apparatus  10  would permit on a wearer&#39;s head to snugly fit a pair of eyeglasses to the eyes. One will also notice that tabs  14   a,b  may protrude slightly away from cables  12   a,b , respectively, when pulled to their tightest fitting extent. However, guides  13   a,b  should be dimensioned such that tabs  14  would remain relatively close to cables  12  so as to remain out of the way of the user, and not droop down into other items that a wearer may have on her upper torso, such as jewelry or clothing. 
         [0030]    In order for a wearer to reverse the maximum closed position, one would simply need to grasp guides  13   a  and  13   b  and separate them by pulling outward and around the back of the head, toward the front of the head until contacting tabs  14 . Upon contact with tabs  14  with guides  13 , the maximum expansion of apparatus  10  can be reached by continuing pressure on tabs  14 , thereby expanding dimension  17  (see  FIG. 4 ). The aforestated configuration and the actuation of tabs  14  relative to movement of guides  13  allows a wearer to easily and spontaneously adjust the dimensions of apparatus  10  to accomplish the rapid repositioning of eyeglasses  20 . By expanding the sizing of cables  12  relative to one another, the wearer may easily detach the eyeglasses from their positions over the ears and rest the eyeglasses upon the upper front vestment of the wearer&#39;s clothes. This allows a wearer to remove eyeglasses quickly for activities with the unaided eye in situations where the optical properties of the eyeglasses are not appropriate for a wearer&#39;s environment. For example, a near-sighted individual may remove glasses after proper actuation of guides  13  and tabs  14  to allow the eyeglasses to rest on their upper chest vestment while the wearer does un-aided eye, close-up work. For another example, a nearsighted fisherman may wish to tie a knot onto a hook or other type of fishing tackle without his or her eyeglasses, and then when finished may wish to restore the eyeglasses, snugly against his face. This can easily be accomplished with the pulling of tabs  14  to secure the eyeglasses upon the rear of his head when wishing to resume vigorous fishing activities and to utilize his glasses to focus on objects farther away. Other anticipated actuations of the apparatus would be when a fisherman on a boat needs to go below deck to pursue navigation activities and the tinting properties of the eyeglasses are too extreme to permit the proper viewing of navigational charts in a darkened environment below a boat&#39;s deck. The apparatus  10  could be loosened for studying a chart, and then restored after returning to a sun-lit environment in accordance with the procedure described above. Hence, the invention allows for rapid removal and repeated adjustment of eyeglasses and promotes their greater utility. 
         [0031]      FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment with one guide  22  with the two cables passing through the guide  22 . This embodiment also shows cable  12   a  being secured to a tab  24  and cable  12   b  passing slideably through a tunnel  25  shown in the inset on in  FIG. 10 . The tab  24  on the other side of  FIG. 10 , not shown, would be reversed, with cable  12   b  being secured to the tab  24  and cable  12   a  passing slideably through a tunnel  25 .  FIG. 11  is similar to  FIG. 10 , but shows an embodiment of the invention without a guide. The tabs  24  in  FIG. 11 , the embodiment without the guide, keep the cables connected to one another slideably. The inset on  FIG. 10  is equally applicable to  FIG. 11 . 
         [0032]    In the final three FIGS. the tightened and loosened positions of the invention with the suspended arc above the wearer&#39;s neck, shoulders and garments are shown in three embodiments: with two guides and tabs which do not contain a tunnel for one of the cables— 12 A,B; with one guide and tabs with a tunnel for one of the cables— 13 A,B; and without a guide but with each tab containing a tunnel for one of the cables— 14 A,B. The number of guides can be selected independently of whether one of the cables passes through a tunnel in the tab. However, if there is not at least one guide then each tab must have a tunnel through which one of the cables passes through slideably, in order to keep the device together. 
         [0033]    While the invention is shown in several forms, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.