Abstract:
Frames for ready reader eyeglasses are provided which include a permanent magnet protruding forwardly from the front frames adjacent each lense making the eyeglasses removably attachable to any ferromagnetic surface for temporary storage. A ferromagnetic strip is adhesively affixable to non-ferromagnetic surfaces such as computer monitors to allow attachment of the eyeglasses. A rigid carrying case with pocket clip protects the eyeglasses from damage during periods of non-use.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates to eyeglass frames and carrying cases for eyeglasses, and more specifically to eyeglasses which include magnets for attachment to ferromagnetic surfaces and substantially rigid carrying cases for eyeglasses. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Magnets Used In Eyeglasses 
     Magnets have been used in conjunction with eyeglasses in a variety of applications, including magnetic auxiliary eyeglass frames such as sunglasses which removably attach to magnetic primary eyeglass frames, magnetic eyeglass frames to retain eyeglasses to a receiving support such as a vehicle dashboard, and magnetic nose pieces. 
     Magnetic Eyeglass Frames to Retain Auxiliary Eyeglasses to Primary Eyeglasses: The use of permanent magnets and magnetized ferromagnetic magnets to removably retain auxiliary eyeglasses, such as sunglasses, to a primary eyeglasses is well known in the eyeglass art. The magnets are sometimes used in conjunction with other purely mechanical devices which supplement the proneness of magnets to slippage when used alone. Examples of both include the disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,537 issued to Sadler; U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,177 issued to Nishioka; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,882,101; 5,883,688; 5,877,838; 5,786,880; 5,737,054; and 5,568,207 all issued to Chao. 
     Magnetic Eyeglass Frames to Retain Eyeglasses to a Receiving Support: In U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,273 issued to Dupraz et al. is disclosed eyeglasses to which is affixed to at least one of the side ear pieces a magnet which extends therethrough toward the outside of the side ear piece. A mating ferrous disk is affixed to a supporting article such as the dashboard of a vehicle, a bicycle, or a garment to temporarily secure the eyeglasses thereto. 
     In Japanese Patent No. JP-07 244260 is disclosed eyeglasses which can be magnetically attached to a metal support. The eyeglasses comprise a front frame which holds a pair of lenses, and a pair of side ear pieces hingedly connected thereto. The front frame includes a pair of permanent magnets laterally adjacent the lenses. The magnets are affixed to or integrally molded into the front frame to form respective forward protrusions. The protrusions extend forward in a plane at the front side of the remainder of the front frame and the curvature of the lenses to protect the front frame and lenses from damage when attached to a planar metallic surface. A problem with these eyeglasses is that they can only be attached to metallic surfaces and therefore can only be used to attach to devices having such metallic surfaces. 
     Magnetic Nose Pieces: In U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,811 issued to Ku is disclosed a nose pad for eyeglasses. A pair of the nose pads each containing a permanent magnet are pivotally mounted to the eyeglass wire eyeglass frame. The pair of permanent magnets attract one other to cause the nose pads to rest firmly on the nose of the user to prevent downward movement of the eyeglasses on the nose. Another example of magnets used in nose pieces is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,796 issued to Negishi. 
     Ready Readers 
     Ready readers are eyeglasses which include lenses of standard width, but of truncated height. The lenses typically provide magnification such as for assembling tiny component parts or for reading text, but can also be prescription lenses. One problem with such ready reader eyeglasses is that since they are used only during those portions of the day when assembly work or reading is done, they must be stored during periods of non-use. However, applicants are not aware of any carrying cases specifically designed for ready reader eyeglasses. Therefore, they are typically carried in a shirt pocket or purse where the lenses can be scratched and the metal frames bent. 
     There is a need for a device for storing the ready reader eyeglasses which protects them during periods of non-use. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     1. Advantages of the Invention 
     One of the advantages of the present invention is that it provides ready reader eyeglasses which are magnetic for convenient and safe storage attached to any device made of ferromagnetic material rather than in a shirt pocket or purse. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a ferromagnetic strip which adhesively attaches to devices which are not made of non-ferromagnetic material so that the ready reader eyeglasses can be attached such as to the plastic of computer monitors. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is it provides a carrying case which protects the frames of the ready reader eyeglasses from being bent and the lenses from being scratched. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides the eyeglasses, ferromagnetic strip with adhesive strip, and carrying case in convenient form of a kit. 
     These and other advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract. 
     2. Brief Description of the Invention 
     The invention comprises a ready reader eyeglass frame which includes a ferromagnetic material meaning in this specification and claims permanent magnets, magnetized ferrous metals, and non-magnetized ferrous metals (hereinafter all referred to as ferromagnetic materials, members, strips, etc.); a ferromagnetic strip for affixing to a non-ferromagnetic surface to which the eyeglass frames can be attached for temporary storage; a carrying case for ready reader eyeglasses; and a ready reader eyeglass kit containing two or more of the aforementioned devices. 
     The ready reader eyeglass frame is for use with a pair of ready reader lenses, and is releasibly connectable to a substantially flat surface of a ferromagnetic material for temporary storage thereagainst. The eyeglass frame includes a front frame which includes respective left and right tense holding frames interconnected by a nose bridge. Each tense holding frame has a respective lateral projection which extends laterally outwardly therefrom opposite said nose bridge. An elongate side ear piece is hingedly connected to each respective side projection. At least one ferromagnetic member is affixed to each lateral projection. A frontmost surface of a pair of at least one of the projections and the magnets from each side of the front frame extend in a common plane forward of the front frame. The frontmost surfaces solely contact the flat surface of the ferromagnetic material during temporary storage thereagainst to protect the front frame and lenses from damage. The ferromagnetic members affixed to the lateral projections are preferably permanent magnets for attachment to the flat surface of a ferromagnetic material. 
     The ferromagnetic strip comprises a thin sheet of a ferromagnetic material. The strip is of such size as to accommodate the eyeglass frame, and is affixable such as to a non-ferromagnetic surface using an attachment device, preferably comprising double sided adhesive tape which includes a foam core. The strip is of such as size to simultaneously accommodate both permanent magnets of the eyeglass frame for temporary storage thereon. 
     The carrying case for the ready reader eyeglasses comprises an elongate, tubular housing which is closed on one end and open on an opposite end thereof. The housing is substantially rigid so as to resist deformation, defining an elongate inner chamber configured to completely contain the eyeglasses in a folded condition. A pocket clip is preferably connected to the housing adjacent the open end, being adapted to supporting the carrying case in an upright position with the open end facing upwardly within a shirt pocket. The carrying case includes a retaining device which is operatively connected to the housing for retaining the eyeglasses within the housing until desired to remove the eyeglasses therefrom by overcoming a retaining force keeping the eyeglasses therewithin. The retaining device preferably comprises a door which is hingedly connected to the housing adjacent the open end, and which is spring biased to a position covering the open end of the housing. The carrying case further includes an ejection device which is operatively connected to the housing for ejecting the eyeglasses from within the housing. The ejection device preferably comprises a slider which is longitudinally slidably disposed within the inner chamber. The slider includes an end wall which is disposable adjacent the closed end of the housing when the glasses are disposed within the housing. The slider can be moved longitudinally by hand manipulation external of the housing, such as by using a thumb slide, toward the open end such that the end wall bears against the eyeglasses to at least partially eject the eyeglasses from the housing. The slider is preferably operatively connected to and opens the door against the spring bias prior to the eyeglasses being partially ejected from the housing. The carrying case preferably includes a spring which is disposed between the thumb slide and the slider, which individually engages a plurality of linearly disposed detents of the housing so as to provide a plurality of stop positions for the slider. 
     The ready reader eyeglass kit comprises the ready reader eyeglass frame, the ferromagnetic strip, and the carrying case for ready reader eyeglasses, or some sub-combination thereof containing two of the devices. 
     The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the more important features of the present invention so that the detailed description of the preferred embodiment that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective view of the reading glasses of the present invention shown with the side ear pieces in an unfolded position; 
     FIG. 2 is substantially a top plan view of the reading glasses shown with the side ear pieces in a folded position for storage; 
     FIG. 3 is substantially a perspective view of a ferromagnetic strip adhesively attached to a computer screen with the reading glasses magnetically attached thereto; 
     FIG. 4 is substantially a side elevational view of a carrying case of the present invention for the reading glasses which clips to a shirt pocket; 
     FIG. 5 is substantially a fragmentary side elevational view of the carrying case with the reading glasses being ejected therefrom; and 
     FIG. 6 is substantially an exploded view of the carrying case, with one half shell partially broken to show the inner slot and projections. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a modified form of ferromagnetic strip. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the present invention comprises a reading eyeglass and carrying case kit, generally indicated by reference number  20 . Reading eyeglass and carrying case kit  20  includes a pair of ready reader eyeglasses  23 , an eyeglass retaining strip  26 , and an eyeglass carrying case  29 . 
     Eyeglasses 
     Eyeglass Frame: As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, eyeglasses  23  include a eyeglass frame  32  having respective left and right eyeglass frames  35  and  38  which are interconnected by an integral nose piece  41 . A pair of respective left and right reading lenses  44  and  47  snap-fit into the respective eyeglass frames  35  and  38 . Each of eyeglass frames  35  and  38  include a respective stud  50  and  53  which extend laterally outwardly therefrom, studs  50  and  53  being generally L-shaped. An elongate bar magnet  56  is affixed to each of studs  50  and  53 , magnets  56  extending forwardly of eyeglass frame  32 , and lenses  44  and  47 . 
     Side Ear Pieces and Cushions: With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, eyeglasses  23  include respective left and right side ear pieces  59  and  62  which are hingedly connected to the respective studs  50  and  53  using screws  65 . Respective ear cushions  68  and  71  are affixed to thin end portions  74  and  77  of the respective side ear pieces  59  and  62  to provide cushioning for wearer comfort. Side ear pieces  59  and  62  fold against eyeglass frame  32 , one over the other, for compact storage during periods of non-use. 
     Eyeglass Retaining Strip 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, eyeglass retaining strip  26  is made from thin sheet of ferromagnetic material  78  to which magnets  56  will releasibly affix, and of such length as to simultaneously engage both of magnets  56  when eyeglasses  23  are placed thereagainst. Double sided adhesive tape  79  is used to adhere retaining strip  26  to a desired object, such as a computer monitor  80  on a table  81  having a top  82 , where eyeglasses  23  can be temporarily stored while not being used, yet within convenient reach when reading is required. 
     Eyeglass Carrying Case 
     Eyeglass carrying case  29  includes an elongate housing  83  of a generally oval outer cross-section, a slider assembly  86 , a hinged door assembly  89 , and a clip  92 . 
     Housing: Housing  83  is comprised of a pair of half shells  95  and  98 , each being of a generally half-oval outer cross-section, being affixed together such as by adhesives. Housing  83  includes a closed end  101  and an open end  104 . Half shell  98  includes a longitudinally-extending inner slot  107  defined by a pair of projections  110  and  113 . 
     Slider Assembly: Slider assembly  86  includes a U-shaped slider  116  which is disposed within housing  83 , slider  116  having a short leg  119  and a long leg  122 , both of mating cross-section with housing  83 . Legs  119  and  122  are interconnected by a generally oval end wall  125 . An end portion  128  of long leg  122  is slidably disposed within slot  107  of half shell  98 . A pair of longitudinally-extending rails  131  and  134  extend radially outwardly from short leg  119 , closely fitting within an elongate slider slot  137  through half shell  95 . Slider slot  137  includes a plurality of detents  140  which extend along a locking side  143  thereof. Rail  131  is split in the middle so as to have an opening  146  which is disposed closely adjacent detents  140 . A sheet metal spring  149  includes integral arcuate wings  152  and  155  which join at a pointed center portion  158 . Spring  134  is of a width slightly less than the height of rails  119  and  122  so as to be disposed therebetween with pointed center  143  extending through opening  131 , and with wings  137  and  140  bearing against rail  122  so as to bias pointed center  143  through opening  131  against detents  128 . An elongate slider bar  161  includes a curved inner surface  164  which is affixed to rails  119  and  122  such as using adhesives to retain spring  134  against short leg  110 , and to permit linearly moving of slider  107  inside housing  83  within the limits provided by rails  119  and  122  within slider slot  125 . Slider bar  146  includes an outer surface  167  having a plurality of ribs  170  which facilitate sliding of slider bar  146  using a person&#39;s thumb. 
     Hinged Door Assembly: Hinged door assembly  89  includes a generally oval door  173  having a flat edge  176  from which a pair of ears  179  and  182  extend. A mating pair of ears  185  and  188  extend from halfshell  98  of housing  83 . Door  173  is pivotally connected to half shell  98  using a pivot pin  191  which extends through the respective pairs of ears  179  and  182 , and  185  and  188 . Pivot pin  191  extends through a torsion spring  194  disposed between ears  185  and  188 , torsion spring  194  having a pair of ends  197  and  200  which bear against door  173  and half shell  98  to bias door  173  toward a closed position covering open end  104  of housing  83 . 
     Clip: Clip  92  is similar to that used on pens and other such devices which clip to the pocket of a shirt. Clip  92  includes an elongate arm  203  having a looped end  206 , and a semi-circular portion  209  having a pair of inwardly directed end tabs  212  and  215 . Semi-circular portion  209  snap-fits to half shell  98  within a semi-annular depression  218  which terminates at respective inwardly extending slots  221  and  224  adjoining half shell  95 . 
     Operation of Eyeglass Carrying Case With Eyeglasses 
     Eyeglass carrying case  29  is used by pushing slider bar  161  towards open end  104  of housing  83 , which causes end portion  128  of long leg  122  to engage and open door  173  against the bias of torsion spring  194 . The ready reader eyeglasses  23  can then be inserted into housing  83  and slider bar  161  moved toward closed end  101  of housing  83 . This causes end portion  128  of long leg  122  to disengage from door  173 , which closes under the bias of torsion spring  194 . The procedure is reversed to eject eyeglasses  23  from carrying case  29 , with end wall  125  bearing against eyeglasses  23  to eject them from housing  83  after door  173  is opened. 
     Modified Eyeglass Retaining Strip 
     FIG. 7 discloses a modification of the strip  26 . In the previously described version, the strip is formed from a thin flat sheet of ferromagnetic material. In this modification, the strip  26 A is provided with an upstanding lip of flange  30  which prevents the removably attached eyeglasses from sliding or skidding of the plate when attached thereto. The lip also serves to further protect the eyeglass lenses when supported on the plate by providing a peripheral guard extending around the eyeglasses. 
     CONCLUSION 
     It can now be seen that the present invention solves many of the problems associated with the prior art. The present invention provides ready reader eyeglasses which are magnetic for convenient and safe storage attached to any device made of ferromagnetic material rather than in a shirt pocket or purse. The present invention provides a ferromagnetic strip which adhesively attaches to devices which are not made of non-ferromagnetic material so that the ready reader eyeglasses can be attached such as to the plastic of computer monitors. The present invention provides a carrying case which protects the frames of the ready reader eyeglasses from being bent and the lenses from being scratched. The present invention provides the eyeglasses, ferromagnetic strip with adhesive strip, and carrying case in convenient form of a kit. 
     Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of presently preferred embodiments of this invention. The specification, for instance, makes reference to the magnets being part of the eyeglasses and the retaining strip being made of a ferromagnetic material. However, these could be reversed wherein respective ferromagnetic bars replace the magnets in the eyeglasses and the retaining strip includes one or more magnets configured to retain the eyeglasses in the same manner. Likewise, while the ferromagnetic strip is preferably attached using double sides adhesive tape for ease of application, the strip could be attached using a separate adhesive, or even built into the device such as screwed or riveted to a computer monitor screen. Also, while the carrying case is preferably substantially rigid, softer cases are contemplated could be made which might not utilize the ejection assembly and spring loaded door. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.