Abstract:
A retention device for two pairs of eyeglasses. A pair of retaining bands connect the opposite temples of each of the eyeglasses, so that when a user dons one of the pairs of eyeglasses, the other hangs against their person, thereby being protected, secured and readily available. In an alternate embodiment, a neckband is used from which retaining bands extend to secure two eyeglasses.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to the retention of eyeglasses by a user, and more particularly relates to the retention of two pairs of eyeglasses around the neck of a user. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     There are numerous devices for the retention of a single pair of glasses around the neck of a user. Typically, such devices include a single band or tube, each end of which is attached to a temple of a pair of eyeglasses. When the user does not wish to don the glasses, but nonetheless wishes them secure, safe, and readily available, the user removes the glasses and allows the glasses to hang, secured to their body by the placement of the band around the user&#39;s neck. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,467,867, 4,133,604, 4,820,036, 8,277,046, and 8,317,319 each disclose variations of this basic concept. U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,492 discloses a combination eyewear and accessory holder. The disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,467,867, 4,133,604, 4,820,036, 8,277,046, 8,317,319 and 7,896,492 are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     However, problems persist for users that seek to simultaneously make use of multiple pairs of glasses, such as prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. These users must select only one of the eyeglasses for immediate use and attempt to store the other pair. Often the unused pair must be placed in a pocket or other area where it may be subject to damage or breakage. In situations where no such storage space is available, for example when a user is in a swimsuit on a beach, the unused eyeglasses are particularly vulnerable. Furthermore, traditional eyeglass cases may be aesthetically unpleasing and prone to loss or theft. 
     The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Disclosed is a dual eyeglass retention device that allows a user to secure two separate pairs of eyeglasses to their person. In a first embodiment, two bands connect the temples or other securement areas of the sides of two separate eyeglass pairs. For instance, the left temple of a first eyeglass pair is connected via a first band to the right temple of a second eyeglass pair, and the right temple of the first eyeglass pair is connected to the left temple of the second eye glass pair. The user is then able to don one of the pairs of the eyeglasses while the other pair is suspended against the user&#39;s back via the bands. Thus, transitioning between the pairs only requires the user to take off the first pair of eyeglasses and rotate the device around so that the second pair of eyeglasses can be donned. 
     The unused eyeglasses are kept safe and readily available. The unused pair of eyeglasses do not need to be held in the user&#39;s hands and no pocket or other storage space is necessary. 
     In a second embodiment, two retention bands extend from either side of a neck band, so that when the device is donned a user can wear one of the pairs of glasses while the other hangs against their chest. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, preferred embodiments, and other aspects of the present disclosure will be best understood with reference to a detailed description of specific embodiments, which follows, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  with one pair of eyeglasses donned by a user. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of the embodiment of  FIG. 2  with one pair of eyeglasses donned by a user. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view illustration of an alternate embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  is a top view illustration of the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustration of a second alternate embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a first retaining device and elongated band section. 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross section view of the retaining device of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  is a perspective view of a second retaining device and elongated band section. 
         FIG. 7D  is a cross section view of the retaining device of  FIG. 7C . 
         FIG. 7E  is a perspective view of a third retaining device and elongated band section. 
         FIG. 7F  is a cross section view of retaining device of  FIG. 7E . 
     
    
    
     Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Disclosed is a retention device for the securement of two pairs of eyeglasses. 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of a first embodiment. Retention apparatus  101  is used to secure first pair of eyeglasses  102  and second pair of eyeglasses  103 . First pair of eyeglasses  102  has first temple  103  and second temple  104 . Similarly, second pair of eyeglasses has first temple  105  and second temple  106 . First elongated band  107  has a first end  108  and second end  109 , each of which have a retention device  110 . Second elongated member  111  has a first end  112  and a second end  113 , each of which has a retention device  110 . 
     Retention devices  110  of first end  108  and first end  112  grasp first temple  103  and second temple  104  of eyeglasses  102 , respectively. Similarly, retention devices  110  of second end  109  and second end  113  grasp first temple  105  and second temple  106  of eyeglasses  103 . When a user dons eyeglasses  102 , eyeglasses  103  are disposed against the back of the user. To switch to eyeglasses  103 , the user simply removes eyeglasses  102  and rotates retention apparatus  101  in a 180° movement.  FIG. 3  illustrates retention apparatus  101  as donned on a user. 
     The term eyeglasses should be understood to broadly include various optical devices, such as glasses and sunglasses, and other similar devices, such as the electronic augmentation system GOOGLE GLASS, manufactured by Google, Inc. of Mountain View, Calif. 
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of a second embodiment. Retention apparatus  201  is used to secure first pair of eyeglasses  202  and second pair of eyeglasses  203 . Neckband  204  has first end  205  and second end  206 . First retaining band  207  and second retaining band  208  are connected at first end  209  and first end  210 , respectively, to neckband first end  205 . First retaining band  207  has disposed at second end  211  retention device  212 . Similarly, second retaining band  208  has disposed at second end  213  retention device  212 . Third retaining band  214  and fourth retaining band  215  are connected at first end  216  and first end  217 , respectively, to neckband second end  206 . Third retaining band  214  has disposed at second end  218  retention device  212 . Similarly, fourth retaining band  215  has disposed at second end  219  retention device  212 . Retention devices  212  at second end  211  and second end  218  are configured to grasp first temple  220  and second temple  221  of eyeglasses  202 . Similarly, retention devices  212  at second end  213  and second end  219  are configured to grasp first temple  222  and second temple  223  of eyeglasses  203 .  FIG. 4  illustrates retention apparatus  201  as donned on a user. 
     It will be understood by those of skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that neckbands may be made from various suitable materials, such as leather, various fabrics and the like, and may be divided into various sections. For instance, a main portion may be made by a material that will be particularly comfortable when disposed on a user&#39;s neck, such as a soft pad, while outer ends of the neckband may be made from a polymer material that secures the retention bands to the neckband. Neckbands can also optionally be constructed from a material that is suitable for securement against a neck of a user, such as various rubbers. 
     Similarly, various materials are suitable for use in retaining bands and elongated members, such as cordage, various flexible plastics and polymers, coated or uncoated wire, etc. 
       FIGS. 5A-B  illustrate an alternate embodiment. Retaining bands  501  are connected to neckband  502  at attachment sleeves  503 . Retention devices  504  are attached to the ends of retaining bands  501 . 
       FIGS. 6  illustrates an alternate embodiment in which retaining bands  601  and  602  are formed from one strand of material and  603  and  604  are formed from another strand of material, the strands of material being bound together at neckband  605 . 
     Retention devices for use in grasping the temples of eyeglasses may be any suitable retention device, such as grommets, crimps, rubber tubing, string ties, elastic material, etc.  FIGS. 7A-F  are illustrations of various types of retention devices for use with various embodiments. For instance,  FIG. 7B  illustrates a cross section of a continuous member depicted in perspective view in  7 A.  FIGS. 7C  depicts a retention device that is larger than its accompanying retaining band, allowing a smaller retaining band to be used while still adequately securing a pair of eyeglasses.  FIG. 7D  depicts a cross section of the retaining device of  FIG. 7C .  FIGS. 7E  shows a retention device that is a knotted closure (a solid cross section of which is depicted in  FIG. 7F ). 
     Retaining bands may be constructed from any suitable resilient material. Specifically, materials used in previous eyeglass retainers may be employed. Similarly, the lengths of the retaining bands and elongated members may vary depending on their particular use or other criteria. 
     Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustrated with respect to embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that features of the disclosed embodiments can be combined, rearranged, etc., to produce additional embodiments within the scope of the invention, and that various other changes, omissions, and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, various types of retaining devices, retention bands, and neckbands may be readily combinable to form alternate embodiments to those explicitly disclosed and depicted.