Abstract:
Eyeglasses comprising a first frame and a second frame each having an inner end and an outer end. A lens is secured within each frame. A connecting member is fixedly attached to the outer end of its respective frame and has a dovetail groove therein with a magnet secured within the groove for releasably engaging a chain. A first pivotal member is fixedly attached to the inner end of the first frame while a second pivotal member is fixedly attached to the inner end of the second frame thereby permitting pivotal movements along a common longitudinal direction. At least one clip is fixedly attached to at least one connecting member for removably securing the eyeglasses to an article. Each connecting member includes a connecting magnet for releasably engaging with each other when the eyeglasses are folded closed. A chain is releasably secured within the dovetail grooves of the connecting members.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority of United States Provisional Patent Application of Eric Charles Pulvino, Deborah Ann Pulvino, and Linda Marie Deutsch, Ser. No. 61/274,061 for EYEWEAR JEWELRY, filed on Aug. 13, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This patent application pertains to eyeglasses, and more specifically, pertains to foldable eyeglasses which also function as an article of jewelry. For the most part, eyeglasses comprise a rigid eyeglass frame for holding lenses and resting the frame on the bridge of a wearer&#39;s nose. The frame is further secured on the wearer through use of a pair of arms connected at one end to frame with the opposite end resting on the wearer&#39;s ears. When not being used, traditional eyeglasses are cumbersome or otherwise inconvenient to store upon the person. 
         [0003]    Numerous patents have focused on minimizing the footprint of eyeglasses when the eyeglasses are not in use. Many of these patents disclose various designs for folding the eyeglasses upon itself to minimize space and ease storage. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,496 discloses a pair of eyeglasses having a hinged bridge and telescoping arms. When in an open, extended position, the eyeglasses form a pair of eyeglasses having the traditional structure of a pair of lenses held in a frame where the bridge of the frame rests on the nose of the wearer, and a pair of arms attached to either end of the frame and extending back so as to rest on the wearer&#39;s ears. The arms are designed to telescopically extend and retract thereby decreasing there length when in a closed position. The bridge of the frame has a pair of hinges to allow the lenses to collapse into a compact structure with the shortened arms secured between the lenses. Although the eyeglasses collapse into a compact structure when in a closed position, the eyeglasses are not aesthetically amenable to be worn as a piece of jewelry. Moreover, each lens faces outwardly in the closed position and each is likely to become scratched or otherwise damaged when not being worn. 
         [0004]    In U.S. Pat. No. 7,033,020, and its corresponding international application WO2005/121,871, a collapsible eyewear apparatus is disclosed where, when collapsed, the lenses of the eyewear are protected by the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a set of eyewear having a hinge at the bridge of the frame. The frame also has a pair of earpieces which, when extended rest on the wearer&#39;s ears; and, when not extended, rest within a protective unit. The protective unit is attached to the eyewear frame and is hinged to cover the lenses when the apparatus is in its closed position. Although this apparatus protects the lenses when the eyewear is not being used, it does not further function as an article of jewelry or other apparel accessory. 
         [0005]    An alternative approach, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,061, is to create a foldable pair of eyeglasses which folds to form a necklace. As disclosed in the &#39;061 patent, the eyeglasses possess a pair of lenses within a frame where the frame has a pivot point located between the lenses permitting eyeglasses to fold along a common longitudinal direction. A chain attaches to each end of the frame permitting the eyeglasses to be worn around the neck. When in use, a wearer holds one side of the opened frame to permit the wearer to look through the lenses. When not in use, the eyeglasses are folded and the compact eyewear is worn about the neck as a necklace. Although much of the bulk of the eyeglasses is eliminated by this system, the folded eyeglasses are limited to use sole as a necklace as the chain is fastened to the eyeglass frame with no other means for securing the folded glasses on the person. A necklace may be appropriate for a female wearer, but not for a male wearer. Moreover, the necklace may interfere with, or be inappropriate for, certain occasions or wearer-desired style. More importantly, the chain is attached to the frame through use of a magnet. However, this design allows the chain to become dislodged from the magnet if the chain or eyeglasses is subjected to a minimal lateral force. Once dislodged, the eyeglasses will fall to the ground and become damaged or destroyed. 
         [0006]    Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need for a foldable set of eyeglasses which can be worn as a fashion accessory when not being employed as eyeglasses. This need is fulfilled by the present disclosure comprising a set of eyewear which collapses into a closed position using a central hinge to take on an aesthetically pleasing shape. A magnetic clasp holds the eyewear in the closed position when not in use. The collapsed eyeglasses can be worn as a necklace by means of a detachable chain necklace which is held onto the eyewear through a dovetailed magnetic groove. The dovetailed magnetic groove prevents the chain from becoming accidentally dislodged from the eyeglass frame. The magnet prevents the chain from sliding out of the groove while the dovetail prevents the chain from being pulled free from the frame when subjected to a perpendicularly applied force. Furthermore, attached garment clips further allow the wearer to quickly and easily fasten the collapsed eyewear to his or her personal effects, thereby no longer necessitating the use of a necklace chain. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is the object of the disclosure to provide a multifunctional eyeglass apparatus that functions as a standard pair of eyeglasses in an open position and collapse into an aesthetically pleasing shape which can be worn as a necklace or upon a garment when not needed to improve vision. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the disclosure to provide a multifunctional eyeglass apparatus which has a detachable chain necklace. 
         [0009]    Still another object of the disclosure to provide a multifunctional eyeglass apparatus having an integrated clip for securing the apparatus to a wearer&#39;s personal effects. 
         [0010]    The objects of the invention are achieved by provision of a pair of eyeglasses having a first frame having an inner end and an outer end, and a second frame having an inner end and an outer end. A first lens secured within the first frame and a second lens secured within the second frame. A first connecting member is fixedly attached to the outer end of the first frame while a second connecting member is fixedly attached to the outer end of the second frame. A first pivotal member is fixedly attached to the inner end of the first frame and a second pivotal member is fixedly attached to the inner end of the second frame and is pivotally connected with the first pivotal member to permit pivotal movements between the first frame and second frame along a common longitudinal direction of the first frame and the second frame. At least one clip is fixedly attached to at least one connecting member for removably securing the eyeglasses to an article. A connecting magnet is attached to each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member for releasably engaging with each other when the pair of eyeglasses is folded to a closed position. Each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member includes a dovetail groove therein with a dovetail groove magnet secured within each dovetail groove for releasably engaging a chain. The chain has a first end releasably secured within the dovetail groove of the first connecting member and a second end releasably secured within the dovetail groove of the second connecting member. The first end of the chain further comprises a dovetail terminus configured to matably engage with the dovetail groove of the first connecting member and wherein the first chain end may only be disengaged from the eyeglasses through lateral movement. The second end of the chain comprises a dovetail terminus configured to matably engage with the dovetail groove of the second connecting member and wherein the second chain end may only be disengaged from the eyeglasses through lateral movement. Each dovetail terminus further comprises a dovetail terminus magnet for releasably engaging with its respective dovetail groove magnet. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The present invention and the manner in which it may be practiced is further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a rear view of one embodiment of the present disclosure in the open position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a front view of one embodiment of the present disclosure in the open position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the present disclosure in the open position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of one embodiment of the present disclosure when in the closed position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5A  is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the present disclosure in the closed position showing the embodiment clipped onto an article of apparel. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5B  is an illustrative view of one embodiment of the present disclosure in the open position showing the embodiment clipped onto an article of apparel. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of one embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating in the closing mechanism of the embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a top view of one embodiment of the present disclosure showing the detachable neck chain in a secured position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a top view of one embodiment of the present disclosure showing the detachable neck chain being removed from its secured position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9A  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the present disclosure showing the detachable neck chain units. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line  9 B in  FIG. 9A  of one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of the present disclosure in the open position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a rear view of a second embodiment of the present disclosure in the closed position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of the present disclosure in the closed position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. §112. 
         [0027]    Traditional eyeglasses are limited in their utility to function only as vision aids. When not needed, traditional eyeglasses are bulky, difficult to secure on the person, and often detrimental to a wearer&#39;s style or overall aesthetics. Previous attempts to alleviate these problems have resulted in inferior designs and apparatuses. The present disclosure describes an eyeglass apparatus providing functionality as both a highly accessible set of eyeglasses and as a piece of jewelry or other accessory. When in the open position, the eyewear functions as a standard pair of eyeglasses. The eyewear collapses into a closed position using a central hinge to create an aesthetically pleasing shape which may be worn about the neck using a detachable chain or upon the wearer&#39;s personal effect by using an attached garment clip. The detachable chain is removably secured to the eyewear by means of a dovetailed magnetic rail. A magnetic clasp holds the eyewear in the closed position when the apparatus is not in use. 
         [0028]    Adverting now to the drawings, with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , a preferred embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally by numeral  10 . Eyewear article  10  generally includes two frame subunits comprised generally of frames  12  and  14 , two lenses  22  and  24 , and a pivoting assembly comprised of outer lugs  28 , inner lug  29 , and pin  27 . Each frame  12  and  14  has a groove defined on the inner side thereof for housing lens  22  and  24 , respectively. Each frame  12  and  14  further comprises an inner end to which outer lugs  28  and inner lug  29 , respectively, are securely affixed. Each lug unit  28  and  29  includes a hole (not shown) defined therein. Inner lug  29  fits within outer lugs  28  such that the holes are aligned such that the inner lug  29  is secured in position between outer lugs  28  by pin or screw  27  which is extended through the holes to provide a pivotal connection therebetween. Further, each frame  12  and  14  comprises an outer end to which a connecting member  32  and  34  is securely attached, respectively. The rear surface of connecting members  32  and  34  are configured with clips  36  and  38 , respectively. In another preferred embodiment, the front surface of connecting members  32  and  34  are equipped with a decorative element  31  and  35 , respectively, having optional adornments  33  and  37 . In the present embodiment, connecting members  32  and  34  further comprise a dovetail groove (as shown in  FIGS. 7 through 9 ) into which a chain end  42  and  44 , respectively, are removably inserted. Chain ends  42  and  44  are connected by chain  46 . Chain  46  may further contain a fastening element  48 . Although fastener  48  is shown as a hoop other types of fasteners may be used, such as but not limited to a clasp, a magnetic closure, or the like. Connecting members  32  and  34  are further equipped with magnets  25  and  26 , respectively, wherein magnets  25  and  26  provide a releasable engagement means for connecting members  32  and  34 . Although magnets are shown and described, other releasable engagement means may be used, such as but not limited to snaps, hook-and-loop, and the like. 
         [0029]      FIG. 4  shows the eyewear in a fully closed position. The eyewear is folded along a longitudinal direction via the pivot assembly. When in the closed position, magnets  25  and  26  (see  FIG. 3 ) attract one another and provide a releasable engagement. When not in use, the eyewear may be worn as a necklace by provision of chain  46 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 5A , chain  46  is removed and the closed eyewear is removably affixed to a personal effect such as pocket  52  of a blouse or shirt  50  using at least one of clips  36  or  38 . Alternatively, eyewear  10  can be removably affixed to a personal effect  52  by either clip  36  or clip  38  when the eyewear is in an open position.  FIG. 6  illustrates the pivotal opening of the closed eyewear as shown in  FIG. 4 . In use, the wearer pivots each lens about pin  27  of the pivoting assembly as shown generally by arrow  60 . Ideally, pivotal opening of the eyewear is limited to the extent shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 7 through 9  illustrate the structure and function of the releasable chain and associated mechanism. As shown in  FIG. 7 , chain ends  42  and  44  are housed within dovetail grooves  41  and  43 , respectively. Chain ends  42  and  44  are releasably removed from the grooves as shown by arrows  72  and  74 , respectively (see  FIG. 8 ). In one embodiment, chain ends  42  and  44  are constructed of a magnetic material.  FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view of the chain end structure and mechanism as seen generally along line  9 B in  FIG. 9A . As illustrated by arrow  76 , chain end unit  44 , having dovetail mating terminus  45 , is directed into dovetail groove  43  on connecting member  34  to a position as shown by chain end  42  in its corresponding dovetail groove  41 . Preferably, each chain end unit is constructed of a magnetic material, although only a portion of the unit needs to be magnetic, and more particularly the dovetail mating terminus is magnetic. Alternatively, the chain end unit may be non-magnetic but have a magnet embedded within its body (not shown). The magnetic chain ends  42  and  44  are attracted to embedded magnets  21  and  23 , respectively, to releasably retain the chain ends within the grooves. The dovetail grooves  41  and  43  prevent the chain ends  42  and  44  from being dislodged or pulled free from the frame units by application of a perpendicularly directed force (i.e. the chain ends will not dislodge longitudinally while the closed eyewear is worn around a wearer&#39;s neck when used as a necklace). Magnets  21  and  23  within the dovetail grooves restrict the lateral movement of the chain ends and prevents the chain ends from accidentally sliding out of the groove. Chain  46  is attached to chain ends  42  and  44  by provision of chain attachment posts  47  and  49 , respectively. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 10 through 12  show an alternative embodiment of an article of eyewear of the present disclosure as indicated by numeral  110 . Eyewear article  110  generally includes two subunits comprised generally of frames  112  and  114 , two lenses  122  and  124 , and a pivoting assembly comprised of outer lugs  128 , inner lug  129 , and pin  127 . Each frame  112  and  114  includes a groove defined on the inner side thereof for housing lens  122  and  124 , respectively. Each frame  112  and  114  further comprises an inner end to which outer lugs  128  and inner lug  129 , respectively, are securely affixed. Each lug unit  128  and  129  includes a hole (not shown) defined therein. Inner lug  129  fits within outer lugs  128  such that the holes are aligned such that the inner lug  129  is secured in position between outer lugs  128  by pin or screw  127  which is extended through the holes to provide a pivotal connection therebetween. Further, each frame  112  and  114  comprises an outer end to which a connecting member  132  and  134  are securely attached, respectively. In this alternative embodiment, connecting members  132  and  134  further comprise a clip  136  and  138 , respectively, having a chain end extension  142  and  144 , respectively, secured onto the connecting members using screws  141  and  143 , respectively. Although the clips and chain end extensions are shown as separate units attached by a screw, these units can be created as an integral part of the connecting member in a unibody construction. Alternatively, other means of attachment besides a screw can be employed, such as but not limited to glue, epoxy, weld, rivet, or the like. Chain ends  142  and  144  are connected by chain  146 . Connecting members  132  and  134  are further equipped with magnets  125  and  126 , respectively, wherein magnets  125  and  126  provide a releasable engagement means for connecting members  132  and  134 . Although magnets are shown and described, other releasable engagement means may be used, such as but not limited to snaps, hook-and-loop, and the like. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 11 and 12  show the eyewear in a fully closed position. The eyewear is folded along a longitudinal direction via the pivot assembly. When in the closed position, magnets  125  and  126  (see  FIG. 10 ) attract one another and provide a releasable engagement. When not in use, the eyewear may be worn as a necklace by provision of chain  146 . Alternatively, the closed eyewear is removably affixed to a personal effect such as pocket of a blouse or shirt using at least one of clips  136  or  138 . Alternatively, eyewear  110  can be removably affixed to a personal by either clip  136  or clip  138  effect when the eyewear is in an open position. In use, the wearer pivots each lens about pin  127  of the pivoting assembly. Ideally, pivotal opening of the eyewear is limited to the extent shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0033]    Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that applicant does not intend to be limited to the particular details described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.