Abstract:
An eyeglass frame comprises: (a) a main lens frame for holding one or more optical lenses, said lens frame having opposed lateral ends; (b) means for attaching the main lens frame to the wearer&#39;s head when in use; and (c) a carabiner clip extending from either: one lateral end of the main lens frame, or from the main lens frame attaching means. The carabiner clip has at least 3 sides, at least one of said sides including a bar connected to an adjacent clip side with spring biasing for defining a securely closed position for said clip. This eyeglass frame is particularly suitable for use as reading or other vision correcting glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, sportswear, a fashion accessory and combinations thereof.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/197,838, filed on Oct. 31, 2008 and entitled “Improved Eyeglass Frames”, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to improvements in eyeglass frames. These frames support eyeglasses worn for vision correction, reduction of glare encountered with exposure to bright light, reading, workplace safety, sports, and/or recreational activities. A main aspect of this invention relates to an integral carabiner, or D-clip, for attaching eyewear frames to a user&#39;s clothing, belt loop, backpack, purse or other carried article. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Eyeglass frames traditionally include a front portion or lens frame connected at opposed lateral ends with side pieces or temples. Each temple has a forward facing hinge (or other connector) end and a rearward facing earpiece end. 
     For anyone who has worn glasses for corrective vision, and for those who wear glasses for safety and/or sun shading, one of the more common complaints is that the glasses get lost when not worn. Many individuals have worn bands for suspending glasses around their necks when not in use. Others have been known to flip unworn glasses up for “riding” on their upper foreheads, or possibly resting in their hair. 
     Still others have considered storing unused eyeglasses on their person, but not in a storage case per se. The most commonly used storage area is the pocket of a dress shirt or other apparel item. In order to prevent glasses from sliding or falling out of such pockets, numerous clip means have been conceived and patent protected. Schmitt U.S. Pat. No. 1,779,015 was one of the first to include a firmly mounted clip nearest the front hinge region to the temple arm of an eyeglass frame. Marvin U.S. Pat. No. 1,787,830 located a similar clip further back along the temple arm for storing other items including writing utensils. 
     The hinge to one of the temple arms of Hon U.S. Pat. No. 2,097,371 included a purposeful clasp. McCormick U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,120 added an aesthetic hook or clip to the outside of one temple arm, said clip intended to match the rest of the temple arm in color and material of manufacture. 
     Others have patented after-market clips for including with many makes and models of eyeglass frame temples. McDonald U.S. Pat. No. 1,898,059 included one type of clip that could be slid to various points along the temple arm. Nagel U.S. Pat. No. 1,973,648 included an attachment fob that not only clipped to the frame wearer&#39;s shirt pocket; it also engaged with the opposite temple arm when the eyeglasses were folded “closed”. Zipper U.S. Pat. No. 3,883,236 disclosed several shapes of temple arm clips, some permanent and others removable and reuseable. And DiFranco U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,375 showed a plastic spring bar-type clip for attaching to a temple arm with a pair of O-ring connectors. 
     A spring-loaded, add-on clip from Kren U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,906 incorporated clamping jaws. And Challender U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,319 included a spring-biased clip in one front corner of his eyeglass frame temple. Resendez, Sr. U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,221 added a garment-locking protrusion and recess near one end of his frame attaching clip. Should the wearer desire a wider spread for attaching unworn glasses to an automotive sunshade or the like, Maxson U.S. Pat. No. 3,038,377 provided a frame clasp that was both hinged and spring loaded. 
     More recently patented configurations have included clip means that are capable of pivoting about the temple component for shirt pocket mounting when not in use. See, for example, Fukai U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,895 and Goldman et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,845. 
     What is needed is an inexpensive means for securely attaching eyeglass frames to one&#39;s person, said securing means not becoming easily undone. A mere spring clip along the frame temple does not suffice. A spring loaded clip that completely closes about the attachment element, a belt loop, necklace, purse buckle, etc. provides greater security from being lost or otherwise getting disconnected. This invention would enable hunters, fishermen and other outdoorsmen to keep better track of their vision equipment. The same can be advantageously used by military, police, firemen and other rescue personnel. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect of improved eyewear in accordance with this invention, there is provided an eyeglass frame comprised of: (a) a main lens frame for holding one or more optical lenses, said lens frame having opposed lateral ends; (b) means for attaching the main lens frame to the wearer&#39;s head when in use; and (c) a carabiner clip extending from either: one lateral end of the main lens frame, or from the main lens frame attaching means, said carabiner clip having at least 3 sides, at least one of said sides including a bar connected to an adjacent clip side with spring biasing for defining a securely closed position for said carabiner clip. This eyeglass frame is particularly suitable for use as reading or other vision correcting glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, sportswear, a fashion accessory and combinations thereof. 
     One embodiment uses a carabiner clip sized for insertion in a recess in one of the frame&#39;s two temple components when not in use. When that carabiner clip is being stored, its outer edge portions are adjacent inner edge portions of that temple recess. The clip has at least 3 sides, one of which includes a metal bar attached with a pivot pin. Ideally, that carabiner clip is maintained in the temple recess with a snap fit. When needed, this clip can extend outwardly from the temple recess and then securely attach to one or more looped items on the wearer&#39;s wardrobe or other accessory item. 
     Another aspect of the invention is an eyeglass frame including a lens frame and at least one temple, in which a carabiner clip is integrally formed with at least one temple. Several variations of the carabiner clip are shown. Preferred embodiments of carabiner clips are made from plastic, metal, or various combinations of plastic and metal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features, objectives and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when referring to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a left front, perspective view of one embodiment of eyeglass frame having a recessed carabiner clip in its left frame temple; 
         FIG. 1B  is a front, perspective view of the eyeglass frame from  FIG. 1A , showing the carabiner clip hinged outwardly from the rest of the left frame temple; 
         FIG. 1C  is a side elevational view of the eyeglass frame from  FIG. 1A  with the carabiner clip recessed in its left frame temple; 
         FIG. 1D  is a side elevational view of the  FIG. 1C  eyeglass frame with the carabiner clip outwardly extended to show the lipped recess in its left frame temple; 
         FIG. 1E  is a fragmentary, top elevational view of the eyeglass frame from  FIG. 1A  with the recessed carabiner clip extended outward from its common hinge with the left frame temple; 
         FIG. 2A  is a left front, perspective view of one alternate embodiment of frame temple according to this invention wherein the carabiner clip is pivotally mounted to rotate upwardly and outwardly when that frame temple is in a closed position; 
         FIG. 2B  is a partial side schematic of a second alternate embodiment of frame temple having a slidably mounted carabiner clip for extending outwardly when that frame temple is in a closed position; 
         FIG. 3A  is a front plan view showing a third alternate embodiment of this invention having a carabiner clip integrally formed into a lower section of its left frame temple; 
         FIG. 3B  is a front plan view showing an alternative to the second embodiment with a carabiner clip integrally formed into the upper section of its left frame temple; 
         FIG. 4  is a right front perspective view of a pair of ski goggles having a carabiner clip incorporated into the right frame elastic band connector; 
         FIG. 5  is a left front perspective view of a pair of safety goggles having a carabiner clip incorporated into the left frame elastic band connector; 
         FIG. 6  is a right front perspective view of a pair of eyeglasses having a carabiner clip incorporated into the right side, add-on safety side shield; 
         FIG. 7A  is a fragmentary, front view of a right temple end having a carabiner clip incorporated into its top side according to another embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a fragmentary, front view of the right temple end having a carabiner clip incorporated into its bottom side; 
         FIG. 7C  is a fragmentary, front view of the right temple end having a carabiner clip incorporated into its rear lateral side; and 
         FIGS. 8A  and B are fragmentary front views of a right temple end showing an alternate embodiment with the top carabiner clip having a sliding lock in both its unlocked ( FIG. 8A ) and locked ( FIG. 8B ) positions. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     It should be noted that common features in the different views of this invention are shown with the same reference numeral(s). For alternate embodiments of the same component, there is consistent numbering though in the next hundred series. When referring to any numerical range herein, it should be noted that all numbers within the range, including every fraction or decimal between its stated minimum and maximum, are considered to be fully designated and disclosed by this description. As such, disclosing a preferred clip size ranging from about 25-35 millimeters in length expressly covers clip sizes of 26, 27.5, 29 mm . . . and so on, up to about 33, 34 and 34.75 mm. For the same embodiment, typical clip heights may range from about 12-22 mm and total clip depths about 35-60% of the total template depth, or about 1.5-3 mm, with all intermediate numerical and/or quantitative values between being expressly covered thereby. 
     As used herein, the term “carabiner” means a loop with a spring or screw gate. These same devices have also been called crab rings, D-rings, snap links, or “biners” for short. On occasion, the loop can be made from a sturdy, mostly rigid plastic. More often, the carabiner&#39;s loop component is made from metal, typically 7075 aluminum. The loop part opposite the gate is often called the spine. It is meant to quickly and reversibly connect components. There are two main types of carabiners, non-locking and locking. The non-locking types have a spring (i.e., swinging gate) that can be pressed open to insert a connecting rope, strap, etc. before shutting under the spring&#39;s pressure. Locking carabiners can have the same general shape as their non-locking counterparts but with an additional sleeve around the gate. The sleeve meant for releasing along at least partially over the gate can be auto-locking. Alternately, that sleeve can include a manual screw or twist-lock. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A through 1D  there is shown a first embodiment of eyeglass frame according to this invention. Therein, the eyeglass frame has one integral carabiner clip from the left temple to that frame. It should be understood, however, that the invention should not be limited to left temple carabiner clips only. The clip could just as easily extend from only the right temple component, or from both temples for greater flexibility in storage options when the frames are not in use. 
     The eyeglass frame itself can be made from plastic, metal or a combination of materials. Suitable metals include nickel-silver, Monel, titanium, beryllium, stainless steel, flexon, aluminum and memory metal. Suitable plastics include TR90, Zyl, a cellulose acetate and zylonite blend, a cellulose propionate, a polycarbonate, a nylon, and Grilamide™. Other high end frame materials include: wood, bone, buffalo horn, gold and sterling silver. 
     In  FIGS. 1A through 1D , lens frame, generally  10 , includes a pair of laterally spaced apertures or openings  11   a ,  11   b  for holding lenses  12   a ,  12   b , respectively. Lens frame  10  has opposed lateral ends attached to connecting end pieces  13   a ,  13   b , with left and right temples  14 L,  14 R attached to said end pieces  13   a ,  13   b . At least one of the temples ( 14 L or R) includes a body component  15  joined to end piece  13   a  by a hinge  16   a  with its own hinge pin  17   a . Within body component  15 , there is defined a recessed region  18  having a top inner lip  19 , bottom inner lip  20  and at least one lateral inner lip  21 . As shown, this embodiment includes both a rearward-facing lateral lip  21  and a forward facing lateral lip  22 . Both temples  14 L and  14 R terminate in an over-the-ear end portion  23 . It is understood that an alternate variation of this invention may include a solid left and right temple still with a carabiner recess in one of the temples; the only difference being that said recess would not pass completely through its particular left or right temple. 
     A carabiner clip  25  is sized for inserting into the temple body&#39;s recessed region  18 . When the carabiner clip  25  is closed, its outermost face portions  26  are adjacent to (i.e. substantially flush with) the inner edge portions  19 - 21  of recessed region  18 . For keeping clip  25  secure in recessed region  18  when not in use, there is provided a raised nipple or detent  27 . Preferably, there is further included at least one nail bevel or indent  28  about the perimeter of recessed region  18 . The latter bevel may be used for accessing a side of the clip  25  when attempting to free it from its secured position within recessed region  18 . 
     As shown, carabiner clip  25  has at least three sides: a top side  29 , bottom side  30 , and at least one inner lateral side  31 . Depending on the overall shape of carabiner clip used, there may be a fourth, or outer lateral side  32  as well. Along one of the main clip sides, bottom side  30  includes a bar  33  attached to inner lateral side  31  by a pivot pin  34 . A spring means (not shown) biases bar  33  into a “closed” position. Temple body component  15  and carabiner clip  25  each include connectors  35  for at least partially circumscribing hinge pin  17   a.    
       FIG. 1B  shows the carabiner clip  25  “folded out” or displaced from recessed region  18  so that it is available for attachment (by clipping) directly to clothing, a keychain, purse or necklace worn by the eyeglass wearer.  FIGS. 1C through 1E  illustrate the manner in which carabiner clip  25  swings out, substantially horizontally, from its normally closed position within the recessed region  18  of temple body component  15 . 
       FIG. 2A  shows a first alternative to the main embodiment of  FIGS. 1A through 1E . In this first alternative, only one of the two main temples, left temple  114 L is shown in a fragmented, perspective view, from the hinge or connector end of that temple. When left temple  114 L is in a closed position, or otherwise folded onto the main frame body and adjacent the other folded in, right temple (not shown), the forward facing edge  140  to that temple component can incorporate a slotted recess  118  that is sandwiched between left  141  and right  142  portions of forward edge  140 . It should be noted that left and right portions  141 ,  142  may be commonly sized, or unbalanced so as to provide greater protection to the carabiner clip  125  from a more vulnerable outer edge. Within the slotted recess  118 , pivotally mounted clip  125  is secured via side temple pin  143 . Notably, mounted clip  125  includes its own bar  133  and pin  134  as shown. 
       FIG. 2B  shows a second alternative to that of  FIG. 2A  wherein left temple component  214 L includes its own recess  218  from which a slidably mounted carabiner clip  225  can be extracted from its forward edge  240  once the temple is duly closed. Notably, sliding clip  225  includes its own bar  233  and pin  234 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a third alternative embodiment wherein eyeglass frame  310  with openings  311   a ,  311   b  for lenses  312   a ,  312   b  includes from its left connecting end piece  313   a  a left temple  314 L joined to same via hinge  316   a  and a hinge pin, not shown. The folded over (or closed) right temple  314 R is shown in silhouette behind lenses  312   a  and  312   b  of frame  310  in both two views. For this third main configuration, the carabiner clip  325  does not hide/rest within a recess of left temple  314 L. Rather it is an integral component of same. As such, clip  325  includes its own bar  333  and pivot pin  334 . The differences between these two alternate embodiments, however, rests in where that bar portion is situated.  FIG. 3A  shows bar  333  along the lowermost or bottom side  330  of clip  325 . In  FIG. 3B , the same bar  333  would swing inwardly from the top side  329  of clip  325 . 
     The integral carabiner clip for eyeglass frames is best suited for extending outwardly from one or more temple elements. Not every glass frame has left and right temples, however.  FIG. 4  schematically shows an elastically held eyeglass protector for skiing or many other athletic activities. This invention may include an integral carabiner clip for these types of frames as well. In  FIG. 4 , frame  410  has a single lens  412 . From one end of that frame, there is shown a connector  430  for holding one end of elastic strap  441 . The other strap end (not shown) connects to the opposite end of frame  410 . From either end of such ski goggles, there can be incorporated its own carabiner clip  425 , with a bar  433  and pivot pin  434 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an analogous clip arrangement to that of  FIG. 4  but for a pair of elastically mounted safety goggles. The frame for same, element  510 , also has a single lens  512  and a connector  535  with an integral clip  525  injected between the frame proper and the elastic strap  541 . 
       FIG. 6  is another variant of safety glass frame  610  having side shields  644  extending upwardly along both temples. At the base of the right side shield, or  644 R, toward the front end of right temple  614 R, there is incorporated an integral carabiner clip  625  that is substantially triangular-shaped. Along the hypotenuse of that triangle is where the bar  633  and pivot pin  634  elements are duly situated. 
     As mentioned earlier, when the typical eyeglass frame includes a pair of temples, it is possible to incorporate at least one carabiner clip in the distant end of a temple rather than at the forward, hinge or other connector end.  FIGS. 7A  through C show variations of this invention wherein the temple proper, element  714  (L or R) has at its over the ear end portion  723  a simplistic, not overly complicated nor bulky, carabiner clip  725 . In  FIG. 7A , that clip would be arranged for opening and closing nearer the top side  729 . That clip can be made mostly of a plastic or composite without having a separate, stand alone pivoting bar per se.  FIG. 7B  shows a first variation of this embodiment wherein the clip  725  is configured to open and close from the bottom, nearest to bottom side  730 .  FIG. 7C  shows yet another embodiment with its clip  725  opening and closing closest to the ear end portion&#39;s most rearward, outer lateral side  731 . 
       FIGS. 8A  and B show one last variation of carabiner clip wherein the clip component for the same is locking, rather than non-locking per se. In  FIG. 8A , the bar  833  to clip  825  has a sliding cover  850 . When the clip is left “open” or unlocked, bar  833  can be pressed in (or down) and the eyeglasses secured to their wearer&#39;s apparel, belt loop, jewelry chain, etc. But to better secure the frame and prevent them from being inadvertently disconnected, some embodiments may provide the extra insurance of non-separation when sliding cover  850  is moved along the bar and joined to the opposite clip side. This can be accomplished by a threaded screw arrangement  851 , or by other more permanent interconnecting means. 
     The foregoing detailed description of the invention has been made with reference to several preferred embodiments. Persons skilled in the art will comprehend that minor changes and variations do not depart from the spirit and the scope of the invention defined by the following claims.