Patent Publication Number: US-2007119803-A1

Title: Eyewear case and display method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 10/360,264 filed on Feb. 6, 2003, entitled EYEWEAR CASE AND DISPLAY METHOD; this application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/433,724 filed on Dec. 13, 2002, entitled EYEWEAR CASE AND DISPLAY METHODS; both of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. The Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to eyeglass cases and displays. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses of eyeglass cases and displays.  
      2. The Relevant Technology  
      Eyeglass cases and point of sale displays have been used for many years to protect eyeglasses and to display eyeglasses to prospective buyers. The configuration of eyeglasses makes them difficult to display. Eyeglasses positioned on a flat surface can quickly become disorganized, damaged, or intertwined with frames of adjacent eyeglasses.  
      Eyeglass displays facilitate display of eyeglasses by presenting frames in a more organized and efficient manner. However, the configurations of typical displays have many deficiencies. The configuration of typical displays makes it difficult to remove and replace eyeglasses without dropping the eyeglasses or disturbing or damaging adjacent eyeglasses. Where the display can be rotated, eyeglasses can slip from the display and fall to the floor during movement of the display. Additionally, eyeglass displays can be expensive to manufacture and are often configured to display a limited number of eyeglasses on a large display.  
      Eyeglass cases are adapted to provide protection for eyeglasses. One drawback of typical eyeglass cases is that they are often opaque and prevent viewing of the frames without removing the eyeglasses from the eyeglass case. In many instances, the eyeglasses are removed from the eyeglass cases for display on point of sale displays. This increases the likelihood of damage to the eyeglass frames and lenses. Additionally, the cases are often discarded or misplaced resulting in inefficiencies due to wasted eyeglass cases, mismatched eyeglass cases and frames, or lost time spent locating the proper cases for the eyeglasses. Where an eyeglass case is used which is not matched to the eyeglasses, the chance of damaging or losing the eyeglasses increases.  
      Some eyeglass cases have been developed to permit a consumer to be able to see part of the eyeglasses without needing to remove the eyeglasses from the case. Such eyeglass cases allow the eyeglasses to remain positioned in the eyeglass cases during display of the eyeglasses. However, such eyeglass cases suffer from several deficiencies. Eyeglass cases that have been developed to allow a consumer to view a portion of the eyeglasses typically are difficult to open, are tailored for a particular display type, and/or do not allow a consumer to view the entire eyeglass frame. Such eyeglass cases are typically disposable in nature and are of little usefulness once the eyeglasses have been purchased.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses of eyeglass cases and displays. An eyeglass case is provided according to one aspect of the present invention. The eyeglass case is adapted to enclose a pair of eyeglasses while permitting a consumer to view at least a portion of the eyeglasses. According to one aspect of the present invention, the eyeglass case is configured to permit a consumer to view the entire eyeglass frame. In one embodiment, the eyeglass cases can be transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent to allow a consumer to view the color, style, and other aspects of the eyeglass frames. In another embodiment, the eyeglass case is reusable.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, the eyeglass case provides a substantially flat surface permitting the eyeglass case to be rested on its end. By permitting the eyeglass cases to be rested on its end, the eyeglasses can be displayed in a vertical manner. This allows a large number of eyeglasses to be positioned adjacent one another in a small amount of display space. By permitting a consumer to view at least a portion of the eyeglasses, the eyeglass case allows the consumer to browse a large number of eyeglasses without having to remove the eyeglasses from the eyeglass cases. This improves the ease and efficiency of browsing eyeglasses.  
      The present invention also provides a display and method for displaying eyeglasses. According to one aspect of the present invention, the display includes a display member that permits a plurality of eyeglasses to be positioned one behind another such that each of the plurality of eyeglasses can be seen without needing to reposition the eyeglasses. In one embodiment, the display member includes a plurality of openings that are configured to receive an end of an eyeglass case such that each eyeglass case can be displayed in a vertical manner. In an alternative embodiment, the display member comprises a horizontally positioned shelf or tray that is configured to accommodate a plurality of vertically positioned eyeglass cases.  
      The combination of the display and the eyeglass case facilitates simple and efficient browsing of the eyeglasses. Additionally, the combination helps the eyeglasses stay neat and clean thus maintaining the organized and professional presentation of the eyeglasses. For example, the eyeglass cases allow a consumer to quickly identify the color, eyeglass frame style, and lens color of eyeglasses without needing to remove the eyeglasses from the eyeglass case. The configuration of the display allows a consumer to view a large number of eyeglass cases simultaneously without needing to move or reposition the eyeglass cases. Once a desired pair of eyeglasses is identified, the display permits the consumer to remove and replace the eyeglass case in which the eyeglasses are enclosed without disturbing adjacent eyeglass cases. Additionally, the configuration of the display allows the consumer to return the eyeglass case to the display without affecting the organized and professional presentation of the eyeglasses. The configuration further allows a user to rotate the eyeglass display without throwing the eyeglasses to the floor.  
      These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an eyeglass case according to one aspect of the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an eyeglass case illustrating a mechanism for coupling the first end of the eyeglass case to the second end of the eyeglass case.  
       FIG. 3  shows a front view of an eyeglass case according to another aspect of the present invention.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an eyeglass case illustrating the construction of the eyeglass case according to one aspect of the present invention.  
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a display for displaying eyeglasses on a shelf or table top according to one aspect of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a display for use on a show room floor according to one aspect of the present invention.  
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a display according to one aspect of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses of eyeglass cases and displays. According to one aspect of the present invention, an eyeglass case is provided which is adapted to enclose a pair of eyeglasses while permitting a consumer to view at least a portion of the eyeglasses. In one embodiment, the eyeglass case is configured to permit a consumer to view the entire eyeglass frame. According to another embodiment, the eyeglass case provides a substantially flat surface permitting the eyeglass case to be rested on its end. In this manner, the eyeglass case can be displayed in a vertical manner. This allows a consumer to view at least a portion of a large number of eyeglasses without having to remove the eyeglasses from the eyeglass case  
      According to another aspect of the present invention a display and method for displaying eyeglass is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the display includes a display member that permits a plurality of eyeglasses to be positioned one behind another such that each of the plurality of eyeglasses can be seen without needing to reposition the eyeglasses.  
      According to another aspect of the present invention, the combination of the display and the eyeglass case facilitates simple and efficient browsing of the eyeglasses. Additionally, the combination maintains an organized and professional presentation of the eyeglasses. For example, the configuration of the display allows a consumer to view a large number of eyeglasses simultaneously without needing to move or reposition the eyeglass cases. Once a desired pair of eyeglasses is identified, the display permits the consumer to remove and replace the eyeglass case without disturbing adjacent eyeglass cases. Additionally, the configuration of the display allows the consumer to return the eyeglass case to the display without affecting the organized and professional presentation of the eyeglasses.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an eyeglass case  1  and a pair of eyeglasses  2  positioned therein. Eyeglass case  1  provides a protective covering to eyeglasses  2  while allowing a consumer to observe part or all of the eyeglasses. In the illustrated embodiment, eyeglass case  1  comprises a body  10 . Body  10  is adapted to enclose a pair of eyeglasses. Body  10  permits a consumer to observe at least a portion of eyeglasses  2 . While eyeglass case  1  is described with reference to eyeglasses  2 , it will be appreciated that eyeglasses  2  are representative of a variety of types and configurations of eyewear including but not limited to reading glasses, sunglasses, and computer glasses.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, body  10  is substantially transparent allowing a consumer to observe the color and frame style of eyeglasses positioned in the eyeglass case  1 . In alternative embodiment, the body is translucent and permits a consumer to detect the color and/or outline of the eyeglasses positioned therein. In yet another embodiment, the eyeglass case includes a first translucent or transparent portion and a second opaque portion. The transparent or translucent portion permits a consumer to observe at least a portion of the eyeglasses.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, body  10  includes a first side surface  12 , a second side surface  14 , and a third side surface  16 . First and second side surfaces  12 ,  14  are wider than third side surface  16 . The width of first and second side surfaces  12 ,  14  roughly corresponds with the width of the eyeglasses from the top of the lens to the tips of the temple cover when the eyeglasses are in a folded position. The width of third side surface  16  roughly corresponds with the width of the folded eyeglasses at the thickest point from the back of the temples to the front of the lenses. When eyeglass case  1  is resting on first side surface  12 , the front of the eyeglass lenses are facing downwards. When eyeglass case  1  is resting on second side surface  14  the front of the eyeglass lenses are facing upwards. When eyeglass case  1  is resting on third side surface  16  the eyeglass lenses are positioned in the same manner as when worn by a consumer.  
      In one embodiment, the three-side configuration of body  10  provides a tailored enclosure for accommodating the folded eyeglass frames. Typically, folded eyeglasses are widest at or near the top of the eyeglasses where the temples are folded behind the lenses. The eyeglasses are narrowest at the bottom portion of the eyeglasses where the temple tips touch the frame at the bottom of the lenses. The portion of the eyeglass case corresponding with the third side surface  16  accommodates the wider top of the eyeglasses. The narrower portion of the eyeglass case opposite the third side surface  16  accommodates the narrower bottom of the eyeglasses. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the configuration of body  10  is not limited to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . A variety of types and configurations of body  10  can be provided. For example, in one embodiment body  10  has a two-sided configuration. In another embodiment, body has a rectangular or any shape permitting the eyeglasses to be displayed on its side. In an alternative embodiment, body  10  does not provide a tailored enclosure for the eyeglass frames.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, body  10  comprises a first component  20  and a second component  30 . First component  20  is configured to enclose the right side of eyeglasses  2 . Second component  30  is configured to enclose the left side of eyeglasses  2 . To form body  10 , first component  20  and second component  30  are coupled to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the three side surface configuration of body  10  provides an orientation for correct coupling of first component  20  to second component  30 .  
      In the illustrated embodiment, first component  20  includes an end  22  while second component  30  includes an end  32 . End  22  and end  32  comprise the top and bottom surfaces of eyeglass case  1 . End  22  and/or end  32  provide a substantially flat surface permitting the eyeglass case to be rested on its end and displayed in a vertical manner. By permitting eyeglasses to displayed in a vertical manner, a plurality of eyeglass cases can be positioned so as to allow a consumer to view the eyeglasses in an efficient and organized manner.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, there is also shown indicia  40  situated on end  22  of first component  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, indicia  40  provides an indication of the characteristics of the eyeglasses and other information related to the eyeglasses contained therein. For example, in the illustrated embodiment indicia  40  specifies the magnification power of the eyeglass lenses. In alternative embodiments, the indicia can include, but is not limited to, eyeglass style, price, UPC code, SKU number, picture of eyeglass style, style number, and/or care information. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of types and configurations of eyeglass cases can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For surfaces. In an alternative embodiment, one of the first or second ends is weighted to maintain the eyeglass case in a vertical display position.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a perspective view of eyeglass case  1  illustrating a mechanism for coupling first component  20  to second component  30 . First component  20  is shown separated from second component  30 . Additionally, eyeglasses  2  have been removed from eyeglass case  1 . First component  20  comprises an end  22 , a recess  24 , and a flange  26 . Second component  30  comprises an end  32 , an insert  34 , and a flange  36 .  
      Recess  24  of first component  20  comprises a female element. Insert  34  of second component  30  comprises a male element. Insert  34  is adapted to be positioned in recess  24  to secure first component  20  to second component  30 . Flange  26  of first component  20  abuts the end of insert  34  when insert  34  is properly positioned in recess  24 . Similarly flange  36  abuts the end of first component  20  when insert  34  is properly positioned in recess  24 . In this manner, a simple yet effective coupling is provided between first component  20  and second component  30 .  
      As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of coupling can be provided between first component  20  and second component  30  without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment a threaded coupling is provided between first component  20  and second component  30 . In an alternative embodiment, a hinged coupling is provided between first component  20  and second component  30 .  
      With reference now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown an eyeglass case  50  according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, eyeglass case  50  is adapted to enclose a pair of eyeglasses while permitting a consumer to observe at least a portion of the eyeglasses. Eyeglass case  50  comprises a body  60 , a first end  70 , and a second end  80 .  
      Body  60  is adapted to enclose eyeglasses  2 , while permitting a consumer to observe at least a portion of the eyeglasses  2 . Body  60  permits a consumer to observe at least a portion of the eyeglasses by having a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent construction. In the illustrated embodiment body  60  has a cylindrical configuration. In an alternative embodiment, body  60  has a rectangular or triangular configuration.  
      First end  70  is coupled to one end of body  60 . Second end  80  is coupled to the opposite end of body  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, first end  70  and second end  80  comprise removable barriers maintaining the position of eyeglasses  2  in eyeglass case  50 . At least one of the first and second ends  70  and  80  provides a substantially flat surface permitting the eyeglass case to be rested on its end.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3  illustrating the construction of eyeglass case  50 . In the illustrated embodiment, body  60  is constructed of a clear synthetic polymer. By utilizing a polymer material, body  60  provides shatterproof protection for eyeglasses that can be manufactured simply and at low cost. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that body  60  can be constructed from a variety of types and configurations of materials. For example, in one embodiment, body  60  comprises a glass tube.  
      First end  70  and second end  80  are inserted into the ends of body  60 . First end  70  comprises an insert  72 , an end cap  74 , a resilient material  76 , and a contact region  78 . Insert  72  is positioned internal to one end of body  60 . End cap  74  is positioned external to the end of body  60 . End cap  74  provides a stopping mechanism for preventing insertion of first end  70  past a given point. Resilient material  76  provides a cushion mechanism internal to first end  70 . Contact region  78  permits a portion of the eyeglasses to contact resilient material  76 , thus minimizing movement of eyeglasses  2  within eyeglass case  50 .  
      Second end  80  comprises an insert  82 , an end cap  84 , a resilient material  86 , and a contact region  88 . Insert  82  is positioned internal to the other end of body  60 . End cap  84  is positioned external to the end of body  60  and provides a stopping mechanism for preventing insertion of second end  80  past a given point. Resilient material  86  provides a cushion mechanism internal to second end  80 . Contact region  88  permits a portion of the eyeglasses to contact resilient material  86 , thus minimizing movement of eyeglasses  2  within eyeglass case  50 .  
      In the illustrated embodiment, indicia  40  is positioned directly on eyeglasses  2 . By permitting a consumer to observe at least a portion of eyeglasses  2 , the configuration of body  60  allows a consumer to view indicia  40  so as to identify characteristics of the eyeglass quickly and easily. A variety of types and configurations of eyeglass cases can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, in the preferred embodiment the eyeglass case is reusable thus providing a mechanism for displaying the eyeglasses to a consumer and for protecting the eyeglasses on an ongoing basis subsequent to purchase of the eyeglasses. In another embodiment, the eyeglass case includes a display element that permits the eyeglass case to be hung in a vertical manner. Examples of display elements include a hook, loop, tag, adhesive tab, and the like.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 5  there is shown a display  100  for displaying eyeglasses. Display  100  permits a plurality of eyeglasses to be positioned one behind another such that a plurality of eyeglasses can be seen without needing to reposition the eyeglasses. Additionally, the configuration of display  100  permits eyeglasses to be displayed in a vertical manner, thus providing an improved and efficient browsing experience.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, display  100  comprises a base  110 , a support structure  120 , a display member  130 , a front  140 , and a display surface  150 . Base  110  provides a mechanism for securing display  100 . Base  110  allows a consumer to position display  100  on a surface such as a floor, a counter top, or shelf, thus permitting a consumer to identify and browse eyeglasses to be purchased.  
      Support structure  120  is coupled to base  110 . Support structure  120  provides a frame for securing other components of display  100 . Display member  130  is coupled to support structure  120  and/or base  110 . Display member  130  permits a plurality of eyeglasses to be positioned in rows one behind another such that each of the plurality of eyeglasses can be seen without needing to reposition the eyeglasses. This increases the number of eyeglasses that can be displayed. Additionally, display member  130  permits the eyeglasses to be displayed in a vertical manner.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, display member  130  is positioned at an angle to facilitate viewing of consecutive rows of eyeglasses. In an alternative embodiment, display member  130  is positioned in a substantially horizontal manner. A variety of types and configurations of display members can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In one embodiment, display member  130  comprises a shelf on which eyeglass cases can be positioned in a vertical manner. In another embodiment, display member  130  comprises a tray adapted to allow proper positioning of the eyeglasses.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, display member  130  includes a plurality of openings  132   a - n . Openings  132   a - n  are configured to receive an end of eyeglasses cases  1   a - 1   n  such that the eyeglass cases are displayed in a vertical manner. Each one of openings  132   a - n  corresponds with a slot that accommodates the eyeglass case. The slot secures the eyeglass case such that the eyeglass case is displayed in a vertical manner. The slot is configured to conform to the shape of the eyeglass cases. In an alternative embodiment, openings  132   a - n  do not correspond with slots. Instead, the configuration of the openings  132   a - n  is sufficient to secure the eyeglass cases.  
      The configuration of display member  130  and openings  132   a - n  facilitates viewing of the eyeglasses when a purchaser is attempting to select from a variety of eyeglasses. A purchaser can quickly identify the characteristics of eyeglasses such as color, frame design, and magnification. This permits a purchaser to quickly identify desirable eyeglasses which can be inspected in greater detail.  
      Once a number of eyeglasses of interest have been identified, display member  130  and openings  132   a - n  allow a consumer to easily and efficiently remove the eyeglass cases from the display. The configuration of openings  132   a - n  prevents disruption of adjacent eyeglasses when removing or replacing eyeglass covers. This also permits a consumer to return the eyeglass case to its proper position in the display without difficulty and without disturbing adjacent eyeglasses, thus maintaining the organized and efficient display of eyeglasses.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, display  100  includes a front  140  having a plurality of indicia  142   a - h . Indicia  142   a - h  correspond with characteristics of the eyeglasses such as magnification of each row of eyeglasses. In this manner a consumer can quickly and efficiently identify rows of eyeglasses having a desired magnification. Once a given magnification is identified, the consumer can select glasses according to other characteristics, such as frame type, color, or tinting of the lenses. The configuration of eyeglass cases  1   a - 1   n  further facilitates the efficiency and ease of browsing eyeglass by permitting a consumer to view important characteristics of the eyeglasses without needing to remove the eyeglasses from the display  100 .  
      In the illustrated embodiment, display  100  also includes display surface  150 . Display surface  150  is configured to provide a mechanism for display of an emblem, logo, advertisement, or informational materials to a consumer. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the configuration and placement of the display surface can be varied without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 6  there is shown an alternative embodiment of display  100 . In the illustrated embodiment display  100  comprises a base  110 , a support structure  120 , display members  130   a - h , and a display surface  150 . Base  110  secures the display while providing aesthetic and functional design features to the display. The height of base  110  facilitates display of eyeglasses by positioning the lowest display members within a consumer&#39;s reach.  
      Support structure  120  is coupled to base  110 . Support structure  120  provides a central frame mechanism to which display members  130   a - h  are coupled. Display members  130   a - d  are positioned on one side of support structure  120 . Display members  130   e - h  are positioned on the opposite side of support structure  120 . By providing a plurality of display members, a variety of types and configurations of eyeglasses can be provided. For example, a wide range of lens powers and different colors and intensities of lens shading of can be provided. Additionally, frames having different styles, colors, and construction can be displayed.  
      With reference now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown yet another embodiment of display  100  according to one aspect of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment display  100  has a rectangular configuration. Base  110  comprises a wide and solid foundation for display  100 . Support structure  120  has a skeleton frame configuration to provide support to five display members on each of four sides of the display. Additionally, reflective surfaces  160   a - e  are provided. Reflective surfaces  160   a - e  provide a mechanism for allowing consumers to observe their visage while wearing the selected eyeglasses.  
      As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of types and configurations of displays can be utilized without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment the display has three sides instead of four sides as shown in  FIG. 7 . In another embodiment, the support structure is integrally coupled to the display member. In yet another embodiment, the display is rotatable about a central axis. In an alternative embodiment the display is disposable. In yet another embodiment, the display is configured to permit a plurality of substantially clear eyeglass cases to be hung such that the eyeglasses are displayed vertically.  
      One presently preferred method of displaying eyeglasses enclosed in eyeglass cases will now be described in relation to  FIGS. 1-7 . A display  100  having one or more display members  130  for containing glasses is provided. Next, a first eyeglass case containing a pair of eyeglasses is positioned on display member  130 . Next, at least a second eyeglass case containing a pair of eyeglasses is positioned on the display member  130  behind the first eyeglass case such that a consumer can view the eyeglasses in the first and second eyeglass case simultaneously.  
      Another presently preferred method of displaying the eyeglasses will now be described. In the embodiment, a display having at least a first display member is provided. Next, a first eyeglass case permitting a user to view an entire frame of eyeglasses and containing a pair of eyeglasses is hung on the display member such that the eyeglasses are positioned vertically. Next, a second eyeglass case permitting a user to view an entire frame of eyeglasses and containing a pair of eyeglasses is hung on the display member behind the first eyeglass case such that the eyeglasses are positioned vertically.  
      The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.