Patent Publication Number: US-7584527-B2

Title: Combination logo pin holder and eyeglasses holder

Description:
I FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to eyeglass holders, particularly eyeglass holders intended to be attached to a user&#39;s outer garments. 
   II BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention fulfills a need to securely retain a pair of eyeglasses, sunglasses, or the like to the outer garments of a user. Placing glasses in an outside pocket may result in loss or damage to the glasses, and in the absence of a pocket (such as when the user is wearing a ski jacket), there is no place to secure glasses in the event the user removes them from his or her face. The present invention is intended to be used in conjunction with a logo pin featuring one of various designs, employing the pin to affix the eyeglass holder to the user&#39;s garment. As a further advantage, a set of flexible fingers integral to the eyeglass holder press against the temple piece of the glasses, preventing them from falling out of the holder. 
   U.S. Pat. Des. 152,254 discloses a holder for eyeglasses. This invention differs from the present invention in that it is designed to be mounted to a vertical surface such as a wall, filing cabinet, auto dashboard, or the like. There are no provisions that allow it to be affixed to a garment, nor does it allow for holding a logo pin or the like. 
   U.S. Pat. Des. 173,295 discloses a holder for a pair of spectacles. This invention differs from the present invention in that it is designed to be mounted to a vertical surface such as a wall, filing cabinet, auto dashboard, or the like. There are no provisions that allow it to be affixed to a garment, nor does it allow for holding a logo pin or the like. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 851,327 discloses an eyeglass holder. This invention is designed to be pinned to a user&#39;s outer garment, and hold the glasses horizontally by means of a spring clip. The vertical pendulous position of the present invention is the preferred method to avoid damage, and allows for easier removal of the eyeglasses. Further, this invention does not allow for holding a logo pin or the like. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,997,270 discloses racks for spectacles. This invention differs from the present invention in that it is designed to be mounted to a vertical surface such as a wall, filing cabinet, or the like. There are no provisions that allow it to be affixed to a garment, nor does it allow for holding a logo pin or the like. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,259,348 discloses an eyeglass holder. This invention differs from the present invention in that it is designed to be mounted to a vertical surface such as a wall, filing cabinet, or the like. There are no provisions that allow it to be affixed to a garment, nor does it allow for holding a logo pin or the like. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,239,167 discloses a wall-mounted eyeglass holder. This invention differs from the present invention in that it is designed to be mounted to a vertical surface such as a wall, filing cabinet, auto dashboard, or the like. There are no provisions that allow it to be affixed to a garment, nor does it allow for holding a logo pin or the like. 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,452,354, 4,702,451, and 5,046,696 disclose eyeglass holders. These inventions differ from the present invention in that they are designed to be mounted to a vertical surface such as a wall, filing cabinet, or the like. There are no provisions that allow them to be affixed to a garment, nor do they allow for holding a logo pin or the like. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,026 discloses a holder for eyeglasses. This invention differs from the present invention in that it is designed to be mounted to a vertical surface such as a wall, filing cabinet, auto dashboard, or the like. There are no provisions that allow it to be affixed to a garment, nor does it allow for holding a logo pin or the like. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,887 discloses an eyeglass retainer. This invention is designed to be clipped onto a user&#39;s pocket or belt. There is no way to use this invention on a garment that does not possess a pocket or other means to insert its integral clip. Further, this invention depends upon the weight of the glasses to hold them in place. The present invention does not have means to positively retain the glasses, nor does it allow for holding a logo pin or the like. 
   III SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A. Summary 
   The combination logo pin holder and eyeglasses holder comprises a single piece of molded plastic that achieves all objects of the invention. 
   B. Objects of the Invention 
   One object of the present invention is to hold glasses securely to the garment of the user. 
   Another object of the present invention is to prevent glasses from falling out of the holder. 
   Another object of the present invention is to allow the user to easily insert into and remove glasses from the holder. 
   Another object of the present invention is to use the spike and clasp of a commercially available logo pin to both display the logo pin and secure the eyeglass holder to the user&#39;s garments. 
   Another object of the present invention is to allow the user to change from one logo pin design to another. 
   Other objects of the present invention will become apparent. 

   
     IV. THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is perspective view of the present invention, showing its rear side. 
       FIG. 2  is a is a perspective view of the present invention, showing its front side. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the present invention showing how a logo pin may be inserted. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the present invention after the logo pin is in place. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the present invention showing a pair of glasses depending from the holder and a logo pin in place. 
   

   V. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In accordance with  FIG. 1 , the present invention is shown generally at  100 . The rear side of combination logo pin holder and eyeglasses holder  100  shows body  110 , holes  120 ,  125 , groove  130 , and recess  140 . The combination logo pin holder and eyeglasses holder Ii intended to be molded all in one piece from a durable plastic having the properties of strength with limited flexibility. 
   In accordance with  FIG. 2 , the front side of combination logo pin holder and eyeglasses holder  100  shows upper retainers  150 , lower retainers  160 , fingers  170 , and eyeglass retainer  180 . 
   In accordance with  FIG. 3 , logo pin  200 , is shown just prior to being inserted in combination logo pin holder and eyeglasses holder  100 . Logo pins are commonly available in souvenier and gift shops, special events, and other venues. The desired style of logo pin is generally oval shaped, comprising body  210 , hinge  230 , spike  220 , and clasp  240 . Clasp  240  Will protrude through hole  125 ; while spike  220  and hinge  230  will protrude through hole  120 . The suggested method of inserting logo pin  200  into combination logo pin holder and eyeglasses holder  100  is to flux it slightly and insert logo pin  200  between upper retainers  150  and lower retainers  160 , while guiding spike  220 , hinge  230 , and clasp  240  through corresponding holes  120 ,  125 . 
   In accordance with  FIG. 4 , logo pin  200  is in place. Spike  220  is shown in the closed position. In use, spike  220  will normally pierce the outer garment of the user before it is inserted into clap  240 . This method holds the logo pin to the user&#39;s garment, with combination logo pin holder and eyeglasses holder  100  securely sandwiched in between. 
   In accordance with  FIG. 5 , logo pin  200  is shown captured between upper retainers  150  and lower retainers  160 . A pair of eyeglasses  300  is shown with one temple  310  inserted into eyeglasses retainer  180 . Flexible fingers  170  help prevent eyeglasses  300  from failing out of combination logo pin holder and eyeglasses holder  100 .