Patent Abstract:
The present invention is directed to multipurpose containers in which a variety of items can be stored, such as eyeglasses writing instruments, pills, medicines, thermometers, rulers, note pads, to name a few of the nearly limitless number of items that can be stored. The containers may be provided with writing implements or gauges to measure a parameter, such as a timepiece, or a computational device, such as a calculator.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/607,265 filed Jun. 30, 2000, co-pending, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/625,748 filed Jul. 26, 2000, co-pending. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention is directed to multipurpose containers in which a variety of items can be stored, such as eyeglasses writing instruments, pills, medicines, thermometers, rulers, note pads, to name a few of the nearly limitless number of items that can be stored. The containers may be provided with writing implements or gauges to measure a parameter, such as a timepiece, or a computational device, such as a calculator.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    There are numerous containers in the prior art that can be used to store items, that may or may not have another purpose associated with it, such as an attached writing instrument, or storing another item, or providing information on a prevailing aspect of the moment, such as temperature or time.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The present invention is directed to multipurpose containers and that can be used to store and retain a variety of items, including such items as eyeglasses, medicines, foods, rulers, thermometers, note pads, to name but a few of the possibilities. The containers have an interior space for storing an item, and may be provided with a second interior space for storing a second item. The container may be provided with a writing implement, or it may be provided with a gauge for measuring a parameter, or a computational device, such as a calculator. In one embodiment, the invention is a pair of folding eyeglasses that is transformable into its own compact case. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]    FIGS.  1 - 4  show a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0006]    [0006]FIGS. 5,6, and  7  show a multi-purpose container comprised of, in side-by-side arrangement. FIGS. 8, 9, and  10  show variations on the multi purpose container of FIGS.  5 - 7 .  
         [0007]    [0007]FIGS. 11, 12 and  13  show variations on the multi purpose container of FIGS.  5 - 7 .  
         [0008]    [0008]FIGS. 14, 15 and  16  show perspective views of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIGS. 17, 18, and  19  show variations on the multi purpose container of FIGS.  14 - 16 .  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 20 shown in an assembled state.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 22 is an exploded view of an embodiment having variations on the FIG. 20 embodiment.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22 shown in an assembled state.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 24 is an exploded view of an embodiment having variations on the FIG. 20 embodiment.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 25 is an exploded view of an embodiment having variations on the FIG. 20 embodiment.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an embodiment having variations on the FIG. 26 embodiment.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an embodiment having variations on the FIG. 28 embodiment  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention..  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an embodiment having variations on the FIG. 30 embodiment.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an embodiment having variations on the FIG. 32 embodiment.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an embodiment having variations on the FIG. 34 embodiment.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an embodiment having variations on the FIG. 36 embodiment.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an embodiment having variations on the FIG. 36 embodiment.  
         [0029]    FIGS.  39 - 41  show perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]    FIGS.  43 - 45  show perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0032]    FIGS.  46 - 48  show perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0033]    FIGS.  59 - 53  show perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0034]    FIGS.  54 - 56  show perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIGS. 57 and 58 show a perspective view on an embodiment of a writing implement of the present invention.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 59 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating engagement of a rear cap and a barrel body of another embodiment of a pen for receiving eyeglasses according to the invention;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 60 is a side view of the rear end of another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 61 is a partly sectional view of the of embodiment of a pen for receiving eyeglasses according to the invention;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 62 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a pen for receiving eyeglasses according to the invention; and  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 63 is a sectional view of a front cap and a pen barrel of an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 64 is a sectional view of a front cap and a pen barrel of an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 65 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of a pen for receiving eyeglasses according to the invention;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 66 is a sectional view of the FIG. 65 embodiment, taken along line II-II of FIG. 65;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 67 is a sectional view of the FIG. 65 embodiment, taken along line III-III of FIG. 65;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 68 is a schematic top view of the first casing half of the FIG. 65 embodiment;  
         [0046]    FIGS.  69  is and  70  illustrate a pair of foldable eyeglasses in extended and folded states, which can be stowed in the pen of the FIG. 65 embodiment;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 71 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pen for receiving eyeglasses according to the present invention;  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 72 is a top view of another embodiment of a pen for receiving eyeglasses according to the present invention;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 73 is a top view of the FIG. 72 embodiment of a pen for receiving eyeglasses according to the present invention; and  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 74 is a top view of another embodiment of a pen for receiving eyeglasses according to the present invention.  
         [0051]    FIGS.  75 - 78  show another embodiment of folding eyeglasses of the present invention.  
         [0052]    FIGS.  79 - 84  show another embodiment of folding eyeglasses of the present invention.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 85 shows an embodiment of a hinge suitable for use in the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0054]    [0054]FIG. 1 shows a writing instrument  10  that incorporates a pivotable writing implement. The writing instrument is provided with a case  12  including a first end portion  14  and a second end portion  16  that when joined define an enclosed interior space in which an item, such as a pair of eyeglasses can be placed. A writing implement  18  is attached to the first end portion. The writing implement pivotable about a hinge  20  between a writing position (FIG. 2) and a rest position (FIG. 1), in which the implement  18  is against the case. Here, a pin  21  extends through an aperture in the first end portion and the writing implement. When the first end portion is joined to the case, an enclosed interior space is defined, and when the first end portion is removed from the case the interior space can be accessed in order to remove the item from the interior space. See FIG. 3. The second end portion  16  may further be provided with an end wall  22  at the end opposite the writing implement, and the end wall may be integral with the second end portion. Additionally, a time piece may be positioned on the case, such as on the end wall  22 . See FIG. 4.  
         [0055]    To facilitate the joining of the first end portion  14  and the second end portion  16 , one of the first or second end portions  14 , 16  maybe provided with a slightly smaller outside perimeter at its opening relative to the outside perimeter of the other portion, so that it will form an interference fit with the other portion. As shown in FIG. 3, the second end portion  16  is provided with a slightly smaller perimeter  24  relative to the first end portion, but the roles can be reversed.  
         [0056]    The writing implement at the first end portion can be a pen, pencil or any other known writing implement. While the present invention has been shown as providing an interior space for retaining glasses, it should be understood that other items may be place there, including, but not limited to, foods, medicines, thermometers, coins, notes, pocket knives, tire pressure gauges, to name only a few disparate items that evince the breadth of possibilities, which need not be exhausted here.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIGS. 5,6, and  7  show a multi-purpose container  30  having, in side-by-side arrangement, a first container portion  32  configured to receive a hand held electronic device, wherein the first container portion is provided with first half  34 , a second half  36 , and a hinge  38  joining the first half and the second half, the second half movable between an open position (FIG. 7) and a closed position (FIGS. 5 and 6), the first container portion  32  having an interior space  40  for receiving a hand held electronic device. The electronic device can be inserted and removed from the container portion by moving the second half between the open position and the closed position.  
         [0058]    The multi purpose container  30  is further provided with a second container portion  42  adjacent the first container portion  32 . The second container portion  42  is configured to receive a writing instrument  44 , the second container portion being open on one side  46 , through which the writing instrument can be inserted and removed from the second container portion.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIGS. 8, 9, and  10  show the multi purpose container  30  of FIGS.  5 - 7  provided with a gauge to measure a parameter, such as time, temperature, positioning, humidity, barometric pressure, to name but few possibilities. As shown in the figures, the container is provided with a digital timepiece and a thermometer  48  on its depth side  50 . In another embodiment, a computational device can be included, such as a calculator.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIGS. 11, 12, and  13  show the multi purpose container  30  of FIGS.  5 - 7  provided with a gauge to measure a parameter, such as time, temperature, positioning, humidity, barometric pressure, to name but few possibilities. A computational device, such as a calculator, can also be employed. As shown in the figures, the container is provided with an analog timepiece  54  and a compass  56  on its top side  58   
         [0061]    [0061]FIGS. 14, 15, and  16  show a container  60  having a first half  62  and a second half  64 , the first and second halves each having hinge forming members  66  that are joined together to form a hinge  68 , permitting the container to be opened and closed. The halves are constructed of a base  70  and a skirt  72  that extends around the perimeter of the base  70  in a direction perpendicular to the base. The hinge forming members  66  are located on one side of the base. When the container is in the closed position, the skirt of the first half  62  and the skirt of the second half  64  are in an abutting relationship. The hinge forming members  66  on the first and second halves  62 ,  64  define an open space on the inside of the hinge forming members, in which space a writing instrument, or other object sharing that configuration, can be positioned. This arrangement can be constructed by varying the diameter of one of the hinge forming members so that it fits in the other hinge forming member. The interior space between the first and second halves, hereinafter referred to as the first interior space  74 , is sized and configured to retain a pair of eyeglasses, or other objects, including but not limited to notepads calendars, diaries, foods, medicines, maps, storage medium (digital or analog), to name but a few possibilities. The second interior space  76  can house an item configured like a writing instrument, including but not limited to a writing implement such as a pen, pencil, a thermometer, pressure gauge, flashlight, to name but a few possibilities.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIGS. 17, 18, and  19  show a variation on the embodiment of FIGS.  14 - 16  by including gauges that measure parameters. Here, the gauges  78 ,  80  measure time and temperature. It should be understood that any kind of gauge may be employed, including those previously noted here. A computational device may also be placed where the gauge is placed.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 20 shows an exploded view of yet another embodiment of the present invention, which is a container  82  that, when not subjected to a force sufficient to flip it or turn it, remains in an upright position, or returns thereto. The container has a housing  84  having top  86  and bottom  88  zones, the bottom zone  88  having a rounded surface  90  constituting the bottom of the container. The bottom zone  88  is heavier than the top zone. The bottom zone can be made heavier than the top zone by including a metal weight into the bottom zone  88 , or by constructing the bottom zone to have a density in excess of the density of the top zone. This can be accomplished by selecting the appropriate materials to achieve this result.  
         [0064]    When the top and bottom zones are joined together (FIG. 23), the housing defines an interior space in which at least one item can be stored. In one embodiment, the housing is provided with a top zone that is separable from the bottom zone in order to permit access to the interior space. See FIG. 22. The top zone can be provided with a conical shape. It should be understood that the top zone can be provided with a lid that can be positioned on the opening, or removed therefrom, in order to access the interior space and/or items stored therein.  
         [0065]    Because the bottom of the container is rounded, and heavier than the remainder of the container, the container will, if not subjected to an external force, rest on its bottom, and remain in an upright position. If the container is pushed, it will wobble and then return to its upright position.  
         [0066]    In another embodiment, the container is provided with a gauge for measuring a parameter, such a timepiece  90 , as shown in FIGS.  22 - 25 . Alternatively, a computational device can be placed where the gauge is placed. In another embodiment, the container is provided with an opening  91  to receive a writing instrument. See FIGS.  22 - 24 . In another embodiment, a pair of eyeglasses, or other item, can be stored in the container. See FIGS.  20 - 25 . In another embodiment, the container is provided with compartments  92  for retaining the stored item in place. The compartment  92  may be a slot having circular sidewalls  94  that extend upward in the interior space from the bottom of the container, as shown in FIG. 24. Alternatively, the compartment  92  can be constructed out of a plurality of slot defining sidewalls  96  that extend upward in the interior space from a bottom of the container. See FIG. 24.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 26 shows a container for storing an item such as a pair of eyeglasses and a second container portion for storing an item having the configuration of a writing instrument. The container  100  has a first container portion  102  having a sidewall  103  that defines a first interior space  104 . Container  100  further has a second container portion  106  defining a second interior space that can store a item having the configuration of a writing instrument, the second container portion being located on to the sidewall  103  of the first container portion  102 .  
         [0068]    The first container portion has a closure  108  attached to a hinge  110 , which is mounted to the sidewall  103 . The closure  108  is movable between a position closed on the container and an open position permitting access to the interior space.  
         [0069]    In a variation on this embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the closure  108  is provided with a gauge  112  to measure a parameter, which in this case is a timepiece. The time piece  112  is located on the interior facing side of the closure, and so is visible when the closure is in the open position. Alternatively, a computational device can be provided.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 28 shows another embodiment of the present invention showing a container having first and second portions that has compartments configured to hold eyeglasses and a writing instrument. The container  114  has a first container portion  116  that is a hinged body having a length dimension L. Hinged body has two halves  118 ,  120  joined at a hinge  122  which extends in the length dimension. The second container portion  124  for the writing instrument is attached to one of the two halves. The hinged body is movable between a closed position and an open position along the hinge. The first hinged body has end closures  118  at a first and second ends  121 ,  123  of the body. When in a closed position, the body defines an interior space in which an item, such as a pair of eyeglasses, can be placed when it is in the closed position.  
         [0071]    The second container portion  124  has a wall portion  125  that defines an interior space that can store an item configured like a writing instrument, the second container portion being joined to one of the halves of the hinged body that forms the first container portion.  
         [0072]    In a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 28, at least one of the end closures  118  is provided with a gauge  117  for measuring a parameter. FIG. 29 shows a timepiece at one of the end closures. Alternatively, a computational device may be provided.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 30 shows a container  130  for holding first and second container portions in an adjoining relationship. The container can hold items such as eyeglasses and writing instruments in the first and second container portions.  
         [0074]    Container  130  is provided with a body  132  having first and second halves  136 ,  138  joined along a hinge  134  that extends in the length dimension L of the container. The first and second halves are movable along the hinge between a closed position and an open position.  
         [0075]    Each of the halves are divided into first container forming portion  140  and a second container forming portion  142 . As shown in FIG. 32, the first and second halves have sidewalls that are partitioned into the first container forming portion and second container forming portion at zone boundary  144 , which is contiguous with the first and second container forming portions  140 ,  142 .  
         [0076]    Body  132  has end closures  146  at a first and second ends  148  of the body. When the container is in the closed position, the body has first and second interior spaces located in the first and second container portions. That is, the zone boundaries  144  of the first and second container forming portions  140 ,  142  enter into an adjacent relationship when the container is in the closed position.  
         [0077]    The first container portion is configured to retain a pair of eyeglasses, but any of the other aforenoted items may be stored there. The second container portion is configured to retain a writing instrument, but any of the other aforenoted items may be stored there.  
         [0078]    In a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, at least one of the end closures  146  is provided with a gauge  149  for measuring a parameter. FIG. 31 shows a timepiece at one of the end closures. Alternatively, a computational device may be provided.  
         [0079]    [0079]FIGS. 32 and 33 show a container  150  comprised of a body  152  having a length dimension L that is divided in two halves  154 ,  156  in a direction that intersects the body. The halves can be joined together to form a closed container, or separated to provide an open container. The halves  154 ,  156  further have first and second container portions  158 ,  160  in an adjoining relationship that define first and second interior spaces for retaining items placed within the interior spaces. Thus, when the halves are joined together, items can be retained in the first and second container portions.  
         [0080]    The first container portion  158  is configured to retain a pair of eyeglasses, but any of the other aforenoted items may be stored there. The second container portion  160  is configured to retain a writing instrument, but any of the other aforenoted items may be stored there.  
         [0081]    In one embodiment, halves  154 ,  156  are about equal in length. In another embodiment, the first container portion  158  has a perimeter and the second container portion  160  is located on the perimeter. In another embodiment, the second container portion  160  is provided with an open end.  
         [0082]    In a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 32, at least one of the end closures  162  is provided with a gauge  164  for measuring a parameter. FIG. 33 shows a timepiece at one of the end closures. Alternatively, a computational device may be provided.  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 34 shows a combined container and writing instrument  170  which has a hinged body  172  movable between a closed position and an open position. The hinged body  172  has a length dimension L. The hinged body  172  is constructed of two halves  174 ,  176  joined at the first hinge  178 . Hinge  178  extends in the length dimension L. The writing implement  180  is attached to one of the two halves by second hinge  182 . The writing implement  180  is movable between a writing position and an open position. The body  172  defines an interior space in which an item can be placed when the body is in the closed position. The interior space is configured to retain a pair of eyeglasses, or another item, including those previously mentioned, in the interior space.  
         [0084]    In another embodiment, the body is provided with a second end closure  184 , which can be of a pair of semicircles  186 , each of which is attached to one of the halves. In another embodiment, the writing implement is provided with a gauge  188 , such as a timepiece that is positioned to be visible when the writing implement is in the open position. That is, the writing implement is provided with a timepiece, or other gauge to measure a parameter, on its rear side. See FIG. 35. Alternatively, a computational device may be provided.  
         [0085]    FIGS.  36 - 38  show a writing instrument  190  having a body  192  that defines an interior space in which an item, such as a pair of eyeglasses, or any other item, including those previously noted, can be placed. A writing implement  194  is positioned at the a first end  196  of the body  192 , and is attached to the body  192  by a hinge  198 . The writing implement is pivotable  194  between a writing position and an open position allowing for access to the container. In one embodiment, a gauge  200  to measure a parameter is attached to the end of the container. The gauge can be a timepiece, or any of the other gauges previously described. Alternatively, a computational device may be provided.  
         [0086]    In an another embodiment shown in FIG. 37, the gauge  200  is positioned on the inward facing side of the writing implement  194 . In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 38, the writing implement is positioned on an end closure  202  on the end opposite the writing implement  194 . The end closure is attached to the body by a hinge  204 . Alternatively, a computational device may be provided.  
         [0087]    It should be understood that embodiments combining features shown in FIGS. 32,33 and  34 - 38  are possible. For example, the container can be provided with a body  152  having a length dimension L that is divided in two halves  154 ,  156  in a direction that intersects the body. The halves can be joined together to form a closed container, or separated to provide an open container. The container can also be provided with a writing implement positioned at the a first end of the body, and attached to the body by a hinge. The writing implement is pivotable between a writing position and an open position providing access to the container. In another embodiment, a gauge  200  to measure a parameter is attached to the end of the container, facing inward or outward, as previously described. The gauge can be a timepiece, or any of the other gauges previously described. Alternatively, a computational device may be provided.  
         [0088]    FIGS.  39 - 41  show a writing instrument  210  having an off-axis writing implement  212  and removable first end  214  that allows for access to an interior space in which items can be stored. The writing instrument  210  is provided with a barrel  216  having an axis extending in the length direction L of the writing instrument. The barrel sidewalls  218  define an interior space for retaining and storing an item.  
         [0089]    The writing implement is positioned off of the axis of the barrel, that is, it may be parallel to, but not the axis. At the first end of the barrel, an opening  220  is provided in the first end  214  in communication with the interior space.  
         [0090]    A removable first end  214  is adapted to seal the opening  220  when it is placed on the first end of the barrel  216 . The removable first end  214  can be removed from the barrel  216  to permit access to the opening  220 , and the interior space. As shown in FIGS.  39 - 41 , the removable first end  214  may be a cap  215  having a base  222  and a skirt  224  attached to the base  222  that, when joined to the barrel  216 , seals the opening  220  from the exterior environment and encloses the writing implement  212  within the cap.  
         [0091]    The interior space is configured to hold a pair of eyeglasses, or any of the other items previously mentioned.  
         [0092]    In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 42, the removable first end  214  is a plug received over the opening, or within the opening The tip  211  of the writing implement  212  is received within a recess  217  in the removable first end  214  when it is positioned within or over the opening.  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 42 shows a writing instrument that is provided with a mirror  219 . The mirror may be positioned near the tip  211  of the writing implement  212 , or the mirror may cover the predominant portion of a barrel side. Although FIG. 42 shows a first end having a fingernail shaped housing in which the writing implement  212  is positioned, it should be understood that the other configurations are possible.  
         [0094]    In yet a further embodiment of the invention, a gauge for measuring a parameter, such as a timepiece  228 , is provided on one of the ends of the writing instrument. It can be provided on the removable first end  214  (FIG. 39, 40) or the second end  225  (FIG. 41). Alternatively, a computational device may be provided.  
         [0095]    [0095]FIGS. 43, 44, and  45  show a variation on the embodiments of FIGS. 39, 40, and  41  wherein the predominant portion of interior space is associated with the removable first end  214 . In FIGS. 39, 40, and  41 , the predominant portion of the interior space is associated with the barrel  216 .  
         [0096]    In yet a further embodiment, shown in FIGS. 46, 47, and  48 , the writing implement  212  is attached to the barrel  216  by a hinge  230 . The writing implement  212  is movable from an open position to a closed position. The writing implement  212  has a rear surface  232  that seals the opening  222  of the barrel when the writing implement is in the closed position.  
         [0097]    [0097]FIG. 49 shows a folding eyeglass frame  240  in which the glasses, when in the open position (FIG. 49) are configured to be worn in the conventional manner, and a closed position (FIG. 54) in which the lenses and all or a substantial portion of the frame are enclosed within clam shell like portions  242  of the frame  240  that serve as the ear rest portions of the arms  244 . When in the folded the state, it is not apparent that the resulting object, which resembles a clam, contains a pair of glasses. The compact form the glasses take, when folded, provides apparent space saving benefits.  
         [0098]    The glasses are provided with a front frame  246  including a pair of lens retaining portions joined together by a hinged bridge  248 . The hinged bridge is constructed of two hinge forming members  249 , each of which extends from the inward side of the lens retaining members  250 . The hinge forming members are provided with apertures which are placed in alignment with each other and joined together by a screw, pin, bolt, or other known devices for joining a hinge. The glasses can be folded along the hinge, as shown in FIGS.  52 - 54 .  
         [0099]    Arms  244  are attached to the outward sides of the lens retaining members  250  at hinges  251  in same manner as described with respect to the joining the hinge forming members at the bridge. The hinged arms can be moved out ward, in a configuration in which the glasses can be worn by the user, or moved inwardly, towards the lens retaining members.  
         [0100]    The arms are constructed of a first relatively thin portion  252  that extends from the hinges  251 . Concave shaped ear rests  254  are slidably mounted over the relatively thin portions  252 . The concave shaped ear rests  254  have an open face  255  in the direction of the user&#39;s head.  
         [0101]    After wearing the glasses, the user can fold them into a compact, space saving form, more easily stored than the unfolded form. The user slides the ear rests forward over the relatively thin portions of the arm (FIG. 51), folds the glasses inward at the hinges  251  so that the lens retaining members approach each other and eventually abut each other (FIG. 52), and then folds the concave shaped ear rests  254  over the lens retaining members on the other side of the glasses (FIGS. 53 and 54). In this folded state, the edges  257  of the ear rests  254  abut each other, and the lens retaining members and other portions of the frame are enclosed within the ear rests.  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 55 shows a container  270  for storing folding eyeglasses in a container that is provided with a cover portion  272 , a base portion  274 , and a gauge  278  for measuring a parameter, such as a timepiece or any of the others previously noted. Alternatively, a computational device maybe provided. The gauge is positioned on the face of the cover portion  272 . The cover portion  272  is attached to the base portion by a hinge  276 . An item, such as a pair of folding eyeglasses, can be stored in the interior container space, and enclosed there when the cover is closed. Any of the other previously mentioned items can be stored there.  
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 56 shows a variation on the previous embodiment. Here, the timepiece  278  is positioned on the interior face  272  of the cover, and is visible only when the cover is in the open position.  
         [0104]    The container can take any known shape. Exemplary are the square and rounded shapes shown in FIGS. 55, 56, and  57 .  
         [0105]    [0105]FIGS. 58 and 59 show a suitable writing implement  400  that can be used in several of the embodiments described herein. The writing implement includes and openable front cap and writing tip  402 . The front cap includes a hollow rotary knob  404  and connecting element  406  that may be used to close an end of the container or barrel. The rotary knob  404  and connecting element  406  are interengaged so that the rotary knob can rotate relative to the connecting element  406 . The connecting element  406  has a front end formed with a cylindrical tip mounting portion  408 . The tip mounting portion  408  has an inner surface formed with two opposed substantially trapezoidal projections  410  such that two substantially trapezoidal recesses  412  are defined between the projections  410 . Each projection  410  has a front end surface formed with a limiting depressed portion  414 . The writing tip  402  has a front end portion fitted with a spring  416  for biasing the writing tip  402  to a retracted position, that is, retracted within the rotary knob  404 . Further, the writing tip  402  has a rear end portion provided with two opposed, substantially triangular abutting protrusions  418  that fit into recesses  410 . The connecting element  406  can be press fitted within the opening in the barrel or container. Rotation of the rotary knob  404  relative to the barrel or container against the biasing action of the spring, the writing tip  402  will rotate relative to the connecting element  406 , while the abutting protrusions  418  are confined by the limiting depressed portions  414 . At this time, the writing tip  402  will extend from a front end of the rotary knob  404 , which is the write position. The rotary knob may be turned at any time to cause the abutting protrusions  418  to displace to the recesses  412  by virtue of the biasing action of the spring  416  so that the writing tip  402  retracts into the rotary knob  404 .  
         [0106]    When it is desired to stow the eyeglasses in the pen barrel  422  of the pen  424 , it is only necessary to remove the writing tip unit  400  from the pen barrel  422  to allow insertion of the eyeglasses  420  via the front end  426  into the barrel body  428 . As such, the user may carry the pen around with the eyeglasses stowed thereinside, and may remove the eyeglasses stowed thereinside, and may remove the eyeglasses from the pen in a convenient manner any time.  
         [0107]    Referring to FIG. 59, in another embodiment, an outer surface of the rear cap  430  is formed with an annular groove  432 . The barrel body  428  is sleeved on the rear cap  430 , and has an inner surface formed with an annular projection  434  that engages fittingly the annular groove  432  in the rear cap  430 , thereby retaining the rear cap  430  on the barrel body  428 .  
         [0108]    With reference to FIG. 60, in another embodiment, the rear cap  430  maybe formed integrally with the barrel body  428 .  
         [0109]    Referring to FIG. 61, another embodiment of a pen  502  according to the present invention is shown to include a pen barrel  21  and a writing tip unit  522 . A fixed rear cap  511  is mounted fixedly on and closes a rear end of the pen barrel  521 . This embodiment is different from the a previous embodiment in that a rear end of the rear cap  511  extends rearwardly to form a retaining block  512 , and a flashlight  523  is mounted fixedly on the retaining block  512  in such a manner that the retaining block  212  is press fitted withing a blind hole  531  in the flashlight  523 . Hence, the pen  502  may have an additional lighting function. It should be appreciated that since the flashlight  523  is provided on the rear cap  511  that is mounted fixedly on the rear end of the pen barrel  502 , the structure of the pen  502  is relatively strong.  
         [0110]    Referring to FIG. 62, another embodiment of a pen  300  according to the present invention is shown to include a pen barrel  308  and a writing tip unit  320 . Likewise, the writing tip unit  320  includes an openable front cap constituted by a rotary knob  321  and a connecting block  322 , and a writing tip (not shown). The pen barrel  308  has a barrel body  310  with an open front end  311  and a rear cap  312  integrally formed with the barrel body  310 . This embodiment is different from the first preferred embodiment in that the writing tip unit  320  is formed with a retaining edge  324 , whereas the pen barrel  308  is formed with a retaining edge  324 , whereas the pen barrel  308  is formed with a retaining edge  313  that engages the retaining edge  324  of the writing tip unit  320 , thereby positioning the writing tip unit  320  on the pen barrel  308 . In addition, the writing tip unit  320  is mounted rotatably on the pen barrel  308  via a pivot portion  323  and is rotatable about an axis, which is perpendicular to the barrel body  310 , for opening and closing the front end  311  of the barrel body  310 . In this embodiment, since the writing tip unit  320  is mounted pivotally on the pen barrel  308 , it remains attached to the pen barrel  308 , it remains attached to the pen barrel  308  when lifted to permit access to the interior of the barrel body  310 .  
         [0111]    With reference to FIG. 63, another embodiment of a pen  600  according to the present invention is shown to include a pen barrel  602  with a barrel body  610  and an open front end  611 , and an openable front cap  620 . This embodiment differs from the fifth preferred embodiment in that the front cap  620  has a rear end surface with an outer peripheral portion formed with a pivot hole  621 , and an inner surface formed with tow parallel annular grooves  622  in communication with the pivot hole  621 . The barrel body  610  has a front end surface which includes an axially extending pivot pin  630  that extends integrally and forwardly therefrom, and that engages fittingly the pivot hole  630  in the front cap  620 . The pivot pin  613  has an outer surface formed with two annular projections  614  that engage respectively and fittingly the annular grooves  622  in the front cap  620 , whereby the front cap  620  can rotate about the pivot pin  613  along an axis that is parallel to the barrel body  610  for opening and closing of the front end  611  of the barrel body  610 . In order to secure the front cap  620  on the front end  611  of the barrel body  610 , the front cap  620  on the front end  611  of the barrel body  610 , the front cap  620  on the front end  611  of the barrel body  610 , the front cap  620  is provided with a boss  624  projecting therefrom and distal to the pivot pin hole  621 , and the front end  611  of the pen barrel  602  is provided with an indentation  615  for engaging the boss  624  when the front cap  620  on the front end  611  of the barrel body  610 , the front cap  620  is rotated to a closed position. In addition, and axially extending cylindrical hole  612  is formed in the barrel body  610  to extend through the pivot pin  613 . The front cap  620  further includes a through tip hole  623  that is communicated with the pivot pin hole  621  such that a writing instrument  625 , such as a refill, can be accommodated in the hole  612  to extend through the pivot pin hole  621  and to project from the tip hole  623  for writing purposes. Compared with the above-described preferred embodiments, the writing instrument  625  is accommodated in both the barrel body  610  and the front cap  620 , and is of a longer length to make possible a longer period of writing.  
         [0112]    Referring to FIG. 64, in another embodiment, a front section of the writing instrument  625 ′ may be configured to pass through the pivot hole  621 ′ and a bent through tip hole  623 ′ of the front cap  62 ′.  
         [0113]    While the present invention has been described in connection with what is considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.  
         [0114]    Referring to FIGS.  65  to  68 , the first preferred embodiment of a pen  1000  according to the present invention is shown to comprise a casing  1010  and a writing tip  1041 . The casing  1010  includes an elongated first casing half  1002 , and a second casing half  1003 . The first casing half  1002  defines an interior chamber  1011  adapted to receive a pair of eyeglasses  1012 , such as that shown in FIGS. 69 and 70, and has a front end  1021 , a rear end  1022 , and an opening  1241  that is formed between the front and rear ends  1021 ,  1022 , and that is adapted to permit movement of the eyeglasses  1012  into the interior chamber  1011  therethrough. The first casing half  1002  further has a bowl-shaped bottom  1023  formed integrally with two curved partitions  1231  to confine the eyeglasses  1012  therebetween. In addition, the first casing half  1002  has an annular top frame  1024  which is mounted on the bottom  1023  by means of a bolt  1025 , and which defines the opening  1241  therein. A recess  1243  is formed in the top frame  1024 . The bottom  1023  is formed with two aligned integral abutment blocks  1232 , whereas the top frame  1024  is formed with two inverted U-shaped integral abutment legs  1242  (see FIG. 3). The abutment legs  1242  are respectively fixed on the abutment blocks  1232 . Furthermore, the bottom  1023  of the first casing half  2  has an L-shaped integral abutment plate  1234  that is adapted to permit abutment of a rear and of a writing instrument  1004  thereagainst. The writing instrument  1004  is provided with the above-mentioned writing tip  1041  and, in this embodiment, is a ball-point pen. Certainly, it may also be a pencil or a fountain pen. A front end notch  1233  is formed in the front end  21  of the first casing half  1002  to permit extension of the writing tip  1041  from the first casing half  1002  therethrough. The bottom  1023  further has tow parallel integral clamping plates  1235  that are provided between the abutment plate  1234  and the notch  233  for clamping the writing instrument  4  therebetween. The eyeglasses  1012  (see FIGS. 69 and 70) and the writing instrument  1004  are disposed on two sides of the partitions  1231 .  
         [0115]    The second casing half  1003 , in this embodiment, includes a cover plate  1031  shaped to complement the opening  1241 . The cover plate  1031  has a mounting side ( 3 M) and a free side ( 3 F). The mounting side ( 3 M) is formed with two aligned integral pivot pins  1032  which extend outwardly from two opposite sides thereof, and which extend into the pivot holes between the abutment legs  1242  and the abutment blocks  1232 . As such, the mounting side ( 3 M) is mounted pivotally on the first casing half  1002  between the front and rear ends  1021 , 1022 . The free side ( 3 F) rests on the first casing half  1002  so that the cover plate  1031  covers the opening  1241  in the first casing half  1002 . The free side ( 3 F) has a tongue  1033  extending integrally therefrom to engage the recess  1243  in the top frame  1024  such that the free side ( 3 F) can be retained releasably on the top frame  1024 . The tongue  1033  is removable forcibly from the recess  1043  such that the free side ( 3 F) is rotatable away from the opening  1241  to permit passage of the eyeglasses  1012  through the opening  1241 .  
         [0116]    Referring to FIGS. 69 and 70, the eyeglasses  1012  in this embodiment are preferably of a foldable type having a pair of foldable lenses  1121  and a pair of foldable temples  1122  such that they can be folded compactly for placement in the interior chamber  11  (see FIG. 66).  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 71 shows the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. A pen  1005  is shown to include an elongated casing  1050  having a wavy or guard-like contour, and a writing instrument  1053  with a writing tip  1531 . In this embodiment, the writing instrument  1053  is a ball-point pen. The casing  1050  includes symmetrically shaped first and second casing halves  1051 ,  1052 . The first casing half  1051  defines an interior chamber  513  adapted to receive a pair of eyeglasses  501  of a non-foldable type, and has a front and  511 , a rear and  1512 , and an opening  1515  formed between the front and rear ends  1511 ,  1512  and defined by a peripheral wall  1514  to permit access to the interior chamber  1513 . The front end  1511  is formed with a notch  1516  for extension of the writing tip  1531  therethrough. An abutment plate  1518  is provided integrally on a bottom of the first casing half  1051  for abutment of a rear end of the writing instrument  1053  thereagainst. Two parallel integral clamping plates  1517  are disposed between the abutment plate  1518  and the notch  1516  for clamping the writing instrument  1053  therebetween. The second casing half  1052  is mounted pivotally to one side of the first casing half  1051 , and is retained releasably on the other side thereof such that it is rotatable to permit or close access to the opening  1515 .  
         [0118]    [0118]FIG. 72 shows a pen  1006  of another embodiment of the present invention, which includes a first casing half  1061  and a writing instrument  1062 . This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a rear and of the first casing half  1061  is provided with a flashlight  1063  mounted removably thereon. Besides, the writing tip  1622  is mounted in, and extends from a cap  1621  that engages threadedly a front end of the first casing half  1061 .  
         [0119]    In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 73, the rear end of the first casing half  1061  of the pen  1006  is provided with a pen-track erasing member  1064  mounted removably thereon. The erasing member  2064  may be an eraser, or an applicator of a correction fluid holder (not shown).  
         [0120]    In the fifth preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 74, the rear end of the first casing half  1061  of the pen is provided with a perfume container  1065  mounted removably thereon.  
         [0121]    From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that since access to the interior of the pen is from a lateral side of the pen, instead of from the rear end, arrangement of an additional functional accessory, such as a flashlight, eraser, etc., at the rear end of the pen is easier in terms of manufacture and assembly. Furthermore, the pen can assume a shape other that the conventional cylindrical shape so as to provide more variety in design choices. For instance, in the second preferred embodiment, the pen  5  has an interesting wavy or gourd-like shape.  
         [0122]    FIGS.  75 - 78  show a folding eyeglass frame  240  in which the glasses, when in the open position (FIG. 75) are configured to be worn in the conventional manner, and a closed position (FIG. 78) in which the lenses and all or a substantial portion of the frame are enclosed within clam shell like portions  242  of the frame  240  that serve as the ear rest portions of the arms  244 . When in the folded the state, it is not apparent that the resulting object, which resembles a clam, contains a pair of glasses. The compact form the glasses take, when folded, provides apparent space saving benefits.  
         [0123]    The glasses are provided with a front frame  246  including a pair of lens retaining members  250  joined together by a hinged bridge  248 . The hinged bridge is constructed of two hinge forming members  249 , each of which extends from the inward side of the lens retaining members  250 . The hinge forming members are provided with apertures which are placed in alignment with each other and joined together by a screw, pin, bolt, or other known devices for joining a hinge. The glasses can be folded along the hinge, as shown in FIGS.  76 - 78 . Here, during folding, the hinged bridge  248  is positioned in the space where the user&#39;s head would be when in the open position of FIG. 75. This is in distinction to the embodiment of FIGS.  49 - 53  where, during folding, the lens retaining members  250  are positioned in the space where the user&#39;s head would be when in the open position of FIG. 49. In other words, lens retaining members fold inward in FIGS.  49 - 53 . They fold outward in the embodiment of FIGS.  75 - 78 . A clasp  221  can be provided on the case to keep the clam shell like portions  242  in a closed position.  
         [0124]    FIGS.  79 - 84  shows another embodiment of folding eyeglasses having case members having the components aforedescribed: a front frame  246 , lens retaining members  250  joined together by a hinged bridge  248 , clam shell like portions  242  of the frame  240  that serve as the ear rest portions of the arms  244 . The hinged bridge is constructed of two hinge forming members  249 , arms  244  attached to the outward sides of the lens retaining members  250  at hinges  251 , the arms being constructed of a first relatively thin portion  252  that extends from the hinges  251 , and concave shaped ear rests  254  are slidably mounted over the relatively thin portions  252 . The concave shaped ear rests  254  have an open face  255  in the direction of the user&#39;s head.  
         [0125]    [0125]FIG. 85 shows the hinge  251 . A spring  233  constructed of resilient and flexible material is attached to an end of the relatively thin portions  252  of the arms  244 . The spring has a two wires  231  extending in the direction of the arm, and a portion  233  attached to each wire that extends substantially perpendicular to the direction of the wires. The wires are fitted into hinges  251 , which are provided with a slot  235  having a slot portion  237  extending around the periphery and a vertical slot portion  239  on the front side and rear side of the hinge. By squeezing the wires, the arms can be pivoted through the slot  235 . The arms lock into either a front position or rear position when the wires enter the vertical slot portion  239  position, where they expand. When in the wear position, the arms are on the back side of the lens retaining members  250  (FIG. 79).  
         [0126]    To fold the glasses, the arms  244  are moved to the front position (FIG. 80) and folded inward at the hinged bridge  248 . The concave shaped ear rests are slid up towards hinge  251 , and the arms  244  are brought closer to the lens retaining member  251  (FIG. 81). In this arrangement, the open face  255  of the concave shaped ear rests  254  face outward (FIG. 82). The concave shaped ear rests are then rotated to encase the lenses. The concave shaped ear rests can be made of a durable flexible plastic material that facilitates the rotating action.  
         [0127]    While the present invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6