Abstract:
An apparatus for restraining the feet of a person while sunbathing to provide proper alignment of feet and legs during the tanning process, which apparatus may also serve as a retainer for eyeglasses when not being used to facilitate tanning. This apparatus includes a piece of material sewn into a long tubular member and a spring-loaded latch. The tubular member is fed through the spring-loaded latch to adjustably form one or more loops which are placed over the large toes of a person&#39;s feet wherein the large toes are held adjacent to one another. When not being used to facilitate tanning, the apparatus may be used to retain glasses on the head of a user. The ends of the tubular member grip the ends of the eyeglass temple portions when inserted therethrough.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus for restraining the feet of a sunbathing person to provide proper orientation of feet and legs during the tanning process. More particularly, the present invention relates to such an apparatus which is simple, adjustable, and comfortable to use, and which apparatus may also serve as a retainer for eyeglasses when not being used to facilitate tanning. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     Some types of tanning restraint apparatus are known for aligning and restraining an individual&#39;s feet during the tanning process. Some of the known devices restrain a person&#39;s feet by means of a rigid apparatus; however, these apparatus do not provide adjustability for comfortable use by the wearer. Other devices are flexible and adjustable, but provide adjustability by means of comparatively complicated mechanisms. 
     Devices for restraining a person&#39;s feet or hands are also known for other non tanning uses, such as for law enforcement or medical purposes. These devices are made from rigid materials, and do not provide adjustability and comfortable use for the wearer. 
     None of the known apparatus serve the dual purpose of providing a foot alignment aid which also is useful for retaining eyeglasses when not employed in their primary function. Such a dual purpose provides the user a convenient means for carrying a tanning restraint apparatus and keeping it readily available, since many sunbathers use sunglasses and/or prescription glasses. 
     Known apparatus for retaining eyeglasses include tubular and non tubular members which attach to the eyeglass temple portions. Examples of some known tanning apparatus, other restraints, and eyeglass holders are discussed below: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,291 issued in 1997 to Stoller entitled “RETAINER AND HANGER FOR LENSES CONTAINING DEVICES”, discloses a retainer for eyeglasses which includes short tubular members for engaging the eyeglass temple portions, an elastomeric cord connected to ends of the tubular members, and friction blocks slidingly provided on the cord between ends of the cord and the tubular members. The friction blocks can be positioned and retained on different parts of the cord according to a unique construction thereof. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,264 issued in 1997 to Davancens et al. entitled “END FASTENER FOR EYEGLASS HOLDERS”, discloses an end fastener which may be provided on the ends of a cord or the like for engaging and retaining the temple portions of a pair of eyeglasses. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,842 issued in 1992 to Bistrek entitled “TANNING TETHER APPARATUS”, discloses apparatus for use in tanning including an elongate tether formed into a main loop of flexible material with a pair of sliding cylinders provided over ends thereof to define a pair of adjustable size loops by the end portions of the main loop outward of the sliding cylinders. Also, an optional pair of heel pads may be attached to the sliding cylinders by tethers; while, the toe-engaging outer loops may be replaced with inflatable cylinders. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,854,138 issued in 1989 to Charland entitled “RESTRANG DEVICE”, discloses a law enforcement device comprising a loop of fabric material which is secured to a locking block of plastic or the like such that a pair of adjustable size loops is defined by an intermediate portion of the fabric material. The locking block of material has openings and catches defined therein through which the cord may be moved only in one direction; and initially the loops are sized large enough to fit over a person&#39;s hands or legs, but once fitted thereover are reduced in size so as to securely restrain the person to whom they are attached. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,696 issued in 1985 to Winger et al. entitled “EYEGLASS RETAINER” and U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,604 issued in 1979 to Fuller entitled “EYEGLASS RETAINER”, both disclose stretchable type retainers, such as CROAKIES (TM), formed of a material such as rubber or rubber foam and including tubular end portions, which securely retain the temple portions of eyeglasses when fitted thereover. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,023 issued in 1978 to Gregory entitled “RESTRAINING DEVICE”, discloses another law enforcement restraining device. This device is made of plastic and may be adjusted to form two variable size loops which are fitted around an individual&#39;s wrists or ankles, but adjustment may only be made in one direction which makes the loops smaller. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,271 issued in 1973 to Greathouse entitled “TOE HOLDER”, discloses a device molded of plastic which is not adjustable, and includes an opening for applying a decoration thereto. 
     Although the known devices are useful for their intended purposes, a need still exists in the art for a tanning restraint apparatus to hold a person&#39;s feet adjacent to one another while tanning which is simple, adjustable, and comfortable to use. A need also exists for an alternate use of the apparatus while not in use for tanning, such as retaining eyeglasses. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been developed to overcome the foregoing limitations and disadvantages of conventional tanning restraint apparatus, and to generally fulfill a need in the art for a tanning restraint apparatus which is simple, adjustable, and comfortable to use. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus also provides an alternate use while not in use for tanning, such as retaining eyeglasses. 
     According to the invention, there is provided a tanning restraint apparatus for restraining a person&#39;s feet adjacent to one another while tanning, including an elongate band, and a latch mechanism through which the ends of the band are secured so as to form a loop of the band. The latch mechanism is selectively adjustable between a locked position thereof, in which the ends of the band are firmly secured by the latch mechanism, and an unlocked position in which the ends of the band can be moved relative to the latch mechanism for varying a size of the loop. The ends of the band are preferably adapted to grippingly receive eyeglass temple portions therein. 
     It is preferable that the band is formed of a unitary piece of flexibly elastic sheet material sewn together at the edges to form a tubular shape, and folded over the longitudinal axis thereof, such that it includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member extending integrally from the first tubular member and disposed coaxially within the first tubular member. The preferable tubular shape allows the band to grippingly receive eyeglass temple portions therein, and the coaxial tubular members may further improve the eyeglass temple portion gripping ability of the band. 
     In different aspects of the invention, the ends of the band may be formed using a material different from that used in forming an intermediate portion of the band, or they may be formed of an elastomeric foam material. In other aspects of the invention, the ends of the band may include plastic tubes secured within the ends for gripping eyeglass temple portion portions, or the ends of the band may be thicker than the intermediate portion of the band. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, the ends of the band may be looped through the latch mechanism such that the band forms a pair of opposed loops, each of the loops being selectively adjustable in size when the latch mechanism is in the unlocked position thereof. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, the latch mechanism includes a biasing means for normally urging the latch mechanism to the locked position thereof. 
     It is preferable that a method of manufacturing an apparatus for orienting a sunbather&#39;s feet while tanning, in accordance with the invention, includes the steps of forming an elongate band, and securing the ends of the band through a latch mechanism so as to form at least one loop of the band. It is further preferable that the step of forming the band involves the following steps: folding a unitary piece of flexible material substantially in half along a longitudinal axis of the material; sewing along a lateral side of the folded material, whereby a tubular member is formed, the tubular member having a hollow passage defined therein and having a pair of ends; folding the tubular member over the outside of itself, such that the tubular member is made up of a first tubular member and a second tubular member extending integrally from the first tubular member and disposed coaxially within the first tubular member; attaching the ends of the tubular member to one another; and drawing the attached ends within the first tubular member. It is also preferable that serge stitches are used for the step of sewing along a lateral side of the folded material. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for simply, adjustably, and comfortably restraining the feet of a tanning person. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternate use for a tanning restraint apparatus as well as a method for retaining eyeglasses. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide methods for manufacturing simple, adjustable, and comfortable tanning restraint apparatus. 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the reader is referred to the following detailed description section, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description and in the drawings, like numbers refer to like parts. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tanning restraint apparatus in accordance with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tanning restraint apparatus in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is an end plan view of a person&#39;s feet having a tanning restraint apparatus in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of the present invention attached thereto. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pair of eyeglasses having a tanning restraint apparatus in accordance with the second preferred embodiment attached thereto. 
     FIGS. 5 a - 5   e  are perspective views of a tanning restraint apparatus at different stages of the preferred method for manufacturing the restraint apparatus, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the method according to present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a tanning restraint apparatus, according to the first preferred embodiment of this invention, for orienting a sunbather&#39;s feet while tanning. The apparatus  10  generally includes an elongate band  12 , and a latch mechanism  14  through which the end portions of the band  12  are secured so as to form a loop  16  of the band  12 . The latch mechanism  14  is selectively adjustable between a locked position thereof, in which the end portions  18  of the band  12  are firmly secured by the latch mechanism  14 , and an unlocked position in which the end portions  18  of the band  12  can be moved relative to the latch mechanism  14 , for varying a size of the loop  16 . 
     The elongate band  12  is preferably formed of a unitary piece of flexibly elastic sheet material sewn into a tubular shape. The sheet material is preferably elastically deformable type bathing suit material or the like, such as “Spandex” material, but other elastic materials may also be suitable. Alternatively, the elongate band  12  may also be made from latex tubing or other rubberized compounds commonly available. 
     It is desirable that the band  12  be folded over its own longitudinal axis and sewn together to form a tubular shape, to facilitate an alternate use of the tanning restraint apparatus for retaining eyeglasses; however, a tubular shape is not necessary and eyeglass retention may be achieved using a different shaped hollow band. Also, the ends  18  alone could be sewn into a tubular shape to facilitate eyeglass retention and the intermediate portion may be flat similar to CROAKIES (TM) style eyeglass retainers. Alternatively, eyeglass retention may be achieved through the use of other eyeglass retention members attached to the elongate band  12 . 
     In an alternative tubular shape construction, the elongate band  12  may be constructed to include a first tubular member and a second tubular member extending integrally from the first tubular member and disposed coaxially within the first tubular member. A tube within a tube, or coaxial tube construction, further improves the eyeglass temple portion gripping ability of the band without the use of additional eyeglass retention members or materials. 
     Improved eyeglass retention may be achieved by using a different material to form the ends of the elongate band  12  from that used in forming an intermediate portion of the band. This could be accomplished by sewing a more rigid material than the preferred “Spandex” type swimming suit material to the end regions of the flexible elastic sheet prior to sewing into a tubular form. Such rigid material could include thermoplastic materials in sheet form. 
     Additionally, the ends may be formed of an elastomeric foam material to improve eyeglass retention. Such a material in tubular form could be sewn onto the ends of the elongate band  12  after it is formed into a tube. 
     The ends of the elongate band  12  may also include plastic tubes secured onto end portions of the band material for improved gripping of the eyeglass temple portions. Such tubes may be sewn onto the ends of the elongate band  12 , or may be placed coaxially over or coaxially within a portion of the ends of the elongate band  12 , and secured using glue or other like means. Improved eyeglass retention may also be achieved by using thicker sheet material in the end regions of the elongate band  12  than in the intermediate portion. This could also be accomplished by sewing additional layers of sheet material to the end regions prior to sewing into a tubular member. 
     The latch mechanism  14  is preferably substantially constructed of plastic, because of its lightweight and non corrosive properties, but may be constructed substantially of steel, aluminum, or other rigid material. The latch mechanism preferably includes a spring or other biasing means for normally urging the latch mechanism  14  to a locked position for retaining the elongate band  12 . Such preferable devices are common in industry as spring-loaded latches for securing cords of various configurations, but a wide variety of other type latches could however be used. 
     Preferable latches used in industry typically include a first and a second member, each having a transverse slot therein, and a biasing mechanism. The second member is typically slidingly located within the first member. In the unlatched configuration, each of their transverse slots aligns such that a cord or other elongate member may be placed through both slots. In the latched configuration, a biasing member longitudinally, slidingly biases the second member relative to the first member, such that the transverse slots become misaligned and thereby grip any elongate member placed therein. The latched configuration is the default position for these latches due to the action of the biasing member. To unlatch, one merely biases the second member slidingly in the direction contrary to the biasing member&#39;s action until the slots are aligned. Typically, this only requires a person to grip the latch between a finger and a thumb of one hand and squeeze, placing pressure on the second member in its longitudinal direction. 
     In the first preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, the ends of the elongate band  12  are placed through the latch from the same direction, and secured by the latch mechanism  14  to form a single loop  16 . For use in restraining one&#39;s feet to properly orient them for tanning, a sunbather simply places the loop  16  over each large toe of each foot. In order to adjust for comfort or to achieve the desired orientation of their feet, the sunbather merely squeezes the latch mechanism  14 , as described above, which places it in an unlatched position and allows adjustment of the loop size. After adjustment to the desired size, the sunbather simply releases the latch mechanism, which will default to a latched configuration. 
     For use in retaining eyeglasses, a terminal end of each eyeglass temple portion is inserted longitudinally through an end  18  of the elongate band  12  formed into a tubular member. As discussed above, other members may be attached to the end&#39;s  18  of the elongate band  12  for retention of eyeglasses, but the preferred embodiment is for the elongate band  12  to be formed into a tubular member, with appropriate elastic properties, for retention of eyeglasses. To minimize the size of the loop  16  and thereby extend the length of the end portions of the elongate band  12 , the user simply unlatches the latching mechanism as described above and simultaneously moves the elongate band  12  through the latch until the desired loop size and configuration is achieved. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2,  3 , and  4 , there is shown a tanning restraint apparatus for orienting a sunbather&#39;s feet while tanning according to the second preferred embodiment of this invention. In this second embodiment, the band  12  and the latch  14  are substantially the same as previously described, but are arranged in a different configuration such that the elongate band  12  forms a pair of opposed loops  22 . Each of the loops  22  is selectively adjustable in size when the latch mechanism  14  is in the unlocked position thereof. 
     The second preferred embodiment is created by engaging the latch mechanism  14  such that it is in the unlocked position, and then threading an end of the elongate band  12  through the latch mechanism  14  until an intermediate point on the elongate band  14  is located through the latch mechanism  14 . While continuing to maintain the latch mechanism  14  in the unlocked position, each end  18  of the elongate band  12  is then threaded through the latch mechanism  14  from opposing directions whereby two opposed loops  22 ,  23  are formed. Releasing the latch mechanism  14  preferably returns it to a locked position which then maintains the elongate band  12  in its two loop configuration, each loop  22  being independently, selectively adjustable in size by unlocking the latch mechanism  14 . 
     Referring specifically to FIG. 3, when using the apparatus  10  for use in restraining one&#39;s feet to properly orient them for tanning, a sunbather simply places one loop  22  over each large toe of each foot. In order to adjust for comfort or to achieve the desired orientation of one&#39;s feet, the sunbather merely squeezes the latch mechanism  14 , as described above, which places it in an unlatched position and allows adjustment of the loop sizes. After adjustment to the desired sizes, the sunbather merely releases the latch mechanism, which will default to a latched configuration. 
     Referring specifically to FIG. 4, for use in retaining eyeglasses, as discussed above, each eyeglass temple portion is inserted longitudinally through an end  18  of the elongate band  12  formed into a tubular member. To minimize the size of the loops  22  and thereby extend the length of the end portions  24  of the elongate band  12 , the user simply unlatches the latching mechanism as described above and simultaneously moves the elongate band  12  through the latch until the desired loop sizes and configuration are achieved. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1, and  5   a  through  5   f , there is shown a preferred method for manufacturing the tanning restraint apparatus hereof. The method of manufacturing such apparatus generally includes the steps of forming an elongate band  12 , and securing the end portions of such band  18  through a latch mechanism  14  so as to form at least one loop  16  of the band. It is further preferable that the step of forming the band  12  generally involve the following steps: folding a unitary piece of flexible material  50  substantially in half along a longitudinal axis  51  of the material; sewing along a lateral side  54  of the folded material  50 , whereby a tubular member  52  is formed, the tubular member having a hollow passage  55  therein and a pair of ends  53 ; folding the tubular member  52  over the outside of the tubular member  52  such that the tubular member  52  comprises a second tubular member  58  disposed coaxially within a first tubular member  60 ; attaching the ends  53 ,  55  to one another; and drawing the attached ends  53  within the first tubular member  58 . It is preferable that the step of forming the band further involves using a serge stitch  56  for sewing along a lateral side of the folded material  50 , for improved elasticity. 
     As shown in FIG. 5 a , the first step merely involves laying out a unitary piece of flexible material  50 , previously cut into a long strip, and folding such material along a longitudinal axis  51 , substantially in half back onto itself. Preferably the decorative side of the material, or the side desired to be seen in the finished elongate band, should be on the inside of the fold. 
     The second step shown in FIG. 5 b  includes sewing along a lateral side  54  of the folded material, whereby a tubular member  52  is formed, the tubular member having a pair of ends  53 ,  55 , and having a hollow passage  57  defined therein. It is preferable that such sewing involves using a serge stitch  54  for sewing along a lateral side  56  of the folded material  50 , for improved elasticity; however, other stitches may also be appropriate. 
     FIG. 5 c  shows the first end  53  of the tubular member  52  having been inverted, being folded over the outside of the tubular member  52 , such that the tubular member  52  is then made up of a second tubular member  58  disposed coaxially within a first tubular member  60 . This step is accomplished by folding one end  53  of the tubular member  52  outward and inverting it back onto itself. Such an end  53  is then pulled over the remainder of the tubular member  52  until a second tubular member  58  is disposed coaxially within a first tubular member  60 , and the ends  53 ,  55  of the tubular member  52  are substantially co-located. This step places the decorative side of the material outward and hides the sewing stitches  56  within the tubular member  52 . 
     The next step is to attach the ends  53 ,  55  of the tubular member  52  to one another. As shown in FIG. 5 d , this is preferably accomplished by sewing opposing ends of a thread  62  to each end  53 ,  55  of the tubular member  52 , but may be accomplished in many different ways. For example, the ends  53 ,  55  could be directly glued, sewn, clipped, or otherwise attached to one another, or a connecting member could be attached to each elongate end. Attaching the ends to one another creates a continuous tubular loop which is looped within itself along its longitudinal axis. The end result is a layered elongate band  12  which has improved gripping abilities for retaining the ends of eyeglasses as well as improved strength. 
     The final step in forming the elongate band  12 , as shown in FIG. 5 e  is to draw the joined ends  53  within the first tubular member  60 . This is accomplished by rolling the loop of material along its longitudinal axis to hide the attached ends. Other methods of forming a tube of material are possible, but this method creates an important continuous loop. The continuous loop design allows the attachment region to be rolled within the first tubular member such that all seams and connections are hidden and the ends  18  of the elongate band  12  are rolled. The attached ends  53  should be rolled within the first tubular member  60  a sufficient distance such that an eyeglass temple portion will not reach the attachment region when inserted through the elongate band  12 . 
     The last step in manufacturing tanning restraint apparatus, as shown in FIG. 1 is to secure the ends  18  of elongate band  12  through a latch mechanism  14  so as to form at least one loop  16  of the band. This is accomplished as described above by unlatching the latch mechanism  14  and feeding the ends  18  of the elongate band  12  through the latch mechanism  14  to a desired point, and then latching the latch mechanism  14 . 
     Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will realize that many modifications of the preferred embodiments could be made which would be operable. All such modifications which are within the scope of the claims are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.