Abstract:
An eyewear cleaning device and method provides convenient cleaning of various types of eyewear, such as glasses and sunglasses. The eyewear cleaning device comprises a housing with a retractable cord, at the end of which is attached a soft, nonabrasive cloth for cleaning eyewear lenses. A cleaning fluid dispenser may be included with or attached to the housing. The device can be attached to clothing or other items in proximity to the user of the device, such as a dashboard, sports bag or backpack.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present U.S. patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/284,807 filed on Apr. 19, 2001, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the cleaning of eyewear and more particularly to an improved, readily accessible device for the cleaning of eyewear such as glasses, sunglasses, ski goggles and the like. 
     Sunglasses are quite popular in today&#39;s society. They are worn for many reasons, including vision correction, style, general eye protection, sun protection and reduction in glare while driving or playing sports. A major problem that is encountered by persons who wear sunglasses is the fact that they become dirty or smudged and therefore require cleaning. 
     Many ways of cleaning sunglasses and other eyewear are known, but most methods are problematic for one reason or other. For instance, one way to clean sunglasses is to wash the sunglasses with water or a cleaner. Of course, this is a problem if you are not near a sink or a water supply, do not have soap or other cleaner, and do not have a towel or cloth to dry off the glasses. Moreover, for those who wear sunglasses and eyewear when engaged in outdoor activities, finding a sink or water to clean one&#39;s eyewear may be difficult. 
     More recently, many eyewear and sunglass retailers offer eyewear cleaning kits, which typically include a small spray bottle of liquid cleaner and a soft chamois. To keep these items together, a small pouch or case is often provided. While such cleaning kits work well to clean sunglasses and the like, other problems are created. For instance, one has to remember to take the cleaning kit whenever the glasses are worn. One also must have a place to store these items. Oftentimes, one may not have a pocket or be able to carry a pocketbook to hold these items. Moreover, one can easily lose the small bottle and/or cloth if they are left behind somewhere or fall out of a pocket or pocketbook. 
     It is easy to see how the problem of cleaning eyewear such as sunglasses becomes more acute in the area of sports. When engaged in outdoor sports where one desires to wear sunglasses, such as in soccer, tennis, cycling, volleyball, skiing, etc., there is a need to quickly and readily clean the glasses so as not to interrupt the sports activity. For example, when skiing or snowboarding, a skier&#39;s or snowboarder&#39;s goggles can become fogged or dirty from the snow and dirt. If the goggles are not readily cleaned, it reduces the wearer&#39;s ability to see the ski slopes and could lead to a dangerous situation. The same is true for other sports such as cycling. In these situations, one way to clean one&#39;s sunglasses or goggles is to use an article of clothing attached to one&#39;s body, such as the bottom of a shirt. This can be a problem, however, if the shirt is abrasive or of a material that does not readily clean the lenses. The dirt on the sunglasses can also cause problems by staining the shirt or other article of clothing being used to clean the sunglasses. A shirt can also become stretched out of shape during the cleaning process. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With all of the problems associated with the need to keep eyewear clean, there is a great need for an improved eyewear cleaning device which is readily accessible, not easily lost, can be carried on or in close proximity to a body of a person, and overcomes the above problems associated with the cleaning of such eyewear. 
     To solve the aforementioned problems, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an eyewear cleaning device with a housing to which a fastener is connected for attaching the device to an article of clothing or some other object. A retractable cord is extendable from the housing, which includes an automatic retractable cord mechanism for automatically retracting the cord. At the end of the cord is attached a nonabrasive cloth or chamois for cleaning eyewear. In a preferred embodiment, the nonabrasive cloth is removably attached to the end of the cord. More preferably, the method of attachment is by a cloth fastener such as a clip or ring. 
     The fastener for connecting the housing to an object may be one of many known fastening devices, such as a clip, magnet, hook, eyehook, ring or crevice fastener. In another embodiment, the fastener device may be an opening for accepting a support element. In yet another embodiment, the fastener may be a protrusion on or part of the housing adapted to engage a support element. In one embodiment, a support element is provided having a portion adapted to engage an opening or protrusion of the housing and another portion adapted to attach to an object. The support element can be attached to the object by glue or adhesive tape. In yet another embodiment, the support element is merely a part of an object that is capable of engaging a protrusion or opening of a particular shape and size. 
     In other embodiments, more than one fastener may be used in connection with the eyewear cleaning device. In a preferred embodiment, a belt clip is used in combination with another type of clip. In yet another embodiment, a magnet is used in combination with a ring. 
     In another embodiment, the eyewear cleaning device includes an element for holding eyewear. For example, the nonabrasive cloth may be in the form of or also contain a pouch for holding the eyewear. In yet another embodiment, a holder, such as an eyehook, ring or opening on the housing is used as a holder for eyewear. 
     In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides an eyewear cleaning device with a housing to which a crevice fastener is connected for attaching the device to an object by inserting the fastener into a crevice on the object. A retractable cord is extendable from the housing, which includes an automatic retractable cord mechanism for automatically retracting the cord. At the end of the cord is attached a nonabrasive cloth or chamois for cleaning eyewear. The nonabrasive cloth may be removably attached to the end of the cord. The eyewear cleaning device may include various manners of holding the eyewear, such as the nonabrasive cloth forming a pouch, or a hook, eyehook, or opening on the housing. 
     In another embodiment, a holding mechanism is provided for locking or retaining the retractable cord in an extended position to allow cleaning of the eyewear without having to maintain tension by continuing to apply force to the retractable cord. 
     In yet another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an eyewear cleaning device having a fluid cleaning dispenser. The eyewear cleaning device includes a housing to which a fastener is connected for attaching the device to an article of clothing or some other object. A retractable cord is extendable from the housing, which includes an automatic retractable cord mechanism for automatically retracting the cord. At the end of the cord is attached a nonabrasive cloth or chamois for cleaning eyewear. 
     In one embodiment, the fluid cleaning dispenser is removably attached to the housing. In another embodiment, the fluid cleaning dispenser is an integral part of the housing. In either case, the dispenser may be located within or external to the housing. 
     In yet another embodiment, attached to one end of the retractable cord is a clip or other fastening device to allow the retractable cord to be attached to an item of clothing or other object. In this embodiment, attached to the housing is a soft, nonabrasive cloth or chamois. Instead of the nonabrasive cloth being extended from the housing along the retractable cord, both the housing and the chamois are extended from the position of attachment of the end of the cord to some object. In a preferred embodiment, the nonabrasive cloth is removably attached to the housing. More preferably, the method of attachment is by a cloth fastener such as a clip or ring. 
     A method of cleaning eyewear is also disclosed which involves providing an eyewear cleaning device having a housing and a fastener for attaching the housing to an article of clothing or some other object. A retractable cord is extendable from the housing, which includes an automatic retractable cord mechanism for automatically retracting the cord. At the end of the cord is attached a nonabrasive cloth or chamois for cleaning eyewear. The user attaches the housing to a remote object and then extends the nonabrasive cloth from the housing as it is attached to the retractable cord. The user can then clean the eyewear and release the cloth to allow it to be automatically retracted to the housing. A holding mechanism may be provided with the eyewear cleaning device such that the cord does retract until the holding mechanism, engaged to hold the retractable cord in an extended position, is released. 
     In another embodiment, the method described may include dispensing cleaning fluid from a cleaning fluid dispenser integral or removably attached to the housing to assist in the cleaning process. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a back perspective view of an eyewear cleaning device according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of an eyewear cleaning device according to another embodiment of the invention illustrating a detachable cleaning fluid dispenser and a pocket or pouch chamois. 
         FIG. 3  is a back perspective view of an eyewear cleaning device according to another aspect of the invention illustrating an integral cleaning fluid dispenser and a crevice fastener. 
         FIG. 4  is a back perspective view of an eyewear cleaning device according to yet another aspect of the invention including a holding or locking mechanism to retain the cord at a desired length. 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of an eyewear cleaning device according to another embodiment of the invention whereby a chamois is attached to the housing and a fastener is provided at the end of the cord. 
         FIG. 6  is a back perspective view of an eyewear cleaning device according to another aspect of the invention illustrating a magnet fastener. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an eyewear cleaning device illustrating the magnet engaging a support element. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an eyewear cleaning device illustrating a protrusion designed to engage a support element. 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of an eyewear cleaning device according to yet another aspect of the invention illustrating an integral cleaning fluid dispenser. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention solves many of the above-identified problems associated with cleaning one&#39;s eyewear, such as sunglasses, eyeglasses, work goggles and ski goggles, by providing an apparatus that will prevent the loss of the eyewear cleaner and allow ready access thereto. Namely, in one aspect of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 1 , there is provided an eyewear cleaning device, generally denoted as  10 , which includes a housing  12 . The housing includes an interior, which houses a retractable cord  14  and an automatic cord winding mechanism (not shown). The housing may simply be a base or support upon which an automatic cord winding mechanism is mounted, and to which a fastener may be attached. The housing is made preferably of a lightweight, material, such as plastic, but may also be made of of metal or a combination of metal and plastic. The housing may be any one of a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. 
     Attached to one end of the retractable cord is a lens-cleaning nonabrasive cloth or chamois  16  attached to the retractable cord  14  by a cloth fastener  18 . The cord may be any flexible type of string, cord or wire suitable for use with an automatic retracting mechanism. The length of the retractable cord may vary. Preferably, the retractable cord is between one and three feet long. 
     The cloth fastener  18  can comprise a clip or fastening device such as an alligator clip, safety pin, ring, Velcro, etc. that allows the cloth to be firmly retained, but removable for replacement or cleaning of the cloth. The cloth fastener also prevents the cord from retracting fully into the housing. In other embodiments, a knot or small rubber or plastic element may be provided to prevent the retractable cord from retracting fully within the housing. 
     The nonabrasive cloth may vary in size depending on the eyewear to be cleaned, for example, a larger cloth may be provided for use with work or ski goggles, while a smaller cloth may be provided for use with prescription glasses, reading glasses or sunglasses. The texture and softness of the cloth may also vary according to conditions of use. It is contemplated that various sizes and types of cloths could be provided that are interchangeable with the eyewear cleaning device. 
     Attached to the outside of the housing  12  is a fastener  20  to allow the device to be readily attachable and removable to an object that will carry eyewear cleaner  10 . A belt clip fastener  22  can also be provided for attachment to a belt, pocketbook, jacket pocket, pair of pants or shorts, etc. The fastener  20  can be adapted to attach to an item not worn by the user, but is nearby the user when the user needs to clean his or her glasses. Such items could include, for example, a knob or lever in an automobile, a dashboard, a helmet or hat, a duffle bag being toted to the beach, a bicycle handle or frame, a camera case or strap, etc. Other types of suitable fasteners may include a hook, eyehook, magnet, Velcro or adhesive tape. A fastener may also consist of a protrusion either attached or integral to the housing. Another fastener may include simply an opening on the housing. 
     As demonstrated in FIGS.  1  and  6 - 8 , more than one fastener may be used with a single eyewear cleaning device. This provides for a wider range of possible points of attachment, and thus a greater range of useful situations where the device may be used. 
     The retractable cord  14  of  FIG. 1  winds around a spool of the cord winding mechanism inside housing  12 , which is operative to automatically retract the cord. Such mechanisms are well-known and can include various tension springs and stop mechanisms to allow the cord to be pulled out, retracted and maintained at any desired retracted position. 
     In one embodiment, the lens-cleaning chamois  16  is preferably of the type where it can clean the eyewear without the need for a separate cleaning fluid. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a small bottle of fluid, such as dispenser  30 , can be removably attached to the housing such as by snapping it into place into press-fit indentation  32  provided on the housing. The dispenser  30  can be a pump bottle, which sprays cleaning fluid by pressing on the pump nozzle head  34 . The bottle can also be stored within the housing in a separate compartment. Alternatively, the fluid dispenser may be integral to the housing, having a removable cap or plug for refilling the dispenser. 
     The cleaning fluid may be of any type suitable for the cleaning of eyewear, and may differ depending on conditions of use. The cleaning fluid may consist merely of water. The fluid may be colored so that it is easier to detect the level of fluid remaining. For internal fluid dispensers, a transparent element may be provided in the housing to view the amount of fluid remaining. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 2 , the chamois can be formed in the shape of a pocket or pouch  36  to hold a pair of glasses or goggles. To ensure the glasses or goggles stay within the pouch, a pull string  38  can be provided. Alternatively, the top opening can include an elastic band, Velcro, etc. to keep the pouch closed. Other forms of holders, such as hooks, eyehooks, bands or openings in the housing may provide storage for eyewear to prevent eyewear from being misplaced, and to free the users hands for engaging in some activity. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3 , the housing  12  can include an integral cleaning fluid dispenser, here shown with a separate chamber (not shown) within housing  12  for holding cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid can be added to the chamber via an inlet  42  and then sprayed out of nozzle  46  by depressing pump button  44 . 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the fastener can comprise a crevice fastener adapted to fit snuggly into a crack or small opening, such as the seam or crevice normally found on dashboards of cars. Such a fastener can allow ready access to sunglasses or the like in an automobile when driving. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 4 , a different type of clip fastener  50 , is illustrated. The housing  12  can include a locking mechanism (not shown) manually operated by a sliding switch  52 . The locking mechanism serves to lock or retain the cord in an extended position at the desired length to allow the user to clean eyewear without having to provide constant pulling force or tension on the cord during cleaning. Other locking or holding methods including a mechanism similar to that used with window blinds or a simple catch located on the housing are also contemplated. Alternatively, a sliding element may be provided on the cord to hold the cord in a fixed position. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5 , the housing  12  is attached directly to the nonabrasive cloth  16  via a cloth fastener  18 . While the retractable cord  14 , is attached to a fastener, clip  54 . Thus, instead of the housing  12  remaining stationary as in previous embodiments disclosed, the housing  12  and the cloth  16  are moved together as retractable cord  14  is extended. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 6 , a clip fastener  20  is shown in conjunction with a magnetic fastener  56 .  FIG. 7  shows the eyewear cleaning device  10  of  FIG. 6  in conjunction with a fastener support element  59 . Fastener support element  59  consists of a metal plate  62 , which engages the magnetic fastener  56  attached to the back of the eyewear cleaning device  10 . The metal plate is attached to a support base  60 , which is connected to a surface  61  by an adhesive strip  58 . In another embodiment, the magnetic strip may be provided on the support element for engaging a metallic housing or metallic portion of a housing. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 8 , a clip fastener  20 , is shown in conjunction with a fastening protrusion  66  of the housing  12 . The protrusion  66  engages the support element  59  which consists of a support base  60  attached to a surface  61  via an adhesive strip  58 . Also shown is an eyewear holder  68  of housing  12 . 
     In  FIG. 9 , another embodiment shows an integral dispensing element  70  of which only the cap pump nozzle  34  is shown. The cap may be removed to refill the dispensing element  70  with cleaning fluid. In another embodiment, the dispenser shown may be slidably removed from the housing. 
     When wearing glasses or sunglasses during sports activity, for example, the eyewear cleaner  10  is preferably attached to a garment, such as on one&#39;s shorts or on a belt, and the cord  14  is kept in the retracted position. When the eyewear needs cleaning, the cloth is retracted by the user to a length that the user needs and the glasses are removed and cleaned. In a preferred aspect, the cord can be made long enough to allow cleaning of lenses (such as the front face of the lenses) without the need to even remove the eyewear. If the lenses are particularly dirty, in the embodiments of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a lens cleaning solution can be used by detaching the spray bottle  30  ( FIG. 2 ) or by pressing on pump button  44  ( FIG. 3 ) to release a mist of cleaning fluid onto the chamois or the glasses. 
     Because the chamois is attached to the eyewear cleaner  10 , which in turn is attached to readily accessible location (such as on one&#39;s body, on a bike, in a car, etc.), the chamois will not be lost and can easily be used. Moreover, since the cord  14  is retractable, the chamois will be kept out of the way when not in use and will not hang or dangle in they way of the user. 
     These and other variations and combinations of features discussed above can be utilized without departing from the present invention. Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.