Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/805,697, filed May 24, 2007 now abandoned, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method by which eye glasses may be stored in a vehicle, and more particularly, to a stylized eye glass holder that releasably attaches by a clip to a standard sun visor. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It has been observed that drivers of motor vehicles from automobiles to tractor trailers have need of, and regularly use, sun glasses when bright or glaring conditions are present Likewise, at dusk, at night and on cloudy days, wearing sunglasses are not recommended or desired by vehicle operator. Therefore, it is readily apparent that a need exists for the convenient storage of sunglasses when not use as well as the ability to quickly retrieve sun glasses when conditions warrant. It is further observed that the sun visor is common to virtually every motor vehicle and would be an ideal location for an eye glasses storage device. A further observation is that many motorists select decorative, yet functional, products for use in their vehicles. The apparatus herein disclosed fulfills the needs as identified. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to design an eyeglass holder that protects eyeglasses in an aesthetically pleasing manner. U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,225 in the name of Nespoli discloses an apparatus for securing sunglasses and driving glasses to a sun visor. The apparatus has an “S”-shaped body including a clip which protrudes at an upward angle from the body to resiliently bias the clip closely to the body. The bow at the end of the clip is adapted to accept both the temples and the bridges of various sizes and styles of sunglasses and driving glasses. The leg is the bottom extension of the body and is adapted to support either the temples or the bridge of the sunglasses or driving glasses. The leg supports the temples and prevents them from hanging down and obscuring the driver&#39;s vision. Also a clamp at the top of the body is provided to mount the apparatus to sun visors. The apparatus is injection molded with a pliant plastic material which will not scratch or misform either sunglasses or driving glasses. Unfortunately, this prior art example is plain in design and provides no means for cleaning eyeglasses. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,966,783 in the name of Genereux discloses a clasp-like device for securing sunglasses or other articles to sun visors or other acceptable surfaces. This is accomplished by installing the sunglass temples between one of the device jaws and the sun visor. The device is opened by applying pressure to a lever that is located near the intersection of the device jaws. On the inner surface of a device jaw, nubs can be placed, if required, to aid in the securing of sunglasses or other articles in position. The device can also be held in position by a device retainer which can be mounted where there are unacceptable surfaces by using two-faced adhesive or a screw. The device is made of injection molded glass reinforced nylon or similar material for holding tension. Unfortunately, this prior art example is plain in design and provides no means for cleaning eyeglasses. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,003 in the name of Chan describes an eyeglass clip device which includes a convex cover member, a concave base member and an elastic clip. The convex cover member and the concave base member are respectively provided with a foam-rubber cushion in the inner room, and they are pivotally assembled by a pin penetrating their pivotal ears at the rear ends. The elastic clip is secured to the concave base member with its two front hooked ends being inserted in the slot of the concave base member and its rear clamping portion being against the rear bottom surface of the concave base member. The top front end of the convex cover member is provided with a flanged catching element to be caught in the pressing block of the concave base member. After the elastic clip is secured to an article by clamping, the pressing block is pressed outward to release the flanged catching element, and the convex cover member will be ejected to separate from the concave base member for two folded temples of a pair of eyeglasses to be placed between the foam-rubber cushions of the convex cover member and the concave base member. The convex cover member is then pressed down again to make the flanged catching element be caught in the pressing block of the concave base member so as to firmly clamp and protect the pair eyeglasses. Unfortunately, this prior art example is plain in design and provides no means for lighting the interior of a vehicle. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes a sun visor eyeglass holder, fashionably designed, that releasably attaches to a standard sun visor and provides a variety of functions which both entertain the user and complimentarily augment the use of the eyeglasses. Accordingly, there is a need for a sun visor eyeglass holder in order to overcome the above noted shortcomings. The present invention is simple to use, inexpensive, fashionably designed, and may be stored in a vehicle by clipping to a standard sun visor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for an apparatus and method by which eye glasses may be stored in a vehicle, and more particularly, to a stylized eye glass holder that provides a variety of functions which both entertain the user and complimentarily augment the use of the eyeglasses. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide an aesthetically stylized device which holds and secures eyewear, such as sunglasses, within a vehicle for quick access when need. The device comprises a padded clam-shell style clamping mechanism which engages and retains the temple portions of a pair of eyeglasses. The device further includes a spring clip fastener adapted to fasten to a vehicle sun visor or similar structure. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise a vehicle motif which provides aesthetic benefits, indicates the propensity for use within a vehicle and which comprises the functional components of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle motif comprises a race car motif. In at least a first and a second alternate embodiment, the vehicle motif comprises an SUV motif and a tanker truck motif, respectively. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to protect the electrical and electronic portions of the device behind the cushioning members of the device. These portions include a circuit board and a speaker. The cushioning member adjacent the speaker preferably includes a plurality of molded-in speaker apertures to allow efficient transmission of sound from the speaker. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide selective illumination, allowing the device to function in a manner similar to a flashlight. The headlight portions of the vehicle motif include at least one (1) lamp which can be turned on and off by the user using a push-button style lamp switch located between front wheels of the vehicle motif. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a replaceable battery which powers the lamp, speakers, and circuit board such that the device can be utilized in a portable manner without connection to an external power source. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to facilitate cleaning of the eyeglass lenses by including an integral reservoir and nozzle containing a volume of a lens cleansing fluid within a trunk portion of the vehicle motif. When the device is in place, the user can press a spray button to compress the reservoir and force the fluid downwardly through the nozzle to spray the fluid onto the eyewear. The device also includes a fill cap for refilling the reservoir as needed. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide entertainment during use by automatically playing sounds when the clamping mechanism is released by the user. The clamping mechanism is released by pressing inwardly on the front wheels of the vehicle motif, which releases a pair of latching arms. This in turn depresses a sound switch located between the front wheels and causes a sound to be emitted from the speakers. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable use of both pre-recorded sounds and user-recorded sounds. The circuit board can contain pre-recorded sounds which are played back upon actuation of the sound switch. Furthermore, the device includes a record switch and a microphone which enable a user to record a desired sound onto digital memory of the circuit board such that releasing the clamping mechanism automatically plays back the user-recorded sound, as described above. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable a plurality of alternate attaching features in lieu of or in addition to the spring clip, including a permanent magnet, a metal or plastic hook, or a plastic or fabric loop. These alternate attaching features can be utilized to securely attach the device to additional surface or structures such as refrigerators, doorknobs, walls, or the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of procuring a model of the device, attaching the device to a sun visor or other desired location, pressing both front wheels inwardly to release the latching arms, thereby opening the device and automatically broadcasting a pre-recorded message from the speakers, inserting eyewear between the cushioning members, latching the device and securing the eyewear until needed for use; and benefiting from attractive and protective securement of the eyewear. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the lamp(s) as a flashlight by pressing and releasing the lamp switch. The lens spray nozzle can be utilized to cleanse the lenses by depressing the spray button and expelling a stream of cleansing fluid from the nozzle onto the eyewear. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of recording a personal audio message by manually pressing and holding the record switch to initiate a recording interval, speaking into the microphone, and releasing the record switch to end the recording process. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of an eyewear holder  10  depicting an in-use state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front side perspective view of the eyewear holder  10  in an opened state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front side perspective view of the eyewear holder  10  depicting removal of first cushioning members  14 ,  15  for illustration sake, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the eyewear holder  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a top cut-away view of the eyewear holder  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear side perspective view of the eyewear holder  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7   a  is a perspective view of the eyewear holder  10  depicting a tanker truck motif, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7   b  is a perspective view of the eyewear holder  10  depicting a sport utility vehicle (SUV) automobile motif, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8   a  is a bottom perspective view of the eyewear holder  10  depicting a magnet attachment  41 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8   b  is a bottom perspective view of the eyewear holder  10  depicting a hook attachment  42 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8   c  is a bottom perspective view of the eyewear holder  10  depicting a loop attachment  43 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 9  is an electrical block diagram of the eyewear holder  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                   10 
                   eyewear holder 
                 
                 
                   11 
                   first lower appendage 
                 
                 
                   12 
                   first upper appendage 
                 
                 
                   13 
                   chassis 
                 
                 
                   14 
                   first lower cushioning member 
                 
                 
                   15 
                   first upper cushioning member 
                 
                 
                   16 
                   rear wheel 
                 
                 
                   17 
                   front wheel 
                 
                 
                   18 
                   first pivot/hinge 
                 
                 
                   20 
                   circuit board 
                 
                 
                   21 
                   battery/holder 
                 
                 
                   23 
                   microphone 
                 
                 
                   25 
                   speaker aperture 
                 
                 
                   26 
                   sound switch 
                 
                 
                   28 
                   record switch 
                 
                 
                   29 
                   speaker bracket 
                 
                 
                   30 
                   lamp 
                 
                 
                   31 
                   illumination 
                 
                 
                   32 
                   lamp switch 
                 
                 
                   33 
                   latching arm 
                 
                 
                   34 
                   latching feature 
                 
                 
                   37 
                   first speaker 
                 
                 
                   38 
                   second speaker 
                 
                 
                   40 
                   spring clip fastener 
                 
                 
                   41 
                   magnetic attachment 
                 
                 
                   42 
                   hook attachment 
                 
                 
                   43 
                   loop attachment 
                 
                 
                   44 
                   connector 
                 
                 
                   49 
                   fastener 
                 
                 
                   52 
                   nozzle 
                 
                 
                   53 
                   spray button 
                 
                 
                   54 
                   fill cap 
                 
                 
                   55 
                   cleansing fluid 
                 
                 
                   56 
                   reservoir 
                 
                 
                   60 
                   vehicle 
                 
                 
                   65 
                   visor 
                 
                 
                   70 
                   eyewear 
                 
                 
                   100 
                   SUV embodiment 
                 
                 
                   111 
                   second lower appendage 
                 
                 
                   112 
                   second upper appendage 
                 
                 
                   114 
                   second upper cushioning member 
                 
                 
                   115 
                   second lower cushioning member 
                 
                 
                   210 
                   truck embodiment 
                 
                 
                   211 
                   third lower appendage 
                 
                 
                   212 
                   third upper appendage 
                 
                 
                   214 
                   third upper cushioning member 
                 
                 
                   215 
                   third lower cushioning member 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6  and  9  and in terms of alternate embodiments, herein depicted in  FIGS. 7   a  through  8   c  and  9 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and that example configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an eyewear holder (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a means for holding and securing eyewear  70  via a padded clamping mechanism. The device  10  further comprises a recordable audio message function, at least one (1) lamp  30  which acts as a flashlight, a lens cleansing spray nozzle  52 , and a means to attach the device  10  to a sun visor portion  65  of a vehicle  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  is depicted here being attached to the inside surface of a common automobile visor  65  via a spring clip fastener  40 , thereby providing quick and convenient access to one&#39;s eyewear  70 . The device  10  may also be attached to an outside surface of the visor  65  or other convenient locations with equal benefit. The device  10  is envisioned to be made from, but not limited to, rigid injection-molded plastic exterior structures having internal first clamping cushioning members  14 ,  15  which provide protective support for said eyewear  70 . The device  10  is depicted here having a racecar motif; however, it is envisioned that the device  10  may be introduced in a variety of unique designs symbolizing a favorite vehicle motif such as those described and illustrated in alternate embodiments (please see  FIGS. 7   a  through  7   b ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front side perspective view of the device  10  in an opened state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  comprises a first lower appendage  11 , a first upper appendage  12 , a first upper cushioning member  14 , a first lower cushioning member  15 , a pair of rear wheels  16 , a pair of front wheels  17 , and at least one (1) lamp  30 . The first lower appendage  11  and first upper appendage  12  comprise a “clam-shell” type clamping structures being rotatingly connected at a distal end portion via a lateral axial first pivot/hinge  18 . Said first lower  11  and first upper  12  appendages are depicted here in a form of a race car; however, various vehicle motifs are envisioned to provide respective unique lower and upper appendages (see  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b ). The first lower appendage  11  comprises a likeness of frontal and foundational portions of a vehicle motif including portions such as, but not limited to: a hood, headlights, wheels  16 ,  17 , a bottom chassis  13 , and the like. The first upper appendage  12  comprises an upper portion of said vehicle motif such as a roof, trunk lid, and the like. The first lower appendage  11  and first upper appendage  12  include a space between being occupied by a first lower cushioning member  14  and a first upper cushioning member  15 , respectively, which provide protective clamping of inserted temple portions of the eyewear  70 . The first lower cushioning member  14  and first upper cushioning member  15  are attached to respective first lower appendage  11  and first upper appendage  12  portions using common industrial adhesives and are envisioned to comprise deformable urethane foam rubber or other appropriate compressible materials. Said first cushioning members  14 ,  15  provide a high-friction surface to secure said eyewear  70  between, when the first appendages  11 ,  12  are in the closed position to prevent motion during an event of traveling or other means of motion, without causing damage to said eyewear  70 . The first cushioning members  14 ,  15  are shown having generally rectangular shapes; however, said first cushioning members  14 ,  15  may be introduced having various other contoured shapes which may provide equally effective function such as oval, circular, or any other symmetric or asymmetric shapes, based upon particular first lower  11  and first upper  12  appendage designs. Finally, said first cushioning members  14 ,  15  provide a protective covering for subjacent electrical and electronic portions of the device  10  including a first speaker  37  and a circuit board  20  (see  FIG. 3 ). The first upper cushioning member  15  is envisioned to comprise a plurality of molded-in speaker apertures  25  to allow efficient transmission of sounds emitted from the aforementioned first speaker  37 . 
     The device  10  comprises a clamped position when the first lower  11  and first upper  12  appendages axially pivot about the hinge/pivot  18  (see  FIG. 6 ), thereby enabling joining and fastening of said first appendages  11 ,  12  to each other at a non-hinged proximal end via a pair of latching arms  33  and corresponding latching features  34  (see  FIG. 5 ), whereby the first cushioning members  14 ,  15  are compressed against each other to entrap the eyewear  70 . 
     The device  10  also comprises at least one (1) lamp  30  located along a front surface of the first lower appendage  11  of the device  10 , thereby preferably simulating an illuminating  31  function of one (1) or more headlight portions of the vehicle motif. The lamp  30  is powered by replaceable miniature DC batteries being contained within a battery/holder  21  located at an internal rear location within the first lower appendage  11 . The lamp  30  is manually activated via a miniature spring-loaded lamp switch  32  being located between the front wheels  17  (see  FIG. 6 ). The lamp  30  preferably comprises a light emitting diode (LED) or equivalent lamp technology. The lamp  30  acts to provide a flashlight function to provide illumination  31  to locate personal objects in the absence of ambient light. It is understood that additional lamps  30  may be located along outer surfaces of the device  10  if desired while utilizing a common power and control circuitry, thereby providing additional illumination  31 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 , a front side perspective view, a bottom perspective view, and a top cut-away view of the device  10 , respectively, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The device  10  is depicted in  FIG. 3  with the first cushioning members  14 ,  15  removed to better illustrate a location of a circuit board  20  and a battery/holder  21 . The device  10  also comprises a sound switch  26 , a record switch  28 , a first speaker  37 , and a second speaker  38 . The chassis portion  13  of the first lower appendage  11  provides an attachment means to the circuit board  20  along a top surface via conventional methods such as, but not limited to: adhesives, double-face tape, or equivalent fastening means. Said circuit board  20  provides a means to manage power within the device  10  as well as providing a means to generate and broadcast a customizable personal message from the first  37  and second  38  speaker portions of the device  10  being automatically initiated upon detachment of the first lower  11  and first upper  12  appendages by a user. The circuit board  20  comprises electrical and electronic components necessary to record, store, and transmit a recorded personal audio message to the speakers  37 ,  38 . The circuit board  20  is powered by an on-board battery/holder  21  and is envisioned to comprise various electronics such as, but not limited to: microprocessors, embedded software, input/output signal processing capabilities, relays, digital sound processing and storage, and an on-board microphone  23 . Upon opening the device  10 , a sound switch  26  located between the front wheels  17 , initiates a broadcast of a pre-recorded personal message from the first speaker  37  being mounted to the first upper appendage  12 , and the second speaker  38  which is mounted to an integrally-molded speaker bracket  29 , located between the front wheels  17 . Said pre-recorded personal message may be stored by a user within a memory portion of the circuit board  20  via manual activation of a record switch  28  located between the two (2) front wheels  17 . Once said personal message is stored within the circuit board  20 , said personal message is automatically broadcasted each time the device  10  is opened via coincidental contact with the sound switch  26  which is in mechanical communication with a latching arm portion  33  of the first lower appendage  11 . 
     The first lower appendage  11  comprises a pair of latching arms  33  being correspondingly aligned with latching feature portions  34  of the first upper appendage  12 , thereby enabling mechanical latching of the first appendages  11 ,  12  together. Latching attachment of said first appendages  11 ,  12  together in a closed state occurs as a user pivots said first appendages  11 ,  12  about the hinge/pivot  18  to engage said spring-biased male latching arms  33  within the stationary female latching features  34 . The latching arms  33  comprise opposing mirror-image “J”-shaped end features which engage the geometrically matched latching features  34 , thereby providing a positive snapping closure of the device  10 . Each latching arm  33  provides an attachment means to a respective front wheel portion  17  being integrally-molded or affixed along an intermediate outside surface of said latching arms  33 . By pressing inwardly upon both front wheels  17  in a coincidental manner, the latching arms  33  are distorted inwardly to mechanically disengage said latching arms  33  from the latching features  34 , thereby releasing the first appendages  11 ,  12  from each other and activating the sound switch  26 . 
     The device  10  also comprises a spring clip fastener  40  which provides convenient spring-loaded fastening of the device  10  to a sun visor  65  or other desired appendage. The spring clip fastener  40  is envisioned to be made using spring steel wire stock or other tensioned wire material being integrally molded or otherwise anchored to a bottom surface of the chassis portion  13  of the first lower appendage  11 . The spring clip fastener  40  comprises a pair of parallel “S”-shaped clamping wire portions being anchored at a proximal end of the device  10  and joined at a distal end of the device  10 . The device  10  may also utilize alternate means of attachment as seen in  FIGS. 8   a  through  8   c.    
     The device  10  further comprises a lamp switch  32  located between the front wheels  17  along a forward bottom surface of the device  10  which provides a means to activate the lamp(s)  30 . The lamp switch  32  comprises a miniature pushbutton component providing manual “push-on/push-off” toggling activation of said lamp(s)  30  by a user as needed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a rear side perspective view of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  provides a means to directionally propel a stream of cleansing fluid  55  for a purpose of cleaning one&#39;s eyewear  70 . The device  10  comprises a nozzle  52 , a spray button  53 , and a reservoir  56  having a fill cap  54  providing access to the reservoir  56  during filling are located along a trunk area of the vehicle motif of the device  10 . The spray button  53  comprises a flexible bulb-type hemisphere-shaped device which collapses when pressed, thereby resulting in an increased internal pressure within the reservoir  37  to propel a stream of cleansing fluid  55  from the nozzle  52 . The reservoir  56  is envisioned as being generally rectangular-shaped and contained within a trunk area of the vehicle motif. 
     The first pivot/hinge  18  comprises a single-axis type rotating connection between the first upper appendage  12  and the first lower appendage  11  being between or adjacent to the rear wheels  16 . Said first pivot/hinge  18  is envisioned to be made using interconnecting plastic injection molded features, a metal axle, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b , perspective views of the device  10  depicting an SUV motif embodiment  100  and a tanker truck motif embodiment  210 , according to alternate embodiments of the present invention, are disclosed. The SUV motif embodiment  100  is depicted here comprising respective portions including a second lower appendage  111 , a second upper appendage  112 , a second upper cushioning member  114 , and a second lower cushioning member  115 . Likewise, the tanker truck motif embodiment  210  is depicted here comprising respective portions including a third lower appendage  211 , a third upper appendage  212 , a third upper cushioning member  214 , and a third lower cushioning member  215 . 
     It is envisioned that all of the functional features of the preferred embodiment  10  described in  FIGS. 2 through 6  may be incorporated into said alternate vehicle motifs  100 ,  210 , being arranged in similar locations and forms as the preferred embodiment  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8   a ,  8   b , and  8   c , bottom perspective views of the device  10  depicting other temporary or permanent attachment means for the device  10 , according to alternate embodiments of the present invention, are disclosed. The device  10  may be introduced having various alternate attaching features along a bottom surface of the chassis portion  13  including a permanent magnet  41 , a metal or plastic hook  42 , and a plastic or fabric loop  43 . 
     The permanent magnet  41  comprises a single flat magnet being attached to the chassis portion  13  in a parallel manner via at least two (2) fasteners  49 . 
     The hook  42  attachment means comprises a “J”-shaped appendage also affixed to the chassis  13  using at least two (2) fasteners  49 . 
     The loop  43  attachment means comprises a length of cord or tubing with end portions being joined using a tubular connector portion  44  which in turn is affixed to the chassis  13  using at least two (2) fasteners  49 . 
     The alternate attachment means  8   a ,  8   b ,  8   c  enable secure attachment of the device  10  to such surfaces and appendages as, but not limited to: refrigerators, knobs, walls, or the like. It is understood that the embodiments shown here act as examples, and that numerous additional attachment methods may provide added attachment capability. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , an electrical block diagram of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  receives DC power from one (1) or more replaceable batteries within the battery/holder  21 . Power is then conducted to a miniature toggle-type pushbutton lamp switch  32  and in turn to the lamp(s)  30 . The lamp  30  preferably utilizes LED lamp technology; however, incandescent devices or equivalent technology may be provided. Power from the battery/holder  21  is also conducted to the circuit board  20  which in turn conducts the pre-recorded personal message to the first  37  and second  38  speakers based upon embedded software instructions and received signals from the sound  26  and record  28  switches. The circuit board  20  is capable of digital sound processing and storage and receives sound data from an on-board microphone  23 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing each decorative embodiment may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the device having a desired vehicle motif  10 ,  100 ,  210 , color, and other features; inserting a fresh set of batteries into the battery/holder  21 ; attaching the device  10 ,  100 ,  210  to a sun visor  65  by utilizing the flexible spring clip fastener  40 ; pressing both front wheels  17  inwardly to release the first upper appendage  12  outwardly from the first lower appendage  11 , thereby opening the device  10 ,  100 ,  210 , and automatically and coincidentally pressing the sound switch  26  to initiate broadcast of the pre-recorded message from the speakers  37 ,  38 ; inserting temple portions of one&#39;s eyewear  70  between the first cushioning members  14 ,  15 ; utilizing the first pivot/hinge  18  to pivot the first lower appendage  11  against the first upper appendage  12 ; latching the first appendages  11 ,  12  together via latching engagement of the latching arms  33  and latching features  34 ; securing said eyewear  70  within the device  10 ,  100 ,  210  until needed for use; removing the eyewear  70  from the device  10 ,  100 ,  210  as needed by depressing the front wheels  17 ; and, benefiting from attractive and protective securement of one&#39;s eyewear  70  afforded a user of the present invention  10 ,  100 ,  210 . 
     The method of utilizing the lamp(s)  30  as a flashlight device is accomplished as follows: pressing and releasing the lamp switch  32  to activate the lamp(s)  30 ; utilizing said lamp(s)  30  as a flashlight device as needed to locate personal items during an absence of sufficient ambient light; and, pressing and releasing the lamp switch  32  again to deactivate the lamp(s)  30 . 
     The method of utilizing the lens spray nozzle  52  is accomplished as follows: removing the fill cap  54 ; filling the reservoir  56  with cleansing fluid  55 ; replacing the fill cap  54 ; depressing the spray button  53  inwardly; expelling a stream of cleansing fluid  55  from the nozzle  52  onto a lens portion of one&#39;s eyewear  70 ; cleaning said eyewear  70  of collected dust, dirt, and/or other grime in a conventional manner. 
     The method of recording a pre-recorded personal audio message into each device  10 ,  100 ,  210  is accomplished as follows: manually pressing and holding the record switch  28  to initiate a recording interval; speaking into, or exposing the microphone portion  23  of the circuit board  20  to a desired sound to be recorded; and, releasing the record switch  28  to end the recording process. 
     The alternate attachment means of each device  10 ,  100 ,  210  including the permanent magnet  41 , the metal or plastic hook  42 , and the plastic or fabric loop  43  may be incorporated into various designs of the device  10 ,  100 ,  210  and utilized to affix the device  10 ,  100 ,  210  to another type of sun visors  65 , a belt, a dashboard, a motorcycle windshield, a refrigerator, a shirt pocket, and the like. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Category: 7