Offset eyeglasses clasp

Abstract

An eyeglasses clasp for maintaining eyeglasses on a clothing material. The clasp comprises at least one magnetic means engaged with the eyeglasses temple bars that align with each other but not with the eyeglasses frame body midpoint when the temple bars are closed. The magnets are in attractive magnetic communication when the temple bars are closed. The clasp is used by pivoting one of the temple bars into the closed position. The frame body and closed temple bar are then positioned on one side of a clothing material. The second temple bar is then pivoted into the closed position such that it is on the other side of the clothing material. With the temple bars closed, the magnets are in attractive magnetic communication and impart a gripping force on the article of clothing. The gripping force substantially prevents relative movement between the temple bars and the clothing material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] The present invention relates to improved eyeglasses. More particularly, it relates to an offset eyeglasses clasp for maintaining the eyeglasses in a pocket or on another portion of a clothing material when the eyeglasses are not in use. [0005] 2. Description of the Related Art [0006] Typical eyeglasses consist of a frame body that houses two lenses on either side of a nose piece. Attached to the frame body are two temple bars that extend from two ends of the frame body. The temple bars pivot between an open position perpendicular with the frame body and a closed position parallel with the frame body. The temple bars and nose piece support the frame on the head of the wearer. [0007] Individuals often remove their eyeglasses temporarily. They may put them down and not r...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The clasp is typically used by providing one of the temple bars into the closed position. The frame bidy and closed temple bar are then positioned on one side of a clothing material, such as, by way non-limiting example only, a dhirt pocket or sleeve. The second temple bar is then pivoted into the closed position such that it is on the other side of the clothing material. The magnets are then in attractive magnetic communication and impact a gripping force on the clothing material. The gripping force substantially prevents relative movement between the temple bars and the clothing material. The offset magnetic clasp thereby eliminates the disadvantages of a mechanical clip while introducing the advantage of a strong, versatile clasp that can be easily opened and closed anywhere the magnets are capable of being in strong enouph attractive magnetic communication through the clothing material.

[0015] In another embodiment, at least one of the magnets is rectangular and is positioned on top of the temple bar. The location of one of the magnets on top of the temple bar reduces impact wear on the magnets when they are pivoted to the closed position.

Problems solved by technology

They may put them down and not recall where, they may hang them around their neck where they bounce against their chest, or they may put them in a pocket and have them fall out and / or get damaged.

These are cumbersome and, like all mechanical clasps, may come loose.

In addition, clips may work well initially, but fatigue can cause metal clips to weaken and lose their ability to hold eyeglasses securely.

Moreover, clips can break, thereby causing the eyeglasses to come loose, fall and break, or be lost.

Eyeglasses using such mechanical clips may not be securely held in place when inverted, such as when a person bends over at the waist.

Another problem with such clips arises when a person in a sitting position bends forward, and the eyeglasses are pushed upward while clasped inside a shirt pocket.

In that situation, the clip may be pushed up from the bottom of the pocket, thereby disengaging the clip and causing the eyeglasses to fall from the pocket.

Because the magnets in Dupraz et al. are attached to the temple bar near the hinges, however, its teaching cannot be used as a magnetic clasp, nor was it intended as such.

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