A foldable pouch for glasses

Abstract

The application discloses a flexible pouch (10) for use with glasses, having first and second portions (11, 12) for receiving therein first and second eye-covering portions of the glasses, respectively. The second portion (12) can be put in a folded position where the second portion (12) is folded over the first portion (11) when the first and second portions (11, 12) do not receive the first and second eye-covering portions.

Description

[0001] A FOLDABLE POUCH FOR GLASSES

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a pouch for glasses (such as prescription glasses, reading glasses or sunglasses). to the Invention

[0004] A glasses wearer may put their glasses in a case to prevent damage to the glasses when the glasses are not being worn. Conventional cases are formed from two pieces of rigid material that are hingably connected. The rigid nature of these cases mean that they are not easily stored about a user’s person in a pocket for example. This means that the user does not take these rigid cases with them when they are out and about, potentially leading to their glasses becoming damaged as they are not protected when they are not in use.

[0005] An objective of the present invention is to mitigate or obviate at least one problem with prior glasses cases.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pouch. The pouch may be for use with glasses. The pouch may be flexible. The pouch may have first and second portions. The first portion may be for receiving therein a first eyecovering portion of the glasses. The second portion may be for receiving therein a second eye-covering portion of the glasses. The pouch may be configured such that the second portion may be put in a folded position where the second portion is folded over the first portion when the first and second portions do not receive the first and second eye-covering portions.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible pouch for use with glasses, having first and second portions for receiving therein first and second eye-covering portions of the glasses, respectively, wherein the second portion can be put in a folded position where the second portion is folded over the first portion when the first and second portions do not receive the first and second eyecovering portions.

[0009] Advantageously, the pouch of the present invention can be folded in half when it is not in use, meaning that it can be easily stored in a user’s pocket or bag. This means that it is far easier (with respect to prior arrangements) for the user to take the pouch with them when they are out and about, meaning the pouch is used more frequently and there is less of a risk of the user’s glasses becoming damaged.

[0010] The pouch may further comprise at least one retention member. The at least one retention member may be for at least assisting in retaining the second portion in the folded position. The at least one retention member may be for retaining the second portion in the folded position.

[0011] The at least one retention member means that when the pouch is within a user’s pocket or bag the pouch does not have a tendency to open, meaning the pouch is particularly easy to store.

[0012] The at least one retention member may be deployable. When the at least one retention member is deployed it may at least assist in retaining the second portion in the folded position where the second portion is folded over the first portion. When the retention member is not deployed the retention member may not assist in retaining the second portion in the folded position.

[0013] The at least one retention member may comprise at least one projection extending from the rest of the pouch. The at least one retention member may comprise at least one flap extending from the rest of the pouch. The at least one flap may taper to a free end thereof.

[0014] Using a flap as the retention member is particularly beneficial because it allows the pouch to be manufactured from a single piece of material, simplifying the manufacturing process. The flap is also particularly easy for the user to grasp and deploy.

[0015] The pouch may have a front. The front may be made up of first and second front parts (first and second parts) defined by the first and second portions, respectively. The first and second front parts may not be in contact with each other when the second portion is folded over the first portion. The at least one retention member may be arranged to contact the front of the pouch when the second portion is in the folded position. The retention member may be arranged to contact the second front part of the front (the part of the front defined by the second portion) when the second portion is in the folded position.

[0016] The pouch may have a rear opposite the front. The rear may be made up of first and second rear parts (first and second parts) defined by the first and second portions, respectively. The first and second rear parts of the rear may contact each other when the second portion is in the folded position.

[0017] The first portion may comprise the at least one retention member.

[0018] The at least one retention member may comprise a first retention submember. The first portion may comprise the first retention submember. The first retention submember may be for at least assisting in retaining the second portion in the folded position. The first retention submember may be for retaining the second portion in the folded position.

[0019] The first retention submember may comprise a first flap. The first flap may extend from a first remainder (the remainder) of the first portion. The first flap may extend from a first connected end (a connected end of the first flap) to a first free end (a free end of the first flap) thereof. The first flap may taper from the first connected end to the first free end. The first connected end may be connected to the first remainder of the first portion. The first flap may be arranged to contact the front of the pouch when the second portion is in the folded position. The first flap may be arranged to contact the second front part of the front of the pouch when the second portion is in the folded position.

[0020] The at least one retention member may comprise a second retention submember. The second retention submember may be for at least assisting in retaining the second portion in the folded position. The second portion may comprise the second retention submember. The second retention submember may be receivable within the pouch when the first retention submember is at least assisting in retaining the second portion in the folded position.

[0021] The second retention submember may comprise a second flap. The second flap may extend from a second remainder (the remainder of the second portion) of the second portion. The second flap may extend from a second connected end (a connected end of the second flap) to a second free end (a free end of the second flap) thereof. The second flap may taper from the second connected end to the second free end. The second connected end may be connected to the second remainder of the second portion. The second flap may be arranged to contact the front of the pouch when the second portion is in the folded position. The second flap may be arranged to contact the first front part of the front of the pouch when the second portion is in the folded position. The pouch may bend (at least partially) when the second portion is folded over the first portion. An overfold may be formed when the second portion is folded over the first portion.

[0022] The pouch may comprise a retention arrangement for retaining the second portion in the folded position. The at least one retention arrangement may comprise the at least one retention member.

[0023] The at least one retention member may comprise at least one protrusion and the retention arrangement may further comprise at least one void provided in the second portion. The at least one void may be at least one recess or at least one throughhole. The at least one recess may be closed at one end thereof and the at least one throughhole may be open at opposing ends thereof. The at least one protrusion may be fitted into the at least one void when the retention arrangement retains the second portion in the folded position. The at least one void may be provided in a second front part of the front of the pouch.

[0024] The at least one void may be at least one retention void (i.e. a void that assists in the retention arrangement’s retaining operation). The pouch may further comprise at least one stowing void (a void for assisting in positioning the retention member in a stowed position when the retention member is not in use), wherein the at least one protrusion may be fitted in the at least one stowing void when the at least one retention member does not assist in retaining the second portion in the folded position. The first portion may comprise the at least one stowing void. The at least one stowing void may be provided in an outer surface of the first portion.

[0025] The at least one protrusion may comprise a first protrusion and the at least one retention void may comprise a first retention void. When the at least one retention member comprises a first retention submember which is a first flap, the first flap may comprise the first protrusion and the second portion may comprise the first retention void. In particular, the first retention void may be provided in the second front part of the front of the pouch.

[0026] The at least one protrusion may comprise a second protrusion and the at least one retention void may comprise a second retention void. When the at least one retention member comprises a second retention submember which is a second flap, the second flap may comprise the second protrusion and the first portion may comprise the second retention void. The second retention void may be provided in the first portion. In particular, the first retention void may be provided in the first front part of the front of the pouch.

[0027] The at least one stowing void may comprise a first stowing void. The first portion may comprise the first stowing void. In particular, the first rear part of the rear of the pouch may comprise the first stowing void.

[0028] The at least one stowing void may comprise a second stowing void. The second portion may comprise the second stowing void. In particular, the second rear part of the pouch may comprise the second stowing void.

[0029] The at least one retention member may comprise a first magnetic element. A magnetic force may act on the first magnetic element when the retention arrangement retains the second portion in the folded position.

[0030] The retention arrangement may comprise a second magnetic element. The second magnetic element being configured to draw the first magnetic element towards the second magnetic element.

[0031] The second magnet may be configured to draw the at least one retention member comprising the first magnetic element towards the front of the pouch when the retention arrangement retains the second portion in the folded position. In particular, when the first portion comprises the at least one retention member, the second magnetic element may be configured to draw the first magnetic element towards the second front part of the front of the pouch when the retention arrangement retains the second portion in the folded position.

[0032] The first portion may define a first valley in which the first eye-covering portion is located when the first portion receives the first eye-covering portion. The second portion may define a second valley in which the second eye-covering portion is located when the second portion receives the second eye-covering portion. The first and second portions may be hollow. The first portion may be for fitment of the first eyecovering portion therein. The second portion may be for fitment of the second eyecovering portion therein.

[0033] The first and second portions may substantially correspond (at least partially) to outer profiles of the first and second eye-covering portions. The second portion may be movable between an unfolded position where the second portion is not folded over the first portion and the folded position. The second portion may be biased towards the unfolded position.

[0034] The pouch may comprise an elastomeric material.

[0035] The pouch may comprise a body (or main part in other words). The pouch may consist of only the body or alternatively be formed with additional coatings or elements added to the body. The body may be formed from a single piece of material. The body may be formed from a single piece of moulded material. The body may comprise the at least one retention element and a remainder of the body. In other words, the at least one retention element and the remainder of the body may be unitary.

[0036] The body may form (at least most of ) the first and second portions.

[0037] The material may be the elastomeric material. The material may be a natural or synthetic rubber. The material may be silicone (silicone rubber). One or more coatings may be applied to the body when the pouch comprises the body.

[0038] The body may be hollow.

[0039] The pouch may describe (in other words, “mark out”) convex curves (when the pouch is in the unfolded position). The convex curves may be substantially parallel.

[0040] This essentially means that in practice that the pouch is curved. The curved nature of the pouch means that it is easy to store different types of glasses within the pouch.

[0041] The first and second portions may be connected at a neck portion. The second portion may fold about the neck portion when the second portion is folded over the first portion. The neck portion may be provided at a centre of the pouch.

[0042] The at least one retention member may be spaced from the neck portion .

[0043] Crowns of the convex curves may be located at the neck portion.

[0044] Arranging the crowns of the convex curves at the neck portion makes it particularly easy for the pouch to accommodate a broad range of glasses.

[0045] The pouch may be symmetrical. The pouch may be symmetrical about the neck portion. The pouch may be such that temples of the glasses can be closed over an exterior of the pouch when the first and second eye-covering portions are received within the first and the second portions.

[0046] The pouch may have an interior. The pouch may comprise an opening allowing access to the interior of the pouch for the first and second eye-covering portions. The at least one retention member may be movable to allow access to an interior of the pouch when the second portion is not in the folded position. The pouch may be closable. The at least one retention member may be movable to allow access to the interior of the pouch when the second portion is not in the folded position and the pouch is closed. The at least one retention member may be movable to allow the first and second eye-covering portions access to the interior of the pouch via the opening.

[0047] The pouch may comprise front and rear opposing wall portions connected by at least one connecting wall portion. The front and rear wall portions and the at least one connecting wall portion may define the first and second portions. The front and rear wall portions may define the neck portion. The front and rear wall portions may describe the convex curves. The front and rear wall portions may each be greater in size than the connecting wall portion. The front and rear wall portions and the connecting wall portion may define the interior of the pouch. The interior of the pouch may be where the first and second eye covering portions are located when the first and second portions receive the first and second eye covering portions.

[0048] The rear wall portion may comprise notches that permit temples of the glasses to be closed over the exterior of the pouch when the first and second eye-covering portions are received within the first and second portions.

[0049] The front wall may have a front wall top edge (a top edge of the front wall). A top wall portion may extend across the interior of the pouch from the front wall top edge. A rear wall top edge (a top edge of the rear wall portion) of the rear wall portion may be located below the front wall top edge (a top edge of the front wall portion) of the front wall portion so as to define the access opening. The rear wall top edge may be not directly connected to the top wall portion. The at least one retention member may depend from the top wall portion. The at least one retention member may depend from the top wall portion below the rear wall top edge (when the second portion is in the unfolded position). The body may comprise the front wall portion, rear wall portion and at least one connecting wall portion. It may also comprise the top wall portion.

[0050] The connecting wall portion may extend to the top wall portion so that the top wall portion and the connecting wall portion form a peripheral wall that extends around a whole perimeter of the front wall.

[0051] The connecting wall portion may space the front wall portion from the rear wall portion.

[0052] Each of the front and rear wall portions may have a greater surface area than the connecting wall portion.

[0053] The first and second eye-covering portions may be portions of the glasses that are placed in front of a wearer’s eyes in use. The first and second eye-covering portions may be first and second lenses of the glasses. The first and second lenses may be connected by a bridge, like in conventional glasses. Alternatively, the first and second eye-covering portions may be connected and formed by the same lens.

[0054] The pouch may comprise at least one aperture for a cord. The at least one aperture may be reinforced. The aperture may be provided with a lining. The at least one aperture may be provided in the front wall portion.

[0055] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0056] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0057] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a pouch for use with glasses according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the pouch of Figure 1 ;

[0059] Figure 3 shows a rear view of a pouch according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figures 4A to 4E show sequential steps of a process of folding the pouch of Figure 3;

[0061] Figures 5A to 5D show a pouch according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 shows a pouch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0063] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a flexible pouch 10 for use with glasses according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the pouch 10 comprises first and second portions 11 , 12 which are arranged to receive first and second eye-covering portions of the glasses, respectively. The first and second eye-covering portions may be first and second lenses of the glasses, for example. The first and second portions therefore define respective valleys 14, 16 (as best shown in Figure 2 partially through bridge aperture 18) in which the first and second eye-covering portions (not shown) are located when the pouch 10 is in use. The first and second portions 10, 12 are connected at a neck portion 20, and generally narrow towards the neck portion 20. The pouch 10 is symmetrical about the neck portion 20.

[0064] The pouch has a front 32 and a rear 34 opposite the front 32. The front is made up of first and second front parts 36, 38 (first and second parts) defined by the first and second portions 11 , 12, respectively, and the rear is made up of first and second rear parts (first and second parts) 40, 42 defined by the first and second portions 11 , 12, respectively. In the depicted example, the front 32 and rear 34 are planar opposing surfaces of the pouch 10 defined by the first and second portions 11 , 12. In other words, the fronts of the first and second portions combine to form the front of the pouch 10 and the rears of the first and second portions combine to form the rear of the pouch.

[0065] The depicted pouch 10 is formed of a single moulded body (although this need not be the case and another method of manufacture may be employed (such as welding). The pouch 10 is moulded from an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber, although other materials such as natural rubber could be used. Using silicone rubber is particularly advantageous as it can be easily recycled.

[0066] The moulded body of the pouch 10 is made up of front and rear opposing wall portions 22, 24, which face each other and are connected by a connecting wall portion 26. These wall portions 22, 24, 26 define (or in other words form) the first and second portions 11 , 12 mentioned above. The front and rear wall portions 22, 24 define the front and rear 32, 34 of the pouch 10. The front and rear wall portions 22, 24 have much greater service areas than the surface area of the connecting wall portion 26.

[0067] The connecting wall portion 26 comprises a number of curved parts 52, 54. The connecting wall portion 26 spaces the front wall portion 22 from the rear wall portion 24 so as to define a gap between the front wall portion 22 and the rear wall portion 24 and form the interior 28 of the pouch in which in use the first and second eye-covering portions are located.

[0068] The connecting wall portion 26 extends to a top wall portion 58 so as to define a peripheral wall extending around the whole perimeter of the front wall portion 22. The top wall portion 58 extends across the interior 28 of the pouch from a top wall top edge 60. A rear wall top edge 63 is not connected to the top wall portion and located at a lower height than the front wall edge and top wall portion 58 so that an opening 65 in the pouch is defined.

[0069] Provided in the front wall portion 22 are first and second apertures 74a, 74b. Each of the first and second apertures 74a, 74b is for a cord. This means that advantageously the user can thread a lanyard through each aperture 74a, 74b to connect the pouch 10 to the user in use. The aperture is preferably reinforced. In some embodiments, the apertures 74a, 74b are reinforced by providing the aperture with a lining.

[0070] The second portion 12 of the pouch 10 can be put in a folded position where the second portion 12 of the pouch 10 is folded over the first portion 11. When the second portion 12 of the pouch is folded over the first portion 11 an overfold is formed and the first and second rear parts 40, 42 of the rear of the pouch abut each other.

[0071] As the pouch 10 is formed mainly from silicone rubber the pouch is biased towards an unfolded position when it is folded. The pouch 10 includes retention members for at least assisting in retaining the second portion in the folded position.

[0072] The pouch 10 has two retention submembers (first and second retention submembers 64, 66) that are spaced from the neck portion 20. The first portion 11 comprises the first retention submember 64 and the second portion 12 comprises the second retention submember 66. In particular, the first retention submember 64 extends from a first remainder 68 of the first portion 11 and the second retention submember 66 extends from a second remainder 70 of the second portion 12. As depicted the retention submembers 64, 66 extend from the top wall portion 58. In the depicted example, the first and second retention submembers 64, 66 are first and second flaps that extend from their respective remainders 68, 70. In particular, each flap 64, 66 has a connected end connected to its respective remainder and a free end, and each flap tapers from the connected end to the free end. The first and second flaps 64, 66 are arranged to abut the front 32 of the pouch when they at least assist in retaining the second portion 12 in the folded position.

[0073] As shown the first and second flaps 64, 66 can be moved to allow access to the interior of the pouch for the first and second eye covering portions (for example via the access opening).

[0074] The pouch 10 has first and second retention arrangements that are each for retaining the second portion in the folded position. The first retention arrangement comprises the first retention submember 64 and the second retention arrangement comprises the second retention submember 66.

[0075] The first retention arrangement comprises the first flap 64 and a first retention void (which may be a first recess or a first throughhole provided in the second portion 12). This is not shown in Figures 1 and 2. The first retention void is provided in particular in a second front part 38 of the front of the pouch 10. The first flap 64 comprises a first protrusion 70 which is fitted into the first retention void when the first retention arrangement retains the second portion 12 in the folded position.

[0076] The second retention arrangement comprises the second flap 66 and a second retention void (which may be a second recess or a second throughhole and is shown in Figure 2) provided in the first portion 11 and in the first front part 36 of the front of the pouch 10. The second retention void is not shown in either Figure 1 or 2. The second flap 66 comprises a second protrusion 73, which is fitted into the second retention void when the second retention arrangement retains the second portion 12 in the folded position.

[0077] The pouch 10 may comprise first and second stowage voids 69, 71 into which the first and second protrusions 70, 73 may be fitted, respectively, when they are not retaining the second portion in the folded position. The first and second stowage voids may be recesses or through holes. In the example depicted the first and second stowage voids 69, 71 are provided in the rear of the pouch 34. In particular, the first portion 11 comprises the first stowage void 69 and the first stowage void 69 is provided in the first rear part 40. The second portion 12 comprises the second stowage void 71. In particular, the second stowage 71 void is provided in the second rear part 42 of the rear of the pouch.

[0078] With reference to Figure 3, there is shown a pouch 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The pouch 100 is similar to the pouch 10 of the first embodiment, and has first and second portions, 111 , 112, a neck portion 120, a front and a rear 134, flaps 164, 166, protrusions 170, as well as retention and stowage voids 169, like the first embodiment. However, in contrast to the pouch 110 of the second embodiment, the rear wall portion 124 also includes notches 171 (preferably provided at top corners of the rear wall portion) which make it easier for the user to close temples of glasses used with the pouch 110 over an exterior surface of the rear wall portion 124.

[0079] With reference to Figures 5A to 5D, there is shown a flexible pouch 200 for use with glasses according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This pouch 200 is similar to the pouch 10 described above. However, in contrast to the pouch 10, the retention members of the pouch 200 (only one retention member is shown in Figures 5A to 5D and is allocated the reference numeral 264) are sufficient in themselves to retain the pouch 100 in the folded position and do not require the protrusions and voids described in the first embodiment.

[0080] With reference to Figure 6, there is shown a flexible pouch 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is similar to the pouch 10. However, this pouch 300 in contrast to the pouch 10 and 100 is curved which advantageously means that the pouch 300 can more easily accommodate a greater range of glasses. In particular, the front and rear wall portions 322, 324 of the pouch 300 are curved. The front and rear curved wall portions 322, 324 have crowns 328, 330 at the neck portion 320. Convex curves are defined by the curved wall portions, which are parallel to one another. The pouch 300 therefore describes (or marks out) first and second parallel convex curves with first and second crowns 328, 330, respectively, that are located at the neck portion 320 of the pouch 300. Arranging the first and second crowns at the neck portion 320 makes it particularly easy for the pouch to accommodate different types of glasses. The front and rear curved wall portions 322, 324 each have a much bigger surface area than the connecting wall portion 326. Like the third embodiment the retention submembers 364, 366 are sufficient in themselves to retain the pouch 300 in the folded position and do not require the protrusions and voids described in the first embodiment. With reference to Figures 4A to 4E, in use of the second embodiment of the pouch 100, when the user wishes to protect the first and second eye covering portions of their glasses they open the pouch by moving the first and second flaps 164, 166 to fit the first and second eye-covering portions of the glasses (i.e. the lenses) into the pouch 100. When the user wants to put their glasses on, they remove the first and second eye-covering portions of the glasses from the pouch 100. When the pouch does not receive the first and second eye-covering portions of the glasses and the user wishes to store the case (for example in their pocket), the user gradually folds the first and second portions 111 , 112 of the pouch about the neck portion 120 (as in Figures 4A to 4C). Just before the first and second rear parts 140, 142 of the rear of the pouch 10 are brought into abutment and the second portion is folded over the first portion and put in a folded position, the user tucks the second flap 166 into the interior of the pouch 110 as shown in Figure 4D.

[0081] The user then brings the first and second rear parts of the rear of the pouch 10 into abutment and so that the second portion is in the folded position as shown in Figure 4E. The user then moves the first flap 164 so that it makes contact with a front of the pouch 10 (specifically the second front part 138 of the pouch) and the first protrusion 170 is fitted into the first retention void 169 as shown in Figure 4F. The first flap 164 is then held in a position where it retains the second portion 12 in the folded position. The user could instead opt to use the second retention submember 166 to retain the second portion 112 in the folded position.

[0082] The pouch 10 of the first embodiment is folded in much the same way as the pouch 100 of the second embodiment and its retention arrangements are utilised to retain the second portion in the folded position in much the same way as the second embodiment.

[0083] The pouches 200, 300 of the third and fourth embodiments may be put in the folded position by the user in much the same way as the pouch 100 of the second embodiment when first and second portions of those pouches do not receive the first and second eye-covering portions of the glasses. However, the pouches 200, 300 and their associated retention submembers (i.e. flaps) are formed in such a way that they are sufficient in themselves to retain the second portion in the folded position without the protrusion and void arrangement of the first and second embodiments. Advantageously, the pouch of the present invention can be folded in half when it is not in use, meaning that it can be easily stored in a user’s pocket or bag. This means that it is far easier (with respect to prior arrangements) for the user to take the pouch with them when they are out and about, meaning the pouch is used more frequently and there is less of a risk of the user’s glasses becoming damaged.

[0084] The at least one retention member means that when the pouch is within a user’s pocket or bag the pouch does not have a tendency to open, meaning the pouch is particularly easy to store.

[0085] Using a flap as the retention member is particularly beneficial because it allows the pouch to be manufactured from a single piece of material, simplifying the manufacturing process. The flap is also particularly easy for the user to grasp and deploy.

[0086] The pouch may be supplied as a single moulded body with a retention member that just assists in retaining the second portion in a folded position. The retention member and pouch may be subsequently fitted with other elements (such as magnets) so that a retention arrangement for retaining the second portion in the folded position is formed. Alternatively, the pouch may be supplied with a retention member or retention arrangement that can retain the second portion in the folded position without the addition of other elements.

[0087] The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 13 January 2025 (13.01.2025)

1. A flexible pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) for use with glasses, having first and second portions (11 , 111 , 12, 112) for receiving therein first and second eye-covering portions of the glasses, respectively, wherein the second portion (12, 112) can be put in a folded position where the second portion (12, 112) is folded over the first portion (11 , 111) when the first and second portions (11 , 111 , 12, 112) do not receive the first and second eye-covering portions, characterized in that the pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) is such that temples of the glasses can be closed over an exterior of the pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) when the first and second eyecovering portions are received within the first and the second portions (11 , 111 , 12, 112).

2. The pouch of claim 1 , further comprising at least one retention member for at least assisting in retaining the second portion in the folded position.

3. The pouch of claim 2, wherein the at least one retention member is deployable.

4. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of claim 3, wherein when the at least one retention member is deployed the retention member at least assists in retaining the second portion (12, 112) in the folded position, wherein when the retention member is not deployed the retention member does not assist in retaining the second portion (12, 112) in the folded position.

5. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the retention member is movable to allow access to an interior of the pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) when the second portion (12, 112) is not in the folded position and the at least one retention member does not at least assist in retaining the second portion (12, 112) in the folded position.

6. The pouch of any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the at least one retention member comprises a first retention submember, wherein the first portion comprises the first retention submember.

7. The pouch of claim 6, wherein the first retention submember is a first flap.18AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

8. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of claim 7, wherein the first flap extends from a first connected end where the first flap is connected to a first remainder (68) of the first portion (11 , 111) to a first free end thereof, wherein the first flap tapers from the first connected end to the first free end.

9. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the at least one retention member comprises a second retention submember (66, 166, 366), wherein the second retention submember (66, 166, 366) is for at least assisting in retaining the second portion (12, 112) in the folded position, wherein the second portion (12, 112) comprises the second retention submember (66, 166, 366).

10. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of claim 9, wherein the second retention submember (66, 166, 366) is a second flap.

11. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of claim 10, wherein the second flap extends from a second connected end where the second flap is connected to a second remainder (70) of the second portion (12, 112) to a second free end thereof, wherein the second flap tapers from the second connected end to the second free end.

12. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of any of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the second retention submember (66, 166, 366) is receivable within the pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) when the first retention submember (66, 166, 366) is at least assisting in retaining the second portion (12, 112) in the folded position.

13. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of any of claims 2 to 12, wherein the pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) comprises a retention arrangement for retaining the second portion (12, 112) in the folded position, wherein the retention arrangement comprises the at least one retention member.

14. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of claim 13, wherein the at least one retention member comprises a protrusion (70, 73, 170) and the retention arrangement further comprises a void, wherein the protrusion (70, 73, 170) is fitted into the void when the retention arrangement retains the second portion (12, 112) in the folded position.

15. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of claim 14, wherein the void is a retention void and the pouch further comprises a stowing19AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)void (69, 169, 71), wherein the protrusion can be fitted in the stowing void (69, 169, 71) when the at least one retention member does not assist in retaining the second portion in the folded position.

16. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of claim 15, wherein the second portion (12, 112) comprises the void (71).

17. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of any preceding claim, wherein the second portion (12, 112) is movable between an unfolded position where the second portion is not folded over the first portion (11 , 111) and the folded position, wherein the second portion (12, 112) is biased towards the unfolded position.

18. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of any preceding claim, wherein an overfold is formed when the second portion (12, 112) is folded over the first portion (11 , 111).

19. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of any preceding claim, wherein the first portion (11 , 111) defines a first valley (14) in which the first eye-covering portion is located when the first portion (11 , 111) receives the first eye-covering portion, wherein the second portion (12, 112) defines a second valley (16) in which the second eye-covering portion is located when the second portion (12, 112) receives the second eye-covering portion.

20. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second portions (11 , 111 , 12, 112) are connected at a neck portion (20, 120, 320).

21. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one aperture (74a, 74b) for a cord.

22. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of claim 21 , wherein the at least one aperture (74a, 74b) is reinforced.

23. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of any preceding claim, wherein the pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) comprises front and rear opposing wall portions (22, 24, 124, 322, 324) connected by at least one connecting wall portion (26, 326), wherein the front and rear wall portions (22, 24, 124, 322, 324) and the at least one connecting wall portion (26, 326) define the first and second portions (11 , 111 , 12, 112).

24. The pouch (10, 100, 200, 300) of claim 23 when claim 23 is dependent on claim 21 or 22, wherein the at least one aperture (74a, 74b) is provided in the front wall portion (22, 322).20AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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