US20090114550A1

US20090114550A1 - Eyeglass speaker case

Info

Publication number: US20090114550A1
Application number: US11/935,650
Authority: US
Inventors: Lee Lan Ying; Lee Ming Shuang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: WTW OPTICS A DELAWARE LLC LLC; Double Hero Corp
Priority date: 2007-11-06
Filing date: 2007-11-06
Publication date: 2009-05-07
Also published as: MX2010005049A; WO2009061593A1; CN101932261A; JP2011504006A; EP2207450A1; CA2704937A1

Abstract

Described is an eyeglass case having integrated speakers. The eyeglass case includes a housing having two compartments, wherein a first compartment is adapted to receive a pair of eyeglasses while a second compartment houses a speaker system.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to an eyeglass case. More specifically, to an eyeglass case having an integrated speaker system.

BACKGROUND

In today's field of electronics one goal is to make portable electronic devices smaller and lighter. Moreover, there is also an added incentive to integrate electronic devices and provide added functionality so as to give more value to the customer and encourage purchase and utilization of the electronic devices.
Thus, there exists a need for an eyeglass case having an integrated speaker system.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention discloses an eyeglass case comprising: a first compartment having a first recessed area; a second compartment having a second recessed area; coupling means for coupling the first and second compartments; and at least one speaker integrated into said first or second recessed compartment wherein said speaker is operable to transmit audible sounds from a sound source in communication therewith. In one embodiment, the coupling means is a hinge and the compartments are constructed of plastic, metal, leather or cloth material. In one embodiment, the first recessed compartment houses a speaker system along with a power supply for providing electricity to the speaker system, while the second recessed compartment is adapted to hold a pair of eyeglasses. The second recessed compartment may include securing means for retaining the pair of eyeglasses. The eyeglass case may further include an input aperture for physical connection with the sound source, an indicator light and a volume control knob to facilitate operation of the speaker system.
Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an eyeglass case in a closed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the eyeglass case in an open position; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an upper compartment of the eyeglass case in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential character thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.
Initial reference is made to FIG. 1 illustrating an eyeglass case 10 comprising a housing 12 that is constructed of plastic, metal or other rigid material. Alternatively, the housing 12 can be a semi-hard or soft bag made of leather or cloth. Although a clamshell-shaped housing 12 is shown, it is understood that the housing 12 can take on any shape including rectangular, circular or square. The housing 12 includes an upper compartment 14 hingably coupled (the hinge is hidden behind the housing 12 and thus is not visible in the drawing) to a lower compartment 16. Although hinges allow the compartments 14, 16 to be opened or closed without additional attachment means 18, it is envisioned that other connecting means 18 may be utilized to connect the compartments 14, 16 to each other such that the eyeglass case 10 may open and close freely. For example, instead of hinges, other swiveling, swinging or pivoting mechanisms may be utilized.
The upper compartment 14 includes an input aperture 20 along with an indicator light 22 and a volume control knob 24. The input aperture 20 allows a portable music player such as a CD player, MP3 player (e.g., IPOD manufactured by Apple), cellular phone or microphone to be plugged into a speaker system 38 housed within the eyeglass case 10. The music player may also communicate wirelessly with the speaker system 38. Additional description of the speaker system is provided in subsequent figures and discussion. The indicator light 22 allows a user to determine if the speaker system 38 is active while the volume control 24 allows the user to control the volume of the speaker system 38. Optionally, additional control knobs (not shown) for adjusting bass, treble and other sound qualities may be provided. Although portable music players are described, other external devices (e.g., laptop) capable of producing audio frequency can broadcast via the speaker system 38. It will also be understood by one skilled in the art that the input aperture 20, indicator light 22 and the volume control knob 24 can be positioned elsewhere on the eyeglass case 10 based on design or manufacturing preference, and that there can be, as necessary, other items besides the input aperture 20, light 22 and knob 24.
Reference is now made to FIG. 2 illustrating the eyeglass speaker case 10 in an open position. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower compartment 16 includes a recessed area 26 for housing a pair of glasses 28 including eyeglasses and sunglasses. The glasses 28 can be further secured using a pair of straps 30. The glasses 28 can also be secured by other fastening means such as buckles and loops (not shown). No fastening means 30 are necessary for securing the glasses 28. The recessed area 26 can also be used to store wipes, cleaning cloth or cleaning solutions (not shown). Moreover, the recessed area 26 can also include pockets and compartments (not shown) for storing miscellaneous objects, items and supplies. Although not shown, the lower compartment 16 can include a soft cloth or hard plastic cover for covering both the pair of glasses 28 and straps 30.
The upper compartment 14 of the eyeglass case 10, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is in a closed position having a cover 32 for concealing the speaker system 38 situated beneath as described in more detail below. The cover 32 can be constructed of a soft cloth or hard plastic or polymer material. The speaker system 38 protected beneath the cover 32 can be powered a power supply or module such as batteries, which can be accessed by an access panel 34 as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, the speaker system 38 can also be powered by a power supply adaptor plugged into an external wall socket (not shown).
Reference is now made to FIG. 3 illustrating the upper compartment 14 of the eyeglass case 10 in an open position. As shown in FIG. 3, the interior of the upper compartment 14 is exposed as the cover 32 is temporarily peeled back. Like the lower compartment 16, the upper compartment 14 includes a recessed area 34 for housing a power supply 36 and a speaker system 38. The power supply 36 can be electrically coupled to the speaker system 38 via a set of electrical wires 40. As described above, the power supply 36 can include batteries accessible via the access panel 34. Alternatively, the power supply 36 can be an adaptor or converter used with an external power source. By providing power to the speakers 38, the sound frequency of a music device plugged into the eyeglass case 10 via the input aperture 20 can be amplified and manipulated by the speakers 38 via another set of electrical wires 42. The speaker system 38 is further coupled with an electronic circuitry 44 that facilitates communication with the indicator light 22 and volume control knob 24 (electrical wires not shown). It will be understood by one skilled in the art that additional electronic components including diodes, resistors and capacitors may be implemented within the recessed area 34 as necessary to facilitate operation of the speaker system 38 and power supply 36.
In operation, a user plugs his or her portable electronic music device or microphone into the input aperture 20 of the eyeglass case 10, whether the eyeglass case 10 is open or closed. In one embodiment, the upper compartment 14 of the eyeglass case 10 remains in a closed position as shown in FIG. 2 since a user need not observe the electronic circuitry 44 and speaker system 38. Users need only access the power supply via the access panel 34. By activating the music on the portable electronic music device (e.g., MP3 player) or microphone, sound frequency can subsequently be generated by the speaker system 38. Users can adjust the volume using the volume control knob 24 on the exterior surface of the eyeglass case 10. Likewise, users can also adjust the volume using the portable electronic music device itself. If the speaker system 38 is working (i.e., has sufficient power 36), the indicator light 22 is illuminated. Conversely, the indicator light 22 may be off if the battery is low of if there is a problem with the speakers 38, the electrical wires 40, 42 or the electronic circuitry 44. The eyeglass case 10 as presently disclosed serves as a portable speaker system that a user can readily take with them wherever they go.
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. An eyeglass case comprising:

a first compartment having a first recessed area;

a second compartment having a second recessed area;

coupling means for coupling the first and second compartments; and

a speaker system integrated into said first or second recessed compartment wherein said speaker is operable to transmit audible sounds from a sound source in communication therewith.

2. The eyeglass case of claim 1, wherein the coupling means includes a hinge.

3. The eyeglass case of claim 1, wherein the first or second recessed area houses a power supply for providing electricity to the speaker system.

4. The eyeglass case of claim 1, further comprising an input aperture, an indicator light and a volume control knob to facilitate operation of the speaker system.

5. The eyeglass case of claim 1, wherein the first or second recessed area is adapted to house a pair of eyeglasses.

6. The eyeglass case of claim 1, wherein the first or second recessed area includes a fastening means for securing a pair of eyeglasses.

7. The eyeglass case of claim 1, wherein the eyeglass case is fabricated of plastic, metal, leather or cloth material.

8. The eyeglass case of claim 1, further comprising attachment means for securing the two compartments to each other.

9. The eyeglass case of claim 1, wherein the sound source is an MP3 player.

10. The eyeglass case of claim 1, wherein the sound source and speakers communicate via wires or wireless signals.

11. An eyeglass case comprising:

a first compartment having a first recessed area;

a second compartment having a second recessed area;

a speaker system integrated into said first or second recessed compartment wherein said speaker is operable to transmit audible sounds from a sound source in communication therewith; and

wherein the first and second compartments are hingably coupled to one another.

12. The eyeglass case of claim 11, wherein the first or second recessed area houses a speaker system.

13. The eyeglass case of claim 11, wherein the first or second recessed area houses a power supply for providing electricity to the speaker system.

14. The eyeglass case of claim 11, further comprising an input aperture, an indicator light and a volume control knob to facilitate operation of the speaker system.

15. The eyeglass case of claim 11, wherein the first or second recessed area is adapted to housing a pair of eyeglasses.

16. The eyeglass case of claim 11, wherein the first or second recessed area incorporates fastening means for securing the pair of eyeglasses.

17. The eyeglass case of claim 11, wherein the eyeglass case is constructed of plastic, metal, leather or cloth material.

18. The eyeglass case of claim 11, further comprising attachment means for securing the two compartments to each other.

19. The eyeglass case of claim 11, wherein the sound source is an MP3 player.

20. The eyeglass case of claim 11, wherein the sound source and speakers communicate via wires or wireless signals.

21. An eyeglass case comprising:

a first compartment having a first recessed area;

a second compartment having a second recessed area;

one or more hinges connecting the first and second compartments;

22. The eyeglass case of claim 21, wherein the sound source is an MP3 player.

23. The eyeglass case of claim 21, wherein the sound source and speakers communicate via wires or wireless signals.