Eyeglass speaker case

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

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.

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.

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.