US20100045926A1 - Coupling device with breakaway and methods of using the same - Google Patents
Coupling device with breakaway and methods of using the same Download PDFInfo
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- US20100045926A1 US20100045926A1 US12/323,229 US32322908A US2010045926A1 US 20100045926 A1 US20100045926 A1 US 20100045926A1 US 32322908 A US32322908 A US 32322908A US 2010045926 A1 US2010045926 A1 US 2010045926A1
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- Prior art keywords
- breakaway
- screw
- opening
- threaded
- section
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- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 229910001369 Brass Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000975 Carbon steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010951 brass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010962 carbon steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002354 daily effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B31/00—Screwed connections specially modified in view of tensile load; Break-bolts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
- G02C11/00—Non-optical adjuncts; Attachment thereof
- G02C11/02—Ornaments, e.g. exchangeable
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to fasteners. More specifically, the invention relates to coupling devices and their uses in joints.
- Eyeglasses are a necessary part of everyday attire for some people, including full-time or part-time eyeglass wearers. And although contact lenses are an option for some people, there are those who cannot or will not tolerate contact lenses for a variety of reasons. In addition, some people do not mind or actually like to wear eyeglasses, i.e., particularly with attractive and stylish eyeglass frames. Eyeglass frames come in a wide variety of styles, but are typically not replaced more frequently than annually, for example, due to expense as well as other factors, such as the time needed and often difficult decision in picking out new frames.
- Eyeglasses or not most people do exhibit some degree of vanity. Indeed, some people like to add style or decoration to any aspect of their wardrobe. Moreover, some people particularly enjoy adding jewelry or other decorative articles to enhance their “look” in creative and classy ways, with respect to either their daily attire, or for particular outings or special events.
- a first aspect of the present invention provides an ornamented eyeglass apparatus, comprising:an eyeglass frame; a first side piece, wherein a proximal end of the first side piece is operably coupled to a first end of the frame by a first hinge therebetween; and an ornament suspended from the apparatus, wherein the ornament is not directly suspended from either of the sidepieces or from a screw in the first or second hinge.
- a second aspect of the present invention provides an ornamented eyeglass apparatus, comprising:an eyeglass frame; a first side piece, comprising an inside surface; a coupling device operably coupled to the inside surface, comprising: an elongated body having first and second sections, wherein a first surface of each section has an opening therein, wherein the opening in the first surface of the first section has been adapted to receive a screw for operably coupling the coupling device to the inside surface of the first side piece and the opening in the first surface of the second section has been adapted to receive an ornamental fastener; a breakaway tab, releasably coupled to the elongated body; and a breakaway, therebetween, wherein the breakaway is not between the breakaway tab and an end of the first section of the elongated body.
- a third aspect of the present invention provides a method for operably coupling an ornament to an inside surface of a side arm of an apparatus having ornamentation, comprising: providing a side arm having an inside surface; providing a coupling device comprising: an elongated body having first and second sections, wherein a first surface of each section has an opening therein, wherein the opening in the first surface of the first section has been adapted to receive a screw for operably coupling the coupling device to the inside surface of the side arm and the opening in the first surface of the second section has been adapted to receive an ornamental fastener; a breakaway tab, releasably coupled to the elongated body; and a breakaway, therebetween, wherein the breakaway is not between the breakaway tab and an end of the first section of the elongated body; providing a screw having a head, and either an elongated stem having a threaded first portion adjacent to the head of the screw and a releasably coupled non-threaded second portion extending from
- FIG. 1 depicts a top plan view of the coupling device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 2 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling device, taken along the line 2 - 2 , depicted in FIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 3 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling device, depicted in FIG. 2 , and an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling device, depicted in FIG. 5 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 4 depicts an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ornamental fastener 80 depicted in FIG. 3 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 5 depicts a side elevation view of an apparatus having ornamentation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIGS. 6A-6C depict a flow diagram of a method for inserting a coupling device in an eyeglass hinge, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 7 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an elongated body, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 depicts an inside side cross-sectional view of an apparatus having ornamentation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 depicts an expanded view of the ornamental assembly illustrated in FIG. 8 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of the apparatus having ornamentation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 depicts a side elevation view of the apparatus having ornamentation, taken along the line 11 - 11 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIGS. 12A-12C depict a flow sheet of a method for operably coupling an ornament to an inside surface of a side arm of an apparatus having ornamentation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIGS. 1-5 depict a coupling device 10 , comprising: an elongated body 14 having first and second sections 12 , 13 .
- a first surface 50 of each section 12 , 13 has an opening 30 , 25 therein.
- the opening 30 in the first surface 50 of the first section 12 has been adapted to receive a screw 70 and the opening 25 in the first surface 50 of the second section 13 has been adapted to receive an ornamental fastener 80 .
- the coupling device 10 comprises a breakaway tab 37 releasably coupled to the elongated body 14 and a breakaway 35 , therebetween, wherein the breakaway 35 is not between the breakaway tab 37 and an end A of the first section 12 of the elongated body 14 .
- FIG. 1 depicts a top plan view of the coupling device 10 .
- a length L 1 between ends A and B of the elongated body 14 may be from about 0.225 in. to about 0.275 in.
- the openings 30 and 25 extend completely through both the first surface 50 and the surface facing away from the first surface 50 .
- the centers of the opening 30 , 25 may lie on a longitudinal axis 31 of the coupling device 10 .
- a length from about 0.112 in. to about 0.138 in. may separate the centers of the opening 30 , 25 along the longitudinal axis 31 of the coupling device 10 .
- Point E on the perimeter of opening 30 , and point F on the perimeter of opening 25 define the nearest adjacent points along adjacent portions of the perimeter around each opening 30 and 25 .
- points E and F are separated by a length L 4 that is from about 0.035 in. to about 0.045 in.
- the opening 30 may be oval and have a diameter from about 0.0675 in. to about 0.0825 in.
- the opening 25 may be elliptical and have a width of from about 0.020 in. ⁇ 10% and a length from about 0.066 ⁇ 10%.
- the first and second sections 12 and 13 of the elongated body 14 of the coupling device 10 are lobes of a planar figure eight that are co-planar with the first surface 50 .
- the points 1 , 2 define a diameter of the first end 12 and the points 3 , 4 define a diameter of the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 of the coupling device 10 .
- the first end 12 tapers from points 1 , 2 to points 6 and 7 of a mid-section 5 between the first and second sections 12 and 13
- the second end 13 tapers from point 3 , 4 to points 6 and 7 of the mid-section 5 between the first and second sections 12 and 13 , so that the elongated body 14 has the shape of a planar figure eight.
- taper is defined as a gradual decrease in thickness or width of an elongated object to the points 6 and 7 of a mid-section 5 between the first and second sections 12 and 13 .
- the width L 4 between the points E and F of the midsection 5 , is narrower than the diameters of either of the first and second sections 12 and 13 .
- the diameter of the first and second sections 12 , 13 may be from about 0.10 in. to about 0.13 in.
- the breakaway 35 may releasably couple the elongated body 14 to the breakaway tab 37 .
- a “breakaway” is defined as a releasable coupling between the breakaway tab 37 and a distal end B of the elongated body 14 .
- distal end of the elongated body 14 is defined as the further point along the elongated body 14 in reference to the opening 30 of the first end 12 of the elongated body 14 .
- the breakaway is advantageously not between the breakaway tab 37 and a proximal end A of the elongated body 14 .
- proximal end of the elongated body 14 is defined as the nearer point along the elongated body 14 in reference to the opening 30 of the first end 12 of the elongated body 14 .
- releasably coupling or “releasable couple” is defined as forming or braking or cleaving or severing a mechanical and physical coupling between the distal end B of the elongated body 14 and the point C of the breakaway tab 37 .
- operably coupled or “operable coupling” is defined as physically and mechanically attaching or joining, wherein the pieces attached or joined are free to rotate, pivot, or slide.
- the coupling device 10 which includes the elongated body 14 , the breakaway tab 37 , and the breakaway 35 , may be made of stainless steel, brass, nickel/sliver, carbon steel, titanium, or other appropriate metals or metal alloys.
- a width L 2 of the breakaway tab 37 may be from about 0.225 in. to about 0.275 in. and a length L 3 of the breakaway tab 37 , between points C and D, may be from about 0.45 in. to about 0.55 in.
- a width of the breakaway 35 is less than or equal to 0.010 in. ⁇ 10%, and a length of the breakaway 35 is less than or equal to from about 0.005 in. to about 0.007 in. when the diameter of the opening 30 is from about 0.0675 in. to about 0.0825 in.
- FIG. 2 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling device 10 , taken along the line 2 - 2 , depicted in FIG. 1 , further comprising a screw 70 and a hinge 66 , the hinge 66 , comprising first and second straps 60 , 61 , pivotably coupled to a cylinder 62 .
- the cylinder 62 has a hollow threaded channel 64 therein.
- the screw 70 comprises: a breakaway tab 74 and a breakaway 75 therebetween.
- the screw 70 may have a threaded first portion 76 and a non-threaded second portion 74 with a breakaway 75 , therebetween.
- the screw 70 may have a threaded first portion 76 without the non-threaded second portion 74 .
- the screw head 77 of the screw 70 may be releasably coupled to a breakaway tab 72 with a breakaway 71 therebetween.
- the screw 70 has been disclosed in FIGS. 1A , 1 B, 2 A, 2 B, 3 A, and 3 B, and associated text, therein, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/187,254, dated Aug. 6, 2008 and disclosed by Nancy Tedeschi, the inventor of the present application, and is hereby incorporated by reference.
- the coupling device 10 may advantageously be installed between a first surface 78 of a screw head 77 and a first surface 65 of the hinge 66 , and a second end 13 having an opening 25 , such as a slit in it to hang specialized ornaments from.
- the coupling device 10 may advantageously be installed by inserting the non-threaded second portion 74 of the screw 70 in the direction of the arrow 73 into the opening 30 , and further into the hollow threaded channel 64 of the hinge 66 .
- the non-threaded second portion 74 of the screw 70 has been inserted into the hollow threaded channel 64 in the hinge 66 so that the threaded first portion 76 of the screw 70 catches at least one of the threads 63 of the hollow threaded channel 64 of the hinge 66 .
- the screw 70 is tightened into the hollow threaded channel 64 by rotating the non-threaded second portion 74 clockwise so that the first surface 78 of the screw head 77 becomes coplanar with the first surface 50 of the first end 12 of the elongated body 14 .
- the screw 70 may have a threaded first portion 76 without the non-threaded second portion 74 , and the breakaway tab 72 releasably coupled to the screw head 77 , the screw 70 may be tightened into the hollow threaded channel 64 by rotating the breakaway tab 72 and the threaded first portion 76 clockwise so that the first surface 78 of the screw head 77 becomes coplanar with the first surface 50 of the first end 12 of the elongated body 14 .
- releasably coupling or “releasably coupled” is defined as forming or braking or cleaving or severing a mechanical and physical coupling between end C of the breakaway tab 37 and the distal end B of the elongated body 14 .
- Having the breakaway tab 37 releasably coupled to the distal end B of the elongated body 14 with the breakaway 35 therebetween, or releasable coupled to the screw head 77 advantageously enables installation of the elongated body 14 , for example, the double washer, by inserting the screw 70 through the opening 30 and threading the threaded first portion 76 of the screw 70 into the hollow threaded channel 64 so that the first surface 78 of the screw head 77 becomes coplanar with the first surface 50 of the first end 12 of the elongated body 14 without obstruction or interference from any irregularities in the surface 40 of the breakaway tab 37 or non-planarity with the first surface 50 of the elongated body 14 because the breakaway tab 37 is not releasably coupled to the proximal end A of the elongated body 14 .
- the subsequent breaking off of the breakaway tab 37 from the breakaway 35 is not obstructed or interfered with by installing the elongated body 14 by making the first surface 78 of the screw head 77 flush with and tightened against the first surface 50 of the elongated body because the breakaway tab 37 is not releasably coupled to the proximal end A of the elongated body 14
- the elongated body 14 for example, the double washer, may be in varying sizes and shapes.
- the breakaway tab 37 may be attached to the double washer by a breakaway 35 and after installation of the double washer may be broken off at the breakaway 35 .
- FIG. 3 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling device 10 , depicted in FIG. 2 , and an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling device 10 , depicted in FIG. 5 , after the releasably coupled breakaway tab 37 , 72 has been broken off at the breakaway 35 , 71 and an ornamental fastener 80 has been operably coupled to the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 .
- the ornamental fastener 80 comprises an eyelet 190 , an eyelet opening 83 , a shank 87 , a lock 82 , a bend 84 , a grip 88 , and an end 81 .
- an “eyelet” is defined as a metal ring or grommet, or short metallic tube, the ends of which can be bent outward and over to fasten it in place; used to line an eyelet hole.
- An eyelet opening is defined as a hole made for an eyelet.
- the end 81 of the ornamental fastener 80 has been inserted into the opening 25 of the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 , so that the lock 82 spans the gap 89 between the shank 87 and the grip 88 , so that the lock 82 may block removal of the ornamental fastener 80 from the opening 25 of the second end 13 of the elongated body
- the eyelet opening 83 of the eyelet 190 of the fastener 80 may be operably coupled to the ornament 85 using eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 .
- the eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 may be operably coupled to the eyelet 190 of the fastener 80 , for example, by threading one end of a string through the eyelet opening 83 and tied to the eyelet 190 of the fastener 80 and the other end threaded through the eyelet opening 183 of the eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 , and tied to the eyelet 86 of the of the ornament 85 .
- the eyelet 86 may be a split ring washer that operably couples the eyelet 190 to an eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 by inserting the eyelet 190 into the slot of the split ring washer and then mechanically forcing the slot to close.
- the ornament 85 may be an extended ornamental chain 185 comprising decorative members such as pearls, cut glass, semi-precious stones, shells, black obsidian, onyx, mother-of-pearl, or diamonds.
- FIG. 4 depicts an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ornamental fastener 80 depicted in FIG. 3 .
- the ornamental fastener 80 comprises an eyelet 190 , an eyelet opening 83 , a shank 87 , a lock 82 , a bend 84 , a grip 88 , and an end 81 .
- the lock 82 spans the gap 89 between the shank 87 and the grip 88 , so that the lock 82 may block removal of the ornamental fastener 80 from the opening 25 of the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 when the end 81 of the ornamental fastener 80 has been inserted into the opening 25 of the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 .
- a length L 5 between an apex G of the bend 84 and the end 81 of the ornamental fastener may be from about 0.24 in. to about 0.30 in. In another embodiment, the length L 5 between the tip of the bend 84 and the end 81 of the ornamental fastener may be from about 0.42 in. to about 0.53 in. In one embodiment, a length L 6 between an apex H of the lock 82 and the apex G of the bend 84 may be from about 0.13 in to about 0.17 in. Alternatively, the length L 6 between an apex H of the lock 82 and the apex G of the bend 84 may be from about 0.24 in. to about 0.31 in.
- a width L 7 of the shank 87 of the ornamental fastener 80 may be from about 0.027 in. to about 0.33 in.
- a width of the gap 89 between the shank 87 and the grip 88 may be from about 0.045 in to about 0.055 in.
- a width of the gap 89 between the shank 87 and the apex H of the lock 82 may be from about 0.01 to 0.02 in.
- a diameter of the eyelet opening 83 may be from about 0.045 in. to about 0.055 in.
- a diameter of the eyelet 190 may be from about 0.095 in. to about 0.115 in.
- a length L 8 from the apex G of the bend 84 to the end 81 of the eyelet 190 is from about 0.36 in. to about 0.44 in.
- the length L 8 from the apex G of the bend 84 to the end 81 of the eyelet 190 is from about 0.56 in. to about 0.69 in.
- FIG. 5 depicts a side elevation view of an ornamented eyeglass apparatus 155 , comprising: an eyeglass frame 90 , first and second side pieces 95 , 96 , and an ornamental assembly 276 .
- the ornamental assembly 276 comprises the coupling device 10 , after the releasably coupled breakaway tab 37 , 72 has been broken off at the breakaway 35 , 71 .
- An ornamental fastener 80 has been operably coupled to the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 .
- the ornamental fastener 80 also depicted in FIG. 3 , and described in associated text, comprises an eyelet 190 , an eyelet opening 83 , a shank 87 , a lock 82 , a bend 84 , a grip 88 , and an end 81 .
- the ornamented eyeglass apparatus 155 comprises an eyeglass frame 90 .
- the eyeglass frame 90 comprises first and second side pieces 95 , 96 , wherein a proximal end 91 of the first side piece 95 is operably coupled to a first end 92 of the frame 90 by a first hinge 66 therebetween.
- An ornament 85 may be suspended from the apparatus 155 , wherein the ornament 85 is not directly suspended from either of the sidepieces 95 , 96 or from a screw 70 in the first hinge 66 .
- the ornamented eyeglass apparatus 155 comprises a coupling device 10 operably coupled to the hinge 66 , comprising: an elongated body 14 having first and second sections 12 , 13 , wherein a first surface 50 of each section 12 , 13 has an opening 30 , 25 therein, wherein the opening 30 in the first surface 50 of the first section 12 has been adapted to receive a screw 70 for operably coupling the coupling device 10 to the hinge 66 and the opening 25 in the first surface 50 of the second section 13 has been adapted to receive an ornamental fastener 80 .
- the coupling device 10 comprises a breakaway tab 37 , releasably coupled to the elongated body 14 ; and a breakaway 35 , therebetween. In this embodiment, the breakaway 35 is not between the breakaway tab 37 and an end A of the first section 12 of the elongated body 14 .
- FIGS. 6A-6C depict a flow diagram of a method 100 for inserting a coupling device 10 , as depicted in FIGS. 1-5 , and described in associated text, herein, in a hinge 66 of an eyeglass frame 90 .
- a step 105 provides an eyeglass hinge 66 from which the screw 70 has been removed from a hollow threaded channel 64 .
- a step 110 of the method 100 provides a coupling device 10 comprising: an elongated body 14 having first and second sections 12 , 13 .
- a first surface 50 of each section 12 , 13 has an opening 30 , 25 therein.
- the opening 30 in the first surface 50 of the first section 12 has been adapted to receive a screw 70 for operably coupling the coupling device 10 to the hinge 66 .
- the opening 25 in the first surface 50 of the second section 13 has been adapted to receive an ornamental fastener 80 .
- the step 110 provides the coupling device 10 , further comprising a breakaway tab 37 , releasably coupled to the elongated body 14 ; and a breakaway 35 , therebetween, wherein the breakaway 35 is not between the breakaway tab 37 and an end A of the first section 12 of the elongated body 14 .
- a step 115 of the method 100 provides a screw 70 having a head 77 , and either an elongated stem 79 having a threaded first portion 76 adjacent to the head 77 of the screw 70 and a releasably coupled non-threaded second portion 74 extending from the threaded first portion 76 , and a breakaway 75 therebetween, or an elongated stem 79 having a threaded first portion 76 adjacent to the head 77 of the screw 70 without a non-threaded second portion 74 extending from the threaded first portion 76 , a breakaway tab 72 releasably coupled to the head 77 of the screw 70 and a breakaway 71 therebetween.
- a step 120 of the method 100 provides inserting the coupling device 10 between a head 77 of the screw 70 and a first surface 65 of the hinge 66 and rotating the screw 70 , by aligning either the non-threaded second portion 74 of the elongated stem 79 with the opening 30 in the first surface 50 of the first section 12 of the coupling device 10 and with the hollow threaded channel 64 of the hinge 66 or the threaded first portion 76 of the elongated stem 79 without the non-threaded second portion 74 extending from the threaded first portion 76 by manipulating either the non-threaded second portion 74 of the elongated stem 79 and the breakaway tab 37 of the coupling device 10 or breakaway tab 72 releasably coupled to the head 77 of the screw 70 and the breakaway tab 37 releasably coupled to the elongated body 14 so that the threaded first portion 76 of the elongated stem 79 engages the threads 63 of the hollow threaded channel 64 of the hinge
- FIG. 7 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the elongated body 14 of the coupling device 10 , depicted in FIG. 1 , and described in associated text, herein, after the breakaway 37 has been removed.
- the elongated body 14 of the coupling device 10 comprises: first and second sections 12 , 13 .
- a first surface 50 of each section 12 , 13 has an opening 30 , 25 therein.
- the opening 30 in the first surface 50 of the first section 12 has been adapted to receive a screw 70 , as depicted in FIG. 2 and described in associated text
- the opening 25 in the first surface 50 of the second section 13 has been adapted to receive an ornamental fastener 80 , as depicted in FIG. 3 and described in associated text.
- FIG. 8 depicts an inside side cross-sectional view of an ornamented eyeglass apparatus 160 , comprising: a side arm 165 , a front portion 163 , and a hinge 161 , therebetween.
- the hinge 161 comprises a hinge fastener 162 .
- the hinge fastener 162 may be a screw.
- the ornamented eyeglass apparatus 160 may be an eyeglass frame having ornamentation.
- a front portion 163 of the ornamented eyeglass apparatus 160 may comprise a lens encompassing portion 164 .
- the elongated body 14 of the ornamental assembly 176 may advantageously be installed against a first surface 166 of the side arm 165 of the apparatus having ornamentation 160 , by inserting a screw 170 in the direction of the arrow 173 into the opening 30 of the elongated body 30 , depicted in FIG. 7 , and described in associated text.
- the surface 50 of the elongated body 14 may be parallel to the surface 166 of the sidearm 165 of the ornamented eyeglass apparatus 160 .
- the ornamental fastener 80 has been operably coupled to the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 .
- the ornamental fastener 80 comprises an eyelet 190 , an eyelet opening 83 , a shank 87 , a lock 82 , a bend 84 , a grip 88 , and an end 81 , as depicted in FIGS. 3-4 , and described in text herein.
- FIG. 8 the ornamental fastener 80 has been operably coupled to the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 .
- the ornamental fastener 80 comprises an eyelet 190 , an eyelet opening 83 , a shank 87 , a lock 82 , a bend 84 , a grip 88 , and an end 81 , as depicted in FIGS. 3-4 , and described in text herein.
- FIG. 3 depicts operably coupling the ornamental fastener 80 and the end 13 of the elongated body 14 by inserting the end 81 of the ornamental fastener 80 into the opening 25 of the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 , so that the lock 82 spans the gap 89 between the shank 87 and the grip 88 , so that the lock 82 may block removal of the ornamental fastener 80 from the opening 25 of the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 .
- the eyelet 190 of the fastener 80 may be operably coupled to the eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 , depicted in FIGS. 3 , 5 , and described in text herein.
- the eyelet opening 83 of the eyelet 190 of the fastener 80 may be operably coupled to the ornament 85 using eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 .
- the eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 may be operably coupled to the eyelet 190 of the fastener 80 , for example, by threading one end of a string through the eyelet opening 83 and tied to the eyelet 190 of the fastener 80 and the other end threaded through the eyelet opening 183 of the eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 , and tied to the eyelet 86 of the of the ornament 85 .
- the eyelet 86 may be a split ring washer that operably couples the eyelet 190 to an eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 by inserting the eyelet 190 into the slot of the split ring washer and then mechanically forcing the slot to close.
- the ornament 85 may be an extended ornamental chain 185 comprising decorative members such as pearls, cut glass, semi-precious stones, shells, black obsidian, onyx, mother-of-pearl, or diamonds.
- the surface 50 of the elongated body 14 is parallel to the surface 166 of the sidearm 165 of the ornamented eyeglass apparatus 160 , and the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 has an opening 25 , such as a slit from which the ornament 85 may be hung.
- Hanging the ornament 85 from the elongated body 14 affixed to the sidearm 165 , depicted in FIG. 8 instead of from the hinge 66 depicted in FIGS. 3 , 5 , may move the ornament 85 out of the person's field of vision.
- FIG. 9 depicts an expanded view of the ornamental assembly 176 defined within the elliptical hashed line 9 illustrated in FIG. 8 .
- the ornamental assembly 176 comprises the coupling device 10 , after the releasably coupled breakaway tab 37 , 72 has been broken off at the breakaway 35 , 71 .
- An ornamental fastener 80 has been operably coupled to the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 .
- the ornamental fastener 80 also depicted in FIG. 3 , and described in associated text, comprises an eyelet 190 , an eyelet opening 83 , a shank 87 , a lock 82 , a bend 84 , a grip 88 , and an end 81 .
- the ornamental fastener 80 may be operably coupled to the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 by inserting the end 81 of the ornamental fastener 80 in the direction of the arrow 285 into the opening 25 of the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 , so that the lock 82 spans the gap 89 between the shank 87 and the grip 88 , so that the lock 82 may block removal of the ornamental fastener 80 from the opening 25 of the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 .
- the ornamental fastener 80 comprises an eyelet 190 , an eyelet opening 83 , a shank 87 , a lock 82 , a bend 84 , a grip 88 , and an end 81 , as depicted in FIGS. 3-4 , and described in text herein.
- FIG. 3 depicts operably coupling the ornamental fastener 80 and the end 13 of the elongated body 14 by inserting the end 81 of the ornamental fastener 80 into the opening 25 of the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 , so that the lock 82 spans the gap 89 between the shank 87 and the grip 88 , so that the lock 82 may block removal of the ornamental fastener 80 from the opening 25 of the second end 13 of the elongated body 14 .
- the eyelet 190 of the fastener 80 may be operably coupled to the eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 , depicted in FIGS. 3 , 5 , and described in text herein.
- the eyelet opening 83 of the eyelet 190 of the fastener 80 may be operably coupled to the ornament 85 using eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 .
- the eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 may be operably coupled to the eyelet 190 of the fastener 80 , for example, by threading one end of a string through the eyelet opening 83 and tied to the eyelet 190 of the fastener 80 and the other end threaded through the eyelet opening 183 of the eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 , and tied to the eyelet 86 of the of the ornament 85 .
- the eyelet 86 may be a split ring washer that operably couples the eyelet 190 to an eyelet 86 of the ornament 85 by inserting the eyelet 190 into the slot of the split ring washer and then mechanically forcing the slot to close.
- the ornament 85 may be an extended ornamental chain 185 comprising decorative members such as pearls, cut glass, semi-precious stones, shells, black obsidian, onyx, mother-of-pearl, or diamonds.
- FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of the ornamented eyeglass apparatus 160 , taken along the line 10 - 10 , illustrated in FIG. 8 , comprising a side arm 165 , a front portion 163 , and a hinge 161 , therebetween.
- the hinge 161 comprises a hinge fastener 162 .
- the hinge fastener 162 may be a screw.
- FIGS. 8 and 10 depict the elongated body 14 of the ornamental assembly 176 may advantageously be installed against a first surface 166 of the side arm 165 of the apparatus having ornamentation 160 , by inserting a screw 170 in the direction of the arrow 173 into the opening 30 of the elongated body 30 , depicted in FIG. 7 , and described in associated text.
- a label 175 may be affixed to the outside face 178 of the side arm 165 by inserting a screw 170 having a length sufficiently long to extend beyond the width of the side arm 165 so that a portion of the screw 170 extends into and holds the label 175 against the outer face of the side arm 165 .
- the label 175 may be made of polished steel, plastic or ornamental stone.
- FIG. 11 depicts a side elevation view of the ornamented eyeglass apparatus 160 , taken along the line 11 - 11 , illustrated in FIG. 10 , comprising: a side arm 165 , a front portion 163 , and a hinge 161 , therebetween.
- the hinge 161 comprises a hinge fastener 162 .
- the hinge fastener 162 may be a screw.
- the label 175 may be affixed to the outside face 178 of the side arm 165 by inserting a screw 170 into the inside surface 166 of the side arm 165 having a length sufficiently long to extend beyond the width of the side arm 165 so that a portion of the screw 170 extends into and holds the label 175 against the outer face of the side arm 165 , without penetrating the surface 180 of the label 175 .
- FIGS. 12A-12C depict a method 900 for operably coupling an ornament 85 to an inside surface 166 of a side arm 165 of an ornamented eyeglass apparatus 160 , as depicted in FIGS. 1-5 , and 7 - 11 , and described in associated text, herein.
- a step 905 provides a side arm 165 of the ornamented eyeglass apparatus 160 having an inside surface 166 .
- a step 910 of the method 100 provides a coupling device 10 comprising: an elongated body 14 having first and second sections 12 , 13 .
- a first surface 50 of each section 12 , 13 has an opening 30 , 25 therein.
- the opening 30 in the first surface 50 of the first section 12 has been adapted to receive a screw 70 for operably coupling the coupling device 10 to the inside surface 166 of the side arm 165 .
- the opening 25 in the first surface 50 of the second section 13 has been adapted to receive an ornamental fastener 80 .
- the step 910 provides the coupling device 10 , further comprising a breakaway tab 37 , releasably coupled to the elongated body 14 ; and a breakaway 35 , therebetween, wherein the breakaway 35 is not between the breakaway tab 37 and an end A of the first section 12 of the elongated body 14 .
- a step 915 of the method 900 provides a screw 70 having a head 77 , and either an elongated stem 79 having a threaded first portion 76 adjacent to the head 77 of the screw 70 and a releasably coupled non-threaded second portion 74 extending from the threaded first portion 76 , and a breakaway 75 therebetween, or an elongated stem 79 having a threaded first portion 76 adjacent to the head 77 of the screw 70 without a non-threaded second portion 74 extending from the threaded first portion 76 , a breakaway tab 72 releasably coupled to the head 77 of the screw 70 and a breakaway 71 therebetween.
- a step 920 of the method 900 provides inserting the coupling device 10 between a head 77 of the screw 70 and the inside surface 165 of the side arm 166 and rotating the screw 70 , by aligning either the non-threaded second portion 74 of the elongated stem 79 with the opening 30 in the first surface 50 of the first section 12 of the coupling device 10 and with the inside surface 165 of the side arm 166 or the threaded first portion 76 of the elongated stem 79 without the non-threaded second portion 74 extending from the threaded first portion 76 by manipulating either the non-threaded second portion 74 of the elongated stem 79 and the breakaway tab 37 of the coupling device 10 or breakaway tab 72 releasably coupled to the head 77 of the screw 70 and the breakaway tab 37 releasably coupled to the elongated body 14 so that the threaded first portion 76 of the elongated stem 79 fastens the coupling device 10 to the inside surface 165 of the
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Abstract
A coupling device with a breakaway tab and methods of using the same for operably coupling an ornament to a side arm of an apparatus having ornamentation. The coupling device comprises an elongated body having openings at each end. One opening has been adapted to receive a screw of a side arm, the other to receive an ornamental fastener. A breakaway tab or non-threaded portion of the elongated stem is provided to manipulate the screw and coupling device so the coupling device may be inserted between a head of the screw and an inside surface of the side arm. After engaging the side arm by the screw, the breakaway tab or non-threaded portion of the elongated stem of the screw may be broken off at a breakaway and discarded.
Description
- The present patent application is a continuation-in-part claiming priority from non-provisional application with Ser. No. 12/196,227 (filed Aug. 21, 2008 and titled “Coupling Device With Breakaway and Methods of Using the Same”).
- The present invention relates generally to fasteners. More specifically, the invention relates to coupling devices and their uses in joints.
- Eyeglasses are a necessary part of everyday attire for some people, including full-time or part-time eyeglass wearers. And although contact lenses are an option for some people, there are those who cannot or will not tolerate contact lenses for a variety of reasons. In addition, some people do not mind or actually like to wear eyeglasses, i.e., particularly with attractive and stylish eyeglass frames. Eyeglass frames come in a wide variety of styles, but are typically not replaced more frequently than annually, for example, due to expense as well as other factors, such as the time needed and often difficult decision in picking out new frames.
- Eyeglasses or not, most people do exhibit some degree of vanity. Indeed, some people like to add style or decoration to any aspect of their wardrobe. Moreover, some people particularly enjoy adding jewelry or other decorative articles to enhance their “look” in creative and classy ways, with respect to either their daily attire, or for particular outings or special events.
- Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a novel way for people to decorate their attire, particularly those who wear eyeglasses.
- It is also desirable to provide a novel way to decorate an eyeglass frame.
- A first aspect of the present invention provides an ornamented eyeglass apparatus, comprising:an eyeglass frame; a first side piece, wherein a proximal end of the first side piece is operably coupled to a first end of the frame by a first hinge therebetween; and an ornament suspended from the apparatus, wherein the ornament is not directly suspended from either of the sidepieces or from a screw in the first or second hinge.
- A second aspect of the present invention provides an ornamented eyeglass apparatus, comprising:an eyeglass frame; a first side piece, comprising an inside surface; a coupling device operably coupled to the inside surface, comprising: an elongated body having first and second sections, wherein a first surface of each section has an opening therein, wherein the opening in the first surface of the first section has been adapted to receive a screw for operably coupling the coupling device to the inside surface of the first side piece and the opening in the first surface of the second section has been adapted to receive an ornamental fastener; a breakaway tab, releasably coupled to the elongated body; and a breakaway, therebetween, wherein the breakaway is not between the breakaway tab and an end of the first section of the elongated body.
- A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for operably coupling an ornament to an inside surface of a side arm of an apparatus having ornamentation, comprising: providing a side arm having an inside surface; providing a coupling device comprising: an elongated body having first and second sections, wherein a first surface of each section has an opening therein, wherein the opening in the first surface of the first section has been adapted to receive a screw for operably coupling the coupling device to the inside surface of the side arm and the opening in the first surface of the second section has been adapted to receive an ornamental fastener; a breakaway tab, releasably coupled to the elongated body; and a breakaway, therebetween, wherein the breakaway is not between the breakaway tab and an end of the first section of the elongated body; providing a screw having a head, and either an elongated stem having a threaded first portion adjacent to the head of the screw and a releasably coupled non-threaded second portion extending from the threaded first portion, and a breakaway therebetween, or an elongated stem having a threaded first portion adjacent to the head of the screw without a non-threaded second portion extending from the threaded first portion, a breakaway tab releasably coupled to the head of the screw and a breakaway therebetween; and inserting the coupling device between a head of the screw and the inside surface of the side arm and rotating the screw, by aligning either the non-threaded second portion of the elongated stem with the opening in the first surface of the first section of the coupling device and with the inside surface of the side arm or the threaded first portion of the elongated stem without the non-threaded second portion extending from the threaded first portion by manipulating either the non-threaded second portion of the elongated stem and the breakaway tab of the coupling device or breakaway tab releasably coupled to the head of the screw and the breakaway tab releasably coupled to the elongated body so that the threaded first portion of the elongated stem fastens the coupling device to the inside surface of the side arm.
- The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
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FIG. 1 depicts a top plan view of the coupling device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling device, taken along the line 2-2, depicted inFIG. 1 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling device, depicted inFIG. 2 , and an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of the coupling device, depicted inFIG. 5 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 depicts an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of theornamental fastener 80 depicted inFIG. 3 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 depicts a side elevation view of an apparatus having ornamentation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIGS. 6A-6C depict a flow diagram of a method for inserting a coupling device in an eyeglass hinge, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an elongated body, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 depicts an inside side cross-sectional view of an apparatus having ornamentation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 depicts an expanded view of the ornamental assembly illustrated inFIG. 8 , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of the apparatus having ornamentation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 depicts a side elevation view of the apparatus having ornamentation, taken along the line 11-11, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and -
FIGS. 12A-12C depict a flow sheet of a method for operably coupling an ornament to an inside surface of a side arm of an apparatus having ornamentation, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. -
FIGS. 1-5 depict acoupling device 10, comprising: anelongated body 14 having first andsecond sections first surface 50 of eachsection opening first surface 50 of thefirst section 12 has been adapted to receive ascrew 70 and the opening 25 in thefirst surface 50 of thesecond section 13 has been adapted to receive anornamental fastener 80. Thecoupling device 10, comprises abreakaway tab 37 releasably coupled to theelongated body 14 and abreakaway 35, therebetween, wherein thebreakaway 35 is not between thebreakaway tab 37 and an end A of thefirst section 12 of theelongated body 14. -
FIG. 1 depicts a top plan view of thecoupling device 10. In one embodiment, a length L1, between ends A and B of theelongated body 14 may be from about 0.225 in. to about 0.275 in. Theopenings first surface 50 and the surface facing away from thefirst surface 50. - In one embodiment, the centers of the opening 30, 25 may lie on a
longitudinal axis 31 of thecoupling device 10. A length from about 0.112 in. to about 0.138 in. may separate the centers of theopening longitudinal axis 31 of thecoupling device 10. - Point E on the perimeter of opening 30, and point F on the perimeter of
opening 25 define the nearest adjacent points along adjacent portions of the perimeter around each opening 30 and 25. In one embodiment, points E and F are separated by a length L4 that is from about 0.035 in. to about 0.045 in. - In one embodiment, the opening 30 may be oval and have a diameter from about 0.0675 in. to about 0.0825 in.
- In one embodiment, the opening 25 may be elliptical and have a width of from about 0.020 in. ±10% and a length from about 0.066±10%.
- In one embodiment, the first and
second sections elongated body 14 of thecoupling device 10 are lobes of a planar figure eight that are co-planar with thefirst surface 50. Thepoints first end 12 and thepoints second end 13 of theelongated body 14 of thecoupling device 10. Thefirst end 12 tapers frompoints points second sections second end 13 tapers frompoint points second sections elongated body 14 has the shape of a planar figure eight. Hereinafter “taper” is defined as a gradual decrease in thickness or width of an elongated object to thepoints second sections second sections - In one embodiment, the diameter of the first and
second sections - The
breakaway 35 may releasably couple theelongated body 14 to thebreakaway tab 37. Hereinafter, a “breakaway” is defined as a releasable coupling between thebreakaway tab 37 and a distal end B of theelongated body 14. Hereinafter, “distal end of theelongated body 14” is defined as the further point along theelongated body 14 in reference to theopening 30 of thefirst end 12 of theelongated body 14. - For embodiments of the
coupling device 10, the breakaway is advantageously not between thebreakaway tab 37 and a proximal end A of theelongated body 14. Hereinafter, “proximal end of theelongated body 14” is defined as the nearer point along theelongated body 14 in reference to theopening 30 of thefirst end 12 of theelongated body 14. - Hereinafter “releasably coupling” or “releasable couple” is defined as forming or braking or cleaving or severing a mechanical and physical coupling between the distal end B of the
elongated body 14 and the point C of thebreakaway tab 37. - Hereinafter, “operably coupled” or “operable coupling” is defined as physically and mechanically attaching or joining, wherein the pieces attached or joined are free to rotate, pivot, or slide.
- The
coupling device 10, which includes theelongated body 14, thebreakaway tab 37, and thebreakaway 35, may be made of stainless steel, brass, nickel/sliver, carbon steel, titanium, or other appropriate metals or metal alloys. - In one embodiment, a width L2 of the
breakaway tab 37 may be from about 0.225 in. to about 0.275 in. and a length L3 of thebreakaway tab 37, between points C and D, may be from about 0.45 in. to about 0.55 in. - In one embodiment, a width of the
breakaway 35 is less than or equal to 0.010 in. ±10%, and a length of thebreakaway 35 is less than or equal to from about 0.005 in. to about 0.007 in. when the diameter of theopening 30 is from about 0.0675 in. to about 0.0825 in. -
FIG. 2 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of thecoupling device 10, taken along the line 2-2, depicted inFIG. 1 , further comprising ascrew 70 and ahinge 66, thehinge 66, comprising first andsecond straps cylinder 62. Thecylinder 62 has a hollow threadedchannel 64 therein. Thescrew 70, comprises: abreakaway tab 74 and abreakaway 75 therebetween. Thescrew 70 may have a threadedfirst portion 76 and a non-threadedsecond portion 74 with abreakaway 75, therebetween. Alternatively, thescrew 70 may have a threadedfirst portion 76 without the non-threadedsecond portion 74. In this embodiment, thescrew head 77 of thescrew 70 may be releasably coupled to abreakaway tab 72 with abreakaway 71 therebetween. Thescrew 70 has been disclosed inFIGS. 1A , 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, and associated text, therein, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/187,254, dated Aug. 6, 2008 and disclosed by Nancy Tedeschi, the inventor of the present application, and is hereby incorporated by reference. - In one embodiment, the
coupling device 10 may advantageously be installed between afirst surface 78 of ascrew head 77 and afirst surface 65 of thehinge 66, and asecond end 13 having anopening 25, such as a slit in it to hang specialized ornaments from. Thecoupling device 10 may advantageously be installed by inserting the non-threadedsecond portion 74 of thescrew 70 in the direction of thearrow 73 into theopening 30, and further into the hollow threadedchannel 64 of thehinge 66. - The non-threaded
second portion 74 of thescrew 70 has been inserted into the hollow threadedchannel 64 in thehinge 66 so that the threadedfirst portion 76 of thescrew 70 catches at least one of thethreads 63 of the hollow threadedchannel 64 of thehinge 66. Thescrew 70 is tightened into the hollow threadedchannel 64 by rotating the non-threadedsecond portion 74 clockwise so that thefirst surface 78 of thescrew head 77 becomes coplanar with thefirst surface 50 of thefirst end 12 of theelongated body 14. - Alternatively, in the embodiment in which the
screw 70 may have a threadedfirst portion 76 without the non-threadedsecond portion 74, and thebreakaway tab 72 releasably coupled to thescrew head 77, thescrew 70 may be tightened into the hollow threadedchannel 64 by rotating thebreakaway tab 72 and the threadedfirst portion 76 clockwise so that thefirst surface 78 of thescrew head 77 becomes coplanar with thefirst surface 50 of thefirst end 12 of theelongated body 14. Hereinafter “releasably coupling” or “releasably coupled” is defined as forming or braking or cleaving or severing a mechanical and physical coupling between end C of thebreakaway tab 37 and the distal end B of theelongated body 14. - Having the
breakaway tab 37 releasably coupled to the distal end B of theelongated body 14 with thebreakaway 35 therebetween, or releasable coupled to thescrew head 77, advantageously enables installation of theelongated body 14, for example, the double washer, by inserting thescrew 70 through theopening 30 and threading the threadedfirst portion 76 of thescrew 70 into the hollow threadedchannel 64 so that thefirst surface 78 of thescrew head 77 becomes coplanar with thefirst surface 50 of thefirst end 12 of theelongated body 14 without obstruction or interference from any irregularities in thesurface 40 of thebreakaway tab 37 or non-planarity with thefirst surface 50 of theelongated body 14 because thebreakaway tab 37 is not releasably coupled to the proximal end A of theelongated body 14. Likewise, the subsequent breaking off of thebreakaway tab 37 from thebreakaway 35 is not obstructed or interfered with by installing theelongated body 14 by making thefirst surface 78 of thescrew head 77 flush with and tightened against thefirst surface 50 of the elongated body because thebreakaway tab 37 is not releasably coupled to the proximal end A of theelongated body 14 - The
elongated body 14, for example, the double washer, may be in varying sizes and shapes. Thebreakaway tab 37 may be attached to the double washer by abreakaway 35 and after installation of the double washer may be broken off at thebreakaway 35. -
FIG. 3 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of thecoupling device 10, depicted inFIG. 2 , and an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of thecoupling device 10, depicted inFIG. 5 , after the releasably coupledbreakaway tab breakaway ornamental fastener 80 has been operably coupled to thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14. Theornamental fastener 80 comprises aneyelet 190, aneyelet opening 83, ashank 87, alock 82, abend 84, agrip 88, and anend 81. Hereinafter, an “eyelet” is defined as a metal ring or grommet, or short metallic tube, the ends of which can be bent outward and over to fasten it in place; used to line an eyelet hole. An eyelet opening is defined as a hole made for an eyelet. - The
end 81 of theornamental fastener 80 has been inserted into theopening 25 of thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14, so that thelock 82 spans thegap 89 between theshank 87 and thegrip 88, so that thelock 82 may block removal of theornamental fastener 80 from theopening 25 of thesecond end 13 of the elongated body - The
eyelet opening 83 of theeyelet 190 of thefastener 80 may be operably coupled to theornament 85 usingeyelet 86 of theornament 85. Theeyelet 86 of theornament 85 may be operably coupled to theeyelet 190 of thefastener 80, for example, by threading one end of a string through theeyelet opening 83 and tied to theeyelet 190 of thefastener 80 and the other end threaded through theeyelet opening 183 of theeyelet 86 of theornament 85, and tied to theeyelet 86 of the of theornament 85. - The
eyelet 86 may be a split ring washer that operably couples theeyelet 190 to aneyelet 86 of theornament 85 by inserting theeyelet 190 into the slot of the split ring washer and then mechanically forcing the slot to close. - The
ornament 85 may be an extendedornamental chain 185 comprising decorative members such as pearls, cut glass, semi-precious stones, shells, black obsidian, onyx, mother-of-pearl, or diamonds. -
FIG. 4 depicts an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of theornamental fastener 80 depicted inFIG. 3 . Theornamental fastener 80 comprises aneyelet 190, aneyelet opening 83, ashank 87, alock 82, abend 84, agrip 88, and anend 81. Thelock 82 spans thegap 89 between theshank 87 and thegrip 88, so that thelock 82 may block removal of theornamental fastener 80 from theopening 25 of thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14 when theend 81 of theornamental fastener 80 has been inserted into theopening 25 of thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14. - In one embodiment, a length L5 between an apex G of the
bend 84 and theend 81 of the ornamental fastener may be from about 0.24 in. to about 0.30 in. In another embodiment, the length L5 between the tip of thebend 84 and theend 81 of the ornamental fastener may be from about 0.42 in. to about 0.53 in. In one embodiment, a length L6 between an apex H of thelock 82 and the apex G of thebend 84 may be from about 0.13 in to about 0.17 in. Alternatively, the length L6 between an apex H of thelock 82 and the apex G of thebend 84 may be from about 0.24 in. to about 0.31 in. - In one embodiment, a width L7 of the
shank 87 of theornamental fastener 80 may be from about 0.027 in. to about 0.33 in. - In one embodiment, a width of the
gap 89 between theshank 87 and thegrip 88 may be from about 0.045 in to about 0.055 in. - In one embodiment, a width of the
gap 89 between theshank 87 and the apex H of thelock 82 may be from about 0.01 to 0.02 in. - In one embodiment, a diameter of the
eyelet opening 83 may be from about 0.045 in. to about 0.055 in. - In one embodiment, a diameter of the
eyelet 190 may be from about 0.095 in. to about 0.115 in. - In one embodiment, a length L8 from the apex G of the
bend 84 to theend 81 of theeyelet 190 is from about 0.36 in. to about 0.44 in. Alternatively, the length L8 from the apex G of thebend 84 to theend 81 of theeyelet 190 is from about 0.56 in. to about 0.69 in. -
FIG. 5 depicts a side elevation view of an ornamentedeyeglass apparatus 155, comprising: aneyeglass frame 90, first andsecond side pieces coupling device 10, after the releasably coupledbreakaway tab breakaway ornamental fastener 80 has been operably coupled to thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14. Theornamental fastener 80, also depicted inFIG. 3 , and described in associated text, comprises aneyelet 190, aneyelet opening 83, ashank 87, alock 82, abend 84, agrip 88, and anend 81. - In one embodiment, the ornamented
eyeglass apparatus 155 comprises aneyeglass frame 90. Theeyeglass frame 90 comprises first andsecond side pieces first side piece 95 is operably coupled to a first end 92 of theframe 90 by afirst hinge 66 therebetween. Anornament 85 may be suspended from theapparatus 155, wherein theornament 85 is not directly suspended from either of thesidepieces screw 70 in thefirst hinge 66. - In one embodiment, the ornamented
eyeglass apparatus 155 comprises acoupling device 10 operably coupled to thehinge 66, comprising: anelongated body 14 having first andsecond sections first surface 50 of eachsection opening opening 30 in thefirst surface 50 of thefirst section 12 has been adapted to receive ascrew 70 for operably coupling thecoupling device 10 to thehinge 66 and theopening 25 in thefirst surface 50 of thesecond section 13 has been adapted to receive anornamental fastener 80. Thecoupling device 10 comprises abreakaway tab 37, releasably coupled to theelongated body 14; and abreakaway 35, therebetween. In this embodiment, thebreakaway 35 is not between thebreakaway tab 37 and an end A of thefirst section 12 of theelongated body 14. -
FIGS. 6A-6C depict a flow diagram of amethod 100 for inserting acoupling device 10, as depicted inFIGS. 1-5 , and described in associated text, herein, in ahinge 66 of aneyeglass frame 90. - A
step 105 provides aneyeglass hinge 66 from which thescrew 70 has been removed from a hollow threadedchannel 64. - A
step 110 of themethod 100 provides acoupling device 10 comprising: anelongated body 14 having first andsecond sections first surface 50 of eachsection opening opening 30 in thefirst surface 50 of thefirst section 12 has been adapted to receive ascrew 70 for operably coupling thecoupling device 10 to thehinge 66. Theopening 25 in thefirst surface 50 of thesecond section 13 has been adapted to receive anornamental fastener 80. Thestep 110 provides thecoupling device 10, further comprising abreakaway tab 37, releasably coupled to theelongated body 14; and abreakaway 35, therebetween, wherein thebreakaway 35 is not between thebreakaway tab 37 and an end A of thefirst section 12 of theelongated body 14. - A
step 115 of themethod 100 provides ascrew 70 having ahead 77, and either anelongated stem 79 having a threadedfirst portion 76 adjacent to thehead 77 of thescrew 70 and a releasably coupled non-threadedsecond portion 74 extending from the threadedfirst portion 76, and abreakaway 75 therebetween, or anelongated stem 79 having a threadedfirst portion 76 adjacent to thehead 77 of thescrew 70 without a non-threadedsecond portion 74 extending from the threadedfirst portion 76, abreakaway tab 72 releasably coupled to thehead 77 of thescrew 70 and abreakaway 71 therebetween. - A
step 120 of themethod 100 provides inserting thecoupling device 10 between ahead 77 of thescrew 70 and afirst surface 65 of thehinge 66 and rotating thescrew 70, by aligning either the non-threadedsecond portion 74 of theelongated stem 79 with theopening 30 in thefirst surface 50 of thefirst section 12 of thecoupling device 10 and with the hollow threadedchannel 64 of thehinge 66 or the threadedfirst portion 76 of theelongated stem 79 without the non-threadedsecond portion 74 extending from the threadedfirst portion 76 by manipulating either the non-threadedsecond portion 74 of theelongated stem 79 and thebreakaway tab 37 of thecoupling device 10 orbreakaway tab 72 releasably coupled to thehead 77 of thescrew 70 and thebreakaway tab 37 releasably coupled to theelongated body 14 so that the threadedfirst portion 76 of theelongated stem 79 engages thethreads 63 of the hollow threadedchannel 64 of thehinge 66. -
FIG. 7 depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional view of theelongated body 14 of thecoupling device 10, depicted inFIG. 1 , and described in associated text, herein, after thebreakaway 37 has been removed. Theelongated body 14 of thecoupling device 10 comprises: first andsecond sections first surface 50 of eachsection opening opening 30 in thefirst surface 50 of thefirst section 12 has been adapted to receive ascrew 70, as depicted inFIG. 2 and described in associated text, and theopening 25 in thefirst surface 50 of thesecond section 13 has been adapted to receive anornamental fastener 80, as depicted inFIG. 3 and described in associated text. -
FIG. 8 depicts an inside side cross-sectional view of an ornamentedeyeglass apparatus 160, comprising: aside arm 165, afront portion 163, and ahinge 161, therebetween. Thehinge 161 comprises ahinge fastener 162. Thehinge fastener 162 may be a screw. - The ornamented
eyeglass apparatus 160 may be an eyeglass frame having ornamentation. When the ornamentedeyeglass apparatus 160 is an eyeglass frame having ornamentation, afront portion 163 of the ornamentedeyeglass apparatus 160 may comprise alens encompassing portion 164. - In
FIG. 8 , theelongated body 14 of theornamental assembly 176 may advantageously be installed against afirst surface 166 of theside arm 165 of theapparatus having ornamentation 160, by inserting ascrew 170 in the direction of thearrow 173 into theopening 30 of theelongated body 30, depicted inFIG. 7 , and described in associated text. In one embodiment, thesurface 50 of theelongated body 14 may be parallel to thesurface 166 of thesidearm 165 of the ornamentedeyeglass apparatus 160. - In
FIG. 8 , theornamental fastener 80 has been operably coupled to thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14. Theornamental fastener 80 comprises aneyelet 190, aneyelet opening 83, ashank 87, alock 82, abend 84, agrip 88, and anend 81, as depicted inFIGS. 3-4 , and described in text herein.FIG. 3 depicts operably coupling theornamental fastener 80 and theend 13 of theelongated body 14 by inserting theend 81 of theornamental fastener 80 into theopening 25 of thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14, so that thelock 82 spans thegap 89 between theshank 87 and thegrip 88, so that thelock 82 may block removal of theornamental fastener 80 from theopening 25 of thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14. - The
eyelet 190 of thefastener 80 may be operably coupled to theeyelet 86 of theornament 85, depicted inFIGS. 3 , 5, and described in text herein. Theeyelet opening 83 of theeyelet 190 of thefastener 80 may be operably coupled to theornament 85 usingeyelet 86 of theornament 85. Theeyelet 86 of theornament 85 may be operably coupled to theeyelet 190 of thefastener 80, for example, by threading one end of a string through theeyelet opening 83 and tied to theeyelet 190 of thefastener 80 and the other end threaded through theeyelet opening 183 of theeyelet 86 of theornament 85, and tied to theeyelet 86 of the of theornament 85. - The
eyelet 86 may be a split ring washer that operably couples theeyelet 190 to aneyelet 86 of theornament 85 by inserting theeyelet 190 into the slot of the split ring washer and then mechanically forcing the slot to close. - The
ornament 85 may be an extendedornamental chain 185 comprising decorative members such as pearls, cut glass, semi-precious stones, shells, black obsidian, onyx, mother-of-pearl, or diamonds. - In one embodiment, the
surface 50 of theelongated body 14 is parallel to thesurface 166 of thesidearm 165 of the ornamentedeyeglass apparatus 160, and thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14 has anopening 25, such as a slit from which theornament 85 may be hung. - It is an object of the present invention to avoid having the
ornament 85 become a distraction or annoyance because the movement caused by a person moving his or her head becomes visible because the movingornament 85 is in a person's field of vision. Hanging theornament 85 from theelongated body 14 affixed to thesidearm 165, depicted inFIG. 8 , instead of from thehinge 66 depicted inFIGS. 3 , 5, may move theornament 85 out of the person's field of vision. -
FIG. 9 depicts an expanded view of theornamental assembly 176 defined within the elliptical hashedline 9 illustrated inFIG. 8 . Theornamental assembly 176 comprises thecoupling device 10, after the releasably coupledbreakaway tab breakaway ornamental fastener 80 has been operably coupled to thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14. Theornamental fastener 80, also depicted inFIG. 3 , and described in associated text, comprises aneyelet 190, aneyelet opening 83, ashank 87, alock 82, abend 84, agrip 88, and anend 81. - In
FIG. 9 , theornamental fastener 80 may be operably coupled to thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14 by inserting theend 81 of theornamental fastener 80 in the direction of thearrow 285 into theopening 25 of thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14, so that thelock 82 spans thegap 89 between theshank 87 and thegrip 88, so that thelock 82 may block removal of theornamental fastener 80 from theopening 25 of thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14. - The
ornamental fastener 80 comprises aneyelet 190, aneyelet opening 83, ashank 87, alock 82, abend 84, agrip 88, and anend 81, as depicted inFIGS. 3-4 , and described in text herein.FIG. 3 depicts operably coupling theornamental fastener 80 and theend 13 of theelongated body 14 by inserting theend 81 of theornamental fastener 80 into theopening 25 of thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14, so that thelock 82 spans thegap 89 between theshank 87 and thegrip 88, so that thelock 82 may block removal of theornamental fastener 80 from theopening 25 of thesecond end 13 of theelongated body 14. - The
eyelet 190 of thefastener 80 may be operably coupled to theeyelet 86 of theornament 85, depicted inFIGS. 3 , 5, and described in text herein. Theeyelet opening 83 of theeyelet 190 of thefastener 80 may be operably coupled to theornament 85 usingeyelet 86 of theornament 85. Theeyelet 86 of theornament 85 may be operably coupled to theeyelet 190 of thefastener 80, for example, by threading one end of a string through theeyelet opening 83 and tied to theeyelet 190 of thefastener 80 and the other end threaded through theeyelet opening 183 of theeyelet 86 of theornament 85, and tied to theeyelet 86 of the of theornament 85. - The
eyelet 86 may be a split ring washer that operably couples theeyelet 190 to aneyelet 86 of theornament 85 by inserting theeyelet 190 into the slot of the split ring washer and then mechanically forcing the slot to close. - The
ornament 85 may be an extendedornamental chain 185 comprising decorative members such as pearls, cut glass, semi-precious stones, shells, black obsidian, onyx, mother-of-pearl, or diamonds. -
FIG. 10 depicts a top plan view of the ornamentedeyeglass apparatus 160, taken along the line 10-10, illustrated inFIG. 8 , comprising aside arm 165, afront portion 163, and ahinge 161, therebetween. Thehinge 161 comprises ahinge fastener 162. Thehinge fastener 162 may be a screw. -
FIGS. 8 and 10 depict theelongated body 14 of theornamental assembly 176 may advantageously be installed against afirst surface 166 of theside arm 165 of theapparatus having ornamentation 160, by inserting ascrew 170 in the direction of thearrow 173 into theopening 30 of theelongated body 30, depicted inFIG. 7 , and described in associated text. Alabel 175 may be affixed to theoutside face 178 of theside arm 165 by inserting ascrew 170 having a length sufficiently long to extend beyond the width of theside arm 165 so that a portion of thescrew 170 extends into and holds thelabel 175 against the outer face of theside arm 165. Thelabel 175 may be made of polished steel, plastic or ornamental stone. -
FIG. 11 depicts a side elevation view of the ornamentedeyeglass apparatus 160, taken along the line 11-11, illustrated inFIG. 10 , comprising: aside arm 165, afront portion 163, and ahinge 161, therebetween. Thehinge 161 comprises ahinge fastener 162. Thehinge fastener 162 may be a screw. Thelabel 175 may be affixed to theoutside face 178 of theside arm 165 by inserting ascrew 170 into theinside surface 166 of theside arm 165 having a length sufficiently long to extend beyond the width of theside arm 165 so that a portion of thescrew 170 extends into and holds thelabel 175 against the outer face of theside arm 165, without penetrating thesurface 180 of thelabel 175. -
FIGS. 12A-12C depict amethod 900 for operably coupling anornament 85 to aninside surface 166 of aside arm 165 of an ornamentedeyeglass apparatus 160, as depicted inFIGS. 1-5 , and 7-11, and described in associated text, herein. - A
step 905 provides aside arm 165 of the ornamentedeyeglass apparatus 160 having aninside surface 166. - A
step 910 of themethod 100 provides acoupling device 10 comprising: anelongated body 14 having first andsecond sections first surface 50 of eachsection opening opening 30 in thefirst surface 50 of thefirst section 12 has been adapted to receive ascrew 70 for operably coupling thecoupling device 10 to theinside surface 166 of theside arm 165. Theopening 25 in thefirst surface 50 of thesecond section 13 has been adapted to receive anornamental fastener 80. Thestep 910 provides thecoupling device 10, further comprising abreakaway tab 37, releasably coupled to theelongated body 14; and abreakaway 35, therebetween, wherein thebreakaway 35 is not between thebreakaway tab 37 and an end A of thefirst section 12 of theelongated body 14. - A
step 915 of themethod 900 provides ascrew 70 having ahead 77, and either anelongated stem 79 having a threadedfirst portion 76 adjacent to thehead 77 of thescrew 70 and a releasably coupled non-threadedsecond portion 74 extending from the threadedfirst portion 76, and abreakaway 75 therebetween, or anelongated stem 79 having a threadedfirst portion 76 adjacent to thehead 77 of thescrew 70 without a non-threadedsecond portion 74 extending from the threadedfirst portion 76, abreakaway tab 72 releasably coupled to thehead 77 of thescrew 70 and abreakaway 71 therebetween. - A
step 920 of themethod 900 provides inserting thecoupling device 10 between ahead 77 of thescrew 70 and theinside surface 165 of theside arm 166 and rotating thescrew 70, by aligning either the non-threadedsecond portion 74 of theelongated stem 79 with theopening 30 in thefirst surface 50 of thefirst section 12 of thecoupling device 10 and with theinside surface 165 of theside arm 166 or the threadedfirst portion 76 of theelongated stem 79 without the non-threadedsecond portion 74 extending from the threadedfirst portion 76 by manipulating either the non-threadedsecond portion 74 of theelongated stem 79 and thebreakaway tab 37 of thecoupling device 10 orbreakaway tab 72 releasably coupled to thehead 77 of thescrew 70 and thebreakaway tab 37 releasably coupled to theelongated body 14 so that the threadedfirst portion 76 of theelongated stem 79 fastens thecoupling device 10 to theinside surface 165 of theside arm 166. - The description of the embodiments of the present invention is given above for the understanding of the present invention. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is capable of various modifications, rearrangements and substitutions as will now become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the following claims cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (25)
1-2. (canceled)
3. The ornamented eyeglass apparatus of claim 27 , wherein the ornamental fastener comprises an eyelet, an eyelet opening, a shank, a bend, a grip, and an end.
4. The ornamented eyeglass apparatus of claim 3 , wherein a lock operably coupled to the shank of the ornamental fastener restricts a gap between the shank and the grip of the ornamental fastener.
5. The ornamented eyeglass apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the shank further comprises a lock, wherein the lock, the shank, and the grip are coextensive and coplanar.
6. The ornamented eyeglass apparatus of claim 5 , wherein a width of the gap between the shank and the apex of the lock is from about 0.01 to 0.02 in.
7. The ornamented eyeglass apparatus of claim 3 , wherein a head of the screw is releasably coupled to a breakaway tab by a breakaway, therebetween.
8 The ornamented eyeglass apparatus of claim 27 , wherein the first surface of each section of the elongated body of the coupling means and a surface of the breakaway tab of the coupling means are coextensive and coplanar.
9. The ornamented eyeglass apparatus of claim 27 , wherein the breakaway of the coupling means is between the breakaway tab of the coupling means and the opening of the coupling means adapted to receive the ornamental fastener.
10. The ornamented eyeglass apparatus of claim 9 , wherein a width of the breakaway is less than or equal to 0.010 in. +/−10%, and a length of the breakaway is less than or equal to from about 0.005 in. to about 0.007 in. when the diameter of the opening in the first section is from about 0.0675 in. to about 0.0825 in.
11. An ornamented eyeglass apparatus, comprising:
an eyeglass frame;
a first side piece, comprising an inside surface,
a coupling device operably coupled to the inside surface, comprising:
an elongated body having first and second sections, wherein a first surface of each section has an opening therein, wherein the opening in the first surface of the first section has been adapted to receive a screw for operably coupling the coupling device to the inside surface of the first side piece and the opening in the first surface of the second section has been adapted to receive an ornamental fastener;
a breakaway tab, releasably coupled to the elongated body; and
a breakaway, therebetween,
wherein the breakaway is not between an end of the first section of the elongated body.
12. The ornamented eyeglass apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the ornamental fastener comprises an eyelet, an eyelet opening, a shank, a bend, a grip, and an end.
13. The ornamented eyeglass apparatus of claim 12 , wherein a lock operably coupled to the shank of the ornamental fastener restricts a gap between the shank and the grip of the ornamental fastener.
14-15. (canceled)
16. The method of claim 23 , wherein the ornamental fastener comprises a eyelet, a eyelet opening, a shank, a bend, a grip, and a end.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the shank further comprises a lock, wherein the lock, the shank, and the grip are coextensive and coplanar.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein a width of a gap between the shank and the apex of the lock is from about 0.01 to 0.02 in.
19. The method of claim 23 , wherein the first surface of the elongated body ad a surface of the breakaway tab are coextensive ad coplanar.
20. The method of claim 23 , wherein the breakaway is between the breakaway tab ad the opening adapted to receive the ornamental fastener.
21. The method of claim 23 , wherein a head of the screw is releasably coupled to a breakaway tab.
22. The method of claim 23 , wherein a width of the breakaway is less than or equal to 0.010 in. +/−10%, ad a length of the breakaway is less than or equal to from about 0.005 in. to about 0.007 in. when the diameter of the opening in the first section is from about 0.0675 in. to about 0.0825 in.
23. A method for operably coupling an ornament to an inside surface of a side arm of an apparatus having ornamentation, comprising:
providing a side arm having, an inside surface,
providing a coupling device comprising:
an elongated body having first and second sections, wherein a first surface of each section has an opening therein, wherein the opening in the first surface of the first section has been adapted to receive a screw for operably coupling the coupling device to the inside surface of the side arm and the opening in the first surface of the second section has been adapted to receive an ornamental fastener;
operably coupling the coupling device to the inside surface of the side arm;
suspending the ornamental fastener from the opening in the first surface of the second section; and
suspending an ornament from the ornamental fastener.
24. The method of claim 23 , wherein operably coupling the coupling device to the inside surface of the side arm comprises:
providing a screw selected from the group consisting of a screw having a head and an elongated stem, wherein the elongated stem has a threaded first portion adjacent to the head of the screw and a releasably coupled non-threaded second portion extending from the threaded first portion, and a breakaway therebetween, and a screw having a head and an elongated stem, wherein the elongated stem has a threaded first portion adjacent to the head of the screw without a non-threaded second portion extending from the threaded first portion, and wherein a breakaway tab is releasably coupled to the head of the screw and a breakaway therebetween;
inserting the coupling device between a head of the screw and the inside surface of the side arm; and
rotating the screw.
25. The method of claim 24 , wherein rotating the screw comprises:
aligning the non-threaded second portion of the elongated stem of the screw with the opening in the first surface of the first section of the elongated body of the coupling device and with the inside surface of the side arm by manipulating the non-threaded second portion of the elongated stem and the breakaway tab of the coupling device so that the threaded first portion of the elongated stem of the screw fastens the coupling device to the inside surface of the side arm.
26. The method of claim 24 , wherein rotating the screw comprises:
aligning the threaded first portion of the elongated stem of the screw, without the non-threaded second portion extending from the threaded first portion, with the opening in the first surface of the first section of the coupling device and with the inside surface of the side arm by manipulating the breakaway tab releasably coupled to the head of the screw and the breakaway tab releasably coupled to the elongated body of the coupling device so that the threaded first portion of the elongated stem of the screw fastens the coupling device to the inside surface of the side arm.
27. An ornamented eyeglass apparatus, comprising:
an eyeglass frame;
a first side piece, comprising an inside surface,
wherein a proximal end of the first side piece is operably coupled to a first end of the eyeglass frame by a first hinge therebetween;
a coupling means for operably coupling an ornamental fastener to the inside surface of the first side piece, comprising:
an elongated body having first and second sections, wherein a first surface of each section has an opening therein, wherein the opening in the first surface of the first section of the coupling means has been adapted to receive a screw for operably coupling the coupling means to the inside surface of the first side piece and the opening in the first surface of the second section of the coupling means has been adapted to receive the ornamental fastener;
a breakaway tab, releasably coupled to the elongated body; and
a breakaway, therebetween,
wherein the breakaway is not between an end of the first section of the elongated body;
an ornamental fastener suspended from the opening in the first surface of the second section; and
an ornament suspended from the ornamental fastener.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/323,229 US7665839B1 (en) | 2008-08-21 | 2008-11-25 | Coupling device with breakaway and methods of using the same |
PCT/US2009/065814 WO2010062920A2 (en) | 2008-11-25 | 2009-11-24 | Coupling device with breakaway and methods of using the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/196,227 US7954941B2 (en) | 2007-08-21 | 2008-08-21 | Coupling device with breakaway and methods of using the same |
US12/323,229 US7665839B1 (en) | 2008-08-21 | 2008-11-25 | Coupling device with breakaway and methods of using the same |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/196,227 Continuation-In-Part US7954941B2 (en) | 2007-08-21 | 2008-08-21 | Coupling device with breakaway and methods of using the same |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US7665839B1 US7665839B1 (en) | 2010-02-23 |
US20100045926A1 true US20100045926A1 (en) | 2010-02-25 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/323,229 Expired - Fee Related US7665839B1 (en) | 2008-08-21 | 2008-11-25 | Coupling device with breakaway and methods of using the same |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US7665839B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010062920A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2009026470A2 (en) * | 2007-08-21 | 2009-02-26 | Nancy Tedeschi | Coupling device with breakaway and methods of using the same |
USD741399S1 (en) | 2013-05-14 | 2015-10-20 | Alpha Primitus, Inc. | Pair of temple arms for an eyeglass frames |
USD753214S1 (en) | 2013-01-29 | 2016-04-05 | Alpha Primitus, Inc. | Pair of temple arms for an eyeglass frame |
US20140230187A1 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2014-08-21 | Kevin Philbin | Decorative charm and screw attachment for use with an eyeglass frame |
US20210283486A1 (en) * | 2020-03-12 | 2021-09-16 | Joseph C. Engel | Releasable net apparatus and system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2010062920A3 (en) | 2010-08-26 |
US7665839B1 (en) | 2010-02-23 |
WO2010062920A2 (en) | 2010-06-03 |
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