COMBINED EYEWEAR CASE AND BEVERAGE HOLDER

Abstract

A combined eyewear case and beverage holder includes an outer shell, inner lining, insulator, and closure mechanism. In some examples, the outer shell is made from rigid materials (e.g., 600D Nylon) to protect the contents therein, the inner lining is made from neoprene, the insulator is made of foam, and the closure mechanism is a drawstring. The combined eyewear case and beverage holder may further include a cap and base, wherein the cap and base may be made from propylene or other materials configured to provide structural integrity and a stable receptacle for beverages. In use, a user may store sunglasses or other eyewear in the case, and when not holding eyewear, a user may place a beverage therein to insulate it.

Claims

1. A combined eyewear case and beverage holder, comprising: an outer shell; an inner lining at least partially received within the outer shell, the inner lining comprising a closure mechanism; and wherein the outer shell and inner lining are sized so as to allow a user to selectively insert either eyewear or a bottled or canned beverage at least partially therein.

2. The combined eyewear case and beverage holder of claim 1, further comprising a base coupled to a bottom of the outer shell.

3. The combined eyewear case and beverage holder of claim 2, further comprising a cap coupled to a top end of the outer shell.

4. The combined eyewear case and beverage holder of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism is a drawstring.

5. The combined eyewear case and beverage holder of claim 1, wherein the inner lining is configured to be selectively removable by a user.

6. A combined eyewear case and beverage holder, comprising: an outer shell; an inner lining at least partially received within the outer shell, the inner lining comprising a closure mechanism; a base coupled to a bottom of the outer shell; a cap removably couplable to a top of the outer shell; wherein the outer shell and inner lining are sized so as to allow a user to selectively insert either eyewear or a bottled or canned beverage at least partially therein.

7. The combined eyewear case and beverage holder of claim 6, wherein the closure mechanism is a drawstring.

8. The combined eyewear case and beverage holder of claim 6, wherein the inner lining is configured to be selectively removable by a user.

9. A method of using a combined eyewear case and beverage holder, the method comprising: storing eyewear in the combined eyewear case and beverage holder; removing the eyewear from the combined eyewear case and beverage holder; inserting a beverage into the combined eyewear case and beverage holder; and drinking from the beverage while it is inserted in the combined eyewear case and beverage holder.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the eyewear is stored within an inner sleeve, the inner sleeve positioned within an outer shell.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the inner sleeve comprises a drawstring at a top end.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein when the beverage is a bottle, tightening the inner sleeve around a neck of the bottle via the drawstring.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein when the beverage is a can, inverting the inner sleeve into the outer shell before inserting the can.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a front, side perspective view of a combined eyewear case and beverage holder, with eyewear partially inserted therein;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a front, side perspective view of a combined eyewear case and beverage holder, holding a bottled beverage;

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a front, side perspective view of a combined eyewear case and beverage holder, holding a canned beverage;

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a front, side perspective exploded view of a combined eyewear case and beverage holder;

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a top, side perspective view of a combined eyewear case and beverage holder;

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a top, side perspective view of an inner lining of a combined eyewear case and beverage holder;

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a top, side perspective view of an outer shell of a combined eyewear case and beverage holder; and

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a top, side perspective view of a cap of a combined eyewear case and beverage holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to the invention is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, various embodiments, and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase in one embodiment, or in an embodiment, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0018] Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

[0019] Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article a is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term or denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

[0020] It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0021] The term coupled may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, coupled may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0022] The terms comprising, including, having, and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as open terms (e.g., the term including should be interpreted as including, but not limited to, the term having should be interpreted as having at least, the term includes should be interpreted as includes, but is not limited to,etc.).

[0023] As previously discussed, there is a need for a solution that integrates the functionality of both a sunglasses holder and an insulated beverage holder into a single, convenient accessory. Such a solution would streamline the process of carrying and accessing these items, enhancing the overall outdoor experience by reducing bulk, improving ease of use, and minimizing the risk of loss or damage. The combined eyewear case and beverage holder disclosed herein solves these and other problems.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, in some embodiments, a combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100 comprises an outer shell 102, inner lining 104 (which may be an insulator or comprise an insulative material such as foam), and closure mechanism 106 (e.g., a drawstring) at a top end. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner lining 104 is configured to receive eyewear 108 therein. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell 102 is sized so as to fully receive a standard pair of eyewear (e.g., sunglasses) therein, although not required. Once the eyewear 108 is fully received within the inner lining 104, the drawstrings or other closure mechanism 106 may be actuated, thereby protecting the eyewear 108 and preventing unwanted withdrawal from the combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100.

[0025] In some embodiments, the outer shell 102 comprises rigid materials (e.g., 600D Nylon) to protect the contents therein (such as from being smashed). The inner lining 104 may comprise neoprene to reduce or prevent scratching, and may further comprise additional insulative materials, such as foam (which may be added to the neoprene or inserted into the inner lining 104). In some embodiments, the closure mechanism 106 comprises a drawstring, but it will be appreciated that other mechanisms may be used, such as a flap with buttons, a zipper enclosure, or any other number of suitable closure mechanisms. In some embodiments, the combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100 further comprises a cap 110 and base 112, wherein the cap 110 and base 112 may be made from propylene or other rigid or semi-rigid materials configured to provide structural integrity and a stable receptacle for the glasses and beverages.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, the combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100 is shown with a bottled beverage 114 therein. As shown, once the bottled beverage 114 is received within the inner lining 104, the drawstrings 106 may by tightened around the neck of the bottled beverage 114, ensuring that the bottled beverage 114 remains secured within the inner lining 104, as well as having the majority of the bottled beverage 114 being insulated. The base 112 provides a stable surface for the bottled beverage 114 as well.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates the combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100 with a canned beverage 116 therein. In the example of FIG. 3, the portion of the inner lining 104 that extends beyond the top of the cap 110 may be inverted inside the outer shell 102 so as to not interfere with drinking from the can 116. Because the inner lining 104 is manufactured from a neoprene or similar material, it is flexible and allows a user to easily invert it. As appreciated, inverting it provides for a double layer of insulative materials for at least a portion of the canned beverage 116. In some embodiments, a user may remove the inner lining 104 from within the out housing 102 and place a canned beverage 116 directly into the outer shell 102. It will be appreciated that the inner walls of the outer shell may comprise insulative materials (e.g., foam, neoprene, etc.) that may provide for insulation even when the inner lining 104 is removed.

[0028] FIGS. 4-8 show various components and the assembly associated with the combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100. While shown as hexagonal, it will be appreciated that other shapes may be used without departing herefrom (e.g., cylindrical, rectangular, etc.). Additionally, it will be appreciated that the inner lining 104 may be of differing lengths. For example, in some embodiments, the inner lining 104 may extend beyond the outer shell 102. In other embodiments, the inner lining 104 may be the same or about the same height as the outer shell 102. In some embodiments, the inner lining 104 is removable by a user, while in other embodiments, the inner lining 104 may be permanently affixed.

[0029] In some embodiments, the combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100 may comprise a lid, wherein once eyewear 108 is placed therein, a lid may be secured to the cap 110 to thereby add rigid protection to the end as well, similar to the base 112. In some embodiments, the lid may be secured via threads, twist and lock, interference fit, protrusions and mating apertures, or other mechanisms, and the lid may further be tethered to the outer shell 102 to prevent loss, although not required.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cap 110 may be used to secure a beverage 114, 116 within the outer shell 102. For example, when a user desires to use the combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100 to hold a beverage, the user may remove the cap 110 (such as by pulling to release it from interference fit, or twisting to unlock, etc.), place the desired beverage in the outer shell 102 (with or without the inner lining 104, or with the inner lining 104 inverted), and may then couple the cap 110 to the outer shell 102 once more. In this scenario, the cap 110 may comprise an inner diameter that is less than the outer diameter of a bottle 114 or can 116, thereby securing the beverage therein. However, in some embodiments, the cap 110 need not be removed to insert or remove a beverage.

[0031] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100 disclosed herein solves the need for a solution that integrates the functionality of both a sunglasses holder and an insulated beverage holder into a single, convenient accessory. A user may store or transport their eyewear 108 in the combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100, and, when desired, remove the eyewear 108 therefrom and insert a desired beverage (e.g., bottle 114 or can 116). As appreciated, the combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100 keeps the beverage cooler than the ambient temperature by keeping it insulated therein, while still allowing a user to drink therefrom without the need to remove the beverage from the combined eyewear case and beverage holder. The combined eyewear case and beverage holder 100 streamlines the process of carrying and accessing these items, enhancing the overall outdoor experience by reducing bulk, improving ease of use, and minimizing the risk of loss or damage.

[0032] It will be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.