Method and apparatus for retaining eyeglasses

Abstract

The present invention includes an apparatus and a method for retaining eyeglasses on a remote panel with a holding element positioned on the remote panel and a temple element positioned on the eyeglasses.

1 . An apparatus for resisting removal of a pair of eyeglasses from a panel of a garment, comprising:
 a first holding member, at least a portion of the first holding member disposed within a garment pocket and abutting an outer surface of the panel facing the interior of the garment pocket, the first holding member positionable within the pocket separately from the pair of eyeglasses;   a second holding member, at least a portion of the second holding member disposed outside the garment pocket and abutting an outer surface of the panel facing outside of the garment pocket, the second holding member positionable outside the pocket separately from the pair of eyeglasses;   wherein the first and second holding members are configured to allow placement in first relative positions on the pocket panel, the first relative positions comprising the first and second holding members magnetically attracting together against the garment panel to resist movement of a least a portion of the first and second holding members relative to the panel;   wherein the first and second holding members are configured to allow their placement in second relative positions on the pocket panel, the second relative positions comprising at least one of the first and second holding members not being magnetically attracted against the garment panel; and   a pair of eyeglasses at least partially disposed within the garment pocket, wherein a magnetic attractive force between at least magnetic material secured to or comprising at least a portion of the eyeglasses and one or both of the first and second holding members positioned in the first relative positions on the pocket panel resists removal of the eyeglasses from the garment pocket.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic material secured to or comprising at least a portion of the eyeglasses further comprising a retaining member secured to or comprising at least a portion of the eyeglasses, the retaining member magnetically attracted to one or both of the first and second holding members. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein one or both of the first and second holding elements comprising a magnet. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a flexible strap secured between the first and second holding members, and wherein the strap is configured to position the first and second holding members on opposite sides of the panel. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the panel comprises at least a portion of the outer panel of the garment pocket relative to the garment. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the panel comprises at least a portion of the inner panel of the garment pocket relative to the garment. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second holding members are disposed adjacent to an opening of the garment pocket. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the panel forms an opening of the garment pocket and wherein the first and second holding members are disposed on the panel adjacent to the pocket opening. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the panel forms a closed end of the pocket and wherein the first and second holding members are disposed on the panel adjacent the closed end of the pocket. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the retaining member comprises a magnet. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the retaining member is disposed adjacent to one end of the eyeglasses. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the retaining member is secured to or comprises at least a portion of a temple member of the eyeglasses. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the temple member is folded over the panel and at least a portion of the retaining member is disposed outside of the garment pocket. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the temple member is folded over the panel and at least a portion of the retaining member is disposed inside of the garment panel pocket. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the retaining member is disposed adjacent to one end of the eyeglasses. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the retaining member is secured to or comprises at least a portion of a temple member of the eyeglasses, the temple member comprising a hinged end, and wherein at least a portion of the retaining member is disposed adjacent to a hinged end of the temple member. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the retaining member is secured to or comprises at least a portion of a temple member of the eyeglasses, the temple member comprising an unhinged end, and wherein at least a portion of the retaining member is disposed adjacent to the unhinged end of the temple member. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the surface of the first holding member has a friction surface comprising rubber contacting the eyeglasses or the retaining member. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus for resisting removal of an article from a panel forming the outer boundary of a garment pocket, comprising:
 a first holding member comprising a magnet, at least a portion of the first holding member disposed outside of the garment pocket;   a clip disposed over an edge of the garment panel and securing at least a portion of the first holding member outside of the garment pocket, wherein the clip comprises a first leg securing the first holding member outside of the garment pocket and a second leg having a length extending within the garment pocket and overlapping at least a portion of the first leg;   a pair of eyeglasses at least partially disposed within the garment pocket, wherein a magnetic attractive force of the first holding member through the panel resists removal of the eyeglasses from the garment pocket; and   wherein the magnet comprises a length extending along the outer surface of the garment pocket beyond the end of the length of the second leg extending into the garment pocket.   
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , further comprising a retaining member secured to or comprising at least a portion of the eyeglasses, the retaining member being magnetically attracted to the first holding member. 
     
     
         21 .- 29 . (canceled)