U.S. patent application number 10/112970 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-25 for removable lens frame mounted to an eyewear platform.
Invention is credited to Zelman, Gary M..
Application Number | 20020097372 10/112970 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35207534 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020097372 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zelman, Gary M. |
July 25, 2002 |
Removable lens frame mounted to an eyewear platform
Abstract
Eyeglasses having a lens frame removably attached to an eyewear
platform using different attachment devices such as magnets, clips,
snap connections or other attachment devices that provide effective
resistance from said lens frame from becoming involuntarily
detached from said eyewear platform. This eyewear allows the user
to quickly and easily change lenses or sunglasses.
Inventors: |
Zelman, Gary M.; (Simi
Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TROJAN LAW OFFICES
9250 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 325
BEVERLY HILLS
CA
90212
|
Family ID: |
35207534 |
Appl. No.: |
10/112970 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10112970 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
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10055466 |
Jan 22, 2002 |
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10055466 |
Jan 22, 2002 |
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10035296 |
Nov 8, 2001 |
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10112970 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
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09184694 |
Nov 2, 1998 |
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10112970 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
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09483552 |
Jan 14, 2000 |
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6343858 |
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09483552 |
Jan 14, 2000 |
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09184694 |
Nov 2, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
351/47 ;
351/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02C 1/06 20130101; G02C
1/04 20130101; G02C 9/00 20130101; G02C 2200/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
351/47 ;
351/57 |
International
Class: |
G02C 009/00; G02C
007/08 |
Claims
I claim:
1. Eyeglasses comprising: an eyewear platform and a lens frame;
said eyewear platform including two temple extensions capable of
being placed over a user's ears, and a bridge portion pivotally
connected to each of said temple extensions wherein said bridge
portion is capable of resting on a user's nose to permit said
eyewear platform to be worn by a user; said lens frame having
lenses mounted within said frame; and said lens frame is attached
to said eyewear platform with a snap connection; said snap
connection permitting a user wearing said eyewear platform to see
through said lenses, whereby a user may change the lenses of the
eyeglasses to suit the user's needs.
2. The eyeglasses of claim 1 wherein said eyewear platform includes
a platform contact surface and said lens frame includes a lens
frame contact surface wherein said platform and said lens frame
contact surfaces are capable of coupling with each other.
3. The eyeglasses of claim 2 wherein said snap attachment has a
male portion and a female portion; said male portion is located on
said lens frame; said female portion is located on said eyewear
platform; whereby said male portion aligns to engage said female
portion.
4. The eyeglasses of claim 2 wherein said male portion is located
on said eyewear platform; said female portion is located on said
lens frame; whereby said male portion aligns to engage said female
portion.
5. The eyeglasses of claim 2 wherein said lens frame is removably
connected to said eyewear platform with at least one magnet at the
interface between said contact surfaces.
6. The eyeglasses of claim 1 wherein said eyewear platform further
comprises at least one nose pad located near a midpoint of said
eyewear platform.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/055,466, filed Jan. 22, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/035,296, which was filed on Nov. 8,
2001. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/184,694, filed on Nov. 2, 1998 and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/483,552, filed Jan. 14, 2000,
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,858, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/184,694, filed on Nov. 2,
1998.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to eyewear and eyeglasses and a
method of using said eyewear and eyeglasses, which provide a lens
frame removably attached to an eyewear platform with magnets or
other attachment devices. By allowing removable attachment of the
lens frame to an eyewear platform, the user will be able to
maximize his or her ability to change lenses depending on the need
and/or situation.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Prior to the present invention, auxiliary eyewear
attachments, which connect to primary or conventional eyeglasses
with magnets or clips, allow the user to convert a pair of
conventional eyeglasses to sunglasses and to avoid the need for an
additional pair of prescription sunglasses. This auxiliary eyewear
can also be used to change the prescription of the lenses on the
primary eyewear. Many current designs attach auxiliary eyewear
using magnets or clips at various locations on a pair of
conventional or primary eyeglasses.
[0006] However, there are several disadvantages to mounting an
auxiliary set of lenses to conventional eyeglasses, which already
have their own set of lenses. First, there is the additional and
extra weight of the auxiliary lenses. Even with the advent of
plastic lenses, the additional weight of another frame and another
set of lenses may distract and cause some irritation to the
user.
[0007] Second, since there are two sets of lenses, having two sets
of lenses so close to one another can cause a glare or reflection.
This reflection or glare can be quite annoying and can partly
defeat the use of sunglasses to reduce glare and to improve the
sight of the user.
[0008] Third, the space or separation between the two lenses may
cause some distraction to the field of vision of the user. Many
current styles of sunglasses have smaller or narrow lenses. Because
the field of vision through these lenses is smaller than through
larger lenses, when auxiliary lenses are attached to the primary or
conventional eyewear, the user may see the difference between the
two sets of lenses. This difference can be quite distracting to the
user.
[0009] Fourth, people, who do not require prescription glasses,
would not practically use these current auxiliary eyewear
attachments without glasses. They would not be able to take
advantage of the ability to switch the color of their
sunglasses.
[0010] The claimed invention avoids the above problems and provides
significant advantages with a new apparatus and method for
attaching a removable lens frame to an eyewear platform. In the
applicant's invention, the lenses themselves are removable from the
eyewear platform so that the user can easily change lenses and only
needs to wear only one set of lenses at a time. By only using one
set of lenses in this eyewear, there is reduced weight, no glare or
reflection between lenses, and no distraction in the field of
vision with the applicant's invention. In addition, since there is
only one set of lenses, it is easier for the user to keep these
lenses clean. Further, by using the same eyewear platform as a base
to attach different lenses, the user is able to employ one eyewear
apparatus that allows for a multiple and different types of lenses
and that can be changed easily and quickly. This instant eyewear
apparatus is also comfortable to wear and easy to use. Keeping a
small case with different types of lenses is easier to transport
than several boxes of different eyewear. Finally, instead of having
several different pairs of conventional glasses, the user may have
substantial savings in cost by having different sets of lenses for
one eyewear platform.
[0011] This invention allows the user to maximize the different
kinds of eyewear available according to his or her need. For
example, the user can easily change from reading lenses for fine
print to sunglasses. Also, people, who do not need prescription
lenses, can change the color of their sunglasses depending on their
particular need or situation. For example, the user may require
yellow lenses for driving in the mountains, but gray lenses for
fishing or boating on a bright sunny day.
[0012] Also, this invention allows for effective and easy
replacement of safety glasses and eyewear. By allowing for
removable attachment of a lens frame with safety lenses, it is
possible for the user to easily wear and to change safety lenses
after these lenses become dirty, scratched, or broken. Because only
the lens frame is being replaced, the user will save money in
simply replacing this lens frame instead of the entire safety
eyewear.
[0013] In addition, this eyewear apparatus also provides the
ability to change lenses quickly but also provides a stable and
effective attachment to provide effective resistance to the lens
frame from becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear
platform.
[0014] From the preceding descriptions, it is apparent that the
devices currently being used have significant disadvantages or
limitations. Thus, important aspects of the technology used in the
field of invention remain amenable to useful refinement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The purpose of the present invention is to provide eyewear
and a method that provides a lens frame removably attached to an
eyewear platform with magnets, clips, snaps, clasps, hooks or other
attachment devices that effectively prevent the removable lens
frame from becoming involuntarily detached from the eyeglass
platform. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the
removable lens frame is attached to the eyewear platform by at
least one magnet.
[0016] In other embodiments of the invention, the removable lens
frame can be connected to the eyewear platform with non-magnetic
attachments. Also, the lens frame can be removably connected to the
eyewear platform with a combination of magnetic and nonmagnetic
attachments.
[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, magnets on the face
of the lens removably connect to the back of the eyewear platform
such that the lenses sit behind the bridge portion of the eyewear
platform.
[0018] The present invention introduces such refinement. In its
preferred embodiments, the present invention has several aspects or
facets that can be used independently, although they are preferably
employed together to optimize their benefits. All of the foregoing
operational principles and advantages of the present invention will
be more fully appreciated upon consideration of the following
detailed description, with reference to the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of the
applicant's removable lens frame and eyewear platform, where the
lens frame is mounted below the eyewear platform.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a side view of another embodiment of the
invention where the appendage socket magnet fits partially within a
depression of the temple socket.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the
applicant's removable lens frame and eyewear platform, where the
lens frame is mounted above the eyewear platform.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of the
invention where the second contact surface of the appendage socket
magnet contacts the first contact surface of the temple socket
magnet within a depression of the temple socket.
[0025] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the
invention where the temple socket and appendage sockets are aligned
vertically.
[0026] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the
invention where the appendage prong is aligned to contact the
vertically aligned temple socket.
[0027] FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the
invention where the temple socket, which is in the shape of a
prong, is aligned to contact the vertically aligned appendage
socket.
[0028] FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of the platform arm prong of
FIG. 9.
[0029] FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of horizontally mounted
appendage prong on the lens frame to be mounted to a temple socket
on the eyewear platform.
[0030] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the horizontally mounted
appendage prong of FIG. 11.
[0031] FIG. 13 shows a side view of a "top mount" of the lens frame
on top of the eyewear platform at the nose bridge.
[0032] FIG. 14 shows a side view of a "bottom mount" of the lens
frame on top of the eyewear platform at the nose bridge.
[0033] FIG. 15 shows a side view of a U-shaped attachment on the
eyewear platform to connect to a central portion on the lens
frame.
[0034] FIG. 16 shows a side view of a U-shaped attachment on the
lens frame to connect to a central portion on the eyewear
platform.
[0035] FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the
invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear
platform using magnets.
[0036] FIG. 18 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.
[0037] FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the
invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the top of
the eyewear platform using magnets.
[0038] FIG. 20 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 19.
[0039] FIG. 21 shows a side view of another embodiment of FIG.
17.
[0040] FIG. 22 shows a side view of another embodiment of the
invention where the eyewear bridge is removably attached over the
top of the lens frame with magnets.
[0041] FIG. 23 shows a side view of another embodiment of the
invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the
underside of the eyewear platform using a plurality of magnets.
[0042] FIG. 24 shows a side view of another embodiment of the
invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the
underside of the eyewear platform using a plurality of magnets.
[0043] FIG. 25 shows an exploded view of another embodiment where
the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear platform with
clips and without magnets.
[0044] FIG. 26 shows an exploded view of another embodiment where
the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear platform with a
plug and channel connection device.
[0045] FIG. 27 is a side view of another embodiment of the
invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear
platform using magnets.
[0046] FIG. 28 is a side view of another embodiment of the
invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear
platform using magnets.
[0047] FIG. 29 is a side view of another embodiment where the lens
frame reaches over the eyewear bridge to removably attach to the
eyewear platform using magnets.
[0048] FIG. 30 is a side view of another embodiment where the lens
frame reaches under the eyewear bridge to removably attach to the
eyewear platform using magnets.
[0049] FIG. 31 shows another embodiment of the invention where the
lens frame is fitted behind the bridge of the eyewear platform.
[0050] FIG. 32 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
31.
[0051] FIG. 33 shows another embodiment of the invention where the
lenses sit behind the eyewear platform and within a space formed
from the nose pads and the lens connector.
[0052] FIG. 34 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 33.
[0053] FIG. 35 is a side view of another embodiment of FIG. 33 with
the temple socket magnet rising above the surface of the temple
socket.
[0054] FIG. 36 shows another embodiment of the invention where the
magnets are located directly in the platform arms and the
appendages.
[0055] FIG. 37 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 36.
[0056] FIG. 38 is a side view of another embodiment of the FIG.
36.
[0057] FIG. 39 is a side and partial cross-sectional view of the
lens frame removably attached to the eyewear platform with a snap
connection.
[0058] FIG. 40 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG.
39.
[0059] FIG. 41 is a side and partial cross-sectional view of the
lens frame removably attached to and over the eyewear platform with
a snap connection.
[0060] FIG. 42 is a side and partial cross-sectional view of the
lens frame removably attached to and under the eyewear platform
with a snap connection.
[0061] FIG. 43 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 40
with an additional snap connection at the nose bridge.
[0062] FIG. 44 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the
snap connection wherein the lenses sit and connect behind the
bridge portion of the eyewear platform.
[0063] FIG. 45 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the
snap connection wherein the male portion is placed on the appendage
terminal end and the female portion is placed on the platform arm
terminal end.
[0064] FIG. 46 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the
snap connection wherein the male portion is placed on the outer
part of the appendage and the female portion is placed on the inner
part of the platform arm.
[0065] FIG. 47 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the
snap connection wherein the male portion is on the appendage inner
surface and the female portion is on the platform arm outer
surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there are illustrated eyeglasses 5
with a lens frame 10 removably attached and connected to an eyewear
platform 15.
[0067] Lens Frame:
[0068] The lens frame 10 has at least one lens 20, as shown in
FIGS. 17 and 19. FIG. 1 shows a lens frame housing two lenses 20.
The lens frame 10 can either encompass the entire lens as shown in
FIG. 1, or the lens frame 10 can be attached to only one part of
the lens circumference 25. At the terminal ends of the lens frame
10 are terminal lens frame ends 30. Each of the terminal lens frame
ends 30 has an appendage 35. The appendages 35 as shown in FIG. 1
curve and bend to align with the temple extensions 40 of the
eyewear platform 15. The appendages 35 further comprise an
appendage socket 45; the appendage sockets 45 have a first
appendage socket surface 50 and a second appendage socket surface
55. The appendage socket 45 can be aligned and mounted in various
positions on the lens frame 10, including being mounted
horizontally (FIGS. 1-6) or vertically (FIG. 7).
[0069] The appendage socket 45 further comprises at least one
magnet 60. This magnet 60 can be situated in a variety of different
locations on the appendage socket 45; said magnet 60 has a magnet
contact surface 65. FIGS. 1-6 show the magnet 60 lies within and is
surrounded by the appendage socket 45; the magnet contact surface
65 can lie flush with either the first or second appendage socket
surfaces 50, 55. Also, the magnet 60 may lie above the appendage
socket surfaces 50, 55 to create another elevation 70 on said
appendage socket 45. The magnet 60 may also lie below the appendage
socket surfaces 50, 55 to create an appendage socket depression 75.
Additionally, there can be multiple magnets in the appendage socket
45. Further, the magnets do not need to be surrounded by the
appendage socket 45.
[0070] Eyewear Platform:
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the eyewear platform 15 has an
elongated shape. The eyewear platform 15 includes two temple
extensions 40, which are capable of being placed over a user's
ears, and a bridge portion 77, which is pivotally connected to each
of the temple extensions 40, wherein the bridge portion 77 is
capable of resting on a user's nose to permit the eyewear platform
15 to be worn by a user. The eyewear platform 15 also has platform
arms 80 located at the ends of the eyewear platform 15. These
platform arms 80 can curve and bend to mimic the appendages 35 on
the lens frame 10 and to align with the temple extensions 40 such
that the lens frame 10 will properly fit against the eyewear
platform 15. Both the appendages and the platform arms 80 can
provide a mounting surface for the various attachment devices, such
as magnets, clips, clasps, snap, hook, and straps for the
invention. For example, in FIG. 1, the platform arm 80 further
comprises a temple socket 85, which has a first temple socket
surface 90 and a second temple socket surface 95. The temple socket
85 can be aligned and mounted in various positions on the platform
arm, including being mounted horizontally (FIGS. 1-6) or vertically
(FIG. 7).
[0072] The temple socket 85 further comprises at least one magnet
100. This magnet 61 can be situated in a variety of different
locations on the temple socket 85; said temple socket magnet 100
has a magnet contact surface 105. FIGS. 1-6 show the temple socket
magnet 100 lies within and is surrounded by the temple socket 85;
the magnet contact surface 105 can lie flush with either the first
or second temple socket surfaces 90, 95. Also, the magnet 100 may
lie above the temple socket surfaces 90, 95 to create another
elevation 110 on said temple socket. The magnet 100 may also lie
below the temple socket surfaces 90, 95 to create a temple socket
depression 115. Additionally, there can be multiple magnets in the
temple socket. Further, the magnets do not need to be completely
surrounded by the temple socket 85.
[0073] The eyewear platform 15 can also have a single or a pair of
nose pads 120, 120' attached to a midpoint 125 on the eyewear
platform 15. The temple 40 can also be adjustably connected to the
platform arms 80 with a variety of different adjustable connections
130 such as a spring, a hinge, or a joint can be used.
[0074] Attachment of Lens Frame to Eyewear Platform:
[0075] To attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15, the
magnet 100 in the temple socket 85 is oriented to couple, to mate,
and to contact the magnet 60 in the appendage socket 45 such that
the maximum magnetic attractive force along an axis 135 of said
magnets 60 and 100; in FIGS. 1-3, this axis 135 is oriented
vertically parallel to the lens frame 10. The temple socket magnet
100 engages and mates with the appendage socket magnet 60 to
provide an effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from
becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. In
the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-24, magnets are used to removably
attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15.
[0076] To achieve the maximum attractive force, the magnets in the
appendage and the temple sockets 85 need to be aligned along the
same axis 135. By orienting, mating, coupling, and contacting both
the temple socket magnet 100 and the appendage socket magnets 60
together along the same axis, the user can maximize the magnetic
attractive force. Thus, as long as the temple socket magnet 100 is
aligned, coupled, or mated with the appendage socket magnet 60,
then these magnets can be placed at virtually a myriad of angles
and positions on the lens frame and the eyewear platform. As a
result, the magnet axis 135 will change according to the mounting
angle of the magnets.
[0077] Additionally, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-24, there
are at least two magnets mated and paired with one another. In the
alternative, this invention is not limited to having two magnets
mated and paired with one another. This mounting of the lens frame
to the eyewear platform can be accomplished with only one magnet on
either the lens frame or the eyewear platform. This single magnet
can magnetically attach to a corresponding metallic surface.
[0078] In addition to the different angles of mounting the magnets
on the appendage and temple sockets, the mounting of the lens frame
relative to the eyewear platform can be changed. FIGS. 1-3 show the
lens frame 10 mounted below the eyewear platform 15. FIG. 2 shows
the second temple socket surface 95 and the contact surface 107 of
temple socket magnet 100 making contact against the first appendage
socket surface 50 and the first contact surface 65 of the appendage
socket magnet 60 so that said magnets 100 and 60 are aligned to
provide effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming
involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. FIG. 3 shows
the first contact surface of the appendage socket magnet 60 making
contact with the second contact surface of the temple socket magnet
100 within the depression 115 of the temple socket 85. The temple
socket depression 115 or a similar appendage depression socket
allows for some greater resistance from horizontal or side-to-side
displacement.
[0079] Alternatively, FIGS. 3 through 6 show the lens frame 10
mounted above the eyewear platform 15. FIG. 5 shows the second
contact surface 67 of the appendage socket magnet 60 and the second
surface 55 of the appendage socket 45 making contact with the first
contact surface 107 of the temple socket magnet 100 and the first
temple socket surface 95 so that said magnets are aligned providing
effective resistance from said lens frame from becoming
involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform.
[0080] FIG. 6 shows the second contact surface 67 of the appendage
socket magnet 60 making contact with the first contact surface 105
of the temple socket magnet within a temple socket depression 115.
The temple socket depression 115 or a similar appendage depression
socket allows for some greater resistance from horizontal or
side-to-side displacement. Additionally, the magnet contact
surfaces that are not being used can be covered with a protective
covering, coating, or paint.
[0081] Lateral Attachments at the Temples
[0082] Outside Position
[0083] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the invention where the
appendage 35 of the lens frame 10 and the temple socket 85 of the
eyewear platform 15 are oriented at a different angle than the
embodiments in FIGS. 1 through 6. FIGS. 1 through 6 have the
appendage and the temple socket horizontally mounted, but FIG. 7
shows the appendage and the temple socket vertically mounted. The
appendage and the temple socket can be mounted at different angles
so long as the magnets are aligned respective to one another to
provide effective resistance from said lens frame from becoming
involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform or as long as the
maximum amount of contact of the magnets in both the appendage and
temple socket is maintained. By orienting, mating, and contacting
both the temple socket magnet 100 and the appendage socket magnet
60 together along the same magnet axis, the user can maximize the
magnetic attractive force. The appendage socket 45 and the temple
socket 85 can be in different shapes, including circles, square,
rectangles, or ovals.
[0084] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the invention where the
second contact surface 67 of the appendage socket magnet and the
second appendage socket surface 55 are aligned to contact the first
contact surface 105 of the temple socket magnet 100 and the first
temple socket surface 90 so that said magnets are aligned providing
effective resistance from said lens frame from becoming
involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform. In this
embodiment, to properly attach the lens frame to the eyewear
platform, the magnets in both the appendage socket and the template
socket should preferably align along a common magnet axis to
achieve the best magnetic connection.
[0085] Inside Position
[0086] In addition, in another embodiment of the invention, the
second contact surface 107 of the temple socket magnet 100 and the
second temple socket surface 95 are aligned to contact the first
appendage socket magnet surface 65 and the first appendage socket
surface 50 so that said magnets 60 and 100 are aligned providing
effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming
involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. As described,
the appendage socket 45 and the temple socket 85 can be placed at
different positions relative to one another: inside or outside
positions.
[0087] Prong Attachment at Temples
[0088] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the invention where the
appendage 35 of the lens frame 10 further comprises an appendage
prong 140, which has an appendage prong surface 145 and a plurality
of prong digits 150. FIG. 8 shows two prong digits 150, but the
appendage prong surface 145 can have more than two prong digits
150. The appendage prong surface 145 has at least one magnet 60.
This magnet 60 can be flush with the appendage prong surface 145 or
can be placed at a lower or higher elevation with respect to the
appendage prong surface 145.
[0089] FIG. 8 also shows a platform arm extension 155 with at least
one platform arm extension surface 160 and at least one magnet 100,
which can contact the surface 160 of the platform arm extension
155. The prong digits 150 form a space 151 within the appendage
prong 140 to allow the platform arm extension 155 to fit securely
between the prong digits 150.
[0090] To attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15 for
this embodiment, at least one magnet 60 on said appendage prong 140
is mated and aligned with at least one magnet 100 on said platform
arm extension surface 160 such that these magnets 60 and 100 are
aligned to provide effective resistance from the lens frame 10 from
becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform 15.
[0091] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the invention where the
platform arm 80 further comprises a platform arm prong 165, which
has a platform arm prong surface 170 and a plurality of prong
digits 150. FIGS. 9 and 10 show two prong digits 150, but the
platform arm prong surface 170 can have more than two prong digits
150. The platform arm prong surface 170 has at least one magnet
100; FIG. 10 shows each prong having a magnet 100. Magnet 100 can
be flush with the platform arm prong surface 170 or at a lower or
higher elevation with respect to the platform arm prong surface
170.
[0092] FIG. 9 also shows the appendages 35 with appendage sockets
45 with at least one magnet 60. Like the previous embodiments
described above, the appendage socket 45 has a first appendage
socket surface 50 and a second appendage socket surface 55. This
magnet 60 can be located at or near both of the first and second
appendage socket surfaces 45, 50. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and
10, the magnet 60 will be able to contact both magnets 100 on the
platform arm prong surface. The prong digits 150 form a space 152
within the platform arm prong surface 170 to allow the appendage
socket 45 to fit securely between the prong digits 150.
[0093] To attach the lens frame to the eyewear platform for this
embodiment, at least one magnet 100 on said platform arm prong is
mated and aligned with at least one magnet 60 on said appendage
socket such that these magnets 60 and 100 are aligned to provide
effective resistance from the lens frame 10 from becoming
involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform 15.
[0094] Horizontal Prong on Temples
[0095] FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment of the invention
where an appendage prong 140 is located and oriented horizontally
as compared to the vertical placement of the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 8 through 10. This horizontally mounted appendage prong 140
mates and couples with a horizontally placed temple socket 85 in a
similar fashion to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 through 10.
[0096] Nose Mount
[0097] FIGS. 13 and 14 show additional embodiments of the invention
where the eyewear platform and the lens frame connect and couple at
an interface 305 at the nose bridge 175 or the center 180 of the
eyeglasses 5. The lens frame has at least one lens 185. Depending
on the eyewear apparatus design and functional need, this invention
can be applied to eyewear with one lens or multiple lenses. For
multiple lenses, a lens connector 190 connects the lenses 185, 185'
together in the lens frame 10. The lens frame 10 has a lens
connector contact surface 195 and at least one magnet 200. The
eyewear platform 15 has an eyewear bridge attachment surface 205
and at least one magnet 210.
[0098] To connect the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15, the
user will mate and couple the magnet 210 of the eyewear bridge
attachment surface 205 with the magnet 200 of the lens connector
contact surface 195 at an interface 305 so that said magnets 210
and 200 are aligned and provide effective resistance from said lens
frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear
platform 15.
[0099] In FIG. 13, the lens frame 10 fits on top of the eyewear
platform 15; in FIG. 14, the lens frame 10 fits underneath the
eyewear platform 15. As a result, depending on the embodiment, in
the eyewear apparatus, the lens frame 10 can be at a first
elevation and the eyewear bridge 15 can be at a second elevation.
If the lens frame fits on top of the eyewear platform, as in FIG.
13, the lens connector contact surface 195 is at a higher elevation
relative to the elevation of the eyewear bridge attachment surface
205. Accordingly if the lens frame 10 fits underneath the eyewear
bridge 15, as in FIG. 14, the lens connector contact surface 195 is
at a lower elevation than the elevation of the eyewear bridge
attachment surface 205.
[0100] This magnetic connection at the nose bridge or center of the
eyeglasses can be combined with any of the attachment apparatus and
methods described in this application.
[0101] Prong at Nose
[0102] FIGS. 15 and 16 show additional embodiments where the lens
frame is removably connected to the eyewear platform at the nose
bridge with a prong that can be mounted on either the eyewear
platform or the lens frame. FIG. 15 shows the eyewear platform
having an eyewear platform prong 215 with at least one eyewear
platform prong surface 220. The eyewear platform prong 215 also has
at least one magnet 225 and a plurality of digits 230; FIG. 15
shows the prong 215 with two magnets 225 and two digits 230. These
digits 230 form a space 235 within the eyewear platform prong 215
to fit around the lens connector 190 on the lens frame 10. The lens
connector 190 has at least one lens connector contact surface 195
and at least one magnet 200 in the lens connector 190. FIG. 15
shows one magnet 200 that passes through the lens connector 190 to
mate with the magnets 225 on the eyewear platform prong 215. As
with the embodiments discussed above, the magnets on the eyewear
platform and the lens frame need to be oriented and aligned with
respect to one another so that the magnets contact and provide
effective resistance from the lens frame from becoming
involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform. Also, there can
be more than two digits 230 on the eyewear platform prong.
[0103] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the prong-type
attachment. The lens frame 10 has a lens connector 190 with a lens
connector prong 240 with at least one lens connector contact
surface 195 and at least one magnet 200 in the lens connector 190.
The lens connector prong 240 has a plurality of digits 245, which
form a space 250 within the lens connector prong 240. The eyewear
platform 15 has a platform nose extension 255 located near the
center 180 of the eyewear or eyeglasses 5 and corresponds to the
location of the lens connector prong 240 on the lens frame 10. The
platform nose extension 255 has an extension surface 260 and at
least one magnet 265. The platform nose extension 255 fits within
the space 250 within the lens connector prong 240. As shown in FIG.
16, to connect the lens frame 10, which has at least one lens 185,
to the eyewear platform 15, the user aligns the magnets 200 in the
lens connector prong 240 with the magnet 210 in the eyewear
platform nose extension 255 at an interface 305 so that said
magnets provide effective resistance from said lens frame from
becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15.
[0104] As with the embodiments described above, the prong-type
attachment located at the center 180 or at the terminal ends of the
eyewear or eyeglasses can be combined with the other embodiments of
the invention as shown in FIGS. 1-13. These embodiments can be
combined with non-magnetic attachment devices such as clips, snaps,
clasps, hooks, straps, or Velcro attachments as well.
[0105] FIGS. 17 through 25 show another group of embodiments of the
invention. The lens frame 10 is removably connected to an eyewear
platform 15 having two temple extensions 40. The eyewear platform
15 has at least one eyewear platform attachment surface or platform
contact surface 270 and at least one magnet 275. The lens frame 10
has at least one lens 20, at least one lens frame contact surface
280, and at least one magnet 285. The lens frame 10 can be
removably attached to the eyewear platform 15 with simply one
magnet, which can be located on either the eyewear platform or the
lens frame, at an interface 305.
[0106] In FIG. 17, the eyewear platform 15 has several magnets that
are present on the platform contact surface 270. These magnets 275
are placed and oriented to mate and to couple the several magnets
285 on the lens frame 10 and the lens frame contact surface 280.
FIG. 18 shows that depending on the particular style of the
eyewear, there can be at least one platform contact surface 270 and
at least one lens frame contact surface 280.
[0107] This eyeglass invention allows the platform contact surface
270 to couple or to mate with the lens frame contact surface 280 at
an interface 305. As a result, the lens frame 10 is capable of
removably engaging the eyewear platform 15 so as to permit a user,
who is wearing the eyewear platform 15, to see through the lenses
20, and a user may change the lenses 20 of the eyeglasses 5 to suit
the user's needs. Further, this invention allows the lens frame 10
to be removably connected to the eyewear platform 15 with at least
one magnet at an interface 305 between the contact surfaces.
[0108] Additionally, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-24 and
27-30, there are at least two magnets (one magnet on the lens frame
and another magnet on the eyewear platform) mated and paired with
one another. In the alternative, this invention is not limited to
having two magnets mated and paired with one another. This mounting
of the lens frame to the eyewear platform can be accomplished with
only one magnet on either the lens frame or the eyewear platform. A
single magnet can attach to a receiving metallic surface. As a
result, the lens frame 10 can be removably connected to the eyewear
platform 15 with at least one magnet at the interface between the
contact surfaces.
[0109] FIGS. 19 through 24 show different embodiments of
attachments available for this invention. In all of these
embodiments, a lens frame 10 is removably attached to an eyewear
platform 15 with at least one magnet. FIGS. 19 and 20 show the lens
frame removably mounted above and partially over the eyewear
platform. In this embodiment, the lens frame has more than one lens
frame contact surface 280 and fits like a shelf over the eyewear
platform, which has more than one eyewear platform attachment
surface. The magnets on both the eyewear platform and the lens
frame can be placed on different locations so that said magnets are
aligned providing effective resistance from said lens frame from
becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform.
[0110] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the lens frame 10 can be
removably attached to the eyewear platform 15 wherein the appendage
socket 45 reaches over the platform arm 80 and the temple socket 85
such that the appendage socket magnet 60 aligns and couples with
the temple socket magnet 100 at an interface 305 and said magnets
provide effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming
involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. The interface
305 is parallel with the face of the user or the lenses.
[0111] In addition, in another embodiment, the appendage socket 45
can also reach under the platform arm 80 and the temple socket 85
such that the appendage socket magnet 60 aligns and couples with
the temple socket magnet 100 at an interface 305 and said magnets
provide effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming
involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. Also, the
interface between the magnets is parallel with the face of the user
or the lenses.
[0112] Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the
embodiments of FIGS. 29 and 30 also have the lens frame 10 and an
extension of the lens connector 190 to reach either over or under
the center 180 of the eyeglasses 5, such that the lens frame magnet
200 aligns and couples with the magnet 210 of the eyewear bridge
attachment surface 205 at an interface 305 and said magnets provide
effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming
involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. In FIGS. 27
through 30, the interface 305 is parallel with the face of the user
or the lenses 185.
[0113] Clip Attachment
[0114] As shown in FIG. 25, the lens frame 10 can be easily
attached to the eyewear platform 15 with clips 290. FIG. 25 shows
two clips 290 located on the lens frame 10. There can be a multiple
number of clips 290 located at different locations on the lens
frame 10. These clips 290 mate and removably connect the lens frame
10 to the eyewear platform 15. The embodiment shows that the
removable lens frame and eyewear platform assembly can be employed
without the use of non-magnetic attachments. However, these clips
290 or other non-magnetic attachments may be used in combination
with magnets to removably attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear
platform 15. As a result, the lens frame 10 can be removably
connected to the eyewear platform 15 with at least one clip
attachment at the interface 305 between the contact surfaces.
[0115] Plug Attachment
[0116] As shown in FIG. 26, the lens frame 10 can be easily
attached to the eyewear platform 15 with a piece or plug 295 on the
ends of the lens frame 10; this piece or plug 295 mates and fill a
space defined by a slot or channel 300, which are parallel with a
horizontal axis formed by the temple extensions. This piece or plug
295 can fit securely within these slots or channels 300 to provide
effective resistance from the lens frame 10 from becoming
involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform 15. This
attachment embodiment can be used with or without the other
attachment devices: magnets, clips, straps, clasps, or Velcro as
described above.
[0117] In the alternative, each of said platform prongs has a piece
or a plug 295 as well. This piece or plug 295 mate and connect with
channels or slots on said appendage of said terminal lens frame
end; these channels define a space wherein said piece or plug of
said platform prong can fit securely and provide effective
resistance from said lens frame from becoming involuntarily
detached from said eyewear platform.
[0118] Materials
[0119] The eyewear platform and lens frame can be made of a variety
of materials including but not limited to metals, alloys, carbon
fibers, plastics and other lightweight and strong composite
materials. In addition, the eyewear platform and lens frame can
also be made of materials that allow a certain amount of
resilience, elasticity, or "give" to enable the eyewear to be able
to take the rigors of use. Both the eyewear platform and the lens
frame can assume a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the
specific design or need of the user. Also, both the eyewear
platform and lens frame can be each made of one piece.
[0120] Also, this invention allows for effective and easy
replacement of safety glasses and eyewear. By allowing for
removable attachment of a lens frame with safety lenses, it is
possible for the user to easily wear and to change safety lenses
after these lenses become dirty, scratched, or broken. Also, the
user will save money in simply replacing this lens frame instead of
the entire safety eyeglasses.
Lenses Mounted Behind the Bridge Portion of the Eyewear
Platform
[0121] In this embodiment as shown in FIGS. 31-35, there are
illustrated eyeglasses 5 with lenses 20 removably attached and
connected to an eyewear platform 15. In the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 31-35, the lenses 20 sit behind the eyewear platform 15.
These lenses 20 can be attached to the eyewear platform 15 using
similar magnet attachments on the appendages 35 and platform arms
80 as described above and shown in FIGS. 1-6. In addition, these
lenses 20 can also be removably connected to the bridge portion 77
of the eyewear platform 15 with magnets 310, 312 on the lenses 20
themselves. The lenses 20 can also be connected to the bridge
portion 77 of the eyewear platform 15 with other non-magnetic
connection devices such as clips or snap connection devices.
Two Lenses With a Lens Connector and Magnets
[0122] FIGS. 31-35 show two lenses removably connected to an
eyewear platform 15. The eyewear platform 15 has two temple
extensions 40, which are capable of being placed over a user's
ears, and a bridge portion 77 of the eyewear platform 15, which is
pivotally connected to each of said temple extensions 40, wherein
said bridge portion 77 is capable of resting on a user's nose to
permit said eyewear platform 15 to be worn by a user.
[0123] The two lenses 20 are connected to each other with a lens
connector 190. The two lenses can be magnetically attachable to an
attachment surface on the eyewear platform 15 so as to permit a
user wearing said eyewear platform 15 to see through the lenses 20,
whereby a user may change the lenses of the eyeglasses to suit the
user's needs.
Lens Connector
[0124] The lens connector 190 has two ends 305. These terminal lens
connector ends 305 engage the inner sides 320 of the lenses. The
lens connector 190 can be fixedly connected to the lenses 20 with
adhesive, glue, bolts, or screws. The lens connector ends 305 can
be secured to the lens 20 with a screw or a bolt 325. In addition,
the lens connector ends 305 can also fit into slots formed on
either the surface or the sides of the lenses 20. These slots or
channels can allow the lens connector ends to be securely fastened
to the lenses 20. The lens 20 has a first or outer surface 315 and
a second or inner surface 320.
Nose Pads on Lens Connector
[0125] Both the lens connector 190 and the eyewear platform 15 are
capable of resting on the user's nose. Accordingly, nose pads 120
can be attached to either the lens connector 190 or the eyewear
platform 15. If the nose pad 120 is attached to the lens connector
190, then the lens connector 190 is capable of resting on a user's
nose to permit the eyeglasses to be worn by a user.
Nose Pad on the Bridge Portion
[0126] The nose pad 120 can be attached to the bridge portion 77 of
the eyewear platform 15, and the bridge portion 77 is capable of
resting on a user's nose to permit the eyeglasses to be worn by a
user. As shown in FIGS. 33-35, the combination of the nose pad 120
attached to the bridge portion 77 results in forming a space 335
wherein the lens connector 190 and the lenses 20 can fit. This
space 335 acts as a receptacle wherein the lens connector 190 can
fit snugly and firmly, helping to secure the lenses to the eyewear
platform 15, and provide effective resistance from said lenses 20
becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform 15. This
configuration has the nose pads 120 extending from the bridge
portion 77 of the eyewear platform 15 and over the lens connector
190. Further, in order to customize the fit between the lens
connector 190 and the bridge portion 77, there can also be small
notches 345 on the top surface of the lens connector 190. These
notches 345 allow the bridge portion to fit over and to sit
slightly below the top surface of the lens connector 190.
[0127] As a result, in conjunction with any of the magnetic or
non-magnetic attachment devices, which have been described above,
the user will place the lens connector 190 into the space 335
formed from the nose pads 120 and the bridge portion 77 of the
eyewear platform 15. This space 355 provides some resistance along
a horizontal axis 136 and helps the lenses 20 to stay in place
until the user wants to remove the lenses 20 from the eyewear
platform 15.
Magnets on Temple Sockets/Appendages
[0128] As shown in FIGS. 31-35, this eyeglass embodiment can
incorporate the magnetic attachments as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and
described above; there are platform arms 80 on the eyewear
platform, which couple and mate with appendages 35, which are
connected to the lenses 20. To attach the lens frame 10 to the
eyewear platform 15, the magnet 100 in the temple socket 85 is
oriented to mate with the magnet 60 in the appendage socket 45 such
that an effective magnetic attractive force along an axis 135 of
said magnets 60 and 100 is achieved. The temple socket magnet 100
engages and mates with the appendage socket magnet 60 to provide
effective resistance from said lenses 20 from becoming
involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15.
[0129] As described above, either the temple socket or the
appendage sockets can have depressions, wherein the particular
magnet may sit within a depression formed in the other socket. For
example, as in FIG. 34, the magnet of the appendage socket can lie
above the surface of the appendage to create another elevation.
This "elevated" appendage socket magnet fits within a depression or
a concave area of the temple socket so that there is some
resistance along the horizontal axis and so that there is further
resistance from the lenses from becoming involuntarily detached
from the eyewear platform.
Eyewear Platform Surfaces
[0130] The eyewear platform 15 has at least one platform contact
surface 270 or eyewear platform attachment surface 270. This
platform contact surface 270 further has a first or outer surface
271 and a second or inner surface 272. This eyewear platform 15 and
its bridge portion 77 can also have magnets 275. These magnets 275
can be placed on different locations on the bridge portion 77.
[0131] The bridge portion 77 can also be made of a material,
including not limited to metals or alloys, which provide a surface
wherein magnets may attach to form a magnetic connection and to
provide effective resistance for the lenses 20 from becoming
involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform 15.
Magnets on the Lens Connector Ends
[0132] In another embodiment of the invention, the ends 305 of the
lens connector 190 not only connect to the lenses, but these ends
305 also can be connected to magnets 310, which can lie on the
outer or first surface of the lenses. These magnets 310 can be
placed partially within the lens 20 such that a portion of the
magnet 310 lies above the outer surface 315. In addition, these
magnets can be placed within the lenses 20 in order to lie flush
with the outer or first surface of the lenses 20.
[0133] In another embodiment, these magnets 310 can be placed and
affixed to the outer or first surface 315 of the lenses 20 with
glue or adhesive. These magnets 310 can be connected to a small
screw or bolt 325 that passes through the lens 20 and extends to
the end of the lens connector 190 on the inner surface 320 of the
lens 20.
Magnets on the Appendages Lens Connection Ends
[0134] The appendage 35 has appendage lens connection ends 330;
these connection ends 330 contact and secure the appendages 35 to
the lenses 20. As shown in FIGS. 31-32, the appendage lens
connection end 330 is attached to the inner or second surface 320
of the lenses 20. The appendage 35 is connected to the inner
surface 320 with a variety of connectors, including but not limited
to, adhesives, clips, bolts, and screws.
[0135] There can also be at least one magnet 312, which is located
on the outer surface 315 of the lenses 20 and approximately near
the appendages 35. In this embodiment, the magnet 312 can be
attached to the appendage lens connection ends 330 with a variety
of different connection devices, including but not limited to
screws, bolts, or adhesive. A magnet 312 is attached to the
appendage lens connection end 330 with a screw or bolt 325. The
screw or bolt 327 connects the appendage lens connection end 330
with the magnet 312.
[0136] The magnet 312 can be similar in size, shape, and elevation
to the magnet 310. The magnet 312 can be placed either on top of
the lenses 20 or within the thickness of the lenses 20 as long as
the magnet 312 can make contact with a magnet 275 or a magnetically
attachable surface on the eyewear platform 15.
[0137] In another embodiment, these magnets 312 can be placed and
affixed to the outer surface 315 of the lenses 20 with glue or
adhesive. These magnets 312 can be connected to the outer surface
of the lens 20 with a small screw or bolt 327 that passes through
the lens 20 and extends to the appendage lens connection end 330 on
the inner surface 320 of the lens 20. Also, these magnets 312 can
be placed partially within the lens 20 such that a portion of a
magnet 312 lies above the outer surface 315.
[0138] These magnets 310, 312 will couple with either the eyewear
platform surface 270, or magnets 275 on the eyewear platform
surface 270, so that the magnets 310, 312 provide effective
resistance from said lenses 20 from becoming involuntarily detached
from said eyewear platform 15. These magnets 310, 312 can also lie
along a horizontal axis 136, which is parallel to the temple
extensions 40.
[0139] In this embodiment, the lenses 20 sit behind the eyewear
platform 15. Because the lenses 20 fit behind the eyewear platform,
the magnets 310, 312 are substantially covered so that the magnets
310, 312 are completely blocked from view. Also, based on the
placement of the magnets 310, 312, the magnets can be concealed
from view. The placement of the magnets 310, 312 on the lenses 20
and the eyewear platform 15 can be adjusted to provide an ideal fit
for functionality of magnetic attachment and aesthetic
presentation. Further, the combination of the eyewear platform 15
and the lenses 20 can also be configured to minimize the exposure
of any bolts or magnets.
[0140] These magnets 310, 312 mate and couple with the eyewear
platform surface 270 or magnets 275 on the eyewear platform surface
so that said magnets 310, 312 help to provide effective resistance
from said lenses 20 from becoming involuntarily detached from said
eyewear platform 15. The advantage of this combination of
attachments allow for simultaneous attachment on different planes:
along the vertical axis 135, there are magnetic attachments between
the temple socket and the appendage socket; along the horizontal
axis 136, the magnets 310, 312 align and couple with either the
eyewear platform attachment surface 270 or magnets 270 in the
eyewear platform 15.
One Lens
[0141] In another embodiment of this invention, the embodiment as
shown in FIGS. 31-32 is also possible with one integrated lens.
Depending on the design of the lens, it is possible for a support
piece 350, which can fit into the space 335 formed by the bridge
portion 77 and the nose pads 120. This one-lens configuration can
be used with the magnetic attachments as shown in FIGS. 1-3.
Attachment of the Lenses to the Eyewear Platform Using Magnets on
the Lenses
[0142] To connect the eyewear platform to the lenses 20, the user
will align the magnets 100, 60 in the appendage and temple sockets
along the vertical axis 135. By orienting the temple socket magnet
100 with the appendage socket magnet 60, the user can achieve an
effective magnetic attractive force. Thus, as long as the temple
socket magnet 100 is aligned and coupled with the appendage socket
magnet 60, then these magnets 100, 60 can be placed at virtually a
myriad of angles and positions on the lens frame and the eyewear
platform. As a result, the magnet axis 135 will change according to
the mounting angle of the magnets.
[0143] Further, in conjunction with the magnetic connections, the
lenses are aligned with the eyewear platform 15 so that the lens
connector 190 fits within the space 335 formed by the bridge
portion 77 and the nose pads 120. This mating of the lens connector
190 with the space 335 of the eyewear platform 15 further provides
resistance that prevents the lenses from becoming involuntarily
detached from the eyewear platform.
[0144] Additionally, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-35, there are at
least two magnets mated and paired with one another. However, this
invention is not limited to having two magnets mated and paired
with one another. This mounting of the lenses to the eyewear
platform can be accomplished with non-magnetic attachments,
including but not limited to, clips, prongs, or plugs on the
temples with or without the "clip" formed from the space 335
created with the bridge portion 77 and the nose pads 120.
[0145] In addition to the different angles of mounting the magnets
on the appendage and temple sockets, the mounting of the lens frame
relative to the eyewear platform can be changed. FIGS. 1-3 and
31-32 show the lens frame 10 mounted below the eyewear platform 15.
Also, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, this embodiment can have the lenses 20
mounted above the eyewear platform 15 with magnetic
attachments.
[0146] Further, as described above, the contact surface of the
magnets 100 and 60 can be at a different elevation than the contact
surfaces of the temple and appendage sockets to form depressions.
These depressions further provide resistance from the lenses from
becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform,
especially from side-to-side or horizontal displacement.
Attaching Lenses to the Eyewear Platform with Magnets on the
Lenses
[0147] In the embodiments with magnets 310 and 312 on the lens
surface, to attach the lenses 20 to the eyewear platform 15, the
magnets 310, 312 are oriented to couple, to mate, and to contact
either the eyewear platform attachment surface 270 of the bridge
portion 77 of the eyewear platform 15 or magnets 275 on said
surface 270 such that the maximum magnetic attractive force is
achieved along the horizontal axis 136 to provide an effective
resistance from said lenses 20 from becoming involuntarily detached
from said eyewear platform 15.
Embodiment with Magnets in the Platform Arm and the Appendage
[0148] In another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS.
36-38, there is a connection device such as a magnet or a plug,
which fits directly into the platform arm 80 of the eyewear
platform 15. As shown in FIGS. 36-38, there is a platform arm
magnet 355, which lies and is directly integrated into the platform
arm 80.
[0149] As in the embodiments described above, the eyewear platform
15 includes two temple extensions 40, which are capable of being
placed over a user's ears, and a bridge portion 77, which is
pivotally connected to each of the temple extensions 40, wherein
the bridge portion 77 is capable of resting on a user's nose to
permit the eyewear platform 15 to be worn by a user. The bridge
portion 77 can also have nose pads 120.
[0150] The ends of the eyewear platform 15 have platform arms 80,
which can curve and bend to mimic the appendages 35 on the lens
frame 10 and to align with the temple extensions 40 such that the
lens frame 10 will properly fit against the eyewear platform 15.
Both the appendages and the platform arms 80 can provide a mounting
or contact surface for the various attachment devices, such as
magnets, clips, clasps, snap, hook, and straps for the
invention.
[0151] FIGS. 36-38 show the platform arm 80 having a platform arm
magnet 355, which lies within and is surrounded by eyewear platform
15. The eyewear platform 15 also has a platform arm contact surface
360. The magnet 355 can lie flush with this contact surface 360.
Also, the magnet 355 may lie above the contact surface 360, such
that the first or contact surface 365 of the platform arm magnet
355 creates another elevation 370 on the platform arm 80. The
magnet 355 may also lie below the platform arm contact surface 360
to create a platform arm depression 375, which is similar to the
temple socket depression 115. This depression 375 can further help
the eyewear platform 15 to securely attach to the lens frame 10 by
providing greater horizontal or side-to-side displacement.
Additionally, there can be multiple magnets in this depression 375.
Further, the magnets 355 do not need to be completely surrounded by
the eyewear platform 15.
Lens Frame
[0152] As shown in FIGS. 36-38, the lens frame 10 has terminal lens
frame ends 30, which each have an appendage 35. The appendages 35
as shown in FIG. 36 curve and bend to align with the temple
extensions 40 of the eyewear platform 15. The appendages 35 further
comprise an appendage contact surface 380.
[0153] The appendage further comprises at least one magnet 60a.
This magnet 60a can be situated in a variety of different locations
on the appendage; said magnet 60a has a magnet contact surface 65a.
The magnet contact surface 65a can lie flush with, lie above, or
below the appendage contact surface 380. Also, there can be
multiple magnets in the appendage. Further, the magnets do not need
to be surrounded by the appendage, but they can also be surrounded
by the appendage.
Attachment of Lens Frame to Eyewear Platform
[0154] To attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15, the
platform arm magnet 355 is oriented to couple with the magnet 60a
in the appendage 35. The platform arm magnet 355 engages and mates
with the appendage socket magnet 60a to provide an effective
resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily
detached from said eyewear platform 15. In the embodiments
described in FIGS. 1-6, magnets are used to removably attach the
lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15.
[0155] The magnets in the appendage 35 and the platform arm 80 need
to be aligned along the same axis 135. By orienting both the
platform arm magnet 355 and the appendage socket magnet 60 together
along the same axis, the user can achieve an effective magnetic
attractive force. Thus, as long as the platform arm magnet 355 is
aligned and coupled with the appendage socket magnet 60a, then
these magnets can be placed at virtually a myriad of angles and
positions on the lens frame and the eyewear platform. As a result,
the magnet axis 135 will change according to the mounting angle of
the magnets.
[0156] Additionally, there are at least two magnets mated and
paired with one another. In the alternative, this invention is not
limited to having two magnets mated and paired with one another.
This mounting of the lens frame to the eyewear platform can be
accomplished with multiple magnets or only one magnet on either the
lens frame or the eyewear platform. This single magnet can
magnetically attach to a corresponding metallic surface.
[0157] In addition to the different angles of mounting the magnets
on the appendage and platform arm magnets, the mounting of the lens
frame relative to the eyewear platform can be changed: below the
eyewear platform or above the eyewear platform. FIGS. 1-3 show the
lens frame 10 mounted below the eyewear platform 15. FIGS. 36-38
show the first or contact surface 365 of the platform arm magnet
355 making contact against the appendage magnet 60a so that said
magnets 355 and 60a are oriented to provide effective resistance
from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from
said eyewear platform 15. In addition, the appendage magnet 60a can
lie below the appendage contact surface 380 to create a depression
375, which can assist in creating greater resistance from
horizontal or side-to-side displacement. Also, the appendage magnet
60a can lie above the appendage socket surface 380 and couple with
the platform arm magnet 355, which can lie below the platform arm
contact surface 360 and form a depression in the platform arm. This
depression allows the appendage magnet 60a to sit and to provide a
greater amount of resistance from side-to-side or horizontal
resistance.
[0158] In addition, with this magnetic connection, the lens frame
10 can sit flush against the eyewear platform 15 to form a secure
and effective connection and to avoid any space in between the lens
frame 10 and the eyewear platform 15.
Snap Connection
[0159] As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 39-47, the lens frame
10 or lenses 20 can also be removably connected to the eyewear
platform using snap connections 400. As shown in greater detail in
FIG. 39, the snap connection 400 is comprised of two basic
elements: (1) a ball or male portion 405 and (2) a socket or female
portion 410. In FIGS. 39-40, the ball/male portion 405 is located
on the appendage 35 of the lens frame 10; and the socket/female
portion 410 is located on the platform arms 80 of the eyewear
platform 15.
[0160] To connect the lens frame 10 or lenses 20 to the eyewear
platform 15, the user simply aligns the ball/male portion 405 with
the corresponding socket/female portion 410 on the eyewear platform
and gently pushes or mates the male portion 405 with the female
portion 410 so that the lenses 20 are or the lens frame 10 is
securely attached to the eyewear platform 15 until the user wants
to remove the two pieces. The male portion 405 should fit snugly
into the space of the female portion 410. This snap connection 400
provides an effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from
becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15.
[0161] Depending on the particular frame, this snap connection 400
can be used in place of other attachment devices such as the
magnets shown in FIGS. 1-7, 13-14 and 17-38. In addition, this snap
connection 400 can be used with other connection devices, such as
magnets (see FIGS. 1-24 and 26-39), clips (see FIG. 25), straps,
clasps, or other connection devices to connect the lenses 20 or
lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15.
[0162] In the alternative, the ball/male portion 405 can be located
on the eyewear platform 15, and the socket/female portion 410 can
be on the appendage of the lens frame 10 or lenses 20. The main
advantage to having a male portion 405 on the appendage of the lens
frame 10 or lenses 20 is that if the male portion 405 does break
off or is broken, the user is still able to use the eyewear
platform 15 with another set of lenses 20 or another lens frame 10
with properly working male portions 405. Because this invention
allows the user to readily remove the lens frame 10 or lenses 20
from the eyewear platform 15, the user can also use different kinds
of lenses with different colors, tints, coatings, and surfaces.
[0163] Please note that the male portion 405 is not limited to a
ball or circular shape; what is important is the male portion 405
to be of a shape to allow the male portion 405 to securely connect
with the female portion 410 such that the lens 20 or lens frame 10
is attached to the eyewear platform 15 until the user removes the
lens 20 or lens frame 10. The male portion 405 clicks or squeezes
to form a solid and secure contact with the female portion 410.
Other possible shapes are oblongs. No matter the shape of the male
portion 405, the male portion 405 should fit snugly into the space
of the female portion 410, but this fit should still allow easy
removal when the user pulls apart the lens frame 10 or lenses 20
from the eyewear platform 15.
[0164] Snap Connections on Sockets.
[0165] In another embodiment, instead of using magnets 60, 100, as
shown in FIGS. 1-6, snap connections 400 can be used to attach the
lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15. As shown in FIGS. 41-42,
the snap connections are located on the appendage socket 45 and the
temple socket 85. The male portion 405 would be located on the
appendage socket 45 to align with the female portion 410 on the
temple socket 85. Please note that the male and female portions can
be interchanged. Also, note that this snap connection 400 can be
used when the lens frame 10 is mounted below the eyewear platform
15 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 or above the eyewear platform 15 as shown
in FIGS. 4-6.
[0166] Snap Connections on Eyewear Platform and the Lens Frame.
[0167] In another embodiment, instead of using magnets 275, 285 as
shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, snap connections 400 can be used to
attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15. The male
portions 405 would be located on the lens frame contact surface
280, and the corresponding female portions 410 would be located on
the platform contact surface 270. As noted above, the locations of
the male and female portions can be switched. In addition, there
can be a multitude of snap connections that allow the lens frame 10
to be securely fastened to the eyewear platform 15. For example,
FIG. 17 shows four magnetic attachments on the contact surfaces 270
and 280. Accordingly, multiple snap connections can be used to form
a secure connection of the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform
15.
[0168] In another embodiment, instead of using magnets as shown in
FIG. 36, snap connections 400 can be used for attach the lens frame
10 to the eyewear platform 15. For example, the male portion 405
would be located on the appendage 35 to align and to connect with a
corresponding female portion 410, which is located on the platform
arms 80 of the eyewear platform 15. As with the other snap
connections discussed above, the male and female portions can be
switched.
[0169] Snap Connections on the Nose Bridge.
[0170] In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 43, a snap connection
400 can be located at the nose bridge 175. The male portion 405
would be on the lens connector 190 and the corresponding female
portion 410 on the center or midpoint of the bridge portion 77 of
the eyewear platform 15. As with the other snap connections
discussed above, the male and female portions can be switched. The
snap connection 400 of the nose bridge 175 is near the center or
the midpoint of the bridge portion 77 of the eyewear platform
15.
[0171] This snap connection 400 on the nose bridge 175 can be used
by itself, but it can also be used in conjunction with snap
connections 400 at the ends 30 of the lens frame and the ends of
the eyewear platform 15 as shown in FIGS. 39-40 or with other
connection devices such as magnets, clips, or prongs. Additionally,
there can be multiple snap connections 400 at or near the nose
bridge 175.
[0172] Snap Connections with the Removable Lenses
[0173] In another embodiment, instead of using magnets 60, 100 as
shown in FIGS. 31-35, snap connections 400 can be used to attach
the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15. The male portions 405
would be located on the appendages 35 and would be aligned to mate
and to securely attach to the female portions 410, which would be
located on temple sockets 45. This snap connection is further shown
in FIGS. 41-42. As noted above, the locations of the male and
female portions can be switched.
[0174] In another embodiment, the snap connections can be used to
attach the lenses 20 to the eyewear platform 15. As shown in FIG.
44, the male portion(s) 405 would be placed on the appendages 35 of
the lenses to align with female portions 410 on inside or second
surface 79 of the bridge portion 77 of the eyewear platform 15. The
bridge portion 77 having a first or outer surface 78 and a second
or an inner surface 79. In addition, there also can be snap
connections 400 on the lens connection 190, which would align and
securely mate and connect with the second surface 79 of the bridge
portion 77.
[0175] Snap Connections or Magnets on the Platform Arm Terminal
End.
[0176] As shown in FIG. 45, there is another embodiment of the snap
attachment 400. The male portion 405 is located on the appendage
terminal end 415 of the lens frame 10. This male portion 405 can
also be directly attached to the lens frame 10 and without an
appendage 35. The female portion 410 is located at the platform arm
terminal end 420. To connect the lens frame 10 to the eyewear
platform 15, the user aligns the male portion 405 with the
corresponding female portion 410 and snaps the male portion 405
into the female portion 410 to form a secure connection, which
provides an effective resistance for the lens frame from being
involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform. Because the lens
frame 10 and/or the eyewear platform 15 allow for a sufficient
degree of flexibility, the user is able to easily fit the lens
frame 10 within the eyewear platform 15 to form a snug and
effective fit.
[0177] As with the other embodiments discussed above, the male and
female portions can be interchanged so that the male portion 405
can be placed on the platform arm terminal end 420 and the
corresponding female portion 410 can be placed on the appendage
terminal end 420. Also, this particular snap connection 400 as
shown in FIG. 45 can also be used in embodiments with lenses 20, as
shown in FIGS. 31 and 33.
[0178] In addition, instead of using this snap connection 400 as
shown in FIG. 45, this invention also allows for attachment of the
lens frame 10 or lenses 20 to the eyewear platform 15 with magnets.
Magnets can be placed on either or both of the platform terminal
end 420 and the corresponding part of the appendage terminal end
415.
[0179] Snap Connections or Magnets on the Inner Side of the
Platform Arm.
[0180] As shown in FIG. 46, there is shown another embodiment of
the snap attachment 400. The male portion 405 is located on the
appendage outer surface 425 of the lens frame 10. The female
portion 410 is located at the platform arm inner surface 440. In
FIG. 46, the appendage 35 fits over the corresponding platform arm
80. However, in another embodiment, the appendage 35 can fit under
the corresponding platform arm 80. To connect the lens frame 10 to
the eyewear platform 15, the user aligns the male portion 405 with
the corresponding female portion 410 and snaps the male portion 405
into the female portion 410 to form a secure connection, which
provides an effective resistance for the lens frame from being
involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform. Because the lens
frame 10 and/or the eyewear platform 15 allow for a sufficient
degree of flexibility, the user is able to easily fit the lens
frame 10 with the eyewear platform 15 to form a snug and effective
fit.
[0181] As with the other embodiments discussed above, the male and
female portions can be interchanged so that the male portion 405
can be placed on the platform arm inner surface 440 and the
corresponding female portion 410 can be placed on the appendage
outer surface 425. Also, this snap connection 400 as shown in FIG.
46 can also be used in embodiments with lenses 20, which are
connected with a lens connector 190, as shown in FIGS. 31 and
33.
[0182] In addition, instead of using this snap connection 400 as
shown in FIG. 46, this invention also allows for attachment of the
lens frame 10 or lenses 20 to the eyewear platform 15 with magnets.
Magnets can be placed on either or both of the platform inner
surface 440 and the corresponding part of the appendage outer
surface 425.
[0183] As shown in FIG. 47, the male portion 405 can be placed on
the appendage inner surface 430 and the corresponding female
portion 410 can be placed on the platform outer surface 435. To
connect the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15, the user
aligns the male portion 405 with the corresponding female portion
410 and snaps the male portion 405 into the female portion 410 to
form a secure connection, which provides an effective resistance
for the lens frame from being involuntarily detached from the
eyewear platform. Because the lens frame 10 and/or the eyewear
platform 15 allow for a sufficient degree of flexibility, the user
is able to easily fit the lens frame 10 with the eyewear platform
15 to form a snug and effective fit. Also, depending on the
particular design, this snap connection or magnet connection can
allow for the lens frame 10 or lenses 20 to mimic the shape of the
bridge portion 77 of the eyewear platform 15.
[0184] As with the other embodiments discussed above, the male and
female portions can be interchanged so that the male portion 405
can be placed on the platform arm outer surface 435 and the
corresponding female portion 410 can be placed on the appendage
inner surface 430. Also, this snap connection 400 can also be used
in embodiments with lenses 20, which are connected with a lens
connector 190, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 33.
[0185] In addition, instead of using this snap connection 400 as
shown in FIG. 47, this invention also allows for attachment of the
lens frame 10 or lenses 20 to the eyewear platform 15 with magnets.
Magnets can be placed on either or both of the platform outer
surface 435 and the corresponding part of the appendage inner
surface 430.
[0186] While the invention as described in connection with its
preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not
intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications,
and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of
the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *