U.S. patent application number 14/339135 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-15 for adjustable in-situ device to stabilize and maintain positioning of eyewear on a user.
The applicant listed for this patent is Huggoptics, LLC. Invention is credited to Seth Carlstrom, Alan Wanderer, David Yakos.
Application Number | 20150293374 14/339135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54107007 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150293374 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wanderer; Alan ; et
al. |
October 15, 2015 |
ADJUSTABLE IN-SITU DEVICE TO STABILIZE AND MAINTAIN POSITIONING OF
EYEWEAR ON A USER
Abstract
Devices for eyewear and eyeglasses providing in situ
adjustability to stabilize and maintain positioning of the eyewear
and/or eyeglasses on a user are disclosed. The devices are further
suitable for use in conjunction with a retainer strap and/or
integrated with a retainer strap. The devices are further suitable
for integration into the manufacture of eyewear and/or eyeglasses.
Embodiments of the device and methods of employing the same are set
forth.
Inventors: |
Wanderer; Alan; (Bozeman,
MT) ; Yakos; David; (Bozeman, MT) ; Carlstrom;
Seth; (Bozeman, MT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Huggoptics, LLC |
Bozeman |
MT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54107007 |
Appl. No.: |
14/339135 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61978430 |
Apr 11, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
351/123 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02C 2200/32 20130101;
G02C 3/006 20130101; G02C 5/143 20130101; G02C 11/00 20130101; G02C
3/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02C 5/14 20060101
G02C005/14; G02C 11/00 20060101 G02C011/00; G02C 3/00 20060101
G02C003/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable device that stabilizes and maintains the position
of eyewear on a user, said eyewear including a rigid or semi-rigid
housing with a bridge positioned over and/or above a user's nose
and temples connected to said housing extending distally away from
connection to each side of said housing, said temple(s) terminating
in an accessible posterior open end towards the user's ear(s) when
said eyewear is situated on the user's head, the adjustable device
comprising: a mound with a channel and having more than one radius;
wherein said mound is located on said temples of said eyewear;
wherein said mound has an adjustment means to achieve an optimal
radius of said mound providing an interference fitment between said
mound and the user's head; and wherein the interference fitment of
said device maintains and stabilizes the positioning of said
eyewear from displacement in multi-vectored directions away from on
the user's nose and head.
2. (canceled)
3. The device of claim 1 wherein said mound is located on the
distal section of said temple.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein said adjustment means is comprised
of an in-situ rotatable mound with more than one radius on said
temple to achieve optimal radius interference fitment of said mound
with user's head.
5-6. (canceled)
7. The device in claim 3 wherein said posterior end of said mound
can be closed.
8. The device of claim 3 wherein said mound is comprised of a
compressible material capable of expanding when slipped over said
accessible posterior end of said temple and onto said distal
section of temples, wherein said material retains said mound onto
said temples.
9. The device in claim 1 wherein said mound has a longitudinal slit
to permit said mound to attach onto said temples.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein said mound(s) is integrated into
the manufacture of said temple(s) of said eyewear.
11. The device of claim 3 wherein said distal section of temple has
an expanded posterior end to retain said mound when said mound is
positioned onto a reduced diameter section of said distal end of
temple, wherein said mound is integrated and retained onto said
reduced temple diameter section by size interference between said
mound and said expanded posterior end of temple(s).
12. The device in claim 4 wherein said mound with more than one
radius is any shape permitting unimpeded 360 degree or less
rotation of said mound on said temple to permit contact of said
mound with said user's head to optimize stabilizing and maintaining
position for said eyewear on said user.
13-15. (canceled)
16. The device of claim 3 wherein said adjustment means is
comprised of a mound with more than one radius transitioned from
its anterior to posterior ends, wherein said radii of said mound
can be positioned by anterior or posterior movement of said mound
in situ on said distal section of temple to achieve optimal radius
interference fitment of said mound with user's head, such that
adjustment means maintain and stabilize the position of said
eyewear on the user.
17. The device of claim 30 wherein said mound with more than one
radius is combined with said clamping means of said retainer
strap.
18. The device of claim 17 wherein said combined multi-radius mound
clamping means has more than one channel and is rotatable clockwise
or counterclockwise on said distal temple section to achieve
optimal radius interference fitment between said mound and user's
head to stabilize and maintain eyewear on a user's head.
19-21. (canceled)
22. An adjustable device that stabilizes and maintains the position
of eyewear on a user comprising: said eyewear comprising a rigid or
semi-rigid housing with a bridge located over and/or above a user's
nose, said housing containing clear barrier(s) located over user's
eyes, and said housing having attached temples that position said
eyewear onto the head and nose of said user; at least one mound
having more than one radius wherein said mound is located on said
temples of the eyewear; and adjustment means on said mounds to
achieve an optimal radius for interference fitment between said
mound and the user's head to maintain and stabilize position of
said eyewear from displacement in multi-vectored directions away
from user's head and nose; said mound is integrated into the
manufacture of said temples of said eyewear.
23. The device of claim 22 wherein said temple is comprised of two
or more temple sections, wherein said mound is manufactured as part
of one or more distal temple section(s), such that integration of
said temple sections occurs by interconnecting said distal and
other temple sections by a reversible or irreversible attaching
means.
24. The device of claim 23 wherein said mound has more than one
radius with a channel such that said mound is rotatable on said
temple to obtain optimal interference fitment between said mound
and said user's head.
25. The device of claim 23 wherein said mound has more than one
radius on said distal temple section which can be moved anteriorly
or posteriorly on said integrated temples by reversible lateral
movement of said interconnecting means between said distal and
other temple sections, thereby obtaining said optimal interference
fitment between said mound and said user's head.
26. The device of claim 23 wherein said mound has one radius
located on the medial side of said distal temple section and a
different radius located on the contralateral side of said distal
temple section, wherein disengagement of said distal temple section
from a proximal temple section provides means to flip over said
distal temple section so that said contralateral mound radius
switches to a medial position for contact to user's head, wherein
reattachment of said distal and proximal temple sections allows
contact of said contralateral mound radius onto user's head,
thereby obtaining said optimal interference fitment between said
user's head and said mound.
27-28. (canceled)
29. The device in claim 1 wherein said interference fitment of said
mound provides a pivoting mean for user to move said eyewear from a
first position on user's nose to a superior second position on
user's head or forehead and conversely from said second position to
said first position.
30. The device in claim 3 having a retainer strap with clamping
means for attachment to said distal section of said temples of
eyewear, wherein said mound with one or more channel(s) and more
than one radius provides adjustment means to obtain an optimal
radius interference fitment of said mound with user's head, and
thereby maintain and stabilize the position of said eyewear on the
user.
31. A method for eyewear retention that stabilize and maintain
positioning of eyewear on a user utilizing an adjustable device in
claim 1, comprising: attaching said device with a multi-radius
mound onto distal section of the temple(s); placing said eyewear
onto the nose and head of said user to determine if an adjustment
is required for optimal interference fitment between said mound and
head of said user; adjusting said device by rotating said mound in
situ on a temple to obtain radius for said optimal interference
fitment when said adjustment is required; or adjusting said device
by moving said mound in situ anteriorly or posteriorly to obtain
radius for said optimal interference fitment; and replacing said
eyewear onto nose and head of said user to maintain said eyewear in
a position for optimal visual acuity.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
to provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/978,430 filed Apr. 11,
2014, all of which is herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the fields of eyewear and
eyeglasses and the term eyewear shall be used to represent all
known eyewear, including sunglasses, visual acuity correcting
eyeglasses, safety eyewear and all other eyewear that are commonly
used. More specifically, the invention relates to device(s) that
can be adjusted in situ to allow stabilizing and maintaining the
position of eyewear on the user. It can also be used in conjunction
with a retainer strap and/or be integrated with a retainer strap.
Lastly it can be integrated into the manufacture of eyewear. The
present invention provides devices and methods of employing these
novel elements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various commercial products and/or patents are available for
stabilizing and maintaining the position of eyewear on a user.
These references can be separated into several classes: 1. tubular
cylindrical devices that are added to temples to retain glasses on
a user; 2. tubular cylindrical devices added to temples that
include a curved retainer that is positioned behind a user's ears;
3. curved discs that fit onto temples and are positioned around the
mastoid bone; and 4. hybrid adjustable retainer straps that prevent
eyewear from falling off a user and contain elements of devices
that maintain the position of eyewear on a user, such as tubular
cylindrical elements with or without curved elements.
[0004] U.S. Patents relevant to the first class of using tubular
cylindrical devices to stabilize and maintain position of eyewear
include U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,626,538; 5,002,381; 5,054,903; 8,733,926;
and U.S. Patent Application 2005/0286013. They show an ear contact
tubular or cylindrical element that can slide onto the temple(s) of
eyewear to preclude slippage of eyewear forward and downward on a
user's nose and face. All involve a non-adjustable one size radius
tubular concentric device intended to maintain interference fitment
between the user's head and the temples containing the tubular
device. If the size is not correct for optimal interference
fitment, the tubular device would have to substitutes for one with
a different radius for optimal interference fitment. U.S. Pat. No.
5,054,903 shows another example of a tubular segment on a temple to
prevent slippage of the glasses forward on a user's nose and face.
The tubular segment is positioned in a recess to keep it in place
from moving forward or backwards. This invention also lacks the
ability to increase the radius of the tubular segment in situ
without exchanging to a different radius-sized tubular segment.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,926 shows a cylindrical or other shaped
columns, such as hexagonal, rectangular or square prisms, to fit
onto the distal ends of temples of eyewear. It teaches a column
that fits on the distal ends of the temples and includes a channel
that is located at the center of the column, and does not teach
off-centered channels, such as an eccentric shape with different
radii that could be rotated on temples to obtain the best radius of
the column for optimal interference fitment of temples on a user. A
single radius cylinder or column located on eyewear temples may not
retain the eyewear from moving forward because the connecting means
located between temples and the eyewear lens component, have
lateral movement capability to permit eyewear to be worn for users
with different head sizes. As a consequence the single radius of a
concentric column or column device placed on the eyewear temple may
not allow adequate interference fitment of the eyewear on a user.
Moreover a single radius cylinder or column on eyewear temples are
often positioned on the upper ledge of the ear between the user's
head and pinnae. There is less interference fitment means to retain
the eyewear in that location and additionally that location forces
the pinnae laterally creating an unpleasant aesthetic appearance
for a user.
[0005] The second class involves using a tubular part with a curved
element placed on temples and are located behind a user's ears.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,626,538; 6,000,795; and 6,450,640 describe
examples of this class. The tubular contact member are designed
with one diameter located on the temples and have a downward member
that curves concavely to conform to the upper posterior surface of
the base of the ear. In essence the tubular elements have one
radius which precludes adjustment in situ to a different radius to
improve contact between the user's head and the tubular element. In
addition although the curved element holds the eyewear from moving
forward away from a user's nose and face, it has a single radius
that cannot be adjusted in situ to another more optimal radius to
minimize anterior and/or lateral movement, and thereby stabilize
and maintain the position of eyewear on a user. Moreover these
devices do not provide easy pivoting means to permit superior
eyewear positioning onto the top of a user's head or forehead and
do not provide means to maintain and stabilize interference fitment
of eyewear when positioned in that location.
[0006] The third class represented by U.S. Pat. No. 7,862,168
utilizes curved disc extensions attached to the distal ends of the
temples where they are located onto the mastoid bones of the user.
This device has one thickness/radius and cannot be switched in situ
to a different thickness or radius to adjust for best fitment to
preclude anterior or lateral movement of the eyewear on a user.
Moreover these devices do not provide easy pivoting means to permit
superior eyewear positioning onto the top of a user's head or
forehead and do not provide means to maintain and stabilize
interference fitment of eyewear when positioned in that
location.
[0007] The fourth class are hybrid devices that stabilize and
maintain position of eyewear in combination with adjustable
retainer straps attached to temples which wrap around the posterior
aspect of a user's head. U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,604 shows a retainer
strap with a tubular element that fits onto temples. U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,657,364 and 5,002,381 have a curved element for positioning
behind a user's ears and an adjustable retainer strap. U.S. Pat.
Nos. 3,502,396; 3,879,804; 6,941,619; 7,399,079; and 7,845,795 all
include a retainer strap that is adjustable to hold the eyewear
tightly on the user's head. U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,604 has a tubular
element with a retainer integrated onto it for slippage onto
temples. U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,612 shows a tubular member on temples
in combination with a retainer strap. U.S. Patent Application
2013/0077043 has a modular temple connecting accessory with a
non-rotatable single radius temple element. The devices in this
class teach a single radius cylindrical part that cannot change
radius in situ to improve interference fitment with the user's
head.
[0008] Despite the various products and/or patents known to
stabilize and/or maintain the position of eyewear on a user, there
remains a need for a device providing improved stabilization and
adjustability. It is against this backdrop of products and written
description that the present invention is set forth, notably
overcoming the combined limitations of products in the state of the
art.
[0009] It is an advantage of the invention to provide a device on
eyewear that permits a user to adjust the device in situ, thereby
stabilizing and maintaining the position of the eyewear on a
user.
[0010] It is an advantage to provide a device on eyewear that can
be adjusted by rotating the device in situ and/or move the device
anteriorly or posteriorly on the temples to obtain an optimal
radius interference fitment for maintaining contact between the
user's head and the device, thereby stabilizing and maintaining the
position of the eyewear on a user.
[0011] It is an advantage to provide a device on eyewear that will
permit a user to exercise vigorously and reduce likelihood of
eyewear from moving off from its optimal position on a user's head
and nose.
[0012] It is an advantage to provide a device that will stabilize
and maintain positioning of eyewear on a user when the eyewear is
located on the user's nose, face and head or when the eyewear has
been moved to the user's forehead or top of the head.
[0013] It is an advantage to provide a device that can stabilize
and maintain user intended positions of eyewear on a user's nose,
face and head or on top of a user's head or forehead and minimize
dislocating from those intended positions.
[0014] It is advantage to provide a device on eyewear which can be
integrated with a retainer strap and/or allow rotation of the
device on temples without causing the retainer strap to curl on
itself.
[0015] It is an advantage to include ridges and/or grooves and/or
any roughened pattern on the exterior surface of device on eyewear
to allow improved grip for the user to rotate or move the device in
situ on the temples.
[0016] It is an advantage to add groves or gutter-like patterns
onto the surface of the device that will allow water or
perspiration beads to drain off or away from the device and thereby
stabilize and maintain the position of eyewear on a user.
[0017] It is an advantage for a device to be integrated into
eyewear temples thereby adding a multi-radius eccentric structure
that can be rotated or moved laterally in situ on eyewear temples
by a user to obtain the optimal radius interference fitment for
maintaining contact between the user's head and the device.
[0018] Other objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following specification
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In an aspect, the present invention discloses novel devices
capable of in-situ adjustment means to improve stabilizing and
maintaining the position of eyewear on a user. In an aspect, the
invention describes two in-situ adjustment means involving mound(s)
that can be used alone or in combination. Both adjustment means
rely on utilizing more than one radius of a mound that will permit
in situ improved interference fitment of the eyewear on a user's
head and thereby minimize displacement of the eyewear from a user.
One adjustment means involves rotating a mound with more than one
radius on temples. The other adjustment means provides for
anterior/lateral advancement of a mound with incremental or
different radii. Both allow the device to obtain the optimal radius
interference fitment to preclude easy displacement of eyewear from
a user.
[0020] The term in-situ in this application is used to describe an
eyewear device(s) comprised of multi-radius mound(s) which can be
adjusted on location, meaning the adjustment occurs without
removing the mound device(s) from the eyewear. However, in some
circumstances a user may elect to access a different radius of the
multi-radius mound by first removing the mound from the eyewear,
then reattaching the same mound to the eyewear so that a different
mound radius can contact the user's head to optimize stabilizing
and maintaining the position of eyewear on the user. Hence, the
term in-situ has a broader definition for adjustment means in this
application.
[0021] In an aspect, the present invention to stabilize and
maintain positioning of eyewear on a user can: 1. be added as
accessories to eyewear; 2. be integrated into eyewear manufacture;
and 3. be integrated with a retainer strap.
[0022] While multiple applications and embodiments are disclosed,
still other embodiments of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed
description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments for
applications of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and
detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature
and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a frontal and side perspective of a user
wearing eyewear with a multi-radius mound device located on the
distal section of the temple(s), according to an embodiment of a
device for stabilizing and maintaining the position of eyewear on a
user.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a frontal and side perspective of a user having
eyewear located on the top of the user's head, with the eyewear
containing a multi-radius mound device on the distal section of the
temple(s), according to an embodiment of a device for stabilizing
and maintaining the position of eyewear on a user.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a multi-radius mound
according to an embodiment of a device for stabilizing and
maintaining the position of eyewear on a user.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a multi-radius mound with
circumferential longitudinal ridges and troughs, according to an
embodiment of a device for stabilizing and maintaining the position
of eyewear on a user.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows cross section of a multi-radius mound with flat
sides, according to an embodiment of a device for stabilizing and
maintaining the position of eyewear on a user
[0028] FIG. 6 shows a top perspective of a retainer strap with
clamping means at its ends for attachment into multi-radius mounds,
according to an embodiment of a device for stabilizing and
maintaining the position of eyewear on a user.
[0029] FIG. 7A shows a top and side perspective of a retainer strap
with multi-radius mounds configured with a clamping means of the
retainer strap, according to an embodiment of a device for
stabilizing and maintaining the position of eyewear on a user.
[0030] FIG. 7B is an enlarged perspective of embodiment of a device
in FIG. 7A comprised of a multi-radius mound-clamping means
combination with the retainer strap for stabilizing and maintaining
the position of eyewear on a use.
[0031] FIG. 7C is a cross section of the device comprised of a
multi-radius mound-clamping means combination seen in FIG. 7A,
according to an embodiment for stabilizing and maintaining the
position of eyewear on a user.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal section of a rotating joint
attaching between a multi-radius mound and a clamping means of a
retainer strap, according to an embodiment of a device for
stabilizing and maintaining the position of eyewear on a user.
[0033] FIG. 9 shows a frontal and side perspective of eyewear with
a multi-radius mound with flat sides integrated onto temples,
according to an embodiment of a device for stabilizing and
maintaining the position of eyewear on a user.
[0034] FIG. 10 shows a frontal and side perspective of eyewear with
a multi-radius cylindrical mound integrated onto temples, according
to an embodiment of a device for stabilizing and maintaining the
position of eyewear on a user.
[0035] FIG. 11 shows a frontal and side perspective of eyewear with
integrating temple sections with an attached cylindrical
multi-radius mound, according to an embodiment of a device for
stabilizing and maintaining the position of eyewear on a user.
[0036] FIG. 12 shows a frontal and top perspective of a portion of
eyewear with integrating temple sections with an attached
incremental multi-radius mound, according to an embodiment of a
device for stabilizing and maintaining the position of eyewear on a
user.
[0037] Various embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like
reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several
views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of
the invention. Figures represented herein are not limitations to
the various embodiments according to the invention and are
presented for exemplary illustration of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] In an aspect, the invention describes device(s) suitable for
in situ adjustments. In a further aspect, the invention describes
device(s) for stabilizing and maintaining the position of eyewear
on a user.
[0039] The embodiments of this invention are not limited to the
particular embodiments of the devices depicted, which can vary and
are understood by skilled artisans. It is further to be understood
that all terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting in
any manner or scope. For example, as used in this specification and
the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" can
also include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates
otherwise.
[0040] The devices of the present invention may comprise, consist
essentially of, or consist of the components described herein as
well as other components and elements. As used herein, "consisting
essentially of" means that the device may include additional
components, but only if the additional components do not materially
alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed devices.
It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the term "configured" describes a device that is
constructed or configured to perform a particular task or adopt a
particular configuration. The term "configured" can be used
interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and
configured, constructed and arranged, adapted and configured,
adapted, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and the like.
[0041] Eyewear 14, as depicted in FIG. 1, have a rigid or
semi-rigid housing 15 comprising a bridge 17 that arches above
and/or over a user's nose. It can contain structure with or without
rims to contain a clear rigid or semi-rigid translucent barrier,
such as lenses to overlay user's eyes. There are some eyewear
without lenses and some rimless eyewear with lenses, but all have a
bridge 17 and housing 15. Most eyewear include nose pads 18 or a
saddle bridge (not shown) that are part of the housing 15 that
contact the top sides of the user's nose. There are also temples
16, sometimes referred to as stems, connected to and are part of
the housing 15, which position eyewear onto the superior ledge of a
user's ears between the pinnae and lateral aspect of a user's head.
The temples 16 have spring, joint or other flexible attaching
mechanisms with the housing 15 to permit lateral and medial spread
for optimal fitment of the eyewear onto the user's head, ears, nose
and face. However an omnipresent problem exists for many users in
that eyewear fitment is often loose and can cause slippage of the
eyewear from the user.
[0042] A compressible cylindrical mound, referred to as mound 19,
is added onto the temples 16 of eyewear, FIGS. 1 and 2. In this
example the mound 19 can be made of a compressible material (such
as for example polyurethane; thermoplastics; neoprene; silicone) or
other comparable materials. The mound 19 has a channel 21 seen in
cross sections, FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, which allow mound 19 to be
slipped over and onto the distal temple section 42. As referred to
herein, the distal portion 42 or section of an eyeglass temple
refers to the portion close to the center of the temple to the end
of the temple (i.e. portion away from the point of attachment of
the temple to the eyeglass housing 15). The interior of channel 21
can have inward protrusions or ridges 24 that minimize movement of
the mound 19 on the temples and thereby inadvertent rotation of the
mound 19 on the temple 16 or inadvertent anterior and/or posterior
movement on the temples 16. The mound 19 can also have longitudinal
slits (not shown) that permit attaching the mound 19 sideways onto
temples 16, especially for eyewear with large sculptured temple
ends that preclude slipping the mound 19 onto the temples 16. As
such the longitudinal slits allow positioning of the mound 19 over
the temples 16, and the mound 19 has the capacity to self-enclose
around the temples 16 due to the inherent compressibility of the
mound material to reform to its original shape. Mounds 19 can be
also made from textile material with Velcro attachments to wrap
around the temples. Means for attachment are not limited to the
examples described herein.
[0043] When positioned correctly, the mound 19 on the distal
section 42 of temples 16 creates an interference fitment with the
lateral-posterior bone structure of the user's head, such as on the
mastoid and/or the occipital bone(s). The contact interference
fitment of the mound 19 with the user's head will be located
slightly posterior and superior to the superior ledge of the
external ear. However due to different configurations of temples
and user's heads, the interference fitment can occur anywhere in
contact to and/or close to and/or posterior to the user's ears.
[0044] The mound 19 added to the temples 16 can have different
configurations and has more than one radius to accomplish in situ
stabilizing and maintaining the position of eyewear on a user. The
radius can be varied by simply rotating the mound 19 on the temples
16. FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a mound 19 embodiment with an
eccentric shape having a channel 21 through it for slipping onto
the distal temple section 42. As referred to herein, eccentric
shall be understood to refer to a configuration having more than
one radius, such that the channel 21 is away from the center or
central axis of the mound 19. In this non-limiting example, one
radius 22 surrounding the channel 21 is wider compared to a smaller
radius on the other side 23 that surrounds channel 21. The radius
of the mound is measured from the exterior circumference of the
mound 19 to the lateral edge of channel 21. Rotating the mound 19
would allow in situ change in the radius to allow for optimal
interference fitment of the device with the user's head to
stabilize and maintain the position of eyewear on the user.
Moreover the user can also remove the mound 19, and then reattach
the same mound onto the distal temple section 42 so that a
different radius can contact the user's head. In addition, FIG. 4,
shows a cross section of a mound 19 with longitudinal ridges 25 on
the perimeter that allow easier gripping to rotate the mound 19 on
the temples. The mound 19 can also have small ridges or protrusions
24 located on the internal surface of channel 21 to help improve
grip of the mound 19 when it is attached to temple(s) 16.
Additionally there can be diagonal gutters (not shown) on the
external circumference of the mound 19 between the ridges that
allow perspiration beads or water to drain away from the mound
19.
[0045] In another non-limiting embodiment of the device as seen in
FIG. 5, the cross section of the eccentric mound 19 has flat sides
26 with different radii (R1, R2, and R3) measured from the flat
side to the lateral edge of the channel 21. Each radius width of
R1, R2, and R3 allows user to rotate the mound 19 on the temple
ends 42 to obtain the best interference fitment of the temples on
the user's head. The flat sides 26 allow for increased contact
surface of the mound to the user's head. Moreover flat sides allow
the user to recognize when another radius of the mound 19 has been
rotated into a functional position.
[0046] Other geometric mound shapes can be used to rotate the mound
19 circumferentially to obtain an optimal radius for interference
fitment on the use's head. A circumferential cylindrical shape
could be reduced to almost a ring shape (not shown) with eccentric
radii. The mound shapes must not impede in the ability to rotate
different radiuses on the temple to allow optimal interference
fitment against the user's head. In a preferred embodiment, the
rotational capacity should be 360 degrees to allow the user to
rotate the mound 19 circumferentially clockwise or counterclockwise
to obtain the radius that permits the best interference fitment
between the user's head and the mound 19. However less than a 360
degree circumferential rotation can be designed with an eccentric
mound 19 and still obtain the best radius interference fitment for
the mound against the user's head. However if any shape is used it
must be first, a functional shape that permits comfortable contact
between the mound 19 and the user's head, and secondly be a shape
that doesn't impair rotation to allow other radii to interpose
between the user's head and mound 19.
[0047] Beneficially, the mound 19 can be retained in place even if
the eyewear gets wet from water related activities, from rain or
from perspiration, such as during vigorous exercise. This occurs
because of any or all of the following reasons: 1. optimizing
contact of the mound 19 with the user's head by rotating the mound
to obtain the radius that achieves a comfortable interference
fitment of the temples with user's head; and, 2. the mound can have
grooves or gutters on its external surface which permit water to
drain away similar to the effect created by automobile tire
tread.
[0048] The optimal interference fitment also minimizes eyewear from
slipping down the user's nose and face in multi-vectored
directions, especially anteriorly, inferiorly and laterally, and
thereby maintains the proper positioning of lenses on a user to
maintain ideal visual acuity.
[0049] In another embodiment, FIG. 12, the mound 19 can have
step-up or transitional incremental sized radii 43
circumferentially, that are ideally located on one side of the
mound 19, with the smallest to the largest radius emanating from
its anterior end toward its posterior end. As noted, each radius
may be slightly larger than the preceding anterior one. The user
places the mound 19 onto the medial aspect of the distal section 42
of temples and then moves the mound 19 laterally, anteriorly and/or
posteriorly, on the distal section 42 to allow an optimal radius to
contact the user's head and thereby improve interference fitment
against the head. The full length of the mound 19 can be short
enough to preclude the mound 19 from moving onto the upper ledge of
the ears which will cause the pinnae to distort laterally. The
different radii for this mound 19 embodiment can be transitionally
incremental or non-transitionally incremental.
[0050] The previously described rotating radius adjustment means
and the incremental radius adjustment means of the mound 19 can be
manufactured in combination or made so that each adjustment means
can exist by itself. The posterior end of the mound 19 can be
closed off so the mound 19 cannot be moved too far anteriorly to
preclude its ability to create an interference fitment. However,
this could preclude using the full anterior adjustment means of the
mound 19 with incremental radiuses 43. It is also understood that
the mound 19 could have incremental radiuses 43 located 360 degrees
around the entire circumference of the mound 19, so that the user
simply advances the mound anteriorly on the distal section 42 of
temple(s) 16 to achieve the best interference fitment as described.
However the aesthetic effect of the larger radii being visible on
the lateral side of the mound 19 may not be as pleasing compared to
having the incremental radii located on the medial side of the
mound 19 where they would not be easily visible.
[0051] As seen in FIG. 2, the multi-radius mound 19 device provides
yet another advantage to stabilize and maintain positioning of
eyewear when the user positions the eyewear on the top of the head
or on the forehead (not shown). The interference fitment of the
mound 19 in contact with the user's lateral posterior side of head
provides a pivotal means to permit the user to move the eyewear up
onto the top of the head or forehead without displacing the eyewear
off the user's head. Often for example, an eyewear user will need
to move the eyewear off the nose up onto the forehead or top of the
head to read something that might be blurred with corrective
lenses. The interference fitment by the mound 19 provides pivoting
means for the user to easily move the eyewear back to its original
position on the user's head and nose. The multi-radius mound 19
minimizes anterior, lateral and inferior displacement when the
eyewear is positioned in a first position on the user's nose and
face, and it allows the eyewear to pivot to a superior second
position on the top of the user's head or forehead and minimizes
further superior-anterior displacement when positioned at that
location.
[0052] It is possible to integrate a retainer strap 40 with or
without a tightening means 38, such as the commercially available
Croakie.RTM. retainer straps, in combination with the mound 19, as
shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment the distal end 31 of the mound
19 would have a channel 21 large enough to fit over clamping means
37. The proximal end 32 of the mound 19 would then attach onto the
distal temple section 42. Although this integration can be
achieved, it should be noted that the rotating capability of the
mound 19 could cause the retainer strap 40 to curl up on itself. To
avoid this problem, FIG. 8, shows an embodiment with a ball and
socket joint 30 formed between the distal end(s) of the mound 31
and the clamping means 37 of the retainer strap 40 which normally
attaches to the distal section 42 of the temples 16. The ball and
socket joint 30 is comprised of two parts using a semi-rigid or
rigid plastic. One part has a ball shape 27 and a proximal end 28
that fits into the distal end 31 of the mound 19 that projects off
and distally away from the distal temple section 16. The second
part is comprised of a socket 29 that fits around the ball 27 and
has a distal end 33 that allows fitment into the clamping means 37
of the retainer strap 40. The ball and socket joint 30 can be
assembled as one piece or be separate parts, and are attached
between the mound 19 and the retainer strap 40. When the retainer
strap 40 is attached to the mound 19 via this ball-socket joint 30,
rotation of the mound(s) 19 on the temple(s) 16 would occur
independently of the retainer strap 40, so that the latter does not
curl up on itself. Other designs known to those familiar with
rotating joints could be incorporated to achieve the same function
as described herein, and/or other materials capable of allowing
free independent rotation of the mound 19 in relation to a
stationary retainer strap 40.
[0053] In another embodiment of a retainer strap 40 in combination
with a mound 19, the clamping means 37 shown in FIG. 6, that
attaches the retainer strap 40 to the distal section 42 of
temple(s) 16, can be configured as one entity combined with a mound
37 having multi-radii (R4, R5 and R6), FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C. This
multi-radius mound-clamping means (abbreviated MRMCM) 37 embodiment
is seen in cross section, FIG. 7C with two channels seen A and B,
and channel 21 for attachment onto distal temple section 42. In a
normal commercially available retainer 40 with clamping means seen
in FIG. 6, radiuses R4 are the same and sit in channel A for
attachment of the clamping means 37 with a retainer strap 40 to the
distal section 42 of temple(s) 16. In FIG. 7C there are two
additional different radiuses, R5 and R6, that sit in channel B
when placed onto the distal section 42 of the temples. Once the
MRMCM 37 is attached to the distal section 42 of the temple(s) 16
into channel A, the eyewear is then positioned in its normal use
position on the user at a location near the occipital-mastoid
region of the user's head with R4 contacting the user's head. When
viewing posteriorly on the right side of user's head, clockwise
rotation of the MRMCM 37 in FIG. 7C moves it from channel A to
channel B on the distal section 42 of temples causing radius R5 to
engage the user's head. If radius R5 does not allow for optimal
interference fitment, counterclockwise rotation of MRMCM 37 will
move it back into its original position in channel A, and then the
user can continue to rotate it counterclockwise into channel B to
access radius R6. Although rotation of the MRMCM 37 can cause some
curling of the retainer strap 40, it is minimal as there is a
maximum 90 degree clockwise or counterclockwise rotation from the
normal position of the MRMCM 37 out of channel A to sit either R5
or R6 into place. It is also possible in a further embodiment to
have extra different radii added to the medial and lateral sides
instead of to the inferior and superior sides as with the MRMCM 37
embodiment, but access to each radius will require a maximum 180
degrees rotation which causes more curling of the retainer strap.
It is possible in a further embodiment to include a rotational
joint means as shown in FIG. 8 connecting the MRMCM 37 to retainer
strap 40 to minimize curling of the retainer strap 40 when MRMCM 37
is rotated in situ. In essence these embodiments have two
functions: 1. optimizes interference fitment with the user's head
which will stabilize and maintain the eyewear on a user; 2. has the
added protection of protecting the eyewear from falling off a user
if displaced from a user's head.
[0054] Although not shown the MRMCM 37 could have incremental radii
(seen in FIG. 12) located from its anterior to posterior end, so
that it could not only be rotated on the distal section 42 of the
temple but it could be moved slightly anteriorly on the distal
section 42 of the temples to obtain optimal interference fitment
with the user's head. It is understood that either rotational
adjustment and/or anterior/lateral adjustment means could be
separately configured or combined with a retainer strap 40.
[0055] A typical commercial clamping means 37 in FIG. 6 of a
retainer strap is traditionally shaped as a rectangle with the same
radii on the medial and lateral sides that contact around the
user's ears and different but same radii on the superior and
inferior sides. These clamping means have one channel for setting
onto the distal section 42 of temples(s) and are not intended or
designed for rotation on the distal section 42 of temples. Hence
even though these commercial clamping means 37 may have two
radiuses, one that is the same on the superior and inferior sides
and a second different one that is the same on the medial and
lateral sides, they do not have the internal structure for setting
different radii into a second channel to maintain the clamping
means 37 in place. They are designed only for a total of two radii
instead of three or more in the aforementioned embodiment of MRMCM
37.
[0056] Manufacturers of eyewear can integrate or add mounds having
more than one radius to a separate distal section 42 of temple(s),
FIG. 11. The distal temple section 42 can have an attached mound 19
of any shape with more than one radius to approximate a user's
head. The mounds 19 with different radii can have flat shape-like
exteriors that approximate the user's head as described in the
cross section of FIG. 5 or cylindrical eccentric shapes with
different radii as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. The distal temple
sections 42 can be integrated into one or more proximal temple
sections 44 of eyewear. In one embodiment a distal temple section
42 with a smaller size can slide into a channel (not shown) in a
proximal temple section 44 by a reversible or irreversible
attaching means having a tight fitment lock. Other locking means,
such as protrusions (not shown) in the distal temple section 42 can
lock into openings (not shown) in the proximal temple section 44.
The protrusions and openings can be located on either distal or
proximal temple sections. In this embodiment the eccentric
multi-radius mound 19 can be rotated on the distal temple section
42 to achieve the optimal interference fitment as previously
described. Other connecting means for distal 42 and proximal 44
temple sections known in the art can be used, such as with
magnets.
[0057] FIG. 12 shows the mound 19 having transitional radii 43
starting with the smallest anteriorly to the largest posteriorly
and located on the medial side of the distal temple section 42.
Sliding the distal temple section 42 into the proximal temple
section 44 allows the user to move the distal temple section 42
anteriorly in relation to the user's head until the optimal
interference fitment occurs between the mound radius and the user's
lateral and posterior head region. In addition both temple sections
42, 44 can be fully integrated with the mound 19 located on the
distal temple section. The mound 19 with transitional radii 43 can
then be moved anteriorly or posteriorly on integrated temple
sections 42, 44 to achieve the best interference fitment. The mound
19 on the distal temple section 42 can also be rotatable to allow
optimal approximation of a mound radius with the user's head.
[0058] A non-rotatable multi-radius mound can also be integrated
into the manufacture of the distal temple section 42 (not shown).
For example, it is possible to manufacture a mound with more than
one radius into the manufacture of temples. The multi-radius mound
19 would be positioned into a window formed in the wall of the
distal temple section 42. One side of the mound would expose a
large radius on the lateral side of the temple and the medial side
of the temple wall would expose a smaller radius of the mound. When
the distal temple section 42 is integrated with a proximal temple
section 44, if the contacting radius of the mound 19 does not
produce a good interference fitment, then the distal temple section
42 can be separated by reversing the attaching means from the
proximal temple section 44. This allows the user to flip over the
temple to the contralateral side, so that radius of the mound
becomes the medial side of the distal temple section 42.
Reattachment of the distal temple section 42 with the proximal
temple section 44 then allows the previously contralateral mound
radius to contact the user's head to provide improved interference
fitment with the user's head. The positioning of the mound having
two radii in this example could be set with a mound that does not
have a channel as it could fit firmly into the stem window by
mechanical interference fitment means. The mound would be
configured so that one side has a larger radius protrusion in
relation to the temple 40 and the other side would have a smaller
protrusion radius. However an eccentric mound could have a channel
with a slit, so that it would slip over and around a bar in the
window or other similar configuration to position it in the window
of the temple.
[0059] Another embodiment to integrate eccentric mounds 19 into
temple manufacture are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The distal section
42 of temples 16 can have a reduced circumference 41 terminating in
an expanded end 42A of the distal section 42. Mounds 19 made of
stretchable compressible materials can fit over the expanded end
42A onto the reduced circumference 41 of the distal section 42
where they will be maintained in position by the fitment
interference of the expanded end 42A. The mounds 19 in FIG. 9 can
have flat sides 26 approximating the user's head and can be rotated
in situ for the user to recognize when a different radius has been
rotated into head contact to obtain the best radius interference
fitment for stabilizing and maintaining the position of eyewear on
a user. It is also understood that mound 19 can have a cylindrical
eccentric shape shown in FIG. 10 or any other previously mentioned
functional eccentric shape.
[0060] All publications and patent applications in this
specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the
art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent
applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same
extent as if each individual publication or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated as incorporated by
reference.
[0061] The inventions being thus described, it will be obvious that
the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be
regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the inventions
and all such modifications are intended to be included within the
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *