U.S. patent application number 15/219658 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-17 for modular interchangeable facades for eyewear.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jessica Darcy. Invention is credited to Jessica Darcy.
Application Number | 20160334646 15/219658 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52993630 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160334646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Darcy; Jessica |
November 17, 2016 |
MODULAR INTERCHANGEABLE FACADES FOR EYEWEAR
Abstract
A modular facade and eyewear includes: a) a central frame with
two eyeglass supporting members, lens and a bridge member; b)
lenses, c) at least two temple members, hingedly and connected to
the frame; d) a lens-free facade member removably attached to the
central frame. A stand-alone facade for eyewear has attachment
mechanisms and a central alignment component. A user may wear the
modular eyewear with or without the facade and with matching,
non-matching or substitute facade members.
Inventors: |
Darcy; Jessica; (Rockville
Centre, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Darcy; Jessica |
Rockville Centre |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52993630 |
Appl. No.: |
15/219658 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13998373 |
Oct 25, 2013 |
9400401 |
|
|
15219658 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02C 11/02 20130101;
G02C 2200/08 20130101; G02C 1/06 20130101; G02C 5/146 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02C 11/02 20060101
G02C011/02 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An eyewear facade comprising: a bridge cover portion in between
a left frontal cover portion and a right frontal cover portion; a
left facade end that extends backwards from a plane in which in the
left frontal cover section is positioned; a right facade end that
extends backwards from a plane in which the right frontal cover
section is positioned; and a lock portion in at least one of the
left or right facade ends.
22. The eyewear facade of claim 21 wherein the eyewear facade
further comprises an upper facade and, when positioned on an
eyewear frame, the left and right frontal cover sections cover an
upper portion of the eyewear frame.
23. The eyewear facade of claim 21 further comprising: a left
peripheral cover portion that extends backwards from a plane in
which in the left frontal cover section is positioned; and a right
peripheral cover portion that extends backwards from a plane in
which in the right frontal cover section is positioned.
24. The eyewear facade of claim 23 further comprising: a bridge
peripheral cover portion that extends backwards from a plane in
which the bridge cover portion is positioned.
25. The eyewear facade of claim 21 wherein the eyewear facade
further comprises a lower facade and, when positioned on an eyewear
frame, the left and right frontal cover sections cover a lower
portion of the eyewear frame.
26. Eyewear apparatus comprising: an eyeglass frame comprising a
left lens support member and a right lens support member; a bridge
extending between the left and right lens support members; a
removable facade comprising: a left facade cover portion; a right
facade cover portion; a bridge facade cover portion; a left facade
end that extends backwards from the left facade cover portion; a
right facade end that extends backwards from the right facade cover
portion; and a lock in at least one of the left facade end or the
right facade end that selectively attaches the removable facade to
the eyeglass frame.
27. The eyewear apparatus of claim 26 wherein the removable facade
comprises an upper facade and the left facade cover portion covers
at least a portion of an upper portion of the left lens support
member, and the right facade cover portion covers at least a
portion of an upper portion of the right lens support member.
28. The eyewear apparatus of claim 26 wherein the removable facade
comprises a peripheral facade and the left facade cover portion
covers at least a portion of a peripheral portion of the left lens
support member, and the right facade cover portion covers at least
a portion of a peripheral portion of the right lens support
member.
29. The eyewear apparatus of claim 26 wherein the removable facade
comprises a lower facade and the left facade cover portion covers
at least a portion of a lower portion of the left lens support
member, and the right facade cover portion covers at least a
portion of a lower portion of the right lens support member.
30. The eyewear apparatus of claim 26 wherein the removable facade
comprises a full facade and the left facade cover portion covers
substantially the entire left lens support member, and the right
facade cover portion covers substantially the entire right lens
support member.
31. An eyewear facade comprising: a left cover portion and a right
cover portion; a left facade end that extends backwards from a
plane in which in the left cover section is positioned; a right
facade end that extends backwards from a plane in which the right
cover section is positioned; and a lock portion in at least one of
the left or right facade ends.
32. The eyewear facade of claim 31 wherein the facade comprises an
upper facade and the left cover portion covers at least an upper
portion of an eyeglass frame, and the right cover portion covers at
least an upper portion of the eyeglass frame.
33. The eyewear facade of claim 31 wherein the facade comprises a
lower facade and the left cover portion covers at least a lower
portion of an eyeglass frame, and the right cover portion covers at
least a lower portion of the eyeglass frame.
34. The eyewear facade of claim 31 wherein the facade comprises a
peripheral facade and the left cover portion covers at least a
peripheral portion of an eyeglass frame, and the right cover
portion covers at least a peripheral portion of the eyeglass
frame.
35. The eyewear facade of claim 31 wherein the facade comprises a
full facade and the left cover portion and right cover portion
substantially cover an eyeglass frame.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application has one pending application at the
time of filing. It is Docket Number FUN-101, filed on Oct. 15,
2013, by the same inventor herein and is titled "Modular Eyeglasses
With Interchangeable Temples and Facades", U.S. application Ser.
No. ____.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] a. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention generally related to glasses worn on
the head, namely, eyeglasses, sunglasses, proper glasses, and
combination of these, wherein a user may add, removed or
interchange various selections of facades to glasses. These facades
may cover the front of the main frame, its periphery or both. Thus,
a single pair of glasses may have different colors, shapes and may
includes or exclude facades of different colors shapes and styles.
The facades are sections of cover materials that have no lenses and
cover part or all of the frames that are revealed from a front
and/or a side view. That is, they are generally decorative, but
also ad strength to and protect the main frame from damage
(sunlight, dropping, scratching, etc). With the present invention,
a single pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses can go from
conservative office styles to neon colors, to alligator, cloth,
polished or shiny metal or leather trim. Thus, the facades may use
any colors, shapes and materials of construction that have been
used in the glasses industry, as well as others no yet
utilized.
[0004] b. Description of Related Art
[0005] The following patents are representative of the field
pertaining to glasses with interchangeable parts:
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 8,028,350 B2 to Hogen describes various
embodiments of eyewear provided for advantageous used in sports and
work, as well as in casual activity. According to one embodiment,
an eyeglass can includes a frame and an eyecup assembly coupled to
the frame. The eyecup assembly can include a resilient side member
that has a first proximal portion that is fixed relative to the
frame and a second distal portion that is movable relative to the
frame and biased toward the frame. The eyecup assembly can also
includes an adjustment mechanism that is coupled to the resilient
side member and positioned at least partially between the resilient
side member and the frame. The adjustment mechanism can be
selectively operable to flex the resilient side member to move the
second distal portion away from the frame and to un-flex the
resilient side member to move the second distal portion toward the
frame.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,874,668 B2 to Brousseau et al describes an
eyeglass frame, the eyeglass frame being usable for supporting a
first lens and a second lens, the eyeglass frame comprising: a
first rim and second rim, the first and second rims beings provided
for supporting respectively the first and second lenses; a bridge
attaching the first and second rims to each other, and nose pad
removably attachable to the first rim; the first rim defining a
nose pad attachment for removably attaching the nose pad thereto,
the nose pad attachment being deformable between a locked
configuration in which the nose pad is fixedly attached to the nose
pad attachment and a unlocked configuration in which the nose pad
is movable relative to the nose pad attachment for selectively
attaching the nose pad to the nose pad attachment and detaching the
nose pad from the nose pad attachment; the first rim being
deformable between a lens supporting configuration in which the
first rim is able to support the first lens and a deformed
configuration, the deformed configuration being achievable when the
first rim is deprived of the first lens; wherein when the first rim
is in the lens supporting configuration, the nose pad attachment is
in the locked configuration and when the first rim is in the
deformed configuration, the nose pad attachment is in the unlocked
configuration.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 7,744,212 B2 to Panisset describes a
spectacles consist of an optical or sunshade front optionally
supported by a frame and comprising two interchangeable temples.
Each temples is connected to the front or to the frame by a male
part and an associated joint. In the spectacles, the joint of each
temple consists of an least one pin arranged transversely in a
corresponding longitudinal slot formed at the end of a free temple.
The pin can be snapped into an elastically deformable recess formed
in a plate projecting from the male part, the shape and dimensions
of which are approximately the same as those of the slot the
temple, or vice versa.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 7,645,039 B2 in Sheldon describes and eyewear
is proved having an interchangeable lens or temple portion. The
eyewear comprises an interchangeable lens portion comprising a lens
portion having an upper and a lower edge, and a left and a right
lens region extending sidewardly each having a distal end; a pair
of connecting members, each having a proximate end and a distal end
and a hollow receiving area therein beginning at the proximate end
and running into the connecting member; the distal end of the lens
regions being shaped to fit within the proximate end of the
connecting members wherein, the lens regions are releasably
accepted and held within the hollow receiving area of the
connecting members; and wherein the connecting members are
releasable from the lens portion by applying a torsional force on
one of the connecting member and the lens portion.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,633 B1 to Foster describes a modular
eyeglass frame that includes a lens frame and plurality of handles
with oppositely facing first and second sides. Each side may
includes unique surface indicia. A mechanism for interchangeably
connecting the handles to the lens frame may further be included. A
coupling may be attached to a proximal end of one of the handles.
Helical spring members may be mated to the coupling at one end and
may include a bearing at another end. Receiving blocks may be
attached to the lateral ends of the lens frame and may feature
sockets formed in an inner wall thereof, to receive each bearing.
Grooves may be formed in lateral sides of the receiving blocks.
Such grooves may be effectively axially aligned with locking arms
such that the locking arms are interfitted inside the grooves when
the coupling is interfitted between the receiving blocks.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,717 B2 to Bloch describes an eyeglasses
apparatus and transformation system thereof, facilitating quick and
easy convertibility of the left and right traditionally folding
temples into an adjustable headband; thereby making the
light-weight eyeglasses much more suited to dynamic activities such
as jogging, skiing, and cycling for example. The user of this
eyewear can advantageously move between more sedentary situations,
where the extreme appearance of eye-goggles would appear very out
of place; --yet by manually releasing an inconspicuously integrated
pair of bifuracated retention-latches located immediately aftward
of both temple-hinges, the temples can be instantly detached and
readily interchanged with a headband employing similar slide-in
bayonet-type retention-latches. The disclosure identifies a
particularly critical human-factors problem addressed by the
uniquely configured finger operated opposed latches; plus, the
notion of my slim-lined detached-temples, enables a host of
optional companion accessory temple embodiments, facilitating a
miniature radio, cell-phone, or digital-camera;--conveniences for
the person on the go!.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,952 B2 to Polovin describes a pair of
glasses that includes a lens frame supporting a pair of lenses. The
frame includes rearwardly extending temple mountings to which these
is releasably attached temples. The temples are releasably attached
to the mountings by means of clip assemblies.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,561 B1to Cheng describes safety goggles
that include a primary frame having a top provided with two raised
seats and an upwardly extending tongue between the two raised
seats, each of the seats having a first pin extending outwardly
longitudinally from an end thereof and a second pin extending
outwardly longitudinally from another end thereof, a lens frame
having a top provided with two cavities aligned with the two raised
seats, each of the cavities being formed with a groove and an
opening configured to received the first pin and the second pin
respectively, a recess being formed between the two cavities and
aligned with the tongue, the recess having an inclined surface at
an outer side thereof and a chamfer at an inner side thereof, the
chamfer being located closed to the opening, whereby the goggles
can be rapidly manufactured and assembled.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,292 to Wiedner described glasses, in
particular industrial safety or sports glasses, with an integral
continuous sight pieces and with inclination-adjustable side pieces
articulated on a frame piece it is provided for the purpose of
defined and reliable inclination-adjustment accompanied by the
advantage of low-cost manufacturing that the sight piece has
lateral backwards oriented appendixes formed in one piece with it
and extending about in parallel to the wearer's head, that a frame
piece with lateral appendixes is arranged along the upper edge of
the sigh piece surrounding the latter and the latter'appendixes,
that the frame piece with the articulated side pieces is supported
on the sign piece pivotably around a horizontal pivot axis, in that
pins are arranged on the inside of each of the appendixes, that the
pins engage with semicircular slits concentric of the pivot axis in
the appendixes of the sight piece, wherein, to arrest the pins to
certain angular positions of the slits, the latter are formed by a
plurality of approximately annular locking recesses intersecting to
formed locking protrusions and approximately corresponding to the
cross-section the pin.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,025 to Wang describes a sunshade and
sunglasses which may be interchangeably detachably attached to
vision correcting eye glasses is provided. The attached being by
means of flexi-grip-catch pairs. A pair of flex-grips are
integrally formed on the top of an eyeglass frame for correcting
lenses and are adapted for being received by a first pair of
catches that are integrally formed on the top of a frame of a pair
of sunglasses which has no temples, or a second pair of catches
fixedly positioned underneath a sunshade. The positions of the
respective first and second pairs of catches are in alignment with
the position of the flexi-grips. By pressing the first pair of
catches onto the respective flex-grips, the sunglass lenses are
pivotally attached thereon.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,728 to Magorien describes a detachable
two-piece temple having a front pieces swivelly attached to the
back of an eyeglass frame and a back piece that is quickly, easily
and securely attached and detached from the front pieces. The front
piece has extending from its rear surface a resilient locking rod,
that includes a lock notches, and a guide rod. The back pieces
includes a locking rod cavity sized to accept and retain the rod, a
guide rod cavity that is sized to accept and retain the rod, and a
locking-rod release opening that has a lock notch catch. When the
back piece is inserted into the front pieces, the locking rod and
guide rod enter their respective cavities. When fully entered, the
locked notch slips upwardly into the lock notch catch to securely
hold the two pieces together. To release the two pieces, the lock
notch is depressed while the back piece is pulled away from the
front piece. The temple can be used to enhance fashion glasses by
allowing temples of various colors and patterns to be used with
eyeglass frames. The temple may also be designed to serve as safety
glasses by attaching to the front and back pieces, a top safety
shield and a side safety shield that prevent foreign objects from
entering the area of the eyes.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,952,043 to Werner et al describes a sun
shade is provided for a pair of glasses including right and left
hand panel structures for disposition immediately forward of the
right and left hand lenses of the glasses and the panel structures
are guidingly supported relative to each other for movement toward
and away from each other. Biasing means is connected between the
panel sections for biasing the latter toward each other and remote
portions of the panel structure includes upstanding, tensioned
elastic members which may have their vertical mid-portions
deflected apart by the temples of the associated glasses rearward
of the pivot axes thereof and the upper margins of the panel
sections includes rearwardly projecting support flange sections for
overlying the right and left hand portions of the associated
glasses. The supported flange sections support the weight of the
sun shade from the glasses and the elastic members enjoy a non-slip
frictional engagement with the glasses temples to not only prevent
forward displacement of the sun shade relative to the glasses but
to also exert inward biasing forces on the glasses temples rearward
of the pivot axes thereof such that the grip of the temples on the
head of the wearer of the glasses is increased to compensate for
the additional weight of the sun shad supported from the
glasses.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,749 to McGee describes a protective
eyewear which may be tinted for use as sunglasses having a
preformed one piece lens arrangement with a recessed border and
removable temples hinged to the preformed lens. The removable
temples pieces have posts which fit sockets-at opposite upper and
lower ends of the preformed lens. Interchangeable decorative frames
allow the wearer to changed the appearance of the protective
eyewear at will. The interchangeable decorative frames have pins
which snap into the sockets used for the hinges form the temple
pieces allowing the frame to be easily removed and replaced with a
different color or design decorative frame.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 3,901,589 to Bienenfeld describes a clip-on
flip-up goggles of novel construction are provided wherein a simply
constructed inexpensive shield holder and clipping means permit
manual adjustment of the shield to any one of five positions for
use or storage out of use while still secured to the frame of a
pair of spectacles. Also, a simple shield holder is provided for
detachably securing the shield so it can be easily interchanged
with other shields. Also, an easily fabricated and assembled
clipping means is provided.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0020] The present invention is a modular interchangeably facade
and eyewear, which includes: A) eyewear, including: a) a central
frame having at least two eyeglass supporting members and a bridge
member symmetrically positioned between and connecting the two
eyeglass supporting members, the central frame having a front and a
back and having peripheral sides and having a bridge member
symmetrically positioned between and connecting the two eyeglass
supporting members, for resting directly or indirectly on the nose
of a user (indirectly, for example, would be a bridge member with
stick on pads); b) an eyeglass located in each of the two eyeglass
supporting members, the eyeglass being selected from the group
consisting of non-prescription glass, prescription glass,
non-prescription plastic, prescription plastic and combination
thereof; c) at least two temple members, hingedly connected to the
central frame at opposite ends thereof; and, B) a facade member
removably attached to the central frame and covering an least a
portion of the central frame, the facade presenting at least one
alternative feature selected from color, shape, texture and
reflectivity, the facade being lens-free, and the facade having
facade attachment means for attachment to the frame, the facade
member having at least one central alignment component selected
from the group consisting of a recess, a protrusion and an orifice,
and facade attachment means for snap-on and snap-off attachment to
and from the frame. The user may wear the modular interchangeable
facade with eyewear and interchange it with eyewear coordinated,
non-matching or substitute facade members.
[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention modular
interchangeable facade and eyewear, the facade attachment means is
selected fro the group consisting of living springs, snaps, rail
snaps and slides.
[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention modular
interchangeable facade and eyewear, the facade member is a frontal
facade member having front portions that cover at least a portion
of the front of the frame.
[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention modular
interchangeable facade and eyewear, the facade member is a
peripheral side facade member having perimeter portions that cover
at least a portion of the peripheral sides of the frame.
[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention modular
interchangeably facade and eyewear, the facade member is compound
facade member having front portions that cover at least a portion
of the front of the frame posts and having perimeter portions that
cover at least a portion of the peripheral sides of the frame.
[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention modular
interchangeable facade and eyewear, the facade member is an upper
half facade member that covers at least a portion of only an upper
half of the frame.
[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention modular
interchangeable facade and eyewear, the facade member is a lower
half facade member that covers at least a portion of only a lower
half of the frame.
[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention modular
interchangeable facade and eyewear, the eyewear is modular
sunglasses eyewear and the eyeglass includes a sun filtering
element.
[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention modular
interchangeable facade and eyewear, the frame has a bridge central
alignment component selected from the group consisting of a recess,
a protrusion and a orifice that is complementary to and securely
nests with the central alignment component of the facade.
[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention modular
interchangeable facade and eyewear, the facade member is molded
plastic selected from the group consisting of rigid plastic and
semi-rigid plastic.
[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention modular
interchangeable facade and eyewear, the facade member contains a
three dimensional representation selected from the group consisting
of a logo design, alphabet characters, a signature, and a character
representation..
[0031] In other embodiments of the present invention, the invention
is a stand-alone modular interchangeable facade for use with
eyewear having a central frame. This facade has all of the features
for the above described modular interchangeable facade with the
eyewear.
[0032] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the
invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it
is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the
invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and
intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope
of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are includes to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrated preferred
embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed
description served to explains the principles of the invention. In
the drawings:
[0034] FIG. 1 is an oblique view of an embodiment of a present
invention modular facade and eyewear with multiple interchangeable
facades, showing interchangeable full coverage facade;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a partial side cut view of the embodiment of a
present invention of FIG. 1 showing the fitting of the full
coverage facade on the central frame;
[0036] FIG. 3 is an oblique view of another embodiment of a present
invention of facade and eyewear with a frontal coverage facade;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a partial side cut view of the embodiment of a
present invention of FIG. 3 showing the fitting of the frontal
coverage facade on the central frame;
[0038] FIG. 5 is an oblique view of another embodiment of a present
invention facade and eyewear with a peripheral coverage facade;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a partial side cut view of the embodiment of a
present invention of FIG. 5 showing a fitting of the peripheral
coverage facade on the central frame;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing some detailed features of
the present invention facade;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing some other detailed
features of the present invention facade;
[0042] FIG. 9 is an oblique view of another embodiment of a present
invention modular facade and eyewear with multiple interchangeable
components showing related patent application interchangeable
temples, and showing separate upper and lower facades with full
coverage (frontal plus peripheral coverage);
[0043] FIG. 10 shows an oblique view of a component of another
embodiment of a present invention, showing an upper frontal
coverage facade (upper half facade);
[0044] FIG. 11 shows an oblique view of a component of another
embodiment of a present invention, showing a lower peripheral
coverage facade (lower half facade); and,
[0045] FIG. 12 shows a side cut view of one preferred embodiment of
a present invention modular eyewear that is cut through the bridge
and across a temple; and FIG. 13 shows an outline of the cut bridge
of FIG. 12. Collectively, they show one preferred arrangement for
the face attachment and central location and alignment
features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0046] The present invention modular eyewear enables incredible
diversity for eyewear users by offering unlimited possibilities for
interchangeable facades using a single set of glasses. Adults can
have fancy dress glasses, casual glasses, bright color glasses,
leather, metal and cloth designs, and well, for a small fraction of
the cost of multiple pairs of prescription glasses. Children who
may have been shy or self-conscious of wearing glasses will now
look forward to making facade fashion selections each day, even
color-coordinating with their clothes, simply by building a
collection of different colors, designs, shapes and even cartoon
characters.
[0047] FIG. 1 is an oblique view of an embodiment of a present
invention modular facade and eyewear that includes a central frame
with temples showing generally as eyewear 1a and a full coverage
facade 1b. The central frame 3 has eyeglass supporting members 5
and 7, containing eyeglass 10 and eyeglass 12, respectively. The
terms "eyeglass" as used herein, means any lens described above or
below made of any lens material available. Central frame 3 also has
a bridge member 9, which includes a central locator protrusions 37.
In this case, the central locator on frame 3 is a protrusion that
corresponds to recess or orifice 35 on facade 1b, but,
alternatively, the recess or orifice could be on the frame with a
corresponding protrusion on the facade. Central frame 3 further
includes ends 11 and 13. In this embodiment, ends 11 and 13 are
opposing corners that includes hinges, such as hinge 15, as well as
facade attachment locks such as facade lock 39 (protrusion).
[0048] Facade 1b has a bridge section 33 with central alignment
component, here, orifice 35, and full eyeglass supporting member
covers 21 and 23 with both frontal cover portions and peripheral
cover portions 25 and 27. Opposing end pieces 26 and 28 includes
lock orifices 29 and 31. These are attached to central frame locks
such as lock 39. Additionally, central frame 3 has front and
peripheral track guides (recessed here, but could be protruding
tracks) such as upper peripheral track guide 41 and lower
peripheral track guide 47. Corresponding tracks are included inside
face 1b to fit into the central frame guides. These are shown in
detail in FIG. 2. The central alignment component orifice 35 is
adapted to receive and nest with central locator protrusion 37
frame 3. They are preferably designed to snap or fit snuggly so
that both an alignment/positioning action and an attaching action
are both achieved. Further, this essential component (orifice 37,
or alternatively a recess or protrusion) may be shape, be either
horizontally or vertically elongated shapes are preferred as these
will simultaneously locate the facade on center and level it.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a partial side cut view of the embodiment of a
present invention facade and eyewear of FIG. 1 showing the fitting
of the full coverage facade 1b on the central frame 3. It shows a
section of eyeglass 12 and eyeglass supporting member 7. Eyeglass
support member cover 21 of facade 1b includes frontal and
peripheral tracks (protrusions, such as track 48 positioned in
trace guide 41 and track 49 positioned in track 47.). As now can be
seen, the tracks and track guides maintain a fixed position for the
facade 1b on central frame 3 and hold them in place during use,
including sudden movement of the head by a user (wearer). A user
may select a facade from different shapes, colors, textures, etc.
and snap them on and off and interchange them as desired.
[0050] FIG. 3 as an oblique view of another embodiment of a present
invention eyewear 30a and a frontal coverage facade 30b. The
central frame 53 has eyeglass supporting members, such as eyeglass
supporting member 99, containing eyeglass 10 and eyeglass 12, as
shown, and has track guides similar to those of central frame 3 in
FIG. 1. Central frame 53 also has a bridge member 59, which
includes a central locator protrusion 61. In this case, the central
locator on frame 53 is a protrusion that corresponds to an orifice
85 on facade 30b, but, they could be reversed, i.e. switched
positions and still function within the scope of the present
invention. Central frame 53 further includes opposing corners that
includes hinges, such as hinge 55, as well as facade attachment
locks such as facade lock 89 (protrusion). The hinges connect with
temples 67 and 69. Facade 30b may be removed and replaced with
functionally similar facades of different designs, shapes, colors
or other unique features.
[0051] Facade 30b has a bridge section 83 with alignment orifice 35
and has frontal eyeglass support member covers 71 and 73. (Note
that in this embodiment, there are no peripheral cover portions as
in FIGS. 1 and 2.). Partial or design peripheral portions could be
included as well, e.g., peripheral colorful wave or sinusoidal
designs. Opposing end pieces, such as corner 86, include lock
orifices 79 and 81. These are attached to central frame locks such
as lock 89 described above. Additionally, central frame 53 has
front and peripheral track guides (recessed here, but could be
protruding tracks) such as track guides 91 and 99. Corresponding
frontal tracks are preferably includes inside facade 30b to fit
into and attach to the central frame guides. These are shown in
detailed in FIG. 4.
[0052] FIG. 4 is a partial side cut view of the embodiment of a
present invention of FIG. 3 showing the fitting of the frontal
coverage facade 30b on the central frame 53. It shows a section of
eyeglass 62 and the corresponding eyeglass supporting member of
frame 53. Frontal eyeglass support member cover 71 of facade 30b
includes frontal tracks and attaches to frame 53. As now can be
seen, the tracks and track guides maintain a fixed, secured
position for the facade 30b on central frame 53. A user may select
a facade from different shapes, colors, textures, etc. and snap
them on and off and interchange them as desired.
[0053] FIG. 5 is an oblique view of another embodiment of a present
invention modular facade and eyewear. It includes eyewear 1a and a
peripheral coverage facade 30b. (Because the eyewear 1a is the same
component as eyewear 1a in FIG. 1, it should be noted that here, as
well as elsewhere in this document, identical numbers in the
drawings, need not be repeated and called out for each
occurrence.)
[0054] Facade 30c has a bridge section 133 with alignment orifice
135 and has peripheral eyeglass support member peripheral covers
125 and 127, including tops, such as top 137. Partial or design
frontal portions could be includes as well, e.g., frontal (hanging)
triangles or leaf sections. Opposing end pieces, such as corner
139, includes lock orifices, such as lock orifice 131. These are
attached to central frame locks such as lock 39 described above.
Additionally, central frame 53 has front and peripheral track
guides (recessed here, but could be protruding tracks) such as
track guides 91 and 99. Corresponding peripheral tracks(not shown)
may be includes inside facade 30c to fit into and attach to the
central frame guides. These are shown in the blown up detailed in
FIG. 6.
[0055] FIG. 6 is a partial side cut view of the embodiment of the
present invention of FIG. 5 showing the fitting of the peripheral
coverage facade 30c on the central frame 3. It shows a section of
eyeglass 12 and eyeglass supporting member 7. Eyeglass support
member peripheral cover 125 of facade 30c includes peripheral
tracks (protrusions, such as track 138 positioned in track guide
47). As now can be seen, the tracks and track guides maintain a
fixed position for the facade 30c on central frame 3. A user may
select a facade from different shapes, colors, textures, etc. and
snap them on and off and interchange them as desired.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing some detailed features of
the present invention interchangeable facades 200. Blocks 201, 203
and 205 indicated that the facades may be frontal (covering only as
least a portion and typically most or all of the front of the
frame, peripheral (only the periphery of the frame, i.e., the part
that is not the front or the back of the frame), or a combination
of both frontal and peripheral, respectively. Block 205
specifically shows the possibilities of coverage for various
combination facades. Block 207 establishes that any of these may be
full top and bottom coverage, or upper (only top) or lower (only
bottom) pieces.
[0057] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing some other detailed
features of the present invention faces 210. Block 212 indicated
various materials of construction, and block 214 indicates the
types of attachment mechanisms that may be used to attach the
facades to the frames. Block 216 describes some possible surfaces.
In addition to those listed, plain (undecorated) surfaces are often
used; topographies mean three dimensional design features, such as
lightning strikes, animals, hearts or any other adornment that is
raised or protruded or both. Patterns simply mean repeated two or
three dimensional designs, e.g., plaid, blocks, stripes, diamonds,
etc. One radical facade of the present invention might be chrome
metal with exaggerated diamonds, like on the footings and cabinets
of fire trucks; another might be a colorful Scottish pattern, or
alligator skin. As indicated in block 218, these facades may have
characters on them, such as Smokey the Bear, Hulk Hogan, Spider
Main, Daffy Ducks, etc., or may have logos, such as the famous
Mercedes Benz logo, or famous designer initials.
[0058] FIG. 9 in an oblique view of another embodiment of the
present invention modular facade and eyewear, but also illustrating
interchangeable temples These are full coverage half height
facades, utilizing the frame of FIG. 1, namely eyewear 1a, but
showing separate upper and lower facades 70b and 70c, respectively,
with full coverage, i. e., frontal plus peripheral coverage. In
this Figure, extension 28 has a half shell hinge receiver to its
foward area and a recessed area with a living spring button,
similar to button 43 on extension 26. It should be understood that
in this embodiment, the temples 17 and 19 are connected to the
extensions, which are themselves connected to the hinges. Also,
button 43 is a living spring/button mechanism attached to the
extension 26 and, when connected, will be protruding from orifice
45 of temple 19. There is symmetrically opposite hidden button on
the inside of temple 17 as well. By pressing these buttons (such as
button 43) and sliding the temples (such as temple 19) away from
central frame 3, the temples 17 and 19 may be removed and replaced
with functionally similar temples of different designs, shapes,
colors or other unique features. These temples are featured in a
related application cited above.
[0059] Upper facade 70b has a bridge 161, left and right top cover
sections 151 and 153, and ends, such as end 157, with lock
orifices, such as lock orifice 159. Bridge 161 has a central
alignment orifice 163. This may be attached in the same manner as
facade 1b discussed above.
[0060] Lower facade 70c has a bridge 177, left and right bottom
cover sections 171 and 173, and ends with lock tracks, such as
track 175. Alternatively, eyewear bridge 9 could have two alignment
locator protrusions, one above the other and one for the upper and
one for the lower facades 70b and 70c, in which case lower facade
bridge 177 could have and alignment orifice.
[0061] FIG. 10 shows an oblique view of a present invention modular
facade, showing an upper frontal coverage facade 110. It has a
bridge 111, left and right top frontal cover sections 113 and 115,
and ends 117 and 119, with lock orifices, such a lock orifice 121.
Bridge 111 has a central alignment locator orifice 123. This may be
attached in the same manner as facade 1b discussed above to any
eyewear the same as or similar to eyewear 1a above.
[0062] FIG. 11 shows an oblique view of present invention modular
facade, showing a lower peripheral coverage facade 140. It has a
bridge 141, left and right bottom peripheral cover sections 143 and
145, and ends 147 and 149, with lock orifices 151 and 153. Bridge
141 has a central alignment locator orifice 155. This may be
attached in the same manner as facade 1b discussed above to any
eyewear the same as or similar to eyewear 1a above.
[0063] FIG. 12 shows a side cut view of one preferred embodiment of
a present invention modular eyewear 200 that is cut through the
bridge 209 and across a temple 205. The central frame 203 has two
eyepieces but one is cut out of the figures and one is shown,
namely, the right eyepiece, that is, eyeglass supporting member 201
and eyeglass 207. This central frame 203 cut bridge 203 is shown in
profile in FIG. 13 to more fully illustrate embodiment mechanism
details. They are the location/positioning (alignment) recess 227
and peripheral recesses 223 225. Referring back to FIG. 12 and in
conjunction with FIG. 13, they collectively show one preferred
arrangement for the facade attachment and central location and
alignment features. Thus, facade 210 includes the full coverage
(peripheral and frontal) and has a frontal cover portion 211 and a
peripheral cover portion 213. It also has a bridge covering 221
that has a top, a bottom and a front section with an open back, so
as to slip onto bridge 209, as shown. It has central locator
protrusion 215 that fits into bridge recess 227, and protrusions
217 and 219 that pop into bridge recesses 223 and 225. These, along
with other attachment points (not shown but such as are described
above) present an efficient, easy to attach, well attached
connection between the facade 210 and the frame 203.
[0064] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and
modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as
defined in the appended claims. For example, some of the attachment
channels or rails or other mechanisms may be partial, rather than
fully length or may be at multiple points rather than
continuous.
* * * * *