U.S. patent application number 15/670563 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-23 for extendable eyeglasses and method of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is VisOptical, LLC. Invention is credited to David R. Porter.
Application Number | 20170336651 15/670563 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50825140 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170336651 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Porter; David R. |
November 23, 2017 |
EXTENDABLE EYEGLASSES AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
An eyeglass apparatus comprises first and second eyeglass
portions, each having a connector portion and a lens portion. The
eyeglass apparatus is configured to transition between stowed and
extended configurations. When the eyeglass apparatus is in the
stowed configuration, the lens portions overlie one another. When
the eyeglass apparatus is in the extended configuration, the lens
portions are in a non-overlying configuration.
Inventors: |
Porter; David R.; (St.
Louis, MO) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VisOptical, LLC |
Fenton |
MO |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
50825140 |
Appl. No.: |
15/670563 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14774929 |
Sep 11, 2015 |
9726901 |
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PCT/US13/72630 |
Dec 2, 2013 |
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15670563 |
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13705887 |
Dec 5, 2012 |
8915586 |
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14774929 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02C 5/006 20130101;
G02C 5/20 20130101; G02C 5/22 20130101; G02C 3/04 20130101; G02C
5/143 20130101; G02C 2200/04 20130101; G02C 3/006 20130101; G02C
2200/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02C 5/00 20060101
G02C005/00; G02C 5/14 20060101 G02C005/14; G02C 5/22 20060101
G02C005/22; G02C 5/20 20060101 G02C005/20; G02C 3/04 20060101
G02C003/04 |
Claims
1.-45. (canceled)
46. An extendable eyeglass apparatus comprising: a first eyeglass
portion comprising a first connector portion; a second eyeglass
portion movably coupled to said first eyeglass portion to
selectively transition the eyeglass apparatus between a first,
extended configuration and a second, stowed configuration, said
second eyeglass portion comprising a second connector portion,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, said first eyeglass portion overlies said second
eyeglass portion along a first direction extending from a front of
said first eyeglass portion towards a rear of said first eyeglass
portion and said first connector portion is substantially aligned
with said second connector portion along the first direction.
47. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 46,
said first eyeglass portion further comprising a first temple
portion extending therefrom, said second eyeglass portion further
comprising a second temple portion extending therefrom, wherein,
when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed configuration,
said first temple portion and said second temple portion are
stacked along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the
first direction.
48. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 47,
wherein said first temple portion comprises: a first proximal
portion coupled to said first eyeglass portion; and a first distal
portion hingedly coupled to said first proximal portion.
49. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 48,
wherein said second temple portion comprises: a second proximal
portion coupled to said second eyeglass portion; and a second
distal portion hingedly coupled to said second proximal
portion.
50. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 49,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, said first proximal portion and said second proximal
portion are stacked along the second direction, and said first
distal portion and said second distal portion are stacked along the
second direction.
51. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 49,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, said first proximal portion does not extend above
said first connector portion along the second direction.
52. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 49,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, neither of said first proximal portion and said
second proximal portion extends above either of said first
connector portion and said second connector portion along the
second direction.
53. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 49,
said first eyeglass portion further comprising a lens portion, said
second eyeglass portion further comprising a second lens portion,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, neither of said first distal portion and said second
distal portion extends below either of said first lens portion and
said second lens portion along the second direction.
54. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 46,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, a medial edge of said first eyeglass portion is
substantially aligned along the first direction with a lateral edge
of said second eyeglass portion.
55. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 46,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, a medial edge of said second eyeglass portion is
substantially aligned along the first direction with a lateral edge
of said first eyeglass portion.
56. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 46,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, a medial edge of said first eyeglass portion is
closer to a lateral edge of said second eyeglass portion than to a
medial edge of said second eyeglass portion.
57. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 46,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, a medial edge of said second eyeglass portion is
closer to a lateral edge of said first eyeglass portion than to a
medial edge of said first eyeglass portion.
58. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 46,
wherein said first eyeglass portion further comprises a first lens
portion, the first direction extending substantially normal to said
first lens portion.
59. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 46,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, the front of said first eyeglass portion faces a
rear of said second eyeglass portion.
60. An extendable eyeglass apparatus comprising: a first eyeglass
portion comprising a first connector portion having a front and a
rear; a second eyeglass portion movably coupled to said first
eyeglass portion to selectively transition the eyeglass apparatus
between a first, extended configuration and a second, stowed
configuration, said second eyeglass portion comprising a second
connector portion having a front and a rear, wherein, when the
eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed configuration, said
first connector portion is aligned with and overlies said second
connector portion such that the front of said first connector
portion faces the rear of said second connector portion.
61. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 60,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, a medial edge of said first eyeglass portion is
closer to a lateral edge of said second eyeglass portion than to a
medial edge of said second eyeglass portion.
62. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 60,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, a medial edge of said second eyeglass portion is
closer to a lateral edge of said first eyeglass portion than to a
medial edge of said first eyeglass portion.
63. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 60,
wherein, when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed
configuration, said first connector portion is aligned with said
second connector portion along a first direction extending from the
front of said first connector portion to the rear of said first
connector portion.
64. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 60,
said first eyeglass portion further comprising a first temple
portion extending therefrom, said second eyeglass portion further
comprising a second temple portion extending therefrom, wherein,
when the eyeglass apparatus is in the second, stowed configuration,
said first temple portion and said second temple portion are
stacked along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the
first direction.
65. The extendable eyeglass apparatus in accordance with claim 64,
wherein said first temple portion comprises: a first proximal
portion coupled to said first eyeglass portion; and a first distal
portion hingedly coupled to said first proximal portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a National Stage Entry of
PCT/US2013/072630 filed Dec. 2, 2013, which is a Continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/705,887 filed Dec. 5, 2012, the
contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in
their entireties.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention pertains generally to eyeglasses, and more
particularly to extendable eyeglasses.
General Background
[0005] People who use eyeglasses for only certain activities (e.g.,
reading) often keep their eyeglasses in their pockets, carrying
bags or purses. Conventional eyeglasses are relatively bulky and
may become damaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect of the invention, an eyeglass apparatus
comprises a first eyeglass portion and a second eyeglass portion.
The first eyeglass portion comprises a first lens portion, a first
connector portion operatively coupled to the first lens portion,
and a first link. The second eyeglass portion comprises a second
lens portion, a second connector portion operatively coupled to the
second lens portion, and a second link. The first connector portion
at least partially defines a first channel, and the second
connector portion at least partially defines a second channel. The
first link is pivotally connected to the first connector portion
and slidably connected to the second channel. Likewise, the second
link is pivotally connected to the second connector portion and
slidably connected to the first channel. The first and second links
operatively connect the first and second connector portions to each
other in a manner permitting the eyeglass apparatus to transition
between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration. The
first and second lens portions overlaying each other when the
eyeglass apparatus is in the stowed configuration. The first and
second lens portions are adjacent each other and non-overlying when
the eyeglass apparatus is in the extended configuration.
[0007] Another aspect of the invention pertains to first and second
lanyard clips for an eyeglass apparatus that has first and second
temple portions. Each of the lanyard clips is adapted and
configured to be connected to a pliable lanyard. Each of the
lanyard clips is also configured and adapted to releasably snap-fit
to at least one of the first and second temple portions.
[0008] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as
well as the operation of the invention, are described in detail
below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an eyeglass
apparatus of the present invention in a stowed configuration.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the eyeglass apparatus of
FIG. 1 in an extended configuration.
[0011] FIG. 3A is an upper rear perspective view of a first
eyeglass portion of the eyeglass apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0012] FIG. 3B is a lower rear perspective view of the first
eyeglass portion of FIG. 3A.
[0013] FIG. 3C is a lower front perspective view of the first
eyeglass portion of FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0014] FIG. 4A is an upper rear perspective view of a second
eyeglass portion of the eyeglass apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0015] FIG. 4B is a lower front perspective view of the second
eyeglass portion of FIG. 4A.
[0016] FIG. 4C is an upper front perspective view of the second
eyeglass portion of FIGS. 4A and 4B.
[0017] FIG. 4D is a top plan view of the second eyeglass portion of
FIGS. 4A-4C.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the eyeglass apparatus
of FIG. 1, with the eyeglass apparatus in the stowed
configuration.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the eyeglass apparatus
of FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line 6-6 of FIG. 5.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the eyeglass apparatus
of FIG. 1 taken along the plane of line 7-7 of FIG. 5, the eyeglass
apparatus being shown with a locking mechanism in a locked
position.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 7
but shown with the locking mechanism in an unlocked position.
[0022] FIG. 9A is an upper rear perspective view of a housing
sleeve insert of a housing of the eyeglass apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 9B is a lower front perspective view of the housing
sleeve insert of FIG. 9A.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a housing shell of
the housing of the eyeglass apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a stop pin of the eyeglass
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a left cap of the eyeglass
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a right cap of the eyeglass
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 14A is a lower front perspective view of a lock
mechanism of the eyeglass apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 14B is an upper rear perspective view of a lock
mechanism of FIG. 14A.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the eyeglass apparatus of
FIG. 1 in the stowed configuration and is similar to FIG. 1 except
the eyeglass apparatus is shown in FIG. 15 without the housing
shell, left cap and right cap.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
collapsible eyeglass apparatus shown in its extended
configuration.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the eyeglass apparatus
shown in FIG. 16 shown in transition from its extended to stowed
configurations.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the eyeglass apparatus
shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 shown further along in transition from its
extended to stowed configurations.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view like FIG. 18, but is shown
with portions of its connector portions cut-away to reveal the
channels of the connector portions.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the eyeglass apparatus
shown in FIGS. 16-19 shown in its stowed configuration.
[0036] FIG. 21 is a detail exploded perspective view of the lanyard
clip and the distal portion of one of the temple portions of the
eyeglass apparatus shown in FIGS. 16-20.
[0037] FIG. 22 is perspective view of a lanyard clip attached to a
lanyard string and is shown with its resilient sheath.
[0038] Reference numerals in the written specification and in the
drawing figures indicate corresponding items.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0039] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, an
exemplary eyeglass apparatus of the present invention is generally
indicated by reference numeral 20. The eyeglass apparatus 20
comprises a first eyeglass portion, generally indicated at 22, and
a second eyeglass portion, generally indicated at 24. The first
eyeglass portion 22 comprises a first lens portion 26 and a first
connector portion 28. The second eyeglass portion 24 comprises a
second lens portion 30 and a second connector portion 32. The first
lens portion 26 is operatively coupled to the first connector
portion 28 and is preferably fixed to the first connector portion
such that the first lens portion and the first connector portion
move as a single member. The second lens portion 30 is operatively
coupled to the second connector portion 32 and is preferably fixed
to the second connector portion such that the second lens portion
and the second connector portion move as a single member.
Preferably, the lens portions 26, 30 constitute corrective lens
portions configured to correct impaired vision. More preferably the
lens portions 26, 30 are configured to correct farsightedness or
presbyopia. The lens portions 26, 30 may be convex lens portions
(e.g., plano-convex, double-convex, or concavo-convex lenses). The
first lens portion 26 includes a medial edge portion 34 and a
lateral edge portion 36 generally opposite the medial edge portion
34. The second lens portion 30 includes a medial edge portion 38
and a lateral edge portion 40 generally opposite the medial edge
portion 38.
[0040] The first and second connector portions 28, 32 of the first
and second eyeglass portions 22, 24 are mechanically connected to
one another in a manner permitting the eyeglass apparatus 20 to
transition between a stowed configuration (shown in FIG. 1) and an
extended configuration (shown in FIG. 2). The connection of the
first and second connector portions 28, 32 is such that when the
eyeglass apparatus 20 is in the stowed configuration: the first and
second lens portions 26, 30 overlie one another; the medial edge
portion 34 of the first lens portion is closer to the lateral edge
portion 40 of the second lens portion than to the medial edge
portion 38 of the second lens portion; and the lateral edge portion
36 of the first lens portion is closer to the medial edge portion
38 of the second lens portion than to the lateral edge portion 40
of the second lens portion. The connection of the first and second
connector portions 28, 32 is such that when the eyeglass apparatus
20 is in the extended configuration, the first and second lens
portions 26, 30 are in a non-overlying configuration with the
medial edge portions 34, 38 of the first and second lens portions
being between the lateral edge portion 36 of the first lens portion
and the lateral edge portion 40 of the second lens portion.
[0041] In the preferred embodiment, the first and second connector
portions 28, 32 are mechanically connected to one another via guide
pins and guide channels. In particular and with reference to FIGS.
3A-3C, the first connector portion 28 includes first and second
upper guide pins 42, 44, and first and second lower guide pins 46,
48. The first and second upper guide pins 42, 44 project downward
from an upper portion of the first connector portion 28, and the
first and second lower guide pins 46, 48 extend upward from a lower
portion of the first connector portion. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4D,
the second connector portion 32 includes first and second upper
guide channels 52, 54 in a top surface of the second connector
portion, and first and second lower guide channels 56, 58 in a
bottom surface of the second connector portion. The guide pins and
guide channels are shaped and configured such that as the eyeglass
apparatus 20 transitions between the stowed configuration and the
extended configuration, the first and second upper guide pins 42,
44 ride in the first and second upper guide channels 52, 54,
respectively, and the first and second lower guide pins 46, 48 ride
in the first and second lower guide channels 56, 58, respectively.
In particular, the first upper guide pin 42 and the first lower
guide pin 46 are longer and of a smaller diameter than the second
upper guide pin 44 and the second lower guide pin 48, respectively.
Likewise, the first upper guide channel 52 and the first lower
guide channel 56 are deeper and narrower than the second upper
guide channel 54 and the second lower guide channel 58,
respectively. Each of the channels 52, 54, 56, 58 includes at least
a laterally extending portion 52a, 54a, 56a, 58a, respectively, and
an obliquely extending portion 52b, 54b, 56b, 58b, respectively.
The laterally extending portions 52a, 54a, 56a, 58a are generally
straight and generally parallel to one another. The obliquely
extending portions 52b, 54b, 56b, 58b, are generally straight and
generally parallel to one another. The corresponding obliquely
extending portion and laterally extending portion of each channel
form an oblique angle (e.g., 150.quadrature.).
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, when the eyeglass apparatus 20 is in
the stowed configuration the first and second lens portions 26, 30
overlie one another. In this embodiment, the first lens portion 26
overlaps the second lens portion 30 when the eyeglass apparatus 20
is in the stowed configuration. In other words, the first and
second lens portions 26, 30 are not laterally aligned when the
eyeglass apparatus 20 is in the stowed configuration. But it is to
be understood that an alternative eyeglass apparatus could be
configured such that the first and second lens portions laterally
align when the alternative eyeglass apparatus is in its stowed
configuration without departing from the scope of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 6, when the eyeglass apparatus 20 is in the
stowed configuration: the medial edge portion 34 of the first lens
portion 26 is closer to the lateral edge portion 40 of the second
lens portion 30 than to the medial edge portion 38 of the second
lens portion; and the lateral edge portion 36 of the first lens
portion 26 is closer to the medial edge portion 38 of the second
lens portion 30 than to the lateral edge portion 40 of the second
lens portion.
[0043] Because of the guide pins and guide channels, the first
eyeglass portion 22 and its corresponding first lens portion 26
serially moves at least in a first direction (e.g., in a lateral
direction) and then in a second direction (e.g., in an oblique or
slanted direction) relative to the second eyeglass portion 24 and
its corresponding second lens portion 28 as the eyeglass apparatus
transitions from the stowed configuration to the extended
configuration. Because the laterally extending portions 52a, 54a,
56a, 58a, are straight and because the obliquely extending portion
52b, 54b, 56b, 58b are straight, the first eyeglass portion 22
moves at least along a first axis, e.g., a lateral axis X1 (FIG.
1), and then along a second axis (e.g., an oblique axis X2) as the
eyeglass apparatus 20 transitions from the stowed configuration to
the extended configuration. Although a precise mechanism and a
precise motion is described in connection with the preferred
embodiment, it is to be understood that some alternative mechanism
that results in a similar or different motion could be employed
without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in
the below claims. As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the first lens portion 26
is forward of the second lens portion 30 when the eyeglass
apparatus 20 is in the stowed configuration. As the first lens
portion 26 moves toward the extended position along the oblique
axis X2--i.e., as the guide pins 42, 44, 46, 48 of the first
connector portion 28 ride along the obliquely extending portions
52b, 54b, 56b, 58b of the guide channels 52, 54, 56, 58--the first
lens portion 26 moves rearward relative to the second lens portion
30 until the first lens portion is generally aligned with the
second lens portion. As shown in FIG. 2, when the eyeglass
apparatus 20 is in the extended configuration the first and second
lens portions are in a non-overlying configuration with the medial
edge portions 34, 38 of the first and second lens portions 26, 30
being between the lateral edge portion 36 of the first lens portion
26 and the lateral edge portion 40 of the second lens portion 30.
The eyeglass apparatus 20 is configured such that when the eyeglass
apparatus is in the extended configuration the medial portions 34,
38 of the first and second lens portions 26, 30 are spaced to
define a nose-receiving region 60 between the medial portions (see
FIG. 2).
[0044] The eyeglass apparatus 20 also includes a housing, generally
indicated at 62, shaped and configured to encase the first and
second lens portions 26, 30 when the eyeglass apparatus is in the
stowed configuration. The housing 62 includes a housing sleeve
insert 64 and a housing shell 66 surrounding the housing sleeve
insert. The housing sleeve insert 64 includes upper and lower guide
tabs 70, 72. The second connector portion 32 of the second eyeglass
portion 24 includes upper and lower guide slots 74, 76 adapted for
receiving the first and second guide tabs 70, 72, respectively. The
second connector portion 32 rides along the guide tabs 70, 72 of
the housing sleeve insert 64 as the second eyeglass portion 24
moves relative to the housing 62 between the stowed configuration
(FIGS. 1, 5-8) and the extended configuration (FIG. 2). The second
connector portion 32 further includes a limit slot 78 in a rearward
facing surface of the second connector portion. The eyeglass
apparatus 20 further includes a stop pin 80 extending from the
housing shell 66 into the limit slot 78. When the eyeglass
apparatus 20 is in the extended configuration, the stop pin 80
engages the second connector portion 32 at an end of the limit slot
78 (e.g., the left-most end of the slot as viewed in FIG. 4A) to
prevent the second connector portion from disconnecting from the
housing sleeve insert 64.
[0045] The eyeglass apparatus 20 further includes a left cap 82 and
a right cap 84. The left cap 82 is fixed to an end (left end as
viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6) of the housing shell 66 of the housing 62.
The right cap 84 is fixed to an end of the first connector portion
28 of the first eyeglass portion 22. The right cap 84 covers an end
(right end as viewed in FIGS. 5 and 6) of the housing shell 66 when
the eyeglass apparatus 20 is in the stowed configuration. The
eyeglass apparatus 20 also includes a spring 86 or other suitable
biasing member for urging the eyeglass apparatus 20 toward the
extended configuration. The spring 86 may be a helical spring such
as a spring-tempered steel compression spring of the type
commercially available from McMaster-Carr, part number 9662K12 (cut
to a suitable length). The left cap 82 includes a stem 88 for
holding a left end of the spring 86. The right cap 84 includes a
bore 90 in the right cap 84 for holding a right end of the spring
86.
[0046] The eyeglass apparatus 20 further includes a lock mechanism
92. The lock mechanism 92 is a generally C-shaped member having a
lower portion sized to fit within a slot in the housing sleeve
insert 64. As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the lower portion of the lock
mechanism 92 is generally flush with the housing sleeve insert 64
and sufficiently snug within the housing shell 66 such that the
lower portion of the lock mechanism 92 is generally fixed relative
to the housing sleeve insert and the housing shell. An upper
portion of the lock mechanism 92 is resiliently movable between a
locked position (FIG. 7) and an unlocked position (FIG. 8). The
upper portion of the lock mechanism 92 includes a locking tab 94
sized and shaped to selectively interlock in a locking groove 96 in
a forward facing surface of the first connector portion 28. The
lock mechanism 92 is shaped such that it is biased toward the
locked position. When the eyeglass apparatus 20 is in the stowed
configuration and the lock mechanism 92 is in the locked position,
the locking tab 94 extends into the locking groove 96 and
counteracts the biasing force of the spring 86 to lock the eyeglass
apparatus in the stowed configuration.
[0047] To use the eyeglass apparatus 22, an individual presses
against a rearward facing surface of the upper portion of the lock
mechanism 92 to resiliently move the upper portion to the unlocked
position to thereby disengage the locking tab 94 from the locking
groove 96. Upon the disengagement of the locking tab 94 from the
locking groove 96, the spring 86 urges the first eyeglass portion
22 laterally away from the housing 62 until the end of the limit
slot 78 of the second connector portion 32 abuts the stop pin 80,
thereby transitioning the eyeglass apparatus 20 to the extended
configuration. When in the extended position, the eyeglass
apparatus 20 may be positioned near the eyes of the individual to
enable the individual to simultaneously look through the first lens
portion 26 with one of the individual's eyes and look through the
second lens portion 30 with the other of the individual's eyes. To
transition the eyeglass apparatus 22 from the extended
configuration to the stowed configuration, the right cap 84 may be
pushed laterally until the right cap is adjacent the end of the
housing. As the locking groove 96 of the lock mechanism 92 aligns
with the locking tab 94, the biasing of the lock mechanism urges
the locking tab into the groove and to the locked position to
retain the eyeglass apparatus 20 in the stowed configuration.
[0048] Another embodiment of a collapsible eyeglass apparatus 100
is shown in FIGS. 16-21. Like the previously described eyeglass
apparatus, this eyeglass apparatus 100 comprises a first eyeglass
portion 102, which comprises a first lens portion 104 and a first
connector portion 106. The eyeglass apparatus 100 further comprises
a second eyeglass portion 108, which comprises a second lens
portion 110 and a second connector portion 112. And like the
previously described eyeglass apparatus, the first and second
connector portions 106, 112 are connected to each other in a manner
allowing the eyeglass apparatus 100 to transition between a stowed
configuration, wherein the first and second lens portions 104, 110
overlay each other, and an extended configuration, wherein the
first and second lens portions do not overlay each other.
[0049] The eyeglass apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 16-21 does
comprise unique features that are not present in the previously
described embodiment. The first eyeglass portion 102 comprises a
first link 114 and the first connector portion 106 partially
defines a first channel 116. Likewise, the second eyeglass portion
108 comprises a second link 118 and the second connector portion
106 defines a second channel 120. The first channel 116 is also
partially defined by the first lens portion 104 and extends into
the front 122 of the eyeglass apparatus 100. Conversely, the second
channel 116 extends into the rear 124 of the eyeglass apparatus
100. The first link 114 is pivotally attached to the first
connector portion 106 adjacent the medial edge of the first
connector portion. Likewise, the second link 118 is pivotally
attached to the second connector portion 112 adjacent the medial
edge of the second connector portion. Each of the links 114, 118
comprises a slender beam 126 that extends from its pivot. A bulbous
head 128 is formed at the end of the beam opposite the pivot. The
bulbous head 128 of the first link 114 is slidably trapped in the
second channel 120 of the second eyeglass portion 108, with the
beam 126 of the first link extending out of the channel.
Conversely, the bulbous head 128 of the second link 118 is slidably
trapped in the first channel 116 of the first eyeglass portion 102.
As seen best in the cutaway view shown in FIG. 19, this allows the
first and second eyeglass portions 102, 108 to translate relative
to each other to thereby adjust the eyeglass apparatus 100 between
its stowed and extended configurations.
[0050] When adjusting the eyeglass apparatus 100 into its extended
configuration, the bulbous heads 128 of the links 114, 118
eventually reach the end of the channels 116, 120, as shown in FIG.
17. At this point, the first eyeglass portion 102 is able to swing
forward relative to the second eyeglass portion 108, to align said
eyeglass portions side-by-side and slightly spaced apart. The
medial end of first connector portion 106 comprises a female socket
fitting 130 that comprises magnetic material. The medial end of the
second connector portion 112 comprises a magnet that forms a
corresponding male fitting 132. With the eyeglass portions 102, 108
aligned side-by-side, the male fitting 132 can be inserted into the
female fitting 130, thereby closing the gap between the eyeglass
portions 102, 108. The magnetic attraction between the fittings
130, 132 then releasably secures the eyeglass apparatus 100 in its
extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 16.
[0051] When the eyeglass apparatus 100 is in its extended
configuration, the front 122 of the eyeglass apparatus has a
contiguous surface contour such that the first and second connector
portions 106, 112 appear to be a single monolithic part. This
conceals the fact that the eyeglass apparatus 100 is collapsible
and adds to its aesthetic appeal. Notably, the first channel 116 is
formed by both the first connector portion 106 and the first lens
portion 104 (the top edge of the first lens portion prevents the
bulbous head 128 of the second link 118 from exiting the first
channel). This camouflages the first channel 116 such that it does
not distract from the aesthetic appeal of the eyeglass apparatus
100. Moreover, a similar and symmetric false channel 134 is formed
into the second eyeglass portion 108 between the second connector
portion 112 and the second lens portion 110. As such, the front of
the eyeglass apparatus 100 is symmetric and the first and false
channels 116, 134 appear to be only stylistic and esthetic
elements.
[0052] The eyeglass apparatus 100 further comprises first and
second temple portions 136, 138 that are adapted and configured to
partially support the eyeglass apparatus from a wearer's ears. The
first temple portion 136 is pivotally connected to the lateral end
of the first eyeglass portion 102, and the second temple portion
138 is pivotally connected to the lateral end of the second
eyeglass portion 108. Like traditional eyeglass temple portions,
the pivot axes of the first and second temple portions 136, 138 are
slightly skewed relative to each other such that they can be folded
against the eyeglass portions 102, 108 without interfering with
each other. Unlike traditional temple portions, each of the temple
portions 136, 138 of the eyeglass apparatus 100 preferably
comprises another hinge that connects a distal portion 140 of the
temple portion to its proximal portion 142 (the proximal portion
being the portion that is pivotally attached to the respective
eyeglass portion 102, 108). This allows the temple portions 136,
138 to be stowed more compactly when the eyeglass apparatus 100 is
in its stowed configuration (as is shown in FIG. 20). As shown, the
skew of the pivot axes of the first and second temple portions 136,
138 is preferably configured such that the temple portions 136, 138
lay one above the other when the eyeglass apparatus 100 is in its
stowed configuration. This is in contrast to typical eyeglass
apparatus, which typically have temple portions that cross over
each other when folded.
[0053] Another aspect of the eyeglass apparatus 100, which could
also be incorporated into more traditional eyeglass apparatus that
don't have collapsible eyeglass portions, pertains to unique
lanyard clips 144 and corresponding geometry on the distal most
ends of the temple portions 136, 138. As shown in FIG. 22, the
lanyard clip 144 is formed of plastic and comprises a pair of
resilient locking tangs 146 that extend from a main body portion
148. The distal most ends of the temple portions 136, 138, comprise
recesses 150. The lanyard clip 144 is configured such that it can
be releasably snap-fit onto either of the temple portions 136, 138
of the eyeglass apparatus 100 by gently, longitudinally forcing the
lanyard clip against the distal most ends of the temple portions.
During this process the locking tangs 146 of the lanyard clip 144
resiliently spread apart as they engage the ends of the temple
portion 136 until they reach the recesses 150 formed in the temple
portion, where thereafter they resiliently snap back toward each
other, thereby interlocking the lanyard clip to the temple portion.
As shown in FIG. 22, the lanyard clip 144 preferably comprises a
rear opening 152 through which a lanyard string or cord 154
extends. The lanyard clip 144 also comprises a resilient sleeve 156
(shown semi-transparent) that encircles the locking tangs 146. The
resilient sleeve 156 is configured and adapted to resiliently
stretch when the locking tangs 146 spread apart. The resilient
sleeve 156 also prevents the lanyard clip 144 from slipping
transversely off of the temple portion 136 when the lanyard clip is
attached thereto. Furthermore, the resilient sleeve 156 is
aesthetically pleasing and simplifies the fabrication of the
lanyard clips 144. Optional rubber or polymeric caps (not shown)
are also preferably provided with the eyeglass apparatus 100 that
are configured and adapted to attach to the distal ends temple
portions 136, 138 to cover the recesses 150 of the temple portions
when a wearer does not have a lanyard attached to the eyeglass
apparatus.
[0054] In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the
invention achieves several advantages over prior art eyeglass
mechanisms.
[0055] As various modifications could be made in the constructions
and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from
the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.
Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be
limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but
should be defined only in accordance with the following claims
appended hereto and their equivalents.
[0056] It should also be understood that when introducing elements
of the present invention in the claims or in the above description
of exemplary embodiments of the invention, the terms "comprising,"
"including," and "having" are intended to be open-ended and mean
that there may be additional elements other than the listed
elements. Additionally, the term "portion" should be construed as
meaning some or all of the item or element that it qualifies.
Moreover, use of identifiers such as first, second, and third
should not be construed in a manner imposing any relative position
or time sequence between limitations. Still further, the order in
which the steps of any method claim that follows are presented
should not be construed in a manner limiting the order in which
such steps must be performed.
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