U.S. patent application number 17/543506 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-26 for eyewear with ventilation openings.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wiley X, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dan W. Freeman.
Application Number | 20220160548 17/543506 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220160548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Freeman; Dan W. |
May 26, 2022 |
Eyewear with Ventilation Openings
Abstract
Eyewear is provided that has one or more lenses and a shield,
the shield comprising a material that resists the passage of solids
and liquids there through, and the shield is formed with one or
more adjustable sections that allow one or more vents to be formed
in said shield.
Inventors: |
Freeman; Dan W.;
(Pleasanton, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wiley X, Inc. |
Livermore |
CA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/543506 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16588672 |
Sep 30, 2019 |
11191671 |
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17543506 |
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16137364 |
Sep 20, 2018 |
10426664 |
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16588672 |
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62562035 |
Sep 22, 2017 |
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International
Class: |
A61F 9/02 20060101
A61F009/02; G02C 11/08 20060101 G02C011/08; G02C 11/00 20060101
G02C011/00 |
Claims
1. Eyewear comprising: a. one or more lenses; b. a shield, said
shield comprising a material that resists the passage of solids and
liquids therethrough; c. said shield having forward and rearward
portions, said forward portion engaging said eyewear and said
rearward portion of said shield being formed for engaging a portion
of a wearer's face, said shield being positioned so that the wearer
can see through the lens; and d. said shield is formed with one or
more adjustable sections that allow one or more vents to be formed
in said shield or between said shield and said eyewear or between
said shield and the users face such that air can more easily enter
between said lens and face of said wearer.
2. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein: the one or more adjustable
sections of the shield are provided at an upper portion of the
eyewear above the one or more lenses.
3. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein: the one or more adjustable
sections of the shield are formed with a movable portion and a
fixed portion and the vent is formed by moving the movable portion
away from the fixed portion.
4. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein said one or more adjustable
sections allow the vent to be formed in said shield.
5. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein: the one or more adjustable
sections of the shield are provided with one or more clasps for
actuating the adjustable portion of the shield.
6. The eyewear of claim 5, wherein: a. the one or more adjustable
sections of the shield are formed with a movable portion and a
fixed portion and the vent is formed by moving the movable portion
away from the fixed portion; and b. the clasp can hold the movable
portion away from the fixed portion.
7. The eyewear of claim 6, wherein: the shield is formed with one
or more exit vents.
8. The eyewear of claim 7, wherein: the exit vents are formed in
lower lateral sections of the shield.
9. The eyewear of claim 8, wherein: an attachment portion of the
shield releasably engages an attachment portion of the eyewear to
connect the shield to the eyewear.
10. The eyewear of claim 9, wherein: the attachment portion of the
shield is located on the forward surface of the shield and the
attachment portion of the eyewear is located on the rearward
surface of the eyewear.
11. The invention of claim 10, wherein: said one or more lenses
comprises two lenses, said one or more lens openings in said shield
comprises two lens openings, and each of said two lens openings in
said shield is positioned about one of said two lenses.
12. The eyewear of claim 11, wherein: the one or more adjustable
sections of the shield are provided at an upper portion of the
eyewear above the one or more lenses.
13. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein: the shield is formed with one
or more exit vents.
14. The eyewear of claim 13, wherein: the exit vents are formed in
lower lateral sections of the shield.
15. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein: an attachment portion of the
shield releasably engages an attachment portion of the eyewear to
connect the shield to the eyewear.
16. The eyewear of claim 9, wherein: the attachment portion of the
shield is located on the forward surface of the shield and the
attachment portion of the eyewear is located on the rearward
surface of the eyewear.
17. The invention of claim 1, wherein: said one or more lenses
comprises two lenses, said one or more lens openings in said shield
comprises two lens openings, and each of said two lens openings in
said shield is positioned about one of said two lenses.
18. The invention of claim 5, wherein: a. said eyewear is formed
with a frame; b. said clasp is partially received in said
frame.
19. The invention of claim 18, wherein: said clasp is partially
received in a cavity in said shield.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to eyewear, and, in
particular, to eyewear having a shield at the periphery of the
eyewear to help resist the entry of liquids, solids and air into
the eyes of the wearer. The shield of the present invention has
adjustable components to increase or decrease the amount of
ventilation provided to the rearward surfaces of the lenses.
[0002] Eyewear to protect a user's eyes from such hazards as glare,
radiation, particular matter and moisture and excessive wind can
take many forms. Eyewear is used in athletic activities, such as
motorcycling, biking, skiing, and running to protect enthusiast's
eyes from sprayed liquids and particulate matter entering their
eyes as well as to protect their eyes from excessive wind. Eyewear,
often known as safety glasses, is also used as protection in
hazardous work environments.
[0003] Eyeglasses typically include one or more lenses and use
temples and a nose piece to support the eyeglasses on the wearer's
face. Traditional glasses generally had two lenses, one for each
eye. Modern eyeglasses may only have one lens, sometimes called a
shield lens. Goggles typically use a nose piece and a band that can
be tightened to hold the goggles on the wearer's face. Goggles like
eyeglasses can be made with two separate lenses or one lens.
Goggles are typically used with a shield around the periphery of
the lens to protect the user's eyes. It is well known to add
shields around the periphery of eye glasses to increase the
protection of the user's eyes. The shield preferably provides a
snug fit or seal with both the face of the wearer and with the
eyewear. However, the shield can also provide only partial
protection to the wearer. The shield could be attached to just the
top of the eyewear or to just the sides of the eyewear. The
material of the shield can be resilient and can mold itself to the
contours of the face to create the seal to help prevent entry of
foreign matter into the protected area. The shield helps to protect
the eyes from splashed liquids or flying solids as well as wind.
While shields increase the protective capabilities of the eyewear,
they also increase the possibility that moisture will be trapped
between the wearer's face and the lens or lenses of the eyewear
that will condense on the one or more lenses and obscure the user's
vision.
[0004] One solution to this problem is to make the shield air
permeable. Permitting air to pass through the shield helps inhibit
fogging of the eyewear, but it may not be viable to make the shield
material sufficiently air permeable to prevent fogging of the lens
or lenses when used by the wearer in a particular situation.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide eyewear
having an adjustable shield which the user can selectively operate
to increase or decrease air flow into the cavity or area between
the eyewear and the user's face.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides eyewear having an adjustable
shield. The adjustable shield can have an adjustable section that
separates or moves away from the remainder or a portion of the
shield creating a vent in the shield that allows air to more easily
enter behind the lens or lenses of the eyewear.
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide eyewear
with a shield that can be releasably attached to the eyewear, yet
when it is attached to the eyewear it can also be deformed or split
or partially separated from the eyewear to create an opening
through which more air can more easily enter behind the lens or
lenses of the eyewear.
[0008] The shield can be made of air permeable material.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a clasp
mechanism that allows the user to easily open and close the
adjustable section of the shield.
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide eyewear
with one or more lenses and a shield where the shield is made of a
material that resists the passage of solids and liquids there
through. The shield can have forward and rearward surfaces with the
forward surface being engaged with the rearward side of the eyewear
and the rearward surface of the shield being formed for engaging a
wearer's face. The shield can surround the entire periphery of the
eyewear or only portions of the eyewear. The forward surface of the
shield can have only portions that engage the rearward surface of
the eyewear. The rearward surface of the shield can have only
portions that engage the face of the wearer. The shield can have at
least one lens opening formed therein, the at least one lens
opening being positioned about the at least one lens of the eyewear
so that the wearer can see through the lens. The shield is
positioned with respect to the eyewear so that the wearer can see
through the lens or lenses. The shield need not be a continuous
member around the lens. The shield is formed with one or more
adjustable sections that allow one or more vents to be formed in
the shield or between the shield and the eyewear or between the
shield and the users face such that air can more easily enter
between the lens and face of the wearer.
[0011] In one form of the invention, the one or more adjustable
sections of the shield are provided at an upper portion of the
frame above the one or more lenses.
[0012] In one form of the invention, the one or more adjustable
sections of the shield are formed with a movable portion and a
fixed portion and the vent is formed by moving the movable portion
away from the fixed portion.
[0013] In one form of the invention, the clasp can hold the movable
portion away from the fixed portion.
[0014] In one form of the invention, the shield is formed with one
or more exit vents. The exit vents can be formed in lower lateral
sections of the shield.
[0015] In one form of the invention, an attachment portion of the
shield releasably engages an attachment portion of the eyewear to
connect the shield to the eyewear. The attachment portion of the
shield can be located on the forward surface of the shield and the
attachment portion of the eyewear can be located on the rearward
surface of the eyewear.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the shield of the
present invention and the clasp used with the shield with the clasp
removed from the shield.
[0017] FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the shield of the
present invention and the clasp used with the shield in place.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the shield of the
present invention and a portion of the frame of the eyewear with
the shield removed from the eyewear.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the shield of the
present invention and a portion of the frame of the eyewear with
the shield removed from the eyewear.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a clasp used with the eyewear
of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5A is a side elevation view of the clasp of FIG. 4
showing the clasp in the semi-extended position when the adjustable
section of the shield would be closed.
[0022] FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of the clasp of FIG. 4
showing the clasp in the opening-intermediary, least-extended
position when the user is operating the clasp to go from a sealed
state to an open state of the shield.
[0023] FIG. 5C is a side elevation view of the clasp of FIG. 4
showing the clasp in the most extended position when the shield
would be open to let air into the cavity between the eyewear and
the user's face.
[0024] FIG. 5D is a side elevation view of the clasp of FIG. 4
showing the clasp in the closing-intermediary, least-extended
position when the user is operating the clasp to go from an open
state to a closed state of the shield.
[0025] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional, side view of the eyewear as it
would be positioned on a user's face, showing the clasp in the
closed position as shown in FIG. 5A and the adjustable section of
the shield is closed.
[0026] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional, side view of the eyewear as it
would be positioned on a user's face, showing the hand of the user
pushing down on the clasp with a finger while resisting that
downward force on the clasp with their thumb to move the clasp into
the opening-intermediary position shown in FIG. 5B.
[0027] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional, side view of the eyewear as it
would be positioned on a user's face, showing the hand of the user
with a finger on the seal and the thumb supporting the clasp from
below with the clasp shown in the fully extended position shown in
FIG. 5C and the adjustable section of the shield in the open
position. With the hand in this position and the clasp in the open
position the user could have either just completed releasing the
clasp so it could extend to the fully-extended portion or they are
about to compress the clasp and close the seal.
[0028] FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional, side view of the eyewear as it
would be positioned on a user's face, showing the hand of the user
pushing down on the clasp with a finger while resisting that
downward force on the clasp with their thumb to move the clasp into
the closing-intermediary position shown in FIG. 5D. To complete the
closing operation, the user releases the clasp so that there is no
downward force on the cam member and the spring in the clasp pushes
up on the cam member and the follower catches hold of the return,
holding the clasp in intermediary extended position where the
adjustable section of the shield would be closed as shown in FIG.
5A.
[0029] FIG. 7A is a front view of the eyewear, in particular
eyeglasses, showing the shield in a closed position.
[0030] FIG. 7B is a front view of eyewear, in particular
eyeglasses, showing the shield in an open position. A portion of
the clasp is visible in the space between the upper sealing portion
of the shield and the lower sealing portion of the shield.
[0031] FIG. 7C is a rear view of the eyewear, showing the shield in
a closed position.
[0032] FIG. 7D is a rear view of eyewear, in particular eyeglasses,
showing the shield in an open position. Portions of the clasp are
visible and the upper sealing portion of the shield is spaced from
the lower sealing portion of the shield. Arrows show the direction
of air flow through the vent created by the opening of the seal at
the top of the frame and show air leaving the cavity between the
face of the wearer and the eyewear at exit vents in the lower
portions of the shield.
[0033] FIG. 8 is cross-sectional top view of the frame and shield
of the eyewear, showing air leaving the space behind the lenses and
the eyewear through exit vents in the lower portions of the
shield.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a front view of the eyewear of the present
invention shown being worn by the user. The eyewear has two lenses
as is typical of traditional eyeglasses.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a front view of the eyewear of the present
invention shown being worn by the user. They eyewear has a single
lens as is typical of goggles.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a rear view of eyewear, in particular goggles,
showing the shield in an open position. Portions of the clasp are
visible and the upper sealing portion of the shield is spaced from
the lower sealing portion of the shield. Arrows show the direction
of air flow through the vent created by the opening of the seal at
the top of the frame and show air leaving the cavity between the
face of the wearer and the eyewear at exit vents in the lower
portions of the shield.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] The present invention may be embodied in various forms. The
eyewear 1 can be traditional eyeglasses as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B
or traditional goggles as shown in FIG. 10.
[0038] Certain directional terms used herein refer to orientation
with respect to the wearer. Thus, the terms outward, outwardly,
forward, and forwardly, as used herein, refer to a surface or
direction facing away from, or a direction extending away from, the
face of a wearer of eyewear 1. The terms inward, inwardly, rear,
and rearwardly refer to a surface facing toward, or a direction
extending toward, the face of the wearer.
[0039] The eyewear 1 of the present invention includes at least one
lens 2 disposed in front of the eyes of the wearer that the wearer
looks through. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the eyewear has two
transparent lenses 2. As is also shown FIGS. 2 and 3, the lenses 2
have a front surface 3 and a rear surface 4. The eyewear 1 has a
front surface and a rear surface, which can be the same surfaces as
those of the one or more lens 2, if the eyewear 1 consists of only
the one or more lenses 2 without frame members.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the eyewear 1 of the present
invention can also have a frame 20, to which the one or more lenses
2 are secured. The frame 20 preferably has a nose bridge 22
disposed in the center of the frame 20 and frame ends 23 that are
laterally disposed from the nose bridge 22 and are disposed at or
near the lateral extent of the one or more lenses 2 that the user
looks through. The frame has a rearward surface 24 and a forward
surface 25.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, frame 20 includes left and
right upper frame pieces 26, and left and right lower frame pieces
27. The frame pieces 26 and 27 can be joined at the center of the
frame 20 at the nose bridge 22 and the laterally extending frame
pieces 26 and 27 can be joined again at the opposed frame ends 23.
As shown in the FIGS. 7A and 7B, the frame members serve to enclose
and retain the left and right lenses 2; however the frame 20 does
not need to enclose the one or more lenses 2. Further the present
invention does not require the use of a frame 20 with the one or
more lenses 2. If the eyewear 1 does have a frame 20, all of the
above-identified frame members need not be present, including the
nose bridge 22 and the opposed frame ends 23. A nose support member
could also be directly attached to the lens or lenses 2 of the
eyewear 1.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the eyewear 1 of the present
invention can also include a pair of temple arms 28. As shown in
the figures, the temple arms 28 are connected to the laterally
opposed frame ends 23 of the frame 20. The temple arms 28 are shown
secured to the frame 20. The temple arms 28 can pivot with respect
to the one or more lenses 2 and the frame 20, but they may be fixed
with respect to the one or more lenses 2 and the frame 20. As
shown, the temple arms 28 can be formed of an extender 29 and an
earpiece 30. If no frame 20 is present, the temple arms 28 could be
connected directly to the one or more lenses 2. Other methods of
supporting the eyewear 1 on the face of the user in front of the
eyes of the wearer include using a strap joined to the eyewear 1
that wraps around the head of the user or attaching the eyewear 1
to a helmet or hat worn by the user.
[0043] The temple arms 28 and the frame 20 may be formed of any
suitable material, including, for example, plastic, or a partially
or fully coated core material, such as metal or plastic. In certain
embodiments, the temple arms 28 and the frame 20 may be formed of a
flexible, resilient material. In other embodiments, the temple arms
28 and frame 20 may be formed of a rigid material. Other suitable
materials for the temple arms 28 and frame 20 will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0044] According to the present invention, the eyewear 1 is
provided with a shield 40. The shield 40 has a contoured front
portion that abuts or is closely adjacent to the frame 20 or to the
one or more lenses 2, preferably to create a substantial seal with
the eyewear 1, and the shield 40 has a rearward portion that is in
contact with at least a portion of the face of the wearer. Portions
of the front portion of the shield 40 may also be removed from the
frame 20. As shown in the drawings, the shield 40 has a contoured
front surface 41 that abuts or is closely adjacent to the rearward
surface 24 of the frame 20 or to the rearward surface 4 of the one
or more lenses 2, preferably to create a substantial seal with the
eyewear 1. As shown in the drawings, the shield 40 has a rearward
surface 42 that is in contact with at least a portion of the face
of the wearer. Preferably a substantial majority of the rearward
surface 42 of the shield 40 is in contact with the face of the
wearer to create a substantial seal with the face of the wearer.
The shield 40 also has left and right shield ends 43. The shield 40
is preferably designed to resist the passage of liquids, solids and
air. The shield periphery can be continuous and the shield 40 can
have one or more lens openings 44 formed therein. Generally, the
shield 40 substantially conforms to the shape of the frame 20, or
if the frame 20 is only a partial frame 20 the shield 40 can
substantially conform to the shape of the one or more lenses 2 and
the outer peripheral shape of the eyewear 1. The shield 40 can be a
single member surrounding both eye sockets, or it can be two
separate members each surrounding an eye socket. The shield 40 can
be formed from a single material, such as an open or closed cell
foam, or it can be formed from differing materials such as a more
rigid material where the shield 40 interfaces with portions of the
frame 20 and a more resilient material where it interfaces with the
face of the wearer and where the shield 40 is designed to move from
an open position to a closed position.
[0045] The shield 40 preferably provides a snug fit or seal between
both the face of the wearer and the eyewear 1. Preferably the
portion of the shield 40 in contact with the face is resilient and
can mold itself to the contours of the face, creating the seal to
help preventing entry of foreign matter into the protected
area.
[0046] The shield 40 is preferably releasably attached to the frame
20. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, engagement or attachment portions 45
at the left and right shield ends 43 of the shield 40 mate with
engagement or attachment portions 55 on the left and right frame
ends 23 of the frame 20, holding the shield 40 in place. As shown
in the figures, the attachment portions 45 are contoured
projections that interlockingly fit in contoured notches in the
frame 20. The shield 40 can be unclipped from the frame 20 so that
the frame 20 can be worn without the shield 40. Other structures
for releasably connecting the shield 40 to the frame 20 include
pin-hole interfaces where pins located on either the frame 20 or
the shield 40 are inserted into holes on the other of the shield 40
or the frame 20. The shield 40 can also be permanently fixed to the
frame 20, such as with an adhesive.
[0047] The shield 40 is preferably adjustable so that one or more
portions of the shield 40 can be changed from a sealed position to
an open position. The adjustable shield 40 can have one or more
adjustable sections 46 where portions of the shield 40 separate
from each other or the shield separates from the eyewear 1 or the
face of the wearer creating a vent 60 that allows air to more
easily enter around or through the shield to behind the lens or
lenses 2 of the eyewear 1.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 1A, the shield 40 can be provided with one
or more clasps 70 to toggle the one or more adjustable sections 46
of the shield 40 from the open to the closed position. The clasp 70
can be located in a cavity 50 provided in the frame 20 with
portions of the clasp 70 protruding from the cavity 50. The clasp
is also partially received in a cavity 103 in the shield 40. The
clasp 70 works with the adjustable section 46 of the shield 40. As
shown in the figures, the clasp 70 is positioned with respect to
the frame 20 and extends through a fixed portion 47 of the
adjustable section 46 where it is connected to a movable portion 48
of the adjustable section 46.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the clasp 70 is made up of a number of
components. The clasp 70 is described with an orientation
corresponding to that shown in the drawings for clarity, but the
clasp could operate if it was disposed at the lateral sides of the
eyewear 1 or bottom of the eyewear 1. The clasp base 71 serves as
the seat of the clasp 70. The seat of the clasp generally remains
in a fixed position with respect to the frame 20 or eyewear 1 and
an adjustable portion of the clasp 70 extends or contracts from the
seat of the clasp 70, creating an opened or closed position of the
clasp 70. The clasp base 71 has a catch 72 which holds the cam
follower 73. The cam follower 73 has a hook portion 74 that is
received in the catch 72, an extending arm 75 that reaches
upwardly, and a flanged end 76 that is received by the cam track 77
in the cam member 78. The clasp base 71 also has a spring retainer
or post 79 that receives and positions the spring 80. As shown in
FIGS. 5A-5D, the post 79 can lie above the catch 72 that holds the
cam follower 73 and is preferably disposed in the center of the
clasp base 71. The clasp base 71 is formed with one or more
upwardly extending walls 81. As show, the walls 81 can be formed
with notches 82 having shoulders 83 that receive and interlock with
downwardly extending legs 84 of the clasp cover 85. The clasp cover
85 is formed with an opening or notch 86 that receives the cam
member 78. The spring 80 is provided to exert an upward force on
the cam member 78. The cam member 78 has an inner portion 87 that
is formed with the cam track 77. As shown in the drawings the cam
member 78 can be made with two downwardly extending legs 88 that
have shoulders 89 that can engage the clasp cover 85 and prevent
the cam member 78 from extending upwardly from the clasp base 71
beyond a selected distance.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the cam member 78 also has a top
extension 79 that is fitted with grooves 91 that can engage the
bottom 92 of a catch member 93 that will engage the movable portion
48 of the adjustable section 46 of the shield 40. The catch member
93 has an extending flange 94 that engages the movable portion 48
of the adjustable section 46. The top extension 90 of the cam
member could also be formed with a flange or other member to engage
and control the position of the movable portion 48 of the
adjustable section 46.
[0051] FIG. 5A shows a side elevation view of the clasp 70 in the
semi-extended position when the adjustable section 46 of the shield
40 would be closed. That is the movable portion 48 would be in
close proximity to or engaging the fixed portion 47 to create a
better seal. FIG. 5B shows the clasp 70 in the
opening-intermediary, least-extended position when the user is
operating the clasp 70 to go from a sealed state to an open state
of the shield 40. FIG. 5C shows the clasp 70 in the most extended
position when the adjustable section 46 of the shield 40 would be
open to let air into the cavity between the eyewear 1 and the
wearer's face. FIG. 5D shows the clasp 70 in the
closing-intermediary, least-extended position when the user is
operating the clasp 70 to go from an open state to a closed state
of the shield 40.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the spring 80 places a constant
upward load on the cam member 78. The shape of the cam member 78
determines the reciprocating motion of the cam follower 73. The cam
member 78 moves upwardly under the force provided by the spring 80
and the user can move the cam member 78 downwardly by imparting
force to the top of the cam member 78. In the clasp 70, the
elevation of the cam follower 73 is fixed while the cam member 78
moves in relation to the cam follower 73. The motion of the cam
follower 73 is constrained by the cam member 78, because the cam
follower 73 travels in a cam track 77 formed in the cam member 78.
The cam track 77 can be shaped in a manner so that the direction of
movement of the cam follower 73 around the cam track 77 is always
the same through each cycle and this causes the clasp 70 to
reliably toggle from an open to a closed position. As shown in
FIGS. 5A-5D, the cam follower 73 moves in a clock-wise manner
around the cam track 77.
[0053] FIGS. 5A-5D and FIGS. 6A-6D show the elements of the cam
track 77. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A there is no downward force on
the cam member 78 and the spring 80 in the clasp 70 is pushing up
on the cam member 78. The cam follower 73 has caught hold of the
chevron-shaped return 94, holding the clasp 70 in the intermediary
extended position where the adjustable section 46 of the shield 40
would be closed. In FIGS. 5B and 6B a downward force has been
exerted on the cam member 78 such that the cam member 78 has moved
downwardly with respect to the clasp base 71 and the cam follower
73. As the cam member 78 moves downwardly from the position shown
in FIG. 5A, the cam follower 73 engages the central sloped cam
surface 95 which directs the cam follower 73 to the right and
upwardly into the right lateral slot 96. At this point the legs 88
of the cam member 78 engage the inner bottom surface 97 of the
clasp base 70 preventing any further downward movement of the cam
member 78. The user then releases the clasp 70 and the spring 80
pushes the cam member 78 upwardly with respect to the cam follower
73. From the position in the right lateral slot 96, the cam
follower 73 will ride in the cam track 77 downwardly where the cam
follower 73 engages the right lateral sloped surface 98 and moves
to a central position. The cam member 78 moves upwardly under the
force of the spring 80 until the shoulders 89 on the downwardly
extending legs 88 of the cam member 78 engage the clasp cover 85,
stopping further upward movement of the cam member 78. This
position of the clasp 70 is shown in FIGS. 5C and 6C. The clasp 70
is now in its most fully extended position and the adjustable
section 46 of the shield 40 is open.
[0054] To close the adjustable section 46 the user pushes
downwardly on the cam member 78. The cam follower 73 will now
engage the leftward sloping lower surface 99 of the chevron-shaped
return 94 which directs the cam follower 73 to the left where it
then engages the left sloping surface 100 of the cam member 78
which directs the cam follower 73 to the right and into the central
slot 101 of the cam track 77. This position is shown in FIGS. 5C
and 6C. The cam follower 73 is now in a position to re-engage the
chevron-shaped return 94 when the user releases the clasp 70 and
the spring 80 pushes the cam member 78 upwardly such that the cam
follower engages the chevron-shaped return 94 as shown in FIGS. 5A
and 6A.
[0055] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a front view of eyewear 1,
incorporating the present invention. FIG. 7A shows the shield 40 in
a closed position with the movable portion 48 of the adjustable
section 46 engaging fully or substantially engaging the fixed
portion 47 along the entire length or a substantial length of the
movable portion 48. FIG. 7B shows the shield 40 in an open
position. The upper portion of the clasp 70 is visible in the space
between the movable portion 48 of the adjustable section 46 and the
fixed portion 47 of the adjustable section 46.
[0056] FIGS. 7C and 7D show a rear view of the eyewear. The temple
arms 28 are not shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D. In FIG. 7C, the shield 40
is shown in a closed position. FIG. 7D shows the shield 40 in an
open position. Portions of the clasp 70 are visible and the movable
portion 48 of the adjustable section 46 is spaced from the fixed
portion 47 of the adjustable section 46. Arrows show the direction
of air flow through the vent 60 created by the opening of the
shield 40 at the top of the frame 20 and show air leaving the
cavity between the face of the wearer and the eyewear 1 at exit
vents 102 in the lower lateral portions of the shield 40. FIG. 8
shows the air leaving through the lateral lower exit vents 102 in
the shield 40. The lateral engagement or attachment members 45 of
the shield 40 are shown received in the lateral engagement or
attachment members 55 of the frame 20.
[0057] FIG. 8 is cross-sectional top view of the frame 20 and
shield 40 of the eyewear 1, showing air leaving the space behind
the lenses 2 and the eyewear 1 through exit vents 102 in the lower
portions of the shield 40.
[0058] FIG. 9 is a front view of the eyewear 1 of the present
invention showing the eyewear 1 being worn by the user. The eyewear
1 has two lenses 2 as is typical of traditional eyeglasses.
[0059] FIG. 10 is a front view of the eyewear 1 of the present
invention showing the eyewear being worn by the user. The eyewear 1
has a single lens 2 as is typical of goggles.
[0060] FIG. 11 is a rear view of eyewear 1, in particular goggles,
showing the shield 40 in an open position. Portions of the clasp 70
are visible and the upper movable portion 48 of the shield 40 is
spaced from the lower fixed portion 47 of the shield 40. Arrows
show the direction of air flow through the vent 60 created by the
opening of the shield 40 at the top of the frame 1 and also show
air leaving the cavity between the face of the wearer and the
eyewear 1 at exit vents 102 in the lower portions of the shield
40.
* * * * *