Abstract:
The present invention relates to eyewear, and in particular, to a design for a primary lens assembly combinable with a secondary lens assembly. The primary lens assembly has a slotted extension design. The auxiliary lens assembly has extensions insertable into the slots of the primary extensions. The auxiliary lens assembly is horizontally insertable into the primary lens assembly. The primary and/or auxiliary lens assemblies may have magnets. Alternatively, the primary and/or auxiliary lens assemblies may have compressible bushings to permit an interference fit of the assemblies. The design permits easier attachment and prohibits undesired disengagement of auxiliary lens assembly from primary frame assembly.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/932,691, entitled “HORIZONTALLY COMBINABLE EYEWEAR ASSEMBLY,” filed on Sep. 4, 2004 on behalf of the inventor, Greg Smith. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to eyewear, and in particular, to a novel design for a horizontally combinable eyewear assembly. More specifically, the invention relates to a primary lens assembly capable of attachment to an auxiliary lens assembly with a simplified horizontal connection, while providing a unique and desirable appearance, this resists unintended disengagement.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     It has long been desirable to have a removable auxiliary lens assembly attached to eyeglasses. Professional baseball players have used “flip-up” auxiliary lenses for more than four decades to protect their eyes from the sun, but to allow them unrestricted vision in the event the ball was hit in their vicinity.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,252,747 to Robins discloses an eyewear system specifically designed for persons who are far sighted. The device includes an assembly in which an auxiliary frame assembly containing lenses may be rotated about the horizontal axis and remains attached to a primary assembly so as to locate the lenses the proper distance to the eyes every time the device is lowered into place. A significant disadvantage of this design is that it is unattractive, overly complicated, impossible to segregate from the primary frame, and does not permit or accommodate anyone other than far sighted individuals.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,089,708 to Ku discloses a connecting member having spaced connecting plates for attachment to the bridge portion of a primary lens assembly. The connecting plates have magnetic members that act cooperatively with a complimentary magnetic member inserted in a hole on the bridge. The front of the connecting part has an open communication to a polygonal shaped holding room. The auxiliary frame has connecting rods extending above the bridge portion, and supporting an intermediate portion having a polygonal shape, receivable and rotatable in the holding room. A significant disadvantage of this design is that it is unattractive, overly complicated, and resist easy and immediate removal of the auxiliary lens assembly.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,238,005 to Petitto discloses the combination of a primary lens assembly and auxiliary lens assembly. The auxiliary assembly has flexible side wall projections with openings that can be assembled onto lugs (pins) extending perpendicularly from the sides of the primary assembly, allowing the auxiliary assembly to be pivoted upwards, and back downwards. Leaf springs mounted on the auxiliary assembly engage surfaces of the primary assembly to urge the auxiliary assembly into position. A significant disadvantage of this design is that it is unattractive, overly complicated, and resist easy and immediate removal of the auxiliary lens assembly.  
         [0007]     As stated, these and other mechanically clipped on devices for holding auxiliary lenses are cumbersome and unattractive. More recently, numerous attempts have been made to magnetically attach an auxiliary lens assembly to a primary lens assembly.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,537 to Sadler discloses a primary lens assembly having a first magnetic member attached vertically to the front surface of the primary lens assembly, and a second magnetic member attached in a corresponding position on the back surface on an auxiliary lens assembly. The magnetic members are arranged for engagement to attach the auxiliary lens assembly to the primary lens assembly. A disadvantage of this design is that it is unattractive, and fails to prevent disengagement when vertically jarred, as may occur when stepping off a curb, jumping, or jogging.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,207 to Chao also discloses a magnetically adhered auxiliary lens assembly, with the additional feature of arms extending from the side portions of the auxiliary lens assembly, over magnet retaining projections and extensions of the primary lens assembly. The arms engage with, and are supported on, the primary lens assembly extensions to prevent disengagement of the auxiliary lens assembly upon downward movement of the auxiliary lens assembly relative to the primary lens assembly.  
         [0010]     A disadvantage of this design is that it requires at least some specific vertical path movement for lowering the auxiliary lens assembly into a precise positional alignment with a capture mechanism for securing the auxiliary lens assembly to the primary lens assembly. As a result, positioning and removal of the auxiliary lens assembly against the primary lens assembly is difficult, cumbersome, and inconvenient. Additionally, it relies of thin metal extension components from the auxiliary lens assembly.  
         [0011]     It can thus be seen that there is a need to develop a design for a primary lens assembly in which the primary frame assembly can be adapted to accept an improved and simplified attachment of a complementary configured auxiliary lens assembly.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     A primary advantage of the present invention is that it provides a primary lens assembly that is adapted to receive a complimentary auxiliary lens assembly, with a simplified attachment motion. Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a secure structure that improves the resistance of the auxiliary lens assembly from unintended detachment resulting from vertically imparted force. Another advantage of the present invention is that it is simple, unique, and aesthetically attractive.  
         [0013]     Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. As referred to hereinabove, the “present invention” refers to one or more embodiments of the present invention which may or may not be claimed, and such references are not intended to limit the language of the claims, or to be used to construe the claims in a limiting manner.  
         [0014]     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided an eyewear system comprising a primary lens assembly and an attachable auxiliary lens assembly. The primary lens assembly may include a primary frame or other means for retaining a pair of primary lenses. A pair of primary extensions extends horizontally outward from the primary frame, or from the lenses themselves. Each primary extension has an upper extension portion, a lower extension portion, and a slot between the upper and lower extension portions.  
         [0015]     The auxiliary lens assembly may include a primary frame or other means for retaining a pair of auxiliary lenses. A pair of auxiliary extensions extends horizontally outward from the auxiliary frame, or from the lenses themselves. The auxiliary extensions are horizontally insertable into the slots of the primary extensions. In the preferred embodiment, magnets and/or magnetic materials are combined to create a magnetic engagement between the primary lens assembly and the secondary lens assembly.  
         [0016]     In an alternative embodiment, the auxiliary extensions are horizontally insertable into the slots of the primary extensions for engagement by interference fit. In this embodiment, compressible bushings are preferably located in the auxiliary retainers of the auxiliary extensions. The height of the bushing is greater than the height of the slot in the primary extensions, creating an interference fit when the auxiliary lens assembly is attached to the primary lens assembly.  
         [0017]     As described, the auxiliary lens assembly may be attached to the primary lens assembly. In this manner, the person wearing the eyewear system has two lenses combining to alter the transmission of light to each eye.  
         [0018]     In a preferred embodiment, the primary lenses are corrective lenses and the auxiliary lenses are light transmission reducing lenses, for example, a polarizing, absorbing, refracting, photochromatic, or reflecting lenses, or any combination thereof (i.e., sunglasses). In a preferred embodiment, the primary lenses are impact resistant safety lenses and the auxiliary lenses are light transmission reducing lenses, such as welding lenses. In another preferred embodiment, the primary lenses are corrective lenses and the auxiliary lenses are corrective lenses. In another preferred embodiment, the primary lenses are corrective lenses and the auxiliary lenses are impact resistant safety lenses. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]     The objects and features of the invention will become more readily understood from the following detailed description and appended claims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements.  
         [0020]     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a primary lens assembly having an auxiliary lens assembly attached in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the primary lens assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the auxiliary lens assembly configured for compatible connection to the preferred embodiment of the primary lens assembly disclosed in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is an isometric break-out view illustrating the auxiliary lens assembly disengaged from the primary lens assembly, where the primary and auxiliary extensions contain magnets.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is an isometric break-out view illustrating the auxiliary lens assembly disengaged from the primary lens assembly in an alternative embodiment where the primary extensions are made of a magnetic material and the auxiliary extensions contain magnets.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is an isometric break-out view illustrating the auxiliary lens assembly disengaged from the primary lens assembly in another alternative embodiment where the auxiliary extensions contain compressible bushings for interference fit within the slots of the primary extensions.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the primary lens assembly disclosed in  FIG. 2  attached to the auxiliary lens assembly disclosed in  FIG. 3 , as also disclosed in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the primary and auxiliary lens assemblies in combination as disclosed in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 7 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a front view of preferred embodiment of the primary and auxiliary lens assembly combination disclosed in  FIGS. 1, 7 , and  8 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a side sectional view of the primary lens assembly disclosed in  FIG. 2  attached to the auxiliary lens assembly disclosed in  FIG. 3 , as also disclosed in  FIGS. 4, 7 ,  8  and  9 , illustrating the mechanical and magnetic engagement of the primary lens assembly to the auxiliary lens assembly.  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a side sectional view of the preferred embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 10 , illustrating the auxiliary lens assembly removed from the primary lens assembly in forward directional movement.  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a side sectional view of the alternative embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 6 , illustrating the auxiliary lens assembly partially engaged with the primary lens assembly showing the compressibility of the bushing during interference fit within the slots of the primary extensions of the primary lens assembly. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0033]     The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.  
         [0034]     The terms “right” and “left” as used herein are referenced from the perspective of a person wearing the primary and auxiliary lens assemblies. The references are intended to aide in the description of the device, and are not intended to be limiting, since the preferred embodiments of the device are generally symmetric.  
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this view, a primary lens assembly  10  is illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. An auxiliary lens assembly  100  is also illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 1 , auxiliary lens assembly  100  is illustrated attached to primary lens assembly  10 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the primary lens assembly  10 . From this view, it is seen that primary lens assembly  10  has a pair of lenses  12 . In the embodiment shown, lenses  12  are secured in place by a primary frame  14 . A bridge portion  16  connects the left and right sides of primary frame  14  for positioning lenses  12  relative to each other, and for supporting primary lens assembly  10  on the face of the person wearing primary lens assembly  10 . A primary extension  20  extends horizontally outward from each side of primary frame  14 . Each primary extension  20  is comprised of an upper extension portion  22  and a lower extension portion  24 . A slot  26  is formed between upper extension  22  and lower extension  24 . An arm  30  is pivotally connected to each primary extension  20  to permit traditional wearing of primary lens assembly  10 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of auxiliary lens assembly  100 , configured for compatible connection to the preferred embodiment of primary lens assembly  10  disclosed in  FIG. 2 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , auxiliary lens assembly  100  has a pair of lenses  112 . In the embodiment shown, lenses  112  are secured in place by an auxiliary frame  114 . A bridge portion  116  connects the left and right sides of auxiliary frame  114  for positioning lenses  112  relative to each other. An auxiliary extension  120  extends horizontally outward from each side of auxiliary frame  114 . Auxiliary extensions  120  are horizontally insertable into slots  26  of primary extensions  20  of primary lens assembly  10 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is an isometric break-out view illustrating auxiliary lens assembly  100  disengaged from primary lens assembly  10 . As best seen in this view, upper extension  22  and lower extension portion  24  are joined at primary frame  14  on lens  12  side of slot  26 . Alternatively, upper extension  22  and lower extension portion  24  are joined at primary extension  20  on the primary frame  14  side of slot  26 . In the preferred embodiment, upper extension  22  and lower extension  24  are also joined at extension  20  on arm  30  side of slot  26 .  
         [0039]     In the preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , upper extension  22  has an upper retainer  32 . An upper magnet  42  is secured in upper retainer  32 . Upper magnet  42  need not be round, and upper retainer  32  merely describes the material surrounding upper magnet  42  on upper extension  22 .  
         [0040]     Also in the preferred embodiment, lower extension  24  has a lower retainer  34 . A lower magnet  44  is secured in lower retainer  34 . This is best seen in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 11  is a side sectional view of the preferred embodiment disclosed in  FIGS. 1-4 , illustrating the mechanical and magnetic engagement of primary lens assembly  10  to auxiliary lens assembly  100 . Lower magnet  44  need not be round, and lower retainer  34  merely describes the material surrounding lower magnet  44  on lower extension  24 .  
         [0041]     Referring back to  FIG. 4 , auxiliary lens assembly  100  is designed to. be compatible with primary lens assembly  10 . Auxiliary extensions  120  extend horizontally outward and rearward from auxiliary frame  114 . In the preferred embodiment illustrated  FIG. 4 , auxiliary extensions  120  have an auxiliary retainer  132 . Auxiliary magnets  142  are secured in auxiliary retainers  132 . Auxiliary retainers  132  need not be round, and need not describe more than the material surrounding a cavity in auxiliary extension  120 . In an alternative embodiment, auxiliary magnets  142  are secured directly in auxiliary extensions  120 .  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIG. 4  and to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , it is seen that auxiliary extensions  120  are horizontally insertable into slots  26  of primary extensions  20  for magnetic engagement between upper magnets  42  and auxiliary magnets  142 , and between lower magnets  44  and auxiliary magnets  142 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is an isometric break-out view illustrating auxiliary lens assembly  100  disengaged from primary lens assembly  10  in an alternative embodiment in which upper extensions  22 , and/or lower extensions  24 , and/or primary extensions  20  are made of a magnetic material. As used herein, “magnetic material” is defined as a material subject to magnetic force in the presence of a magnetic field, such as may be provided by a magnet. Thus, “magnetic material” includes, for example, ferromagnetic materials.  
         [0044]     In the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 5 , magnetic engagement between primary lens assembly  10  and auxiliary lens assembly  100  is achieved by magnetic engagement of extensions  20  of primary lens assembly  10  to auxiliary magnets  142  of auxiliary lens assembly  100 .  
         [0045]     In a similar embodiment (not shown) magnetic engagement between primary lens assembly  10  and auxiliary lens assembly  100  is achieved by magnetic engagement of upper magnets  42  of extensions  20  of primary lens assembly  10  to auxiliary extensions  120 , which are made of magnetic material. In another similar embodiment (not shown) magnetic engagement between primary lens assembly  10  and auxiliary lens assembly  100  is achieved by magnetic engagement of lower magnets  44  of extensions  20  of primary lens assembly  10  to auxiliary extensions  120 , which are made of magnetic material.  
         [0046]     It will thus be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that combinations of magnets and magnetic materials located in the same general location and orientation can be utilized to obtain the disclosed result without departing from the spirit or teaching of the present invention.  
         [0047]      FIG. 6  is an isometric break-out view illustrating auxiliary lens assembly  100  disengaged from primary lens assembly  10  in an alternative embodiment where the engagement between primary lens assembly  10  and auxiliary lens assembly  100  is achieved by inference fit of a compressible material within slot  26 . In this embodiment, no magnets are necessary. Auxiliary extensions  120  of auxiliary lens assembly  100  have compressible bushings  152  located in auxiliary retainers  132 . Compressible bushings  152  provide a compressible material for achieving an interference fit within slots  26  of primary extensions  20 .  
         [0048]     The compression of bushings  152  within slots  26  is best seen in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  is a side sectional view of the alternative embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 6 , illustrating auxiliary lens assembly  100  partially engaged with primary lens assembly  10 , showing the compressibility of bushings  152  during interference fit within slots  26 .  
         [0049]     Although only one side of primary lens assembly  10  and auxiliary lens assembly  100  are illustrated in  FIGS. 4, 5 ,  6 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12 , the opposite side is similarly configured.  
         [0050]      FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8 , and  FIG. 9  illustrate top, side, and front views respectively, of primary lens assembly  100  (as disclosed in  FIG. 2 ) attached to auxiliary lens assembly  100  (as disclosed in  FIG. 3 ).  
         [0051]      FIG. 10  is a side sectional view of the preferred embodiment illustrating the mechanical and magnetic engagement of primary lens assembly  10  to the auxiliary lens assembly  100 .  FIG. 11  is a side sectional view of the preferred embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 10 , illustrating auxiliary lens assembly  100  removed from primary lens assembly  10  in a direct forward directional movement.  
         [0052]     The preferred embodiments of primary frame  10  and auxiliary frame  100  illustrate and disclose a primary frame  14  and an auxiliary frame  114  which surround the entire perimeter of primary lenses  12  and auxiliary lenses  112  respectively. Alternatively, primary frame  10  may only partially surround the perimeter of primary lenses  12 . Likewise, auxiliary frame  100  may only partially surround the entire perimeter of auxiliary lenses  112 . Such configurations are known in the industry as “open edge.” 
         [0053]     In another preferred embodiment, primary lenses  12  are attached directly to primary bridge  16 . In this embodiment, primary extensions  20  are attached directly to primary lenses  12  as well. In another preferred embodiment, auxiliary lenses  112  are attached directly to auxiliary bridge  116 . In this embodiment, auxiliary extensions  120  are attached directly to auxiliary lenses  112 . Such configurations are known in the industry as “frameless.” 
         [0000]     Operation of the Preferred Embodiments  
         [0054]     Auxiliary lens assembly  100  may be attached directly to primary lens assembly  10  by horizontally attaching auxiliary lens assembly  100  onto primary lens assembly  10  such that auxiliary extensions  120  slide into slots  26  on primary lens assembly  10 . Advantageously, this requires only horizontal movement of auxiliary lens assembly.  
         [0055]     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a preferred embodiment of primary frame assembly  10  of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, upper extension portions  22  have a retainer  32  which secures an upper magnet  42 . Lower extension portions  24  have a retainer  34  which secures a lower magnet  44 . Also in this embodiment, auxiliary extensions  120  each have a retainer  130  for securing an auxiliary magnet  140 . When auxiliary lens assembly  100  is secured to primary frame assembly  10 , magnets  42  and  44  engage auxiliary magnet  142  to provide a strong magnetic engagement, which prohibits undesired disengagement of auxiliary lens assembly  100  from primary frame assembly  10 .  
         [0056]     It is seen by the description and the illustrations that use of the present invention significantly reduces the difficulty of aligning primary lens assembly  10  with auxiliary lens assembly  100  when combining the two. It is further seen that when engaged, the location of auxiliary extensions  120  and/or retainer  130  and auxiliary magnets  140  in slots  26  of primary lens assembly  10  is mechanically resistant to unintended disengagement resulting from vertical acceleration or impact force.  
         [0057]     In an alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , magnets are not required in either primary lens assembly  10  or auxiliary lens assembly  100 . In this embodiment, interference between compressible bushings  152  and horizontal slots  26  of primary extensions  20  secures auxiliary lens assembly  100  to primary lens assembly  10 .  
         [0058]      FIG. 12  is a side sectional view of the alternative embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 6 , illustrating auxiliary lens assembly  100  partially engaged with primary lens assembly  10 , showing the compressibility of bushings  152  during interference fit within slots  26 . Interference between compressible bushings  152  and extensions  20  of primary extension  20 , and/or interference between retainers  132  and extensions  20 , limits vertical movement of auxiliary lens assembly  100  and is mechanically resistant to unintended disengagement resulting from vertical acceleration or impact forces.  
         [0059]     It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.