Abstract:
The present invention is a lightweight frame formed of layers of neoprene or other suitable material in which the layers are connected in such a way as to form lens receiving pockets on the frame. The lens receiving pockets enable different kinds of lenses to be easily inserted and removed from the frames. Another feature of the invention is a fastening system that uses Velcro™ which can be locked in place using a locking band. In another embodiment of the invention, a threaded coupler is used. The invention also provides for vented cushions which both protect the user from wind so that the eye socket does not become dry, but also allows the protected chambers in which the eyes reside by venting the chamber through these cushions. Another feature of the invention is a vertical strap which can be used to firmly secure the frame in the vertical direction.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/305,299, filed Jul. 13, 2001. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an improved eyeglass frame. More specifically, the present invention relates to a soft, flexible eyeglass frame that wraps around the user&#39;s head, has interchangeable lenses, and has a novel connection means at the end of its temples that enables the user to secure the frame.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Almost any eyeglass frame in the prior art causes some kind of discomfort. Traditional eyeglass frames may cause soreness in area in which the eyeglasses rest on the bridge of the nose. Pain can be caused by weight on the sensitive portion of the ear from the earpieces on the ends of the frames temples. Besides the conventional eyeglass frames, goggles have been used which are attached by an elastic band. These goggles, however, may cause pain to the eye socket area due to the pressure caused by the use of the elastic band.  
           [0004]    A second problem in the prior art relates to the positioning capabilities of the frame. Prior art frames often become repositioned because of activity. The proper position for a lens is directly over the pupil area of the eyes. Optically active lenses will not work as intended when out of position. Thus, the inadvertent repositioning of the prior art frames will cause blurred vision or other optical inadequacies.  
           [0005]    A third problem in the prior art is that of frame fragility. Prior art frames are often easily broken. Most conventional frames have parts that can become loose and lead to involuntary disassembly. One example is the use of tiny screws which are used to attach the temples to the main part of the frame (where the lenses are). Another problem is with lenses popping out of their frame housings. Many artisans have attempted to overcome these deficiencies in the prior art with inadequate results. Temple pieces have been attached with spring-loaded screw elements to increase durability. However, these spring-loaded screws have caused discomfort because of the additional force they place on the temples. Though frames have been made more durable over the years, even the sturdiest of these prior art frames can be destroyed via mistreatment by a child or the inadvertent application of force thereto (i.e., users stepping or sitting on them).  
           [0006]    A fourth problem with the prior art frames is that they tend to be insecure. Most conventional frames can be easily pulled off or even fall off accidentally, especially if the user is engaged some kind of athletic activity. Special frame retaining devices have been used to hold the frame more securely to the user&#39;s face. However, these types of retainers do not work with goggles or frames with cable earpieces. Additionally, when retainers are used along with traditional frames, they cause additional pressure on the nose, often driving the nose pads into the bridge of the nose, causing discomfort. Several artisans have endeavored to alleviate this pressure by alternatively supporting the lenses (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,871). However, none of these prior art attempts have resulted in the complete relief of nose pressure.  
           [0007]    A fifth problem with conventional frames, is what is known as “gapping.” frames hold the lenses out a distance from the face. This leaves a peripheral gap of uncorrected vision. In the case of sunglasses, gapping may leave the eye unprotected from various angles so that the eye is exposed to direct sunlight causing eye pain and possibly damage as a result. Some conventional sunglasses have addressed this problem by using frames that curve around and conform to the head (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,576,775; 5,191,364; 5,189,447; and 4,741,611). However, none of these prior art designs adequately solves the peripheral vision problem—even in the case of goggles.  
           [0008]    Another disadvantage of prior art frames is a kind of “greenhouse effect” caused by the sealed nature of prior art frames that are sealed to the skin, such as goggles. The stagnant air created by sealing the goggles to the face is heated by sunlight. This causes a buildup of heat. In addition to the heat and resulting sweat, another result is fog, which eliminates visibility. Unabsorbed sweat can cause irritation to the skin at the goggles&#39; contact points. Aggravation of the situation can be caused by increased activity such as sports. Many artisans have strived to overcome these ventilation problems. (See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,867,841; 5,801,805; 6,065,833; 6,026,518; 5,722,035; 5,689,834; 5,576,775; 5,519,896; 5,239,320; and 6,216,282). However, need in the art still exists regarding these ventilation problems.  
           [0009]    Prior art frames do not allow for easy removal of and replacement of lenses. Rather, most of the prior art lenses are integral to their respective frames. Many users desire a variety of lenses for different specific purposes. For example, some users will sometimes wear clear prescription lenses but then at a later time, desire lenses having a tint or some kind of UV protection. With the prior art lenses, these users would have to own a frame for each different kind of lens desired. However, most frames are expensive. Therefore, a need in the art exists to make a frame that allows for the interchangeability of a variety of lenses within a single frame.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    One goal of the present invention is to provide a frame having a lens-receiving pocket that enables the user to easily change out different kinds of lenses without harming the frame.  
           [0011]    Another goal of the present invention is to provide a frame made of neoprene or other similar material which comprises layers of the neoprene which are sewn together to form the pockets which hold the lenses, one of the layers of neoprene having elongated temples which are used to removably secure the frame to the user&#39;s head.  
           [0012]    Another objective of the present invention is to create a unique latch used to removably secure the temples, the latch comprising a male and female swatch of Velcro™ which are held together by compression provided by an elastic locking member.  
           [0013]    Another objective of the present invention is to form neoprene temples which are angled downward so that the head-engaging band engages the head at the nape of the neck of the user.  
           [0014]    Yet another objective of the present invention is to create a retainer clip tethering system which will prevent the user from losing his or her eyeglasses.  
           [0015]    Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a pair of eye socket cushions which serve to position the lenses of the glasses sufficiently far from the eye of the user and creates a way of laterally stabilizing the lenses on either side of the nose to side-to-side slippage, said cushions housing air-transmitting conduits which serve to vent the eyes to avoid the buildup of heat, perspiration and fog, while at the same time maintaining the desired wind resistance provided by the cushions.  
           [0016]    A final objective of the present invention is to provide a vertical strap which provides even further stability to the frame. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    Additional aspects of the present invention will become evident upon reviewing the non-limiting embodiments described in the specifications and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of the first layer of the frame of the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary view of the second layer of the frame of the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 shows the positioning brow piece of the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4A shows the eye socket cushions of the present invention as well as the nose piece of the present invention.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of one eye socket cushion exposing the channels on the underside of the cushion which are used to form conduits when the cushion is fixed to the second layer of the frame and fitted against the face.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIGS. 5A through 5B show a lens for use with the frame.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a second layer having a threaded closing rather than the hook and loop closure system of FIG. 2.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7 shows another embodiment wherein the temples of the frame formed by the second layer are angled downward encircling the head below the hairline at the nape of the neck and having the hook and loop closure system like the FIG. 2 embodiment.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIGS. 8A and 8B show right and left side views of the threaded closing embodiment of FIG. 6 when used with a vertical strap.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9 illustrates a nape of neck embodiment of the present invention wherein a threaded closing is used.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 10 shows a view from above of the horizontally encircling band shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective close-up view of a lens within the frames shown in FIGS. 1 through 4.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12 shows the vertical strap of the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 13A shows the tethering loop attached to the threaded closing from the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 13B shows the tethering loop of the retainer clip of the present invention connected to the hook-and-loop closure shown in FIG. 2.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 14 shows the retainer clip of the present invention along with the tethering features.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 15 shows a close-up view of the hook-and-loop closure with the sliding elastic loop secured in position to prevent the band from becoming unlatched.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0035]    Disclosed is a soft, flexible frame that provides superior ventilation, is light weight, can be easily fixed on the user and removed, and allows for interchangeability of different lenses.  
         [0036]    The first embodiment of applicant&#39;s invention may be seen in FIGS. 1 through 5,  11 ,  12 ,  13 B, and  15 . Starting first with FIG. 1, a first layer  10  of the present invention is shown. This first layer may be constructed of a thin gauge neoprene or any other suitable material or fabric (1 mil used here, but other thicknesses may be used). Additionally, a decorative layer comprising ultrasuede or any other aesthetically pleasing material may be used on the outside of this first layer (not pictured) for decorative or ornamental purposes.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 2 shows a second layer  20  of the present invention, that, as with the first layer is a cut out thin layer of neoprene (1 mil layer of neoprene is used here, but other thicknesses and materials are also possible) having a first elongated portion  24 , a second elongated portion  26 , a perforated area  28 , an enlarged lens housing portion  23 , a pair of slots  22  for receiving a vertical band  82  (shown in FIG. 12), and a fastener  30 . Fastener  30  comprises a male patch of Velcro™  31 , a female patch of Velcro™  32 , and a locking band  34 . Attached to the second elongated narrow portion  26 , is a retainer loop  29 , to which a retainer clip is tethered as will be hereinafter shown and described. The inner surface of first layer  10  of the frame is attached to the outer surface of second layer  20  by a number of stitch lines  16 . Any similar means of attaching the two layers (i.e., the use of a line of adhesive, bonding) may be used to create a attachment and/or adhesion of the layers, however. Stitch or bonding lines  16  are configured so as to form lens-receiving pockets  18  in the now-bonded first and second layers ( 10  and  20  respectively). Pockets  18  are used to receive any variety of lenses  50 , examples of which can be seen in FIGS. 5A through C. Lenses  50  may or may not be optically active and may be either partially or totally transparent. Additionally, lenses may be tinted to protect the user&#39;s eyes from the sun or not. The lenses are secured within the frame by a closure system comprising a swatch of male Velcro™  12  which acts in conjunction with a swatch of female Velcro™,  36 , on the second layer. Male  12  and female  36  swatches may be intermeshed or loosed to enable the lens  50  to be held or slid into and out of the opening  35  for each pocket  18 .  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 3 shows a positioning brow piece  38  of the present invention. Brow piece  38  may comprise a single piece/layer of thin neoprene (2 mil or greater used here, but other thicknesses or material could be used) and is preferably lined with wicking material or some other kind of absorbent, skin friendly material. Brow piece  38  serves to help properly position the upper part of the frame slightly outward from the brow to compensate for the relatively more outward contact point of the frame with the upper part of the nose. This helps to appropriately position the lenses for optical purposes while at the same time maintaining maximum comfort.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 4A shows a pair of eye cushions,  43  and  44 , and a nose piece  45  of the invention. Cushions  43  and  44  are cut out of relatively thick layered neoprene (preferably from 2 mil to 10 mil, but other thicknesses may be used) or other suitable material. Additionally, cushions  43  and  44  may have an absorbent or wicking fabric bonded to their inner surfaces. Nose piece  45  also comprises neoprene from 2 mil to 10 mil and may also have an absorbent or wicking fabric bonded to its inner surface. FIG. 4B shows a helpful perspective view of left eye cushion  43 . As can be seen in FIG. 4B, cushion  43  has a frame side surface  47  and a face side surface  48 . Face side surface  48  is the surface having the comfortable absorbent or wicking fabric bonded to it since this is the surface that contacts the wearer&#39;s face. Each of cushions  43  and  44  has at least one, or plural, conduits  46  formed there-through. Conduits,  46 , are formed when the face-side surface  47  contacts the face of the wearer by way of a number of U-shaped channels  49  formed on the inner side surface  47  of each cushion. After each cushion&#39;s flat outer surface is adhered to the inside surface of the second layer, these conduits serve to allow air in and out of the enclosures formed when the frame is positioned over the eye sockets. The U-shaped channels  49  shown here are approximately 2.5 mils in depth and 1 mil width. However, any variation is possible and other means of ventilation are also within the scope of this invention.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 15 shows how the elongated portions of the second member make the frame removably attachable. Male  31  and female  32  patches of Velcro™ are shown in the figure in engaged position. The point of attachment is immediately behind the user&#39;s ear  33 . As can be seen, locking band  34  is slid over the male  31  and female  32  patches of Velcro™ so as to hold them in firm engagement and also prevent them coming apart—thus locking them into place. It is important to note—and perhaps obvious—that a male patch could be substituted for the female patch, and a female patch substituted for the male patch, and the same effect provided. This principle is of course also true for the male patch  12  and female  36  patches of Velcro™ used for the lens pocket opening  35 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 14 shows a retainer  100  of the invention. Retainer  100  has a clip  106  with a  102  attached. Tether  102  has a loop  104  on its end which is used to engage with the retainer loop  29  on the second elongated portion  26  of the second layer  20  as shown in FIGS. 3 and 13B. FIG. 13B shows how retainer  100  is attached. First, loop  104  is brought underneath retainer loop  29  and drawn through. Next, clip  106  is passed through loop  104 . Clip  106  is then pulled away from loop  29  to cinch the loop into a knot (see  104  in FIG. 13B, shows in cinched stage). Knot  106  secures tether  102  at its loop end to the frame. Retainer clip  106  on the other end of the tether may now be attached to an article of the user&#39;s clothing or any other place it may be secured to the user so that in case the frame becomes detached from user, it will not be lost.  
         [0042]    A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. This second embodiment  60  is very similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 5,  11 ,  13 B,  14 , and  15 , except that its second layer  60  has a threaded coupler system as shown in FIG. 6 instead of a fastener  30  as shown in FIG. 15. This threaded coupler system comprises a coupler  62  and a plain band end  64  which is received by said coupler  62  to secure frame  62  to the users head. Also disclosed is a coupler cushion  66  that is used to protect the user from discomfort caused by contact of the coupler  62  with the skin. Cushion may be made of neoprene with wicked or absorbent fabric lining. Coupler cushion  66  is sewn or otherwise attached to the elongated portion of second layer.  
         [0043]    A third embodiment is disclosed in FIG. 7. This third embodiment is identical to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.  1 - 5  except that it has a different second layer design. A second layer  70  this third embodiment is different in that its&#39; elongated first  74  and second  76  portions that are angled slightly downward. See FIG. 7. This so that when the portions  74  and  76  are secured behind the user&#39;s head, they engage the user&#39;s head at the nape of the user&#39;s neck rather than at the back of the head (as do the elongated portions of the first embodiment). This nape-of-neck design provides numerous advantages, one of which is that hair is not constrained to the head, causing additional heat.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment. This fourth embodiment has elongated portions that are angled downward just like the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7. However, the fourth embodiment is different in that its elongated portions are used in conjunction with a coupler,  92 , instead of the Velcro™ arrangement. The coupler here,  92 , is used the same way as is coupler  62  of FIGS. 6 and 10.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 13A shows how retainer  100  can be attached to the second or fourth embodiments having threaded couplers  62 ,  92 . For these embodiments the loop  104  on tether  102  is attached to the coupler  602  in much the same fashion as was disclosed in FIG. 13B for the Velcro™ attachment systems. With the coupler  62  the loop is inserted through a portion of coupler  62  and then clip  106  is drawn through loop  104  and pulled until a knot (see  104  as shown in FIG. 13A) is formed securing tether  102  to the coupler  62 . At this point, clip  106  is tethered and ready to be clipped to an article of the user&#39;s clothing or any place else in which the frame can be secured in case it becomes detached from the user&#39;s head.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 12 shows a vertical strap, also made of neoprene or like material, which can be used with any of the four previously described embodiments of the present invention. This feature is shown in use with the second embodiment of the invention  60  and is installed by sliding it through slits  68  on second layer  60  at some point on the elongated portions of the frame. These slits, though not shown in some of the figures, may easily to any of the above four embodiments, and should be considered an optional feature of each.  
         [0047]    Yet another feature possible in any of the four above-described embodiments is that a unique serial number may be used on the frame with either a corporate address or some other appropriate mailing address which would enable, upon delivery to the said address, the frames to be returned to the original purchaser at a registered address (registered by purchaser).  
         [0048]    At numerous places above, particular materials (i.e., neoprene, wicking material, absorbent material) and other materials and thicknesses have been disclosed. These particulars are only a small disclose all of the many materials or thicknesses that would fall within the scope of the invention. Further, the comfort providing materials (i.e., wicking and/or absorbent materials) could also be used on any part of the frame potentially coming into contact with the skin (i.e., inner surfaces of second layer, elongated portions). Additionally, the frame could be integrally molded rather than constructed with layers, the frame could be constructed without cushions, the frame could be constructed having only one lens receiving pocket, inter alia. Many other changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification together with the accompanying drawings and claims. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.