Abstract:
The present invention is directed to eyeglasses provided with at least one reversible arm that can be manipulated to fold in towards the outer (front) face of the lens retaining portion of the frame, thereby covering it. The arm can be attached to the frames in a variety of ways. For instance, the attachment can be mechanical, or magnetism may be employed in fixing the arm to the frame. Several structural arrangements are described that permit reversal of the arm from a position behind the lens retaining portion of the frame to a position in front thereof. The arm can then be folded to cover the front and back sides of the lenses.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to eyeglasses provided with at least one reversible arm that can be manipulated to fold in towards the outer (front) face of the lens retaining portion of the frame, thereby covering it. The arm can be attached to the frames in a variety of ways. For instance, the attachment can be mechanical, or magnetism may be employed in fixing the arm to the frame. Several structural arrangements are described that permit reversal of the arm from a position behind the lens retaining portion of the frame to a position in front thereof. The arm can then be folded to cover the front and back sides of the lenses. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the predominant, but hardly exclusive arrangement, eyeglasses are provided with a frame portion having a lens-retaining portion having sides that are joined by a hinge to the arms. The arms are positioned on the rear side of the frame portion, and move from an open position in which the arms can be positioned over the ears of the wearer, and a closed position in which the arms extend over the back side of lenses. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an eyeglass frame with a reversible arm. That is, at least one arm of the two arms is reversible from a position where it extends behind the lens retaining portion of the frame to a position where it extends in front thereof. This arrangement places the arm in front of the lens retaining portion. By positioning one arm in front of the lens retaining portion, and the other arm behind the lens retaining portion, each arm covers a side of the lens retaining portion of the frame when the arms are folded. That is, when the arm in front of the lens retaining portion is in the folded state, the arm covers the front side of the lens retaining portion. When the arm in back of the lens retaining portion is in the folded state, it covers the back side of the lens retaining portion. This provides a measure of protection for the lenses. 
     By “cover”, the applicant means that the arms, when in the closed position, provide a total or partial blockage of lenses that are situated within the lens retaining portion. The blockage takes place on both the front and rear sides of the lens retaining portion. The blockage provides a measure of protection to the lenses, and should prevent the lenses from sustaining damage if they were to come in contact with any number of objects that could inflict such damage, such as keys, pens, coins, compacts, lip stick cases, etc., to cite an example of just some objects that could damage the lenses if the items are commingled in a backpack or in a pocketbook. A hard surface such as a table top may also inflict damage. Therefore, by “covering” the lenses, as meant by the term, and in accordance with the embodiments disclosed herein (and undisclosed variations thereon), the need for a glasses case may be obviated. 
     Also, it should be understood that with the applicant&#39;s invention, it is only necessary to cover the lenses. It is not necessary to encase the thickness dimension of the lenses or lens retaining portion, or to cover or encase the end portions of the lenses or lens retaining portion. In this arrangement, the lens retaining portion is not encased on all of its sides, that is, the thickness dimension of the lens retaining portion is not covered on all or a portion of the top side (adjacent the forehead), bottom side (adjacent the nose and cheeks), and end sides (the area where the arms are mounted). Thus, while more than the front and back sides may be covered, not all of the aforementioned sides are encased. 
     In covering the lenses, the arms of the eyeglasses may be provided with a height dimension that is equal to or less than the height dimension of the lenses, or equal to or less than a height dimension of the lens retaining portions. Also, the arms of the eyeglasses may be provided with a length dimension that is equal to or less than the length dimension of the lens retaining portion. 
     “Cover”, as used herein, is shown throughout the drawings. FIGS. 1B,  1 C,  1 D, and  1 E show total or partial blockage of the front and rear faces of the lens. They show that the lens retaining portion is not encased. The thickness dimension on the top, bottom and end sides is not encased. See also FIG. 7D where the top and bottom and end sides are not encased (but the lenses are totally blocked). See also FIG.  9 D. FIG. 27 shows an embodiment where only a portion of the thickness dimension of the top side of the lens retaining portion and lenses is covered (and not encased). FIG. 28 shows another embodiment where a portion of the lens retaining portion is covered (and not encased). FIG. 29 shows an embodiment where a portion of an end side of the lens retaining portion is covered, and not encased. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a pair of eyeglasses where the front face is partially blocked and a portion of the thickness dimension on the top side is also partially covered (and not encased). These Figures are not meant to be inclusive of all variations. They are merely exemplary of the meaning ascribed to “cover” in the present specification. Other variations, still within the scope of the definition, are possible. 
     Reversibility of one of the arms can be provided for in a variety of ways. Positioning of the reversing hinge in front of the lens retaining portion is one way to provide for reversibility. Another way is to align the reversing hinge off of the intersection of the axes of the arm and lens retaining portion. Yet another way is to provide a hinge that allows the arm to swing up and over (or down and under) the lens retaining portion. In yet another embodiment, the lens retaining portion is not employed and the hinges are mounted to the lenses and the arms or arm if assemblies. 
     In yet another embodiment, the arms are provided with hinges that twist in order reverse the direction in which the arms fold. When the arms and the lens retaining portion are provided with curved shapes, reversing the direction of the arms by twisting them at the hinges aligns the curved shapes so that the arms can fold into the lens retaining portion and cover the lenses. 
     Yet other embodiments employ magnetism to join the arm to the lens retaining portion. The arm and frame portion may be provided with magnetic material, that is, material that is susceptible to the influence of magnetism, or which is capable of exerting the influence of magnetism on another object. As used herein, “magnetic materials” include magnets and material that is susceptible to the influence of magnetism. 
     The invention may also employ a coupling or couplings of components that are provided on the arm portion and the frame portion. These components are engaged when the arm and front frame portion are joined together. The couplings may prevent the arm from rotating until the desired time to do so. The couplings may be a peg and socket pairing, or protrusion and recess in which the sidewall of the recess is gradually tapered. These arrangements provide resistance to the rotation of the arm at times when such rotation is not desired, such as when the user is wearing the glasses, or removes them temporarily, such as to clean them. 
     In one embodiment, a coupling of a magnetic material and a magnet is provided, with one being provided on the arm and the other being provided on the frame portion. In another embodiment, the coupling is a pair of magnets, one provided on the arm, the other provided on the frame portion. The poles of the magnets are arranged to attract each other. 
     In another embodiment, the magnetic material is arranged in a peg and socket pairing, with the magnetic material being used to construct at least a portion of the peg, and further being provided at a location in the socket, or in the vicinity of the socket to exert a magnetic force. For instance, the magnetic material can be placed at an end of the socket, in the walls that define the socket, or behind the walls that define the socket. The peg or socket may be the magnet, or merely a material subject to the force of magnetism, or the peg and socket may each be constructed in part of a magnet. 
     In yet another embodiment, the magnetic material is arranged as a protrusion and recess provided on the arm and the frame portion. The sidewalls of the recess and the sidewalls of the protrusion are tapered in order to allow for the displacement of the protrusion from the recess upon exertion of a sufficient force. A construction with this arrangement can permit the rotation of the arm from the backside portion of the frame portion to the front side of the frame portion. 
     In yet another embodiment, the magnetic material is arranged as a coupling of materials on the arm and the frame portion, each component of the flush materials being substantially flat, or flush. 
     In one embodiment, the arm has to be removed from the frame portion in order to effect the reversal in position from the back frame to the front frame. In yet another embodiment, the arm can be rotated without being detached in order to effect the reversal in position from the back frame to the front frame. In yet another embodiment, the interface where the protrusions, openings, magnetic members etc. are located is on the front face of the front frame portion. In yet another embodiment, the joinder regions are provided with a peg and socket arrangement that is located between a pair of substantially flush magnetic materials. 
     Variations on these embodiments are possible, the construction of such embodiments would be readily apparent to the skilled artisan from the teachings and suggestion of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 1A is a perspective view from the backside of an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 1B is a perspective view from the backside of an embodiment of the present invention when the glasses are in a folded state; 
     FIG. 1C is a perspective view from the backside of another embodiment of the present invention when the glasses are in a folded state; 
     FIG. 1D is a perspective view from the frontside of an embodiment of the present invention when the glasses are in a folded state; 
     FIG. 1E is a perspective view from the frontside of another embodiment of the present invention when the glasses are in a folded state; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hinge used in certain embodiments of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a hinge used in certain embodiments of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a hinge used in certain embodiments of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hinge piece used in the present invention; 
     FIGS. 7A-7D are perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention, depicting the glasses as they progress from the unfolded wear state to the folded state with a reversed arm. 
     FIG. 8 is side elevational view of an embodiment of a hinge used in the present invention; 
     FIG. 8A is a side elevational of the glasses part of the hinge embodiment of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 8B is a side elevational view of the glasses part of the hinge embodiment of FIG.  8 . 
     FIGS. 9A-9D are perspective views of an embodiment of the present invention, depicting the glasses as they progress from unfolded wear state to the folded state with a reversed arm. 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 10A demonstrates a variation on the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10; 
     FIG. 11 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 11A demonstrates a variation on the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 12 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 12A demonstrates a variation on the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12; 
     FIG. 13 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 14 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of a component shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 16 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a component shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 16; 
     FIG. 18 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a pair of eyeglasses. 
     FIG. 20 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 20A is a top plan view of an arm used in the embodiment of FIG.  20 A. 
     FIG. 20B is a side elevational view of an arm used in the embodiment of FIG.  20 A. 
     FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the front of the eyeglasses of the embodiment of FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 21A is a side elevational view of the front of the eyeglasses of the embodiment of FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 22 shows a front elevational view of an embodiment of a joinder region of the present invention; 
     FIG. 23 shows a top plan view of the FIG. 22 embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 24 shows a side elevational view of a joinder region of the present invention designed to engage with the region shown in FIG. 22; 
     FIGS. 25,  26 ,  26 A and  26 B show a further embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 27 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 28 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 29 shows an end view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows a pair of eyeglasses  10  provided with a lens retaining portion  12  having a lens retaining members  14  in which lenses  15  are retained. The lens retaining member  14  are joined by a bridge  16 . Hinge  20  is positioned behind the lens retaining portion  12 . This permits the arm  21  to swing in inward, as shown in phantom in FIG. 1, so that arm  21  extends over the back side of the lenses. As shown in FIG. 1B, the arm covers portion of the lenses  15 . FIG. 1C shows an alternative embodiment in which the arm  21  covers the entirety of the lenses  15 . 
     Returning to FIG. 1, hinge  22  is positioned in front of the lens retaining portion  12 . This permits the arm  23  to swing outward. Arm  23  is shown in phantom, first swinging counterclockwise from the six o&#39;clock position to the three o&#39;clock position, and is then shown in phantom across the front side of the lens retaining portion  12 . FIG. 1D shows an embodiment in which the arm  23  extends over the front side of the lens retaining portion  12  and thereby covers a portion of the lenses. FIG. 1E shows an embodiment in which arm  23  extends over the front side of the lens retaining portion and thereby covers the lenses on the front side. 
     Arms  21  and  23  are relatively long and wide in order to cover the lenses, when the glasses are in the folded state. However, as noted, the arms need not be as long and wide as the lenses (or lens retaining portion) for the reason that protection should be adequate from the coverage provided by the arms. In a preferred embodiment, the arms have a height dimension (i.e., the dimension corresponding to the bottom of the lenses to the top of the lenses) that is greater than the thickness dimension of the arms. Preferably, the thickness dimension of the arms does not vary at any location, in order to provide a measure of comfort when the eyeglasses are worn by the user. 
     To prevent arm  23  from swinging outward at inappropriate times, the hinge  22  can be provided with a stopper  25 . As shown in FIG. 2, the stopper  25  is positioned inside the slot  26  of the front frame hinge component  27 , at a position exterior to the hinge portion  28  of the arm  23  which is received in the slot  26 . Thus, when arm  23  moves outward, it encounters the stopper  25  and is preventing from moving further, which would be undesirable at certain times, such as when the user is wearing the glasses. 
     The stopper can be made of any flexible material, such as elastomeric or thermoplastic materials. The stopper  25  is sized to permit the user to apply the necessary force to overcome the interference supplied by the stopper  25 , in order to move the arm  23  outward into a folded position against the front side  205  of the front frame portion  204 . 
     In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3, arm  21  rotates from a wear position to a position where it covers the back side of the lenses by moving counterclockwise from 6 o&#39;clock to 3 o&#39;clock, as the glasses are viewed from the top. Arm  23  rotates from a wear position to a position where it covers the front side of the lenses by moving counterclockwise from 6 o&#39;clock to 9 o&#39;clock, as the glasses are viewed from the top. 
     Hinge  30  is positioned off of the intersection of the axes of the arm  23  and the front frame portion  12 . This can be achieved by providing a bend or curve in one of the components, such as providing a curve  29  in the arm  23  just before the hinge  30 . Screw  31  joins the components. See FIG.  3 A. The curve in the arm  23  is allows the arm to swing outward and rotate counterclockwise for 270°, so that the arm can cover the front of the lenses. 
     FIG. 4 shows a hinge arrangement in which the employs a cam and spring. Here hinge  30 ′ is provided with a housing  35  located on the lens retaining portion  12 , into which is positioned a spring  37  and ball bearing  38  in shaft portion  36  of housing  35 . Lens retaining portion  12  is affixed to the housing  35  in any known manner, such as by joining the lens retaining portion to the housing by a screw. 
     The arrangements shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,098,921, 3,064,530, 4,456,346, 4,832,479, 5,627,608, and 5,815,899 are also suitable for use in this invention and are incorporated herein by reference. 
     The arm  23  is provided with cam  40  having a recess  41  and a camming surface  42 . When the arm  21  is in the closed position, the ball bearing  38  is positioned within the recess  41 , and is maintained in that position by the force applied by the spring  37 , which is biased toward closure, as this provides a mechanism for keeping the arms in the folded state, thereby protecting the front face of the lenses. This provides an inclination for the arm to stay in the closed position. In other words, the arm does not move outward. When the user wishes to move the arm into the open position, he or she merely rotates the arm outward. The camming surface  42  applies a countervailing force to the ball bearing  38 , compressing the spring  37 , permitting the arm  21  to rotate. It should be understood that the a second recess corresponding to the open position can be provided on the surface of the cam  40 , or that the recess could be provided for only the position corresponding to the open position. 
     FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment. Arm  21  rotates inward and covers the backside of the lenses. Arm  23  rotates upward or downward, that is, out of the page, to a position from behind the lens retaining portion  12  to a position in front of the lens retaining portion  12 . 
     A hinge which can effect this embodiment is shown in FIG. 6, which shows the arm  23  provided with an extension  44  which joins the arm to the hinge  22 , at which hinge  22  the arm rotates towards the lens retaining portion  14 , or away from the lens retaining portion  14 , as the case may be. Extension  44  is provided with a body  45  and a neck  46 . Neck  46  resides within the slot  47  in hinge portion  48  that is fixed to the tubular extension  50  provided on lens retaining member  14 . The tubular extension and hinge portion can be fixed together by a screw  52 . Likewise, the extension  44  of the arm  23  can be joined to the hinge portion  48  by a screw  53 . When the parts are assembled, the hinge portion, and hence the arm assembly, can be rotated 180° around the tubular extension  50 . In other words, the arm assembly can rotate up and over the lens retaining portion  14 , or down and under the lens retaining portion  14 . In order to provide some resistance to unwanted rotation of the hinge portion about the tubular extension, the opening  54  and the tubular extension can be formed of an asymmetrical shape, such as an oval shape, to provide a tendency for the arm assembly to be in one of the two positions 180° apart from each other. See FIG.  6 A. 
     FIGS. 7A-7D show a further embodiment in which rotation hinge  22 ′ joins the arms  23  (or arm extensions  44 ) to the lenses  15 . FIGS. 8A,  8 B, and  8 C show a rotating hinge arrangement  22 ′ suited for use here, and in other embodiments as well. The lens portion has a pin  60  mounted to the lens  15 . The pin has a neck  62  and a head  64 . The head has compressible buttons  66  that can be retracted into the head. The arm  23  or arm extension  44  is provided with a nut  68  provided with an opening  70  that receives the head and buttons that are provided on the lens portion of the rotating hinge  22 ′. When the buttons  66  are compressed, such as by initiation of rotation of the arm  23  around the hinge, the arm  23  can move 180° around the hinge. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the arm  23  starts from behind the lenses, rotates downward through the paper, and then upward to a position in front of the lenses. When the arm  23  completes rotation, it can be closed at the closure hinge  22  by moving the arm inward towards the lenses, so that it covers the lenses. Arm  21  can be closed at the closure hinge  20  by rotating the arm  21  inwards towards the back side of the lenses, thereby covering them. In FIG. 7D, the arms  21  and  23  are shown as covering the entirety of the lenses. However, as in FIG. 1B, only a portion of the lenses may be covered. 
     FIGS. 9A,  9 B,  9 C, and  9 D show a further embodiment. Eyeglasses  70  are shown in an open, ready to wear state in FIG.  9 A. The glasses have a lens retaining portion  72  having lens retaining members  74  joined by bridge  75 . At the outer ends of the lens retaining portion  72 , arms  76  and  77  are attached thereto at hinges  80 ,  82 . The arms may be joined to the hinges by any known means, such as by screws that pass though hoops attached to the front frame portion and the arms, such hoops being aligned with each other. 
     FIGS. 9B through 9D illustrate the closure of the glasses. In FIG. 9B the arms are rotated around their axes. FIG. 9B shows the arms after 90° of rotation, which exposes the relatively wider sidewalls of the arms. In FIG. 9C, the arms are rotated an additional 90° relative to FIG. 9B (i.e., 180° total rotation). The arms are then rotated around the axis of the hinge to a closed position. See FIGS. 9C,  9 D. Each of the arms is rotated about the closure hinge in a clockwise position until they cover each side of the lens retaining portion. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A,  9 B,  9 C, and  9 D, the front face portion and the arms have curved shapes. When the arms are rotated within the plane in which the arms extend, the curvature of the arms is complementary to the curvature of the front face portion on which each of the arms will reside, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a leg  105  of the lens retaining member  14 , which extends from one of the outer sides of the lens retaining member  14  (see FIG.  10 ), is provided with a socket  106  for receiving peg  108  provided on the arm extension  44  of the arm  23 . The extension is attached to the arm by hinge  22 , which permits the arm to fold from an open position to a closed position. Hinge  22  can be constructed of interengaging, vertically stacked hoops provided on the extension and on the arm portion. The hoops receive a screw or other securing member to maintain the extension and arm portion in engagement. 
     The peg  108  and the socket  106  include a magnetic material in their construction. As shown, magnetic material  110  is mounted at the end  112  of the socket  106 . The peg  108  can be constructed in whole or in part of a magnetic material. 
     The FIG. 10 embodiment can be modified to provide an arrangement in which the magnetic material is placed in the walls that define the socket  106 , or behind the walls that define the socket  106  See FIG.  10 A. 
     In the arrangements of FIGS. 10 and 10A, the arm  23  and arm extension  44  (the arm assembly) can be separated from the lens retaining member  14  by pulling the arm assembly away from the lens retaining member  14  to overcome the magnetic attraction of the magnetic materials. The arm assembly can then be reversed, that is, moved from a position where it is behind the lens retaining member  14  (the wear position, in which the glasses can be worn) to a position where the arm is in front of the lens retaining member  14 . The peg  108  can then be reinserted into the socket  106  and the arm  23  can be folded at the hinge  22 , so that the arm covers the front side of the lenses. If arm  21  has a non reversible arrangement, then it can be folded at its hinge  20  to cover the back side of the lenses. 
     FIG. 11 illustrates an another embodiment in which a complimentary pair of peg and socket couplings,  130 ,  132  and  134 ,  136  are provided on the leg  105  and the arm extension  44  of the arm  23 . In addition, a coupling of magnetic material  138 ,  140  is provided on the adjacent surfaces of the leg  105  and extension  44  of the arm  23 . The coupling of magnetic material  138 ,  140  is substantially flush with the adjacent surfaces of the leg  105  and extension of the arm  23  in the joinder region. 
     In a variation on this arrangement, the peg and socket couplings can be constructed in whole or in part of a magnetic material, and the coupling of substantially flush magnetic material  138 ,  140  can be employed, or it can be omitted. For example, FIG. 11A shows an embodiment that does not include the coupling  138 ,  140 , and a magnetic material  110  is mounted at the ends  112  of the sockets  132 ,  136 . The pegs  130 ,  134  can be constructed in whole or in part of a magnetic material. Also, the magnetic material can be placed in the walls that define the sockets  132 ,  136 , or behind the walls that define the sockets  132 ,  136 . 
     In the arrangements of FIGS. 11 and 11A, the arm assembly can be separated from the lens retaining member  14  by pulling the arm away from the lens retaining member  14  to overcome the magnetic attraction of the magnetic materials. The arm  23  can then be reversed, that is, moved from a position where it is behind the lens retaining member  14  (the wear position in which the glasses can be worn) to a position where the arm is in front of the lens retaining member  14 . The pegs  130 ,  132  can then be reinserted into the sockets  136 ,  140  and the arm  23  can be folded at the hinge  22 . In the folded position the arm  23  covers the front side of the lenses. If arm  21  has a non reversible arrangement, then it can be folded at its hinge  20  to cover the back side of the lenses. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates an another embodiment in which a complimentary pair of peg and socket couplings,  130 ,  132  and  134 ,  136  are provided on the leg  105  and the arm  23  (or the extension of the arm  44 ). A third peg  108  and socket  106  coupling includes a magnetic material mounted  110  at the end  112  of the socket  106 . Peg  108  can be constructed in whole or in part of a magnetic material. 
     The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 can be modified to provide an arrangement in which the magnetic material is placed in the walls that define the socket  106 , or behind the walls that define the socket  106 . Magnetic material can be mounted in the peg  108  or the placed in the walls of the socket  106 , or behind the walls of the socket. See FIG.  12 A. 
     In the arrangements of FIGS. 12 and 12A, the arm assembly can be separated from the lens retaining member  14  by pulling the arm assembly away from the lens retaining member  14  to overcome the magnetic attraction of the magnetic materials. The arm assembly can then be reversed, that is, moved from a position where it is behind the lens retaining member  14  (the wear position in which the glasses can be worn) to a position where the arm is in front of the lens. The pegs can then be reinserted into the sockets and the arm  23  can be folded at the hinge  22 . The arm will cover front side of the front frame portion. If arm  21  has a non reversible arrangement, then it can be folded at its hinge  20  to cover the back side of the lenses. 
     FIG. 13 illustrates an another embodiment in which a peg and socket coupling,  130 ,  132  is provided on the leg  105  and the extension  44  of the arm  23 . In addition, a coupling of magnetic material  138 ,  139  is provided on the adjacent surfaces of the leg  105  and extension  23  of the arm  44 . The coupling of magnetic material  138 ,  139  is substantially flush with the adjacent surfaces of the leg  105  and extension  44  of the arm  23 . A second socket  132 ′ is provided. The arm assembly can then be reversed, that is, moved from a position where it is behind the lens retaining member  14  (the wear position in which the glasses can be worn) to a position where the arm is in front of the lens. The peg can then be reinserted into the socket  132 ′ and the arm  23  can be folded at the hinge  22 . The arm will cover front side of the front frame portion. If arm  21  has a non reversible arrangement, then it can be folded at its hinge  20  to cover the back side of the lenses. 
     FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention in which couplings of protrusions and dimples  140 ,  142  and  144 ,  146  are provided. The sidewalls of the dimples  140 ,  142  and the sidewalls of the protrusions  144 ,  146  are curved surfaces, with the protrusions having a convex surface profile and the dimples having a concave surface profile. When the arm assembly is mounted to the lens retaining member  14  the protrusions will reside in the dimples. The arm can be rotated around the peg  108 , which resides in the socket  106  as previously described. This arrangement allows for the displacement of the protrusions from the recess upon exertion of a sufficient force. A construction with this arrangement can permit the rotation of the arm assembly from the back side of the lens retaining member  14  to the front side of the lens retaining member  14 , without removal of the arm from the lens retaining member  14 . The magnetic material can be provided in the coupling of the protrusions and dimples  140 ,  142  and  144 ,  146 , or in the coupling(s) of the peg and socket  108 ,  106 , or in both. Likewise the magnetic material can be provided in or mounted on any one of couplings, i.e., protrusions and dimples, peg and socket, in the manners previously described. 
     In the arrangements of FIGS. 14 and 15, the arm assembly can be rotated relative to the lens retaining member  14  by exerting a rotational force on the arm in order to displace the protrusions from the dimples. The arm  23  can then be reversed, that is, moved from a position where it is behind the lens retaining member  14  (the wear position in which the glasses can be worn) to a position where the arm is in front of the lens retaining member  14 . In this arrangement, the arm rotates around the peg and socket. Once the arm has rotated substantially 180°, the protrusions will enter the dimples, stabilizing the arm against further undesired rotational movement. When the arm  23  is folded it will cover the front side of the lenses. If arm  21  has a non reversible arrangement, then it can be folded at its hinge  20  to cover the back side of the lenses. 
     FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a further embodiment in which a coupling of a protrusion and dimple  140 ,  142  is provided on the leg  105  and the arm  23  (or the extension  44  of the arm  23 ). An additional dimple is provided to receive the protrusion after it has been rotated. In addition, a coupling of magnetic material  138 ,  139  is provided on the adjacent surfaces of the leg  105  and extension  44  of the arm  23 . The coupling of magnetic material  138 ,  139  is substantially flush with the adjacent surfaces of the leg  105  and extension  44  of the arm  23 . 
     In the arrangements of FIGS. 16 and 17, the arm  23  can be rotated relative to the lens retaining member  14  by exerting a rotational force on the arm  23  in order to displace the so protrusion  142  from the dimple  140 . The arm  23  can then be reversed, that is, moved from a position where it is behind the lens retaining member  14  (the wear position in which the glasses can be worn) to a position where the arm is in front of the lens retaining member  14 . In this arrangement, the arm  23  rotates around the peg and socket. Once the arm  23  has rotated substantially 180°, the protrusion  142  will enter the dimple  140 , stabilizing the arm  23  against further undesired rotational movement. When the arm  23  is folded it will cover the front side of the lenses. If arm  21  has a non reversible arrangement, then it can be folded at its hinge  20  to cover the back side of the lenses. 
     FIG. 18 illustrates a further embodiment in which the pegs  150 ,  152  are respectively coupled to groove  154  and socket  156 , respectively. The groove  154  is a recessed portion having an arcuate shape that provides a track for peg  150  to traverse. Since peg  150  can travel along groove  154  when the arm assembly is subjected to a rotational force, the arm assembly can be rotated from a position behind the lens retaining member  14  to a position in front of the lens retaining member  14 . 
     In the arrangement of FIG. 18, the arm assembly can be rotated relative to the lens retaining member  14  by exerting a rotational force on the arm in order to move the peg through the groove. The arm can then be reversed, that is, moved from a position where it is behind the lens retaining member  14  (the wear position in which the glasses can be worn) to a position where the arm is in front of the lens retaining member  14 . In this arrangement, the arm rotates around the pegs and sockets. When the arm  23  is folded it will cover the front side of the lenses. If arm  21  has a non reversible arrangement, then it can be folded at its hinge  20  to cover the back side of the lenses. 
     FIGS. 20,  20 A,  20 B,  21  and  21 A illustrate another embodiment in which a complimentary pair of peg and socket couplings,  130 ,  132  and  134 ,  136  are provided on the lens retaining member  14  and the extension  44  of the arm  23 . In addition, a coupling of magnetic material  138 ,  140  is provided on the adjacent surfaces of the leg  105  and extension of the arm. The coupling of magnetic material  138 ,  140  is substantially flush with the adjacent surfaces of the leg  105  and extension of the arm  23  in the joinder region. In this embodiment, at least one of the two interfaces between the extension and the front frame portion occurs on the front face of the front frame portion. An additional perpendicular attachment  160  is provided on one of the extensions. The perpendicular attachment  160  is substantially at a right angle to the other component of the extension, at least when the eyeglasses are in a wearable arrangement. As shown on the left side of FIG. 21, the interface between the extension and the front frame portion occurs on the front face of the front frame portion. The sockets  132 ,  136  extend on both sides of the lens retaining portion. Thus, the arm can be removed from the front side of the lens retaining portion, reversed, and then plugged back in to the rear side of the lens retaining portion, thereby reversing the direction of the arm. 
     FIGS. 22-24 show yet a further embodiment of the present invention in which a pair of substantially flush couplings of magnetic material  160 ,  162  and  164 ,  166  are provided in the joinder region on the leg  105  and the extension  23  of the arm  44 . In addition, a coupling of a peg and socket  168 ,  170  is located in the joinder region on the leg  15  and the arm, preferably between the pair of substantially flush couplings of magnetic material  160 ,  162  and  164 ,  166 . As shown in these Figures, the peg  168  may be a spring clip which is biased radially outwards so that the peg forms an interference fit with the inner walls of the socket  170 , which helps maintain the spring in place. 
     In the arrangement of FIGS. 22-24, the arm assembly can be rotated around the peg  168  as it resides in the socket  170 . Rotating the arm assembly in this manner overcomes the magnetic attraction of the magnetic materials and reverses the position of the arm in which it is moved from a position where it is behind the lens retaining member  14  (the wear position in which the glasses can be worn) to a position where the arm is in front of the lens retaining member  14 . When the arm  23  is folded it will cover the front side of the lenses. If arm  21  has a non reversible arrangement, then it can be folded at its hinge  20  to cover the back side of the lenses. By pulling the arm away from the front frame portion to overcome the magnetic attraction of the magnetic materials. The arm can then be reversed, that is, moved from a position where it is behind the front frame portion (the position in which the glasses can be worn) to a position where the arm is in front of the lens. 
     If desired, the peg and socket  168 ,  170  can be constructed of magnetic materials in the manner previously described. 
     FIGS. 25,  26 ,  26 A, and  26 B show yet a further embodiment of the invention in which the sides of the lens retaining portion  12  is provided with a housing  180  having an opening  179  therethrough, in which opening the pin  181  passes. The pin also passes through the arm extension  44  which also is provided with an opening  183  through which the pin passes. A spring  184  is positioned around the longitudinal axis of the pin and is biased against the walls on the inside of the housing. A knob or nut or like device  183  can be used to secure the pin in place and tighten it as well. The arm extension  44  is provided with a pair protrusions  142  located on either side of the opening  183 . The housing  180  is provided with recesses located on either side of the opening  179  and positioned to receive the protrusions  142 . When the nut is tightened the spring is tensioned against the inner walls of the housing, creating a force that maintains the protrusions within the recess. 
     Rotating the arm assembly overcomes the force that maintains protrusions within the recess. The arm can be moved from a position where it is behind the lens retaining member  14  (the wear position in which the glasses can be worn) to a position where the arm is in front of the lens retaining member  14 , when the arm has moved 180° the protrusions move back into the recess. When the arm  23  is folded it will cover the front side of the lenses. 
     In the present invention, the bridge is of a non-folding construction. For example, the bridge is not provided with a hinge located on the midportion of its structure, which would permit the bridge itself to fold. 
     It is preferable that one of the arms of the present invention be non-rotatable from behind the lens retaining member to a position in front of the lens retaining member. In other words, in these embodiments, only one arm should be provided with an arrangement that permits it to rotate. 
     It should be understood that the terms “arm” and “arm extension” are used interchangeably herein. 
     While embodiments of the foregoing invention has been set forth for purposes of illustration, the foregoing description should not be deemed a limitation of the invention herein. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.