Abstract:
A hinge assembly for head worn visors and the like having first and second sleeves, said first sleeve positioned adjacent and coaxial to said second sleeve, whereby said first sleeve is pivotable relative to said second sleeve, a plunger disposed within said first and second sleeves, and means for adjusting the position of said first sleeve in relation to said second sleeve in a ratcheting manner.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/115,417 filed on Jul. 14, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,788, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/962,864 filed on Nov. 3, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,862, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/671,700 filed on Jun. 28, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,608, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention pertains generally to head worn visors and like devices, and more particularly to pivotally adjustable support arms and support pads for head-worn devices. 
     2. Description of the Background Art 
     Head worn visors are frequently utilized by golfers, tennis players, joggers, and other persons engaged in outdoor activities to reduce glare to the eyes and to prevent sunburn. Head worn visors are also commonly used in dental, medical and other professions to support face shields, eye shields, lights, reflectors, mirrors, magnifying optics, tinted glass or other apparatus from a wearer&#39;s head. 
     Conventional head worn visors typically comprise a headband with a forwardly disposed bill or shade and a pair of rearwardly disposed resilient arms which partially encircle and tensionally engage the sides of a wearer&#39;s head in order to hold or support the visor on the wearer&#39;s head. In another typical arrangement, the rearwardly disposed arms generally encircle the wearer&#39;s head and are coupled or joined together in the back of the wearer&#39;s head. 
     The aforementioned conventional visor types share a common deficiency; they are uncomfortable to wear, particularly for extended periods of time. In order to minimize discomfort, the visor must be frequently repositioned. This problem is most readily apparent with head worn visor devices having resilient, rearwardly disposed arms which tensionally engage the wearer&#39;s head, since the amount of force or tension applied by the resilient arms to the wearer&#39;s head generally cannot be controlled or adjusted, and the force or tension is applied to a relatively small area of the wearer&#39;s head. This is a particular problem for physicians, dentists, welders, and other persons who rely on face shields or other devices supported by a head worn visor since these persons frequently have both hands occupied in difficult or complex procedures and cannot free their hands to positionally adjust the head visor to a new position to increase comfort. Furthermore, these persons often wear eyeglasses with corrective lenses during the performance of these procedures, and, as is common to most eyeglasses, the arms of the eyeglass frame hook around the rear of the wearer&#39;s ear. Using the ears to additionally support a visor apparatus would significantly contribute to the discomfort of the wearer. 
     It will further be appreciated that eyeglasses suffer from the same aforementioned deficiencies; that is, they can be uncomfortable to wear because of an inadequate side support mechanism. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an articulating support arm apparatus for head-worn devices such as visors and glasses which provides for positional control of rearwardly disposed tails instead of, which allows adjustment of the amount of tension or force exerted by the tails against the sides of the wearer&#39;s head, and which maintains the adjusted tension or force exerted by the tails against the sides of the wearer&#39;s head. The present invention satisfies these needs, as well as others, and generally overcomes the deficiencies present in the background art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention pertains to an articulating support arm apparatus which provides increased wearer comfort. In general terms, the invention comprises a pair of support arm assemblies that can be coupled to the headband of a visor or to the frame of eyeglasses. Each support arm assembly includes a head gripping pad, an articulating member for positionally adjusting the head gripping pad relative to the support arm and an articulating adjustment means for positionally adjusting the articulating member and the head gripping pad. Articulating adjustment means includes means to create a greater holding force on the articulating member so as to provide the head gripping pad a more constant and secure grip around a wearer&#39;s head. 
     The articulating adjustment means preferably comprises sleeves on the articulating members which pivotally couple to a sleeve on the rear portion of a headband and posts on the articulating members which pivotally engage the sockets on the head gripping pads. Alternatively, the apparatus can be connected to an eyeglass frame or to short support arms connected to an eyeglass frame. A plunger having a plurality of teeth or serrations is inserted within the sleeves, with the serrations on the plunger structured and configured to reversibly intermesh with the serrations within the sleeve of the headband to provide pivotal articulation in a ratcheting fashion. 
     The invention is utilized by placing it on the wearer&#39;s head with the wearer&#39;s head generally positioned between the first and second support arm assemblies. The articulating members and/or articulating head gripping pads are pivotally adjusted to desired positions to accommodate the wearer&#39;s head by pushing on or otherwise applying force to the articulating members and/or head gripping pads. The amount of tension applied to the wearer&#39;s head by the first and second support arm assemblies is controlled by pivotally adjusting the position of the articulating members. Optionally, the articulating members and head gripping pads are detachable and interchangeable so that the wearer can adjust or control the amount of head contact surface area by selecting particular articulating members and head gripping pads. 
     An object of the invention is to provide an articulating support apparatus which may be pivotally adjusted to fit the head of individual wearers. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an articulating support apparatus which is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a support apparatus with articulating arm members such that greater frictional resistance is encountered when rotating the arm members in a direction away from the wearer&#39;s head. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide articulating arm members which are adaptable to head-worn devices such as visors and eyeglasses. 
     Further objects and advantages of the invention will be brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes only: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of articulating support arms in accordance with the present invention coupled to a visor and headband, which are shown in phantom. 
     FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a left support arm assembly shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a detailed exploded view of the left support arm assembly shown in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the articulating adjustment means portion of the apparatus taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the plunger shown in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the articulating support arms of the present invention coupled to temples of eyeglasses shown in phantom. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the articulating adjustment means of the present invention coupled to eyeglasses shown in phantom. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the apparatus generally shown in FIG.  1  through FIG.  7 . It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein. 
     Referring first to FIG. 1, an articulating visor apparatus  10  employing articulating support arms in accordance with the invention is generally shown. Visor apparatus  10  generally includes a headband  12  and a forwardly disposed bill or shade  14  joined to head band  12 . The invention comprises a pair of support arm assemblies  16   a,    16   b  having a pair of center sleeves  18   a,    18   b  that can be coupled to the rear end  20   a,    20   b  of head band  12  or the like. Headband  12 , shade  14  and center sleeves  18   a,    18   b  may be integrally formed from a single piece of resilient material such as polyethylene sheet, or may comprise separate portions which are joined together by adhesives, melt bonding, or like means. Support arm assemblies  16   a,    16   b  include articulating members  22   a,    22   b  that are pivotally coupled to center sleeves  18   a,    18   b,  respectively, and head gripping pads  24   a,    24   b  that are pivotally coupled to articulating members  22   a,    22   b,  respectively. 
     The length, structure and configuration of articulating members  22   a,    22   b  may be varied as required for different wearer head sizes or for particular applications of the invention. Preferably, articulating members  22   a,    22   b  are of a generally elongate shape as shown. Articulating member  22   a  has a first or front end  26   a  and a second or back end  28   a,  and articulating member  22   b  likewise includes a first or front end  26   b  and a second or back end  28   b.  An upper sleeve  30   a  and a lower sleeve  32   a  are joined to first end  26   a  of articulating member  22   a,  and a generally cylindrical post  34   a  is joined to second end  28   a  of articulating member  22   a.  Similarly, an upper sleeve  30   b  and a lower sleeve  32   b  are attached to first end  26   b  of articulating member  22   b,  and a generally cylindrical post  34   b  is attached to second end  28   b  of articulating member  22   b.    
     Referring also to FIG. 2, FIG.  3  and FIG. 4, the details of support arm assembly  16   a  are depicted. Although not depicted in detail, support arm assembly  16   b  comprises similar mirror-image components shown and described for support arm assembly  16   a.  Accordingly, support arm assembly  16   b  is configured and functions in the same manner as support arm assembly  16   a.    
     It can be seen that center sleeve  18   a  includes a plurality of longitudinally oriented serrations  36  disposed circumferentially around the inner surface  38  of center sleeve  18   a.  The inner diameter of center sleeve  18   a  tapers from the bottom  40  to the top  42  of center sleeve  18   a  in a conical fashion. A first pair of arc-shaped ledges  44 , preferably spaced 180° apart, protrude inwardly within upper sleeve  30   a,  forming steps  46  within upper sleeve  30   a.  The bottom surface  48  of ledges  44  are flush with the bottom surface  50  of upper sleeve  30   a.  Similarly, a second pair of arc-shaped ledges  52 , preferably spaced 180° apart, protrude inwardly within lower sleeve  32   a.  The upper surface  54  of ledges  52  are flush with the upper surface  56  of lower sleeve  32   a.  The general effect of first pair of arc-shaped ledges  44  and second pair of arc-shaped ledges  52  is to form non-circular shaped apertures within upper sleeve  30   a  and lower sleeve  32   a,  respectively. 
     Referring additionally to FIG. 5, center sleeve  18   a  is disposed between upper sleeve  30   a  and lower sleeve  32   a  with center sleeve  18   a  coupled to articulating member  22   a  by a plunger  58  inserted upward through lower sleeve  32   a,  center sleeve  18   a  and upper sleeve  30   a.  Plunger  58  includes a conical section  60  tapering from bottom  62  to top  64  of conical section  60  with a degree of taper matching that within center sleeve  18   a.  Longitudinally oriented serrations  66  are disposed circumferentially around conical section  60 . Plunger  58  includes a pair of cut-outs  68 , preferably spaced 180° apart, and configured to engage adjacent first arc-shaped ledges  44  and second arc-shaped ledges  52  such that rotation of upper sleeve  30   a  and lower sleeve  32   a  causes a corresponding rotation of plunger  58  engaged therein. It is contemplated that any generally non-circular aperture within upper sleeve  30   a  and lower sleeve  32   a  will meet the objective of preventing plunger  58  rotation relative to upper sleeve  30   a  and lower sleeve  32   a  when plunger  58  is inserted therein. 
     Plunger  58  also includes an extended tip  70  onto which a tab  72   a  is press fitted to retain plunger  58  within lower sleeve  32   a,  center sleeve  18   a  and upper sleeve  30   a.  The design allows for limited longitudinal movement of plunger  58  when engaged therein. An annular spring  74  inserted between tab  72   a  and steps  46  of upper sleeve  30   a  biases plunger  58  upward. When plunger  58  is biased to its uppermost position, serrations  66  on plunger  58  frictionally engage serrations  36  within center sleeve  18   a,  thereby rendering articulating member  22   a  fixed in position. As tab  72   a  is depressed, serrations  66  on plunger  58  disengage from serrations  36  within center sleeve  18   a,  thereby allowing for frictional rotation of upper sleeve  30   a  and lower sleeve  32   a,  thus allowing for adjustment of articulating member  22   a.  Serrations  66  on plunger  58  along with serrations  36  in center sleeve  18   a  are angled such that a lower frictional resistance is encountered when articulating member  22   a  is rotated counter-clockwise than when rotated clockwise. This is because serrations  66  have clockwise facing lands  76  that are longer, measured tangentially, than counter-clockwise facing lands  78 . Serrations  36  within center sleeve  18   a  are similarly but reversibly configured to allow for proper engagement and meshing thereon. 
     The converse is applicable to articulating member  22   b,  wherein a lower frictional resistance is encountered when articulating member  22   b  is rotated clockwise than when rotated counter-clockwise. Therefore, when apparatus  10  is placed on a wearer&#39;s head (not shown), positional adjustment of articulating members  22   a,    22   b  in an inward direction (towards the wearer&#39;s head) applies greater compressive force to head gripping pads  24   a,    24   b,  allowing the wearer to more firmly affix the visor  10  on the wearer&#39;s head. A looser fit is achieved by positionally adjusting articulating members  22   a,    22   b  outward or away from the wearer&#39;s head after depressing tab  72   a  and/or tab  72   b.  Thus, through the articulating motion of the articulating members  22   a,    22   b,  the wearer can precisely fit the head visor apparatus  10  to his or her head to provide maximum comfort. 
     Head gripping pads  24   a,    24   b  include sockets  80   a,    80   b  which pivotally engage cylindrical posts  34   a,    34   b  of articulating members  22   a,    22   b.  Sockets  80   a,    80   b  are preferably made of resilient material so that posts  34   a,    34   b  reversibly snap fit into sockets  80   a,    80   b,  allowing disassembly from articulating members  22   a,    22   b  for cleaning or interchanging with other head gripping pads of different configuration. 
     Additionally, sockets  80   a,    80   b  on head gripping pads  24   a,    24   b,  respectively, are offset from the longitudinal center of the head gripping pads  24   a,    24   b.  This configuration allows the wearer to make the overall length of support arm assemblies  16   a,    16   b  longer or shorter by removing head gripping pads  24   a,    24   b,  turning them over, and then reinstalling them. While the length change may be small, it can effect a significant change in comfort to the wearer. Note also that the posts  34   a,    34   b  of articulating members  22   a,    22   b  are offset from the longitudinal axis of the members to allow for a greater range of pivotal movement of head gripping pads  24   a,    24   b  before contacting articulating members  22   a,    22   b.  Head gripping pads  24   a,    24   b  are covered with open cell foam, giving them a softer and more comfortable feel when worn. 
     Note also that head gripping pads  24   a,    24   b,  can be omitted if desired. When omitting head gripping pads  24   a,    24   b,  posts  34   a,    34   b  on back ends  28   a,    28   b  of articulating members  22   a,    22   b  are also preferably omitted. In this arrangement it is also preferably to provide a slightly curved head-accommodating shape or inner surface to articulating members  22   a,    22   b  to increase wearer comfort. Cushioning means and/or sweat absorption means may also be used in association with articulating members  22   a,    22   b.    
     Referring to FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment  82  employing the present invention are shown wherein like numerals denote like parts. Eyeglass frames  84  generally comprises temple arms  86   a,    86   b  coupled to support arm assemblies  16   a,    16   b.  Support arm assemblies  16   a,    16   b  are used in place of ear loop sections which normally hook around the wearer&#39;s ear to secure eyeglasses  84  onto the wearer&#39;s head. In this embodiment, center sleeves  18   a,    18   b  are attached to the distal ends  88   a,    88   b  of temple arms  86   a,    86   b,  respectively, and may be integrally formed with temple arms  86   a,    86   b  from a single piece of resilient material such as polyethylene sheet, or may comprise separate portions which are joined together by adhesives, melt bonding, or like means. Support arm assemblies  16   a,    16   b  are otherwise used in the same manner as related above for visor apparatus  10 . 
     Referring also to FIG. 7, yet another alternate embodiment  90  of the present invention is generally shown, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts. Alternate embodiment  90  comprises a pair of support arm assemblies  92   a,    92   b  pivotally attached to eyeglass frame  84 . Pivotal adjustment means  94   a,    94   b  comprises upper sleeves  30   a,    30   b  and lower sleeves  32   a,    32   b  disposed at the front end  96   a,    96   b  of support arm assemblies  92   a,    92   b,  center sleeves  18   a,    18   b  attached to eyeglass frames  84 , tabs  72   a,    72   b  and plungers (not shown) inserted through upper sleeves  30   a,    30   b,  lower sleeves  32   a,    32   b  and center sleeves  18   a,    18   b.  Pivoting and locking of support arm assemblies  92   a,    92   b  function identically as previously discussed, however, to practically accommodate mounting directly onto eyeglass frame  84 , pivotal adjustment means  94   a,    94   b  is smaller than that disclosed for use with support arms assemblies  16   a,    16   b  in FIG.  1  through FIG.  6  and fabricated from a metal or like material. 
     Accordingly, it will be seen that this invention provides an articulating hinge assembly adaptable to visors, eyeglasses or other head-worn devices which allow not only a greater degree of positional adjustment than has heretofore been available, but which also the capability for maintaining the articulating members in a fixed position after such positional adjustments. Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”