Abstract:
The present invention relates to spherical-shaped see through lenses used in eyewear. The lenses have a substantially constant thickness and a substantially constant radius of curvature of between 28-19 mm. The spherical lenses may be supported in a frame formed of either rigid or flexible material and attached to a strap assembly adaptable to be worn by the user. Optionally, each of the lenses may be supported by a flanged member and ventilation passages preferably extending through the frame and/or the lenses to allow air to circulate around the lenses.

Description:
SUMMARY OF RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/612,958 filed on Jul. 7, 2003, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,871,952 which was a division of application Ser. No. 09/645,339, which was filed on Aug. 25, 2000 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,860 and claimed priority from provisional application 60/150,803 filed Aug. 26, 1999, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to see-through lenses. More particularly, the present invention is directed to uniquely constructed, radically-shaped lenses, e.g., spheric or toric lenses having a radius-of-curvature between 28-19 mm (19-28 base curve), adaptable primarily for use in non-prescription sunglasses, sport goggles and the like, although not limited thereto.  
         [0003]     As well as enhancing vision, eyeglasses also serve to protect the eye against all types of foreign objects. Initially, the lenses employed in such eyeglasses were routinely made of glass and were substantially flat in shape, a condition that created significant distortion around the periphery of the lenses. More recently, lenses have been made of a variety of plastic or plastic-like materials, often having dramatically curved surfaces. For example, swim or riding goggles are well know to have teardrop-shaped lenses. While such lenses may reduce aerodynamic drag, a wearer may suffer from undesirable peripheral distortion when viewing through such lenses.  
         [0004]     Curved lenses employed in sports goggles, sunglasses or the like may be more or less elliptical in shape as required by the specific application. Such applications may include fashion eye wear, performance eyewear including swim and sport goggles, and sunglasses, as well as all manner of protective eye wear for use at home and on the job. In any particular use, the arc of the curved lens may vary in shape dependent on the overall circumference of the curved lens necessary to achieve undistorted vision. Lenses may be employed with a slight spherical appearance, i.e., a modified spherical, or ovoid arc. In such slightly curved lenses, there is a variable radius of curvature somewhere between 106-44 mm, e.g., a 5-12 base curve (base curve being calculated by dividing a radius in millimeters into 530). In effect, the distance between the lens and eye may well differ at different locations on the lens. This may create significant distortion at the periphery of each lens.  
         [0005]     The Government of the United States has procured a protective facemask assembly having a pair of semi-curved lenses of spherical or ovoid configuration. While these lenses may seem superficially similar to the present invention, closer inspection reveals a number of significant differences. Because the Government lenses are mounted in pockets creating the nose bridge of the facemask, the edge of each Government lens is truncated or cut-off to allow for assembly into its respective pocket. This naturally creates peripheral distortion for the wearer of the mask, when attempting to view through the truncated portion located near the mask nose. Another drawback of the Government procured spherical lens is the use of only a single size lens, i.e. “one size fits all.” Each Government lens also incorporates two parts, a spherical lens and surrounding flange joined by a dedicated and detectable seam. This seam itself can distort the vision of the wearer. Furthermore, there is no suggestion that the flange surrounding the Government&#39;s spherical lens can be made of any desirable configuration.  
         [0006]     It is clear that there exists a need in the art for an improved viewing lens capable of providing distortion-free viewing in a fashionable design equally adaptable for use in most all types of eyewear including conventional, non-prescription sunglasses. As will become apparent, the present invention provides a uniquely configured lens assembly which optimizes peripheral vision while minimizing the size of each lens and thus maximizing the aerodynamic flow of air around the lens.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     There is a need in the art for eyewear lenses capable of providing maximum field-of-view with a minimum of distortion. Such lenses need be adaptable for eyewear including sports wear and fashion wear. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide such radically shaped lenses and associated eyewear.  
         [0008]     It is another object of the invention to provide radically shaped lenses which provide increased sun, wind, and dust protection relative to the sunglasses and goggles of the art while at the same time improving central and peripheral vision with a lens that is in proximate relationship to the eye rotation at all times.  
         [0009]     The present invention is directed to a radically shaped lens adaptable for use as a viewing lens in, e.g., protective eyewear, sunglasses, sport goggles, and swim wear utilized above the water. The invention includes a unique lens wherein the radius of curvature of the lens is substantially constant from a normal eyeball as it scans throughout the viewing field. Because the radius of curvature is substantially constant, the radically shaped, lens provides for continuous, undistorted peripheral vision. The radius of curvature of each radically shaped lens is preferably in the range of 28-19 mm, e.g., an exemplary lens with a base curve in the range of 19-28.  
         [0010]     The lens of the invention is of substantially constant thickness throughout the field of view and the lens preferably only varies in thickness so that the lens can be is optically correct and free from any prism effect throughout the periphery of the lens and have a 0 power of magnification at all points in the viewing field when constructed of material having an index of refraction of between 1.55 and 1.66. A further feature of the present invention is that the closer the lens is positioned relative to the eye, the smaller in size the lens needs be. The lens is preferably no smaller than what is necessary to provide freedom of movement of the wearer&#39;s eyelashes. As the separation between the lens and the eye increases, the size of the lens will also increase, with the maximum practical size of the lens directly related to the facial geometry and to the point at which the wearer&#39;s eyes field of vision overlap.  
         [0011]     A pair of the radically-shaped lenses according to the present invention may be directly attached to a pair of stems (also referred to as temples) extending about opposite sides of the wearer&#39;s head or attached to a goggle strap of any size and shape. Each radically shaped lens may include a flange portion (also called a “carrier”) partially or totally surrounding the viewing lens. At the point where the lens and flange intersect, a seam may exist which visually differentiates between the lens and the flange. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lens and surrounding flange are separately constructed and joined at the seam. Alternatively, and more preferably, the lens and flange may be integrally constructed out of the same material with a gradual transition between the lens and flange portions providing a seamless appearance. The gradual transition may constitute a continuous and constant change of curvature, or may take any other desired shape. For example, the flange may contour to facial structure. Regardless of the type of construction employed, these flanges may serve to secure the lenses to a pair of eyeglass stems, padding, nose piece, ear piece, or strap, or the flange may be purely ornamental. The flange can be of any size, shape, color, texture, or material. It is also within the scope of the present invention to dispense with the flange altogether by directly connecting each radically shaped lens to the goggle or glass frame.  
         [0012]     The percentage of the spherical lens which is used for the field-of-view should be sufficient to provide undistorted peripheral vision of at least 20° vertical and 20° horizontal and may be as great as 80° to 94° at the distal portion of each lens. As the proximal portion of the radically shaped lens, the nose would restrict overall monocular vision to field-of-view of about 140° to 156°.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art by reading the following specification and by reference to the following drawings in which:  
         [0014]      FIG. 1   a  is a cross-sectional view of an eyeball and two curved lenses formed in accordance with the present invention and  FIG. 1   b  illustrates changes in the viewing angle when one of the lenses  14  or  16  is disposed proximate the user&#39;s eye;  
         [0015]      FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c  and  2   d  are face, side, top and back views, respectively, of a radically-shaped lens formed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are front and side views, respectively, of a radically-shaped lens mounted in a flange and formed in accordance with the present invention while  FIGS. 3   c  and  3   d  provide alternative views of the lens illustrated in  FIGS. 3   c  and  3   d;    
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a performance goggle assembly formed in accordance with the present invention and including a pair of radically-shaped lenses formed in accordance with the embodiment of  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a further performance goggle assembly formed in accordance with the present invention and including a pair of radically-shaped lenses formed in accordance with the embodiment of  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a pair of glasses formed in accordance with the present invention and including a pair of radically-shaped lenses formed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a further pair of glasses formed in accordance with the present invention and including a pair of radically-shaped lenses formed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a further pair of glasses formed in accordance with the present invention and including a pair of radically-shaped lenses formed in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0022]      FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b , and  9   c  provide additional information regarding the placement of the radically shaped lenses relative to the user&#39;s eye(s). 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0023]     Illustrative embodiments and exemplary applications are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to disclose the advantageous teachings of the present invention. Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like elements throughout, a typical eyeball is shown in cross-section in  FIG. 1   a  at  10 . The dotted line  12  traces the shape of the eyeball as it scans the field-of-view. The dotted lines  14  and  16  each show the shape of a radically shaped lens formed in accordance with the present invention. The lens  14  is at all times substantially equal distance from the line  12  delineating the eyeball  10 . In a similar manner, the lens  16  is also at all times substantially equal distance from the line  12  of the eyeball  10 . As will be understood, the lens  14  has a smaller radius of curvature than the lens  16 . The difference in size between the lenses  14  and  16  results in a different field-of-view when scanned by eyeball  10 . It will be appreciated that whether a spherical lens the size and shape of lens  14  or the size and shape of lens  16  is employed would depend on the desired field-of-view.  FIG. 1   b  illustrates changes in the direction of view as the eye  10  rotates about its center relative to one of the lenses  14 ,  16 .  
         [0024]     Turning now to  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  2   c ,  2   d , wherein various views are shown of a radically-shaped lens  20  formed in accordance with the present invention. Lens  20  has a substantially constant radius of curvature, in the range of 28-19 mm. It will be appreciated that this radius of curvature is preferably constant with respect to all axes; although, if desired, the radius of curvature may be varied slightly along one axis. In addition, the thickness of spherical lens  20  is preferably constructed to be substantially constant throughout. More particularly, for non-prescription lenses the thickness of the lens varies preferably only to the extent necessary to permit the lens to be optically correct and free from any prism effect throughout the periphery of the lens and to have a 0 power of magnification at all points in the viewing field when constructed of material having an index of refraction of between 1.55 and 1.66. The percentage of the spherical shape of lens  20  used for viewing sufficient to provide undistorted peripheral vision of 20° vertical and 20° horizontal is between 80° and 94° at the distal portion  22  of the lens and between 140° and 156° at the proximal portion  24  of the lens.  
         [0025]     Turning to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the radically shaped, e.g., spherical lens  20  includes a surrounding flange or carrier portion  26 . Flange  26  joins and supports spherical lens  20  while providing points of attachment for connecting lens  20  to the frame portion of glass wear or goggles. Flange  26  may be formed of any convenient shape. As shown in  FIG. 3   b , flange  26  includes an elongated portion  28  located near the distal end of lens  20  remotely positioned from the adjacent lens as discussed below.  FIGS. 3   c  and  3   d  provide alternative views of the lens  20 . It is noted that flange portion may partially or totally surround the viewing lens. At the point where the lens and flange intersect, a seam may exist which visually differentiates between the lens and the flange. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lens and surrounding flange are separately constructed and joined at the seam. Alternatively, and more preferably, the lens and flange are integrally constructed out of the same material with a gradual transition between the lens and flange portions providing a seamless appearance. The gradual transition may constitute a continuous and constant change of curvature, or may take any other desired shape. For example, the flange may contour to facial structure. If desired, padding may be employed between the flange and the wearer&#39;s face. Regardless of the type of construction employed, these flanges may serve to secure the lenses to a pair of eyeglass stems, padding, nose piece, ear piece, or strap, or the flange may be purely ornamental. The flange can be of any size, shape, color, texture, or material. It is also within the scope of the present invention to dispense with the flange altogether by directly connecting each radically shaped lens to the goggle or glass frame.  
         [0026]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a radical performance sport goggle assembly is generally indicated at  30 . Goggles  30  include a pair of radically shaped lenses  20  each formed in accordance with the present invention. Each of the lenses  20  has a substantially constant radius of curvature in the range of between 28-19 mm. Each of the lenses  20  is mounted in a frame or holder  30 . Holder  30  may be formed of a hard plastic material or, preferably, may be formed of soft, impact-resistant material. Holder  30  includes a pair of elongated eyepiece openings  34 , with each opening  34  releasably retaining in place one lens  20 . A particular retention assembly may comprise conventional clips, snaps, or other fasteners mounted on holder  30 . When desired, each of the lenses  20  may be detached and replaced by different size lenses of the same or a different color. Holder  32  further includes end portions  36  with quick-release loop connector members  38  preferably formed of stretchable rubber, which may selectively enclose and retain opposite ends  40  of a strap  42  designed to extend around the wearer&#39;s head. By pulling the connector members  38  away from the wearer&#39;s face, it is possible to tighten the frame  30  and strap  42  about the wearer&#39;s head without forming any dangling ends. The strap  42  is preferably formed of sweat-absorbing material and may comprise a single band or two separate and yet connected band portions  44  and  46  which provide an ergonomic opening for secure and comfortable fit. As also shown in  FIG. 4 , a number of air flow/ventilation openings  48  are created between walls of each opening  34  and the radically shaped lenses  20 . Because a considerable amount of air is allowed to move behind each of the lenses  20 , they will not fog up as readily as conventional eyewear.  
         [0027]     A particular benefit of the radically shaped lens  20  is its ability to be worn closer to the face than conventional eyewear. This is due to the radical radius of the lens  20 . Even though the lens  20  closely fits over the wearer&#39;s eye, the eyelashes will have sufficient room to open and close without interference from the inside wall of the lens  20 . Because the lens  20  is much closer to the eye then with conventional eyewear, there is a significant improvement of the peripheral vision. Such improved peripheral vision may provide the wearer with superior advance warning of potential danger at the periphery of the lens. Likewise, when a foreign object impacts the face, the fact that lens  20  is closer to the face because of its radically-shaped configuration, means that the distance that the impacted lens  20  moves is reduced, cushioning the blow to the face.  
         [0028]     Instead of employing a frame or holder  34 , the radically-shaped lenses  20  and surrounding flanges portions  26  may be directly attached to a strap  50  adaptable for encircling the wearer&#39;s head as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . A nose piece  52  joins the flanges  26  of the lenses  20  while a number of ventilation openings  54  extend though flanges  26  to allow air to freely circulate behind lenses  20 .  
         [0029]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , a pair of lenses  20  and surrounding flanges  26  formed in accordance with the present invention are mounted in a frame assembly  60  formed of soft rubber or similar cushioning material. Frame  60  includes a pair of stems  62 , which extend from the flanges  26  beyond the ears of the wearer, not shown. A nosepiece  64  supports a pair of adjacently disposed lenses  20 . At least one elongated ventilation slot  66  extends between each of the spherical-shaped lenses  20  and the surrounding frame  60 .  
         [0030]     In a further aspect of the present invention shown in  FIG. 7 , glasses  70  includes two lenses  20  each surrounded by a flange member  26 . A pair of semi-rigid stems  72  are each connected to an outer portion of one of the flanges  26 . A separate pad  74  is connected to the inner portion of each flange  26  with the pair of pads  74  serving to support the lenses  20  of glasses  70  on the bridge of the nose of the wearer, not shown. A connecting member  76  extends between flange members  26  and serves to join the lenses  20  together to form glasses  70 .  
         [0031]     In a yet further aspect of the present invention, the glasses  80  in  FIG. 8  have eliminated the need for flanges  26 . Rather, each of the pair of lenses  20  is directly connected to a frame  82  by at least one holder  84 , which may comprise a wire or plastic member. It is also within the scope of the present invention for the lenses  20  to be directly connected to a pair of glass stems, a frame, paddings, and nose pieces in a manner similar to conventional lenses.  
         [0032]     For each of the glasses or goggle assemblies formed in accordance with the present invention, the radically-shaped lenses  20  can be formed of smaller size and have an overall smaller footprint than achieved in known lenses. The lenses  20  need only surround the visible portion of the eyeball to function as effective eyewear, sunglasses or sport goggles. The overall spherical lens size is selected to meet the requirements of the particular sport or fashion application. This minimalistic approach particularly benefits speed related activities, sports, and even allows for a more even suntan. When used in sunglasses, the smaller size of the radically-shaped lens  20  offers more peripheral protection from UV rays than standard eyewear because the radically-shaped lens  20  almost entirely surrounds the exposed portion of the eyeball and can be worn much closer to the face than standard lenses. The overall advantages of the lens and goggles according to the present invention may best be understood from  FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b , and  9   c , which provide views of the lens  20 , or pair of lenses  20 , disposed proximate to the user&#39;s eye(s).  
         [0033]     The radically shaped lenses  20  exhibit a more aerodynamic in design when compared to traditional lenses. More importantly, lens  20  can be individually sized to fit the eye/facial area appropriate for wearers ranging from small children to large adults. It within the scope of the present invention to create lenses  20  in various sizes, colors, and materials sufficient to satisfy the vision requirements of almost any potential wearer.  
         [0034]     The radically shaped lens  20  can be manufactured in any color, and may include any coating or design on the front of the lenses. Because the lens  20  does not have to be completely solid, a number of ventilation openings may extend through lens  20  to assist in airflow through the lenses. This will significantly benefit a user when subjected to heat, fog, or extreme weather conditions. The flange  26  surrounding lens  26  may be the same color as the lens  20  or a different color may be used to create two-toned eyewear. Glare resistant properties may be incorporated into the flange  26 , while the viewing lens  20  may contain UV properties as achieved with a particular tint. Alternatively, the flanges  26  may incorporate artwork, lamination, or even a personal fashion statement. The flange  26  may be formed of any material, transparent or solid.  
         [0035]     Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to a particular embodiments for a particular applications. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof.  
         [0036]     It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.