Abstract:
An eyeglasses system comprises an eyeglasses frame having a pair of opposite temple regions an attachment interface at each temple region, and two or more sets of laces. The lace sets are interchangeably attachable and detachable from the attachment interfaces at the temple regions of the frame, such that laces of different styles may be used with the single frame. There are in some systems plural frames each having a pair of opposite temple regions with an attachment interface at each temple region, such that plural sets of laces may be freely interchanged and worn with plural sets of laces. Individual ones of the lace sets may include laces of one or more of different styles, colors, indicia, widths, or materials.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/665,393, filed Sep. 20, 2000, abandoned. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention is in the field of eyeglasses, and has particular application in providing an improved method and apparatus for securing eyeglasses in the desired position while being worn. 
   2. Background of the Invention 
   The present invention is related to and improves upon an existing U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,118 issued to the present inventor on Sep. 21, 1999. 
   Eyeglasses, also commonly known as spectacles or glasses, comprise an instrument or device including lenses or prisms mounted in a plastic or metal frame to hold them in position in front of the eyes, for the purpose of aiding vision or compensating for various visual defects such as myopia or astigmatism for example. In addition to correcting visual defects, eyeglasses are also commonly worn to protect the user&#39;s eyes from harm caused by environmental or workplace hazards. For example, eyeglasses consisting of lenses of various shades or colors, and often manufactured with a protective ultraviolet coating, are used to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, or from the glare of very bright lights. In another example, in order to protect the eyes from the actinic rays of welding flames, workers wear eyeglasses having lenses of a much deeper tint. In still other examples, machinists and other factory workers wear eyeglasses or goggles having lenses of great strength to shield their eyes from flying particles of metal or some other hazardous material, and aviators and racing drivers wear protective goggles to shield their eyes from the wind and other airborne particles. Protective eyeglasses are also commonly worn in many court sports as racquetball and basketball, or other sports where equipment used or close proximity between participants causes a potential hazard to the eyes. 
   The most common form of eyeglasses consists of a pair of glass or plastic lenses mounted within a metal or plastic frame resting the bridge of the nose that is and usually supported by a pair of nose pads for a nose piece shaped to provide a comfortable fit. A common frame for eyeglasses consists of bows, or arms, extending to the rear of the frame from end pieces or temples on each opposite side of the frame end. The bows are usually hinged and sometimes permanently attached at temple areas of the frame. A common eyeglasses frame is held in place on the user&#39;s head by inward spring pressure applied to the arms causing them to grip the head from the sides, or by curved ends of the arms that hook around behind the user&#39;s ears. A combination of spring-loaded arms and hooked ends is often utilized. 
   Another less common form of eyeglasses, known as pinch nose glasses. have frames that are held in place by pressure on the bridge of the nose, such as by a nosepiece utilizing spring pressure or some form of resilient material. Single lenses, known in the art has monocles, are used to correct the sight of just one eye and are held in place by wedging the lens in the orbit of the eye. Eyeglasses with a handle attached to the frame, rather than utilizing spring-loaded arms (for example), is occasionally employed for reading, and are commonly referred to as lorgnettes. 
   As previously mentioned many attempts have been made over the many years since the development of eyeglasses to hold the frame of the eyeglasses in place while worn so that the lenses mounted within the frame rest in their proper position in front of the eyes without undue movement. It is especially important for wearers of eyeglasses with corrective lenses to maintain the proper distance between the lens and the surface of the eye so as to best utilize the corrective properties of the lenses. For example, if corrective eyeglasses worn by a user according to conventional art are moved or bumped into an uneven position in front of the eyes, optimal vision correction is lost and the view through the lens can become distorted. 
   A common problem encountered by users wearing conventional eyeglasses is a tendency for the frame to slide downward on the bridge of the nose due to a combination of the forces of gravity and the movement of by the user. This problem is exacerbated when the user perspires and the skin surface of the user&#39;s nose becomes slippery, thus increasing the tendency for the eyeglasses to slide downwardly and outwardly from the face. The holding effectiveness of temple arms with ends that hook around the ears is also diminished by perspiration occurring behind the ear which causes the surface of the skin behind the ear to become increasingly slippery as well, causing the hooked ends to lose their grip. The problem is further exacerbated when external forces are applied to eyeglasses worn by an active user such as an athlete performing strenuous sports including running or riding a bike down a bumpy trail. 
   The formed nosepiece or nose pads, used in conjunction with temple arms having ends that hook around the ears, which are the structures commonly used in conventional eyeglasses, often does not adequately provide the fit and support many users desire. The shape, width and slope of the bridge of the nose can vary greatly from different users, as can the circumference of the head and distance between the ears and bridge of the nose. Because of these physical disparities between users no single combination of temple arms and nosepiece or nose pads provides optimal fit, hold and support for most users. Eyeglasses frames must often be adjusted in many ways for different users in order to obtain the desired secure and comfortable fit. For example, a user having a nose bridge thinner than average must adjust the pair of nose pads of the eyeglasses, if so equipped, inward to diminish the space between each other. The opposite is true for a user with a nose bridge wider than is average, necessitating an outward adjustment of the nose pads to obtain the proper fit. As previously mentioned, the circumference of the user&#39;s head and the distance between the bridge of the nose and the ears varies greatly between users and necessitating and additional adjustment of the hooked ends of, if so equipped, and the amount of space between the temple arms. Many modern eyeglasses are furnished with temple arms having a straighter end with a sometimes ergonomically shaped cover. usually made of a textured rubberized material, instead of a hooked end that partially wraps around behind the ear as in more conventional art. Such a temple arm end covering is viewed by many to be trendy and fashionable, but can provide the necessary anchoring of the temple arms only in dry and optimal conditions. As is the case with temple arms having ends that wrap around the ear such straighter, rubber-covered temple arms are also very susceptible to slippage due to perspiration behind the ears or being subjected to otherwise wet conditions in the environment such as rain, snow or the like. 
   Attempts have been made to integrate structures, such as headbands, into the structure of the eyeglasses for creating a more effective and secure mounting of the eyeglasses to the head of the user. One illustrative example of such known structures is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,985 to Laschober. The Laschober patent teaches two different attachment members or structures for attaching a headband to the frame. One structure, shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4  of the Laschober patent, includes an attachment member mounted on the headband with an arm and tab adapted for engaging an aperture formed in a connector member mounted on the frame. A significant drawback for this structure of the Laschober patent is that the user must press the tab on the arm inward (through the aperture) to disengage the tab from the aperture and release the attachment member from the connector member. Thus, the user cannot simply disengage the attachment member from the connector member of Laschober, but the user must attempt to press the relatively small tab, a task that does not appear to capable of being performed while the Laschober apparatus is on the head of the user so that the user could release the headband from the frame while the Laschober device is being worn on the user&#39;s head. Instead, it appears that the Laschober device would have to be removed from the user&#39;s head first, and then the attachment member could be released from the connector member. This required step makes it highly likely that the user would mess up his or her hair upon removing the Laschober headband from the user&#39;s head because the user is unable to release the tension of the headband from the frame prior to removing the device from the user&#39;s head. 
   Another structure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,885 to Laschober, shown in  FIGS. 5 through 7  thereof, employs an attachment member comprising a wire forming a closed shape with break in the wire. One variation has a threaded nut which selectively bridges the break in the wire, but the other variation has overlapping halves that must be forced apart to remove the loop of the band from the wire. Again, the forcible separation of the overlapping ends of the wire appears to be difficult, if not impossible, to perform while the Laschober device is being worn by the user, and again it appears that the Laschober device would have to be removed from the user&#39;s head before the headband could be released from the frame. 
   What is clearly needed is an improved method and apparatus for holding the frames of eyeglasses in the proper position in front of the eyes, enabling the average user to more easily maintain the lenses of the eyeglasses at the proper distance and alignment with the eyes. Such a method and apparatus will provide the user with the desired fit and hold regardless of the amount of activity, perspiration or environmental conditions. Variations of such method and apparatus will also allow the average user interchangeability of securing components while offering a broad choice between different fashionable colors sizes and styles of straps (laces) and buckles. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of eyeglasses now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new apparatus for securing eyeglasses to the head of a wearer construction wherein the same can be utilized for securing eyeglasses on the head of the wearer of the glasses. 
   To attain this, the present invention generally comprises an eyeglasses frame having a pair of opposite temple regions, a lace structure having opposite ends, and coupling means for removably coupling each of the opposite ends of the lace structure to one of the temple regions of the eyeglasses frame. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   As such. those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   Generally, in many of the most preferred embodiments, the present invention advantageously permits and facilitates removal of the lace structure from the eyeglass frame without requiring removal of the frame and lace structure from the head of the user, and in some embodiments permits one-handed removal of the lace structure of at least one end of the lace structure from the eyeglass frame. 
   In greater detail, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, the eyeglasses system comprises an eyeglasses frame having a pair of opposite temple regions and an attachment interface at each temple region, and one or more sets of laces. The lace sets may be interchangeably attachable and detachable from the attachment interfaces at the temple regions of the frame such that laces of different sizes and styles may be used with the same or different frames. 
   In one embodiment of the invention, the eyeglasses system further comprises a plurality of frames each having a pair of opposite temple regions with an attachment interface at each temple region such that a plurality of sets of laces may be freely interchanged and worn with the plurality of frames. 
   In some embodiments of the invention, each attachment interface comprises a temple piece with a hole therethrough. and each lace set comprises rings that may be opened to pass through both the holes in the temple pieces and a loop in the laces. The rings may be of various shapes, including, but not limited to, triangular, oval, or “D” shapes. 
   In some embodiments of the invention, each attachment interface comprises a temple piece with a slot having upper and lower indentions or rounded protrusions. and each lace set comprises attachment clips with flexible arms, each arm having a rounded protrusion or an indention, such that the arms deflect inward as the clip is inserted in the slot, and the arms deflect outward again as the rounded protrusions or indentions engage the indentions or rounded protrusions in the slot to thereby hold the clips in the slots. The rounded nature of the protrusions allow disengagement of clips from slots by pulling on the laces or clips. In other embodiments, each attachment interface comprises a temple piece with a blade having upper and lower rounded protrusions or indentions, and each lace set comprises attachment clips with flexible arms. Each arm has an indention or a rounded protrusion such that the arms deflect outward as the clip is pushed over the blase, and the arms deflect inward again as the indentions or protrusions engage the rounded protrusions or indentions of the blades to thereby hold the clips on the blades. Again, the rounded nature of the protrusions allows disengagement of clips from blades by pulling on the laces or clips, which can be performed while the frame and lace structure is located on the head of the user, and may be performed in a one-handed operation. 
   In some embodiments of the invention, each attachment interface comprises a temple piece with a socket, and each lace set comprises attachment clips implemented to engage the sockets securely by push and twist action. 
   In some preferred embodiments. the sets of laces each have non-adjustable engagement elements at the temple pieces, and each lace set includes separate laces including a separable clip arrangement at the ends opposite the non-adjustable engagement elements. The separable clip arrangement may comprise two joinable pieces, one of which engages a lace in a manner to allow adjustment of the length of the lace. Adjustment of the length of the lace may be provided by hook and loop fastener elements mounted on the lace, or by a slot in one of the joinable pieces allowing a lace to pass therethrough, and a buckle allowing the ends of the lace passed through to be adjustably engaged, as well as by other means. In some cases a friction clamp may be used, and the friction clamp may be spring-loaded. 
   In some embodiments, the sets of laces each have adjustable engagement elements at the temple pieces, and each lace set includes separate laces including a separable clip arrangement at the ends opposite the adjustable engagement elements. The separable clip arrangement may comprise two joinable pieces. Adjustment in these embodiments may be provided at the temple pieces by laces that pass through a slot in the relevant temple piece and fold back, joined by a buckle or friction element providing length adjustment. In alternative embodiments, the attachment interface may be a male or female thread, and each lace element has a matching threaded element for engaging the thread at the temple pieces. 
   In some preferred embodiments of the present invention individual ones of the lace sets may include laces of one or more of different styles, colors, indicia, widths, or materials. 
   It is a particular object of the invention to provide a system wherein glasses frames of many sorts, such as prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, goggles, and others may be interchanged with many different laces of many different styles, colors, indicia and materials, as well as sizes and widths, to suit a user&#39;s mood and inclination at any given time. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1   a  is an elevation view of a snap ring according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1   b  is an elevation view of the snap ring of  FIG. 1   a  and an eyeglasses securing strap or lace. 
       FIG. 1   c  is an elevation view of the snap ring and securing strap of  FIG. 1   b  and an eyeglasses temple piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1   d  is a side view of eyeglasses used with the snap ring and securing strap of  FIG. 1   b  according to an embodiment of present invention. 
       FIG. 2   a  is an elevation view of a strap clip according to another embodiment of present invention. 
       FIG. 2   b  is a side view of the clip of  FIG. 2   a , an eyeglasses strap and an eyeglasses temple piece and frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3   a  is an elevation view of a strap clip according to another embodiment of present invention. 
       FIG. 3   b  is a side view of the clip of  FIG. 3   a , an eyeglasses strap and an eyeglasses temple piece and frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4   a  is an elevation view of an eyeglasses strap with swivel clip according to another embodiment of present invention. 
       FIG. 4   b  is a rear broken view of a portion of eyeglasses frame according to embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4   c  is a rear view of the eyeglasses frame of  FIG. 4   b.    
       FIG. 5   a  is an elevation view of a strap clip according to another embodiment of present invention. 
       FIG. 5   b  is a side view of the clip of  FIG. 5   a , an eyeglasses strap and an eyeglasses temple piece and frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6   a  is a rear view of an eyeglasses frame, straps and buckle according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6   b  is a rear view of an eyeglass frame, straps and buckles according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6   c  is a top broken view of a portion of an eyeglasses frame. temple piece and eyeglasses strap according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6   d  is a top broken view of a portion of an eyeglasses frame, temple piece and eyeglasses strap according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7   a  is an elevation view of a strap clip and securing pin according to another embodiment of present invention. 
       FIG. 7   b  is a side view of the clip and securing pin of  FIG. 7   a , and eyeglasses strap and an eyeglasses temple piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8   a  is an elevation view of an eyeglasses strap with angled swivel clip according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8   b  is a top broken view of a portion of eyeglasses frame and temple piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8   c  is a top view of the eyeglasses frame of  FIG. 8   b.    
       FIG. 9   a  is elevation view of an eyeglasses temple piece according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9   b  is a side view of eyeglasses utilizing the temple piece of  FIG. 9   a  and an eyeglasses strap according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9   c  is a side view of a glasses frame with a temple piece according to an alterative embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 9   d  illustrates the frame and temple piece of  FIG. 9   a  in relation to a retainer and strap. 
       FIG. 9   c  illustrates a temple piece allowing a strap to be attached by a screw thread. 
       FIG. 9   f  illustrates another embodiment of a temple piece and engagement element in an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 10   a  is a view of an end of an eyeglasses strap according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10   b  is a top broken view of a portion of eyeglasses frame, temple piece and securing pin according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10   c  is a top view of the eyeglasses frame, temple pieces and securing pin of  FIG. 10   b  used with the eyeglasses strap of  FIG. 10   a  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10   d  illustrates a friction element for adjusting laces in an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 11   a  is a top broken view of a portion of eyeglasses frame and temple piece according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11   b  is a rear broken view of the eyeglasses frame and temple piece of  FIG. 11   a , and securing pin according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12   a  is an elevation view of a securing ring and small eyeglasses strap according to another embodiment of present invention. 
       FIG. 12   b  is an elevation view of the securing ring of  FIG. 12   a  used with a large eyeglasses strap according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12   c  is an elevation view of an oval securing ring and small eyeglasses strap according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 12   d  is an elevation view of an oval securing ring and larger eyeglasses strap according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of a portion of another embodiment of the invention featuring an enlarged post and socket. 
       FIG. 14  is a side view of a broken away portion of the eyeglass frame and lace structure of another embodiment of the invention featuring a ring connector with a portion of the ring connector being slidable. 
       FIG. 15  is a top view of a broken away portion of the eyeglass frame and lace structure of another embodiment of the invention featuring a slidable biased connector rod for engaging a loop formed in the lace structure. 
       FIG. 16  is a rear view of another embodiment of the present invention showing a broken away portion of the lace structure with a double loop slider member for adjusting the length of the lace structure and a clip structure for removably connecting portions of the lace structure. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIGS. 1 through 16  thereof, a new apparatus for securing eyeglasses to the head of a wearer embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described. 
   It is one object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for securing eyeglasses on the head of the user such that, among other advantages, a user is permitted to safely and securely wear eyeglasses during extreme physical activity or during adverse conditions such as wind or rain. It is also an object of the present invention to provide the eyeglasses wearer with greater flexibility in choosing difference sizes, colors and styles of the securing apparatus with the ability to easily interchange components (such as the frames) to suit a particular need. Such method and apparatus is described in enabling detail below. A patent on some novel arrangements of eyeglasses and laces was issued to the present inventor on Sep. 21, 1999, and the present disclosure builds upon and improves the methods and apparatus taught in the disclosure of that patent. It should be noted that the terms of “laces” and “straps” and “lace structure” are used interchangeably in this specification. Further, the laces, etc. may be formed of virtually any suitable flexible material, and may include a relatively narrow cord or a relatively wide band. 
     FIG. 1   a  is an elevation view of a snap ring according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment a snap ring  101  is manufactured of strong, resilient metal alloy or other similarly sturdy wire-like material. The snap ring  101  comprises portion  104  and portion  105 , both hemi-circular in shape. connected at one end by hinge  107  that allows both portions to open and close in the directions indicated. The opposing ends of each portion each have a notch  110  arranged in opposite configuration or orientation with respect to each other so as to releasably snap together, with the end of one portion being releasably secured to the end of the other portion, when both portions are closed together and the notched ends meet and are pushed together. 
     FIG. 1   b  is an elevation view of the snap ring  101  of  FIG. 1   a  and an eyeglasses securing strap  112  of a lace structure. In this view, the strap  112  can be seen extending over the hinged portion of the snap ring  101 , which is shown in the closed and locked portion via the conjunction of notches  110 . The strap  112  in this embodiment is looped around the hinged portion of the snap ring  101  and is stitched to itself at a seam  114  to thereby attach the strap to the ring  101 . The means for attaching the end of strap  112  to the snap ring  101  may vary, and may include means such as bonding with adhesive material, securing by a metal clamp, or securing by using a non-permanent method such as a metal clamp or clip allowing a user to remove the strap  112  from the snap ring  101 . 
     FIG. 1   c  is an elevation view of the snap ring  101  and the securing strap  112  of  FIG. 1   b  and an eyeglasses temple piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. The temple piece  114  in this embodiment extends out from an eyeglasses frame  118 , and may be molded to the frame  118  or may be attached to the frame using a variety of methods. The frame  118  may be provided with a vertical hole  116  passing completely through the center of the temple piece  114 . The purpose of the hole  116  is to accommodate passage of the snap ring  101 , with one portion of the open snap ring  101  passed through hole  116  and then snapped closed to thereby secure the securing strap  112  to the eyeglasses frame by means of the temple piece  114 . 
     FIG. 1   d  is a side view of the eyeglasses frame  118  used with the snap ring  101  and the securing strap  112  of  FIG. 1   b  according to an embodiment of present invention. In this view, the temple piece  114  can be seen in its position extending out from eyeglasses frame  118 , with the strap  112  being secured to the temple piece  114  using the attached snap ring  101 . In an optional embodiment using a similar strap securing method as is depicted here, the size, shape, and location of the temple piece  114  can vary depending on the style and shape of the eyeglasses frame to which it is attached. Similarly, the size and thickness of the snap ring  101  can vary, as can the manner of snapping or otherwise securing the opposing ends of a snap ring such as the snap ring  101 . In another embodiment, a hinged securing ring may be used which has one open end being hollow and the other end being solid with a slightly smaller diameter than that of the hollow end. The smaller, solid end is thus permitted to slip into the hollow end when the ring is closed, similarly to the method utilized in closing a common type of earring. 
     FIG. 2   a  is an elevation view of a strap clip  201  according to another embodiment of present invention. The clip  201  is provided as an optional structure for securing an eyeglasses strap to the frame of the eyeglasses. One preferred embodiment of the clip  201  employs a sturdy resilient plastic, or can be manufactured of a resilient metal alloy or similar material. The clip  201  may be substantially rectangular in shape, with a strap post  208  being located at the rear to create a slot  209  through which the end of an eyeglasses strap may pass. Arms  207  extend outward from the slot  209 , with each arm having a rounded protrusion  205  located near the end of the arm on the outer surface as shown. The arms  207  are preferably flexible and resilient in nature to allow them to bend inward towards each other in the direction indicated and then snap back to their original position once the external force is removed and the arm is released. 
     FIG. 2   b  is a side view of the clip  201  of  FIG. 2   a , with an eyeglasses strap and an eyeglasses temple piece and frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. The temple piece  214  in this embodiment is somewhat similar in overall shape to the temple piece  114  of  FIG. 1   c  that is attached to the rear of eyeglasses frame  218 . The temple piece provides a slot  210  having a height and width similar to that of the clip  201 , but slightly larger to allow the clip  201  to slide inward into the slot  210 . The opening of the slot  210  is slightly curved outward as shown to allow easier insertion of the clip  201 . The slot  210  is provided with rounded notches  216  located at the rear and extending somewhat into the temple piece  214 . 
   The arm  207  may be rounded at the outboard end such that one need not manually depress arms  207  to engage clip  201  in slot  210 . It is only necessary to position the clip and push the clip into the slot. The design of the clip arms  207  causes the arms to deflect. When the protrusions  205  reach the position of the notches  216 , the deflected arms re-extend to engage the protrusions in the notches. The clip is then secured in the temple piece with sufficient holding power such that the clip, and a connected strap  212 , will not disengage from the frame in normal use. 
   The rounded nature of protrusions  205  and the notches  216  serves another important purpose of facilitating easy disengagement of the clip from the temple piece  214  when the user wishes to make the disengagement for removing the invention from his or her head. This disengagement can be done simply by pulling the clip straight out front the slot. This action will cause the arms to again deflect and the protrusions  205  to disengage from the notches  216  and thus allow disengagement. 
   The clip  201  can be seen in this view attached to a strap  212 , and it can be assumed that the method of attachment utilized here is similar to that utilized for the strap  112  and the snap ring  101  of  FIG. 1   b . However, as with the strap  112 , the manner of attaching the strap  121  to the clip  201  can vary in different embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, the arms  207  flex slightly inward when the clip  201  attached to the strap  212  is inserted into the slot  210 , and then the arms snap back into place once fully inserted, with the protrusions  205  neatly fitting into the notches  216  of the temple piece  214  to thus secure the clip  201  to the temple piece  214 . Once fully inserted a d snapped into place, a small portion of the arms  207  remains exposed so that a user can easily disengage the clip  201  from the temple piece  214  by pressing down on the exposed portions of the arms  207 , bending them slightly inward to thereby release the protrusions  205  from the notches  216  and allowing the clip  201  to slide out of the slot  210 . 
     FIG. 3   a  is an elevation view of a strap clip according to another embodiment of the present invention. The clip  301  may be manufactured of similar materials and of similar overall shape and size to the clip  201  of  FIG. 2   a . The clip  301  has two flexible arms  307  with the ability to be flexed outward in the direction indicated while returning to the original position when released. The clip  301  also has a post  308  creating a slot  309 , both also similar to the clip  201  of  FIG. 2   a . Instead of having protrusions such as those of the clip  201 . the clip  301  has rounded notches  305  located on the inner surfaces near the ends of the arms  307 , with the notches being rounded on the outboard ends.  FIG. 3   b  is a side view of the clip of  FIG. 3   a , an eyeglasses strap  312 , an eyeglasses temple piece  314 , and a frame  318  according to an embodiment of the present inventions. The temple piece  314  in this embodiment is attached to an eyeglasses frame  318  and is somewhat similar to the temple piece  214  of  FIG. 2   b , but has a peg  315  extending outward from its rear surface. Rounded protrusions  316  are provided in this embodiment that extend out from opposing sides of the peg  315 . The clip  301  is attached to the eyeglasses strap  312  by a similar manner to that used for the strap  212  and the clip  201  of  FIG. 2   b , (but as is the case with previous components, the manner of attachment, either permanent or non-permanent, can vary in the embodiments). To attach the strap  312  to the temple piece  314 , the clip  301  is slid over the peg  315  until the ends of the arms  307  make contact with the protrusions  316  of the peg  315 . Once contact is made, further pushing of the clip  301  causes the arms  307  to slide over the protrusions  316 , bending slightly outward until they finally snap back into place once the rounded notches  305  are completely over protrusions  316  to thereby secure the clip  301  to the peg  315  of the temple piece  314 . The rounded nature of the elements as described above also allows easy disengagement of the clip  301  from the temple piece  314 . The user thus only needs to pull on the clip with sufficient force to cause the clip arms to deflect to get the clip to disengage from the temple piece. 
     FIG. 4   a  is an elevation view of an eyeglasses strap with a swivel clip according to another embodiment of present invention. The swivel clip  401  is provided as another alternative for securing an eyeglasses strap to an eyeglasses frame. The clip  401  in this embodiment is permanently attached to an eyeglasses strap  412  using a variety of methods (such as bonding or gluing) and has a peg  402  with protrusions  405  extending out from opposite sides near the end. 
     FIG. 4   b  is a rear broken view of a portion of an eyeglasses frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. Eyeglasses frame  418  is provided with a temple piece  414  that accommodates a hole  410 , with the hole  410  extending in this embodiment approximately half the distance into the frame  418 , and designed to allow for the insertion of the clip  401 . The hole  410  has notches  411  located at opposing ends at the surface of the hole  410 , and are shaped similarly to the protrusions  405  of the clip  401 . Notches  412 , located deeper within the hole  410  as seen here in a hidden view. are located in positions opposite to each other as with the notches  411 , but are rotated 90 degrees. To attach the strap  412  to the frame  418 , the clip  401  is inserted into the hole  410  with the protrusions  405  of the clip  401  being aligned with the notches  411  of the hole  410 . Once fully inserted into the hole  410 , the clip  401  is rotated  90  degrees thereby locking the protrusions  405  into the notches  412 . Detachment of the components is achieved by rotating the inserted clip  401  approximately  90  degrees in a direction opposite to that which was used in insertion, thereby unlocking the protrusions  405  from the notches  412 , aligning them with the notches  411 . and allowing the complete withdrawal of the clip  401  from the temple piece  414 . 
     FIG. 4   c  is a rear view of the eyeglasses frame of  FIG. 4   b . In this view, the eyeglasses frame  418  can be seen in its entirety with a temple piece  414  at each end with the holes  410  extending into each end of the temple piece. 
     FIG. 5   a  is an elevation view of a strap clip according to another embodiment of present invention. A clip  501  may be manufactured of similar materials and of similar overall shape and size to the clip  301  of  FIG. 3   a . The clip  501  has two flexible arms  507  with the ability to be flexed outward in the direction indicated, returning to the original position when released, similarly to the clip  301  of  FIG. 3   a . Further, the arms  507  are angled or rounded at the outboard ends as shown. The clip  301  also has a post  508  creating a slot  509  through which an eyeglasses strap passes, both attributes also been similar to the clip  301  of  FIG. 3   a . However, instead of having notches such as those of the clip  301 , the clip  501  has rounded protrusions  505  located on the inner surfaces near the ends of the arms  507  in a similar location to the notches  305  of the clip  301  of  FIG. 3   a.    
     FIG. 5   b  is a side view of the clip  501  of  FIG. 5   a , and shows an eyeglasses strap and an eyeglasses temple piece and frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. A temple piece  514  in this embodiment is attached to an eyeglasses frame  518  and is similar in size in shape to the temple piece  314  of  FIG. 3   b . The temple piece  514  is provided with a peg  515 , similar in size to the peg  315  of  FIG. 3   b . Rounded notches  516  are provided in this embodiment in locations on opposite sides of the peg  515 , and the notches extend into the peg  515  to a depth approximately equal to the height of the rounded protrusions  505  of the clip  501 . The clip  501  can be seen attached to the eyeglasses strap  512  by a similar method used for the strap  312  and the clip  301  of  FIG. 3   b , but as is the case with previous components, the manner of attachment, either permanent or non-permanent, can vary in different embodiments. To attach the strap  512  to the temple piece  514 , the clip  501  is slid ever the peg  515  in the direction indicated with the arms  507  spreading slightly outward as the protrusions  505  make contact with the sloped edges of the peg  515 . The clip  501  is slid further over the peg  515  until the protrusions  505  align with the notches  516  and lock into place within the notches  515  due to the tendency of the arms  507  of the clip  501  to snap back into their original position. As is also true for the clip  301  of  FIG. 3   a , once fully inserted with the arms  507  snapped in place on the peg  515 , disengagement may be easily accomplished, because of the rounded elements, by pulling the clips outwardly. 
     FIG. 6   a  is a rear view of an eyeglasses frame, straps and buckle according to another embodiment of the present invention. The eyeglasses  601  in this embodiment have a frame  618  that is typical of a common eyeglasses frame known in the art. A temple piece  614  is located on either end of the frame  618  and is used, as are other temple pieces previously described, as an interface for attaching an eyeglasses strap to the frame. In this embodiment, the eyeglasses straps  612  and  613  are each attached to the temple pieces  614 , and are connected at the other ends by utilizing a detachable clasp assembly comprising of a male clasp  603  attached to the strap  613 , and a female clasp  604  attached to the strap  612 . The male clasp  603  is designed to slide into the female clasp  604  in the direction indicated and lock in place once fully inserted. The strap  612  is attached in this embodiment to the female clasp  604  by first looping the strap through the slot in a rear of the female clasp  604 . and then reattaching to itself utilizing a hook and loop fastener strip  610 . By utilizing this structure, the user can quickly and easily adjust the length of the strap  612  by loosening the attached strap  612  from the hook and loop fastener strip  610 , readjusting the length of the strap  612 . and then reattaching the strap to the hook and loop fastener strip  610 . Optionally, the hook and loop fasteners (such as, for example, is available under the VELCRO trademark) may be employed on both (opposite) sides of the strap for permitting a greater degree of size adjustment. 
     FIG. 6   b  illustrates another embodiment of the invention that is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 6   a , wherein the straps  612  and  613  are adjustably attached to the temple pieces of the frame, using buckles  630 . In this embodiment, the strap  613  is attached to the element  604  without adjustment. There may be two buckles as shown, or there may be just one buckle, with all adjustments being made on one side. In other embodiments, the adjustment may be provided in other ways, such as by hook and loop fastener elements. 
     FIG. 6   c  is a top broken view of a portion of the eyeglasses frame  618 , the temple piece  614  and the eyeglasses strap  613  according to an other embodiment of the present invention. In this enlarged view, the manner of the attachment of the strap  613  to the temple piece  614  utilized in this embodiment is more clearly seen. The temple piece  614  can be seen attached to the eyeglasses frame  618  using attachment methods previously described such as welding or bonding wit adhesive material, or in other embodiments may be molded into the frame  618  as an integral part of the frame. The temple piece  614  has a slot  616  extending down through a portion of the temple piece  614  to a depth in this embodiment of approximately half the height of the temple piece  614 , with an opening in the rear of the temple piece  614  designed to allow for the insertion of a strap. The strap  613  is fitted with a pin  615  having a diameter slightly less than that of the slot or hole  616 . and a height approximately equal to that of the depth of the hole  616 . Attachment of the strap  613  to the temple piece  614  is achieved by the sliding pin  615 , attached to the strap  613 , down into the slot or hole  616  until it can slide no further. Detachment is achieved by simply lifting the strap  613 , with the pin  615 .attached, upward and out of the slot  616 . 
     FIG. 7   a  is an elevation view of a strap clip and securing pin according to another embodiment of present invention. The clip  701  is provided as another alternative for securing and eyeglasses strap to an eyeglasses frame. The clip  701  has a rectangular shape and is of a size Similar to the clip  501  of  FIG. 5   a . A post  708  is also provided similarly to previous rectangular clips descried creating a slot  709  through which the end of a securing strap will pass. The clip  701  is provided with arms  707  also similar to the rectangular clips previously described but with the upper arm having a hole  705  passing completely through, and the lower arm having a hole  706  also passing completely through and having a diameter slightly less than that of the upper hole  705 . The securing pin  703  is provided having a length slightly greater than the height of the clip  701  and a body diameter slightly less than that of the holes  705  and  706 . The securing pin  703  has a top cap  710  with a diameter slightly greater than that of the body of the pin  703 , and a bottom cap  709  also a diameter slightly greater than the body of the pin  703  but slightly less than that of the top cap  710 . The pin  710  is designed to be inserted down in the direction indicated first passing through the hole  705 , and then passing completely through the hole  706  until it can travel no further due to the bottom edge of the top cap  710  resting on the upper surface of the arm  707 . As previously mentioned, the pin  703  is of a length slightly greater than the overall height of the clip  701  so that when the pin  703  is of a length slightly greater than the overall height of the clip  701  so that when the pin  703  is fully inserted, the bottom cap  709  passes just far enough through the hole  706  so that the raised portion of the bottom cap  709  passes just far enough through the hole  706  so that the raised portion of the bottom cap  709  snaps into place within the hole  706 . The pin  703  is designed so that it may be removed from the clip  701  by grasping the upper cap  710  and pulling the pin  703  up and out of the clip  701 . 
     FIG. 7   b  is a side view of the clip  701  and the securing pin  703  of  FIG. 7   a , and the eyeglasses strap and an eyeglasses temple piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. The temple piece  714 , attached to the frame  718 , is similar to the temple piece  514  of  FIG. 5   b . A peg  715  is also provided being similar in size and shape to the peg  515  but instead of notches as with the peg  515 , the peg  715  has a hole  716  passing completely through the peg  715  and having a diameter slightly larger than that of the pin  703 . The clip  701  can be seen attached to an eyeglasses strap  712  using methods previously described. As shown, the method of attaching the strap  712  to the temple piece  714  using the clip  701  is achieved by sliding the clip  701 , attached to the strap  712 , over the peg  715  until the holes  705  and  706  of the clip  701  align with the hole  716  of the peg  715 . Once the holes are aligned, the pin  703  is inserted through the holes of the clip  701  and the peg  715  and locking into place. 
   In some embodiments of the invention, the clip  701  may be fashioned as an element with a rectangular opening such that it encloses the peg  715  completely when engaged. This is true as well of the arrangements illustrated in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b ,  5   a  and  5   b.    
     FIG. 8   a  is an elevation view of an eyeglasses strap with angled swivel clip according to another embodiment of the present invention. The clip  801  is provided with an angled body  802  attached to an eyeglasses strap  812  utilizing various means previously mentioned. The lower portion of the angled body  802  is similar in shape and size to the swivel clip  401  of  FIG. 4   a  and has similar protrusions  805  located on opposing sides. 
     FIG. 8   b  is a top broken view of a portion of the eyeglasses frame and the temple piece according to an embodiment of the present invention. The eyeglasses frame  818  is provided with an attached temple piece  814  that is similar to other embodiments previously described. A hole  810  is located approximately in the center of the temple piece  814  and extends to a depth of approximately half the height of the temple piece  814 , and has a diameter slightly larger than that of the circular body clip  801 . The hole  810  is also provided with notches  811  and  812 , which have approximately the same shape but have slightly larger dimensions than the protrusions  805  of the clip  801 . The hole  810  is designed to accommodate the insertion of the clip  801 . Attachment of the inserted clip  801  to the temple piece  814  is achieved by first inserting the clip  801  into the hole  810  and rotating the clip  801  approximately 90 degrees, a method substantially identical to the method described for the clip  401  and the hole  410  of  FIG. 4   b.    
     FIG. 8   c  is a top view of the eyeglasses frame  818  of  FIG. 8   b . In this view, the eyeglasses frame  818  can be seen in its entirety with a temple piece  814  at each end with the holes  810  extending into each. 
     FIG. 9   a  is elevation view of an eyeglasses temple piece according to another embodiment of the present invention. The temple piece  901  is provided in this embodiment as another alternative for securing an eyeglasses strap to an eyeglasses frame. The temple piece  901 , which is substantially rectangular in shape in this embodiment and may have other shapes in other embodiments, is secured to the eyeglasses frame  918  using methods previously described, and has a slot  905  designed for the insertion of the end of an eyeglasses strap. 
     FIG. 9   b  is a side view of eyeglasses utilizing the temple piece  901  of  FIG. 9   a  and an eyeglasses strap according to an embodiment of the present invention. The eyeglasses strap  912  is similar to the eyeglasses strap  612  of  FIG. 6   a , and similarly has a hook and loop fastener strip  910  at one or both ends. To attach the strap  912  to the temple piece  901 , the end of the strap  912  may have a hook and loop fastener strip  910  is inserted through the slot  905  and then the strap may be reattached to itself utilizing the hook and loop fastener strip  910 . In this manner the user can easily readjust the strap  912  by simply lifting the hook and loop fastener strip  910 , performing the desired adjustment, and reattaching the hook and loop fastener strip  910 . The hook and loop fastener elements can be arranged on different sides in different embodiments of the invention. 
     FIGS. 9   c  and  9   d  illustrate yet another attachment arrangement in an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment. the frame  922  has a temple piece  924  having a three post extension. The extension  928  comprises flexible extensions with retaining shoulders, and the extension  926  acts as a guide.  FIG. 9   d  illustrates the frame  922  with the temple piece  924 , and a retaining socket element  926  which is fashioned to engage the temple piece  924  in a manner allowing easy disengagement as described above in connection with  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ,  3   a ,  3   b ,  5   a , and  5   b . The element  926  also has a post for passing a strap  928  about the post. The strap  928  may have hook and loop elements allowing the strap to fold back upon itself to engage the hook and loop elements. There are likewise a number of other ways the strap may be secured to the element  926 . For example, the strap  928  may pass through the element  926  and be secured with an adjustable buckle on one or both sides of the frame. 
   It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that the arrangement of elements as shown in  FIGS. 9   c  and  9   d  can be interchanged, with the male elements mounted on the frame and female elements mounted on the lace assembly. 
     FIG. 9   e  illustrates a side view of a frame  960  having a temple piece  962  with a female thread. An element  964  with a male thread secures the strap  968 , which can be attached to the element  964  in any of a broad variety of ways, such as, for example, with hook and loop fastener elements. Again, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the frame  960  may have a male thread formed thereon. 
     FIG. 9   f  illustrates yet another embodiment for joining laces (including bands and retainers) sets to eyeglasses frames in an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the eyeglasses frame  970  has temple pieces with a simple cylindrical (or extension) post  972  located on each side. A lace or strap  976  has an end piece  974  that is made of flexible material (such as, for example, synthetic or natural rubber) and has a bore  973  with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the post  972 . Because of the flexibility of the material of the element  974 , the post can be inserted into the bore, but will not easily be removed. The holding power will be enough to ensure that the laces will not disengage in normal use. When it is desired to remove the laces, it may be done by pulling with sufficient tension to do so. 
     FIG. 10   a  is a broken view of the end of an eyeglasses strap according to another embodiment of the present invention. The eyeglasses strap  1001  is provided as yet another alternative embodiment for securing an eyeglasses strap to an eyeglasses frame. The strap  1001  in this embodiment has a main portion  1016 , the end of which passes through the sheath  1003 , loops about to create loop  1015 , and then the strap is reinserted into the sheath  1003  and is attached at that point. Optionally, the sheath may be made of a heat shrinkable material. 
     FIG. 10   b  is a top broken view of a portion of an eyeglasses frame, temple piece, and securing pin according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the eyeglasses frame  1018  has a temple piece  1014  having two arms extending out from the frame  1018 . Holes  1017  are located approximately in the center of each arm of the temple piece  1014  and pass completely through each arm. A pin  1015  is provided having a length approximately equal to the overall width of the temple piece  1014 , and is of a diameter controlled to produce a snug fit with the holes  1017 . The manner of attachment in this embodiment is accomplished by first inserting the looped end of the eyeglasses strap  1001  in between the arms of the temple piece  1014 , and aligning the hole of the loop  1015  with the holes  1017  of temple piece  1014 . Once aligned, the pin  1015  is inserted through the first hole of the temple piece  1014  in the direction indicated, through the loop  1015  of eyeglasses strap  1001  and into the second hole. The securing of the pin  1015  in the holes  1017  is due to the snug fit achieved by a diameter of the pin  1015  being controlled to produce a snug fit in the holes  1017 . To remove the strap  1001  from the temple piece  1014 , a user is simply required to manually move the pin  1015  out of at least one of the holes  1017  to thereby release the strap  1001 . 
     FIG. 10   c  is a top view of the eyeglasses frame  1018 , the temple pieces  1014 , and the securing pin  1015  of  FIG. 10   b , used with the eyeglasses strap  1001  of  FIG. 10   a  according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this view, the eyeglasses frame  1018  can be seen in its entirety with the eyeglasses straps  1001  in their proper location secured by the pins  1015  as previously described. In other embodiments, the straps may be joined in many other ways, as indicated, for example, in  FIGS. 10   d ,  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  and  12   d.    
     FIG. 10   d  shows a lace  1020  and a friction clamp  1022  that may be used in alternative embodiment of the present invention for adjusting and holding laces. In this arrangement, a friction clamp  1022  has a portion of the lace passing therethrough, a portion forming a loop, and another portion passing through the friction clamp again. The friction clamp allows either portion or leg of the lace passed through the clamp to be adjusted by pulling on the lace. The clamp itself can take any one of many forms, such as, for example, a simple ring with the size controlled to provide clamping for certain size laces. It may also comprise a spring-loaded device such that laces of different sizes may be used. 
     FIG. 11   a  is a top broken view of a portion of an eyeglasses frame and a temple piece according to another embodiment of the present invention. A temple piece  1124  is attached to an eyeglasses frame  1128  utilizing structures previously described, and is similar in size in shape to the temple piece  1014  of  FIG. 10 , having a hole  1127  passing through each arm of the temple piece  1124 . In this embodiment however, the temple piece  1124  is oriented substantially horizontal in its orientation to the eyeglasses frame  1128 . 
     FIG. 11   b  is a rear broken view of eyeglasses frame  1128  and temple piece  1124  of  FIG. 11   a , and securing pin according to an embodiment of the present invention. Securing pin  1125  is provided also being similar in size and shape to pin  1015  of  FIG. 10   b . Temple piece  1124  and pin  1125  are designed to be used with an eyeglasses strap similar to strap  1001  of  FIG. 10   a  when securing the strap to the temple piece. The method of attaching an eyeglasses strap in this embodiment may be identical to the manner previously described with respect to  FIG. 10   b.    
     FIG. 12   a  is an elevation view of a securing ring and a small eyeglasses strap according to another embodiment of present invention. The ring  1201  in this embodiment may be trapezoidal in shape. with one of the parallel sides having a greater length than the other of the parallel sides. Optionally, the ring may be “D” shaped. The ring  1201  may be manufactured of metal or other similarly strong wire material and is designed to be used with eyeglasses straps of different sizes. Other materials may be suitably used, such as synthetic materials and plastics. 
   In this view. the smaller eyeglasses strap  1212  is attached to the smaller end of the ring  1201  using any of the various structures previously described. The manner of attachment can be permanent or non-permanent in the various embodiments. 
     FIG. 12   b  is an elevation view of the securing ring  1212  of  FIG. 12   a  used with a relatively large eyeglasses strap according to another embodiment of the present invention. To accommodate the larger strap, the ring  1201  may be flipped horizontally so that the larger of the two parallel sides is the side used for attaching the larger strap  1214 . As is true with the relatively smaller strap  1212 , the larger strap  1214  can be attached to the ring  1201  utilizing a variety of methods previously described. 
     FIG. 12   c  is an elevation view of an oval securing ring and a small eyeglasses strap in another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 12   d  is an elevation view of an oval securing ring and a larger eyeglasses strap in another embodiment of the present invention. The securing rings can take these shapes and other shapes. 
     FIG. 13  is a view of a side of another embodiment of the invention with a portion of the strap or lace broken away. This embodiment of the invention employs a structure somewhat similar to the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 9   f  that was discussed above. In this embodiment, an enlarged post  1300  is mounted on the opposite sides of the eyeglasses frame  1302 . The posts  1300  extend rearwardly from the frame  1302  in a substantially perpendicular orientation to a plane of the frame  1302 . A socket  1304  formed on a securing member  1306  removably receives the post  1300 . The post  1300  and socket  1304  may have a shape and size such that an interference fit is produced therebetween when the post is inserted into the socket. To facilitate the insertion of the post into the socket and the subsequent removal of the post from the socket, the securing member  1306  may be formed of an elastomeric material that permits a small degree of resilient expansion of the socket when the post is inserted into the socket. The post may be covered by a material that resists sliding movement on its surface, such as an elastomeric material that exhibits a degree of “tackiness”, that resists the slippage of the socket of the securing member from the post. A strap  1308  may be attached to the securing member  1306  in any of the ways described above. Optionally, the strap  1308  may be tubular such that an end of the tubular strap removably receives the post for connecting the parts. As a further option, the diameter of the post may be enlarged at its free end as compared to its base end mounted on the frame. 
     FIG. 14  is a view of a side of another embodiment of the invention showing a portion of the temple portion  1400  of an eyeglasses frame and a portion of a lace or strap  1402 . In this embodiment, a ring assembly  1404  is employed to removably mount the strap  1402  to the temple portion  1400 . The temple portion  1400  may be provided with a channel  1406  for receiving a portion of the ring assembly  1404 . The ring assembly  1404  may include a movable tongue  1408  that is slidably mounted in a recess formed in the ring of the ring assembly, and a tab  1410  may be mounted on and extend from the tongue  1408  so that the user&#39;s finger may engage the tab to move the tongue. A biasing means (not shown), such as a compression spring, may be mounted on the ring for biasing the tongue  1408  into an extended position from a retracted position. 
     FIG. 15  is a top view of a portion of another embodiment of the invention with a portion of an eyeglasses frame  1500  and a portion of a strap  1502 . A temple portion  1504  of the frame  1500  has a pair of rearwardly extending arms  1506 ,  1508  that are spaced from each other to define a gap  1510  therebetween. The securing pin  1512  is inserted through a hole in one of the arms  1506 ,  1508 , and the pin  1512  may have enlarged ends  1514  that are relatively larger than the hole so that the pin is incapable of being completely withdrawn from the hole. The pin  1512  also may include a shaft  1516  that extends through the hole and is able to move or slide in the hole. A biasing means, such as, for example, a spring  1518 , may be mounted on the pin  1512  to bias the pin into a securing position (shown in broken lines in  FIG. 15 ) in which the pin extends between the arms  1506 ,  1508  and spans the gap  1510  between the arms. The securing pin  1512  may be moved out of the securing position to a release position (shown in solid lines in  FIG. 15 ) bu pulling on one of the ends  1514  of the securing pin  1512 . The strap  1502  may have a loop  1520  formed on its end that may receive a portion of the securing pin  1512  so that the loop traps and attaches the end of the strap  1502  between the arms  1506 ,  1508  in the gap  1510  when the securing pin extends through the loop  1520  and is in the securing position. Movement of the securing pin  1512  from the securing position to the release position permits the loop  1520  to be unhooked or released from the securing pin. 
     FIG. 16  shows a portion of one embodiment of the lace structure of the present invention in which the lace structure includes two portions  1600 ,  1601  that may be of substantially equal length. Each of the lace portions has a first end section that is connected to a frame (not shown) at the temple portion by one of the structures described above, or optionally by another suitable structure. Each of the lace portions also has a second end section opposite of the first end section on the lace portion, and the second end sections are each looped back upon themselves to create a loop. 
   In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 16  the loops formed by each of the lace portions may be removably coupled together by means such as a clip structure formed of two components  1604 ,  1606 , with each of the components having a portion of the loop of one of the lace portions extended through the component. In one embodiment, one component  1604  of the clip structure comprises a bow component and the other component  1606  comprises a hook component that is removably hookable on the bow component to join the loops formed by the lace portions. 
   Second ends of the lace second end sections are secured to intermediate sections of the lace portions, and this may be accomplished by a double loop slider member  1602  that may have the second end attached to a central bar of the double loop slider member and may have a portion if the intermediate section of the lace portion extended through each of the loops of the double loop slider member. The double loop slider member is slidable along the intermediate section of the lace portion to increase or decrease the size of the loop formed by the second end section, and thereby adjusting the effective length of the lace portion between the first end on the first end section and the furthest extent of the loop from the first end. Thus, the effective length of the lace portion between the first end of the lace portion and the associated component  1604 ,  1606  of the clip structure is adjustable to accommodate the size of the head of the user. The location of the loop formed by the second end section of the lace portions has been found to be preferable to locating the loop adjacent to the first end of the lace portion. 
   It will be apparent to a worker of ordinary skill that there are many alterations that may be made in the embodiments described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the present invention. For example. the adjustable arrangements for fastening straps to frames of fastener elements may be implemented in many different materials in various widths, and in various colors and patterns. There are many other alterations that may be made in the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For these reasons the invention should be afforded the broadest possible scope limited only by the language of the clams that follow. 
   It is also to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.