Abstract:
An eyeglass frame is provided that includes a lens retaining part including first and second lens retaining sections connected by a bridge. One of the sections includes a lens receiving opening defined by a rim having a groove into which an edge of a lens is adapted to be received, and a second opening proximate the lens receiving opening and spaced apart from the bridge. The section also includes a channel extending between the lens receiving opening and the second opening. The channel is adapted to be enlarged to expand the rim such that the edge of the lens can be situated in the groove in the rim. The one section may be formed from a flexible material. The section may be formed from a single piece of molded plastic. The bridge may be substantially non-expandable. An eyewear system is provided, and a method of assembling eyewear is provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to eyeglasses, and in particular relates to safety glasses lens mechanisms and safety glasses. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     Personal eye-protection, also referred to herein as safety eyewear and safety eyeglasses, are used to protect a user&#39;s eye during an activity which may pose risks to the eyes. Safety eyewear may need to satisfy standards in order to be considered safe (e.g, American standard ASTM F803-1 and European standard EN166). Eyewear satisfying these safety standards may be constructed to offer extra lens retention strength to prevent the lens (which may be a thicker lens type to prevent breakage) from falling out of the frame during high speed particle impact. To achieve this extra lens retention strength, the lens groove may need to be much deeper (for example, a minimum 1 mm) than normal eyeglasses, which may normally only have a groove depth of 0.5 mm. The deeper lens groove, especially in a more rigidly built injection frame style, may make it difficult to insert lenses. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,700 to DiChiara, et al. (DiChiara) discusses eyewear frame assembly including impact resistant eyewear frame assembly having a split frame and a fastener reinforcement. The frame has an aperture for receiving a lens and is split to expand upper and lower portions of the frame to insert or remove the lens from the aperture. First and second projections extend outwardly from the upper and lower frame portions, respectively. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,665 to Pernicka, et al. (Pernicka) discusses sport eyeglasses having removable lenses formed of a one piece plastic molded frame that includes a pair of lens receiving sections, a pair of opposite strap receiving temple sections and a central bridge section integral with the lens receiving sections are described herein. The bridge section is split to define an upper bridge part and a lower bridge part that are capable of being manually distanced from one another so as to define a gap and allowing lenses to be mounted in the lens receiving sections. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,553,014 to Yang et al. (Yang) discusses a spectacle frame including a spectacle frame front. The spectacle frame front includes a pair of spaced apart and opposed arms. The outer end of at least one arm of the pair of arms includes a lens retainer integral therewith for gripping and retaining a lens between the pair of spaced apart and opposed arms. 
     Frames may have split ends at the sides (see for example, DiChiara) or in the center (see for example, Pernicka) to allow expansion of the aperture to receive a lens or lenses. However, the split ends may make molding and production difficult, and may not be totally reliable in terms of lens retention as the screws connecting the split ends may tend to loosen over time. This loosening may create a dangerous condition in that the lenses of the safety eyewear may not be secure, but this condition may not be visible upon a visual inspection of the safety eyewear. Additionally, separable temple pieces may reduce the strength of a lens holding system. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present design includes an opening at the end piece. The opening is connected to the lens area by a channel or another opening. The channel and opening allow the aperture to have a larger degree of stretch while the lens is being inserted into the frame. After the lens is inserted into the lens aperture, a barrel and screw are passed through the cut and tightened, thereby locking the lens into the lens groove in the frame. 
     An eyeglass frame is provided that includes a lens retaining part including first and second lens retaining sections connected by a bridge. One of the sections includes a lens receiving opening defined by a rim having a groove into which an edge of a lens is adapted to be received, and a second opening proximate the lens receiving opening and spaced apart from the bridge. The section also includes a channel extending between the lens receiving opening and the second opening. The channel is adapted to be enlarged to expand the rim such that the edge of the lens can be situated in the groove in the rim. The one section may be formed from a flexible material. The section may be formed from a single piece of molded plastic. The bridge may be substantially non-expandable. 
     The eyeglass frame may include a temple piece connected to the one section. The temple piece may be adapted to engage an ear of a user when the frame is worn by the user. The temple piece may be connected to the one section proximate to the second opening. 
     The eyeglass frame may further including a removable tension arrangement intersecting the channel for preventing the channel from enlarging when the lens receiving opening is subjected to an expanding force. The tension arrangement may include a screw, and the screw may be substantially orthogonal to the channel. 
     The eyeglass frame may further include a cover adapted to be received into the second opening. The cover may cover substantially all of the channel on an outward side. The eyeglass frame may further include a lens adapted to be inserted into the lens receiving opening and engaging the groove in the rim. 
     An eyewear apparatus is provided that includes a first lens retainer including a first opening defined by a first rim having a first groove, and a second lens retainer including a second opening defined by a second rim having a second groove. The eyewear apparatus also includes a bridge element connecting the first and second lens retainers. The eyewear apparatus further includes a first enlarging element associated with the first lens retainer and for enlarging the first rim. The first enlarging element includes a first proximate opening spaced apart from the bridge element and a first channel connecting the first proximate opening and the first opening. The eyewear apparatus also includes a second enlarging element associated with the second lens retainer and for enlarging the second rim. The second enlarging element includes a second proximate opening spaced apart from the bridge element and a second channel connecting the second proximate opening and the second opening. 
     The first and second lens retainers, the bridge element, and the first and second enlarging elements may be formed from an elastic material. The first and second lens retainers, the bridge element, and the first and second enlarging elements may be formed from a single piece of molded plastic. 
     The eyewear apparatus may further include a first temple piece connected to the first enlarging element, and a second temple piece connected to the second enlarging element. 
     The eyewear apparatus may further include a first removable tension arrangement intersecting the first channel for preventing the first channel from opening when the first opening is subjected to a first opening force. The eyewear apparatus may also include a second removable tension arrangement intersecting the second channel for preventing the second channel from opening when the second opening is subjected to a second opening force. The first tension arrangement may include a first screw situated substantially orthogonal to the first channel, and the second tension arrangement may include a second screw situated substantially orthogonal to the first channel. 
     The eyewear apparatus may further include a first cover inserted into the first proximate opening and filling the first proximate opening and covering substantially all of a first outward side of the first channel. The eyewear apparatus may also include a second cover inserted into the second proximate opening and filling the second proximate opening and covering substantially all of a second outward side of the second channel. 
     The eyewear apparatus may further include a first lens inserted into the first opening and engaging the first groove in the first rim, and a second lens inserted into the second opening and engaging the second groove in the second rim. 
     An eyewear system is provided that includes a lens receiving openings defined by a rim having a groove into which an edge of a lens is adapted to be received, and a bridge connecting the lens receiving opening with another lens receiving opening. The eyewear system also includes an arrangement for enlarging situated proximate to the lens receiving opening and spaced apart from the bridge. The enlarging arrangement includes a second opening and a channel extending between the lens receiving opening and the second opening. The second opening and the channel are adapted to enlarge the rim when subjected to an enlarging force. 
     The eyewear system may further include an arrangement for engaging an ear of a user when the eyewear system is worn by the user. The arrangement for engaging an ear may be connected to the enlarging arrangement. The eyewear system may also include a removable tension arrangement for preventing the channel from opening when subjected to the enlarging force. 
     A method of assembling eyewear is provided. A frame of the eyewear includes a lens retaining part including first and second lens retaining sections connected by a bridge. One of the sections includes a lens receiving opening defined by a rim having a groove into which an edge of a lens is adapted to be received. The one section further includes a second opening proximate the lens receiving opening and spaced apart from the bridge. The one section also includes a channel extending between the lens receiving opening and the second opening. The channel is adapted to be enlarged to expand the rim such that the edge of the lens can be situated in the groove in the rim, The method includes applying oppositely oriented outward pulling forces to both sides of the channel causing the channel to separate and the lens receiving opening to enlarge. The method also includes inserting a lens into the lens receiving opening, and stopping the application of force to both sides of the channel. 
     The method may include applying oppositely oriented outward pulling forces to both sides of another channel associated with the other one of the sections causing the other channel to separate and another lens receiving opening associated with the other one of the sections to enlarge. The method may further include inserting another lens into the other lens receiving opening, and stopping the application of force to both sides of the other channel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an eyeglass frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a frontal perspective view of an eyeglass frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective, partially exploded view of the eyeglass frame of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a method according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Safety eyewear according to an exemplary embodiment of the present innovation include a replaceable lens that is removable and insertable due to expansion of a lens area (also referred to herein as an aperture, hole or opening) and an opening (also referred to herein as a hole) positioned toward the temple piece and connected to the lens area by a channel (also referred to herein as a cut or slit). 
     The channel, along with the opening, provides a flexing arrangement for each lens holding area. The flexing arrangement enables the lens area to be enlarged based on the inherent elasticity of the material of the frame. For instance, a single piece of molded plastic may be used for the portion of the frame including the lens retaining elements, the bridge and the flexing arrangements. The inherent elasticity of plastic, combined with the geometric configuration of the flexing arrangement (including the opening and channel) allows the lens retaining area to be enlarged to insert the lens into the deeper groove of the safety eyeglasses. After insertion, a tensioner, for instance a screw or other fastening element, may be secured across the channel, preventing it from opening. In this manner, the lens retaining area may be accessible when the tensioner is not in place, and not accessible when the tensioner is secured. 
     The present innovation may be used with safety glasses, which may or may not have a prescription. The safety lenses may have a center-thickness of above 2 mm to provide impact resistance. The safety lenses may be a polycarbonate lens with UV, anti-fog and scratch-resistance coatings. Additionally, the present innovation may also be used with conventional glasses. 
     The present innovation may include a slanted v-shaped groove for high impact lens retention. The groove may have a higher back-wall than a front-wall, and in particular may have a 1.6 mm higher back-wall. The tensioner used to secure the channel closed may be a stainless steel rimlock barrel and screw. The safety glasses according to an exemplary embodiment may include an elastic element inserted into the opening. The elastic element may be detachable from the safety glasses, and may operate as a front shock damper, an inner safety side-cushion, and an aesthetic element. The exemplary safety glasses may include an extended soft nose pad for extra protection and/or comfort. The elastic element and/or the nose pad may be rubber and/or any other appropriate soft, elastic and/or hypoallergenic material. An anti-slip temple pad may also be provided and may also be made of the same material or another material as the elastic elements and/or nose pads. 
     The exemplary safety glasses may include a headband engagement lock and/or an adjustable velcro headband in stretchable wet-suit material (i.e., washable). The exemplary frame material may be high viscosity polycarbonate material for added impact resistance. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of eyeglass frame  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Eyeglass frame  100  includes opening  132  and channel  134  between lens aperture  124  and opening  132 . Channel  134 , together with opening  132 , allows lens aperture  124  to have an increased degree of stretch for lens insertion. Tightening barrel  142  and screw  144  going through channel  134  will further lock a lens inserted in lens aperture  124  in the groove provided in lens aperture  124  to ensure a more secure retention of the lens. Opening  132  can be any shape depending on frame design. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates eyeglass frame  100  including lens retaining part  110  and temple pieces  150  and  154 . Lens retaining part  110  may be formed from a single piece of molded plastic. Temple pieces  150  and  154  may each be formed from single pieces of molded plastic, and may attach to lens retaining part  110  with connections  152  and  156 , respectively. Connections  152  and  156  may be hinges or any other appropriate connection mechanism. 
     Lens retaining part  110  may include lens retaining sections  120  and  122  connected by bridge  115 . Lens retaining sections  120  and  122  may define lens apertures  124  and  126 , respectively. Lens apertures  124  and  126  may have grooves for engaging safety lenses which are deeper than standard lens grooves in eyeglass frames. Lens retaining part  110  may also include opening  132  on a side of lens retaining section  120  opposite bridge  115 . Alternatively, opening  132  may be in another area proximate to lens retaining section  120 . Opening  132  may extend through lens retaining part  110 , and may connect with channel  134  to lens aperture  124 . Therefore, opening  132 , channel  134 , and aperture  124  may form one opening in lens retaining part  110 . This opening may be substantially larger than aperture  124 , and may therefore enable aperture  124  to be stretched into a larger opening to accommodate safety lenses adapted to engage a deep groove in the rim of aperture  124 . The stretching of aperture  124  may be facilitated by the elastic material of lens retaining part  110 , which may be plastic or any other appropriate material. Opening  132  and channel  134  may together form enlarging element  130 , which may also be referred to herein as a flexing arrangement. Another opening and channel may be provided for lens retaining section  122 . 
     Enlarging element  130  may also include hole  140  adapted to accommodate barrel  142  and screw  144 . Barrel  142  and screw  144  may cooperate to form a tensioning element that prevents the opening of channel  134 . Screw  144  may be inserted into a bottom of hole  140 , and barrel may be inserted into a top of hole  140  (or vice versa), when a lens has been inserted into aperture  124 . In this manner, the lens may be secured in aperture  124  by preventing the opening of channel  134 . 
       FIG. 2  is a frontal perspective view of eyeglass frame  100  assembled and including several accessories. Eyeglass frame  100  includes lens retaining part  110  and temple pieces  150  and  154 . Temple piece  154  attaches to lens retaining part  110  with connection  156 , which may be a hinge. Lens retaining part  110  may include lens retaining sections  120  and  122  connected by bridge  115 . Lens retaining sections  120  and  122  may define lens apertures  124  and  126 , respectively. Lens aperture  124  includes groove  200  for engaging a safety lens. Lens aperture  126  accommodates lens  240 , which may be a safety lens. 
       FIG. 2  also illustrates channel  134  on groove  200  of lens aperture  124 . An outer face or outward side of channel  134  is covered by cover  215 . Cover  215  may be integral or attach to an insert substantially filling or traversing the opening corresponding to channel  134  and may extend to an inward side of eyeglass frame  100 . Shock absorber  210  may be an inward side of the element occupying the opening, and may therefore be integral with cover  215 . Cover  220  may cover a channel and opening corresponding to lens aperture  126 . 
     Eyeglass frame  100  of  FIG. 2  includes several accessories, including headband  230 , which may be two parts connected by velcro, or alternatively may be one stretchable piece of fabric. Headband  230  may be neoprene or any other appropriate material. Headband  230  may attach to eyeglass frame  100  at an end of temple pieces  150  and  154  by anchors  232  and  234 , respectively. Anchors  232  and  234  may be reversibly detachable. Temple piece  150  may include temple pad  250 , which may be rubber and/or removable, and may provide an anti-slip function to provide a more secure fit for eyeglass frame  100  for a user. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective, partially exploded view of the eyeglass frame of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Eyeglass frame  100  in  FIG. 3  is partially assembled and includes several accessories in a partially assembled condition. Eyeglass frame  100  includes lens retaining part  110  and temple pieces  150  and  154 . Temple piece  150  attaches to lens retaining part  110  with connection  152 , which may be a hinge. Lens aperture  124  includes groove  200  for engaging safety lens  330 . Lens aperture  126  accommodates lens  240 , which may be a safety lens. 
     Eyeglass frame  100  in  FIG. 3  includes opening  132  and channel  134  between lens aperture  124  and opening  132 . Channel  134 , together with opening  132 , allows lens aperture  124  to have an increased degree of stretch for lens insertion. Tightening  144  to a corresponding barrel, or alternatively directly to lens retaining part  110 , through hole  140  passing through channel  134  orthogonally will further lock a lens inserted in lens aperture  124  in the groove provided in lens aperture  124  to ensure a more secure retention of the lens. 
     Element  300  is shown detached from eyeglass from  100 , and it may be removably attachable. Element  300  may occupy opening  132  and may cover an outer face or outward side of channel  134  with cover  215  of element  300  when inserted into opening  132 . Element  300  may be inserted into opening  132  and may extend to an inward side of eyeglass frame  100 . Shock absorber  210  of element  300  may be the inward side of the element occupying opening  132 . Shock absorber  310  of an element for the opposite side of eyeglass frame  100  corresponding to lens aperture  126  is shown in an installed condition in  FIG. 3  occupying the corresponding opening. Element  300  may be elastic, and/or may be a soft, hypoallergenic rubber. In alternative embodiments, element  300  may be rigid or semi-rigid and may be two or more separable parts that may be reversibly or irreversibly connectable. 
     Bridge  115  may include nose pad  320  on an inner side facing a user&#39;s face when eyeglass frame  100  is worn on a face. Nose pad  320  may provide a comfort and safety function, may be hypoallergenic, may be rubber or another appropriate soft, elastic material, and may be reversibly removable. 
     Eyeglass frame  100  of  FIG. 3  includes several accessories, including headband  230 , which may attach to eyeglass frame  100  at an end of temple pieces  150  and  154  by anchors  232  and  234 , respectively. Anchor  232  is shown in  FIG. 3  as detached, and anchor  234  is shown attached. Temple piece  154  may include temple pad  340 , which may be rubber and/or removable, and may provide an anti-slip function to provide a more secure fit for eyeglass frame  100  for a user. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates method  400  according to an exemplary embodiment. Method  400  starts at start circle  410  and proceeds to operation  420 , which indicates to Apply oppositely oriented outward pulling forces to both sides of the channel causing the channel to separate and the lens receiving opening to enlarge. From operation  420  the flow in method  400  proceeds to operation  430 , which indicates to Insert a lens into the lens receiving opening. From operation  430  the flow in method  400  proceeds to operation  440 , which indicates to Stop the application of force to both sides of the channel. From operation  440  the flow in method  400  proceeds to operation  450 , which indicates to Repeat operations  420  through  440  for the other lens. From operation  450  the flow in method  400  proceeds to end circle  460 . 
     As is apparent from the foregoing discussion, the present innovation is a lens assembly mechanism having an opening and a channel in the temple area. The exemplary safety glasses include a lens assembly mechanism constructed to offer extra lens retention strength to prevent the lens from falling out of the frame during a high speed particle impact. The assembly mechanism includes a frame having a lens groove which is deeper than the groove in normal eyeglass frames. The frames also include an opening at the end piece and a channel between the lens aperture and the opening to allow greater flexibility when inserting the lens into the frame. The channel is intersected, or more particularly bisected orthogonally, by a tensioner which may be a screw to prevent opening of the lens aperture and release of the lens after insertion and during use. 
     While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations which fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.