Multipurpose eyewear with adjustable arms

A pair of glasses with multiple pivoting arms provides size adjustability to fit on different sized and dimensioned heads. The glasses enhance functionality, ergonomic comfort, tethering capacity, and aesthetics. A frame retains a pair of lenses. In some embodiments, the frame bifurcates to enable interchanging the lenses. A frame adjustment fastener may engage a recess in the frame to tighten and loosen the frame around the lenses. A pair of forward arms hingedly join the frame. A pair of rearward arms may hingedly join the forward arms. The forward and rearward arms pivot laterally and independently of each other. Hinge adjustment fasteners loosen and tighten the pivoting motion of the arms in some embodiments. Stress cavities absorb pressure applied by the hinge adjustment fasteners. Vents at the forward arms disrupt air flow behind the frame to minimize moisture accumulation at the lenses.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to eyewear, and more particularly relates to multipurpose eyewear having a plurality of arms that pivot laterally to enable size adjustment of the eyewear.

BACKGROUND

Description of the Related Art

Generally, eyewear, comprising glasses and sunglasses, comprises frames that securely retain lenses in front of the eyes. The lenses are usually used for vision correction or for reducing glare, transmission of sunlight, or brightness to a wearer. Sunglasses are used to reduce transmission of sunlight, so as to minimize glare from the sun and protect from harmful ultraviolet rays. Some sunglasses are ornamental, or decorative in appearance, with multicolored or darker tinting to lenses it comprises. Sunglasses are also more durable since they are used in outdoor events, such as going to the beach, hiking, or donned while participating in sporting events.

Sunglasses are being worn by ever increasing numbers of people, who have been made aware of the damages of prolonged exposure of the eyes to ultraviolet rays emanating from the sun, or who simply prefer ornamental protection. To some wearers, sunglasses have become an extension of their face, appearance and identity, driving highly priced, highly ornamental sunglasses, into larger and larger portions of the market. The increasing demand for sunglasses specifically and eyewear generally has resulted in a proliferation of designs for sunglasses. Thus some sunglasses are designed primarily to meet functional objectives, while others are more stylish.

Sunglasses typically come in a one size fits all configuration, whereby such glasses can be a misfit, either too small or too large for the various head sizes and dimensions, including those of soldiers, athletes, drivers, and professionals. Ideally, sunglasses should fit snugly in order to prevent the sun's rays from getting to the eyes through the sides, top or around the frame. This is made difficult by the fact that the glasses in the art have one hinge between the arms and the frame(s).

Different shades of tint for the lenses are available. Each shade provides a different intensity of protection from the sunlight. The lenses are sometimes permanently sealed inside the frames. Additionally, heat and sweat behind the lenses can lead to moisture accumulation, i.e., fogging of the lenses. This can reduce visibility and cause the sunglasses to slip off the head.

There exists a need in the art for a pair of sunglasses that are inexpensive to manufacture, size adjustable, receptive to quick interchanging of lenses, and inhibitive of moisture buildup at the lenses. Current sunglasses are not effective.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for eyewear that is adjustable to fit different head sizes and dimensions, and also for glasses having multiple features that enhance ergonomic comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. Beneficially, such a pair of glasses would have size adjustable arms that rest on the ears and pivot laterally about hinges to conform to different head sizes. The glasses would also include: stress reducing components such as cantilevers at the forward arms, and a stress cavity at the hinges for reducing stress on the forward and rear arms; bifurcating frame that separates to enable interchanging lenses; vents in the forward arms that disrupt air flow behind the frame to minimize moisture accumulation at the lenses; padding at the nose and the arms to enhance comfort while donning the glasses; and apertures at the distal end of the rearward arms that receive cables for tethering the glasses. The frame, the forward arms, and the rearward arms are dynamic, such that size adjustment and adaptation with other components to provide comfort, functionality, and aesthetics are possible.

In some embodiments, the pair of glasses having multiple novel features for facilitated size adjustment, stress reduction on the arms and frame, and comfortable, secure donning of the glasses. The glasses include a frame that receives a pair of lenses. The frame is defined by a pair of lateral ends, a brow bar, a nose bridge, a padded nose rest, and a recess. The lateral ends hingedly join with a pair of forward arms. The nose bridge is configured to rest on the nose for support of the glasses. The nose bridge includes a padded nose rest that provides comfort to the nose and temple while donning the glasses.

Furthermore, the frame is configured to bifurcate into two hemispheres for facilitated interchangeability of the lenses. A frame adjustment fastener tightens the frame around the lenses. The frame adjustment fastener fits into the recess of the frame to tighten and loosen the frames at the recess. In one embodiment, the frame adjustment fastener is removed from the recess, causing the frame to bifurcate into hemispheres, such that the lenses can be removed for interchanging, cleaning, and repair. The recess is configured to reduce stress that is generated by the pressure and strain applied by the frame adjustment fastener. The recess also absorbs stress, strains, and pressure that arise from manipulation and donning of the glasses.

The glasses further include a pair of forward arms defined by a forward first end and a forward second end. The forward first end of the pair of forward arms hingedly join the pair of lateral ends of the frame at a forward hinge. The forward hinge forms an axis on which the forward arms pivot. The forward hinge may be adjusted to increase the torque at the forward hinge for tightening the pivoting motion of the forward arms, or reducing torque for loosening the pivoting action by the forward arms.

A forward hinge fastener is configured to rotatably engage a forward adjustment bore positioned proximal to the forward hinge for adjusting the tightness of the pivoting motion at the forward hinge. A forward stress cavity at the forward hinge absorbs stress on the forward arms when the forward hinge fastener applies pressure on the forward adjustment bore, or when the forward arms are pivoted, twisted, and manipulated in general.

In some embodiments, the forward first end forms a cantilever when the forward arm pivots in an inner direction about the frame. The cantilever is configured to carry stress along the length of the forward arm. The cantilever is disposed flush against the frame when the forward arms are extended.

In some embodiments, a pair of double prongs add additional stability to the forward hinge. The double prongs are disposed at the forward first end of the forward arms, pivotally moving in conjunction with the forward arm. The double prongs may pivotally project in a rearward direction from the frame, or project in a forward direction from the forward arm when the forward arm is pivoted. When the forward arm is extended, the double prongs are configured to clamp over the forward stress cavity.

In some embodiments, a vent forms in each forward arm. The vent is configured to receive airflow that funnels behind the frame. The vent disrupts the air flow, especially behind the lenses. This disturbance of air flow may generate an Eddie current that minimizes moisture accumulation at the lenses.

The glasses further include a pair of rearward arms defined by a rearward first end and a rearward second end. The rearward first end of the pair of rearward arms hingedly join the forward second end of the forward arms at a rearward hinge. The rearward hinge forms an axis on which the rearward arms pivot laterally. The rearward hinge may be adjusted to increase torque for tightening the pivoting motion of the rearward arms, or reducing torque for loosening the pivoting action by the rearward arms.

A rearward hinge fastener is configured to rotatably engage a rearward adjustment bore at the rearward hinge for adjusting the pivoting motion of the rearward hinge. A rearward stress cavity at the rearward hinge absorbs stress on the rearward arms when the rearward hinge fastener applies pressure on the rearward adjustment bore.

The rearward second ends of the rearward arms are tapered. This tapered shape is configured to facilitate reception of a pair of padded sleeves. The padded sleeves provide comfort to the ears and temple when donning the glasses. The rearward second end may also include at least one aperture that is configured to receive a cable. The cable is configured to hang around the neck or other object for tethering the glasses.

Both the forward and rearward arms pivot laterally in an inward and outward direction about their respective hinges resulting in increased width between oppositely disposed arms. This lateral pivoting movement facilitates adjustability of the glasses on the head. Further, the forward and rearward arms pivot independently of each other so as to provide greater flexibility for sizing and aesthetic disposition of the glasses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One object of the present invention is to provide eyewear comprising, in some embodiments, a pair of sunglasses having multiple novel features for size adjustment and comfortable donning, including: a forward arm and a rearward arm that pivot laterally in an inward and outward direction about adjustable hinges for size adjustability of the sunglasses; a cantilever pivotally formed by the forward arm for carrying stress along the length of the forward arm; a hinge fastener for adjusting the torque of the hinge when pivoting, a stress cavity at the hinges for absorbing stress from the forward and rearward arms when the hinge fastener applies pressure on the hinges; vents at the forward arm that disrupt air flow behind the lenses to minimize moisture accumulation at the lenses; tapered rearward arms configured to receive a padded sleeve for enhancing comfort while donning the sunglasses; a frame adjustment fastener that loosens and tightens the frames at a recess for disassembling the frames and interchanging lenses; a nose bridge having a padded nose rest for enhanced comfort while donning the sunglasses; and apertures at the distal end of the rearward arms for receiving a cable that hangs around the head.

FIG. 1A-3Bdepict multipurpose eyewear comprising a pair of forward arms114a-band a pair of rearward arms122a-bthat pivot laterally, in an inner and outer direction, to increase the width of the glasses100. The glasses100are configured to provide size adjustability, so as to fit on different heads, and also to provide aesthetic appearances while being donned. The glasses100also provide multiple components that enhance functionality, comfort, tethering capacity, and aesthetics. The glasses100may comprise of a frame102, a pair of lenses110a-b, a pair of forward arms114a-b, and a pair of rearward arms122a-b. These components join together to form a dynamic pair of glasses100that integrates various components and configurations to provide advantages over the prior art.

As shown inFIG. 1A, the frame102is configured to rest on the nose for supporting the glasses100. The frame102detachably retains a pair of lenses110a-b. The frame102is adjustable to bifurcate (or divide) near the forward hinges130for releasing the lenses. The frame102can also tighten around the lenses110a-busing means known to those of skill in the art, including threaded screws. This enables the lenses110a-bto be interchanged and securely retained with minimal stress on the frame102. A pair of forward arms114a-bhingedly join the frame102.

The frame102may be fabricated from titanium, aluminum, steel, brass, gold, gold plating, carbon fiber, metal alloys, nylon, elastomeric or polymeric materials, or organic materials such as wood, or other materials known to those of skill in the art, using means known to those of skill in the art, including mold injection, 3D printing, or digital metal laser sintering (DMLS).

Looking now atFIGS. 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E, a pair of rearward arms122a-bhingedly join the forward arms114a-b. The forward and rearward arms114a-b,122a-brest on the ears for supporting the glasses100. The forward and rearward arms114a-b,122a-bpivot laterally and independently of each other. The frame102, the forward arms114a-b, and the rearward arms122a-bare dynamic and multi-jointed, such that size adjustment of the glasses100and adaptation with other components is possible.

The pair of glasses100may include, without limitation, sunglasses, prescription glasses, wraparound sunglasses, safety glasses, bifocals, welding glasses, goggles, and visors. Suitable materials for the glasses100and lenses may include, without limitation, titanium, metal alloy, aluminum, polymeric materials, cellulose acetate, organic materials like wood and ivory, and any combination of materials. The lenses110a-bmay be glass or plastic.

As referenced inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the pair of glasses100include a frame102that receives a pair of lenses110a-b. The frame102is defined by a pair of lateral ends104a-b, a brow bar106, a nose bridge108, a padded nose rest112, and a recess134. The pair of lateral ends104a-b, the brow bar106, and the nose bridge108may form a generally annular shape that is configured to receive similarly shaped and dimensioned lenses110a-b. Though, in other embodiments, other shapes are possible. The lenses110a-bmay be tinted for restricting the passage of light, or the lenses110a-bmay have contrasting thicknesses for enhancing vision of a wearer.

Turning now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the nose bridge108of the frame102is configured to rest on the nose for support of the glasses100. In some embodiments, the nose bridge108may include a padded nose rest112. The padded nose rest112is configured to rest on the nose when donning the glasses100to enhance comfort of the nose and temple.

FIG. 4illustrates the nose bridge108having a convex outside surface400that conforms to the shape of the nose for additional comfort. The nose bridge108also includes oppositely disposed frame102inserts for coupling to the frame102. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the padding in the padded nose rest112and the uniquely shaped convex outside surface400of the nose bridge108enhance comfort and restrict slippage while donning the glasses100.

Furthermore, the frame102is configured to bifurcate into two hemispheres for facilitated interchangeability of the lenses110a-b. A frame adjustment fastener fits into a recess134in the frame102to tighten and loosen the frame102around the lenses110a-b. The recess134is configured to reduce stress that is generated by the pressure and strain applied by the frame adjustment fastener. The recess134also absorbs stress, strains, and pressure that arise from manipulation and donning of the glasses.

In one embodiment, the frame adjustment fastener is rotated in a first direction to retract from the recess134, causing the frame102to bifurcate into hemispheres, such that the lenses110a-bcan be removed for interchanging, cleaning, and repair. In another embodiment, the frame adjustment fastener rotates in a second direction to tighten the frame102around the lenses110a-b. The frame adjustment fastener may include, without limitation, a screw, a bolt, a pin, a magnet, and an adhesive. In one alternative embodiment, the frame102bifurcates into two hemispheres through a snap-lock mechanism, whereby the frame adjustment fastener and the recess134are not utilized.

Looking back atFIG. 3B, the recess134is positioned on the frame102, so as to reduce stress that is generated by the force of the frame adjustment fastener tightening and loosening the frame102around the lenses110a-b. The recess134is especially effective when the frame adjustment fastener applies a strong pressure to securely retain the lenses110a-bin the frame102. In one embodiment, the recess134is disposed at a corner junction between the nose bridge108and the lateral ends104a-bof the frame102.

Turning now toFIG. 5A, the glasses100further include a pair of forward arms114a-bdefined by a forward first end116a-band a forward second end118a-b. The forward arms114a-bare elongated and flat, so as to comfortable rest behind the ears. The lateral ends104a-bof the frame102hingedly join with the forward arms114a-babout a forward hinge130a-b.

Specifically, the forward first end116a-bof the pair of forward arms114a-bhingedly join the pair of lateral ends104a-bof the frame102at the forward hinge130a-b. The forward hinge130a-bforms an axis on which the forward arms114a-bmay pivot laterally in both an inner and outer direction. The forward hinge130a-bmay be adjusted to increase torque for tightening the pivoting motion, or reduce torque for loosening the pivoting action by the forward arms114a-b.

As illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the forward arms114a-bmay include a pair of first pivot apertures500a-bthat are sized and dimensioned to receive the forward hinge130a-b. This rotatable coupling enables a smooth pivoting motion that enables the forward arm to pivot laterally. Similarly, a pair of second pivot apertures502a-bare disposed oppositely from the first pivot apertures500a-b. The second pivot apertures502a-bare configured to receive the rearward hinges132a-b. This rotatable coupling between the first pivot apertures500a-band the rearward hinges132a-benables pivoting by the rearward arms122a-b, shown inFIG. 6.

In some embodiments, the forward arms114a-bmay further include a pair of first ridges504a-bthat extend perpendicularly from the forward first end116a-bof the forward arms114a-b. The first ridges504a-bsupport the lateral ends104a-bof the frame102. The forward arms114a-bfurther include a pair of second ridges506a-bthat extend perpendicularly from the forward second end118a-bof the forward arms114a-b. The second ridges506a-bsupport the pair of rearward arms12a-bwhile in the fully extended position.

As referenced inFIG. 7A, a forward hinge fastener (not shown) is configured to rotatably engage a forward adjustment bore146at the forward hinge130a-bfor adjusting the pivoting motion of the forward hinge130a-b. In one possible embodiment, rotating the forward hinge fastener in a first direction creates torque on the forward hinge130a-b, such that the forward arms114a-bdo not pivot freely, and eventually are restricted from pivoting. Conversely, rotating the forward hinge fastener in a second direction enables the forward arms114a-bto pivot freely. The forward hinge fastener may include, without limitation, a screw, a bolt, a pin, a magnet, and an adhesive.

Turning now toFIG. 7B, a forward stress cavity142forms proximally to the forward hinge130a-b. The forward stress cavity142is configured to absorb stress, strain, and pressure that is generated directly on the forward arms114a-bwhen the forward hinge fastener applies pressure on the forward adjustment bore146. The forward stress cavity142is also efficacious for absorbing stress from manipulating the forward and rearward arms114-ab,122a-bduring adjustment, and from general conformance of the glasses100to the shape of the head.

In one possible embodiment, the forward stress cavity142is shaped and dimensioned to create a reservoir that absorbs at least a portion of the stress created while tightening the forward hinge fastener in the forward adjustment bore146. This helps minimize cracking and warping of the forward arms114a-b. In one embodiment, the forward stress cavity142is an oblique depression disposed adjacently to the forward hinge130a-a.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the forward first end116a-bforms a cantilever136a-bwhen the forward arms114a-bpivot in an inner direction. The cantilever136a-bis configured to carry stress along the length of the forward arm. Thus, when the forward arms114a-bare extended, the cantilever136a-bis disposed flush against the frame102. The cantilever136a-bmay be slightly curved to conform to the shape of the lateral ends104a-bon the frame102. The cantilever136a-balso forms an aesthetic design to the glasses100when jutting out from the forward arms114a-b.

Looking now atFIG. 8, the frame102bifurcates (or divided) at a divide800to enable separation for interchanging and maintenance of the lenses110a-b. The divide800may include an elongated depression that delineates the junction between each hemisphere of the frame102. Both the lenses110a-band the forward arms114a-bmay be detached from the frame102while the frame102is bifurcated, as described above.

As shown inFIGS. 1B and 1C, a vent120forms in each forward arm114a-b. The vent120is configured to receive airflow that funnels behind the frame102. In one embodiment, the vent120is beveled at the edges, and tapered from the forward first end116a-bto the forward second end118a-b, so as to optimize the amount of air flow that can be captured behind the frame102. The unique position, orientation, and shape of the vent120disrupts the air flow, especially directly behind the lenses110a-b. This disturbance of air flow may generate an Eddie current that minimizes moisture accumulation, i.e., fogging, at the lenses110a-b.

Looking back atFIG. 1D, a pair of double prongs140add additional stability to the general area of the forward hinge130a-b. The double prongs140are disposed at the forward first end116a-bof the forward arms114a-b, pivotally moving in conjunction with the forward arm. The double prongs140may pivotally project in a rearward direction from the frame102, or project in a forward direction from the forward arm when the forward arm is pivoted. When the forward arms114a-bare extended, the double prongs140are configured to clamp over the forward stress cavity142.

Turning back toFIG. 6, the glasses100further include a pair of rearward arms122a-bdefined by a rearward first end124a-band a rearward second end126a-b. The rearward arms122a-bare elongated and flat, so as to fit comfortably behind the ears. The rearward first end124a-bof the pair of rearward arms122a-bhingedly join the forward second end118a-bof the forward arms114a-bat a rearward hinge132a-b. The rearward hinge132a-bforms an axis on which the rearward arms122a-bpivot. The rearward hinge132a-bmay be adjusted to increase torque for tightening the pivoting motion, or reducing torque for loosening the pivoting action by the rearward arms122a-b. In this manner, the forward and rearward arms114a-b,122a-bfully extend to form a linear arm, or laterally pivot in relation to each other to adjust the width of the glasses100around the head.

As referenced inFIG. 9, a rearward hinge fastener (not shown) is configured to rotatably engage a rearward adjustment bore148at the rearward hinge132a-bfor adjusting the pivoting motion of the rearward hinge132a-b. In one possible embodiment, rotating the rearward hinge fastener in a first direction creates torque on the rearward hinge132a-b, such that the rearward arms122a-bdo not pivot freely, and eventually are restricted from pivoting. Conversely, rotating the rearward hinge fastener in a second direction enables the rearward arms122a-bto pivot freely. The rearward hinge fastener may include, without limitation, a screw, a bolt, a pin, a magnet, and an adhesive.

A rearward stress cavity144at the rearward hinge132a-babsorbs stress on the rearward arms122a-bwhen the rearward hinge fastener applies pressure and torque on the rearward adjustment bore148. The rearward stress cavity144is shaped and dimensioned to create a reservoir that absorbs at least a portion of the stress created by the rearward hinge fastener. This helps minimize cracking and warping of the rearward arms122a-b. In one embodiment, the rearward stress cavity144is an oblique depression disposed adjacently to the rearward hinge132a-b.

The rearward second ends126a-bof the rearward arms122a-bare tapered. This tapered shape is configured to facilitate reception of a pair of padded sleeves138a-b. The padded sleeves138a-bcover the rearward arms122a-b, and in some embodiments, the padded sleeves138a-balso cover a portion of the forward arms114a-b. The padded sleeves138a-bare configured to provide comfort to the ears and temple when donning the glasses100. Suitable materials for the padded sleeves138a-bmay include, without limitation, cotton, foam, fleece, polyester, and multiple layers of a nonwoven material.

The rearward second end126a-bof each rearward arm122a-bmay include at least one aperture128that is configured to receive a cable. In one possible embodiment, the cable hangs around the neck or other object for tethering the glasses100. The cable may include a chain, a string, or any resilient linear member that has sufficient tensile strength to support the weight of the glasses100.

FIG. 10Aillustrates the glasses100being donned on the head and the lenses110a-bdirectly in front of the eyes. This represents the operational position of the glasses100. In this embodiment, the forward and rearward arms122a-bare flexing outwardly to conform to the size and shape of the head. This lateral flexing is possible because both the forward and rearward arms114a-b,122a-bpivot laterally in an inward and outward direction about their respective hinges130a-b,132a-b, resulting in increased width between the arms114a-b,122a-b. This lateral pivoting movement facilitates adjustability of the glasses100on the head. Further, the forward and rearward arms114a-b,122a-bpivot independently of each other so as to provide greater flexibility for sizing.

FIG. 10Bfurther illustrates the glasses100being donned with the nose bridge108resting concentrically on the nose and the padded nose rest112providing comfort to the nose.

In one alternative embodiment, shown inFIG. 11, a pair of multi-arm glasses1100are configured substantially the same as the glasses100, except that a middle hinge1104and a middle arm1102are adapted between the forward and rearward arms114a-b,122a-b. The addition of a hinged middle arm1102provides greater flexibility when donning. Further, when pivoted against each other, each arm114a-b,122a-b,1102the totality creates an ornamental feathering effect. And, as above, each arm114a-b,122a-b,1102pivots independently of the others. In yet another alternative embodiment, four or more pivoting arms may be used.

As shown, the arms on the sunglasses100and/or1100, or various other embodiments, may comprise a plurality of arm segments, wherein each arm segment comprises a separate component of the arm hingedly connected to either a preceding arm segment or the frame102. The middle arm1102, the forward arm114and the rearward arm122, may all consist of or comprise arm segments.