Eyewear having both a primary lens frame and an auxiliary lens frame separately coupled to an eyewear platform

Eyewear comprising an eyewear platform having a bridge portion and a pair of temple extensions, each temple extension located at an opposite end of said bridge portion and having a socket extending therefrom with a magnetic member disposed within said socket, a primary lens frame having a pair of primary lenses and a pair of primary magnetic members, wherein each primary magnetic member magnetically couples to a corresponding magnetic member in one of the sockets of the eyewear platform from the top, thereby securing the primary lens frame to the eyewear platform; and an auxiliary lens frame having a pair auxiliary lenses and a pair of auxiliary magnetic members, wherein each auxiliary magnetic member magnetically couples to a corresponding magnetic member in one of the sockets of the eyewear platform from the bottom, thereby securing the auxiliary lens frame to the eyewear platform such that the auxiliary lenses are disposed in front of the primary lenses.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to eyewear and eyeglasses. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus wherein a primary lens frame having a pair of primary lenses and an auxiliary lens frame having a pair of auxiliary lenses are both removeably coupled to an eyewear platform using magnetic members or other attachment devices. By allowing removable attachment of both the primary and auxiliary lens frames, the user will be able to maximize his or her ability to change shapes, styles, colors, and prescription strengths of both the primary and/or the auxiliary lenses depending on the need and/or situation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Auxiliary eyewear attachments, which connect to a primary lens frame (more commonly referred to as a conventional set of eyeglasses) through the use of magnetic members and/or clips, are well known in the art. Such auxiliary eyewear attachments may allow a user to convert the conventional set of eyeglasses into sunglasses while avoiding the need for an additional pair of prescription sunglasses. These auxiliary eyewear attachments can also be used to enhance the prescription of the lenses in the primary lens frame.

Many current designs exist for coupling auxiliary eyewear attachments to a primary lens frame. Such designs include the use of magnetic members, fasteners, pin/socket assemblies and/or clips. These may be positioned at various locations on either or both the primary and/or auxiliary lens frame.

However, there are several limitations to mounting an auxiliary lens frame to a primary lens frame using conventional methods and techniques. One major disadvantage is the fact that the auxiliary lenses in the auxiliary lens frame must basically conform to the shape and size of the primary lenses in the primary lens frame. Accordingly, the ability to interchange various auxiliary lenses is somewhat limited. Additionally, some users may have different prescriptions for different activities. For example, a user may have one prescription (nearsighted) for driving and another for reading (farsighted). Accordingly, he or she may then need to buy two different pairs of primary lens frames and two different corresponding pairs of auxiliary lens frames depending upon the situation.

Therefore, what is needed is eyewear that provides both an auxiliary lens frame having auxiliary lenses and a primary lens frame having primary lenses which allows a user to easily swap out either lens frame in order to maximize flexibility and versatility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The claimed invention avoids the above referenced limitations and provides significant advantages with a new apparatus and method for attaching both a removable primary lens frame and a removeable auxiliary lens frame to an eyewear platform. In the applicant's invention, both the primary and auxiliary lens frame are removably coupled to an eyewear platform so that the user can easily swap out either the primary lenses or the auxiliary lenses, or both, quickly and easily. Thus the user can change not only the auxiliary lenses but also the prescription or primary lenses at any time. Accordingly, the user is able to employ one eyewear apparatus that allows for multiple and different types of lenses and that can be changed easily and quickly. This instant eyewear apparatus is also comfortable to wear and easy to use. Keeping a small case with different types of lenses is easier to transport than several boxes of different eyewear. Finally, instead of having to own several different pairs of both conventional eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses, each possibly having a different prescription, the user may have substantial savings in cost by merely having different sets of primary and auxiliary lenses which may then be easily attached to and/or removed from a single, stable eyewear platform.

This invention allows the user to maximize the different kinds of eyewear available according to his or her need. For example, the user can easily change the primary lens frame from prescription lenses for driving to reading lenses for fine print while using the same auxiliary lens frame. Also, the user can change the color of their sunglasses depending on their particular need or situation by simply switching to a new auxiliary lens frame. For example, the user may require yellow lenses for driving in the mountains, but gray lenses for fishing or boating on a bright sunny day.

In addition to allowing for more flexibility and versatility in swapping out both the primary and/or the auxiliary lens frame, the present invention provides a quick and easy, yet stable and effective means for attaching both to a secure and stable eyewear platform. Preferably, the eyewear platform is configured to provide effective strength and resistance in coupling both the primary and auxiliary lens frames, thereby preventing either the primary or the auxiliary lens frame from becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform.

In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the eyewear platform includes a first pair of magnetic members disposed near the temples of the eyewear platform. The primary lens frame is coupled to the eyewear platform via a pair of primary magnetic members disposed on the primary lens frame near the temples of the primary lens frame and designed to engage the first pair of magnetic members of the eyewear platform. Preferably, each of the primary magnetic members in the primary lens frame engage the first pair of magnetic members in the eyewear platform from the top. Alternatively, they may engage the first pair of magnetic members in the eyewear platform from the bottom.

In this same first preferred embodiment, the auxiliary lens frame is coupled to the eyewear platform through the use of a pair auxiliary magnetic members disposed on the auxiliary lens frame near the temples of the auxiliary lens frame and also designed to engage the first pair of magnetic members of the eyewear platform. Preferably, each of the auxiliary magnetic members in the auxiliary lens frame engage the first pair of magnetic members of the eyewear platform from the bottom. Alternatively, they may engage the first pair of magnetic members in the eyewear platform from the top.

In alternate preferred embodiments of the invention, either the primary lens frame or the auxiliary lens frame, or both, may be coupled to the eyewear platform through the use of non-magnetic attachments such as pins, clasps, or the clips.

In its preferred embodiments, the present invention has several aspects or facets that can be used independently and/or in different combination, although they are preferably employed together to optimize their benefits. All of the foregoing operational principles and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated upon consideration of the following detailed description, with reference to the appended drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown an exploded view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention including an eyewear platform10, a primary lens frame50, and an auxiliary lens frame90. As shown, the eyewear platform10includes a bridge portion12and two temple extensions14a–b, located at opposite ends of the bridge portion. A set of arms16a–bis pivotally coupled to the eyewear platform10, one at each temple extension. The arms16a–bcan be adjustably connected to the platform10through a variety of different adjustable connections such as a spring, a hinge, or a joint can be used. The arms16a–bare capable of being placed over a user's ears with the bridge portion12resting on a user's nose to permit the eyewear platform10to be worn by a user.

The temple extensions14a–bare located at the ends of the bridge portion12. Each temple extension further includes a socket18which preferably extends rearwardly therefrom, for coupling both the primary lens frame50and the auxiliary lens frame to the eyewear platform10. In the first preferred embodiment, the socket18is preferably round in shape and having a magnetic member20securely disposed therein. Although, the socket18is illustrated as being circular in shape, it is understood that the socket need not be circular in shape and, moreover, the magnetic members20need not be completely surrounded by the socket18. It is sufficient so long as each magnetic member20is securely disposed within its respective socket and not removeable.

Each magnetic member20is preferably situated within its respective socket18such that both the top surface and the bottom surface of the magnetic member are exposed on opposite sides of the socket18. In a first preferred embodiment, the top surfaces of magnetic members18are utilized for coupling the primary lens frame50to the eyewear platform from the top and the bottom surfaces of the magnetic members18are utilized for coupling the auxiliary lens frame90to the eyewear platform10.

The eyewear platform10also includes a pair of nose pads22preferably coupled at a midpoint of the bridge12on the eyewear platform10. The shape and size of the eyewear platform10may vary depending upon the material used to comprise the platform, e.g. metal or plastic, and the arms and nose pads may also be comprised of a like or different material—i.e. the nose pads may be cushioned or formed of a more pliable plastic while the platform10itself may be made of metal.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1, a first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a primary lens frame50preferably comprised of a pair of lens holders52which each containing a primary lens54. Although the lens holders illustrated inFIG. 1are shown as completely encircling and encompassing each lens54, it understood that various embodiments may exist wherein the entire lens may be encompassed and contained or only a portion of the lens may be contained within the lens holder52.

At the opposing terminal ends of the primary lens frame50are primary frame extensions56. Each of the primary frame extensions preferably curve and bend to align with the temple extensions14a–bof the eyewear platform10. Each primary frame extension56further comprises an extension socket58; with each extension socket58positioned such that it will align with a corresponding socket18in the eyewear platform10when the primary lens frame is coupled to the eyewear platform10.

Each extension socket58in the primary lens frame50preferably houses a magnetic member60. This magnetic member60can be situated in a variety of different positions within the extension socket58, depending upon how the magnetic member20in the socket18of the temple extensions14a–bare positioned.

As shown inFIG. 1, the primary lens frame50is preferably designed to coupled to the eyewear platform from the top and the rear. In this way the lenses in the primary lens frame extend from just behind the eyewear platform. The shape and size of the primary lens frame50may vary depending upon shape and size of the eyewear platform10and the material used to comprise the primary lens frame50may be the same as or different from the material used to comprise the eyewear platform.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1, a first preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an auxiliary lens frame90preferably comprised of a pair of auxiliary lens holders92, each containing an auxiliary lens94. Although the auxiliary lens holders illustrated inFIG. 1are shown as completely encircling and encompassing each auxiliary lens94, it understood that various embodiments may exist wherein the entire lens may be encompassed and contained or only a portion of the lens may be contained within the lens holder92or in which there are no lens holders at all and only auxiliary lenses94.

At opposing ends of the auxiliary lens frame90are auxiliary frame extensions96. Each of the auxiliary frame extensions preferably curve and bend to align with the temple extensions14a–bof the eyewear platform10. Each auxiliary frame extension96further comprises an auxiliary socket98; with each auxiliary socket98positioned such that it will align with a corresponding socket18in the eyewear platform10when the auxiliary lens frame is coupled to the eyewear platform10.

Each auxiliary socket98in the auxiliary lens frame90preferably houses a magnetic member100. These magnetic members100can be situated in a variety of different positions within the auxiliary socket98, depending upon how the magnetic members20in the sockets18of the temple extensions14a–bare positioned.

As shown inFIG. 1, the auxiliary lens frame90is preferably designed to couple to the eyewear platform from the bottom and the front. In this way the lenses in the auxiliary lens frame extend just in front of the both the primary lenses and the eyewear platform. The shape and size of the auxiliary lens frame90may vary depending upon shape and size of both the eyewear platform10and primary lens frame50. The material used to comprise the auxiliary lens frame90may be the same as or different from the material used to comprise the eyewear platform10and/or the primary lens frame50.

Referring toFIGS. 2a–c, there is shown various cross-sectional side views of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention in order to further demonstrate the coupling of the primary lens frame and the auxiliary lens frame to the eyewear platform. As shown inFIG. 2a, magnetic member20may be disposed within socket18such that it is recessed within the socket, thereby forming recesses at the top and bottom of the socket18. Alternatively, and as further illustrated inFIG. 2b, the magnetic member20may lie flush within the socket18such that no recesses are formed. Finally, as show inFIG. 2c, magnetic member20may be positioned within the socket18such that the top and bottom surfaces of the magnetic member extend above and below the socket18, thereby creating an elevated mounting surface above and below the socket18.

As explained earlier, magnetic member60may be situated in a variety of different positions within the extension socket58of the primary lens frame50, depending upon how the magnetic member20is positioned within socket18of the eyewear platform10. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2a, if the magnetic member20is recessed within socket18such that a recess is formed at the top of socket18, then magnetic member60is situated within the extension socket58of the primary lens frame50such that it extends outward in order to fit within the recess and magnetically couple with magnetic member20when the primary lens frame50is coupled to the eyewear platform10. Alternatively, and referring toFIG. 2b, if magnetic member20is disposed within socket18such that it is flush with socket18, then magnetic member60is situated within extension socket58of the primary lens frame50such that it is also flush within the extension socket58such that magnetic member60will magnetically couple with magnetic member20in a flush fashion when the primary lens frame50is coupled to the eyewear platform10. Finally, referring toFIG. 2c, if magnetic member20is positioned within socket18of the eyewear platform10such that a top surface of the magnetic member extends above the socket18, thereby creating an elevated mounting surface, then magnetic member60is recessed within the extension socket58of the primary lens frame50, thereby forming a recess such that magnetic member20will fit within the recess and magnetically couple with magnetic member60when the primary lens frame50is coupled to the eyewear platform10.

Finally, as explained earlier, magnetic member100may be situated in a variety of different positions within the auxiliary socket98of the auxiliary lens frame90. Referring again toFIG. 2a, if magnetic members20are recessed within sockets18such that recesses are formed at the bottom of each socket18, then each magnetic member100is situated within its respective auxiliary socket98of the auxiliary lens frame90such that it extends outward and will fit within the recess formed at the bottom of socket18in order to magnetically couple with magnetic member20when the auxiliary lens frame90is coupled to the eyewear platform10. Alternatively, and referring toFIG. 2b, if the magnetic members20are disposed within sockets18such that they are flush within the sockets, then magnetic members100are also situated within the auxiliary sockets98of the auxiliary lens frame90such that they are also flush within the sockets98, thereby allowing magnetic members100to mate with magnetic members20in a flush fashion when the auxiliary lens frame90is coupled to the eyewear platform10.

Finally, referring toFIG. 2c, if each magnetic member20is positioned within its respective socket18of the eyewear platform10such that a bottom surface of the magnetic member extends below the socket18, thereby creating an elevated mounting surface below the socket18, then magnetic members100are each situated within their respective auxiliary sockets98of the auxiliary lens frame90such that they form recesses within the auxiliary sockets98so that magnetic members20fit within the recesses and magnetically couple with magnetic members100when the auxiliary lens frame90is coupled to the eyewear platform10.

FIG. 3shows an exploded view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention including a primary lens frame, an auxiliary lens frame, and an eyewear platform, where the primary lens frame is coupled to the eyewear platform from the bottom and the auxiliary lens frame is coupled to the eyewear platform from the top. The structure of the eyewear platform10, the primary lens frame50and the auxiliary lens frame90is the same as that described with reference toFIG. 1except that the primary magnetic members60in the primary lens frame50are oriented to engage and magnetically couple with the first pair of magnetic members20in the eyewear platform10from the bottom and the auxiliary magnetic members100in the auxiliary lens frame90are oriented to engage and magnetically couple with the first pair of magnetic members in the eyewear platform from the top.

FIGS. 4a–cillustrate cross-sectional side views of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention in order to further demonstrate the coupling of the primary lens frame and the auxiliary lens frame to the eyewear platform.

As shown inFIG. 4a, magnetic member20may be disposed within socket18of the eyewear platform such that it is recessed within the socket, thereby forming recesses at the top and bottom of the socket18. Alternatively, and as further illustrated inFIG. 4b, the magnetic member20may lie flush within the socket18of the eyewear platform such that no recesses are formed. Finally, as show inFIG. 4c, magnetic member20may be positioned within the socket18of the eyewear platform such that the top and bottom surfaces of the magnetic member extend above and below the socket18, thereby creating an elevated mounting surface above and below the socket18.

As explained earlier, in the second preferred embodiment the structure of the primary lens frame50is nearly identical to that set forth with reference to the first preferred embodiment as described inFIG. 1except that the primary magnetic members60in the primary lens frame50couple to magnetic members20in the eyewear platform from the bottom. As discussed with reference to the first preferred embodiment, the primary magnetic members60may be situated in a variety of different positions within the extension socket58of the primary lens frame50, depending upon how the magnetic member20is positioned within socket18of the eyewear platform10.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4a, if the magnetic members20of the eyewear platform10are recessed within the sockets18of the eyewear platform, such that recess is formed at the bottom of each socket18, then primary magnetic members60in the primary lens frame are situated within the extension socket58of the primary lens frame50such that they each extend outward and upward in order to fit within the recess and magnetically couple with magnetic member20when the primary lens frame50is coupled to the eyewear platform10from the bottom.

Alternatively, and referring toFIG. 4b, if magnetic member20is disposed within socket18such that it is flush with socket18, then magnetic member60is situated within extension socket58of the primary lens frame50such that it is also flush within the extension socket58such that magnetic member60will magnetically couple with magnetic member20in a flush fashion when the primary lens frame50is coupled to the eyewear platform10.

Referring toFIG. 4c, if magnetic member20is positioned within socket18of the eyewear platform10such that a top surface of the magnetic member20extends below the socket18, thereby creating an elevated mounting surface, then magnetic member60is recessed within the extension socket58of the primary lens frame50, thereby forming a recess such that magnetic member20will fit within the recess and magnetically couple with magnetic member60when the primary lens frame50is coupled to the eyewear platform10.

Finally, as explained earlier, magnetic member100may be situated in a variety of different positions within the auxiliary socket98of the auxiliary lens frame90. Referring again toFIG. 4a, if magnetic members20are recessed within sockets18such that recesses are formed at the top of each socket18, then each magnetic member100is situated within its respective auxiliary socket98of the auxiliary lens frame90such that it extends outward and will fit within the recess formed in socket18in order to magnetically couple with magnetic member20when the auxiliary lens frame90is coupled to the eyewear platform10.

Alternatively, and referring toFIG. 4b, if the magnetic members20are disposed within sockets18such that they are flush within the sockets, then magnetic members100are also situated within the auxiliary sockets98of the auxiliary lens frame90such that they are also flush within the sockets98, thereby allowing magnetic members100to mate with magnetic members20in a flush fashion when the auxiliary lens frame90is coupled to the eyewear platform10.

Finally, referring toFIG. 4c, if each magnetic member20is positioned within its respective socket18of the eyewear platform10such that a top surface of the magnetic member extends above the socket18, thereby creating an elevated mounting surface, then magnetic members100are each situated within their respective auxiliary sockets98of the auxiliary lens frame90such that they form recesses within the auxiliary sockets98so that magnetic members20fit within the recesses and magnetically couple with magnetic members100when the auxiliary lens frame90is coupled to the eyewear platform10.

FIG. 5shows an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 5, this alternative embodiment includes an eyewear platform110, a primary lens frame150, and an auxiliary lens frame180. As further shown, in this alternate embodiment, the primary lens frame couples to the eyewear platform from the top via a pair of mated pin/sockets located near the bridges of the primary lens frame150and the eyewear platform110, and the auxiliary lens frame180couples to the eyewear platform110from the bottom via magnetic members located near the temples. This arrangement is described more fully hereinafter.

Referring toFIG. 5, the eyewear platform110is identical to the eyewear platform described with reference to the preferred embodiments, except that the eyewear platform100further includes a pair of mounting sockets108a–bpositioned on the bridge portion12of the eyewear platform110. The mounting sockets108a–bextend rearward, behind the bridge12of the platform, and are designed for engaging and mounting the primary lens frame150to the platform.

As further illustrated inFIG. 5, the alternative embodiment includes a primary lens frame150preferably comprised of a pair of lens holders152, each containing a primary lens154. Although the lens holders illustrated inFIG. 5are shown as completely encircling and encompassing each lens154, it understood that various embodiments may exist wherein the entire lens may be encompassed and contained or only a portion of the lens may be contained within the lens holder152.

As further shown inFIG. 5, the primary lens frame150includes a bridge portion156. This bridge portion preferably includes two separate pin extensions158a–bwhich extend forward and downward from the primary lens frame150. Each pin extension is designed to engage a corresponding socket108a–bin eyewear platform110such that the primary lens frame150couples with and mounts to the eyewear platform110from the rear of the platform.

As further illustrated inFIG. 5, this alternative embodiment includes an auxiliary lens frame180preferably comprised of a pair of auxiliary lens holders182, each containing an auxiliary lens184. Although the auxiliary lens holders illustrated inFIG. 5are shown as completely encircling and encompassing each auxiliary lens184, it understood that various embodiments may exist wherein the entire lens may be encompassed and contained or only a portion of the lens may be contained within the lens holder182or no holder may be used at all and the auxiliary lens frame may simply include auxiliary lenses coupled together via a bridge.

At opposing ends of the auxiliary lens frame180are auxiliary frame extensions186. Each of the auxiliary frame extensions preferably curve and bend to align with the temple extensions14a–bof the eyewear platform110. Each auxiliary frame extension186further comprises an auxiliary socket188; with each auxiliary socket188positioned such that it will align with a corresponding socket18in the eyewear platform110when the auxiliary lens frame180is coupled to the eyewear platform110. Each auxiliary socket188in the auxiliary lens frame180preferably houses a magnetic member190.

As shown inFIG. 5, the auxiliary lens frame180is preferably designed to couple to the eyewear platform110from the bottom and the front. In this way the lenses in the auxiliary lens frame extend just in front of the both the primary lenses and the eyewear platform. The shape and size of the auxiliary lens frame180may vary depending upon shape and size of both the eyewear platform110and the primary lens frame150. The material used to comprise the auxiliary lens frame180may be the same as or different from the material used to comprise the eyewear platform110and/or the primary lens frame150.

FIG. 6shows an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the invention where the primary lens frame150couples to the eyewear platform110from the bottom via magnetic members155located near the temples and the auxiliary lens frame180couples to the eyewear platform110from the top via a pair of mated pin/sockets located near the bridges of the auxiliary lens frame180and the eyewear platform110.

While the invention as described in connection with its preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.