Eyewear with enhanced fit

Eyewear having an enhanced fit which may be used for safety, sports, and the like. The eyewear may provide features which permit enhanced airflow and an enhanced fit to a user's face. Such features may include greater adjustability to provide greater comfort. Eyewear including an RFID tag which is activated to send or receive transmissions when the eyewear is unfolded and/or positioned in a position to be worn by a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to eyewear, and especially eyewear used for safety and/or activities such as sports.

Eyewear for safety applications in industrial use and/or sports are used to protect a user's eyes. Such eyewear is usually designed to fit relatively closely to a user's face, so that noxious gas, liquid, particles, contaminants, and the like, do not touch or affect a user's eye(s).

Safety and some sports glasses or eyewear are often designed and formed such that they are bulky and heavy to wear. Some are tight-fitting and uncomfortable as well, such as goggles or masks. In addition, such eyewear is often provided as in only a few sizes which do not fit every user's face. This results in poor compliance in users donning and wearing the eye wear. Further, poor-fitting eyewear may actually make it more difficult for a user to see. Eyewear which is too small may not adequately cover and/or protect a user's eyes.

Therefore, safety and/or sports eyewear which provides is lightweight and provides adjustments which provides a better individual fit each user's face would be desirable. Such eyewear desirably may provide adjustments to the lens area as well as the temple/ear pieces of the eyewear. The eyewear desirably may include protection for peripheral vision, and an adjustable securing apparatus for holding the eyewear on a user's head. In addition, such eyewear may provide some design features which makes it more attractive to wear.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “glasses” or “eyewear” refers to eyeglasses, goggles, or other objects worn over the eyes.

As used herein, the terms “ear piece” or “ear pieces” refers to The portion of glasses or eyewear which extends from a lens and/or frame to extend over and/or about a portion of a user's ear to assist in holding the glasses or eyewear on a user's head.

As used herein, the phrase “custom fit” refers to an item that is provided or made in a proper size, shape and fit for the individual, particularly, to fit the contours of a certain area of an individual's body (For example, “These shoes were made to fit my feet very well.”).

As used herein, the term “contour” refers to at least a portion of an item which is shaped to fit the outline or form of something (Example, “A contour sheet”).

As used herein, the term “hinge” or “hinges” refers to a jointed or flexible device that connects and permits pivoting or turning of a part to a stationary component. Hinges include, but are not limited to, metal pivotable connectors, such as those used to fasten a door to frame, and living hinges. Living hinges may be constructed from plastic and formed integrally between two members. A living hinge permits pivotable movement of one member in relation to another connected member.

As used herein, the terms “contaminate”, “contaminant” and/or “contamination” mean to make unclean or impure by contact. Such contact may be by liquid, solid and/or gas. For example, but not by way of limitation, mud that befouls shoes; noxious fumes that foul the air; bodily fluids that foul clean diapers.

As used herein, the term “fasteners” means devices that fasten, join, connect, secure, hold, or clamp components together. Fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, snap-fits, tacks, nails, loop fasteners, and interlocking male/female connectors, such as fishhook connectors, a fish hook connector includes a male portion with a protrusion on its circumference. Inserting the male portion into the female portion substantially permanently locks the two portions together.

As used herein, the term “couple” includes, but is not limited to, joining, connecting, fastening, linking, or associating two things integrally or interstitially together.

As used herein, the term “configure” or “configuration” means to design, arrange, set up, or shape with a view to specific applications or uses. For example: a military vehicle that was configured for rough terrain; configured the computer by setting the system's parameters.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to something which is done to a great extent or degree; a significant or great amount; for example, as used herein “substantially” as applied to “substantially” covered means that a thing is at least 90% covered.

As used herein, the term “alignment” refers to the spatial property possessed by an arrangement or position of things in a straight line or in parallel lines.

As used herein, the terms “orientation” or “position” used interchangeably herein refer to the spatial property of a place where or way in which something is situated; for example, “the position of the hands on the clock.”

As used herein, the term “about” refers to an amount that is plus or minus 10 percent of a stated or implied range.

As used herein, the term “resilient” and “resiliency” refers to the physical property of an object and/or a material that can return to its original shape or position after deformation that does not exceed its elastic limit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to eyewear for protecting a user's eyes. The eyewear includes at least one lens and a pair of ear pieces. The lens has at least one first portion positioned adjacent the user's nose and at least one second portion which is positioned adjacent an outer edge of the user's eye when the eyewear is positioned on the user's face. The lens is positioned to extend a distance from the user's eye and is configured to cover the user's eye from the distance. Each ear piece has a first end which is pivotably coupled to the lens adjacent at least one second portion of the lens. The ear pieces are configured to hold the lens against at least a portion of the user's face and permit the lens to pivot upward and downward on the user's face when the eyewear is positioned on the user's face.

The present invention is also directed to eyewear that includes at least one lens and a pair of ear pieces, where each ear piece has a first end which is configured to be slideably and releasably coupled to the upper edge of the lens and a second end which is formed to be positioned adjacent a user's ear when the eyewear is positioned on the user's face. When each ear piece is releasably coupled to the lens, it may be slideably moved along the upper edge of the lens to permit the ear pieces to move closer or farther away from the user's head such that the combination of the lens and each ear piece cooperate to provide a custom fit to the user's head.

Also, the present invention is directed to eyewear that includes a pair of lenses, a frame that incudes a brow piece positioned between the lenses, and a pair of spaced-apart ear pieces configured to hold the lenses against at least a portion of the user's head. The frame includes a nose piece which is configured to extend over at least a portion of the user's nose. Each lens is movably coupled to the nose piece such that each lens individually pivots away from the brow piece of the frame such that each lens is only in contact with the nose piece.

The present invention is further directed to eyewear that includes at least one lens and a frame that is coupled to at least a portion of one edge of the lens. The frame is configured to extend about a circumference of the user's head and includes a tension controller configured to adjust the tension of the frame against the user's face and head.

Additionally, the present invention is also directed to eyewear that includes a pair of first lenses, a frame including a brow portion position between a pair of ear pieces, and a pair of second lenses. Each of the first lenses has an outer edge, at least one first portion positioned adjacent the user's nose, and at least one second portion positioned adjacent an outer edge of the user's eye when the eyewear is positioned on the user's face. The first lenses are positioned to extend a distance from the user's eyes and cover the user's eyes from the distance. At least a portion of the brow portion of the frame is coupled to the first lenses along the outer edge of the first lenses and the ear pieces are configured to cooperate with the brow portion to hold the lenses in a position on the user's face. The pair of second lenses are slideably coupled to the frame and are slideably moveable to a position next to the first lenses.

Finally, the present invention is also directed to eyewear that includes at least one lens and a pair of ear pieces, where at least one of the ear pieces has a moveable connector and an RFID tag. The RFID tag is connected to one contact point, provided on a portion of the ear piece positioned adjacent the connector, and another contact point positioned on the eyewear. When the eyewear is opened for use and the ear piece is moved into a position to be donned by the user, the one contact point contacts the other contact point to provide a circuit which permits the RFID tag to send or receive a transmission from an RFID tag reader/scanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example and embodiment is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that the invention include these and other modifications and variations as coming within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Safety glasses and/or glasses used in sports applications are usually made with shatter-resistant plastic lenses to protect the eye. Although safety lenses may be constructed from a variety of materials that vary in impact resistance, certain standards suggest that they maintain a minimum 1 millimeter thickness at the thinnest point, regardless of material. Safety glasses can vary in the level of protection that they provide based on their intended application. For example, those used in medicine may be expected to protect against blood splatter while safety glasses in a factory might have stronger lenses and a stronger frame and may include additional shields or safety features. The lenses of safety glasses may be shaped for correction or magnification. Some safety glasses may also be designed to fit over corrective glasses or sunglasses.

While face shields, goggles, and so forth are available as well, some studies have suggested that they will not always be used due to their bulkiness and weight. Therefore, lighter weight eyewear, while not providing as much protection as full face shields and/or goggles, may be preferred and actually worn more frequently by users due to their lack of size or bulk and their reduced weight. In addition, recent studies have also suggested that when safety glasses are both light weight and have a more stylish design, these features in combination also result in a higher usage of safety glasses in the appropriate situations.

The lenses of safety glasses are desirably made from plastic. There are a number of suitable plastics which may be utilized. Examples of some plastics used for eyewear include polycarbonates, such as LEXAN® manufactured by General Electric, Fairfield, Conn., allyl diglycol polycarbonate such as CR-39® manufactured by PPG Industries, Pittsburgh, Pa., and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) such as Kraton® or Dynaflex® produced by GLS, McHenry, Ill.

Other materials may also be available for making lenses; other materials may be added to or provided via, for example, but not by way of limitation, a coating, cover, and so forth provided to the lenses to provide additional features. Such features may include, but are not limited to ultraviolet (UV) light protection, anti-fogging protection, anti-reflective (AR) protection, and so forth. Safety and/or sports glasses may desirably be ranked according to meeting certain requirements. In the United States, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has various standards and ratings for safety glasses. Safety glasses may be rated according to their ability to resist, for example, flying debris, heat, sparks, acid splash, abrasive blasting materials, glare, radiation, and so forth.

Safety and/or sports glasses may have numerous uses in a household situation. Safety glasses may be used while painting, while cutting grass, and so forth. Many different types of sports have found protective eyewear useful as well. Safety glasses or eyewear are increasingly needed for new industrial, home and sports applications.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-18in general, and1-3in particular, the present invention provides eyewear adapted to protect a user's eyes. In the present embodiment, the eyewear10includes at least one lens12, as illustrated inFIGS. 1-3. The lens may include a single lens12which extends generally across a user's face14and specifically across a user's nose16to cover both eyes18and thereby to provide protection to both eyes18.

Desirably the lens12extends a distance20from the user's eyes and is configured to cover or extend over each of a user' eyes18from the distance20to provide protection thereto. The lens12desirably includes at least one, and in this embodiment a pair of first portions22which are positioned adjacent a user's nose16. The lens12desirably also includes a pair of second portions24which are positioned adjacent an outer edge25of a user's eye18. The lens12includes a connector26which is positioned across a user's nose16. The lens12may include a frame positioned about at least a portion of an outer edge27of the lens12(not shown).

A pair of ear pieces28are desirably coupled to the lens12on or near a lower area30of the outer edge27and near the second portions24. Each ear piece28is configured to hold the lens12adjacent a user's face14. Desirably, each ear piece28includes a first end32and a second end34. A temple piece35desirably extends between the first end32and the second end34.

The first end32of each ear piece28is desirably pivotably coupled near the second portions24of the lens12. The second end34desirably is positioned over and/or around a portion of a user's ear36when the eyewear10is being worn. Similarly, the temple piece35is desirably configured to be positioned adjacent a user's temple38.

The pivotable coupling of the ear pieces28to the lens12permits the eyewear12to be moved on a user's face14to provide greater protection to certain areas of a user's face14. The lens12and the pair of ear pieces28are configured such that the lens12may be pivotably rotated or moved in a direction40upward so that the lens12fits more closely against a users brow42and/or forehead43. When this occurs, the first end32of each ear piece28may remain in position. Alternatively, the first end of each ear piece28may move in a direction44downward. Conversely, the lens12and the pair of ear pieces28are configured such that the lens12may be moved in the direction44downward so that the lens12fits more closely against a user's cheeks46. When this occurs, the first end32of each ear piece28may remain in position. Alternatively however, the first end of each ear piece28moves in a direction40upward. In a further alternative, however, the first end32of each ear piece28may remain in position on a user's head without movement or pivoting. The adjustability of the lens12and/or the earpieces28as well provides an enhanced fit.

The ear pieces28each pivotably move on a pivot post (not shown) such that, when the eyewear10is removed from a user's face, each ear piece28may pivotably move to permit each ear piece28to move into a closed position adjacent the lens12for storage, as illustrated inFIG. 3.

The lens12desirably includes along an upper edge50, a curved upper portion52which is configured to follow and conform to the contour and configuration of a user's brow42and/or forehead43. The lens12also may include a curved lower portion52positioned along and/or adjacent a lower area30and the outer edge27of the lens12which is also configured to follow and conform to the contours and configuration of a user's cheeks46. The curved upper portion48and/or the curved lower portion52assist in providing a custom fit of the eyewear10to a user's face14.

Desirably, at least a portion of each ear piece28has some resiliency to permit a comfortable fit of the eyewear10against a user's face and head. Such resiliency may also assist in providing the ear pieces28in a folded or closed position against the lens12for storage. In addition, at least a portion of the lens may include some resiliency.

The lens12and each ear piece28pivot on an axis54. Desirably, when the eyewear10is being worn and a user is in an upright position, the axis54is horizontal.

In an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the lens12may be provided as a pair of lenses, with one lens extending over one of each of the eyes of a user when the eyewear is positioned on a user's face (not shown). In such an embodiment, a nose piece will desirably be provided to assist in holding the lenses12to a user's face (not shown). Alternatively, a nose piece may be provided as a portion of a frame (not shown), or at least a portion of a nose piece may be coupled to the lens12of the present embodiment (not shown). A frame may be coupled to a portion of the lens (not shown). The earpieces may be provided as a portion of such a frame (not shown).

In another embodiment of the invention, the eyewear110shown inFIGS. 4-7is similar to the eyewear10shown inFIGS. 1-3and described in detail previously herein, except that the eyewear110has features which differ from those of eyewear10. In the present embodiment, the eyewear110includes at least one lens112, as shown inFIGS. 4-6. The lens may include a single lens112which extends generally across a user's face14and specifically across a user's nose16to cover both eyes18and thereby to provide protection to both eyes18.

Desirably the lens112extends a distance120from the user's eyes and is configured to cover or extend over each of a user' eyes18from the distance120to provide protection thereto. The lens112desirably includes at least one, and in this embodiment a pair of first portions122which are positioned adjacent a user's nose16. The lens112desirably also includes a pair of second portions124which are positioned adjacent an outer edge25of a user's eye18. The lens112includes a connector126which is positioned across a user's nose16. The lens112may include a frame positioned about at least a portion of an outer edge127of the lens112(not shown).

A pair of ear pieces128are desirably coupled to the lens112along an upper edge130of the lens112near the second portions124thereof. Each ear piece128is configured to hold the lens112adjacent a user's face14. Desirably, each ear piece128includes a first end132and a second end134. A temple piece135desirably extends between the first end132and the second end134.

The first end132desirably includes a U-shaped groove which is positioned over the upper edge130and a releasable clamp136also having a U-shaped groove which is positionable about and desirably releasably coupled to the upper edge130of the lens112, as illustrated best inFIG. 7. The first end132is moveably and slidably positionable along the upper edge130so that the ear pieces128may be moved in a direction138inward toward a user's nose16or a direction outward140, away from a user's nose16, as shown inFIG. 6. This adjustability of the ear pieces128desirably provides a custom fit to the shape and/or configuration of an outer circumference56of a user's head58. The second end134of each ear piece128is desirably positioned adjacent a user's ear36when the eyewear110is worn. Similarly, the temple piece135is desirably configured to be positioned adjacent a user's temple38. It will be appreciated that adjustment of the first end132permits the proper fit of the temple piece135and the second end134of the ear pieces128against a user's head58, and also assists in providing a proper fit of the lens112to a user's face14.

The eyewear110may also include a pair of holders142which are pivotably coupled to the eyewear110, desirably at or in the general area of the connector126, as illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5. The holders142are desirably coupled at one end to the lens112or equivalent structure such that the holders142together form a V or U-shape. Each holder142is desirably individually moveable to provide a custom fit to a user's nose16. Each holder142is desirably configured to be positioned against a side of a user's nose16, to comfortably hold the lens112on a user's face14.

The upper edge130of the lens112may include a ridge144on either an outer surface146or an inner surface148of the lens112(FIG. 7). The ridge144desirably provides a guide for the groove on the first end132of each ear piece128and assist the clamp136in coupling each ear piece128firmly to the lens112. This coupling may provide slideable adjustment of each ear piece128on the lens112.

The lens112desirably follows the general curvature of a user's brow42and/or forehead43, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6. This curvature provides peripheral protection to a user's eyes18.

In an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the lens12may be provided as a pair of lenses, with one lens extending over one of each of the eyes of a user when the eyewear is positioned on a user's face (not shown). In such an embodiment, a frame may be provided around at least a portion of an outer edge of each lens (not shown). In addition, a nose piece will desirably be provided to assist in holding the lenses to a user's face (not shown). In such an alternative, a nose piece may be provided as such as the holders or as a portion of a frame (not shown).

In another embodiment of the invention, the eyewear210shown inFIGS. 8-11is similar to the eyewear10,110shown inFIGS. 1-7and described in detail previously herein, except that the eyewear210has features which differ from those of eyewear10and110. In the present embodiment, the eyewear210desirably includes a pair of lenses212, as shown inFIGS. 8-11.

Desirably, each of the pair of lenses212extends a distance220from the user's eyes18and each is configured to cover or extend over at least one of a user' eyes18from the distance220to provide protection thereto. Each of the lenses212desirably includes a first portion222which is positioned adjacent a user's nose16. Each lens212desirably also includes a second portion224which is positioned adjacent an outer edge25of a user's eye18. Each lens212is desirably coupled, directly or indirectly, to a frame260.

The frame260in the present embodiment desirably includes a brow portion262which extends over a user's brow42and forehead43. The brow portion262may also include a nose piece264which extends over at least a portion of a user's nose16. Each lens212may also include a separate lens frame266which is positioned about at least a portion of an outer edge227of each lens212. The lens212or the lens frame266desirable couples to a portion of the frame260such as the nose piece264. While the lens212and/or the lens frame266may be positioned against the frame260, only a portion of each lens212adjacent the first portion122(or, alternatively, the lens frame266) is coupled to the frame266. Each lens212is desirably movably coupled to the nose piece264such that each lens212may be individually moved or pivoted away from the brow portion262of the frame260such that each lens212is in contact with only the nose piece264, and no other portion of the lens212or lens frame266contacts the frame260. Desirably, each lens212is moveably coupled in a cantilevered position to the nose piece264(FIGS. 10 and 11). Such coupling may be made, but not by way of limitation, via a pin and aperture arrangement between each lens212and each side of the nose piece264, respectively, although it will be understood that other fasteners and/or other mechanisms may be used. Each lens212is separately and individually movable away from the frame260, and this movability permits air flow and venting around a substantial portion of the lens212.

Each lens212is desirably moveably coupled to the nose piece264and each lens moves on an axis268. The axis268is desirably, when a user is in an upright position wearing the eyewear210, a horizontal axis268.

The frame260also includes a pair of ear pieces228which may be integrally formed with the frame260or, alternatively, which may be formed separately and hingeably coupled to the frame260in a well known manner (not shown). Each ear piece228is desirably formed with the frame260near the second portions224of each lens212. Each ear piece228is configured to cooperate with the brow portion262and the rest of the frame260to hold the lenses212adjacent a user's face14.

Desirably, each ear piece228includes a first end232which is formed adjacent to or coupled to the brow portion262and a second end234which is configured to be positioned adjacent a user's ear36. A temple piece235desirably extends between the first end232and the second end234of each ear piece228. At least a portion of each ear piece228and/or the frame260desirably has resiliency to permit the eyewear210to adapt to and fit a user's head58.

In another embodiment of the invention, the eyewear310shown inFIGS. 12 and 13is similar to the eyewear10,110and210shown inFIGS. 1-11and described in detail previously herein, except that the eyewear310has features which differ from those of eyewear10and110. In the present embodiment, the eyewear310includes at least one lens312, as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. The lens312may include a single lens113which extends generally across a user's face14and specifically across a user's nose16to cover both eyes18and thereby to provide protection to both eyes18.

Desirably the lens312extends a distance320from the user's eyes and is configured to cover or extend over each of a user' eyes18from the distance320to provide protection thereto. The lens312desirably includes at least one, and in this embodiment a pair of first portions322which are positioned adjacent a user's nose16. The lens312desirably also includes a pair of second portions324which are positioned adjacent an outer edge25of a user's eye18. The lens312includes a connector326which is positioned across a user's nose16. The lens312may include a frame360positioned about at least a portion of an outer edge327of the lens312.

The frame360is configured to extend about an outer circumference56of a user's head58, as shown inFIG. 13. The frame360desirably, but not by way of limitation, provides a continuous circle for encircling a user's head58. The frame360may include a lanyard section370which permits the eyewear310to be hung around a user's neck (not shown). The frame360desirably includes a tension controller372positioned on a portion of the lanyard section370configured to adjust the tension of the frame360against a user's face14.

The frame360may include ear pieces328which are desirably, but not by way of limitation, integrally formed with the frame360. Each ear piece328may include a first end332which may be positioned near the second portion324of the lens312, and a second end334which may be positioned adjacent a user's ear36. Each ear piece328may include a temple piece335which extends between the first end332and the second end334. The second end334desirable couples to the lanyard section370. Alternatively, each ear piece328may include a first end332and the lanyard section370which includes the tension controller372. The tension controller372may include clamps, such as frictionally adjusted clamps, and so forth, which permit easy adjustability of the tension of the frame360and lens312against a user's face14and head58. The tension controller372may be moved about the frame360to facilitate obtaining a comfortable tension. The frame360may include fasteners which may couple at least a portion of the lens312to at least a portion of the frame360.

When the eyewear310is worn by a user, it may be positioned such that at least a portion of an upper edge350of the lens312moves away from a user's forehead43when the frame360is adjusted firmly against a user's face14and head58to provide venting and airflow to a portion of a user's face14. Desirably, at least a portion of the frame360is formed from a resilient material which adapts to a shape of a user's face14and outer circumference56of a user's head58. In addition, at least a portion of the lens312may be formed from a resilient material which permits the lens312to cooperate with the frame360to fit closely to a user's face14.

In an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the lens312may be provided as a pair of lenses, with one lens extending over one of each of the eyes of a user when the eyewear is positioned on a user's face (not shown). In such an embodiment, a nose piece will desirably be provided to assist in holding the lenses to a user's face (not shown). Alternatively, a nose piece may be provided as a portion of a frame (not shown), or at least a portion of a nose piece may be coupled to the lens of the present embodiment (not shown). A frame positioned about at least a portion of each lens may also be provided (not shown).

In another embodiment of the invention, the eyewear410shown inFIGS. 14-17is similar to the eyewear10,110,210and310shown inFIGS. 1-13and described in detail previously herein, except that the eyewear410has features which differ from those of eyewear10,110,210and310. In the present embodiment, the eyewear410desirably includes a pair of lenses412, as shown inFIGS. 14-16.

Desirably, each of the pair of lenses412extends a distance420from the user's eyes18and each is configured to cover or extend over at least one of a user' eyes18from the distance420to provide protection thereto. Each of the lenses412desirably includes a first portion422which is positioned adjacent a user's nose16. Each lens412desirably also includes a second portion424which is positioned adjacent an outer edge25of a user's eye18. Each lens412is desirably coupled to a frame460.

The frame460in the present embodiment surrounds an outer edge427of each lens412and include a nose piece464which extends across a portion of a user's nose16. The second portion424of the lens412may extend a distance away from an outer edge25of a user's eye18, and may extend near a user's temple38and ear36.

The frame460may also include a pair of ear pieces428which may be integrally formed with the frame460or, alternatively, which may be formed separately and hingeably and/or slideably coupled to the frame460(not shown). Each ear piece428is desirably formed near the second portions424of each lens412. Each ear piece428is configured to cooperate with the frame460to hold the lenses412adjacent a user's face14.

Desirably, each ear piece428includes a first end432which is formed adjacent to or coupled to the frame460and a second end434which is configured to be positioned adjacent a user's ear36. The second end434may be provided with a pair of spaced-apart grooves464, as illustrated inFIG. 17.

At least a portion of each second end434may provide a track462formed therein. An extendable rail466desirably having a pair of rounded tongue edges468may be provided to slideably move on the track462. In addition, the rail466may include a stemmed end470. The tongue edges468of the rail466are configured to slideably coupled to and move withing the grooves464of the rail466to provide adjustability to the eyewear410allowing for a custom fit to a user's head58. In addition, at least a portion of each ear piece428desirably has resiliency to permit the eyewear410and ear pieces428to better adapt to a shape of a user's head58.

In addition, the rail466and stem end470may provide a surface472suitable for accepting writing, printing, and so forth, so that the eyewear410may include personalization, such as, by way of non-limiting example, design indicia (not shown) such as, for example, a logo, a user's name, a user's company, and so forth, may be printed or written on the surface472. It will be appreciated that such design indicia468may include any letter, number, picture and/or symbol, and so forth.

Upper edges (not shown) and lower inner edges476of the frame460includes a pair of grooves, that is, an inner groove478and an outer groove480which run generally parallel to each other on the upper and lower inner edges474,476of the frame460. The lenses412of the present embodiment act as first lenses412. A second pair of lenses482act as second lenses482, as shown best inFIG. 16. At least a portion of the outer edge427of the first lenses412are desirably, but not by way of limitation, slideably positioned in the inner grooves478. At least a portion of the outer edges427of the second pair of lenses482are slideably positioned in the outer grooves480of the frame460. This arrangement permits a user to select the first lenses412or the second lenses482to view through, with the lenses not chosen moved to each outer periphery484of the eyewear410, as illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15. In addition, the arrangement permits a user to chose both first and second lenses412,482to see or view through, or just one of the first lenses412or second lenses482. Each set of first and second lenses412,482may include the same or different features or characteristics, such as, but not by way of limitation, different tints, different protections, such as for UV light, laser light, chemical splash, magnification, debris deflection, and so forth.

One or more of the eyewear10,110,210,310,410may include an RFID tag coupled thereto. In the present embodiment, the eyewear510shown inFIG. 18is similar to the eyewear shown inFIGS. 1-17and described in detail previously herein, except that the eyewear510includes an RFID tag580.

The eyewear510includes at least one lens512. The lens512may include a single lens which extends generally across a user's face and specifically across a user's nose to cover both eyes and thereby to provide protection to both eyes, as shown inFIG. 18, or a pair of lenses (not shown).

Desirably the lens512extends a distance from the user's eyes and is configured to cover or extend over each of a user' eyes from the distance to provide protection thereto. The lens512desirably includes at least one, and in this embodiment a pair of first portions522which are positioned adjacent a user's nose16when the glasses are positioned on a user's face (not shown). The lens512desirably also includes a pair of second portions524which are positioned adjacent an outer edge of a user's eye. The lens512includes a connector526which is positioned across a user's nose. The lens512may include a frame560positioned about at least a portion of an outer edge527of the lens512.

The eyewear510desirably includes a pair of ear pieces528which are movably connected by a movable connector582, in this instance, a hinge, to the frame560and/or the lens512. Each ear piece528is configured to hold the lens512adjacent a user's face. Desirably, each ear piece528includes a first end532and a second end534. A temple piece535desirably extends between the first end532and the second end534.

The movable connector582may include any connector which operates as shown and/or described may be used. Therefore, slidable ear pieces, telescoping earpieces, and so forth may also be used, as well as pivotable and/or rotatable ear pieces (not shown).

The RFID tag580is desirably provided on one ear piece528of the eyewear510. One method of RFID tag activation may include providing at least one movable connector582to the eyewear510. The RFID tag580of the ear piece528may be coupled to and/or connected to a contact point586on the first end532of the ear piece528. Another contact point588may be provided on the lens512and/or frame560. When the eyewear510is opened for use, that is, unfolded to be positioned on a user's face, the ear piece's528contact point586contacts and/or couples to the contact point588of the lens512and/or frame560. When this occurs, a circuit is completed. The completion of the circuit may act in several different ways.

In one method, the RFID tag580is unshielded, and it permits the RFID tag580to transmit and/or receive a transmission from an RFID reader or scanner590which is located in or near the environment in which the eyewear510is being donned. In another method, completion of the circuit provides the requisite antennae (not shown) for the RFID580tag to transmit and/or receive a signal from an RFID reader/scanner590. Alternatively, a telescoping ear piece or portion of the eyewear may complete a circuit to send or receive a transmission for an RFID tag when two telescoping or sliding portions of the ear piece or eyewear, each with contact points, contact each other (not shown). This arrangement may also be effective for other folding and/or sliding portions of the eyewear (not shown). It will be appreciated that other methods for activation and/or signal transmission from/to such an RFID tag may be used.

The RFID tag580may be an active or passive tag. In either situation, the RFID tag580desirably does not become activated until the eyewear510is opened in a position to be worn, as illustrated by the phantom lines inFIG. 18. That is, the RFID tag580cannot be queried by an RFID reader/scanner if the eyewear510is folded and placed in a user's pocket. Such RFID tags used with safety equipment are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,853,303, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. RFID tags and RFID tag readers/scanners are known in the art and commercially available. Some tag readers/scanners may include alarms or other recognition systems. Such alarms, and so forth, may be activated when an individual passes through an environment having a reader/scanner and the reader/scanner, and upon querying all available RFID tags, does not find all expected RFID tags to read or scan.

It will be appreciated that the features and/or components of one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with another embodiment. In some circumstances, such combination may yield yet another embodiment. Any embodiment herein may ear pieces which are operable as described for RFID tags.

While the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it will be appreciated that some elements and/or articles may be used with other elements or articles. It is intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.