Flip Up Interchangeable System

Eyewear having a pivoted engagement of lenses with a lens frame worn on the head of the user. A lens assembly holding the lens or lenses is rotatable out of the user's view when not required for viewing such as when conversing with a friend or when wearing tinted lenses and needing unfiltered viewing. Biasing of the rotatable assembly provides for automatic rotation upward out of the field of view of the user upon release of a retaining component. The rotational engagement of lenses relative to a head worn frame may be employed in combination with prescription lenses, sunglass lenses, or 3D filtering lenses for viewing 3D media in the same rotational engagement and in one mode of the device are removable.

Referring now to the drawings ofFIGS. 1-35, there is seen inFIGS. 1-5the preferred modes of the device10. Generally speaking, in all modes of the device, the device will incorporate some form of a rearward frame element F, a removably engaged and/or rotatable lens L, and one or a plurality of means for releasable securement M of the lens to the frame F and a means for securing the frame to a user's head such as a strap or temple elements. This arrangement allows a single frame element F of any type to engage one or a plurality of frame elements F of any type thereby allowing interchangeability of the optics provided by the lens element L for 3D schemes of any type. Further, the lenses may be clear, tinted and/or polarized and when employed for use with one or with a plurality of interchangeable 3D lenses “L”, each would have a right “R” and a left “L” optic or lens area. In a 3D mode, each of the two optics would be in registered engagement and positioning relative to the other to provide the correct 3D filtering, to match the horizontal or circular polarization technology being employed to present media for viewing, be it a game, movie, DVD, video, or other type of move or picture.

In all modes cooperatively engaged first and second mounting components, namely lens “L” and frame “F” components, employ the releasable or permanent securement means “M” with preferred modes described in detail inFIGS. 9-29. It should be noted these rotatable and/or removable means for engagement of a lens to the underlying frame, may be used with eyewear not shown herein and provide great utility alone, and such is anticipated within the scope of this patent.

FIG. 1adepicts a first mode of the frame F, in the form of a helmet with face shield providing the lens L.FIG. 1bshows the closed mode of the device with lens L in-line in operative engagement with the helmet frame, F depicting multiple securement mounts M.FIG. 1cagain shows the closed mode with a single substantially central mounted securement mounts M.

FIG. 2ashows a second mode of the device10depicted as an eye shield having a frame F and lens L.FIG. 2bshows the closed mode of the device with multiple securement means M holding the lens L in the as-used position.FIG. 2calso shows the closed mode with a single centrally mounted means for securement M holding the lens L in a registered engagement.

Shown inFIG. 3ais yet a third mode of the device. Depicted is a goggle with a goggle body as a frame F and lens L. A means to secure the frame to the head of a user is provided through the provision of a strap15shown.FIG. 3bshows the closed mode of the goggle mode of the device with multiple securement means M maintaining the lens L in operative position relative to the goggle body.FIG. 3cagain shows the closed mode yet with a single centrally mounted means for securement M. In the mode inFIG. 3, if employed for 3D viewing as a filter, the Right and Left viewing optics would be positioned to be in front of the correct eye but as shown, formed into a single lens.

A fourth mode of the device is seen inFIG. 4adepicted as a face shield with frame F and removably engageable lens element L forming the lens L. The frame F employs conventional temple elements16as a means to secure it to a users head.FIG. 4bshows the closed mode of this mode with multiple securement means M located on the frame F.FIG. 4cagain shows the closed mode yet with a single centrally mounted means for securement M.

An additional preferred mode of the device is shown inFIG. 5adepicted with conventional eye wear frame F, and having a rotatable and preferably removable lens element L which may be a single element, or one of a plurality of types of such lens elements L configured to engage the frame F individually. For some demonstrative purposes herein the following descriptions and figures will be based upon the description of this mode while it should be noted that what is set forth substantially holds true for all modes described previously inFIGS. 1-4.

The frame element F also employs temple elements17as a means to secure it to a users head.FIG. 5bdepicts the securement means M as two distinct elements M located about the frame's cross members20at a distance from the nose bridge21.FIG. 5cdepicts the means for securement M as a single member18located at the nose bridge21of the rearward frame F and lens L. It should be noted that both arrangements achieve the goal of coupling the front lens body L to the frame F while one may be preferred over another merely for aesthetic purposes. For demonstrative purposes some following figures may be depicted with either one or a plurality of such engagement means M while either will suffice to achieve any noted goals and should note be considered limiting.

FIG. 6shows the engagement of the lens L to a frame F with front lens body L at a slightly vertical flipped-up orientation. It is desired that the lens L must be positional to this orientation for engagement and disengagement to the frame to ensure no accidental disengagement at other positions happen as will be described shortly. The securement means M once engaged, restricts movement of the lens body L to rotational motion in combination to the frame F. In a vertical stowed configuration or vertical as-used configuration the lens L will not dismount, but will only dismount at the 40-70 degree inclination such as inFIG. 6.

FIG. 7shows a substantially horizontal stowed position of the front lens body and lens L out of the line of sight of the user. A means for biasing the relative rotational position of the lens L engaged in the lens body, is achieved by provision of a means for biasing such as a spring, or a spring biasing a ball into engagement with a detent, magnets on one or both components to render them magnetically attractive, or other means to bias the lens frame holding the lens L to the stowed position when moved from the as-used position. In the as-used position the lens is held by a lock or means for temporary securement such as a second means for biasing similar to the above, or other means for temporary securement. Details of such means for securement in the as-used position are described in the different modes of the means for releasable securement shown inFIGS. 9-29. It must be noted that intermediate biased horizontal positions for a rotationally engaged lens L, may exist yet the position depicted in the figure is chosen merely for demonstrative purposes and should not be considered limiting.

The as-used positioning of the front lens body or component, holding one or two lenses L, is seen inFIG. 8. Here the lens body holding the lens L is held substantially vertically in-line in operative engagement with the rearward frame F by means for securement such as noted biased ball and detent or magnets as will be described in later figures. It should be noted that all depicted and described means for rotational positioning, from the stowed position to the as-used position can be employed with other eyewear and provide great utility and such is anticipated within the scope of this patent application and may be claimed separately. When the lens is moved from the as-used position, it is then rotatably biased toward a horizontal, or a vertical stowed-position, where a means for securement to removably maintain the lens in such position sufficient to resist the downward gravitational bias is employed. Once released, in all modes of the device with a biased lens L, the lens L will rotate toward a horizontal stowed position out of the line of sight of the user.

A mode of the device showing one means for releasable securement of the lens L to the frame F, is depicted as M and is seen in top view inFIG. 9a. The designation M is used heron to designate all means for releasable securement of a lens frame component to a frame component having temples or other means for engagement to a user's head.

The frame F is seen engaged to a rotating lens body30at a hinge32. The rotating lens body30employs opposing flange elements34and is continually biased toward a substantially horizontal flipped up or stowed position, through the provision of a spring38. Over rotation is prevented by tongue36extending onto the frame F. A perspective view of this mode is seen inFIG. 9b. The respective engaging components which are engaged to the lens L that defines this means for securement M can be seen in its first mode inFIG. 10a. Depicted is a rectangular body40with clearance gap42for engagement with rotating lens body30or first component shown in the previous figure. Slots44engage cooperatively with the flange elements34and maintain engagement via friction elements46. Side and perspective views of the current component can be seen inFIGS. 10band10crespectively.

A top view of a second mode of a first component of means for securement M is seen in FIG11a. The head-engageable body50is rigidly engaged to the frame F and employs opposing flange elements52. A perspective view is seen inFIG. 11b. The second mode of the corresponding second component which is engaged to lens L, is seen inFIG. 12a. It is comprised of a rectangular securing body60, which would be part of, or engaged to, a lens frame bearing lenses L, and has clearance gap62. It is configured to engaged cooperatively with rigid body50. Slots64with friction elements65also engage cooperatively with flange elements52to define a means for coupling. Clearance hole66with frictional biasing elements68rotates about the flange elements52defining rotational positionings which the lens frame bearing lenses L may assume, such as a substantially horizontal stored position and the vertical as-used position. Side and perspective views can be seen inFIGS. 12band12crespectively. These components may also work together with other means for biasing to bias the lens L in the as-used position as will be described later.

A third mode of a firs part or first component of a securement means M, is seen inFIG. 13a. As noted the rotational engagements herein may be employed with other eyewear.

Again, a rotating body71which would attach to or be part of the lens frame bearing the lenses L, is seen engaged to the frame F via hinges70. The rotating body71is also biased to a flipped up or the stowed position by biasing spring79. The rotating body71consists of an actuating release mechanism72and channeled extension75with channels76and engagement hub77. The actuating release70is slidably engaged to the extension75via push-rods73within channels76. The release70is biased towards the frame F by a biasing means such as a spring74.

A perspective view of this mode of the device is depicted inFIG. 13b. The corresponding second component of the depicted third mode of a means for securement M of the lens bearing component, to the head engaged mount or frame worn by a user, is depicted inFIG. 14a. Rectangular body80has clearance gap81intended to engage cooperatively with the channeled extension75. Within gap81are partitions82intended to engage cooperatively with the engagement hub77to define the securement means. A perspective view is seen inFIG. 14b. Steps for engagement of the two components are seen inFIGS. 15a-15c. Partitions82frictionally engaged behind the biasing protrusions78on engagement hub77. To disengage, actuating release72is slid toward the second component80by the user. The push-rods73deflect the partitions82away from the engagement hub77allowing removal of the two components.

A fourth mode of a means for securement is shown with the first component of a means for securement M inFIG. 16a. Here, the actuating release90and channeled extension92as described previously, are instead rigidly engaged to the frame F. The second component can be seen depicted inFIG. 17a. In this mode the rectangular body100is rotatably engaged to the lens L via a hinge102. Biasing springs104bias the lens L to a substantially flipped up position. Biasing in the as used position is achieved by a biasing means such as magnetic closures as will be described later.

Another preferred mode of a means for securement M is depicted in the figures of drawing18, showing a first component of a means for securement M of a lens bearing component to a frame or member engaged to the head of a user. Channel111houses retaining spring112which biases ball113toward and into detent115of a rotating body114. The rotating body114includes a plurality of detents115providing a positional configuration where the ball113will bias into the detent115and maintain lenses in position. The mechanism described in this figure can work concurrently with, or replace, the conventional spring loaded hinge as described in previous modes. Furthermore, the rotating body114can be replaced by any of the rotating bodies30,71, herein described in other modes.

A sixth mode of engagement showing the first component of a means for securement M is provided through the provision of a soft-close dampening hinge120system rigidly engaged to the frame F. The hinge system is internally biased to move the attached lenses to a flipped up position. The flanged rotating component122achieves engagement to the front body component holding lenses, (not shown) via the conventional flange/slot systems described in previous modes.

A seventh mode of the means for securement M of the lenses to the frame of eyewear is seen inFIGS. 20aand20b. The first component includes of the body130for engagement to a lens holding member. Also shown are actuating nipples132, flanges134, detents136, and a spring135employed as a means for biasing, as shown better in the exploded view inFIG. 20b. The second component of the means for securement M includes a body140, cavities142, biasing protrusion144and slots146. In operation the protrusion144cooperates to engage with the detents136on the translating biased nipples132on the first component, to provide biased engagement of the protrusion144with the detents136at selected rotational positions. This allows for positioning of the lenses engaged to the body130, to stop at any of the plurality of positions and be maintained.

Upon engagement, the slot146actuates the nipples132inward to allow the first component of the means for securement to engage fully into the second component of this means for securement, to define the securement means M which allows for rotational positioning of a lens or lenses relative to the eyes and face of a user. The flange134and slot146restrict the orientation of attachment/detachment. When rotated, the first component forming the means for securement M, remains stationary as the second component rotates about the flange134in cavity142. Again, rotational positioning of an engaged lens or lenses is maintained by the detent mechanism defined by the nipple detents136, protrusion144, and biasing spring135translating the nipples132outward. This means for securement M works especially well where the user may wish to position the lenses L out of the field of view, but overhead to provide shade in a horizontal positioning relative to the line of sight.

FIG. 21ashows an eighth mode or a means for securement M of a lens bearing body or component to a frame engageable to a user's head. The rotating body150is rotationally engaged to a frame F by means of hinges151. A biasing spring152maintains an upward rotational biasing force, namely to urge the engaged lens frame or lens L toward a substantially flipped-up or vertical position of the rotating body150relative to the line of sight of the user which is horizontal. It must be noted that the rotating body150may incorporate any of the previously described means for removable engagement to the lens L such as a flange and slot system or actuating release. A sear153protruding from the frame F engages cooperatively with steps154,155to define biased rotational positions of the rotating body such as a substantially horizontal position154to the as-used position155. A side view is seen inFIG. 21b.

FIG. 22aagain shows the rotating body150in a substantially horizontal position biased as such by the sear153within the first step154. A user then rotates the body150downward allowing the sear154to deflect and then rest into the second step155defining the as-used position (FIG. 22b). It is noted however that intermediate positions may also be present but two were given merely as a simple descriptive means. To return the rotating body150and therefor lens L (not shown) to the stored substantially horizontal position the user then rotates the body further as the releasing protrusion156deflects the sear153upward releasing it from step155(FIG. 22c). This deflection provides clearance for the sear153to clear the step155and due to the rotational bias provided by the spring152within the hinge151to the initial position as shown inFIG. 22a.

A ninth mode of showing means for securement M for the engagement of a lens bearing frame or body to a head-engageable frame, is shown inFIG. 23a. A rectangular recess160defined by three walls and employs ball and spring161type biasing means such as that described previously inFIG. 18a.

The laterally opposing balls162are biased into detents, as a removable means to engage cooperatively with detents (FIG. 24a) and to define an axis point of rotation for a rotating body which holds a lens or lenses (FIG. 24a), while the third ball163provides a detent system for biased rotational removably fixed positioning. Another view is seen inFIG. 23b. It should be noted that this component can be employed on either the frame F or lens L to provide the means for securement M for the two. The corresponding mode of the second component can be seen inFIG. 24a. Protrusion171engages within the recess160of the first component and maintains a biased engagement via the balls162within detents172as shown inFIG. 25a. Ball163along with detents173provide means for rotational biasing as depicted inFIGS. 25band25c.

FIG. 26adepicts an exploded view of a tenth mode of the means for securement M of a lens bearing frame L or member to a head engageable frame F worn by a user, showing the frame F engaging the lens L in a cooperative engagement and having recesses formed to yield a cavity191when so engaged. The cavity191is configured to hold the pushbutton186and spring190and screw188in an operative engagement. Slots185formed into the frame F component and lens L component are positioned to align only when the component bearing a lens L reaches the closed position shown inFIG. 26c. This provides a means to lock default movement to outwardly bias the component holding a lens L substantially perpendicular to the component configured to mount on the user's head, or frame F.

Release from the locked position shown in the closed position ofFIG. 26c, which is accomplished by depressing the pushbutton186, to disengage the fins187in communication with the pushbutton186from the slots185formed in the component bearing the lens L. This allows the rotational biased pin186to rotate the component bearing a lens L using a rotational force imparted at the threaded engagement of the screw188and component bearing a lens L. During this rotation, the circumference of the pin186below the fins187provides for smooth rotation of the components toward and away from each other, acting as a hinge pin.

An eleventh mode of engagement of a lens bearing component L to a head engageable frame F, is shown in top view inFIG. 27a. Rotating body200is rotationally engaged to the component providing the frame F via hinges201. The engagement is biased to move the component bearing the lens L, to a flipped up position relative to the viewing of a wearer, by spring203within the hinge201. The rotating body200is engaged to the rectangular guide portion202with notches204via neck portion205. The guide portion202engages cooperatively with the receiving component (FIG. 28a) to define a coupling means. Side an profile views are seen inFIGS. 27band27crespectively. The second component can be seen in its eleventh mode inFIG. 28a. Rectangular body210has guide channel214for slidable engagement with the guide portion202of the first component. Upon engagement, biasing protrusions214rest within notches204defining a biased coupling means. Clearance channel216provides clearance for the body210and the neck205of rotating body200.

Another mode of the means for securement M of a lens bearing component L to a head mountable frame F, is seen inFIG. 29a. An actuating hydraulic cylinder220translates horizontally while biasing to rotate a rotating body221bearing the lenses, from a horizontal to a vertical (as-used) position in front of the user's eyes, about hinges222,223. The rotating body221employs a means for removable engagement to the lens L. The removable engagement may take on any modes previously described, such as a flange/slot system, while the component described merely provides a means for rotational positioning.

As seen inFIG. 30is a preferred mode of the device employing a different means for biasing constantly, to rotate the component bearing lenses or a lens L, to a stowed position when not held by a fastener or lock. Magnetic components230and232are engaged to the frame F and lens body L respectively. The magnetic components230and232engage cooperatively to maintain the upwardly biased lens L in the as-used position substantially vertical. Similar magnetic position holding means can be seen in another mode of the invention10inFIG. 31.

It is desired to have additional positioning means to maintain the as-used position of the lens L in line in operative engagement with the frame F.FIG. 32shows a perspective view of the invention10employing a plurality of slide lock mechanisms240to achieve this goal. In this mode the lens L has slot portions242to accept a locking means. Cross-sectional view are seen inFIG. 34as depicted when in the as-used position. The lens L engages into groove244. Element250is slidably engaged into channels253,254in the frame F via extending elements251,252. To lock, sliding element250is translated into the channels253,254through slot260and locked into place via frictional elements255,256as depicted.

A further mode of the disclosed rotational engagement of a lens or lenses to head mounted frames is seen inFIG. 35. In this mode, the means for securement M itself, can be removably engaged to an existing spectacle frame via frictional engagement means270. This mode does not require a head engageable frame F as described previously but ‘clips on’ to any functional frame of an existing eye wear frame such as corrective lens glasses or sunglasses. The tapered channel271provides a frictional biasing means to secure a hinge272and rotating body274to the existing frame (not shown). In the figure, however, an arbitrary rotating body274is shown, but it must be noted that any of the rotating bodies as described in the different modes of the means for securement can encompass this rotating body to achieve the respective means for releasable securement of a front lens body20.

As noted, all modes of the component holding lenses or a lens L, whether as a lens by itself or in combination with a lens bearing frame, are preferably rotationally engaged to a head mountable frame F such that the lens frame bearing the lens L, or a lens L, are biased to rotate to a horizontal stowed position if not held in the as-used position by a securement means or lock. This allows the user to simply release the securement and the lens L will rotate out of the sight line. Further, it is preferred that the lenses L, are removably engaged to the frame F. This allows any lense having tinting, polarization, or for media watching and bearing any Left (L) or Right (R) optics scheme to be employed to match that of the video or media being displayed.

Further, the device as shown and described is adapted to employ any of a plurality of lenses L, in a kit form having multiple types of tinted and polarized lenses to any mode of the head engaging frame F, such that new optics schemes may be accommodated by new lenses L which attach. Still further, proprietary lenses L in frames or as lenses themselves adapted to engage a Frame F, may be employed by manufacturers as a means to reduce media piracy. This would allow customized lenses L with custom right (R) and left (L) optics to be provided which match the media distributors projection screen or method.

While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular modes thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.