Eyeglass assembly with removable auxiliary eyeglasses attachment

An eyeglasses assembly comprising at least one magnetic hinge that holds a removable, auxiliary eyeglasses attachment onto eyeglasses. The magnetic hinge allows the user to pivot the auxiliary eyeglass attachment into an “up” position when not in use. The magnetic hinge also disengages to allow the auxiliary eyeglass attachment to be removed from the eyeglasses when desired. Moreover, the magnetic hinge holds the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment in place after the user rotates the auxiliary attachment into the “up” position. The eyeglasses assembly additionally comprises magnets that secure the auxiliary eyeglass attachment to the eyeglasses when in the “down” position and in use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to eyeglasses. More particularly, the present invention relates to an eyeglasses assembly comprising eyeglasses and a removable, auxiliary eyeglasses attachment.

2. Description of the Related Art

Auxiliary eyeglass wear that permits ordinary eyeglasses to be used as sunglasses, reading glasses, or any other auxiliary type glasses is very popular. Usually, it provides the user with sunglasses without requiring the purchase of a second set of tinted prescription eyeglasses. Sometimes, it may provide the user with a second set of prescription lenses without requiring the purchase of a second eyeglass frame. By far the most common use is to provide tinted lenses that the user may raise or lower over conventional eyeglasses.

Leblanc and Bloch (U.S. Pat. No. 3,531,188) disclose flip-up auxiliary eyeglass wear mounted on conventional eyeglasses on the top of the eyeglasses frame. Waldrop (U.S. Pat. No. 4,196,981) discloses a lens positioning means for the eyeglasses lenses. The Waldrop positioning means includes a cylindrical magnet within a sleeve of ferrous material. The ferrous material is secured in an opening on the top of the eyeglasses frame to attach the lenses to the rest of the eyeglasses. Using this invention, the wearer could position the eyeglasses lenses up or down, but could not add or position auxiliary eyeglass wear. Sadler (U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,537) uses two magnetic attachments between the inside of the auxiliary eyeglass wear frame and the outside of the eyeglasses frame to attach the auxiliary eyeglass wear.

Chao discloses several designs, including eyeglasses with magnetic attachments above the temple bar extensions of the eyeglasses frame (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,568,207 and RE 37,545E) or in the nosebridge (U.S. Pat. No. 5,737,054). Chao also discloses clamps above the legs or temple bars (U.S. Pat. No. 5,877,838) and projections inside legs or temple bars (U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,101). Chao also discloses hooks over legs or temple bars (U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,688). Chao also discloses studs that clamp the temple bar extensions of the eyeglasses frame (U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,689) and studs that fit into the top of the temple bar extensions (U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,964). Masunaga (U.S. Pat. No. 5,936,700) discloses an invention that uses two additional points that attach the auxiliary eyeglass wear frame, one at each of the extremities of the nosebridge. Wong (U.S. Pat. No. 5,940,162) uses two nosebridge attachment points that a locator pin aligns in the center of the nosebridge and no other attachments. In addition, Chao discloses inventions that use two nosebridge retainers and one attachment point (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,012,811 and 6,092,896) and a flange over the primary eyeglass frame nosebridge (U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,747). Xiao (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,116,732 and 6,132,040) uses an interlockable magnetic shelter frame with extensions above the temple bar extensions and an interlocking clipping wire at the nosebridge. Zider (U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,141) discloses using magnetic male/female stepped surfaces for coupling at various points between the eyeglasses frame and the auxiliary eyeglasses frame. Zelman (U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,142) uses magnets attached to appendages on the auxiliary eyeglasses frame mating with magnets mounted on the temple bar extensions and clips that fit over each lens in the eyeglasses frame. Madison (U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,269) uses uniblock housings for the magnets. Chao (U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,948 B1) discloses using studs on the outer ends of the eyeglasses frame that engage hooks on the outer edges of the auxiliary eyeglasses frame. Mauch (U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,949 B1) uses lugs above extensions on the outside of the eyeglasses frame. Strube (U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,057 B1) discloses an auxiliary eyeglasses frame that attaches at two points on top of the nosebridge of the eyeglasses frame. In addition, Zelman (U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,858 B1) uses extensions that mount under the temple bar extensions of the eyeglasses frame.

Thus, the prior art provides for auxiliary eyeglass lenses, such as those used in sunglasses, that may be readily attached or removed from eyeglasses, or that may be flipped up and down while attached, but not both. Thus, there is desired auxiliary eyeglass wear that attaches to eyeglasses and allows the user to flip up the auxiliary eyeglass wear when not in use as well as readily remove the auxiliary eyeglass wear from the eyeglasses frame.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

One of the embodiments of the eyeglasses assembly comprises magnetic hinges that hold a removable, auxiliary eyeglasses attachment onto eyeglasses. The magnetic hinges each comprise a magnet on the eyeglasses that fits between two corresponding auxiliary magnets on the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment. The magnetic hinges thus allow the user to rotate the auxiliary eyeglass attachment to an “up” position when not in use. The magnetic hinges also disengage to permit the user to remove the auxiliary eyeglass attachment from the eyeglasses when desired. Moreover, the magnetic hinges hold the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment in place after the user has rotated the auxiliary attachment into the “up” position. The embodiment additionally comprises magnets that secure the auxiliary eyeglass attachment to the eyeglasses when rotated into the “down” position and in use.

Another embodiment of the eyeglasses assembly comprises a magnetic hinge that holds a removable, auxiliary eyeglasses attachment onto eyeglasses. The magnetic hinge comprises a magnet on the eyeglasses comprising a first portion and a second portion and an auxiliary magnet on the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment. The magnet first portion biases the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment into the “down” position. The magnet second portion biases the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment into the “up” position.” The magnetic hinge thus allows the user to rotate the auxiliary eyeglass attachment to an “up” position when not in use. The magnetic hinge also disengages to permit the user to remove the auxiliary eyeglass attachment from the eyeglasses when desired. Moreover, the magnetic hinge holds the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment in place after the user has rotated the auxiliary attachment into the “up” position.

Another embodiment of the eyeglasses assembly comprises a magnetic hinge that holds a removable, auxiliary eyeglasses attachment onto eyeglasses. The magnetic hinge comprises a magnet on the eyeglasses, a first auxiliary magnet on the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment, and a second auxiliary magnet engaged with the first auxiliary magnet. The magnet attracts the first auxiliary magnet to bias the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment into the “down” position. The magnet attracts the second auxiliary magnet to bias the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment into the “up” position.” The magnetic hinge thus allows the user to rotate the auxiliary eyeglass attachment to an “up” position when not in use. The magnetic hinge also disengages to permit the user to remove the auxiliary eyeglass attachment from the eyeglasses when desired. Moreover, the magnetic hinge holds the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment in place after the user has rotated the auxiliary attachment into the “up” position.

Thus, the embodiments comprise a combination of features and advantages that enable them to overcome various problems of prior devices. The various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to an eyeglasses assembly with a removable auxiliary eyeglasses attachment and is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. The drawings and the description below disclose in detail specific embodiments of the present invention with the understanding that this disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention. This disclosure does not limit the invention to that illustrated and described in the disclosure. Further, the different teachings of the embodiments discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce the desired results.

FIGS. 1A-1Cshow an eyeglasses assembly10comprising eyeglasses12and a removable, auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14. In addition to the eyeglasses frame16, the eyeglasses12also comprise a left temple bar18and a right temple bar20, both of which are hinged to the frame16. As a reference direction for the magnetic fluxes, the line that the eyeglasses12and the auxiliary attachment14lie inFIG. 1Ais North-South (“N/S”). In addition, the line along which the fully unfolded temple bars18,20lie is East-West (“E/W”).

The eyeglasses12further comprise a left temple extension22, a left lens frame24, a left lens26, a nosebridge28, a right lens frame30, a right lens32, and a right temple extension34. In addition, the eyeglasses12comprise a first magnet36engaged with the top of the frame24. When magnetized, the first magnet36has a N/S magnetic flux. In addition, the eyeglasses12comprise a second magnet38engaged with the top of the frame30. When magnetized, the second magnet38has a N/S magnetic flux. A third magnet40, which when magnetized has an EIW magnetic flux, engages the nosebridge28.

The auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14comprises an auxiliary frame42. The auxiliary frame42comprises a left auxiliary lens frame44, an auxiliary nosebridge46, and a right auxiliary lens frame48. In addition, the auxiliary frame42comprises a first auxiliary magnet50engaged with the auxiliary nosebridge46. When magnetized, the auxiliary magnet50has an E/W magnetic flux. The auxiliary frame42also comprises left auxiliary lens45and right auxiliary lens49. A second auxiliary magnet52and a third auxiliary magnet54, both of which when magnetized have a N/S flux, engage the left auxiliary lens frame44. A fourth auxiliary magnet56and a fifth auxiliary magnet58, both of which when magnetized have a N/S flux, engage the right auxiliary lens frame48. The magnets36,38,40,50,52,54,56, and58may engage the respective frames16,42by any suitable means. By way of example only, metal sleeves may fix the magnetic means on the top of the frames16,42. Alternatively, the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14may only comprise two lenses with the magnets engaged with the lenses. In addition, the auxiliary frame48and the auxiliary nosebridge46need not be included.

As illustrated inFIG. 1B, the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14pivotally engages the eyeglasses12by fitting the first magnet36between the auxiliary magnets52and54. Likewise, the second magnet38fits between the auxiliary magnets58and56. When engaged, the magnets36,52, and54attract and operate as a left magnetic hinge60. In addition, when engaged, the magnets38,56, and58attract and operate as a right magnetic hinge62.FIG. 1Cshows the eyeglasses assembly10with the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14in the operative, or “down”, position. In the “down” position, the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14provides the user with an auxiliary set of lenses to the lenses of the eyeglasses12. In addition, the third magnet40and first auxiliary magnet50attract and operate as a magnetic clasp64. The magnetic hinge60, the magnetic hinge62, and the magnetic clasp64all maintain the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14engaged with the eyeglasses12.

As shown inFIG. 1B, the user may choose to place the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14into the inoperative, or “up” position. The user may either rotate the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14away from the eyeglasses12, disengage the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14and then re-engage the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14in the “up” position, or any combination thereof. The magnetic forces of the magnetic hinges60and62are sufficient to hold the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14in any hinged position between the “down” and “up” positions. When the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14is down as illustrated inFIG. 1C, the hinges60,62and the magnetic clasp64keep the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14in position. As illustrated inFIG. 1B, when the magnetic means40and50are unclasped, the hinges60and62keep the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14attached to the eyeglasses frame12.

The lenses of both the eyeglasses12and the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14may be of any desired type. By way of non-limiting example only, the eyeglasses12may include prescription lenses and the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment14may include non-prescription, sun-shading lenses. The lenses may also include, but are not limited to, magnifying or reading lenses, light-filtering lenses, or non-prescription lenses. The magnets may be of any suitable type, including neodymium rare earth magnets or magnets of grade35or stronger.

As shown inFIG. 1D, the magnets may also be arranged so that there are two magnets engaged with the top of each frame and one auxiliary magnet engaged with each auxiliary frame. For example, magnet36A and magnet36B are engaged with the top of frame24and magnet38A and magnet38B are engaged with the top of frame30. In addition, magnet52A gages auxiliary lens frame44and magnet56A engages auxiliary lens frame48. Magnets36A,36B,38A,38B,52A, and56A all have a N/S magnetic flux. Magnets36A and36B engage auxiliary magnet52A and operate as left magnetic hinge60A. Similarly, magnets38A and38B engage auxiliary magnet56A and operate as right magnetic hinge62A. Hinges60A and62A operate in the same fashion as hinges60and62described in FIG.1A.

As shown inFIG. 1E, the magnets may also be arranged so that a first magnetic hinge comprises two magnets engaged with the top of the eyeglasses frame and one auxiliary magnet engaged with the auxiliary frame and a second magnetic hinge comprises one magnet engaged with the top of the eyeglasses frame and two auxiliary magnets engaged with the auxiliary frame. For example, magnet38A and magnet38B are engaged with the top of frame30and magnet36engages the top of the frame24. In addition, magnet56A engages auxiliary lens frame48and magnets52and54engaged the auxiliary lens frame44. Magnets38A,38B,36,56A,52, and54all have a N/S magnetic flux. Auxiliary magnets52and54engage with magnet36and operate as left magnetic hinge60as discussed above. Similarly, magnets38A and38B engage with auxiliary magnet56A and operate as right magnetic hinge62A. Hinges60and62A operate in the same fashion as hinges60and62described in FIG.1A.

FIGS. 2A-2Cshow an eyeglasses assembly210comprising eyeglasses212and a removable, auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214. In addition to the eyeglasses frame216, the eyeglasses212also comprise a left temple bar218and a right temple bar220, both of which are hinged to the frame216. The eyeglasses212further comprise a left temple extension222, a left lens frame224, a left lens226, a nosebridge228, a right lens frame230, a right lens232, and a right temple extension (not shown). In addition, the eyeglasses212comprise a magnet236engaged with the top of the frame224that has a first portion238and a second portion240.

The auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214comprises a left auxiliary lens245, an auxiliary nosebridge246, and a right auxiliary, lens249. In addition, the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214comprises an auxiliary magnet250engaged with the auxiliary nosebridge246.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214engages the eyeglasses212by the magnet236and auxiliary magnet250attracting each other. When engaged, the magnet236and the auxiliary magnet250attract and operate as a magnetic hinge260. The shape of the magnet236and the auxiliary magnet250and the orientation of their magnetic fields allow the magnetic hinge260to bias the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214in either the “down” or the “up” position. Thus, the first portion238on the magnet236biases the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214in the “down” position and a second portion240biases the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214in the “up” position.FIG. 2Cshows the eyeglasses assembly210with the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214in the operative, or “down”, position. In the down position, the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214provides the user with an auxiliary set of lens to the lenses of the eyeglasses212.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the user may choose to place the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214into the inoperative, or “up” position. The user may either rotate the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214away from the eyeglasses212, disengage the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214and then re-engage the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214in the “up” position, or any combination thereof.

The lenses of both the eyeglasses212and the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214may be of any desired type. By way of non-limiting example only, the eyeglasses212may include prescription lenses and the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment214may include non-prescription, sun-shading lenses. The lenses may also include, but are not limited to, magnifying or reading lenses, light-filtering lenses, or non-prescription lenses. The magnets may be of any suitable type, including neodymium rare earth magnets or magnets of grade35or stronger.

FIGS. 3A-3Cshow an eyeglasses assembly310comprising eyeglasses312and a removable, auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314. In addition to the eyeglasses frame316, the eyeglasses312also comprise a left temple bar318and a right temple bar320, both of which are hinged to the frame316. The eyeglasses312further comprise a left temple extension322, a left lens frame324, a left lens326, a nosebridge328, a right lens frame330, a right lens332, and a right temple extension (not shown). In addition, the eyeglasses312comprise a magnet336engaged with the top of the frame324.

The auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314comprises a left auxiliary lens345, an auxiliary nosebridge346, and a right auxiliary lens349. In addition, the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314comprises a first auxiliary magnet350engaged with the auxiliary nosebridge346and a second auxiliary magnet352engaged with the first auxiliary magnet350.

As shown inFIG. 3B, the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314engages the eyeglasses312by the magnet336and auxiliary magnets350,352attracting each other. When engaged, the magnet336and the auxiliary magnets350,352operate as a magnetic hinge360.FIG. 3Cshows the eyeglasses assembly310with the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314in the operative, or “down”, position. The position of the magnet336and the auxiliary magnet350and the orientations of the magnetic fields allow the magnet336to attract the auxiliary magnet350when the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314is in the “down” position. Thus, the magnet336and the auxiliary magnet350attract each other to bias the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314in the “down” position. In the “down” position, the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314provides the user with an auxiliary set of lens to the lenses of the eyeglasses312.

As shown inFIG. 3B, the user may choose to place the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314into the inoperative, or “up” position. The user may either rotate the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314away from the eyeglasses312, disengage the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314and then re-engage the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314in the up position, or any combination thereof. The position of the magnet336and the auxiliary magnet352and the orientations of the magnetic fields allow the magnet336to attract the second auxiliary magnet352when the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314is in the “up” position. Thus, the magnet336and the second auxiliary magnet352attract each other to bias the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment in the “up” position.

The lenses of both the eyeglasses312and the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314may be of any desired type. By way of non-limiting example only, the eyeglasses312may include prescription lenses and the auxiliary eyeglasses attachment314may include non-prescription, sun-shading lenses. The lenses may also include, but are not limited to, magnifying or reading lenses, light-filtering lenses, or non-prescription lenses. The magnets may be of any suitable type, including neodymium rare earth magnets or magnets of grade 35 or stronger.

While embodiments have been shown and described, one skilled in the art may make modification without departing from the spirit or teaching of this invention. The embodiments as described are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the system and apparatus are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described, but is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.