Thermal conditioning buoyant eyewear retainers

An eyewear retainer includes a flexible elongated arm and a flexible leg extending downwardly from the posterior end of the arm. Elastic bands on the arm receive and engage a wide range of temple arms of eyewear. The leg extends behind a wearer's ear when the temple arm of the eyewear is engaged by the elastic bands. The retainer is buoyant and may include a bulbous buoyancy cell containing a buoyant object on the lateral side of the leg. Thermal medium compartments are attached to the medial side of the retainer arm and retainer leg. Each thermal medium compartment removably contains a thermal medium, such as a cooling medium or a heating medium. A pressure sensitive skin-contacting adhesive is provided on the outer skin-contacting side (i.e., the medial side) of the thermal medium compartment located on the retainer leg. The retainer leg and arm may be comprised of a material including a thermochromic additive and/or a hydrochromic additive configured to change color when the retainer is submerged in water.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to eyewear, and, more particularly, to L-shaped retainers that removably attach to the temple arms of eyewear frames, provide padding for comfort, include an adhesive for adhering to the wearer during use, contain compartments for thermal media, and comprise a buoyant structure that provides enough buoyancy to cause the eyewear to float.

BACKGROUND

Eyewear is relatively expensive and for many wearer's a necessity for adequate sight. A problem for many with eyewear is the risk that their glasses will fall off. A fall onto a hard surface may permanently damage lenses. A fall into foliage or bodies of water may result in a complete loss of the eyewear, which will tend to sink. They are difficult to see, especially when submerged in water. Eyewear is frequently lost from boats, piers and docks after they fall into the water. Children's prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses are particularly susceptible to being lost in the water as children are often less conscientious then adults. The expense and inconvenience of replacing eyewear whether they are for adults or children may be considerable, both for corrective prescription and nonprescription versions.

Sunglasses and tinted eyewear are frequently worn by folks who engage in outdoor activities. Often, these activities are conducted in hot or cold weather. Unfortunately, however, the eyewear does nothing to provide thermal conditioning.

The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, an eyewear retainer is provided. The eyewear includes a lens assembly and temple arms extending from the lens assembly. The eyewear retainer includes a flexible elongated arm having an anterior end, a posterior end, a longitudinal axis, a medial side and a lateral side. The eyewear retainer also includes a flexible leg extending downwardly from the posterior end of the arm, the leg having a medial side and a lateral side. A plurality of parallel elastic bands is provided on the arm displaced by a determined distance. Each of the elastic bands defines an elastic loop opening for receiving and engaging a temple arm of the eyewear. The leg extends behind a wearer's ear when the temple arm of the eyewear is engaged by the plurality of parallel elastic bands on the arm.

In one embodiment, the arm and leg are made of a buoyant material.

In another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, different size bands are provided to engage different size eyeglass temple arms. For example, a plurality of parallel elastic bands on the retainer arm includes a first pair of bands defining an elastic loop opening of a first width for engaging a temple arm having a width within a first range of widths, and a second pair of bands defining an elastic loop opening of a second width for engaging a temple arm having a width within a second range of widths.

In another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a buoyant cell is provided on the lateral side of the leg. The buoyant force is sufficient to support not only the retainer, but at least half the weight of the eyewear. With two retainers used on conventional eyewear, the retainers will cause the eyewear to float. To achieve the desired buoyancy, the buoyant cell may include a container or compartment that envelops a buoyant object, such as a closed cell foam material, an integral skinned foam with a nonporous skin, a bladder containing a gas or some other flotation device.

In another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a thermal medium compartment is attached to the medial side of the retainer arm, and a thermal medium compartment is attached to the medial side of the retainer leg. Each thermal medium compartment contains a thermal medium, such as a cooling medium or a heating medium. Each thermal medium compartment may have a closable opening through which the thermal medium may be inserted and removed.

In another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, a skin-contacting adhesive is provided on the outer skin-contacting side (i.e., the medial side) of the thermal medium compartment located on the retainer leg. The skin contacting adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive strip covered by a releasable liner.

In another aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the retainer leg and arm are comprised of a material including a thermochromic additive and/or a hydrochromic additive configured to change color when the retainer is submerged in water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1, a lateral side view of an exemplary buoyant eyewear retainer100according to principles of the invention is shown. The retainer100is a generally L-shaped structure comprising a horizontal arm105and a vertical leg120extending downwardly from the posterior end of the horizontal arm105, with curved posterior and anterior angles110,115defining a transition from the horizontal arm105to the vertical leg120, respectively. The horizontal arm105is configured to attach to the temple arm of eyewear. The vertical leg120extends downwardly behind the ear of a user, thereby substantially resisting unintended removal of the eyewear. The vertical leg ends with a curved terminal end125.

Also shown inFIG. 1is a buoyant cell150. The buoyant cell is a bulbous compartment that contains a buoyant object. The buoyant object may comprise a closed cell foam material, an integral skinned foam with a nonporous skin, a bladder inflated with a gas such as air, another type of gas-containing container with a net specific gravity less than 1, i.e., with a density less than that of water, a non-absorbent material with a specific gravity lower than 1, or any other object that exhibits adequate buoyancy, such as a cork. Closed cell foams do not have interconnected pores. Integral skin foam, also known as self-skin foam, is a type of foam with a high-density skin and a low-density core. Neoprene® is the DuPont trademark for its brand of closed cell polychloroprene foamed with nitrogen gas.

In a preferred embodiment, the entire retainer100is comprised of a buoyant material, such as, but not limited to, closed cell foam. Therefore, the contents of the buoyant cell150and the buoyant structure of the retainer100produce buoyancy. The buoyancy, i.e., the upward acting force, should be sufficient to oppose the sum total of the retainer's weight and at least half of the eyewear's weight. Two retainers will be used. Therefore, each of the two retainers must only oppose half of the eyewear weight, in addition to the weight of the retainer itself. Thus, the composition and size of the retainer100, the buoyant cell150and its contents may vary to achieve the desired buoyancy.

Typical eyewear may weigh from about 0.5 to 1.5 ounces, depending upon the configuration and style of frames and lenses. Some eyewear with glass lenses or heavy frames may weigh considerably more. In an exemplary embodiment, an approximately 30 mL bladder of air will provide sufficient buoyancy to keep most eyewear afloat. However, the invention is not limited to buoyant bladders or to the aforementioned volume.

The horizontal arm105includes resilient elastic bands130-145for attaching to the temple arms of eyewear. The eyewear arms slide through the elastic bands. A pair of large bands130,145is provided for wide arms. The large bands130,145define stretchable loop openings suitable for receiving and engaging a wide range of wide arms. A pair of small bands135,140is provided for narrow arms. The small bands135,140define stretchable loop openings suitable for receiving and engaging a wide range of narrow arms. When the large bands130,145are used, the small bands135,140may be compressed between the engaged temple arm of the eyewear and the horizontal arm105of the retainer100.

Referring now toFIG. 2is a view of section A-A of the exemplary buoyant eyewear retainer according to principles of the invention as shown inFIG. 1. The section shows the buoyant cell150and its buoyant contents151, as discussed above. The section also shows a medial side feature, namely a thermal medium compartment155, a contained thermal medium156, and an adhesive strip160.

The thermal medium compartment155envelops a thermal medium. The thermal medium156contained in the compartment155either cools or warms the wearer, as the need may be. The compartment155may be comprised of an elastic material suitable for containing thermal media of various sizes. The compartment may be impervious to water, to prevent melted ice water from dripping onto the user. Alternatively, the compartment may be porous (e.g., cloth), allowing moisture to escape from the compartment155. The compartment155may have a resealable opening (e.g., a flap with a snap closure or a hook and loop fastener closure) or may permanently contain a reusable medium. Other compartment155configurations, such as pouches, may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. The particular structure of the compartment is not particularly important, so long as it is suitable for containing the thermal medium, allows efficient heat transfer and is comfortable when applied against a user's skin.

By way of example and not limitation, the medium may comprise ice, an ice pack, a gel pack or another substance suitable for absorbing considerable amounts of heat. A typical gel pack comprises a plastic sack of refrigerant gel containing hydroxyethyl cellulose or vinyl-coated silica gel, which is usually non-toxic, and absorbs a considerable amount of heat due to a high enthalpy of fusion. One type of ice pack is stored at room temperature and uses an endothermic reaction to cool down quickly. By way of example, the ice pack may comprise a breakable tube of ammonium nitrate or ammonium chloride in water. When the tube is broken, its contents mix and react with the water, initiating an endothermic reaction. The reacting mixture absorbs enough energy to produce a cooling effect.

Yet another thermal medium comprises a flexible sheet comprising cells of superabsorbent polymers, which can be hydrated and either cooled or heated to provide a desired thermal effect. By way of illustration and not limitation,FIG. 17shows a strip400comprising a plurality of thermal media cells405. Each cell is separated from an adjacent cell by a border410that may be cut without releasing contents of the cell. As shown inFIG. 18, the hydratable sheet may comprise a backing sheet430, preferably of an impervious plastic sheet material (such as, for example, polyester film), and an upper, porous sheet415(such as, for example, non-woven polypropylene), with a preferably tacky, sealant or adhesive layer425[e.g. 22.5% ethylene-methyl-acrylate (EMA)], about one mil (0.0001″) thick, to affix and seal the two sheets together along longitudinally and laterally extending lines forming borders and defining a series of cells405. Contained within each cell405is an appropriate amount of superabsorbent, polymer powder, such as, but not limited to, doubly-cross-linked sodium polyacrylate. The polymer powder420initially occupies only a small amount, about ten to twenty-five percent (10%-20%), preferably about fifteen (15%) percent, of the total interior volume of the cell405. This allows room for the substantial, e.g., approximately ten (10)-fold, expansion which occurs as the polymer is hydrated by being soaked in water, which the polymer superbly absorbs. In the hydrated state, the hydrated polymer expands and fills out the interior of the cell405. The medium may then be heated or chilled as desired. When ready to use, the heated or chilled medium may be inserted into the thermal medium compartment155.

FIG. 3is a bottom view of an exemplary buoyant eyewear retainer according to principles of the invention. As shown, the medial side of the horizontal arm105of the retainer100may also include a thermal medium compartment165, which envelopes a thermal medium166, as shown inFIG. 4. The compartment165may be comprised of an elastic material suitable for containing thermal media of various sizes. The compartment may be impervious to water, to prevent melted ice water from dripping onto the user. Alternatively, the compartment may be porous, allowing moisture to escape from the compartment165. The compartment may have a resealable opening (e.g., a zippered opening or a flap with a snap closure or a hook and loop fastener closure) or may permanently contain a reusable medium. A hook and loop fastener170, such as but not limited to a Velcro® brand closure, is conceptually illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7. There is no such closure illustrated on the thermal medium compartment155of the leg120because gravity and friction may be used to retain the thermal medium156in the compartment155. However, such a closure may optionally be used with the compartment155of the leg120. The thermal medium166contained in the compartment165either cools or warms the wearer. The thermal media discussed above in reference to the compartment155on the medial side of the leg120may be utilized with the compartment165.

An adhesive strip160is provided on the medial side of the horizontal arm105. It is in a position that is unlikely to catch hair. The adhesive strip160is shown on the medial side of the thermal media compartments155. The adhesive strip, releasably secures the retainer to the wearer's skin. Because the retainer is flexible, it readily bends to accommodate contours of the user's physique, allowing the adhesive strip to bond to the user's skin.

An adhesive suitable for use with the adhesive strip160can be any of the conventional adhesives typically used in skin-contacting applications. Examples of such adhesives are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. Re. 24,906, 3,389,827, 4,112,213, 4,310,509, 4,323,557, and 4,737,410, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. By way of example and not limitation, the adhesive may comprise a mixture of at least one cross-linkable pressure sensitive adhesive component and at least one non-cross-linkable pressure-sensitive adhesive component, wherein the amount of each of said components is such that the resultant adhesive can adhere to human skin for a period of up to about few days but can be removed without causing trauma to the skin. Numerous pressure sensitive adhesives have been developed that are effective for a day or two, such as bandages to cover skin wounds or abrasions, or transdermal patches that deliver a drug or other therapeutic agent to or through the skin. Cross-linkable adhesives useful in making the adhesive composition of the present invention include medical grade acrylic cross-linkable adhesives. As used herein, “cross-linkable adhesive” refers to an adhesive provided as a solvent-based solution that contains a cross-linking agent. As provided, the adhesive is uncross-linked. When the solution is dried to remove the solvent, the cross-linker is activated and the cross-linking of the adhesive occurs. Suitable acrylic adhesives include acrylate-vinylacetate self-curing pressure sensitive adhesives. Prior to drying, the cross-linkable acrylic adhesive is mixed with a second, non-cross-linkable acrylic adhesive. As used herein, a “non-cross-linkable adhesive” refers to an adhesive provided as a solvent-based solution that does not contain a cross-linking agent. Preferably the solution of non-cross-linkable adhesive comprises the same polymer as provided in the solution of the cross-linkable adhesive. By blending the two solvent-based adhesive solutions prior to drying, the cross-linker in the one solution, in essence, is diluted, such that the final product is a combination of cross-linked and non-cross-linked adhesives, with a blend of the properties of each adhesive taken independently. The particular properties of the product will depend on the ratio of cross-linkable adhesive to non-cross-linkable adhesive. A variety of ratios can be used to make an adhesive product having the balance of properties (duration of wear vs. removability) desired for this invention; generally, the ratio of cross-linkable adhesive to non-cross-linkable adhesive is within the range of 75:25 to 25:75 weight:weight.

Release liners are used to cover the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive during storage. The release liner is removed and discarded from the composition to expose the adhesive which will be applied to the user's skin. Suitable release liners include those known in the art for use with pressure sensitive adhesive compositions. For example, the release liner can comprise a fluorosilicone coated polyester, silicone coated polyester or a UV cured, silicone-coated polyester. The release liner, however, can comprise other materials, including paper or paper-containing layers or laminates, various thermoplastics, polyester films, foil liners, and the like.

FIG. 5provides an anterior side view of an exemplary buoyant eyewear retainer according to principles of the invention. The anterior side of the resilient elastic bands135,145for attaching to the temple arms of eyewear is apparent. The eyewear arms slide through the space175defined by the elastic bands.

FIG. 6provides a medial side view of an exemplary buoyant eyewear retainer according to principles of the invention.FIG. 7provides a lateral bottom perspective view of an exemplary buoyant eyewear retainer according to principles of the invention. The thermal medium compartments155,165and adhesive strip160are apparent on the medial side. The L-shaped structure comprising a horizontal arm105and a vertical leg120extending downwardly from the posterior end of the horizontal arm105, with curved posterior and anterior angles110,115defining a transition from the horizontal arm105to the vertical leg120, are also apparent. Furthermore, the bulbous shape of the buoyant cell150is clearly illustrated.

Referring now toFIGS. 8 through 11, various views of exemplary buoyant eyewear retainers on temple arms210,212of eyewear200according to principles of the invention are conceptually shown. While above, a single retainer100is described, it is understood that a retainer100,102is provided for each side of a user's head, the right and left side, and, thus, for each temple arm of210,212of the eyewear200. The lenses205are unaffected by the retainers100,102. The retainers100,102are mirror images of each other. In other words, the right side retainer100has a spatial arrangement that corresponds to that of the left side retainer102, except that the right-to-left sense on the right-side retainer100corresponds to the left-to-right sense on the left-side retainer102. In all other material respects, each retainer100,102in the pair of retainers is identical the other.

Notably, the terminal ends of the temple arms which bend down slightly behind the ear are not obstructed by the bulbous buoyant cell150. The planar area180between the buoyant cell150and the horizontal arm105accommodates the terminal ends of the temple arms, without obstruction. This generally planar area180is referred to herein as a transition zone. The transition zone180comprises a generally planar area between the horizontal arm105and the bulbous buoyant cell150.

Referring now toFIGS. 12 through 16, various view of exemplary buoyant eyewear retainers on temple arms of eyewear200worn on the head300of a user according to principles of the invention are conceptually illustrated. The bulbous buoyant cell150fits behind the prominent rim of the user's ear305, known as the helix. The vertical leg120and bulbous buoyant cell150provide a comforting structure that gently contacts the ear305and resists unintended removal of the eyewear200.

Concomitantly, the adhesive strip160is releasably adhered to the skin of the wearer. Thus, the adhesive strips resist unintended removal of the eyewear. The adhesive strip also ensures intimate contact between the thermal media container155and the user's head, anterior to the ear305, while the temple arm of the user's eyewear gently presses thermal media container165to the user's head, anterior to the temple. This contact facilitates heat transfer between the contained thermal media156,166and the contacted areas of the user's head300, anterior to the temple and ear. Such thermal conditioning not only enhances comfort, but may also prevent heat stroke and reduce the severity of headaches and migraines. Blood flowing to and from the head300is thermally conditioned, i.e., cooled or heated, as the case may be. The thermally conditioned blood travels to and from the heart and organs of the head. During such travel, the thermally conditioned blood imparts thermal conditioning to other blood and organs with which it communicates. The overall effect is thermal conditioning that extends far beyond the specific areas of the head to which the thermal media is applied.

In another aspect of a particular exemplary embodiment, the retainer undergoes a color change when dropped in water. The change in color may be initiated by temperature or chemical reaction with water. By way of example and not limitation, thermochromism may be imparted to the polymer(s) comprising the retainer by doping the polymer(s) with thermochromic additives. All other material properties of the polymer(s) are substantially unchanged. The thermochromic additives are chemically, mechanically and thermally stable in the polymer matrix and withstand the polymer manufacturing or production process.

By way of example and not limitation, the foam be formulated to change color when it reaches a predetermined or lower temperature. This can be accomplished by mixing a thermochromic additive to the base material in an amount that is sufficient to achieve a desired color changing range (i.e., an effective amount). As an example, a mixture of approximately 5% to 30% (pbw) of Matsui International Co., Inc.'s Chromicolor® additive may be introduced to base polymer, to provide a structure that visibly changes color at a determined temperature or lower. Such a color change may facilitate rapid identification of the eyewear lost in water.

As another example, the retainer may be created in a particular color and coated with a hydrochromic coating, which changes repeatedly from white to transparent when wetted with water and changes back to the original white when dried. Therefore, through coating a structure, the structure's color is concealed with white in dried condition and appears when the binder becomes transparent with water. Such Hydro-Chromic White coatings are also available from Matsui International Co., Inc.

These and other thermochromic and hydrochromic additives and coatings may be utilized within the scope of the present invention to facilitate identification and achieve unique aesthetic effects. The invention is not limited to the use of any particular additive, coating or color.

While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.