Abstract:
Eyeglasses and clip-ons are improved by providing housings for magnets for securing the clip-ons in a uniblock also incorporating one or more of the following: part of a closing block, an end piece, and part of a hinge. The structure is more compact, neater in appearance, and of improved quality as compared to eyeglasses incorporating conventional structures, and is less expensive to manufacture than many conventional eyeglasses, especially in large volume.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/422,865 filed on Apr. 24, 2003, and a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/694,667 filed on Oct. 23, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/845,125 filed on Apr. 18, 1997 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,269 on Nov. 21, 2000. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     This invention relates to eyeglasses and more particularly to eyeglasses having a novel and highly effective uniblock of which a portion forms a housing for a magnet or other securing means adapted to secure an auxiliary lens (with or without a frame) in place over or behind a primary lens (with or without a frame).  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0005]     Eyeglasses equipped with one or more magnets adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens are known and disclosed for example in a U.S. patent to Chao U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,207. That patent discloses eyeglasses including primary and auxiliary frames each supporting lenses. The primary frame includes two “legs” respectively connected to two side extensions and includes two magnetic members secured in the legs. The auxiliary frame includes two legs each having a magnetic member engageable with the magnetic members of the primary frame to secure the frames together and to prevent the auxiliary frame from moving downward relative to the primary frame.  
         [0006]     An earlier disclosure of eyeglasses having magnets for securing auxiliary lenses to primary lenses is found in a U.S. patent to Meeker U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,103. The Meeker patent discloses an eyeglasses frame that includes a magnetic material secured to a peripheral portion thereof for facilitating attachment of an auxiliary lens rim cover to the frame. The lens rim cover also includes a magnetic strip engageable with the magnetic material of the frame.  
         [0007]     A U.S. patent to Sadler U.S. Pat. No. 5,416,537 discloses first magnetic members respectively secured to temporal portions of a primary frame and second magnetic members secured to corresponding temporal portions of auxiliary lenses.  
         [0008]     In eyeglasses constructed in accordance with the prior art, the piecemeal assembly of closing block, end piece, magnet housing and temple-piece hinge produces a structure that is unduly strung out or elongate, and the housing for the magnet is bulky and unsightly. Since conventional eyeglasses of this type require soldering, they are also labor-intensive and expensive to manufacture, and the resulting structure is weakened by the cycles of heating and cooling, so that the frames do not hold their shape and are more likely to break. In addition, the need to assemble so many large pieces in conventional eyeglasses limits the design possibilities.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     An object of the invention is to remedy the problems of the prior art noted above and in particular to provide an eyeglasses uniblock that is more attractive than corresponding structures in prior eyeglasses and less expensive than many of them.  
         [0010]     Another object of the invention is to provide an eyeglasses uniblock that can be incorporated in a primary structure (the eyeglasses proper) or an auxiliary structure (sometimes called clip-ons, even if held by magnets instead of clips).  
         [0011]     Another object of the invention is to provide eyeglasses and clip-ons that take advantage of the new styling possibilities afforded by the invention.  
         [0012]     Another object of the invention is to provide eyeglasses of improved quality and stability.  
         [0013]     The foregoing and other objects of the invention are attained in accordance with a first embodiment thereof by providing an eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing for securing means adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to (in front of or behind) a primary lens and a portion forming a part of a closing block for securing the uniblock to a frame for one of the lenses.  
         [0014]     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, structures forming (1) a housing for a magnet or other securing means, (2) part of a closing block, (3) an end piece, and (4) parts of a hinge are combined in different ways, as follows: 
        an eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion forming an end piece adapted for connection to one of the lenses;     an eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion forming a part of a hinge for supporting a temple piece;     an eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens, a portion forming a part of a closing block for securing the uniblock to one of the lenses, and a portion forming an end piece adapted for connection to said one of the lenses;     an eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens, a portion forming an end piece adapted for connection to the primary lens, and a portion forming a part of a hinge for supporting a temple piece;     an eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens, a portion forming a part of a closing block for securing the uniblock to the primary lens, a portion forming an end piece adapted for connection to a primary lens, and a portion forming a part of a hinge for supporting a temple piece.        
 
         [0020]     In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, eyeglasses are provided comprising different combinations of features, as follows: 
        first and second primary lenses and first and second uniblocks, the first uniblock comprising a portion forming a first housing for a first magnet adapted to secure auxiliary lenses in superimposed relation to primary lenses and a portion forming a part of a first closing block for securing the first uniblock to the first primary lens; and the second uniblock comprising a portion forming a second housing for a second magnet adapted to secure auxiliary lenses in superimposed relation to the primary lenses and a portion forming a part of a second closing block for securing the second uniblock to the second primary lens;     first and second primary lenses, first and second uniblocks, third and fourth auxiliary lenses, and third and fourth uniblocks, wherein: the first uniblock comprises a portion forming a first housing for a first magnet adapted to secure the auxiliary lenses in superimposed relation to the primary lenses and a portion forming a part of a first closing block for securing the first uniblock to the first primary lens; the second uniblock comprises a portion forming a second housing for a second magnet adapted to secure the auxiliary lenses in superimposed relation to the primary lenses and a portion forming a part of a second closing block for securing the second uniblock to the second primary lens; the third uniblock comprises a portion forming a third housing for a third magnet adapted to secure the auxiliary lenses in superimposed relation to the primary lenses and a portion forming a part of a third closing block for securing the third uniblock to the third auxiliary lens; and the fourth uniblock comprises a portion forming a fourth housing for a fourth magnet adapted to secure the auxiliary lenses in superimposed relation to the primary lenses and a portion forming a part of a fourth closing block for securing the fourth uniblock to the fourth auxiliary lens.        
 
         [0023]     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there are provided, in combination, an upper eyeglasses uniblock comprising a portion forming a housing for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion forming a part of a closing block; and a lower eyeglasses uniblock, the upper and lower uniblocks being joined together in superimposed relation to form a composite structure. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]     A better understanding of the objects, features and advantages of the invention can be gained from a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the appended figures of the drawing, wherein:  
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view from above of a first embodiment of the invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view from below of the structure shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view from below of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view from above of the structure shown in  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view from below of the structure illustrated in  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective from below of a portion of the structure illustrated in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view from below of the structure shown in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 15  is an exploded top view of the structure shown in  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 16  is an assembled perspective view from above of the structure of  FIGS. 14 and 15 ;  
         [0041]      FIG. 17  is a top view of the structure shown in  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 18  is an exploded perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0043]      FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the structure shown in  FIG. 19 ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 22  is a bottom view, partly in section, of the structure shown in  FIG. 21 ;  
         [0047]      FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view from above of the structure of  FIG. 21 ;  
         [0048]      FIG. 24  is an exploded perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0049]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0050]      FIG. 26  is a top view of a left uniblock constructed in accordance with the invention;  
         [0051]      FIG. 27  is a bottom view of a right uniblock constructed in accordance with the invention and forming a pair with the uniblock of  FIG. 26 ;  
         [0052]      FIGS. 28 and 29  are views in axial section of two embodiments of a magnet housing constructed in accordance with the invention;  
         [0053]      FIG. 30  is a view in a direction at a right angle to the views of  FIGS. 28 and 29 , and, showing the shape of a bar magnet and magnet housing as seen by an observer of one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0054]      FIGS. 31-34  are views similar to  FIG. 32  showing housing and, magnet shapes in other embodiments of the invention;  
         [0055]      FIGS. 35 and 36  are respectively top and front views of one embodiment of auxiliary lenses constructed in accordance with the invention; and  
         [0056]      FIGS. 37 and 38  are respectively top and front views of the auxiliary lenses of  FIGS. 35 and 36  secured in superimposed relation to compatibly designed primary eyeglasses constructed in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0057]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view from above of a first embodiment of structure including an eyeglasses uniblock  10  constructed in accordance with the invention. The uniblock  10  is a cast structure and comprises a housing  12  for a magnet  14  adapted to secure an auxiliary lens  16  over a primary lens  18  (both illustrated for example in  FIG. 13 ). Instead of the magnet  14 , snaps, slides, notches, clips or other securing means (not illustrated) can be employed. Instead of being cast, the uniblock  10  can be extruded or stamped.  
         [0058]     The uniblock  10  also comprises a portion  20  forming a part of a closing block  22  for securing the uniblock  10  to one of the lenses, for example the primary lens  18 . The closing block  22  secures the uniblock  10  to a lens since the portion  20  is connected to one end  24   a  ( FIG. 1 ) of a frame or rim  24  that surrounds the lens. The other end  24   b  of the rim  24  has a flange  26  that fits into a recess  28  ( FIG. 2 ) on the part  20  and is secured by a screw or pin  30 .  
         [0059]     The uniblock  10  of  FIG. 1  incorporates, as part of the same one-piece cast structure, an end piece  32  providing a neat appearance.  
         [0060]     The uniblock  10  also comprises a portion  34  forming a part of a hinge for supporting a temple piece  36 . The temple piece  36  has an opening  38  that aligns with openings  40 ,  42  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in the hinge part  34  and is inserted within a slot  44  formed in the hinge part  34 . A pin or screw  48  ( FIG. 3 ) is inserted to hold the temple piece  36  in position and allow for its pivoting movement about the pin  48 , so that the temple piece  36  and a companion temple piece on the other side of the eyeglasses can be folded for storage of the eyeglasses in a case, pocket, purse or drawer, etc., or opened for use. The invention is also adapted to be used with a hinge that does not employ a pin or screw.  
         [0061]     In  FIGS. 1 and 2  the magnet  14 , which is a bar magnet, is oriented with its axis vertical; in  FIG. 3 , it is oriented with its axis horizontal. It is also within the scope of the invention to employ horseshoe magnets and magnets of other designs. In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pin or screw  30  is inserted from above, and in  FIG. 3  it is inserted from below. Other orientations of the magnet, and the use of securing means other than pins and screws, are within the scope of the invention.  
         [0062]     In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the same parts are shown as in  FIGS. 1-3 , but they are split along a horizontal plane  49  into an upper eyeglasses uniblock  50  comprising a portion forming a housing  12   a  for a magnet  14  adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion  22   a  forming a part of a closing block; and a lower eyeglasses uniblock  52 , the upper and lower uniblocks  50 ,  52  being joined together in superimposed relation by a pin or screw  20  to form the composite structure shown in  FIG. 4 . In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the lower uniblock  52  includes a portion  12   b  forming a housing for the magnet  14  and a portion  22   b  forming a part of the closing block. The uniblock can be produced by casting, stamping or extruding depending on the shape used and degree cost savings required.  
         [0063]     In  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the eyeglasses uniblock  10  comprises a portion forming a housing  12  for a magnet  14  adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion forming a part of a closing block  22  for securing the uniblock  10  to one of the lenses. A separate end piece  54  is provided for neatness and is soldered in place. In  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the uniblock is secured temporally to one of the lenses (since it is attached temporally to a rim that surrounds the lens).  
         [0064]     In  FIG. 8 , the uniblock  10  is attached nasally to one of the lenses (since it is attached to a frame  24  that surrounds the lens).  FIG. 8  also shows a second uniblock  10   x  similarly attached to the other lens (since it is attached to a frame  24   x  that surrounds the other lens). A bridge  56  connects the uniblocks  10  and  10   x.    
         [0065]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view from below showing the manner in which the structure is assembled. A screw  30  is inserted from below to secure the closing block.  
         [0066]      FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of a uniblock  10   y  applicable to an auxiliary lens  16 . It shows a portion forming a housing for a magnet  14  adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion forming a part of a closing block  22  for securing the uniblock  10   y  to one of the auxiliary lenses  16 .  
         [0067]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view showing the structure from below, including a screw  30  that secures the closing block  22 .  
         [0068]      FIG. 12  shows the combination of an upper eyeglasses uniblock  50  comprising a portion forming a housing for a magnet  14  adapted to secure an auxiliary lens  16  in superimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion  22   a  forming a part of a closing block  22 ; and a lower eyeglasses uniblock  52  comprising a portion forming a housing for the magnet  14  and a portion  22   b  forming a part of the closing block  22 , the upper and lower uniblocks  50 ,  52  being joined together in superimposed relation to form a composite structure. In this case, the structure is applied to an auxiliary lens.  
         [0069]      FIG. 13  shows the cooperation of a primary lens  18 , a uniblock associated therewith, a secondary lens  16 , and a uniblock associated therewith. Each of the uniblocks comprises a portion forming a housing for a magnet adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion forming a part of a closing block for securing the uniblock to one of the lenses. The two magnets are opposed north pole to south pole, so that they attract. It is also within the scope of the invention to employ a magnet in one of the uniblocks opposed to a ferromagnetic material in the other uniblock. It forms a more secure attachment, however, if two, magnets are employed and juxtaposed as indicated above.  
         [0070]     In practice, of course, in the preferred embodiments of the invention four magnets are employed altogether, two on either side of the eyeglasses.  
         [0071]      FIGS. 14-17  show an eyeglasses uniblock  10  comprising a portion forming a housing  12  for a magnet  14  adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens and a portion  34  forming a part of a hinge for supporting a temple piece  36 . A clip-on  60  has a magnet  14 ′ supported by an arm  58  forming part of a uniblock  10 ′ attached to the auxiliary lens  16  (through its frame  24 ). The magnetic housings for the two uniblocks  10 ,  10 ′ are shaped so that each magnet is oriented with its axis horizontal. The arm  58  passes over the uniblock  10  for the primary lens and is connected from the rear.  FIGS. 16 and 17  show the structure in assembled relation.  
         [0072]      FIG. 18  shows the portion forming a magnet housing  12  and a portion  34  forming a part of a hinge covered by a separate end piece  32  soldered in place. The magnet axis is vertical.  
         [0073]     The structures of  FIGS. 14-18  are illustrated with frames, but it is within the scope of the invention to attach the uniblocks shown in those figures to a separate end piece which is attached to the lens directly, not through a frame surrounding the lens.  
         [0074]      FIGS. 19 and 20  show an eyeglasses uniblock  10  comprising a portion forming a housing  12  for a magnet  14  adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens, a portion forming a part of a closing block  22  for securing the uniblock to one of the lenses, and a portion  32  forming an end piece adapted for connection to said one of the lenses. The magnet  14  has its axis oriented horizontally. A separate hinge  62  is provided, comprising a part  64  attached to the uniblock  10 , a part  66  attached to the temple piece  36 , and a pin or screw  48  passing through aligned apertures in the two parts.  FIG. 20  shows the assembled structure as it appears from the top.  
         [0075]      FIG. 21  shows an eyeglasses uniblock  10  comprising a portion forming a housing  12  for a magnet  14  adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens, a portion forming an end piece  32  adapted for connection to the primary lens, and a portion  34  forming a part of a hinge for supporting a temple piece  36 . The uniblock is cast and especially adapted for use with an acetate frame.  
         [0076]      FIG. 22  is a view from the bottom, partly in section, showing a pin or screw  30  inserted from the rear in a dead-end cylindrical hole  68  for securing the uniblock  10  to the frame  24 .  
         [0077]      FIG. 23  is an exploded view of the uniblock  10  showing how it is assembled with the frame  24  by a pin or screw  30  and with the temple piece  36  by a pin or screw  48 .  
         [0078]      FIG. 24  shows a uniblock  10  comprising a portion forming a housing  12  for a magnet  14  adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens, a portion forming an end piece  32  adapted for connection to the primary lens, and a portion  34  forming a part of a hinge for supporting a temple piece  36 . The uniblock of  FIG. 24  is especially adapted for use with a metal frames.  
         [0079]      FIG. 25  shows a uniblock  10  having the same three elements constructed as a three-piece mount (mounted temporally without a frame). In this case, the uniblock  10  is attached to a post  70  that extends through the lens.  
         [0080]      FIG. 26  is a top view of a left eyeglasses uniblock  10  comprising a portion forming a housing  12  for a magnet  14 , a portion  32  forming an end piece, and a portion  34  forming a part of a hinge. The uniblock  10  is attached to a rim  24 .  
         [0081]      FIG. 27  is a bottom view of a right eyeglasses uniblock  10  forming a pair with the uniblock of  FIG. 26 .  FIG. 27  also shows a lens.  
         [0082]      FIG. 28  shows a housing  12  for a magnet. The housing  12  has a portion  72  of a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the magnet. A shoulder  74  separates the housing portion  72  from another housing portion  76  having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the magnet. The magnet is inserted from one side in the direction of the arrow  78  and is forced into the portion  76  having the smaller diameter, so that it is retained securely.  
         [0083]      FIG. 29  is a sectional view of a magnet housing  12  closed at one end  80  and having a uniform diameter. The magnet can be seated at  80  with the aid of an adhesive such as epoxy, or forced in place.  
         [0084]      FIGS. 30-34  respectively show housings shaped to accommodate magnets that are respectively round, rectangular, square, elliptical and oval, as viewed in a direction parallel to the axes of the magnets.  
         [0085]      FIGS. 35-38  show eyeglasses and auxiliary lenses mounted together in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0086]     Thus there is provided in accordance with the invention eyeglasses having a novel and highly effective uniblock of which a portion forms a housing for a magnet or other securing means adapted to secure an auxiliary lens in superimposed relation to a primary lens. Many modifications of a preferred embodiments disclosed herein will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention includes all embodiments thereof that fall within the scope of the appended claims.