Abstract:
The present invention relates to an eyeshade apparatus having a band, a lens, lens punchouts, and adjustable stops. Its design allows the curvature of the lens of the eyeshade to be modifiable for different activities and uses. The eyeshade apparatus, also because of its design, is nearly indestructible in its non-use position as it lies virtually flat.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The use of eyeshades, such as sunglasses, is important. In fact, it has been recommended that anytime a person will be exposed to UV radiation, sunglasses be used to avoid harmful effects. Unfortunately, diverse activities may require multiple eyeshades, with each type specifically tailored to the activity being performed (e.g., work versus an exercise activity). Multiple shades are needed because most eyeshades are static and incapable of adjusting for use in more than one activity. Purchase of multiple eyeshades has a negative environmental impact, as more resources are required and consumed. 
     Eyeshades are seldom personalizable (i.e., capable of being customized to a person&#39;s facial contours). Rather, most shades are produced from a single mold. Buyers of these mold-designed shades suffer discomfort as the “one size fits all” maxim proves to be untrue. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an eyeshade that is capable of being used in more than one activity, primarily because it is dynamic in its ability to adjust from a more relaxed, fashionable position to a more compact, “physical activity” position. Further, the present invention is completely customizable. The dynamic nature of the eyeshade is created by adjustable stops positioned along the frame (i.e., the band of the eyeshade), so that they abut the lens of the eyeshade to either bring the edges of the lens closer to the temples of the user, or move the edges of the lens away from the temples. This has the effect of giving the lens more curvature (bringing the edges closer) or less curvature (moving the edges away). The adjustable stops operate by moving along the horizontal (i.e., the “x axis” of the band). The dynamic nature both allows the eyeshade to better fit the user&#39;s face and to adjust to match the needs of the user&#39;s varied activities. And while these adjustable stops are required to achieve maximum customization of the invention, one embodiment of the invention excludes these stops in which the frame merely passes through punchouts in the lens. 
     Another objective of the present invention is that of requiring less material than is used in current eyeshade models. Further, the present invention is nearly indestructible due to its flat design, capable of being shipped in flat packaging, and having an extendable life due its indestructible nature and capability of being modified. 
     The present invention has a customizable structure that can be specifically tailored for each user, which overcomes many disadvantages found in the prior art. The lens of the sunglasses can be adjusted for flexible covering of the eyes. Due to the invention&#39;s light weight (i.e., low mass) and customizable nature, the eyeshades fit much more securely on the users&#39; head and are less prone to fall off during exertion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an embodiment of the eyeshade apparatus of the present invention, whereby the eyeshade is in a non-use or storing position; 
         FIG. 2  is an embodiment of the eyeshade of the present invention, whereby the eyeshade is in a use position; 
         FIG. 2A  exhibits an embodiment of the wire frame or band of the eyeshade made with Alumanium™. 
         FIG. 3  exhibits the adjustable stops used in the eyeshade; 
         FIG. 4  exhibits the method by which the adjustable stops of the eyeshade act to compact or expand the curvature of the lens; 
         FIG. 5  is an embodiment of the eyeshade, further including a strap; 
         FIG. 6  is a kit containing the eyeshade, utilized for transporting the eyeshade. 
     
    
    
     As a person with ordinary skill in the art will realize, the term “eyeshade” refers to an apparatus having a lens vertically extending generally from just above the eyebrows to the user&#39;s cheekbone and horizontally extending from temple to temple, whereby the lens is made of a flexible material and can be transparent or semi-transparent. “Eyeshade” includes sunglasses, eye shields, eye glasses, and other eye wear. 
     The term “adjustable” as used herein refers to the ability of an element to move in response to a force upon it, whether the force be active, such as at the direction of a person, or passive, such as exerted by energy to reduce stress of the band. The element has the ability to move more than once, in both a positive direction and a negative direction. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is an eyeshade apparatus  100  of the present invention, including a band  101 , a lens  105 , lens punchouts  103  that allow the lens  105  to engage the band  101 , and adjustable stops  107  inserted on the band capable of movement along the band  101  for customizing the lens&#39;s  105  fit over a user&#39;s eyes and around the head. The eyeshade  100  as shown in  FIG. 1  is in its non-use or storing position, referring to the position in which the eyeshade is folded. 
     The band  101  is preferably semi-circular in shape, for engaging the sides and back of a user&#39;s head. The band possesses a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. In its semi-circle shape, the band  101  avoids contact with sensitive areas on the user&#39;s head (e.g., on the bridge of the nose and behind the ears). Because the present invention primarily contacts the user&#39;s head above the eyebrows and at the back of the head (i.e., it is unnecessary for it to even contact the nose), the user experiences much greater operational comfort. 
     Based on the semi-circular shape of the band  101 , it may be produced with less material and may be thinner. This results in a band  101  that is both light-weight and physically stable. Further, the invention&#39;s design eliminates “stress points” found in traditional eyeglass designs. These “stress points” (e.g., the hinges) become common failure points. Because the current invention eliminates these “stress points,” it is much more durable that traditional eyeglasses. 
     The diameter of the band  101  can vary depending on the dimensions of the user&#39;s head. For example, a band for a child&#39;s head should be rather small (e.g., around 3.5 inches in diameter), whereas a band for an adult&#39;s head should be around 5.5 inches in diameter. 
     The thickness of the band  101  can range from 0.016 inches to 1 inch. The band  101 , in its thickness, should be sufficient to allow it to maintain its shape over the life of the eyeshade  100 . The material used in the band  101  may dictate its thickness. 
     The material for the band  101  can be selected based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the end use of the eyeshade (e.g., use of the eyeshade in a medical environment), use of the eyeshade in athletic activity, use of the eyeshade in an educational environment (such as schools, etc.), the desired thickness of the band, the skin condition of the user (who may be allergic to certain materials), a desire to utilize compositions that provide a lower carbon footprint (i.e., “green” compositions, etc.). The material may be pure (e.g., silver, gold, platinum, etc.) or a composite (such as an alloy). The material may also be a polymer. Examples of compositions suitable for the band include, but are not limited to, steel, titanium, aluminum, and plastics. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 2A , the band or frame is made of Alumanium™, which is an aluminum wire that has been anodized. While aluminum is most often anodized to either resist corrosion or to add a color coating, in this invention the aluminum center wire  201 A has an anodized outer layer  202 A that also ensures that the frame maintains its desired shape. Thus, with Alumanium™, the frame includes spring-like characteristics, allowing it to adapt to the user&#39;s head without breaching the frame&#39;s integrity. 
     The shape of the band  101 , with regard to its thickness, may be circular, or another shape such as box-like, octagonal, hexagonal, etc. And while in the preferred embodiment of the invention, a lens  105  hangs from the band  101 , because the band  101  contacts the user&#39;s head above the eyebrows in a spring-like manner, in other embodiments, other functional or ornamental devices may be hung from the band  101  (e.g., a small microphone, a thin computer screen, ear devices, etc.). 
     In an alternative embodiment, the band  101  includes tabs (not shown) at its end points (i.e., the points that do not meet). The tabs can be suitable for adding comfort to the user&#39;s head. The tabs can be made of materials such as foam, polymeric material, and the like. 
     In this present invention, the lens  105  is made of one continuous piece. The lens  105  is easily changeable by the user. Further, multiple lenses  105  may be used in a layered fashion. 
     The lens  105  should sufficiently cover a user&#39;s eyes based on the desired use of the eyeshade  100  (e.g., medical use, aviator use, fashionable use, etc.). The color of the lens  105  may be based on the user&#39;s preference or the intended use of the eyeshade. For example, the color can be gray or green to maintain a true color, brown to cause color distortion, turquoise for medium and high light conditions, orange or yellow to cause contrast and depth perception, or blue or purple for cosmetic purposes. The lens can also be clear, for example, for use in a medical environment. In one embodiment, the lens complies with one or more international standard, such as AS/NZ 1067:2003, EN 1836:2005, and ANSI Z80.3-2008. 
     Lens selection can also be based on categorical use, such as fashion, UV radiation protection and limited reduction (but not for driving at night), general use providing good protection from UV radiation and sunglare, extra protection from UV radiation and sunglare, and high level of protection from UV radiation and sunglare. 
     The lens  105  thickness can be adapted to the desired level of protection for the user&#39;s eyes. In one embodiment, the thickness can be as little as 0.0127 millimeter. Regardless of the thickness of the lens  105 , the lens  105  should maintain flexibility, allowing it to be altered in response to the adjustable stops  107 . 
     The lens  105  shape can be modified by the user based on the end use of the eyeshade. For example, the lens can be larger if its intended use will be in a medical environment or cut smaller to give a “cool” factor if its intended use will be for fashionable purposes. In one embodiment, patterns are provided with which to re-design the lens shape. 
     The lens  105  can be made of plastic, for example, acrylic, polycarbonate, CR-39, or polyurethane. The lens  105  may also contain one or more coatings allowing the lens to be protected against scratching. In embodiments of the invention in which the lens is thicker, the lens may also be flipped up, allowing the eyeshade to be worn as a visor. In another embodiment, the lens contains an eye prescription. 
     The lens  105  possesses at least 2 punchouts  103  allowing it to engage with the band  101 . The punchouts  103  should be of a diameter that allows free, tight movement along the band  101 , allowing the lens  105  to be completely removed from the band  101 , while at the same time being smaller than the outer diameter of the adjustable stops  107 . The punchouts  103  should be designed in a shape matching that of the band  101 . In one embodiment, users are able to create the punchouts using, for example, a hole puncher (not shown). The position of the punchouts  103  in  FIG. 1  are for illustrative purposes only and punchouts may be positioned anywhere along the lens  105 . 
     The adjustable stops  107  of the eyeshade  100  are capable of allowing the lens  105  to be compacted or expanded to meet the desires or needs of the user, or to match the contours of the user&#39;s face. The band  101  is inserted through the adjustable stops  107  to move freely thereon. The inner diameter of the adjustable stops  107 , prior to placement over the band  101 , should preferably be slightly smaller than that of the band  101 , for example from 0.001 mm to 0.01 mm smaller. In use, the adjustable stops  107  are positioned by the user or move freely in response to the activity of the user. For example, if the user is engaged in a physically straining activity, the contours of his face may change. But despite this change, the flexible lens material allows the lens to continue to sufficiently engage and protect the eyes of the user. 
     The adjustable stops  107  are cut at an angle to increase control over the curvature of the lens  105 . For example, when the stops  107  are rotated on the band  101 , the angle cut on the stops  107  will engage the lens  105  at a different orientation, creating a varying effect on the lens  105 . Due to the flexible nature of the invention, the lens  105  may be customized to fit an asymmetrical face. The stops  107  can be made of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, plastics, foam, alloys, rubber or pure metals. In another embodiment of the invention, the stops can be made of adhesive materials or fixed stops or stops made via crimping of the wire frame, etc. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, the functionality of these stops may be accomplished through numerous embodiments. 
       FIG. 2  is an embodiment of the eyeshade  100  of the present invention, including a band  201 , lens  207 , punchouts  203 , and adjustable stops  205 . In this embodiment, head contact pads  209  are shown. This embodiment shows the eyeshade  200  in its ready-to-use position. 
     As shown in this embodiment, the adjustable stops  205  are adjacent to the punchouts  203 . In this manner, through their ability to move along the band  201 , they are able to change the curvature of the lens  207 . This point will be discussed in more detail below. 
       FIG. 3  exhibits the eyeshade  300  of the present invention. The adjustable stops  305 / 309  are capable of moving along the band  301  in a horizontal manner, i.e., along the “x axis” of the band  301  or movement parallel to the band  301 . The adjustable stops  305 / 309  are capable of moving in a positive or negative direction  303 / 307 . In one embodiment, the adjustable stops  305 / 309  move in tandem with one another (i.e., as one moves in a positive direction, the other moves in an equal negative direction). In another embodiment, the adjustable stops  305 / 309  move independently of one another. 
     It is important to note that the adjustable stops as used in the present invention do not serve to attach the lens to the band of the eyeshade. Rather, they are used to reposition the lens, either closer to or away from the user&#39;s temples, as it is positioned over the eyes. Movement drawing the lens closer to the temples may be suitable for more fully covering the eyes up to the corners (i.e., less exposure to light and airborne particles). Movement drawing the lens away from the temples may be suitable for less covering up of the eyes. By not being used to connect the lens to the band, the adjustable stops are able to freely move on the horizontal axis of the band. 
       FIG. 4  is an embodiment showing the lens of the eyeshade  400  of the present invention being modified by the adjustable stops. As shown, the adjustable stops are in one position  401 / 403 . Either by the user of the eyeshade or in response to changing conditions, the adjustable stops are moved  405 / 407  along the band  402  of the eyeshade  400  in a horizontal manner. 
     The effect of movement of the adjustable stops along the horizontal (i.e., the “x axis”), is the expansion or compacting of the lens. 
       FIG. 5  is a further embodiment of the invention, whereby a strap  501  is used to allow more secure attachment of the eyeshade  503  to the head of the user. The strap  501  may be made of a material that is buoyant in water, which will prevent the eyeshades from sinking should they fall off the user&#39;s head while engaged in, for example, a maritime activity. 
       FIG. 6  is an embodiment of a kit  600  of the present invention, including a pouch  602 , an eyeshade made of a band  601 , a lens  607 , punchouts  604 , and adjustable stops  609 , a strap  603 , and one or more additional lenses  611 . 
     In this embodiment, due to the capability of the eyeshade to lie flat when in use, the entire kit  600  is substantially flat from 0.1 inch in thickness upward. 
     Because the lens  607  of the eyeshade may be removed from the eyeshade apparatus, it is possible to install other lenses thereon for other purposes. Thus, the kit  600  include sufficient space for two or more lenses. 
     Significantly, the dimensions of the kit  600  allow it to be mailed in a standard, flat mailing envelope, thus decreasing mailing expense. 
     Having described embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit as defined in the appended claims. 
     In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that: 
     a) the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim; 
     b) the word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; and 
     c) any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope.