Patent Publication Number: US-7594723-B2

Title: Sports-specific shield

Description:
PRIORITY INFORMATION 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/545,103, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,347,545 filed Oct. 5, 2006, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 

   BACKGROUND 
   The present invention relates generally to eyeglasses, and more particularly to a uniquely configured eyeglass shield that permits a wearer to adjust a frame thereof to provide a variety of vertical viewing angles for specific sporting applications. As discussed in greater detail below, embodiments of the present invention provide a sports-specific shield which can be selectively adjusted by the wearer in order to customize the configuration and fit of the eyeglass shield for beneficial use in specific activities, without requiring the use of tools. The resulting eyeglass shield can therefore be utilized in demanding sporting situations that require either a heads-up or heads-down posture of the wearer, such as competitive running, driving, skiing, or bicycle racing. 
   Eyeglasses, and sunglasses in particular, have long been designed with the general objective of blocking the sun or other sources of bright light from one&#39;s eyes. Over time, various features and advancements in this technology have been developed. The evolution of numerous designs of dual and unitary lens glasses initially differed essentially only in aesthetic features. However, eyeglass and lens designs have further developed in response to various optical considerations such as optical clarity, resolution, field of vision, refraction, and other such qualities. Typically, the optical qualities of the lens are best when the wearer&#39;s line of sight (LOS) extends in parallel to the optical center line (OCL) the lens. 
   Although these advancements in eyeglass technology have provided substantial benefits for eyeglass wearers participating in a broad range of activities, several sporting activities often require the wearer to assume body postures that displace the wearer&#39;s LOS particularly in the vertical plane from consistently being aligned with the OCL of particular lens. In addition, unique facial structures and geometries can result in different fits that similarly prevent different wearers from commonly enjoying the superior optical characteristics of a given eyeglass. 
   Many sporting activities may be characterized as requiring the user to assume either a heads-up or a heads-down posture. In the heads-up posture, which is illustrated in accompanying  FIG. 6A , a wearer&#39;s head is in a generally upright vertical position directly above the shoulders. Thus, the OCL of the eyeglass lenses and the wearer&#39;s LOS tend to be aligned parallel and point more or less straight ahead. Activities such as running, driving, and the like, tend to encourage a heads-up posture of the wearer. 
   In the heads-down posture, a wearer assumes a generally forward-leaning posture with the head extending forwardly of the torso, shown generally in  FIG. 6B . In the heads-down posture, the head is tucked in an aerodynamic position with the OCL of the eyeglass lens typically being directed at the ground in front of the wearer; as such, the LOS is angularly displaced upwardly with respect to the OCL. Thus, in order to optimize forward vision the wearer must lift their head upwardly from the racing posture, in order to bring their LOS into parallel with the OCL. The racing posture also brings the LOS high enough on conventional lenses that the upper frame can limit the field of view in the vertical plane. Activities such as bicycle racing and others commonly require the wearer to assume a heads-down posture for long periods of time. 
   Finally, unique facial geometries can prevent some wearers from enjoying superior optical characteristics of a given frame and lens system. A given pair of eyeglasses often fits differently on different wearers due to differences in facial structure. As a result, some wearer&#39;s straight-ahead LOS may not pass through the lens in parallel with the OCL. For example, an eyeglass that has been designed to fit a majority of wearers may nevertheless sit too high or too low on certain wearers depending on the structure and geometry of their nose and face. Therefore, the facial structure, as well as the particular activity in which the wearer is engaged, can cause the eyeglass have a particular fit on the wearer that prevents optimal vertical alignment of the OCL of the lens with the desired LOS of the wearer. 
   SUMMARY 
   In light of the above-mentioned deficiencies of eyeglass design, there is a need in the art for an improved eyeglass that allows a wearer to adjust the fit and/or optical orientation of the eyeglass depending on the activity in which the wearer is involved. Further, there is a need in the art for an eyeglass that can be adjusted to provide superior optical qualities that in a variety of eyeglass configurations. There is a need in the art for an adjustable eyeglass that allows the wearer to align their desired LOS with respect to the OCL of the lens and that can be used in both heads-up and heads-down activities. Furthermore, there is a need in the art for an eyeglass that can be adjusted by the wearer without tools and provides superior frontal impact resistance. Finally, there is a need in the art for an adjustable eyeglass that can be easily modified by the wearer for specific activities that is lightweight, structurally durable, and that provides easy and quick assembly and disassembly, and sufficient protection of the eyes, even in a bicycle racing posture. 
   Accordingly, in an embodiment, an eyeglass is provided for minimizing component structural integrity and component weight without reducing the overall structural integrity of the eyeglass. The eyeglass can comprise a unitary lens, a frame, and a nosepiece. The lens can have an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge can have lateral indents formed at opposing ends thereof, and the lower edge can have a nosepiece opening formed therein. 
   The frame can have opposing terminals and an upper groove extending at least partially along the frame. The upper groove can be sized and configured to receive the upper edge of the lens with the lateral indents of the lens being receivable into the opposing terminals of the frame. Further, the upper groove can have a cross-sectional area defined by a depth and width of the upper groove. Additionally, the frame can further have a post extending downwardly from a central portion of the frame. 
   The nosepiece can have a bridge and a mounting component extending upwardly from the bridge. The nosepiece can have a lower groove extending at least partially across the bridge, and the lower groove can be sized and configured such that the lower edge of the lens is receivable therein. The mounting component can be attachable to the post for attaching the nosepiece to the frame. In such an embodiment, the cooperative engagement of the frame to the nosepiece can retain the lens therebetween for minimizing the cross-section of the upper groove without compromising overall lens retention and the overall structural integrity of the eyeglass. For example, the transverse cross-sectional area of the upper groove can be less than approximately 0.05 square inches and in some embodiments no greater than about 0.02 square inches. Further, a maximum thickness of the frame can be less than 90% of a thickness of the lens along the upper edge thereof. Thus, eyeglass weight and structural integrity of individual components can decrease while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the eyeglass. 
   In another embodiment, the post can comprises a connecting portion at a distal end thereof. Additionally, the mounting component can comprise a recess being sized and configured to receive at least the connecting portion of the post for attaching the nosepiece to the frame. The recess of the mounting component can be formed into a posterior side of the mounting component. The post can also be formed to connect to the frame posteriorly to the groove. In some embodiments, the post can be integrally formed with the frame. Further, the lens can be configured to be mounted anterior to the post and the mounting component of the nosepiece. Finally, an as-molded configuration of the lens can corresponds to the upper groove of the frame and the lower groove of the nosepiece. 
   In accordance with yet another embodiment, the eyeglass can be configured to be adjustable in order to minimize a vertical deviation angle of a wearer in heads-down activities. The vertical deviation angle can be defined as the angular displacement between an optical centerline of the eyeglass and an intended line of sight of the wearer. The lens of the eyeglass can define the optical centerline. In such an embodiment, the mounting component can have a vertical height that is customizable for minimizing a desired vertical deviation angle of the wearer. 
   In another embodiment, the eyeglass can be adjustable for optimizing the protective function of the eyeglass throughout a range of vertical viewing angles, while preserving optical quality. In such an embodiment, adjustment of the mounting component&#39;s vertical height from a first vertical height to a second vertical height can raise the height of the lens to provide protection while viewing out of the top of the eyeglass, while maintaining a desired relationship between the LOS and OCL. 
   The nosepiece of the adjustable eyeglass can be selected from a plurality of nosepieces having different vertical heights. A corresponding plurality of lenses having matched vertical heights is also provided; each with an OCL in the vertical which is selected to correspond to the desired LOS for each lens-nosepiece combination. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The abovementioned and other features of the inventions disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of the preferred embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded front view of an adjustable eyeglass having a frame, lens, and a nosepiece, according to an embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  is a rear view of the frame and nosepiece illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a rear view of the eyeglass wherein the frame, lens, and nosepiece are in an assembled state. 
       FIG. 3B  is a front view of the eyeglass of  FIG. 3A . 
       FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate exemplary embodiments of nosepieces wherein a post of the nosepiece has a given vertical height. 
       FIG. 5A  is a front view of the eyeglass wherein the frame and nosepiece are assembled prior to installation of the lens, according to another embodiment. 
       FIG. 5B  is a front view of the eyeglass of  FIG. 5A  in an assembled state. 
       FIG. 6A  is a side view of the eyeglass as worn on a wearer in a heads-up posture. 
       FIG. 6B  is a side view of the eyeglass as worn on a wearer in a heads-down posture illustrating a vertical viewing angle defined by a line of sight of the wearer and an optical centerline of the eyeglass. 
       FIG. 7A  is a front view of a prior art eyeglass. 
       FIG. 7B  is a side cross-sectional view of the prior art eyeglass of  FIG. 7A  illustrating depth of a groove within a frame of the eyeglass wherein a lens is retained. 
       FIG. 8  is a side cross-sectional view of the eyeglass of  FIG. 3B , illustrating an upper groove within the frame and the interconnection of the lens with the frame. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   While the present description sets forth specific details of various embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting. Furthermore, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described herein. 
   With reference to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a uniquely configured eyeglass  10  is provided that can reduce the overall weight of the eyeglass  10  and improve the optical qualities enjoyed by a wearer during various heads-up and heads-down activities. The eyeglass  10  can be manufactured from a variety of materials and methods. However, according to one of the unique aspects of the present invention, the eyeglass  10  can be assembled using lighter-weight components that may not otherwise be used due to structural strength requirements. 
   For example, in previous eyeglass designs, thicker, bulkier, and heavier designs have been used to provide sufficient durability and structural integrity for the eyeglass  10 . However, as described further herein, the eyeglass  10  can be formed using lighter-weight components (which consequently may have lesser structural integrity than otherwise comparable heavier-weight components) without reducing the overall structural integrity of the eyeglass. Further, embodiments also provide substantial resistance to torsional and/or bending stresses. 
   In addition, an embodiment of the eyeglass  10  can also provide optimal optical characteristics to a wearer at a plurality of vertical viewing angles. As mentioned above, many sporting activities may be characterized as requiring the user to assume either a heads-up or a heads-down posture. In the heads-down posture, the wearer typically directs their desired line of sight (LOS) through an upper area of the eyeglass that may not provide the wearer of prior art glasses with the intended optimal optical qualities of the eyeglass as available when viewing in parallel to through an optical centerline (OCL) of the eyeglass. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , the angular divergence in the LOS  80  of the wearer with respect to the OCL  90  of the eyeglass  10  can be referred to as a vertical deviation angle  92 . The vertical viewing angle  92  can also be defined as the angular displacement between the OCL  90  of the eyeglass  10  and the LOS  80  of the wearer. By reducing the vertical deviation angle  92 , it is contemplated that the wearer can substantially benefit from improved optical qualities of the eyeglass  10  otherwise unavailable during typical heads-down activities and due to non-normal facial structures. 
   In  FIG. 1 , the eyeglass  10  is illustrated as including a lens  12 , a frame  14 , a pair of opposing earpieces  16 , and a nosepiece  18 . These components of the eyeglass  10  can be configured as snap fit components that allow the wearer to quickly assembly or disassemble the eyeglass  10  without the use of tools. The lens  12  can be formed in a variety of configurations and geometries. Preferably, the lens  12  is configured to be lightweight and to provide superior optical qualities throughout the field of view of the wearer. It is contemplated that the lens  12  can be formed utilizing a dual or unitary design. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the lens  12  has an upper edge  20  and a lower edge  22 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , the lens  12  can also define the optical centerline (OCL)  90 . See e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,218 to Houston, et al., entitled Decentered Corrected Lens for Eyewear, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein, particularly with respect to lens construction, design and optics. 
   The upper and lower edges  20 ,  22  can be formed according to a variety of shapes and contours, as described further below. The lens  12  can also include a pair of opposing lateral indents  24  formed in opposing side edges  28  thereof. The lateral indents  24  can be voids in the lens, and shaped in a variety of designs, as also described further below. Finally, the lens  12  can also include a nosepiece opening  26  whereinto the nosepiece  18  can be at least partially received. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the frame  14  can be configured to comprise opposing terminals  30  and an upper groove  32 , which can collectively form an upper lens receiving portion. In an embodiment, the opposing terminals  30  are sized and configured to mate with at least a portion of the respective ones of the side edges  28  of the lens  12 . Preferably, the terminals  30  are formed to removably receive the respective ones of the opposing lateral indents  24  of the lens  12 . 
   The upper groove  32  can extend at least partially along the frame  14 , and preferable extends intermediate the opposing lateral indents  30 . The upper groove  32  is preferably sized and configured to receive the upper edge  20  of the lens  12 . As shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the upper groove  32  can define a lengthwise slot having a width  110  and a depth  112 . The upper groove  32  can be formed having internal faces that are of differing or equal dimensions. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a rear face  114  can be of a greater cross-sectional length than a forward face  116 , and can further differ from that of the upper face  118  of the upper groove  32 . The rear, forward, and upper faces  114 ,  116 ,  118  of the upper groove  32  can be modified to provide varying degrees of retention of the upper edge  20  of the lens  12  within the upper groove  32 . 
   The opposing terminals  30  can be formed with the upper groove  32  extending at least partially therealong. In this regard, the eyeglass  10  can be at least partially assembled with the lateral indents  24  of the lens  12  being received into the opposing terminals  30  of the frame  12  and the upper edge  20  of the lens  12  being at least partially received within the upper groove  32 . As mentioned above, the lateral indents  24  of the lens  12  can be variously configured, and can include distinctive geometric patterns that tend to interlock with a corresponding geometric pattern of the terminals  30 . Such a feature can tend to ensure that the lens  12  is urged to within the upper groove  32  and properly fits with the frame  14 . Such a feature may also be utilized to help the wear ensure that the lens  12  is in an engaged position with the frame  14  during assembly. As such, the lens  12  can be configured to be received within the upper groove  32  for vertically securing the upper edge  20  of the lens  12 , and the opposing lateral indents  24  can be received within the respective ones of the opposing terminals  30  of the frame  14  for horizontally securing the lens  12  to the frame  14 . 
   In accordance with an embodiment, the frame  14  can further comprise a post  34  extending downwardly from a central portion  36  of the frame  14 . The post  34  can be formed in a variety of geometric shapes, as described herein. Preferably, the post  34  can be substantially rectangular in shape and of sufficient width and thickness to provide firm engagement with the nosepiece  18 , as discussed further below. The post  34  is preferably integrally formed with the frame  14 , such as being formed of a single, continuous piece of material as in injection molding. Alternatively, the post  34  can be formed of separate a material and can be joined to the frame  14  using an adhesive, mechanical interlock, interference fit or other fastener. Finally, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the post  34  can also comprise a connecting portion  38  which may be formed at a distal end  39  of the post  34 . 
     FIGS. 1-2  also illustrate an exemplary configuration of the nosepiece  18  wherein the nosepiece  18  has a bridge  40  and a mounting component  42  which may extend upwardly from the bridge  40  and having a vertical height  44 . The bridge  40  and the mounting component  42  are preferably integrally formed, as by injection molding, but can also be formed from separate, joinable materials. 
   The nosepiece  18  can further comprise a lower groove  46  that is formed along at least a portion of the bridge  40 . For example, the lower groove  46  can extend at least partially along the bridge  40 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The lower groove  46  of the bridge  40  is preferably sized and configured to removably receive the lower edge  22  of the lens  12 . In particular, the lower groove  46  can be shaped to conform to the shape and size of the nosepiece opening  26  of the lens  12 . 
   The mounting component  42  can be sized and configured to be attachable to the post  34  of the frame  14 . The attachment of the post  34  to the mounting component  42  can be accomplished in a variety of configurations, such as with male and female-type interlocking connections and other first and second complementary surface structures. For example, one of the post  34  or the mounting component  42  can be formed as a male-type connector that can be removably connected to a corresponding female-type connector of the other one of the post  34  and the mounting component  42 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , a posterior side  50  of the mounting component  42  can be formed to include a recess  54  into which the post  34  can be received. In such an embodiment, the connector portion  38  of the post  34  can be formed to mate with the recess  54  of the mounting component  42 . Alternatively, an anterior side  52  of the nosepiece  18  can be configured to include the recess  54 . Furthermore, it is also possible that the post  34  could include a recess and the mounting component  42  can be receivable therein. Such alternative embodiments and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure and teachings. 
     FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate the cooperative engagement of the lens  12 , frame  14 , and nosepiece  18 . In such an embodiment, the post  34  can be connected to the frame  14  posterior to the upper lens groove  32 . In addition, the lens  12  can be configured to be mounted anterior to the post  34  and the mounting component  42  of the nosepiece  18 . An as-molded configuration of the lens  12  can correspond to the upper groove  32  of the frame  14  and the lower groove  46  of the nosepiece  18 . 
   The cooperative engagement provided by such an embodiment can provide significant advantages that can allow for the reduction in weight of such components without reducing the overall durability and structural integrity of the eyeglass  10 . Further, in some embodiments, due to the engagement of the side edges  28  and/or lateral indents  24  of the lens  12  with the opposing terminals  30  of the frame  14 , the eyeglass  10  can withstand torsional and/or bending stresses. In this regard, it is contemplated that the engagement of the side edges  28  and/or lateral indents  24  of the lens  12  with the opposing terminals  30  of the frame  14  can further stabilize and mitigate against such torsional and bending forces commonly encountered during use of the eyeglass  10 . As a result, the lens  12  can be more surely retained by the frame  14  and nosepiece  18 . 
     FIG. 3A  is a rear view of the eyeglass  10  in an assembled state, and  FIG. 3B  is a front view thereof. As shown in  FIG. 3A , the mounting component  42  of the nosepiece  18  is attached to the post  34  of the frame  14  to fix the vertical relative positioning of the nosepiece  18  to the frame  14 . Further, with the lens  12  installed, the mounting component  42  is also illustrated as being disposed intermediate the lens  12  and the post  34  of the frame  14  to fix the horizontal relative positioning of the nosepiece  18  relative to the frame  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B . 
   During assembly, the lens  12  can be installed after the assembly of the frame  14  and nosepiece  18 , although this is not required. Once assembled, the lens  12  can therefore be cooperatively engaged by the frame  14  and the nosepiece  18 , which can be held in fixed relation to each other when the lens  12  is installed. Due to the fixed relationship of the frame  14  and the nosepiece  18 , the upper and lower grooves  32 ,  46  can also be in substantially fixed relation relative to each other, thereby ensuring that the lens  12  is properly retained therein. Thus, such an embodiment can ensure maximum overall retention of the lens  12  and structural integrity of the eyeglass  10 . 
   As mentioned above, another of the significant advantages provided by embodiments disclosed herein is the reduction, minimization, and/or elimination of the vertical deviation angle that otherwise would have been induced by positioning the upper frame at different vertical heights relative to the wearer&#39;s nose. Thus, during activities, such as bicycle racing and others that encourage a heads-down posture, the wearer can adjust the eyeglass  10  by selectively interchanging the nosepiece  18  and mounting a corresponding lens to change the primary LOS while still allowing the wearer to enjoy the superior optical qualities of the lens  12 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4C , rear views of various embodiments of the nosepiece  18  are illustrated. As shown therein, the mounting component  42  of a first nosepiece  18 ′ can be of a first vertical height  44 ′, a second nosepiece  18 ″ can correspond to a second vertical height  44 ″, and a third nosepiece  18 ′″ can correspond to a third vertical height  44 ′″. The vertical height  44  can generally be measured from a nasal apex  48  to a top end  62  of the nosepiece  18 .  FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate an exemplary group of nosepieces  18  that can be interchangeably used in some embodiments. These illustrations are provided for illustrative purposes only, and it is contemplated that various other sizes and/or configurations of the nosepiece  18  can be provided. As discussed above, the mounting component  42  can be interconnectable with the post  34  of the frame  14 . It is contemplated that the wearer can select a nosepiece  18  having a specific vertical height  44  according to their needs and/or preferences. When fitted onto the eyeglass  10 , the selected nosepiece  18  could thus provide a customized fit of the eyeglass  10  on the wearer. Each nosepiece is matched to a corresponding lens which has an OCL positioned in the vertical to remain substantially parallel to a wearer&#39;s intended LOS through that lens-nosepiece combination. 
   The vertical heights  44  of nosepieces  18  within a group of available nosepieces  18  can lie within a given range. For example, the vertical height  44  of a given one of the nosepieces can be within a preferred range of about one inch, such as +0.75/−0.250 inches. Height  44  may be, for example, about 0.25″, 0.5″, 0.75″ and 1.0 inch, or two or more nosepieces may be provided with ⅛ inch increments. The range can be broadened or modified depending on the geometries of the eyeglass  10  and in light of other considerations, such as the target activity, target consumer, etc. 
   It is contemplated that by interchanging the nosepiece  18  with one having a different vertical height  44 , the wearer could modify upper edge of the lens  12  relative to the wearer&#39;s nose or straight ahead LOS  80 . There can be provided a progression of nosepiece sizes. Thus, the wearer can selectively customize the eyeglass  10  (and also use the eyeglass  10  for various activities) such that the vertical height of the lens and the viewing angle through the lens are optimized for a particular use, and the wearer&#39;s LOS  80  can still pass through the lens  12  more closely to parallel to the OCL, as explained further below with reference to  FIG. 6A-6B . 
   According to another aspect illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4C , the nosepiece  18  can further comprise a collar portion  56  and nose pad  58 . The nose pad  58  can comprise single or dual nose pads that are attached to or formed integrally with the nosepiece  18 . The nose pad  58  can be attached to a bottom portion  60  of the nosepiece  18 . The collar portion  56  can generally extends intermediate the nose pad  58  and the lower groove  46 . In this regard, the collar portion  56  can vary in size and configuration depending on the vertical height of the mounting component  42 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4C . 
   Additionally, it is contemplated that the lower groove  46  of the nosepieces  18 ′,  18 ″, and  18 ′″ can be maintained in fixed relation relative to the top end  62  of the nosepieces  18 ′,  18 ″, and  18 ′″. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the nose pad  58  and the lower groove  46  can be positioned generally contiguously to the nosepiece opening  26  of the lens  12  when assembled thereto. However, when the vertical viewing angle  92  is adjusted by increasing the vertical height  44 , such as to the vertical height  44 ″ or  44 ′″ of  FIG. 4B  or  4 C, respectively, a vertical gap can result between the vertical position of the lower groove  46  and the nose pad  58 . Accordingly, the collar portion  56  can help compensate for any such gap by filling the gap therebetween. The collar portion  56  can be solid, perforated, or otherwise configured. Therefore, the face and eyes of the wearer can be protected from air or other matter that could otherwise flow through such a gap. 
     FIG. 5A  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the eyeglass  10  wherein the lens  12  can be installed/engaged onto the frame  14  and the nosepiece  18 . Further, when disassembling the eyeglass  10  for adjustment or repair, the lens  12  can be disengaged from the frame  14  and the nosepiece  18  without requiring that other components of the eyeglass  10  be disassembled or removed prior to the disengagement of the lens  14 . The engagement and disengagement of the lens is accomplished as described herein (forward and reverse order, respectively), by inserting the upper edge  20  of the lens  12  into the upper groove  32  and the opposing terminals  30 , and then inserting the lower edge  22  of the lens  12  into the lower groove  46  of the nosepiece  18 . This process can be accomplished by gently bending the lens  12 . The lens  12  can snap into place when properly engaged. In this manner, the wearer can selectively adjust the eyeglass  10  to fit using interchangeable nosepieces  18 . 
     FIG. 5B  is a front view of the eyeglass  10  illustrating the installation and fit of a plurality of nosepieces  18 ′,  18 ″, and  18 ′″. As discussed above, the different vertical heights  44 ′,  44 ″, and  44 ′″ (see  FIGS. 4A-4C ) can allow the wearer to adjust the fit of the eyeglass  10  to a corresponding elevation, thereby providing for the adjustment of the vertical viewing angle  92 . The configuration of the nosepiece  18  can be modified to include any variety of sizes, shapes, nose pads, materials, collar portion configurations, and other features, and can correspond to an elevation of the eyeglass  10  on the face of the wearer, measured for example, with respect to the wearer&#39;s eyebrow. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 6A-6B , side views are shown of a wearer&#39;s head having the eyeglass  10  thereon. In  FIG. 6A , the wearer&#39;s head and the eyeglass  10  is in a generally heads-up position, and the OCL  90  of the lens  12  is generally horizontal (straight ahead). Further, the LOS  80  of the wearer is also generally horizontal, and substantially parallel with the OCL  90  of the lens  12 . 
   However, in  FIG. 6B , an eyeglass  82  is illustrated in hidden lines wherein the eyeglass  82  is not adjusted to compensate for the vertically elevated (with respect to the lens) LOS  80 . Thus, the LOS  80  of the wearer would pass through an upper portion of the lens of the eyeglass  82 , closer to the upper frame. Such as result provides poor optical results and also inferior protection from wind, light and debris. In addition, the wearers LOS  80  could be obstructed by the frame of the eyeglass  82 . In any event, with the frame of the eyeglass being so close to the LOS  80 , the wearer&#39;s field of view could certainly be reduced. 
   In contrast,  FIG. 6B  also shows an eyeglass  84  wherein the vertical height of the nosepiece has been increased and a lens with a corresponding configuration has been inserted to reduce the vertical deviation angle  92  and provide superior eye protection. As shown in  FIG. 6B , the LOS  80  of the wearer tends to pass more closely through a central portion of the lens, and is more aligned with the OCL  90  of the lens. Such an implementation can tend to improve the overall optical qualities enjoyed by the wearer. Further, such an embodiment tends to ensure that the wearer&#39;s LOS  80  is not obstructed by the frame of the eyeglass  84  when the wearer assumes a head-down posture. 
     FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate front and cross-section views, respectively, of an exemplary prior art sunglass  100 . The sunglass  100  includes a frame  101 , a lens  102 , and a nosepiece  104 . The frame  101  includes a groove  106  and the lens  102  has an upper edge  108  that is received into the groove  106  of the frame  101 . As shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 7B , the groove  106  is used to entirely support the lens  102  and the nosepiece  104 . Thus, the groove  106  of such a sunglass  100  must be particularly deep, thick, and generally more robust. In some prior art sunglasses, the lens groove can be as deep as 0.10 inches. As a result, the overall weight and appearance of the sunglass  100  may be heavier and more bulky. 
   In contrast, a side view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5B  is shown in  FIG. 8 , which further illustrates the above-mentioned features of lightweight configuration and cooperative engagement of the eyeglass  10 . As shown therein, the upper groove  32  be generally defined by the width  110  and the depth  112 . In further contrast to the prior art sunglass of  FIGS. 7A-B , the depth  112  of the eyeglass  10  can be within the range of about 0.030-0.080 inches. Preferably, the depth  112  is less than or equal to about 0.050 inches. The much smaller depth  112  consequently allows more material to be removed from the frame  14 , thereby allowing the weight of the frame to be reduced, due to the structural contribution of the nose-piece and lens. 
   In some embodiments of the frame  14 , the maximum thickness  120  of the frame  14  in the vertical dimension is preferably less than 90% of the thickness of the lens  12 , for example, along the upper edge  20  of the lens  12 . In other embodiments, the thickness of the lens  12  can also be greater than the thickness  120  of the frame  14  in the vertical direction. The maximum width  122  of the frame  14  in the horizontal dimension is preferably less than 350% of the thickness of the lens  12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the contour and cross-sectional configuration of the frame  14  can be variously designed. Therefore, the dimensions and shape of the frame  14  can be modified. However, it is contemplated that the cross-section of the frame  14  can be substantially minimized by employing the teachings herein. 
   As mentioned above, the upper groove  32  can be formed having internal faces that are of differing or equal dimensions. The upper groove  32  can have a cross-sectional area defined by the width  110  and the depth  112 , and perhaps by the rear face  114 , forward face  116 , and the upper face  118 . Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the upper groove  32  is approximately equal to or less than 0.02 square inches. In this regard, the cross-sectional area of the lens  12  that is engaged within the upper groove  32  can preferably be less than approximately 0.02 square inches. The rear face  114  can be of a greater cross-sectional length than a forward face  116 , and can further differ from that of the upper face  118  of the upper groove  32 . The rear, forward, and upper faces  114 ,  116 ,  118  of the upper groove  32  can be modified to provide varying degrees of retention of the upper edge  20  of the lens  12  within the upper groove  32 . 
   Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combination or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.