Patent Publication Number: US-2010110365-A1

Title: Eyewear With Enhanced Fit

Description:
This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/264,287, filed Nov. 4, 2008, which is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/413,521, filed Apr. 28, 2006, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to eyewear, and especially eyewear used for safety and/or activities such as sports. 
     Eyewear for safety applications in industrial use and/or sports are used to protect a user&#39;s eyes. Such eyewear is usually designed to fit relatively closely to a user&#39;s face, so that noxious gas, liquid, particles, contaminants, and the like, do not touch or affect a user&#39;s eye(s). 
     Safety and some sports glasses or eyewear are often designed and formed such that they are bulky and heavy to wear. Some are tight-fitting and uncomfortable as well, such as goggles or masks. In addition, such eyewear is often provided as in only a few sizes which do not fit every user&#39;s face. This results in poor compliance in users donning and wearing the eye wear. Further, poor-fitting eyewear may actually make it more difficult for a user to see. Eyewear which is too small may not adequately cover and/or protect a user&#39;s eyes. 
     Therefore, safety and/or sports eyewear which provides is lightweight and provides adjustments which provides a better individual fit each user&#39;s face would be desirable. Such eyewear desirably may provide adjustments to the lens area as well as the temple/ear pieces of the eyewear. The eyewear desirably may include protection for peripheral vision, and an adjustable securing apparatus for holding the eyewear on a user&#39;s head. In addition, such eyewear may provide some design features which makes it more attractive to wear. 
     DEFINITIONS 
     As used herein, the term “glasses” or “eyewear” refers to eyeglasses, goggles, or other objects worn over the eyes. 
     As used herein, the terms “ear piece” or “ear pieces” refers to The portion of glasses or eyewear which extends from a lens and/or frame to extend over and/or about a portion of a user&#39;s ear to assist in holding the glasses or eyewear on a user&#39;s head. 
     As used herein, the phrase “custom fit” refers to an item that is provided or made in a proper size, shape and fit for the individual, particularly, to fit the contours of a certain area of an individual&#39;s body (For example, “These shoes were made to fit my feet very well.”). 
     As used herein, the term “contour” refers to at least a portion of an item which is shaped to fit the outline or form of something (Example, “A contour sheet”). 
     As used herein, the term “hinge” or “hinges” refers to a jointed or flexible device that connects and permits pivoting or turning of a part to a stationary component. Hinges include, but are not limited to, metal pivotable connectors, such as those used to fasten a door to frame, and living hinges. Living hinges may be constructed from plastic and formed integrally between two members. A living hinge permits pivotable movement of one member in relation to another connected member. 
     As used herein, the terms “contaminate”, “contaminant” and/or “contamination” mean to make unclean or impure by contact. Such contact may be by liquid, solid and/or gas. For example, but not by way of limitation, mud that befouls shoes; noxious fumes that foul the air; bodily fluids that foul clean diapers. 
     As used herein, the term “fasteners” means devices that fasten, join, connect, secure, hold, or clamp components together. Fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, snap-fits, tacks, nails, loop fasteners, and interlocking male/female connectors, such as fishhook connectors, a fish hook connector includes a male portion with a protrusion on its circumference. Inserting the male portion into the female portion substantially permanently locks the two portions together. 
     As used herein, the term “couple” includes, but is not limited to, joining, connecting, fastening, linking, or associating two things integrally or interstitially together. 
     As used herein, the term “configure” or “configuration” means to design, arrange, set up, or shape with a view to specific applications or uses. For example: a military vehicle that was configured for rough terrain; configured the computer by setting the system&#39;s parameters. 
     As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to something which is done to a great extent or degree; a significant or great amount; for example, as used herein “substantially” as applied to “substantially” covered means that a thing is at least 90% covered. 
     As used herein, the term “alignment” refers to the spatial property possessed by an arrangement or position of things in a straight line or in parallel lines. 
     As used herein, the terms “orientation” or “position” used interchangeably herein refer to the spatial property of a place where or way in which something is situated; for example, “the position of the hands on the clock.” 
     As used herein, the term “about” refers to an amount that is plus or minus 10 percent of a stated or implied range. 
     As used herein, the term “resilient” and “resiliency” refers to the physical property of an object and/or a material that can return to its original shape or position after deformation that does not exceed its elastic limit. 
     These terms may be defined with additional language in the remaining portions of the specification. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to eyewear for protecting a user&#39;s eyes. The eyewear includes at least one lens and a pair of ear pieces. The lens has at least one first portion positioned adjacent the user&#39;s nose and at least one second portion which is positioned adjacent an outer edge of the user&#39;s eye when the eyewear is positioned on the user&#39;s face. The lens is positioned to extend a distance from the user&#39;s eye and is configured to cover the user&#39;s eye from the distance. Each ear piece has a first end which is pivotably coupled to the lens adjacent at least one second portion of the lens. The ear pieces are configured to hold the lens against at least a portion of the user&#39;s face and permit the lens to pivot upward and downward on the user&#39;s face when the eyewear is positioned on the user&#39;s face. 
     The present invention is also directed to eyewear that includes at least one lens and a pair of ear pieces, where each ear piece has a first end which is configured to be slideably and releasably coupled to the upper edge of the lens and a second end which is formed to be positioned adjacent a user&#39;s ear when the eyewear is positioned on the user&#39;s face. When each ear piece is releasably coupled to the lens, it may be slideably moved along the upper edge of the lens to permit the ear pieces to move closer or farther away from the user&#39;s head such that the combination of the lens and each ear piece cooperate to provide a custom fit to the user&#39;s head. 
     Also, the present invention is directed to eyewear that includes a pair of lenses, a frame that includes a brow piece positioned between the lenses, and a pair of spaced-apart ear pieces configured to hold the lenses against at least a portion of the user&#39;s head. The frame includes a nose piece which is configured to extend over at least a portion of the user&#39;s nose. Each lens is movably coupled to the nose piece such that each lens individually pivots away from the brow piece of the frame such that each lens is only in contact with the nose piece. 
     The present invention is further directed to eyewear that includes at least one lens and a frame that is coupled to at least a portion of one edge of the lens. The frame is configured to extend about a circumference of the user&#39;s head and includes a tension controller configured to adjust the tension of the frame against the user&#39;s face and head. 
     Additionally, the present invention is also directed to eyewear that includes a pair of first lenses, a frame including a brow portion position between a pair of ear pieces, and a pair of second lenses. Each of the first lenses has an outer edge, at least one first portion positioned adjacent the user&#39;s nose, and at least one second portion positioned adjacent an outer edge of the user&#39;s eye when the eyewear is positioned on the user&#39;s face. The first lenses are positioned to extend a distance from the user&#39;s eyes and cover the user&#39;s eyes from the distance. At least a portion of the brow portion of the frame is coupled to the first lenses along the outer edge of the first lenses and the ear pieces are configured to cooperate with the brow portion to hold the lenses in a position on the user&#39;s face. The pair of second lenses are slideably coupled to the frame and are slideably moveable to a position next to the first lenses. 
     Finally, the present invention is also directed to eyewear that includes at least one lens and a pair of ear pieces, where at least one of the ear pieces has a moveable connector and an RFID tag. The RFID tag is connected to one contact point, provided on a portion of the ear piece positioned adjacent the connector, and another contact point positioned on the eyewear. When the eyewear is opened for use and the ear piece is moved into a position to be donned by the user, the one contact point contacts the other contact point to provide a circuit which permits the RFID tag to send or receive a transmission from an RFID tag reader/scanner. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of the eyewear of the present invention, showing a common lens extending across a user&#39;s eyes and pivotable ear pieces coupled thereto; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the eyewear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the eyewear of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , but shown removed from a user&#39;s face with possible folding options; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of another embodiment of eyewear of the present invention, showing a common lens extending across a user&#39;s eyes and slidable, adjustable ear pieces coupled thereto; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the eyewear of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the eyewear of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , showing the adjustability and moveability of each ear piece relative to the lens; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial perspective view of the eyewear of  FIGS. 4-6 , showing the removable clamp which slidable holds each ear piece to the lens; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of yet another embodiment of eyewear of the present invention, showing a pair of lenses, each coupled in a cantilevered manner to a portion of a frame; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the eyewear of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial exploded view of the lens, lens frame and nose piece of the eyewear of  FIGS. 8-9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the eyewear of  FIGS. 8-10 , showing the pivotable movement of the lenses; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of still another embodiment of eyewear of the present invention, showing a common lens extending across a user&#39;s eyes and a partial frame coupled thereto including a lanyard which is releaseably tensioned about an outer circumference of a user&#39;s head; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the eyewear of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of still yet another embodiment of eyewear of the present invention, showing a pair of first lenses and a pair of second lenses positioned adjacent thereto; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the eyewear of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial perspective view of the eyewear of  FIGS. 14 and 15 , showing the slideability and adjustability of the two pair of lenses; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial perspective view of a portion of one ear piece of the present embodiment, showing a slideable adjustment of the ear piece; and 
         FIG. 18  is yet another embodiment of eyewear of the present invention, showing eyewear having an RFID tag on an ear piece which, when the ear piece is moved from a folded position into a position (shown in phantom lines) when the eyewear is donned, a contact point on the ear piece and another contact point on the frame provide a circuit which permits the RFID tag to send and/or receive a transmission. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to one or more embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example and embodiment is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. It is intended that the invention include these and other modifications and variations as coming within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     Safety glasses and/or glasses used in sports applications are usually made with shatter-resistant plastic lenses to protect the eye. Although safety lenses may be constructed from a variety of materials that vary in impact resistance, certain standards suggest that they maintain a minimum 1 millimeter thickness at the thinnest point, regardless of material. Safety glasses can vary in the level of protection that they provide based on their intended application. For example, those used in medicine may be expected to protect against blood splatter while safety glasses in a factory might have stronger lenses and a stronger frame and may include additional shields or safety features. The lenses of safety glasses may be shaped for correction or magnification. Some safety glasses may also be designed to fit over corrective glasses or sunglasses. 
     While face shields, goggles, and so forth are available as well, some studies have suggested that they will not always be used due to their bulkiness and weight. Therefore, lighter weight eyewear, while not providing as much protection as full face shields and/or goggles, may be preferred and actually worn more frequently by users due to their lack of size or bulk and their reduced weight. In addition, recent studies have also suggested that when safety glasses are both light weight and have a more stylish design, these features in combination also result in a higher usage of safety glasses in the appropriate situations. 
     The lenses of safety glasses are desirably made from plastic. There are a number of suitable plastics which may be utilized. Examples of some plastics used for eyewear include polycarbonates, such as LEXAN® manufactured by General Electric, Fairfield, Conn., allyl diglycol polycarbonate such as CR-39® manufactured by PPG Industries, Pittsburgh, Pa., and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) such as Kraton® or Dynaflex® produced by GLS, McHenry, Ill. 
     Other materials may also be available for making lenses; other materials may be added to or provided via, for example, but not by way of limitation, a coating, cover, and so forth provided to the lenses to provide additional features. Such features may include, but are not limited to ultraviolet (UV) light protection, anti-fogging protection, anti-reflective (AR) protection, and so forth. Safety and/or sports glasses may desirably be ranked according to meeting certain requirements. In the United States, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has various standards and ratings for safety glasses. Safety glasses may be rated according to their ability to resist, for example, flying debris, heat, sparks, acid splash, abrasive blasting materials, glare, radiation, and so forth. 
     Safety and/or sports glasses may have numerous uses in a household situation. Safety glasses may be used while painting, while cutting grass, and so forth. Many different types of sports have found protective eyewear useful as well. Safety glasses or eyewear are increasingly needed for new industrial, home and sports applications. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-18  in general, and  1 - 3  in particular, the present invention provides eyewear adapted to protect a user&#39;s eyes. In the present embodiment, the eyewear  10  includes at least one lens  12 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . The lens may include a single lens  12  which extends generally across a user&#39;s face  14  and specifically across a user&#39;s nose  16  to cover both eyes  18  and thereby to provide protection to both eyes  18 . 
     Desirably the lens  12  extends a distance  20  from the user&#39;s eyes and is configured to cover or extend over each of a user&#39; eyes  18  from the distance  20  to provide protection thereto. The lens  12  desirably includes at least one, and in this embodiment a pair of first portions  22  which are positioned adjacent a user&#39;s nose  16 . The lens  12  desirably also includes a pair of second portions  24  which are positioned adjacent an outer edge  25  of a user&#39;s eye  18 . The lens  12  includes a connector  26  which is positioned across a user&#39;s nose  16 . The lens  12  may include a frame positioned about at least a portion of an outer edge  27  of the lens  12  (not shown). 
     A pair of ear pieces  28  are desirably coupled to the lens  12  on or near a lower area  30  of the outer edge  27  and near the second portions  24 . Each ear piece  28  is configured to hold the lens  12  adjacent a user&#39;s face  14 . Desirably, each ear piece  28  includes a first end  32  and a second end  34 . A temple piece  35  desirably extends between the first end  32  and the second end  34 . 
     The first end  32  of each ear piece  28  is desirably pivotably coupled near the second portions  24  of the lens  12 . The second end  34  desirably is positioned over and/or around a portion of a user&#39;s ear  36  when the eyewear  10  is being worn. Similarly, the temple piece  35  is desirably configured to be positioned adjacent a user&#39;s temple  38 . 
     The pivotable coupling of the ear pieces  28  to the lens  12  permits the eyewear  12  to be moved on a user&#39;s face  14  to provide greater protection to certain areas of a user&#39;s face  14 . The lens  12  and the pair of ear pieces  28  are configured such that the lens  12  may be pivotably rotated or moved in a direction  40  upward so that the lens  12  fits more closely against a users brow  42  and/or forehead  43 . When this occurs, the first end  32  of each ear piece  28  may remain in position. Alternatively, the first end of each ear piece  28  may move in a direction  44  downward. Conversely, the lens  12  and the pair of ear pieces  28  are configured such that the lens  12  may be moved in the direction  44  downward so that the lens  12  fits more closely against a user&#39;s cheeks  46 . When this occurs, the first end  32  of each ear piece  28  may remain in position. Alternatively however, the first end of each ear piece  28  moves in a direction  40  upward. In a further alternative, however, the first end  32  of each ear piece  28  may remain in position on a user&#39;s head without movement or pivoting. The adjustability of the lens  12  and/or the earpieces  28  as well provides an enhanced fit. 
     The ear pieces  28  each pivotably move on a pivot post (not shown) such that, when the eyewear  10  is removed from a user&#39;s face, each ear piece  28  may pivotably move to permit each ear piece  28  to move into a closed position adjacent the lens  12  for storage, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     The lens  12  desirably includes along an upper edge  50 , a curved upper portion  52  which is configured to follow and conform to the contour and configuration of a user&#39;s brow  42  and/or forehead  43 . The lens  12  also may include a curved lower portion  52  positioned along and/or adjacent a lower area  30  and the outer edge  27  of the lens  12  which is also configured to follow and conform to the contours and configuration of a user&#39;s cheeks  46 . The curved upper portion  48  and/or the curved lower portion  52  assist in providing a custom fit of the eyewear  10  to a user&#39;s face  14 . 
     Desirably, at least a portion of each ear piece  28  has some resiliency to permit a comfortable fit of the eyewear  10  against a user&#39;s face and head. Such resiliency may also assist in providing the ear pieces  28  in a folded or closed position against the lens  12  for storage. In addition, at least a portion of the lens may include some resiliency. 
     The lens  12  and each ear piece  28  pivot on an axis  54 . Desirably, when the eyewear  10  is being worn and a user is in an upright position, the axis  54  is horizontal. 
     In an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the lens  12  may be provided as a pair of lenses, with one lens extending over one of each of the eyes of a user when the eyewear is positioned on a user&#39;s face (not shown). In such an embodiment, a nose piece will desirably be provided to assist in holding the lenses  12  to a user&#39;s face (not shown). Alternatively, a nose piece may be provided as a portion of a frame (not shown), or at least a portion of a nose piece may be coupled to the lens  12  of the present embodiment (not shown). A frame may be coupled to a portion of the lens (not shown). The earpieces may be provided as a portion of such a frame (not shown). 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the eyewear  110  shown in  FIGS. 4-7  is similar to the eyewear  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and described in detail previously herein, except that the eyewear  110  has features which differ from those of eyewear  10 . In the present embodiment, the eyewear  110  includes at least one lens  112 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . The lens may include a single lens  112  which extends generally across a user&#39;s face  14  and specifically across a user&#39;s nose  16  to cover both eyes  18  and thereby to provide protection to both eyes  18 . 
     Desirably the lens  112  extends a distance  120  from the user&#39;s eyes and is configured to cover or extend over each of a user&#39; eyes  18  from the distance  120  to provide protection thereto. The lens  112  desirably includes at least one, and in this embodiment a pair of first portions  122  which are positioned adjacent a user&#39;s nose  16 . The lens  112  desirably also includes a pair of second portions  124  which are positioned adjacent an outer edge  25  of a user&#39;s eye  18 . The lens  112  includes a connector  126  which is positioned across a user&#39;s nose  16 . The lens  112  may include a frame positioned about at least a portion of an outer edge  127  of the lens  112  (not shown). 
     A pair of ear pieces  128  are desirably coupled to the lens  112  along an upper edge  130  of the lens  112  near the second portions  124  thereof. Each ear piece  128  is configured to hold the lens  112  adjacent a user&#39;s face  14 . Desirably, each ear piece  128  includes a first end  132  and a second end  134 . A temple piece  135  desirably extends between the first end  132  and the second end  134 . 
     The first end  132  desirably includes a U-shaped groove which is positioned over the upper edge  130  and a releasable clamp  136  also having a U-shaped groove which is positionable about and desirably releaseably coupled to the upper edge  130  of the lens  112 , as illustrated best in  FIG. 7 . The first end  132  is moveably and slidably positionable along the upper edge  130  so that the ear pieces  128  may be moved in a direction  138  inward toward a user&#39;s nose  16  or a direction outward  140 , away from a user&#39;s nose  16 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . This adjustability of the ear pieces  128  desirably provides a custom fit to the shape and/or configuration of an outer circumference  56  of a user&#39;s head  58 . The second end  134  of each ear piece  128  is desirably positioned adjacent a user&#39;s ear  36  when the eyewear  110  is worn. Similarly, the temple piece  135  is desirably configured to be positioned adjacent a user&#39;s temple  38 . It will be appreciated that adjustment of the first end  132  permits the proper fit of the temple piece  135  and the second end  134  of the ear pieces  128  against a user&#39;s head  58 , and also assists in providing a proper fit of the lens  112  to a user&#39;s face  14 . 
     The eyewear  110  may also include a pair of holders  142  which are pivotably coupled to the eyewear  110 , desirably at or in the general area of the connector  126 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The holders  142  are desirably coupled at one end to the lens  112  or equivalent structure such that the holders  142  together form a V or U-shape. Each holder  142  is desirably individually moveable to provide a custom fit to a user&#39;s nose  16 . Each holder  142  is desirably configured to be positioned against a side of a user&#39;s nose  16 , to comfortably hold the lens  112  on a user&#39;s face  14 . 
     The upper edge  130  of the lens  112  may include a ridge  144  on either an outer surface  146  or an inner surface  148  of the lens  112  ( FIG. 7 ). The ridge  144  desirably provides a guide for the groove on the first end  132  of each ear piece  128  and assist the clamp  136  in coupling each ear piece  128  firmly to the lens  112 . This coupling may provide slideable adjustment of each ear piece  128  on the lens  112 . 
     The lens  112  desirably follows the general curvature of a user&#39;s brow  42  and/or forehead  43 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . This curvature provides peripheral protection to a user&#39;s eyes  18 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the lens  12  may be provided as a pair of lenses, with one lens extending over one of each of the eyes of a user when the eyewear is positioned on a user&#39;s face (not shown). In such an embodiment, a frame may be provided around at least a portion of an outer edge of each lens (not shown). In addition, a nose piece will desirably be provided to assist in holding the lenses to a user&#39;s face (not shown). In such an alternative, a nose piece may be provided as such as the holders or as a portion of a frame (not shown). 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the eyewear  210  shown in  FIGS. 8-11  is similar to the eyewear  10 ,  110  shown in  FIGS. 1-7  and described in detail previously herein, except that the eyewear  210  has features which differ from those of eyewear  10  and  110 . In the present embodiment, the eyewear  210  desirably includes a pair of lenses  212 , as shown in  FIGS. 8-11 . 
     Desirably, each of the pair of lenses  212  extends a distance  220  from the user&#39;s eyes  18  and each is configured to cover or extend over at least one of a user&#39; eyes  18  from the distance  220  to provide protection thereto. Each of the lenses  212  desirably includes a first portion  222  which is positioned adjacent a user&#39;s nose  16 . Each lens  212  desirably also includes a second portion  224  which is positioned adjacent an outer edge  25  of a user&#39;s eye  18 . Each lens  212  is desirably coupled, directly or indirectly, to a frame  260 . 
     The frame  260  in the present embodiment desirably includes a brow portion  262  which extends over a user&#39;s brow  42  and forehead  43 . The brow portion  262  may also include a nose piece  264  which extends over at least a portion of a user&#39;s nose  16 . Each lens  212  may also include a separate lens frame  266  which is positioned about at least a portion of an outer edge  227  of each lens  212 . The lens  212  or the lens frame  266  desirable couples to a portion of the frame  260  such as the nose piece  264 . While the lens  212  and/or the lens frame  266  may be positioned against the frame  260 , only a portion of each lens  212  adjacent the first portion  122  (or, alternatively, the lens frame  266 ) is coupled to the frame  266 . Each lens  212  is desirably movably coupled to the nose piece  264  such that each lens  212  may be individually moved or pivoted away from the brow portion  262  of the frame  260  such that each lens  212  is in contact with only the nose piece  264 , and no other portion of the lens  212  or lens frame  266  contacts the frame  260 . Desirably, each lens  212  is moveably coupled in a cantilevered position to the nose piece  264  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ). Such coupling may be made, but not by way of limitation, via a pin and aperture arrangement between each lens  212  and each side of the nose piece  264 , respectively, although it will be understood that other fasteners and/or other mechanisms may be used. Each lens  212  is separately and individually movable away from the frame  260 , and this moveability permits air flow and venting around a substantial portion of the lens  212 . 
     Each lens  212  is desirably moveably coupled to the nose piece  264  and each lens moves on an axis  268 . The axis  268  is desirably, when a user is in an upright position wearing the eyewear  210 , a horizontal axis  268 . 
     The frame  260  also includes a pair of ear pieces  228  which may be integrally formed with the frame  260  or, alternatively, which may be formed separately and hingeably coupled to the frame  260  in a well known manner (not shown). Each ear piece  228  is desirably formed with the frame  260  near the second portions  224  of each lens  212 . Each ear piece  228  is configured to cooperate with the brow portion  262  and the rest of the frame  260  to hold the lenses  212  adjacent a user&#39;s face  14 . 
     Desirably, each ear piece  228  includes a first end  232  which is formed adjacent to or coupled to the brow portion  262  and a second end  234  which is configured to be positioned adjacent a user&#39;s ear  36 . A temple piece  235  desirably extends between the first end  232  and the second end  234  of each ear piece  228 . At least a portion of each ear piece  228  and/or the frame  260  desirably has resiliency to permit the eyewear  210  to adapt to and fit a user&#39;s head  58 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the eyewear  310  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  is similar to the eyewear  10 ,  110  and  210  shown in  FIGS. 1-11  and described in detail previously herein, except that the eyewear  310  has features which differ from those of eyewear  10  and  110 . In the present embodiment, the eyewear  310  includes at least one lens  312 , as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The lens  312  may include a single lens  113  which extends generally across a user&#39;s face  14  and specifically across a user&#39;s nose  16  to cover both eyes  18  and thereby to provide protection to both eyes  18 . 
     Desirably the lens  312  extends a distance  320  from the user&#39;s eyes and is configured to cover or extend over each of a user&#39; eyes  18  from the distance  320  to provide protection thereto. The lens  312  desirably includes at least one, and in this embodiment a pair of first portions  322  which are positioned adjacent a user&#39;s nose  16 . The lens  312  desirably also includes a pair of second portions  324  which are positioned adjacent an outer edge  25  of a user&#39;s eye  18 . The lens  312  includes a connector  326  which is positioned across a user&#39;s nose  16 . The lens  312  may include a frame  360  positioned about at least a portion of an outer edge  327  of the lens  312 . 
     The frame  360  is configured to extend about an outer circumference  56  of a user&#39;s head  58 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . The frame  360  desirably, but not by way of limitation, provides a continuous circle for encircling a user&#39;s head  58 . The frame  360  may include a lanyard section  370  which permits the eyewear  310  to be hung around a user&#39;s neck (not shown). The frame  360  desirably includes a tension controller  372  positioned on a portion of the lanyard section  370  configured to adjust the tension of the frame  360  against a user&#39;s face  14 . 
     The frame  360  may include ear pieces  328  which are desirably, but not by way of limitation, integrally formed with the frame  360 . Each ear piece  328  may include a first end  332  which may be positioned near the second portion  324  of the lens  312 , and a second end  334  which may be positioned adjacent a user&#39;s ear  36 . Each ear piece  328  may include a temple piece  335  which extends between the first end  332  and the second end  334 . The second end  334  desirable couples to the lanyard section  370 . Alternatively, each ear piece  328  may include a first end  332  and the lanyard section  370  which includes the tension controller  372 . The tension controller  372  may include clamps, such as frictionally adjusted clamps, and so forth, which permit easy adjustability of the tension of the frame  360  and lens  312  against a user&#39;s face  14  and head  58 . The tension controller  372  may be moved about the frame  360  to facilitate obtaining a comfortable tension. The frame  360  may include fasteners which may couple at least a portion of the lens  312  to at least a portion of the frame  360 . 
     When the eyewear  310  is worn by a user, it may be positioned such that at least a portion of an upper edge  350  of the lens  312  moves away from a user&#39;s forehead  43  when the frame  360  is adjusted firmly against a user&#39;s face  14  and head  58  to provide venting and airflow to a portion of a user&#39;s face  14 . Desirably, at least a portion of the frame  360  is formed from a resilient material which adapts to a shape of a user&#39;s face  14  and outer circumference  56  of a user&#39;s head  58 . In addition, at least a portion of the lens  312  may be formed from a resilient material which permits the lens  312  to cooperate with the frame  360  to fit closely to a user&#39;s face  14 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the lens  312  may be provided as a pair of lenses, with one lens extending over one of each of the eyes of a user when the eyewear is positioned on a user&#39;s face (not shown). In such an embodiment, a nose piece will desirably be provided to assist in holding the lenses to a user&#39;s face (not shown). Alternatively, a nose piece may be provided as a portion of a frame (not shown), or at least a portion of a nose piece may be coupled to the lens of the present embodiment (not shown). A frame positioned about at least a portion of each lens may also be provided (not shown). 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the eyewear  410  shown in  FIGS. 14-17  is similar to the eyewear  10 ,  110 ,  210  and  310  shown in  FIGS. 1-13  and described in detail previously herein, except that the eyewear  410  has features which differ from those of eyewear  10 ,  110 ,  210  and  310 . In the present embodiment, the eyewear  410  desirably includes a pair of lenses  412 , as shown in  FIGS. 14-16 . 
     Desirably, each of the pair of lenses  412  extends a distance  420  from the user&#39;s eyes  18  and each is configured to cover or extend over at least one of a user&#39; eyes  18  from the distance  420  to provide protection thereto. Each of the lenses  412  desirably includes a first portion  422  which is positioned adjacent a user&#39;s nose  16 . Each lens  412  desirably also includes a second portion  424  which is positioned adjacent an outer edge  25  of a user&#39;s eye  18 . Each lens  412  is desirably coupled to a frame  460 . 
     The frame  460  in the present embodiment surrounds an outer edge  427  of each lens  412  and include a nose piece  464  which extends across a portion of a user&#39;s nose  16 . The second portion  424  of the lens  412  may extend a distance away from an outer edge  25  of a user&#39;s eye  18 , and may extend near a user&#39;s temple  38  and ear  36 . 
     The frame  460  may also include a pair of ear pieces  428  which may be integrally formed with the frame  460  or, alternatively, which may be formed separately and hingeably and/or slideably coupled to the frame  460  (not shown). Each ear piece  428  is desirably formed near the second portions  424  of each lens  412 . Each ear piece  428  is configured to cooperate with the frame  460  to hold the lenses  412  adjacent a user&#39;s face  14 . 
     Desirably, each ear piece  428  includes a first end  432  which is formed adjacent to or coupled to the frame  460  and a second end  434  which is configured to be positioned adjacent a user&#39;s ear  36 . The second end  434  may be provided with a pair of spaced-apart grooves  464 , as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
     At least a portion of each second end  434  may provide a track  462  formed therein. An extendable rail  466  desirably having a pair of rounded tongue edges  468  may be provided to slideably move on the track  462 . In addition, the rail  466  may include a stemmed end  470 . The tongue edges  468  of the rail  466  are configured to slideably coupled to and move within the grooves  464  of the rail  466  to provide adjustability to the eyewear  410  allowing for a custom fit to a user&#39;s head  58 . In addition, at least a portion of each ear piece  428  desirably has resiliency to permit the eyewear  410  and ear pieces  428  to better adapt to a shape of a user&#39;s head  58 . 
     In addition, the rail  466  and stem end  470  may provide a surface  472  suitable for accepting writing, printing, and so forth, so that the eyewear  410  may include personalization, such as, by way of non-limiting example, design indicia (not shown) such as, for example, a logo, a user&#39;s name, a user&#39;s company, and so forth, may be printed or written on the surface  472 . It will be appreciated that such design indicia  468  may include any letter, number, picture and/or symbol, and so forth. 
     Upper edges (not shown) and lower inner edges  476  of the frame  460  includes a pair of grooves, that is, an inner groove  478  and an outer groove  480  which run generally parallel to each other on the upper and lower inner edges  474 ,  476  of the frame  460 . The lenses  412  of the present embodiment act as first lenses  412 . A second pair of lenses  482  act as second lenses  482 , as shown best in  FIG. 16 . At least a portion of the outer edge  427  of the first lenses  412  are desirably, but not by way of limitation, slideably positioned in the inner grooves  478 . At least a portion of the outer edges  427  of the second pair of lenses  482  are slideably positioned in the outer grooves  480  of the frame  460 . This arrangement permits a user to select the first lenses  412  or the second lenses  482  to view through, with the lenses not chosen moved to each outer periphery  484  of the eyewear  410 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . In addition, the arrangement permits a user to chose both first and second lenses  412 ,  482  to see or view through, or just one of the first lenses  412  or second lenses  482 . Each set of first and second lenses  412 ,  482  may include the same or different features or characteristics, such as, but not by way of limitation, different tints, different protections, such as for UV light, laser light, chemical splash, magnification, debris deflection, and so forth. 
     One or more of the eyewear  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410  may include an RFID tag coupled thereto. In the present embodiment, the eyewear  510  shown in  FIG. 18  is similar to the eyewear shown in  FIGS. 1-17  and described in detail previously herein, except that the eyewear  510  includes an RFID tag  580 . 
     The eyewear  510  includes at least one lens  512 . The lens  512  may include a single lens which extends generally across a user&#39;s face and specifically across a user&#39;s nose to cover both eyes and thereby to provide protection to both eyes, as shown in  FIG. 18 , or a pair of lenses (not shown). 
     Desirably the lens  512  extends a distance from the user&#39;s eyes and is configured to cover or extend over each of a user&#39; eyes from the distance to provide protection thereto. The lens  512  desirably includes at least one, and in this embodiment a pair of first portions  522  which are positioned adjacent a user&#39;s nose  16  when the glasses are positioned on a user&#39;s face (not shown). The lens  512  desirably also includes a pair of second portions  524  which are positioned adjacent an outer edge of a user&#39;s eye. The lens  512  includes a connector  526  which is positioned across a user&#39;s nose. The lens  512  may include a frame  560  positioned about at least a portion of an outer edge  527  of the lens  512 . 
     The eyewear  510  desirably includes a pair of ear pieces  528  which are movably connected by a movable connector  582 , in this instance, a hinge, to the frame  560  and/or the lens  512 . Each ear piece  528  is configured to hold the lens  512  adjacent a user&#39;s face. Desirably, each ear piece  528  includes a first end  532  and a second end  534 . A temple piece  535  desirably extends between the first end  532  and the second end  534 . 
     The movable connector  582  may include any connector which operates as shown and/or described may be used. Therefore, slidable ear pieces, telescoping earpieces, and so forth may also be used, as well as pivotable and/or rotatable ear pieces (not shown). 
     The RFID tag  580  is desirably provided on one ear piece  528  of the eyewear  510 . One method of RFID tag activation may include providing at least one movable connector  582  to the eyewear  510 . The RFID tag  580  of the ear piece  528  may be coupled to and/or connected to a contact point  586  on the first end  532  of the ear piece  528 . Another contact point  588  may be provided on the lens  512  and/or frame  560 . When the eyewear  510  is opened for use, that is, unfolded to be positioned on a user&#39;s face, the ear piece&#39;s  528  contact point  586  contacts and/or couples to the contact point  588  of the lens  512  and/or frame  560 . When this occurs, a circuit is completed. The completion of the circuit may act in several different ways. 
     In one method, the RFID tag  580  is unshielded, and it permits the RFID tag  580  to transmit and/or receive a transmission from an RFID reader or scanner  590  which is located in or near the environment in which the eyewear  510  is being donned. In another method, completion of the circuit provides the requisite antennae (not shown) for the RFID  580  tag to transmit and/or receive a signal from an RFID reader/scanner  590 . Alternatively, a telescoping ear piece or portion of the eyewear may complete a circuit to send or receive a transmission for an RFID tag when two telescoping or sliding portions of the ear piece or eyewear, each with contact points, contact each other (not shown). This arrangement may also be effective for other folding and/or sliding portions of the eyewear (not shown). It will be appreciated that other methods for activation and/or signal transmission from/to such an RFID tag may be used. 
     The RFID tag  580  may be an active or passive tag. In either situation, the RFID tag  580  desirably does not become activated until the eyewear  510  is opened in a position to be worn, as illustrated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 18 . That is, the RFID tag  580  cannot be queried by an RFID reader/scanner if the eyewear  510  is folded and placed in a user&#39;s pocket. Such RFID tags used with safety equipment are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,853,303, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. RFID tags and RFID tag readers/scanners are known in the art and commercially available. Some tag readers/scanners may include alarms or other recognition systems. Such alarms, and so forth, may be activated when an individual passes through an environment having a reader/scanner and the reader/scanner, and upon querying all available RFID tags, does not find all expected RFID tags to read or scan. 
     It will be appreciated that the features and/or components of one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with another embodiment. In some circumstances, such combination may yield yet another embodiment. Any embodiment herein may ear pieces which are operable as described for RFID tags. 
     While the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it will be appreciated that some elements and/or articles may be used with other elements or articles. It is intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.