Patent Publication Number: US-2003223032-A1

Title: Eyewear and system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001] The present application claims the benefit of convention priority from Canadian Patent Application No. 2,388,293 entitled “EYEWEAR AND SYSTEM” filed on May 30, 2002, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/445,449 filed on Feb. 7, 2003.  
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The present invention relates to eyewear and particularly, to a system of eyewear having a number of different features including adjustable arms and interchangeable lenses.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] Conventional eyewear, such as sunglasses, have a number of drawbacks. For example, the arms are typically a single moulded piece that is not easily adjustable. A conventional ear support for a pair of eyeglasses is formed as a one-piece ear stem, the length of which is fixed. If the length of the ear support is not proper, one might feel uncomfortable wearing the eyeglasses. Particularly, a smaller length can cause aching of the user&#39;s ears, while a longer length can hinder the lens frame from being properly seated on the user&#39;s nose. Furthermore, lenses are typically mounted in a fashion that makes it difficult to change them. Although conventional sunglasses may be suitable for use at the beach, they may not be suitable for all events, such as social occasions.  
       [0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to be able to modify eyewear to suit different environments. To do so conveniently requires that fragile or delicate components such as lenses be readily available for use when desired and protected and accessible when stored. Furthermore, existing mechanisms for changing lenses can be awkward due to relatively large forces required to remove locking mechanisms. The small size of the parts involved can also make it difficult for the user maintain the necessary grip to perform the lens changing operation comfortably.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one problem associated with the prior art.  
       [0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, an eyewear system, includes: at least one pair of lenses; an eyewear frame including a pair of lens frames, the lens frames connected by a bridge, each lens frame releasably holding a corresponding lens of the at least one pair of lenses; a locking element for clamping the bridge of the eyewear frame and preventing the lens frames from releasing the held lenses; the locking element having a “C” shaped cross-section, the locking element including a planar main portion, an upper portion relatively proximate to the nosepiece of the eyewear and a lower portion relatively distant from the nosepiece, the upper and lower portions attached at substantially right angles to the main portion, a descending upper flange attached to the upper portion and a rising lower flange attached to the lower portion, and a tab provided on the rising lower flange, the tab protruding from the plane of the rising lower flange and extending away from the main portion, the tab serving as a grip for manual manipulation of the locking element by the user and serving as a lever when removing the locking element from the eyewear frame by rotating the locking element about the upper portion; at least one side support for holding the eyewear frame to a head of the user; releasable mounting means for mounting the at least one side support to the eyewear frame; and a nosepiece mounted to the frame for spacing the eyewear frame from a face of the user.  
       [0007] In order to organize and store the components of an eyewear system, it is desirable to have a carrying case capable of protecting the components of the system while not in use yet compact enough to allow it to be easily carried by the user. In addition, the system includes different lenses for use in different environments or while performing different activities. For example, Light Equalization System lenses can be used to eliminate up to 100% of harmful UV-A and UV-B light rays. They self-calibrate light frequencies to provide a crisp contrast and sharp definition. The top surface hard coat is scratch resistant. By contrast the limiter lenses are very dark lenses for exceptionally sunny days. The enhancer lenses are high-contrast lenses for dull, cloudy or hazy days.  
       [0008] To allow for easier removal of side supports, namely the microslot arms, sport arms or headband from the eyewear frame and replacement of another one, an “S” shaped complementary coupling member is provided on the side supports having planar sidewalls for engagement with a corresponding hollow in coupling members attached to the eyewear frame. The smooth featureless sidewalls of the complementary coupling member allows easier removal of side supports compared with the prior art which included a retaining shoulder or other locking mechanisms which made it difficult to remove side supports.  
       [0009] Advantageously, the eyewear system is more accessible, better organized and more portable due to the inclusion of the carrying case. The delicate items such as lenses are securely stored safe from scratches and breakage. Furthermore, changing the lenses is greatly facilitated by use of the tab on the vise-lock lens transfer element. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0010] The features and advantages of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments of this invention, wherein:  
     [0011]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pair of eyeglasses in the first embodiment of this invention;  
     [0012]FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the eyeglasses in FIG. 1, with an impact cushioning band detached from the lens frame;  
     [0013]FIG. 3 a  is a front plan view of the eyeglasses in FIG. 2 with the impact cushioning band removed therefrom for clarity;  
     [0014]FIG. 3 b  is a side view of the eyeglasses shown in FIG. 3 a;    
     [0015]FIG. 4 a  is a partly schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 3 a,  where the lens receiving spaces are in a smaller-sized contracted state;  
     [0016]FIG. 4 b  is a view similar to FIG. 4 a  except that the lens receiving spaces are in a larger-sized normal state;  
     [0017]FIG. 5 a  is a partly schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 a;    
     [0018]FIG. 5 b  is an exploded view of FIG. 5 a;    
     [0019]FIG. 6 is a is a perspective view of a coupling member mounted on the right side of the lens frame; FIG. 6 b  is a bottom view of the coupling member shown in FIG. 6 a;    
     [0020]FIG. 7 a  is a partly schematic cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 3 a,  showing the engagement between the coupling member and the respective one of the lens retaining rims  10  at a section where a projection is provided;  
     [0021]FIG. 7 b  is a partly schematic cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 3 a,  showing the engagement between the coupling member and the respective lens retaining rim;  
     [0022]FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b  illustrate the “S”-lock complementary coupling member according to the present invention;  
     [0023]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the right side ear stem;  
     [0024]FIG. 10 a  is an assembled schematic side view of an ear stem and an earpiece;  
     [0025]FIG. 10 b  is a view similar to FIG. 10 a,  but with the earpiece being shown in cross section;  
     [0026]FIGS. 11 a  and  11   b  are perspective views of an earpiece and FIG. 11 c  is a rear view of the earpiece;  
     [0027]FIGS. 12 a  and  12   b  are cross-sectional views taken along lines E-E and F-F in FIG. 10 a,  respectively;  
     [0028]FIG. 13 is a partly schematic side view of an earpiece and an ear stem, showing the earpiece in a position for adjustment;  
     [0029]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the eyeglasses of this invention, wherein the first stem-type side support is replaced by the second strap-type side support;  
     [0030]FIGS. 15 a  and  15   b  are perspective views of a right side strap fastener of the second strap- type side support;  
     [0031]FIG. 16 a  is a top view of a lens;  
     [0032]FIG. 16 b  is a partly schematic cross-sectional view showing the engagement between one of the lenses and the respective one of the lens retaining rims;  
     [0033]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cushioning band;  
     [0034]FIG. 18 is a front plan view of a pair of eyeglasses in a second embodiment of this invention, where a cushioning band is removed for clarity;  
     [0035]FIG. 19 is a partly schematic cross-sectional view taken along line G-G in FIG. 18;  
     [0036]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to another aspect of the present invention;  
     [0037]FIG. 21 is a plan view of the carrying case of FIG. 20;  
     [0038]FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of the carrying case of FIG. 20;  
     [0039]FIG. 23 is a right side elevation view of the carrying case of FIG. 20;  
     [0040]FIG. 24 is a left side elevation view of the carrying case of FIG. 20;  
     [0041]FIGS. 25 a,    25   b  and  25   c  illustrate front, side and bottom views of a vise-lock lens transfer element according to the present invention;  
     [0042]FIGS. 26 a,    26   b  and  26   c  illustrate front, bottom and enlarged views of a lens adaptor included in the present invention;  
     [0043] FIGS.  27  to  36  illustrate changing the lenses of the present invention;  
     [0044] FIGS.  37  to  42  illustrate changing the arm and headband of the present invention;  
     [0045] FIGS.  43  to  46  illustrate adjusting the microslot arms;  
     [0046] FIGS.  47  to  49  illustrate installing the sport visor;  
     [0047]FIG. 50 illustrates cleaning the lenses;  
     [0048] FIGS.  51  to  52  illustrate installing the optical adaptor;  
     [0049]FIGS. 53 and 54 illustrate the attachment of the optical adaptor to the eyewear in sectional view; and  
     [0050]FIGS. 55 and 56 illustrate the attachment of the optical adaptor to the eyewear. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     [0051] Generally, the present invention relates to a system of eyewear having numerous features and advantages as described below and illustrated in the drawings.  
     [0052] Referring to FIGS.  1  to  3 , a pair of eyeglasses  1  of a first preferred embodiment of this is shown to include a lens frame  2 , a pair of lenses  4  mounted onto the lens frame  2 , and a side support including a first side support G and a second side support  8  (see FIG. 14) The first side support  6  is of a type that includes a pair of ear stems as shown in FIG. 2, while the second side support  8  is of a type that includes a strap, as shown in FIG. 14. The first side support  6  and the second side support B are interchangeable to meet different needs.  
     [0053] The lens frame  2  which is formed integrally and made from a resilient material, such as plastic or polycarbonate, has a pair of lens retaining rims  10  that are spaced apart in a first direction on a plane of the lens frame  2 . Each of the lens retaining rims  10  has an inner lateral rim portion  12 , an outer lateral rim portion  14 , and an upper rim portion  18  connecting the lateral rim portions  12 ,  14 . The inner lateral rim portions  12  of the lens retaining rims  10  are disposed adjacent to each other. A bridge  20  extends in the first direction and interconnects the inner lateral rim portions  12  of the lens retaining rims. Preferably, the front side of  2  the bridge  20  is recessed with respect to front sides of the lens retaining rims  10 . Each of the lens retaining rims  10  further has a lens engaging inner periphery that confines a lens receiving space for receiving one of the lenses  4  therein.  
     [0054] A lens removing slit  22  is formed to communicate the two lens receiving spaces formed by the lens retaining rims  10 . The lens removing slit  22  extends from the lens engaging inner periphery of one of the lens retaining rims  10 , through the inner lateral rim portion  12  of said one of the lens retaining rims  10  through the bridge  20 , and through the inner lateral rim portion  12  and the lens engaging inner periphery of the other one of the lens retaining rims  10 . The lens removing slit  22  divides each of the inner lateral rim portions  12  into an upper and a lower section  13 ,  15 , and divides the bridge  20  into an upper and a lower section  20   a,    20   b.  The upper section  13  and the lower section  15  of each of the inner lateral rim portions  12 , and the upper section  20   a  and the lower section  20   b  of the bridge  20  are normally spaced apart in a second direction transverse to the first direction.  
     [0055] The lens receiving spaces formed in the lens retaining rims  10  suitably contain the lenses  4  therein such that the lens engaging inner  2  periphery of each of the lens retaining rims  10  engages fittingly the outer periphery the respective one of the lenses  4 . The lens receiving spaces can be adjusted by forcing the upper section  20   a  and the lower section  20   b  of the bridge  20 , as well as the upper sections  13  and the lower sections  15  of the inner lateral rim portions  12  toward each other so as to change the lens receiving spaces from a larger-sized normal state to a smaller-sized contracted state.  
     [0056] In the larger-sized normal state where the lens receiving spaces are larger in size than the lenses  4  to be inserted, the lenses  4  can be inserted easily into the lens receiving spaces and engage the periphery of a respective one of the lens retaining rims  10 . Once the lenses  4  are retained in position, the upper section  20   a  and the lower section  20   b  of the bridge  20  and the upper sections  13  and the lower sections  15  of the inner lateral rim portions  12  are forced together so as to change the lens receiving spaces into the smaller-sized contracted state, where the lenses  4  are firmly clamped by the inner periphery of the respective one of the lens retaining rims  10 .  
     [0057] Referring to FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b,  in the larger-sized normal state, the upper and lower sections  13 ,  15  of the inner lateral rim portions  12  are spaced apart by the lens removing slit  22 . The upper and lower sections  13 ,  15  of the inner lateral rim portions  12  have confronting surfaces which are preferably formed with complementary abutment projections  13   a  and  1   a,  respectively that are staggered relative to each other in a third direction transverse to the first and second directions. When the upper and lower sections  13 ,  15  are brought into contact to change the lens receiving spaces into the smaller-sized contracted state, the confronting surfaces of the upper and lower sections  13 , 15  abut fittingly against each other in the third direction.  
     [0058] Referring to FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b,  the upper and lower sections  20   a,    20   b  of the bridge  20  are shown in an assembled and an exploded view, respectively. As with the upper and lower sections  13 ,  15  of the inner lateral rim portions  12 , the upper and lower sections  20   a,    20   b  also have confronting surfaces which are preferably formed with complementary abutment projections  23 ,  24 . However, the complementary abutment projections  23 ,  24  of the bridge  20  are not provided at the same side as the abutment projections  13   a,    15   a  of the inner lateral rims  10   12 . More specifically, the abutment projections  13   a  of the upper sections  13  are at the right side as viewed in FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b,  while the abutment projection  23  of the upper section  20   a  of the bridge  20  is at the left side thereof, as viewed in FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b.  Accordingly, the abutment projections  15   a  of the lower sections  15  are at the left side thereof, as viewed in FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b,  while the projection  24  of the lower section  20   b  of the bridge  20  is formed at the right side thereof. With such an arrangement, the shearing which occurs between the confronting surfaces of the upper and lower sections  13 ,  15  will be strictly prevented. For instance, the movement of an upper section  20   a  of the bridge  20  by a shearing force applied in the direction normal to the lenses  4  will be constrained by either the lower section  20   b  of the bridge  20  or by the lower section  15  of the inner lateral rim portions  12 , depending on which direction the shearing force is applied.  
     [0059] To bring the upper and lower sections  20 &amp;,  20   b  of the bridge  20  and the upper and lower sections  13 , 15  of the inner lateral rim portions  12  into contact, a fastener  25  is mounted onto the bridge  20  for flanking the upper and lower sections  20   a,    20   b  of the bridge  20  and for clamping the same together. As shown in FIGS. 5 a  and  5   b,  the fastener  25  includes a front plate portion  26  to be disposed on a front side of the bridge  20 , an upper hooking portion  27  extending rearwardly from a top edge of the front plate portion  26  for hooking with the bridge  20  at a rear side of the upper section  20   a  of the bridge  20 , and a lower hooking portion extending rearwardly from a bottom edge of the front plate portion  26  for hooking with the bridge  20  at a rear Bide of the lower section  20   b  of the bridge  20 . The upper and lower hooking portions  27 ,  28  flank the upper and lower section  20   a,    20   b  of the bridge  20  therebetween. The upper hooking portion  27  has a bent distal end that extends downwardly, and the lower hooking portion  28  has a bent distal end that extends upwardly.  
     [0060] The lower section  20   b  of the bridge  20  has a tapering lower part formed with inclined front and rear guide surfaces to guide engagement and disengagement between the lower hooking portion  28  and the lower section  20   b  of the bridge  20 .  
     [0061] Preferably, the fastener  25  is formed integrally from a resilient material, such as polycarbonate or nylon zytel, to facilitate the mounting of the fastener  25  onto the bridge  20 . Further, as shown in FIG. 2, since the front side of the bridge  20  is recessed with respect to the front sides of the lens retaining rims  10 , when the fastener  25  is mounted on the bridge  20 , the front plate portion  26  of the fastener  25  is substantially flush with the front sides of the lens retaining rims  10  to provide an integral appearance.  
     [0062] A pair of hollow engaging parts is provided on the lens receiving rims  10  for connecting the first side support  6  onto the lens receiving rims  10 . In this embodiment, the hollow engaging parts are formed on a pair of coupling members  30  which can be mounted detachably on the upper rim portions  18  of the lens retaining rims  10 . As shown in FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b,  each of the hollow engaging parts  31  of the coupling members  30  extends rearwardly to confine an engaging space  32 . An opening  32   a  is formed in each of the engaging parts  31  to provide an access to the engaging space  32 . Each of the hollow engaging parts  31  is disposed adjacent to the outer lateral rim portion  14  of the respective one of the lens retaining rims  10  for connecting with the first side support  6 .  
     [0063] As clearly shown in FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b,  each of the coupling members  30  further has a hollow mounting part  31   a  which has an open bottom side formed with at least one projection  31   b.  Referring to FIG. 7 a  in conjunction with FIG. 1, hook retainers  34  which extend upwardly are formed on the upper rim portions  18  of the lens retaining rims  10  for snap-fitting within the respective mounting part  31   a  at a section where a projection  31   b  is provided. As to the remaining sections of the mounting part  31   a  where the projections  31   a  are not provided, the remaining parts  35  formed on the upper rim portions  18  may be fittingly inserted into the space defined by the mounting part  31   a,  as shown in FIG. 7 b.  On the vertical walls of the mounting part  31   a  adjacent to the projections  31   b,  through holes  36  may be provided to increase the flexibility of the engaging part  31 .  
     [0064] The engaging part  31  further includes a locking rib  37  extending into the engaging space  32  for locking with the first side support  6 , which will be described hereinafter.  
     [0065] Preferably, each of the coupling members  30  is made from a resilient material, such as nylon zytel, and has a front side that is substantially flush with front sides of the lens retaining rims  10  when the coupling members  30  are mounted thereon in order to provide an integral appearance, as shown in FIG. 2.  
     [0066] Referring back to FIG. 1, the first side support  6  includes a pair of hinge members  36  and a pair of ear stems  38 . Referring to FIGS. 6 a,    6   b,    7   a,    7   b,    8   a  and  8   b,  the eyewear frame is provided with a pair of coupling members  30 , each coupling member having an engaging space  32  having planar sidewalls, elongate ribs  37  provided on the planar sidewalls to define an “S”-shaped hollow in each coupling member. The side supports, such as microslot arms have “S”-shaped complementary coupling members  40   a  connecting element, such as on the hinge members  36  in the example of an arm or a corresponding member in a headband. The complementary coupling members have planar sidewalls  41 ,  43  for frictional engagement with the “S”-shaped hollow for attaching the side supports to the eyewear frame.  
     [0067] Referring to FIG. 9, each of the ear stems  38  has a pivot end  44  which is coupled pivotally on the pivot portion  42  of a respective one of the hinge members  36  for pivoting movement about a vertical axis. The retaining portion  40  of the hinge member  36  is formed with a locking groove  46  for engaging removably the locking rib  35  formed on the engaging part  31  of the coupling member  30 , when the retaining portion  40  of the hinge member  36  is fitted into the engaging space  32 . If desired, another pair of rib and groove (not shown in the drawings) can be formed on the engaging part  31  and the hinge member  36 , respectively, in an orientation different from that of locking rib  35  and locking groove  46  so as to ensure the multi-directional engagement between the hinge member  36  and the coupling member  30 .  
     [0068] Another advantage of the eyeglasses  1  of this invention resides in easy adjustment of the effective length of the stem-type first side support  6 . As clearly shown in FIG. 1, each of the elongated ear stems  38  has a series of positioning teeth  60  formed on a top edge of a support portion on which an earpiece  62  is mounted. Referring to FIGS. 10 a,    10   b,    11   a,    11   b,  and  11   c,  the earpiece  62  includes an inclined leg portion  64 , a bottom support portion  66  extending forwardly from the top end of the inclined leg portion  64 , and a parallel pair of clamping rail portions  68  extending upwardly and forwardly from opposite lateral edges of the bottom support portion  66 . The bottom support portion  66  is disposed adjacent to the bottom edge of the ear support portion of the ear stem  38 . The parallel pair of clamping rail portions  68  flank the lateral sides of the ear support portion of the ear stem  38  and are in tight contact with the lateral sides of the ear support portion of the ear stem  38  as shown in FIGS. 12 a  and  12   b.  A parallel pair of arm portions  70  are connected to front ends of the clamping rail portions  68 , respectively, and extend upwardly from and incline forwardly relative to the clamping rail portions  68 . A bridge portion  72  interconnects top ends of the arm portions  70  and is disposed above the top edge of the ear support portion  45  of the ear stem  38 .  
     [0069] As shown in FIG. 11 c,  a detent projection  74  is formed on the bridge portion  72  of each of the earpieces  62 . FIG. 10 b  shows the engagement between the detent projection  74  of the earpiece  62  and the ear support portion of the ear stem  38 . The detent projection  74  is provided inside the U shape created by the bridge portion  72  and the parallel pair of arm portions  70 . The projection  74  suitably snaps in one of the notches defined by two adjacent teeth  60  so as to retain the earpiece  62  at a desired position on the ear support portion of the ear stem  38  and lock the sliding of the earpiece  62 . Since the clamping rails  66  are in tight contact with the ear stem  38  and since the detent projection  74  engages a notch defined by two adjacent teeth  60 , the earpiece  62  is hardly movable along the length of the ear stem  38  during normal use.  
     [0070] Referring to FIG. 13 where the operation of the earpiece  62  is illustrated, in order to adjust the effective length of the first side support  6 , the earpieces  62  are first rotated downwardly so as to disengage the detent projection  74  from one of the engaging notches. Then, the earpieces  62  can be urged to move forward or backward along the length of the ear stem  38  to adjust the effective length of the ear stem  38 . Because of the disengagement between the detent projection  74  and the notch, and because of the reduced friction force between the clamping rails  66  and the ear stem  38  due to the inclined orientation of the earpiece  62 , it is possible to force the earpiece  62  to move along the length of the stem  38 . Once the earpiece  62  has been moved to a position corresponding to a desired effective length of the first side support  6 , the earpieces  62  are rotated upwardly so as to engage the detent projection  74  once again into a selected one of the notches defined by adjacent teeth  60 .  
     [0071] Preferably, the earpiece  62  is formed integrally of a resilient plastic material, such as nylon zytel, and further includes an earpiece sock made from a cushioning material, such as monprene, and sheathed on the earpiece  62 .  
     [0072] When the user or wearer of the eyeglasses mounted with the first side support  6  engages in vigorous activities, such as sports, the first side support  6  might be unable to hold the lens frame  2  tightly onto the wearer&#39;s head, thereby causing inconvenience to the wearer. In this case, a pair of eyeglasses with an elastic strap as an ear support might be desirable. The second side support  8  can substitute for the first side support  6  to satisfy the requirement of always holding the lens frame  2  tightly onto the wearer&#39;s head. Referring to FIG. 14, the second side support  8  includes a pair of strap fasteners  50  and a strap  52 . As shown in FIGS. 15 a  and  15   b,  each of the strap fasteners  50  has a retaining portion  54  and a strap engaging portion  56 . With the retaining portion  54  of each of the strap fasteners  50  inserted fittingly into the engaging space  32  of the respective one of the coupling members  30 , the strap fasteners  50  are mounted detachably onto the lens retaining rims  10 . The strap engaging portion  56 , which is connected to the retaining portion  54  and disposed outwardly of the engaging space  32 , is secured to the respective end of the strap  52  in a conventional manner.  
     [0073] It should be noted that since the engaging space  32  can be formed directly in the upper rim portion  18  of the lens retaining rims  10 , it is possible for the strap fasteners  50  to be connected to the lens retaining rims  10  without using the coupling members  30 .  
     [0074] While the strap fastener  50  is secured to the lens retaining rims  10  via the engaging part  31  of the coupling member  30  as mentioned above, the engagement between the lens retaining rims  10  and the strap fasteners  50  can be further secured with at least a pair of socket  56  and plug  60  provided on the lens retaining rims  10  and on the strap fastener  50 , respectively. As shown in FIG. 15 a  in conjunction with FIG. 1, the outer lateral rim portion  14  of each of the lens retaining rims  10  is formed with three sockets  56 , and the auxiliary mounting portion  58  of each of the strap fasteners  50  is formed with three plugs  60 , which engage fittingly and removably the respective one of the sockets  56 .  
     [0075] Referring to FIGS. 16 a  and  16   b,  the peripheral portion of each of the lenses  4  is formed with a skirt projection  4   a  having a thickness that is measured in a third direction transverse to the first and second directions and that is thinner than that of the lenses  4 . The lens engaging inner periphery of each of the lens retaining rims  10  is formed with a peripheral groove  11  for engaging fittingly and removably the skirt projection  4   a  of the respective one the lenses  4 , thereby mounting securely the lenses therein.  
     [0076] Preferably, the eyeglasses  1  further include a nosepiece  90  (shown in FIG. 1), which is made from a cushioning material such as silicone, and which is mounted on a rear side of the lens frame  2  at the lower sections of the inner lateral rim portions  12  and the lower section of the bridge  20 .  
     [0077] Preferably, an impact cushioning band  92  made from a cushioning material, such as monprene, can be provided to absorb impact energy in case the eyeglasses  1  is subjected to an external impact. As shown in FIG. 17, the impact cushioning band  92  has a downwardly opening channel  94  which is elongated in the first direction. The upper rim portions  18  of the lens retaining rims  10  (or the coupling members  30 , in case the coupling members  30  are provided) are fitted removably into the channel  94  of the impact cushioning band  92 . An intermediate portion  96  of the impact cushioning band  92  adjacent to the bridge  20  has a bottom edge formed with a retaining projection  98  for engaging removably a bottom edge of the lower section  20   b  of the bridge  20 . Thus, the impact cushioning band  92  can be mounted firmly onto the upper portions of the lens retaining rims  10 . For fashion&#39;s sake, the impact cushioning band  92  can be made available in different colors.  
     [0078]FIG. 18 shows a pair of eyeglasses of the second preferred embodiment of this invention. The eyeglasses  1  shown in FIG. 18 is substantially the same, in structure, as the one in the above-mentioned embodiment, except that three stop projections  80  are provided on the inner periphery of each of the lens retaining rims  10 . As clearly shown in FIG. 19, the stop projections  80  are provided. on the inner periphery of the rims  10  at the rearward side adjacent to the wearer&#39;s eyes. The stop projections  80  extend radially and inwardly and abut against the skirt projection  4   a  at the rearward side, so as to prevent the lenses  4  from popping out of the lens frame  2  toward the user&#39;s eyes in the event of an external force which usually comes from the front side of the eyeglasses  1 .  
     [0079] It will be appreciated that the number of the stop projections  80  is not limited to three and that the stop projections  80  can have various sizes and shapes as long as the stop projections  80  are provided on the rearward section of the inner periphery of the lens retaining rims  10 .  
     [0080] A method of changing lenses is detailed in FIGS.  27  to  36 . Referring to FIG. 27, the lenses are held tightly in place by the vise-lock located at the bridge of the frame. To remove the lenses, the eyewear should be held firmly so that one is looking at the back (or inside of the glasses as shown in FIG. 27). The user should place a thumb on the vise-lock so that the user can feel the small notch that sticks out from the bottom of the bridge area.  
     [0081] Referring to FIG. 28, the user should, with a firm action, lever the vise-lock notch down and forward to ward the front (or outside) of the glasses as shown in FIG. 28. There is no need to completely remove the vise-lock. Simply ensure that it is released from the bottom of the bridge area so that the frame can separate slightly.  
     [0082] Referring to FIG. 29, the glasses should be turned around so that the front (or outside) of the glasses are facing the user as in FIG. 29. Now a little pressure is used to force the first lens out by pushing it forward (toward the user) from the top of the frame. The frame should be just loose enough to allow the lens to come free with a minimum of effort.  
     [0083] Referring to FIG. 30, this procedure should be repeated with the other lens shown in FIG. 30.  
     [0084] Referring to FIG. 31, to insert the new lens, eyewear is held as shown in FIG. 31 and the lens gently inserted by pressing the eyewear down and toward the bottom edge of the frame. The lenses have a narrow channel in their edges that is designed to fit snugly around the ridges on the inside of the eyewear frame.  
     [0085] Referring to FIG. 32, both hands push the lens toward the outside of the frame and into the ridge that holds it in place as shown in FIG. 32. Handle the eyewear with care at this point since the lens has still not been locked securely into position.  
     [0086] Referring to FIG. 33, the previous two steps are repeated with the other lens. The second lens is more easily inserted if the eyewear is turned upside-down as shown in FIG. 33. The bottom of the lens should be inserted first which means that the edge that appears at the top of FIG. 33 is inserted.  
     [0087] Referring to FIG. 34, the second lens is fit into place as with the first by using both hands to push the lens toward the outside of the frame and into the ridge that holds it in place as shown in FIG. 34. Caution should be used so as to not dislodge the first lens.  
     [0088] Referring to FIG. 35, the glasses are turned so that they are up the right way and the front (or outside) is facing the wearer as in FIG. 35. The lenses should be both fitted snugly into the frame by gently squeezing the top and bottom of the frame together with one hand.  
     [0089] Referring to FIG. 36, with a firm action, the thumb and forefinger of the other hand lever the vise-lock down and backward toward the bridge of the frame until it snaps into place as shown in FIG. 36. The eyewear lenses are now held securely.  
     [0090] FIGS.  37  to  42  illustrate a method of changing the side supports, namely the arms and the headband. Referring to FIG. 37, to remove the arms, the eyewear is firmly held so that the user is looking at the back (or inside) of the glasses as shown in FIG. 37. One of the arms is gripped tightly by the user&#39;s thumb and forefinger very close to the frame.  
     [0091] Referring to FIG. 38, the thumb pushes down firmly with until the arm snaps out of the locking slot as shown in FIG. 38. It may be necessary to wiggle the arm slightly to facilitate this with a new pair of eyewear. This procedure is repeated to remove the other arm.  
     [0092] Referring to FIGS. 39 and 40, another arm or the headband with the side shields is inserted by simply reversing the procedure for removing them. This is begun by gripping the arm or the clip at the end of the headband between thumb and forefinger as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40. The piece is moved under the appropriate locking slot. If the headband is being installed, the side shield must be in front of the frame so that it will appear at the front of the glasses. It is important that the correct piece is used because the right and left arms and headband clips are not interchangeable.  
     [0093] Referring to FIGS. 41 and 42, the forefinger firmly pushes so that the arm or headband clip snaps into the locking slot as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42. This may require a little wiggling with the headband clip to ensure that it is aligned correctly. This procedure repeated with the other arm or headband clip.  
     [0094] FIGS.  43  to  46  illustrate adjustment of the microslot arms. Referring to FIG. 43, the Microslot arms are preferably adjusted while they are attached to the eyewear frame so that they can be tried on to get just the right fit. Begin by holding the base of the arm in one hand and the rubber earpiece in the other as shown in FIG. 43.  
     [0095] Referring to FIG. 44, thumb and forefinger are used to swing the earpiece down and toward the other hand as shown in FIG. 44.  
     [0096] Referring to FIG. 45, the earpiece is slid backward or forward along the arm to the desired location.  
     [0097] Referring to FIG. 46, the earpiece is swung up and securely pinches the arm by use of thumb and forefinger as shown in FIG. 18. One can feel it lock into place. This procedure is repeated with the other Microslot arm. The user then tries the eyewear on and adjusts as necessary until the glasses fit securely and comfortably behind ears.  
     [0098] FIGS.  47  to  49  illustrate installation of the sport visor. Referring to FIG. 47, the user holds the eyewear so that the user is looking at the front (or outside) of the glasses as shown in FIG. 47. Thumb and forefinger press the sport visor down onto the center of the eyewear frame.  
     [0099] Referring to FIG. 48, the user presses down firmly on the sport visor so that it completely covers the vise-lock on the eyewear frame as shown in FIG. 48.  
     [0100] Referring to FIG. 49, both hands are used to squeeze the outer edges of the sport visor firmly onto the edges of the eyewear frame as shown in FIG. 49. The sport visor is removed by simply pull it up and away from the frame.  
     [0101]FIG. 50 illustrates cleaning of the lenses. Referring to FIG. 50, moisture or dust is cleaned from your eyewear lenses by gently wiping them using the microfiber cleaning mitt or other soft, lint-free cloth. The eyewear can also be washed using any mild soap and warm water. Solvents or abrasive cleaner should be avoided since this may damage the finish or scratch the lenses.  
     [0102] The prior art lens transfer vise-lock element can be difficult to remove when it is snugly secured onto the frame. The lens transfer vise-lock element is small and does not have a convenient feature for manual gripping by the user&#39;s fingers.  
     [0103] According to the present invention, the there is provided a locking element such as lens transfer vise-lock element  28  for clamping the bridge of the eyewear frame and preventing the lens frames from releasing the held lenses. The locking element has a “C” shaped cross-section as seen in FIG. 25 b.  The locking element including a planar main portion  2505 , an upper portion relatively proximate to the nosepiece of the eyewear and a lower portion  2525  relatively distant from the nosepiece, a descending upper flange  2515  attached to the upper portion and a rising lower flange attached to the lower portion  2525 .  
     [0104] A tab  2510  is provided on the rising lower flange. This tab serves three functions: providing a grip element for sure grip of the lens transfer vise-lock element by the user; serving as a lever to allow greater torque to be applied in removing the lens transfer vise-lock element from the bridge of the eyewear; and serving as a protrusion onto which the optical adapter can be mounted. The tab protrudes from the plane of the rising lower flange and extending away from the main portion. The tab allows the user to apply leverage by pulling on the end of the lever member. This causes the lens transfer vise-lock element to rotate about the top of the bridge, greatly facilitating the removal of the lens transfer vise-lock element from the frame. In addition, the user&#39;s grip is much more secure and the action of removing the lens transfer vise-lock element can be performed more surely. The tab is provided with a locking tooth  2530 .  
     [0105] An optical adapter  2600  is illustrated in FIGS. 26 a,    26   b  and  26   c.  The optical adaptor allows the user to use corrective lenses when wearing the eyewear of the present invention. The optical adaptor is fitted with prescription corrective lenses and mounted to the eyewear. The optical adapter includes a central bridge portion  2605  having slot  2610 . The slot corresponds with the shape of the tab  2510 . Referring to FIGS.  53  to  56 , the optical adapter is mounted to the frame of the eyewear by orienting the frame of the optical adaptor to match that of the eyewear, placing the optical adapter behind the frame and seating the slot over the tab. Pressing on the bridge of the optical adapter while bracing the frame causes the slot to slide along the tab until the optical adapter abuts against the back of the frame. At this point, the optical adapter is securely mounted onto the frame. Preferably a locking tooth  2530  is provided on the tab for mating with the corresponding recess  2615  in the wall of the slot of the optical adaptor to provide a positive engagement. Preferably the locking tooth has a ramped portion to facilitate mounting of the optical adaptor.  
     [0106] FIGS.  51  to  52  illustrate installation of the optical adaptor. Referring to FIG. 51, the optical adaptor is installed on the inside of the frame as shown in FIG. 51. The small rectangular hole at the center of the adaptor is placed over the corresponding notch on the vise-lock above the bridge area of the eyewear frame. The optical adaptor is then pressed down firmly using your thumb until the optical adaptor snaps into place.  
     [0107] Referring to FIG. 52, the optical adaptor is removed by gripping it with thumb and forefinger near the rectangular hole at the center as shown in FIG. 52. Pulling firmly on the adaptor separates it from the frame. Wiggling the adaptor slightly can facilitate removal. The optical adaptor is not fitted with prescription lenses. The optical adaptor comes with the blank lenses that must be replaced with lenses fitted to the user&#39;s prescription by a licensed optician. The optical adaptor can be fitted with prescription lenses for most people, however, people wearing bifocals or requiring very strong corrective lenses, will not be able to use the optical adaptor.  
     [0108] A typical embodiment of the eyewear system includes: a frame; light equalization lenses; limiter lenses; enhancer lenses; microslot adjustable arms; sport arms; sport visor; one or more lens transfer vise-lock elements; a headband with side shields; an adjustable neck and head strap; an optical adapter; a microfiber cleaning unit; and a storage case. Preferably the microfiber cleaning unit is in the form of a storage bag.  
     [0109] The eyewear system of the present invention affords many advantages not realized by conventional eyewear. In order to facilitate the easy use, storage and access to the different components, the system includes a storage container such as a portable compartmentalized carrying case. The case ensures that the components are easily accessible when desired for use and protects fragile components such as the different sets of lenses when in storage. Referring to FIGS.  20  to  23 , the carrying case  2000  includes a bottom, a back wall  2020 , a wrap around front wall  2025  and a lid  2010 . The lid is hinged to the back wall along the fold  2040 . A suitable fastener such as a zipper  2005  is provided to allow convenient and secure closure of the case. Loops  2055  provided on the outside of the back wall allow the carrying case to be belt-mounted. A lanyard clip (not shown) is provided to allow the case to be fastened to clothing. The size of the carrying case allows handy storage, for example, in a glove compartment of a car.  
     [0110] The case is dimensioned to fit the folded eyewear into the main compartment. The lid is provided with an elongated pouch  2015 , which is wide enough to store the microslot adjustable arms or the sport arms. It is also suitable for storing smaller components such as extra lens transfer vise-lock elements. Mounted to the back wall of the case is a pair of dual pouches  2030 . Each dual pouch is divided into two pockets. The pockets can be used to separate lenses from other components in the case thereby minimizing the possibility of breaking or scratching the lenses.  
     [0111] Additional elements such as the headband or the sport visor can be stored in the main compartment when not in use. For example, the eyewear configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a frame, light equalization lenses, microslot adjustable arms, coupling members, and a lens transfer vise-lock element. The remaining elements which include the limiter lenses, the enhancer lenses, the sport arms, the sport visor, any remaining lens transfer vise-lock elements, the headband, the adjustable neck and head strap, the optical adapter and the microfiber cleaning unit can be stored in the case as follows. The limiter lenses and enhancer lenses are stored in the pockets of pouches  2030 . The sport arms, additional lens transfer vise-lock elements, the optical adapter and microfiber cleaning unit are stored in the elongated pouch. Preferably the optical adapter is stored inside the microfiber storage bag. The headband, adaptable strap and sport visor can be stored in the main compartment, which has ample room to include the eyewear of FIG. 1 when not in use.  
     [0112] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. A variety of modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art within the sprit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.