Patent Publication Number: US-2021191149-A1

Title: Quick-connect eyeshield assembly

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to coupling devices for eyeshield assemblies, and more particularly, a coupling device for detachably connecting an eyeshield assembly to the brim of a head covering. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     When a person is outside on a sunny day wearing a head covering with a brim, there are times when the person wants to also wear sunglasses in order to provide additional protection for their eyes from the sunlight. In many use scenarios it may be advantageous to couple the eyeshield assembly to the underside of the brim of the head covering. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Eyeshield assemblies according to some embodiments of the present disclosure include features that facilitate easily attaching to a brim of a head covering, coupling securely to the brim of a head covering, and easily adjusting to the user&#39;s facial profile. Such features also facilitate easily detaching the eyeshield from the brim of the head covering when desired. 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an eyeshield assembly is configured to couple to a brim of a head covering. The eyeshield assembly includes a base that is configured to couple to the brim of the head covering. A connector detachably couples to the base, and an eyeshield couples to the connector. A connecting structure detachably couples the connector to the base. The connecting structure includes a cantilevered tooth coupled to one of the base and the connector and a socket coupled to the other of the base and the connector. The socket selectively receives the cantilevered tooth to secure the connector to the base. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to the previous paragraph, wherein the connector couples to the cantilevered tooth and the socket couples to the base. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein the cantilevered tooth exits the socket and the connector slidably detaches from the base when a detachment force exceeds a threshold. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein the connector is slidably detachable from the base by translating in a first direction, the cantilevered tooth is pivotable relative to the one of the base and the connector about an axis, and the axis is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein the cantilevered tooth exits the socket and the connector slidably detaches from the base when a detachment force applied in the first direction exceeds a threshold. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein the cantilevered tooth includes an apex, the socket selectively receiving the apex to secure the connector to the base. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to any of the previous paragraphs, further including a plurality of sockets including the socket, each of the plurality of sockets individually selectively receiving the cantilevered tooth to secure the connector to the base. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an eyeshield assembly selectively couples to a base. The base is configured to couple to a brim of a head covering, and the base includes a socket. The eyeshield assembly includes an eyeshield and a connector coupled to the eyeshield. The connector is configured to detachably couple to the base. The connector includes a connector body and a slider support coupled to the connector body. The slider support is configured to slidably couple the connector to the base. A cantilevered tooth is coupled to the connector body, and the cantilevered tooth is configured to be selectively received in the socket to secure the connector to the base. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to the previous paragraph, wherein the cantilevered tooth includes an apex, and the apex is configured to be selectively received in the socket to secure the connector to the base. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein the connector is configured to slidably detach from the base by translating in a first direction, and the apex extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein the connector is configured to slidably detach from the base by translating in a first direction, the cantilevered tooth is pivotable relative to the connector body about an axis, and the axis is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a base for an eyeshield assembly is configured to couple to a brim of a head covering. The eyeshield assembly includes a connector that couples to an eyeshield, and the connector includes a cantilevered tooth. The base includes an attachment aperture that is configured to receive a fastener for coupling the base to the brim of the head covering. A slider support is configured to slidably receive the connector. A socket is configured to selectively receive the cantilevered tooth of the connector to secure the connector to the base. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to the previous paragraph, wherein the socket includes an inverse apex. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein the slider support facilitates translation of the connector in a first direction relative to the base, and the inverse apex extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to any of the previous paragraphs, further including a plurality of sockets including the socket, each of the plurality of sockets configured to individually selectively receive the cantilevered tooth to secure the connector to the base. 
     An eyeshield assembly according to any of the previous paragraphs, further including an arcuate upper surface configured to engage a lower surface of the brim of the head covering. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Advantages and features of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an eyeshield assembly of the present disclosure in a use position, in a user&#39;s line of sight (LOS), and attached to a head covering; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the eyeshield assembly of  FIG. 1  in the use position; 
         FIG. 3  is a side sectional view of the eyeshield assembly along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 , illustrating interaction of a latch and a pivot arm to maintain the assembly in the use position; 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the eyeshield assembly of  FIG. 1  in a non-use position and disposed apart from the user&#39;s line of sight (LOS); 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the eyeshield assembly of  FIG. 1  in the non-use position; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of the eyeshield assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an eyeshield and a connector detached from a base and the head covering; 
         FIG. 7  is a side sectional view of the eyeshield assembly along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 , illustrating interaction of a cantilevered tooth and a socket to secure the connector and the eyeshield to the base; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective sectional view of the eyeshield assembly along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of the base of the eyeshield assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of the base of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the base of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the base of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of the connector of the eyeshield assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the connector of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the connector of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of an eyeshield assembly of the present disclosure in a use position; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom perspective view of yet another embodiment of an eyeshield assembly of the present disclosure in a use position; and 
         FIG. 19  is a top perspective view of the eyeshield assembly of  FIG. 18 , illustrating an eyeshield and a connector detached from a base. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Eyeshield assemblies according to some embodiments of the present disclosure removably couple an eyeshield to a head covering. Such assemblies advantageously facilitate interchanging different types of eyeshields and/or reducing the weight carried by the head covering when use of an eyeshield is not desired. Eyeshield assemblies according to some embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate simple and quick transition from a use position of an eyeshield, in which a user wearing the eyeshield positions the eyeshield in front of their eyes to protect their eyes, to a non-use position, in which the user removes the eyeshield from his/her line of sight. It may be advantageous to transition an eyeshield to a non-use position, for example, when use of the eyeshield is temporarily undesirable. Eyeshield assemblies according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may also advantageously facilitate transitioning the eyeshield from the use position to the non-use position with substantially a hands-free operation. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an embodiment of an eyeshield assembly  50  according to the present disclosure is illustrated. Referring specifically to  FIG. 1 , the eyeshield assembly  50  is generally configured to selectively couple an eyeshield  52  to a head covering  10  having a body portion  12 , which fits over the head of a user, and a visor or brim  14 , which projects away from the body portion  12 . In various embodiments, the head covering  10  may be a baseball hat, visor, or any similar head covering  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, the brim  14  extends forwardly from the user&#39;s face and serves to shade the user&#39;s eyes. Furthermore, the brim  14  may generally include a left edge  16 , a right edge  18 , a front edge  20 , an upper surface  22 , and a lower surface  24 . Additionally, in various embodiments, the brim  14  may have a concave shape (more specifically, the upper surface  22  may be a convex surface and the lower surface  24  may be a concave surface) and/or may be constructed with a variety of dimensions and shapes. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the eyeshield assembly  50  includes a quick-connector device  54  for selectively coupling the eyeshield  52  to the head covering  10 . The quick-connector device  54  generally includes a base  56  that couples to the brim  14  of the head covering  10  (for example and as shown in  FIG. 1 , via fasteners  26 ) and a connector  58  that detachably and selectively couples to the base  56 . Opposite the base  56 , the connector  58  hingedly couples to a pivot arm  60 , and the eyeshield  52  couples to the pivot arm  60  opposite the connector  58 . 
     The eyeshield  52  generally includes a frame  62  having an upper edge  64  that couples to the pivot arm  60 , and a lower edge  66  opposite the upper edge  64 . In various embodiments, the frame  62  of the eyeshield  52  and the pivot arm  60  may generally be made from a resilient and lightweight material, such as plastic. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame  62  of the eyeshield  52  and the pivot arm  60  are molded as a unitary or monolithic component. The frame  62  carries one or more lenses between the upper edge  64  and the lower edge  66 . In various embodiments and as illustrated, the eyeshield  52  includes a right lens  68  and a left lens  70  that are configured to be positioned in front of a user&#39;s right eye and left eye, respectively. In other embodiments, the eyeshield  52  may include a unitary lens (not shown) extending continuous between both of the user&#39;s eyes. In still other embodiments, the eyeshield  52  may include a single lens or an electronic device screen positioned in front of one, or both, of the user&#39;s eyes (that is, the eyeshield  52  may provide “smart glasses” or other types of electronic eyewear). The eyeshield  52  may be formed in any other configuration and shape. The lenses  68  and  70  may be tinted such that eyeshield  52  defines sunglasses. However, the lenses  68  and  70  may comprise a translucent or transparent material in any color or may be a clear translucent material such that the eyeshield assembly  50  may be configured for a plurality of applications. For example, in some embodiments, the entire eyeshield  52  may be formed of lens material, such as a transparent yellow plastic or a clear plastic (to provide, for example, protective eyewear). In these embodiments and others, the eyeshield  52  may lack lenses per se and one or more components of the frame  62 , such as the upper edge  64  and lower edge  66 . In some embodiments, the lenses  68  and  70  may be polarized. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5 , the pivot arm  60  and the eyeshield  52  may pivot relative to the quick-connector device  54  and the head covering  10  (shown elsewhere). More specifically, the eyeshield  52  may pivot from a use or downward position, in which the eyeshield  52  is positioned in front of the user&#39;s eyes and within the user&#39;s line of sight (“LOS”—see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ), to a non-use or upward position, in which the eyeshield  52  is positioned above the user&#39;s eyes and apart from the user&#39;s LOS (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ), and vice versa. Additionally, in the non-use position at least a portion of eyeshield  52  may be positioned forward of the front edge  20  of the brim  14  (shown elsewhere). In this way, when the eyeshield  52  is in the non-use position, the eyeshield  52  is fully and completely removed from under the lower surface  24  of the brim  14  (shown elsewhere) and extends forwardly and upwardly from the brim  14  such that eyeshield  52  does not interfere with the user&#39;s LOS. This positioning of the eyeshield  52  in the non-use position allows the user&#39;s LOS to be selectively unobstructed by the eyeshield  52 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2-5 , to facilitate pivoting the eyeshield  52  from the use position to the non-use position and vice versa, the eyeshield assembly  50  includes a hinge assembly  72  that couples the connector  58  to the pivot arm  60 . Generally, the hinge assembly  72  includes collars  74  and  76  formed by the connector  58  and the pivot arm  60 , respectively. The collars  74  and  76  carry a shaft  78  that defines a pivot axis  80  about which the pivot arm  60  and the eyeshield  52  pivot relative to the connector  58 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , the hinge assembly  72  further includes a biasing element  82 , illustratively a torsion spring carried by the shaft  78 , that is pivotally compressed between the connector  58  and the pivot arm  60 . The biasing element  82  biases the pivot arm  60  and the eyeshield assembly  50  away from the use position and toward the non-use position. The connector  58  further includes a latch  84  that selectively engages the pivot arm  60  to hold the pivot arm  60  and the eyeshield  52  in the use position and inhibit the biasing element  82  from pivoting the pivot arm  60  and the eyeshield  52  to the non-use position. More specifically and referring to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the latch  84  includes a projection  86  having a shoulder  88  that extend through a latch opening  90  formed on the pivot arm  60 . The shoulder  88  engages the pivot arm  60  to hold the pivot arm  60  and the eyeshield  52  in the use position. The latch  84  may be deflected and pivoted slightly away from the eyeshield  52  (as shown in  FIG. 3 , in a generally counterclockwise direction) to disengage the latch  84  from the pivot arm  60  and thereby permit the biasing element  82  to release stored energy and pivot the pivot arm  60  and the eyeshield  52  away from the use position and toward the non-use position. 
     The above components and other components of the hinge assembly  72  may be the same as or similar to the components of any of the hinge assemblies described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,048,509 or 10,444,535, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. Alternatively, in other embodiments and as described in further detail below, eyeshield assemblies according to the present disclosure may include eyeshields that are non-pivotable relative to quick-connector devices and the head coverings. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the connector  58 , the pivot arm  60 , and the eyeshield  52  selectively detached from the base  56  and the brim  14  of the head covering  10 . Generally, the connector  58  detaches from the base  56  by translating relative to the base  56  in a first or detachment direction  92 . Conversely, the connector  58  attaches to the base  56  by translating relative to the base  56  in an attachment direction  94  opposite the detachment direction  92 . In some embodiments and as illustrated, the detachment direction  92  extends generally away from the body portion  12  of the head covering  10  and toward the front edge  20  of the brim  14 , and the attachment direction  94  extends generally toward the body portion  12  of the head covering  10  and away from the front edge  20  of the brim  14 . In other embodiments, the detachment direction  92  and the attachment direction  94  may be oriented differently relative to the head covering  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the base  56  and the connector  58  together define a connecting structure  96  for detachably coupling and selectively securing the components to each other. More specifically, the connecting structure  96  includes one or more cantilevered teeth  98  coupled to one of the base  56  and the connector  58 . The connecting structure  96  also includes one or more sets of sockets  100  (a first set of sockets  100  is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and a second set of sockets  100  is shown elsewhere), each of which receives one of the cantilevered teeth  98  to secure the connector  58  to the base  56 . Illustratively, the connector  58  includes the cantilevered teeth  98  and the base  56  includes the sets of sockets  100 . Alternatively, the connector  58  may include the sets of sockets  100  and the base  56  includes the cantilevered teeth  98 . 
     The cantilevered teeth  98  are pivotable about a cantilever axis  102  to facilitate entering and exiting the sockets  100 . Illustratively, the cantilever axis  102  is disposed at proximal ends  104  of the cantilevered teeth  98  that couples to the remainder of the connector  58  (also referred to as a connector body  106 ), and the cantilever axis  102  may be substantially perpendicular (that is, perpendicular ±10 degrees) to the detachment direction  92  and the attachment direction  94 . Opposite the cantilever axis  102  and the proximal ends  104 , the cantilevered teeth  98  include upstanding distal ends  108  that engage the sockets  100 . Illustratively, the distal ends  108  include triangular shapes having apexes  110 . Similarly, the sockets  100  may have the inverse shape of the distal ends  108  of the cantilevered teeth  98 , specifically inverse triangular shapes having inverse apexes  112 , for receiving the distal ends  108  of the cantilevered teeth  98 . Alternatively, one or both of the distal ends  108  of the cantilevered teeth  98  and the sockets  100  may have non-triangular shapes. Illustratively, the distal ends  108  of the cantilevered teeth  98  and the sockets  100  may have uniform shapes in a second or transverse direction  114  substantially parallel (that is, parallel ±10 degrees) to the cantilever axis  102  and substantially perpendicular to the detachment direction  92 . More specifically, the apexes  110  of the cantilevered teeth  98  and/or the inverse apexes  112  of the sockets  100  may extend in the transverse direction  114 . 
     The shape of the distal ends  108  of the cantilevered teeth  98  and the shape of the sockets  100  facilitate securing the connector  58  to the base  56  unless a user applies a force to the connector  58  that exceeds a nominal threshold. More specifically, the cantilevered teeth  98  pivot about the cantilever axis  102  and slide relative to the sockets  100  and, as a result the connector  58  slides relative to the base  56 , when a force applied in the detachment direction  92  or the attachment direction  94  exceeds the threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold is the same when applying the force in the detachment direction  92  or the attachment direction  94 . In other embodiments, the threshold is different when applying the force in the detachment direction  92  or the attachment direction  94 . In some embodiments, the threshold is less than about 20 N. In some embodiments, the threshold is about 0.5 N. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-12 , the base  56  of the connecting structure  96  is illustrated. In various embodiments, the base  56  may generally be made from a resilient and lightweight material, such as plastic. In an exemplary embodiment, the base  56  is molded as a unitary or monolithic component. The base  56  is generally configured to couple to the lower surface  24  of the brim  14  of the head covering  10  (shown elsewhere). More specifically, the base  56  may include one or more attachment apertures  116  that are configured to receive fasteners  26  (shown elsewhere) for coupling the base  56  to the brim  14  of the head covering  10  (shown elsewhere). Illustratively, the base  56  includes two attachment apertures  116  that are disposed apart in the detachment direction  92  and the attachment direction  94 . Alternatively and as described in further detail below, the base  56  may include different arrangements of attachment apertures  116 . The base  56  may also include an arcuate upper surface  118  that is configured to engage the lower surface  24  of the brim  14  of the head covering  10  (shown elsewhere). More specifically, the arcuate upper surface  118  of the base  56  may have a convex shape to conform to the concave shape of the lower surface  24  of the brim  14  of the head covering  10 . 
     An opposite lower surface  120  of the base  56  defines the sockets  100 . The base  56  illustratively includes two sets of sockets  100 , and each set illustratively includes five sockets  100 . The sockets  100  in each set are disposed adjacent to each other in the detachment direction  92  and the attachment direction  94 . Accordingly, the cantilevered teeth  98  of the connector  58  (shown elsewhere) may be received in different sockets  100  to facilitate repositioning the eyeshield  52  (shown elsewhere) relative to the front edge  20  of the brim  14  of the head covering  10  (shown elsewhere), for example, based on user preference. In some embodiments, the base  56  may include a different number of sets of sockets  100 , and/or each set may include a different number of sockets  100 . Illustratively, each set of sockets  100  couples to an adjacent socket slot  122  through which the distal end  108  of one of the cantilevered teeth  98  slide when the connector  58  attaches to or detaches from the base  56 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 9-12 , the lower surface  120  of the base  56  also defines two slider tracks or supports  124  that are configured to slidably receive the connector  58 . More specifically, the slider supports  124  facilitate translation of the connector  58  in the attachment direction  94  and the detachment direction  92  relative to the base  56 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13-16 , the connector  58  of the connecting structure  96  is illustrated. In various embodiments, the connector  58  may generally be made from a resilient and lightweight material, such as plastic. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector  58  is molded as a unitary or monolithic component. The connector  58  includes a cantilevered tooth  98  for each set of sockets  100  defined by the base  56  (shown elsewhere). Illustratively, the connector  58  includes two cantilevered teeth  98 . Sides of the connector body  106  include slider supports  126  that are configured to slidably couple the connector  58  to the base  56 . More specifically, the slider supports  126  of the connector  58  slidably engage the slider supports  124  of the base  56  to facilitate translation of the connector  58  in the attachment direction  94  and the detachment direction  92  relative to the base  56 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , another embodiment of an eyeshield assembly  250  according to the present disclosure is illustrated. The eyeshield assembly  250  includes many of the same features and components as the eyeshield assembly  50  described above. As such, in the following description, like features and components are identified with similar reference numbers. The eyeshield assembly  250  includes a quick-connector device  254  having a different base  256  than the eyeshield assembly  50  described above. The base  256  is generally similar to the base  256  of the eyeshield assembly  50 , except that the base  256  includes two attachment apertures  316  that are disposed apart in the transverse direction  314 . The attachment apertures  316  receive fasteners  26  for coupling the base  256  and, as a result, the eyeshield assembly  250  to the brim  14  of the head covering  10  (shown elsewhere). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 18-19 , yet another embodiment of an eyeshield assembly  450  according to the present disclosure is illustrated. The eyeshield assembly  450  includes many of the same features and components as the eyeshield assembly  50  described above. As such, in the following description, like features and components are identified with similar reference numbers. The eyeshield assembly  450  includes a connector  458  and an eyeshield  452  that differ from those of the eyeshield assembly  50  described above. Specifically, the eyeshield  452  non-pivotably couples to the connector  458  via a non-pivoting arm  460 . More specifically, the eyeshield  452 , the non-pivoting arm  460 , and the connector  458  may be molded as a unitary or monolithic component. As a result, the eyeshield  452  may occupy a use position in the user&#39;s line of sight by coupling to the head covering (shown elsewhere) via the non-pivoting arm  460 , the connector  458 , and the base  456 , but the eyeshield  452  does not pivot from the use position to a non-use position apart from the user&#39;s line of sight. 
     While various embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described, it is understood that these embodiments are not limited thereto. The embodiments may be changed, modified and further applied by those skilled in the art. Therefore, these embodiments are not limited to the detail shown and described previously, but also include all such changes and modifications. 
     Furthermore, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements. The scope is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B or C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. 
     In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art with the benefit of the present disclosure to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments. 
     Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.