Patent Abstract:
An eyewear system includes a frame having a lens channel configured to slidably receive the lens and an opening to allow the lens to be inserted into the lens channel. The system further includes a lens configured to be slidably received into the lens channel of the frame and a latch to releasably secure the lens in the frame.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/755,622 filed Dec. 30, 2005 entitled Lens Replacement System and Method. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates in general to eyewear and more particularly to a lens replacement system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Users of eyewear, such as goggles used for snow sports and other activities, may desire to replace the lens or lenses in the eyewear for various reasons. For example, a user may wish to change the tint of the lens being used based on particular sunlight conditions. A user may also desire to replace a damaged lens. As another example, a user may want to change the lens for fashion purposes. 
     While several goggles produced today permit lens replacement, the process is time-consuming and not user-friendly. Specifically, such goggles often use a “snap fit” lens that is popped into and out of the frame of the goggles by plastic deformation. Replacing the lens in such goggles is difficult as it requires a large amount of force to remove the lens and significant dexterity to insert a new lens. Moreover, goggles using the snap-fit replacement require the user to touch the lens surface which can create scratches or fingerprint marks on the lens. 
     SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     From the foregoing, it may be advantageous to provide eyewear, such as goggles, that offer a quick, user-friendly lens replacement system that does not require any touching of the lens. In accordance with the present invention, a quick change lens replacement system is provided that substantially eliminates or greatly reduces disadvantages associated with prior lens replacement techniques. 
     In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention an eyewear system includes a frame, lens, and latch. The frame has a lens track configured to slidably receive a lens and the lens is configured to be slidably received into the lens track. The latch is functional to secure the lens in the frame. 
     In a particular embodiment, the eyewear system further includes a top rail affixed to the lens. The top rail provides a gripping means so that the lens can be inserted and removed without touching the surface. In certain embodiments, the top rail is associated with the latch in securing the lens in the frame. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the eyewear system includes outriggers pivotally associated with the frame. One function of the outriggers is to secure the lens in the frame. The outriggers are further functional to enable the goggles to accommodate a variety of head and helmet sizes by rotating according to the pull of the head strap. 
     Technical advantages of particular embodiments of the present invention include an ability to easily replace a lens in goggles. Quick lens replacement allows a user to adapt the goggles to changing conditions. For instance, the intensity of the sunlight may vary, or the lens may get damaged while in use. Another advantage of particular embodiments of the present invention is that it enables lens replacement without touching the lens surface. Thus, a user can change a lens without leaving fingerprints or scratches. 
     Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some or none of the enumerated advantages. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention and the features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1(   a ) and  1 ( b ) are drawings illustrating unexploded and exploded views, respectively, of goggles incorporating a quick change lens replacement system; 
         FIG. 2  is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of a lens replacement system implemented using an outrigger; 
         FIG. 3  is a drawing illustrating a variation of an outrigger forward locking mechanism; 
         FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ) are drawings illustrating another variation of an outrigger forward locking mechanism; 
         FIGS. 5(   a ) and  5 ( b ) are drawings illustrating yet another outrigger embodiment of the lens replacement system; 
         FIG. 6  is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of a lens replacement system incorporating a top-mounted fastener; 
         FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) are drawings illustrating a variation of a top-mounted fastener embodiment of the lens replacement system; and 
         FIG. 8  is a drawing illustrating another variation of the top-mounted fastener embodiment of the lens replacement system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1(   a ) and  1 ( b ) illustrate exploded and unexploded views of goggles  10  featuring a quick change lens replacement system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Goggles  10  are functional to protect the facial region and eyes when a user is engaged in activities such as snow skiing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, water skiing, snowmobiling, or motor sports such as motocross. In the illustrated embodiment, goggles  10  comprise frame  12 , lens support  14 , and lens  16 . 
     In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention, lens  16  is readily removable and replaceable. More particularly, lens  16  is slidably associated with lens support  14  which provides a lens channel  15  for inserting and removing lens  16 . Lens/top rail assembly  17  comprises top rail  18  affixed to the upper edge of lens  16 . Top rail  18  provides a gripping means for a user to grasp when inserting and removing lens  16 . Thus, top rail  18  further serves to enable lens replacement without requiring any touching of lens  16 . Accordingly, several technical advantages of the present invention are readily apparent. 
     Lens  16  may serve many functions such as protecting the facial region, blocking sunlight, and preventing exposure to ultra-violet (“UV”) rays. Given the myriad of potential uses for goggles  10 , lens  16  could embody numerous shapes. For instance, lens  16  might be flat, curved, square, round, ovular, or any combination thereof. Lens  16  may be manufactured from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, polycarbonate, acrylic, or CR-39. Further, lens  16  may be photochromatic, polarized, or tinted, to provide a range of light attenuation and color filtration. 
     Lens  16  may also include a number of snap features  19  which engage with snap details in lens channel  15 . As illustrated, snap features  19  shown as: two snaps at the nose and one each on either edge of the lens. In an embodiment of the present invention, the snap details in lens channel  15  are matingly associated with snap features  19 , thereby aligning and securing lens  16  in lens channel  15 . It should be noted that while Snap features  19  help align and secure lens  16  in lens channel  15 , they are light enough to easily be overcome by pressing the top rail  18  (when inserting the lens) or pulling on top rail (when removing the lens). 
     Although lens  16  is referred to as singular, it may constitute a plurality of lenses. For example, lens  16  may be a sealed double lens with an airspace in between. A double lens structure may be desirable to prevent fogging or provide extra UV protection. Moreover, while lens  16  is illustrated as a unitary structure, it may also constitute a plurality of pieces. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, frame  12  is a dual-material structure comprised of lens support  14  over-molded with a supple casing that forms the outer surface of frame  12 . Lens support  14  functions as an internal skeleton providing sufficient rigidity to provide a lens channel  15  for sliding lens  16  into and out of frame  12 . Accordingly, lens support  14  may be one of several suitable materials such as a high durometer thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). As illustrated, the over-molded casing is a low durometer TPU, however one skilled in the art would readily recognize that the over-molded casing could be any number of suitable materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, any rubber, or elastomeric material. 
     Goggles  10  further include outriggers  20  and fastener  30 . Outriggers  20  and fastener  30  are operable to releasably secure lens  16  in frame  12 . More particularly, outriggers  20  and fastener  30  lock lens  16  in place such that it cannot be removed without some user operation. Thus, a user of goggles  10  may engage in a variety of high impact activities without lens/top rail assembly  17  becoming dislodged from frame  12 . Although  FIGS. 1(   a ) and  1 ( b ) depict goggles  10  as including both fastener  30  and outriggers  20 , one skilled in the art would readily recognize that the lens replacement system of the present invention is functional with only one of such features. Thus, particular embodiments may only include one or the other of these securing feature. 
     Goggles  10  also include a head strap  40  which is typically an elastic material. The ends of head strap  40  may be attached to outriggers  20 . Alternatively, the ends of head strap  40  may be attached to frame  12 . In operation, head strap  40  encircles the head of the user and is functional to secure goggles  10  to the face of a user. Head strap  40  may include an adjustment mechanism to modify its length and/or adjust tension. 
       FIGS. 2-9  illustrate various versions of a quick change lens replacement system in accordance with particular embodiments of the present invention.  FIGS. 2-5  illustrate particular embodiments using outriggers as a securing mechanism for lens/top rail assembly  17 , whereas  FIGS. 6-9  illustrate various embodiments of the system implemented using a top-mounted fastener as securing mechanisms. It should be noted that these features may be combined in suitable embodiments. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , depicted is one embodiment of the lens replacement system implemented using outrigger  22 . While a single outrigger  22  is depicted, the goggles may include a corresponding outrigger  22  affixed to the opposite side of the goggles (not shown). Outrigger  22  is rotatable about axis  44  extending through outrigger mounting points  42 . When outrigger  22  is rotated into a forward position it overlies a portion of top rail  18  thereby securing lens/top rail assembly  17  in place. As used herein, “forward” references the direction away from the user&#39;s face when the goggles are affixed to the user&#39;s head. Correspondingly, “rearward” references the direction toward the user&#39;s face when the goggles are properly affixed to the user&#39;s head. 
     Outrigger  22  is locked in a forward position by latch  52  and flange  60 . As illustrated, latch  52  is included within outrigger  22  and is spring loaded in a locked position. Flange  60  is fashioned such that when outrigger  22  is rotated forward, flange  60  forces latch  52  to move inward in outrigger  22 , thereby allowing outrigger  22  to pass the plane of flange  60 . Once outrigger  22  rotates past the plane of flange  60 , latch  52  returns to a locked position. At this point, outrigger  22  is in the “locked forward” position. From a locked forward position, a user must manually release latch  52  to enable outrigger  22  to rotate rearwardly past the plane of flange  60 . Accordingly, once outrigger  22  rotates forward past the plane of flange  60 , lens/top rail assembly  17  is securely locked in place. 
     As described, when outrigger  22  is in a locked forward position, it is restrained from rotating rearwardly past the plane of flange  60 . However, outrigger  22  may continue to rotate forward through a set angle. In the illustrated embodiment, outrigger  22  is able to rotate up to fifteen degrees past the plane of flange  60  in the forward direction. Permitting continued forward rotation allows head strap  40  affixed to outrigger  22  to securely fit the goggles to a variety of helmet or head sizes. When a user with a small helmet, or no helmet at all, puts on the goggles the tension in head strap  40  might force outrigger  22  into the locked position where latch  52  is flush against flange  60 . By contrast, if the user is wearing a bulky helmet, or has a large head, the tension in head strap  40  might pull outrigger  22  forward to compensate for the shape. Such adjustment allows the goggles to accommodate a variety of user head and helmet sizes. 
     In the present embodiment, removal of lens/top rail assembly  17  when outrigger  22  is positioned in a locked forward position requires the user to manually release latch  52  while simultaneously rotating outrigger  22  rearwardly past the plane of flange  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, manually releasing latch  52  entails exerting a force on the upper portion of latch  52  which is counter to the spring loaded direction. Once outrigger  22  is rotated past the plane of flange  60 , a user may remove lens/top rail assembly  17  by pulling on top rail  18  and sliding lens  16  out from frame  12 . A new lens  16  can be inserted by sliding lens/top rail assembly  17  into frame  12  by pushing on top rail  18 . Accordingly, no touching of the lens surface is required to insert or remove a lens. Furthermore, the user need only release latch  52  to unsecure the lens for removal. Thus, several advantages of the present invention are apparent. 
     While  FIG. 2  illustrates the lens replacement system of the present invention using latch  52  and flange  60  to lock outrigger  22  in a forward position, one skilled in the art will recognize that numerous potential mechanisms could be used. By means of example and not limitation, suitable mechanisms are illustrated in the subsequent embodiments. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates one such outrigger forward locking mechanism implemented with the lens replacement system of the present invention. As represented in  FIG. 3 , outrigger  23  operates in substantially the same manner as outrigger  22  in  FIG. 2 , however it uses a different latching mechanism. Specifically, in this embodiment, latch  53  incorporates a built in flex point  64  (instead of using a spring as in latch  52  of  FIG. 2 ). Latch  53  is released by moving the top portion of latch  53  outward which causes latch  53  to bend at flex point  64 . Bending latch  53  about flex point  64  provides sufficient clearance to permit the body of latch  53  to pass by flange  60 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of a mechanism for placing an outrigger in a locked forward position in accordance with the quick change lens replacement system of the present invention. This embodiment operates in a manner substantially similar to the previously disclosed outrigger based lens replacement systems, but incorporates a different latching mechanism. As illustrated, latch  54  is mounted to outrigger  24  and connected to head strap  40 . Latch  54  is functional to rotate between an open and closed position. To remove lens/top rail assembly  17  when outrigger  24  is in a locked forward position, a user pulls forward on head strap  40 . Pulling head strap  40  forward causes latch  54  to rotate forward and release from flange  60 . Thus, outrigger  24  is permitted to rotate into a rearward position, thereby freeing top rail  18 . At this point, lens/top rail assembly  17  may be slidably removed from frame  12 . As with the previous embodiments, when outriggers  24  are in the rearward position, lens/top rail  17  can also be inserted into frame  12 . 
     In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 4 , securing lens/top rail assembly  17  to frame  12  only requires rotating outriggers  24  forward. The forward rotation of outriggers  24  brings flange  60  into contact with latch  54  thereby causing latch  54  to rotate forward. Once the distal edge of latch  54  passes the plane of flange  60 , outriggers  54  are in a locked forward position. At this point, if outriggers  24  are rotated rearwardly latch  54  will catch on flange  60  thereby preventing further rearward rotation of outriggers  24 . As with the previous outrigger based lens replacement systems, outriggers  24  are still permitted to rotate in a forward direction to a set angle. 
       FIGS. 5(   a ) and  5 ( b ) illustrate another embodiment of the system of the present invention implemented using an outrigger. In this embodiment, outrigger  25  is able to detach from frame  12  at the upper mounting point. Detaching outrigger  25  from frame  12  opens a path for lens/top rail assembly  17  to be inserted or removed. When outrigger  25  is detached from frame  12  at the upper mounting point, it remains attached to the frame at the lower mounting point. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the lower mounting point is constructed as a ball joint to allow the outrigger to pivot out of the insertion/removal path of  17  lens/top rail assembly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5(   a ), outrigger  25  is connected to frame  12  at upper and lower mounting points  32 . As illustrated, outrigger mounting point  44  has a peg contour associated with keyhole  46 . Outrigger mounting point  44  is able to move in and out of keyhole  46  along guide path  48 . Guide path  48  is located on top rail  18  and functions to guide mounting point  44  when it is inserted or removed from keyhole  46 . 
     In operation, keyhole  46  functions to maintain outrigger  25  in a locked forward position. When the goggles are properly positioned on the users face, head strap  40  will naturally pull outrigger  25  rearwardly. The positioning of keyhole  46  may be such that the pull of head strap  40  on outrigger  25  will be at an angle of at least ninety degrees to the direction of entry of outrigger mounting point  44 . Accordingly, outrigger mounting point  44  is prevented from exiting keyhole  46  when the goggles are on the user&#39;s face. 
     The range of motion of outrigger  25  is substantially similar to the aforementioned outrigger embodiments of the present invention. More particularly, outrigger  25  is restrained from rotating rearwardly by flange  60 . Thus, when outrigger mounting point  44  is situated in keyhole  46  lens/top rail assembly  17  is secured to frame  12 . Further, outrigger  25  is also permitted to rotate a set angle past flange  60  in the forward direction to accommodate helmets of various sizes. 
       FIGS. 6-8  illustrate a quick change lens replacement system implemented using various top-mounted fasteners to secure the lens. While the directional term “top” is used to describe the feature, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the art would readily recognize that such a feature could be bottom-mounted. Further, while several examples of fastening mechanisms are particularly described, a fastener could comprise any feature that is functional to secure the lens. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , an embodiment of a lens replacement system wherein a latch  36  is used to secure lens/top rail assembly  17  is illustrated. Latch  36  is mounted to frame  12  (specifically, to lens support  14  in the illustrated embodiment). As illustrated, latch  36  may be spring loaded such that in the “open” position, it is naturally raised out of the insertion/removal path of lens/top rail assembly  17 . When lens  16  is properly positioned in frame  12 , latch  36  may be rotated downward and clipped onto top rail  17 . At this point, latch  36  is in the “closed” position. When latch  36  is in the closed position, lens/top rail assembly is securely affixed to frame  12 . From the closed position, lens/top rail assembly  17  can be removed by unclipping latch  36  and pulling top rail  17  away from frame  12 . 
       FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) illustrate a variation of the top-mounted fastener implementation of a lens replacement system in accordance with the present invention. As with the embodiment in  FIG. 6 , lens/top rail assembly  17  is inserted from above, however, the fastening mechanism uses a cam profile to secure lens/top rail assembly  17  to frame  12 . 
     A cam mechanism is implemented using latch  70  and link  72 . As depicted in the present embodiment, top rail  18  has a contour  74  that mates with the profile of latch  70 . Referring to  FIG. 7(   b ), link  72  is pivotally connected to latch  70  and frame  12  at pivot points  76   a  and  76   b  In the illustrated embodiment, link  72  is spring loaded to rotate in a rearward direction about pivot point  76   b . Spring loading latch  72  about pivot point  76   b  places a rearward force on latch  70  at pivot point  76   a . The rearward force in combination with the contours of top rail  18  and latch  70  cause latch  70  to exhibit over-center behavior. Thus, latch  70  has two low energy states: 1) fully open; and 2) fully closed. A peak energy state exists when latch  70  is between fully open and fully closed. The primary benefit of the over-center behavior is that latch  70  has two preferred orientations: opened or closed. Accordingly, when opened, latch  70  will rotate to the position shown in  FIG. 7(   a ). Further, when latch  70  is in a closed position, the low energy state ensures that lens/top rail assembly  17  is secured to frame  12 . Because no intermediate latch position is useful in removing or installing lens/top rail assembly  17  the over-center behavior of latch  70  simplifies the lens replacement process. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another variation of the top-mounted fastener embodiment of a quick change lens replacement system. As with the previous embodiments, lens/top rail assembly  17  is slidably associated with frame  12 . The mechanism used to secure lens/top rail assembly  17  to frame  12  comprises folding latch  80  and screw  82 . Folding latch  80  is pivotally connected to screw  82 . Screw  82  is affixed to frame  12  and is rotatable about an axis  84  which is generally in the same plane as the lens/top rail assembly  17  installation/removal direction. 
     In the embodiment represented in  FIG. 8 , top rail  18  has an aperture  86  capable of receiving folding latch  80 . More particularly, folding latch  80  may be inserted through aperture  86  when it is generally in the same plane as the lens/top rail assembly  17  installation/removal direction. Top rail  18  also has a contour  88  shaped in the profile of folding latch  86 . 
     To secure lens/top rail assembly  17 , folding latch  80  is initially inserted through aperture  86 . Next, screw  82  is rotated to a point at which folding latch  86  overlaps lens/top rail assembly  17 . The rotation causes screw  82  to lower into frame  12  thereby tightening folding latch  80  against top rail  18 . At this point, lens/top rail assembly is secured to frame  12 . Next, folding latch  80  may be lowered such that it is substantially coplanar with top rail  18 . In the illustrated embodiment, top rail  18  has a contour  88  shaped in the profile of folding latch  80 . Accordingly, when folding latch  80  is in a closed position it fits substantially within top rail  18 . 
     Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that various other changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, although the present invention has been described with reference to various specific fastening mechanisms for securing lens  16  to frame  12 , the invention should not be limited to such. In addition, it is foreseeable that one might combine several of the fastening mechanisms in a single embodiment of the present invention. Further, numerous other changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications may be ascertained to one skilled in the art and it is intended that the present invention encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0