[001 ] EYEWEAR ASSEMBLY WITH AUXILIARY FRAME AND LENS ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates to eyewear, and in particular, to an eyewear assembly that incorporates an auxiliary frame and lens assembly attachable to a primary lens assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a novel design and arrangement of the auxiliary lens assembly to the primary lens assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] It has long been desirable to have a removable auxiliary lens assembly attached to eyeglasses. Typically, the auxiliary lenses provide some function not provided by the primary lenses. For example, the auxiliary lenses may be glare-reduction lenses (sunglasses), while the primary lenses are corrective. Various combinations are possible.

[004] Conventionally, the auxiliary lens and frame assembly is removably secured to the primary assembly by any of a number of mechanical arrangements. The auxiliary assembly typically is forward or in front of the primary assembly, meaning the primary assembly is nearer or closer to the wearer's eyes. One drawback to this arrangement is that the auxiliary assembly can detract from the aesthetic appearance of the primary assembly, which is often purchased based on its aesthetic appearance. The purchase motivated by aesthetic appearance is particularly applicable to sunglasses with glare-reduction lenses. [005] U.S. Patent Number 6,062,688, May 16, 2000, to Vinas discloses a safety shield assembly that is mounted between the primary frame of an eyewear assembly and the wearer's eyes. The purpose of the safety shield is to enclose the area between the wearer's face and the frame. The safety shield is formed of foam rubber to provide an air- permeable shield. This disclosure fails to provide an auxiliary lens assembly and, by its nature as a safety shield, is functional rather than aesthetic and actually detracts from the aesthetic appearance of the eyewear assembly.

[006] A need exists, therefore, for improved means for attachment of auxiliary lens assemblies to primary lens assemblies that is both robust in its attachment, yet easily manufactured and permits breadth in design characteristics.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[007] A primary advantage of the present invention is that it provides an arrangement for attachment of an auxiliary lens and frame assembly to a primary lens and frame assembly that does not interfere with the aesthetic appearance of the primary lens and frame assembly.

[008] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the eyewear assembly comprises a primary frame assembly having an outer periphery and a primary lens holder. At least one primary lens is carried by the primary lens holder. One of a pair of arms extends from a hinge at the outer periphery of the primary frame assembly. An auxiliary frame assembly has an outer periphery and an auxiliary lens holder. At least one auxiliary lens is carried by the auxiliary lens holder, wherein the auxiliary frame assembly is removably secured to the primary frame assembly between the hinges and arms, so that the auxiliary lens is maintained between the primary lens and an eye of the wearer. [009] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the primary frame assembly is formed of polymeric material and the auxiliary frame assembly is formed of wire.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the primary frame assembly defines a forward aspect and the auxiliary frame assembly is entirely enclosed by the forward aspect.

[001 1 ] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the auxiliary frame assembly is removably secured to the primary frame assembly by magnetic engagement between ferromagnetic members carried by the primary and auxiliary assemblies.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the auxiliary lens is a corrective lens and the primary lens is a glare-reduction lens.

[0013] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. As referred to herein, the " present invention" refers to one or more embodiments of the present invention which may or may not be claimed, and such references are not intended to limit the language of the claims, or to be used to construe the claims in a limiting manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIGURE 1 is a front perspective exploded view of the eyewear assembly according to the present invention illustrating both the primary and auxiliary assemblies. [0015] FIGURE 2 is a rear perspective exploded view of the eyewear assembly according to the present invention illustrating both the primary and auxiliary assemblies.

[0016] FIGURE 3 is a rear perspective view of the primary assembly of the eyewear assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIGURE 4 is a rear, partial elevation view of a portion of the primary assembly illustrated in FIGURES 1 , 2, and 3.

[0018] FIGURE 5 is a rear perspective exploded view of the eyewear assembly according to the present invention illustrating both the primary and auxiliary assemblies assembled together.

[0019] FIGURE 6 is a front perspective exploded view of the eyewear assembly according to the present invention illustrating both the primary and auxiliary assemblies.

[0020] FIGURE 7 is a front perspective exploded view of the eyewear assembly according to the present invention illustrating both the primary and auxiliary assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021 ] Referring now to the FIGURES and particularly to FIGURE 1 , an eyewear assembly 100, 200 according to the present invention is shown. As illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the eyewear assembly comprises a primary lens and frame assembly 100 to which is removably attached an auxiliary lens and frame assembly 200. Primary assembly 100 has a primary frame 102. A bridge 104 connects right and left portions of primary frame 102, each of which holds a primary lens 106, which may be a protective lens, corrective lens, or colored or glare-reducing lens. At the outer periphery of each lens, each end of frame 102 has an a temple or arm 108.

[00221 A hinge 1 10 connects each arm or temple 1 12 is connected to frame 102. Each arm 108 terminates in an earpiece (shown in FIGURES 1 and 2). Primary frame 102, bridge 104, and arms 108 cooperate to locate primary assembly 100 on the face of the wearer and to locate lenses 106 relative to one another and to the wearer's eyes. Preferably, as is indicated in the FIGURES, primary frame 100 is formed of molded polymer and is highly stylized to provide aesthetic appeal to the wearer and buyer. The polymeric material may be reinforced with wire or other metallic members. FIGURE 1 illustrates the front or forward aspect of primary assembly 100, while Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 depict the rearward aspect of the assembly, which is nearer the eyes of the wearer.

[0023] As shown in FIGURES 2 and 4, a plurality of ferromagnetic members, three 122 on bridge 104 and a pair 124 on nosepieces are located in primary frame 102 of primary assembly 100. Additionally, a groove 132 (FIGURES 3 and 4) is provided in bridge 104. A pair of notches 134 are provided in primary frame 102 near hinges 1 12 as shown in FIGURES 2 and 3. As will be described, ferromagnetic members 122, 124, groove 132, and notches 134 cooperate to secure and locate an auxiliary frame and lens assembly 200 relative to primary lens and frame assembly 100.

[0024] FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate an auxiliary frame and lens assembly 200, which, like primary assembly 100, includes a frame of two portions 202, connected by a bridge 204, that hold a pair of auxiliary lenses 206. A pair of generally rectangular auxiliary extensions 208 are provided at the outer periphery of each end of frame 202. Preferably, auxiliary assembly 200, except for lenses 206, is formed of bent wire that is ferromagnetic, meaning it is capable of being attracted by a ferromagnet. At least bridge 204 is so constructed, it is not necessary that the entirety of auxiliary assembly be so formed. A pair of ferromagnetic members 224 are also secured by conventional means to the nosepieces of auxiliary assembly 200. All ferromagnetic members 122, 124, 224 are short cylinders having a diameter of between 0.0625 and 0.125 inch and a height or thickness less than 0.125 inch. They are conventionally secured to their respective locations by adhesives, solder, and the like.

[0025] FIGURE 5 illustrates auxiliary assembly 200 removably secured to primary assembly 100. Bridge 204 of auxiliary assembly 200 is received in groove 132, which is dimensioned to permit bridge 204 to move in and out of groove 132, but small enough to restrain its movement to a degree. Auxiliary extensions 208 are received in notches 134 in primary assembly 100 and also serve to constrain auxiliary assembly 200 from undue movement (specifically " pivoting" about bridge 104, 204) relative to primary assembly 100.

[0026] Magnetic attraction between ferromagnets 122, 124 at bridge 104 and the nosepieces of primary assembly 100 and the ferromagnetic material of bridge 204 and ferromagnets 224 at the nosepieces associated with auxiliary assembly 200. Thus, auxiliary assembly 200 is removably secured to primary assembly 100 rearward and behind the forward aspect of primary assembly 100, between primary assembly 100 and the wearer's eyes. The forward aspect or periphery of primary assembly 100 fully encloses auxiliary assembly 200. Accordingly, it does not interfere with the aesthetic appearance of the forward aspect of primary assembly 100.

[0027] In operation, primary assembly 100 is employed by the wearer as the primary eyewear. When the extended functionality provided by auxiliary assembly 200 is desired or required, the wearer simply removes primary assembly 100 and "d rops in" auxiliary assembly. Cooperation between extensions 208, bridge 204, and ferromagnets 224 of auxiliary assembly 200 and ferromagnets 122, 124, groove 132, and notches 134 removably secures auxiliary assembly 200 onto, and locates it relative to, primary assembly 100. The wearer then dons the entire assembly. The aesthetic forward aspect of primary assembly 100 remains unchanged.

[00281 The present invention has a number of advantages. The primary or principal advantage is that the functionality of the primary eyewear is extended by the auxiliary assembly, while the aesthetics of the primary eyewear are undisturbed by the presence or absence of the auxiliary assembly.

[0029] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof. It is thus not limited, but is susceptible to variation and modification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0030] In another embodiment, one or more ferromagnetic members are secured to the primary frame 102 on the bridge 104, on the nose piece, on the inner periphery of the rims of the right and left portion of the primary frame holding the lenses, or any combination thereof.

[0031 ] In another embodiment of the present invention, the ferromagnetic members are molded into the primary frame 102.

[0032] Figure 6 illustrates a primary frame 102 formed from a magnetizable material. Magnetizable material comprises materials capable of being attracted by a ferromagnet. Auxiliary frame 200 is formed from a magnetic alloy and conforms to the general shape of the rearmost surface (towards a user) of the primary frame 102. Magnetic alloy comprises metal alloys capable of exhibiting ferromagnetic properties. In close proximity, the magnetic alloy of the auxiliary frame cooperates with the magnetizable material of the primary frame, imparting magnetic attraction to magnetically couple the auxiliary frame to the rearmost surface of the primary frame.

[0033] In another embodiment, one or more discrete portions of the primary frame 102 are formed from a magnetizable material and one or more discrete portions of auxiliary frame 200 are formed from a magnetic alloy. In close proximity, the one or more discrete portions of magnetic alloy of the auxiliary frame cooperates with the one or more discrete portions of magnetizable material, located at complimentary positions on the primary frame, imparting magnetic attraction to magnetically couple the auxiliary frame to the rearmost surface of the primary frame.

[0034] In yet another embodiment, primary frame 102 is formed, entirely or in part, from a magnetic alloy and the auxiliary frame 200 is formed, entirely or in part, from a magnetizable material. In close proximity, the magnetic alloy of the primary frame cooperates with the magnetizable material of the auxiliary frame, imparting magnetic attraction to magnetically couple the auxiliary frame to the rearmost surface of the primary frame.

[0035] In yet another embodiment, primary frame 102 is formed, entirely or in part, from a magnetizable material. One or more ferromagnetic members are secured at one or more locations on the auxiliary frame enabling magnetic coupling of the auxiliary frame to the primary frame.

[0036] Figure 7 illustrates an auxiliary assembly, according to another embodiment of the present invention, comprising two frame portions 202 204 each holding an auxiliary lense. Primary frame 102 is formed, entirely or in part, from a magnetizable material. Frame portions 202 204 are formed, entirely or in part, from a magnetic alloy and conforms to the general shape of the rearmost surface (towards a user) of the lens portions of the primary frame 102. In close proximity, the magnetic alloy of the auxiliary frame cooperates with the magnetizable material of the primary frame, imparting magnetic attraction to magnetically couple the auxiliary frame to the rearmost surface of the primary frame.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, primary frame 102 is formed, entirely or in part, from a magnetic alloy and the frame portions 202 204 are formed, entirely or in part, from a magnetizable material. In close proximity, the magnetic alloy of the primary frame cooperates with the magnetizable material of the auxiliary frame, imparting magnetic attraction to magnetically couple the auxiliary frame to the rearmost surface of the primary frame.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, one or more ferromagnetic members are secured to and at positions along the perimeter 301 of the auxiliary frame portions 202 204 and to and at complimentary positions of the rearmost surface of the primary frame 102. In close proximity, magnetic attraction between ferromagnetic members of the auxiliary frame and ferromagnetic members of the primary frame removably secures the auxiliary frame to the rearmost surface of the primary frame.

[0039] In yet another embodiment, ferromagnetic members, magnetizable material, magnetic alloy, or any combination thereof, is used to magnetically secure the auxiliary frame 200 or frame portions 202, to the primary frame 102, in accordance with the above.