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Title:
EYEWEAR AND RELATED METHODS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/032513
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Eyewear, eyewear kits, and eyewear components are disclosed, along with related methods of manufacture and use. The eyewear and eyewear kits comprise an elastic headband formed into a continuous loop, a lens, at least two brackets configured to releasably secure the lens to the continuous loop of the elastic headband, and a semi-rigid spacer providing a standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband. In some embodiments, the brackets and semi-rigid spacer(s) form part of a truss, which may be releasably joined to the elastic headband directly or via at least one truss mount.

Inventors:
HANSEN KRISTIAN (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2018/045507
Publication Date:
February 14, 2019
Filing Date:
August 07, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
CORN SNAKES LLC (US)
International Classes:
G02C3/00; A61F9/02; G02C3/02
Domestic Patent References:
WO1983004110A11983-11-24
Foreign References:
US4885808A1989-12-12
GB612042A1948-11-08
US8096652B12012-01-17
US5309577A1994-05-10
US4616367A1986-10-14
US6216282B12001-04-17
US5771500A1998-06-30
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
MARSHALL, Shireen, R. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS is claimed is:

Eyewear comprising: an elastic headband; a lens; and a truss comprising at least two brackets configured to secure the lens to the elastic headband and a semi-rigid spacer providing a standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband.

2. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the semi-rigid spacer is oriented at an angle of deflection between 60 degrees and -60 degrees.

3. The eyewear of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lens is oriented at a tilt angle between +45 degrees and -25 degrees.

4. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein each of the brackets comprises a shroud.

5. The eyewear of claim 4, wherein the shrouds are disposed in front of the lens.

6. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein only a top portion of the lens is secured to the headband by the brackets.

7. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the lens is not surrounded by a frame.

8. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the lens is partially or completely surrounded by a frame.

9. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the lens is modular with respect to the

brackets.

10. The eyewear of claim 1 further comprising a nose piece secured to a bridge area of the lens.

1 1 . The eyewear kit of claim 10, wherein the nose piece is modular with respect to the lens.

12. The eyewear of claim 1 further comprising a backing strip disposed along at least a portion of an inner circumference of the elastic headband.

13. The eyewear of claim 12, wherein the elastic headband is disposed between the backing strip and the truss or between the backing strip and a truss mount or between the backing strip and the semi-rigid spacer.

14. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the truss further comprises at least one vent formed in or proximal to the semi-rigid spacer.

15. The eyewear of claim 1 further comprising at least one truss mount for

releasably joining the truss to the elastic headband.

16. Eyewear comprising: an elastic headband; a lens; at least two brackets configured to secure the lens to the elastic headband; and a semi-rigid spacer providing a standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband, wherein the semi-rigid spacer has a Young's modulus between 3.5 MPa and 500 MPa.

17. The eyewear of claim 16, wherein the brackets are physically connected to one another by a truss.

18. The eyewear of claim 16, wherein the brackets and the semi-rigid spacer(s) are physically connected by a truss.

19. The eyewear of claim 17 or claim 18 further comprising at least one truss mount for releasably joining the truss and the elastic headband.

20. The eyewear of claim 16, wherein only a top portion of the lens is secured to the headband by the brackets.

21 . The eyewear of claim 16, wherein each of the brackets comprises a shroud, and the shrouds are disposed in front of the lens.

Description:
EYEWEAR AND RELATED METHODS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to US Provisional Patent Appl. No. 62/541 ,831 , filed August 7, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Eyewear can be functional, fashionable, minimal, or a combination of these characteristics, but a considerable amount of known eyewear is over-engineered to the point where it looses some of its functionality and aesthetic appeal. For example, ski goggles are designed to seal against a user's face to prevent cold air, snow, and debris from interfering with vision. However, sealed eyewear reduces breathability, which can lead to fogging and icing issues that counteract the intended purpose. To address this issue, goggle makers have increased the air volume within the goggle and introduced double-walled lenses, which negatively impacts the product's optical and aesthetic qualities. In addition, ski goggle straps are typically too uncomfortable to wear under a helmet, but also do not mount well to the outside surface of a helmet, especially once strap-securing devices on the helmet have broken.

[0003] In addition, traditional eyewear for other activities, such as cycling and running, uses very snug arms to effectively secure the eyewear to the wearer's face. However, the arms often press excessively on the sides of the head causing pressure, friction and general discomfort. Even in this uncomfortable configuration, many eyewear models will still pivot freely at the pressure points and bounce uncomfortably on the bridge of the nose during activity.

[0004] A number of documents describe devices intended to overcome the problems associated with traditional eyewear. For example, US Pat. Nos. 6,216,282 and 4,852,189 disclose elasticized headbands attached to sun lenses by Velcro® attachments; US Pat. No. 2,385,405 discloses a headband that secures goggles and an eyeshade; US Pat. Nos. 4,621 ,378 and 3,120,002 disclose headbands for receiving eyeshields; US Pat. No. 2,271 ,703 discloses a combination sweatband and goggle; and US Pat. No. 5,771 ,500 discloses a headband having lens pieces incorporated therein. All of these devices have drawbacks that are overcome by the eyewear and related methods disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention generally relates to eyewear, eyewear kits, eyewear components, and related methods of manufacture and use. As described herein, the eyewear comprises an elasticized headband that encircles a wearer's head at forehead level and a lens releasably mounted, directly or indirectly, to the elasticized headband by at least two brackets. The lens is not sealed to the wearer's face, so that air can flow around the sides and bottom of the lens as well as through one or more vents near the top portion of the lens. This breathability reduces or prevents fogging of the lens. The eyewear does not include temple pieces or arms, and in most embodiments, does not include a full frame or a double-walled lens.

[0006] Further, the elastic headband can comfortably be worn under a hat or helmet, or it can be used without a hat or helmet to constrain a wearer's hair. When the wearer wants to uncover his or her eyes, the eyewear can be easily rotated to one side or to the back of the head, flipped upside-down, or worn around the neck. The eyewear, which may be provided in a variety of sizes, is best suited for general fun, fashion and athletics in mild to warm conditions.

[0007] In an aspect, eyewear comprises an elastic headband, a lens, and a truss comprising at least two brackets configured to secure the lens to the elastic headband and a semi-rigid spacer providing a standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband.

[0008] In an aspect, an eyewear kit comprises an elastic headband, a lens, and a truss comprising at least two brackets configured to secure the lens to the elastic headband, a semi-rigid spacer providing a standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband, and instructions for assembling and using the eyewear.

[0009] In an aspect, eyewear comprises an elastic headband formed into a continuous loop; a lens; at least two brackets configured to secure the lens to the continuous loop of the elastic headband; and a semi-rigid spacer providing a standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband, wherein the semi-rigid spacer has a Young's modulus between 3.5 MPa and 500 MPa.

[0010] In an aspect, eyewear consists essentially of an elastic headband formed into a continuous loop; a lens; at least two brackets configured to secure the lens to the continuous loop of the elastic headband; and a semi-rigid spacer providing a standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband, wherein the semi-rigid spacer has a Young's modulus between 3.5 MPa and 500 MPa. In an embodiment, eyewear consisting essentially of these features does not include material in direct or indirect contact with a bottom portion or lower side portion of a lens or material configured to substantially seal the lens against a wearer's face.

[0011] In an aspect, eyewear consists of an elastic headband formed into a continuous loop; a lens; at least two brackets configured to secure the lens to the continuous loop of the elastic headband; and a semi-rigid spacer providing a standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband, wherein the semi-rigid spacer has a Young's modulus between 3.5 MPa and 500 MPa.

[0012] In an aspect, a method of making the eyewear comprises: forming an elastic headband into a continuous loop; and securing a lens to the continuous loop of the elastic headband via at least two brackets; wherein a semi-rigid spacer having a Young's modulus between 3.5 MPa and 500 MPa provides a standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband.

[0013] In an aspect, an eyewear kit comprises an elastic headband formed into a continuous loop; a lens; at least two brackets configured to secure the lens to the continuous loop of the elastic headband; a semi-rigid spacer providing a standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband, wherein the semi-rigid spacer has a Young's modulus between 3.5 MPa and 500 MPa, and instructions for assembling and using the eyewear.

[0014] In an embodiment, the semi-rigid spacer has a Young's modulus between 5 MPa and 350 MPa, or between 10 MPa and 250 MPa, or between 25 MPa and 150 MPa. In an embodiment, the semi-rigid spacer has flexural rigidity between 10 MPa and 350 MPa, or between 15 MPa and 250 MPa, or between 25 MPa and 100 MPa. [0015] In an embodiment, a standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband is greater than or equal to 2 mm, or greater than or equal to 5 mm, or greater than or equal to 1 cm, or greater than or equal to 2 cm, or greater than or equal to 5 cm. In an embodiment, the standoff distance between the lens and the elastic headband is between 2 mm and 10 cm, or between 5 mm and 8 cm, or between 1 cm and 5 cm.

[0016] In an embodiment, a semi-rigid spacer is oriented at an angle of deflection between 60 degrees and -60 degrees, or between 45 degrees and -45 degrees, or between 30 degrees and -30 degrees, or between 20 degrees and -20 degrees, or between 10 degrees and -10 degrees, or between 5 degrees and -5 degrees.

[0017] In an embodiment, a lens is oriented at a tilt angle between +45 degrees and -25 degrees, or between +30 degrees and -15 degrees, or between +20 degrees and -10 degrees, or between +10 degrees and -5 degrees.

[0018] In an embodiment, eyewear disclosed herein further comprises at least one vent formed in or proximal to a spacer. For example, the at least one vent may directly or indirectly abut the lens. In an embodiment, the vent is open to the ambient environment. In an embodiment, the vent comprises an air-permeable material, such as open cell foam or a screen. In an embodiment, the at least one vent comprises a substantially rectangular, square, hexagonal, triangular or irregular component with a single opening, a substantially rectangular, square, hexagonal, triangular or irregular component partitioned with slats, or a tunnel or cylinder within a spacer. In an embodiment, a vent is a molded plastic component having one or more openings, voids or perforations. In an embodiment, a vent comprises a pattern of openings, voids or perforations. In an embodiment, vent dimensions are determined by the length of and separation distance between semi-rigid spacers.

[0019] In an embodiment, eyewear disclosed herein further comprises at least three brackets. In an embodiment, eyewear disclosed herein further comprises at least two spacers, wherein the brackets and spacers are positioned intermittently relative to one another. In an embodiment, brackets and spacers are unitary. In an embodiment, brackets comprise one or more joins selected from the group consisting of keyhole twist joins, insert joins, twist-in notch joins, circle snap joins, spring-loaded fasteners, pivoting fasteners, snap joins, pin fasteners and magnetic joins. In an embodiment, bracket shape and lens cut are configured to achieve strong joins through mechanical tension, for example by using tight clearances and knotched/barbed angles. Other methods of fastening a lens to a bracket may make use of mechanical camming action, latches, pins, and magnetic joins. In an embodiment, the at least two brackets are corner pieces each having a bent configuration. In an embodiment, each of the brackets comprises a protrusion for mating with a recess or hole in the lens. In an alternate embodiment, each of the brackets comprises a recess or hole for mating with a protrusion on the lens. In an embodiment, the brackets are at least partially modular with respect to the elastic headband. In an embodiment, a bracket comprises a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, metal alloy, wood, cardboard, carbon fiber and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, a bracket comprises a plastic selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/polycarbonate (ABS/PC), nylon, liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In an embodiment, each of the brackets comprises a shroud having a width between 4 mm and 30 mm, a length between 4 mm and 200 mm, and a thickness between 1 mm and 15 mm.

[0020] In an embodiment, brackets are physically connected to one another, for example, by a truss. In an embodiment, the brackets and spacer(s) are physically connected by a truss. In an embodiment, the truss extends the entire length of the top portion of the lens. In an embodiment, the truss is at least as long as the lens. In an embodiment, the brackets apply a camming force to the lens by relaxation of the truss from a force applied perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the truss.

[0021] In an embodiment, the at least two brackets attach directly or indirectly to the elastic headband. In an embodiment, the at least two brackets attach to the elastic headband via the semi-rigid spacer. In an embodiment, the elastic headband does not comprise a pocket for receiving a portion of the lens. In an embodiment, the brackets apply a compressive force to the lens by relaxation of the elastic headband from an expanded state. In an embodiment, the elastic headband further comprises an adjustment mechanism for controlling the size of the continuous loop. In an embodiment, the elastic headband comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a woven fabric, nylon, cotton, polyester, spandex, elastane, rubber, silicone, wool and combinations thereof.

[0022] In an embodiment, the spacers comprise a material selected from the group consisting of foam, plastic, rubber, cardboard, carbon fiber, metal, wood and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, each of the spacers has a thickness between 1 mm and 10 mm, a length between 1 mm and 10 cm, and a width between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0023] In an embodiment, a lens of the eyewear is modular with respect to the brackets. In an embodiment, only a top portion of the lens is secured to the headband by the brackets. In an embodiment, a top edge of the lens is secured by the brackets. In an embodiment, the lens is a unitary body or shield. In an

embodiment, the eyewear comprises at least two lenses. In an embodiment, the lens has a substantially constant radius of curvature. In an embodiment, the lens comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyurethane, acrylic, glass and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the lens is coated or tinted. In an embodiment, the lens comprises recesses, holes, ribs, in-cuts and/or notches for mating with the brackets. In an alternate embodiment, the lens does not comprise recesses, holes, ribs, in-cuts and/or notches. In an embodiment, the lens is not surrounded by a frame. In an embodiment, the lens is partially or completely surrounded by a frame.

[0024] In an embodiment, the eyewear disclosed herein further comprises a nose piece secured to a bridge area of the lens. In an embodiment, the nose piece is modular with respect to the lens. In an embodiment, the nose piece further comprises a plurality of nose pads or a single nose pad. In an embodiment, the lens comprises recesses, holes, ribs, in-cuts and/or notches for mating with the nose piece.

[0025] In an embodiment, the eyewear disclosed herein further comprises a backing strip disposed along at least a portion of an inner circumference of the elastic headband. In an embodiment, the elastic headband is disposed between the backing strip and a truss or truss mount(s). In an embodiment, the elastic headband is disposed between the backing strip and the semi-rigid spacer. In an embodiment, the backing strip comprises a material selected from the group consisting of an absorbent material, foam, rubber, silicone, plastic and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the backing strip comprises closed cell foam. In an embodiment, the backing strip comprises an absorbent material selected from the group consisting of a woven fabric, nylon, cotton, polyester, spandex, elastane, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the backing strip comprises a plastic selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/polycarbonate (ABS/PC), nylon, liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and

thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0026] In an embodiment, the eyewear does not include a temple piece or an arm attached to the lens.

[0027] In an embodiment, a truss mount or a plurality of truss mounts releasably join(s) a truss to an elastic headband.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 shows front perspective and front plan views of eyewear, according to an embodiment, as well as a side plan view of a person wearing the eyewear.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows an exploded front perspective view of the eyewear of FIG. 1 .

[0030] FIG. 3 shows an exploded rendering of a truss and lens and a top plan view of eyewear including a truss, according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a photograph of a truss and truss mount, according to an embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows exemplary renderings of eyewear, according to an

embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 6 shows an exploded rendering and a top plan view of the eyewear of FIG. 5.

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates the angle of deflection and tilt angle that can be achieved by various spacer and bracket configurations for the eyewear disclosed herein. [0035] FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 provide photographs of a prototype comprising an elastic headband, a lens, a truss mount and a nose piece, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In general, the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journal references and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The following definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of this description.

[0037] A "device" is a combination of components operably connected to produce one or more desired functions.

[0038] A "component" is used broadly to refer to an individual part of a device.

[0039] A "headband", as used herein, is a band of fabric configured to be worn around and completely encircle a human head.

[0040] As used herein, a "bracket" is a component for permanently or temporarily fixing or joining one component to another component, such as through matched or mated shapes, sizes, tolerances, forces, configurations and the like.

[0041] As used herein, a "truss" is a semi-rigid or rigid member comprising one or more brackets, spacers, shrouds and/or other components, which join a headband and a lens. In a typical embodiment, a truss is oriented along and bonded to an outer circumference of a headband. In the assembled eyewear, the truss is generally oriented substantially longitudinally with respect to a top portion of a lens. In some embodiments, only bracket shrouds, and optionally a portion of a nose piece, are disposed in front of a lens.

[0042] As used herein, a "truss mount" is a semi-rigid or rigid member that acts as an intermediary between a truss and a headband, thereby allowing for disconnection of the truss (and optionally a lens held by the truss) and a headband to which a truss mount is fixedly or modularly attached. Disconnection may, for example, facilitate cleaning of the headband. In an embodiment, a truss mount or a plurality of truss mounts connect(s) to a truss through a plurality of male and female connectors (see, e.g., FIG. 4).

[0043] As used herein, a "shroud" is an aesthetic fagade disposed on or overlying a front surface of a lens. In an embodiment, a shroud covers a functional component, such as a bracket. In an embodiment, a shroud is itself a part of a bracket or other functional component.

[0044] The terms "direct and indirect" describe the actions or physical positions of one component relative to another component, or one device relative to another device. For example, a component that "directly" acts upon or touches another component does so without intervention from an intermediary. Contrarily, a component that "indirectly" acts upon or touches another component does so through an intermediary (e.g., a third component).

[0045] As used herein, a longitudinal dimension is the longest dimension of a device or component, and a horizontal dimension is perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension. A width or thickness is also perpendicular to a longitudinal dimension, and it is typically the smallest of the three dimensions.

[0046] "Integral" refers to items or components that are unitary in structure. For example, unitary items or components may be formed as a single structure or unitary body. Items or components that are not integral or unitary form at least two distinct structures that are separate or easily separated from one another.

[0047] "Modular" refers to items or components that are capable of being attached, detached, released or interchanged. In an embodiment, modular items or

components can be attached, detached, released or interchanged without the use of tools.

[0048] The "angle of deflection" refers to the angle created by deviation of a linear spacer, or an end-to-end imaginary mid-line of a non-linear spacer, from a perfectly horizontal orientation. Thus, in an embodiment, a zero degree angle of deflection occurs where the spacer or mid-line forms right angles with a headband attachment and a bracket attachment. An angle above a horizontal plane is characterized as a positive angle of deflection, with +90 degrees being straight up, and an angle below the horizontal plane is characterized as a negative angle of deflection, with -90 degrees being straight down. (See FIG. 7)

[0049] The "tilt angle" refers to the angle created by deviation of the bracket or lens attachment from a vertical orientation that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the spacer. An orientation tilted away from the wearer's face is characterized as a positive tilt angle and an orientation tilted toward the wearer's face is characterized as a negative tilt angle. (See FIG. 7)

[0050] As used herein, "positioned intermittently" refers to distinct components arranged in a regularly (e.g., ABABA) or irregularly (e.g., ABAABA) alternating configuration.

[0051] "Elastomer" refers to a polymeric material that can be stretched or deformed and returned to its original shape without substantial permanent deformation.

Elastomers commonly undergo substantially elastic deformations. Useful elastomers include those comprising polymers, copolymers, composite materials or mixtures of polymers and copolymers. Exemplary elastomers include, but are not limited to, silicon containing polymers such as polysiloxanes including poly(dimethyl siloxane) (i.e. PDMS and h-PDMS), poly(methyl siloxane), partially alkylated poly(methyl siloxane), poly(alkyl methyl siloxane) and poly(phenyl methyl siloxane), silicon modified elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, styrenic materials, olefinic materials, polyolefin, polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers, polyamides, synthetic rubbers, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), polyurethanes, polychloroprene and silicones.

[0052] As used herein, the term "elastic" describes a characteristic of a material or blend of materials, wherein the material(s) can be stretched or deformed and return to an original shape without substantial permanent deformation.

[0053] FIG. 1 shows front perspective and front plan views of eyewear 100, according to an embodiment, as well as a side plan view of a person wearing eyewear 100. The eyewear comprises an elastic headband 102, a lens 104 and a truss (not shown). The truss comprises at least two brackets configured to secure lens 104 to elastic headband 102 and a semi-rigid spacer 108 providing a standoff distance between lens 104 and elastic headband 102. The brackets may be formed by or hidden behind shrouds 106. As shown, eyewear 100 also includes a nose piece 1 10. As shown, only a top portion 1 12 of lens 104 is secured to headband 102 by brackets, and the bottom 114 and bottom side 1 16 portions of lens 104 are not surrounded by a frame.

[0054] FIG. 2 shows an exploded front perspective view of eyewear 100 of FIG. 1 . In addition to elastic headband 102 and lens 104, truss 200 and optional truss mount 202 are shown. Truss 200 may be joined directly to elastic headband 102 or truss mount 202 may be used to releasably join truss 200 to elastic headband 102, for example, to facilitate the switching of lenses and/or the cleaning of elastic headband 102. In addition, lens 104 may be modular with respect to the brackets, which form part of truss 200 in the embodiment shown. For example, notches 206 of lens 104 may join with a bracket, which may be hidden by shroud 106. Nose piece 1 10 is attachable to a bridge area 204 of lens 104. A nose pad 208 may be joined to nose piece 1 10 by mating connectors.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows an exploded rendering of eyewear comprising a truss 300, truss mount 302, lens 304, nose piece 306, and nose pad 308. FIG. 3 also shows a top plan view of the eyewear in a fully assembled state. As shown in the top plan view, truss 300 comprises front 310 and back 312 struts, semi-rigid spacers 314 and vents 316.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows a photograph of a truss and truss mount, according to an embodiment. As shown, the truss includes a plurality of shrouds, which may hide underlying brackets or which may themselves apply compressive forces that hold a lens, for example, at tampered edges (shown by dashed ovals). The truss also includes front and back struts separated by a plurality of spacers and vents. Further, in the embodiment shown, the truss includes a plurality of male connectors for attaching the truss to a truss mount, which has corresponding female connectors. In other embodiments, the male connectors may be on the truss mount and the female connectors may be on the truss or male and female connectors may both be present on a truss and a truss mount. In addition, other types of mated connectors known in the art may be used to join the truss and truss mount. A truss mount acts as an intermediary between a truss and a headband, thereby allowing for separation between the truss (and optionally a lens held by the truss) and a headband to which a truss mount is fixedly or modularly attached. Separation may, for example, facilitate cleaning of the headband.

[0057] FIG. 5 shows exemplary renderings of eyewear 500, according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an exploded rendering and a top plan view of eyewear 500. Eyewear 500 includes an elastic headband 502, a lens 504 (configured as a shield having a constant radius of curvature), shrouds 506 and a nose piece 510. Lens 504 comprises in-cuts 602 for mating with a bracket, which may for example be shielded by shroud 506. A truss 600 includes vents 604 formed in or proximal to a spacer 606 for providing a stand-off distance between elastic headband 502 and lens 504. Elastic headband 502 further comprises a backing strip 608 disposed along at least a portion of an inner circumference of the elastic headband. As shown, elastic headband 502 is disposed between backing strip 608 and truss 600. In other embodiments, elastic headband 502 may be disposed between backing strip 608 and a truss mount or between backing strip 608 and a semi-rigid spacer 606.

[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates the angle of deflection and tilt angle that can be achieved by various spacer and bracket configurations for the eyewear disclosed herein. For example, a semi-rigid spacer may be oriented at an angle of deflection between 60 degrees and -60 degrees and/or a lens may be oriented at a tilt angle between +45 degrees and -25 degrees.

[0059] FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 provide photographs of a prototype comprising an elastic headband, a lens, a truss mount and a nose piece, according to an embodiment.

STATEMENTS REGARDING INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE AND

VARIATIONS

[0060] All references cited throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents; patent application publications; and non-patent literature documents or other source material; are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference. [0061] US patents and applications relating to eyewear, and incorporated herein by reference, include: 41 1164, 2618782, 4133604, 3233250, 5027443, 6216282, 4852189, 4393519, 2385405, 4621378, 3120002, 3369255, 3214767, 2271703, 3173147, 5009496, 5421037, 61 15843, 4520510, 4616367, 4712254, 2406598, 5642178, 4955087, 5771500, 8316470, 9345622, 9632330, 9655783, 9188792, 8668330, 20140157496, 20120047614, 20120047614, 7497569 and 6715157.

[0062] The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred

embodiments, exemplary embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed can be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments provided herein are examples of useful embodiments of the invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention can be carried out using a large number of variations of the devices, device components, and method steps set forth in the present description. As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, methods and devices useful for the present methods and devices can include a large number of optional composition and processing elements and steps. All art-known functional equivalents of materials and methods are intended to be included in this disclosure.

[0063] When a group of substituents is disclosed herein, it is understood that all individual members of that group and all subgroups are disclosed separately. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of the group and all combinations and subcombinations possible of the group are intended to be individually included in the disclosure.

[0064] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a bracket" includes a plurality of such brackets and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. As well, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms "comprising",

"including", and "having" can be used interchangeably. The expression "of any of claims XX- YY" (wherein XX and YY refer to claim numbers) is intended to provide a multiple dependent claim in the alternative form, and in some embodiments is interchangeable with the expression "as in any one of claims XX- YY."

[0065] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are described. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

[0066] Whenever a range is given in the specification, for example, a range of integers, a temperature range, a time range, a composition range, or concentration range, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. As used herein, ranges specifically include the values provided as endpoint values of the range. As used herein, ranges specifically include all the integer values of the range. For example, a range of 1 to 100 specifically includes the end point values of 1 and 100. It will be understood that any subranges or individual values in a range or subrange that are included in the description herein can be excluded from the claims herein.

[0067] As used herein, "comprising" is synonymous and can be used

interchangeably with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, "consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element. As used herein, "consisting essentially of does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. In each instance herein any of the terms "comprising", "consisting essentially of and "consisting of can be replaced with either of the other two terms. The invention illustratively described herein suitably can be practiced in the absence of any element(s) or limitation(s) which is/are not specifically disclosed herein.