BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/405,545, filed October 21, 2010, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

The present invention relates to flip up interchangeable lenses, shields, guards, or the like for face and eye wear such as glasses, goggles, face shields or helmets. More particularly, the disclosed device and method relate to eyewear employable for viewing 3D videos, games, or movies and which may be rotated out of the user's view when not needed thereby rendering their view as normal. Further, the device provides such selectable 3D lenses which may be worn singularly or in combination with prescription lenses.

2. Prior Art

Three Dimensional (3D) appearing movies, games, television shows, and other projected or displayed videos employ a number of schemes to provide the viewer with a virtual 3D view of what is being viewed. Such 3D media provide this user-perceived sense of 3D by employment of projection and/or video display standards whereby two images are displayed in a viewing area. These images when viewed through both of the user's eyes are perceived by the brain as a single 3D video, game, movie or the like.

To provide a stereoscopic motion picture perceived as 3D by viewers, two images of the displayed media are projected and superimposed onto the same viewing area or screen through the use of different colorized or polarizing filters. To the naked eye, the projected or displayed image in this fashion appears hazy or shadowy.

In order for the viewer to perceive in their brain, the intended 3D version of the displayed media, it is required that the viewer wear, in front of each eye, a lens having optic qualities which are adapted to make one of the two images contained in the stereoscopic image appear clear to the respective eye through which it provides an image.

One mode of such individual lenses employs different colored lenses. Such have been used since the 1950's when 3D movies first became popular. The media is filmed and/or projected with the stereoscopic image containing both images and by wearing the colorized lenses, the viewer perceives one respective image through each eye.

Modernly, the two images making up the stereoscopic image employ polarizing filter schemes to both, combine them into the displayed stereoscopic image and separate them into two individual image streams. Each such image screen is to be seen by a different respective eye of the user. These individual images are cleared for each respective eye by the employment of two differing polarizing filters. Using this mode, one filter having a first polarizing quality is placed in front of one respective eye, and a second polarizing filter having a second polarizing quality opposite the first, is placed in front of the second eye. Each respective filter passes only that light which is similarly polarized and concurrently blocks the light polarized in the opposite direction.

With the individual lenses in a registered relative engagement with each other, so placed in front of a viewer's eyes, each eye sees a different image. The two images are used to produce a three-dimensional effect by projecting the same scene into both eyes, but depicted from slightly different perspectives. Because the users need not track the moving images on a stationary screen or projection area, such as in a theater, a plurality of people wearing similar pairs of lenses can view the stereoscopic images at the same time and all will perceive a 3D view of what is displayed.

However, such a mode presents vision and other complications, especially when the viewers are not sitting stationary and quiet in a dark theater. First, standards can change, or even vary between media providers. For instance, a game program running on a computer and video screen may employ a differing polarization scheme, or lens scheme from a movie projected inside a theater with stationary viewers. The game may have more than one player who are moving and positioned at differing angles to the screen and require a different or adapted polarization scheme from that of the movie. Alternatively, some manufacturers or providers of media may wish to control users by providing a proprietary lens scheme wherein the users must use lenses with a specialized or customized polarization and/or colorization scheme to see the 3D video.

Further, where customized lenses might not be required, users watching media at home or playing 3D video games, may wish to temporarily dismount their lenses, say to eat or greet a pizza delivery, and then easily go back to the 3D game, movie, or TV program. Or, viewers may need one polarization or colorization scheme for the lenses for a movie or TV program on a video screen, and another polarization or colorization scheme for a video game or playing a DVD movie. Or, the DVD movie or the video game may have a proprietary set of 3D lenses using a proprietary polarization scheme to maintain licensing or sales rights and fight pirating. This could be done by randomly changing the relative polarization angles of the lenses to each other, and electronically changing the game or movie to match. Thus, viewers of multiple types of media need multiple 3D lenses.

Still further, viewers and users who must wear corrective glasses currently are unable to easily employ 3D viewing lenses in combination with their prescriptive lenses. Such a combination can be used, but without the best results due to misalignment of the corrective lenses with the 3D polarizing or colorization lenses. Should multiple types and schemes of 3D viewing lenses be required for different games, movies, videos, or for proprietary schemes for games and media, prescriptive lens wearers are at even more of a disadvantage due to the inability to easily align and change their 3D viewing lenses with their prescription lenses.

Additionally, 3D imaging continues to evolve and new projections and user viewing schemes are being presented constantly. As a consequence, manufacturers of video games all playing in the same game player, may actually use different 3D technologies requiring differences in eyewear to perceive. Further, even on the same DVD player, different studios or producers may employ differing 3D technologies which may require different or reconfigured eyewear to watch and enjoy.

As such, there is a continuing unmet need for an improved device of easily engaged and aligned 3D lenses and/or optical components, which will provide for an easy

interchangeability of the lenses and a plurality of auxiliary lenses, to allow viewers to adapt their 3D eyewear to the 3D media projection scheme of the game or media being viewed. Such a device should provide a registered engagement of the two individual 3D lenses with each being positioned in front of the appropriate eye, yet should allow for a quick temporary positioning of the lenses out of the line of sight so the user may temporarily see clearly for other tasks the lenses may impair or make inconvenient. Still further, such a device and method should provide for the registered engagement and positioning of each of the 3D lenses with each other, and the user's eyes, for 3D media and concurrent use thereof with prescription lenses of users. Still further, such a device and method should be applicable across a wide variance of media and potential proprietary or licensed polarization and colorization schemes to allow for lenses to be changed in such instances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device and method of employment herein disclosed and described achieves the above-mentioned goals through the provision of an eyewear system configured for registered engagement of colorized or polarized 3D lenses. Should a single 3D lens scheme such as circular polarization be employed, the user is provided with a means to remove the 3D lenses temporarily from their line of sight, using a means for rotatable engagement of a forward positioned lens body holding one or a plurality of lenses to a rearward frame which is adapted for positioning on the user's face using straps or temples or other means to secure the rearward frame in an operative position.

In a particularly preferred mode, the lens body holding the 3D lenses in a registered engagement to each other, is removably engaged to the rearward frame. This will allow for the engagement of one or a plurality of lens bodies holding different lenses in registered engagement with each other to match the polarization scheme of one or a plurality of different game, video, TV, movie, or other visually displayed programs. Should a game have a different polarization and/or colorization criteria for 3D viewing than say, a movie playing on a LCD video screen, the user simply engages a lens body having the appropriate lenses already operatively engaged in a registered engagement with each other, for the media to be viewed.

The means for engagement of the lens body to the rearward frame may allow for a static mount of the lens frame, or more preferably, would allow for a rotational engagement of the lens frame. The rotational mount allows the user to easily and temporarily remove the 3D lenses from their line of sight for temporary time periods without removing them from engagement to their head.

Still further, in a preferred mode of the device, both the static mount and the rotational engagement mount would preferably allow for removable engagement of a plurality of different lens frames to the rearward frame. This allows the user to engage the proper lens frame having the proper lenses in their registered engagement with each other for the media to be viewed, to be engaged and later removed. This allows a second or third or infinite amount of lens frames holding colorized or polarized lenses in registered engagement with each other to match the requirements of the video, game, movie, or other media to be viewed. This mode also allows for media producers to provide proprietary lenses to customers adapted to render only their media in 3D without which the media is unclear. In this fashion lenses may be sold with movies or sports events and the like, and mounted and dismounted as needed.

Thus, the disclosed device and method allow for the utilization as a licensing or control on users and pirating through the provision to allow changing polarization schemes for 3D media. Using the device and this anti-pirating and licensing method, media providers can program their media with proprietary colorization and/or polarization, which works to provide a clear picture and 3D only with lenses adapted to their media. This can be employed to help curb pirating of media, or say for instance to control the number of viewers for pay-to-watch kick boxing or prize fights which would be viewed in 3D. By changing the angle of the polarization of each lens, to match a proprietary scheme, and broadcasting or providing the video in that proprietary scheme, only users who can mount the proprietary 3D lenses which match the proprietary mode of the media provider will be able to see clearly and in 3D. For prize fights for instance, frames bearing the lenses at the correct polarization angles and/or colorization schemes could be provided only to paying users. This would prevent a large group of people from watching a prize fight if only one paid to have it broadcast.

In another mode of employment of the device and method herein, video game makers could "synthetically" polarize the output of the video game using software and/or hardware to enable a changing or random polarization scheme which would be revealed to users upon change. This would require the user to change to lens frame bearing polarized and/or colorized lenses which match game-disclosed scheme to see clearly or 3D.

Further, game makers employing the system herein, may change the polarization angles presented to the game player every so often. This would require a few sets of lenses at the appropriate polarization angles which the game might choose. Whenever the game software changes polarization schemes it will give the players an "adjustment code" which would be the code of the individual frame holding the two lenses at the appropriate polarization angles. The users would dismount the old lens frame and engage the designated one. Should pirating become overbearing the manufacturer on the next game update over the internet could change the game to adopt a new polarization scheme and then send frames bearing lenses matching the new scheme to users.

Employing the head mounted frame which is removably engageable to a lens frame bearing the lenses in the appropriate angle to each other, the system herein is easily adapted to this mode of operation. Further the system herein is easily adapted to allow for the engagement of 3D lenses in combination with prescription lenses a user may need. In this mode, the head engaged rearward frame may have an existing second lens, such as a prescription corrective lens. The rearward positioned frame is engaged on the user's head by a securement means such as conventional temple elements or straps. The removably engageable and/or rotatable front lens body holding one or a plurality of lenses, preferably is adapted to bias to one or a plurality of positions automatically. The current preferred positions include a substantially horizontal stored-position out of eyesight of the user, and an as-used position operatively inline with the rearward frame and the user's eyes. The device would automatically move to the stored-position horizontal from the vertical in-use position when needed by releasing a lock holding the lenses vertical and as-used. A number of biasing means to cause the lens frame and lenses to bias toward the horizontal position may be employed, such as a detent mechanism which is spring biased, ball type spring plunger, or a magnet. The biasing means may also provide intermittent locations of bias other then the positions specified while the specified locations were given only as simple descriptions.

Additionally, since it is biased to an upward position, the front positioned lens body is rotationally biased to flip up to the horizontal biased position easily with a flick of the finger through the provision of a spring loaded hinge or the like. This rotational bias preferably is not great enough to overcome the positional bias achieved by the detent mechanism, magnet or the like but is present to cause the rotation when the bias or lock is overcome by the user. User input is required to overcome the positional bias achieved by the biasing means while the substantially horizontal position is the default position achieved by the rotational biasing means once disengaged from the positional bias.

In another embodiment a securement means is removably engaged to an existing corrective eyeglass in a 'clip-on' fashion. This engages a mount to the existing eyewear which may employ any of the mounting schemes noted herein. This will provide any of the above mentioned interchangeability and rotational positioning of the auxiliary lens frame and lenses without the need for a rearward frame as described since the eyeglass frame functions thereas.

Additionally, in yet another embodiment, the temple element of the main frame employs a means to connect earphones or electronic devices of the like to allow for on-the-go use. The means for engaging the earphones may be permanent or removable such as but not limited to adhesive or snap-fit fasteners, respectively.

With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed 3D lens mounting and positioning device and method in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention herein described is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is an object of this invention to provide a means to couple one or a plurality of interchangeable auxiliary lenses in operative positioning with the eyes of the user and a head worn frame.

It is a further object of this invention to provide one or a plurality of pairs of registered 3D lenses for use by users for 3D media interchangabley with the same main frame.

It is another object of this invention to provide a means to rotationally bias the lens bearing frame to rise to an out of sight position.

Still an object of the current invention is the provision of a single centrally located hinge mount point or pair of such mounts located a positions mirrored about the nose bridge of the frame.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide releasable engagement of the front lens body bearing a pair of lenses in a registered polarizaton engagement, to the rearward frame.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a means to engage earphones or electronic devices of the like to the rearward frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

Figure la is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device allowing for the method herein wherein one or a plurality of lens bearing frames "L" are engageable using engagement element "M" to a helmet. Figure lb is another view of the device of figure la.

Figure lc is a perspective view of another mode of the device similar to la.

Figure 2a is a perspective view of another mode of the device wherein the lense frame "L" is engaged to a rearward frame using an engagement element "M".

Figure 2b is a perspective view of a second mode of the device of figure 2a.

Figure 2c is a perspective view of another mode of the device wherein lenses engage a frame.

Figure 3 a is a perspective view of a third mode of the device where the rearward frame having the engagement element "M" is a goggle body and the lens frame "L" is a lens.

Figure 3b is a perspective view of another mode of that of figure 3 a.

Figure 3 c is a perspective view of another mode of that of figure 3 a.

Figure 4a is a perspective view of another mode of the device employing a shield with a head engaged frame.

Figure 4b is a perspective view of another mode of the device of figure 4a.

Figure 4c is a perspective view of another mode of the device of figure 4a.

Figure 5 a is a perspective view of another mode of the device employing lenses in registered engagement with each other which attach to a frame.

Figure 5b is a perspective view of another mode of the device of figure 5a.

Figure 5 c is a perspective view of another mode of the device of figure 5 a.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of device with lens element biased to the stored position out of sight of the user.

Figure 6b depicts operational qualities of one conventionally popular mode of 3D eyewear employing circular polarization.

Figure 6c is another view of the lens element

Figure 7 shows the device in a stored position applicable to all embodiments and modes where it is biased upward to a substantially horizontal position after release of a restraint.

Figure 8 depicts the as-used position of the auxiliary lens, also biased to maintain the position.

Figure 9a shows a top view of a first detailed embodiment of the first component in the securement means depicting a spring loaded biasing hinge and rotating body with opposing flange elements.

Figure 9b is a perspective view. Figure 10a is a top view of a first embodiment of the second component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 10b is a side view depicting a slot with frictional engagement elements.

Figure 10c is a perspective view.

Figure 1 la is a top view of a second embodiment of the first component in the securement means with stationary rectangular body with opposing flange elements.

Figure 1 lb is a perspective view.

Figure 12a is a top view of a second embodiment of the second component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 12b is a side view.

Figure 12c is a perspective view.

Figure 13a is a third embodiment of the first component in the securement means with rotating body comprised of a actuating release mechanism and engagement hub.

Figure 13b is a perspective view.

Figure 14a is a top view of a third embodiment of the second component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 14b is a perspective view.

Figure 15a depicts a top view of the third embodiment of the securement means prior to engagement.

Figure 15b depicts a top view of the third embodiment of the securement means engaging the lens and frame components.

Figure 15c shows the actuating release mechanism of the third embodiment of the frame component disengaging the securement means.

Figure 16a is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the first component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 16b is a perspective view.

Figure 17a is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the second component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 17b is a perspective view.

Figure 18a is a top view of a fifth embodiment of the first component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 18b is a side view in the as-used position.

Figure 19a is a top view of a sixth embodiment of the first component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 19b is a perspective view.

Figure 20a is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the releasable securement means.

Figure 20b is an exploded view.

Figure 21a is a top view of a eighth embodiment of the first component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 21b is a side view.

Figure 22a is a side view of the eighth embodiment of the first component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 22b is a side view of the eighth embodiment of the first component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 22c is a side view of the eighth embodiment of the first component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 23 a is a top view of a ninth embodiment of the first component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 23b is a perspective view.

Figure 24a is a top view of a ninth embodiment of the second component of the releasable securement means.

Figure 24b is a perspective view.

Figure 25a is a top view of the ninth embodiment of the releasable securement means. Figure 25b is a side view.

Figure 25 c is a side view.

Figure 26a is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the securement means. Figure 26b is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the securement means.

Figure 26c is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the securement means.

Figure 27a is a top view of an eleventh embodiment of the first component in the releasable securement means.

Figure 27b is a side view.

Figure 27c is a perspective view.

Figure 28a is a top view of an eleventh embodiment of the second component in the securement means.

Figure 28b is a perspective view. Figure 29a is a side view of a twelfth embodiment of the first component in the releasable securement means in the stored position.

Figure 29b is a side view of a twelfth embodiment of the first component in the releasable securement means in the as-used position.

Figure 30 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device showing magnetic closures.

Figure 31 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the device showing magnetic closures.

Figure 32 depicts a view of an embodiment of the as-used biasing means of the device with a plurality of slide-lock biasing means.

Figure 33 depicts a view of an embodiment of the as-used biasing means of the device with a single centrally located slide-lock biasing means.

Figure 34a shows a cross-sectional view of the open mode of the slide-lock biasing means.

Figure 34b shows a cross-sectional view of the closed mode of the slide-lock biasing means.

Figure 35 shows a perspective view of a clip on embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings of figures 1- 35, there is seen in figures 1-5 the preferred embodiments of the device 10. Generally speaking, in all modes of the device, the device will incorporate a rearward frame element F, removably engaged and/or rotatable lens L, and one or a plurality of means for releasable securement M of the lens to the frame F and a means to secure the frame to a user's head such as a strap or conventional temple elements. This arrangement allows a single frame element F of any type to engage one or a plurality of frame elements F of any type thereby allowing interchangeability of the optics provided by the lens element L for 3D schemes of any type. Further, when employed for use with one or with a plurality of interchangeable 3D lenses "L", each would have a right "R" and a left "L" optic. Each of the two optics would be in registered engagement with the other to provide the correct 3D filtering to match the technology being employed to present it for viewing be it a game, movie, DVD, video, or other type of move or picture.

In all embodiments cooperatively engaged first and second mounting components, namely lens "L" and frame "F" components, employ the releasable or permanent securement means "M" with preferred embodiments described in detail in figures 9-29.

FIG la depicts a first embodiment of the frame F, in the form of a helmet with face shield providing the lens L. FIG lb shows the closed mode of the device with lens L in-line in operative engagement with the helmet frame, F depicting multiple securement mounts M. FIG lc again shows the closed mode with a single substantially central mounted securement mounts M.

FIG 2a shows a second embodiment of the device 10 depicted as an eye shield having a frame F and lens L. FIG 2b shows the closed mode of the device with multiple securement means M holding the lens L in the as-used position. FIG 2c also shows the closed mode with a single centrally mounted means for securement M holding the lens L in a registered engagement.

Shown in FIG 3a is yet a third mode of the device. Depicted is a goggle with a goggle body as a frame F and lens L. A means to secure the frame to the head of a user is done through the provision of a strap 15 shown. FIG 3b shows the closed mode of the goggle mode of the device with multiple securement means M maintaining the lens L in operative position relative to the goggle body. FIG 3 c again shows the closed mode yet with a single centrally mounted means for securement M.

A fourth mode of the device is seen in FIG 4a depicted as a face shield with frame F and engageable lens element forming the lens L. The frame F employs conventional temple elements 16 as a means to secure it to a users head. FIG 4b shows the closed mode of this embodiment with multiple securement means M located on the frame F. FIG 4c again shows the closed mode yet with a single centrally mounted means for securement M.

An additional preferred mode of the device is shown in FIG 5a depicted with conventional eye wear frame F, and having a rotatable and preferably removable lens element L. For some demonstrative purposes herein the following descriptions and figures will be based off this embodiment while it should be noted that what is set forth substantially holds true for all embodiments described previously in figures 1-4.

The frame element F also employs temple elements 17 as a means to secure it to a users head. FIG 5b depicts the securement means M as two distinct elements M located about the frame's cross members 20 at a substantial distance from the nose bridge 21. FIG 5c depicts the securement means M as a single member 18 located at the nose bridge 21 of the rearward frame F and lens L. It should be noted that both arrangements achieve the goal of coupling the front lens body L to the frame F while one may be preferred over another merely for aesthetic purposes. For demonstrative purposes some following figures may be depicted with either one or a plurality of such engagement means M while either will suffice to achieve any noted goals and should note be considered limiting.

FIG 6 shows the engagement of the lens L to a frame F with front lens body L at a slightly vertical flipped up orientation. It is desired that the lens L must be positionable to this orientation for engagement to the frame to ensure no accidental disengagement at other positions as will be described shortly. The securement means M once engaged, restricts movement of the lens body L to rotational motion in combination to the frame F.

FIG 7 shows a substantially horizontal stowed position of the front lens body and lens

L out of the line of sight of the user. A means to bias the relative rotational position of the lens L engaged in the lens body, is achieved by a biasing means such as a spring, spring and ball with detent mechanism, magnets, or other means to bias the lens frame holding the lens L to the stowed position from the as-used position where it is held by a lock or other means of securement. Details of the means to do so are described in the different embodiments of the means for releasable securement shown in figures 9-29. It must be noted that intermediate biased horizontal positions for a rotationally engaged lens L, may exist yet the position depicted in the figure is chosen merely for demonstrative purposes and should not be considered limiting.

The as-used position of the front lens body holding one or two lenses L is seen in FIG

8. Here the lens body holding the lens L is held substantially vertically in-line in operative engagement with the rearward frame F by a securement means such as detents or magnets as will be described in later figures. If it is preferably rotatably biased toward a horizontal stowed-position, the securement means need be sufficient to resist the bias. Once released, on all modes of the device with a biased lens L, the lens L will rotate toward a horizontal stowed position out of the line of sight of the user.

A first embodiment of the first component of the means for releasable securement of the lens L to the frame F, is depicted as M and is seen in top view in FIG 9a. The frame F is seen engaged to a rotating lens body 30 at a hinge 32. The rotating lens body 30 employs opposing flange elements 34 and is continually biased toward a substantially horizontal flipped up or stowed position, through the provision of a spring 38. Over rotation is retarded by tongue 36 extending onto the frame F. A perspective view of this embodiment is seen in FIG 9b. The respective engaging component that is engaged to the lens L that defines the means of securement M can be seen in its first mode in FIG 10a. Depicted is a rectangular body 40 with clearance gap 42 for engagement with rotating lens body 30 of the first component shown in the previous figure. Slots 44 engage cooperatively with the flange elements 34 and maintain engagement via friction elements 46. Side and perspective views of the current component can be seen in FIG 10b and 10c respectively.

A top view of a second mode of the first component of a securement means M is seen in FIG 11a. The head-engageable body 50 is rigidly engaged to the frame F and employs opposing flange elements 52. A perspective view is seen in FIG 1 lb. The second embodiment of the corresponding second component that is engaged to lens L is seen in FIG 12a. It is comprised of a rectangular securing body 60 which would be part of or engaged to a lens frame bearing lenses L, and has clearance gap 62 intended to engaged cooperatively with rigid body 50. Slots 64 with friction elements 65 also engage cooperatively with flange elements 52 to define a coupling means. Clearance hole 66 with frictional biasing elements 68 rotates about the flange elements 52 defining rotational positions the lens frame bearing lenses L may assume, such as a substantially horizontal stored position and the vertical as- used position. Side and perspective views can be seen in FIG 12b and 12c respectively. These components may also work together with other biasing means to bias the lens L in the as-used position as will be described later.

A third mode of the first component of the securement means M is seen in FIG 13a. Again, a rotating body 71 which would attach to or be part of the lens frame bearing the lenses L, is seen engaged to the frame F via hinges 70. The rotating body 71 is also biased to a flipped up or the stowed position by biasing spring 79. The rotating body 71 consists of an actuating release mechanism 72 and channeled extension 75 with channels 76 and

engagement hub 77. The actuating release 70 is slidably engaged to the extension 75 via push-rods 73 within channels 76. The release 70 is biased towards the frame F by a biasing means such as a spring 74.

A perspective view of the mode of the device is depicted in FIG 13b. The

corresponding second component of the third mode of the securement means M is depicted in FIG 14a. Rectangular body 80 has clearance gap 81 intended to engage cooperatively with the channeled extension 75. Within gap 81 are partitions 82 intended to engage

cooperatively with the engagement hub 77 to define the securement means. A perspective view is seen in FIG 14b. Steps for engagement of the two components are seen in figures 15a - 15c. Partitions 82 frictionally engaged behind the biasing protrusions 78 on engagement hub 77. To disengage, actuating release 72 is slid toward the second component 80 by the user. The push-rods 73 deflect the partitions 82 away from the engagement hub 77 allowing removal of the two components.

A fourth embodiment of the first component defining the securement means M is seen in FIG 16a. Here, the actuating release 90 and channeled extension 92 as described previously are instead rigidly engaged to the frame F. The second component can be seen depicted in FIG 17a. In this embodiment the rectangular body 100 is rotatably engaged to the lens L via a hinge 102. Biasing springs 104 bias the lens L to a substantially flipped up position. Biasing in the as used position is achieved by a biasing means such as magnetic closures as will be described later.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the 5 ^th mode of the first component of the securement means M. Channel 111 retaining spring 112 biases ball 113 into detent 115 of an arbitrary rotating body 114 defining a positional biasing means. The mechanism described in this figure can work concurrently with or replace the conventional spring loaded hinge as described in previous embodiments. Furthermore, the arbitrary rotating body 114 can be replaced by any of the rotating bodies 30, 71 described in the previous embodiments.

A sixth mode of the first component of securement means M is provided through the provision of a soft-close dampening hinge 120 rigidly engaged to the frame F. The hinge system is internally biased to a flipped up position. The flanged rotating component 122 achieves engagement to the front body component (not shown) via the conventional flange/slot systems described in previous embodiments.

A seventh mode of the securement means M is seen in FIG 20a. The first component is comprised of the body 130, actuating nipples 132, flanges 134, detents 136, and spring 135 as shown in the exploded view in FIG 20b. The second component is defined by body 140, cavities 142, biasing protrusion 144 and slots 146. Protrusion 144 cooperates with the detents 135 on the nipples 132 on the first component to provide biasing means at selected rotational positions. Upon engagement, the slot 146 actuates the nipples 132 inward to allow the first component to engage fully into the second component to define the securement means M. The flange 134 and slot 146 restrict the orientation of attachment/detachment. When rotated, the first component remains stationary as the second component rotates about the flange 134 in cavity 142. Again, rotational biasing is maintained by the detent mechanism defined by the nipple detents 136, protrusion 144, and biasing spring 135. FIG 21a shows an eighth embodiment of the first component in the securement means M. The rotating body 150 is rotationally engaged to a frame F by means of hinges 151. A biasing spring 152 maintains an upward rotational biasing force, namely to urge the lens frame or lens L toward a substantially flipped up position of the rotating body 150. It must be noted that the rotating body 150 may incorporate any of the previously described means for removable engagement to the lens L such as a flange and slot system or actuating release. A sear 153 protruding from the frame F engages cooperatively with steps 154, 155 to define biased rotational positions of the rotating body such as a substantially horizontal position 154 to the as-used position 155. A side view is seen in FIG 21b.

FIG 22a again shows the rotating body 150 in a substantially horizontal position biased as such by the sear 153 within the first step 154. A user then rotates the body 150 downward allowing the sear 154 to deflect and then rest into the second step 155 defining the as-used position (FIG 22b). It is noted however that intermediate positions may also be present but two were given merely as a simple descriptive means. To return the rotating body 150 and therefor lens L (not shown) to the stored substantially horizontal position the user then rotates the body further as the releasing protrusion 156 deflects the sear 153 upward releasing it from step 155 (FIG 22c). This deflection provides clearance for the sear 153 to clear the step 155 and due to the rotational bias provided by the spring 152 within the hinge 151 to the initial position as shown in FIG 22a.

A ninth mode of the first component in the securement means M is shown in FIG 23 a.

Rectangular recess 160 defined by three walls employs ball and spring 161 biasing means such as that described previously in FIG 18a. The laterally opposing balls 162 engage cooperatively with detents (FIG 24a) to define a point of rotation for a rotating body (FIG 24a) while the third ball 163 provides a detent system for biased rotational positioning.

Another view is seen in FIG 23b. It should be noted that this component can be employed on either the frame F or lens L. The corresponding embodiment of the second component can be seen in FIG 24a. Protrusion 171 engages within the recess 160 of the first component and maintains a biased engagement via the balls 162 within detents 172 as shown in FIG 25 a. Ball 163 along with detents 173 provide means for rotational biasing as depicted in FIG 25b and 25c.

FIG 26a depicts an exploded view of a tenth mode of the securement means M, showing the frame F engaging the lens L in a cooperative engagement to yield a cavity 191 adapted to hold the pushbutton 186 and spring 190 and screw 188 in an operative engagement. Slots 185 formed into the frame F and lens L are positioned to align only when the lens L reaches the closed position shown in FIG 26c thereby providing a means to lock the outwardly biased lens L substantially perpendicular to the frame F.

Release from the locked position shown in the closed position of FIG 26c, is accomplished by depressing the pushbutton 186 to disengage the fins 187 of the pushbutton 186 from the slots 185 formed in the lens L. This allows the rotational biased pin 186 to rotate the lens L through a rotational force imparted at the threaded engagement of the screw 188 and lens L. During this rotation, the circumference of the pin 186 below the fins 187 provides for smooth rotation of the components acting as a hinge pin.

An eleventh mode of the first component in the securement means is shown in top view in FIG 27a. Rotating body 200 is rotationally engaged to the frame F via hinges 201 and is biased to a flipped up position by spring 203 within the hinge 201. The rotating body 200 is rigidly engaged to the rectangular guide portion 202 with notches 204 via neck portion 205. The guide portion 202 engages cooperatively with the receiving component (FIG 28a) to define a coupling means. Side an profile views are seen in FIG 27b and 27c respectively. The second component can be seen in its eleventh embodiment in FIG 28a. Rectangular body 210 has guide channel 214 for slidable engagement with the guide portion 202 of the first component. Upon engagement, biasing protrusions 214 rest within notches 204 defining a biased coupling means. Clearance channel 216 provides clearance for the body 210 and the neck 205 of rotating body 200.

A twelfth mode of the first component in the securement means M is seen in FIG 29a. Actuating hydraulic cylinder 220 translates horizontally while rotating a rotating body 221 from a horizontal to a vertical (as-used) position about hinges 222, 223. The rotating body 221 employs a means for removable engagement to the lens L. The removable engagement may take on any embodiments previously described, such as a flange/slot system, while the component described merely provides a means for rotational positioning.

As seen in FIG 30 is a preferred embodiment of the device employing another biasing means to rotate the lens L, to a stowed position when not held by a fastener or lock.

Magnetic components 230 and 232 are engaged to the frame F and lens body L respectively. The magnetic components 230 and 232 engage cooperatively to maintain the upwardly biased lens L in the as-used position substantially vertical. Similar magnetic position holding means can be seen in another embodiment of the invention 10 in FIG 31.

It is desired to have additional positioning means to maintain the as-used position of the lens L in line in operative engagement with the frame F. FIG 32 shows a perspective view of the invention 10 employing a plurality of slide lock mechanisms 240 to achieve this goal. In this embodiment the lens L has slot portions 242 to accept a locking means. Cross- sectional view are seen in FIG 34 as depicted when in the as-used position. The lens L engages into groove 244. Element 250 is slidably engaged into channels 253, 254 in the frame F via extending elements 251, 252. To lock, sliding element 250 is translated into the channels 253, 254 through slot 260 and locked into place via frictional elements 255, 256 as depicted.

A further embodiment of the invention is seen in FIG 35. In this embodiment, the means for releasable securement M can be removably engaged to an existing spectacle frame via frictional engagement means 270. This mode does not require a frame body F as described previously but 'clips on' to any functional frame of an existing eye wear frame such as corrective lens glasses or sunglasses. The tapered channel 271 provides a frictional biasing means to secure a hinge 272 and rotating body 274 to the existing frame (not shown). In the figure, however, an arbitrary rotating body 274 is shown, but it must be noted that any of the rotating bodies as described in the different embodiments of the means for securement can encompass this rotating body to achieve the respective means for releasable securement of a front lens body 20.

As noted, all modes of the lens L whether as a lens or in combination with a lens frame, are preferably rotationally engaged to a frame F such that the lens frame bearing the lens L, or a lens L, is biased to rotate to a horizontal stowed position if not held in the as-used position by a securement means or lock. This allows the user to simply release the securement and the lens L will rotate out of the sight line. Further, it is preferred that the lenses L, are removably engaged to the frame F. This allows any lense bearing any Left (L) or Right ( R) optics scheme to be employed to match that of the video or media being displayed. Further, the device as shown and described is adapted to employ any of a plurality of lenses L, in any mode of the frame F, such that new optics schemes may be accommodated by new lenses L which attach. Still further, proprietary lenses L in frames or themselves adapted to engage a Frame F, may be employed by manufacturers as a means to reduce media piracy. This would allow customized lenses L with custom right ( R) and left (L) optics to be provided which match the media distributors projection screen or method.

While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.