The present invention relates to eyewear and particularly to eyewear adapted to be used as glasses and also provide an air/water tight seal between the glasses and the wearer' face.

Background Art.

There are many endeavours in which the participant is preferably equipped with the eyewear that protects the wearer's eyes from hostile or annoying elements of the environment.

Examples of hostile elements include water, chemicals (whether waterborne or airborne), extreme temperature, or airborne particulars such as dust, dirt, smoke and the like, and sunlight.

Traditional eyeglass solutions provide a wearer with the basic protection from sunlight with some ancillary protection from more hostile conditions. Traditional goggle-type solutions manufacture a flexible seal material which is can formal ball to the shape of the wearer's face through the application of tension to the frame using a flexible strap. The flexible strap pulls the eyeglass frame against the wearer's face to provide an air/watertight seal between ^' the eyeglass frame and the wearer's skin,

Various materials have been used to form the seal but most cause skin irritation and do not adequately shape to the individual's facial contours. Further, providing a more rigid seal material can result in constricting blood circulation to areas surrounding the eye socket when tension is applied. Consequently, the eyewear of this form cannot be used for extended periods of time.

Still further, goggle-type solutions do not generally provide vision correction and must either be worn in conjunction with the wearer's eyeglasses or, custom-made goggles must be used which are generally expensive and cannot be mass produced. Carrying multiple types of eyewear is extremely inconvenient.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to eyewear, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in eyewear for use by a wearer, said eyewear adapted to provide a substantially fluid tight seal about the wearer's eyes, the eyewear including at least one lens for positioning at least partially in front of a wearer's eyes, a frame adapted to mount the at least one lens for positioning the at least one lens in front of the eyes of the wearer; head mounting means adapted to attach the frame relative to a wearer's head, and at least one seal attached relative to said frame and located about a periphery of the wearer's eyes wherein the eyewear is wearable in a substantially fluid tight condition in which the at least one seal forms a substantially fluid tight seal about the wearer's eyes, and a free condition in which the eyewear is wearable with the seal spaced from the wearer's eyes.

The, present invention relates to eyewear having multiple functions, including being usable as traditional eyeglasses, as air/water tight goggles and as glasses that enable airflow around the ienses, with the lenses thereof also being capable of providing vision correction and/or sun protection for the wearer.

The eyewear of the present invention includes at least one lens. Normally, a pair of lenses may be provided. Alternatively, a single unitary or monolithic lens may be provided which extends substantially across the wearer's face, The at least one lens will be appropriately mounted on or to the frame. This mounting may result in the at least one lens being mounted "to" the frame which normally occurs with the unitary lens or "in" the frame (within eyewires or rims) as normally occurs when a pair of lenses are provided.

. The lenses can be any type of lens known in the field. In particular, the lenses may be polarised, tinted, photochromic, UV resistant and/or UV protective, prescription, or provide impact protection.

It is also particularly preferred that the at least one lens provided according to the invention will be hydrophobic. This may be a particularly important feature as the eyewear of the invention is adapted for use in water and other hostile environments and should be capable of shedding liquid quickly to leave vision unobscured. The lens may be attached to the frame of the eyewear in any suitable manner. For example, an opening in the frame adapted to receive a lens may be provided with a circumferential groove or similar in order to receive an edge of the or each lens therein. In an alternative and preferred form, the lens may be attached to the frame with a sealing member located between the lens and the frame.

The frame of the eyewear of the present invention is typically at least partially rigid. Frames for glasses and the like normally include at least some of the following components:

Frame front: Front part of the eyeglass frame that holds the lenses in place and bridges the top of the nose.

Eye wires (rims): Part of the frame front into which the lenses are inserted. Bridge: The area between the lenses that goes over the nose and supports the majority of the weight of the eyeglasses. Examples include:

• A keyhole bridge is shaped like an old-fashioned keyhole and rests on the sides of the upper part of the nose. This style is for those with small or flat nose bridges.

• A saddle bridge is shaped like a saddle and spreads the weight of the frame across the sides and the top of the nose. This style works well for heavy glasses or for those who are sensitive to pressure.

• An adjustable bridge includes nose pads that can be adjusted for fit and comfort.

• A double bridge has a reinforcing bar over the top of the bridge. End pieces: Extensions of the frame front to which the temples are attached. Hinges: Part of the frame that connects the frame front to the temples and allows the temples to swing.

Temples/earstems: Parts of the frame that extend over and/or behind the ears to help hold the frame in place.

• Skull temples are the most popular for plastic frames. They are bent down . slightly over the ear and follow the contour of the skull.

• Comfort-cable temples hook behind the ear with a flexible metal cable and are good for children's glasses and for sport safety glasses. • Riding bow temples are similar to comfort-cables, except they are rigid and made of plastic.

• Spring-hinged temples include hidden springs in the hinges that help keep the frame from slipping. They are sometimes more expensive, but usually more resistant to breakage.

• Library (or paddle) temples are straight, so they can be slipped on and off easily. They are often used in reading glasses.

Nose pads: Plastic pieces that may be attached directly to the frame or to pad arms.

They help keep the frame in its proper position.

Pad arms: Attachments that hold the nose pads in place and allow adjustments to help conform to the patient's bridge.

Top bar: A reinforcing bar that crosses the top of the glasses on some metal frames, popular in aviator glasses.

Temple tips; Plastic coatings that often cover the ends of the temples behind and/or over the ears.

Rimless frames (or mountings): The temples and bridge attach by mountings directly to the lenses without the use of eyewires or rims.

The frame of the present invention will typically be at least partially rigid. Normally, at least the frame front will be semi-rigid but flexible, but the bridge, end-pieces and/or earstems may also be semi-rigid but flexible. It is preferred that the frame portions including the frame front, including the bridge and end-pieces and typically the earstems as well, be sufficiently strong but deformable upon application of a sufficient force. The frame and lens(es) should be flexible enough to conform readily to the profile of a user's face.

The materials used in the production of modern eyeglass frames are normally plastic, metal, or a combination of the two (composites). Manufacturers select materials that are cost effective, adjust easily, offer safety and workability, hold the lenses properly, and resist breakage, corrosion, and heat. Popular frame materials include. Plastics

Cellulose acetate (zylonite): The most commonly used plastic in eyeglass frames, cellulose acetate is relatively inexpensive, easy to work with, and comes in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns. The material is easily adjusted but tends to get brittle with age.

Cellulose proprionate: This is a lightweight material that can be injection molded making it ideal fpr intricate designs. Care must be taken when heating and adjusting frames made of this material because it will shrink and ruin with overheating.

Kevlar: Developed by DuPont for use in bulletproof vests, this plastic can withstand high impact such as that experienced in sporting events. The material is limited because it will not shrink or stretch, and it comes in few colors.

Nylon: Many sports and safety glasses are made of nylon because it is virtually unbreakable and relatively lightweight. The material is, however, difficult to adjust and can be manufactured only in darker colors. It can also become brittle over time.

Optyl: This material is somewhat lighter in weight than cellulose acetate and is hypoallergenic, an advantage to skin-sensitive patients. Frames made of optyl are more difficult to adjust because the material can return to its original molded shape, and the frames may break easily if not heated properly.

Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is 10 times more impact-resistant than conventional plastic or glass and is the material of choice for children's, sports, and safely glasses.

Polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter than conventional plastic or glass lenses, and the material comes with built-in ultraviolet protection.

Metals

Aluminum: Although very lightweight, aluminum is difficult to solder or weld, limiting its adaptability to different designs.

Cobalt: Usually used as part of a metal alloy, cobalt appears in high-quality frames that can be made lightweight, durable, flexible, and thin. It can also be successfully coated with a variety of colors, but is very expensive and consequently limited in use.

Monel: Monel is one of the most popular materials used in metal frames because it can be hammered into many shapes without losing its strength. It can also be made in various colors.

Nickel silver: This is a common material used in hinges, end pieces, and heavy bridges, and for the inner core of temples. It is more brittle than several other metals, making it less suited to the slender frames so popular today. Phosphor bronze: This flexible alloy is about 95 percent copper, making it a good choice for temples.

Stainless steel: Stainless steel is one of the most corrosion-resistant metals, but is difficult to work with in the manufacturing process.

Trilam: This product is lightweight, however it has a shape memory, which can make frame adjustments difficult. Composites

Carbon fiber graphite (CFG): CFG is a material made of nylon and carbon that .provides the endurance of metal frames but is thin and lightweight. Although the material is black in its natural state, it is now available in a wide range of colors. Copolyamide (MXP7): This material is a blend of nylon manufactured for frame- injection molding. The material is strong, lightweight, and durable, and it retains its shape unless heated.

Flexon7: Flexon7 is a proprietary material made from a titanium-based alloy with a high "memory" factor that enables a twisted frame to return to its original shape. In addition to making frames extremely durable, the Flexon material holds adjustments longer and is lighter in weight than traditional metal frames.

Titanium Ti-227: Titanium Ti-227 is nearly 50 percent lighter than most metal frame materials. It is hypoallergenic, non-corrosive, and one-third stronger than steel, making it an extremely desirable material for manufacturing frames. It's also difficult and expensive to extract and refine this abundant material.

Plastics or composite materials are particularly preferred given the use of the eyewear of the present invention in water and other hostile environments as well as the deformability required. However, a metal frame may find use if the seals are of sufficient quality.

The eyewear includes a head mounting means adapted to attach the frame relative to a wearer's head, The head mounting means of the eyewear of the present invention will typically include the earstems which are typically attached to the frame front. As stated previously, the earstems may be rigid or flexible.

Given that the eyewear of (he present invention is intended to form a substantially air or fluid tight seal with a wearer's face,- a more preferred means of mounting the eyewear relative to a wearer's head is to provide an adjustment strap attached to the eyewear and which extends substantially about the wearer's head. The adjustment strap may be associated with quick release mechanisms to enable multiple- users of the eyewear and adjustment of the eyewear while in place on the head of the wearer.

In particular, the adjustment strap may be used with or without the earstems attached to the frame front.

In particular, a quick release clip or similar may be provided in order for a wearer to rapidly adjust the eyewear from the substantially fluid tight mode into the free mode and vice versa. One such example of a quick release clip or similar is known colloquially as a "cord lock", Obviously, this type of clip would only be suitable for use with a flexible type head mounting means.

Various cord locks are known in the art, perhaps the most prevalent of which are the "barrel" or "plunger" locks shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,288,891 to Boden; U.S. Pat. No. 5,197;166 to Meier et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,699 to Takahashi; U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,505 to Anscher; and U:S. Pat. No. 5,778,904 to Eisner.

One preferred cord lock has an aperture that allows a drawstring to be pulled through it when the lock is squeezed together. When not squeezed, a spring in the lock causes a movable portion within the barrel to press against the drawstring and prevent movement of the lock with respect to the drawstring.

Other means of mounting the eyewear relative to a wearer's head may be used, however it is important that the fζame of the eyewear is retained relatively closely to the wearer's face at all times when the eyewear is being worn, and particularly when the eyewear is in the substantially air/fluid tight condition.

The eyewear includes at least one seal attached relative to said frame and located about a periphery of the wearer's eyes wherein the eyewear is wearable in a substantially fluid tight condition in which the at least one seal forms a substantially fluid tight seal about the wearer's eyes, and a free condition in which the eyewear is wearable with the seal spaced from the wearer's eyes.

The at least one seal therefore it is preferably provided as a peripheral seal around one or more the wearer's eyes. The at least one seal may be provided as a peripheral seal around the lens(es) of the eyewear.

The at least one seal of the present invention may be provided in either the free or the fluid tight conditions and once released, may be biased into the other of the conditions. The at least one seal is movable between the free and sealed conditions. Preferably, this movement may be provided by moving either the seal relative to the frame, or, the seal may be provided in a fixed relation, to the frame and the frame may be moved relative to the wearer's head, usually by moving the head mounting means, Preferably, the movement of the seal will be provided with a minimal adjustment in order to change from the free to the sealed condition.

The various types of seal may be used according to the present invention. For example, the seal may be any one of the following or a combination of the following types of seals, such list to be non-exhaustive:

• a differential pressure seal, which maintains the seal with the wearer's face due to a pressure differential;

• a silicon (or similar material) seal;

• gel/latex/silicon seal; or

• a deployable seal using deploying mechanisms to deploy or moved the seal between the free and sealed condition.

In embodiments where a silicon or a gel seal is used, the seal will preferably have a shape memory. Indeed, ^' in preferred embodiments, the seal, regardless of type, will have a shape memory.

According to one particularly preferred embodiment, the seal may be mounted relative to the lens(es) with the lens(es) movably mounted to the frame. A mechanism is typically provided to move the lens(es) relative to the frame, towards and away from the wearer's face.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the frame of the eyewear of the present invention may have a seal overmoulded. In particular, the front of the frame which supports the lenses will typically have a pair of eye frame or rim portions which substantially surround a wearer's eye and are adapted to abut the user's face about their eye or eye socket. Preferably,, the eye frame portions will be overmoulded with a resilient material in order to form a seal with the lens at the front. A rear portion of the seal may be provided in order to seal against the user's face when worn in the substantially fluid tight condition.

The preferred rear seal is a resilient extension which will preferably extend rearwardly from the frame seal and may have a depending portion extending either upwardly or downwardly in order to abut the user's face. Preferably, the rear seal will be highly compressible, One or more vent openings may be provided in the rear seal, these vent openings unobstructed when the eyewear is in the free condition but when the rear seal is preferable deformed during movement to the substantially, fluid tight condition, the vent openings will typically be closed, normally due to the deformtion of the resilient material used to form the seal. The rear seal typically extends circumferential Iy about each eye frame or rim.

According to a most preferred embodiment, the eyewear will be provided with both an adjustment strap and a pair of earstems. Normally the earstems and the adjustment strap will engage with one another to allow the eyewear to assume the free and substantially fluid tight conditions.

The adjustment strap will normally be resilient and may be provided with a limited deformability. Stress inducing portions may be provided in the adjustment strap to allow the adjustment strap to flex and therefore be folded.

The adjustment strap will typically include a portion adapted to extend . about the rear of the user's head and a pair of free end portions adapted to engage with each earstem in order to connect the adjustment strap to the earstems. Normally, the adjustment strap will be connected to the earstems in adjustable fashion. For example, each free end of the adjustment strap may be provided with one or more openings spaced over its length which may engage with an extension portion associated with each of the earstems. By moving the adjustment strap to an opening closer to the free end, the adjustment strap can be lengthened.

Preferably, each earstem may be provided with a locking means in order to releasably lock the free end of the adjustment strap to the earstem. In this configuration, the earstems will preferably be hollow, at least at the rear end. Preferably, the locking means will include a trigger which is accessible from the outside of the earstem located in opening in the earstem and which when depressed, can move within the hollow earstems to be drawn rearwardly to attach the adjustment ^• strap. On a portion of the trigger but within the hollow earstems will typically be an extension portion to engage with the openings in the free end of the adjustment strap.

The trigger will typically be biased outwardly through provision of a spring-loaded portion adapted to force or bias the trigger outwardly unless sufficient force is provided to overcome the spring-loaded portion. Guides may be provided in order to govern the movement of the trigger portion during actuation to release the adjustment strap. The trigger portion may be completely removable from the hollow earstems or may be extendable and retractable but not completely removable from the earstems. Typically, a locking trigger is provided on each earstem with the trigger actuable from the outside of the earstems.

A tension portion may be provided between the forward end of the rear trigger and extending forwardly to releasably engage with a tab member either attached to or integrally formed with the lens and which extends rearwardly through the eye rim and seal. The tension portion will preferably be fixed to the earstem along its length to define a forward tension strap portion and a rear tension strap portion. Alternatively, two separate tension portions may be provided. This allows the forward and rearward triggers to be operated independently of each other. The respective tension portions are biased toward the fixing or mid-point.

The tension portion will be the controlling member or portion for the actuation of the eyewear into the different conditions.

In use, the user will typically prime the rear trigger portion, by drawing the rear adjustment strap rearwardly. This will loosen the rear adjustment strap and engage the rear trigger in the rear or locking opening against the biasing force of the rear tension strap portion. The rear trigger portion is then locked to the earstem again, and the resilience of the rear tension strap portion will act to tighten the adjustment strap should the rear trigger portion be depressed, freeing the trigger portion. In this condition, the trigger portion may move such that the trigger portion is received within the earstem forwardly of the rear locking opening which tightens the adjustment strap.

Similarly, the forward trigger portion is also typically primed by drawing the eye rims and/or lens forwardly against the biasing force of the forward tension strap portion. The forward trigger portion is then locked to the earstems again, using the forward locking opening. The forward trigger may be depressed and it may be received within the earstem but more rearwardly of the forward earstem opening due to the ^' biasing force of the forward tension strap portion. When released, through depression, the forward trigger moves rearwardly through the earstems, under the biasing force of the forward tension strap portion and moves the eyewear the substantially fluid tight condition. According to a preferred embodiment, flexible attachment means are preferably attached to the lens(es) and pass through or over the frame, end pieces and earstems of the eyewear.

Alternative tightening/loosening means may be provided, typically on the end pieces or earstems. As the flexible attachment means tightened, the lens(es) with the seal is preferably moved into the sealed condition with the seal abutting the wearer's face and forming the seal therewith.

The tightening/loosening means will typically be independent of each other so that the lenses can be adjusted individually (if more than one lens is provided) or so that each side of a monolithic lens can be adjusted separately to take into account any non-symmetrical shape of the wearer's face. Alternatively, the flexibility of the frame itself may provide sufficient adjustment capability in order that individual lens adjustment means are not necessary.

A further alternative adjustment mechanism may be a tightening system whereby the adjustment strap can ^' be tighten/loosened with a rotatable spool. The strap or a portion of the strap is threaded through a series of opposing guide members positioned on the frame or the earstems of the eyewear. The strap and guide members preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the strap along the guide members so that the strap evenly distributes tension across the eyewear. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the strap. A release mechanism allows a user to quickly loosen the strap.

A rotatable spool for receiving a strap is provided, the spool rotatable in a first direction to take up strap and a second direction to release the strap. A knob is connected to the spool such that the spool can be rotated in the first direction in response to rotation of the knob. A releasable lock is provided for preventing rotation of the spool in the second direction. Releasing the lock permits the spool to rotate in the second direction in response to tension the strap, but the spool is not rotatable in the second direction in response to rotation of the knob. In one embodiment, the knob is only rotatable in the first direction.

According to an embodiment, the lens(es) will typically be more arcuate in order to space the lens(es) from the wearer's eye particularly in the sealed condition. The frame of the eyewear of the present invention is typically held relative to a wearer's face by a head mounting means. Either the lens or the frame is mounted for movement relative to the wearer's head. The lens(es) may be mounted for movement relative to the frame such that as the frame is drawn rearwardly towards the Wearer's face, the lens remains spaced from the wearer's eyes.

The above deploying mechanism is only one of such mechanisms that can be used. Other mechanisms for example include mounting the seal relative to the frame of the aisle where using one or more movable arms and with the wearer able to move the arms, whether directly or indirectly, and thereby the seal, between the sealed and free conditions.

Of course, the seal, or deployable mechanism may be biased into one or the other of the free or sealed conditions.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a partially exploded, schematic view of eyewear according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a detailed view of the connection mechanism between the strap and the earstem according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 3 is a detailed view of the connection mechanism between the strap and the forward frame according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 4 is a detailed sectional view of the connection mechanism illustrated in Figure 2. ^•

Figure 5 is a detailed sectional view of the lens with the seal according to a particularly preferred embodiment.

Figure 6 is an isometric view of the forward frame showing the overmoulded seal used according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 7 is a view from above of the eyewear as worn by user in the glasses configuration.

Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the eyewear has warned by user.

Figure 9 is a view from above of the eyewear as worn by user in the goggles configuration.

Figure 10 is a side view of the eyewear of a preferred embodiment in the locked condition,

Figure 11 is a side view of the eyewear of a preferred embodiment in the open condition.

Figure 12 is a sectional side view of the frame with a lens attached thereto according to a preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, eyewear in the form of sunglasses 10 is provided.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the sunglasses 10 are adapted to provide a substantially fluid tight seal about the wearer's eyes 11. The. illustrated sunglasses 10 include a monolithic lens 12 for positioning in front of a wearer's eyes 1 1. The frame of the illustrated embodiment includes a pair of eye rims 14, each attached to an earstem 18 and the eye rims are connected to each other by the monolithic lens 12. The sunglasses 10 also include a head mounting strap to attach the frame relative to a wearer's head as illustrated in Figures 7 and 9 particularly.

Rear seals 13 are attached relative to each eye rim and located about a periphery of the wearer's eyes 1 1 so that the sunglasses 10 are wearable in a substantially fluid tight condition in which the rear seals 13 form a substantially fluid tight seal about the wearer's eyes 1 1, and a free condition in which the sunglasses 10 are wearable with the rear seal 13 spaced from the wearer's eyes 1 1.

The present invention relates to eyewear having multiple functions, including being usable as traditional sunglasses, as air/water tight goggles, with the lenses thereof also being capable of providing sun protection for the wearer.

The frame of the eyewear of the illustrated embodiment is at least partially rigid and includes the following components: Eye wires (rims) 14: Part of the frame front into which the.lenses are inserted. Bridge 15: The area between the lenses that extends over the nose and supports the majority of the weight of the sunglasses. In the illustrated embodiment, the monolithc lens itself forms the bridge.

End pieces 16: Extensions of the frame front to which the temples are attached. Hinges 17: Part of the frame that connects the frame front to the temples and allows the temples/earstems to swing. Temples/earstems 18: Parts of the frame that extend over and/or behind the ears to help hold the frame in place.

Nose pads 19: Plastic pieces that may be attached directly to the frame or to pad arms. They help keep the frame in its proper position.

Plastics or composite materials are preferred materials of construction given the use of the eyewear of the present invention in water and other hostile environments.

The frame of the present invention is at least partially rigid. The frame portions including the frame front, including the end-pieces and the earstems as well is sufficiently strong but deformable upon application of a sufficient force. The frame and lens(es) should be flexible enough to conform readily to the profile of a user's face.

The ^" frame of the eyewear of the illustrated embodiment has a seal 26 overmoulded over the eye rims. The eye rims 14 support the lens 12 and substantially surround a wearer's eye and are adapted to abut the user's face about their eye or eye socket. The eye rims 14 of the preferred embodiment are overmoulded with a resilient material in order to form a seal with the lens 12 at the front, each lens 12 being attached to the eye rims 14 using srews 27 in the illustrated embodiment. The lens 12 simply abuts the front of the eye rim 12 and is secured there with the overmoulded seal 26 between the eye rim 14 and the lens 12.

A rear seal 13 is provided on the in order to seal against the user's face when worn in the substantially fluid tight condition.

The rear seal 13 illustrated in Figure 5 is integrally moulded with the overmoulded seal 26 and has a resilient extension which extends rearwardly from the overmoulded seal about the periphery of the eye rim 14 and has a depending portion extending downwardly in order to abut the user's face. The rear seal is highly compressible.

As illustrated in Figure 12, a vent opening 28 is provided in the rear seal 13 on each eye rim 14, the vent openings 28 unobstructed when the eyewear is in the free condition but when the rear seal 13 is deformed during movement to the substantially fluid tight condition, the vent openings 28 are closed, normally due to the deformation of the resilient material used to form the seal. According to a most preferred embodiment, the eyewear is provided with both an adjustment strap 20 and a pair of earstems 18. Normally the earstems 18 and the adjustment strap 20 engage one another to allow the eyewear to assume the free and substantially fluid tight conditions,

The illustrated adjustment strap 20 is resilient and is provided with a limited deformability. Stress inducing portions 21 may be provided in the adjustment ^• strap 20 to allow the adjustment strap 20 to flex and therefore be folded.

The illustrated adjustment strap 20 includes a portion adapted to extend about the rear of the user's head and a pair of free end portions 22 (best illustrated in Figures 2 and 4) adapted to engage with each earstem 18 in order to connect the adjustment strap t20 o the earstems 18. Normally, the adjustment strap 20 is connected to the earstems in an adjustable fashion. For example, each free end 22 of the adjustment strap 20 illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 is provided with multiple openings 23 spaced over its length adapted to engage with an extension portion associated with each of the earstems 18. By moving the adjustment strap 20 to an opening 23 closer to the free end, the adjustment strap 20 can be lengthened.

Each earstem of the illustrated embodiment is provided with a rear- locking means in order to releasably lock the free end of the adjustment strap to the earstem. In this configuration, the earstems 18 are hollow at least at the rear end. Preferably, the locking means will include a rear trigger portion 24 which is accessible from the outside of the earstem 18 located in a rear locking opening 29 in the earstem 18 and which when depressed, can move within the hollow earstems 18 and can be drawn rearwardly, as illustrated in Figure 2 to adjust the length of the rear adjustment strap. On a portion of the rear trigger 24 but within the hollow earstems 18 is an extension portion 40 to engage with one of the openings 23 in the free end of the adjustment strap 20 to adjust the length of the strap 20.

The rear trigger 24 is biased outwardly through provision of a spring- loaded portion 25 adapted to force the trigger 24 outwardly unless sufficient force is provided to overcome the spring-loaded portion 25.

Typically a rear locking trigger 24 and a forward locking trigger 33 is provided on each earstem 18 with each trigger aδtuable from the outside of the earstems 18. The forward trigger 33 is biased outwardly through provision of a spring- loaded portion 25 adapted to force the trigger 33 outwardly unless sufficient force is provided to overcome the spring-loaded portion 25. Further, the rear locking trigger is biased towards the front of the eyewear and the forward locking trigger is biased toward the rear of the headwear.

According to the illustrated embodiment, a tension strap 31 is provided between the forward end. of the rear trigger 24 and extending forwardly to releasably engage with a tab member 32 either attached to or integrally formed with the lens 12 and which extends rearwardly through the eye rim 14. The tension strap 31 is fixed to the earstem along its length with a rivet 34 to define a forward tension strap portion and a rear tension strap portion. This allows the forward 33 and rearward 24 triggers to be operated independently of each other. The respective tension portions are biased toward the rivet 34.

The tension strap is the controlling member or portion for the actuation of the eyewear into the different conditions.

In use, the user will typically prime the rear trigger portion 24, by drawing the rear adjustment strap 20 rearwardly. This will loosen the rear adjustment strap 20 and engage the rear trigger 24 in the rear or locking opening 29 against the biasing force of the rear tension strap portion. The rear trigger portion 24 is then locked to the earstem 18 again, and the resilience of the rear tension strap portion acts to tighten the adjustment strap 20 should the rear trigger portion 24 be depressed, In this condition, the rear trigger portion 24 may be depressed again such that the trigger portion 24 clears the locking opening 29 and is received within the earstem 14 forwardly of the rear locking opening 29 which tightens the adjustment strap 20.

Similarly, the forward trigger portion 33 is also typically primed by drawing the eye rims 14 and/or lens 12 forwardly against the biasing force of the forward tension strap portion. The forward trigger portion 33 is then locked to the earstems 18 again, using the forward locking opening 30. The forward trigger 33 may be depressed and is then received within the earstem 18 but more rearwardly of the forward earstem opening 30 due to the biasing force of the forward tension strap portion. When released, through depression, the forward trigger 33 moved rearwardly through the earstems 18, under the biasing force of the forward tension strap portion and moves the eyewear the substantially fluid tight condition,

Therefore, the primed condition illustrated in Figures 7, 8 and 10 of each of the trigger portions is an extended position against the biasing force of the tension strap. Depression of the rear trigger releases the adjustment strap to achieve a tightened condition and depression of the forward trigger releases the eye rims to assume the substantially fluid tight condition. The free conditions (after depression) are illustrated in Figures 9 and 11.

The seals are movable between the free and sealed conditions. Preferably, this movement is provided by moving either the seal relative to the frame, or, the seal may be provided in a fixed relation to the frame and the frame may be moved relative to the wearer's head, usμally by moving the head mounting means. Preferably, the movement of the seal will be provided with a minimal adjustment in order to change from the free to the sealed condition.

In the illustrated embodiment, the seal has a shape memory.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.