Abstract: Semi-rimless and rimless eyeglass frame assemblies. The semi-rimless frame assembly includes an eyewire extending along the upper and side edges of a lens, a nose bridge, and a pair of endpiece assemblies. The endpiece assemblies have channels for receipt of the eyewire and the lens, and through holes on each side of the channels, aligned with apertures in the lens, for receipt of means to secure the lens to the frame assembly. The endpiece assemblies are pivotally connected to temples.

Abstract: A one-piece, lightweight (optionally disposable) protective faceshield is disclosed for use by the medical profession to protect against contamination from splattered body fluids. A method of making such a faceshield by vacuum-forming over a mandrel is also disclosed whereby preservation of maximum optical clarity in the viewing zone is preserved. Also disclosed are reusable and disposable headbands which attach to the one-piece protective faceshields.

Abstract: A flexible mask goggle is presented comprising a flexible housing which receives an optically transparent lens. The housing includes a novel ventilation structure along the upper and lower surfaces thereof. On the upper surface, this ventilation structure comprises an array of spaced slots while the ventilation structure on the lower surface comprises two spaced groups containing similar spaced slots. Both the upper and lower vents permit direct airflow in and out of the goggle. In an important feature of the present invention, removable caps are snap locked over the upper and lower ventilation structure. These caps convert the otherwise direct airflow through the vents to an indirect airflow.

Abstract: A method of making a protective shield with an optically clear viewing portion by vacuum forming over a mandrel wherein the viewing portion of said protective shield is maintained out of contact with the mandrel to define the optically clear viewing portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge assembly for an eyeglass frame which comprises a male hinge member to which a female hinge member is pivotally interconnected. The female hinge member includes a pair of parallel hinge leaves which are joined by a connecting wall in the outer side of the female hinge member. Each hinge leaf includes a pin-receiving slot perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the female hinge member and a ramp leading to the slot. A raised surface positioned between each ramp and the connecting wall helps guide a pin along the ramp. The male hinge member includes a hinge ear with a pin extending above and below it. The male hinge member and the female hinge member are brought together by inserting the hinge ear between the hinge leaves, with the pin aligned against the side of the raised surfaces as a guide, and forcing the members together so that the pin travels along the ramps until it is engaged by the pin-receiving slots.