Abstract: In general terms, the lens overlays of the present invention comprise thin, formed plastic overlays that can easily be attached to the inside or outside of the primary protective lenses by the user. In one embodiment, the lens overlay comprises a first overlay to be disposed on the left side lens and a second overlay to be disposed on the right side lens. In another embodiment, the lens overlay comprises a one piece conforming overlay lens that is attached to the front face of the primary lens by removing the frame bridge, slipping the frame temples through a left and right hole in the endpieces of the overlay and snapping the bridge back onto the frame to secure the overlay to the front face of the primary lens. In yet another embodiment directed to lens overlays for eyewear having a frame browbar with the primary lens, the formed overlay of this embodiment is secured primarily to the browbar itself.

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 an eyeglass frame and method of assembling the same in which a temple includes a pair of parallel ears which extend from one end of the temple. Each ear includes a pin receiving hole, and on the facing surfaces of the ears, a ramped slot extends from the hole to one of the side surfaces. The depth of the slot increases as it approaches the side surface. The lens supporting structure includes a single extension member with a pin supporting hole. The pin is inserted into this hole, and the lens supporting structure and temple are brought together so that the two ends of the pin are aligned with the two slots on the temple. As the temple and the lens supporting structure are urged toward one another, the ears of the temple are forced apart by the ends of the pin until the pin reaches the pin receiving hole at which point the ends fall into the hole.

Abstract: A hinge for connecting a temple to a spectacles frame front. One component of the hinge includes a metal fastening plate with spaced laterally extending ears forming a pair of hinge leaves between which an insert of plastic material is fitted. The insert covers innermost facing surfaces of the metal ears and is itself provided with an ear which forms an intermediate non-metallic leaf of the hinge component. When leaves of the one hinge component are interfitted with leaves of an all metal second hinge component, the resulting plastic-to-metal bearing surfaces afford smooth pivoting action with provision for tightening against drop temple.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the production of a spectacle frame high in tensile strength and resistance to permanent set utilizing an age-hardenable nickel-bronze alloy which is capable of being strengthened by a heat-aging treatment step such that the tensile strength and stiffness can be substantially increased. The tendency for the frame to take a permanent set with the application of stress to the frame is, therefore, substantially reduced as compared to a similar spectacle frame not subjected to a heat-aging treatment step or spectacle frames made of alloys which cannot be strengthened by a heat-aging treatment.