Abstract: There is provided an optical insert for transforming conventional eyewear into eyewear having an additional purpose. The optical insert comprises an extender portion which holds a lens on a first end and a mounting assembly on a second end opposite the first end. The mounting assembly comprises a profile which matches the profile of the conventional eyewear lens retainer. The lens of the conventional eyewear is configured to be removed and replaced with the optical insert. In one embodiment, the lens of the optical insert can comprise dark lenses which can be useful, for example, to transform conventional eyeglasses into prescription sunglasses.

Abstract: A common problem with eyewear is the lack of protection from external elements as chemicals, foreign objects or sunlight. Another common problem with eyewear is known as back-glare. There is provided an eyewear frame comprising lens retainers, a pair of arms, a nose bridge portion and side shields attached to the pair of arms. The side shields consist of attachment members which can be inserted into to recesses formed in the arms. The side shields can be made from an anti-reflective material which provides protection against external elements as chemicals, foreign objects or sunlight. The side shields made from anti-reflective materials also reduce the amount of back-glare.

Abstract: An energy dispersion mechanism can be integrated into the eyewear design to incorporate a more resilient lens holding structure that can disperse the energy received during an impact and retain the lens in place. The energy dispersion mechanism comprises an impact dispersing material seated within a groove of a first frame portion, the impact dispersing material extending beyond the first frame portion to form a nose bridge which joins the first frame portion to a second frame portion; and the impact dispersing material is seated within a groove of a second frame portion. The impact dispersing material may be overmoulded on the eyewear to allow efficient manufacturing.

Abstract: There is provided an assembly sized to fit over the lens of a pair of metal eyeglasses wherein the assembly is composed of one rigid material and one flexible material. The assembly is installed over a pair of existing eyeglasses to enhance comfort. The assembly also provides an adjustable nose pad that is composed of a rubber and creates a comfortable brow bar for the forehead of the wearer such that no rigid metal frame parts impinge upon the wearer.

Abstract: A multidirectional vent or a plurality of multidirectional vents can be integrated into eyewear to allow venting of eyewear. The vents can be ramped and angled in different directions for increased airflow and multidirectional venting. Grooves can be created on the lens of the eyewear and/or the frame portion such that when the lens are joined to the frame portion, vents are formed. The vents may also comprise ribs extending from the frame portion to allow the air to be directed in a controlled and precise manner.

Abstract: There is provided an adjustable nose pad system for eyewear comprising a holding prong and a nose pad. The holding prong can be affixed to a nose bridge portion of an eyewear frame. A flexible nose pad can be mounted to the holding prong. The holding prong can be constructed from a rigid material and comprises a groove on a first surface and a protrusion on a second surface opposite the first surface. The groove and protrusion work together to provide the adjustability of the nose pad system. In this regard, the holding prong, together with the nose pad can be flexed from one side to another to provide a comfort fit to the user.

Abstract: There is provided an optical insert for transforming conventional eyewear into eyewear having an additional purpose. The optical insert comprises an extender portion which holds a lens on a first end and a mounting assembly on a second end opposite the first end. The mounting assembly comprises a profile which matches the profile of the conventional eyewear lens retainer. The lens of the conventional eyewear is configured to be removed and replaced with the optical insert. In one embodiment, the lens of the optical insert can comprise dark lenses which can be useful, for example, to transform conventional eyeglasses into prescription sunglasses.

Abstract: A mask to be attached to eyewear is provided. The mask includes a shroud, the shroud including one or more attachment points to couple to corresponding attachment points on the eyewear. The mask also includes a filter assembly, the filter assembly including one or more openings and a filter layer covering the one or more openings to permit air flow through the mask while filtering for contaminants. Also provided are a filter assembly for a mask, an assembly including the mask and eyewear, integrated masks/visors/eyewear, and an assembly including the mask, eyewear, and a clip on lens attachment.

Abstract: There is provided a flexible bridge assembly, in which rigid attachment members are at least partially contained or embedded in a flexible body to provide attachment points to lens retainers in the eyewear, with the flexible body therebetween allowing flexibility of the eyewear at or about the bridge area. Eyewear including such flexible bridge assemblies is also provided.

Abstract: A flexible eyewear assembly is described. The assembly includes first and second rigid frame portions each having an opening therein. The assembly also includes a flexible component. The flexible component includes first and second lens retainers configured to engage the first and second rigid frame portions along an inner edge thereof adjacent the respective opening, and sized to retain first and second lenses therein; and a flexible bridge portion connecting the first lens retainer to the second lens retainer, to connect the first and second rigid frame portions with separation therebetween, when the first and second lens retainers are engaged with the flexible component.

Abstract: A flexible bridge assembly for eyewear is provided. The assembly includes a body comprising a flexible first mounting portion and a second flexible mounting portion each extending from opposite ends of a flexible central portion. The assembly also includes a first mounting member embedded in the first mounting portion; and a second mounting member embedded in the second mounting portion. The first mounting portion and first mounting member comprise a first passage to enable the flexible bridge assembly to be secured to a first lens of the eyewear, and the second mounting portion and second mounting member comprise a second passage to enable the flexible bridge assembly to be secured to a second lens of the eyewear. Rimless eyewear comprising the flexible bridge assembly is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided an impact absorbing element for eyewear, comprising a compressible and deformable impact absorbing material sized to fit over at least a portion of a lower edge of a lens of the eyewear, the impact absorbing material comprising an outer portion and an inner portion, at least one of which is capable of deforming against a wearer of the eyewear when the eyewear experiences an impact. There is also provided eyewear comprising at least one lens; a frame supporting the at least one lens; and the impact absorbing element.

Abstract: There is provided a flexible bridge assembly, in which rigid attachment members are at least partially contained or embedded in a flexible body to provide attachment points to lens retainers in the eyewear, with the flexible body therebetween allowing flexibility of the eyewear at or about the bridge area. Eyewear including such flexible bridge assemblies is also provided.