Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnifying and/or corrective lens or optical element that may be removably adhered to a plano lens, such as the pane of a of a pair of spectacles or sunglasses, without the use of a mechanical retention device or other mechanical means for retention. The lenses are injection-molded from an aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane, and capable of conforming to a variety of surface shapes and of adhering via tactile interactions to a plano lens without the use of an adhesive. The lenses may be securely but releasably secured to the surface of a plano lens by finger pressure alone due to their inherent molecular surface-adhesion characteristics to readily create magnifying or corrective lenses, or to modify the magnification or correction of a pair of sunglasses or plano eyeglasses. The lens of the present invention has at least one curved surface and a refractive index such that the curved surface and the refractive index cooperatively produce a nominal magnifying power.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: A molded closure for a liquid container comprising a thermoplastic elastomer and a blowing agent. The molded closure is particularly suitable for use as a synthetic wine cork in a wine bottle. The molded closure does not permit passage of oxygen into the container, does not absorb oxygen from the contents of the container, can be removed from the container using a corkscrew without significant expansion, crumbling or disintegration, does not significantly taint a liquid in the container, permits the container to be placed horizontally immediately after insertion of the molded closure, and can permanently retain printed matter on its surface.

Abstract: A corrective lens that is removably adherent to, and substantially in contact with, a pane of a pair of spectacles without the use of a mechanical retention device, and that has at least one curved surface and a refractive index such that the curved surface and the refractive index cooperatively produce a nominal magnifying power. In a preferred embodiment, the corrective lens comprises a flexible plastic capable of conforming to a variety of surface shapes and of adhering via tactile interactions to the pane without the use of an adhesive. Also, a pair of spectacles that comprise a corrective lens securely adhered to a pane of a pair of spectacles without the use of a mechanical retention device. A method of producing a cosmetically appealing pair of spectacles is also disclosed. The method comprises adhering a corrective lens to at least one pane of a pair of spectacles without the use of a mechanical retention device.

Abstract: Protective and sports eyeglasses having a pair of integrally formed, wraparound lenses. The lenses have toric inner and outer surfaces which match each other on both meridians so that the lenses have zero power. A shock-absorbing nosepiece includes a base portion which wraps around a bridge integrally formed with the lenses and a pair of resilient, relatively large nose pads projecting downwardly and rearwardly along respective inside edges of the lenses. The nose pads are spaced slightly from the lenses so that they are capable of absorbing shocks imparted to the lenses. A pair of temples are pivotally secured to respective lenses by hinges which are embedded in respective mounting pads integrally formed in the lenses. The lenses may be formed from a tough, shock-resistant plastic, such as polycarbonate, and they may be provided with a hard, non-scratch coating.