Abstract: A nosepiece for eyewear comprises a front half and back half which are formed of materials having different hardness values with the front half being harder than the back half. The nosepiece is of generally U-shaped configuration and is releasably attachable to the front of the eyewear by a plurality of bosses extending from the eyewear from in the vicinity of the bridge, and a like number of holes formed in the nosepiece such that the nosepiece may be snap-fit to the eyewear front. The hardness of the front half coupled with the attachment means provides for a very secure attachment of the nosepiece to the front, while the softness of the back half provides for a comfortable fit upon the face, while also providing cushioning against impacts to the face while the eyewear is worn. The overall configuration of the nosepiece coupled with its method of attachment provides optimum aesthetics in that there is no bulky appearance from the front as is a common problem with many replaceable nosepiece designs today.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a temple to a metal eyewire comprises a plastic connecting member having a first portion which extends between and is attached to first and second lateral end pieces of the eyewire, and a second portion which is angularly disposed with respect to the first portion thereof. A metal hinge assembly has first and second hinge components attached to the second portion of the connecting member and the front end of the temple, respectively, and are pivotally interconnected with a screw which extends parallel to the screw which secures the first portion of the connecting member to the lateral end pieces of the eyewire. The first metal hinge component is most preferably directly and permanently molded into the plastic connecting member at the time it is molded to provide a durable and reliable pivotal connection between the temple and metal eyewire.