Combined Patents (Class 351/158)
  • Patent number: 8353594
    Abstract: Improved eyewear is disclosed. The eyewear comprises a frame member and a lens. The eyewear also includes circuitry within the frame member for enhancing the use of the eyewear. A system and method in accordance with the present invention is directed to a variety of ways to enhance the use of eyeglasses. They are: (1) media focals, that is, utilizing the eyewear for its intended purpose and enhancing that use by using imaging techniques to improve the vision of the user; (2) telecommunications enhancements that allow the eyeglasses to be integrated with telecommunication devices such as cell phones or the like; and (3) entertainment enhancements that allow the eyewear to be integrated with devices such as MP3 players, radios, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Scott W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8348422
    Abstract: This present invention provides apparatus and methods for the activation of an energized ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for activation and deactivation of one or more components via wireless communication with an activation unit external to the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an energized ophthalmic lens contains components which detect external signals, process the detected signal and activate components that change optical characteristics via the control of electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, Frederick A. Flitsch
  • Patent number: 8337016
    Abstract: A hanger system for glasses includes glasses, a carrier, and a hanger. The glasses include a frame, lenses, hinges, and temple arms. The hanger includes a main body having a top portion for attachment to a hook and a lower portion for securing the carrier. A support is cantilevered from the main body. A first end of the support is integral to the top portion and extends out a distance of at least the depth the glasses, the second end has a hinged tab and has an aperture to receive one of the pair of temple arms. The glasses are supported where front of the frame is oriented toward the main body and the temple arms are oriented away from main body. The hinged tab provides for opening of the temple arms to allow a user to try on the glasses while the glasses remain attached to the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Diversified Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Liebers, Zhongqiu Zhu
  • Patent number: 8337014
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to integrating electronic components into an electro-active frame for driving electro-active focusing lenses. This is accomplished in a cosmetically pleasing manner that allows a platform of frame systems to be built from a single electronic module. Specifically, the present invention discloses controlling an electro-active lens in a deliberate, hands free manner that gives the user control of the electro-active lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: PixelOptics, Inc.
    Inventors: William Kokonaski, Ronald Blum, Tiziano Tabacchi, Martin Boch, Massimo Pinazza, Scott N. Richman, Volkan Ozguz, Joshua N. Haddock
  • Patent number: 8337013
    Abstract: A pair of glasses includes a clock that is at least partially embedded in the glasses. The clock can be in one of the temples of the glasses. In one implementation, the clock can be positioned at a region close to a hinge of the corresponding temple, with the clock facing inward towards the user. The clock can also be in a temple arrangement. Instead of or in addition to a clock, other types of electrical components can be at least partially embedded into a pair of glasses or a temple arrangement of a pair of glasses. For example, the other electrical components can pertain to a RFID tag, a temperature sensor or an eyewear finder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
  • Patent number: 8337015
    Abstract: A spectacles-type image display device having an image output unit that includes a display element that displays images and is disposed on a spectacle frame and a reflection unit that is disposed adjacent to at least one of spectacle lenses and reflects the image light that is output from the image output unit toward the eyeball so that the viewer can see a virtual image of the image is provided. The reflection unit is a reflection member having a positive refractive power and an effective luminous flux that is output from the image output unit and reaches the eyeball of the viewer is configured so that the width of the luminous flux perpendicular to an optical axis is minimum at the reflection unit with respect to the optical axis cross-section parallel to an incident surface of the optical axis relative to the reflection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Ryohei Sugihara, Seiji Tatsuta, Yoichi Iba, Koichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8317320
    Abstract: This invention discloses a spectacle frame with the function of vision training, including frame members, a nose bridge, temple connecting extensions and spectacle legs. The frame, nose bridge and spectacle legs are provided with LED illuminant bodies. One spectacle leg is provided with a regulating switch and the other spectacle leg is provided with a battery cell and a charging hole. The nose bridge and spectacle legs are provided with chips to control the LED illuminant bodies to flash or extinguish in order according to a program. The LED illuminant bodies, chip, battery and regulating switch are interlinked via a flexible board. The angle between the spectacle frame and spectacle legs can be freely adjusted in the range of 180°. When the angle is 180°, all the LED illuminant bodies on spectacle legs and nose bridge are aligned in one straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hangzhou Light of Hope Eye Care Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Vic Huang
  • Patent number: 8313192
    Abstract: An adjustable visual optical element is provided, which may be supported, for example, by an eyeglass. The optical element is preferably adjustable in each of the X, Y, and Z axes to allow the wearer to optimize projection of the optical element. A view axis of the display is preferably also angularly adjustable with respect to a wearer's straight ahead normal line of sight. Source electronics may be carried onboard the eyeglasses, or may be connectable to the eyeglasses via either a hardwire, optical guide, or radiofrequency link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventor: James Jannard
  • Patent number: 8308290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a frame for holding a sheet of material. A frame arranged to removably locate a sheet of material in a vision area, the frame having binocular lenses focused away from the vision area. A benefit of the invention is that a user is provided with binocular lenses at the point of need. The user is thus saved from the embarrassment of having to admit to requiring reading glasses they had omitted to bring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Bruce
  • Patent number: 8308291
    Abstract: A hanger assembly is provided for securing a tag to a pair of eyeglasses that has a frame with two temple members connected to two hinged legs. The hanger assembly includes a hanger, a ledge, a support member, a zip-tie and optionally a hook. The ledge extends outwardly from the back side of the hanger and can have one or more apertures. The zip-tie surroundingly engages the ledge and the first temple member to secure the hanger to the eyeglasses. The temple hanger assembly can also include a security device support section and a security device installed therein. The security device can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: B&G Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Norman, Alex Tetiyevsky, Jake Strassburger
  • Publication number: 20120281961
    Abstract: An article of eyewear includes an eyeglass frame having an integrally formed camera enclosure, an imaging sensor disposed within the camera enclosure, and a single button to control on, off, record on, and record off functions of the article of eyewear. The eyeglass frame may have a camouflage pattern. A system for recording video includes an eyeglass frame having an integrally formed camera enclosure, an imaging sensor disposed within the camera enclosure, and a wireless transceiver disposed within the eyeglass frame, and a single button to control on, off, record on, and record off functions of the article of eyewear. A method of documenting a hunt using an article of eyewear is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicants: PREDATOR OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, LLC, HUNTER SPECIALTIES, INC.
    Inventor: David R. Forbes
  • Patent number: 8297750
    Abstract: A 3D viewing glass comprises a frame, two lenses, a flexible printed circuit board, and two reinforcement elements. Each lens has an electrically interlocking element located on the inner side and adjacent to a bridge of the frame. The electrically interlocking element has an electrical adjoining plane electrically connected with the flexible printed circuit board. The electrically interlocking element and the flexible printed circuit board are further connected by the reinforcement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Chin Wang
  • Publication number: 20120262667
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a first device may be provided. The first device may comprise a lens housing adapted to support a first lens and a second lens, a first temple movably coupled to the lens housing, a second temple movably coupled to the lens housing, an electronics module disposed at least partially within the first temple, and a first electrical conductor coupled to the first temple. A first conductive path may be provided from the first temple to the lens housing at least in part by the first electrical conductor. The first electrical conductor may be configured to couple the electronics module to the first temple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: PixelOptics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Willey
  • Publication number: 20120252965
    Abstract: A buckle made from a non-metallic and non-magnetic polymer having a minimum flexural strength of 120 MPa wherein the buckle comprises a frame, a bar attached to the frame, and a prong pivotally attached to the bar, the frame has first and second terminal ends, the first terminal end has a first aperture that extends through the first terminal end, the first aperture extends in the plane of the frame and parallel to a back side of the frame, the second terminal end has a second aperture that extends through the second terminal end, the second aperture extends in the plane of the frame and parallel to a back side of the frame, the bar further comprises a main shaft with a first threaded end and a second drive end, the first threaded end is threaded only along portion of the length of the main shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Phillip R. Coffman
  • Publication number: 20120236249
    Abstract: The present invention has a technical object to provide glasses which prevent invasion of pollen, can be continuously worn without any discomfort in wearing, and can effectively block ultraviolet ray. The present invention achieves the technical object by glasses including inwardly projecting visors in rims and end pieces of a frame, and glasses in which lenses, a frame, and inwardly projecting visors formed in the frame are formed of synthetic resin containing an ultraviolet absorbing agent or an ultraviolet scattering agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Miwa, Tadashi Kita
  • Publication number: 20120212702
    Abstract: Disclosed therein is a structure for fixing a side shield of glasses, which is installed at a temple, wherein the side shield that surrounds a connection portion between the temple and a glasses frame is fixed at the temple by a fixture, and wherein the side shield located at the temple includes through holes respectively formed at upper and lower portions thereof; and guide portions respectively formed on the inner face of the side shield, and the fixture includes hook portions respectively formed at upper and lower ends thereof and inserted and caught to the through holes of the side shield, and the side shield further includes support pieces respectively formed at upper and lower portions of the inner or outer faces of the side shield for supporting the inside or outside of the hook portions of the fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: FRAME-TEC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung Mo JUNG
  • Patent number: 8235524
    Abstract: Illuminated eyewear is provided that directs light forwardly from the user when wearing the eyewear. The illuminated eyewear herein is in the form of eyeglasses, either with or without lenses, or with a lens or lenses that can be refractive or non-refractive, that in one aspect has the lights arranged so as to optimize their performance. In another aspect, the illustrated eyewear herein has electrical components for the lights arranged to provide enhanced aesthetics over prior lighted eyeglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Waters
  • Publication number: 20120188501
    Abstract: The present invention provides an eyeglass assembly including an eyeglass temple having a cavity portion and a temple insert, which fittingly engages the cavity portion. The temple insert includes a chamber having an inner portion for holding elements. The temple insert also includes a flange portion disposed at a bottom end of the exterior of the chamber and extending outward therefrom. The flanges assist in the contacting engagement of the insert with the temple. Disposed within the chamber are elements including a power source and a wireless transmitter. The transmitter is powered by the power source and operative to transmit a wireless signal from the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Lewis Page Johnson, Sidney Meade Harrison, JR.
  • Patent number: 8226228
    Abstract: Cooling and heating eyeglasses have peltier chips mounted around at least a portion of the perimeter of the lenses that provides a cooling affect that reduces eyestrain and provides cooling relief to the user. A battery pack provides the electrical energy needed to energize the peltier chips. The battery pack is connected to a neck strap that allows the user to comfortably support the batteries. In another embodiment, a plurality of smaller batteries are used and disposed within the frame eliminating the need for an external battery pack. In another embodiment, side shields are also provide with peltier chips to further control the temperature especially around the user's eyes. Because the peltier can also provide heating, a user can also select heating if preferred. The cooling and heating glasses can be used for prevention and treatment of several eye diseases and oculopathies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventors: Totada R Shantha, Jessica Shantha
  • Patent number: 8226227
    Abstract: Glasses of present invention includes a frame portion which includes an opening through which an image displayed on a displaying device is viewed with bilateral eyes, a temple portion configured to be capable of being opened and closed against the frame portion and which includes spring material capable of being inelastically deformed, a movable portion arranged at one of the temple portion and the frame portion and which contacts to the other of the temple portion and the frame portion when the temple portion is opened to the maximum while the contacting position is movable, and a contacting portion which is arranged at the other of the temple portion and the frame portion and which contacts to the movable portion when the temple portion is opened to the maximum and varies the maximum open amount of the temple portion corresponding to movement of the movable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ohno, Tatsuya Sakata, Masamichi Okada, Nobuyuki Hara, Naoto Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20120176580
    Abstract: A low-version reader (LVR) includes a frame adapted to be worn by a person as well as first and second light sources supported by the frame and positioned to project light beams focusing on a working surface. The LVR also includes a first battery embedded in the frame and a first power-supply circuit that regulates power provided by the first battery to energize the first light source. The first battery is rechargeable and in electrical communication through a first discharge path with the first light source. The first discharge path allows the first battery to energize the first light source. A first charger receptacle in electrical communication through a first charge path with the first battery. The first charge path allows charging the first battery when a power charger is coupled with the first charger receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Jeffrey Sonsino
  • Patent number: 8215768
    Abstract: Optical apparatus (20, 60) includes a spectacle frame (30, 64) configured to be worn by a user (22). A telescope (26, 62) is fixed to the spectacle frame and includes an objective (44), an eyepiece (28), and multiple optical surfaces (48, 56, 58) defining a folded optical path for providing a magnified image to an eye (40) of the user while at least one of the optical surfaces is located at least partially posterior to a coronal plane (41) located at a rear surface of the eyepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: TopSight Optics Ltd.
    Inventors: Micha Oestereich, Adi Kremer
  • Publication number: 20120162598
    Abstract: Eyewear comprising a frame and a liquid storage portion that is disposed within the frame and that includes a cavity for storing liquid. The liquid storage portion includes a gas passing section that allows gas to pass therethrough from the cavity to an inside surface of the frame, which is a surface facing a head of a wearer when the frame is worn on the head, but does not allow liquid to pass therethrough from the cavity to the inside surface of the frame. The liquid storage portion may be disposed such that an outer surface of the liquid storage portion is further inside the frame than an outer surface of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: JIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuo TSUBOTA, Hitoshi TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8201938
    Abstract: An eyeglasses frame includes a frame front comprising end pieces, and temples coupled to the end pieces. At least one temple defines a slot for receiving a decorative or functional accessory. The accessory has a hook fastener that is inserted into the slot to removably attach the accessory to the temple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Donald Seung-Yeup Rhee
  • Publication number: 20120147316
    Abstract: Embodiments provided herein may comprise eyewear such as spectacle frames, eyeglasses, lens housings, etc. that may move (or otherwise adjust a position) such that the lenses of the eyewear move relative to a wearer's eye. The movement of the frames may be such that one or more optical zones of the lenses are positioned in front of a wearer's eye (or in a more operable viewing position). Embodiments may comprise a movable member that may be utilized to adjust the position of the lens, as well as various mechanisms for adjusting the position of the movable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Jack Loeb, JR., Dani Katzman, Tony Van Heugten, Ronald D. Blum
  • Patent number: 8192014
    Abstract: An optical device is disclosed having a supporting bar with a twisted configuration. At least one lens is slidably connected to the supporting bar such that the lens rotates when slid longitudinally along the supporting bar. The optical device further comprises a nose piece connected to the supporting bar, which may be stationary or adjustable with respect to the supporting bar. As the lens or lenses are slid along the supporting bar, they achieve a continuously changing angle relative to the nosepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Garrett W. Brown, Anthony D. Sacksteder
  • Publication number: 20120133885
    Abstract: Techniques for providing eyewear with electrical components are disclosed. The electrical components can provide electrical technology to eyewear without having to substantially compromise aesthetic design principles of the eyewear. The electrical components can be partially or completely internal to eyewear. The electrical components can also be attached to the eyewear as an after-market enhancement. The electrical components can operate independently or together with other electrical components provided elsewhere. Apparatus for presenting after-market electrical components are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglass Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Publication number: 20120133884
    Abstract: A pair of 3D glasses of the present invention includes an optical detecting section which is provided in a frame for detecting whether or not the pair of 3D glasses is being worn by a user. The optical detecting section has (i) an LED which emits detection light which is used to detect a user who is wearing the pair of 3D glasses and (ii) a PD which receives the detection light which has been emitted by the LED and is then reflected from the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Akihito ISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20120127422
    Abstract: A pair of spectacles that can automatically change its power so that a fixation region of interest (ROI) of the user is always in focus. The automatic accommodative spectacle device includes focusing elements, scene sensors, scene analyzer, focus engine, focusing element controller, and power supply. The scene analyzer determines the fixation ROI in the scene by analyzing the scene images. The fixation ROI is used to determine powers for the focusing elements in order to bring the fixation ROI into focus. The focusing element controller carries out the needed optical power adjustment to apply to the focusing elements. Optional light sources may be provided to the scene sensors. Additional optional eye sensor(s), eye light source and line of sight detector can be used to help the scene analyzer extract the fixation ROI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Yibin Tian, Thang Duong
  • Publication number: 20120127423
    Abstract: Embodiments may provide a first device that comprises eyeglasses, where the eyeglasses may further include a lens housing, a first temple and a second temple coupled to the lens housing, and a first and a second lens supported by the lens housing. The first device may further include a façade that covers the lens housing. The first device may further comprise an electronic component and at least one conductive path may be provided from the electronic component to the first lens having a portion that runs through the lens housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: PixelOptics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, Joshua N. Haddock, Claudio Dalla Longa, Mark Graham, Yongping Wang
  • Patent number: 8182084
    Abstract: A display unit includes an image data output device, an image projecting device that projects image data so as to be perceived by eyes of a user, a skeleton frame on which the image projecting device is mounted, the sunglass lenses being disposed on the skeleton frame, in which the sunglass lenses are set so that a transmissivity of visible light in a predetermined wavelength region is peculiarly low and so that transmissivities of visible light in wavelength regions other than the visible light in the predetermined wavelength region are peculiarly high, and in which the coloring of image light visualized by the image projecting device is formed by light differing in color from the visible light having peculiarly high transmissivities in the sunglass lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Tokai Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Kozaki, Yuji Kato, Eiji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8177361
    Abstract: The invention relates particularly to a spectacle lens having a first and a second surface, wherein at least the first surface of the spectacle lens has a major portion zone and at least one prism zone. The major portion zone of the first surface, together with the opposing second surface of the spectacle lens, forms a major portion of the spectacle lens, which is designed for vision in at least a predetermined distance. The prism zone of the first surface, together with the opposing second surface of the spectacle lens, forms a prism portion, which is designed and arranged such that an optical image of a display is formed at a predetermined virtual distance in front of the eyes of the spectacle wearer. The invention further relates to spectacles, which comprise the spectacle lens, and to a method and apparatuses for calculating or optimizing and producing the spectacle lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Sessner, Werner Mueller, Dietmar Uttenweiler, Edda Wehner
  • Patent number: 8177357
    Abstract: An adjustment device adapted to glasses each including two polarization filters having adjustable transmission axes varying an angle therebetween in a front view is constituted of a physical parameter receiving unit for receiving at least one physical parameter which is produced by measuring the user's body, an angle calculation unit for calculating a target angle to be formed between the transmission axes of the polarization filters based on the received physical parameter, and a polarization filter adjustment unit for rotating at least one of the polarization filters, thus making the present angle formed between the transmission axes of the polarization filters agree with the target angle. Thus, it is possible to reduce a load or strain imparted to a user's eyes in light of the user's fatigued condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20120113383
    Abstract: A hanger system for glasses includes glasses, a carrier, and a hanger. The glasses include a frame, lenses, hinges, and temple arms. The hanger includes a main body having a top portion for attachment to a hook and a lower portion for securing the carrier. A support is cantilevered from the main body. A first end of the support is integral to the top portion and extends out a distance of at least the depth the glasses, the second end has a hinged tab and has an aperture to receive one of the pair of temple arms. The glasses are supported where front of the frame is oriented toward the main body and the temple arms are oriented away from main body. The hinged tab provides for opening of the temple arms to allow a user to try on the glasses while the glasses remain attached to the hanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Steven B. Liebers, Zhongqiu Zhu
  • Publication number: 20120105797
    Abstract: A pair of eyeglasses includes a magnet that creates a magnetic field capable of holding a golf ball marker. In one embodiment, the eyeglasses include a magnet mounted to one of the temple pieces such that the golf ball marker can be detachably held to the temple piece by the magnetic force of the magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Gladys J. Howard
  • Publication number: 20120105798
    Abstract: An eyewear includes a front portion, two temple portions and a built-in light device located within each temple portion. The front portion includes at least one lens rim and a protrusion extending substantially perpendicularly to a plane of the rim. Each temple portion includes a connection portion hingedly connected to the protrusion of the front portion and a cavity formed therein. The built-in light device has a pre-fabricated light module, which is positioned within the cavity. The light module includes a power source, a switch and a light source. The cavity is enclosed by a cover securing the pre-fabricated light module within the cavity and under the cover. The cavity and the cover includes corresponding recesses sized to encase the light source and to allow the light source to be visible from outside the front portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Billy Chen
  • Publication number: 20120105799
    Abstract: A shield that can be coupled to an eyeglass frame. The shield includes a sheet of material that can extend between the eyeglass frame and a user's face during use. The sheet of material includes an insertion edge that couples to a shield mount channel of the eyeglass frame and a contact edge that can be in contact or in near contact with a user's face during use. The shield can inhibit the evaporation of moisture from a user's eye region during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Brett B. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20120105740
    Abstract: A detachable adjustable electronics module may be removably or permanently connected to eyewear. The module may include electronics for processing audio and/or video input and/or output signals. The module may be provided with an adjustable arm, for adjustably carrying a speaker. The module and/or the speaker may be adjusted relative to the wearer in any of the anterior-posterior direction, the inferior-superior direction and laterally. Rotation adjustments may also be accomplished. Eyewear may be provided with only a single module, on a single side, or with two modules, one on each side, such as to provide stereo audio or dual mono sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: OAKLEY, INC.
    Inventors: James H. Jannard, Carlos Reyes
  • Patent number: 8161974
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing hearing protection to a wearer includes an incorporated set of eyewear having an eyewear frame. In one version, a pair of ear muffler tubes are coupled to the supporting members of the frame or made integral therewith, the muffler tubes each extending to the entrance of the ear canal of a person to reduce the level of ambient noise in the ear canal and includes at least one muffler tube of appropriate dimensions sufficient to isolate the ear canal from ambient air that substantially reduces the acoustic impedance at the entrance of the ear canal over a wide range of audible sound frequencies. A connecting tube for attachment to the ear canal is coupled to the ear muffler tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Syracuse University
    Inventors: Gregory D. Post, Jozef J. Zwislocki, Robert J. DiNardo
  • Patent number: 8157663
    Abstract: A sports head alignment trainer comprised of a pair telescoping tubes mounted to a bridge or frame provided at its opposite ends with hinge elements to which are connected a pair of temple bars or arms. The telescoping tubes are two identical hollow adjustable multi-scopes each comprised of an inner scope and outer scope that can be selectively retracted or extended. The arms are configured to be placed on the user's head and maintain position by wrapping around a person's ears, like ordinary glasses. The telescoping tubes selectively limit the wearer's field of view thereby preventing the wearer from focusing on a target unless proper head alignment is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph Winkelsas, Stephen Lynch
  • Patent number: 8152330
    Abstract: Lighted reading glasses are provided to enable clear reading of normal sized text to occur when the reading material is held at usual distances from the reader in poorly lit locations. The lighted glasses have high intensity lights, such as in the form of LEDs that generate narrow light beam cones and which are oriented in light modules to inwardly cant the light beam cones to meet and overlap so high brightness light is generated in a conical overlap area of light which is maximized in size in the range of normal reading distances. In another form, a clip-on light apparatus is provided that includes a spacer frame having opposite end portions each mounting lights, preferably constructed as described above. In one form, retainers at the end portions are adapted to releasably engage outer sides of the eyeglass lenses. The frame preferably incorporates a draw spring assembly to allow adjustments for different size glasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Waters
  • Patent number: 8152298
    Abstract: A device for enhancing support of eyeglasses on the head of a person. The device is in the form of an independent support member or an adjustable strap having a support member to enhance support of eyeglasses. The strap may include a cushion to provide comfort. The support member includes a hook for supporting the eyeglasses. The device is useful for supporting eyeglasses from the bridge of the nose of a person who has undergone rhinoplasty surgery or for supporting heavy equipment associated with eyeglasses used for surgical applications. The independent support member is easily attached to a head-engaging device and eyeglasses to enhance support of the eyeglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: James Frederick Frank
  • Publication number: 20120081658
    Abstract: Provided is a device-mounting support member (100) for mounting a wearable device (W) onto an eyeglass frame, including: an eyeglass attachment portion (101) having a first pressing portion (101a) to be pressed against a temple portion (T) of the eyeglass frame; a support frame portion (102) to be attached with the wearable device (W) which extends from the eyeglass attachment portion (101) substantially parallel to the temple portion (T); and a head abutment portion (103) which is coupled to the support frame portion (102) and to be abutted to a head of a wearer, in which: the support frame portion (102) is arranged on the outside of the temple portion (T); the head abutment portion (103) is arranged on the inside of the temple portion (T); and the support frame portion (102) and the head abutment portion (103) are coupled to each other via a support bridge portion (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryohei SUGIHARA, Seiji TATSUTA, Yoichi IBA
  • Publication number: 20120081657
    Abstract: Improved eyewear is disclosed. The eyewear comprises a frame member and a lens. The eyewear also includes circuitry within the frame member for enhancing the use of the eyewear. A system and method in accordance with the present invention is directed to a variety of ways to enhance the use of eyeglasses. They are: (1) media focals, that is, utilizing the eyewear for its intended purpose and enhancing that use by using imaging techniques to improve the vision of the user; (2) telecommunications enhancements that allow the eyeglasses to be integrated with telecommunication devices such as cell phones or the like; and (3) entertainment enhancements that allow the eyewear to be integrated with devices such as MP3 players, radios, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Scott W. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20120075574
    Abstract: This present invention provides apparatus and methods for the activation of an energized ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for activation and deactivation of one or more components via wireless communication with an activation unit external to the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an energized ophthalmic lens contains components which detect external signals, process the detected signal and activate components that change optical characteristics via the control of electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Randall B. Pugh, Daniel B. Otts, Frederick A. Flitsch
  • Publication number: 20120050668
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an eyewear for a user includes an eyewear frame, electrical circuitry at least partially in the eyewear frame, and a touch sensitive input surface on the eyewear frame configured to provide an input to the electrical circuitry to perform a function via touching the touch sensitive input surface. In another embodiment, the eyewear includes a switch with at least two operational states. The operational states of the switch can be configured to be changed by sliding a finger across the touch sensitive input surface of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas A. Howell, David Chao, C. Douglas Thomas, Peter P. Tong
  • Publication number: 20120050666
    Abstract: Eyewear attachments are provided that can include a bridge pad having a base extending between terminal ends and defining a perimeter, and each terminal end having a tower extending normally from the base and forming at least a portion of a top opposing the base of the bridge pad. Eyewear assemblies are provided that can include a frame having a bridge extending between two lense housings, each of the lense housings have an upper portion opposing a lower portion of the housed lense, and a bridge pad coupled to the frame. Methods of affixing eyewear in useful configuration are provided that can include, providing eyewear having a bridge pad, the bridge pad extending away from the eyewear and toward the face when the eyewear is in the worn position, and aligning at least a portion of the bridge pad below an upper portion of the orbital bone of the face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Michelle Reneé Havens-Olmstead
  • Publication number: 20120050667
    Abstract: Eyeglasses capable of being recharged and providing three-stage lighting are disclosed, wherein the front end of each of two temples of the eyeglasses has an outer side connected with a lighting device. Each lighting device includes a housing that houses a circuit board, a battery, and so on, wherein the circuit board is connected with a switch button and a light-emitting body. Each temple has a downward-facing charging hole adjacent to the corresponding battery. The circuit board of each lighting device is configured in such a way that, by pressing the corresponding switch button, the corresponding light-emitting body is switched between a constant lighting mode, an intermittent flashing mode, and an OFF mode, thus providing the desired lighting or warning via the three-stage control. In addition, the batteries in the lighting devices can be charged via the charging holes at the bottom sides of the temples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8123351
    Abstract: An eyeglass component mounting system is provided that can comprise a frame and at least a first ear stem. The first ear stem extends rearwardly from the frame and defines an anterior end and a posterior end. The anterior end of the first ear stem can be hingedly coupled to the frame such that the first ear stem can be pivotably movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The first ear stem can comprise a mounting area configured to receive an eyewear component thereon such that the eyewear component can be removed or seated onto the mounting area when the first ear stem is in the stowed position and such that the eyewear component is retained on the mounting area when the first ear stem is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Karsten Moritz, Mark Bu, Errol Tazbaz, An Tran
  • Patent number: 8123352
    Abstract: A head mounted display includes: a projection part which projects an image corresponding to image information onto a retina of an eye of a user; and an eyeglasses-type frame which supports the projection part. The eyeglasses-type frame includes a resilient bent portion having a Z shape in a plan view on middle portions of left and right temples thereof. The projection part is arranged in front of the resilient bent portion of the eyeglasses-type frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Matsumoto, Takeshi Ikeda