Spectacles And Eyeglasses Patents (Class 351/41)
  • Patent number: 5604547
    Abstract: A sunglass or eye protector molded from suitable optical material with inner and outer surfaces, both of which are noncircular in the horizontal direction and curved in the vertical meridian to provide substantially uniform thickness throughout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Gentex Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Davis, Richard P. Waido
  • Patent number: 5602603
    Abstract: Eyeglasses having interchangeable lenses which are held in place by inner and outer lens attachment clips mounted at the bridge and temple, respectively, of the frame. The frame and/or lens is resilient so that the frame or lens can resiliently deform to allow the lenses to slide from beneath the lens attachment clips, yet the frame securely holds the lenses in place during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Pierre N. Bondet
  • Patent number: 5598231
    Abstract: It is a pair of glasses capable of producing a 3-D visual effect, mainly including a frame, two polarizing lenses set in the frame, and two additional lanminated lenses removably disposed either in front of or behind the two polarizing lenses. The laminated lenses each consists of two glass sheet layers, an LCD layer between the two glass sheet layers, and a polarizer layer attached to an outer side of one of the two glass sheet layers. When a voltage is applied to the LCD layer, molecules constituting the LCD layer rotate and change their arrangement directions to produce light blocking effect, enabling the glasses to be used as an LCD shutter glass for watching a 3-D image system. When the additional laminated lenses are removed, the glasses can be used as a normal sun glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Artificial Parallax Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Yen Lin
  • Patent number: 5583583
    Abstract: A pair of sunglasses having an elongated sunglasses frame that is entirely formed from a single sheet of flat aluminum or titanium stock that is bent into a predetermined shape. Left and right hinge mounting portions are formed adjacent the respective edges of the sunglasses frame. A left lens aperture is formed in the sunglasses frame between the left hinge mounting portion and the bridge portion. A right lens aperture is formed in the sunglasses frame between the right hinge mounting portion and the bridge portion. The dimensions of the respective apertures have a greater height and a greater width on the front surface of the sunglasses frame so that lenses pressed into the respective apertures through their front surface edge won't pass out its rear surface edge. A groove is formed in the periphery of each of the apertures and they mate with a ridge formed on the periphery of the respective left and right sunglasses lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Ken Wilson
  • Patent number: 5583586
    Abstract: A structure for eyeglass frames which incorporates an improved frontal support assembly and adjustable temples. Left and right ocular frames are interconnected, each being laterally supported by an adjustable temple assembly. To support the eyeglass frames on the user, a pair of upper frontal spacers extend rearwardly from the member interconnecting the ocular frames. The upper frontal spacers are adapted to be placed adjacent the user's brow precluding contact with the nose of the user. Lower frame spacers depend rearwardly from the lower extent of each of the ocular frames and are adapted to be placed adjacent the cheekbones of the user. The upper frontal supports and lower frame supports insure the ocular frames are appropriately spaced from the user's eye while simultaneously preventing the eyeglass frames from slipping or otherwise being inadvertently displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Robert Evans
  • Patent number: 5555038
    Abstract: A unique unitary lens for eyewear includes right and left lens regions formed of substantially spherical portions. The lens provides improved aerodynamics, aesthetic appearance and eye protection for sport eyewear applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Simon M. Conway
  • Patent number: 5546141
    Abstract: Sunglasses are provided wherein each lens opening has a fixed polarized lens and a rotatable polarized lens. A slide is carried by the frame, with each rotatable lens being connected thereto at locations outside of the lens openings. Lateral movement of the slide effects the rotation of the rotatable lenses, thereby varying the transitivity of the sunglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Charles E. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 5541767
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a user who wears spectacles including at least one lens having a positive magnification factor, to view a distant object through both the lens of the spectacles and a telescope. The method comprises the step of positioning a lens in the optical path of the telescope. The lens placed in the optical path of the telescope is adapted to cancel the positive magnification factor of the lens of the spectacles to maintain the afocal characteristic of telescope. The apparatus comprises at least one afocal telescope defining an optical path having a first lens oriented in the optical path for magnifying a distant object to be viewed through the afocal telescope system. The telescope further comprises a second lens oriented in the optical path for cancelling the positive magnification factor of the lens to maintain the afocal characteristic of the telescope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Designs for Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Murphy, Richard E. Feinbloom
  • Patent number: 5541674
    Abstract: Disclosed are dimensionally stable eyewear frames, for minimizing visual distortion due to relative movement of the left and right optical zones of the eyewear. In one embodiment, the eyeglass orbitals are investment cast from substantially pure titanium or a titanium based alloy. The bridge may be integrally cast with the lens orbitals, or the parts may be separately formed and assembled later.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Jannard
  • Patent number: 5539480
    Abstract: An eyeglass frame, preferably for sunglasses, includes an elongate chamber for containing a fluid sunscreen. At one end the chamber includes a dispensing port and a closure plug. A mechanism is provided for dispensing a fluid sunscreen from the dispensing port, which mechanism can be a displaceable piston or a provision of a flexible container that can be squeezed by a user. This enables a user to have access to a supply of sunscreen, without having to carry a separate bottle or container of sunscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventors: David Rakoff, Andrea Frankel
  • Patent number: 5537161
    Abstract: Spectacle frames and earstems made of composite material comprising a plurality of resin saturated wood laminates compressed into a densified form. The frames and earstems are machined from a single block of the densified wood using a CNC machine. The earstems are attached to the frames with spring hinges. The contours of the frames and earstems reveal varying laminate layers to create an attractive wood grain or color pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Woody's Orginals, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig L. Monroe
  • Patent number: 5530490
    Abstract: A safety eyeglass assembly includes a carrier integrally molded from a transparent plastic material and including a front panel portion having a pair of lens apertures therein and left and right top, bottom and side shield extending rearwardly from left and right side portions of the front panel portion. The assembly further includes a frame detachably and adjustably secured to the carrier and including left and right temple frame portions and a cross bar portion extending between the temple frame portions in front of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Uvex Safety, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Canavan
  • Patent number: 5526067
    Abstract: Variable power eyeglasses of many shapes can be manufactured having a frame, a pair of lens assemblies and a linear actuation mechanism. Each lens assembly includes: a rigid substrate; a membrane support spaced from the rigid substrate; a flexible seal extending between the rigid substrate and the membrane support, where the flexible seal acts as a hinge at a first section and acts as a spring by allowing relative motion between the rigid substrate and the membrane support at a second section; a transparent elastomeric membrane sealed around a periphery to the membrane support; and a transparent liquid filling the space between the rigid substrate and the membrane forming a liquid lens. The linear actuation mechanism causes relative motion between the membrane and the rigid substrate so that both optical and prismatic power of the liquid lens changes by varying a force applied to the flexible sealing means at the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: David V. Cronin, Donald Williamson
  • Patent number: 5523804
    Abstract: An underwater diving mask, including a preformed face piece of suitable material so as to yieldably fit the contour of a wearer's face, and a strap for holding the face piece against the wearer's face. The mask has at least one large opening formed in the forward part thereof, and a rigid plate-like supporting structure carried by the face piece closing the opening. In one embodiment a pair of reducing, single sided concave lenses, one for each eye of the user, are formed in side-by-side relationship in the supporting structure. In another embodiment there is a single plate which is itself a single reducing lens. In yet another embodiment two openings and two lenses are provided, each a reducing lens. So as to properly compensate for the foreshortening effect of the water, the reducing power of the lens system is between zero and -0.50. The supporting member and lenses are prepared directly or treated or coated, such as by dipping, with a coloring agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Philip Nolan
  • Patent number: 5521911
    Abstract: An eyeglass display system utilizes a combination of an eyeglass display member and an eyeglass contacting member. The eyeglass contacting member has an encircling portion adapted to encircle at least a part of the frame of the eyeglasses, and does not interfere with a potential user's view through the lenses when the eyeglasses are tried on. A cantilever support extending from the eyeglass display member supports a plurality of eyeglass contacting members and associated eyeglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Al-Site Corp.
    Inventor: Michael S. Nyman
  • Patent number: 5506638
    Abstract: Spectacles for wearing by a user include first and second lenses and first and second frame sections bearing the first and second lenses respectively. In addition, the spectacles include a bridge connected to the first and second frame sections, and first and second weight shift devices connected to the first and second frame sections respectively. The first and second weight shift devices transfer some of the weight of the spectacles to an area of the face of the user in addition to the nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Donner, Inc.
    Inventor: Irah H. Donner
  • Patent number: 5502516
    Abstract: A light shield is provided which includes a relatively thin but preferably rigid body of light permeable material. An arrangement is interposed between the body of light permeable material and one side of the lens to mount the shield directly on the lens in light intercepting relationship relative to the eye of a user of the lens. The shield which is preferably mounted in generally cantilever manner on the lens is removable and can be reinstalled repeatedly. Preferably an adhesive is used which provides for a minimum of residue on the lens and the shield is preferably affixed to the lens in such a way that there is a minimum of optical interference. The shield can be such as to strip out ultraviolet rays, infrared light or otherwise modulate the light transmitted therethrough. The shield may also be of a form which provides prescription corrections of an optical type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Warren B. Elterman
  • Patent number: 5502515
    Abstract: A diving mask comprising: a supporting member arranged for sealing engagement with the face of the user; a lens means mounted in said supporting member, said supporting member being dimensioned, so that the lens means is positioned near the eyes of the user with a portion of the nose extending forwardly of the lens means to provide a low profile, low internal volume mask; and said lens means being substantially spherical in configuration and having a single center of curvature, whereby the apparent magnification of images underwater is less than that observed through a conventional lens plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Salvatore N. Sansalone
  • Patent number: 5499064
    Abstract: An eyeglass frame supports a pair of mounting adapters. Each mounting adapter includes a connecting mechanism for removably connecting an optical device. The connecting mechanism permits the optical device to be inserted with a low insertion force, but requires a relatively large force for removing the optical device. The connecting mechanism includes an interior bore that accepts an insertion shank on the optical device. A series of Teflon balls are placed in radial channels in an outer wall of the mounting adapter. An O-ring in a groove in the outer wall urges the Teflon balls into the radial channels. The radial channels are shaped to prevent the Teflon balls from falling into the insertion bore, but allow the Teflon balls to protrude partly into the insertion bore. The insertion shank of the optical device has a bevel that forces the Teflon balls out of its path as it is inserted into the interior bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Paralax, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Vansaghi
  • Patent number: 5499063
    Abstract: A multifocal trial frame system includes a trial frame shaped to engage the head of a wearer and which includes an adjustable nose bridge and a pair of downwardly-depending studs which are laterally adjustable relative to the nose bridge, a pair of lens brackets adjustably attachable to the studs, each including first and second lens rims; a pair of distance prescription lenses shaped to be retained by the first pair of rims; and a pair of multifocal lenses shaped to be received by the second pair of rims. The multifocal lenses each include a neutral portion and an insert portion having a close-viewing prescription. The insert portion is incorporated into the neutral portion to form a continuous, unitary lens with the neutral portion, so that the distance and the multifocal lenses cooperate to simulate multifocal eyeglasses of a predetermined prescription and configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Vision Express Group Limited
    Inventors: E. Dean Butler, Craig H. Risk
  • Patent number: 5488439
    Abstract: A lens holder system for temporarily holding a prescription lens in the openings eyeglass frames having perimeter grooves so that the patient can see what a pair of eyeglass frames will look like on him or her. The system has a plurality of pairs of lens holders. Each lens holder includes a prescription lens, a prescription lens encircling portion, a pair of resilient spring wires fixed at first ends to opposite sides of the prescription lens encircling portion, and a pair of guides positioned on the lens encircling portion distant from the point of attachment of the first ends of the spring wires to the lens encircling portion. The second ends of the spring wires are slidably engaged with one of the guides and the second ends of the spring wires have terminal stops to prevent the spring wires from being withdrawn from the guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Alfred Weltmann
  • Patent number: 5488438
    Abstract: Improvements in eye glasses for training in bowling, bowling per se, and bowling competition; eye glasses of a surround-type covering the front and sides of the entire field of vision of both human eyes; selective masking of the eye glasses whereby to form two substantially vertical, substantially parallel windows through which the bowler can see the lane in front of him/her and the pins that he/she is aiming for, but has the view in both lateral directions, at least two bowling lane widths, masked from his/her vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: William A. Cochran
  • Patent number: 5488510
    Abstract: The optical viewing device for enhanced depth perception of images on a television screen comprises a hollow body of generally rectangular shape having a rectangular opening at the front, opaque sidewalls extending to the back of the device, and an open back. The sidewalls at the back opening are generally formed to provide a substantially light tight engagement with the face of a user. The front opening of the device is covered with one or two layers of mesh screen having the warp and weft diagonal to the rectangular opening at the front of the device. The optical viewing device is sized to locate the mesh screen three and one-half to four and one-half inches from the user's eyes for viewing a television screen at least eight feet from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Edward J. LeMay
  • Patent number: 5483301
    Abstract: An optical device which is worn by a person which can be quickly adapted for use in magnifying objects distant from the person or as eyeglasses which allows a person to view objects according to their normal size and dimension. The optical device can be readily adapted for use by individuals requiring different corrective lens to compensate for poor eyesight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Adrian M. Clarke
  • Patent number: 5467147
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating treatment of the eye with topical medication by temporarily controlling fluid flow from the eye by way of compression of the proximal lacrimal drainage system. A support structure, such as an eyeglass frame, is adapted to be worn in a substantially stationary position on a user's face. Attached to the support structure is a pressure applicator for exerting gentle, external pressure near the patient's eye in a region at which lacrimal flow from the eye is temporarily inhibited by the pressure applicator. The pressure applied is of the order of magnitude which can comfortably be digitally exerted, and is focused on the exterior of the lower eyelid near the nose, in order to temporarily obstruct fluid flow through the nasolacrimal duct. The pressure applicator is a pliable, resilient pod having an ovoid shape, on the order of 1.0 inch in length and 0.75 inches in width. Where only one eye is treated, only one pressure applicator is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Carmen Faranda
  • Patent number: 5465122
    Abstract: Non-deformable frame for spectacles, and in particular spectacles for children so obtained, comprising a connection element between the lens surround, consisting of two bodies joined in a non rigid way, one of which is inserted coaxially to the other, and at least one torsion-bar preferably in steel, having the ends anchored to both lens surrounds, and to which the nose pads are associated to the respective lens surround providing for the interposition of a helical spring,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: F.A.O.M.S. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Caterino Curto, Gianantonio Longo
  • Patent number: 5463428
    Abstract: Wireless active eyewear includes a frame having a front portion and a rear portion. A gasket and shutter assembly and a circuit board are held between the front and rear portions of the frame. The non-conductive gasket has electro-optical shutters integrally formed therewith and includes conductive plugs extending therefrom which electrically contact each of the electro-optical shutters and the circuit board. The frame includes temple arms hingedly attached thereto and an on/off switch which is actuated by opening and closing the temple arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: StereoGraphics Corporation
    Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Jeffrey J. Halnon, Larry H. Mitchell, Robert Hursey
  • Patent number: 5459533
    Abstract: An eye wear device comprising a frame and lens means supported by the frame to be positioned in front of a wearer's eyes. The improvement characterized in that the lens means is coated with an electrically conductive heat generating layer to be positioned in the wearer's field of vision when the eye wear is worn, and of sufficient resistance to produce enough heat to remove moisture build-up on the lens means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: See Clear Eyewear Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. McCooeye, J. Albert Bingham
  • Patent number: 5459534
    Abstract: The disclosure is of an eyeglass frame having two lens receiving portions removably coupled to a coupling member which permits the spacing between the two lens receiving portions to be adjusted. The lens receiving portions have markings and notches to permit the proper placement of a lens therein and these portions are selectively prepared to present a non-circular appearance even though they receive circular lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Morrison International, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Morrison
  • Patent number: 5457502
    Abstract: Upper lens formed of a portion of a sphere having radius R.sub.2 and lower lens formed of a portion of a sphere having radius R.sub.1 are manufactured integrally by molding for forming the lens of eyeglasses Radii R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are slightly different from each other, so that the front view comes into eyes through lower lens when the user is in a normal posture, while the front view comes into eyes through upper lens when the user bends forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Cateye Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Iida
  • Patent number: 5455637
    Abstract: A power and control system for micro-electronics is described, as for lightweight, battery-powered electrochromic (EC) eyewear. Preferably such system includes a primary, lithium-type cell and a secondary, sealed lead acid-type cell in a hybrid, power-sharing configuration capable of supplying the low-energy, high-current (pulse) drain requirements of microelectronics, e.g. a switchable EC lens. A switch-mode power supply controller manages the power-sharing load on the hybrid battery system such that the secondary cell is charged by the primary cell. The system is capable of meeting short-term pulse drain requirements of switching EC lenses from clear to fully darkened at an acceptably fast rate and long-term operating life requirements of approximately 1500 cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Comdisco, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kallman, Mark B. Roberts, David F. Baretich, Leonard M. Dorfman, John F. Ahern
  • Patent number: 5455638
    Abstract: A power and control system for micro-electronics is described, as for lightweight, battery-powered electrochromic (EC) eyewear. Preferably such system includes a primary, lithium-type cell and a secondary, sealed lead acid-type cell in a hybrid, power-sharing configuration capable of supplying the low-energy, high-current (pulse) drain requirements of microelectronics, e.g. a switchable EC lens. A switch-mode power supply controller manages the power-sharing load on the hybrid battery system such that the secondary cell is charged by the primary cell. The system is capable of meeting short-term pulse drain requirements of switching EC lenses from clear to fully darkened at an acceptably fast rate and long-term operating life requirements of approximately 1500 cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Comdisco, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kallman, Mark B. Roberts, David F. Baretich, Leonard M. Dorfman, John F. Ahern
  • Patent number: 5455640
    Abstract: An eye glass system with an integral time/temperature component comprising eye glasses is formed with a bow at a central extent thereof and positioned above the eyes of a wearer. Lenses positionable with the bow in front of the eyes of the wearer and with temples extending rearwardly from the ends of the bow positionable over the ears of the wearer secure the bow and lenses in operative position on a wearer. An exterior surface on the bow faces upwardly with solar panels located therein adapted to generate electrical energy. An interior face on the bow faces inwardly towards the user with at least one temperature/time indicator above one lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Daniel G. Gertsikov
  • Patent number: 5452028
    Abstract: An eyeglass frame secures first and second lens frames secured in fixed relation one to the other by a pair of super-elastic bridge pieces. The lens frames are a non-super elastic material. Bridges pieces of the eyeglass frames are a super-elastic alloy material. The bridge pieces have a surface coatings thereon of a silver solder compatible metal plating. The bridge pieces are silver soldered to the lens frames at locations where the silver solder compatible metal plating is present. In one embodiment, the super-elastic alloy material is made of a Ni-Ti-Co alloy material. Temple elements are attached to the lens frames. Each temple element includes a base with a pivoting member. Temple arms each having a silver solder compatible metal plating at its end are silver soldered at the plated ends to the pivoting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Toshiko Iijima
  • Patent number: 5446596
    Abstract: An ophthalmic lens holder for holding lenses in a tinting bath has an upright support with oppositely directed base channels and spring loaded pivoted clamping arms over the base channels. Lenses are held side by side between the clamping arms and the base channels. The holder is designed to facilitate insertion and viewing of the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Stephen Mostrorocco
  • Patent number: 5431506
    Abstract: This invention relates to the property of a bonded metal including a forming material of a nickel-titanium alloy and its method of manufacture. This bonded metal property is produced by forming a forged structure to achieve an incorporated integral body through the bonding of the nickel-titanium alloy material onto another material of nickel base alloy. The manufacturing method used to achieve this property involves heating both materials at the point to be bonded in an inert gas atomosphere. The materials are first heated to their melting point and in this state are fused together under high pressure. This forms the forged structure on the portion of the materials so treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignees: Masunaga Menlo Park Co., Ltd., Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Masunaga
  • Patent number: 5432623
    Abstract: A lens design consisting of a multi-component assembly, with one of the said components being a (decorative) hologram. The said assembly being comprised of an optical-quality holographic recording material coating applied to the inner or outer surface of a primary lens element, upon which a hologram may then be recorded in-situ, and may be used alone, or be optically contacted to a secondary lens element to form a unitary assembly of high optical quality and clarity, with the holographic recording material being encapsulated between the primary and secondary elements. The said lens assembly may be of simple or compound curvature, and be used in functional, prescription-quality eyewear of single or multi-lens type. Also, one or more of the lens components, other than the hologram, may function in a light-filtering role, so as to visually eliminate unwanted images or colors to the wearer, and further allow such lens assemblies to be used in sunglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventors: Michael S. Egan, Carl E. Chesak
  • Patent number: 5428407
    Abstract: A prescription lens attachable to a safety glass frame. The safety glass frame is provided with a single lens, a center cross pin and indentation on an inner surface of the safety glass frame juxtaposed the temple pivot pin. A prescription frame includes separate prescription lenses and a central clip that clips onto the cross pin of the safety glass frame. The outer ends of the prescription frame are provided with angular locking ends that are pressed into the indentation on the safety glass frame. Thus, the prescription lens frame is held securely onto the safety glass frame between the safety glass frame and the persons eyes. Damage to the safety glass lens or frame necessitate replacement of only the non-prescription safety glasses because the prescription frame can be removed from the damaged frame and secured to a new safety glass frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Keith W. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 5422684
    Abstract: A form of protective eyewear having retractable eyeshields which protect the wearer's eyes from injury from mechanical, chemical or radiation hazards. The eyeshields have an extended position and a retracted position. In one embodiment, a mechanical actuator moves the eyeshields between the extended position and the retracted position. In another embodiment, the shields contain an inflation chamber which moves the eyeshields between the extended position and the retracted position. The eyewear may be in the form of corrective eyeglasses, sunglasses, safety glasses or safety goggles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: David R. Keller
  • Patent number: 5420649
    Abstract: A diving mask has a body for sealably engaging a wearer's face. The mask has one or more transparent viewing plates supported by the body, each having inner and outer surfaces. One or more prisms or simply curved lenses are affixed to the viewing plates to improve the diver's field of vision. A pair of horizontally oriented prisms or lenses may be mounted to a front viewing plate below the diver's normal view plane to provide a field of view directed downward toward the diver's body so as to provide a self-inspection capability. Vertically oriented prisms or lenses may be mounted on front and side plates to produce an enhanced and substantially continuous horizontal peripheral field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: John E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5402190
    Abstract: A method of avoiding the influence of light on the biological clock caused by the presence of full spectrum light during intervals unexpected by the human body is comprised of wearing goggles that substantially block light having wavelengths of between about 480 and 530 nm. during exposure to the light, while conducting normal activities using visible light of other wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Suzanne Maureen Waldman
    Inventor: Murray M. Waldman
  • Patent number: 5389981
    Abstract: The invention defines an eyeglass having a frame structure that includes a frame member having openings in which glass lenses are mounted, wherein the frame structure of the eyeglass is employed as a support device for one or more permanent magnets that are selectively positioned on the frame or lenses so that magnetic energy is focused on the eyes for stimulating and increasing the blood circulation in the general area of eyes when worn by the user thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: George Riach, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5382986
    Abstract: Liquid crystal sunglasses indicating overexposure to UV-radiation comprising a pair of liquid-crystal lenses (12 and 14) a rim (10), a bridge portion (14) which support the lenses, and a pair of temples (18 and 20) which supported by the rim. The rim (10) supports a pair of solar cells (28 and 30) and a dual-photodetector sensor (26) which can separately measure an incident UV-A radiation and a UV-B radiation and convert these radiations into electric signals. The sunglasses's rim also incorporates a microcontroller (36). The lenses have a laminated structure composed of a color mask (43), an input polarizing plate (44), a liquid crystal cell (50) sandwiched between a pair of voltage-controlled active matrices, and an output polarizing plate (46). Each active matrix consists of a plurality of sets of pixels which control the transmission of light through the respective color cells of a mosaic mask. The microcontroller also incorporates a frequency generator (104) and a memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Reliant Laser Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Black, Vladimir Kupershmidt
  • Patent number: 5371629
    Abstract: A non-circular variable focal length lens, for use in spectacles, which includes a rigid lens to provide the wearer's distance correction, and a liquid-filled lens bounded by a distensible stretched elastomeric membrane to provide a variable near addition. The liquid, which has a fixed volume, is stored in the field of view between the elastomeric membrane and the rigid lens. Variation of the optical power of the liquid filled lens is achieved by displacement of a membrane support to which the outer periphery of the stretched elastomeric membrane is attached. The shape of the distended membrane is kept substantially spherical, despite the circumference of the membrane being non-circular, by allowing the membrane support to bend in a predetermined controlled manner as it is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventors: Stephen Kurtin, Saul Epstein
  • Patent number: 5367344
    Abstract: In eyeglasses comprising glass-holding means which comprise pairs of retaining pins, which extend in respective bores of the lenses and are carried by a lens-holding portion of the eyeglass frame, it is desired to provide lens-holding means which are simple in design. To that end each pair of the retaining pins are constituted by two legs of a U-shaped wire and are connected by a crosspiece, which is connected to the lens-holding portion of the eyeglass frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Silhouette International Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Gerhard Fuchs
  • Patent number: 5360891
    Abstract: A colorless and transparent, amorphously processable polyamide molding composition which has a good resistance to stress cracking and good impact strength and is resistant to alcohols, esters, ketones, fuels and boiling water, comprising the reaction product ofI. a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid;II.a) 35-60 mol % of trans,trans-bis(4-aminocyclohexyl)-methane; andII.b) 65-40 mol % of other aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic diaminesas starting components, the molar ratio of components I and II varying in the range from 0.95 to 1.05:1, preferably 0.98 to 1.02:1.The polyamide molding composition is particularly suitable for use for spectacle frames, apparatus inspection windows and covers and lamp covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Huels Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Wenzel, Georg Oenbrink, Eva von der Bey-Dahm
  • Patent number: 5359370
    Abstract: Disclosed is an eyewear system designed to improve the comfort, fit, functionability, and modularity of the eyewear. Features include a 180.degree. reflex spring hinge which improves comfort, fit, and safety; a sway-hinge mechanism that allows the temples to be independently adjusted to improve comfort and fit of the eyewear behind the ears; a strap-pad which has been ergonomically designed to fit different shaped and sized noses and can be positioned for wearer comfort and convenience; a frame and lens construction that allows for modularity by the easy removal and replacement of the lens, temples, tops of frames, and nose pieces; and accessories that can be added to the eyewear to provide a greater degree of comfort and to protect the face from ultraviolet radiation and the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Mugnier Design
    Inventor: Marc Mugnier
  • Patent number: 5343259
    Abstract: A glasses with bridges and temples which are fixed to lens frames, without depending upon deposition. Bridges and temples of this glasses can be changed easily according to one's taste because they are not deposited to lens frames but are fixed to lens frames through the medium of sleeves and other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Nakanishi Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiichi Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 5343258
    Abstract: Safety glasses for use with an endoscope and similar devices, the glasses being made of a frame, a first lens portion fixed to the frame, a second, moveable lens portion, and a member for connecting the second lens portion to the first lens portion so that the second lens portion is displaceable when an external force is applied against an outer surface of the second lens portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventors: Leigh J. Lachman, Reid A. Lachman
  • Patent number: 5331356
    Abstract: Portable spectacles to be pinched on a waist band, having a integral frame with a front portion for holding two lenses and two skull temple portions, the front portion provided with an upper flat recess for fixing a connecting means to combine pivotally a pinch means thereon so as to pinch a portion of the waist band by elasticity of a spring provided between the connecting means and the pinch means for carrying the spectacles on the waist band when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Ching-Hae Chiou