Eyewear lens coupling mechanism and related methods
The eyewear's innovative latching mechanism allows for easy interchange and secure attachment of lenses, addressing the need for versatile lens coupling in eyewear frames.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024099653
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-09
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-06-20
AI Technical Summary
There is a need for improved mechanisms to couple lenses to eyewear frames, allowing for easy interchangeability and secure attachment of different lenses for various applications.
The eyewear incorporates a bridge portion with lens protrusion receiving recesses, brow portions, and lens loop support structures with latching mechanisms that allow for rotatable coupling of lenses using inner and outer eyewear frame engaging protrusions and loops, ensuring secure attachment and easy detachment.
Enables users to easily switch between different lenses, providing versatility in applications such as athletics, daily wear, and prescription eyewear, while maintaining stability and secure attachment.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 522,291, filed June 21, 2023, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0002] SUMMARY This disclosure relates generally to mechanisms for coupling lenses to a set of eyewear. [Background technology]
[0003] A set of eyewear typically includes one or more lenses, a frame, and one or more temple pieces. Eyewear users may wish to change lenses for different applications. Thus, there is a need for an improved mechanism for coupling lenses to eyewear frames. Summary of the Invention
[0004] According to various embodiments, eyewear comprises a frame including: (1) a bridge portion defining a left lens protrusion receiving recess and a right lens protrusion receiving recess; (2) a brow portion extending on either side from the bridge portion; (3) a left lens loop support portion disposed adjacent a left end of the brow portion, the left lens loop support portion defining a left latch mechanism receiving recess; and (4) a right lens loop support portion disposed adjacent a right end of the brow portion, the right lens loop support portion defining a right latch mechanism receiving recess. In certain embodiments, the eyewear further comprises: (1) a left lens assembly latch mechanism rotatably coupled to the brow portion adjacent a left end of the brow portion, the left lens assembly latch mechanism comprising a left latch mechanism protrusion having a first profile corresponding to a profile of the left latch mechanism receiving recess, (2) a right lens assembly latch mechanism rotatably coupled to the brow portion adjacent a left end of the brow portion, the right lens assembly latch mechanism comprising a right latch mechanism protrusion having a second profile corresponding to a profile of the right latch mechanism receiving recess, (3) a left lens assembly, and (4) a right lens assembly. In various embodiments, the left lens assembly comprises: (1) a left inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion extending inwardly from a top side of the left lens assembly, and (2) a left lens loop extending outwardly from a top side of the left lens assembly, the left lens loop defining a left latch mechanism receiving cutout having the first profile. In various embodiments, the right lens assembly comprises (1) a right inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion extending inwardly from an upper side of the right lens assembly, and (2) a right lens loop extending outwardly from an upper side of the right lens assembly, the right lens loop defining a right latch mechanism receiving cutout having the second profile.In certain embodiments, (1) the left lens protrusion receiving recess is configured to receive the left inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion, (2) the right lens protrusion receiving recess is configured to receive the right inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion, and (3) the left lens assembly latch mechanism has an unlatched position and a latched position, wherein the left latch mechanism protrusion is configured to contact the left latch mechanism receiving cutout such that the left lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to hold the left lens assembly adjacent to the brow portion when the left lens inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion is disposed in the left lens protrusion receiving recess and the left lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position. and is at least partially received by the left latch mechanism receiving recess; (4) the right lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to rotate between an unlatched position and a latched position in which the right latch mechanism protrusion extends through the right latch mechanism receiving cutout and is at least partially received by the right latch mechanism receiving recess such that the right lens inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion is disposed in the right lens protrusion receiving recess and is configured to hold the right lens assembly adjacent to the brow portion when the right lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position.
[0005] In some aspects, the left lens loop support portion defines a lower side and an upper side adjacent to the left latch mechanism receiving recess, the left lens loop defines the upper loop portion and the lower loop portion, and the left lens assembly latch mechanism defines an upper lens loop engagement portion and a lower lens loop engagement portion adjacent to the left latch mechanism protrusion. In various embodiments, the upper loop portion is sandwiched between the upper side and the upper lens loop engagement portion when the left lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position, and the lower loop portion is sandwiched between the lower side and the lower lens loop engagement portion when the left lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position. In certain embodiments, the left lens protrusion receiving recess and the right lens protrusion receiving recess are disposed on opposing portions of the bridge portion. In certain embodiments, the first profile is a mirror image of the second profile.
[0006] In certain embodiments, the right latch mechanism protrusion extends a first distance from a body of the right lens assembly latch mechanism, the right lens loop has a second thickness, and the first distance is greater than the second thickness. In various embodiments, the right latch mechanism receiving recess has a third depth, and the first distance substantially corresponds to a combination of the second thickness and the third depth. In some embodiments, the left lens assembly includes an upper frame engagement protrusion disposed along at least a portion of a top edge of the left lens assembly, the frame defining an upper frame protrusion receiving recess along the brow portion corresponding to the upper frame engagement protrusion, the upper frame protrusion receiving recess configured to receive and support the upper frame engagement protrusion when the left lens inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion is disposed in the left lens protrusion receiving recess and the left lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position.
[0007] In some embodiments, the left lens assembly is configured to support a first lens and the right lens assembly is configured to support a second lens. In various embodiments, the left lens assembly comprises the first lens and the right lens assembly comprises the second lens. In certain embodiments, the left lens assembly consists of a first lens and the right lens assembly consists of a second lens.
[0008] In various embodiments, eyewear with at least one interchangeable lens comprises an eyewear frame including: (1) a bridge defining an inner lens protrusion receiving recess; (2) left and right eyebrow portions extending from the bridge; and (3) an outer lens loop support portion extending downwardly from an end of the left eyebrow portion. In various embodiments, the eyewear further comprises a left lens including: (1) an inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion extending from a top right portion of the left lens a first distance corresponding to a depth of the inner lens protrusion receiving recess; and (2) an outer lens loop extending from a top right portion of the left lens and formed by a lens loop lower portion, a lens loop outer portion, and a lens loop upper portion defining a latch mechanism receiving cutout having a shape. In other embodiments, the eyewear comprises a lens assembly latch mechanism rotatably coupled to the end of the left eyebrow portion, the lens assembly latch mechanism including: (1) a latch mechanism body; and (2) a latch mechanism protrusion extending from the latch mechanism body at least a second distance greater than a thickness of the outer lens loop and having the shape. In various embodiments, the inner lens protrusion receiving recess is configured to receive the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion, and the lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to rotate such that the latch mechanism protrusion extends through the latch mechanism receiving cutout when the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion is positioned in the inner lens protrusion receiving recess.
[0009] According to certain embodiments, an eyewear assembly includes: (1) an eyewear frame having a left temple portion and a right temple portion, the eyewear frame including an outer lens loop support portion adjacent the left temple portion, the outer lens loop support portion defining a latch mechanism receiving recess, (2) a lens assembly including a lens and an outer lens loop defining a latch mechanism receiving cutout, the latch mechanism receiving cutout having a geometric profile that corresponds at least in part to a geometric profile of the latch mechanism receiving recess, and (3) a lens assembly latch mechanism rotatably coupled to the eyewear frame adjacent the left temple portion. In some embodiments, the lens assembly latch mechanism includes: (1) a latch mechanism body; and (2) a latch mechanism protrusion extending from the latch mechanism body, the latch mechanism protrusion having a geometric profile that corresponds at least in part to the geometric profile of the latch mechanism receiving notch. In some embodiments, the lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to rotate between an unlatched position and a latched position in which (1) the latch mechanism protrusion extends through the latch mechanism receiving cutout and into the latch mechanism receiving recess, (2) the outer lens loop support portion engages the outer lens loop, and (3) the latch mechanism protrusion engages at least a portion of the latch mechanism receiving cutout and latch mechanism receiving recess such that the lens assembly latch mechanism holds the outer lens loop against the outer lens loop support portion.
[0010] In some embodiments, the lens assembly comprises an eyewear frame engagement protrusion extending from the lens assembly, the eyewear frame defining a lens protrusion receiving recess corresponding to the eyewear frame engagement protrusion and configured to receive the eyewear frame engagement protrusion, the eyewear frame configured to receive the eyewear frame engagement protrusion in the lens protrusion receiving recess when the lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position and supports the lens assembly adjacent to the eyewear frame. In other embodiments, the lens assembly comprises a lens frame portion configured to support a lens within the lens frame portion, the eyewear frame engagement protrusion extending from the lens frame portion, and the outer lens loop extending from the lens frame portion to an opposing portion of the lens frame portion from the eyewear frame engagement protrusion. In certain embodiments, the lens assembly is formed integrally with the lens frame portion and the lens.
[0011] In some embodiments, the outer lens loop support portion defines a first lens loop support surface around at least a portion of a latch mechanism receiving recess, and the latch mechanism body defines a second lens loop support surface around at least a portion of the latch mechanism protrusion, the second lens loop support surface pinching the outer lens loop against the first lens loop support surface when the lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position. In various aspects, the geometric profile is substantially D-shaped. In various embodiments, the latch mechanism protrusion extends a first distance from the latch mechanism body, the outer lens loop has a second thickness, and the first distance is greater than the second thickness. In some aspects, the latch mechanism receiving recess has a third depth, and the first distance is a distance that substantially corresponds to a combination of the second thickness and the third depth. In certain embodiments, the lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to couple the lens assembly to the eyewear frame and decouple the lens assembly from the eyewear frame via a transition of the lens assembly latch mechanism between the unlatched position and the latched position. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0012] In the course of this description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale:
[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a set of eyewear according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0014] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the pair of eyewear of FIG. 1 with the lens assembly separated from the eyewear frame, according to various embodiments;
[0015] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front detailed view of a lens according to various embodiments;
[0016] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front detailed view of the lens shown in FIG. 3 positioned adjacent to an eyewear frame;
[0017] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a portion of an eyewear frame according to a particular embodiment.
[0018] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a portion of an eyewear frame according to a particular embodiment.
[0019] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front detailed view of the lens assembly latch mechanism;
[0020] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear detailed view of the lens assembly latch mechanism of FIG.
[0021] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top detailed view of the lens assembly latch mechanism of FIG.
[0022] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a process of bonding a lens to a frame according to various embodiments.
[0023] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of a set of eyewear with a latch mechanism to couple the lenses to the eyewear;
[0024] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front detailed view of a lens assembly in accordance with a particular embodiment.
[0025] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a detailed front view of a lens assembly according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] While the present disclosure illustrates embodiments in many different forms, the present disclosure is considered to be illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, with the understanding that it is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosure to the illustrated embodiments, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein. In the following description of various exemplary structures according to the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various exemplary devices, systems and environments in which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other specific arrangements of parts, exemplary apparatus, systems and environments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0027] Additionally, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for purposes of description and should not be considered limiting. For example, the use of singular terms such as "a" is not intended to limit the number of items. Also, the use of relative terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "lower," "upper," "side," and the like, are used herein for clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that any one of the features may be used separately or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be, or become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, aspects, features, and advantages are intended to be included herein, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
[0028] Various embodiments described herein provide eyewear 16 having lenses that are removable via a latch mechanism. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, eyewear 16 includes lens assemblies 100 (e.g., for each eye), eyewear frame 200, and lens assembly latch mechanisms 300 (e.g., for each lens assembly 100) configured to hold each lens assembly 100 adjacent to eyewear frame 200. In various aspects, eyewear frame 200 includes left and right eyebrow portions 202 and 204, respectively, extending from a bridge portion of eyewear frame 200. In some aspects, each lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is configured to couple (e.g., at least temporarily couple) each lens assembly 100 to eyewear frame 200. In certain aspects, each lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is configured to cooperate with at least a respective portion of eyewear frame 200 to couple each lens assembly 100 to eyewear frame 200. In this manner, the eyewear 16 is configured to allow a user to couple and detach each lens assembly 100 to the eyewear 16 through the operation of the lens assembly latch mechanism 300. As a result, a user may exchange the lens assemblies 100 for different lens assemblies 100 (e.g., to include a particular lens assembly 100 that may have a different application). In this manner, a user may utilize a single eyewear frame 200 with multiple different lenses and lens assemblies. This may include, for example, different applications (e.g., athletics, everyday wear, aesthetics, sunglasses, prescription eyewear, etc.). In certain embodiments, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is integrated with a hinge of the eyewear frame 200 (e.g., a hinge for folding or unfolding one or more temple portions of the eyewear frame 200). In other embodiments, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 operates independently of the hinge of the eyewear frame 200.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the eyewear 16 of FIG. 1 with the lens assembly 100 removed from the eyewear frame 200 and the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 in an open (e.g., unlatched) position. As can be seen from this view, the lens assembly 100 comprises a lens frame portion 102 that holds the lenses 105. In various embodiments, the lens frame portion 102 may have any suitable shape for functioning as eyewear. In certain embodiments, the lenses 105 may include any suitable lenses 105 (e.g., prescription lenses, non-prescription lenses, sunglass lenses, polarized lenses, etc.) having any suitable coating or curvature. In certain embodiments, the lens frame portion 102 is configured to hold the lenses 105 within the lens frame portion 102 such that a user wearing the eyewear 16 sees through each lens 105 when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200 (e.g., using the lens assembly latch mechanism 300). In some aspects, the lenses 105 may be disposed in recesses defined by an inner portion of the lens frame portion 102.
[0030] 2 and 1, the eyewear frame 200 includes a left temple portion 292 and a right temple portion 294. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, each of the left temple portion 292 and right temple portion 294 is configured to hold the eyewear 16 on the wearer's head (e.g., supported by the wearer's ear) while the wearer is wearing the eyewear 16. As shown in this figure, the left temple portion 292 is configured to rotate (e.g., via a suitable hinge) about the axis of rotation 18.
[0031] As can be further appreciated from FIG. 2 , the lens assembly 100 includes an inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 that extends outwardly from the lens frame portion 102 in a direction toward the bridge of the eyewear frame 200 (e.g., when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200). In various aspects, the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 has a size and shape that corresponds to an inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 defined by the eyewear frame 200. As will be appreciated in light of this description, the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to receive the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 to hold the lens assembly 100 adjacent to the eyewear frame 200 on the bridge side of the eyewear frame 200 when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200. In certain aspects, the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 defines a ledge configured to support the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 (e.g., and thus the lens assembly 100). In various aspects, the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 and the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 are configured to cooperate to hold the lens assembly 100 adjacent to the eyewear frame 200 (e.g., couple the lens assembly 100 to the eyewear frame 200) when the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 is inserted into the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 and the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is in a latched position.
[0032] In certain aspects, the lens frame portion 102 further comprises at least one upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 extending upward from a top surface of the lens frame portion 102. In various aspects, each upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 corresponds to a recess and / or cutout of the eyewear frame 200 (e.g., when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200). In certain aspects, each upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 may extend along at least a portion of the top surface of the lens frame portion 102. In some aspects, the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 may extend along the entire top surface of the lens frame portion 102. In certain aspects, the portion of the lens frame portion 102 that does not include the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 may provide one or more gaps between the lens assembly 100 and the eyewear frame 200 when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200. In some aspects, the one or more gaps may provide air flow between the wearer's face and the front surface of the eyewear 16. In this manner, the one or more gaps may reduce fogging of the lens 105 when the wearer is wearing the eyewear 16 (e.g., as a result of sweating, heat, etc. from the wearer's face). In certain embodiments, the shape of the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 may correspond to the shape of one or more recesses of the eyewear frame 200 configured to receive the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120. In certain embodiments, the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 is sized and dimensioned such that at least a portion of the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 is disposed in the corresponding recess (illustrated in FIG. 6, described below) when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200. In this manner, the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 may cooperate with the corresponding recess to prevent forward and rearward movement of a central portion of the lens assembly 100 when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200. This arrangement may provide the lens assembly 100 with greater rigidity, for example, when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200.
[0033] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the lens assembly 100 comprises an outer lens loop 150 disposed on an outer portion of the lens assembly 100 adjacent an upper side of the lens assembly 100 (e.g., adjacent the left temple portion 292 and the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200). As shown in this figure, the outer lens loop 150 comprises a substantially D-shaped loop having a lens loop outer portion 154. The outer lens loop 150 defines a latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 configured to receive at least a portion of the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 when the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is engaged to couple the lens assembly 100 to the eyewear frame 200. The outer lens loop 150 further defines a latch mechanism receiving cutout inner surface 156. In various other aspects, the outer lens loop 150 may have any other suitable shape and may define a latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 of any suitable shape for receiving at least a portion of the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 to couple the lens assembly 100 to the eyewear frame 200.
[0034] 2 further illustrates the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 in an "open" or unlatched position. In various embodiments, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 comprises a latch mechanism body 302 including a latch mechanism protrusion 352. In various embodiments, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 is sized to correspond to the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152. In certain embodiments, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 extends from an inner surface of the latch mechanism body 302. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 extends from the latch mechanism body 302 a distance greater than the depth of the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152. In this manner, when the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is in the latched position, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 extends through and at least partially protrudes from the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152. In various embodiments, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 has a size and shape that sufficiently corresponds to the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 such that when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200 by the lens assembly latch mechanism 300, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 holds the outer lens loop 150 (e.g., thereby the lens assembly 100) in a fixed position relative to the eyewear frame 200. In some aspects, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 at least partially engages the lens loop outer portion 154 when the latch mechanism protrusion 352 is disposed in the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152.
[0035] In some embodiments, the eyewear frame 200 includes an outer lens loop support portion 250 configured to support the outer lens loop 150 when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200. As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200, the outer lens loop 150 is positioned against the outer lens loop support portion 250 and sandwiched between the outer lens loop support portion 250 and the latch mechanism body 302. The sandwiching of the outer lens loop 150 between the outer lens loop support portion 250 and the latch mechanism body 302 provides additional stability to the lens assembly 100 in terms of holding the lens assembly 100 in a fixed position relative to the eyewear frame 200 when the lens assembly 100 is secured to the eyewear frame 200, particularly in combination with the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 being located within the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152. In certain embodiments, the outer lens loop support portion 250 defines a latch mechanism receiving recess 252 configured to receive an end of the latch mechanism protrusion 352 (e.g., an end of the latch mechanism protrusion 352 that extends through the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 when the latch mechanism protrusion 352 is disposed within the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152). In certain embodiments, the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 is sized and shaped to correspond to a shape of at least a portion of the latch mechanism protrusion 352. In various aspects, the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 is configured to receive a portion of the latch mechanism protrusion 352 and cooperate with the latch mechanism protrusion 352 to hold the latch mechanism protrusion 352 in a fixed position relative to the eyewear frame 200 to hold the outer lens loop 150 in a fixed position (e.g., thereby holding the lens assembly 100 in a fixed mating position relative to the eyewear frame 200).
[0036] FIG. 3 is a front view of a lens assembly 100 according to a particular embodiment. As can be understood from the present disclosure, the lens assembly 100 shown in this figure is a left lens assembly 100. In various aspects, the right 10 may have a structure that substantially mirrors the structure described with respect to the left lens assembly 100. As shown in this figure, the lens assembly 100 includes a lens frame portion 102 of a substantially geometric shape. In any aspect described herein, each lens frame portion 102 (e.g., and thus the lens assembly 100) may have any geometric shape suitable for use in eyewear (e.g., a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially square shape, a substantially circular shape, a substantially airplane maneuvering shape, a substantially oval shape, a substantially cat-eye shape, a substantially brow line shape, a substantially oversized shape, or any other suitable shape). In various aspects, the lens frame portion 102 of a geometric shape may have, for example, a substantially hexagonal, octagonal, or other shape. In some embodiments, the lens frame portions 102 may define any suitable combination of shapes or geometries (eg, a rounded bottom with an angled top, a combination of differently shaped sides, etc.).
[0037] In certain aspects, the lens frame portion 102 may include an inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 that extends inwardly (e.g., toward a bridge portion of the eyewear 16). In various aspects, the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 may have any suitable shape or dimension. In some aspects, the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 corresponds in shape to a recess disposed adjacent the bridge portion of the eyewear frame 200. In various aspects, the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 is configured to be disposed within the corresponding recess when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200. In certain aspects, the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 is disposed at an upper right portion of the lens frame portion 102 (e.g., relative to the wearer of the eyewear when the wearer is wearing a set of eyewear with the left lens assembly 100 in position).
[0038] In yet another embodiment, the lens frame portion 102 comprises an upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 extending upwardly along at least a portion of the top surface of the lens frame portion 102. In some aspects, the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 corresponds (e.g., in size, location and / or shape) to a corresponding recess defined in the eyewear frame 200. In some aspects, the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 is configured for placement within the corresponding recess while the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200. In some aspects, the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 is configured to impart rigidity to the lens assembly 100 when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200 through engagement with an outer portion of the corresponding recess of the eyewear frame 200 in which the lens assembly 100 is disposed. In some aspects, the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120 defines one or more gaps (e.g., adjacent the upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120) when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200.
[0039] As can be seen from FIG. 3, the lens frame portion 102 further comprises an outer lens loop 150 comprising a lens loop lower portion 155 and a lens loop upper portion 157. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the outer lens loop 150 is substantially D-shaped (e.g., D-shaped). In alternative embodiments, the outer lens loop 150 may have any other suitable shape. In certain embodiments, the lens loop lower portion 155 and the lens loop upper portion 157 define upper and lower surfaces configured to at least partially surround and engage a latch mechanism protrusion 352 to hold the lens assembly 100 in a fixed position relative to the eyewear frame 200 when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200. The lens loop lower portion 155 and the lens loop upper portion 157 (e.g., together with the lens loop outer portion 154) may define, for example, a latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 that receives the latch mechanism protrusion 352 upon coupling the lens assembly 100 to the eyewear frame 200.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates the lens assembly 100 in preparation for engagement and bonding to the eyewear frame 200. As shown in this figure, the lens assembly 100 is a left lens assembly 100. In some embodiments, the eyewear 16 may further include a right lens assembly 100 that substantially mirrors the structure described with respect to the left lens assembly 100. As shown in this figure, the lens assembly 100 is substantially geometrically shaped. In any embodiment described herein, each lens assembly 100 may have any geometric shape suitable for use in eyewear (e.g., a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially square shape, a substantially circular shape, a substantially pilot shape, a substantially oval shape, a substantially cat-eye shape, a substantially brow line shape, a substantially oversized shape, or any other suitable shape). In various embodiments, the geometrically shaped lens assembly 100 may have, for example, a substantially hexagonal, octagonal, or other shape. In some embodiments, the lens assembly 100 may define any suitable combination of shapes or geometries (e.g., a rounded base with an angled top, a combination of differently shaped sides, etc.).
[0041] In certain aspects, the lens assembly 100 may include an inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 that extends inwardly (e.g., toward the bridge 205 of the eyewear 16). In various aspects, the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 may have any suitable shape or dimension. In certain embodiments, the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 is dimensioned to correspond to the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 (e.g., such that when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200, the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 is at least partially disposed within and supported by the inner surface of the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210). In various aspects, the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 is configured to receive the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 and support the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 adjacent the bridge 205 of the eyewear frame 200 when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200.
[0042] 4, the lens assembly 100 comprises an outer lens loop 150 extending from an upper left side of the lens assembly 100 (e.g., adjacent a temple portion of the eyewear frame 200 when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200). In certain embodiments, the outer lens loop 150 comprises a substantially D-shaped outer lens loop 150 defining a latch mechanism receiving cutout 152. In various embodiments, the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 has a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the outer lens loop 150 and is defined by a lens loop lower portion 155, a lens loop upper portion 157, and a lens loop outer portion 154.
[0043] In certain aspects, the eyewear frame 200 comprises an outer lens loop support portion 250 configured to receive the outer lens loop 150 when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200. As can be seen from this figure, the outer lens loop support portion 250 comprises a lens loop support portion lower side 255 and a lens loop support portion upper side 257 that surround a latch mechanism receiving recess 252 defined in the outer lens loop support portion 250. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the lens loop support portion upper side 257 and the lens loop support portion lower side 255 are configured to engage the lens loop upper portion 157 and the lens loop lower portion 155, respectively, when the outer lens loop 150 is positioned against the outer lens loop support portion 250 while the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200.
[0044] As can be further appreciated from FIG. 4 , the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200 and configured to engage and latch the outer lens loop 150 (e.g., by holding the outer lens loop 150 against the outer lens loop support portion 250 while the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 is at least partially disposed within the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210) to couple (e.g., at least temporarily couple) the lens assembly 100 to the eyewear frame 200. In certain embodiments, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 comprises a latch mechanism protrusion 352 dimensioned to correspond to the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 and the latch mechanism receiving recess 252. In this manner, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 is configured to extend into and pass through the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 such that an inner surface of the latch mechanism protrusion 352 engages the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 when the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is in the latched position. The lens assembly latch mechanism 300 further defines an upper lens loop engagement portion 357 and a lower lens loop engagement portion 355 around the latch mechanism protrusion 352 configured to engage outer portions of the lens loop upper portion 157 and the lens loop lower portion 155, respectively, when the outer lens loop 150 is disposed on the outer lens loop support portion 250 and the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is in a latched position. In this manner, when the outer lens loop 150 is placed on the outer lens loop support portion 250 and the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is latched such that the latch mechanism protrusion 352 is placed within the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 and extends into the latch mechanism receiving recess 252, (1) the lens loop upper portion 157 is sandwiched between the lens loop support portion upper side 257 and the upper lens loop engagement portion 357, (2) the lens loop lower portion 155 is sandwiched between the lens loop support portion lower side 255 and the lens loop support portion lower side 255, and (3) the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 holds the outer lens loop 150 in a substantially fixed position on the outer lens loop support portion 250 (e.g.,(4) the extension of the latch mechanism protrusion 352 through the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 and into the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 prevents lateral movement of the latch mechanism protrusion 352, thereby further holding the outer lens loop 150 in a fixed position.
[0045] In certain embodiments, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 comprises a hinge portion 390 configured to engage an eyewear hinge (e.g., an eyewear hinge that couples the left temple portion 292 to the body of the eyewear frame 200 at the left brow portion 202). In this manner, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 may be substantially seamlessly integrated into the eyewear 16 such that a user viewing the eyewear does not notice the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 when the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is in the latched position (e.g., when the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is in the latched position, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 may appear to be integrally formed with the left temple portion 292 and / or the left brow portion 202, as shown in FIG. 11 ).
[0046] 4 (i.e., the left eyebrow portion 202 of the eyewear frame 200 and associated left lens assembly 100) are described with respect to the left portion of the eyewear 16. In various embodiments, the right portion of the eyewear 16 (e.g., the right lens assembly 100, the right lens assembly latch mechanism 300, etc.) may have structure corresponding to the portions described with respect to their left counterparts (i.e., have mirror image and / or inverted structure). In this manner, the eyewear 16 may have substantially identical components in a substantially symmetrical manner on opposing portions of the inverted eyewear (e.g., with respect to the midpoint or bridge 205 of the eyewear frame 200).
[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, the eyewear frame 200 is depicted with the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 removed. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the eyewear frame 200 defines an inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 adjacent the bridge portion of the eyewear frame 200. As described herein, the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 is configured to receive a corresponding inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 of the lens assembly 100 and cooperates with the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 to hold the lens assembly 100 against the eyewear frame 200 (e.g., while the wearer is wearing the eyewear 16). As further depicted in FIG. 5, the outer lens loop support portion 250 is disposed adjacent an outer portion of the eyewear frame 200. In various embodiments, the outer lens loop support portion 250 extends downwardly from an outer portion of the brow portion of the eyewear frame 200. In various embodiments, the outer lens loop support portion 250 defines a latch mechanism receiving recess 252 having a latch mechanism receiving lip 254. As can be seen from this view, the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 has a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of at least a portion of the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 and the latch mechanism protrusion 352. In this manner, when the latch mechanism protrusion 352 extends through the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 and is positioned in the latch mechanism receiving recess 252, the latch mechanism receiving lip 254 engages the latch mechanism protrusion 352 to retain the latch mechanism protrusion 352 within the latch mechanism receiving recess 252.
[0048] In various aspects, the outer lens loop support portion 250 defines a lens loop support portion upper surface 257 and a lens loop support portion lower surface 255 on either side of the latch mechanism receiving recess 252. As described above, each of the lens loop support portion upper surface 257 and the lens loop support portion lower surface 255 is configured to engage (e.g., mate) with the lens loop upper portion 157 and the lens loop upper portion 157, respectively, when the outer lens loop 150 is placed on the outer lens loop support portion 250 (i.e., such that the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 aligns with the latch mechanism receiving recess 252). The eyewear frame 200 may further include a suitable hinge mechanism (e.g., which may form a rotation axis 18 about which both the temple portions and / or the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 may pivot when the eyewear 16 is assembled).
[0049] 6 shows an additional view of the eyewear frame 200. As shown in this figure, the eyewear frame 200 may define at least one upper lens protrusion receiving recess 220. Each upper lens protrusion receiving recess 220 may be configured to receive a corresponding upper eyewear frame engagement protrusion 120, as described above. In some aspects, each upper lens protrusion receiving recess 220 is defined in the bottom of the right eyebrow portion 204.
[0050] FIG. 7 is a front view of the lens assembly latch mechanism 300. As shown in this figure, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is substantially D-shaped. In other embodiments, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 may have any other suitable shape that provides a shape in the form of a latch mechanism protrusion 352 configured to engage with both the outer lens loop 150 of the lens assembly 100 and the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 of the outer lens loop support portion 250 to hold the lens assembly 100 in a coupled relationship with the eyewear frame 200. As shown in FIG. 7, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 comprises a latch mechanism body 302. In various aspects, the latch mechanism body 302 has a substantially uniform thickness. In various embodiments, as shown in the rear view of the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 in FIG. 8, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 comprises a latch mechanism protrusion 352 extending perpendicularly from the latch mechanism body 302. As shown, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 has a shape corresponding to the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 and extends from the latch mechanism body 302 a distance greater than a thickness of the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152. In this manner, when the latch mechanism protrusion 352 is positioned within the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152, it can extend through the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 and engage with the latch mechanism receiving recess 252.
[0051] As can be further appreciated from FIG. 8 , the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 includes a hinge portion 390 extending from the latch mechanism body 302 adjacent and spaced from the latch mechanism protrusion 352. In various embodiments, 290 is configured to engage the hinge portion of the eyewear frame 200 (e.g., through rotation about the axis of rotation 18 through the hinge portion 390) to enable latching and unlatching of the lens assembly latch mechanism 300. As can be further appreciated from FIG. 8 , the latch mechanism body 302 defines a lower lens loop engagement portion 355 and an upper lens loop engagement portion 357 adjacent either side of the latch mechanism protrusion 352. The latch mechanism protrusion 352 further defines a latch mechanism outer surface 354 and a latch mechanism inner surface 356 on opposing portions of the latch mechanism protrusion 352. The latch mechanism protrusion 352 further defines a latch mechanism protrusion surface 351. In some embodiments, the hinge portion 390 is spaced from the latch mechanism protrusion 352 by a distance that substantially corresponds to the width of the lens loop outer portion 154. In this manner, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 and the hinge portion 390 may engage opposing portions of 154 when the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is in the latched position.
[0052] 9 is a top view of the lens assembly latch mechanism 300. As shown in this figure, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 comprises a latch mechanism body 302 with a hinge portion 390 and a latch mechanism protrusion 352 extending therefrom. The hinge portion 390 defines a pin recess 392 configured to receive a pin, screw, or other mechanism to permit rotation of the hinge portion of the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 about an axis (e.g., rotation axis 18 shown in FIG. 8). The latch mechanism outer surface 354 and the latch mechanism inner surface 356 of the latch mechanism protrusion 352 are shown in FIG. 9 and define the inner and outer surfaces of the latch mechanism protrusion 352. As can be seen from the figure, when the latch mechanism protrusion 352 is disposed in the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152, the latch mechanism outer surface 354 and the latch mechanism inner surface 356 engage respective portions of the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152. The latch mechanism protruding surface 351 is similarly configured to engage with the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 when the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is in the closed, latched position (e.g., such that the latch mechanism outer surface 354 at least partially engages the latch mechanism receiving lip 254).
[0053] In some aspects, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 comprises rubber. In other aspects, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 has a rubber coating. In certain aspects, the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 is over-molded such that at least a portion of the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 comprises a first material (e.g., plastic, acrylic, metal, etc.) and a second portion of the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 (e.g., at least a portion of the latch mechanism protrusion 352) comprises a second material (e.g., rubber). In such embodiments, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 may comprise a material suitable for providing a friction fit with the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 (e.g., and / or any portion of the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152). In some embodiments, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 may be constructed of a first material (e.g., rubber) that forcefully fits with the latch mechanism body 302 such that the first material extends through the latch mechanism body 302 to an outer surface of the latch mechanism body 302 (e.g., in a shape corresponding to a logo or other form of branding such that the logo or other form of branding is visible as a second material on the latch mechanism body 302 surrounded by the second material).
[0054] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary set of eyewear 16 illustrating the process of coupling the lens assembly 100 to the eyewear frame 200. As can be seen from FIG. 10, in step 1, a user may insert the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 into the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 (e.g., so that the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 supports the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110). As can be seen from FIG. 10, the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 limits the forward and backward movement of the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 relative to the eyewear frame 200. In various aspects, the insertion of the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 into the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 may further limit flexing of the lens assembly 100 (i.e., because the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 engages the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 to hold the portion of the lens assembly 100 adjacent the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 in a fixed position relative to the eyewear frame 200). After inserting the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 into the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210, the user may position the outer lens loop 150 on the outer lens loop support portion 250 (e.g., such that the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 is at least substantially aligned with the latch mechanism receiving recess 252). In this manner, the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 may guide the latch mechanism protrusion 352 into the latch mechanism receiving recess 252 as the latch mechanism protrusion 352 is inserted through the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152. Next, in step 3, the user may rotate the lens assembly latch mechanism 300 about the axis of rotation such that the latch mechanism protrusion 352 extends through the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 into the latch mechanism protrusion 352. In this manner, the latch mechanism protrusion 352 may engage the latch mechanism receiving cutout 152 to hold the outer lens loop 150 in a fixed position relative to the outer lens loop support portion 250.Cooperation between the latched lens assembly latch mechanism 300 and the position of the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110 in the inner lens protrusion receiving recess 210 can result in the lens assembly 100 being coupled to the eyewear frame 200 with the lens assembly 100 held in a fixed position relative to the eyewear frame 200. The user can then reverse the steps shown in FIG. 10 to separate the lens assembly 100 from the eyewear frame 200 (e.g., replace the lens assembly 100 with a new lens assembly, etc.). FIG. 11 illustrates a set of eyewear 16 in which the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200 via the lens assembly latch mechanism 300. As shown in this figure, when the lens assembly 100 is coupled to the eyewear frame 200 using the lens assembly latch mechanism 300, the set of eyewear 16 constitutes a substantially unified set of eyewear 16 (e.g., such that a wearer of the eyewear 16 does not recognize that the eyewear 16 comprises separate pieces). Alternative Embodiments
[0055] According to various embodiments, an eyewear assembly includes: (1) an eyewear frame including a left temple portion and a right temple portion, the eyewear frame including an outer lens loop support portion adjacent the left temple portion, the outer lens loop support portion defining a latch mechanism receiving recess; (2) a lens assembly including a lens and an outer lens loop defining a latch mechanism receiving cutout, the latch mechanism receiving cutout having a geometric profile corresponding at least in part to a geometric profile of the latch mechanism receiving recess; and (3) a lens assembly latch mechanism rotatably coupled to the eyewear frame adjacent the left temple portion. In some aspects, the lens assembly latch mechanism includes: (1) a latch mechanism body; and (2) a latch mechanism protrusion extending from the latch mechanism body, the latch mechanism protrusion having a geometric profile corresponding at least in part to a geometric profile of the latch mechanism receiving cutout. In various aspects, the lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to rotate between an unlatched position and a latched position, as described herein. In certain embodiments, in the latched position, (1) the latch mechanism protrusion extends through the latch mechanism receiving cutout and into the latch mechanism receiving recess, (2) the outer lens loop support portion engages an outer lens loop, and (3) the latch mechanism protrusion engages at least a portion of the latch mechanism receiving cutout and the latch mechanism receiving recess such that the lens assembly latch mechanism holds the outer lens loop against the outer lens loop support portion.
[0056] In some embodiments, the lens assembly comprises a lens frame portion 102 configured to receive and support a lens 105, as shown in Figure 3. In other embodiments, the lens assembly 100A comprises a lens, as shown in Figure 12. In such embodiments, the lens may be integrally formed with the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion 110A and the outer lens loop 150A such that the lens assembly 100A defines a single piece of material without a lens frame portion.
[0057] In yet another embodiment, the eyewear frame includes: (1) a second outer lens loop support portion adjacent a right temple portion, the second outer lens loop defining a second latch mechanism receiving recess; (2) the lens assembly includes a second outer lens loop defining a latch mechanism receiving cutout, the second latch mechanism receiving cutout having a geometric profile that at least partially corresponds to a geometric profile of the second latch mechanism receiving recess; and (3) the eyewear assembly further includes a second lens assembly latch mechanism rotatably coupled to the eyewear frame adjacent the right temple portion. In such an embodiment, the second lens assembly latch mechanism may include: (1) a second latch mechanism body; and (2) a second latch mechanism protrusion extending from the second latch mechanism body, the second latch mechanism protrusion having a geometric profile that at least partially corresponds to a geometric profile of the second latch mechanism receiving cutout. In a particular embodiment, the second lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to rotate between an unlatched position and a latched position. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism includes: (1) the second latch mechanism protrusion extends through the second latch mechanism receiving cutout into the second latch mechanism receiving recess; (2) the second outer lens loop support portion engages the second outer lens loop; and (3) the second latch mechanism protrusion engages the second latch mechanism receiving cutout and at least a portion of the second latch mechanism receiving recess such that the second lens assembly latch mechanism holds the second outer lens loop against the second outer lens loop support portion. FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary lens assembly 100B having a left lens 105B and a right lens 105B. As shown in this figure, the lens assembly 100B further includes a left outer lens loop 150B and a right outer lens loop 150A configured to couple to eyewear (e.g., to opposing portions of an eyewear frame) via respective lens assembly latch mechanisms. In this manner, eyewear can include a single lens assembly 100B having respective lenses integrally formed as a single structure.In such an embodiment, the eyewear frame may not define an inner lens protrusion receiving recess since the lens assembly 100B does not need to be held adjacent to the eyewear frame. conclusion
[0058] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the described embodiments are not limited to any particular size, shape, dimensions, configuration, etc. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that the eyewear 16 (i.e., any components thereof) is not limited to any type of material. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous designs, types, and / or thicknesses of materials may be utilized, depending on aesthetic, safety, and stability considerations. Similarly, numerous suitable fasteners and other coupling mechanisms may be employed to at least temporarily couple and / or secure one component to another (e.g., frame and temple portions or latch mechanisms). Many manufacturing techniques may be used to manufacture the eyewear and its components.
[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is therefore understood that the disclosure provided herein is not limited to the specific embodiments described, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. Those skilled in the art will be able to appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. Those skilled in the art will further understand that any of the embodiments can be provided in any combination with another embodiment disclosed herein.
Claims
1. An eyewear comprising: A frame, a bridge portion defining a left lens protrusion receiving recess and a right lens protrusion receiving recess; eyebrow portions extending on either side from the bridge portion; a left lens loop support portion disposed adjacent a left end of the brow portion, the left lens loop support portion defining a left latch mechanism receiving recess; and a frame including a right lens loop support portion disposed adjacent a right end of the brow portion, the right lens loop support portion defining a right latch mechanism receiving recess; a left lens assembly latch mechanism rotatably coupled to the brow portion adjacent a left end of the brow portion, the left lens assembly latch mechanism including a left latch mechanism protrusion having a first profile corresponding to a profile of the left latch mechanism receiving recess; a right lens assembly latch mechanism rotatably coupled to the brow portion adjacent a left end of the brow portion, the right lens assembly latch mechanism including a right latch mechanism protrusion having a second profile corresponding to a profile of the right latch mechanism receiving recess; 1. A left lens assembly, a left inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion extending inwardly from an upper side of the left lens assembly; and a left lens assembly comprising: a left lens loop extending outwardly from a top side of the left lens assembly, the left lens loop defining a left latch mechanism receiving cutout having the first profile; 1. A right lens assembly, a right inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion extending inwardly from an upper side of the right lens assembly; and a right lens assembly comprising a right lens loop extending outwardly from an upper side of the right lens assembly, the right lens loop defining a right latch mechanism receiving cutout having the second profile; Equipped with the left lens protrusion receiving recess is configured to receive the left inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion; the right lens protrusion receiving recess is configured to receive the right inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion; the left lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to rotate between an unlatched position in which the left lens inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion is disposed in the left lens protrusion receiving recess and a latched position in which the left latch mechanism protrusion extends through the left latch mechanism receiving cutout and is at least partially received by the left latch mechanism receiving recess such that when the left lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position, the left lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to hold the left lens assembly adjacent the brow portion; The right lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to rotate between an unlatched position in which the right lens inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion is disposed in the right lens protrusion receiving recess and is configured to hold the right lens assembly adjacent the brow portion when the right lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position, and a latched position in which the right latch mechanism protrusion extends through the right latch mechanism receiving cutout and is at least partially received by the right latch mechanism receiving recess.
2. 2. The eyewear according to claim 1, the left lens loop support portion defines a lower surface adjacent the left latch mechanism receiving recess and an upper surface; the left lens loop comprises an upper loop portion and a lower loop portion; the left lens assembly latch mechanism defines an upper lens loop engagement portion and a lower lens loop engagement portion adjacent the left latch mechanism protrusion; the upper loop portion is sandwiched between the top surface and the upper lens loop engagement portion when the left lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position; The lower loop portion is sandwiched between the lower surface and the lower lens loop engagement portion when the left lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position.
3. The eyewear according to claim 1, The left lens protrusion receiving recess and the right lens protrusion receiving recess are disposed on opposing portions of the bridge portion.
4. The eyewear according to claim 1 . the right latch mechanism protrusion extends a first distance from a body of the right lens assembly latch mechanism; The right lens loop has a second thickness, and the first distance is greater than the second thickness.
5. The eyewear according to claim 4, the right latch mechanism receiving recess has a third depth; The eyewear, wherein the first distance substantially corresponds to a combined distance of the second thickness and the third depth.
6. The eyewear according to claim 1 . the left lens assembly including an upper frame engagement protrusion disposed along at least a portion of an upper edge of the left lens assembly; the frame defines an upper frame projection receiving recess along the brow portion corresponding to the upper frame engagement projection; The upper frame protrusion receiving recess is configured to receive and support the upper frame engagement protrusion when the left lens inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion is positioned in the left lens protrusion receiving recess and the left lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position.
7. The eyewear according to claim 1 . the left lens assembly configured to support a first lens; The right lens assembly is configured to support a second lens.
8. 1. An eyewear assembly comprising: an eyewear frame comprising a left temple portion and a right temple portion, the eyewear frame comprising an outer lens loop support portion adjacent the left temple portion, the outer lens loop support portion defining a latch mechanism receiving recess; a lens assembly including a lens and an outer lens loop defining a latch mechanism receiving cutout, the latch mechanism receiving cutout having a geometric profile that at least partially corresponds to a geometric profile of the latch mechanism receiving recess; a lens assembly latch mechanism rotatably coupled to the eyewear frame adjacent the left temple portion, the lens assembly latch mechanism comprising: Latch mechanism body and a latch mechanism protrusion extending from the latch mechanism body, the latch mechanism protrusion comprising a geometric profile that at least partially corresponds to the geometric profile of the latch mechanism receiving cutout; the lens assembly latch mechanism has an unlatched position and a latched position, the latch mechanism protrusion extending through the latch mechanism receiving cutout and into the latch mechanism receiving recess; the outer lens loop support portion engages the outer lens loop; An eyewear assembly configured to rotate between a latched position in which the latch mechanism protrusion engages with at least a portion of the latch mechanism receiving cutout and the latch mechanism receiving recess such that the lens assembly latch mechanism holds the outer lens loop against the outer lens loop support portion.
9. 9. The eyewear assembly of claim 8. the lens assembly includes an eyewear frame engagement protrusion extending from the lens assembly; the eyewear frame defines a lens protrusion receiving recess corresponding to the eyewear frame engagement protrusion and configured to receive the eyewear frame engagement protrusion; An eyewear assembly, wherein the eyewear frame is configured to receive the eyewear frame engagement protrusion in the lens protrusion receiving recess when the lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position and supports the lens assembly adjacent to the eyewear frame.
10. 10. The eyewear assembly of claim 9. The lens assembly includes a lens frame portion; the lens frame portion is configured to support a lens within the lens frame portion; the eyewear frame engagement protrusion extends from the lens frame portion; An eyewear assembly, wherein the outer lens loop extends from the lens frame portion from an eyewear frame engaging protrusion to an opposing portion of the lens frame portion.
11. 11. The eyewear assembly of claim 10, An eyewear assembly, wherein the lens assembly is integrally formed with the lens frame portion and the lens.
12. 9. The eyewear assembly of claim 8, the outer lens loop support portion defines a first lens loop support surface about at least a portion of the latch mechanism receiving recess; the latch mechanism body defines a second lens loop support surface around at least a portion of the latch mechanism protrusion; An eyewear assembly, wherein the second lens loop support surface clamps the outer lens loop against the first lens loop support surface when the lens assembly latch mechanism is in the latched position.
13. 9. The eyewear assembly of claim 8, The eyewear assembly, wherein the geometric profile is substantially D-shaped.
14. 9. The eyewear assembly of claim 8, the latch mechanism protrusion extends a first distance from the latch mechanism body; the outer lens loop has a second thickness; An eyewear assembly, wherein the first distance is greater than the second thickness.
15. 15. The eyewear assembly of claim 14, the latch mechanism receiving recess has a third depth; An eyewear assembly, wherein the first distance is a distance that substantially corresponds to a combined distance of the second thickness and the third depth.
16. 9. The eyewear assembly of claim 8, An eyewear assembly, wherein the lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to couple the lens assembly to the eyewear frame and decouple the lens assembly from the eyewear frame via transition of the lens assembly latch mechanism between the unlatched position and the latched position.
17. 9. The eyewear assembly of claim 8. the eyewear frame includes a second outer lens loop support portion adjacent the right temple portion, the second outer lens loop support portion defining a second latch mechanism receiving recess; the lens assembly includes a second outer lens loop defining a latch mechanism receiving cutout, the second latch mechanism receiving cutout having a geometric profile that at least partially corresponds to a geometric profile of the second latch mechanism receiving recess; The eyewear assembly further includes a second lens assembly latch mechanism rotatably coupled to the eyewear frame adjacent the right temple portion, the second lens assembly latch mechanism comprising: A second latch mechanism body; a second latch mechanism projection extending from the second latch mechanism body, the second latch mechanism projection having a geometric profile that at least partially corresponds to a geometric profile of the second latch mechanism receiving cutout; the second lens assembly latch mechanism having an unlatched position and a latched position, the second latch mechanism projection extends through the second latch mechanism receiving cutout into the second latch mechanism receiving recess; the second outer lens loop support portion engages the second outer lens loop; an eyewear assembly configured to rotate between a latched position in which the second latch mechanism protrusion engages the second latch mechanism receiving cutout and at least a portion of the second latch mechanism receiving recess such that the second lens assembly latch mechanism holds the second outer lens loop against the second outer lens loop support portion.
18. 1. Eyewear having an interchangeable lens assembly, comprising: An eyewear frame, comprising: a bridge defining an inner lens protrusion receiving recess; a left eyebrow portion and a right eyebrow portion extending from the bridge; and an eyewear frame comprising: an outer lens loop support portion extending downwardly from an end of the left eyebrow portion, the outer lens loop support portion defining a latch mechanism receiving recess in a surface of the outer lens loop support portion; 1. A left lens assembly, an inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion extending from a top right portion of the left lens assembly a first distance corresponding to a depth of the inner lens protrusion receiving recess; a left lens assembly comprising: an outer lens loop extending from a top right portion of the left lens assembly and formed by a lens loop lower portion, a lens loop outer portion, and a lens loop upper portion defining a latch mechanism receiving cutout, the latch mechanism receiving cutout having a shape that at least partially corresponds to a shape of the latch mechanism receiving recess; a lens assembly latch mechanism rotatably coupled to an end of the left eyebrow portion, A latch mechanism body, and a lens assembly latch mechanism comprising: a latch mechanism protrusion extending from said latch mechanism body at least a second distance greater than a thickness of said outer lens loop, said latch mechanism protrusion having said shape; Equipped with the inner lens projection receiving recess is configured to receive the inner eyewear frame engagement projection; Eyewear having an interchangeable lens assembly, wherein the lens assembly latch mechanism is configured to rotate such that when the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion is positioned in the inner lens protrusion receiving recess, the latch mechanism protrusion extends at least partially through the latch mechanism receiving cutout and into the latch mechanism receiving recess.
19. 20. Eyewear having an interchangeable lens assembly according to claim 18, The eyewear, wherein the shape is substantially D-shaped.
20. Eyewear having the interchangeable lens assembly of claim 18. the lens assembly latch mechanism includes a hinge portion extending from the latch mechanism body and spaced from the latch mechanism receiving recess a third distance corresponding to a width of the lens loop outer portion; the hinge portion is configured to mate with a hinge of the eyewear; The latch mechanism protrusion and the hinge portion engage opposing portions of the lens loop outer portion when the lens assembly latch mechanism is aligned such that the latch mechanism protrusion extends at least partially through the latch mechanism receiving cutout and into the latch mechanism receiving recess and the inner eyewear frame engagement protrusion is positioned in the inner lens protrusion receiving recess.
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