Flexible nose pad assembly for eyewear

Abstract

An adjustable nose pad system for eyewear is provided that includes a retention claw and a nose pad. The retention claw is securable to a bridge portion of an eyewear frame. The flexible nose pad is mountable to the retention claw. The retention claw can be composed of a rigid material and includes a groove on a first surface and a protrusion on a second surface opposite the first surface. The groove and protrusion work together to provide adjustability of the nose pad system. In this regard, the retention claw, together with the nose pad, is flexible from one side to the other to provide a comfortable fit for a user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a nose pad for eyewear and a method of assembling eyewear having a flexible nose pad. BACKGROUND

[0002] Eyewear, such as eyeglasses, generally include a frame that supports one or more lenses. The frame generally includes a nose bridge or nose piece that engages a user's nose to support the eyewear on the user's head. Eyeglasses also generally include a pair of arms that are attached to the frame (or integral with the frame) to further support the eyeglasses, for example, by resting the arms on the user's ears or having their head engage in the temple region. The nose piece that engages the user's nose generally includes a nose pad that provides friction for the eyewear to prevent the eyewear from sliding off the user's nose.

[0003] Eyeglasses have traditionally used frames or frame components made from substantially rigid materials, such as plastic, metal, or composite materials. To ensure proper wear, the nose pads can generally be adjusted to follow around the user's nose. The nose pads generally include a flexible pad that is mounted on a rigid retainer. A disadvantage of the rigid retainers is that the nose pads can generally only withstand a certain flexure and can be susceptible to breaking or deforming.

[0004] Furthermore, when incorporating flexible elements, various challenges can arise in construction, assembly, and use. For example, assembly associated with using multiple different materials can be complex and expensive. Components made from rigid materials and components made from flexible materials are generally difficult to adhere to one another, and can require a joining mechanism that should be easy to assemble while also being durable and providing a secure join. Joining the flexible pad to the retainer can be difficult, and the pad can inadvertently fall off the retainer.

[0005] It is an object of the following to address at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages. SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, there is provided an adjustable nose pad system for eyewear, the adjustable nose pad system comprising a retaining prong and a nose pad. The retaining prong is securable to a nose bridge of an eyewear frame. The flexible nose pad is mountable to the retaining prong. The retaining prong can be composed of a rigid material and includes a groove on a first surface and a protrusion on a second surface opposite the first surface. The groove and the protrusion work together to provide adjustability of the nose pad system. In this regard, the retaining prong, together with the nose pad, is flexible from one side to the other to provide a comfortable wear for the user.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of producing an adjustable nose pad system is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of producing eyewear including the adjustable nose pad system described above is provided. In implementations, the nose pad is secured to the retention claw by insertion of a fastener, such as cured resin. In another implementation, the flexible nose pad is overmolded on the retention claw. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Implementations will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of eyewear having a flexible nose pad system;

[0010] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of eyewear having Figure 1 a flexible nose pad system as shown;

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a retention claw of a flexible nose pad system;

[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a retention claw of a flexible nose pad system, showing a groove and a protrusion;

[0013] Figure 5 is a rear view of the retention claw as shown; Figure 4

[0014] Figure 6 is a rear view of the retention claw as shown, showing flexibility with transparency; Figure 5

[0015] Figure 7 is a rear view of a flexible nose pad system; and

[0016] Figure 8 is a rear view of a flexible nose pad system, showing flexibility with transparency. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] A flexible nose pad assembly can be used to provide comfortable wear in eyewear such as glasses, sunglasses, safety eyewear, and the like. A rigid retention claw can be at least partially housed or embedded in a flexible nose pad body to provide an attachment point to a lens retainer in the eyewear, allowing the nose pad to have flexibility at or around the user’s nose with the flexible nose pad body in between.

[0018] Turning now to the drawings, Figure 1 ​​A rear perspective view of an assembled eyewear 100, also interchangeably referred to herein as eyewear assembly 100 or eyewear 100 for brevity, is provided. The eyewear 100 includes a frame 106, arms 108, and a pair of lenses 104. The eyewear 100 also includes a pair of nose pads 102. The nose pads 102 engage the nose of a user and provide friction so that the eyewear 100 stays on the nose of the user without sliding. The nose pads 102 are typically made of a resilient rubber to provide comfort to the user while providing sufficient anti-slip properties. Adjustable nose pads are highly desirable to ensure that the eyewear 100 fits snugly on the nose of the user.

[0019] Figure 2 An enlarged perspective view of the eyewear 100 with flexible nose pads 102 is shown. In this embodiment, the nose pads 102a, 102b are a single nose pad portion 102 that is attached to the eyewear frame 106. The nose pad portion 102 can be overmolded to the retention tangs 110 that extend from the frame 106. Figure 3

[0020] Figure 3 A perspective view of the retention tangs 110 of the flexible nose pad system is shown. The retention tangs 110 extend from the frame 106. The retention tangs 110 can be formed of a rigid material, such as plastic, wood, acetate, or other suitable rigid material. The retention tangs 110 can be used as a base for an overmolding process.

[0021] The construction of the flexible nose pad assembly can be accomplished using any suitable overmolding process. Overmolding, sometimes referred to as two-shot injection molding, is a process that uses two or more different materials in combination to manufacture a single part. Typically, a first material (or base) is partially or completely covered by an overmolding material during the manufacturing process. In this case, the retention tangs 110 are used as a base that is overmolded with the material used to manufacture the nose pads 102. The material that forms the overmolded nose pads 102 can be overmolded onto the retention tangs 110 to form the flexible nose pad assembly, which can then be joined to the frame 106 when constructing the eyewear 10.

[0022] The overmolding material is typically an elastomer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, or thermoplastic rubber (TRP), soft plastic, or any other suitable material. Since the nose pads 102 will be pressed against the nose of a user, it is preferable to use a material that is soft to the touch. At the same time, it is also preferable that the overmolding material is elastic and provides a frictional resistance. It can be appreciated that the flexible material can be overmolded to the retention tangs 110 prior to attaching the retention tangs 110 to the frame 106. That is, the nose pad system (retention tangs 110 and nose pads 102) can be constructed as separate components that are incorporated into the assembly process. It is also possible to first attach the retention tangs 110 to the frame 106 and then overmold the flexible nose pad material to the frame assembly.​

[0023] Figure 4 Details of the retention prong 110 are shown. The retention prong 110 includes details that provide adjustability for the nose pad assembly. The adjustability of the nose pad system is precise and controllable and depends on the details on the retention prong 110. The retention prong 110 can generally include a long rectangular body. Each retention prong has 2 surfaces, a first surface 118a that faces the user's nose and a second surface 118b that faces away from the user's nose. The surface 118b that faces away from the user's nose includes a groove 112 that extends the width of the retention prong 110. On the opposite surface 118a, a protrusion 114 can be formed. The groove 112 and protrusion 114 work together to provide the adjustability of the nose pad system. In this regard, the retention prong 110, along with the nose pad 102, is flexible from one side to the other to provide a comfortable wear for the user. The groove 112 and protrusion 114 details added to the retention prong 110 create defined locations on the retention prong 110 from which the nose pad 102 will be adjustable.

[0024] The groove 112 defines a weakness in the structure of the retention prong 110 to ensure that upon deformation, the retention prong 110 will deform from this area. The protrusion 114 defines a strength in the structure of the retention prong 110 to ensure that the retention prong will not be torn off after multiple adjustments of the nose pad. In addition, the retention prong 110 also includes a curved portion 116 that increases the strength of the retention prong 110 to ensure that it will not be deformed from this location by the user.

[0025] Figure 5 A rear view of the retention prong is provided. Figure 4 A rear view of the retention prong is shown. From this angle, it can be seen that each retention prong 110 includes a first surface 118a that faces the user's nose and a second surface 118b that faces away from the user's nose. The surface 118b that faces away from the user's nose includes a groove 112. On the opposite surface 118a, a reinforcing protrusion 114 can be formed.

[0026] Figure 6 A rear view of the retention prong is shown. Figure 5 A rear view of the retention prong is shown with transparency to show flexibility. The groove 112 provides flexibility and adjustability for the nose pad system. As can be seen from Figure 6 The retention prong 110 flexes and deforms at the locations of the groove 112 and protrusion 114. The groove 112 defines a weakness in the structure of the retention prong 110 to ensure that upon deformation, it will deform from this area. The protrusion 114 defines a strength in the structure of the retention prong 110 to ensure that the retention prong will not be torn off after multiple adjustments of the nose pad.

[0027] Figure 7 and Figure 8A rear view of the flexible nose pad system is shown, with transparency showing flexibility. The rigid retaining prongs 110 enable the nose pads 102 to flex, such that the nose pads 102 attached to the retaining prongs can bend or otherwise separate or twist relative to one another. If the user's nose is smaller, this for example allows the user to flex the nose pads 102 slightly toward one another, as shown in Figure 7 In another example, if the user's nose is larger, the user can flex the nose pads 102 slightly away from one another, as shown in Figure 8 The flexibility of the nose pads 102 allows the user to wear the goggles comfortably, allowing for a snug fit.

[0028] The flexible nose pads 102 can be constructed of an elastomer (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, or thermoplastic rubber (TRP)), soft plastic, or any other suitable material. The retaining prongs 110 can be made of plastic, wood, acetate, or other suitable rigid material. The flexible nose pad assembly and the retaining prongs 110 can be joined to one another using fasteners or an overmolding process. In this example, the retaining prongs 110 are relatively thin compared to the flexible nose pads 102 to allow them to at least partially nest or be housed therein.

[0029] It can be appreciated that the retaining prongs 110 can be configured with slots, notches, or recesses to receive the overmolding material. The retaining prongs 110 can be shaped or formed to increase adhesion during the overmolding process.

[0030] It can be appreciated that the goggles 100 can be assembled by overmolding the nose pads 102a, 102b or nose pad portions 102 to the retaining prongs 110. The frame 106 can be formed as a single injection part with the retaining prongs 110 attached to the frame.

[0031] General fasteners can be used to attach the retaining prongs 110 to the frame 106. In alternative embodiments, fasteners such as screws, dowels, adhesives, rivets, or any suitable fastening device can also be used.

[0032] The grooves 112 can be formed by milling grooves on the surface of the retaining prongs. Any suitable method of forming grooves in a rigid material can be used. The protrusions 114 can be formed by welding or forming a single injection of the retaining prongs 110 with the protrusions 114. Any suitable method of forming protrusions on a rigid material can be used, including fastening.

[0033] The material forming the overmolded nose pads 102 can be overmolded on the retaining prongs 110 to form a flexible nose pad assembly, which can then be joined to the frame 106 of the goggles 100. The overmolding material is typically an elastomer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, or thermoplastic rubber (TRP), soft plastic, or any other suitable material.

[0034] For the sake of simplicity and clarity, reference numerals can be repeated in the figures and the foregoing detailed description for the same or similar elements, features, and / or structures. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in the foregoing description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples described herein. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the examples described herein can be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples described herein. Also, this description is not to be taken as limiting the scope of the examples described herein.

[0035] It should be understood that the examples and corresponding diagrams used herein are for illustrative purposes only. Different configurations and terminology can be used without departing from the principles expressed herein. For example, components and modules can be added, deleted, modified, or arranged in different configurations, or different connections can be used without departing from these principles.

[0036] While the forgoing principles have been described in the context of certain specific examples, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made within the scope of the principles outlined above.

Claims

1. A flexible nose pad assembly for goggles, the flexible nose pad assembly comprising: A pair of rigid retaining claws; as well as A pair of nose pads, the pair of nose pads being attached to the rigid retaining claw; The rigid retaining claw includes: A first surface, the first surface having a width; A second surface, which is opposite to the first surface; A groove, the groove being disposed on the first surface; and A protrusion, which extends outward from the second surface opposite to the groove, and The groove and the protrusion form a defined position on the rigid retaining claw, such that the rigid retaining claw can flex from one side to the other at the defined position.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein, The pair of nose pads are attached to the pair of rigid retaining claws using an overmolding process.

3. The component according to claim 2, wherein, The groove extends the width of the rigid retaining claw.

4. The component according to claim 3, wherein, The pair of rigid retaining claws and the pair of nose pads are capable of flexing relative to each other.

5. The component according to claim 4, wherein, The nose pad is made of an elastomer.

6. A method of constructing a flexible nose pad assembly for goggles, the method comprising: Form a pair of rigid retaining claws; as well as Attach a pair of nose pads to the rigid retaining claw; The rigid retaining claw includes: A first surface, the first surface having a width; A second surface, which is opposite to the first surface; A groove, the groove being disposed on the first surface; and A protrusion, which extends outward from the second surface opposite to the groove, and The groove and the protrusion form a defined position on the rigid retaining claw, such that the rigid retaining claw can flex from one side to the other at the defined position.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The pair of nose pads are attached to the pair of rigid retaining claws using an overmolding process.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The pair of nose pads are made of elastomer.

9. A pair of protective goggles, the protective goggles comprising: frame; A pair of arms extending from the frame; A pair of lenses, said pair of lenses being attached to the frame; as well as Nose pad assembly; The nose pad assembly includes: A pair of rigid retaining claws; and A pair of nose pads, the pair of nose pads being attached to the rigid retaining claw; The rigid retaining claw includes: A first surface, the first surface having a width; A second surface, which is opposite to the first surface; A groove, the groove being disposed on the first surface; and A protrusion, which extends outward from the second surface opposite to the groove, and The groove and the protrusion form a defined position on the rigid retaining claw, such that the rigid retaining claw can flex from one side to the other at the defined position.

Images