CA2181764A1 - Eye protection device for headgear and method of providing an optional operating force therein - Google Patents
Eye protection device for headgear and method of providing an optional operating force thereinInfo
- Publication number
- CA2181764A1 CA2181764A1 CA 2181764 CA2181764A CA2181764A1 CA 2181764 A1 CA2181764 A1 CA 2181764A1 CA 2181764 CA2181764 CA 2181764 CA 2181764 A CA2181764 A CA 2181764A CA 2181764 A1 CA2181764 A1 CA 2181764A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- eyeshield
- arms
- protection device
- eye protection
- headgear
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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Landscapes
- Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
Abstract
An eyeshield removably attached to a headgear. The eyeshield manually rotates from a normal viewing position to an out of viewing position above the forehead by means of two sets of pivotal arms attached to a unique bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism. This mechanism applies tension to keep the eyeshield held firmly in place in the normal viewing position, and when the eyeshield is manually lifted toward the out of viewing position above the forehead, tension is applied in the reverse direction to keep the eyeshield held firmly in the out of viewing position. The position of the eyeshield may also be adjusted with respect to the face of the user.
Description
21$~76~
EYE PROTECTION DEVICE FOR HEADGEAR
AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN OPTIONAL OPERATING FORCE
THERE IN
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an eye protection device for securement to a headgear and capable of being retained at a position of use in front of the wearer's eyes and a different position of non-use.
~ACKGROUND ART
All outdoor sports participants have to contend with one or more of the three elements that affect a participant ' s vision during outdoor competition: unfiltered sunlight, perspiration in the eyes, and foreign objects invading the eyes. To try to solve these problems, athletes have had to wear 8weatbands and protection glasses.
Sweatbands alone have been used satisfactorily for many years to keep perspiration originating at the top of the head from running into the wearer ' 8 eyes .
Normal sungla3ses have al30 been used for many years, and do remain in place during sedate activities such as sltting and walking, but are unable to remain in place during vigorous activities such as basketball, volleyball, racquetball or tennis. During these activities, sunglasses have to be modif ied in a way that conf licts with their original intended use by placing heavy elastic bands to the ear pieces These bands expand against the back of the head to apply uncomfortable stresses to the bridge of the nose, the temples and the ears themselves, eventually causing f atigue and pain The .hAll~n~e is to design the glasses to attach to the sweatband in a manner so that: a ) a ,, . . , . . , . , . _ ... .. ... . _ ... _ .... _ . .. .. ..
-tension device will keep the glasses comfortably in place even during rigorous physical activities, b ) the glasses can be quickly and easily rotated out of the line of sight so perspiration can be wiped from the 5 area of the eyes, and then be quickly and easily rotated back into the line of sight, even during the physlcal activity, and c) providing an eyeshield having improved adjustable feAtures to protect the ----eyes .
With regard to using tension devices to hold the glasses in place, the prior attempt of U.S. Patent No g,885,808 to Carpenter, issued December 12, 1989, is indicative of the simple flip up approach of using a coiled spring tension device to hold the sunglasses 15 in place. This arrangement also allows the sunglasses to be rotated into and out of the line of sight of the wearer. However, this design is too fragile because of the single tiny f lip up r-^hAn i qm used to attach the eye pieces to the headband This one fragile 20 attach point would allow even the smallest of impacts experienced during a sports activity to drive the eye pieces into the wearer ' s eyes and face, posing an unacceptable risk of damage to the eyes and face.
With regard to the ability to quickly and 25 easily rotate the glasses into and out of the line of sight of the wearer, reference is made to U.S. Patent No. 4,616,367 to Jean, issued October 1986, U.S.
Patent No 4,712,254 to Daigle, issued December 1987, and U.S. Patent No. 4,811,430 to Janusz, issued March 30 1989, as being indicative of the approaches used to hide the eyepieces in a hOA~lhAn~l to remove them from the line of sight of the wearer. This approach is not only cumbersome and time consuming for the hands to operate, but more importantly, it drastically limits 35 the size and shape of the eye pieces that can be used .. . , ..... _ .. _ .. _ ... . ...... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
21~1~64 because of the need to fit inside the h~lh~nd when not in use Since these eye pieces are too small and too flat to adequately follow the contours of the head and face, unfiltered sunlight as well as foreign 5 objects are allowed to reach the eyes rom the sides and bottoms of the eye pieces.
A later attempt to solve the problem o~
protecting the eyes from unfiltered sunlight and foreign objects was attempted by U.S. Patent No.
4,852,189, issued to Duggan in August 1989, by using a one piece wrap around eye piece held in place by a hook and loop attachment to the h~lh~ntl, Although the eye piece gave better eye protection, it was still cumbersome and unwieldy to operate by reguiring two 15 hands to change the position of the eye piece.
A more logical attempt was provided in U. S .
Patent No. 5,105,475, issued to Lynd on April 21, 1992, by providing a wrap around eye piece that rotates up and down by means of two arms attached to 20 the headband. However, each arm of the eye piece was unfortunately attached to the headband with a single rotation point. This single rotation point eliminated the ability of the eye piece to tilt as it was rotated, thereby not allowing the eye piece to more 25 closely follow the contour of the head and face o~ the wearer. Also no tensioning device was provided to keep the eye piece held firmly in place in the two desiled positions And finally, the eye piece had to rotate into a cap bill, thus limiting its travel, 30 making the design unsuitable for a vigorous sport like basketball .
The present invention uses a new approach to the old problem of combining a contoured optical eyeshield and a headgear, such as a sweatband The 35 present invention allows the wearer to en~oy the . . , . , . . ., _ ... , ... . .. , .. , _ _ _ _ . .
218~764 beneflts of a sweatband plus the benefits of a lightweight, comfortable eyeshield that stays in place during rigorous activities, and then stays fashionably above the forehead when not needed by means of a unique bistable tensioning pivotal m-~mhisn; ~m, The forces needed to keep the eyeshield in place are more pf f i ~; ~ntly applied downward on the increasing slope of the nose rather than like normal glasses exerting forces upward on the decreasing slope of the nose and inward toward the back of the head The bistable tensioning pivotal m~-hAni~m allows the nose piece to become a self adjusting support that fits the eyeshield to a wide variety of faces. Not only is less force needed with this approach, but the bistable tensioning pivotal r?~h~ni~m distributes the forces comfortably throughout the circumference of the ~weatband and comfort is greatly enhanced. The eyeshield may also be adjusted in relation to the face of the user.
Until now, the hand motion needed to slip up other eye glasses designs re~uired an awkward twisting motion of the hands and wrists. The natural movement of the hands to rotate this invention ' s eyeshield is accomplished with a simple upward motion of one hand or the f ingers With the recent upsurge of interest in outdoor sports, especially outdoor basketball, a real need is developing for an athletic sweatband/sunglasses apparel combination that realistically provides the comfort, protection, and style fl^-~nfl~fl by the modern athletes. Until now, no rotating sunglasses/sweatband combination has proved widely acceptable to the athletic glasses market.
SU~MARY OF INVENTION _ 2~ ~ ~ 76~
The above referred to previous patents have illustrated the need for a one piece sweatband/sunglasses apparel combination that is comfortable and adjustable, sturdy, functional and 5 attractive to wear Accordingly it is a feature of the present invention to provide a protectable eyeshield pivotally connected to a headgear by a pair of pivotal arms each having a bistable tensioning pivotal mechAni rm 10 incorporating a single stretchable elastic band formed as a loop and disposed in tension about and between the pivotal arms to apply maximum retention force to the arms at their position of use and non-use of the eyeshield .
According to a further feature of the present invention is the step of selectively supplying differe!nt strength elastic bands affording the user's option to vary maximum tensile forces dyring operation of the eye shield between positions of use and non-use.
According to a still further feature the eyeshield is adjustable with respect to the face of a wearer to f it various f ace conf igurations and to provide more comfort to the user.
According to a f urther ~eatu{e the headgear is a terry cloth type sweatband that absorbs perspiration, keeps the hair in place, provides comfortable support for the eyeshield's bistable tensioning pivotal rer~h~n;~m and wherein the sweatband has an elastic strap with adjusting buckles that provides a one size fits all capability.
Another feature is to provide a one piece contoured tinted optical quality eyeshield that is curved to closely emulate the shape of the face, 21817~4 thereby protecting the eyes from unfiltered sunlight as well as the introduction of foreign objects.
A further feature is to provide a bistable tensioning pivotal hAn;rm that applies force to 5 keep the eyeshield down in place in the normal viewing position; then decreases the force to zero as the eyeshield is manually lifted upward toward the forehead, and then applies increasing force in the opposite directlon to keep the eye~hield securely up 10 in the out of viewing position above the forehead.
Another feature is to provide a smooth, fluid feel associated with the raising and lowering of the eyeshield due to the bistable tensioning pivotal r----hAn; Fm.
Still another feature is to provide a capability of easily removing the optical eyeshield ' s bistable tensioning pivotal r-ch_n1 ~m from the sweatband so the sweatband can be machine washable.
A further feature is to provide a pivotal 20 eyeshield secured to an adj usting mP-hAn; pm to vary the position of the eyeshield in front of the wearer ' s f ace .
According to the above f eatures, f rom a broad aspect, the present invention provides an eye 25 protection device comprising an eyeshield pivotally connectable to a headgear by a pair of bistable tensioning pivotal rc~-hAn j rmq to position said eyeshield to an eye protection position of use and to a position of non-use away from the eyes of a wearer, 30 each said me-h~n;Pm~- having a pair of pivotal arms pivotally connected at one end to a support base which is attachable to said headgear, each arm of said pair of pivotal arms having a free end pivotally connected to said eyeshield, said pivotal arms having a band 35 engaging guide means secured to each said arm at a .. ... . ...
2 1 8 ~ 764 predetormi n~(l location with respect to a respective one of said f irst and second pivot connections and displaceable on an arc a~out said respective one of said first and second pivot connections, a single stretchable elastic band formed as a loop and disposed in tension about and between said band engaging guide means of said pair of pivotal arms to exert a pulling force in opposed directions to displace said arms in tandem between said position of use and non-use, and abutment means associated with said pair of pivotal arms to arrest said arms at said position of use and position of non-use.
Another feature of the invention, in accordance with that set forth above, is the novel method of selectively providing one of a plurality stretchable elastic bands whereby the user has the option of incorporating different tensile force in the operating mechanism of the bistable tensioning r~~h;~niSm between positions of use and non-use.
According to a still further broad aspect of the present invention there is also provided an eye protection device, comprising in combination:
( a ) a headband adapted to engage the head of a user to support said eye protection device;
(b) an optical eyeshield having a right side portion and a left side portion;
( c ) f irst and second bistable eyeshield support rigidly connected to the right and left side portion respectively of said headband, each said 30 bistable eyeshield support including:
i. a base rigidly connected to a side portion of the headband, ii. an upper arm having an outer end pivotally connected to an upper point of said side 2~ 817~4 portion of the eyeshield and an inner end pivotally connected to a first pivot point of said base, iii. a lower arm having an outer end pivotally connected to a lower point of said side 5 portion of the eyeshield and an inner end pivotally connected to a second pivot point of said base, said second pivot point of said base being below said f irst pivot point of said base, iv. a low friction guide connected to a IO support point of said base rearward of said first and second pivot points thereof, below said f irst pivot point of said base, and above said second pivot point of said base, v. an elastic band having an upper segment Is engaging said low friction guide and an int~ iAte point of said upper arm, and a lower segment engaging said low friction guide and an int~o s~i~te point of said lower arm, the upper segment of said elastic band 20 producing a first tensile force between said low friction guide and the int~ te point of said upper arm, the lower segment of said elastic band producing a second tensile force between said low friction guide and the int~rm~ te point of said lower arm, portions of said elastic band stretching around said low friction guide to the lower segment of said elastic band as the eyeshield is raised from a lower position of use to an upper position of non-use portions of said elastic band stretching around said low friction guide to the upper segment of said elastic band as the eyeshield is lowered from an upper position to said lower position, the first and second tensile forces being balanced by the movement o~ the portions of said _ . _ . . . , ... .... .. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , , 21~1764 g elastic band around said low friction guide as the eyeshield moves from one of the lower and upper positions through a bistable point to the other of the lower and upper positions.
According to a f urther aspect of the invention is the method provided whereby the user is afforded the option of selecting one of different strength elastic bands depending upon conditions of prospQctive use of the eye protective devices.
According to a still further broad aspect of the present invention there is provided an eye protection device comprising an eyeshield pivotally connectable to a headgear by a pair of bistable tensioning pivotal m~mhAn;~2mq to position said eyeshield to an eye protection position of use and to a position of non-use away from the eyes of a wearer, each said mo~hAn;~m~ having a pair of pivotal arms pivotally connected at one end to a support base which is attachable to said headgear, each arm of said pair of pivotal arms having a free end pivotally connected to said eyeshield, spring biasing means secured to each said arm at a prede~rm; n~d location with respect to a respective one of said f irst and second pivot connections, said spring biasing means exerting a pulling force in opposed directions to displace said arms in tandem between said position of use and non-use, abutment means associated with said pair of pivotal arms to arrest said arms at said position of use and position of non-use, said support base being adjustably secured to said headgear by a position adj usting mechanism whereby to cause relative displacement of said eyeshield with a frontal position of said headgear.
2~8~4 Still further features and advantages will become more apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRA~IN~iS
FIG. l is a siae view of the present invention installed on the head of the wearer with the eyeshield down in the normal viewing position;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention installed on the head of the wearer with the eyeshield up in the out of viewing position;
FIG. 3 is a side view showing the details of operation of the rubber band activated bistable tensioning pivotal rech~ni rm attached to a sweatband type headgear and with the eyeshield up in the out of viewing position;
FIG. 4 is a side view showing the details of operation of the rubber band activated bistable tensioning pivotal ~ rhAni rm attached to the sweatband and with the eyeshield down in the normal viewing position;
FIG. 5 is the cross-section view showing details of a screw mounting design that attaches the bistable tensioning pivotal ---hnni rm to the sweatband;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustrating how the bistable tensioning pivotal m~rhAn; Fm is secured to the sweatband/adjustable elastic strap combination, typical for both sides of the sweatband;
FIG. 7-A is an exploded view of the bistable rotating tensioning pivotal mrrhAn; rm for the left side of the sweatband;
FIG. 7-B is an exploded view of the bistable rotating mechanical tensioning system for the right 2~7~
gide of the sweatband showing the back side of the pivotal arms;
FIG. 8 is a side view of a U-shape sweatband installed on the head of a wearer with the eyeshield 5 down in the normal viewing posltion;
FIG 9 is a side view of the U-shape sweatband installed on the head of a wearer with the eyeshield up in the out of viewing position;
FIG. 10 is a side view similar to Fig. 3 but 10 illustrating a further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal ~ h;Ini~m;
FIG. 11 is a side view similar to Fig. 4 of the further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism;
FIG. 12 is an exploded view similar to Fig 6 of the further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal r---hi:ln; ~
FIG. 13 is a side view similar to Fig. 10 of a still further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal ~h~n; rm;
FIG. 14 is a side view similar to Fig. 11 of the still :~urther embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal re~h.sn;~m;
FIG. 15 is an exploded view illustrating the construction of the still further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism;
FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating the position adjusting ,~ h~niqm to position the eyeshield to and away from a frontal portion of the headgear;
FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing the construction of the support base and the finger-actuable adjusting m~ h~n1 em; and FIG. 18 is an exploded view showing a sweatband type headgear having the position adjusting 3~ mechanism secured thereto.
218~764 DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED ~MBODIMENTS
The present invention is comprised of three basic parts: a) a headgear in the form of an annular sweatband/adjustable elastic strap combination 12 which has a plastic headband insert 9 sewed inside the sweatband 2 to conf orm to the shape of the wearer ' s forehead, b) the eyeshield 3 which i8 a one piece optical quality polycarbonate, contoured shield to follow the shape of the wearer's head and face, and c) the bistable tensioning pivotal m~ h;ln; rm, one for each side of the sweatband, which rotates the eyeshield 3 and supplies tension to hold the eyeshield 3 in the normal viewing position of use and the out of viewing position of non-use. In a further broad ~aspect the eyeshield is adjustable relative to a frontal portion of the headgear to move it towards and away f rom the wearer ' s f ace .
Figures 1 to 5 show a headgear in the f orm of a sweatband/adjustable elastic strap combination 12 secured on the head of the wearer 1 and consists of four basic parts: the sweatband 2, the elastic strap 11 with adj usting buckle 17, the eyeshield 3 and the bistable tensioning pivotal ~~--h;~nirm 5 The sweatband 2 is made of a material that is highly absorbent to keep perspiration out of the eyes of the wearer. The material should be light weight, able to dry quickly after use or washing, and f eel sof t and comf ortable on the head . The sweatband 2 is 1 3/4" wide to supply maximum frictional area support between the head of the wearer and the bistable pivotal me~h~n i ~m 5, and is made of terry cloth type material for comfort. Fig. 6 shows the plastic h~ h~n~l insert 9 sewed inside the sweatband 2 3~ and the two open ends of the sweatband 2 sewed to the 21 8 1 7~4 two ends of the elastic strap 11, through the plastic h~A~sh~n~l insert 9. The heat shrink tubing is used to cover the area, where the sweatband 2 and the elastic strap 11 are joined, and to give the area a finished 5 appearance.
The plastic hP~lh~n-l insert 9 houses the two eyelets 13 used to mount the bistable tensioning pivotal -1~ ch~3n i e~m 5 to the sweatband 2 by means of the two mounting screws 8. The two eyelets 13 are 10 installed into the plastic h~rlh;ln~l insert 9, through the sweatband outside layer 2A, Fig. 5, and the sweatband inside layer 2B, Fig. 5, providing a pathway for the mounting screws 8 to reach the threaded mounting holes in the base 21, Fig. 7-A and Fig. 7-B, 15 of the bistable rotating tensioning pivotal r-chi:~ni~m 5.
Fig. 6 shows the 1 3/4" wide, 16" long, 0 060" thick plastic headband insert 9 inserted into the sweatband 2 and sewed inside 10 the sweatband 2 to 20 give the sweatband 2 the shape to conform to the wearer ' s f orehead 1, and to serve as the support f or mounting the bistable tensioning pivotal m~h~ni Fm 5 The plastic h~lh~ntl insert 9 is sewed inside 10 the sweatband 2 for approximately 3/4 of the circumference 25 from slightly behind one ear, around the orehead to slightly behind the opposite ear. The path o the sewed thread 10 follows the outline of the plastic h~ lh~nc~ insert 9 approximately 1/8" inside its edge, securing together the plastic h~lh~nd insert 9, the 30 sweatband 2, and the elastic strap 11 with adjusting buckles 17.
The eyeshield 3, Figs. 3 and 4, is a one piece curved polycarbonate type plastic shield of optical quality, and shaped to conform to the 35 forehead, nose, and cheekbone areas of the face, approximately 9 1/2" in length, heat formed into an approximate 4" radius, and 3" wide at the widest section. The edges are smooth and rounded, and without supporting frames, allowing a soft protective rubber trim 22 to be applied to the edges if deemed necessary for player safety. The eyeshield 3 can be clear as well as tinted to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of ~ ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun encountered during outdoor sports. The thickness of the plastic will depend upon it ' s ultimate use, but a 0.060" thickness has proven to be a good balance between strength and weight A soft nosepiece 4 made of lightweight foam rubber provides support for the eyeshield as well as a locating device to properly locate the eyeshield 3 relative to the f ace of the wearer . The eyeshield 3 is attached to the bistable tensioning pivotal ml~rh~n; r,m 5 by means of the two pairs of 1/8" diameter rivets 15A and 15B.
These rivets 15A and 15B are inserted through 1/8 "
I.D. spacers 16", as shown in Fig 15, and located between the eyeshield 3 and the swing arms 14A and 14B
to assure smooth rotation with a minimum of friction between the eyeshield 3 and the swing arms 14A and 14B .
The two pairs of swing arms 14A and 14B are made of 0 . 031" thick 2024 aircraft grade aluminum with one 1/8" diameter hole drilled in each end for mounting to the eye3hield 3 by means of the rivets 15A
and 15B, and one 1/8 " diameter hole drilled in each opposite end for mounting to the bistable tensioning pivotal r~~h;ln; rm 5 by means of rivets 15C and 15D.
Black anodi~ing may be used to produce a non-glare surface for these aluminum parts. The arms may also be molded from suitable plastics material.
218~76~
Each of the two bistable tensioning pivotal r~chAni rm 5, one on each opposite side of the sweatband 2, is built upon a 1 3/8" wide x 2" long x 3/32" thick oval shaped aluminum or plastic base 6 S which is secuFed to the plastic h~AflhAn~ insert 9 inside the sweatband 2 by means of the two mounting screws 8.
Referring now to Figures 3, 4, 7-A, 7-B and 8 and 9, there will be described the construction 10 operation of the bistable tensioning pivotal ~~-hAniRm 5. As shown more clearly in Figure 7-B, each of the pivotal arms 14A and 14B are provided with a band engaging guide means 19 formed as an arcuate convexly curved guide surface 40 extending from the back wall 15 41 of the pivotal arms and having opposed transverse flange walls 42 whereby to form an arcuate guide channel for retaining a portion of the elastic band 7 positioned in tension thereabout. The inner flange 42 may be formed by the inner surface 41 of the swing 20 arms i~ the part is injection molded. A small sheave could also be substituted to achieve the same purpose.
As hereinshown the swing arms 14A and 14B
are each pivotally secured to pivot connections 15D
and 15C which are pivotally secured to the support 25 base 6. The free end of the arms is also pivotally connected to the eyeshield by a pair of rivets 15A and 15B or simply by a pair of slotted pivot pins which permit easy removal of the swing arms from the shield, as is necessary to remove the elastic band from the 30 bistable tensioning pivotal -~AhAn; Rm 5 The elastic band 7 is formed as a loop and is dimensioned so that when positioned about the guide surfaces 40 of the guide element 19 it stretches to apply a tension between the guide elements of the pair of pivotal arms 35 14A and 14B to exert a pulling force in opposed _ _ _ ... . _ .. ...... _ . _ _ _ _ _ .
2 1 ~ ~ 76~
direction when the arms are displaced on their pivot connections 15C and 15D whereby the arms are displaceable in tandem between a position of use as shown in Figure 8 with the eyeshield protecting the 5 eye area of the wearer and to a position of non-use, as shown in Figure 9, with the eyeshield pivoted above the eye area in front of the forehead of the wearer.
These positions of use and non-use are de~rmi nod by abutment means incorporated into the shape of the 10 pivotal arms and is comprised by a first and second shaped abutment lower edge formation 20A and 20B
respectively for the upper one of the pair of side arms and a f irst and second shaped abutment upper edge formations 20C and 20D,. respectively, of a lower one 15 of the pair of pivotal arms 14A and 14B. The first abutment formation 20A of the upper arm and lower arms are in abutment relationship and arrest the arms at the position of non-use, as shown in Figures 3 and 9 while the second abutment formations 20B and 20D are 20 in abutting relationship and arrest the arms at the position of use. The shape of these formations therefore determine these positions As shown in Figure 3, the pivot connections 15C and 15D are spaced apart and offset from one 25 another in the vertical plane. In this particular embodiment the elastic band 7 is positioned about the post of these pivot connections. The band 7 has a predet~rm; nl~fl tensile strength depending on the force that one wishes to exert on the arms and their maximum 30 position of use position of non-use. By interchanging these bands with other bands of different tensile strengths, this pulling force on the arms can be modified by the user. This affording a novel method whereby the operating forces between positions of use 35 and non-use of the device can be optionally altered depending upon conditions of prospective use The band i5 detA--h;lh~ from the arms by detaching the free end of the arms from the eyeshield and passing the band over the pair of arms. Accordingly, it is very simple 5 to replace a band to use one with more strength, if desired, depending on the type of support that the eyeshield is used for or to replace a defective band.
It is pointed out that with the bistable tensioning pivotal r--h,~n;-m as hereinshown the lO maximum pulling force on the arms and consequently the eyeshield is the position of use and position of non-use of the eyeshield and this force progressively ~siminishe~ as the eyeshield is displaced with the f ingers of the wearer towards a substantially mid-way 15 position where the pulling force is at a minimum or null point. It is pointed out that although the headgear as hereinshown is a sweatband or headband 2, it can be other types of headgear onto ~hich the bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism 5 can be secured 20 and it is therefore intended not to restrict this invention to a sweatband type headgear.
A unique feature of the bistable tensioning pivotal m~o~.h~ni rm 5, aside from lts simplicity which is one of its main characterizing features, is the 25 fact that when it is displaced with the hands it has a smooth-continuously variable "feel" as the eyeshield is rotated between its position of use and position of non-use or vice-versa This smooth "feel" is accomplished by the change of the relative positions 30 of the two guide elements 19, not only to each other, but also with relation to the two pivot connections 15C and 15D of the swing arms.
When the eyeshield 3 is in the position of use, its down position in front of the wearer's eyes, 35 the two curve guide elements 19 are arranged in .. _ . .. .. .. . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . ..
2~8~ 764 relation to the two pivot points wherein there is a maximum moment on the upper swing arm and a nearly zero moment on the lower swing arm due to its alignment with the pivot connection 15C. When the 5 eyeshield is up in its position of non-use, the two curve guide elements are arranged in relation to the two pivot points whereby the upper curve guide element is at zero or nearly zero moment on the upper swing arm due to its alignment with the pivot connection 15D
lO and the curve guide element of the lower swing arm is at its maximum moment These maximum forces hold the shield in both these positions and as the resultant force is decreased to zero substantially mid-way in the travel when displacing the eyeshield, this pulling 15 force begins to increase progressively in the opposlte direction as the eyeshield moves to the opposite position . Therefore, since the forces are inf initely variable, the "feel" of the bistable tensioning pivotal m~m.hAni e-m is a continuously smooth application 20 of increasing or decreasing force in the two opposite directions .
With reference now to Figures 10 to 12, there will be described a further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal r-~h~ni ~T 5 ' as 25 hereinshown Like reference numerals as in Figures 1-9 have been given a prime designation and the description of some of these will not be repeated.
The tensioning pivotal r-~h;lnirm 5' consists of two stationary posts 18 ' attached to the plastic base 6 ' 30 and two rotating posts 19 ' attached to the two swing arms . The lower swing arm 14A ' is attached to the plastic base 6 ' by means of the rivet 15C ' The upper swing arm 14B ' is attached to the plastic base 6 ' by means of the rivet 15D ' . The rubber band 7 ' is 35 stretched around the two stationary posts 18 ' and the 2~ 76~
two rotating posts l9 ', Figure lO and Figure ll, and held in place by a keeper 17 ' installed in the top of each of the two stationary posts 18 ' and the two rotating posts l9 ' The keepers 17 ' have mounting s holes which allow to pass therethrough and the flared end of the rivets holds the keepers 17 ' in place atop the stationary posts 18 ' and the rotatlng posts 19 ' .
The rubber band 7' is approximately 0.080" thick, 3"
in circumference ln the static state, and rides on the lO surfaces of bushings on the stationary posts 18 ' and the rotating posts 19 ' to reduce friction.
The unique part of the invention is the bistable rotating r~ Ani~m tensionlng system 5' which is used to mount the eyeshield 3 ' to the sweatband 2 ', 15 and to give the apparatus a solid, fluid, feel as the eyeshield 3 ' is manually rotated up and down between the normal viewing position (Figure 11) and the out of viewing position (Fi~ure 10). The posLtion of the stationary posts 18 ' and the changing relative 20 position of the rotating posts 19 ' on the swing arms 14A ' and 14B ' as the arms rotate around the mounting rivets 15C ' and 15D ' causes the rubber band 7 ' to apply tenslon to the eyeshield 3 ' in the normal viewing position (Figure ll) to hold the eyeshield 3 ' 2s firmly in place even during strenuous physical activity. ~hen the eyeshield 3 ' is manually lifted toward the out of viewing position (Figure 10), the position of the rotating posts 19 ' changes in relation to the stationary posts 18 ' and the tension applied to 30 the eyeshield 3 ' decreased to zero midway through the travel path, then begins increasing again in the opposite direction until the eyeshield 3 ' is rotated to the out of viewing position ( Figure 10 ) where maximum tension is applied to keep the eyeshield 3 ' 35 held firmly in this out of viewing position. The , . _ .. . . . .. . .. . ... . _ _ _ _ . .
2 1 8 1 76~
resultant force vectors from this arrangement force the swing arms 14A ' and 14B ' to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around the mounting rivets 15C ' and 15D ' in the normal viewing position, rotate clock-S wise in the out of viewing position, as viewed in thef igures and remain neutral midway in the travel arc .
The use of bushings in the swing arms 14A ' and 14B ', the two stationary posts 18 ' and the two rotating posts 19 ' provide a low friction path for ~the lO rubber band 7 ' to apply its forces smoothly and efficiently during its operation, giving the invention a solid, almost lir~uid fee as the eyeshield 3 is rotated .
The rubber band 7 ' which activates the lS mechanical tensioning pivotal - ~~hAn i ~:m is approximately 0 . 080" thick and has a circumference of approximately 3" in the static state, and provides the most efficient, lightweight, simple and economical solution of providing the f orce needed to hold the 20 eyeshield 3 ' firmly in its desired positions, as compared to springs, cams, latches and other bulky --h_n i r~ 1 systems . Another advantage of this mechanism, and all of its embodiments described herein, is that the operating characteristics of the 25 system can be drastically changed by making small changes in the material composition and/or changes in the dimensions of the rubber band 7 ' alone. The rubber band 7 ' is kept in position on the stationary posts 18 ' and the rotating posts 19 ' by means of 30 keepers 17 ', which are round aluminum or plastic parts with one leg bent down 9 0 degrees to keep the rubber band 7 ' in place even during the high impacts encountered during competitive sports activities. New rubber bands 7 ' can be installed by maneuvering the 2~7~
bands under the small clearance allowea between the keepers 90 degree leg and the plastic base 6 ' .
The offset locations of the pivot points for the upper swing arm 14B ' and the lower swing arm 14A ', 5 for both the plastic base 6 ' and the eyeshield 3 ', where carefully determined so the eyeshield 3 ' would rotate with two degrees of freedom, allowing the eyeshield 3 ' to first rotate up and away from the face of the wearer, then begin tilting backward as it moves lo upward, until it rests comfortably above the wearer's forehead like a pair of normal sunglasses would be positioned (Figure 2). Mechanical stops 20A, and 20B' incorporated into the swing arms 14A' and 14B' prevent the eyeshield 3 ' from over rotating in either the up 15 or down positions The theory of operation of the bistable rotating mechanical tensioning system can best be described as the application of forces generated whenever a tension device, such as a rubber band, is 20 deformed from its natural state These forces then apply moments to the rotating posts on the two pairs of swing arms connecting the bistable rotating mechanical tensioning system to the eyeshield, causing the eyeshield to rotate between the normal viewing 25 position and the out of viewing position.
The relative positions of the stationary posts and the rotating posts on the of f set swing arms changes as the swing arms move through their respective travel arcs. when the eyeshield is in the 30 normal viewing position (Figure 11), the expan~ed rubber band applies tension to the rotating posts, which are now located below the pivot points of the 6wing arms, creating a counter clockwise moment on the swing arms, f irmly holding the eyeshield in the normal 35 viewing position. In this position, relative to the , . ... . .. _ _ . . . _ _ _ _ rotating posts, the stationary posts are also below the swing arms pivot points.
When the eyeshield is in the out of viewing position (Figure 2), the expanded rubber band applies tension to the rotating post, which are now located above the pivot points of the swing arms, creatlng a clockwise moment on the swing arms, f irmly holding the eyeshield in the out of viewing position. In this position, relative to the rotating posts, the stationary posts are also above the swing arms pivot points .
As the swing arms move to and f rom the positions just described, the moments applied to the swing arms by the rubber band decrease to zero as the rotating post, swing arms pivot points, and the stationary posts come into a straight line alignment.
As these three points diverge relative to one another the moments applied to the swing arms begins to increase again in the opposite direction.
Referring now to Figures 13 to 15, there will be described a further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism 5" of the present invention. Again, like numerals to those of Figures 1-9 will be given a double prime designation and the description of some of these will not be repeated. As hereinshown, the ~~ch;lni Fm consists of one pulley 18"
attached to the base 6 " by means of rivet 15~", and two curved guides 19 " on the two swing arms 14A" and 14B" The lower swing arm 14A" is attached to the base 6 " by means of the rivet 15C" and a spacer 16 " .
The upper swing arm 14B" is attached to the base 6" by means of the rivet 15D" and a spacer 16" The rubber band 7" is stretched around the pulley 18" and the two curved guides 19", see Figure 15. The rubber band 7 is approximately .070" thick, 3" in circumference in _ ..... . ... . . .. . . .
~1817~4 the static state, and rides in the groove of the pulley 18" and the grove of the curved guide 19" of the lower swing arm 14A" and the grove of the curved guide 19" of the upper swing arm 14B".
S The position of the one pulley 18", Figure 13 and Figure 14, and the changing relative position of the curved guides 19" on the swing arms 14A" and 14B" as the arms rotate around the mounting rivets 15C" and 15D" causes the rubber band 7" to apply tension to the eyeshield 3 " as previously described.
The pulley 18" provides a low friction path for the rubber band 7" to apply its forces smoothly and efficiently to the two curved guides 19" of the lower swing arm 14A" and the upper swing arm 14B" during its operation, giving the invention a smooth, fluid feel as the eyeshield 3 " is rotated. The rubber band 7 " is kept in position by means of the alignment of a single deep groove in the pulley 18 ", and a single deep groove channel in the curved guide 19" of the lower swing arm 14A", and a single deep groove channel in the curved guide 19" of the upper swing arm 14B".
This alignment of the rubber band 7" will keep the rubber band 7" in place even during the high impacts encountered during competitive sports activities.
The offset locations of the pivot points ~or the upper swing arm 14B" and the lower swing arm 14A", for both the base 6" and the eyeshield 3", were carefully determined so the eyeshield 3" would rotate with two degrees of freedom, allowing the eyeshield 3 "
to first rotate up and away from the face of the wearer, then begin tilting backward as it moves upward, until it rests comfortably above the wearer's forehead like a pair of normal sunglasses would be positioned (Figure 2). Mechanical stops 20A" and 20B"
3S incorporated into the swing arms 14A" and 14B" prevent . . . ... . . . _ . _ . .. .. .. , . . ... ,, . , , , .. , . . .. . ., _ _ _ . .... . .
21817~4 the eyeshield 3 " from over roi-ating in either the up or down positions.
A second variation of the above described invention would involve having the sweatband conform 5 solely to the size and 3hape of the interior plastic headhand insert 9 ", thus eliminating the adj ustable elastic strap 11" traversing the back of the head of the wearer (Figure 8 and Figure 9 ) .
This variation of the above described 10 invention involves only two physical changes: a) terminating the sewed sweatband at the two ends of the plastic h~flh~nfl insert 9", and ~) increasing the material thickness of the plastic h ~rlh~n~q insert 9 "
from approximately 0.030" to approximately 0 060".
A11 other physical parts remain the same.
The installation and wearing features of this 3/4 circumference sweatband solves the problem of the less active f emale and male wearer ' s who do not want their expensive hair styles disturbed by a full 20 circumference sweatband/adjustable elastic strap combination 12"
This second variation of the ahove described invention has the advantage of being installed and worn beneath the overlaying hair of the wearer, 25 without an adjustable elastic strap 11" matting and forming an indentation in the hair style at the back of the head of the wearer. The sweatband is inserted in place directly from the front of the head, rather than being pulled over the top of the head, thus 30 eliminating the disarranging and matting of the wearer ' s hair .
The increased thickness of the plastic headband insert 9" creates a spring action, when installed in place, that gently grips the head of the 35 wearer. With the additional support of the nose piece . . , _ . . .. . _ _ . , . ..... . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . .
21~17~
EYE PROTECTION DEVICE FOR HEADGEAR
AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN OPTIONAL OPERATING FORCE
THERE IN
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an eye protection device for securement to a headgear and capable of being retained at a position of use in front of the wearer's eyes and a different position of non-use.
~ACKGROUND ART
All outdoor sports participants have to contend with one or more of the three elements that affect a participant ' s vision during outdoor competition: unfiltered sunlight, perspiration in the eyes, and foreign objects invading the eyes. To try to solve these problems, athletes have had to wear 8weatbands and protection glasses.
Sweatbands alone have been used satisfactorily for many years to keep perspiration originating at the top of the head from running into the wearer ' 8 eyes .
Normal sungla3ses have al30 been used for many years, and do remain in place during sedate activities such as sltting and walking, but are unable to remain in place during vigorous activities such as basketball, volleyball, racquetball or tennis. During these activities, sunglasses have to be modif ied in a way that conf licts with their original intended use by placing heavy elastic bands to the ear pieces These bands expand against the back of the head to apply uncomfortable stresses to the bridge of the nose, the temples and the ears themselves, eventually causing f atigue and pain The .hAll~n~e is to design the glasses to attach to the sweatband in a manner so that: a ) a ,, . . , . . , . , . _ ... .. ... . _ ... _ .... _ . .. .. ..
-tension device will keep the glasses comfortably in place even during rigorous physical activities, b ) the glasses can be quickly and easily rotated out of the line of sight so perspiration can be wiped from the 5 area of the eyes, and then be quickly and easily rotated back into the line of sight, even during the physlcal activity, and c) providing an eyeshield having improved adjustable feAtures to protect the ----eyes .
With regard to using tension devices to hold the glasses in place, the prior attempt of U.S. Patent No g,885,808 to Carpenter, issued December 12, 1989, is indicative of the simple flip up approach of using a coiled spring tension device to hold the sunglasses 15 in place. This arrangement also allows the sunglasses to be rotated into and out of the line of sight of the wearer. However, this design is too fragile because of the single tiny f lip up r-^hAn i qm used to attach the eye pieces to the headband This one fragile 20 attach point would allow even the smallest of impacts experienced during a sports activity to drive the eye pieces into the wearer ' s eyes and face, posing an unacceptable risk of damage to the eyes and face.
With regard to the ability to quickly and 25 easily rotate the glasses into and out of the line of sight of the wearer, reference is made to U.S. Patent No. 4,616,367 to Jean, issued October 1986, U.S.
Patent No 4,712,254 to Daigle, issued December 1987, and U.S. Patent No. 4,811,430 to Janusz, issued March 30 1989, as being indicative of the approaches used to hide the eyepieces in a hOA~lhAn~l to remove them from the line of sight of the wearer. This approach is not only cumbersome and time consuming for the hands to operate, but more importantly, it drastically limits 35 the size and shape of the eye pieces that can be used .. . , ..... _ .. _ .. _ ... . ...... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
21~1~64 because of the need to fit inside the h~lh~nd when not in use Since these eye pieces are too small and too flat to adequately follow the contours of the head and face, unfiltered sunlight as well as foreign 5 objects are allowed to reach the eyes rom the sides and bottoms of the eye pieces.
A later attempt to solve the problem o~
protecting the eyes from unfiltered sunlight and foreign objects was attempted by U.S. Patent No.
4,852,189, issued to Duggan in August 1989, by using a one piece wrap around eye piece held in place by a hook and loop attachment to the h~lh~ntl, Although the eye piece gave better eye protection, it was still cumbersome and unwieldy to operate by reguiring two 15 hands to change the position of the eye piece.
A more logical attempt was provided in U. S .
Patent No. 5,105,475, issued to Lynd on April 21, 1992, by providing a wrap around eye piece that rotates up and down by means of two arms attached to 20 the headband. However, each arm of the eye piece was unfortunately attached to the headband with a single rotation point. This single rotation point eliminated the ability of the eye piece to tilt as it was rotated, thereby not allowing the eye piece to more 25 closely follow the contour of the head and face o~ the wearer. Also no tensioning device was provided to keep the eye piece held firmly in place in the two desiled positions And finally, the eye piece had to rotate into a cap bill, thus limiting its travel, 30 making the design unsuitable for a vigorous sport like basketball .
The present invention uses a new approach to the old problem of combining a contoured optical eyeshield and a headgear, such as a sweatband The 35 present invention allows the wearer to en~oy the . . , . , . . ., _ ... , ... . .. , .. , _ _ _ _ . .
218~764 beneflts of a sweatband plus the benefits of a lightweight, comfortable eyeshield that stays in place during rigorous activities, and then stays fashionably above the forehead when not needed by means of a unique bistable tensioning pivotal m-~mhisn; ~m, The forces needed to keep the eyeshield in place are more pf f i ~; ~ntly applied downward on the increasing slope of the nose rather than like normal glasses exerting forces upward on the decreasing slope of the nose and inward toward the back of the head The bistable tensioning pivotal m~-hAni~m allows the nose piece to become a self adjusting support that fits the eyeshield to a wide variety of faces. Not only is less force needed with this approach, but the bistable tensioning pivotal r?~h~ni~m distributes the forces comfortably throughout the circumference of the ~weatband and comfort is greatly enhanced. The eyeshield may also be adjusted in relation to the face of the user.
Until now, the hand motion needed to slip up other eye glasses designs re~uired an awkward twisting motion of the hands and wrists. The natural movement of the hands to rotate this invention ' s eyeshield is accomplished with a simple upward motion of one hand or the f ingers With the recent upsurge of interest in outdoor sports, especially outdoor basketball, a real need is developing for an athletic sweatband/sunglasses apparel combination that realistically provides the comfort, protection, and style fl^-~nfl~fl by the modern athletes. Until now, no rotating sunglasses/sweatband combination has proved widely acceptable to the athletic glasses market.
SU~MARY OF INVENTION _ 2~ ~ ~ 76~
The above referred to previous patents have illustrated the need for a one piece sweatband/sunglasses apparel combination that is comfortable and adjustable, sturdy, functional and 5 attractive to wear Accordingly it is a feature of the present invention to provide a protectable eyeshield pivotally connected to a headgear by a pair of pivotal arms each having a bistable tensioning pivotal mechAni rm 10 incorporating a single stretchable elastic band formed as a loop and disposed in tension about and between the pivotal arms to apply maximum retention force to the arms at their position of use and non-use of the eyeshield .
According to a further feature of the present invention is the step of selectively supplying differe!nt strength elastic bands affording the user's option to vary maximum tensile forces dyring operation of the eye shield between positions of use and non-use.
According to a still further feature the eyeshield is adjustable with respect to the face of a wearer to f it various f ace conf igurations and to provide more comfort to the user.
According to a f urther ~eatu{e the headgear is a terry cloth type sweatband that absorbs perspiration, keeps the hair in place, provides comfortable support for the eyeshield's bistable tensioning pivotal rer~h~n;~m and wherein the sweatband has an elastic strap with adjusting buckles that provides a one size fits all capability.
Another feature is to provide a one piece contoured tinted optical quality eyeshield that is curved to closely emulate the shape of the face, 21817~4 thereby protecting the eyes from unfiltered sunlight as well as the introduction of foreign objects.
A further feature is to provide a bistable tensioning pivotal hAn;rm that applies force to 5 keep the eyeshield down in place in the normal viewing position; then decreases the force to zero as the eyeshield is manually lifted upward toward the forehead, and then applies increasing force in the opposite directlon to keep the eye~hield securely up 10 in the out of viewing position above the forehead.
Another feature is to provide a smooth, fluid feel associated with the raising and lowering of the eyeshield due to the bistable tensioning pivotal r----hAn; Fm.
Still another feature is to provide a capability of easily removing the optical eyeshield ' s bistable tensioning pivotal r-ch_n1 ~m from the sweatband so the sweatband can be machine washable.
A further feature is to provide a pivotal 20 eyeshield secured to an adj usting mP-hAn; pm to vary the position of the eyeshield in front of the wearer ' s f ace .
According to the above f eatures, f rom a broad aspect, the present invention provides an eye 25 protection device comprising an eyeshield pivotally connectable to a headgear by a pair of bistable tensioning pivotal rc~-hAn j rmq to position said eyeshield to an eye protection position of use and to a position of non-use away from the eyes of a wearer, 30 each said me-h~n;Pm~- having a pair of pivotal arms pivotally connected at one end to a support base which is attachable to said headgear, each arm of said pair of pivotal arms having a free end pivotally connected to said eyeshield, said pivotal arms having a band 35 engaging guide means secured to each said arm at a .. ... . ...
2 1 8 ~ 764 predetormi n~(l location with respect to a respective one of said f irst and second pivot connections and displaceable on an arc a~out said respective one of said first and second pivot connections, a single stretchable elastic band formed as a loop and disposed in tension about and between said band engaging guide means of said pair of pivotal arms to exert a pulling force in opposed directions to displace said arms in tandem between said position of use and non-use, and abutment means associated with said pair of pivotal arms to arrest said arms at said position of use and position of non-use.
Another feature of the invention, in accordance with that set forth above, is the novel method of selectively providing one of a plurality stretchable elastic bands whereby the user has the option of incorporating different tensile force in the operating mechanism of the bistable tensioning r~~h;~niSm between positions of use and non-use.
According to a still further broad aspect of the present invention there is also provided an eye protection device, comprising in combination:
( a ) a headband adapted to engage the head of a user to support said eye protection device;
(b) an optical eyeshield having a right side portion and a left side portion;
( c ) f irst and second bistable eyeshield support rigidly connected to the right and left side portion respectively of said headband, each said 30 bistable eyeshield support including:
i. a base rigidly connected to a side portion of the headband, ii. an upper arm having an outer end pivotally connected to an upper point of said side 2~ 817~4 portion of the eyeshield and an inner end pivotally connected to a first pivot point of said base, iii. a lower arm having an outer end pivotally connected to a lower point of said side 5 portion of the eyeshield and an inner end pivotally connected to a second pivot point of said base, said second pivot point of said base being below said f irst pivot point of said base, iv. a low friction guide connected to a IO support point of said base rearward of said first and second pivot points thereof, below said f irst pivot point of said base, and above said second pivot point of said base, v. an elastic band having an upper segment Is engaging said low friction guide and an int~ iAte point of said upper arm, and a lower segment engaging said low friction guide and an int~o s~i~te point of said lower arm, the upper segment of said elastic band 20 producing a first tensile force between said low friction guide and the int~ te point of said upper arm, the lower segment of said elastic band producing a second tensile force between said low friction guide and the int~rm~ te point of said lower arm, portions of said elastic band stretching around said low friction guide to the lower segment of said elastic band as the eyeshield is raised from a lower position of use to an upper position of non-use portions of said elastic band stretching around said low friction guide to the upper segment of said elastic band as the eyeshield is lowered from an upper position to said lower position, the first and second tensile forces being balanced by the movement o~ the portions of said _ . _ . . . , ... .... .. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , , 21~1764 g elastic band around said low friction guide as the eyeshield moves from one of the lower and upper positions through a bistable point to the other of the lower and upper positions.
According to a f urther aspect of the invention is the method provided whereby the user is afforded the option of selecting one of different strength elastic bands depending upon conditions of prospQctive use of the eye protective devices.
According to a still further broad aspect of the present invention there is provided an eye protection device comprising an eyeshield pivotally connectable to a headgear by a pair of bistable tensioning pivotal m~mhAn;~2mq to position said eyeshield to an eye protection position of use and to a position of non-use away from the eyes of a wearer, each said mo~hAn;~m~ having a pair of pivotal arms pivotally connected at one end to a support base which is attachable to said headgear, each arm of said pair of pivotal arms having a free end pivotally connected to said eyeshield, spring biasing means secured to each said arm at a prede~rm; n~d location with respect to a respective one of said f irst and second pivot connections, said spring biasing means exerting a pulling force in opposed directions to displace said arms in tandem between said position of use and non-use, abutment means associated with said pair of pivotal arms to arrest said arms at said position of use and position of non-use, said support base being adjustably secured to said headgear by a position adj usting mechanism whereby to cause relative displacement of said eyeshield with a frontal position of said headgear.
2~8~4 Still further features and advantages will become more apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRA~IN~iS
FIG. l is a siae view of the present invention installed on the head of the wearer with the eyeshield down in the normal viewing position;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention installed on the head of the wearer with the eyeshield up in the out of viewing position;
FIG. 3 is a side view showing the details of operation of the rubber band activated bistable tensioning pivotal rech~ni rm attached to a sweatband type headgear and with the eyeshield up in the out of viewing position;
FIG. 4 is a side view showing the details of operation of the rubber band activated bistable tensioning pivotal ~ rhAni rm attached to the sweatband and with the eyeshield down in the normal viewing position;
FIG. 5 is the cross-section view showing details of a screw mounting design that attaches the bistable tensioning pivotal ---hnni rm to the sweatband;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustrating how the bistable tensioning pivotal m~rhAn; Fm is secured to the sweatband/adjustable elastic strap combination, typical for both sides of the sweatband;
FIG. 7-A is an exploded view of the bistable rotating tensioning pivotal mrrhAn; rm for the left side of the sweatband;
FIG. 7-B is an exploded view of the bistable rotating mechanical tensioning system for the right 2~7~
gide of the sweatband showing the back side of the pivotal arms;
FIG. 8 is a side view of a U-shape sweatband installed on the head of a wearer with the eyeshield 5 down in the normal viewing posltion;
FIG 9 is a side view of the U-shape sweatband installed on the head of a wearer with the eyeshield up in the out of viewing position;
FIG. 10 is a side view similar to Fig. 3 but 10 illustrating a further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal ~ h;Ini~m;
FIG. 11 is a side view similar to Fig. 4 of the further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism;
FIG. 12 is an exploded view similar to Fig 6 of the further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal r---hi:ln; ~
FIG. 13 is a side view similar to Fig. 10 of a still further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal ~h~n; rm;
FIG. 14 is a side view similar to Fig. 11 of the still :~urther embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal re~h.sn;~m;
FIG. 15 is an exploded view illustrating the construction of the still further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism;
FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating the position adjusting ,~ h~niqm to position the eyeshield to and away from a frontal portion of the headgear;
FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing the construction of the support base and the finger-actuable adjusting m~ h~n1 em; and FIG. 18 is an exploded view showing a sweatband type headgear having the position adjusting 3~ mechanism secured thereto.
218~764 DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED ~MBODIMENTS
The present invention is comprised of three basic parts: a) a headgear in the form of an annular sweatband/adjustable elastic strap combination 12 which has a plastic headband insert 9 sewed inside the sweatband 2 to conf orm to the shape of the wearer ' s forehead, b) the eyeshield 3 which i8 a one piece optical quality polycarbonate, contoured shield to follow the shape of the wearer's head and face, and c) the bistable tensioning pivotal m~ h;ln; rm, one for each side of the sweatband, which rotates the eyeshield 3 and supplies tension to hold the eyeshield 3 in the normal viewing position of use and the out of viewing position of non-use. In a further broad ~aspect the eyeshield is adjustable relative to a frontal portion of the headgear to move it towards and away f rom the wearer ' s f ace .
Figures 1 to 5 show a headgear in the f orm of a sweatband/adjustable elastic strap combination 12 secured on the head of the wearer 1 and consists of four basic parts: the sweatband 2, the elastic strap 11 with adj usting buckle 17, the eyeshield 3 and the bistable tensioning pivotal ~~--h;~nirm 5 The sweatband 2 is made of a material that is highly absorbent to keep perspiration out of the eyes of the wearer. The material should be light weight, able to dry quickly after use or washing, and f eel sof t and comf ortable on the head . The sweatband 2 is 1 3/4" wide to supply maximum frictional area support between the head of the wearer and the bistable pivotal me~h~n i ~m 5, and is made of terry cloth type material for comfort. Fig. 6 shows the plastic h~ h~n~l insert 9 sewed inside the sweatband 2 3~ and the two open ends of the sweatband 2 sewed to the 21 8 1 7~4 two ends of the elastic strap 11, through the plastic h~A~sh~n~l insert 9. The heat shrink tubing is used to cover the area, where the sweatband 2 and the elastic strap 11 are joined, and to give the area a finished 5 appearance.
The plastic hP~lh~n-l insert 9 houses the two eyelets 13 used to mount the bistable tensioning pivotal -1~ ch~3n i e~m 5 to the sweatband 2 by means of the two mounting screws 8. The two eyelets 13 are 10 installed into the plastic h~rlh;ln~l insert 9, through the sweatband outside layer 2A, Fig. 5, and the sweatband inside layer 2B, Fig. 5, providing a pathway for the mounting screws 8 to reach the threaded mounting holes in the base 21, Fig. 7-A and Fig. 7-B, 15 of the bistable rotating tensioning pivotal r-chi:~ni~m 5.
Fig. 6 shows the 1 3/4" wide, 16" long, 0 060" thick plastic headband insert 9 inserted into the sweatband 2 and sewed inside 10 the sweatband 2 to 20 give the sweatband 2 the shape to conform to the wearer ' s f orehead 1, and to serve as the support f or mounting the bistable tensioning pivotal m~h~ni Fm 5 The plastic h~lh~ntl insert 9 is sewed inside 10 the sweatband 2 for approximately 3/4 of the circumference 25 from slightly behind one ear, around the orehead to slightly behind the opposite ear. The path o the sewed thread 10 follows the outline of the plastic h~ lh~nc~ insert 9 approximately 1/8" inside its edge, securing together the plastic h~lh~nd insert 9, the 30 sweatband 2, and the elastic strap 11 with adjusting buckles 17.
The eyeshield 3, Figs. 3 and 4, is a one piece curved polycarbonate type plastic shield of optical quality, and shaped to conform to the 35 forehead, nose, and cheekbone areas of the face, approximately 9 1/2" in length, heat formed into an approximate 4" radius, and 3" wide at the widest section. The edges are smooth and rounded, and without supporting frames, allowing a soft protective rubber trim 22 to be applied to the edges if deemed necessary for player safety. The eyeshield 3 can be clear as well as tinted to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of ~ ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun encountered during outdoor sports. The thickness of the plastic will depend upon it ' s ultimate use, but a 0.060" thickness has proven to be a good balance between strength and weight A soft nosepiece 4 made of lightweight foam rubber provides support for the eyeshield as well as a locating device to properly locate the eyeshield 3 relative to the f ace of the wearer . The eyeshield 3 is attached to the bistable tensioning pivotal ml~rh~n; r,m 5 by means of the two pairs of 1/8" diameter rivets 15A and 15B.
These rivets 15A and 15B are inserted through 1/8 "
I.D. spacers 16", as shown in Fig 15, and located between the eyeshield 3 and the swing arms 14A and 14B
to assure smooth rotation with a minimum of friction between the eyeshield 3 and the swing arms 14A and 14B .
The two pairs of swing arms 14A and 14B are made of 0 . 031" thick 2024 aircraft grade aluminum with one 1/8" diameter hole drilled in each end for mounting to the eye3hield 3 by means of the rivets 15A
and 15B, and one 1/8 " diameter hole drilled in each opposite end for mounting to the bistable tensioning pivotal r~~h;ln; rm 5 by means of rivets 15C and 15D.
Black anodi~ing may be used to produce a non-glare surface for these aluminum parts. The arms may also be molded from suitable plastics material.
218~76~
Each of the two bistable tensioning pivotal r~chAni rm 5, one on each opposite side of the sweatband 2, is built upon a 1 3/8" wide x 2" long x 3/32" thick oval shaped aluminum or plastic base 6 S which is secuFed to the plastic h~AflhAn~ insert 9 inside the sweatband 2 by means of the two mounting screws 8.
Referring now to Figures 3, 4, 7-A, 7-B and 8 and 9, there will be described the construction 10 operation of the bistable tensioning pivotal ~~-hAniRm 5. As shown more clearly in Figure 7-B, each of the pivotal arms 14A and 14B are provided with a band engaging guide means 19 formed as an arcuate convexly curved guide surface 40 extending from the back wall 15 41 of the pivotal arms and having opposed transverse flange walls 42 whereby to form an arcuate guide channel for retaining a portion of the elastic band 7 positioned in tension thereabout. The inner flange 42 may be formed by the inner surface 41 of the swing 20 arms i~ the part is injection molded. A small sheave could also be substituted to achieve the same purpose.
As hereinshown the swing arms 14A and 14B
are each pivotally secured to pivot connections 15D
and 15C which are pivotally secured to the support 25 base 6. The free end of the arms is also pivotally connected to the eyeshield by a pair of rivets 15A and 15B or simply by a pair of slotted pivot pins which permit easy removal of the swing arms from the shield, as is necessary to remove the elastic band from the 30 bistable tensioning pivotal -~AhAn; Rm 5 The elastic band 7 is formed as a loop and is dimensioned so that when positioned about the guide surfaces 40 of the guide element 19 it stretches to apply a tension between the guide elements of the pair of pivotal arms 35 14A and 14B to exert a pulling force in opposed _ _ _ ... . _ .. ...... _ . _ _ _ _ _ .
2 1 ~ ~ 76~
direction when the arms are displaced on their pivot connections 15C and 15D whereby the arms are displaceable in tandem between a position of use as shown in Figure 8 with the eyeshield protecting the 5 eye area of the wearer and to a position of non-use, as shown in Figure 9, with the eyeshield pivoted above the eye area in front of the forehead of the wearer.
These positions of use and non-use are de~rmi nod by abutment means incorporated into the shape of the 10 pivotal arms and is comprised by a first and second shaped abutment lower edge formation 20A and 20B
respectively for the upper one of the pair of side arms and a f irst and second shaped abutment upper edge formations 20C and 20D,. respectively, of a lower one 15 of the pair of pivotal arms 14A and 14B. The first abutment formation 20A of the upper arm and lower arms are in abutment relationship and arrest the arms at the position of non-use, as shown in Figures 3 and 9 while the second abutment formations 20B and 20D are 20 in abutting relationship and arrest the arms at the position of use. The shape of these formations therefore determine these positions As shown in Figure 3, the pivot connections 15C and 15D are spaced apart and offset from one 25 another in the vertical plane. In this particular embodiment the elastic band 7 is positioned about the post of these pivot connections. The band 7 has a predet~rm; nl~fl tensile strength depending on the force that one wishes to exert on the arms and their maximum 30 position of use position of non-use. By interchanging these bands with other bands of different tensile strengths, this pulling force on the arms can be modified by the user. This affording a novel method whereby the operating forces between positions of use 35 and non-use of the device can be optionally altered depending upon conditions of prospective use The band i5 detA--h;lh~ from the arms by detaching the free end of the arms from the eyeshield and passing the band over the pair of arms. Accordingly, it is very simple 5 to replace a band to use one with more strength, if desired, depending on the type of support that the eyeshield is used for or to replace a defective band.
It is pointed out that with the bistable tensioning pivotal r--h,~n;-m as hereinshown the lO maximum pulling force on the arms and consequently the eyeshield is the position of use and position of non-use of the eyeshield and this force progressively ~siminishe~ as the eyeshield is displaced with the f ingers of the wearer towards a substantially mid-way 15 position where the pulling force is at a minimum or null point. It is pointed out that although the headgear as hereinshown is a sweatband or headband 2, it can be other types of headgear onto ~hich the bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism 5 can be secured 20 and it is therefore intended not to restrict this invention to a sweatband type headgear.
A unique feature of the bistable tensioning pivotal m~o~.h~ni rm 5, aside from lts simplicity which is one of its main characterizing features, is the 25 fact that when it is displaced with the hands it has a smooth-continuously variable "feel" as the eyeshield is rotated between its position of use and position of non-use or vice-versa This smooth "feel" is accomplished by the change of the relative positions 30 of the two guide elements 19, not only to each other, but also with relation to the two pivot connections 15C and 15D of the swing arms.
When the eyeshield 3 is in the position of use, its down position in front of the wearer's eyes, 35 the two curve guide elements 19 are arranged in .. _ . .. .. .. . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . ..
2~8~ 764 relation to the two pivot points wherein there is a maximum moment on the upper swing arm and a nearly zero moment on the lower swing arm due to its alignment with the pivot connection 15C. When the 5 eyeshield is up in its position of non-use, the two curve guide elements are arranged in relation to the two pivot points whereby the upper curve guide element is at zero or nearly zero moment on the upper swing arm due to its alignment with the pivot connection 15D
lO and the curve guide element of the lower swing arm is at its maximum moment These maximum forces hold the shield in both these positions and as the resultant force is decreased to zero substantially mid-way in the travel when displacing the eyeshield, this pulling 15 force begins to increase progressively in the opposlte direction as the eyeshield moves to the opposite position . Therefore, since the forces are inf initely variable, the "feel" of the bistable tensioning pivotal m~m.hAni e-m is a continuously smooth application 20 of increasing or decreasing force in the two opposite directions .
With reference now to Figures 10 to 12, there will be described a further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal r-~h~ni ~T 5 ' as 25 hereinshown Like reference numerals as in Figures 1-9 have been given a prime designation and the description of some of these will not be repeated.
The tensioning pivotal r-~h;lnirm 5' consists of two stationary posts 18 ' attached to the plastic base 6 ' 30 and two rotating posts 19 ' attached to the two swing arms . The lower swing arm 14A ' is attached to the plastic base 6 ' by means of the rivet 15C ' The upper swing arm 14B ' is attached to the plastic base 6 ' by means of the rivet 15D ' . The rubber band 7 ' is 35 stretched around the two stationary posts 18 ' and the 2~ 76~
two rotating posts l9 ', Figure lO and Figure ll, and held in place by a keeper 17 ' installed in the top of each of the two stationary posts 18 ' and the two rotating posts l9 ' The keepers 17 ' have mounting s holes which allow to pass therethrough and the flared end of the rivets holds the keepers 17 ' in place atop the stationary posts 18 ' and the rotatlng posts 19 ' .
The rubber band 7' is approximately 0.080" thick, 3"
in circumference ln the static state, and rides on the lO surfaces of bushings on the stationary posts 18 ' and the rotating posts 19 ' to reduce friction.
The unique part of the invention is the bistable rotating r~ Ani~m tensionlng system 5' which is used to mount the eyeshield 3 ' to the sweatband 2 ', 15 and to give the apparatus a solid, fluid, feel as the eyeshield 3 ' is manually rotated up and down between the normal viewing position (Figure 11) and the out of viewing position (Fi~ure 10). The posLtion of the stationary posts 18 ' and the changing relative 20 position of the rotating posts 19 ' on the swing arms 14A ' and 14B ' as the arms rotate around the mounting rivets 15C ' and 15D ' causes the rubber band 7 ' to apply tenslon to the eyeshield 3 ' in the normal viewing position (Figure ll) to hold the eyeshield 3 ' 2s firmly in place even during strenuous physical activity. ~hen the eyeshield 3 ' is manually lifted toward the out of viewing position (Figure 10), the position of the rotating posts 19 ' changes in relation to the stationary posts 18 ' and the tension applied to 30 the eyeshield 3 ' decreased to zero midway through the travel path, then begins increasing again in the opposite direction until the eyeshield 3 ' is rotated to the out of viewing position ( Figure 10 ) where maximum tension is applied to keep the eyeshield 3 ' 35 held firmly in this out of viewing position. The , . _ .. . . . .. . .. . ... . _ _ _ _ . .
2 1 8 1 76~
resultant force vectors from this arrangement force the swing arms 14A ' and 14B ' to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around the mounting rivets 15C ' and 15D ' in the normal viewing position, rotate clock-S wise in the out of viewing position, as viewed in thef igures and remain neutral midway in the travel arc .
The use of bushings in the swing arms 14A ' and 14B ', the two stationary posts 18 ' and the two rotating posts 19 ' provide a low friction path for ~the lO rubber band 7 ' to apply its forces smoothly and efficiently during its operation, giving the invention a solid, almost lir~uid fee as the eyeshield 3 is rotated .
The rubber band 7 ' which activates the lS mechanical tensioning pivotal - ~~hAn i ~:m is approximately 0 . 080" thick and has a circumference of approximately 3" in the static state, and provides the most efficient, lightweight, simple and economical solution of providing the f orce needed to hold the 20 eyeshield 3 ' firmly in its desired positions, as compared to springs, cams, latches and other bulky --h_n i r~ 1 systems . Another advantage of this mechanism, and all of its embodiments described herein, is that the operating characteristics of the 25 system can be drastically changed by making small changes in the material composition and/or changes in the dimensions of the rubber band 7 ' alone. The rubber band 7 ' is kept in position on the stationary posts 18 ' and the rotating posts 19 ' by means of 30 keepers 17 ', which are round aluminum or plastic parts with one leg bent down 9 0 degrees to keep the rubber band 7 ' in place even during the high impacts encountered during competitive sports activities. New rubber bands 7 ' can be installed by maneuvering the 2~7~
bands under the small clearance allowea between the keepers 90 degree leg and the plastic base 6 ' .
The offset locations of the pivot points for the upper swing arm 14B ' and the lower swing arm 14A ', 5 for both the plastic base 6 ' and the eyeshield 3 ', where carefully determined so the eyeshield 3 ' would rotate with two degrees of freedom, allowing the eyeshield 3 ' to first rotate up and away from the face of the wearer, then begin tilting backward as it moves lo upward, until it rests comfortably above the wearer's forehead like a pair of normal sunglasses would be positioned (Figure 2). Mechanical stops 20A, and 20B' incorporated into the swing arms 14A' and 14B' prevent the eyeshield 3 ' from over rotating in either the up 15 or down positions The theory of operation of the bistable rotating mechanical tensioning system can best be described as the application of forces generated whenever a tension device, such as a rubber band, is 20 deformed from its natural state These forces then apply moments to the rotating posts on the two pairs of swing arms connecting the bistable rotating mechanical tensioning system to the eyeshield, causing the eyeshield to rotate between the normal viewing 25 position and the out of viewing position.
The relative positions of the stationary posts and the rotating posts on the of f set swing arms changes as the swing arms move through their respective travel arcs. when the eyeshield is in the 30 normal viewing position (Figure 11), the expan~ed rubber band applies tension to the rotating posts, which are now located below the pivot points of the 6wing arms, creating a counter clockwise moment on the swing arms, f irmly holding the eyeshield in the normal 35 viewing position. In this position, relative to the , . ... . .. _ _ . . . _ _ _ _ rotating posts, the stationary posts are also below the swing arms pivot points.
When the eyeshield is in the out of viewing position (Figure 2), the expanded rubber band applies tension to the rotating post, which are now located above the pivot points of the swing arms, creatlng a clockwise moment on the swing arms, f irmly holding the eyeshield in the out of viewing position. In this position, relative to the rotating posts, the stationary posts are also above the swing arms pivot points .
As the swing arms move to and f rom the positions just described, the moments applied to the swing arms by the rubber band decrease to zero as the rotating post, swing arms pivot points, and the stationary posts come into a straight line alignment.
As these three points diverge relative to one another the moments applied to the swing arms begins to increase again in the opposite direction.
Referring now to Figures 13 to 15, there will be described a further embodiment of the bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism 5" of the present invention. Again, like numerals to those of Figures 1-9 will be given a double prime designation and the description of some of these will not be repeated. As hereinshown, the ~~ch;lni Fm consists of one pulley 18"
attached to the base 6 " by means of rivet 15~", and two curved guides 19 " on the two swing arms 14A" and 14B" The lower swing arm 14A" is attached to the base 6 " by means of the rivet 15C" and a spacer 16 " .
The upper swing arm 14B" is attached to the base 6" by means of the rivet 15D" and a spacer 16" The rubber band 7" is stretched around the pulley 18" and the two curved guides 19", see Figure 15. The rubber band 7 is approximately .070" thick, 3" in circumference in _ ..... . ... . . .. . . .
~1817~4 the static state, and rides in the groove of the pulley 18" and the grove of the curved guide 19" of the lower swing arm 14A" and the grove of the curved guide 19" of the upper swing arm 14B".
S The position of the one pulley 18", Figure 13 and Figure 14, and the changing relative position of the curved guides 19" on the swing arms 14A" and 14B" as the arms rotate around the mounting rivets 15C" and 15D" causes the rubber band 7" to apply tension to the eyeshield 3 " as previously described.
The pulley 18" provides a low friction path for the rubber band 7" to apply its forces smoothly and efficiently to the two curved guides 19" of the lower swing arm 14A" and the upper swing arm 14B" during its operation, giving the invention a smooth, fluid feel as the eyeshield 3 " is rotated. The rubber band 7 " is kept in position by means of the alignment of a single deep groove in the pulley 18 ", and a single deep groove channel in the curved guide 19" of the lower swing arm 14A", and a single deep groove channel in the curved guide 19" of the upper swing arm 14B".
This alignment of the rubber band 7" will keep the rubber band 7" in place even during the high impacts encountered during competitive sports activities.
The offset locations of the pivot points ~or the upper swing arm 14B" and the lower swing arm 14A", for both the base 6" and the eyeshield 3", were carefully determined so the eyeshield 3" would rotate with two degrees of freedom, allowing the eyeshield 3 "
to first rotate up and away from the face of the wearer, then begin tilting backward as it moves upward, until it rests comfortably above the wearer's forehead like a pair of normal sunglasses would be positioned (Figure 2). Mechanical stops 20A" and 20B"
3S incorporated into the swing arms 14A" and 14B" prevent . . . ... . . . _ . _ . .. .. .. , . . ... ,, . , , , .. , . . .. . ., _ _ _ . .... . .
21817~4 the eyeshield 3 " from over roi-ating in either the up or down positions.
A second variation of the above described invention would involve having the sweatband conform 5 solely to the size and 3hape of the interior plastic headhand insert 9 ", thus eliminating the adj ustable elastic strap 11" traversing the back of the head of the wearer (Figure 8 and Figure 9 ) .
This variation of the above described 10 invention involves only two physical changes: a) terminating the sewed sweatband at the two ends of the plastic h~flh~nfl insert 9", and ~) increasing the material thickness of the plastic h ~rlh~n~q insert 9 "
from approximately 0.030" to approximately 0 060".
A11 other physical parts remain the same.
The installation and wearing features of this 3/4 circumference sweatband solves the problem of the less active f emale and male wearer ' s who do not want their expensive hair styles disturbed by a full 20 circumference sweatband/adjustable elastic strap combination 12"
This second variation of the ahove described invention has the advantage of being installed and worn beneath the overlaying hair of the wearer, 25 without an adjustable elastic strap 11" matting and forming an indentation in the hair style at the back of the head of the wearer. The sweatband is inserted in place directly from the front of the head, rather than being pulled over the top of the head, thus 30 eliminating the disarranging and matting of the wearer ' s hair .
The increased thickness of the plastic headband insert 9" creates a spring action, when installed in place, that gently grips the head of the 35 wearer. With the additional support of the nose piece . . , _ . . .. . _ _ . , . ..... . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . .
21~17~
4", and the tension supplied by the bistable tensioning pivotal m~-h~n;-m 5", the invention is held securely in place during moderate physical activities, without matting or forming indentations in the hair 5 stile of the wearer.
The bistable tensioning pivotal ~s-h~n~
used to join the eyeshield to the sweatband is a rugged, light weight, and precise way to give the outdoor athlete the comfort, convenience and 10 protection required by today ' s sports .
While the above description contains many specif icities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment IS thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism could be used for raising and lower welding hoods, safety glasses, ski goggles, reading glasses, virtual reality displays, tops to toy chests and jewelry boxes, etc Also a soft P~rAnc~Ahle rubber boot or cover can be placed over the bistable rotating mechanical tensioning sy3tem to cover exposed edges and make the invention safe for high impact sports The sweatband can display art or advertising with all the possible color and graphic combinations.
The aluminum swing arms can be replaced with plastic or composite materials for unusual applications.
Changes in the parts sizes would allow the design to f it teen and pre-teen age groups .
Referring now to Figures 16 to 18 there is shown a position ad~usting m--h~n;rm 50 secured to the support base 6 to cause relative displacement of the eyeshield with respect to a frontal portion 51 of the headgear 12. The position adjusting mechanism 50 3$ comprises essentially, as shown in Figure 18, a . . ..... . _ _ _ _ ... . . .. _ _ _ _ .
2~8~4 mounting plate 53 which is secured to the headgear by the rivets and bushings 8 and 13. The mounting plate is provided with projecting abutment means in the form of guide posts 52 capable of receiving pop rivets 54 5 to secure the support base 6 in sliding movement thereover As hereinshown the mounting plate 6 is provided with an elongated slot 55 to permit limited longitudinal displacement of the support base over the 10 mounting plate 53. The guide posts 52 determine the forward and rearward limit of this displacement and guide the plate along a straight axis.
An ad~ustment means in the form of a threaded shaft 56 is secured at a rear end 57 of the l5 support base 6 in a variety of manner and as hereinshown this threaded shaft is provided with a flanged head 58 which is received in a transverse cavity 59 at the end of a through slot 60 thereby forming a T-sh~ped slot at the rear end 57 of the 20 support base 6. Of course, this threaded shaft may also be integrally formed with the support base 6 and pro j ect rearwardly thereof .
The threaded shaft 56 extends through a stationary housing, herein formed as a U-shaped casing 25 or housing 61 having an open end 62 and securable to a headgear. A finger actuable adjusting wheel 63 is disposed in this casing 61 and a shaft 56 is threaded therethrough by turning the wheel 63. This is done until the free end of the threaded shaft 56 extends 30 through a hole ~not shown) in the back wall 64 of the housing. Accordingly, the shaft 56 extends entirely through the housing with its free end 65 protruding therefrom at all times. The shaft 56 is of sufficient length to hold the wheel 63 captive between the side 35 walls of the casing with the support base 6 in its .. . _ .. . , .. _ _ _ . .
218~64 maximum advance position. It can be seen therefore that by adjusting the position of the support base 6, the eyeshield 3 can be moved closer or further away from the wearer's face in front of his eyes. This is 5 an adjustment which makes it possible to custom-fit the lens comf ortably to the particular wearer and makes this eye protection device suit a great variety of people therefore making it universal. It can therefore also be appreciated that the combination of 10 an eyeshield with pivotal arms secured to a base intentioned by biasing means and wherein the base is adjustable, is also a characteristic of the present invention clearly not taught by the prior art.
~hile my above description contains many 15 specif icities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the bistable tensioning pivotal m~mhAn;-m 20 could be used for raising and lower welding hoods, safety glasses, reading glasses, virtual reality displays, tops to toy chests and jewelry boxes.
The sweatband can display art or advertising with all the possible color and graphic combinations.
25 The aluminum swing arms can be replaced with plastic or composite materials for unusual applications.
Changes in the parts sizes would allow the design to f it teen and pre-teen age groups .
Thus the scope of the invention should be 30 de~-~rm; nP~ by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
The bistable tensioning pivotal ~s-h~n~
used to join the eyeshield to the sweatband is a rugged, light weight, and precise way to give the outdoor athlete the comfort, convenience and 10 protection required by today ' s sports .
While the above description contains many specif icities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment IS thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism could be used for raising and lower welding hoods, safety glasses, ski goggles, reading glasses, virtual reality displays, tops to toy chests and jewelry boxes, etc Also a soft P~rAnc~Ahle rubber boot or cover can be placed over the bistable rotating mechanical tensioning sy3tem to cover exposed edges and make the invention safe for high impact sports The sweatband can display art or advertising with all the possible color and graphic combinations.
The aluminum swing arms can be replaced with plastic or composite materials for unusual applications.
Changes in the parts sizes would allow the design to f it teen and pre-teen age groups .
Referring now to Figures 16 to 18 there is shown a position ad~usting m--h~n;rm 50 secured to the support base 6 to cause relative displacement of the eyeshield with respect to a frontal portion 51 of the headgear 12. The position adjusting mechanism 50 3$ comprises essentially, as shown in Figure 18, a . . ..... . _ _ _ _ ... . . .. _ _ _ _ .
2~8~4 mounting plate 53 which is secured to the headgear by the rivets and bushings 8 and 13. The mounting plate is provided with projecting abutment means in the form of guide posts 52 capable of receiving pop rivets 54 5 to secure the support base 6 in sliding movement thereover As hereinshown the mounting plate 6 is provided with an elongated slot 55 to permit limited longitudinal displacement of the support base over the 10 mounting plate 53. The guide posts 52 determine the forward and rearward limit of this displacement and guide the plate along a straight axis.
An ad~ustment means in the form of a threaded shaft 56 is secured at a rear end 57 of the l5 support base 6 in a variety of manner and as hereinshown this threaded shaft is provided with a flanged head 58 which is received in a transverse cavity 59 at the end of a through slot 60 thereby forming a T-sh~ped slot at the rear end 57 of the 20 support base 6. Of course, this threaded shaft may also be integrally formed with the support base 6 and pro j ect rearwardly thereof .
The threaded shaft 56 extends through a stationary housing, herein formed as a U-shaped casing 25 or housing 61 having an open end 62 and securable to a headgear. A finger actuable adjusting wheel 63 is disposed in this casing 61 and a shaft 56 is threaded therethrough by turning the wheel 63. This is done until the free end of the threaded shaft 56 extends 30 through a hole ~not shown) in the back wall 64 of the housing. Accordingly, the shaft 56 extends entirely through the housing with its free end 65 protruding therefrom at all times. The shaft 56 is of sufficient length to hold the wheel 63 captive between the side 35 walls of the casing with the support base 6 in its .. . _ .. . , .. _ _ _ . .
218~64 maximum advance position. It can be seen therefore that by adjusting the position of the support base 6, the eyeshield 3 can be moved closer or further away from the wearer's face in front of his eyes. This is 5 an adjustment which makes it possible to custom-fit the lens comf ortably to the particular wearer and makes this eye protection device suit a great variety of people therefore making it universal. It can therefore also be appreciated that the combination of 10 an eyeshield with pivotal arms secured to a base intentioned by biasing means and wherein the base is adjustable, is also a characteristic of the present invention clearly not taught by the prior art.
~hile my above description contains many 15 specif icities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the bistable tensioning pivotal m~mhAn;-m 20 could be used for raising and lower welding hoods, safety glasses, reading glasses, virtual reality displays, tops to toy chests and jewelry boxes.
The sweatband can display art or advertising with all the possible color and graphic combinations.
25 The aluminum swing arms can be replaced with plastic or composite materials for unusual applications.
Changes in the parts sizes would allow the design to f it teen and pre-teen age groups .
Thus the scope of the invention should be 30 de~-~rm; nP~ by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
Claims (28)
1. An eye protection device comprising an eyeshield pivotally connectable to a headgear by a pair of bistable tensioning pivotal mechanisms to position said eyeshield to an eye protection position of use and to a position of non-use away from the eyes of a wearer, each said mechanisms having a pair of pivotal arms pivotally connected at one end to a support base which is attachable to said headgear, each arm of said pair of pivotal arms having a free end pivotally connected to said eyeshield, said pivotal arms having a band engaging guide means secured to each said arm at a predetermined location with respect to a respective one of said first and second pivot connections and displaceable on an arc about said respective one of said first and second pivot connections, a single stretchable elastic band formed as a loop and disposed in tension about and between said band engaging guide means of said pair of pivotal arms to exert a pulling force in opposed directions to displace said arms in tandem between said position of use and non-use, and abutment means associated with said pair of pivotal arms to arrest said arms at said position of use and position of non-use.
2. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said elastic band is removably connected to about said band engaging means for replaceable connection thereto.
3. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said elastic band has a predetermined tensile strength, said band being interchangeable with other bands of different tensile strength to vary the strength of said pulling force.
4. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said free end pivotal connection of said arms is a detachable pivotal connection to permit the removal of said elastic band and the replacement of another elastic band.
5. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pulling force is at a maximum at said position of use and said position of non-use and progressively diminishes as said eyeshield is displaced toward a substantially mid-way position where said pulling force is at a minimum.
6. An eye protection device as claimed in claim wherein said abutment means is comprises by a first and a second shaped abutment lower edge formation of an upper one of said pair of arms, and a first and a second shaped abutment upper edge formation of a lower one of said pair of arms, said first abutment formation of said upper and lower arms being in abutting relationship and arresting said arms at said position of non-use while said second abutment formations of said upper and lower arms are in abutting relationship and arrest said arms at said position of use.
7. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said band engaging guide means is an arcuate convexly curved guide surface of a guide element secured to a back wall of each said pair of pivotal arms.
8. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said guide element is an arcuate guide wall having opposed transverse flange walls to form an arcuate guide channel for retaining a portion of said elastic band captive therethrough.
9. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said guide element is a cylindrical element.
10. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said headgear is a sweatband, said support base being secured to a rigid insert element.
11. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 10 wherein said support base is adjustably secured to said rigid insert element by a position adjusting mechanism whereby to cause relative displacement of said eyeshield with a frontal portion of said headband.
12. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said portion adjusting mechanism has a finger-actuable adjusting element to cause displacement of said support base along restraining guide means, and a threaded connector interconnecting said finger-actuable adjusting element and said support base.
13. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support base is adjustably secured to said headgear by a position adjusting mechanism whereby to cause relative displacement of said eyeshield with a frontal position of said headgear.
14. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said free end of each said arms is pivotally connected to said eyeshield by a removable pivot pin to permit ease of disconnection of said free end from said eyeshield.
15. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said elastic band loop is also disposed about said first and second pivot connections.
16. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism further comprises a pulley secured to said support base, said elastic band loop being positioned in tension about said pulley and said band engaging guide means of said pair of arms with said pivot connections disposed inside said loop in an off-set relationship
17. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said position adjusting mechanism comprises a mounting plate secured to said headgear, said mounting plate having projecting abutment means extending through a slot in said support base to permit limited longitudinal displacement of said support base, and adjustment means to cause said displacement of said support base.
18. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said adjustment means is comprises by a threaded shaft secured at one end to said support base, said shaft extending through a stationary housing secured to said headgear and disposed in threaded engagement with a finger-actuable adjusting wheel arrested in said housing and partly accessible exteriorly of said housing.
19. An eye protection device, comprising in combination:
(a) a headband adapted to engage the head of a user to support said eye protection device;
(b) an optical eyeshield having a right side portion and a left side portion;
(c) a first and second bistable eyeshield support rigidly connected to the right and left side portion respectively of said headband, each said bistable eyeshield support including:
i. a base rigidly connected to a side portion of the headband, ii. an upper arm having an outer end pivotally connected to an upper point of said side portion of the eyeshield and an inner end pivotally connected to a first pivot point of said base, iii. a lower arm having an outer end pivotally connected to a lower point of said side portion of the eyeshield and an inner end pivotally connected to a second pivot point of said base, said second pivot point of said base being below said first pivot point of said base, iv. a low friction guide connected to a support point of said base rearward of said first and second pivot points thereof, below said first pivot point of said base, and above said second pivot point of said base, v. an elastic band having an upper segment engaging said low friction guide and an intermediate point of said upper arm, and a lower segment engaging said low friction guide and an intermediate point of said lower arm, the upper segment of said elastic band producing a first tensile force between said low friction guide and the intermediate point of said upper arm, the lower segment of said elastic band producing a second tensile force between said low friction guide and the intermediate point of said lower arm, portions of said elastic band moving around said low friction guide to the lower segment of said elastic band as the eyeshield is raised from a lower position of use to an upper position of non-use portions of said elastic band moving around said low friction guide to the upper segment of said elastic band as the eyeshield is lowered from an upper position to said lower position, the first and second tensile forces being balanced by the movement of the portions of said elastic band around said low friction guide as the eyeshield moves from one of the lower and upper positions through a bistable point to the other of the lower and upper positions.
(a) a headband adapted to engage the head of a user to support said eye protection device;
(b) an optical eyeshield having a right side portion and a left side portion;
(c) a first and second bistable eyeshield support rigidly connected to the right and left side portion respectively of said headband, each said bistable eyeshield support including:
i. a base rigidly connected to a side portion of the headband, ii. an upper arm having an outer end pivotally connected to an upper point of said side portion of the eyeshield and an inner end pivotally connected to a first pivot point of said base, iii. a lower arm having an outer end pivotally connected to a lower point of said side portion of the eyeshield and an inner end pivotally connected to a second pivot point of said base, said second pivot point of said base being below said first pivot point of said base, iv. a low friction guide connected to a support point of said base rearward of said first and second pivot points thereof, below said first pivot point of said base, and above said second pivot point of said base, v. an elastic band having an upper segment engaging said low friction guide and an intermediate point of said upper arm, and a lower segment engaging said low friction guide and an intermediate point of said lower arm, the upper segment of said elastic band producing a first tensile force between said low friction guide and the intermediate point of said upper arm, the lower segment of said elastic band producing a second tensile force between said low friction guide and the intermediate point of said lower arm, portions of said elastic band moving around said low friction guide to the lower segment of said elastic band as the eyeshield is raised from a lower position of use to an upper position of non-use portions of said elastic band moving around said low friction guide to the upper segment of said elastic band as the eyeshield is lowered from an upper position to said lower position, the first and second tensile forces being balanced by the movement of the portions of said elastic band around said low friction guide as the eyeshield moves from one of the lower and upper positions through a bistable point to the other of the lower and upper positions.
20. The eye protection device as claimed in claim 19 wherein said low friction guide is a bushing.
21. The eye protection device as claimed in claim 19 wherein said elastic band is a closed loop rubber band.
22. The eye protection device as claimed in claim 19 wherein as the eyeshield is raised, the upper segment of said elastic band moves away from the first pivot point of said base thereby increasing a component of the first tensile force tending to raise the eyeshield and the lower segment of the elastic band moves toward the second pivot point of the base thereby decreasing a component of the second tensile force tending to lower the eyeshield, and wherein as the eyeshield is lowered the upper segment of said elastic band moves toward the first pivot point of said base thereby decreasing a component of the first tensile force tending to raise the eyeshield and the lower segment of said elastic band moves away from the second pivot point of said base thereby increasing a component of the second tensile force tending to lower the eyeshield.
23. An eye protection device comprising an eyeshield pivotally connectable to a headgear by a pair of bistable tensioning pivotal mechanisms to position said eyeshield to an eye protection position of use and to a position of non-use away from the eyes of a wearer, each said mechanisms having a pair of pivotal arms pivotally connected at one end to a support base which is attachable to said headgear, each arm of said pair of pivotal arms having a free end pivotally connected to said eyeshield, spring biasing means secured to each said arm at a predetermined location with respect to a respective one of said first and second pivot connections, said spring biasing means exerting a pulling force in opposed directions to displace said arms in tandem between said position of use and non-use, abutment means associated with said pair of pivotal arms to arrest said arms at said position of use and position of non-use, said support base being adjustably secured to said headgear by a position adjusting mechanism whereby to cause relative displacement of said eyeshield with a frontal position of said headgear.
24. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said position adjusting mechanism comprises a mounting plate secured to said headgear, said mounting plate having projecting abutment means extending through a slot in said support base to permit limited longitudinal displacement of said support base, and adjustment means to cause said displacement of said support base.
25. An eye protection device as claimed in claim 18 wherein said adjustment means is comprises by a threaded shaft secured at one end to said support base, said shaft extending through a stationary housing secured to said headgear and disposed in threaded engagement with a finger-actuable adjusting wheel arrested in said housing and partly accessible exteriorly of said housing.
26. The method of providing eye protection of a wearer of headgear comprising the steps of:
(A) providing an attachable eye shield with bistable tensioning pivoting mechanism including picotal arms having free ends connected to a support base in whicheye shield alternatively has:
1) an eye-protecting position; and 2) a non-use position away from a user's line-of-sight; and (B) selectively mounting one of a plurality of different-strength, tensional elastic bands about free ends of the pivotable arms connected to said support base for optionally providing a biasing force between alternate position of use and non-use of said eye shield.
(A) providing an attachable eye shield with bistable tensioning pivoting mechanism including picotal arms having free ends connected to a support base in whicheye shield alternatively has:
1) an eye-protecting position; and 2) a non-use position away from a user's line-of-sight; and (B) selectively mounting one of a plurality of different-strength, tensional elastic bands about free ends of the pivotable arms connected to said support base for optionally providing a biasing force between alternate position of use and non-use of said eye shield.
27. The method of claim 26 including the step of providing the headgear in the form of a sweatband.
28. The method as claimed in claim 26 in which said bistable tensioning pivoting mechanism and pivotal arms are arranged to provide maximum force during the positions of use and non-use of said eye shield.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US50576395A | 1995-07-21 | 1995-07-21 | |
| US08/505,763 | 1995-07-21 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2181764A1 true CA2181764A1 (en) | 1997-01-22 |
Family
ID=24011730
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2181764 Abandoned CA2181764A1 (en) | 1995-07-21 | 1996-07-22 | Eye protection device for headgear and method of providing an optional operating force therein |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2181764A1 (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-07-22 CA CA 2181764 patent/CA2181764A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20020722 |