CN211984193U - Glasses lens protector - Google Patents

Abstract

An eyeglass lens protector comprising a front cover adapted to be placed over at least a portion of a front portion of at least one lens in an eyeglass, and an attachment mechanism by which the cover can be removably attached to the front portion of the lens. The eyeglass lens protector can additionally comprise a rear cover adapted to be placed over at least a portion of the rear of at least one lens in the eyeglass.

Description

Glasses lens protector

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/590,300, filed on 23/11/2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to eyewear and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to eyewear lens protectors.

Background

There are different types of eyewear protectors on the market. These protectors generally comprise a container so that the folded glasses can be inserted into the container and completely enclosed therein. Some of these containers are made of a relatively rigid, hard material, typically plastic. Other containers are made of a soft material, which may include leather, fabric, or polymer, and generally resemble a sleeve having an opening into which the folded eyeglasses can be inserted. Both the hard and soft containers may be lined.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an eyeglass lens protector comprising a front cover adapted to be placed over at least a portion of a front portion of at least one lens in an eyeglass, and an attachment mechanism for removably attaching the front cover to the front portion of the lens.

In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism may comprise a clamping mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism comprises a spring clip. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism comprises a snap-in connector. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism comprises a magnetic material. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism comprises a spring fulcrum. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism includes an elastic band having a slot and a clasp. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism includes an elastic band having a slot and a male connector insertable into the slot. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism comprises a fulcrum mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism is attached to a nosepiece of the eyeglasses.

In some embodiments, the eyeglass lens protector can additionally comprise a rear cover adapted to be placed over at least a portion of the rear of the at least one lens in the eyeglass. The eyeglass lens protector can additionally comprise a support member that attaches the front cover to the rear cover.

In some embodiments, a lid may be attached to the rear cover. The cover may include a fastening mechanism. Optionally, the fastening mechanism comprises a snap fastener. Additionally or alternatively, the fastening mechanism comprises hook and loop fasteners.

In some embodiments, the rear cover includes a magnetic material.

In some embodiments, the front cover includes a damping material.

In some embodiments, the front cover comprises a relatively rigid material. Additionally or alternatively, the front cover comprises a relatively soft material.

Drawings

Some embodiments of the invention are described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The particulars shown are for purposes of example and to provide a discussion of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art how to implement the embodiments of the invention, the description and drawings being omitted for the sake of clarity.

FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector according to some embodiments of the present invention;

figures 3A and 3B schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector according to some embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector according to some embodiments of the invention;

fig. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector according to some embodiments of the invention;

fig. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector according to some embodiments of the invention;

figures 7A and 7B schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector according to some embodiments of the present invention;

figures 8A and 8B schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector according to some embodiments of the present invention;

9A-9D schematically illustrate exemplary attachment mechanisms for eyeglass lens protectors according to some embodiments of the present invention; and also

Fig. 10A and 10B schematically illustrate an exemplary damping mechanism for an eyeglass lens protector, according to some embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

The operation of eyewear protectors such as those described in the background section is cumbersome and impractical because they are typically too large to be stored in a shirt or pants pocket. In addition, folding the eyeglasses and storing them in the container, and taking them out of the container and unfolding them, is a tedious process, especially if the user must frequently wear and remove the eyeglasses, as is the case for users who typically wear more than one pair of eyeglasses (e.g., eyeglasses for reading and for near or far vision). Thus, many eyeglass users do not place the eyeglasses in a protective container when removing the eyeglasses, but rather often place the eyeglasses in a shirt pocket, or hang the eyeglasses directly over the last buttonhole portion of the shirt, or on one of the buttonholes of the shirt, or hang the eyeglasses on a chain, or place the eyeglasses unprotected on a surface such as a table or table surface.

The problem with not using a protective container and leaving the glasses exposed in the shirt pocket, or hanging on a shirt or chain, or unprotected resting on a surface is that any bending or accidental movement by the user can cause the glasses to fall to the ground and the lenses to be damaged by impact. In less severe cases, the damage may be scratching of the lens due to impact, and in more severe cases, may include chipping of the lens due to impact.

The applicant has realised that damage to the spectacle lenses due to dropping can be prevented, for example, by using a spectacle lens protector which can fit over both lenses when the user removes the spectacles. The eyeglass lens protector can partially or completely cover both sides of the lens, can be easily placed over the lens when the user removes the eyeglasses, and can be easily removed prior to wearing the eyeglasses. Alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector may only partially or fully cover a single side of both eyeglass lenses (the outside of the lenses away from the temple). Optionally, the eyeglass lens protector can additionally partially or completely cover the eyeglass frame and/or a bridge of the eyeglass frame. Optionally, the eyeglass lens protector may also partially or fully cover the temple.

In some embodiments, the eyeglass lens protector can include a right side protector for a right lens and a left side protector for a left lens. The two protectors may be joined together to form a single integral component. Alternatively, the right and left lens protectors may be separate from one another and may be connected together by a bridge assembly which may be connected to each protector and which may optionally span the bridge of the eyeglasses.

In some embodiments, the right and left protectors are separate from each other and may be individually mounted on the right lens and the left protector mounted on the left lens as two separate components. As two separate components, the individual protectors may be connected to one another by a string, string or other elastic connection means, meaning that the protectors may be allowed to be placed one on top of the other or adjacent to one another for storage in a pocket of clothing, inside a pocket of a bag or other relatively small space.

In some embodiments, a single protector may comprise any geometric shape. Alternatively, the shape of each individual protector may conform to the shape of the right and left lenses, respectively. Alternatively, the right-side protector and the left-side protector may have the same shape. Having the same shape may be advantageous in that the eyeglass lens protector may be adapted for use with all types of eyeglasses and may also be interchangeable. In addition, since only one type of lens protector (the left-side protector and the right-side protector are the same shape) needs to be manufactured, the production cost can be significantly reduced.

In some embodiments, whether unitary, bridge, or single eyeglass lens protectors, may be made of a material adapted to prevent falling from a shirt pocket or from an upper location in the torso or neck area of a person. The material of the eyeglass lens protector can comprise one or more relatively soft materials such as leather, fabric, sponge-like material, soft rubber, soft elastomers (e.g., silicon), and other suitable relatively soft materials. Additionally or alternatively, the material of the eyeglass lens protector can comprise a relatively rigid material, such as plastic, metal, hard rubber, hard polymer, cardboard, and other relatively rigid materials. Optionally, portions of the relatively hard material may include a coating to provide a smooth surface finish, for example in the area that may be in contact with the lens. Optionally, the eyeglass lens protector can be partially or fully filled with a shock absorbing material, such as a fluid damping material (e.g., a viscous fluid, such as a gel) or a solid damping material (e.g., a sponge-like material), among other suitable damping materials.

In examples where a relatively hard and relatively soft material is used in the same eyeglass lens protector, the relatively hard material may be used as the outer layer of the eyeglass lens protector as an outer cover and may be used to resist impact from a fall and other types of impact. A relatively soft material may be adhered to the inner surface of the outer cover and may abut the lens, forming an inner cushioning layer to provide additional impact protection and possible protection from scratching of the lens. In another embodiment, the exterior of the eyeglass lens protector may comprise a relatively soft material, such as fabric or leather, and may comprise a relatively hard material, such as cardboard or metal, within the interior to provide rigidity. In another example, as previously described, the eyeglass lens protector can be partially or fully filled with a shock absorbing material, which can include a fluid damping material or a solid damping material, among other suitable damping materials.

In some embodiments, the bridge assembly may be made of a relatively soft material and/or a relatively stiff material, and may include plastics, polymers, gel-filled materials, metals, and other suitable materials. The use of a relatively soft material in the nosepiece can be potentially advantageous, as it can allow the nosepiece to be bent to reduce the overall size of the eyeglass lens protector, as previously described, for storage in a pocket of clothing, a pocket of a bag, or other relatively small space.

In some embodiments, an eyeglass lens protector, whether unitary, bridging, or comprising a single protector, can comprise a folded shape and can be placed on a top frame, optionally from a bottom frame, of an eyeglass frame to completely or partially cover a lens. It may include an attachment mechanism to secure the lens protector to the lens, and optionally to the eyeglass frame.

In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism may include a clamping mechanism to press the right and left protectors against both faces of each lens. The clamping mechanism may include a spring type mechanism and/or a fulcrum mechanism which in an initial state presses the lens protectors together on each side of the lens and which spaces the protectors apart to allow the lens protectors to be placed on the lens before the protectors return to their initial state, thereby securely attaching the eyeglass lens protectors to the eyeglasses. The attachment mechanism may include a spring fulcrum or spring clip and/or may include a fulcrum mechanism built into the eyeglass lens protector. Additionally or alternatively, the eyewear protector may be secured to the bridge of the eyewear frame by a clamping mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector can comprise a snap-fit mechanism that can be mounted to a rim of the eyeglass frame.

In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism may include magnetic material in the right and left protectors that keeps the lens protector adhered to both faces of the lens. Additionally or alternatively, the attachment mechanism may include a suction-type mechanism in the right and left protectors that keeps the lens protector adhered to the lens when pressed against both sides of the lens.

In some embodiments, the eyeglass lens protector may be book-shaped and may include a hinge mechanism such that it can be opened and closed like a book to allow the protector to be placed over the lens without requiring any form of sliding motion. Alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector may wrap around the front of the eyeglass, covering both sides of the lens.

In some embodiments, the eyeglass lens protector can be adjusted to fit the contour of the lenses in the eyeglasses. For example, the eyeglass lens protector can comprise a curved shape adapted to fit onto eyeglasses having lenses with curved shapes, and the lens protector can be made of a material that allows it to fit onto eyeglasses having lenses with less curvature or no curvature at all. When removed from the latter, the eyeglass lens protector can flex back to its original curved shape.

In some embodiments, the eyeglass lens protector can include a means for hanging the protector when not in use. It may include a clamping mechanism that can clamp the eyeglass lens protector to a garment pocket, belt, bag, or other item from which the eyeglass lens protector can be hung.

Reference is now made to fig. 1A and 1B, which schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector 100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The eyeglass lens protector 100 can be configured to cover at least a portion of the front of the frame of the eyeglass 10, including both sides of the lenses 12 and 14.

The eyeglass lens protector 100 can comprise a folded shape and can comprise a first cover 102 adapted to cover a first face of the right and left lenses 12, 14, an opposing second cover 104 adapted to cover a second face of the right and left lenses, and an open cavity area 108 that can partially or fully house the frame edge and lenses. The eyeglass lens protector 100 can additionally comprise a support member 106 attached to the first cover 102 and the second cover 104.

The eyeglass lens protector 100 can slide down over the top edge of the frame and nose bridge of the eyeglass 10 and onto the right lens 12 and left lens 14 to cover both sides of the lenses. Optionally, the eyeglass lens protector 100 can be slid up over the bottom of the edge and over the right and left lenses 12, 14 to cover both sides of the lenses. Alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector 100 can be opened and closed like a book and placed over the frame edge and lens.

The support member 106 may include an attachment mechanism in the form of a clamping mechanism to press the cover against the lens. Additionally or alternatively, the support member 106 may include a snap-in connector as an attachment mechanism to attach the eyeglass lens protector 100 to the edge of the eyeglass 10. The clamping mechanism may allow the first cover 102 and the second cover 104 to be slightly offset from each other as the protector slides over the frame edge and the lens, and once in place, may allow the covers to clamp onto the lens.

Optionally, the clamping mechanism may comprise a spring mechanism and/or a fulcrum mechanism. Alternatively, the support member 106 may include a hinge mechanism that may allow the first cover 102 and the second cover 104 to open similar to a book and lock the covers in place when closed.

The eyeglass lens protector 100 can comprise a relatively rigid material and/or a relatively flexible material. Optionally, if the same relatively rigid material is used, the eyeglass lens protector 100 can be integrally formed. Alternatively, the cover and support member may be formed separately and then joined together, for example if a fabric is used. A soft material may be attached to the inside of the first cover 102 and the second cover 104 for protecting the lenses from possible scratches and for preventing contact with any relatively hard material that may be used.

Reference is now made to fig. 2A and 2B, which schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector 200, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The eyeglass lens protector 200 can be configured to enclose the front of the frame of the eyeglass 10, including both sides of the lenses 12 and 14.

The eyeglass lens protector 200 can include a first member 202 adapted to cover a first face of the right and left lenses 12, 14, a second member 204 adapted to cover a second face of the right and left lenses, and a third member 206, the third member 206 can serve as a cover for coupling the first mechanism to the second member to enclose the front of the eyeglass frame therein. The eyeglass lens protector 200 can additionally include a first fold 208, the first fold 208 adapted to allow the first member 202 to fold over a first face of the right and left lenses 12, 14, the second member 204 to fold over a second face of the lenses, and the second fold 210 adapted to allow the third member 206 to fold over the first member 202.

The eyeglass lens protector 200 can comprise a relatively rigid material and/or a flexible material. Alternatively, the members 202, 204, 206 and the folds 208 and 210 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the components and folds may be formed separately and joined together, for example if a fabric is used. A soft material may be attached and added to the inside of any of the components 202, 204, 206, and 208 for protecting the lens from possible scratches and preventing contact with any relatively hard material that may be used.

The eyeglass lens protector 200 can additionally comprise a fastening mechanism 212 to removably secure the third member 206 to the first member 202. The fastening mechanism may include hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, snaps, magnetic fastening mechanisms, and other fastening mechanisms suitable for removably securing two components together.

Reference is now made to fig. 3A and 3B, which schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector 300, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The eyeglass lens protector 300 can be configured to cover at least a portion of the front of the frame of the eyeglass 10, including both sides of the lenses 12 and 14. Alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector 300 can cover only one side of the lenses 12 and 14.

The eyeglass lens protector 300 can include a first wing member 302 adapted to cover a first face of the right and left lenses 12, 14, a second wing member 304 adapted to cover a second face of the right and left lenses, and a connecting band 306 that can be used to secure the lens protector to the nose piece of the eyeglass 10 to cover the lenses. Alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector may comprise only a first part 302 covering the front faces (away from the temples) of the right and left lenses 12, 14, and a connecting band 306 fixing the lens protector to the lenses.

The eyeglass lens protector 300 can include a fastening mechanism to removably secure the connecting band 306 to the bridge of the eyeglass. The fastening mechanism may include a slot 310 on the first component 302 and a hook-shaped distal end 308 on the web 306 that is insertable into the slot. Alternatively, the fastening mechanisms may include hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, magnetic fastening mechanisms, snaps, and other fastening mechanisms suitable for removably securing the connecting band 306 to the nosepiece. Additionally or alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector 300 can be secured to the eyeglass 10 by securing the first and second members 302, 304 against one another by a push and close mechanism, which can include clips.

The eyeglass lens protector 300 can comprise a relatively rigid material and/or a flexible material. Alternatively, if the same relatively rigid material is used, the components 302 and 304 and the connecting band 306 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the components and the interface tape 306 may be formed separately and bonded together. A soft material may be attached to the inside of first member 302 and second member 304 to protect the lens from possible scratching and to prevent contact with any relatively hard material that may be used.

Reference is now made to fig. 4A and 4B, which schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector 400, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The eyeglass lens protector 400 can be configured to cover at least a portion of the front of the frame of the eyeglass 10, including both sides of the lenses 12 and 14. Alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector 400 may cover only one side of the lenses 12 and 14.

The eyeglass lens protector 400 can include a first wing 402 adapted to cover a first face of the right and left lenses 12, 14, a second wing 404 adapted to cover a second face of the right and left lenses, and a connecting band 406 that can be used to secure the lens protector to the bridge of the eyeglass 10 to cover the lenses. Alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector may comprise only a first part 402 covering the front sides (away from the temples) of the right and left lenses 12, 14, and a connecting band 406 securing the lens protector to the lenses.

The eyeglass lens protector 400 can include a fastening mechanism to removably secure the connecting band 406 to the bridge of the eyeglass. The fastening mechanism may include a slot 410 on the first part 402 and a clasp 408 at the distal end of the connecting band 406 that may be inserted into the slot. Alternatively, the fastening mechanism may include hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, snaps, magnetic fastening mechanisms, and other fastening mechanisms suitable for removably securing the connecting band 406 to the nosepiece. Additionally or alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector 400 can be secured to the eyeglass 10 by securing the first and second pieces 402, 404 against one another by a push and close mechanism, which can include clips.

The eyeglass lens protector 400 can comprise a relatively rigid material and/or a flexible material. Alternatively, if the same relatively rigid material is used, the components 402 and 404 and the connecting band 406 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the member and the connecting band 406 may be formed separately and bonded together. A soft material may be attached to the inside of first part 402 and second part 404 to protect the lens from possible scratching and to prevent contact with any relatively hard material that may be used.

Reference is now made to fig. 5A and 5B, which schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The eyeglass lens protector 500 can include two separate lens protectors 501A and 501B, each of which can be configured to completely or partially cover both sides of a lens (i.e., lenses 12 and 14, respectively) in the eyeglass 10. Alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector 500 may cover only one side of the lenses 12 and 14.

The lens protectors 501A and 501B can include a first cover 502 adapted to cover a first face of the right and left lenses 12 and 14, respectively, an opposing second cover 504 adapted to cover a second face of the right and left lenses, respectively, and an open cavity area 508 that can partially or fully house the frame edge and lenses. The lens protectors 501A and 501B may additionally include a support member 506 attached to the first cover 502 and the second cover 504.

The lens protectors 501A and 501B can slide down over the top edge of the frame of the eyeglass 10 and the bridge and over the right and left lenses 12 and 14, respectively, to cover both sides of the lenses. Alternatively, the lens protectors 501A and 501B may slide up over the bottom of the edge and over the right and left lenses 12 and 14, respectively, to cover both sides of the lenses. Alternatively, the lens protectors 501A and 501B can be opened like a book and placed on the respective frame edges and lenses.

The support member 506 may include an attachment mechanism in the form of a clamping mechanism to press the cover against the lens. The clamping mechanism can allow the first cover 502 and the second cover 504 to be slightly offset from each other as the protector slides over the frame edge and the lens, and once in place, can allow the covers to clamp onto the lens. Alternatively, the support member 506 can comprise a relatively soft material and can comprise spring clips to allow the lens protectors 501A and 501B to slide over the frame edge and lens and to allow the covers 502 and 504 to apply pressure to the lens. Alternatively, the clamping mechanism may comprise a spring mechanism and/or a fulcrum mechanism. Alternatively, the support member 506 can include a hinge mechanism that can allow the first cover 502 and the second cover 504 to open similar to a book and can lock the covers in place when closed on the lens.

The lens protectors 501A and 501B may comprise a relatively hard material and/or a relatively soft material. If the same type of relatively rigid material is used, the lens protectors 501A and 501B may be integrally formed, optionally together as a single unit, which may then be cut to produce two lens protectors, or separately formed as a single unit. Alternatively, the cover and support member may be formed separately and then joined together, for example if a fabric is used. A soft material may be attached to the inside of the first cover 502 and the second cover 504 for protecting the lenses from possible scratches and from contact with any relatively hard material that may be used.

The lens protectors 501A and 501B may be mirror image shapes for use with eyewear 10 that includes mirror image shaped lenses. Alternatively, the lens protectors 501A and 501B may have the same shape, allowing them to be interchangeable.

The lens protectors 501A and 501B may include a resilient connector 510, the resilient connector 510 being operable to connect the two protectors together to prevent remote separation between them and possible loss of them. The elastic connectors 510 may include cords, chains, and bands, among other suitable elastic connection means.

Reference is now made to fig. 6A and 6B, which schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector 600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The eyeglass lens protector 600 can include two separate lens protectors 601A and 601B, each of which can be configured to completely or partially cover both sides of a lens (i.e., lenses 12 and 14, respectively) in the eyeglass 10.

The lens protectors 601A and 601B may each include a first cover 602 adapted to cover a first face of the right and left lenses 12 and 14, respectively, an opposing second cover 604 adapted to cover a second face of the right and left lenses, respectively, and a magnetic material 606 within each cover. The lens protectors 601A and 601B can be held in place on the lenses by the magnetic attraction of the magnetic material in the first cover 602 and the second cover 604.

The lens protectors 601A and 601B may comprise a relatively rigid material and/or a relatively flexible material. The magnetic material may be inserted into the lens protector separately after the lens protector is formed, or may be introduced into the lens protector at the same time as the lens protector is formed. Soft materials may be attached to the inside of the first cover 602 and the second cover 604 to protect the lenses from possible scratches and to prevent contact with any relatively hard materials that may be used.

The lens protectors 601A and 601B may be mirror image shapes for use with eyewear 10 that includes mirror image shaped lenses. Alternatively, the lens protectors 601A and 601B may have the same shape to allow them to be interchangeable.

Reference is now made to fig. 7A and 7B, which schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector 700, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The eyeglass lens protector 700 can be configured to cover only one side of the lenses 12 and 14, either completely or partially.

The eyeglass lens protector 700 can include a wing 702 adapted to cover the front faces of the right and left lenses 12, 14, a gripping member 704, and slots 706A and 706B. The gripping member 704 can be inserted under pressure into the nose area under the nose piece of the eyeglass 10 to removably secure the eyeglass lens protector to the eyeglass. Each of the slots 706A and 706B can receive a portion of a nose pad on the eyeglass 10 and can be used to align the eyeglass lens protector 700 within the nose region.

The eyeglass lens protector 700 can comprise a relatively rigid material and/or a flexible material. Alternatively, if the same type of relatively rigid material is used, the member 702 and the clamping member 704 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, these components may be formed separately and bonded together. A soft material may be attached to the inside of member 702 for protecting the lens from possible scratching and from contact with any relatively hard material that may be used.

Reference is now made to fig. 8A and 8B, which schematically illustrate an exemplary eyeglass lens protector 800, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The eyeglass lens protector 800 can be configured to cover at least a portion of the frame front of the eyeglass 10, including both sides of the lenses 12 and 14, while leaving the nose area under the nose piece exposed.

The eyeglass lens protector 800 can include a first cover 802 adapted to cover a first face of the right and left lenses 12, 14, an opposing second cover 804 adapted to cover a second face of the right and left lenses, and an open cavity area 808 that can partially or fully accommodate the frame edge and lenses. The eyeglass lens protector 800 can additionally include a support member 806 coupled to the first cover 802 and the second cover 804.

The eyeglass lens protector 800 can slide down over the top edge of the frame and nose piece of the eyeglass 10 and onto the right lens 12 and left lens 14 to cover both sides of the lenses. Alternatively, the eyeglass lens protector 800 can be opened like a book and placed over the frame edge and lens.

The support member 806 may include an attachment mechanism in the form of a clamping mechanism to press the cover against the lens. Additionally or alternatively, the support member 806 can include a snap-in connector as an attachment mechanism to connect the eyeglass lens protector 800 to the frame of the eyeglass 10. The clamping mechanism may allow the first cover 802 and the second cover 804 to be slightly offset from each other as the protector slides over the frame edge and the lens, and once in place, may allow the covers to clamp onto the lens. Optionally, the clamping mechanism may comprise a spring mechanism and/or a fulcrum mechanism. Alternatively, the support component 806 can include a hinge mechanism that can allow the first and second covers 802, 804 to open similar to a book and can lock the covers in place when closed.

The eyeglass lens protector 800 can comprise a relatively rigid material and/or a relatively flexible material. Optionally, if the same relatively rigid material is used, the eyeglass lens protector 800 can be integrally formed. Alternatively, the cover and support member may be formed separately and then joined together, for example if a fabric is used. A soft material may be attached to the inside of the first cover 802 and the second cover 804 for protecting the lenses from possible scratches and from contact with any relatively hard material that may be used.

Reference is now made to fig. 9A-9D, which schematically illustrate exemplary cross-sectional views of eyewear lens protectors 900A, 900B, 900C and 900D including attachment mechanisms according to some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that fig. 9A-9D represent only a few examples of eyeglass lens protectors and attachment mechanisms, and that these examples are not intended to be limiting in any way. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that a wide variety of different types of eyeglass lens protectors and/or attachment mechanisms can be implemented, alone or in combination, by practicing the teachings of the present invention.

A cross-sectional view of a double-sided eyeglass lens protector 900A according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown in fig. 9A. The eyeglass lens protector 900A can cover a front surface 908 and a back surface 910 in the lens 904. The eyeglass lens protector 900A can include a plastic spring clip 903A that can be mounted to the rim 906 of the eyeglass frame.

Fig. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a double-sided eyeglass lens protector 900B according to some embodiments of the invention. The eyeglass lens protector 900B can cover a front surface 908 and a back surface 910 of the lens 904. The eyeglass lens protector 900A can include a spring clip 903B that can clip the eyeglass lens protector to the rim 906 of the eyeglass frame.

Fig. 9C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a single-sided eyeglass lens protector 900C according to some embodiments of the invention. The eyeglass lens protector 900C can cover only the front surface 908 in the lens 904. The eyeglass lens protector 900C can include a snap-in connector 903C that can fit onto the rim 906 of the eyeglass frame.

Fig. 9D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a double-sided eyewear lens protector 900D, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The eyeglass lens protector 900D can cover a front surface 908 and a back surface 910 in the lens 904. The eyeglass lens protector 900D can include a magnetic material 903D in each cover that can be used to secure the eyeglass lens protector to the lens.

Reference is now made to fig. 10A and 10B, which schematically illustrate exemplary cross-sectional views of eyewear lens protectors 1000A and 1000B, including a shock absorbing mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that fig. 10A and 10B represent only a few examples of eyeglass lens protectors and dampening mechanisms, and that these examples are not intended to be limiting in any way. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that a wide variety of different types of eyeglass lens protectors and/or damping mechanisms may be implemented, alone or in combination, by practicing the teachings of the present invention.

A cross-sectional view of a double-sided eyeglass lens protector 1000A according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown in fig. 10A. The eyeglass lens protector 1000A can cover a front surface 908 and a back surface 910 in the lens 904. The eyeglass lens protector 1000A can include a damping material 1003A within each cover 1002A. Damping material 1003A may include a fluid damping material (e.g., a gel) and/or a relatively soft material (e.g., a foam).

A cross-sectional view of a double-sided eyewear lens protector 1000B according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown in fig. 10B. The eyeglass lens protector 1000B can cover a front surface 908 and a back surface 910 of the lens 904. Eyewear lens protector 1000B may include an outer hard layer 1002B that is impact resistant and an inner damping layer 1003B adjacent to lens 904. Damping layer 1003B may comprise a relatively soft material (e.g., a foam) or a package containing a damping fluid (e.g., a gel).

The foregoing description and illustrations of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed above. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the eyeglass lens protector of the present invention can be implemented using various shapes and various attachment methods, and thus those described above are for illustrative purposes only.

Any terms defined above and used in the claims should be construed in accordance with this definition.

Claims (20)

1. An eyeglass lens protector comprising:

a front cover adapted to be placed over at least a portion of a front portion of at least one lens in the eyewear; and

an attachment mechanism that can removably attach the front cover to the front portion of the lens;

the eyeglass lens protector may comprise two separate lens protectors;

the eyeglass lens protector may comprise a resilient connector which may be used to connect two protectors together.

2. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a clamping mechanism.

3. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a spring clip.

4. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a snap-in connector.

5. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a magnetic material.

6. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1, wherein said attachment mechanism comprises a spring fulcrum.

7. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises an elastic band having a slot and a clasp.

8. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises an elastic band having a slot and a male connector insertable into the slot.

9. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a fulcrum mechanism.

10. The eyeglass lens protector of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is attached to a nosepiece of the eyeglass.

11. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1, further comprising a rear cover adapted to be placed over at least a portion of the rear portion of said at least one lens in the eyewear.

12. The eyewear lens protector of claim 11, comprising a cover attached to said rear cover.

13. The eyewear lens protector of claim 12, wherein the cover comprises a fastening mechanism.

14. The eyewear lens protector of claim 13, wherein said fastening mechanism comprises a snap.

15. The eyewear lens protector of claim 13, wherein said fastening mechanism comprises hook and loop fasteners.

16. The eyewear lens protector of claim 11, comprising a support member attaching said front cover to said rear cover.

17. The eyewear lens protector of claim 11, wherein said rear cover comprises a magnetic material.

18. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1 wherein said front cover comprises a damping material.

19. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1 wherein said front cover comprises a relatively rigid material.

20. The eyewear lens protector of claim 1 wherein said front cover comprises a relatively soft material.

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