HK1153278B

HK1153278B - Illuminated eyewear

Info

Publication number: HK1153278B
Application number: HK11107239.3A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 迈克尔‧沃特斯
Original assignee: 迈克尔‧沃特斯
Priority date: 2009-09-30
Filing date: 2011-07-12
Publication date: 2014-06-20

Abstract

Illuminated eyewear is provided. In one form, the temple arm members have all the lighting components mounted thereto including for each temple arm member a light, power source for the light, and electrical connections including a switch for providing power from the power source to the light. In another form, the cross-frame member has blinder portions integrally formed at either end thereof which are configured to block stray light to avoid glare problems. The blinder portions preferably include surfaces that are inclined to generally extend along the light cone generated by an LED light source mounted to the front end portion of each of the temple arm members. In another form, the temple arm members each have a recessed cavity formed in inner surface portion thereof in which the power source and switch components are received with the switch actuator mounted to the inner surface portion so it is hidden from view when the eyewear is worn for enhanced aesthetics.

Description

Lighting glasses

Technical Field

The present invention relates to hands-free lighting devices, and more particularly to illuminated eyewear.

Background

Often individuals require light sources to illuminate an area when completing a task or light sources directed in a generally outward direction for visibility. One option is to hold the flashlight, but such lighting devices are often cumbersome and often interfere with the task of having to hold the flashlight. Therefore, hands-free lighting devices are often employed because the lighting required by an individual does not require a fixed light source. A common type of hands-free lighting device comprises a light source mounted on a helmet or glasses.

The light sources on the eyeglasses typically include light source (which may be LEDs) mounting structures on the cross-frame or temple of the eyeglasses to provide forward illumination to the wearer. In such a configuration, light emitting glasses are typically employed to provide directed or focused light so that an area directly in front of the wearer, e.g., 6-24 inches from their glasses, may be illuminated to accomplish a task such as reading standard size printed matter. For other activities, such as walking at night, camping, or emergency use, other lighting areas even in front of the individual may be needed. However, previously illuminated eyewear configured to provide hands-free lighting for some of these different uses have generally been heavy, bulky, inconvenient, and/or provide undesirable performance.

Some previous lighted eyewear have separate, bulky lighting assemblies secured to the eyewear, such as disclosed in U.S. patent No.5,541,767 to Murphy et al, U.S. patent No.4,959,760 to Wu, and U.S. patent No.3,769,663 to Perl. Because of their large light emitting assemblies, these eyeglasses are bulky and relatively heavy, thereby making them inconvenient for the user to wear. In addition, these previous light emitting glasses mount the light emitting assembly prominently on the glasses or contain electronic parts to emit light therein, so that the presence of the light emitting assembly or the electronic parts is visually prominent when the glasses are worn, thereby deteriorating the appearance of the glasses.

It is also known in previous lighted glasses to distribute a light emitting component comprising a light source and a power source and a light switch along the frame of the glasses by mounting the light source on the front cross-frame of the glasses and then mounting other electronic components for the light source on the temple arms. In one configuration, wiring of the electronic components extends from the power source to the light source along the pivotal connection between the temple arms and the front cross-frame, such as disclosed in U.S. patent No.5,946,071 to Feldman and U.S. patent No.5,722,762 to Soll. However, these eyeglasses complicate the pivoting action between the temple arms and the front frame member by routing wires across the pivotal connections between the temple arms and the front cross-frame member of the eyeglasses. If the wiring extends outside the frame of the glasses, the appearance of the glasses becomes poor.

Known lighted eyewear utilize pivotal movement of temple arms to turn the light path on and off such that the eyewear has a hinged switch, such as disclosed in U.S. patent No.5,218,385 to Lii, U.S. patent No.4,283,127 to rosenwinlkel, U.S. patent publication No.2003/0189824 to Meeder et al, and U.S. patent publication No.2006/0012974 to Su. The hinged switch supplies power to the light source when the temple arm is open and disconnects the light source when the temple arm is folded. Typically, the toggle switch employs separate electrical contacts on the temple arms and the cross-frame member such that when the temple arms are opened, the contacts engage one another to provide power to the light source. In this way, wiring that spans the pivotal connection between the temple arm and the cross-frame member is avoided. However, the use of moving parts to make electrical connections between the power supply mounted on the temple arm and the light source mounted between the cross-frame members creates reliability problems. For example, due to repeated use and pivoting of the temple arms relative to the front cross-frame member, the tolerance between them may change, causing the engagement between the contacts to change, thereby resulting in intermittent conduction between the contacts as the temple arm members pivot open. This intermittent conduction causes the light to flash intermittently. Also, repeated use can cause wear of the engaging surfaces of the contacts and can also create a problem of flicker due to intermittent conduction of the contacts. In addition, if the eyeglasses employ only a hinge switch, the light is on all the time when the temple arms are pivoted open and therefore cannot be used as eyeglasses that do not emit light under normal conditions. One solution is to provide another on-off switch, but this undesirably adds complexity and cost to the lighted eyewear and requires additional electronics on the eyewear, which results in a poor appearance.

Disclosure of Invention

An illuminated eyewear is provided that directs light in front of a user when the eyewear is worn. The illuminated eyewear described herein is in the form of eyeglasses, with or without lenses, or with refractive or non-refractive lens or lenses, having on the one hand a light source arranged to optimize its performance. On the other hand, the illuminated eyewear described herein has electronic components for the light sources that are arranged to provide enhanced aesthetics compared to previous light emitting eyewear.

In one form, the eyewear includes a pair of temple arm members, wherein each temple arm member has a front end and a rear end. Each temple arm member also has inner and outer surface portions that are of flat configuration and extend longitudinally between the forward and rearward ends of the respective temple arm member. The eyewear also includes a front support that at least partially includes a bridge portion extending between the front ends of the temple arm members. The hinge connection connects the temple arm member to the front support so that the temple arm member can pivot relative to the front support. The eyeglasses further include a light source mounted on each temple arm and a plurality of thin, compact, generally flat batteries, such as conventional disc-shaped button cells, for powering the light source. Other peripheral shapes of flat cells than circular are also conceivable, for example rectangular button cells having a rectangular configuration. Each temple arm member includes a narrow width battery compartment positioned between a flat inner surface portion and a flat outer surface portion of the temple arm member. The narrow width battery compartment is dimensioned such that a pair of thin flat batteries can be received in a non-overlapping side-by-side configuration with the flat major surfaces of the batteries facing the flat inner and outer surface portions of the respective temple arm members. A plurality of batteries are electrically connected to the light source to be powered thereby. Thus, for each temple arm element, the light source, the associated battery and the electrical connections between them are mounted on the temple element such that no electronic components span the hinge connection between the temple arm element and the front support.

So configured, the illuminated eyewear has temple arm members that maintain a narrow width while also including all of the light emitting components thereon. This configuration of eyewear, with the light source, battery, and electrical connections therebetween all mounted on the respective temple arms, avoids the unsatisfactory performance problems associated with previous hinge switches, as power does not pass through or otherwise rely on the operation of the hinge. Moreover, by employing a narrow width battery compartment between the inner and outer surfaces of the temple arm members to accommodate pairs of thin flat batteries in a non-overlapping and side-by-side configuration, the eyewear, and particularly the temple arm members, maintain the same appearance as conventional eyewear. The side-by-side configuration of the narrower battery compartment and the thin flat battery eliminates bulky and unsightly components and large protrusions of the packaged batteries (e.g., conventional generally cylindrical flashlight batteries) on the frame and avoids the problem of poor appearance of this configuration, as seen in previous lighted eyewear, such as shown in U.S. patent No.2,638,532 to Brady.

In another form, the eyewear includes a front support that at least partially includes a bridge portion that extends generally laterally along a lateral axis. The eyewear also includes a pair of temple arm members and a hinge connection between each temple arm member and the front support. So configured, the temple arm members pivot between an in-use configuration in which the temple arm members extend rearwardly from the front support along respective longitudinal axes generally orthogonal to the transverse axis, and a storage configuration in which the temple arm members extend transversely along the transverse axis generally proximate the front support. The front frame portion and the light source are proximate each hinge connection. Each front frame portion includes an eye shield surface adjacent to and laterally inward of the light source. The eye shield surface extends transversely to the transverse axis and preferably at a laterally inward slope oblique to the transverse axis so as to be inclined relative thereto.

So configured, the eye shield surface minimizes incident light from the light source and causing glare when the temple arms are pivoted to the in-use configuration and the illuminated eyewear is worn while the light source is turned on.

In a preferred form, the light source is an LED having a predetermined cone of light, for example a 40 degree LED, and the preferably inclined eye shield surface is inclined to the transverse axis in a manner to avoid significant interference with the cone of light produced by the LED, while preventing incident light outside the cone of light from reaching the eye of the wearer of the light-emitting spectacles. More preferably, the inclination of the eye shield surface substantially matches the angle of the light cone, such that only incident light from the LED is blocked by the eye shield surface.

In another aspect, the illuminated eyewear has a cross-frame member including a front frame portion, such that the eyecup portion is integrated onto the cross-frame member. The front frame portion is at a lateral end of the cross-frame member and extends laterally and rearwardly to a pivotal connection with a front end of the temple arm member at which the LED is mounted. Thus, when the temple arm member is pivoted to its in-use configuration, the LED is pivoted to a rear portion proximate the inclined eye-shield surface integrated on the cross-frame member. In a preferred form, the eye shield surfaces may each be formed as a generally semi-frustoconical surface, forming a recess opening at a rear end of the semi-frustoconical surface into which the LED pivots when the temple arm members are pivoted open to their in-use configuration.

In another form, the illuminated eyewear includes a pair of temple arm members, each having a front end and a rear end, and a front support at least partially including a bridge portion extending laterally between the front ends of the temple arm members. A hinge is provided between each front end of the temple arm members and the laterally extending front support to allow each temple arm member to be transitioned between an open configuration in which the temple arm members are pivoted away from the laterally extending front support to extend rearwardly therefrom and a closed configuration in which the temple arm members are pivoted toward the laterally extending front support to extend adjacent thereto. Each temple arm member includes a light source mounted thereon for projecting light, a power source for supplying power to the light source, and a switch for turning the light source on and off. Each temple arm member further includes a transverse inner surface portion that faces generally transversely inward toward the other transverse inner surface portion when the temple arm members are transitioned to the open configuration. Each lateral inner surface portion includes a cavity sized to receive a power source and a switch therein such that the presence of the power source and the switch is substantially invisible.

By providing a cavity for the power supply and switch recessed within the laterally inner surface portion of the temple arm members, this form of illuminated eyewear has a more similar appearance to conventional non-illuminated eyewear. For example, previous lighted eyewear typically have light assemblies mounted on the outer surface of the eyewear temple arms facing laterally outward therefrom. So configured, the light assembly projects outwardly from the lateral outer surface, making the eyewear significantly wider and exposing the assembly so that it is readily visible when the lighted eyewear is worn. Also, previous lighted eyewear have a battery compartment recessed into the outer surface of the temple arm, which exposes the battery compartment cover so that it is easily visible when the eyewear is worn. The obvious exposure of the light emitting components in previous light emitting eyewear detracts from the aesthetics and appearance of the eyewear. Illuminated eyewear in the form of the present application, on the other hand, mounts all of the light emitting components on the temple arm members and is concealed therein in a manner that does not directly indicate the presence of the illuminating components on the eyewear. More particularly, by recessing the housings for the power supply and switch into the interior surface portions of the temple arms, the lighted eyewear described herein looks substantially similar to conventional eyewear when worn.

In another form, the illuminated eyewear includes a pair of temple arm portions each having a rear end portion configured to press against a user's ear and an opposite front end portion. The lighted eyewear also includes a front support portion including opposite end portions and an intermediate bridge portion configured to press against the nose of a user. A pivot or hinge connection is provided between the front end portion of the temple arm portion and the opposite end of the front support portion. So configured, the temple arm portions and the front support portion have a use configuration in which the front support portion extends generally along a transverse axis and the temple arm portions extend along a longitudinal axis that is generally orthogonal to the transverse axis. A light source is mounted adjacent each pivot connection to be inclined laterally inwardly from the respective longitudinal axis of the temple arm portion and downwardly from the front support portion to provide inwardly and downwardly directed front illumination therefrom. The illuminated eyewear also includes a pair of thin, substantially flat batteries for each light source. A portion of each temple arm portion expands in at least two directions orthogonal to each other and to the longitudinal axis. Each temple arm enlargement has a battery compartment for housing a pair of batteries therein in a stacked, overlapping orientation.

In this form of illuminated eyewear, the inward and downward inclination of the light sources advantageously provides overlap between the light beams projected by the light sources focused in the field of view in front of the wearer. Thus, the wearer can aim the light source or direct illumination to focus the light beam within the wearer's field of view without having to tilt or move their head.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of illuminated eyewear showing temple arm members in a pivoted open configuration relative to a cross-frame member with an LED light source on each temple arm disposed proximate a respective eyecup portion of the cross-frame member;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the illuminated eyewear showing two LED light sources adjacent respective eyecup portions of the front cross-frame member;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the illuminated eyewear showing the LED light sources tilted laterally inward such that the axes of the cones of light emitted therefrom are tilted laterally inward toward one another;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged exploded plan view, partially in section, showing the inclined surface of the eyecup portion having a slope substantially aligned with the inner edge of the light cone;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing one of the temple arm members including an integral tubular LED holder with the light cone directed downwardly;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of one of the temple arm members showing the battery compartment cover and the light switch actuator thereabout;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged exploded view of a portion of the temple arm member of FIG. 6 showing the battery compartment recessed into the inner surface of the temple arm member;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the other side support arm member showing the switch box adjacent the battery compartment;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of an exemplary LED for use in a hands-free lighting device, showing the LED optic having a light reflecting and blocking coating thereon;

FIG. 9A is an enlarged side view of an alternative LED showing a reflective tape wrapped around the LED lens;

FIG. 10A is a side view of illuminated eyewear according to the present invention showing one of the temple arms in an extended position and a light assembly attached to the arm;

FIG. 10B is a side view of the illuminated eyewear of FIG. 10A, showing the arms in a retracted position;

FIG. 11A is a side view of an alternative illuminated eyeglass showing one of the temple arms in an extended position and a light assembly attached to the arm in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a side view of the illuminated eyewear of FIG. 11A, showing the arms in a retracted position;

FIG. 11C is an enlarged exploded view of the temple arms of FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B, showing the releasable locking arrangement between the forward and rearward portions of the arms;

fig. 12 is a plan view of the illuminated eyewear shown in fig. 10, showing two temple arms and a cross-frame member extending between the front ends of the arms in an extended position;

fig. 13A is a plan view of the illuminated eyewear shown in fig. 10A and 10B, showing the two temple arms and the cross-frame member in a retracted position;

FIG. 13B is a plan view of the illuminated eyewear of FIGS. 11A and 11B showing the two temple arms and cross-frame member in a retracted position;

14-21 are plan and side views of alternative temple portions for illuminated eyewear with integrated power and LEDs;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the illuminated eyewear and a battery charger for recharging the integrated power source of the temple arm;

FIG. 23 is a plan view of an alternative illuminated eyeglass showing the power assembly carried on a lanyard for the frame;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an LED incorporating features of the present invention showing a lens surrounded by a protective cover and a pair of wires;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the LED shown in FIG. 24, taken generally along line 50-50, showing the protective cover surrounding the LED;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the LED shown in FIG. 24 taken generally along line 51-51, showing the protective cover surrounding the LED lens; and

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the LED of FIG. 24 taken generally along line 52-52 showing the protective cover around the LED leads.

Detailed Description

In general and as further described below, illuminated eyewear is provided that may or may not include a lens or lenses 21 attached thereto that provide forward illumination to the wearer. The illuminated eyewear 10 may be configured with a conventional eyewear frame 11 having a plurality of generally rigid frame members including a pair of spaced temple arm members 12 and a front cross-frame member 14 extending transversely between the temple arm members 12. As shown, the temple arm members 12 are pivotally connected to the cross-frame member 14 via hinges 30 at the junction between the laterally opposite ends 16 of the cross-frame member 14 and the front ends 44 of the temple arm members 12.

Other configurations of the frame 11 of the light emitting eyewear 10 are also contemplated, including modifications to the cross-frame member 14 to include several components or portions, or to substantially reduce or even eliminate such portions, such as by including only an intermediate bridge or member 20 connected at either end thereof to the lens 21. Cross-frame member 14 may also have laterally outer front frame ends 16 connected only to laterally outer portions of lenses 21, with these outer frame ends 16 being separated from intermediate bridge 20 so that cross-frame member 14 includes multiple sections. Alternatively, only a single lens 21 is provided which extends between and is pivotally connected to the forward end portions 44 of the temple arm members 12, with the bridge 20 being integral with the lens 21 such that the lens 21 forms part of the eyeglass frame. The lens 21 itself may have a refractive index to provide a visual correction or no refractive index to provide only a transparent shield, as with safety glasses. Obviously, the lens or lenses 21 need not be provided when the spectacle frame is used only to provide hands-free lighting. The term "front support" is contemplated herein to contemplate all of these and other configurations for a cross-frame member with or without single or multiple portions of a lens, where the front support is used herein to support a pair of lighted eyewear in front of a person wearing the lighted eyewear.

The frame 11 of the iuuminated eyewear 10 may also be a unitary piece, with or without the lens or lenses 21, with a hinge or hinge connection 30 in the form of a living hinge between the temple arms and the cross-brace or front support portion. In this regard, the hinges may be part of the frame 11 that becomes elastically deformable, such as by a reduction in its cross-sectional thickness on adjacent frame portions, such that the temple arm portions 12 may be elastically folded into a substantially closed position adjacent the front support to provide a compact storage configuration for stowage in, for example, a spectacle case, while the temple arm portions 12 elastically return to their use configuration extending generally rearwardly from the front support when the spectacles 10 are removed from the storage case.

The illuminated eyewear 10 preferably has at least one pair of light sources 18 mounted thereon to provide forward illumination to the wearer. The light source 18 is preferably a Light Emitting Diode (LED), but other suitable electroluminescent lamps, suitable incandescent lamps, gas discharge lamps, high intensity discharge lamps or any other suitable light source, such as a laser diode, may be used.

Referring to fig. 1-8, one form of an exemplary illuminated eyeglass 10 is shown in greater detail. As noted above, the front support or cross-frame member 14 includes an intermediate bridge portion 20 intermediate the end portions 16. Bridge 20 is configured so that cross-frame member 14 can be pressed against and supported by the bridge of the wearer's nose. The bridge 20 includes downwardly and rearwardly extending side frames 22 configured to engage the sides of the wearer's nose. As shown, bridge 20 is part of the illustrated unitary one-piece cross-frame member 14 and has a generally frusto-triangular shape, however bridge 20 may alternatively comprise other configurations, such as employing adjustable pads attached to cross-frame member 14 that are configured to contact and bear against the sides of the wearer's nose in place of side frames 22 and the frame configuration.

In the illustrated form, the cross-frame member 14 of the illuminated eyewear 10 includes an upper frame portion 24 and a lower frame portion 26 extending from either side of the bridge portion 20 to the end portions 16 thereof. However, the front support may also include a frameless construction or have only an upper frame portion 24 or a lower frame portion 26. In another version, the front support 14 includes a bridge 20 that is directly connected to the lens, which in turn is directly connected to the temple arm member 12 or may have an intermediate frame portion that pivotally connects the lens to the temple arm member 12. Other configurations for the front support may also be employed, as previously described.

The end 16 may have a generally arcuate configuration to extend laterally from a laterally outer portion of the lens 23 and rearwardly for pivotal connection with the temple arm member 12, as can be seen in fig. 1 and 3. As shown, the upper frame member portion 24 and the lower frame portion 26 define a lens opening 28 into which the lens 21 fits. The lens opening 28 is configured to support multiple types of eyeglass lenses. For example, the lens opening 28 may be used to support lenses for safety glasses, sunglasses, prescription lenses, other safety glasses, or any suitable combination thereof. Alternatively, the lens opening 28 may be vacant and/or the cross-frame member 14 may be formed without the lower frame member portion 26.

The forward end 44 of the temple arm member 12 is pivotally connected to the end 16 of the cross-frame member 14 by the hinge 30 to form a pivotal connection therebetween so that the temple arm member 12 can pivot relative thereto. When pivoted to the open or use configuration shown in fig. 1, temple arm member 12 extends generally rearwardly from cross-frame member 14 along a longitudinal axis L1 that is generally orthogonal to transverse axis L2, with cross-frame member 14 extending generally along transverse axis L2. The temple arm members 12 are further configured to pivot or move to a folded, closed or storage configuration when each temple arm member 12 extends generally transversely along an axis L2 proximate the cross-frame member 14. It can be seen in fig. 3 that the two temple arm members 12 and cross-frame member 14 have a curvature such that they do not extend linearly along their respective axes L1 and L2, but rather extend generally therealong as described above.

As described above, the temple arm members 12 are pivotally connected to the cross-frame member 14 via the hinges 30 at the junctions between the transversely opposite ends 16 of the cross-frame member 14 and the forward ends 44 of the temple arm members 12. In the form shown, the forward end 44 of the temple arm member 12 is thicker in the transverse direction than the remainder of the temple arm member 12 extending rearwardly therefrom. The forward end 44 of each temple arm member 12 expands in two directions orthogonal to each other and to the longitudinal axis L1 of the temple arm member 12. As shown, the temple arm members 12 are relatively thin, and the even thicker forward end portions 44 are approximately twice as thick as the remainder of the temple arms. The thicker forward end 44 is configured to enclose electronic components operable to selectively power the LEDs 18, as described below.

More particularly, the temple arm members 12 extend rearwardly from the forward end portion 44 to the intermediate portion 34 configured to be pressed against and supported by the wearer's ear. The intermediate portion 34 has a lower edge 33 which is inclined towards the upper edge 35 of the temple arm member 12 to reduce its height to ensure accurate fitting over the wearer's ear. The temple arm members 12 terminate in distal end portions 36 that extend laterally inwardly and downwardly while extending rearwardly from the intermediate portion 34 to a rearward end portion 37 of the temple arm members 12. So configured, the temple arm members 12 generally conform to the contours of the wearer's head from near the eyes to a position behind the ears. Alternatively, the distal end portions 36 need not extend downwardly and the intermediate portions 34 of the temple arm members 12 need not bear against the wearer's ears, but rather are clipped to the sides of the wearer's head as is known in the art.

As described above, the intermediate portion 34 and the distal portion 36 are thinner in the transverse direction than the forward portion 44 of the temple arm member 12. However, even with the enlarged forward portion 44, the thickness of the temple arm members 12 are very thin so that they have a generally flat configuration similar to temple arm members typically provided for conventional non-illuminating eyes. By way of example and not limitation, the lateral thickness of the medial and distal portions of the temple arms 12 may be approximately 3mm, and the lateral thickness of the forward portion 44 may be approximately 5 mm. Other configurations than a substantially flat configuration may be employed for the temple arm members 12, such as including flat and curved portions or only curved portions of the temple arm members 12. For example, the temple arm members 12 may also have a small diameter cylindrical configuration.

The light source 18, which may be a small LED, is preferably mounted on the forward end 44 of the temple arm member 12. By one approach, each light source 18 is mounted at least partially within a projection or tubular portion 38 that extends slightly outwardly from an outer surface portion 40 of each temple arm member 12. The outer surface portion 40 preferably has a flat configuration, with the exception of the tubular portion 38 projecting therefrom, the tubular portion 38 providing for outward positioning of the light source 18 relative to a portion of the flat outer surface 40 of the temple arm, thereby positioning the light to illuminate forwardly. At the same time, the projecting tubular portion 38 has a curvature of small radius, for example on the order of approximately 2mm, substantially coinciding with the radius of the cylindrical portion of the lens 42 of the LED18, thus effectively avoiding the problems of increased size and weight associated with previous lighted eyeglasses having a light assembly on the temple arms. Preferably, the tubular portion 38 is formed on the forward end 44 of the temple arm member 12 along an intermediate region of the outer surface portion 40 between the upper and lower edges 62 and 64 of the temple arm member 12, as best shown in fig. 5.

The forward lens 42 of the LED light source 18 is generally aligned with or extends slightly forward of the forwardmost end 44a of each temple arm member 12. In addition, the LED elements that also emit light are generally aligned with the foremost ends 44a of the temple arm elements. With this positioning, no portion of the temple arm member 12 interferes with the cone of light emitted by the LED 18. However, positioning the LED element and lens 42 in line with the forward most end 44a of the temple arm member 12 or forward may still undesirably produce glare from incident light outside the light cone of the LED18, as the LED18 is still recessed rearward (recheck) from the forward portion of the cross-frame member 14, and in particular the lens 21. For example, such incident light reaching the lens 21 may be refracted or reflected into the wearer's eye or the incident light simply becomes a nuisance and distraction to the wearer by falling within the wearer's peripheral vision. In the illustrated form, the illuminated eyewear 10 minimizes these problems by positioning the LEDs 18 proximate the outer surface portions 40 of the temple arm members 12, as described above.

It will be appreciated that the LED18 emits a cone of light. Thus, the cone 43 generally has laterally outwardly opposite side edges 45, 47 as shown which taper toward each other from an apex or from the LED element in the LED optic 42 such that the cone 43 has a predetermined angle or spread α between its opposite edges. For example, the cone angle α may be between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees. A light cone central axis or centerline C1 extending forward from the LED element bisects the light cone 43, with the axis C1 being at the same angle as each of the opposing light cone edges 45, 47 shown. To orient the light source 18 to emit such a cone of light 43 to maximize the amount of light in the viewing or reading area in front of the wearer (e.g., preferably about 6-24 inches in front of the wearer), the LEDs 18 may be angled laterally inward toward each other as shown in fig. 4 and extend downward relative to the temple arm member 12 and the longitudinal temple axis L1 as shown in fig. 5. Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the LED18, and more particularly the light cone 43 emanating therefrom, is laterally inwardly inclined such that the central axis C1 of the light cone extends transversely to the temple axis L1 at an angle β 1 to the temple axis L1 such that the light cone intersects forward closer to the cross-frame member 14 than would be the case if the light cone axis C1 and the longitudinal temple axis L1 were substantially coincident.

More particularly, the tubular portions 38 are configured such that they are angled in a forward direction toward the outer surface portion 40 of the temple arm member 12 so that the LEDs 18 mounted thereon have a desired inward angle, as shown in FIG. 4. For inward tilting of the LED18, the inner edges 45 of the cones 43 will intersect at the beginning of the wearer's reading or viewing distance, e.g., 6 inches in front of the lens 21, without the need for the LED to have a wider cone. As shown in fig. 5, the tubular LED mounting portion 38 can also be configured to extend forwardly and slightly downwardly, with the forward portion 48 being slightly lower than the rearward portion 49, so that the LED18 mounted thereon is also oriented to extend forwardly and slightly downwardly, with the central axis C1 of the light cone 43 being downwardly inclined at an angle β 2 relative to the temple longitudinal axis L1. Thus, the light cone 43 emitted from the LED18 is also tilted in a downward direction relative to the temple arm members 12 and the cross-frame member 14.

As mentioned above and as can be seen in fig. 3, the LEDs 18 are arranged near the end 16 of the cross-frame member 14 to be recessed rearwardly relative to the lenses 21, the lenses 21 also being slightly forwardly curved as they are secured by the cross-frame member 14 having a slight forward curvature. With this configuration and as described above, incident light and the resulting glare can be a problem. To avoid this problem, the eyeglass frame 11, and preferably the front support thereof, may include an eyeshade portion 46 laterally inward from the nearby light source or LED18, such that the eyeshade portion 46 is arranged and configured to prevent incident light from reaching the eyes of the eyeglass wearer. More particularly, each eye cup portion 46 includes an eye cup surface 46a extending forwardly alongside the LED18 transverse to the transverse axis L2. The eye shield surface 46a may extend orthogonally to the transverse axis L2. However, this configuration of the eye shield surface 46a interferes with the cone of light 43 emitted by the LED 18. In other words, inner edge 45 of light cone 43 may intersect eye shield surface 46a for adjacent eye shield surface 46a that is orthogonal to axis L2 and extends parallel to longitudinal axis L1.

Thus, in the illustrated and preferred form, the light emitting eyewear 10 avoids substantial interference with the light cone 43 by configuring the eyecup portion 46 such that the eyecup surface 46a is inclined to extend at a laterally inward incline relative to the lateral axis L2, as will be further described below. In this way, the eye shield surface 46a extends in the same general direction as the inner edge 45 of the respective light source 43 to reduce interference therewith, thereby maximizing the amount of light from the LEDs 18 used to illuminate the viewable area for the wearer of the eyeglass 10.

More particularly, the eye shield portions 46 are preferably formed on the outer end 16 of the cross frame member 14 and each have an eye shield surface 46a with a generally frusto-conical configuration. Thus, the half-frustoconical eye-shield surface 46a may be formed of a reference straight cone with a truncated surface 46a such that when the temple arm members 12 are pivoted to their open positions, the apex of the reference cone is positioned generally where the corresponding LED18 is located. The truncated reference cone along which each eye shield surface 46a extends is generally divided in half so that eye shield surface 46a opens laterally outward and has a lower groove opening 55 sized to receive the LED18, and in particular the laterally inner half of the LED lens 42, with the LED18 being received in the lower groove opening 55 when the temple arm 12 is pivoted open as shown in fig. 2 and 4. In this way, each LED18 is oriented substantially at the apex of its reference cone adjacent the eye shield portion 46 when the light emitting eyewear 10 is in its in-use configuration. As can be appreciated from the above, the eye shield portion 46 is located adjacent to the LED18 and generally laterally inward from the LED18, and extends generally forward from the LED18 at a laterally inward slope. So configured, the lens 42 of the LED18 is positioned laterally adjacent the eye cup portion 46 when the temple arm member 12 is pivoted to the in-use configuration.

As shown in fig. 4, the reference cone along which the ocular shield surface portion 46a extends has a cone angle or opening angle θ that is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the cone of light α emitted by the light source 18. In addition, the eye shield surface portion 46a can be inclined in the same manner as the light cone 43 from the LED18, such that the surface 46a extends generally along the laterally inner edge 45 of the light cone 43 or preferably from a taper slightly away therefrom to generally avoid interference or intersection with the light cone 43. To this end, the central axis C2 of each reference cone along which the eye shield surface 46a extends substantially coincides with the inclined central axis C1 of the cone of light of the LED 18. In this way, the amount of light from the preferably tilted LED18 reaching the viewing area is maximized while preventing incident light outside the cone of light from reaching the eyes of the wearer of the light-emitting spectacles 10.

By way of alternative, the eyecup portion 46 could be joined to the temple arm member 12 rather than to the end 16 of the cross-frame member 14. In this form, the temple arm member 12 can include both the light source 18 and the eyecup portion 46. Thus, in this aspect, the temple arm member 12, and in particular the eyecup portion 46 thereof, may be pivotally connected to the cross-frame member.

As previously described, the LED18 may be mounted on the temple arm member 12, particularly partially within the tubular portion 38, projecting a cone of light downwardly at an angle β 2 relative to the longitudinal axis L1 of the temple arm member 12. By way of example and not limitation, the angle β 2 may be in the range of about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees and preferably about 3 degrees to about 5 degrees from the longitudinal axis L1 of the temple arm member 12. Additionally, the LED18 may also be encapsulated within the temple arm member 12, and in particular the tubular portion 38, to project the cone of light 43 at a laterally inward angle of inclination β 1 relative to the longitudinal axis L1, β 1 may be in the range of about 2 degrees to about 10 degrees, and preferably about 3 degrees to about 5 degrees. Thus, in the illustrated and preferred form, the LEDs 18 are angled inwardly and downwardly relative to the axis L1. Thus, in the illustrated form, the tubular member 38 is also inclined relative to the temple arm members 12 and the flat temple outer surface portion 40, as previously described. For example, the distal end portion 49 of the tubular portion 38 extends further from the outer surface portion 40 of the temple arm member 12, with the tubular portion 38 generally sloping toward the outer surface portion 40 as the tubular portion 38 extends forwardly along the temple arm member 12 to the forward end 48 thereof. This configuration creates a slope β 1 of the light source 18 directed inwardly while positioning the lens 42 of the LED18 adjacent the eye shield portion 46 when the temple arm member 12 is in the use configuration. However, the LEDs 18 may be angled inwardly or downwardly at different angles to direct the light emitted by the LEDs 18 to other areas in front of the wearer. The LED18 may also be adjustable if desired, such that the slope of the LED18 may be selected by the user.

Likewise, the eye shield portion 46 can be configured to substantially match the orientation of the cone of light 43 emitted by the LED18 when the light-emitting eyewear 10 is in use configuration. To this end and as described above, the reference cone central axis C2 along which the half-frustoconical eye shield surface 46a extends may also extend at a laterally inward and downward slope similar to the slopes β 1 and β 2 of the light cone 43 of the LED 18. For example and as shown in fig. 4, when temple arm member 12 is pivoted to its open configuration, the central axis C2 of eyecup portion 46 is angled inwardly and/or downwardly relative to temple arm axis L1 at substantially the same angle as the central axis C1 of the light cone 43 of LED 18. In addition, the slope of the laterally innermost edge 59 of the frusto-conical eye shield surface 46a of the eye shield portion 46 is preferably the same as or slightly greater than the slope of the corresponding laterally innermost edge of the cone of light emitted by the LED18, so that the eye shield portion 46 does not interfere with, limit or alter the shape of the cone of light emitted by the LED 18. By one approach, the taper or opening angle θ of the reference cone for the eye shield portion 46 is about 2 degrees to about 5 degrees wider than the corresponding angle α of the LED light cone. For example, if the light cone has a total cone angle of about 10 degrees to about 40 degrees or about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees on either side of the light source centerline C1, the cone angle θ for the eye shield surface 46a ranges from about 10 degrees to about 15 degrees on either side of the axis C2 for a 20 degree light cone and reaches about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees on either side of the axis C2 for a 40 degree light cone.

As shown and described above, only the tubular portion 38 projects laterally beyond the outer surface portion 40 of the temple arm member 12. Thus, no electronic components, access holes, covers or the like are mounted or formed on the outer surface portion 40 of the temple arm members 12. Also, the cross-frame member 14 has a substantially conventional and usual eyeglass appearance, except for the inclusion of the eyecup portion 46. This configuration provides the illuminating eyewear 10 with a similar viewing surface as the non-illuminating eyewear and its frame, thereby creating a pleasing appearance while also preventing the light source 18 from shining into the wearer's eye or in the wearer's peripheral vision.

Referring now to fig. 6-8, an electronic system 50 is operable to provide power to the LEDs 18. To maintain the outward visible aesthetics of the illuminated eyewear 10, as described above, the components of the electronic system 50 are positioned on or accessible through the inner surface portion 52 of each temple arm member 12. Positioning the electronic system components on the inner surface portion 52 effectively hides them from view while wearing the illuminated eyewear 10. The inner surface portions 52 may have a substantially flat configuration and are configured to face each other when the temple arm members 12 are moved to the open configuration. In the form shown, the inner surface portion 52 includes offset portions 51 and 53, with portion 53 being slightly raised relative to the adjacent portion 51. The slightly raised portion 53 is preferably located near the cross frame member 14 to correspond to the previously described laterally thicker forward end 44 of the temple arm member 12, but may also be located on the intermediate portion 34 or the distal end portion 36 of the temple arm member 12. Preferably, the major components of the electronic system 50 are disposed between the inner surface portion 52 and the outer surface portion 40 of the flared end portion 44 of the temple portion 12. So configured, no components of electronics assembly 50 are visible on the outer surface portion 40 of temple arm member 12, no components of electronics assembly 50 are visible on cross-frame member 14, and no components of electronics assembly 50 span hinge 30.

In the preferred and illustrated form, the cassette 54 is recessed on the inner surface portion 53 for packaging the components of the electronic system 50. The electronic system components may include the switch 56, the power source 66, and their electronic connections. As shown, the switch 56 is a slide switch for turning the LED on and off, however, other types of switches may be employed, such as a trigger, a button, or a contact switch. A rotary switch may also be employed which may be used to control the power level supplied to the LEDs to provide the dimmer switch function. As shown in fig. 8, the switch 56 is connected to one of the LED contacts or wires 57 and also to a power source 66.

Preferably, a switch 56 is mounted on temple inner surface portion 52 adjacent hinge 30. In particular, the hinge 30 pivotally connects the front support hinge portion 58 to the outer or edge cross frame and hinge portion 60 with pivot pins 61. To conserve space and minimize the length of space taken up by the electronic system 50 along the temple arm member 12, the switch 56 is preferably disposed in a vertically overlapping relationship with the temple hinge portion 58 of the hinge 30. As can be seen in fig. 6-8, the switch 56 is positioned above the hinge 30 proximate the end face 44 of the temple arm member 12 and proximate the upper surface 62 of the temple arm member 12. Accordingly, the temple portion 58 of the hinge 30 is adjacent the lower surface 64 of the temple arm member 12. So configured, the switch 56 is positioned to be manipulated by the wearer's index finger to control the power to the light source 18. Alternatively, the switch 56 may be positioned proximate the lower surface 64 of the temple arm member 12 and the temple portion 58 of the hinge 30 may be positioned above the switch 56 and proximate the upper surface 62 of the temple arm member 12.

The power supply box 54 is configured to have a narrow width to keep the lateral thickness of the temple arm member 12, particularly the forward end portion 44, to a minimum, as described above. A pocket 54 is formed between the inner surface portion 52 and the outer surface portion 40. Such a narrow width box 54 enables the temple arm members 12 to maintain a relatively thin shape, thereby providing a more comfortable fit on the wearer's head than a thicker temple arm member. The power supply box 54 is also positioned proximate to the temple portion 58 of the hinge 30 and may be partially recessed within the temple arm member 12. In the form shown, the box 54 includes an upstanding wall portion 65 projecting from the offset inner surface portion 51 to space the raised inner surface portion 53 therefrom. The wall 65 is sized and configured to provide the pouch 54 with a depth sufficient to enclose a substantially flat battery, such as a disk-shaped button 66. Preferably, there is at least one pair of batteries, such as a pair of disc-shaped button batteries 66, in longitudinal and non-overlapping side-by-side relationship to power the LEDs 18, such that the major flat surfaces 66a, 66b of the batteries 66 face the flat inner surface portion 52 and the flat outer surface portion 40 of the temple arm member 12. The wall 65 includes a curved wall 65a for forming a secondary box 68 having a button cell 66 slip fit therein. The box 54 may be further divided into sub-boxes 67 that include a size designed to partially accommodate the switch 56 (e.g., the lower part of the switch 56 that is electrically connected to the battery 66 and the LED 18). The switch sub-box 67 has a substantially small square configuration and is located near one side of the upper portion of the foremost battery sub-box 68. So configured, the power pack 54 substantially hides the battery 66 and the switch 56 from view when the lighted eyewear 10 is worn.

When the batteries 66 are in the longitudinal side-by-side relationship shown in fig. 7 and 8, the box 54 is divided into two sub-boxes or compartments 68, each formed by an edge or curved wall 65 and configured to support and laterally enclose a single one of the button batteries 66. The distal or rearmost compartment 68 includes a recess or slot 70 in a substantially flat lower surface 71 thereof that is configured to slidingly engage a contact 72, such as a tab-shaped blade connector associated with the switch 56. Accordingly, the slot 70 preferably has a generally rectangular configuration. In addition, the contact 72 includes a curved vertical contact wall 74 that fits into a gap on one of the curved walls 65, as shown in fig. 8. The contact 72 is electrically connected to the switch 56, and the switch 56 is connected to the contact 57 of the LED18 as described above. In particular, the wires 76 extend from the contacts 72 to the switch 56 by being secured in the space between the flange portions 65 above or below the other bay 68 (preferably determined based on the positioning of the switch 56). The wire 76 may be at least partially covered along at least a portion of its length by an insulating material or sheath. As shown, contact 72 is configured to contact the cathode of the battery. The other bay 68 may be located adjacent the switch 56 and include a recess 78 on a substantially flat lower surface 79 thereof configured to support a second contact 80 of the light source 18. As shown, the contact 80 is one of the elongated wires from the light source 18 and is received within an elongated narrower or thinner recess or slot 78 to be configured to contact the anode of the other battery 66. The slots 70 and 78 allow the respective contacts 72 and 80 to be received in the battery sub-housing with the facing surfaces of the battery 66 in contact therewith and resting on or supported by the substantially flat lower surfaces 71 and 79 of the sub-housing 68. So configured, the cathode of one battery 66 is connected to the switch 56, the switch 56 is connected to the LED18, and the anode of the other battery 66 is directly connected to the LED 18. This configuration allows the switch 56 to control the power to the LED18 to turn the LED18 on and off. While one particular configuration of the contacts 72, 80 and battery 66 is shown, these components may be reversed if desired.

By one approach, the raised portion 53 of the inner surface portion 52 includes a removable cover 82, as shown in fig. 6 and 7, that is configured to securely fit over the cartridge 54 to secure the battery therein. The cover 82 may optionally include a biasing element or spring on its inner surface that exerts outward pressure on the battery 66 so that the battery 66 is held against the contacts 72, 80. The cover 82 is removably secured to the cartridge 54 by a tongue and groove mechanism that employs an edge or notch provided on the backing ring 65 to secure the depending side and distal end of the cover 82. Other securing mechanisms may also be employed. In the form shown, the cover 82 is made of metal (as opposed to the preferred plastic of the eyeglasses and temple portions thereof) to limit the thickness of the temple arm members 12. If the cover 82 is made of a similar plastic as the temple arm 12, the cover 82 would have an increased thickness which would compromise the thin construction of the temple arm member 12.

As shown and described above, the temple arm member 12 includes all of the components necessary to illuminate the area in front of the wearer, including the LEDs 18 and the electronics system 50 therefor. Thus, this configuration allows the cross-frame member 14 to be easily interchangeable because no electronic components span the pivotal connection and/or hinge 30 between the side frame arm members 12 and the cross-frame member 14. Also, no electronic components are included on the cross-frame member 14, thereby avoiding performance issues associated with previous hinge switches. In addition, the electronic system 50 has components that are positioned entirely on or recessed within the inner surface portion 52 of each temple arm member 12, and the electronic components do not protrude above the upper surface 62 or below the lower surface 64 of the temple arm member 12. This configuration not only substantially hides the components of the electronic system 50 from view when the lighted eyewear 10 is worn, but also protects the electronic components from damage when the lighted eyewear 10 is in the folded storage configuration.

As shown in fig. 9, a detailed view of a modified or spot LED125 for the light emitting eyewear 10 is shown. The spot LED125 is configured to optimize light output therefrom and minimize dissipated light. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the spotlight LED125 is configured to reduce the amount of stray light, for example, which can result in an undesirable glare or the like. The focusing LEDs 125 may be any conventional LED including a housing or lens 200 of a conventional translucent or transparent housing, LED chips or diodes 202 for illumination, and wires 210 extending therefrom, such as anode and cathode leads. However, the concentration LED125 also includes at least one material or coating 212, preferably having a second material or coating 214 on a predetermined portion of the lens 200 (e.g., along a portion of its outer surface). Materials 212 and 214 are advantageous because they better optimize or concentrate the light output from the concentrating LED125 and minimize light that is diffused or otherwise dissipated by providing a modified cone of light 129 emanating from the concentrating LED 125.

The first material 212 may have a reflective surface and be applied to the lower or underside of the outer surface of the light transmissive lens 200 of the condenser LED 125. The material 212 is designed to optimize and/or focus the light output projected outward from the LED lens body 200 in a predetermined direction or cone of light. As shown by the modified cone of light 29, the first material 212 focuses light emanating from the LED chip 202 in an axial direction generally outward from the concentrated LED25 and also generally upward from the first material 212. The first material 212 may be a silver or nickel coating or a lithium silver plating or a nickel lithium plating, although other reflective coatings are suitable.

For the use of the first material 212, the conventional cone of light projected from the LED is reduced in size by approximately 50%, whereby the amount of light in the modified cone of light 29 doubles or increases approximately 100% over the concentration of light in the conventional cone of light, which is twice the size of the cone of light 129. Although the first material 212 is shown in fig. 9 on the lower portion or bottom of the concentration LED125, it may be included in other portions of the concentration LED125 in a manner that is focused or directed as desired based on the light from the concentration LED 125.

The second material 214 is a black or other dark coating to block light from being emitted in a particular direction, and it may be any opaque coating applied over the concentrated LEDs 125. As shown in fig. 9, the second material 214 is preferably applied on the concentrated LED125 underneath the first material 212 and thus also on the lower portion of the concentrated LED 125. Thus, in the form shown, the first reflective material 212 is between the LED optic 200 and the second material 214. Alternatively, the coatings 212 and 214 may be applied to the inner surface of the LED lens with the reflective coating 212 applied to the primer coating 214 and the primer coating 214 applied to the lens surface. Thus, when the spot LED125 is mounted on the cap 100 as described above, the material 214 minimizes the glare of the LED into the wearer's eye, as the second material 214 substantially prevents light from being projected directly in front of the wearer's eye in a downward direction beneath the bill 116. Thus, it is preferred that wherever the first coating 212 is applied over the spotlight LED125 to focus or direct light, the second material 214 is preferably applied in such a manner that when the spotlight LED125 is mounted on the cap 100, the second material 212 is oriented to prevent light emanating from the LED from being directed toward the wearer's eye. In other words, the second material 212 will be on the lens 200 such that it is between the LED chip 202 and the eye of the hat wearer.

Although the first and second materials 212 and 214 are shown to extend over the entire axial length of the LED lens 200, the materials 212 and 214 may also extend over only a portion of the axial length of the LED lens 200 or at variable lengths over the lens 200, depending on the desired modified cone 29. Preferably, materials 212 and 214 will extend at least from electrical connection 210 through LED chip 202. Moreover, although the spotlight LED25 has been described as having coatings 212 and 214, the spotlight LED25 may also include each coating individually depending on the desired light output, direction, and/or concentration.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9A, the spot LED25 may have a reflective tape 220 wrapped around it instead of or in combination with the materials 212 and 214 or just the photoresist 214. For example, the band 220 may be wound radially around the spot LED25 such that the band 220 surrounds the lens 200 and extends axially generally parallel to the wire 210 to the LED chip or diode 202. However, the bands 220 may also extend over different axial lengths of the spot LED25 depending on the desired cone of light 29. For example, if a more concentrated or narrower beam is desired, the band 220 may extend radially from the wire 210 beyond the diode 202, thereby forming a narrower or concentrated cone of light 29. On the other hand, if a more diffuse or wide beam is desired, the band 220 may extend only a short distance and be spaced axially back from the diode 202, thereby forming a wider cone of light 29. It will be apparent that if a reflective layer is present on only one side of the tape 220, the reflective layer on the tape 220 faces inwardly toward the diode 202, such that the reflective tape 220 will concentrate the light emanating from the diode 202 and reflect any diffused light inwardly into the desired light cone 29.

Referring now to fig. 10-23, another hands-free lighted embodiment is shown that includes a lighted eyeglass frame 500. In general, the lighted eyeglass frame 500 described herein includes a light source mounted on a portion of the frame for directing light in front of the wearer together in a variety of different options for energizing the light source.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 10-13, a light assembly 518 having a light source or LED524 is mounted on a foldable eyeglass frame assembly 500 to form light emitting eyeglasses. Eyeglass frame assembly 500 is configured as a conventional eyeglass frame assembly having a pair of spaced temples or arms 502 and a cross-frame member 504 extending therebetween and pivotally connected at either end thereof to each temple. The cross-frame member 504 includes appropriate bridge structure intermediate the ends so that the frame 500 can be pressed against the bridge of the individual's nose (fig. 12). The temples 502 extend rearwardly from spaced ends of the cross frame member 504 and may also include downwardly projecting ears 506 so that an end 505 of each temple 502 may conform to or extend about an individual's ear (fig. 10A). Alternatively, the temples may extend generally straight in opposite directions from the cross-frame member 504 without ears 506 (fig. 15A). The frame assembly 500 shown in fig. 10-13 includes a retracted position and an extended position.

In the collapsed position or state, the cross-frame members 504 and temples 502 are preferably folded such that the frame 500 is in a more compact form for storage and protection (fig. 10B, 11B, 13A and 13B). As discussed further below, cross-frame member 504 and each temple 502 are individually collapsed to form a compact structure. In the collapsed state, cross-frame member 504 and temple 502 are substantially protected by light assembly 518, since, as discussed further below, cross-frame member 504 and temple 502 are partially or substantially covered by light assembly 518. In other words, arm 502 generally does not protrude very far beyond the optical assembly, but only a small portion of cross-frame member 504 is exposed to extend between assemblies 518, as can be seen in fig. 13A and 13B. Further, in the retracted position, the light frame assembly 500 is compact enough to be used for a mini-flashlight. In the retracted position, the assembly 524 generally constitutes a two-assembly LED flashlight, as shown in FIG. 13B.

The illustrated light-emitting eyewear 500 includes a light assembly 518 mounted on each temple 502. The LEDs 524 are configured to provide illumination in front of the eyewear 500 within the wearer's field of view. To this end, the light assembly 518 or LED524 may be angled inward and/or downward, e.g., about 5 degrees, to provide a beam that is more focused within the wearer's field of view. Tilting of the LEDs in their respective housings can be achieved as described in U.S. patent No.6,612,696, incorporated herein in its entirety as if reproduced. In addition, the beams are more directly in the wearer's field of view by the corresponding frame temples 502 being angled inward and downward. If the light assembly 518 or LED524 is tilted in this manner, there is no need to manually pivot or tilt the light to direct the illumination.

More particularly, the light assembly 518 has an LED524 protruding therefrom to allow light therein to be emitted. An assembly 518 is mounted on each temple 502. The assembly 518 preferably encapsulates the components necessary to illuminate the LED 524. For example, the assembly 518 has a switch that includes an actuating portion 517 that protrudes through an elongated cutout 519. The actuating portion 517 is designed such that a user's thumb or finger can quickly and easily engage the actuating portion 517 push or pull switch for sliding in either direction to turn the light assembly 518 on and off. The elongated cut-out 119 is dimensioned such that the switch actuator can only be moved a predetermined distance, thereby enabling an on-off function with a minimum of movement. When the switch is moved to the "on" position, the battery of the inner package light assembly 518 energizes the LED 524. Likewise, when the switch is moved to the "off" position, the connection between the battery and the LED524 is broken and the LED524 is turned off. In an exemplary form, the assembly 518 is similar to the light assembly shown and described in the previously incorporated' 696 patent. As shown, the assembly 518 may be integrally formed with the temple 502, but the assembly 518 may also be separately mounted to the temple 502 using fasteners or the like, as in the' 696 patent.

As described above, the eyeglass frame 500 includes a collapsed and an extended state. In this regard, each temple 502 may include interconnected sections or members 502a and 502B that are slidable relative to one another such that the temples 502 may be transitioned between a retracted position (fig. 10B and 11B) and an extended position (fig. 10A and 11A). Likewise, cross-frame member 504 preferably further includes similarly contracting and elongating interconnecting sections or members 504a, 504b, 504c and 504d (fig. 12 and 13). The sections of the temple and cross-frame members may also be extended and retracted with one of the sections having a tubular or C-shaped configuration so that the connecting section may be slid in and out. Although cross-frame member 504 and temple 502 are shown with a specific number of sections, more or fewer sections may be employed depending on the desired frame size and length.

More particularly, in the retracted position of temple 502, temple section 502b is retracted or slid relative to temple section 502a into a temple pocket on assembly 518 or alongside assembly 518 on its outer surface such that at least a portion of each temple section is superimposed back upon top of the other and overlapping assembly 518. In the retracted state, ear 506 extends beyond assembly 518, as shown in FIG. 10B. However, the projecting ears 506 are much smaller than the fully extended temple arms 502. The extent to which temple arm 502 protrudes beyond the assembly when the arm is retracted can vary depending on the size and angle of ear 506, as it is not uncommon for the configuration of ear 506 to vary depending on individual wearer comfort requirements. Alternatively, if the temple 502 does not have contoured ears 506, but rather flat temple portions, substantially the entire temple 502 overlaps the assembly 518 when collapsed. For example, as shown in fig. 11B, if the temple portion 502 is substantially flat, the temple segments 502a and 502B will collapse to a position such that each segment 502a and 502B substantially overlaps each other and overlaps the component 518, except for the small pointed end 505 of the temple. In this configuration, substantially the entire temple 502 is protected from damage in the collapsed state by the assembly 518, as the temple 502 collapses into the assembly 518 or side-by-side. The greater width dimension of the component 518 transverse to the length of the temple arm 502 protects the elongated thinner temple portion 502.

In the extended state of temple 502, each of sections 502a and 502b extend outwardly from assembly 518 to form a conventional temple of conventional eyeglasses (fig. 10A, 11A and 12). As shown in fig. 11C, the temple segments 502a and 502b may include a releasable locking structure 508 therebetween such that the extended temple segments may be retained in their extended and retracted positions. That is, the locking structure 508 may include, for example, a retaining sleeve element 508a through which the temple segments 502a and 502b extend, a boss or other protrusion 508b on an end of one of the temple segments, and a corresponding detent or groove 508c on an adjacent end of the other temple segment that engage and register such that the protrusion 508b drops into the groove 508c when the segments reach a predetermined elongated position relative to one another to releasably secure the temple segments in the elongated state. The locking structure 508 may also include a stop element 508d on the end of each segment that interferes with the retaining element 508a to avoid separating the temple arms from each other. Additionally, the end 505 of the temple arm 502b may also include a detent 508c to engage the protrusion 508b when the temple arm 502b is retracted. Obviously, the locations of the projections 508b and detent 508c may be reversed, or a pair of projections 508b may be provided on one of the arm sections, while a single recess 508c is formed on the other arm section.

Referring now to fig. 12, 13A and 13B, as discussed above, cross-frame member 504 may also include a retracted and an extended position. As shown in fig. 12, the frame 500 is shown in an extended position similar to conventional eyeglass frames. Fig. 13A and 13B show the cross-frame member 504 and temple arms 502 of the frame 500 in a retracted position, while fig. 13A shows the retracted temple arms 502 having arcuate ears 506 (fig. 10B) and fig. 13B shows the retracted straight temple arms 502 (fig. 11B).

To achieve the retracted position of cross-frame member 504, the user slides outer sections 504a and 504d of cross-frame member 504 inwardly toward one another, causing temple 502 and connected or coupled assembly 518 to move laterally toward one another. It will be appreciated that cross-frame 504 may be collapsed while temple 502 is in the collapsed or extended position. For contraction and elongation, cross-frame member 504 also includes connecting sections or members 504a, 504b, 504c and 504 d. The user slides the sections inward so that sections 504a and 504b overlap to collapse one side of frame 500 and sections 504c and 504d overlap to collapse the other side of frame 500.

Cross-frame member 504 is lengthened in an opposite manner by sliding or extending sections 504a and 504d outward. For temple 502, cross-frame member 504 preferably includes similar locking structure 508 so that cross-frame member 504 is releasably retained in a retracted or extended position.

When both cross-frame member 504 and each temple 502 are collapsed, frame 500 is significantly more compact than conventional eyeglass frames, as best shown in fig. 13A and 13B. Preferably, the fully collapsed frame 500 is substantially as wide as the depth of the two assemblies 518 and substantially as long as each assembly 518. As described above, the smaller portion 505 of the ear 506 can extend beyond the component 518 in the retracted state, such that if the temple arm is retracted within the light housing 518, the protruding portion 505 allows the user to pull the temple arm out of the housing back to its extended position. In this compact state, the frame 500 can be easily placed in a pocket, bag or purse until a hands-free lighting device is desired. The frame 500 may be elongated to be used as a hands-free lighting device as described above or as a compact hands-free flashlight in a compact state. Moreover, in this compact state, the frame 500 is protected from damage because the frame does not have elongated elements that can easily be broken or broken. As described above, when the frame 500 is in a collapsed state, the cross-frame member 504 and temple arms 502 slide into or alongside the light assembly 518. Thus, in this state, the larger component 518 protects the narrower frame portions 502 and 504 from damage when in, for example, a pocket or purse.

The eyeglass frame 500 can also include lenses similar to conventional eyeglasses. For example, the frame 500 may include reading lenses, prescription lenses, protective or safety lenses, magnifying lenses, clear or non-refractive lenses, and the like. If included, the lens is generally suspended from the cross-frame member 504 or the cross-frame member 504 may also include a portion surrounding the lens. The lens may have a pivotal connection to the frame where the cross frame member 504 and temple arm 502 are pivotally connected. In this way, the edge of the lens opposite the pivot connection (i.e., near the bridge) can be pivoted inward from cross-frame member 504 to temple arm 502 to facilitate retraction of cross-frame member 504. On the other hand, the upper edge of the lens may be pivotally mounted on cross-frame member 504 so that when the frame is in a collapsed condition, the lens may pivot to a collapsed frame configuration. In this configuration, the frame 500 (even with the optical lens) can be collapsed into a compact form. Alternatively, the eyeglass frame 500 may lack these lenses, such that the frame 500 is simply constructed in the form of a helmet that provides hands-free lighting.

Referring to fig. 14-21, a variety of alternative temple portions 602 for the frame assembly 500 are shown. Here, these alternative temple portions are not substantially collapsed, but rather have different configurations and may include a recharging battery 600 and recharging contacts 603. As shown, the recharging contacts 603 include a positive contact 603a and a negative contact 603b, which may be in a separate temple portion 602 (fig. 22) or both in a unified temple portion 602 (fig. 21). The charging contacts 603 are for electrical connection with corresponding contacts 654 of a separate battery charger.

The temple portion 602 includes a light source 604, preferably an LED, that is enclosed within an open or hollow portion of the temple frame 610 and projects axially outward from the front end 602a of the temple frame so that a light beam can be directed toward the front of the wearer, as described above. The light source 604 may also be angled or tilted inward or downward to place the light beam more directly in the field of view of the wearer. For example, the LEDs may be tilted downward approximately 5 degrees. The alternative temple 602 of fig. 14-21, when worn, may generally provide a more compact lighting device than the light assembly 518 described previously, since the components that energize the light source 604 are housed or integrated within the temple portion 602 rather than within the separate assembly 518.

More particularly, fig. 14-15 show two batteries 600 spaced longitudinally and internally housed in the front portion 602b of the temple 602 adjacent the pivoting member 606. To accommodate the batteries, the front portion 602b of the temple arm is enlarged in a direction transverse to its length and cross-frame member 504, while the light emitting frame is in its unfolded configuration in use. The front portion 602b has a tapered configuration along its length. At the same time, the front portion 602b is thicker than the remaining narrower portion of the temple arm or the rear portion 602d, with the shoulder 602c disposed therebetween. The battery 600 is in electrical communication with the recharging contacts 603 at the distal end 605 of the ear 608 of the temple arm 602. As will be described further below, recharging contacts 603 mate with contacts 654 of a separate battery charging assembly or unit 650. Fig. 16 and 17 show a similar cell structure, but with a modified profile for the temple 602 to enclose the longitudinally spaced cells 600. The front of the arm has a rectangular configuration for receiving the battery 600 therein, rather than a smooth taper.

Fig. 18 and 19 illustrate an overlapping cell configuration in which cells 600 are stacked in a side-by-side configuration. In this configuration, the temple frame or housing 610 need not be as long in the longitudinal direction as the previous temple arm, but is wider or thicker in the transverse longitudinal direction to accommodate the stacked cells 600.

Fig. 20 and 21 illustrate another variation of a temple 602 that encloses a battery 600 within a back ear 606, preferably in a longitudinally spaced configuration to minimize the width or thickness of each back portion. In this embodiment, battery 600 is positioned proximate recharging contacts 603 to minimize the length of the electrical connection therebetween. Here, both the positive charging contact 603a and the negative charging contact 603b are disposed at the distal end 605 of the same temple portion 602. This combined configuration makes the battery charger more compact because only one temple 602 is required to be connected to the battery charger.

Referring to fig. 22, eyeglass frame 500 is shown with a modified temple portion 602 connected to a stand-alone battery charger 650 with positive and negative contacts 603a and 603b on a separate temple arm 602. To charge the batteries in the battery charger 650, the temple arms 602 are preferably pivoted inwardly toward the cross-frame member to collapse the frame 500 into the collapsed condition, the distal end 605 of each temple arm 602 then being connected to a receptacle member 652 included on the separate charger. Alternatively, the receiving base element 652 may be integrated within the eyeglass frame housing. The battery charger 650 is plugged into a 110 volt wall outlet. Base element 652 has recharging contacts 654 that correspond to recharging contacts 603 on eyeglass frame temple 602, but with opposite polarity. Thus, when inserted into the battery charger 650, the battery 600 is in electrical communication with a power source, such that the battery 600 may be charged. Alternatively, the battery charger 650 may be configured to accommodate the eyeglass frame 500 with the temple arms 602 in the unfolded position, or may have a more compact configuration as described above, such as when only one temple arm 602 has two charging contacts 603a and 603b thereon.

Referring to fig. 23, a modified arrangement of a rechargeable battery 600 is shown on an alternative frame 500. In this embodiment, the power assembly or battery pack 750 is connected or tethered to a lanyard 772 attached to the distal end 705 of the more conventional temple arm 702 (i.e., not including a battery). Lanyard 772 is a flexible element that engages each distal end 705 of temple arm 702 and also functions as a retention element that secures frame 500 around the wearer's neck when not in use. Generally, the lanyards 772 hang around the neck and upper back of the wearer. The alternative frame 500 of fig. 27 also includes a light source 704, either on the frame as shown or on a separate assembly, which is in electrical communication with the battery pack 750 through the lanyard 772 and temple arms 702. As such, temple arms 702 and lanyard 772 can have a hollow configuration such that electrical wires can pass through each.

The battery pack or assembly 750 encloses the rechargeable battery 600 and is releasably mounted in a receiving opening 774 attached to a lanyard 772. Generally, the ports 774 may be centrally located between the ends of each temple portion 702 on the lanyard 772 because this intermediate location along the length of the lanyard provides balance to the lanyard 772 when worn. Thus, in the centered position, the group or assembly 750 can comfortably press against the back of the wearer when the lanyard 772 is draped over the shoulders and back during use. However, other locations on the lanyard are also acceptable. The receiving opening 774 includes contacts 774a and 774b which are in electrical communication with contacts 603a and 603b on the battery pack or assembly 750 to supply power from the battery to the light source 704 when the battery pack or assembly 750 is fixedly and captively received in the opening 774.

To recharge battery 600, pack or assembly 750 may be removed from port 774 and plugged into a separate battery charger or power source (not shown). In this manner, the positive and negative contacts 603a and 603b mate with similar contacts on the battery charger. Alternatively, the batteries 600 of the pack or assembly 750 may be charged while still mounted on the ports 774, for example, by providing separate recharging contacts (not shown).

Packaging the cells 600 on a pack or assembly 750 and electrically connected to the frame 500 by guy wires 772 is advantageous in that: the battery 600 is housed in a separate element, such as the power assembly 750, which does not affect the profile of the temple arm 702. Thus, the temple arm 702 may be a more conventional flat temple portion rather than a temple arm 602 contoured to contact the battery 600 as shown in fig. 14-21, with substantially only the wire contained thereon.

Referring to fig. 24-27, an alternative LED assembly 3010 is shown to include an LED3012 and a cover 3014. LED3012 includes a lens 3016 and two spaced wires 3018a and 3018 b. The lens 3016 is made of molded plastic, having a generally cylindrical portion 3016a and a domed portion 3016b extending around the distal end of the lens 3016. Within the cylindrical portion 3016a, the LEDs include diodes, lighting chips, or other light sources 3016 c. The cover 3014 includes a first portion 3014a that surrounds at least a portion of the lens 3016 and a second portion 3014b that surrounds at least a portion of the leads 3018a and 3018 b. For this configuration, the cover 3014 provides support for the LED leads and preferably alters the light beam produced by the LEDs 3012.

More particularly, the first cover portion 3014a extends around a portion of the LED lens 3016 (e.g., the lens cylindrical portion 3016a) and thereby allows the LED3012 to function similarly to the spotlight 25 described previously, thereby focusing or reducing the spread of stray light. That is, the cover 3014 extends beyond the light chip 3016d along a predetermined axial length around the cylindrical portion 3016a to focus the formed light cone or reduce stray light emissions. The cover portion 3014a may extend more or less an axial length beyond the photonic chip 3016a depending on the degree of light gathering desired. In one form, the cover portion 3014a extends generally along the lens cylindrical portion 3016a approximately 3/16 inches to 1/4 inches.

The second cover portion 3014b extends around and provides support and strength to the LED wires 3018a and 3018 b. Preferably, the second cover portion extends along the wires from about 3/16 inches to about 1/4 inches, however, other lengths are suitable depending on the size of the cover and the LED and the amount of support and strength desired to be provided on the LED. The second cover portion 3014b minimizes tension on the wires 3018a and 3018b, and in particular at the interface 3020 between the wires 3018a, 3018b and the lens 3016. Thus, it is more difficult for the second cover portion 3014b to bend, twist, or otherwise break the single conductor 3018a or 3018b at the interface 3020 because the second cover portion 3014b combines each conductor 3018a and 3018b together in a more rigid mating assembly. The photovoltaic cell can be used to power other electronic devices including radios, MP3 players such as ipods and telephones.

The cover 3014 is preferably a material that can be tightly wrapped around the LEDs 3012 as shown in fig. 25-27. For example, a preferred material for the cover 3014 is biaxially oriented PVC, which can be tightly wrapped around the LED portion by shrink wrapping the cover 3014 with heat. However, other materials that can be tightly wrapped around the LED by shrink wrapping or other mechanisms using heat or other stimuli are also acceptable for the cover 3014.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. An illuminated eyewear comprising:

a pair of temple arm members each having a front end and a rear end;

the inner and outer surface portions of each temple arm member having a flat configuration and extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends of the temple arm;

a front support including bridges extending between the front ends of the temple arm members and the temple arms and member bridges being adapted to be supported over the ears and nose of a user;

a pivotal connection between the front end of each temple arm member and the front support for pivoting the temple arm member relative to the front support;

a light source mounted on each temple arm;

a plurality of disc-shaped batteries for supplying power to the light source;

a narrow width battery compartment of each temple arm between the respective flat inner and outer surface portions of the temple arm, dimensioned such that a pair of disk-shaped batteries are received in each compartment in a non-overlapping, side-by-side configuration with the major surfaces of the batteries facing the flat inner and outer surface portions of the respective temple arm; and

electrical connections are made between the batteries and the light sources powered thereby mounted on each temple arm member such that no electronic components span the pivotal connection between the temple arm member and the front support, by way of the electrical connections between the light sources, associated batteries and the light sources mounted on each temple arm and the power source, wherein the light sources are mounted adjacent the forward end of each temple arm and the front support includes cross-frame members having opposite ends adjacent the forward end of the temple arm, said ends including eyeshade portions each having an eyeshade surface extending adjacent a respective light source.

2. The iuuminated eyewear of claim 1 wherein the light source is an LED that produces a cone of light at a predetermined angle and the eyewear surface is configured to extend generally along the light source to avoid substantial interference therewith.

3. The iuuminated eyewear of claim 1 wherein the battery compartments each include a removable cover along which an inner surface portion of the respective temple arm member extends.

4. The iuuminated eyewear of claim 1 wherein the electrical connections for each temple arm member comprise a switch mounted on an interior surface portion of the temple arm member.

5. The iuuminated eyewear of claim 4 wherein the switch is proximate the pivotal connection of the forward ends of the temple arm members.

6. An illuminated eyewear comprising:

a front support including a bridge extending generally laterally along a lateral axis;

a pair of temple arm members pivotal between an in-use configuration in which the temple arm members extend generally rearwardly from the front support along respective longitudinal axes orthogonal to the transverse axis and a storage configuration in which the temple arm members extend generally transversely along the transverse axis proximate the front support;

a pivotal connection between each temple arm member and the front support;

a front frame portion adjacent each pivot connection;

a light source mounted adjacent each pivot connection; and

an inclined visor surface of each front frame portion adjacent to and laterally inward from the light source, the inclined visor surface extending at a laterally inward incline to the lateral axis.

7. The iuuminated eyewear of claim 6 wherein the light source produces a cone of light therefrom having a predetermined cone angle, and the laterally inward slope of the eyecup surface is configured such that the eyecup surface extends generally along or away from the cone of light to avoid interference therewith.

8. The iuuminated eyewear of claim 7 wherein the eyecup surfaces each have a half-frustoconical configuration with a half-frustoconical eyecup surface opening laterally outward.

9. The iuuminated eyewear of claim 8 wherein the frusto-conical eyeshield surfaces each have a lower notch opening that extends around the light source when the temple arm members are pivoted to their in-use configurations.

10. The iuuminated eyewear of claim 6 wherein the temple arm members include a forward end and the light source is mounted on the temple arm members such that the forward ends thereof project forwardly, the eye shield surface being adjacent the light source and extending forwardly beyond the light source.

11. The iuuminated eyewear of claim 6 wherein the light source is mounted on the temple arm members so as to be inclined inwardly and downwardly relative to the longitudinal axes thereof so as to maximize the amount of light projected onto the reading area in front of the wearer of the eyewear.

12. The iuuminated eyewear of claim 11 wherein the light sources are LEDs projecting a cone of light of a predetermined cone angle such that a central axis of the cone of light is inclined inwardly and downwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the respective temple arm member, and the inclined eyewear surfaces are formed to each extend along a respective reference cone of the same or greater cone angle than the cone angle of the cone of light of the LEDs, the reference cones each having a central axis coincident with the central axis of the cone of light of an adjacent LED when the temple arms are in their in-use configurations.

13. The iuuminated eyewear of claim 12 wherein the eyecup surfaces each have a half-frustoconical configuration and have a recessed opening at the apex of the reference cone in which the LED is received when the temple arms are in their in-use configurations.