US5249001A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Earstem for eyeglasses providing retention
Assignee: Oakley Inc
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Filing: 1991-08-27
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Granted: 1993-09-28
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Expires: 2011-08-27
Abstract
Abstract Earstems for eyewear are configured to define a lateral distance between the earstems which is greater than the width of the head in the anterior temple region so as to prevent any contact of the earstems and the head in that region. Preferably, the earstems include a diverging section, a transition section, a converging section and a retaining section, wherein the transition section defines the greatest lateral distance between the earstems. The retaining section extends posteriorally from the converging section so as to provide an interfacing surface between the eyewear and the head. The retaining section may be configured so as to accommodate the traction device so as to enhance the retention of the eyewear about the head by increasing the coefficient of static friction between the eyewear and the head.
Inventors
- 👤 James H. Jannard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 18:30
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02C; G02C5/00; G02C5/14; G02C5/143; G02C3/00; G02C3/003; G02C2200/00; G02C2200/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
199 words
Eyewear comprising two earstems in combination with a unitary arcuate upper frame configured to accommodate a range of head widths while providing a medially directed force at the distal ends of the earstems, and while minimizing contact between the proximal portions of the earstems and the head, each of said earstems comprising: a hinge element at the proximal end of the earstem; a diverging section extending from the proximal end of the earstem, distal to said hinge; a transition section on the earstem distal to and adjacent said diverging section, which increases the lateral distance between the transition section and the head; a converging section distal to said transition section; and a retaining section on the earstem disposed distally to the converging section, said retaining section disposed so as to provide a medially directed force in contact with the side of the head, wherein the intersection of the converging section and the retaining section is at a point within the range of from about 1/4 to about 1/2 the overall length of the earstem from the proximal end thereof, and wherein the diverging section of each of said earstems extends substantially along the arc defined by the arcuate frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
199 words
Eyewear comprising two earstems in combination with a unitary arcuate upper frame configured to accommodate a range of head widths while providing a medially directed force at the distal ends of the earstems, and while minimizing contact between the proximal portions of the earstems and the head, each of said earstems comprising: a hinge element at the proximal end of the earstem; a diverging section extending from the proximal end of the earstem, distal to said hinge; a transition section on the earstem distal to and adjacent said diverging section, which increases the lateral distance between the transition section and the head; a converging section distal to said transition section; and a retaining section on the earstem disposed distally to the converging section, said retaining section disposed so as to provide a medially directed force in contact with the side of the head, wherein the intersection of the converging section and the retaining section is at a point within the range of from about 1/4 to about 1/2 the overall length of the earstem from the proximal end thereof, and wherein the diverging section of each of said earstems extends substantially along the arc defined by the arcuate frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
An eyeglass as in claim 1, wherein the diverging section on each earstem is substantially linear.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
An eyeglass as in claim 1, wherein the converging section on each earstem is substantially linear.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
An eyeglass as in claim 1, further comprising a unitary eyeglass lens mounted on said arcuate upper frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
Eyewear as in claim 1, wherein the retaining section on each earstem is substantially linear.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
232 words
Eyewear comprising two earstems in combination with a unitary arcuate upper frame configured to accommodate a range of head widths while providing a medically directed force at the distal ends of the earstems, and while minimizing contact between the proximal portions of the earstems and the head, each of said earstems being mounted to said frame such that each earstem has a first side away from the head of a wearer thereof and a second side opposite the first side, each of said earstems, comprising: a hinge element at the proximal end of the earstem; a diverging section extending from the proximal end of the earstem, distal to said hinge; a transition section on the earstem distal to and adjacent said diverging section, which increases the lateral distance between the transition section and the head; a converging section distal to said transition section; and a retaining section on the earstem disposed distally to the converging section, said retaining section disposed so as to provide a medially directed force in contact with the side of the head, wherein the intersection of the converging section and the retaining section is at a point within the range of from about 1/4 to about 1/2 the overall length of the earstem from the proximal end thereof, and wherein the intersection of the converging section and the retaining section forms an obtuse angle on said first side.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
232 words
Eyewear comprising two earstems in combination with a unitary arcuate upper frame configured to accommodate a range of head widths while providing a medically directed force at the distal ends of the earstems, and while minimizing contact between the proximal portions of the earstems and the head, each of said earstems being mounted to said frame such that each earstem has a first side away from the head of a wearer thereof and a second side opposite the first side, each of said earstems, comprising: a hinge element at the proximal end of the earstem; a diverging section extending from the proximal end of the earstem, distal to said hinge; a transition section on the earstem distal to and adjacent said diverging section, which increases the lateral distance between the transition section and the head; a converging section distal to said transition section; and a retaining section on the earstem disposed distally to the converging section, said retaining section disposed so as to provide a medially directed force in contact with the side of the head, wherein the intersection of the converging section and the retaining section is at a point within the range of from about 1/4 to about 1/2 the overall length of the earstem from the proximal end thereof, and wherein the intersection of the converging section and the retaining section forms an obtuse angle on said first side.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
Eyewear as in claim 6, wherein the diverging section of each of said earstems extends substantially along the arc defined by the arcuate frame.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-09-27 | 1997-03-29 | 1997-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-09-27 | 2001-03-29 | 2001-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-09-27 | 2005-03-29 | 2005-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |