Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
21$~76~
-- 1 --
EYE PROTECTION DEVICE FOR HEADGEAR
AND METHOD OF PROVIDING AN OPTIONAL OPERATING FORCE
THERE IN
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an eye protection
device for securement to a headgear and capable of
being retained at a position of use in front of the
wearer's eyes and a different position of non-use.
~ACKGROUND ART
All outdoor sports participants have to
contend with one or more of the three elements that
affect a participant ' s vision during outdoor
competition: unfiltered sunlight, perspiration in the
eyes, and foreign objects invading the eyes. To try
to solve these problems, athletes have had to wear
8weatbands and protection glasses.
Sweatbands alone have been used
satisfactorily for many years to keep perspiration
originating at the top of the head from running into
the wearer ' 8 eyes .
Normal sungla3ses have al30 been used for
many years, and do remain in place during sedate
activities such as sltting and walking, but are unable
to remain in place during vigorous activities such as
basketball, volleyball, racquetball or tennis. During
these activities, sunglasses have to be modif ied in a
way that conf licts with their original intended use by
placing heavy elastic bands to the ear pieces These
bands expand against the back of the head to apply
uncomfortable stresses to the bridge of the nose, the
temples and the ears themselves, eventually causing
f atigue and pain
The .hAll~n~e is to design the glasses to
attach to the sweatband in a manner so that: a ) a
,, . . , . . , . , . _ ... .. ... . _ ... _ .... _ . .. .. ..
-
2181764
-- 2 --
tension device will keep the glasses comfortably in
place even during rigorous physical activities, b ) the
glasses can be quickly and easily rotated out of the
line of sight so perspiration can be wiped from the
5 area of the eyes, and then be quickly and easily
rotated back into the line of sight, even during the
physlcal activity, and c) providing an eyeshield
having improved adjustable feAtures to protect the ----
eyes .
With regard to using tension devices to hold
the glasses in place, the prior attempt of U.S. Patent
No g,885,808 to Carpenter, issued December 12, 1989,
is indicative of the simple flip up approach of using
a coiled spring tension device to hold the sunglasses
15 in place. This arrangement also allows the sunglasses
to be rotated into and out of the line of sight of the
wearer. However, this design is too fragile because
of the single tiny f lip up r-^hAn i qm used to attach
the eye pieces to the headband This one fragile
20 attach point would allow even the smallest of impacts
experienced during a sports activity to drive the eye
pieces into the wearer ' s eyes and face, posing an
unacceptable risk of damage to the eyes and face.
With regard to the ability to quickly and
25 easily rotate the glasses into and out of the line of
sight of the wearer, reference is made to U.S. Patent
No. 4,616,367 to Jean, issued October 1986, U.S.
Patent No 4,712,254 to Daigle, issued December 1987,
and U.S. Patent No. 4,811,430 to Janusz, issued March
30 1989, as being indicative of the approaches used to
hide the eyepieces in a hOA~lhAn~l to remove them from
the line of sight of the wearer. This approach is not
only cumbersome and time consuming for the hands to
operate, but more importantly, it drastically limits
35 the size and shape of the eye pieces that can be used
.. . , ..... _ .. _ .. _ ... . ...... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
21~1~64
-- 3 --
because of the need to fit inside the h~lh~nd when
not in use Since these eye pieces are too small and
too flat to adequately follow the contours of the head
and face, unfiltered sunlight as well as foreign
5 objects are allowed to reach the eyes rom the sides
and bottoms of the eye pieces.
A later attempt to solve the problem o~
protecting the eyes from unfiltered sunlight and
foreign objects was attempted by U.S. Patent No.
4,852,189, issued to Duggan in August 1989, by using a
one piece wrap around eye piece held in place by a
hook and loop attachment to the h~lh~ntl, Although
the eye piece gave better eye protection, it was still
cumbersome and unwieldy to operate by reguiring two
15 hands to change the position of the eye piece.
A more logical attempt was provided in U. S .
Patent No. 5,105,475, issued to Lynd on April 21,
1992, by providing a wrap around eye piece that
rotates up and down by means of two arms attached to
20 the headband. However, each arm of the eye piece was
unfortunately attached to the headband with a single
rotation point. This single rotation point eliminated
the ability of the eye piece to tilt as it was
rotated, thereby not allowing the eye piece to more
25 closely follow the contour of the head and face o~ the
wearer. Also no tensioning device was provided to
keep the eye piece held firmly in place in the two
desiled positions And finally, the eye piece had to
rotate into a cap bill, thus limiting its travel,
30 making the design unsuitable for a vigorous sport like
basketball .
The present invention uses a new approach to
the old problem of combining a contoured optical
eyeshield and a headgear, such as a sweatband The
35 present invention allows the wearer to en~oy the
. . , . , . . ., _ ... , ... . .. , .. , _ _ _ _ . .
218~764
-- 4 --
beneflts of a sweatband plus the benefits of a
lightweight, comfortable eyeshield that stays in place
during rigorous activities, and then stays fashionably
above the forehead when not needed by means of a
unique bistable tensioning pivotal m-~mhisn; ~m, The
forces needed to keep the eyeshield in place are more
pf f i ~; ~ntly applied downward on the increasing slope
of the nose rather than like normal glasses exerting
forces upward on the decreasing slope of the nose and
inward toward the back of the head The bistable
tensioning pivotal m~-hAni~m allows the nose piece to
become a self adjusting support that fits the
eyeshield to a wide variety of faces. Not only is
less force needed with this approach, but the bistable
tensioning pivotal r?~h~ni~m distributes the forces
comfortably throughout the circumference of the
~weatband and comfort is greatly enhanced. The
eyeshield may also be adjusted in relation to the face
of the user.
Until now, the hand motion needed to slip up
other eye glasses designs re~uired an awkward twisting
motion of the hands and wrists. The natural movement
of the hands to rotate this invention ' s eyeshield is
accomplished with a simple upward motion of one hand
or the f ingers
With the recent upsurge of interest in
outdoor sports, especially outdoor basketball, a real
need is developing for an athletic
sweatband/sunglasses apparel combination that
realistically provides the comfort, protection, and
style fl^-~nfl~fl by the modern athletes. Until now, no
rotating sunglasses/sweatband combination has proved
widely acceptable to the athletic glasses market.
SU~MARY OF INVENTION _
2~ ~ ~ 76~
-- 5 --
The above referred to previous patents have
illustrated the need for a one piece
sweatband/sunglasses apparel combination that is
comfortable and adjustable, sturdy, functional and
5 attractive to wear
Accordingly it is a feature of the present
invention to provide a protectable eyeshield pivotally
connected to a headgear by a pair of pivotal arms each
having a bistable tensioning pivotal mechAni rm
10 incorporating a single stretchable elastic band formed
as a loop and disposed in tension about and between
the pivotal arms to apply maximum retention force to
the arms at their position of use and non-use of the
eyeshield .
According to a further feature of the
present invention is the step of selectively supplying
differe!nt strength elastic bands affording the user's
option to vary maximum tensile forces dyring operation
of the eye shield between positions of use and non-
use.
According to a still further feature the
eyeshield is adjustable with respect to the face of a
wearer to f it various f ace conf igurations and to
provide more comfort to the user.
According to a f urther ~eatu{e the headgear
is a terry cloth type sweatband that absorbs
perspiration, keeps the hair in place, provides
comfortable support for the eyeshield's bistable
tensioning pivotal rer~h~n;~m and wherein the sweatband
has an elastic strap with adjusting buckles that
provides a one size fits all capability.
Another feature is to provide a one piece
contoured tinted optical quality eyeshield that is
curved to closely emulate the shape of the face,
21817~4
-- 6 --
thereby protecting the eyes from unfiltered sunlight
as well as the introduction of foreign objects.
A further feature is to provide a bistable
tensioning pivotal hAn;rm that applies force to
5 keep the eyeshield down in place in the normal viewing
position; then decreases the force to zero as the
eyeshield is manually lifted upward toward the
forehead, and then applies increasing force in the
opposite directlon to keep the eye~hield securely up
10 in the out of viewing position above the forehead.
Another feature is to provide a smooth,
fluid feel associated with the raising and lowering of
the eyeshield due to the bistable tensioning pivotal
r----hAn; Fm.
Still another feature is to provide a
capability of easily removing the optical eyeshield ' s
bistable tensioning pivotal r-ch_n1 ~m from the
sweatband so the sweatband can be machine washable.
A further feature is to provide a pivotal
20 eyeshield secured to an adj usting mP-hAn; pm to vary
the position of the eyeshield in front of the wearer ' s
f ace .
According to the above f eatures, f rom a
broad aspect, the present invention provides an eye
25 protection device comprising an eyeshield pivotally
connectable to a headgear by a pair of bistable
tensioning pivotal rc~-hAn j rmq to position said
eyeshield to an eye protection position of use and to
a position of non-use away from the eyes of a wearer,
30 each said me-h~n;Pm~- having a pair of pivotal arms
pivotally connected at one end to a support base which
is attachable to said headgear, each arm of said pair
of pivotal arms having a free end pivotally connected
to said eyeshield, said pivotal arms having a band
35 engaging guide means secured to each said arm at a
.. ... . ...
2 1 8 ~ 764
-- 7 --
predetormi n~(l location with respect to a respective
one of said f irst and second pivot connections and
displaceable on an arc a~out said respective one of
said first and second pivot connections, a single
stretchable elastic band formed as a loop and disposed
in tension about and between said band engaging guide
means of said pair of pivotal arms to exert a pulling
force in opposed directions to displace said arms in
tandem between said position of use and non-use, and
abutment means associated with said pair of pivotal
arms to arrest said arms at said position of use and
position of non-use.
Another feature of the invention, in
accordance with that set forth above, is the novel
method of selectively providing one of a plurality
stretchable elastic bands whereby the user has the
option of incorporating different tensile force in the
operating mechanism of the bistable tensioning
r~~h;~niSm between positions of use and non-use.
According to a still further broad aspect of
the present invention there is also provided an eye
protection device, comprising in combination:
( a ) a headband adapted to engage the head of
a user to support said eye protection device;
(b) an optical eyeshield having a right side
portion and a left side portion;
( c ) f irst and second bistable eyeshield
support rigidly connected to the right and left side
portion respectively of said headband, each said
30 bistable eyeshield support including:
i. a base rigidly connected to a side
portion of the headband,
ii. an upper arm having an outer end
pivotally connected to an upper point of said side
2~ 817~4
-- 8 --
portion of the eyeshield and an inner end pivotally
connected to a first pivot point of said base,
iii. a lower arm having an outer end
pivotally connected to a lower point of said side
5 portion of the eyeshield and an inner end pivotally
connected to a second pivot point of said base, said
second pivot point of said base being below said f irst
pivot point of said base,
iv. a low friction guide connected to a
IO support point of said base rearward of said first and
second pivot points thereof, below said f irst pivot
point of said base, and above said second pivot point
of said base,
v. an elastic band having an upper segment
Is engaging said low friction guide and an int~ iAte
point of said upper arm, and a lower segment engaging
said low friction guide and an int~o s~i~te point of
said lower arm,
the upper segment of said elastic band
20 producing a first tensile force between said low
friction guide and the int~ te point of said
upper arm, the lower segment of said elastic band
producing a second tensile force between said low
friction guide and the int~rm~ te point of said
lower arm,
portions of said elastic band stretching
around said low friction guide to the lower segment of
said elastic band as the eyeshield is raised from a
lower position of use to an upper position of non-use
portions of said elastic band stretching
around said low friction guide to the upper segment of
said elastic band as the eyeshield is lowered from an
upper position to said lower position,
the first and second tensile forces being
balanced by the movement o~ the portions of said
_ . _ . . . , ... .... .. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , ,
21~1764
g
elastic band around said low friction guide as the
eyeshield moves from one of the lower and upper
positions through a bistable point to the other of the
lower and upper positions.
According to a f urther aspect of the
invention is the method provided whereby the user is
afforded the option of selecting one of different
strength elastic bands depending upon conditions of
prospQctive use of the eye protective devices.
According to a still further broad aspect of
the present invention there is provided an eye
protection device comprising an eyeshield pivotally
connectable to a headgear by a pair of bistable
tensioning pivotal m~mhAn;~2mq to position said
eyeshield to an eye protection position of use and to
a position of non-use away from the eyes of a wearer,
each said mo~hAn;~m~ having a pair of pivotal arms
pivotally connected at one end to a support base which
is attachable to said headgear, each arm of said pair
of pivotal arms having a free end pivotally connected
to said eyeshield, spring biasing means secured to
each said arm at a prede~rm; n~d location with respect
to a respective one of said f irst and second pivot
connections, said spring biasing means exerting a
pulling force in opposed directions to displace said
arms in tandem between said position of use and non-
use, abutment means associated with said pair of
pivotal arms to arrest said arms at said position of
use and position of non-use, said support base being
adjustably secured to said headgear by a position
adj usting mechanism whereby to cause relative
displacement of said eyeshield with a frontal position
of said headgear.
2~8~4
-- 10 --
Still further features and advantages will
become more apparent from a consideration of the
ensuing description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRA~IN~iS
FIG. l is a siae view of the present
invention installed on the head of the wearer with the
eyeshield down in the normal viewing position;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the present
invention installed on the head of the wearer with the
eyeshield up in the out of viewing position;
FIG. 3 is a side view showing the details of
operation of the rubber band activated bistable
tensioning pivotal rech~ni rm attached to a sweatband
type headgear and with the eyeshield up in the out of
viewing position;
FIG. 4 is a side view showing the details of
operation of the rubber band activated bistable
tensioning pivotal ~ rhAni rm attached to the sweatband
and with the eyeshield down in the normal viewing
position;
FIG. 5 is the cross-section view showing
details of a screw mounting design that attaches the
bistable tensioning pivotal ---hnni rm to the
sweatband;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustrating how
the bistable tensioning pivotal m~rhAn; Fm is secured
to the sweatband/adjustable elastic strap combination,
typical for both sides of the sweatband;
FIG. 7-A is an exploded view of the bistable
rotating tensioning pivotal mrrhAn; rm for the left
side of the sweatband;
FIG. 7-B is an exploded view of the bistable
rotating mechanical tensioning system for the right
2~7~
-- 11 --
gide of the sweatband showing the back side of the
pivotal arms;
FIG. 8 is a side view of a U-shape sweatband
installed on the head of a wearer with the eyeshield
5 down in the normal viewing posltion;
FIG 9 is a side view of the U-shape
sweatband installed on the head of a wearer with the
eyeshield up in the out of viewing position;
FIG. 10 is a side view similar to Fig. 3 but
10 illustrating a further embodiment of the bistable
tensioning pivotal ~ h;Ini~m;
FIG. 11 is a side view similar to Fig. 4 of
the further embodiment of the bistable tensioning
pivotal mechanism;
FIG. 12 is an exploded view similar to Fig
6 of the further embodiment of the bistable tensioning
pivotal r---hi:ln; ~
FIG. 13 is a side view similar to Fig. 10 of
a still further embodiment of the bistable tensioning
pivotal ~h~n; rm;
FIG. 14 is a side view similar to Fig. 11 of
the still :~urther embodiment of the bistable
tensioning pivotal re~h.sn;~m;
FIG. 15 is an exploded view illustrating the
construction of the still further embodiment of the
bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism;
FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating the
position adjusting ,~ h~niqm to position the eyeshield
to and away from a frontal portion of the headgear;
FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing the
construction of the support base and the finger-
actuable adjusting m~ h~n1 em; and
FIG. 18 is an exploded view showing a
sweatband type headgear having the position adjusting
3~ mechanism secured thereto.
218~764
12
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED ~MBODIMENTS
The present invention is comprised of three
basic parts: a) a headgear in the form of an annular
sweatband/adjustable elastic strap combination 12
which has a plastic headband insert 9 sewed inside the
sweatband 2 to conf orm to the shape of the wearer ' s
forehead, b) the eyeshield 3 which i8 a one piece
optical quality polycarbonate, contoured shield to
follow the shape of the wearer's head and face, and c)
the bistable tensioning pivotal m~ h;ln; rm, one for
each side of the sweatband, which rotates the
eyeshield 3 and supplies tension to hold the eyeshield
3 in the normal viewing position of use and the out of
viewing position of non-use. In a further broad
~aspect the eyeshield is adjustable relative to a
frontal portion of the headgear to move it towards and
away f rom the wearer ' s f ace .
Figures 1 to 5 show a headgear in the f orm
of a sweatband/adjustable elastic strap combination 12
secured on the head of the wearer 1 and consists of
four basic parts: the sweatband 2, the elastic strap
11 with adj usting buckle 17, the eyeshield 3 and the
bistable tensioning pivotal ~~--h;~nirm 5
The sweatband 2 is made of a material that
is highly absorbent to keep perspiration out of the
eyes of the wearer. The material should be light
weight, able to dry quickly after use or washing, and
f eel sof t and comf ortable on the head . The sweatband
2 is 1 3/4" wide to supply maximum frictional area
support between the head of the wearer and the
bistable pivotal me~h~n i ~m 5, and is made of terry
cloth type material for comfort. Fig. 6 shows the
plastic h~ h~n~l insert 9 sewed inside the sweatband 2
3~ and the two open ends of the sweatband 2 sewed to the
21 8 1 7~4
-- 13 --
two ends of the elastic strap 11, through the plastic
h~A~sh~n~l insert 9. The heat shrink tubing is used to
cover the area, where the sweatband 2 and the elastic
strap 11 are joined, and to give the area a finished
5 appearance.
The plastic hP~lh~n-l insert 9 houses the two
eyelets 13 used to mount the bistable tensioning
pivotal -1~ ch~3n i e~m 5 to the sweatband 2 by means of the
two mounting screws 8. The two eyelets 13 are
10 installed into the plastic h~rlh;ln~l insert 9, through
the sweatband outside layer 2A, Fig. 5, and the
sweatband inside layer 2B, Fig. 5, providing a pathway
for the mounting screws 8 to reach the threaded
mounting holes in the base 21, Fig. 7-A and Fig. 7-B,
15 of the bistable rotating tensioning pivotal r-chi:~ni~m
5.
Fig. 6 shows the 1 3/4" wide, 16" long,
0 060" thick plastic headband insert 9 inserted into
the sweatband 2 and sewed inside 10 the sweatband 2 to
20 give the sweatband 2 the shape to conform to the
wearer ' s f orehead 1, and to serve as the support f or
mounting the bistable tensioning pivotal m~h~ni Fm 5
The plastic h~lh~ntl insert 9 is sewed inside 10 the
sweatband 2 for approximately 3/4 of the circumference
25 from slightly behind one ear, around the orehead to
slightly behind the opposite ear. The path o the
sewed thread 10 follows the outline of the plastic
h~ lh~nc~ insert 9 approximately 1/8" inside its edge,
securing together the plastic h~lh~nd insert 9, the
30 sweatband 2, and the elastic strap 11 with adjusting
buckles 17.
The eyeshield 3, Figs. 3 and 4, is a one
piece curved polycarbonate type plastic shield of
optical quality, and shaped to conform to the
35 forehead, nose, and cheekbone areas of the face,
2181764
-- 14 -
approximately 9 1/2" in length, heat formed into an
approximate 4" radius, and 3" wide at the widest
section. The edges are smooth and rounded, and
without supporting frames, allowing a soft protective
rubber trim 22 to be applied to the edges if deemed
necessary for player safety. The eyeshield 3 can be
clear as well as tinted to protect the eyes from the
harmful effects of ~ ultraviolet and infrared radiation
from the sun encountered during outdoor sports. The
thickness of the plastic will depend upon it ' s
ultimate use, but a 0.060" thickness has proven to be
a good balance between strength and weight A soft
nosepiece 4 made of lightweight foam rubber provides
support for the eyeshield as well as a locating device
to properly locate the eyeshield 3 relative to the
f ace of the wearer . The eyeshield 3 is attached to
the bistable tensioning pivotal ml~rh~n; r,m 5 by means
of the two pairs of 1/8" diameter rivets 15A and 15B.
These rivets 15A and 15B are inserted through 1/8 "
I.D. spacers 16", as shown in Fig 15, and located
between the eyeshield 3 and the swing arms 14A and 14B
to assure smooth rotation with a minimum of friction
between the eyeshield 3 and the swing arms 14A and
14B .
The two pairs of swing arms 14A and 14B are
made of 0 . 031" thick 2024 aircraft grade aluminum with
one 1/8" diameter hole drilled in each end for
mounting to the eye3hield 3 by means of the rivets 15A
and 15B, and one 1/8 " diameter hole drilled in each
opposite end for mounting to the bistable tensioning
pivotal r~~h;ln; rm 5 by means of rivets 15C and 15D.
Black anodi~ing may be used to produce a non-glare
surface for these aluminum parts. The arms may also
be molded from suitable plastics material.
218~76~
- 15 -
Each of the two bistable tensioning pivotal
r~chAni rm 5, one on each opposite side of the
sweatband 2, is built upon a 1 3/8" wide x 2" long x
3/32" thick oval shaped aluminum or plastic base 6
S which is secuFed to the plastic h~AflhAn~ insert 9
inside the sweatband 2 by means of the two mounting
screws 8.
Referring now to Figures 3, 4, 7-A, 7-B and
8 and 9, there will be described the construction
10 operation of the bistable tensioning pivotal ~~-hAniRm
5. As shown more clearly in Figure 7-B, each of the
pivotal arms 14A and 14B are provided with a band
engaging guide means 19 formed as an arcuate convexly
curved guide surface 40 extending from the back wall
15 41 of the pivotal arms and having opposed transverse
flange walls 42 whereby to form an arcuate guide
channel for retaining a portion of the elastic band 7
positioned in tension thereabout. The inner flange 42
may be formed by the inner surface 41 of the swing
20 arms i~ the part is injection molded. A small sheave
could also be substituted to achieve the same purpose.
As hereinshown the swing arms 14A and 14B
are each pivotally secured to pivot connections 15D
and 15C which are pivotally secured to the support
25 base 6. The free end of the arms is also pivotally
connected to the eyeshield by a pair of rivets 15A and
15B or simply by a pair of slotted pivot pins which
permit easy removal of the swing arms from the shield,
as is necessary to remove the elastic band from the
30 bistable tensioning pivotal -~AhAn; Rm 5 The elastic
band 7 is formed as a loop and is dimensioned so that
when positioned about the guide surfaces 40 of the
guide element 19 it stretches to apply a tension
between the guide elements of the pair of pivotal arms
35 14A and 14B to exert a pulling force in opposed
_ _ _ ... . _ .. ...... _ . _ _ _ _ _ .
2 1 ~ ~ 76~
-- 16 --
direction when the arms are displaced on their pivot
connections 15C and 15D whereby the arms are
displaceable in tandem between a position of use as
shown in Figure 8 with the eyeshield protecting the
5 eye area of the wearer and to a position of non-use,
as shown in Figure 9, with the eyeshield pivoted above
the eye area in front of the forehead of the wearer.
These positions of use and non-use are de~rmi nod by
abutment means incorporated into the shape of the
10 pivotal arms and is comprised by a first and second
shaped abutment lower edge formation 20A and 20B
respectively for the upper one of the pair of side
arms and a f irst and second shaped abutment upper edge
formations 20C and 20D,. respectively, of a lower one
15 of the pair of pivotal arms 14A and 14B. The first
abutment formation 20A of the upper arm and lower arms
are in abutment relationship and arrest the arms at
the position of non-use, as shown in Figures 3 and 9
while the second abutment formations 20B and 20D are
20 in abutting relationship and arrest the arms at the
position of use. The shape of these formations
therefore determine these positions
As shown in Figure 3, the pivot connections
15C and 15D are spaced apart and offset from one
25 another in the vertical plane. In this particular
embodiment the elastic band 7 is positioned about the
post of these pivot connections. The band 7 has a
predet~rm; nl~fl tensile strength depending on the force
that one wishes to exert on the arms and their maximum
30 position of use position of non-use. By interchanging
these bands with other bands of different tensile
strengths, this pulling force on the arms can be
modified by the user. This affording a novel method
whereby the operating forces between positions of use
35 and non-use of the device can be optionally altered
2 1 8 1 764
-- 17 --
depending upon conditions of prospective use The band
i5 detA--h;lh~ from the arms by detaching the free end
of the arms from the eyeshield and passing the band
over the pair of arms. Accordingly, it is very simple
5 to replace a band to use one with more strength, if
desired, depending on the type of support that the
eyeshield is used for or to replace a defective band.
It is pointed out that with the bistable
tensioning pivotal r--h,~n;-m as hereinshown the
lO maximum pulling force on the arms and consequently the
eyeshield is the position of use and position of non-
use of the eyeshield and this force progressively
~siminishe~ as the eyeshield is displaced with the
f ingers of the wearer towards a substantially mid-way
15 position where the pulling force is at a minimum or
null point. It is pointed out that although the
headgear as hereinshown is a sweatband or headband 2,
it can be other types of headgear onto ~hich the
bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism 5 can be secured
20 and it is therefore intended not to restrict this
invention to a sweatband type headgear.
A unique feature of the bistable tensioning
pivotal m~o~.h~ni rm 5, aside from lts simplicity which
is one of its main characterizing features, is the
25 fact that when it is displaced with the hands it has a
smooth-continuously variable "feel" as the eyeshield
is rotated between its position of use and position of
non-use or vice-versa This smooth "feel" is
accomplished by the change of the relative positions
30 of the two guide elements 19, not only to each other,
but also with relation to the two pivot connections
15C and 15D of the swing arms.
When the eyeshield 3 is in the position of
use, its down position in front of the wearer's eyes,
35 the two curve guide elements 19 are arranged in
.. _ . .. .. .. . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . ..
2~8~ 764
-- 18 --
relation to the two pivot points wherein there is a
maximum moment on the upper swing arm and a nearly
zero moment on the lower swing arm due to its
alignment with the pivot connection 15C. When the
5 eyeshield is up in its position of non-use, the two
curve guide elements are arranged in relation to the
two pivot points whereby the upper curve guide element
is at zero or nearly zero moment on the upper swing
arm due to its alignment with the pivot connection 15D
lO and the curve guide element of the lower swing arm is
at its maximum moment These maximum forces hold the
shield in both these positions and as the resultant
force is decreased to zero substantially mid-way in
the travel when displacing the eyeshield, this pulling
15 force begins to increase progressively in the opposlte
direction as the eyeshield moves to the opposite
position . Therefore, since the forces are inf initely
variable, the "feel" of the bistable tensioning
pivotal m~m.hAni e-m is a continuously smooth application
20 of increasing or decreasing force in the two opposite
directions .
With reference now to Figures 10 to 12,
there will be described a further embodiment of the
bistable tensioning pivotal r-~h~ni ~T 5 ' as
25 hereinshown Like reference numerals as in Figures 1-
9 have been given a prime designation and the
description of some of these will not be repeated.
The tensioning pivotal r-~h;lnirm 5' consists of two
stationary posts 18 ' attached to the plastic base 6 '
30 and two rotating posts 19 ' attached to the two swing
arms . The lower swing arm 14A ' is attached to the
plastic base 6 ' by means of the rivet 15C ' The upper
swing arm 14B ' is attached to the plastic base 6 ' by
means of the rivet 15D ' . The rubber band 7 ' is
35 stretched around the two stationary posts 18 ' and the
2~ 76~
-- 19 --
two rotating posts l9 ', Figure lO and Figure ll, and
held in place by a keeper 17 ' installed in the top of
each of the two stationary posts 18 ' and the two
rotating posts l9 ' The keepers 17 ' have mounting
s holes which allow to pass therethrough and the flared
end of the rivets holds the keepers 17 ' in place atop
the stationary posts 18 ' and the rotatlng posts 19 ' .
The rubber band 7' is approximately 0.080" thick, 3"
in circumference ln the static state, and rides on the
lO surfaces of bushings on the stationary posts 18 ' and
the rotating posts 19 ' to reduce friction.
The unique part of the invention is the
bistable rotating r~ Ani~m tensionlng system 5' which
is used to mount the eyeshield 3 ' to the sweatband 2 ',
15 and to give the apparatus a solid, fluid, feel as the
eyeshield 3 ' is manually rotated up and down between
the normal viewing position (Figure 11) and the out of
viewing position (Fi~ure 10). The posLtion of the
stationary posts 18 ' and the changing relative
20 position of the rotating posts 19 ' on the swing arms
14A ' and 14B ' as the arms rotate around the mounting
rivets 15C ' and 15D ' causes the rubber band 7 ' to
apply tenslon to the eyeshield 3 ' in the normal
viewing position (Figure ll) to hold the eyeshield 3 '
2s firmly in place even during strenuous physical
activity. ~hen the eyeshield 3 ' is manually lifted
toward the out of viewing position (Figure 10), the
position of the rotating posts 19 ' changes in relation
to the stationary posts 18 ' and the tension applied to
30 the eyeshield 3 ' decreased to zero midway through the
travel path, then begins increasing again in the
opposite direction until the eyeshield 3 ' is rotated
to the out of viewing position ( Figure 10 ) where
maximum tension is applied to keep the eyeshield 3 '
35 held firmly in this out of viewing position. The
, . _ .. . . . .. . .. . ... . _ _ _ _ . .
2 1 8 1 76~
-- 20 --
resultant force vectors from this arrangement force
the swing arms 14A ' and 14B ' to rotate in a counter-
clockwise direction around the mounting rivets 15C '
and 15D ' in the normal viewing position, rotate clock-
S wise in the out of viewing position, as viewed in thef igures and remain neutral midway in the travel arc .
The use of bushings in the swing arms 14A '
and 14B ', the two stationary posts 18 ' and the two
rotating posts 19 ' provide a low friction path for ~the
lO rubber band 7 ' to apply its forces smoothly and
efficiently during its operation, giving the invention
a solid, almost lir~uid fee as the eyeshield 3 is
rotated .
The rubber band 7 ' which activates the
lS mechanical tensioning pivotal - ~~hAn i ~:m is
approximately 0 . 080" thick and has a circumference of
approximately 3" in the static state, and provides the
most efficient, lightweight, simple and economical
solution of providing the f orce needed to hold the
20 eyeshield 3 ' firmly in its desired positions, as
compared to springs, cams, latches and other bulky
--h_n i r~ 1 systems . Another advantage of this
mechanism, and all of its embodiments described
herein, is that the operating characteristics of the
25 system can be drastically changed by making small
changes in the material composition and/or changes in
the dimensions of the rubber band 7 ' alone. The
rubber band 7 ' is kept in position on the stationary
posts 18 ' and the rotating posts 19 ' by means of
30 keepers 17 ', which are round aluminum or plastic parts
with one leg bent down 9 0 degrees to keep the rubber
band 7 ' in place even during the high impacts
encountered during competitive sports activities. New
rubber bands 7 ' can be installed by maneuvering the
2~7~
-- 21 -
bands under the small clearance allowea between the
keepers 90 degree leg and the plastic base 6 ' .
The offset locations of the pivot points for
the upper swing arm 14B ' and the lower swing arm 14A ',
5 for both the plastic base 6 ' and the eyeshield 3 ',
where carefully determined so the eyeshield 3 ' would
rotate with two degrees of freedom, allowing the
eyeshield 3 ' to first rotate up and away from the face
of the wearer, then begin tilting backward as it moves
lo upward, until it rests comfortably above the wearer's
forehead like a pair of normal sunglasses would be
positioned (Figure 2). Mechanical stops 20A, and 20B'
incorporated into the swing arms 14A' and 14B' prevent
the eyeshield 3 ' from over rotating in either the up
15 or down positions
The theory of operation of the bistable
rotating mechanical tensioning system can best be
described as the application of forces generated
whenever a tension device, such as a rubber band, is
20 deformed from its natural state These forces then
apply moments to the rotating posts on the two pairs
of swing arms connecting the bistable rotating
mechanical tensioning system to the eyeshield, causing
the eyeshield to rotate between the normal viewing
25 position and the out of viewing position.
The relative positions of the stationary
posts and the rotating posts on the of f set swing arms
changes as the swing arms move through their
respective travel arcs. when the eyeshield is in the
30 normal viewing position (Figure 11), the expan~ed
rubber band applies tension to the rotating posts,
which are now located below the pivot points of the
6wing arms, creating a counter clockwise moment on the
swing arms, f irmly holding the eyeshield in the normal
35 viewing position. In this position, relative to the
, . ... . .. _ _ . . . _ _ _ _
2 1 8 1 764
-- 22 --
rotating posts, the stationary posts are also below
the swing arms pivot points.
When the eyeshield is in the out of viewing
position (Figure 2), the expanded rubber band applies
tension to the rotating post, which are now located
above the pivot points of the swing arms, creatlng a
clockwise moment on the swing arms, f irmly holding the
eyeshield in the out of viewing position. In this
position, relative to the rotating posts, the
stationary posts are also above the swing arms pivot
points .
As the swing arms move to and f rom the
positions just described, the moments applied to the
swing arms by the rubber band decrease to zero as the
rotating post, swing arms pivot points, and the
stationary posts come into a straight line alignment.
As these three points diverge relative to one another
the moments applied to the swing arms begins to
increase again in the opposite direction.
Referring now to Figures 13 to 15, there
will be described a further embodiment of the bistable
tensioning pivotal mechanism 5" of the present
invention. Again, like numerals to those of Figures
1-9 will be given a double prime designation and the
description of some of these will not be repeated. As
hereinshown, the ~~ch;lni Fm consists of one pulley 18"
attached to the base 6 " by means of rivet 15~", and
two curved guides 19 " on the two swing arms 14A" and
14B" The lower swing arm 14A" is attached to the
base 6 " by means of the rivet 15C" and a spacer 16 " .
The upper swing arm 14B" is attached to the base 6" by
means of the rivet 15D" and a spacer 16" The rubber
band 7" is stretched around the pulley 18" and the two
curved guides 19", see Figure 15. The rubber band 7
is approximately .070" thick, 3" in circumference in
_ ..... . ... . . .. . . .
~1817~4
-- 23 --
the static state, and rides in the groove of the
pulley 18" and the grove of the curved guide 19" of
the lower swing arm 14A" and the grove of the curved
guide 19" of the upper swing arm 14B".
S The position of the one pulley 18", Figure
13 and Figure 14, and the changing relative position
of the curved guides 19" on the swing arms 14A" and
14B" as the arms rotate around the mounting rivets
15C" and 15D" causes the rubber band 7" to apply
tension to the eyeshield 3 " as previously described.
The pulley 18" provides a low friction path for the
rubber band 7" to apply its forces smoothly and
efficiently to the two curved guides 19" of the lower
swing arm 14A" and the upper swing arm 14B" during its
operation, giving the invention a smooth, fluid feel
as the eyeshield 3 " is rotated. The rubber band 7 " is
kept in position by means of the alignment of a single
deep groove in the pulley 18 ", and a single deep
groove channel in the curved guide 19" of the lower
swing arm 14A", and a single deep groove channel in
the curved guide 19" of the upper swing arm 14B".
This alignment of the rubber band 7" will keep the
rubber band 7" in place even during the high impacts
encountered during competitive sports activities.
The offset locations of the pivot points ~or
the upper swing arm 14B" and the lower swing arm 14A",
for both the base 6" and the eyeshield 3", were
carefully determined so the eyeshield 3" would rotate
with two degrees of freedom, allowing the eyeshield 3 "
to first rotate up and away from the face of the
wearer, then begin tilting backward as it moves
upward, until it rests comfortably above the wearer's
forehead like a pair of normal sunglasses would be
positioned (Figure 2). Mechanical stops 20A" and 20B"
3S incorporated into the swing arms 14A" and 14B" prevent
. . . ... . . . _ . _ . .. .. .. , . . ... ,, . , , , .. , . . .. . ., _ _ _ . .... . .
21817~4
-- 24 --
the eyeshield 3 " from over roi-ating in either the up
or down positions.
A second variation of the above described
invention would involve having the sweatband conform
5 solely to the size and 3hape of the interior plastic
headhand insert 9 ", thus eliminating the adj ustable
elastic strap 11" traversing the back of the head of
the wearer (Figure 8 and Figure 9 ) .
This variation of the above described
10 invention involves only two physical changes: a)
terminating the sewed sweatband at the two ends of the
plastic h~flh~nfl insert 9", and ~) increasing the
material thickness of the plastic h ~rlh~n~q insert 9 "
from approximately 0.030" to approximately 0 060".
A11 other physical parts remain the same.
The installation and wearing features of
this 3/4 circumference sweatband solves the problem of
the less active f emale and male wearer ' s who do not
want their expensive hair styles disturbed by a full
20 circumference sweatband/adjustable elastic strap
combination 12"
This second variation of the ahove described
invention has the advantage of being installed and
worn beneath the overlaying hair of the wearer,
25 without an adjustable elastic strap 11" matting and
forming an indentation in the hair style at the back
of the head of the wearer. The sweatband is inserted
in place directly from the front of the head, rather
than being pulled over the top of the head, thus
30 eliminating the disarranging and matting of the
wearer ' s hair .
The increased thickness of the plastic
headband insert 9" creates a spring action, when
installed in place, that gently grips the head of the
35 wearer. With the additional support of the nose piece
. . , _ . . .. . _ _ . , . ..... . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . .
21~17~
- Z5 -
4", and the tension supplied by the bistable
tensioning pivotal m~-h~n;-m 5", the invention is held
securely in place during moderate physical activities,
without matting or forming indentations in the hair
5 stile of the wearer.
The bistable tensioning pivotal ~s-h~n~
used to join the eyeshield to the sweatband is a
rugged, light weight, and precise way to give the
outdoor athlete the comfort, convenience and
10 protection required by today ' s sports .
While the above description contains many
specif icities, these should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather
as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment
IS thereof. Many other variations are possible. For
example, the bistable tensioning pivotal mechanism
could be used for raising and lower welding hoods,
safety glasses, ski goggles, reading glasses, virtual
reality displays, tops to toy chests and jewelry
boxes, etc Also a soft P~rAnc~Ahle rubber boot or
cover can be placed over the bistable rotating
mechanical tensioning sy3tem to cover exposed edges
and make the invention safe for high impact sports
The sweatband can display art or advertising
with all the possible color and graphic combinations.
The aluminum swing arms can be replaced with plastic
or composite materials for unusual applications.
Changes in the parts sizes would allow the design to
f it teen and pre-teen age groups .
Referring now to Figures 16 to 18 there is
shown a position ad~usting m--h~n;rm 50 secured to the
support base 6 to cause relative displacement of the
eyeshield with respect to a frontal portion 51 of the
headgear 12. The position adjusting mechanism 50
3$ comprises essentially, as shown in Figure 18, a
. . ..... . _ _ _ _ ... . . .. _ _ _ _ .
2~8~4
mounting plate 53 which is secured to the headgear by
the rivets and bushings 8 and 13. The mounting plate
is provided with projecting abutment means in the form
of guide posts 52 capable of receiving pop rivets 54
5 to secure the support base 6 in sliding movement
thereover
As hereinshown the mounting plate 6 is
provided with an elongated slot 55 to permit limited
longitudinal displacement of the support base over the
10 mounting plate 53. The guide posts 52 determine the
forward and rearward limit of this displacement and
guide the plate along a straight axis.
An ad~ustment means in the form of a
threaded shaft 56 is secured at a rear end 57 of the
l5 support base 6 in a variety of manner and as
hereinshown this threaded shaft is provided with a
flanged head 58 which is received in a transverse
cavity 59 at the end of a through slot 60 thereby
forming a T-sh~ped slot at the rear end 57 of the
20 support base 6. Of course, this threaded shaft may
also be integrally formed with the support base 6 and
pro j ect rearwardly thereof .
The threaded shaft 56 extends through a
stationary housing, herein formed as a U-shaped casing
25 or housing 61 having an open end 62 and securable to a
headgear. A finger actuable adjusting wheel 63 is
disposed in this casing 61 and a shaft 56 is threaded
therethrough by turning the wheel 63. This is done
until the free end of the threaded shaft 56 extends
30 through a hole ~not shown) in the back wall 64 of the
housing. Accordingly, the shaft 56 extends entirely
through the housing with its free end 65 protruding
therefrom at all times. The shaft 56 is of sufficient
length to hold the wheel 63 captive between the side
35 walls of the casing with the support base 6 in its
.. . _ .. . , .. _ _ _ . .
218~64
-- 27 --
maximum advance position. It can be seen therefore
that by adjusting the position of the support base 6,
the eyeshield 3 can be moved closer or further away
from the wearer's face in front of his eyes. This is
5 an adjustment which makes it possible to custom-fit
the lens comf ortably to the particular wearer and
makes this eye protection device suit a great variety
of people therefore making it universal. It can
therefore also be appreciated that the combination of
10 an eyeshield with pivotal arms secured to a base
intentioned by biasing means and wherein the base is
adjustable, is also a characteristic of the present
invention clearly not taught by the prior art.
~hile my above description contains many
15 specif icities, these should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather
as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment
thereof. Many other variations are possible. For
example, the bistable tensioning pivotal m~mhAn;-m
20 could be used for raising and lower welding hoods,
safety glasses, reading glasses, virtual reality
displays, tops to toy chests and jewelry boxes.
The sweatband can display art or advertising
with all the possible color and graphic combinations.
25 The aluminum swing arms can be replaced with plastic
or composite materials for unusual applications.
Changes in the parts sizes would allow the design to
f it teen and pre-teen age groups .
Thus the scope of the invention should be
30 de~-~rm; nP~ by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
