Removable lens frame mounted to an eyewear platform

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/184,694, filed on Nov. 2, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,913, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/483,552, filed Jan. 14, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,858, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/184,694, filed on Nov. 2, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,913.

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates to eyewear and eyeglasses and a method of using said eyewear and eyeglasses, which provide a lens frame removably attached to an eyewear platform with magnets or other attachment devices. By allowing removable attachment of the lens frame to an eyewear platform, the user will be able to maximize his or her ability to change lenses depending on the need and/or situation.

[0005] 2. Background Information

[0006] Prior to the present invention, auxiliary eyewear attachments, which connect to primary or conventional eyeglasses with magnets or clips, allow the user to convert a pair of conventional eyeglasses to sunglasses and to avoid the need for an additional pair of prescription sunglasses. This auxiliary eyewear can also be used to change the prescription of the lenses on the primary eyewear. Many current designs attach auxiliary eyewear using magnets or clips at various locations on a pair of conventional or primary eyeglasses.

[0007] However, there are several disadvantages to mounting an auxiliary set of lenses to conventional eyeglasses, which already have their own set of lenses. First, there is the additional and extra weight of the auxiliary lenses. Even with the advent of plastic lenses, the additional weight of another frame and another set of lenses may distract and cause some irritation to the user.

[0008] Second, since there are two sets of lenses, having two sets of lenses so close to one another can cause a glare or reflection. This reflection or glare can be quite annoying and can partly defeat the use of sunglasses to reduce glare and to improve the sight of the user.

[0009] Third, the space or separation between the two lenses may cause some distraction to the field of vision of the user. Many current styles of sunglasses have smaller or narrow lenses. Because the field of vision through these lenses is smaller than through larger lenses, when auxiliary lenses are attached to the primary or conventional eyewear, the user may see the difference between the two sets of lenses. This difference can be quite distracting to the user.

[0010] Fourth, people, who do not require prescription glasses, would not practically use these current auxiliary eyewear attachments without glasses. They would not be able to take advantage of the ability to switch the color of their sunglasses.

[0011] The claimed invention avoids the above problems and provides significant advantages with a new apparatus and method for attaching a removable lens frame to an eyewear platform. In the applicant's invention, the lenses themselves are removable from the eyewear platform so that the user can easily change lenses and only needs to wear only one set of lenses at a time. By only using one set of lenses in this eyewear, there is reduced weight, no glare or reflection between lenses, and no distraction in the field of vision with the applicant's invention. In addition, since there is only one set of lenses, it is easier for the user to keep these lenses clean. Further, by using the same eyewear platform as a base to attach different lenses, the user is able to employ one eyewear apparatus that allows for a multiple and different types of lenses and that can be changed easily and quickly. This instant eyewear apparatus is also comfortable to wear and easy to use. Keeping a small case with different types of lenses is easier to transport than several boxes of different eyewear. Finally, instead of having several different pairs of conventional glasses, the user may have substantial savings in cost by having different sets of lenses for one eyewear platform.

[0012] This invention allows the user to maximize the different kinds of eyewear available according to his or her need. For example, the user can easily change from reading lenses for fine print to sunglasses. Also, people, who do not need prescription lenses, can change the color of their sunglasses depending on their particular need or situation. For example, the user may require yellow lenses for driving in the mountains, but gray lenses for fishing or boating on a bright sunny day.

[0013] Also, this invention allows for effective and easy replacement of safety glasses and eyewear. By allowing for removable attachment of a lens frame with safety lenses, it is possible for the user to easily wear and to change safety lenses after these lenses become dirty, scratched, or broken. Because only the lens frame is being replaced, the user will save money in simply replacing this lens frame instead of the entire safety eyewear.

[0014] In addition, this eyewear apparatus also provides the ability to change lenses quickly but also provides a stable and effective attachment to provide effective resistance to the lens frame from becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform.

[0015] From the preceding descriptions, it is apparent that the devices currently being used have significant disadvantages or limitations. Thus, important aspects of the technology used in the field of invention remain amenable to useful refinement.

[0016] The purpose of the present invention is to provide eyewear and a method that provides a lens frame removably attached to an eyewear platform with magnets, clips, snaps, clasps, hooks or other attachment devices that effectively prevent the removable lens frame from becoming involuntarily detached from the eyeglass platform. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the removable lens frame is attached to the eyewear platform by at least one magnet.

[0017] In other embodiments of the invention, the removable lens frame can be connected to the eyewear platform with non-magnetic attachments. Also, the lens frame can be removably connected to the eyewear platform with a combination of magnetic and non-magnetic attachments.

[0018] The present invention introduces such refinement. In its preferred embodiments, the present invention has several aspects or facets that can be used independently, although they are preferably employed together to optimize their benefits. All of the foregoing operational principles and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated upon consideration of the following detailed description, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of the applicant's removable lens frame and eyewear platform, where the lens frame is mounted below the eyewear platform.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention where the appendage socket magnet fits partially within a depression of the temple socket.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the applicant's removable lens frame and eyewear platform, where the lens frame is mounted above the eyewear platform.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention where the second contact surface of the appendage socket magnet contacts the first contact surface of the temple socket magnet within a depression of the temple socket.

[0025] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention where the temple socket and appendage sockets are aligned vertically.

[0026] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention where the appendage prong is aligned to contact the vertically aligned temple socket.

[0027] FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention where the temple socket, which is in the shape of a prong, is aligned to contact the vertically aligned appendage socket.

[0028] FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of the platform arm prong of FIG. 9.

[0029] FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of horizontally mounted appendage prong on the lens frame to be mounted to a temple socket on the eyewear platform.

[0030] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the horizontally mounted appendage prong of FIG. 11.

[0031] FIG. 13 shows a side view of a “top mount” of the lens frame on top of the eyewear platform at the nose bridge.

[0032] FIG. 14 shows a side view of a “bottom mount” of the lens frame on top of the eyewear platform at the nose bridge.

[0033] FIG. 15 shows a side view of a U-shaped attachment on the eyewear platform to connect to a central portion on the lens frame.

[0034] FIG. 16 shows a side view of a U-shaped attachment on the lens frame to connect to a central portion on the eyewear platform.

[0035] FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear platform using magnets.

[0036] FIG. 18 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.

[0037] FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of the invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the top of the eyewear platform using magnets.

[0038] FIG. 20 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 19.

[0039] FIG. 21 shows a side view of another embodiment of FIG. 17.

[0040] FIG. 22 shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention where the eyewear bridge is removably attached over the top of the lens frame with magnets.

[0041] FIG. 23 shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the underside of the eyewear platform using a plurality of magnets.

[0042] FIG. 24 shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the underside of the eyewear platform using a plurality of magnets.

[0043] FIG. 25 shows an exploded view of another embodiment where the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear platform with clips and without magnets.

[0044] FIG. 26 shows an exploded view of another embodiment where the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear platform with a plug and channel connection device.

[0045] FIG. 27 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear platform using magnets.

[0046] FIG. 28 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention where the lens frame is removably attached to the eyewear platform using magnets.

[0047] FIG. 29 is a side view of another embodiment where the lens frame reaches over the eyewear bridge to removably attach to the eyewear platform using magnets.

[0048] FIG. 30 is a side view of another embodiment where the lens frame reaches under the eyewear bridge to removably attach to the eyewear platform using magnets.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, there are illustrated eyeglasses 5 with a lens frame 10 removably attached and connected to an eyewear platform 15.

[0050] Lens Frame

[0051] The lens frame 10 has at least one lens 20, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19. FIG. 1 shows a lens frame housing two lenses 20. The lens frame 10 can either encompass the entire lens as shown in FIG. 1, or the lens frame 10 can be attached to only one part of the lens circumference 25. At the terminal ends of the lens frame 10 are terminal lens frame ends 30. Each of the terminal lens frame ends 30 has an appendage 35. The appendages 35 as shown in FIG. 1 curve and bend to align with the temple extensions 40 of the eyewear platform 15. The appendages 35 further comprise an appendage socket 45; the appendage sockets 45 have a first appendage socket surface 50 and a second appendage socket surface 55. The appendage socket 45 can be aligned and mounted in various positions on the lens frame 10, including being mounted horizontally (FIGS. 1-6) or vertically (FIG. 7).

[0052] The appendage socket 45 further comprises at least one magnet 60. This magnet 60 can be situated in a variety of different locations on the appendage socket 45; said magnet 60 has a magnet contact surface 65. FIGS. 1-6 show the magnet 60 lies within and is surrounded by the appendage socket 45; the magnet contact surface 65 can lie flush with either the first or second appendage socket surfaces 50, 55. Also, the magnet 60 may lie above the appendage socket surfaces 50, 55 to create another elevation 70 on said appendage socket 45. The magnet 60 may also lie below the appendage socket surfaces 50, 55 to create an appendage socket depression 75. Additionally, there can be multiple magnets in the appendage socket 45. Further, the magnets do not need to be surrounded by the appendage socket 45.

[0053] Eyewear Platform:

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the eyewear platform 15 has an elongated shape. The eyewear platform 15 includes two temple extensions 40, which are capable of being placed over a user's ears, and a bridge portion 77, which is pivotally connected to each of the temple extensions 40, wherein the bridge portion 77 is capable of resting on a user's nose to permit the eyewear platform 15 to be worn by a user. The eyewear platform 15 also has platform arms 80 located at the ends of the eyewear platform 15. These platform arms 80 can curve and bend to mimic the appendages 35 on the lens frame 10 and to align with the temple extensions 40 such that the lens frame 10 will properly fit against the eyewear platform 15. Both the appendages and the platform arms 80 can provide a mounting surface for the various attachment devices, such as magnets, clips, clasps, snap, hook, and straps for the invention. For example, in FIG. 1, the platform arm 80 further comprises a temple socket 85, which has a first temple socket surface 90 and a second temple socket surface 95. The temple socket 85 can be aligned and mounted in various positions on the platform arm, including being mounted horizontally (FIGS. 1-6) or vertically (FIG. 7).

[0055] The temple socket 85 further comprises at least one magnet 100. This magnet 61 can be situated in a variety of different locations on the temple socket 85; said temple socket magnet 100 has a magnet contact surface 105. FIGS. 1-6 show the temple socket magnet 100 lies within and is surrounded by the temple socket 85; the magnet contact surface 105 can lie flush with either the first or second temple socket surfaces 90, 95. Also, the magnet 100 may lie above the temple socket surfaces 90, 95 to create another elevation 110 on said temple socket. The magnet 100 may also lie below the temple socket surfaces 90, 95 to create a temple socket depression 115. Additionally, there can be multiple magnets in the temple socket. Further, the magnets do not need to be completely surrounded by the temple socket 85.

[0056] The eyewear platform 15 can also have a single or a pair of nose pads 120, 120′ attached to a midpoint 125 on the eyewear platform 15. The temple 40 can also be adjustably connected to the platform arms 80 with a variety of different adjustable connections 130 such as a spring, a hinge, or a joint can be used.

[0057] Attachment of Lens Frame to Eyewear Platform

[0058] To attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15, the magnet 100 in the temple socket 85 is oriented to couple, to mate, and to contact the magnet 60 in the appendage socket 45 such that the maximum magnetic attractive force along an axis 135 of said magnets 60 and 100; in FIGS. 1-3, this axis 135 is oriented vertically parallel to the lens frame 10. The temple socket magnet 100 engages and mates with the appendage socket magnet 60 to provide an effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-24, magnets are used to removably attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15.

[0059] To achieve the maximum attractive force, the magnets in the appendage and the temple sockets 85 need to be aligned along the same axis 135. By orienting, mating, coupling, and contacting both the temple socket magnet 100 and the appendage socket magnets 60 together along the same axis, the user can maximize the magnetic attractive force. Thus, as long as the temple socket magnet 100 is aligned, coupled, or mated with the appendage socket magnet 60, then these magnets can be placed at virtually a myriad of angles and positions on the lens frame and the eyewear platform. As a result, the magnet axis 135 will change according to the mounting angle of the magnets.

[0060] Additionally, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-24, there are at least two magnets mated and paired with one another. In the alternative, this invention is not limited to having two magnets mated and paired with one another. This mounting of the lens frame to the eyewear platform can be accomplished with only one magnet on either the lens frame or the eyewear platform. This single magnet can magnetically attach to a corresponding metallic surface.

[0061] In addition to the different angles of mounting the magnets on the appendage and temple sockets, the mounting of the lens frame relative to the eyewear platform can be changed. FIGS. 1-3 show the lens frame 10 mounted below the eyewear platform 15. FIG. 2 shows the second temple socket surface 95 and the contact surface 107 of temple socket magnet 100 making contact against the first appendage socket surface 50 and the first contact surface 65 of the appendage socket magnet 60 so that said magnets 100 and 60 are aligned to provide effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. FIG. 3 shows the first contact surface of the appendage socket magnet 60 making contact with the second contact surface of the temple socket magnet 100 within the depression 115 of the temple socket 85. The temple socket depression 115 or a similar appendage depression socket allows for some greater resistance from horizontal or side-to-side displacement.

[0062] Alternatively, FIGS. 3 through 6 show the lens frame 10 mounted above the eyewear platform 15. FIG. 5 shows the second contact surface 67 of the appendage socket magnet 60 and the second surface 55 of the appendage socket 45 making contact with the first contact surface 107 of the temple socket magnet 100 and the first temple socket surface 95 so that said magnets are aligned providing effective resistance from said lens frame from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform. FIG. 6 shows the second contact surface 67 of the appendage socket magnet 60 making contact with the first contact surface 105 of the temple socket magnet within a temple socket depression 115. The temple socket depression 115 or a similar appendage depression socket allows for some greater resistance from horizontal or side-to-side displacement. Additionally, the magnet contact surfaces that are not being used can be covered with a protective covering, coating, or paint.

[0063] Lateral Attachments at the Temples Outside Position

[0064] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the invention where the appendage 35 of the lens frame 10 and the temple socket 85 of the eyewear platform 15 are oriented at a different angle than the embodiments in FIGS. 1 through 6. FIGS. 1 through 6 have the appendage and the temple socket horizontally mounted, but FIG. 7 shows the appendage and the temple socket vertically mounted. The appendage and the temple socket can be mounted at different angles so long as the magnets are aligned respective to one another to provide effective resistance from said lens frame from becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform or as long as the maximum amount of contact of the magnets in both the appendage and temple socket is maintained. By orienting, mating, and contacting both the temple socket magnet 100 and the appendage socket magnet 60 together along the same magnet axis, the user can maximize the magnetic attractive force. The appendage socket 45 and the temple socket 85 can be in different shapes, including circles, square, rectangles, or ovals.

[0065] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the invention where the second contact surface 67 of the appendage socket magnet and the second appendage socket surface 55 are aligned to contact the first contact surface 105 of the temple socket magnet 100 and the first temple socket surface 90 so that said magnets are aligned providing effective resistance from said lens frame from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform. In this embodiment, to properly attach the lens frame to the eyewear platform, the magnets in both the appendage socket and the template socket should preferably align along a common magnet axis to achieve the best magnetic connection.

[0066] Inside Position

[0067] In addition, in another embodiment of the invention, the second contact surface 107 of the temple socket magnet 100 and the second temple socket surface 95 are aligned to contact the first appendage socket magnet surface 65 and the first appendage socket surface 50 so that said magnets 60 and 100 are aligned providing effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. As described, the appendage socket 45 and the temple socket 85 can be placed at different positions relative to one another: inside or outside positions.

[0068] Prong Attachment at Temples

[0069] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the invention where the appendage 35 of the lens frame 10 further comprises an appendage prong 140, which has an appendage prong surface 145 and a plurality of prong digits 150. FIG. 8 shows two prong digits 150, but the appendage prong surface 145 can have more than two prong digits 150. The appendage prong surface 145 has at least one magnet 60. This magnet 60 can be flush with the appendage prong surface 145 or can be placed at a lower or higher elevation with respect to the appendage prong surface 145.

[0070] FIG. 8 also shows a platform arm extension 155 with at least one platform arm extension surface 160 and at least one magnet 100, which can contact the surface 160 of the platform arm extension 155. The prong digits 150 form a space 151 within the appendage prong 140 to allow the platform arm extension 155 to fit securely between the prong digits 150.

[0071] To attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15 for this embodiment, at least one magnet 60 on said appendage prong 140 is mated and aligned with at least one magnet 100 on said platform arm extension surface 160 such that these magnets 60 and 100 are aligned to provide effective resistance from the lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform 15.

[0072] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the invention where the platform arm 80 further comprises a platform arm prong 165, which has a platform arm prong surface 170 and a plurality of prong digits 150. FIG. 9 and 10 show two prong digits 150, but the platform arm prong surface 170 can have more than two prong digits 150. The platform arm prong surface 170 has at least one magnet 100; FIG. 10 shows each prong having a magnet 100. Magnet 100 can be flush with the platform arm prong surface 170 or at a lower or higher elevation with respect to the platform arm prong surface 170.

[0073] FIG. 9 also shows the appendages 35 with appendage sockets 45 with at least one magnet 60. Like the previous embodiments described above, the appendage socket 45 has a first appendage socket surface 50 and a second appendage socket surface 55. This magnet 60 can be located at or near both of the first and second appendage socket surfaces 45, 50. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the magnet 60 will be able to contact both magnets 100 on the platform arm prong surface. The prong digits 150 form a space 152 within the platform arm prong surface 170 to allow the appendage socket 45 to fit securely between the prong digits 150.

[0074] To attach the lens frame to the eyewear platform for this embodiment, at least one magnet 100 on said platform arm prong is mated and aligned with at least one magnet 60 on said appendage socket such that these magnets 60 and 100 are aligned to provide effective resistance from the lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform 15.

[0075] Horizontal Prong on Temples

[0076] FIGS. 11 and 12 show another embodiment of the invention where an appendage prong 140 is located and oriented horizontally as compared to the vertical placement of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 through 10. This horizontally mounted appendage prong 140 mates and couples with a horizontally placed temple socket 85 in a similar fashion to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 through 10.

[0077] Nose Mount

[0078] FIGS. 13 and 14 show additional embodiments of the invention where the eyewear platform and the lens frame connect and couple at an interface 305 at the nose bridge 175 or the center 180 of the eyeglasses 5. The lens frame has at least one lens 185. Depending on the eyewear apparatus design and functional need, this invention can be applied to eyewear with one lens or multiple lenses. For multiple lenses, a lens connector 190 connects the lenses 185, 185′ together in the lens frame 10. The lens frame 10 has a lens connector contact surface 195 and at least one magnet 200. The eyewear platform 15 has an eyewear bridge attachment surface 205 and at least one magnet 210.

[0079] To connect the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15, the user will mate and couple the magnet 210 of the eyewear bridge attachment surface 205 with the magnet 200 of the lens connector contact surface 195 at an interface 305 so that said magnets 210 and 200 are aligned and provide effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15.

[0080] In FIG. 13, the lens frame 10 fits on top of the eyewear platform 15; in FIG. 14, the lens frame 10 fits underneath the eyewear platform 15. As a result, depending on the embodiment, in the eyewear apparatus, the lens frame 10 can be at a first elevation and the eyewear bridge 15 can be at a second elevation. If the lens frame fits on top of the eyewear platform, as in FIG. 13, the lens connector contact surface 195 is at a higher elevation relative to the elevation of the eyewear bridge attachment surface 205. Accordingly if the lens frame 10 fits underneath the eyewear bridge 15, as in FIG. 14, the lens connector contact surface 195 is at a lower elevation than the elevation of the eyewear bridge attachment surface 205.

[0081] This magnetic connection at the nose bridge or center of the eyeglasses can be combined with any of the attachment apparatus and methods described in this application.

[0082] Prong at Nose

[0083] FIGS. 15 and 16 show additional embodiments where the lens frame is removably connected to the eyewear platform at the nose bridge with a prong that can be mounted on either the eyewear platform or the lens frame. FIG. 15 shows the eyewear platform having an eyewear platform prong 215 with at least one eyewear platform prong surface 220. The eyewear platform prong 215 also has at least one magnet 225 and a plurality of digits 230; FIG. 15 shows the prong 215 with two magnets 225 and two digits 230. These digits 230 form a space 235 within the eyewear platform prong 215 to fit around the lens connector 190 on the lens frame 10. The lens connector 190 has at least one lens connector contact surface 195 and at least one magnet 200 in the lens connector 190. FIG. 15 shows one magnet 200 that passes through the lens connector 190 to mate with the magnets 225 on the eyewear platform prong 215. As with the embodiments discussed above, the magnets on the eyewear platform and the lens frame need to be oriented and aligned with respect to one another so that the magnets contact and provide effective resistance from the lens frame from becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform. Also, there can be more than two digits 230 on the eyewear platform prong.

[0084] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the prong-type attachment. The lens frame 10 has a lens connector 190 with a lens connector prong 240 with at least one lens connector contact surface 195 and at least one magnet 200 in the lens connector 190. The lens connector prong 240 has a plurality of digits 245, which form a space 250 within the lens connector prong 240. The eyewear platform 15 has a platform nose extension 255 located near the center 180 of the eyewear or eyeglasses 5 and corresponds to the location of the lens connector prong 240 on the lens frame 10. The platform nose extension 255 has an extension surface 260 and at least one magnet 265. The platform nose extension 255 fits within the space 250 within the lens connector prong 240. As shown in FIG. 16, to connect the lens frame 10, which has at least one lens 185, to the eyewear platform 15, the user aligns the magnets 200 in the lens connector prong 240 with the magnet 210 in the eyewear platform nose extension 255 at an interface 305 so that said magnets provide effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15.

[0085] As with the embodiments described above, the prong-type attachment located at the center 180 or at the terminal ends of the eyewear or eyeglasses can be combined with the other embodiments of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1-13. These embodiments can be combined with non-magnetic attachment devices such as clips, snaps, clasps, hooks, straps, or Velcro attachments as well.

[0086] FIGS. 17 through 25 show another group of embodiments of the invention. The lens frame 10 is removably connected to an eyewear platform 15 having two temple extensions 40. The eyewear platform 15 has at least one eyewear platform attachment surface or platform contact surface 270 and at least one magnet 275. The lens frame 10 has at least one lens 20, at least one lens frame contact surface 280, and at least one magnet 285. The lens frame 10 can be removably attached to the eyewear platform 15 with simply one magnet, which can be located on either the eyewear platform or the lens frame, at an interface 305.

[0087] In FIG. 17, the eyewear platform 15 has several magnets that are present on the platform contact surface 270. These magnets 275 are placed and oriented to mate and to couple the several magnets 285 on the lens frame 10 and the lens frame contact surface 280. FIG. 18 shows that depending on the particular style of the eyewear, there can be at least one platform contact surface 270 and at least one lens frame contact surface 280.

[0088] This eyeglass invention allows the platform contact surface 270 to couple or to mate with the lens frame contact surface 280 at an interface 305. As a result, the lens frame 10 is capable of removably engaging the eyewear platform 15 so as to permit a user, who is wearing the eyewear platform 15, to see through the lenses 20, and a user may change the lenses 20 of the eyeglasses 5 to suit the user's needs. Further, this invention allows the lens frame 10 to be removably connected to the eyewear platform 15 with at least one magnet at an interface 305 between the contact surfaces.

[0089] Additionally, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-24 and 27-30, there are at least two magnets (one magnet on the lens frame and another magnet on the eyewear platform) mated and paired with one another. In the alternative, this invention is not limited to having two magnets mated and paired with one another. This mounting of the lens frame to the eyewear platform can be accomplished with only one magnet on either the lens frame or the eyewear platform. A single magnet can attach to a receiving metallic surface. As a result, the lens frame 10 can be removably connected to the eyewear platform 15 with at least one magnet at the interface between the contact surfaces.

[0090] FIGS. 19 through 24 show different embodiments of attachments available for this invention. In all of these embodiments, a lens frame 10 is removably attached to an eyewear platform 15 with at least one magnet. FIGS. 19 and 20 show the lens frame removably mounted above and partially over the eyewear platform. In this embodiment, the lens frame has more than one lens frame contact surface 280 and fits like a shelf over the eyewear platform, which has more than one eyewear platform attachment surface. The magnets on both the eyewear platform and the lens frame can be placed on different locations so that said magnets are aligned providing effective resistance from said lens frame from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 27 and 28, the lens frame 10 can be removably attached to the eyewear platform 15 wherein the appendage socket 45 reaches over the platform arm 80 and the temple socket 85 such that the appendage socket magnet 60 aligns and couples with the temple socket magnet 100 at an interface 305 and said magnets provide effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. The interface 305 is parallel with the face of the user or the lenses.

[0092] In addition, in another embodiment, the appendage socket 45 can also reach under the platform arm 80 and the temple socket 85 such that the appendage socket magnet 60 aligns and couples with the temple socket magnet 100 at an interface 305 and said magnets provide effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. Also, the interface between the magnets is parallel with the face of the user or the lenses.

[0093] Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the embodiments of FIGS. 29 and 30 also have the lens frame 10 and an extension of the lens connector 190 to reach either over or under the center 180 of the eyeglasses 5, such that the lens frame magnet 200 aligns and couples with the magnet 210 of the eyewear bridge attachment surface 205 at an interface 305 and said magnets provide effective resistance from said lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform 15. In FIGS. 27 through 30, the interface 305 is parallel with the face of the user or the lenses 185.

[0094] Clip Attachment

[0095] As shown in FIG. 25, the lens frame 10 can be easily attached to the eyewear platform 15 with clips 290. FIG. 25 shows two clips 290 located on the lens frame 10. There can be a multiple number of clips 290 located at different locations on the lens frame 10. These clips 290 mate and removably connect the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15. The embodiment shows that the removable lens frame and eyewear platform assembly can be employed without the use of non-magnetic attachments. However, these clips 290 or other non-magnetic attachments may be used in combination with magnets to removably attach the lens frame 10 to the eyewear platform 15. As a result, the lens frame 10 can be removably connected to the eyewear platform 15 with at least one clip attachment at the interface 305 between the contact surfaces.

[0096] Plug Attachment

[0097] As shown in FIG. 26, the lens frame 10 can be easily attached to the eyewear platform 15 with a piece or plug 295 on the ends of the lens frame 10; this piece or plug 295 mates and fill a space defined by a slot or channel 300, which are parallel with a horizontal axis formed by the temple extensions. This piece or plug 295 can fit securely within these slots or channels 300 to provide effective resistance from the lens frame 10 from becoming involuntarily detached from the eyewear platform 15. This attachment embodiment can be used with or without the other attachment devices: magnets, clips, straps, clasps, or Velcro as described above.

[0098] In the alternative, each of said platform prongs has a piece or a plug 295 as well. This piece or plug 295 mate and connect with channels or slots on said appendage of said terminal lens frame end; these channels define a space wherein said piece or plug of said platform prong can fit securely and provide effective resistance from said lens frame from becoming involuntarily detached from said eyewear platform.

[0099] Materials

[0100] The eyewear platform and lens frame can be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to metals, alloys, carbon fibers, plastics and other lightweight and strong composite materials. In addition, the eyewear platform and lens frame can also be made of materials that allow a certain amount of resilience, elasticity, or “give” to enable the eyewear to be able to take the rigors of a use. Both the eyewear platform and the lens frame can assume a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the specific design or need of the user. Also, both the eyewear platform and lens frame can be each made of one piece.

[0101] Also, this invention allows for effective and easy replacement of safety glasses and eyewear. By allowing for removable attachment of a lens frame with safety lenses, it is possible for the user to easily wear and to change safety lenses after these lenses become dirty, scratched, or broken. Also, the user will save money in simply replacing this lens frame instead of the entire safety eyeglasses.

[0102] While the invention as described in connection with its preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.