US 2026/0223967 A1 · Angular compensation apparatus for cylindrically-curved eyewear on vertical crown headgear

Abstract

An apparatus for mounting cylindrically-curved eyewear to vertical crown headgear addresses the problem of lens misalignment when hat visors are tilted. A compensation mechanism connects lens securing apparatuses to paired guide rails mounted on opposite lateral sides of the headgear crown, automatically adjusting the lens angle as the eyewear moves through a visor slit in the visor, maintaining the lens substantially parallel to the user's face. The mechanism operates substantially at or below a nominal visor plane to preserve crown graphics visibility. The present invention provides intentional angular compensation through specific mechanical features that function independently of crown curvature. Embodiments include multi-position curved path systems, single-position systems, two-piece articulating systems, and dual-position graduated release systems with main and lesser locking tabs providing selective angular adjustment. Side-mounted locking tab configurations enable synchronized release via continuous flexible connectors. A tether retraction system with constant force spring provides automatic retraction.

Claims24

Dependent claims

An angular compensation apparatus for a cylindrically-curved eyewear on a vertical crown headgear, comprising:

a mounting structure configured for attachment to the vertical crown headgear having a vertical crown profile with a crown-to-visor angle of 90-105°;
at least one lens securing apparatus configured to secure a cylindrically-curved lens having a width configured to span substantially between lateral sides of the vertical crown of the vertical crown headgear;
at least one guide rail configured to receive the at least one lens securing apparatus;
and
a compensation mechanism operatively connecting the at least one lens securing apparatus to the mounting structure;
wherein the compensation mechanism provides angular adjustment sufficient to maintain the cylindrically-curved lens substantially parallel to a user's facial plane when a visor of the vertical crown headgear is tilted from a neutral position;
wherein the compensation mechanism operates substantially at or below a nominal visor plane defined by a lower surface of the visor proximate to the guide rails, thereby preserving visibility of crown graphics during use;
wherein for visors having curved profiles, the nominal visor plane is understood as a reference plane approximating the average visor surface geometry in the region of the guide rails;
and
wherein the at-or-below limitation applies to deployed locked positions of the lens securing apparatus.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Angular compensation apparatus for cylindrically-curved eyewear on vertical crown headgear

Life of this patent

Angular compensation apparatus for cylindrically-curved eyewear on vertical crown headgear

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24