Eyewear earstem devices and methods
AssigneeOakley, Inc.
InventorsDuane J. Lee, Kevin K. Grant, An Tran
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An earstem for eyeglasses is provided that can incorporate an interchangeable elastomeric traction member disposed in a recessed seat which extends along a length of the earstem to provide a contact area between the earstem and the head. The traction member can be disposed along the bottom portion of the earstem and/or around the periphery of the earstem. The traction device can be detachably coupled to the earstem so that the traction device can be exchanged to accommodate different needs or situations.
Claims19
An improved eyewear, comprising:
- a frame;
- at least one earstem having a recessed seat along a length thereof such that the seat defines a periphery which is smaller than the periphery of an adjacent earstem portion;
- and
- at least one traction member having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface releasably engaging at least a portion of the periphery of the recessed seat, and said outer surface adapted to provide a contact surface with the head of the wearer;
- wherein at least a portion of the traction member partially surrounds the perimeter of the earstem and at least a portion of the traction member comprises a generally tubular portion.
An improved eyewear, comprising:
- at least one earstem having a recessed seat along a length thereof;
- and
- at least one traction member having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the recessed seat, and said outer surface adapted to provide a contact surface with the head of the wearer,
- wherein the recessed seat comprises at least one slot having a narrow opening in a first region and an enlarged portion in a second region, the slot configured to engage with a complementary protrusion on the inner surface of the traction member, the protrusion configured to deform to be inserted through the narrow opening of the slot and rebound to its original size within the enlarged portion of the slot to help secure the at least one traction member to the recessed seat.
An improved eyewear earstem for customizing eyewear, the earstem comprising:
- an elongate body;
- a first end for attaching the earstem to a frame of the eyewear;
- a second end on the earstem opposite the first end;
- a recessed seat interposed between the first and second ends, the recessed seat having a smaller cross-sectional area than that of the earstem portion adjacent the recessed seat, the recessed seat being situated along the bottom portion of the earstem, and
- at least one traction member removably disposed within the recessed seat along the bottom of the earstem and partially surrounding the earstem, wherein the recessed seat comprises at least one slot having a narrow opening and a wider portion, the slot configured to engage with a complementary protrusion on an inner surface of the traction member, the protrusion configured to deform to be inserted through the narrow opening of the slot and rebound to its original size within the wider portion of the slot to help secure the at least one traction member to the recessed seat.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.