WO2009155320A1

WO2009155320A1 - Ear shades

Info

Publication number: WO2009155320A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/047615
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel J. Kindl
Original assignee: Kindl Daniel J
Priority date: 2008-06-19
Filing date: 2009-06-17
Publication date: 2009-12-23
Also published as: US20110187988A1; US8197061B2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device used to protect the ears from the sun Exemplary embodiments of the invention include ear shades for use with a pair of glasses The temple arm of the glasses generally compπses an anteπor end, a posteπor end, an ear support portion, and a shading portion The anteπor end of the temple arm may be configured to be operatively connected to a lens holding portion of the glasses and the ear support portion rests on the ear The shading portion may be operatively connected to the ear support portion and cooperates with the ear support portion to create a downward-opening cavity into which the top of the user's ear extends to shade at least the top of the user's ear

Description

EAR SHADES

Related Application

[0001] The application claims priority to, and any other benefit, of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/073,890, filed June 19, 2008, and entitled EAR SHADES, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a device used to protect the ears from the sun. Exemplary embodiments of the invention include ear shades for use with a pair of glasses.

Background

[0003] Sunlight produces ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can directly damage the cells of the skin resulting in skin cancer. People who are frequently outdoors (e.g., farmers, gardeners, construction workers, boaters, golfers, etc.) are at the highest risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer often develops on the top of the ear because of its direct exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays. To protect the ear from the sun, people often wear wide brimmed hats that cover the ears and/or sunscreen. However, the option of wearing sunscreen or a wide brimmed hat is often not possible or desired in connection with various activities, or perhaps unavailable.

Summary

[0004] Ear shades are provided that shade at least a top portion of the user's ears from the sun. The shades may be open or closed in the front (anterior) and/or open or closed at the rear (posterior).

[0005] Exemplary embodiments of the invention include temple arms for glasses that when worn by a user are capable of shading at least a top portion of the user's ears from the sun. The temple arm generally comprises an anterior end, a posterior end, an ear support portion, and a shading portion. The anterior end of the temple arm may be configured to be operatively connected to a lens holding portion of the glasses and the ear support portion rests on the ear. The shading portion may be operatively connected to the ear support portion and may cooperate with the ear support portion to create a downward-opening cavity into which the top of the user's ear extends to shade at least the top of the user's ear. The downward- opening cavity may be formed by at least a closed front portion for shading a top front edge of the user's ear and a top portion for shading a top central edge of the user's ear. The downward-opening cavity may have an open back at the posterior end of the temple arm. The open back of the downward-opening cavity permits the temple arm to be pulled forward without catching on the ear when a user removes the glasses.

[0006] Additional and/or alternative advantages, objects, and/or salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings and claims, disclose preferred embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] FIG. 1 is a rear/right/top perspective view of a pair of ear shades according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear/left/bottom perspective view thereof;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view thereof;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view thereof;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a right side elevational view thereof for which the left side elevational view would be a mirror image of FIG. 7;

[0014] FIG. 8 is an inside view thereof viewed along 8 — 8 in FIG 5;

[0015] FIG. 9 is a rear/right/top perspective view thereof showing an exemplary lens portion; [0016] FIGs. 1OA and 1OB are schematic representations of a human ear, showing various parts of the ear referred to herein;

[0017] FIGs. 1 IA-I IB show other exemplary embodiments having air vents; and

[0018] FIGs. 12A-12M are photographs showing various views of an exemplary implementation of the exemplary embodiment of FIGs. 1-9 on a sheet of ¹A inch (i.e., 4 blocks = 1 inch) grid paper.

[0019] Appendix A is a copy of U.S. Provisional Pat. No. 60/915,862, filed May 3, 2007, and entitled EAR AND EYE SHADES, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein as additional embodiments. Any one or any combination of any two or more of the various features disclosed and/or shown in that application may be used in any of the embodiments herein, with the embodiment(s) herein being modified accordingly.

[0020] Appendix B is a series of photographs (i.e., Figures 1-54) showing an exemplary implementation of the present invention (an implementation of the exemplary embodiment of FIGs. 1-9) in use on a number of different people. In the photographs, it can be seen that the entire top portion of each user's ear is covered by the shade portion, including the top front edge of the user's ear. Additionally, because of the specific configuration of the embodiment (the fact that the posterior portion of the shade curves around generally following the contour of the head), a substantial portion of the user's head and neck directly behind the ear is also shaded from sunlight that would otherwise be striking that region but for the use of the shades.

[0021] For example, Figures 1-18 of Appendix B are photographs taken indoors showing an exemplary implementation of the present invention in use on a number of different people. In the photographs, it can be seen that the entire top portion of each user's ear is covered by the shade portion, including the top front edge, top central edge, and top rear edge of the user's ear. As shown, the shade portion provides for a virtually universal fit (i.e., one size fits all). Further, Figures 17-18 show that the shade portion does not affect the wearer's use of a hat.

[0022] Further, Figures 19-54 of Appendix B are photographs taken outdoors on a sunny day showing an exemplary implementation of the present invention in use on a number of different people. For example, Figures 19-23 and 39-45 were taken about midday (around 12:30 pm) when the sun was directly above the wearer. As shown in the photographs, the entire ear may be shaded by the shade portion. Figures 24-27 and 49-51 were taken later in the afternoon, around 4:00 p.m., when the sun was at a lower angle and thus casting less of a shadow. Similarly, Figures 28-30 and 51-54 were taken around 5:00 pm and Figures 31-38 and 46-48 were taken around 6:00 pm. As shown in these photographs, the shade portion shades at least the top half or top third of the ear even when the sun is at a lower angle. Additional text and/or photos and/or claims may be provided based on Figures 12A-12M and/or Appendix A and/or Appendix B.

Detailed Description

[0023] This Detailed Description merely describes exemplary embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the specification in any way. Indeed, the invention as described is broader than and unlimited by the preferred embodiments, and the terms used have their full ordinary meaning.

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the invention include a temple arm for glasses that when worn by a user are capable of shading at least a top portion of the user's ear from the sun. The temple arm generally comprises an anterior end, a posterior end, an ear support portion, and a shading portion. The anterior end of the temple arm may be configured to be operatively connected to a lens holding portion of the glasses and the ear support portion rests on the ear. The lens holding portion may comprise any suitable material known in the art, such as for example, plastic (e.g., polycarbonate or acetate), metal, or wood. Further, the lenses may block about 100% of UV rays, including A, B, and C wavelengths. The anterior end may be operatively connected to the lens holding portion by any suitable method known in the art, such as for example, a pin, a screw, a hinge, or other fastener. The temple arm may also be integrally formed with the lens holding portion of the glasses, such as with a living hinge. The anterior end of the temple arm may be any suitable width known in the art. Further, the temple arm may be used with any suitable size and style of glasses or lens holding portion known in the art.

[0025] The shading portion of the temple arm may be operatively connected to the ear support portion and cooperates with the ear support portion to create a downward-opening cavity into which the entire top of the user's ear extends to shade at least the top of the user's ear. The downward-opening cavity may be formed by at least a closed front portion for shading a top front edge of the user's ear and a top portion for shading a top central edge of the user's ear. The downward-opening cavity may have an open back at the posterior end of the temple arm. The open back of the downward-opening cavity permits the temple arm to be pulled forward without catching on the ear when a user removes the glasses. Further, at least part of the outer surface of the shading portion or ear support portion may extend rearward, or posteriorly, and perhaps upward, at various lengths relative to other portions of the temple arm or the shade. These extensions may include or comprise expressive elements, such as "fins" (e.g., those fins that adorned various automobiles) or tail pipes, etc.

[0026] As stated, the ear support portion rests on the ear to support the glasses. In exemplary embodiments, the shading portion of the device is not intended to rest on the top of the ear, and the outside of the shade portion is not intended to touch the side of the ear. Accordingly, there will ordinarily air gaps between the shade portion and the top and side of the ear. For some users however, e.g., users with larger ears, the top of the ear may contact the shading portion of the device. Accordingly, all the embodiments of the invention may optionally include on one or more inner surfaces of the shading portion some material to cushion the user's ear against the shade portion and/or thermally insulate the user's ear from the shading portion, which might become warm in the sun. Any suitable cushioning and/or thermally insulating material may be used. Foam or rubber may be used as a cushion, and may also provide thermal insulation. Whatever material is used, the material may by attached to the shade portion of the device using, for example, an adhesive or fastener(s), or integrally molded with the shading portion of the device. Further, the material, or spacer, may be separate and held by friction, or pinched, within a downward-opening cavity of the shade portion. The material may be attached to the shade portion prior to sale, or provided as a kit with instructions to couple the material in the shade, e.g., with adhesive or fastener(s) or by friction.

[0027] Exemplary embodiments may shade a particular percentage, e.g., at least 20% or 25% or 30% or 40% or 50% of the ear from sunlight coming from directly above, and from directly in front of the wearer. The temple arm may shade at least an upper front portion, an upper center portion, an upper rear portion, a middle front portion, a middle center portion, a middle rear portion, and a lower rear portion of the ear. In some embodiments, at least part of the shading portion helps prohibit wind burn on portions of the ear. For example, the embodiments that are closed in the front and form a pocket into which the ear is inserted help prevent wind burn at the front top edge of the wearer's ear and along the top thereof.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention may include a temple arm comprising an anterior end, a posterior end, a temple bar, a top shade portion, an outside shade portion, and an ear support portion. The anterior end of the temple arm may be configured to be operatively connected to a lens holding portion of the glasses. The temple bar may be located at the anterior end of the temple arm. The top shade portion and the outside shade portion cooperate together to shade at least the top central edge of the user's ear and the rear top edge of the user's ear. The outside shade portion extends downward from the top shade portion to shade at least the top central portion of the user's ear and the top rear portion of the user's ear. The top shade portion further comprises a downward-facing concave surface transitioning to a downward-facing convex surface at the posterior end of the top shade portion to facilitate removal of the glasses by pulling forward. The top shade portion and the outside shade portion are sized and configured to leave the bottom rear edge of the user's ear and the entire lower portion of the user's ear uncovered. The ear support portion extends downward from the top shade portion to form an ear support to support the glasses on the user's ear.

[0029] The temple arm may comprise any suitable material known in the art, such as for example, plastic (e.g., polycarbonate or acetate), metal, or wood. Further, the temple arm may comprise a unitary piece of material, such as a single molded piece. As such, the shading portion and the remainder of the temple arm may have a unibody, or unibuilt, construction and provide the dual function of shading the ear and supporting, or holding, the glasses on the ear of the user. In some embodiments, the cavity of the temple arm is overmolded over a piece configured to be operatively connected to the lens holding portion of the glasses.

[0030] Referring now to the figures, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1-9. It should be noted that the present invention is not presently intended to be limited to the specific spacing shown in the Figures between the exemplary pair of ear shades and/or the angle between the longitudinal axis of the exemplary right ear shade and the longitudinal axis of the exemplary left ear shade shown in the Figures. For example, the ear shades may be spaced closer or farther apart from one other and/or at different angles, as exemplified by the difference in spacing between the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 9 and the exemplary implementation of Figures 12A-12M.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1-9, in the exemplary embodiment, a shading portion 14 of a temple arm 10 is operatively connected to an ear support portion 12 and cooperates with the ear support portion to create a downward-opening cavity 16 into which the entire top of a user's ear extends to shade at least a top of the user's ear. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the shading portion 14 comprises a closed front portion 18, a top portion 20, and a side wall 22. As such, the cavity 16 is defined at least in part by the ear support portion 12, the closed front portion 18, the top portion 20, the side wall 22, and an open back 24. As shown in Figure 6, the distance between the side wall 22 of the shading portion 14 and the ear support portion 12 of the temple arm 10 increases from the closed front portion 18 of the cavity 16 rearward to a point A, and then stays about the same distance apart from there rearward to the open back 24 of the cavity. Further, the size and shape of the exemplary temple arm 10 shown does not prohibit the user from wearing a hat, such as for example, a baseball cap or wide brimmed hat.

[0032] In this exemplary embodiment the side wall 22 of the shading portion 14 does not cover the entire ear of the user. As such, the side wall 22 does not prohibit the use of many electronic devices, such as for example, an ear bud, Bluetooth device, or phone, or perhaps even certain headphones. The shading portion 14 of the temple arm 10 also leaves the opening to the ear canal exposed, and thus does not prohibit the user from wearing and adjusting an in-canal hearing aid or other similar device. However, in alternate embodiments of the invention (not shown), the side wall of the shading portion may extend downward far enough to cover the ear canal opening or down far enough to cover the entire ear. Further, in other alternate embodiments of the invention (not shown), at least part of the shading portion 14 may comprise an expressive element, such as a structure shaped like a circle, square, oval, sports ball, fish, bike, or other shapes known in the art. At least part of the shading portion 14 may also comprise reflective material. For example, at least the outside surfaces of the shade potion exposed to sunlight may be covered with a reflective material (e.g., a reflective coating or overwrap) to help reduce heating by the sun.

[0033] Further, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-9, a split 26 in the temple arm 10 at least impart defines the cavity 16. The anterior end 28 of the temple arm 10 comprises a top surface 30, an outer surface 32, and an inner surface 34. At the split 26, the outer surface 32 of the temple arm 10 forms the outer surface of the side wall 22 and the inner surface 34 of the temple arm forms the outer surface (surface towards the user's head) of the ear support portion 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the top surface 30 of the temple arm 10 is contiguous from the anterior end 28 to the posterior end 36 of the temple arm. The top surface 30 of the temple arm 10 widens at the split 26 to include the outer surface of the top portion 20 of the shading portion 14.

[0034] hi the embodiment shown in Figures 1-9, the walls of the shading portion 14 are generally uniform in shape, so the inside shape of the cavity 16 generally follows the outside shape shown and the inside wall surfaces shown generally follow the outside wall surfaces shown, hi this embodiment, the inner surface of the top portion 20 of the shading portion 14, beginning at the closed front portion 18, comprises a first convex portion 38 transitioning to a first concave portion 40 transitioning to a second concave portion 42 transitioning to a second convex portion 44 adjacent the open back 24 of the cavity 16. The second convex portion 44 permits the temple arm 10 to be pulled forward without catching on the ear when a user removes the glasses by allowing the open back 24 of the cavity to extend substantially horizontally.

[0035] The open back 24 of the temple arm 10 depicted in Figures 1-9 is above a bottom of the anterior end 28 of the temple arm when the ear support portion 12 of the temple arm is resting on the ear. The open back 24 permits the temple arm 10 to be pulled forward without catching on the ear when a user removes the glasses. The open back 24 and the length of the cavity 16 provide for a virtually universal fit (i.e., "one size fits all"). Further, as shown in Figure 7, the posterior end 36 of the ear support portion 12 is visible from a front side of the temple arm 10.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1-9, the temple arm 10 further comprises an optional cavity 46 between the anterior end 28 of the temple arm 10 and the shading portion 14 of the temple arm. The cavity 46 may contain a material having a buoyancy that is higher than the material used to form the temple arm 10 so that the temple arm 10 floats and glasses with the temple arm float in water. Further, the cavity 46 may contain material having a padded and/or gripping surface contacting the temple of the user. The interior of the downward- opening cavity 16 and/or the bottom of the ear support portion 12 may also include a material having a padded and/or gripping surface contacting the ear of the user. The material may be attached to the temple arm 10 by any suitable method known in the art, such as for example, with an adhesive, fastener, or be overmolded on or otherwise molded to the temple arm.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1-9, the temple arm 10 optionally comprises at least one tether hole 48 at the posterior end 36, or tip, of the temple arm. The at least one tether hole 48 may be used to attach the temple arm 10 to a tether, such as a strap or string, for holding or storing the glasses. For example, a strap may attach to the posterior ends 36 of two temple arms 10 such that the glasses may hang around the user's neck. As shown, the posterior end 36, or tip, of the temple arm 10 is shaped to wrap around, or grip, the user's head. This configuration permits a substantial portion of the user's head and neck directly behind the ear to be shaded from sunlight that would otherwise be striking that region but for the use of the shades.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1-9, the top portion 20 and side wall 22 of the shading portion 14 are solid without any openings therein. However, in some embodiments (Figures 1 IA-I IB), af least one of the top portion 20 and the side wall 22 has vent openings 50 therein, such as for example, small holes or narrow slits having a diameter or width of about 0.02 to 0.1 inches, about 0.03 to 0.09 inches, about 0.05 to 0.07 inches, about 0.060 to 0.065 inches, or about 0.062 inches. The vent openings 50 may be any suitable shape and size known in the art capable of ventilating the ear. Further, the vent openings 50 may be generally sized and shaped such that the shading portion 14 of the temple arm 10 still shades a substantial portion of the ear.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1-9, the top shade portion 20 of the temple arm 10 comprises a first downward-facing convex surface 38 transitioning to a first downward- facing concave surface 40 transitioning to a second downward- facing concave surface 42 transitioning to a second downward- facing convex surface 44 at the posterior end 36 of the top shade portion 20. A substantially flat portion 52 exists between the first downward- facing concave surface 40 and the second downward-facing concave surface 42.

[0040] As shown, the posterior end 36 of the top shade portion 20 is not curved downward thereby permitting the glasses to be removed from the user by merely pulling forward. Further, the posterior end 36 of the top shade portion 20 does not extend lower than a portion of the outside shade portion 22 vertically aligned with the center of the user's ear. The posterior end 36 of the top shade portion 20 exposes a central rear edge of the user's ear to light coming in horizontally from directly behind the user. In this embodiment, the posterior end 36 of the top shade portion 20 extends past the rear-most point of the user's ear to shade a central rear edge of the user's ear from light coming in at a 45 degree angle with respect to horizontal directly behind the user. In various embodiments (not shown), the posterior end of the top shade portion extends at least 0.5 inches or 0.75 inches or 1.0 inches or 1.25 inches or 1.5 inches past the rear-most point of the user's ear (or past the rearmost concave internal surface in the cavity) to shade a central rear edge of the user's ear from light coming in at a 45 degree angle with respect to horizontal directly behind the user.

[0041] The outer surface of the top shade portion 20 extends from the temple bar 54 posteriorly at least to an upward-facing convex surface 42 transitioning to an upward-facing concave surface 44 at the posterior end of the top shade portion.

[0042] The outside shade portion 22 of the temple arm 10 shown in Figures 1-9 extends down substantially vertically from the top shade portion 20. As shown in Figure 5, the outer surface of the outside shade portion 22 extends from the temple bar 54 posteriorly to a first concave portion 56 transitioning to a first convex portion 58 transitioning to a second convex portion 60 at the posterior end 36 of the outside shade portion. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the ear canal opening of the ear is left exposed and uncovered by the outside shade portion, and in other embodiments (not shown) they may cover more of the ear or all of the ear, and may cover the ear canal opening. Further, at least the posterior ends 36 of the top shade portion 20 and the outside shade portion 22 form an open channel.

[0043] The temple bar 54 of the temple arm 10 shown in Figures 1-9 splits into an inside side portion and the outside shade portion 22. The inside side portion extends posteriorly to form the ear support portion 12 to support the glasses on the user's ear. The top shade portion 20 extends posteriorly between the inside side portion and the outside shade portion 22 to shade the front top edge of the user's ear, the top central edge of the user's ear, the rear top edge of the user's ear, the top front portion of the user's ear, the top central portion of the user's ear, and the top rear portion of the user's ear. The outside shade portion 22 and an inside side portion meet at a "V" 94 at the temple bar 54.

[0044] The temple arm 10 is sized and configured to leave the entire lower portion or lower third or lower half of the user's ear uncovered. The temple arm may be molded as an integral unit. Further, the temple bar may comprise a cavity. The cavity of the temple bar may contain a material having a buoyancy that is higher than the material used to form the temple bar so that the temple arm floats in water. The temple arm may include at least one tether hole.

[0045] As shown in Figure 9, the anterior end 28 of each temple arm 10 is operatively connected to an exemplary lens holding portion 96 capable of holding two lenses 98. It should be noted, however, that virtually any pair of glasses having a lens holding portion and a pair of temple arms can be modified to take advantage of the various shade portions taught herein, e.g., either by manufacturing modified temple arms having the shade portions connected thereto, or by providing any of the shade portions taught herein to be operatively connected to the temple arms already connected to the lens holding portion (e.g., by adhesive or by a fastener such as a threaded fastener or via at least two holes in the shade portion through which the temple arm passes). Accordingly, virtually any other lens holding portions known in the art may be used in the practice of this invention, such as for example, various designs and models of glasses capable of holding one or more lenses. In other embodiments of the invention (not shown), the temple arm may be operatively connected to only a lens, in which case, the lens holding portion may be as simple as a hinge fastened to a lens. Further, as shown in Figure 9, the anterior end 28 of each temple arm 10 is operatively connected to the lens holding portion 96 by a hinge. Each hinge comprises a pin connected at each end to the lens holding portion 96 and extending through a portion of the anterior end 28 of the temple, arm 10. The hinge allows the temple arm to pivot relative to the lens holding portion such that the glasses can be opened and closed. One attaches the temple arm 10 to the exemplary lens holding portion 96 by a threaded fastener, such as a screw.

[0046] Other exemplary embodiments include a temple arm comprising an anterior end and a posterior end, wherein the anterior end is capable of connecting to a front face of the glasses. Further, a rearward facing cavity that opens downward is defined by a split in the temple arm. The rearward facing cavity includes an open back at the posterior end of the temple arm, a closed front, an ear support portion that rests on the ear, and a shading portion that covers at least the top of the ear. The shading portion includes a side wall and a top wall. A convex portion of the top wall is located adjacent the open back and permits the temple arm to be pulled forward without catching on the ear when a user or removes the glasses by allowing the open back to open at least substantially horizontal. The open back is above a bottom of the anterior end of the temple arm when the ear support portion of the rearward facing cavity is resting on the ear.

[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, the temple arm comprises an anterior end, a posterior end, a top shade portion, an outside shade portion, and an ear support portion. The anterior end is configured to be operatively connected to a lens holding portion of the glasses. The temple bar is located at the anterior end of the temple arm. The top shade portion and the outside shade portion extend posteriorly from the temple bar and cooperate together to shade at least the front top edge of the user's ear, the top central edge of the user's ear, and the rear top edge of the user's ear. The outside shade portion extends downward from the top shade portion to shade at least the top front portion of the user's ear, the top central portion of the user's ear, and the top rear portion of the user's ear. The ear support portion extends downward from the top shade portion to form an ear support to support the glasses on the user's ear. The top shade portion and the outside shade portion are sized and configured to leave the bottom rear edge of the user's ear and the entire lower portion of the user's ear uncovered. In some embodiments, the top shade portion comprises a downward-facing concave surface transitioning to a downward-facing convex surface at the posterior end of the top shade portion to facilitate removal of the glasses by pulling forward.

[0048] Other exemplary embodiments of the invention include a pair of glasses for shading the ears from the sun. The pair of glasses generally comprises a frame front and two temple arms, each temple arm capable of shading the ear from the sun. Each temple arm may comprise, or consist of, any of the temple arm embodiments disclosed herein, perhaps modified as taught herein. Each temple arm may comprise an anterior end, a posterior end, a rearward facing cavity having an open back at the posterior end of the temple arm, a closed front, an ear support portion that rests on the ear, and a shading portion that covers at least the top of the ear. The anterior end of the temple arm may be capable of connecting to the frame front of the glasses. The rearward facing cavity may open downward. The open back of the rearward facing cavity may permit the temple arm to be pulled forward without catching on the ear when a user removes the glasses.

Ear and eye shades

DESCRIPTION

[Para 1] The present invention is ear and eye shades, which is made up of the following required elements: o (1 ) an ear shade(s) (depicted as letter A in diagrams); and o (2) temple extension arms (depicted as letter B in diagrams) sitting on the top of the ear(s) between the head and ear; and o (3) eye shades (depicted as letter C in diagrams) or UV ray protected lenses covering the eyes and resting on the bridge of the nose (just as sunglasses do).

[Para 2] These elements are connected as follows: as one unit, the ear shade(s) extends slightly upward (depicted as letter E in diagrams) roughly but not limited to one half inch and outward slightly (depicted as Letter G in diagrams) but not limited to one half inch from the top ends of the temple extensions on each side of the head, just over the entire top of the ear. This portion of the ear and eye shade is one molded piece with the temple extension and at the opposite end of the temple extensions as the eye shades/UV ray protectors for protection of the eyes from sun exposure. [Para 3] Further, this invention can also have one or more of the following: (1) an ear shade(s) which extends as one molded unit from one end of the temple extensions that covers the entire top portion of the ear, extending out and around to the outside of the ear and covering but not limited to one quarter of the entire top and outside portion of the ear (depicted as letter J) while being one cohesive unit with the extension temple arm and at the opposite end to the eye shades; and (2) an ear shade(s) that covers the top portion of the ear and extends out over the top of the ear and further extending back down over the outside portion of the ear (depicted as letter K) thus providing shade to the outside of the ear, still being a one piece molded unit to the temple extensions and at the opposite end to the sun shades; and (3) an ear shade which extends as far back on the temple extension arm to shade the back and top but not limited to one quarter of the ear(s) (depicted as letter M) while also including either (1) or (2) while remaining a one piece molded unit to the temple extension arms and at the opposite end to the sun shades/UV ray protectors; and (4) an ear shade that covers the front portion of the ear covering but not limited to the top quarter front portion of the ear as one molded unit with the temple extension and opposite to the eye shade, which is attached to the other end of the temple extension (depicted as letter N); and (5) ventilated ear shades (depicted as letter P) which would allow air flow through the ear shades described above. Ventilated holes would be dispersed throughout the entire area of the ear shade(s) portion of the ear and eye shades approximately, but not limited to the size of a ball point pen tip with the ventilated ear shade portion still being one molded unit with the temple extension arm and opposite to the eye shades connected on the other end; and (6) each of the previous variations (1-5) just noted can be used in combination with each other. Ear shade could include one, two, three, four, or all of the variations in any combination; (7) ear shade can be formed to include any design and shape such as but not limited to square design covering the ear, circular eat shade covering the ear, curved at one end of the ear shade and circular at the other end of the ear shade, and vice versa. It should be further noted that: (a) the ear and eye shades can be made of various materials, such as but not limited to plastic (or any other plastic composite) or wood, but plastic is preferred .and as a one piece mold, which includes the temple extensions and ear shades as one piece, attached by but not limited to hinges and screws to the eye shades. Furthermore, and better described is that the ear shade(s) and temple extension(s) will be a one piece mold out of the material described; (b) the sun shade/ UV ray protector of the ear and eye shades can be made of any and all lenses which are UV ray protected and known to protect the human eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays: this portion will make up the see through eye shades of the ear and eye shade invention; (c) the temple extensions of the ear and eye shades could have various materials, such as but not limited to rubber in areas along the entire temple extension and in addition to plastic to act as an easy gripping aid to the ear and eye shade invention; (d) to attach and make the ear and eye shades one unit the molded one piece ear shade and temple extensions will be attached to the eye shade by various means, such as but not limited to screws, nuts and bolts, hinges or screwing the ear shade and temple extension mold to the eye shade together to form one immovable unit (depicted as letter Y). [Para 4] Ear and eye shade invention provides increased protection of the ears, one of the most exposed areas on the body to UV rays and yet one of the least protected, and help to reduce the ever increasing skin cancer rates caused by UV rays from the sun. At the same time, the ear and eye shade invention provides the only unique, one piece, easy and convenient wearing shade that combines ear shade with eye shade from the harmful effect of UV rays. The ease of a one piece ear and eye shade is the only simple and realistic device that can be worn by anyone, anywhere, at anytime offering a great addition to the protection of the skin in areas otherwise often not protected. [Para 5] The value that the ear and eye shade brings to the world is protection for one of the most exposed parts of the body from direct UV rays, yet the least protected with a very user friendly, inconspicuous, stylish solution which has the dual purpose of protecting not only the eyes, but the ears from direct UV rays. Different from and in addition to the commonly worn everyday sunglasses, the ear and eye shade provides users protection from the unmet need of ear shade protection with an everyday wearing ear AND eye shade.

[Para 6] The ear shade(s) extends slightly upward (depicted as letter E in diagrams) roughly but not limited to one half inch and outward slightly (depicted as Letter G in diagrams) but not limited to one half inch from the top ends of the temple extensions on each side of the head, just over the entire top of the ear. This portion of the ear and eye shade is one molded piece with the temple extension and at the opposite end of the temple extensions as the eye shades/UV ray protectors for protection of the eyes from sun exposure.

[Para 7] Further, this invention can also have one or more of the following: (1) an ear shade(s) which extends as one molded unit from one end of the temple extensions that covers the entire top portion of the ear, extending out and around to the outside of the ear and covering but not limited to one quarter of the entire top and outside portion of the ear (depicted as letter J) while being one cohesive unit with the extension temple arm and at the opposite end to the eye shades; and (2) an ear shade(s) that covers the top portion of the ear and extends out over the top of the ear and further extending back down over the outside portion of the ear (depicted as letter K) thus providing shade to the outside of the ear, still being a one piece molded unit to the temple extensions and at the opposite end to the sun shades; and (3) an ear shade which extends as far back on the temple extension arm to shade the back and top but not limited to one quarter of the ear(s) (depicted as letter M) while also including either (1) or (2) while remaining a one piece molded unit to the temple extension arms and at the opposite end to the sun shades/UV ray protectors; and (4) an ear shade that covers the front portion of the ear covering but not limited to the top quarter front portion of the ear as one molded unit with the temple extension and opposite to the eye shade, which is attached to the other end of the temple extension (depicted as letter N); and (5) ventilated ear shades (depicted as letter P) which would allow air flow through the ear shades described above. Ventilated holes would be dispersed throughout the entire area of the ear shade(s) portion of the ear and eye shades approximately, but not limited to the size of a ball point pen tip with the ventilated ear shade portion still being one molded unit with the temple extension arm and opposite to the eye shades connected on the other end; and (6) each of the previous variations (1-5) just noted can be used in combination with each other. Ear shade could include one, two, three, four, or all of the variations in any combination; (7) ear shade can be formed to include any design and shape such as but not limited to square design covering the ear, circular ear shade covering the ear, curved at one end of the ear shade and circular at the other end of the ear shade, and vice versa. It should be further noted that: (a) the ear and eye shades can be made of various materials, such as but not limited to plastic (or any other plastic composite) or wood, but plastic is preferred and as a one piece mold, which includes the temple extensions and ear shades as one piece, attached by but not limited to hinges and screws to the eye shades. Furthermore, and better described is that the ear shade(s) and temple extension(s) will be a one piece mold out of the material described; (b) the sun shade/ UV ray protector of the ear and eye shades can be made of any and all lenses which are UV ray protected and known to protect the human eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays: this portion will make up the see through eye shades of the ear and eye shade invention; (c) the temple extensions of the ear and eye shades could have various materials, such as but not limited to rubber in areas along the entire temple extension and in addition to plastic to act as an easy gripping aid to the ear and eye shade invention; (d) to attach and make the ear and eye shades one unit the molded one piece ear shade and temple extensions will be attached to the eye shade by various means/ such as but not limited to screws, nuts and bolts, hinges or screwing the ear shade and temple extension mold to the eye shade together to form one immovable unit (depicted as letter Y).

[Para 8] While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure, the drawings and the claims.

What is claimed is:

[Claim 1 ] Ear and eye shade composed of an ear shade molded to the temple extension at one end as a one piece unit and eye shades attached by hinge and screws to the other end of the temple extension all as one unit.

[Claim 2] Ear shade is molded as one piece to the temple extension and immovable as a solution to easy, convenient ear protective wear, without the hassle of separate attachments. Said another way, the ear shade is NOT detachable from the temple extension.

[Clai m 3] Eye shade connected by but not limited to hinges and screws to the opposite end of the temple extension than the ear shade to offer eye protection from UV rays. [Claim 4] Ear shade covering the top portion of the ear and extending out and around to the outside portion of the ear. Outside portion can cover anywhere from only the top outside portion of the ear or can extend all the way down to cover the entire outside portion of the ear. The ear shade covers the top back portion of the ear and may extend further back down along the back of the ear to provide further protection from UV rays. [Claim 5] Eye shade made of protective UV ray lenses to provide protection to the eyes from UV rays.

[Claim 6] Ear and eye shade frame made of plastic, plastic composite, wood, metal, but plastic is preferred.

[Claim 7] Temple extension can be molded but not limited to any size and shape of any dimension.

[Claim 8] Eye shade portion of ear and eye shade invention can be made but not limited to any size and style of eye shade similar to many sunglasses currently available. [Claim 9] Ear shade portion of the ear and eye shade invention which is molded to the temple extension may be molded to but not limited to various sizes and shapes including circular, square, oval, fish shapes, sports ball shapes, bike shapes, etc. Etc., meaning not limited to any shape or size. [Claim 1 0] Ear and eye shade invention can be made of any color and color scheme.

Claims

ClaimsI claim:

1. A temple arm for glasses that when worn by a user are capable of shading at least a top portion of the user's ear from the sun, comprising:

an anterior end and a posterior end, wherein the anterior end of the temple arm is configured to be operatively connected to a lens holding portion of the glasses;

an ear support portion that rests on the ear; and

a shading portion operatively connected to the ear support portion and cooperating with the ear support portion to create a downward-opening cavity into which the entire top of the user's ear extends to shade at least the top of the user's ear, the downward- opening cavity being formed by at least:

(a) a closed front portion of the shading portion of the temple arm for shading a top front edge of the user's ear; and

(b) a top portion of the shading portion for shading a top central edge of the user's ear; and

wherein the downward-opening cavity also has an open back at the posterior end of the temple arm; and

wherein the open back of the downward-opening cavity permits the temple arm to be pulled forward without catching on the ear when a user removes the glasses.

2. The temple arm of claim 1, wherein the cavity is defined at least in part by a split in the temple arm.

3. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shading portion forming the cavity further comprises a side wall.

4. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inner surface of the top portion includes a first convex portion, a first concave portion, a second concave portion, and a second convex portion, wherein the second convex portion is located adjacent the open back of the cavity.

5. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between a side wall of the shading portion and the ear support portion of the temple arm increases from the closed front portion of the cavity to a point and then continues at about the same width rearward to the open back of the cavity.

6. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inside convex portion of the top portion permits the temple arm to be pulled forward without catching on the ear when a user removes the glasses by allowing the open back of the cavity to extend substantially horizontally.

7. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the open back of the cavity is above a bottom of the anterior end of the temple arm when the ear support portion of the temple arm is resting on the ear and the open back permits the temple arm to be pulled forward without catching on the ear when a user removes the glasses and the temple arm shades the ear from the sun.

8. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temple arm shades at least 20% or 25% or 30% or 40% or 50% of the ear from sunlight coming from directly above, and from directly in front of the wearer.

9. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temple arm shades at least an upper front portion, an upper center portion, an upper rear portion, a middle front portion, a middle center portion, a middle rear portion, and a lower rear portion of the ear.

10. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the open back and a length of the cavity provide for a universal fit and the temple arm shades the ear from the sun.

11. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein only a posterior end of the ear support portion is visible from a front side of the temple arm.

12. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temple arm includes a contiguous top surface from the anterior end to the posterior end of the temple arm, wherein the contiguous top surface includes an outer surface of a top portion of the shading portion.

13. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temple arm is made from a unitary piece of material.

14. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity is formed by a piece overmolded over another piece configured to be operatively connected to the lens holding portion of the glasses.

15. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a cavity between the anterior end of the temple arm and the shading portion of the temple arm.

16. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a cavity containing a material having a buoyancy that is higher than the material used to form the temple arm so that the temple arm floats in water.

17. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one tether hole.

18. A temple arm according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shading portion further comprises vent openings.

19. A temple arm for glasses capable of shading an ear from the sun, comprising:

an anterior end and a posterior end, wherein the anterior end of the temple arm is capable of connecting to a front face of the glasses; and

a rearward facing cavity opening downward and defined by a split in the temple arm, wherein the rearward facing cavity includes an open back at the posterior end of the temple, a closed front, an ear support portion that rests on the ear, and a shading portion that covers at least the top of the ear; and

wherein the shading portion includes a side wall and a top wall, wherein a convex portion of the top wall is located adjacent the open back and permits the temple arm to be pulled forward without catching on the ear when a user or removes the glasses by allowing the open back to open at least substantially horizontal; and

wherein the open back is above a bottom of the anterior end of the temple arm when the ear support portion of the rearward facing cavity is resting on the ear.

20. A pair of glasses for shading the ears from the sun, comprising:

a front face; and

two temple arms, each temple arm having:

an anterior end and a posterior end, wherein the anterior end of the temple arm is capable of connecting to the frame front of the glasses;

a rearward facing cavity having an open back at the posterior end of the temple arm, a closed front, an ear support portion that rests on the ear, and a shading portion that covers at least the top of the ear; and

wherein the rearward facing cavity opens downward; and

wherein the open back of the rearward facing cavity permits the temple arm to be pulled forward without catching on the ear when a user removes the glasses and the temple arm shades the ear from the sun.

21. A temple arm for glasses that when worn by a user are capable of shading at least a top portion of the user's ear from the sun, comprising:

a temple bar at the anterior end;

a top shade portion and an outside shade portion both extending posteriorly from the temple bar and cooperating together to shade at least the front top edge of the user's ear, the top central edge of the user's ear, and the rear top edge of the user's ear, with the outside shade portion extending downward from the top shade portion to shade at least the top front portion of the user's ear, the top central portion of the user's ear, and the top rear portion of the user's ear; and

an ear support portion extending downward from the top shade portion to form an ear support to support the glasses on the user's ear; and wherein the top shade portion and the outside shade portion are sized and configured to leave the bottom rear edge of the user's ear and the entire lower portion of the user's ear uncovered.

22. The temple arm of claim 21, wherein the top shade portion comprises a downward-facing concave surface transitioning to a downward-facing convex surface at the posterior end of the top shade portion to facilitate removal of the glasses by pulling forward.

23. A temple arm for glasses that when worn by a user are capable of shading at least a top portion of the user's ear from the sun, comprising:

a temple bar at the anterior end;

a top shade portion and an outside shade portion cooperating together to shade at least the top central edge of the user's ear and the rear top edge of the user's ear, with the outside shade portion extending downward from the top shade portion to shade at least the top central portion of the user's ear and the top rear portion of the user's ear; and

an ear support portion extending downward from the top shade portion to form an ear support to support the glasses on the user's ear; and

wherein the top shade portion comprises a downward-facing concave surface transitioning to a downward-facing convex surface at the posterior end of the top shade portion to facilitate removal of the glasses by pulling forward; and

wherein the top shade portion and the outside shade portion are sized and configured to leave the bottom rear edge of the user's ear and the entire lower portion of the user's ear uncovered.

24. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein at least one of the top shade portion and the outside shade portion have vent openings therein.

25. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein the top shade portion and the outside shade portion are solid without any openings therein.

26. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein the outside shade portion extends down substantially vertically from the top shade portion.

27. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein the top shade portion comprises a first downward-facing convex surface transitioning to a first downward-facing concave surface transitioning to a second downward-facing concave surface transitioning to a second downward-facing convex surface at the posterior end of the top shade portion.

28. The temple arm of claim 27 wherein there is a substantially flat portion between the first downward-facing concave surface and the second downward-facing concave surface.

29. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein the temple bar splits into an inside side portion and the outside shade portion, the inside side portion extending posteriorly to form the ear support portion to support the glasses on the user's ear, and the top shade portion extending posteriorly between the inside side portion and the outside shade portion to shade the front top edge of the user's ear, the top central edge of the user's ear, the rear top edge of the user's ear, the top front portion of the user's ear, the top central portion of the user's ear, and the top rear portion of the user's ear.

30. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein (i) the posterior end of the top shade portion is not curved downward thereby permitting the glasses to be removed from the user by merely pulling forward, (ii) the posterior end of the top shade portion does not extend lower than a portion of the side shade portion vertically aligned with the center of the user's ear, (iii) the posterior end of the top shade portion exposes a central rear edge of the user's ear to light coming in horizontally from directly behind the user, and (iv) the posterior end of the top shade portion extends at least 0.5 inches or 0.75 inches or 1.0 inches or 1.25 inches or 1.5 inches past the rear-most point of the user's ear to shade a central rear edge of the user's ear from light coming in at a 45 degree angle with respect to horizontal directly behind the user.

31. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein the outside shade portion and an inside side portion meet at a "V" at the temple bar.

32. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein at least the posterior ends of the top shade portion and the outside shade portion form an open channel.

33. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein the outer surface of the top shade portion extends from the temple bar posteriorly at least to an upward-facing convex surface transitioning to an upward- facing concave surface at the posterior end of the top shade portion.

34. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein the ear canal opening is left exposed and uncovered by the outside shade portion.

35. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein the temple bar further comprises a cavity.

36. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim, wherein the temple bar further comprises a cavity containing a material having a buoyancy that is higher than the material used to form the temple bar so that the temple arm floats in water.

37. The temple arm of any one of claim 21 through the immediately preceding claim further comprising at least one tether hole.

38. The temple arm of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temple arm is sized and configured to leave the entire lower portion or lower third or lower half of the user's ear uncovered.

39. The temple arm of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temple arm is molded as an integral unit.

40. The temple arm of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface of the outside shade portion extends from the temple bar posteriorly to a first concave portion transitioning to a first convex portion transitioning to a second convex portion at the posterior end of the outside shade portion.

41. The temple arm of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top shade portion does not rest on the user's ear.

42. The temple arm of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inner surface of the top shade portion includes a spacer to cushion the user's ear and protect the user's ear from resting against the potentially warm top shade portion.

43. A pair of glasses for shading the ears from the sun, comprising:

a lens holding portion; and

two temple arms operatively connected to the lens holding portion, each temple arm defined according to any one of embodiments 1-19 and 21 through the immediately preceding embodiment.

44. A shade portion of any one of the preceding claims, without a temple arm, to be affixed to or otherwise operatively connected to a separate temple arm.

While several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in considerable detail, the present invention is not to be considered limited to the precise constructions disclosed. Various adaptations, modifications and uses of the invention may occur to those skilled in the arts to which the invention relates. It is the intention to cover all such adaptations, modifications and uses.