SPECTACLES WITH SINGLE PIVOT FOLDED REAR VISION ELEMENTS

When danger threatens, the ability to view objects at the rear would enhance the safety of motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, joggers, industrialworkers, servicemen, policemen, pedestrians and the like. Viewing objects at the rear would also amuse and entertain many consumers. Although rear vision spectacles would serve these ends, prior concepts have neither gained the public's favor nor achieved a modicum of success in the market.

The reasons rear vision spectacles have not been successful are that they have been unsightly and functionally deficient. It is needless to say that spectacles are perceived by the public as articles of fashion as well as devices for improving vision. Most consumers refuse to accept articles of adornment which detract from their appearance or make them conspicuous to others. Thus, to be accepted by the public, spectacles need to be attractive as well as functionally effective. Heretofore, rear vision spectacles have not satisfied this need.

The present invention is directed toward spectacles and more particularly to a pair of spectacles with single pivot reflective elements which enable a forward facing user to observe objects at the rear. The invention comprises an eyepiece, a pair of temples mounted to opposite ends of the eyepiece which are rotatable about a first pair of vertical aces and a pair of space apart folded elements mounted to the eyepiece for rotation about a second pair of vertical axes which are inward of the first pair of axes.

Each of the rear vision elements has a reflective portion and an adjoining mounting portion at a fixed angular relationship to the reflective portion. The elements are independently selectively adjustable about the second set of axes to operative positions whereat reflective surfaces confront the user at a position which is substantially forward of the eyepiece and to a non-operative position whereat the reflective portions are aligned with the adjacent temples. When the rear vision elements are at their non-operative positions, the spectacles have a conventional appearance and the rear vision elements are not readily discernible as separate elements of the spectacles.

It is a primary object of the invention to provide a fashionable, yet effective and easy to use pair of rear vision spectacles for the safety and entertainment of their users.

One feature of the invention is that the ornamental design of the rear vision elements is integrated into the overall design of the spectacles. Thus, the basic styling of the spectacles is preserved.

Another feature is that the rear vision elements are individually adjustable to vary the user's field of rear vision.

Another feature is that the user's forward field of vision is only minimally obstructed when the rear vision elements are at their operative positions.

Another feature is that the spectacles can be folded into a compact arrangement for storage in a conventional type eyeglass case.

Additional features, benefits and objects of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing description and accompanying drawings which describe the invention in detail. A preferred embodiment and the manner of using the same are disclosed in accordance with the best mode contemplated in practicing the invention and the subject matter in which exclusive property rights are claimed is set forth in each of the numbered claims at the conclusion of the detailed description of the invention.