Safety glasses with pivoting interchangeable single-lens

Abstract

Eyewear having an interchangeable single lens, that can be replaced quickly and easily, is provided. The eyewear is particularly suitable for use as safety eyeglasses. The eyewear includes a unitary frame structure having an inner and outer surface. The frame includes a brow bar portion extending laterally across the brow of the wearer, a nose bridge portion depending downwardly from the brow bar, first and second outer temple portions at the outer ends of the brow bar, and lower lens frame portions. The structural frame portions are preferably molded from a relatively rigid plastic material. To provide for attachment of the lens to the frame, the first and second outer temple portions each include a molded elastomeric inset including a post-receiving aperture for receiving a complementary mounting post formed on the lens. Additionally, the nose bridge portion or the center of the brow bar may also include a locking mechanism for holding the lens in position in the central area. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a third elastomeric inset and a complementary post on the lens. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism is a channel or groove. Embodiments are disclosed wherein the lens is received against the inner surface of the frame and also against the outer surface of the lens.