5,005,964 DATED APRIL 9, 1991

SPECTACLES WITH COMBINED SLIDING AND PIVOTING REAR VISION ELEMENTS

The purpose of this invention is to demonstrate a method by which mirrors can be adjusted from the temple of spectacles to allow extended and retrovision. The present invention is directed to a fashionable pair of spectacles with rear vision elements and more particularly to spectacles having combined sliding and pivoting rear vision elements which are selectively adjustable to operative positions whereat reflective surfaces of the elements are in forward confronting relationship to the user and to non-operative positions whereat the elements are in side facing relationship to the user. One benefit of the invention is that the rearward field of vision has a wide range of adjustments and can be enlarged and adjusted both vertically and horizontally. Another benefit of the invention is that it is adaptable to existing spectacle frames.

In the first aspect of the invention, a pair of symmetrically opposite temples are rotatably mounted to opposite ends of an eyepiece and have longitudinal apertures for receiving slender round shafts. Slender round shafts are mounted in the temple apertures and have orthogonal forward end portions which project out of the apertures. A rear vision element is rotatably mounted on the end of each shaft and has a reflective surface for viewing objects behind the user. The rear vision elements are selectively adjustable by sliding and rotating the shaft along and about the longitudinal apertures of the temples and by rotating the element about the axes of the orthogonal forward portions of the shafts.

In the second aspect of the invention the elements are further adjustable by separating and rotatably attaching the forward ends of the shaft to the other portions of the shafts which are mounted in the longitudinal apertures of the temples.

When the rear vision elements are not in use and stored in side facing relationship to the user, they are not readily discernible as separate members of the spectacles. It is a primary object of the present invention to provide in a pair of rear vision spectacles of conventional appearance rear vision elements which have a wide range of adjustment for varying the rearward field of vision of users of the spectacles.

It is another object, in addition to the foregoing object, to provide a pair of rear vision spectacles wherein the elements for observing objects at the rear are not readily discernible as separate elements when the elements are not in use. It is another object, in addition to the foregoing objects, to provide an effective pair of rear vision spectacles which are easy to use. It is another object, in addition to the foregoing objects, to provide a pair of rear vision spectacles with retractable elements which can be stored 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.