LOS ANGELES, May 12, 2009 / FW/ — And we thought that transition lenses are the epitome of high-tech sunglasses! With Oakley’s release of Jawbone, an innovative performance sunglass that combines the Oakley’s High Definition Optics (HDO) with a revolutionary new frame architecture that allows for quick and easy lens changing, wearers can now change sunglass functions video-game style!
Alright, video game speed in changing might be an exaggeration, but Oakley’s Jawbone is the nearest thing for it to be real. Jawbone utilizes Oakley’s new SwitchLock Technology wherein the lower part of the frame rim opens to allow easy access for quick lens changing and thus allowing the wearer to optimize performance in any light condition.
The design holds the lenses with a suspension system so stresses on the frame do not affect the optics. With ordinary sunglasses, flexing of the frame can change the surface contours of the lenses, causing optical distortion.
This new architecture ensures there is nothing to diminish the unbeatable clarity of the optics, and the wearer still enjoys the optimized comfort and fit of a flexible frame design.
“Jawbone is a milestone in technology, a true breakthrough that provides athletes with an invaluable performance tool,” said Colin Baden, president of Oakley.
Dubbed as game changer, Oakley asked professional athletes to test the patent-pending invention, one of them being Lance Armstrong who took advantage of Jawbone in the recent Tour of California and plans to utilize it in the upcoming Giro and Tour de France.
“This is exactly what I expect from Oakley — more than just a new benchmark,” said Armstrong. “Jawbone gives me the performance, fit and styling I have come to expect from Oakley for over 20 years now. The simple lens changing lets me match my vision to racing conditions with ease.”
Oakley plans to release a LIVESTRONG(TM) special edition of Jawbone to aid the Lance Armstrong Foundation and its ongoing mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer, adding to the collection of LIVESTRONG eyewear in its product line.
Oakley engineered the pivoting frame system with a release mechanism that lets the wearer remove and replace the nose piece with a different size to customize the fit. The company engineered specialized bridge geometry and strategically placed flex zones, enhancements that give the frame a broad range of flexibility while directing stresses away from the lenses.
With a price range of US$195 to US$255, Oakley Jawbone comes in multiple colors, including new hues called “Atomic Orange,” “Retina Burn” and “Infra Red.”
Each frame includes one premium lens set that complements the frame color and offers a specific performance profile, and an additional lens set is included for low light conditions.
This eyewear is also available with Oakley Authentic Prescription Lenses.
Visit Oakley.com for more information on the company’s lifestyle and sport performance eyewear inventions.
[MARIKIT YAMATO]
