Rotational alignment of combined lenses

Abstract

Devices and methods for use with a frame (21) of eyeglasses (18) are described. A combination lens (20) is placed within the frame (21) to define a horizontal axis configured to align with a horizontal meridian of a wearer's eye when the eyewear is worn by the wearer. The combined lens includes an inventory base lens (22) and an inventory additional lens (24). The additional lens (24) is coupled to the base lens (22), where the additional lens (24) and the base lens (22) are rotationally aligned with respect to each other in a rotational orientation such that a functional plane of the base lens (22) and a functional plane of the additional lens (24) within the combined lens (20) are rotationally oriented with respect to a horizontal axis (25) of the combined lens (20) in a first rotational orientation and a second rotational orientation, respectively. Other applications are also described.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 542,103, filed October 3, 2023, entitled “Rotational Alignment of Combined Lenses,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Field of embodiments of the invention Some applications of this invention generally relate to ophthalmic lenses. In particular, some applications relate to the manufacture of composite lenses comprising two lenses connected to each other.

[0003] background Lenses are typically placed within an eyeglass frame such that they define a horizontal axis that is configured to align with the wearer's horizontal meridian when the glasses are worn. Several examples of ophthalmic lens functions require the functional planes of the lens to be rotated and oriented in a specific orientation relative to the lens's horizontal axis. For example, patients with astigmatism (where their cornea and / or lens are deformed) can be treated with lenses that provide cylindrical correction. The lenses are designed such that the power of the cylindrical correction matches the intensity of the astigmatism, and also that the axis of the cylindrical correction matches the orientation of the astigmatism relative to the horizontal axis (which is configured to align with the wearer's horizontal meridian). Another example of a lens function that requires the functional planes of the lens to be rotated and oriented in a specific orientation relative to the horizontal axis is polarization. Typically, polarizing lenses are configured such that when the lens is worn within the glasses by the wearer, the polarization direction will be largely aligned with the ground horizon. Therefore, in practice, the polarization direction is typically aligned with the horizontal axis of the lens. Additional examples of lenses exist that have functions that may require the functional planes of the lens to be rotated and oriented in a specific orientation relative to the horizontal axis of the lens. Examples include lenses that provide certain types of myopia control, lenses including gradient coloring, lenses with protective coatings (e.g., UV blocking) (requiring different levels of protection for distance vision and myopia), and lenses that facilitate the overlay of information on the lens using electronic projection (for smart glasses).

[0004] Furthermore, for aesthetic purposes, there are eyeglasses made with toric (cylindrical) lenses having a concave front surface. These lenses are typically non-prescription (and used, for example, in sunglasses), although they can be prescription. The rear surface of such lenses is usually shaped to compensate for any unwanted power and / or cylindrical shape resulting from the concave front surface. In this case, the rear surface typically needs to be oriented in a specific orientation relative to the front surface.

[0005] Overview of the Implementation Examples According to some applications of the invention, a combination lens (for use with an eyeglass frame) comprises a base lens and an additional lens attached to the base lens. As described in the background section above, the lenses are typically placed within the eyeglass frame such that the lenses define a horizontal axis configured to align with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eye when the eyeglasses are worn by the wearer. For some applications, each lens performs a function within a functional plane that requires the lens to be oriented rotationally relative to the horizontal axis of the combination lens in a given orientation. (Typically, the combination lens has a given three-dimensional shape, and the functional plane refers to the xy component of the shape.) Typically, the base lens and the additional lens perform their respective functions within functional planes that require the lenses to be oriented rotationally with different rotational orientations from each other. More typically, the functional plane of at least one lens within the combination lens (and optionally the base lens and the additional lens within the combination lens) requires the functional plane of the lens to be oriented rotationally at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combination lens. In some embodiments, the functional planes of both the stock base lens and the stock additional lens require rotational orientation at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combination lens.

[0006] Typically, before being joined together, the base lens and the additional lens are rotated and aligned relative to each other, such that when joined, each lens is rotated and oriented in the desired orientation relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens. The combined lens is then placed within the eyeglass frame such that, when the glasses are worn by the wearer, the horizontal axis of the combined lens is aligned with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eyes.

[0007] Several examples of ophthalmic lens functions require the functional plane of the lens to be rotated and oriented in a specific orientation relative to the lens's horizontal axis. For example, patients with astigmatism (where their cornea and / or lens are deformed) can be treated with lenses that provide cylindrical correction. The lenses are designed such that the power of the cylindrical correction matches the intensity of the astigmatism, and that the axis of the cylindrical correction is perpendicular to the orientation of the astigmatism relative to the lens's horizontal axis (which is configured to align with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eye). Another example of a lens function requiring the functional plane of the lens to be rotated and oriented in a specific orientation relative to the horizontal axis is polarization. Typically, polarizing lenses are configured such that when the lens is worn by the wearer in their glasses, the polarization direction will be largely aligned with the ground horizon. Therefore, in practice, the polarization direction is usually aligned with the lens's horizontal axis. Additional examples of lenses exist that have functions that may require the functional planes of the lens to be rotated and oriented in a specific orientation relative to the horizontal axis of the lens, such as lenses that provide myopia control, lenses including gradient coloring, lenses with protective coatings (e.g., UV blocking) (requiring different levels of protection for distance vision and myopia), and lenses that facilitate the overlay of information on the lens using electronic projection (for smart glasses).

[0008] Furthermore, for aesthetic purposes, there are eyeglasses made with toric (cylindrical) lenses having a concave front surface. These lenses are typically non-prescription (and used, for example, in sunglasses), although they can be prescription. The rear surface of such lenses is usually shaped to compensate for any unwanted power and / or cylindrical shape resulting from the concave front surface. In this case, the rear surface typically needs to be oriented in a specific orientation relative to the front surface.

[0009] Note that some such examples may require the functional planes of the lens to be rotated and oriented in alignment with the lens's horizontal axis, while other examples may require the functional planes of the lens to be rotated and oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the lens's horizontal axis. Depending on the application, any combination of the above lenses includes a base lens and an additional lens in a combination lens.

[0010] Typically, lenses offering two or more of the aforementioned functions are manufactured by combining base lenses and supplementary lenses in the manner described above. Lenses that provide a wearer's prescription can be assembled using a relatively small number of stock units. Furthermore, lenses can often be assembled from a combination of mass-produced stock lenses without the need for cutting custom lenses.

[0011] Therefore, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a device is provided for use with an eyeglass frame to be worn by a wearer, the device comprising: A combination lens, configured to be placed within the frame of eyeglasses such that the combination lens defines a horizontal axis, the horizontal axis being configured to align with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eyes when the eyeglasses are worn by the wearer, the combination lens comprising: A stock base lens, which provides a first function within a first functional plane, the first function requiring the functional plane of the base lens to be rotatably oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in a first rotational orientation; and An additional storage lens, which provides a second function within a second functional plane, requires the functional plane of the additional lens to be rotatably oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in a second rotational orientation, which differs from a first rotational orientation. An additional lens is attached to a base lens, wherein the additional lens and the base lens are rotatably aligned relative to each other in a rotational orientation, such that the functional planes of the base lens and the additional lens within the combined lens are rotatably oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in a first rotational orientation and a second rotational orientation, respectively.

[0012] In some embodiments, the functional plane of at least one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens needs to be rotatably oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

[0013] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a cylindrical lens configured to provide cylindrical correction, and the cylindrical lens is coupled to the other lens such that the functional plane of the cylindrical lens is configured to be rotatably oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, such that the axis of cylindrical correction matches the orientation of the wearer's astigmatism.

[0014] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a myopia control lens configured to provide myopia control to the wearer, and the myopia control lens is coupled to the other lens such that the functional plane of the myopia control lens is configured to be rotatably oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in order to provide the wearer with the desired myopia control orientation.

[0015] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a polarizing lens configured to polarize light along the polarization direction, and the polarizing lens is coupled to the other lens such that the functional plane of the polarizing lens is configured to be rotatably oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in order to provide the wearer with the desired light polarization.

[0016] In some embodiments, the base lens is cylindrical and photochromic, and the additional lens is polarized, such that the combined lens is a polarized photochromic combination lens.

[0017] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens includes gradient color tinting.

[0018] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens includes a lens with a protective coating that provides different levels of protection for distance and near vision.

[0019] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens includes a lens that facilitates the overlay of information onto the lens using electronic projection.

[0020] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens includes a lens configured to provide compensation for optical power or cylindrical surface, to consider a combination lens with a concave front surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, the combination lens is not configured to provide the wearer with additional focal power for near vision correction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the combination lens is configured to provide additional focal power for near vision correction.

[0023] In some embodiments, the combination lens is also configured to provide distance vision correction, as well as a transitional pathway between the portions of the combination lens that provide near vision correction and distance vision correction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the base lens is configured to provide all distance vision correction of the combination lens.

[0025] In some embodiments, the combined optical properties of the base lens and the supplementary lens provide the full desired optical correction of the combined lens, while neither the base lens nor the supplementary lens on its own provides optical distance vision correction.

[0026] In some embodiments, the combination lens is configured to provide near vision correction of up to 0.85 diopters.

[0027] In some embodiments, the combination lens is configured for use by presbyopic wearers who read digital devices.

[0028] In some embodiments, the composite lens includes one or more functional coatings that are pre-applied to at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the composite lens before the additional lens is attached to the base lens.

[0029] In some embodiments, one or more functional coatings include one or more functional coatings selected from the list of the following: hard coating, anti-reflective coating, waterproof coating, superhydrophobic coating, antistatic coating, oleophobic coating, cleaning coating, blue light filter, reflective coating, anti-UV coating, photochromic coating, coloring coating, and mirror coating.

[0030] In some embodiments, the composite lens includes a first set of one or more functional coatings and a second set of one or more functional coatings, wherein the first set of one or more functional coatings is pre-applied to the front surface of the composite lens and the second set of one or more functional coatings is pre-applied to the rear surface of the composite lens before the additional lens is attached to the base lens.

[0031] In some embodiments, a first set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens is the same as a second set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the rear surface of the combined lens.

[0032] In some embodiments, a first set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens is different from a second set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the rear surface of the combined lens.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a method for use with an eyeglass frame to be worn by a wearer is also provided, the method comprising: To manufacture a combination lens, configured to be placed within the frame of eyeglasses such that the combination lens defines a horizontal axis, the horizontal axis being configured to align with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eyes when the eyeglasses are worn by the wearer, the combination lens is manufactured through the following steps: Align the following items by rotating them relative to each other: A stock base lens, which provides a first function within a first functional plane, the first function requiring the functional plane of the base lens to be rotatably oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in a first rotational orientation, and An additional storage lens, which provides a second function within a second functional plane, requires the functional plane of the additional lens to be rotatably oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in a second rotational orientation, which differs from a first rotational orientation. The rotational alignment of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other ensures that, during the formation of the combined lens, the functional planes of the base lens and the add-on lens are oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens by a first rotational orientation and a second rotational orientation, respectively; and While aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens by rotating them relative to each other, the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens are connected to each other.

[0034] In some embodiments, aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other by rotation includes aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other such that, when forming the combined lens, the functional plane of at least one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens will be oriented by a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

[0035] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a cylindrical lens configured to provide cylindrical correction, and rotating the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other includes rotating the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other such that, when forming the combined lens, the functional plane of the cylindrical lens is rotated and oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, such that the axis of cylindrical correction matches the wearer's astigmatic orientation.

[0036] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a myopia control lens configured to provide myopia control to the wearer, and rotating the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other includes: rotating the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other such that, when forming the combined lens, the functional plane of the myopia control lens is oriented rotationally relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, thereby providing the wearer with the desired orientation for myopia control.

[0037] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a polarizing lens configured to polarize light along a polarization direction, and rotating the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other includes rotating the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other such that, when forming the combined lens, the functional plane of the polarizing lens is rotatedly oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, thereby providing the wearer with the desired light polarization.

[0038] In some embodiments, the base lens is cylindrical and photochromic, and the additional lens is polarized, and connecting the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other includes forming a polarized photochromic combination lens.

[0039] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens includes gradient color tinting.

[0040] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens includes a lens with a protective coating that provides different levels of protection for distance and near vision.

[0041] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens includes a lens that facilitates the application of electronic projection to cover information onto the lens.

[0042] In some embodiments, one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens includes a lens configured to provide compensation for optical power or cylindrical surface, to consider a combination lens with a concave front surface.

[0043] In some embodiments, the combination lens is not configured to provide the wearer with additional focal power for near vision correction.

[0044] In some embodiments, the combination lens is configured to provide additional focal power for near vision correction.

[0045] In some embodiments, the combination lens is also configured to provide distance vision correction and a transitional pathway between the portions of the combination lens that provide near vision correction and distance vision correction.

[0046] In some embodiments, the base lens is configured to provide all distance vision correction of the combination lens.

[0047] In some embodiments, the combined optical properties of the base lens and the supplementary lens provide the full desired optical correction of the combined lens, while neither the base lens nor the supplementary lens on its own provides optical distance vision correction.

[0048] In some embodiments, the combination lens is configured to provide near vision correction of up to 0.85 diopters.

[0049] In some embodiments, the combination lens is configured for use by presbyopic wearers who read digital devices.

[0050] In some embodiments, linking the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other includes linking the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other, wherein one or more functional coatings are pre-applied to at least one of the front surface and the rear surface of the combined lens before linking the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other.

[0051] In some embodiments, one or more functional coatings include one or more functional coatings selected from the list of the following: hard coating, anti-reflective coating, waterproof coating, superhydrophobic coating, antistatic coating, oleophobic coating, cleaning coating, blue light filter, reflective coating, anti-UV coating, photochromic coating, coloring coating, and mirror coating.

[0052] In some embodiments, linking a stock base lens and a stock add-on lens to each other includes linking the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other, wherein one or more functional coatings are pre-applied to the front surface and the rear surface of the combined lens before linking the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other.

[0053] In some embodiments, a first set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens is the same as a second set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the rear surface of the combined lens.

[0054] In some embodiments, a first set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens is different from a second set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the rear surface of the combined lens.

[0055] In some embodiments, linking the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other includes: The stock base lens and the stock additional lens are placed in corresponding first and second pressure chambers, wherein an adhesive layer is disposed between the stock base lens and the stock additional lens, and the pressure in each of the first and second pressure chambers is independently controllable; The convex surface of the stock add-on lens is brought into contact with the adhesive layer, such that the central region of the convex surface of the stock add-on lens contacts the adhesive layer first, and the contact between the convex surface of the stock add-on lens and the adhesive layer then radiates outward from the central region of the convex surface of the stock add-on lens until the convex surface of the stock add-on lens is covered by the adhesive layer; and The concave surface of the stock base lens is brought into contact with the adhesive layer, such that the central area of ​​the concave surface of the stock base lens contacts the adhesive layer first, and the contact between the concave surface of the stock base lens and the adhesive layer then radiates outward from the central area of ​​the concave surface of the stock base lens until the concave surface of the stock base lens is covered by the adhesive layer.

[0056] In some embodiments, aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other by rotation includes aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other in respective first and second pressure chambers.

[0057] The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Brief description of the attached diagram Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an eyeglasses according to some applications of the present invention, the eyeglasses comprising one or more lenses, the one or more lenses being composed of a base lens and additional lenses connected to the base lens; and Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2D This is a schematic diagram of the various steps in an adhesion process for attaching an additional lens to a base lens, according to some applications of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Now for reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a pair of eyeglasses 18, which includes one or more combination lenses 20 within an eyeglass frame 21. According to some applications of the invention, each of the combination lenses consists of a base lens 22 and an additional lens 24 attached to the base lens. As described in the background section above, lenses are typically placed within an eyeglass frame such that the lens defines a horizontal axis configured to align with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eye when the eyeglasses are worn. For some applications, each of the lenses (i.e., the base lens 22 and the additional lens 24) performs a function in a functional plane that requires the lens to be rotatedally oriented relative to the horizontal axis 25 of the combination lens in a given orientation. (Typically, the lens has a given three-dimensional shape, and the functional plane refers to the xy components of the shape.) Typically, the lenses perform their respective functions in functional planes that require the lenses to be rotatedally oriented with different rotational orientations from each other. More typically, the functional plane of at least one lens within the combination lens (and optionally the base lens and the additional lens within the combination lens) requires the functional plane of the lens to be rotatedally oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combination lens.

[0059] Typically, the base lens and the supplemental lens are connected to each other, for example, using the reference below. Figure 2A and Figure 2D The apparatus and method described. Before being coupled together, the lenses are rotated and aligned relative to each other such that, when coupled together, each lens is rotated and oriented in a desired orientation relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens. The combined lens is then placed within the eyeglass frame such that, when the eyeglasses are worn by the wearer, the horizontal axis 25 of the combined lens is aligned with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eye. The additional lens is typically coupled to the rear side of the base lens, i.e., the concave side of the base lens, which is closer to the patient's face when the eyeglasses 18 are worn by the patient. In some applications, the additional lens is coupled to the front side of the base lens, i.e., the convex side of the base lens, which is farther from the patient's face when the patient wears the eyeglasses 18. Note that in Figure 1 In the enlarged portion, a gap is shown between the outer edge of the additional lens and the eyeglass frame 21. Normally, this gap does not actually exist, and for illustrative purposes, it is only shown as such. Figure 1 The image shows the additional lens 24 and the base lens 22.

[0060] As described in the background section above, several examples of ophthalmic lens functions require the functional plane of the lens to be rotated and oriented in a specific orientation relative to the lens's horizontal axis. For example, patients with astigmatism (where their cornea and / or lens are deformed) can be treated with lenses that provide cylindrical correction. The lens is designed such that the power of the cylindrical correction matches the intensity of the astigmatism, and such that the axis of the cylindrical correction is perpendicular to the orientation of the astigmatism relative to the lens's horizontal axis (which is configured to align with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eye). Another example of a lens function that requires the functional plane of the lens to be rotated and oriented in a specific orientation relative to the horizontal axis is polarization. Typically, polarizing lenses are configured such that when the lens is worn by the wearer in their glasses, the polarization direction will be largely aligned with the ground horizon. Therefore, in practice, the polarization direction is typically aligned with the lens's horizontal axis. Additional examples of lenses exist that have functions that may require the functional planes of the lens to be rotated and oriented in a specific orientation relative to the horizontal axis of the lens, such as lenses that provide myopia control, lenses including gradient coloring, lenses with protective coatings (e.g., UV blocking) (requiring different levels of protection for distance and near vision), and lenses that facilitate the overlay of information on the lens using electronic projection (for smart glasses).

[0061] Furthermore, for aesthetic purposes, there are eyeglasses made with toric (cylindrical) lenses having a concave front surface. These lenses are typically non-prescription (and used, for example, in sunglasses), although they can be prescription. The rear surface of such lenses is usually shaped to compensate for any unwanted power and / or cylindrical shape resulting from the concave front surface. In this case, the rear surface typically needs to be oriented in a specific orientation relative to the front surface.

[0062] Note that some such examples may require the functional planes of the lens to be rotated and oriented in alignment with the horizontal axis of the lens, while other examples may require the functional planes of the lens to be rotated and oriented at a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the lens. Depending on the application, any combination of the above lenses includes a base lens 22 and an additional lens 24 of the combination lens 20.

[0063] For some applications, combination lenses provide single-vision optical correction, such as distance vision correction. For other applications, the base lens provides all the distance vision correction provided by the combination lenses. Alternatively, the combined optical properties of the base and add-on lenses provide the optical correction required for the complete combination of lenses, without either the base or add-on lenses themselves providing optical distance vision correction (e.g., as described in Katzman’s US 11,378,821, which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0064] Typically, combination lenses are not configured to provide additional power for near vision correction. Alternatively, for some applications, the supplemental lens is configured to provide additional power to offer additional near vision correction. For some applications, the supplemental lens is configured to provide only a small amount of additional power. For example, the correction could be up to 0.85 diopters to provide near vision correction for presbyopic wearers of digital reading devices (e.g., relatively young wearers). Typically, for such applications, the supplemental lens provides additional power for both near and distance vision correction, as well as a gradual transition between near and distance vision.

[0065] Typically, lenses offering two or more of the aforementioned functions are manufactured by combining base lenses and supplementary lenses in the manner described above. Lenses that provide a wearer's prescription can be assembled using a relatively small number of stock units. Furthermore, lenses can often be assembled from a combination of mass-produced stock lenses without the need for cutting custom lenses.

[0066] For example, if a wearer needs both a polarized lens and a cylindrical corrective lens with an X-power and a Y-axis, a combination lens is created by attaching the cylindrical corrective lens with an X-power to the polarized lens, and rotating the cylindrical corrective lens so that its polarization direction is at a Y-degree angle relative to the polarized lens before attaching the lenses together. If different wearers need cylindrical corrective polarized lenses with an X-power and a Z-axis, a combination lens is created by attaching identical cylindrical corrective lenses with an X-power to the polarized lens, but in this case, the cylindrical corrective lens is rotated so that its polarization direction is at a Z-degree angle relative to the polarized lens before attaching the lenses together.

[0067] Alternatively, the base lens is cylindrical and photochromic, and the add-on lens is polarized. A polarized photochromic combination lens, matching the patient's prescription, is manufactured by orienting the base lens relative to each other at the add-on lens in a suitable orientation. Based on the above paragraphs, typically, both the base and add-on lenses are stock lenses (i.e., mass-produced lenses to provide a certain type and / or value of optical correction usually required), rather than one or both lenses being custom-made lenses (i.e., lenses formed for a specific patient to provide the specific optical correction they require).

[0068] Typically, after processing a custom lens, one or more functional coatings are applied to the front and / or rear surfaces of the lens, such as hard coatings, anti-reflective coatings, hydrophobic coatings, superhydrophobic coatings, oleophobic coatings, antistatic coatings, cleaning coatings, blue light filters, reflective coatings, anti-UV coatings, photochromic coatings, tinting coatings, specular coatings, or any combination thereof. More typically, this increases lens manufacturing time because lens processing takes time, and the application of functional coatings requires additional time and can only be done after the lens has been processed. Typically, in applications according to the invention, both the base lens and the add-on lens are stock lenses. As mentioned above, the add-on lens is typically attached to the rear side of the base lens. Typically, for such applications, one or more functional coatings are pre-applied to the front surface of the base lens. More typically, one or more functional coatings are pre-applied to the rear surface of the add-on lens. (It should be noted that the coating applied to the rear surface of the add-on lens is not necessarily the same as the coating applied to the front surface of the custom base lens.) Therefore, once the add-on lens is attached to the base lens, the functional coatings are already in place on the front and / or rear surfaces of the combined lens. Typically, the time required from ordering a custom lens to manufacturing it is significantly less than the time required to first form the custom lens to order and then apply a functional coating only to the custom lens. For some applications, an add-on lens is attached to the front of the base lens; in this case, the front surface of the add-on lens and the rear surface of the base lens are usually coated with a pre-applied coating. In many cases, lens coating cannot be applied cost-effectively on a per-lens basis and must be done in batches of several lenses. Custom lenses awaiting coating can sit idle for a considerable time before enough lenses are accumulated to fully fill the batch in the coating machine. For this reason, the production method described above typically saves significantly more production time than the cycle time of coating only, compared to the manufacturing and coating of custom lenses.

[0069] The above-mentioned technology can be applied to any other type of base lens or supplementary lens whose function requires the functional plane of the lens to be rotated and oriented in a specific orientation relative to the horizontal axis of the lens. For example, lenses that provide certain types of myopia control, including lenses with gradient coloring, lenses with protective coatings (e.g., UV blocking) (which require different levels of protection for distance vision and myopia), lenses that facilitate the superimposition of information on the lens using electronic projection (for smart glasses), and / or lenses that include compensation for focus or cylindrical surface, so as to consider combination lenses with concave anterior surfaces.

[0070] Now for reference Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C and Figure 2DThese figures are schematic diagrams of various steps in an adhesion process for attaching an additional lens to a base lens according to some applications of the invention. It should be noted that the adhesion process is generally similar to that described in Halahmi's US2023 / 0104521, which is the U.S. national phase of Halahmi's WO 2021-198822, which is incorporated herein by reference. For some applications, alternative devices and / or methods are used for adhering the base lens and the additional lens to each other.

[0071] Typically, this is performed with the lenses rotated relative to each other for alignment. Figures 2A-2D The steps shown are such that, when adhered to each other, each lens is rotated and oriented so that its functional position is in the desired orientation to perform its respective function relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, as described above. Typically, the additional lens defines at least one convex surface, and the base lens defines at least one concave surface, with the convex surface of the additional lens adhered to the concave surface of the base lens.

[0072] For some applications, such as Figure 2A As shown, the supplementary lens 24 is held in the first chamber 71, while the base lens 22 is held in the second chamber 72. Typically, in the respective chambers, the lenses are rotated-aligned relative to each other such that, when adhered to each other, each lens is rotated-oriented relative to the other in the desired orientation. As described above, typically, once the combined lens is formed, it is placed within the eyeglass frame such that, when the glasses are worn by the wearer, the horizontal axis of the combined lens is aligned with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eye. More typically, when the wearer is in an upright position while wearing the glasses, the horizontal axis of the lens will be largely aligned with the ground horizon. For some applications, each of chambers 71 and 72 functions as a furnace, as the temperature of each chamber can be controlled. Alternatively, the chambers are not heated. Typically, chamber 71 is connected to a vacuum pressure source via a first tube 70, and chamber 72 is connected to the same or an alternative vacuum pressure source via a second tube 75, such that the pressure within each chamber can be controlled independently.

[0073] Typically, a thin, flexible adhesive layer 73 (which is typically a pressure-sensitive adhesive with adhesive on both sides) is held between the two chambers. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of the chambers, the adhesive layer 73 can be held between the first and second chambers by a solid plate 79. Typically, the adhesive layer has a uniform thickness, usually greater than 20 micrometers (e.g., greater than 50 micrometers) and / or less than 300 micrometers (e.g., less than 200 micrometers) (e.g., 20-300 micrometers, or 50-200 micrometers). For some applications, the pressure within the chambers is controlled according to… Figures 2A-2DThe steps shown move the lens toward the adhesive layer, through which the additional lens adheres to the base lens without leaving noticeable air bubbles or other spaces between either lens and the adhesive layer. Typically, a vacuum pressure (e.g., a negative pressure between 1 mbar and 1 bar) is generated in each chamber for most of the process to reduce the pressure below ambient pressure. At certain stages of the process, the pressure in one or two chambers may be increased or decreased, as described below. For some applications, one or two lenses, and / or the adhesive layer, and / or one or two pressure chambers are heated during one or more stages of the adhesion process.

[0074] The convex surface of the additional lens has a central region 76. For example... Figure 2B As shown, for some applications, a pressure difference is created between chambers 71 and 72, causing the adhesive layer to form a convex curve facing the convex surface of the additional lens, such that the central region 74 of the adhesive layer is closer to the central region 76 of the convex surface of the additional lens than any other two points on the convex surface of the adhesive layer and the additional lens. As mentioned above, the pressures within chambers 71 and 72 are typically controlled independently. For some applications, at this stage, the pressure in chamber 71 is lower than the pressure in chamber 72 to cause the adhesive layer to bend in the manner described above.

[0075] When the adhesive layer bends toward the additional lens, for example, a mechanical actuating element 80 is used to bring the additional lens and the adhesive layer toward each other. For some applications, as shown, the actuating element is a dome-shaped actuating element hydraulically controlled using a piston 81. Typically, the adhesive layer 73 and the additional lens 24 first contact each other at their respective central regions 74 and 76. As the additional lens continues to be brought toward the adhesive layer, the contact between the additional lens and the adhesive layer radiates outward from the central region 76 of the convex surface of the additional lens until the convex surface of the additional lens is completely covered by the adhesive layer. Note that for some applications, the adhesive layer is not made to bend toward the additional lens. However, due to the convex curvature of the convex surface of the additional lens, the first point of contact between the additional lens and the adhesive layer is typically at the center of the additional lens. Typically, by bringing the additional lens into contact with the adhesive layer at its center first, and then radiating the contact between the additional lens and the adhesive layer outward, air bubbles are expelled from between the additional lens and the adhesive layer, thereby substantially preventing air bubbles from becoming trapped between the additional lens and the adhesive layer.

[0076] As described above, before the lenses are adhered to each other, they are rotated and aligned relative to each other in their respective chambers, such that when they are adhered to each other, each lens is rotated and oriented relative to each other in the desired orientation. Typically, the rotational alignment of the lenses is performed by rotating the actuating element 80, by rotating the element holding the base lens 22, and / or by placing the lenses in the respective chambers with the desired rotational alignment.

[0077] For some applications, a vacuum pressure is established in at least the first chamber 71 (i.e., the pressure in the first chamber is lower than ambient pressure) before the add-on lens and adhesive layer are brought face to face, in order to remove air bubbles between the adhesive layer and the add-on lens. Establishing a vacuum pressure in the first chamber is typically performed regardless of whether a pressure difference is established between the first and second chambers at this stage (i.e., to cause the adhesive layer to bend, as described above). For some applications, after the adhesive layer is adhered to the add-on lens, the pressure in chambers 71 and / or 72 is increased (e.g., increased to ambient pressure) to remove any small air bubbles that may still be trapped between the add-on lens and the adhesive layer, and / or any empty volumes that may be located between the add-on lens and the adhesive layer. This increase in pressure typically causes any small air bubbles that may have been trapped between the add-on lens and the adhesive layer to seep out from between the add-on lens and the adhesive layer, and causes any empty volumes that may be located between the add-on lens and the adhesive layer to be removed by applying pressure to the adhesive layer.

[0078] refer to Figure 2C and Figure 2D After the adhesive layer 73 is adhered to the additional lens 24, (e.g., using a mechanical actuating element 80) the additional lens and adhesive layer are oriented toward the base lens 22. For some applications, a vacuum pressure is established in at least the second chamber 72 (i.e., the pressure in the second chamber is less than the ambient pressure) before the additional lens and adhesive layer are oriented toward the base lens to remove air bubbles between the adhesive layer and the base lens. Typically, the convex curvature of the surface of the additional lens to be adhered to the adhesive layer is greater than the concave curvature of the surface of the base lens to be adhered to the adhesive layer. Therefore, the respective shapes of the additional lens and the base lens are typically such that the first contact point between the adhesive layer (which conforms to the shape of the additional lens at this stage) and the base lens is located at the central region 77 of the concave surface of the base lens 22 (e.g., ...). Figure 2C As shown in the diagram, as the additional lens continues to be pushed onto the base lens, the contact between the adhesive layer and the base lens radiates outward from the center of the concave surface of the base lens until the concave surface of the base lens is completely covered by the adhesive layer (as shown in the diagram). Figure 2D (As shown). Typically, by first bringing the base lens into contact with the adhesive layer at its center, and then radiating the contact between the base lens and the adhesive layer outwards, air bubbles are expelled from between the base lens and the adhesive layer, thus essentially preventing air bubbles from becoming trapped between the base lens and the adhesive layer.

[0079] For some applications, in order to remove any small air bubbles that may still be trapped between the base lens and the adhesive layer, and / or any empty volumes that may be located between the add-on lens and the adhesive layer, the pressure within chambers 71 and / or 72 is increased (e.g., increased to ambient pressure). This increase in pressure typically causes any small air bubbles that may be trapped between the base lens and the adhesive layer to seep out, and causes any empty volumes that may be located between the add-on lens and the adhesive layer to be removed. Alternatively or additionally, mechanical pressure is applied to one or both sides of the combined lens (e.g., using a mechanical actuating element 80 and / or an additional actuating element configured to actuate the outer surface of the base lens 22) to cause any small air bubbles that may be trapped between the add-on lens and the adhesive layer and / or between the base lens and the adhesive layer to seep out, and / or to remove any empty volumes that may be located between the add-on lens and the adhesive layer and / or between the base lens and the adhesive layer. Further alternatively or additionally, the combined lens is transferred to a separate chamber for applying heat and pressure to one or both sides of the combined lens.

[0080] It should be noted that, although Figures 2A-2D The illustration shows the application of an adhesive layer first to an add-on lens, and then to a base lens; however, the scope of this application includes the application of an adhesive layer first to a base lens, and then to an add-on lens. Similarly, although Figures 2A-2D The schematically illustrated arrangement shows an additional lens disposed beneath the adhesive layer and the base lens, but the scope of this application includes performing substantially similar techniques, but using a base lens disposed beneath the adhesive layer and the additional lens, and / or using a base lens, adhesive layer and additional lens disposed side by side, and / or different arrangements.

[0081] It should also be noted that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to its use as a reference. Figures 2A-2D The apparatus and methods described are for adhering a base lens and an additional lens to each other. Rather, the scope of this disclosure includes adhering a base lens and an additional lens to each other using any apparatus and method, as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will recognize that this invention is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described above. Rather, the scope of protection of this invention includes combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications of this invention that would occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and that are not part of the prior art.

Claims

1. A device for use with an eyeglass frame to be worn by a wearer, the device comprising: A combination lens, configured to be placed within the frame of the eyeglasses such that the combination lens defines a horizontal axis, the horizontal axis being configured to align with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eye when the wearer wears the eyeglasses, the combination lens comprising: - A stock base lens, the stock base lens providing a first function within a first functional plane, the first function requiring the functional plane of the base lens to be rotatably oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in a first rotational orientation; and - A stock add-on lens that provides a second function within a second functional plane, the second function requiring the functional plane of the add-on lens to be rotatably oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in a second rotational orientation, the second rotational orientation being different from the first rotational orientation. - The additional lens is coupled to the base lens, wherein the additional lens and the base lens are rotatably aligned relative to each other in a rotational orientation such that the functional plane of the base lens and the functional plane of the additional lens within the combined lens are rotatably oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in a first rotational orientation and a second rotational orientation, respectively.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The functional plane of at least one of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens needs to be oriented with a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a cylindrical lens configured to provide cylindrical correction, and wherein the cylindrical lens is coupled to the other lens such that the functional plane of the cylindrical lens is configured to be rotatably oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, such that the axis of the cylindrical correction matches the orientation of the wearer's astigmatism.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a myopia control lens, which is configured to provide myopia control to the wearer, and wherein the myopia control lens is coupled to the other lens such that the functional plane of the myopia control lens is configured to be rotatably oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in order to provide the wearer with the desired myopia control orientation.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a polarizing lens configured to polarize light along a polarization direction, and wherein the polarizing lens is coupled to the other lens such that the functional plane of the polarizing lens is configured to be rotatably oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in order to provide the wearer with the desired light polarization.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The base lens is cylindrical and photochromic, and the additional lens is polarized, making the combined lens a polarized photochromic combination lens.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens includes gradient color tinting.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, One of the stock base lenses and the stock add-on lenses includes a lens with a protective coating that provides different levels of protection for distance and near vision.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens includes a lens that facilitates the overlay of information on the lens using electronic projection.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens includes a lens configured to provide compensation for optical power or cylindrical surface, in order to consider a combination lens with a concave front surface.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The combination lenses are not configured to provide the wearer with additional focal power for near vision correction.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The combination lens is configured to provide additional focal power for near vision correction.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The combination lens is also configured to provide distance vision correction, and a transitional pathway between the portions of the combination lens that provide near vision correction and distance vision correction.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The base lens is configured to provide all distance vision correction for the combination lens.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The combined optical properties of the base lens and the additional lens provide the full desired optical correction of the combined lens, while neither the base lens nor the additional lens on its own provides optical distance vision correction.

16. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, The combination lenses are configured to provide near vision correction of up to 0.85 diopters.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The combination lenses are configured for use by presbyopic wearers who read digital devices.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The composite lens includes one or more functional coatings, which are pre-applied to at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the composite lens before the additional lens is attached to the base lens.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein, The one or more functional coatings include one or more functional coatings selected from the list of the following: hard coating, anti-reflective coating, waterproof coating, superhydrophobic coating, antistatic coating, oleophobic coating, cleaning coating, blue light filter, reflective coating, anti-UV coating, photochromic coating, coloring coating, and mirror coating.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein, The combined lens includes a first group of one or more functional coatings and a second group of one or more functional coatings, wherein the first group of one or more functional coatings is pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens and the second group of one or more functional coatings is pre-applied to the rear surface of the combined lens before the additional lens is attached to the base lens.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The first set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens is the same as the second set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the rear surface of the combined lens.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The first set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens is different from the second set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the rear surface of the combined lens.

23. A method for use with an eyeglass frame to be worn by a wearer, the method comprising: Manufacturing a combination lens, the combination lens being configured to be placed within the frame of the eyeglasses such that the combination lens defines a horizontal axis, the horizontal axis being configured to be aligned with the horizontal meridian of the wearer's eyes when the eyeglasses are worn by the wearer, by means of the following steps: - Align the following items by rotating them relative to each other: -- A stock base lens, the stock base lens providing a first function within a first functional plane, the first function requiring the functional plane of the base lens to be rotatably oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in a first rotational orientation, and -- Stock add-on lenses that provide a second function within a second functional plane, the second function requiring the functional plane of the add-on lens to be rotatably oriented with respect to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in a second rotational orientation, the second rotational orientation being different from the first rotational orientation. - The rotational alignment of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens relative to each other such that, when forming the combined lens, the functional planes of the base lens and the functional planes of the additional lens are oriented in a first rotational orientation and a second rotational orientation, respectively, relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens; and - While aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens with rotation relative to each other, connect the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, Aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other by rotation includes: aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other such that, when forming the combined lens, the functional plane of at least one of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens will be oriented by a non-zero rotational displacement from the horizontal axis of the combined lens.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a cylindrical lens configured to provide cylindrical correction, and wherein aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other by rotation includes: aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other such that, when forming the combined lens, the functional plane of the cylindrical lens is oriented by rotation relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens, such that the axis of the cylindrical correction matches the orientation of the wearer's astigmatism.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a myopia control lens configured to provide myopia control to the wearer, and wherein aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other by rotation includes: aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other such that, when forming the combined lens, the functional plane of the myopia control lens is rotated and oriented relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in order to provide the wearer with the desired myopia control orientation.

27. The method according to claim 23, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens is a polarizing lens, the polarizing lens being configured to polarize light along a polarization direction, and wherein aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other by rotation includes: aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other by rotation such that, when forming the combined lens, the functional plane of the polarizing lens is oriented by rotation relative to the horizontal axis of the combined lens in order to provide the wearer with the desired light polarization.

28. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The base lens is cylindrical and photochromic, and the additional lens is polarized, wherein connecting the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other comprises forming a polarized photochromic combination lens.

29. The method according to claim 23, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens includes gradient color tinting.

30. The method according to claim 23, wherein, One of the stock base lenses and the stock add-on lenses includes a lens with a protective coating that provides different levels of protection for distance and near vision.

31. The method according to claim 23, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock additional lens includes a lens that facilitates the overlay of information on the lens using electronic projection.

32. The method according to claim 23, wherein, One of the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens includes a lens configured to provide compensation for optical power or cylindrical surface, in order to consider a combination lens with a concave front surface.

33. The method of claim 23, wherein the combined lens is not configured to provide the wearer with additional focal power for near vision correction.

34. The method according to any one of claims 23-32, wherein, The combination lens is configured to provide additional focal power for near vision correction.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein, The combination lens is further configured to provide distance vision correction and a transitional channel between the portions of the combination lens that provide near vision correction and distance vision correction.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein, The base lens is configured to provide all distance vision correction for the combination lens.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein, The combined optical properties of the base lens and the additional lens provide the full desired optical correction of the combined lens, while neither the base lens nor the additional lens on its own provides optical distance vision correction.

38. The method according to claim 34, wherein, The combination lenses are configured to provide near vision correction of up to 0.85 diopters.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein, The combination lenses are configured for use by presbyopic wearers who read digital devices.

40. The method according to any one of claims 23-33, wherein, Connecting the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other includes connecting the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other, wherein, prior to connecting the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other, one or more functional coatings are pre-applied to at least one of the front surface and the rear surface of the combined lens.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein, The one or more functional coatings include one or more functional coatings selected from the list of the following: hard coating, anti-reflective coating, waterproof coating, superhydrophobic coating, antistatic coating, oleophobic coating, cleaning coating, blue light filter, reflective coating, anti-UV coating, photochromic coating, coloring coating, and mirror coating.

42. The method according to claim 40, wherein, Connecting the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other includes connecting the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other, wherein one or more functional coatings are pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens and the rear surface of the combined lens before connecting the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens to each other.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein, The first set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens is the same as the second set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the rear surface of the combined lens.

44. The method according to claim 42, wherein, The first set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the front surface of the combined lens is different from the second set of one or more functional coatings pre-applied to the rear surface of the combined lens.

45. The method according to any one of claims 23-33, wherein, Connecting the stock base lens and the stock additional lens to each other includes: The stock base lens and the stock additional lens are placed in corresponding first and second pressure chambers, wherein an adhesive layer is disposed between the stock base lens and the stock additional lens, and the pressure in each of the first and second pressure chambers is independently controllable; The convex surface of the stock add-on lens is brought into contact with the adhesive layer, such that the central region of the convex surface of the stock add-on lens first contacts the adhesive layer, and the contact between the convex surface of the stock add-on lens and the adhesive layer subsequently radiates outward from the central region of the convex surface of the stock add-on lens until the convex surface of the stock add-on lens is covered by the adhesive layer; and The concave surface of the stock base lens is brought into contact with the adhesive layer, such that the central region of the concave surface of the stock base lens first contacts the adhesive layer, and the contact between the concave surface of the stock base lens and the adhesive layer then radiates outward from the central region of the concave surface of the stock base lens until the concave surface of the stock base lens is covered by the adhesive layer.

46. ​​The method according to claim 45, wherein, Aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other by rotation includes aligning the stock base lens and the stock add-on lens relative to each other in a respective first pressure chamber and second pressure chamber.

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