Optotype support device

Abstract

The invention relates to a support device (100) for an optotype (102) for a near vision examination of a subject, the support device comprising: - a hooking means (110) intended to receive a near vision test bar (15) fixed to a refractor head (12), the hooking means comprising a partially open hook (115) extending from a base (112), the hook having an internal surface provided with a bearing portion on which the near vision test bar is adapted to bear, the bearing portion having a cross-section having the shape of a broken line formed by a superposition of a hexagonal portion and a square portion, the hexagonal portion being intersected by the square portion so that the square portion forms a notch in the hexagonal portion, and - a support portion (130) of the optotype mounted on the base of the hooking means. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Optotype support device TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the invention relates generally to the examinations of a subject's vision, and more particularly to the systems enabling the implementation of these vision examinations.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a support device for an optotype for a subject's vision examination. The invention finds a particular application for a subject's near vision examination. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the context of vision examinations of a subject, it is common to test the distance vision but also the near vision of a subject.

[0004] Vision examinations of a subject are generally performed using a refractor head (manual or automatic). An example of a known refractor head 1 is shown in [Fig. 1]. This refractor head allows lenses to be positioned in front of one or both of a patient's eyes in order to test their distance and / or near vision. An optotype is placed in front of the subject's eyes (whether fitted with lenses or not).

[0005] In the case of a distance vision test, the optotype is, for example, projected a few meters from the subject. No additional setup is necessary.

[0006] In the case of a near vision examination, the optotype is positioned at a predetermined distance and close to the subject. Generally, the optotype is placed less than 50 centimeters from the subject's eyes. In practice, the optotype 4 is held by a support device 3, which is itself supported by a support bar 2 extending from the refractor head 1. [Fig. 1] illustrates such an arrangement.

[0007] However, the system formed by the retaining bar 2 and the support device 3 is specific to each refractor head 1. For example, since the retaining bar 2 is fixed to the refractor head 1, the shape of the retaining bar 2 is determined by this connection. It is generally a square, hexagonal, or circular shape. The shape of the retaining bar thus depends on the manufacturer of the refractor head 1. In other words, each manufacturer offers a system, consisting of the retaining bar and the support device, that is unique to them and cannot be interchanged with a system developed by another manufacturer. Moreover, there are dozens of different systems and manufacturers on the market.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to position the optotype 4 on the retaining bar 2, the support device 3 must be slid along the retaining bar 2 through an opening 5 equipped with a mounting means. This mounting means is also specific to the support bar 2 used. Thus, if the practitioner does not have the specific support bar for the refractor head and the corresponding support device, he will not be able to carry out the near vision examination of the subject under optimal conditions (i.e. without having to hold, on the one hand, the support device and, on the other hand, control the selection of the lenses positioned in front of the subject's eyes). Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention therefore proposes a support device for a universal optotype, meaning that it can be adapted to any support bar and thus be used regardless of the refractor head available. Furthermore, the support device according to the present invention is easy to attach and remove once the near vision examination is complete.

[0010] One aspect of the invention thus relates to a support device for an optotype for a near vision examination of a subject, the support device comprising:

[0011] - a fastening means for receiving a fixed near vision test bar to a refractor head, the attachment means comprising a partially open hook extending from a base, the hook having an internal surface provided with a bearing portion on which the near vision test bar is adapted to rest, the bearing portion having a cross-section in the form of a broken line formed by a superposition of:

[0012] a) a hexagonal portion comprising:

[0013] al) a first vertex and a second vertex,

[0014] a2) at least a portion of a first edge extending from the first vertex, the first ridge not passing through the second summit,

[0015] a3) at least a portion of a second edge extending from the second summit, the second ridge not passing through the first summit, and

[0016] a4) a third edge extending between the first vertex and the second vertex, and

[0017] b) a square part comprising:

[0018] bl) a corner,

[0019] b2) a first portion of side extending from the corner, and

[0020] b3) a second side portion extending from the corner,

[0021] the third edge of the hexagonal part being intersected by the square part so that the square part forms a notch in the hexagonal part, and

[0022] - a support part of the optotype mounted on the base of the attachment means.

[0023] Thus, advantageously, the support device according to the invention provides a means for attaching the universal test bar, which has a bearing portion with a support imprint adapted to cooperate with different shapes and dimensions of test bars, for example (and not limited to) square, hexagonal, circular, elliptical or oblong.

[0024] The optotype support device is therefore not limited to a single manufacturer or a single model of refractor head for implementing the examination of the subject's near vision.

[0025] Furthermore, the support device for an optotype according to the invention is easy to install on the support bar and to remove once the examination is completed.

[0026] In addition to the characteristics mentioned above, the support device according to the invention may have one or more additional characteristics from among the following, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0027] - the internal surface of the hook has, on either side of the bearing part, a circular cross-section;

[0028] - the circular cross-section has a radius greater than 6 millimeters;

[0029] - a first tangent to the circular cross-section being defined at the level with a first end of the support part and a second tangent to the circular cross-section being defined at the level of a second end of the support part, the first tangent and the second tangent are orthogonal to each other;

[0030] - the hook has, in a portion opposite the support part, an opening through-reception of a means of clamping the near vision test bar against the internal surface of the hook;

[0031] - the clamping means comprises a screw having a metric thread, a surface the internal through-hole being tapped in such a way as to cooperate with the screw;

[0032] - the screw includes nylon;

[0033] - the screw has a length greater than 4 millimeters;

[0034] - on the one hand, the base of the attachment means comprises two positioned magnets symmetrically with respect to each other, and on the other hand, the support part includes, at a free end positioned opposite the base of the attachment means, two other magnets positioned symmetrically with respect to each other and adapted to interact with the two magnets of the base of the attachment means so as to maintain the support part in a predefined position;

[0035] - the attachment means and the support part are mounted to rotate movably relative to each other relationship to the other;

[0036] - the hook of the attachment means comprises a polymer material;

[0037] - the hook of the attachment means is manufactured by molding or additive manufacturing;

[0038] - the hook of the hanging means comprises a metallic material;

[0039] - the base of the attachment means comprises a polymer material; and

[0040] - a minimum distance between the two free ends of the hook is greater than 8 millimeters.

[0041] Another aspect of the invention relates to an implementation assembly for a near vision examination of a subject comprising a refractor head, a near vision test bar and an optotype support device as previously introduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0042] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description, which can be read in conjunction with the figures. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0043] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 represents a schematic view of an implementation of a near vision examination of a subject according to the prior art,

[0044] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents a schematic view of an implementation assembly of a close-up vision examination of a subject conforming to the invention,

[0045] [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 represents a schematic view of a support device for a optotype conforming to the invention,

[0046] [Fig.4] Fig.4 represents a schematic perspective view of a means a hook conforming to the invention,

[0047] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 represents a schematic side view of the attachment means of the [Fig.4],

[0048] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 6] represents a schematic view of a support portion comprising in the attachment means according to the invention,

[0049] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents a schematic view of an area A of [Fig.3],

[0050] [Fig.8] Fig.8 represents a schematic perspective view of a head of assembly included in the support device according to the invention, and

[0051] [Fig.9] Fig.9 represents a schematic side view of the mounting head of the [Fig.8].

[0052] For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The present invention aims to improve optotype support devices used to perform a subject's vision examination. More particularly, the invention provides a universal optotype support device, that is, one that can be used regardless of the dimensions and shape of the support bar associated with the refractor head. The optotype support device is therefore not limited to a single manufacturer or a single model of refractor head for performing the subject's near vision examination.

[0054] Furthermore, the support device for an optotype according to the invention is easy to install on the support bar and to remove once the examination is completed.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an assembly 10 for implementing a near vision examination of a subject. This assembly 10 includes a refractor head 12, a near vision test bar 15, and an optotype support device 100.

[0056] The refractor head 12 is not the core of the invention and is therefore not described in detail hereafter. Essentially, it has two openings 13 opposite which the subject's eyes are positioned. Each of these openings 13 (or both) is, for example, equipped with a lens for performing the near vision examination. Furthermore, the refractor head 12 includes a through-slit 14 positioned between the two openings 13. This through-slit 14 is adapted to accommodate the subject's nose during the vision examination.

[0057] In order to perform the near vision test on the subject, the refractor head 12 is equipped with a near vision test bar 15. This test bar 15 is also referred to as the "support bar" in this description. This test bar 15 is not the core of the invention and is therefore not described in detail hereafter. Essentially, it is, for example, attached to a front face 12A of the refractor head 12 and extends substantially perpendicularly to this front face 12A. Within the scope of the present invention, the cross-section of the test bar 15 can have any shape compatible with the refractor head 12. This cross-section can, in particular, and without limitation, be square, circular, or hexagonal.Furthermore, in order for the optotype to be positioned at a suitable distance from the subject's eyes, the test bar 15 can be fitted with indexing marks, each associated with a predefined distance from the subject's eyes.

[0058] The invention relates more particularly to the support device 100 of an optotype 102. [Fig.3] represents more particularly the support device 100 according to the invention.

[0059] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the support device 100 includes a hooking means 110 and a support part 130 of the optotype 102.

[0060] The attachment means 110 is shown more particularly in Figures 4 and 5. It is intended to receive the near vision test bar 15. Advantageously, according to the invention, the attachment means 110 comprises a hook 115 and a base 112 from which the hook 115 extends.

[0061] The hook 115 is partially open here (an opening 113 is thus formed). In other words, it is in the form of a curved portion of material. Here, the hook 115 has the shape of an inverted C (with the opening on the left side). According to another view, it could of course be a C-shape. This opening 113 is particularly advantageous because it allows the test bar 15 to be easily inserted and positioned in the attachment means 110. The opening also facilitates the removal of the support device 100 after the examination for storage. No disassembly or special effort is required here, either for installing or removing the support device 100.

[0062] To this end, the hook 115 comprises two free ends 115A, 115B facing each other and defining the opening 113. As can be seen in Figures 4, 5 and 7, the free ends 115A, 115B are rounded. They have, for example, a radius greater than 2 millimeters (mm), for example, on the order of 3 mm. The arms of the hook 115 have sufficient thickness to ensure its strength.

[0063] Preferably, a minimum distance between the two free ends 115A, 115B of the hook 115 is greater than 8 mm. Even more preferably, this minimum distance is greater than 10 mm. The minimum distance corresponds to the minimum gap observed between the two free ends 115A, 115B of the hook 115, this distance being determined perpendicular to each of these two free ends 115A, 115B (that is, in practice, perpendicular to the tangents to the rounded portion forming these free ends 115A, 115B). The use of such values ​​for the minimum distance ensures easy insertion of the test bar 15 into the hook 115 of the attachment means 110. The practitioner does not need to force the test bar 15 into the hook 115.

[0064] The hook 115 also includes an internal surface 117 forming the inside of the curved portion of the hook 115. In other words, the internal surface 117 here forms the inside of the C-shaped form. This internal surface 117 is adapted to receive the test bar 15.

[0065] For this purpose, the internal surface 117 includes a support part 120 on which the test bar 15 is adapted to bear against when the support device 100 is put in place for the examination of the subject's near vision.

[0066] Advantageously, according to the invention, the support portion 120 has a cross-section in the form of a broken line and a particular shape. This cross-section is more particularly shown in [Fig. 6]. This broken line is formed here by a superposition of a hexagonal portion 125 and a square portion 122. More particularly, the broken line corresponds to a portion of a hexagonal shape intersected by a portion of a square shape.

[0067] As can be seen particularly in Figures 5 and 6, the hexagonal part 125 comprises a first vertex SI, a second vertex S2, a portion PI of a first edge, a portion P2 of a second edge, and a third edge P3. As can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the portion PI of the first The first edge extends from the first vertex SI but does not pass through the second vertex S2. The portion P2 of the second edge extends from the second vertex S2 but does not pass through the first vertex SI. Finally, the third edge connects the first vertex SI and the second vertex S2. By construction and definition of a hexagon, the angle formed between the portion PI of the first edge and the portion P2 of the second edge is 60 degrees (°).

[0068] In other words, the hexagonal part 125 corresponds to a truncated hexagon, with two vertices connected by an edge and two other edges each originating from one of the vertices.

[0069] The square portion 122 comprises a corner Cl, a first portion Kl of side length l, and a second portion K2 of side length l. The first portion Kl of side length l and the second portion K2 of side length l extend from the corner CL. By construction and definition of a square, the angle formed between the first portion Kl of side length l and the second portion K2 of side length l is 90°.

[0070] In other words, the square part 122 corresponds to a truncated square with a corner and two side parts extending from this corner.

[0071] Advantageously according to the invention, the third edge P3 of the hexagonal part 125 is intersected by the square part 122 in such a way that the square part 122 forms a notch in the hexagonal part 125. In other words, the third edge P3 also has the form of a broken line, with a hollow formed by the square part 122.

[0072] This particular shape for the support part 120 is particularly advantageous because it forms a support imprint suitable for cooperating with different shapes and dimensions of test bars, for example square or hexagonal.

[0073] Preferably, the square portion 122 is positioned centrally in the third edge P3. This means that the portions of the third edge P3 on either side of the square portion 122 have substantially the same dimensions. In this description, "substantially" means a difference between two elements of less than 5%.

[0074] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, on either side of the support part 120, the internal surface 117 of the hook 115 has a circular cross-section 121. This then allows it to also accommodate test bars of circular, elliptical or oblong shape.

[0075] In practice, the portion PI of the first edge of the hexagonal part 125 is connected to a part of the circular cross-section at the level of a first end EL. The portion P2 of the second edge of the hexagonal part 125 is connected to another part of the circular cross-section at the level of a second end E2.

[0076] This circular cross-section has a radius greater than 6 mm. Preferably, the radius of the circular cross-section is on the order of 7 mm.

[0077] As can be seen in [Fig.5], a first tangent T1 to the circular cross-section is defined at the first endpoint El of the portion PI of the first edge of the hexagonal part 125. Furthermore, a second tangent T2 to the circular cross-section is defined at the second endpoint E2 of the portion P2 of the second edge of the hexagonal part 125.

[0078] Here, the first tangent T1 and the second tangent T2 are orthogonal to each other. This allows for a larger contact, and therefore support, surface between the test bar 15 and the internal surface 117 of the hook 115.

[0079] Preferably, the first tangent T1 is aligned with the first portion K1 of side of the square part 122. Also preferably, the second tangent T2 is aligned with the second portion K2 of side of the square part 122.

[0080] Thus, advantageously according to the invention, the internal surface 117 of the hook 115 is shaped, on the one hand via the support portion 120 and on the other hand via the portion comprising the circular cross-section 121, to accommodate test bars of very diverse shapes and dimensions. The particular shape of the internal surface 117 therefore makes it possible to obtain a universal attachment means (and thus an optotype support device), which can be used regardless of the test bar, and therefore regardless of the refractor head used (manufacturer, model, etc.).

[0081] As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 7, the hook 115 has, in a part opposite the support part 120, a through hole 118. In other words, the through hole 118 is formed in an upper part of the hook 115. This through hole 118 is adapted to accommodate a clamping means 150 adapted to clamp the test bar 15 against the internal surface 117 of the hook 115.

[0082] In practice, this clamping means 150 is, for example, a screw with a metric thread. In this case, the internal surface of the through orifice 118 is tapped so as to cooperate with the screw.

[0083] Here, the clamping means 150 (for example, the screw) includes nylon. This prevents damage to the test bar 15 when it is clamped against the inner surface 117 of the hook 115.

[0084] Furthermore, the screw has a length greater than 4 mm, so as to ensure satisfactory tightening of the test bar 15 against the internal surface 117 of the hook 115.

[0085] In practice, the hook 115 comprises a polymer material. It is, for example, formed by molding the polymer material or by additive manufacturing.

[0086] Alternatively, the hook 115 may comprise a metallic material, such as aluminium or steel. In this case, it is formed, for example, by machining.

[0087] Furthermore, the hook 115, for example, has a height greater than 10 millimeters (mm), preferably on the order of 15 mm. This ensures the integrity of the hook and therefore the durability of the support device 100 during its successive uses and handling.

[0088] As shown in Figures 4, 5 and 7, the base 112 forms a support for the hook 115 of the attachment means 110. It includes in particular an end surface 112A, opposite the hook 115.

[0089] Here, the base 112 has a parallelepiped shape with rounded corners. The end surface 112A is generally flat here.

[0090] Alternatively, the base may have a parallelepiped (classic) shape or a cylindrical shape. Alternatively still, the base may have any shape provided that it includes an end surface 112A (opposite the hook 115) that is generally flat.

[0091] In the case of a parallelepiped shape, the base 112 has, for example, a side dimension between 10 and 20 mm, preferably on the order of 16 mm. This ensures the compactness and lightness of the support device 100.

[0092] Thus, the total height of the hanging means 110 is greater than 20 mm. Preferably, it is between 20 and 35 mm. These dimensions ensure the structural integrity of the assembly while maintaining the lightness of the hanging means.

[0093] Preferably, the base 112 of the attachment means 110 comprises a polymer material. It is, for example, formed by molding the polymer material or by additive manufacturing.

[0094] Preferably, the base 112 and the hook 115 are formed from a single piece of polymer material, for example by molding or additive manufacturing. Alternatively, the base and the hook can be manufactured separately and bonded to each other.

[0095] Advantageously, the base 112 of the attachment means 110 comprises two magnets 140, positioned symmetrically with respect to each other. As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the magnets 140 are positioned near the end surface 112A. In particular, they extend from the end surface 112A into the base 112.

[0096] In practice, these magnets 140 are partially encapsulated in the base 112 of the attachment means 110. The magnets 140 here exhibit a tensile force of less than 1.5 Newtons (N). Preferably, this tensile force is between 0.2 and 1.2 N.

[0097] The magnets 140 are presented here in the form of a cylinder with a diameter of approximately 3 mm and a height of approximately 2 mm. However, the invention is not limited to this shape and these dimensions for the magnets.

[0098] As can also be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the base 112 also includes a mounting hole 119. This mounting hole 119 extends from the end surface 112A. It is adapted to accommodate a mounting means 160 allowing the mounting of the hanging means 110 and the support part 130 between them.

[0099] In practice, the magnets 140 are positioned symmetrically with respect to this mounting hole 119. The distance between a center of the mounting hole 119 and a center of a magnet 140 is greater than 3 mm. Preferably, this distance is on the order of 5 mm.

[0100] The support part 130 is adapted to accommodate and retain the optotype 102. For this purpose, as seen in particular in [Fig.3], the support part 130 includes a mounting head 135 and a receiving part 170 of the optotype 102.

[0101] The mounting head 135 is adapted to cooperate with the base 112 of the attachment means 110 to fix the support part 130 and the attachment means 110 together. This mounting head 135 is more particularly shown in [Fig. 8].

[0102] The mounting head 135, for example, has a height greater than 10 millimeters, preferably between 15 and 20 mm. This ensures the structural integrity and therefore the durability of the support device 100 during successive uses and handling.

[0103] As can be seen in particular in figures 7 and 8, the mounting head 135 comprises a cooperation part 133 and a mounting part 137.

[0104] The cooperation portion 133 is adapted to cooperate with the base 112 of the attachment means 110. Here, the cooperation portion 133 has a parallelepiped shape with rounded corners. The end surface 133A is generally flat.

[0105] Alternatively, the cooperating part may have a parallelepiped (classical) shape or a cylindrical shape. Alternatively still, the cooperating part may have any shape provided it includes a generally flat end surface 133A (free).

[0106] In the case of a parallelepiped shape, the cooperation part 133 has, for example, a side dimension between 5 and 20 mm. Preferably, it is a square-based parallelepiped with sides of approximately 16 mm and a height of approximately 6 mm. This ensures the compactness and lightness of the support device 100.

[0107] Preferably here, the cooperation part 133 has a shape whose external contours are aligned with those of the base 112 of the attachment means 110 in order to improve the ergonomics of the entire support device 100.

[0108] Preferably, the cooperation part 133 of the mounting head 135 comprises a polymer material. It is, for example, formed by molding the polymer material or by additive manufacturing.

[0109] Advantageously, the cooperation portion 133 of the mounting head 135 includes two additional magnets 145, positioned symmetrically with respect to each other. These two additional magnets 145 are adapted to interact with the two magnets 140 of the base 112 of the attachment means 110. In other words, the additional magnets 145 have a polarity opposite to that of the magnets 140 housed in the base 112 of the attachment means 110.

[0110] This interaction allows the support part 130 to be held in a predefined position. Given the presence of two pairs of magnets 140, 145, the support part 130 can be positioned and held in two predefined positions opposite each other (i.e., at an angle of 180° between them). In other words, it is possible here to position, in front of the subject, a first optotype present on the front of the support part 130, and a second optotype present on the back (that is to say on the back of the first optotype) of the support part 130. Finally, the cooperation between the two pairs of magnets makes it possible to implement a bistable rotation of the support part 130. In this description, we mean by "bistable rotation", a rotational movement allowing two stable holding positions (here by the cooperation of the magnets 140 and the other magnets 145).

[0111] The cooperation between these two pairs of magnets is particularly advantageous because it allows the practitioner to easily change optotypes without having to disassemble the system or force it to reattach. Furthermore, this also helps to reduce the size of the support device 100, which thus includes several optotypes that can be used to perform the subject's near vision examination.

[0112] In practice here, as can be seen in Figures 8 and 9, the other magnets 145 are positioned close to the end surface 133A. In particular, they extend from the end surface 133A, inside the cooperation part 133.

[0113] In practice, these other magnets 145 are partially encapsulated in the cooperation part 133 of the mounting head 135. The other magnets 145 here exhibit a tensile force of less than 1.5 N. Preferably, this tensile force is between 0.2 and 1.2 N. Preferably here, the tensile force of the other magnets 145 is on the order of the tensile force of the magnets 140.

[0114] The other magnets 145 are here in the form of cylinders with a diameter of approximately 3 mm and a height of approximately 2 mm. However, the invention is not limited to this shape and these dimensions for the other magnets.

[0115] As also shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cooperation part 133 also includes a mounting hole 131. This mounting hole 131 extends from the end surface 133A. It is adapted to accommodate the means mounting bracket 160 allowing the mounting of the attachment means 110 and the support part 130 together.

[0116] In practice, the other magnets 145 are positioned symmetrically with respect to this mounting hole 131. The distance between a center of the mounting hole 131 and a center of another magnet 145 is greater than 3 mm. Preferably, this distance is on the order of 5 mm.

[0117] In practice, the attachment means 110 and the support portion 130 are mounted to rotate relative to each other. To achieve this, the mounting means 160 is, on the one hand, tightly fitted in the base 112 of the attachment means 110 to ensure a secure fixing of the assembly. On the other hand, in the cooperation portion 133 of the mounting head 135 of the support portion 130, the mounting means 160 is mounted (at its end opposite to that mounted in the base 112) by means of a pivot joint so as to allow the support portion 130 to rotate relative to the attachment means 110 (around a longitudinal axis of the mounting means 160).

[0118] As can be seen particularly in [Fig. 9], to ensure sliding assembly between the support portion 130 and the mounting means 110, the mounting hole 131 has a flared profile, being narrower at the end surface 133A. More specifically, this mounting hole 131 consists of a body 131A and a head 13IB. The body 131A extends from the end surface 133A. The body 131A has a constant width. From this body 131A, inside the support portion 130, extends the head 13IB. This head 13IB forms a flared portion allowing the mounting means 160 to form the pivot joint without exiting this mounting hole 160.

[0119] The mounting means 160 is, for example, a screw, the head of which remains locked in the head 13IB of the mounting hole 160. The screw has, for example, a diameter greater than 2 mm. Preferably, this diameter is between 2 and 4 mm. This provides a mounting means that is sufficiently robust to allow mounting and rotational movement between the support part and the attachment means without compromising the structural integrity of the two parts joined by this mounting means. Furthermore, these dimensions ensure sufficient space for positioning the other magnets.

[0120] As can be seen in figures 7 to 9, the mounting head 135 also includes the mounting part 137. This mounting part 137 is adapted to allow the mounting of the receiving part 170 of the optotype 102.

[0121] It includes in particular for this purpose an orifice 137 A adapted to accommodate a means of securing 138 of the receiving part 170 of the optotype 102 to the mounting part 137.

[0122] In practice, this orifice 137A is shaped to accommodate this fastening means 138. Here, the fastening means is, for example, a screw 138 ([Fig. 7]). This screw 138 comprises a head from which a threaded body extends. The orifice 137A is therefore shaped here to accommodate the threaded body, via an elongated tapped hole, and an inlet opening shaped to receive the head of the screw 138.

[0123] The mounting portion 137 is cylindrical in shape. The diameter of the cylindrical portion is, for example, greater than 6 mm, preferably on the order of 10 mm. The orifice 137A extends from the lateral wall of this orifice 137A. Alternatively, the mounting portion may have any shape as long as it allows for the mounting of the receiving portion 170 of the optotype 102. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the mounting portion may, for example, have the same shape as the cooperation portion 133.

[0124] In practice, the cooperation part 133 and the mounting part 137 of the mounting head 135 are formed from a single piece of polymer material, for example by molding or by additive manufacturing.

[0125] The receiving portion 170 of the optotype 102 allows the optotype 102 to be held in the support device 10 according to the invention. Here, the receiving portion 170 is formed as a hollow body allowing the insertion and retention of the optotype 102 inside this hollow body. The receiving portion 170 is then provided with a window 102A allowing the subject to view the optotype 102 from outside the device during the near vision examination.

[0126] In practice here, the element introduced into the hollow body forming the receiving part 170 is in the form of a disc divided into four parts. Each part forms an optotype that can be used during a near vision examination of the subject. It is then possible to change the optotype by rotating the disc.

[0127] In practice, the disc containing the optotypes is, for example, fixed to the receiving part 170 by means of a rivet 172. This rivet 172 is, for example, positioned in the center of the disc and allows the disc to rotate (around this rivet) so as to change the visible optotype. The practitioner therefore does not need to perform any disassembly to change the optotype.

[0128] Moreover, advantageously, the window 102A is through-hole. In other words, a through-hole is thus formed in the receiving portion 170. In such a case, the disc inserted into the hollow body may include one or more optotypes on each of its two faces. For example, the disc may include four optotypes on one of its faces (on the front of the disc) and four other optotypes on its other faces (on the back). Furthermore, by combining this with the two pairs of magnets described above, the practitioner has a plurality of optotypes (for example here eight different optotypes) between which it can easily permute.

[0129] Finally, advantageously, the support device 100 according to the invention provides a means for attaching the universal test bar, which has a support part with a support imprint adapted to cooperate with different shapes and dimensions of test bars, for example (and not limited to) square, hexagonal, circular, elliptical or oblong.

[0130] Furthermore, the cooperation between the two pairs of magnets allows for bistable rotation of the support portion, thus enabling the practitioner to easily change optotypes without having to disassemble the system or force it to reattach. Moreover, this also reduces the size of the support device, which thus includes several optotypes that can be used to perform the subject's near vision examination.

Claims

Demands

1. Support device (100) for an optotype (102) for a near vision examination of a subject, the support device (100) comprising: - a hooking means (110) for receiving a near vision test bar (15) fixed to a refractor head (12), the hooking means (110) comprising a partially open hook (115) extending from a base (112), the hook (115) having an internal surface (117) provided with a bearing portion (120) on which the near vision test bar (15) is adapted to bear, the bearing portion (120) having a cross-section having the shape of a broken line formed by a superposition of: a) a hexagonal portion (125) comprising: a1) a first vertex (S1) and a second vertex (S2), a2) at least one portion (P1) of a first ridge extending from the first summit (PI), the first ridge not passing through the second summit (S2),a3) at least one portion (P2) of a second edge extending from the second vertex (S2), the second edge not passing through the first vertex (S1), and a4) a third edge (P3) extending between the first vertex (S1) and the second vertex (S2), and b) a square portion (122) comprising: b1) a corner (C1), b2) a first side portion (K1) extending from the corner (C1), and b3) a second side portion (K2) extending from the corner (C1), the third edge (P3) of the hexagonal portion (125) being intersected by the square portion (122) such that the square portion (122) forms a notch in the hexagonal portion (125), and - a support portion (130) of the optotype (102) mounted on the base (112) of the mounting means (110).,

2. Support device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the internal surface (117) of the hook (115) has, on either side of the support part (120), a circular cross-section (121).

3. Support device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the circular cross-section (121) has a radius greater than 6 millimeters.

4. Support device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, a first tangent (T1) to the circular cross-section (121) being defined at a first end (E1) of the support part (120) and a second tangent (T2) to the circular cross-section (121) being defined at a second end (E2) of the support part (120), the first tangent (T1) and the second tangent (T2) are orthogonal to each other.

5. Support device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the hook (115) has, in a portion opposite the support part (120), a through orifice (118) for receiving a clamping means (150) of the near vision test bar (15) against the internal surface (117) of the hook (115).

6. Support device (100) according to claim 5, in which the clamping means (150) comprises a screw having a metric thread, an internal surface of the through orifice (118) being tapped so as to cooperate with the screw.

7. Support device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the screw has a length greater than 4 millimeters.

8. Support device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, on the one hand, the base (112) of the attachment means (110) comprises two magnets (140) positioned symmetrically with respect to each other, and on the other hand, the support part (130) comprises, at a free end positioned opposite the base (112) of the attachment means (110), two other magnets (145) positioned symmetrically with respect to each other and adapted to interact with the two magnets (140) of the base (112) of the attachment means (110) so as to hold the support part (130) in a predefined position.

9. Support device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the attachment means (110) and the support part (130) are mounted to rotate movable relative to each other.

10. Support device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hook (115) of the hooking means (110) comprises a polymer material.

11. Support device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the hook (115) of the hooking means (110) is manufactured by molding or additive manufacturing.

12. Support device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hook (115) of the hooking means (110) comprises a metallic material.

13. Support device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base (112) of the attachment means (110) comprises a polymer material.

14. Support device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a minimum distance between the two free ends (115A, 115B) of the hook (115) is greater than 8 millimeters.

15. Assembly (10) for implementing a near vision examination of a subject comprising a refractor head (12), a near vision test bar (15) and a support device (100) for an optotype (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images