Eyeglass, method of manufacture and use thereof

Abstract

To re-distribute the weight of an eyeglass from the nose to the side of the face of a wearer as posteriorly as possible.SOLUTION: There is disclosed an eyewear, optionally without nose supports / pads. The eyewear comprises: a frame 12 to receive a pair of lens 20; a pair of side supports 14 adapted to pivot about the zygomatic region of the wearer's face; and a pair of temple cables 16 arranged to contact the ear portions the wearer, wherein each of the temple cables 16 is adjustable so as to provide a counter-weight to the frame 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to eyewear, and more particularly, to eyewear suitable for use without nose support / pad. [Background technology]

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended only to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure. It should be recognized that the discussion is not an admission or admission that any of the material mentioned was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the art as of the priority date of the present invention.

[0003] Conventional eyeglasses typically include a frame, a pair of temple bars, and a nose support, which may be in the form of a pair of nose pads arranged to engage / pinch the bridge of the wearer's nose. The eyeglasses are supported on the wearer's face by the combination of the temple bars and the nose pads.

[0004] However, in some situations, for example, when the bridge of the nose is damaged, the use of a nose support may be undesirable. Also, the nose support may detract from the aesthetic quality of the wearer's face. Although some documents teach the possibility of eyewear without a nose support, these documents do not adequately redistribute the weight of the eyewear to avoid the eyewear resting on the wearer's nose.

[0005] There is a need for eyewear to alleviate the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to redistribute the weight of the eyeglasses as far back as possible from the nose to the sides of the face. The weight is preferably redistributed to the cheekbone area of ​​the person's face via side supports, more preferably the weight is redistributed to the "zygomatic arch" of the person's face. Additionally, temple cables may be provided that are preferably attached (e.g., hooked) behind the wearer's ears. Such temple cables preferably provide a "counterweight" or "support" so that the eyewear frame does not fall down on the nose when worn. In some embodiments, the support may be shaped and dimensioned to contact any part of the wearer's head.

[0008] In one aspect of the disclosure, eyewear comprises a frame receiving a pair of lenses, a pair of side supports adapted to pivot about the cheekbone region of a wearer's face, and a pair of temple cables positioned to contact one or more ear portions of the wearer, each of the temple cables being adjustable to provide a counterweight to the frame.

[0009] In some embodiments, the eyewear includes a pair of temple bars extending from the frame, and the pair of temple cables are disposed as extensions from the pair of temple bars. In embodiments where temple bars are present, adjustments to the temple cables may be made by moving the temple cables along the person's temple bars as desired by the wearer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the eyewear comprises a weight attached to each end of the temple cables.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the pair of side supports is shaped and dimensioned to contact the wearer's zygomatic arch.

[0012] In some embodiments, each side support comprises a pad formed from at least one of silicone, plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof.

[0013] In some embodiments, each side support is formed from a resilient material, and the side supports may suitably be arranged so as to be biased towards each other.

[0014] In some embodiments, each temple bar includes a hook portion configured to engage a portion of the wearer's ear.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing eyewear without nose support / pad, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a frame shaped and dimensioned to receive a pair of lenses; (b) providing a pair of side supports adapted to pivot around the cheekbone area of ​​a wearer's face; and (c) providing a pair of temple cables positioned to contact ear portions of the wearer, each of the temple cables being adjustable to provide a counterweight to the frame.

[0016] In some embodiments, providing a pair of side supports includes pivoting around the wearer's zygomatic arch.

[0017] In some embodiments, step (c) includes providing a weight on each end of the temple cables.

[0018] In another aspect of the disclosure, there is a method of using eyewear having a frame, a pair of side supports, a pair of temple cables, and a pair of temple bars, which may include the steps of: (a) adjusting the pair of side supports so that, when worn, the pair of side supports conform to pivot about the cheekbone region of a wearer's face; and (b) adjusting the pair of temple cables to provide a counterweight to the frame.

[0019] In another aspect of the disclosure, there is eyewear comprising a frame receiving a pair of lenses, a pair of temple bars extending from the frame, side supports disposed on each temple bar and adapted to contact a cheekbone region of a wearer's face, and temple contacts extending from each temple bar and pivotally connected to the temple bars via friction hinges.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided eyewear comprising a frame receiving a pair of lenses, a pair of temple bars extending from the frame, and a pair of side supports adapted to contact the cheekbone areas of a wearer's face, each side support being an elongated silicone pad, said elongated silicone pads having a surface coated with an elastomeric material / elastomer.

[0021] In another aspect of the disclosure, there is eyewear comprising a frame receiving a pair of lenses, a pair of temple bars extending from the frame, a side support disposed on each temple bar and adapted to contact a cheekbone region of a wearer's face, and a temple contact extending from each temple bar and pivotally connected to the temple bar via a friction hinge, each side support being an elongated silicone pad, the elongated silicone pad having a surface coated with an elastomeric material / elastomer.

[0022] From a lever perspective, eyewear may be considered as a first class of lever that can pivot around the cheekbone area of ​​the wearer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] The figures depict embodiments of the present invention by way of example only. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of eyewear in the form of eyeglasses or spectacles without nose support / pad according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is an enlarged view of a side support of the eyewear shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a temple cable for the eyewear shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing eyewear. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart of a method of using eyewear of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of eyewear. [Figure 6B] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of eyewear. [Figure 6C] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of eyewear. [Figure 6D] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of eyewear. [Figure 6E] 1 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of eyewear. [Figure 7] 7 illustrates an embodiment of a side support and temple contact for use with the eyewear of FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] As used herein, the term "eyewear" includes vision corrective / assistive devices such as eyeglasses, protective eyewear such as sunglasses, cosmetic eyewear, and / or combinations of the above.

[0025] As used herein, the term "cheekbone area" includes the area of ​​the face typically above the cheek of a mammal, such as a human, and outlined by the cheekbone.

[0026] As used herein, the term "zygomatic arch" refers to the arch that is part of the zygomatic region and is formed by the temporal process of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. More specifically, the "zygomatic arch" refers to the temporal process of the zygomatic bone (part of the zygomatic bone) at the anterior / front end and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone at the posterior / rear end. In other words, the zygomatic arch refers to the bony ridge where the zygomatic bone and the temporal bone fuse.

[0027] As used herein, the term "counterweight" broadly includes any mechanism capable of providing a counterforce to balance the weight of a frame portion of the eyewear so as to minimize contact of the eyewear with the wearer's nose.

[0028] As used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" will be understood to mean the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not to the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0029] As used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including" will be understood to mean the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0030] As used herein, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "have" or variations such as "has" or "having" will be understood to mean the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not to the exclusion of other integers or groups of integers.

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in the form of eyeglasses or spectacles 10. The pair of spectacles 10 includes a frame 12, a pair of side supports 14, and a pair of temple cables 16. The illustrated pair of spectacles 10 may also include a pair of temple bars 18. Although the embodiment of Figure 1 does not have a nose support, it is contemplated that the spectacles 10 may include both side supports 14 and a nose support.

[0032] The frame 12 is shaped and dimensioned to receive a pair of lenses 20. Such lenses 20 may be in the form of vision corrective lenses for the correction or mitigation of myopia, hyperopia and / or astigmatism. The pair of lenses 20 may include protective lenses for blocking harmful radiation, such as ultraviolet light. The protective lenses may form part of a pair of sunglasses.

[0033] A pair of temple bars 18 extend from the frame 12 so as to extend toward a person's ears when the pair of eyeglasses is worn. Suitable materials for the temple bars 18 may include plastic, metal, silicone, and / or combinations of the aforementioned materials.

[0034] The temple cables 16 may be formed from a metal such as steel, preferably stainless steel, and more preferably surgical grade stainless steel. The temple cables 16 may be configured to extend from the temple bars 18 when worn, or the temple cables 16 may be hooked around the wearer's ears. One or both ends 22 of the temple cables 16 may be weighted, i.e., the ends 22 may be shaped and dimensioned to butt the temple cables 16 against a portion of the wearer's ears when worn.

[0035] Each of the pair of side supports 14 may include a pad 24 shaped and dimensioned to contact and pivot about the cheekbone area of ​​the wearer's face when worn. Preferably, the pad 24 is positioned as far back as possible from the zygomatic arch so that the side pad 24 is less noticeable when worn. This also reduces the visibility of pressure marks / dimples that may form on the wearer's face. Ideally, the pad 24 may be positioned to contact the wearer's sideburn area so as to be as hidden from view as possible.

[0036] It is contemplated that the pair of temple cables 16 are adjustable to provide a counterweight / counterforce to the frame 12 while the entire eyewear 10 is pivotable about the pads 24 which contact the cheekbone areas of the wearer's face when worn.

[0037] In some embodiments, the eyewear 10 may be integrally formed.

[0038] In some embodiments, the frame 12 may be formed from a mixture containing acetate or an acetate salt.

[0039] 2 and 3, the side supports 14 may have cord portions 26 that extend from the temple bar 18 and terminate in pads 24. The side supports 14 may extend toward each other from the temple bar 18. The side supports 14 may be biased toward each other when worn such that the pads 24 abut against the cheekbone area (zygomatic arch) of the wearer.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, each temple cable 16 may be formed as a hook for attachment to the wearer's ear. The temple cables 16 may be formed from a resilient material such as stainless steel, preferably a surgical grade type stainless steel. It is contemplated that a biocompatible material may be used for at least a portion or parts of the temple cables 16.

[0041] In some embodiments, the temple bar 18 may be integrally formed or made with the temple cable 16. In some embodiments, the temple bar 18, temple cable 16, and side support 14 may be integral. In such embodiments, the temple cable 16 may extend from a portion of the temple bar 18 and the side support 14 may extend from another portion of the temple bar 18.

[0042] In alternative embodiments, the side supports 14 may be fastened to the temple bar 18 via fasteners such as screws, bolts, hinges, and / or nuts. Other fasteners such as adhesives and / or ferromagnetic type fasteners may also be contemplated.

[0043] According to another aspect, with reference to Figure 4, there is a method 400 for manufacturing eyewear 10. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a frame 12 shaped and dimensioned to receive a pair of lenses (step s402), (b) providing a pair of side supports 14 adapted to pivot about the cheekbone region of the wearer's face (step s404), and (c) providing a pair of temple cables 16 positioned to contact the ear portions of the wearer (step s406), each of the temple cables being adjustable to provide a counterweight or counterforce to the frame.

[0044] The eyewear 10 and / or frame 12 may include a pair of temple bars 18.

[0045] At least one dimension of the pair of side supports 14 may be adjusted such that the side supports 14 may be pivoted about the cheekbone region of the wearer's face. The at least one dimension may be the length, width and / or angle of the pair of side supports 14. The angle may be relative to the temple bar 18.

[0046] It is contemplated that the order of the method steps may not be important.

[0047] 5, there is a method 500 for using eyewear 10 having a frame 12, a pair of side supports 14, a pair of temple cables 16, and a pair of temple bars 18. The method 500 may include the steps of: (a) adjusting the pair of side supports 14 to pivot around the cheekbone region of the wearer's face when worn (step s502); and (b) adjusting the pair of temple cables 16 to provide a counterweight to the frame 12 (step s504). In terms of levers, eyewear 10 may be considered a first class lever.

[0048] At least one dimension of the pair of side supports 14 and the temple cable 16 may be adjusted. The at least one dimension may be the length, width, and / or angle of the pair of side supports 14 and / or the temple cable 16.

[0049] In some embodiments, the material used to form part or all of the temple cable 16 and / or side support 14 may be surgical stainless steel 10 / 10.

[0050] In some embodiments, a side support holder may be incorporated into the eyewear 10 to facilitate attachment of the side supports 14 to the temple bar 18. The side support holder may be attached to the temple bar 18 and may be positioned along various locations along the temple bar 18. In one example, the side support holder includes an attachment / fastener in the form of a nickel-silver plate or a nickel-based alloy (e.g., Monel). A number of holes may be formed on the plate for fasteners to be attached thereto. For example, four drill holes of 1.5 millimeters (mm) in diameter may be formed to receive screws. The screws may be 1.4 mm screws.

[0051] In some embodiments, to facilitate movement of the side support holder along the temple bar 18, the side support holder may incorporate a slidable mechanism.

[0052] In some embodiments, the temple bar 18 and / or temple cables 16 may be formed by or from a resilient / resilient material.

[0053] In some embodiments, the temple cables 16 may be detachable from the eyewear 10. A detachable temple cable 16 may allow for relative ease of replacement and / or removal of the temple cable 16. Detachable temple cables 16 may be accomplished by a quick release mechanism and / or a magnetic connector.

[0054] In some embodiments, the side supports 14 and / or the side support holders may be removable from the temple bar 18. This may be accomplished by a quick release mechanism and / or a magnetic connector.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cable temple 16 may be made of or formed from a resilient material that is flexible enough to allow the wearer to deform it when fastened / hooked around the ear piece, it being appreciated that once the deforming force is removed, the cable temple 16 will return to its original shape.

[0056] 6A-6E show perspective views of another embodiment of eyewear 100. FIG. 6E shows temple contacts 160 of eyewear 100 that are pivotable about a pair of temple bars 180.

[0057] The eyewear 100 may include a frame 120 for receiving the lenses 200, a pair of side supports 140, and a pair of temple contacts 160. The temple contacts 160 are pivotally mounted to a respective pair of temple bars 180. Although the embodiment of Figures 6A-6E does not have a nose support, it is contemplated that the eyewear 100 may include a nose support.

[0058] Each side support is in the form of an elongated pad 140. The elongated pad 140 may be attached to the inner surface of the temple bar 180. The elongated pad 140 may be formed of a silicone material or a material made from a silicone material. Compared to the described embodiment, the eyewear 100 is advantageously less bulky and less noticeable / invisible to third parties. Each silicone pad 140 is appropriately shaped and dimensioned to maximize contact with the wearer's cheekbone area, such as the zygomatic arch. It is recognized that each side support 140 may be customized to the wearer's head size and / or head contour. The sides of the silicone pad 140 may include a soft / elastomeric material (see FIG. 7) to enhance friction and grip on the wearer's face when worn. In some embodiments, the silicone pad 140 has a length of 18 millimeters and a width of 4 millimeters. In some embodiments, the silicone pad 140 may have a length in the range of 16-19 millimeters and a width of 3-5 millimeters.

[0059] In addition to the side supports 140, each pivotally mounted temple contact 160 may be shaped and sized as an extension of the temple bar 180. This temple contact 160 may be considered as a combined function of the end 22 and the temple cable 16 of the previous embodiment. The pivot mechanism joining the temple contact 160 to the respective temple bar 180 may be in the form of a hinge 162. The hinge 162 may be a torque or friction hinge operable to resist pivotal movement so that the temple contact 160 remains in place when adjusted. The hinge 162 may include a durable central rivet. It is advantageous for this pivotable temple contact 160 to facilitate the required contact with the ear portion (e.g., behind the ear) of the user so that the eyewear is maintained on the nose to avoid contact with the nose or positioned to minimize contact with the nose.

[0060] It is contemplated that embodiments of eyewear without nose support are suitable for a variety of uses, including providing alternative eyewear for users who have had nose surgery. Additionally, individuals or people with acne on their nose may avoid placing eyewear on their nose, as bacteria may cause further spread of acne or prevent proper treatment of acne.

[0061] It is further contemplated that eyewear without nose support may be suitable for the following groups of individuals: individuals who wish to prevent nasal dimples / marks from forming on their nose, individuals who prefer to prevent the weight of eyeglasses contributing to dark circles around the eyes, and / or women who wear makeup and wish to prevent their makeup from coming off.

[0062] It is contemplated that the side support 14 may have more than one cord portion 26 extending from the temple bar 18 and terminating in a corresponding pad 24. As an example, two cord portions 26 may extend from the temple bar 18 and terminate in two corresponding pads 24.

[0063] In the described embodiment, the cable temple 16 and / or temple contact 160 may be formed by or from a suitable material that may deform when necessary, yet maintain a degree of "rigidity" to allow customization to the contours of the wearer's head and to hold its position once adjusted so that the eyewear can be lifted up the nose. Examples of such "flexible yet rigid materials" include silicone or nitinol. Specific to the temple contact 160, a friction or torque hinge 162 may further enhance the ability of the eyewear to be lifted up the nose. It is recognized that the combination of the cable contact 160 and friction hinge 162 allows the user to adjust the tensile strength / counterforce acting on the back of the ear and against gravity to allow the eyewear to be lifted up the wearer's nose.

[0064] It should further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and combinations of the above-described features are not substitutes or replacements, but may be combined to form additional embodiments that are within the intended scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. Eyewear for a wearer, comprising: a frame for receiving a pair of lenses; a pair of temple bars including side supports extending from the frame and attached to an inner surface thereof, each side support being in the form of an elongated pad, the dimensions of each side support being customizable to the wearer's head size and / or head contour to contact the cheekbone region of the wearer's face, redistributing the weight of the frame to the cheekbone region; a temple contact extending from each temple bar and configured to resist pivotal movement of the temple contact, pivotally connected to the temple bar via a friction hinge that allows the wearer to adjust a counterforce from behind the wearer's ear, and configured to contact the behind the wearer's ear to provide the counterforce to the frame; Eyewear equipped with

2. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein each side support is an elongated silicone pad, the elongated silicone pad having a surface coated with an elastomeric material / elastomer.

3. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the cheekbone area is the wearer's zygomatic arch.

4. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the side supports are removably attached to the inner surface of the temple bar by a quick release mechanism and / or a magnetic connector.

5. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the frame does not include a nose support.

6. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a nose support.

7. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein the friction hinge includes a center rivet.

8. The eyewear of claim 1 , wherein each temple contact is formed from silicone or nitinol.

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