Parabolic lenses and eyewear including such lenses
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LUXOTTICA SRL
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing lenses have limited aesthetic flexibility, poor fit on various face shapes, and do not meet optical requirements for minimized aberrations and refractive power.
Designing lenses with inner and outer surfaces that are spaced apart, featuring specific central curves defined by planes passing through the lens center, with varying radii of curvature to achieve desired aesthetic shapes and improved fit, while minimizing optical aberrations.
The lenses provide enhanced aesthetic flexibility, better fit, and improved optical performance with reduced aberrations, meeting ophthalmological regulations.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to parabolic lenses, eyewear including such lenses, and processes for designing and / or manufacturing such lenses. The present invention applies to the field of eyewear, in particular to protective eyewear and / or masks, but also to ophthalmic eyewear and / or masks.
[0002] The present invention is useful in the manufacture of sunglasses and / or masks.
[0003] The present invention is also useful in the manufacture of corrective or ophthalmic glasses and / or masks. [Background technology]
[0004] Glasses and / or masks are known that include lenses having an inner surface adapted to face the wearer's eye and an opposite surface adapted to face outward, wherein the outer surface of the lens is convex, while the inner surface is concave.
[0005] Such a specific configuration of the lens surface restricts the shape that the lens can assume and therefore limits the freedom to impart specific and unexpected aesthetic effects to the lens itself, which can currently only be achieved with respect to the shape of the lens, i.e. the shape of its cut and its possible tinting.
[0006] A further disadvantage is that lenses so manufactured do not fit well on some face shapes.
[0007] The basic objectives of the present invention include providing lenses, eyewear including such lenses, and processes for designing and / or manufacturing such lenses that overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the known art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0008] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a lens that can be given a desired aesthetic shape different from those that characterize known types of lenses.
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lens that fits particularly well on certain types of faces.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lens with minimized optical aberrations or with a desired refractive power and better resolution characteristics of the lens itself.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lens that meets the requirements imposed by current regulations in the field of ophthalmology. [Means for solving the problem]
[0012] The above-mentioned problems and the above-mentioned objects, as well as other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a lens according to claim 1, comprising an inner surface adapted to be directed towards the eye of a wearer and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the inner and outer surfaces being spaced apart from each other to define a thickness, a first inner central curve and a second inner central curve defined on the inner surface of the lens, and a first outer central curve and a second outer central curve defined on the outer surface of the lens; the first inner central curve and the first outer central curve are defined by the intersections of the inner surface and the outer surface with a first plane that passes through a geometric center of the lens and extends in a substantially vertical direction; The second inner central curve and the second outer central curve are defined by the intersections of the inner and outer surfaces with a second plane passing through the geometric center of the lens, and the second plane is inclined at an angle of -25° to 25° with respect to the horizontal. the inner surface is convex toward the wearer's eye along at least the first inner central curve and concave toward the wearer's eye along at least the second inner central curve; This is achieved by a lens characterized in that the outer surface is convex toward the wearer's eye along at least the first outer central curve and concave toward the wearer's eye along at least the second outer central curve.
[0013] Preferably, the second plane extends substantially horizontally.
[0014] The invention also relates to eyewear according to claims 14 and 15.
[0015] Other features are provided in the dependent claims.
[0016] Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the description of preferred, but non-exclusive, embodiments of lenses, eyewear and processes for designing and / or manufacturing such lenses, shown by way of example and not limitation with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0017] [Figure 1] 1 shows a pair of eyeglasses including a pair of lenses according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 shows a pair of eyeglasses including a pair of lenses according to the present invention; [Figure 2a] 1 is a diagram of a pair of lenses according to the present invention; [Figure 2b] 1 is a diagram of a pair of lenses according to the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a semi-finished lens before it is molded to form a lens according to the present invention, where cross section XX passes through the axis of rotation of the toroid that generates the outer surface of the semi-finished lens, and cross section YY is perpendicular to the axis of the toroid. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the semi-finished product of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 5 is a side view of the semi-finished product of FIGS. 3 and 4, along with several cross sections YY perpendicular to the cross section XX. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 shows different cross sections of the semi-finished product of FIGS. 3 to 5, along with several cross sections XX passing through the axis of rotation of the toroid that generates the outer surface of the semi-finished lens. [Figure 7] 6 shows the semi-finished product of FIG. 5 cut along the plane YY shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 7 shows the semi-finished product of FIG. 6 cut along the plane XX shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 1 shows a schematic comparison of a reference grid representing the ideal case of a lens, i.e. without aberrations, with a grid associated with a lens according to the invention; [Figure 10] 1A-1C are various perspective views of lenses for a mask according to the present invention; [Figure 11] 1A-1C are various perspective views of lenses for a mask according to the present invention; [Figure 12] 1A-1C are various perspective views of lenses for a mask according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] A lens 1 for spectacles and / or masks will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0019] 3-8 particularly show semi-finished lens 10, i.e., a round piece of material from which lens 1 is subsequently formed through a cutting process called "molding." However, what is shown with respect to semi-finished product 10 also applies to lens 1, since the properties of lens 1, such as optical and geometric features, are already present in semi-finished product 10 and are molded into lens 1 from there.
[0020] The lens 1 according to the invention has an inner surface 3 suitable for being directed towards at least the eye of the wearer.
[0021] In particular, the term wearer in this disclosure refers to a person wearing eyeglasses with two separate lenses or a mask with a single lens according to the present invention.
[0022] Eyewear comprising at least one lens 1 as described in this disclosure also forms part of the present invention. The term eyewear means in this disclosure any kind of eyeglasses or masks.
[0023] Indeed, spectacles 100 comprising at least one lens 1, preferably two lenses 1, as described in this disclosure also form part of the present invention.
[0024] A mask including a single lens 1 as described in this disclosure also forms part of the present invention.
[0025] According to a first preferred embodiment, the eyewear is sunglasses and / or a sun mask, and therefore the lens 1 is preferably a sun lens.
[0026] According to a second preferred embodiment, the eyewear is corrective spectacles and / or corrective masks, and therefore the lens 1 is preferably a corrective or ophthalmic lens.
[0027] The lenses 1 are suitable for all types of frames for spectacles 100 and / or masks, whether cellulose acetate, injection, metal and / or "rimless".
[0028] Therefore, preferably, the lens 1 is made of a thermoplastic material or an acrylic polymer, such as polyamide and / or biopolyamide. Alternatively, the lens 1 is made of polycarbonate.
[0029] The lens 1 further has an outer surface 5 opposite the inner surface 3 .
[0030] Preferably, the outer surface 5 is cylindrical.
[0031] The inner surface 3 and the outer surface 5 are spaced apart from each other to define a lens thickness S. The lens thickness S is illustratively between 0.8 mm and 5 mm. Preferably, the lens thickness S is 2 mm.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the lens 1 is a shaded lens. Shades can be added to eyeglass lenses and / or lenses for masks to improve their aesthetic appearance on the one hand and, for example, to attenuate the intensity of light delivered to the wearer's eyes on the other hand. Alternatively, the lens 1 is a tinted lens. The light blocking or tinting can be of any type or "pattern", such as, but not limited to, a typical gradient shade, a circular shade, an overlapping shade, a clear shade, or a shaped shade.
[0033] Lens 1 can be either polarized or non-polarized. In polarized embodiments, lens 1 is functionalized, for example, to include a polarizing layer, and / or a photochromatic layer, and / or a layer with contrast-enhancing properties.
[0034] Various treatments may be applied to the lens 1, such as, for example but not limited to, anti-reflective, mirroring, anti-fog, water and / or stain repellent, scratch resistant, anti-static treatments, and other treatments known in the art. The treatments may be applied to the outer surface 5 and / or inner surface 3 of the lens 1.
[0035] Lens 1 may include two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional patterns. Lens 1 may also be finished. For example, a surface pattern may be applied to lens 1, obtained by laser machining or pad printing or other techniques known in the art.
[0036] Furthermore, the lens 1 can be decorated by UV / laser printing, and / or pad printing, and / or engraving, and / or two-dimensional elements for decorative and / or functional purposes, which may or may not be visible to a person observing the lens 1 from the outside, such as two-dimensional inserts containing electronic components (e.g., RFID tags), can be inserted into the lens 1.
[0037] The lens 1 can be manufactured by injection molding, casting or thermoforming processes.
[0038] A first inner central curve 30 and a second inner central curve 31 are defined on the inner surface 3 of the lens 1 .
[0039] Furthermore, a first outer central curve 50 and a second outer central curve 51 are defined on the outer surface 5 of the lens 1 .
[0040] In particular, the first inner central curve 30 and the first outer central curve 50 are defined by the intersection of the inner surface 3 and the outer surface 5, respectively, with a first plane X_0. Such first plane X_0 passes through the geometric center of the lens 1 and extends in a substantially vertical direction. In this disclosure, the terms vertical and horizontal refer to the lens mounted in the frame of the eyeglasses or mask and are relative to the wearer. Such first plane X_0 also passes through the axis of rotation of the toroid that generates the outer surface 5 in the case of a toric lens 1. For lenses 1 of other shapes, the first plane X_0 is a substantially vertical plane that also passes through the geometric center of the lens 1.
[0041] On the other hand, the second inner central curve 31 and the second outer central curve 51 are defined by the intersection lines of the inner surface 3 and the outer surface 5 with the second plane Y_0, respectively. Such second plane Y_0 passes through the geometric center of the lens 1. Such second plane Y_0 is inclined at an angle of -25° to +25° with respect to the horizontal plane.
[0042] It should be noted that the second plane Y_0 may be tilted by an angle equal to 0 with respect to the horizontal plane, i.e., it may be substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.
[0043] Preferably, the second plane extends substantially horizontally. In the case of a toric lens, the second plane Y_0 is parallel to a plane defined as a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the toroid and passing through the center of the circumference that generates the toroid.
[0044] According to one embodiment, in the case of the toric lens 1, such second plane Y_0 is preferably inclined by a first angle α with respect to the horizontal plane, and the wear forward tilt angle is -25° to +25°. In other words, if the horizontal plane is defined as the plane that horizontally cuts the toroid into two parts, the second plane Y_0 is a plane inclined by such a first angle α with respect to the horizontal plane.
[0045] According to the illustrated example, α is between −4° and −5°, and in particular is equal to −4.625°.
[0046] According to a first preferred embodiment, for any type of lens 1, the first plane X_0 is preferably inclined by a second angle β, i.e., the winding angle, between -30° and +30° with respect to the vertical. In other words, if the vertical is defined as a plane that perpendicularly cuts the lens 1 into two parts, the first plane X_0 is a plane inclined by such second angle β with respect to the vertical.
[0047] Preferably, β is between 5° and 7°.
[0048] 2a and 2b, it should be noted that, according to the present invention, the inner surface 3 is convex relative to the wearer's eye along at least a first inner central curve 30. The inner surface 3 is further concave relative to the wearer's eye along at least a second inner central curve 31.
[0049] Continuing to refer to Figures 2a and 2b, on the other hand, the outer surface 5 is convex relative to the wearer's eye along at least a first outer central curve 50 and concave relative to the wearer's eye along at least a second outer central curve 51.
[0050] In other words, the lens 1 is substantially concave in the vertical direction to a person viewing it from the outside, and convex in a direction inclined at an angle of -25 to 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal.
[0051] Such a "vertical" outer concave effect may be appreciated as aesthetically pleasing by a person viewing the lens 1 worn by the wearer, as illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 2a.
[0052] Advantageously, the lens 1 thus has a parabolic shape.
[0053] According to the invention, the inner surface 3 preferably has, at least along a first inner central curved line 30, a radius of curvature R30 which varies continuously and in an increasing and / or decreasing manner.
[0054] In particular, the radius of curvature R30 varies continuously, which means that the inner surface 3 has no discontinuities (eg, steps) along the first inner central curve 30.
[0055] Furthermore, the radius of curvature R30 varies to increase, decrease, or both increase and decrease over the length of the inner surface 3 along the first inner central curved line 30. In other words, the radius of curvature R30 is not a constant radius over the entire first inner central curved line 30.
[0056] Likewise, more preferably, the inner surface 3 further comprises a radius of curvature R31 along at least the second inner central curved line 31, which varies continuously and in an increasing and / or decreasing manner.
[0057] In particular, the radius of curvature R31 varies continuously, which means that the inner surface 3 has no discontinuities (eg, steps) along the second inner central curve 31.
[0058] Furthermore, the radius of curvature R31 varies to increase or decrease or both increase and decrease for different portions of the inner surface 3 along the second inner central curved line 31. In other words, the radius of curvature R31 is not a constant radius throughout the second inner central curved line 31.
[0059] Preferably, the radius of curvature R30 of the inner surface 3 along the first inner central curve 30 is at least partially increasing and at least partially decreasing.
[0060] More preferably, the radius of curvature R31 of the inner surface 3 along the second inner central curve 31 is at least partially increasing and at least partially decreasing.
[0061] Preferably, the radius of curvature R30 of the inner surface 3 along the first inner central curve 30 is different from the radius of curvature R31 of the inner surface 3 along the second inner central curve 31.
[0062] In other words, preferably the radius of curvature varies within the inner surface 3 .
[0063] More preferably, the outer surface 5 has a constant radius of curvature R50 along at least the first outer central curve 50.
[0064] Preferably, the outer surface 5 has a constant radius of curvature R51 at least along the second outer central curve 51.
[0065] Preferably, the radius of curvature R50 along the first outer central curve 50 and the radius of curvature R51 along the second outer central curve 51 are different from each other.
[0066] For example, in the particular embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the radius of curvature R50 along the first outer central curve is approximately 130.5 mm, while the radius of curvature R51 along the second outer central curve 51 is approximately 261 mm.
[0067] More preferably, the thickness S of the lens 1 varies continuously.
[0068] In particular, the thickness S varies with the radius of curvature R30, R31 of the inner surface 3, which is the radius of curvature R30, R31 of the inner surface 3 varying along the first inner central curve 30 or along the second inner central curve 31, while the radius of curvature R50, R51 of the outer surface 5 is constant along the corresponding first outer curve R50 and second outer curve R51.
[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the inner surface 3 has further radii of curvature R32, R34, R36, R38, R40, R42, as can be seen in Figure 8, along further first inner curves defined by the intersections of the inner surface 3 with further planes X_-6, X_-4, X_-2, X_2, X_4, X_6 angularly spaced apart from the first plane X_0. In particular, each of the radii of curvature R32, R34, R36, R38, R40, R42 varies continuously and in an increasing and / or decreasing manner along the respective further first inner curves.
[0070] The planes X_0, X_2, X_4, X_6, X_-2, X_-4, and X_-6 are shown in Figure 6 and are arbitrary. For example, the planes X_0, X_2, X_4, X_6, X_-2, X_-4, and X_-6 shown are angularly spaced apart from each other by 2°.
[0071] More preferably, the inner surface 3 has a radius of curvature that varies continuously and increasing and / or decreasing along each first inner curve defined by the intersection of the inner surface 3 with any radial plane angularly spaced from the first plane X_0.
[0072] In other words, on the inner surface 3, each of the further first inner curves defined on the inner surface 3 by any plane XX angularly spaced from X_0 has a radius of curvature that is not constant but varies continuously.
[0073] Basically, preferably, all planes angularly spaced apart relative to the first plane X_0, as well as the further planes X_2, X_4, X_6, X_-2, X_-4, X_-6, have continuously and increasing and / or decreasingly varying radii of curvature.
[0074] Preferably, on the inner surface 3, each such curve has a radius of curvature that is at least partially increasing and at least partially decreasing, i.e. the radius of curvature increases in at least one section of the curve and decreases in at least one section of the curve.
[0075] For example, the radius of curvature R30 is smaller in the center of the lens 1 and larger at the edges of the lens 1. In other words, the radius of curvature decreases from a given value R30 at the center of the curve to a given value R30', R30'' at the edges of the curve towards the outside of the lens 1.
[0076] Thus, along the first inner central curve 30, the thickness S of the lens 1 is greater in the central portion and less in the peripheral portion.
[0077] Thus, according to one embodiment, the radii of curvature vary along the first inner central curve 30 such that R30' and R30'' are smaller than R30.
[0078] For example, in the particular embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the radius of curvature R30 at the center of the first inner central curve 30 is approximately equal to 130 mm.
[0079] More preferably, such a tendency is valid for all of the first inner curves.
[0080] In particular, in the particular embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, along the further first inner curve, the radii of curvature R32' and R32'', R34' and R34'', R36' and R36'', R38' and R38'' at the edges are smaller than the respective radii of curvature R32, R34, R36, R38, R40, R42 at the centres of the respective curves.
[0081] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the inner surface 3 has further radii of curvature R37, R35, R33, R39, R41, R43, as can be seen in Figure 7, along further second inner curves defined by the intersections of the inner surface 3 with lines Y_10, Y_20, Y_30, Y_-10, Y_-20, Y_-30 parallel to the second plane Y_0. In particular, each of the radii of curvature R37, R35, R33, R39, R41, R43 varies continuously and in an increasing and / or decreasing manner along the respective further second inner curves.
[0082] The parallel planes Y_10, Y_20, Y_30, Y_-10, Y_-20, and Y_-30 are shown in Figure 5 and are arbitrary. For example, the illustrated parallel planes Y_10, Y_20, Y_30, Y_-10, Y_-20, and Y_-30 are spaced 10 mm apart from each other.
[0083] More preferably, the inner surface 3 has a radius of curvature that varies continuously and increases and / or decreases along each of the second inner curves defined by the intersections of the inner surface 3 with any plane parallel to the second plane Y_0.
[0084] In other words, on the inner surface 3, each of the first further inner curves defined on the inner surface 3 by any plane parallel to Y_0 has a radius of curvature that is not constant but varies continuously.
[0085] Basically, preferably, all planes parallel to the second plane Y_0, as well as the further parallel planes Y_10, Y_20, Y_30, Y_-10, Y_-20, Y_-30, have continuously and increasing and / or decreasingly varying radii of curvature.
[0086] Preferably, on the inner surface 3, each such curve has a radius of curvature that is at least partially increasing and at least partially decreasing, i.e. the radius of curvature increases in at least one section of the curve and decreases in at least one section of the curve.
[0087] For example, the radius of curvature R31 is larger in the center of the lens 1 and smaller at the edges of the lens 1. In other words, the radius of curvature increases from a certain value R31 at the center of the curve to a predetermined value R31', R31'' at the edges of the curve towards the outside of the lens 1.
[0088] Thus, along the second inner central curve 31, the thickness S of the lens 1 is greater at the periphery and less at the center.
[0089] Thus, according to an embodiment, the radii of curvature vary along the second inner central curve 31, with R31' and R31'' being greater than R31.
[0090] More preferably, such a tendency is valid for all second inner curves.
[0091] In particular, along the further second inner curve, the radii of curvature R33' and R33'', R35' and R35'', R37' and R37'', R39' and R39'' at the edges are greater than the respective radii of curvature R33, R35, R37, R39, R41, R43 at the centres of the respective curves.
[0092] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the outer surface 5 has further radii of curvature R50, R58, R60, R62, R56, R54, R52, as seen in Figure 8, along further first outer curves defined by the intersections of the outer surface 5 with planes X_0, X_2, X_4, X_6, X_-2, X_-4, X_-6 angularly spaced from the first plane X_0. In particular, each of the radii of curvature R50, R58, R60, R62, R56, R54, R52 is constant along the respective further first outer curves.
[0093] More preferably, the radius of curvature of the outer surface 5 is constant along all further first outer curves, and further, all of the radii of curvature R33, R35, R37, R39, R41, R43 along each of the further first outer curves are equal to one another.
[0094] In other words, preferably, R52, R54, R56, R58, R60, and R62 are equal to each other and equal to the radius of curvature R50 along the first outer curve 50.
[0095] More preferably, the outer surface 5 has a constant radius of curvature along each of the first outer curves defined by the intersection of the outer surface 5 with any plane angularly spaced from the first plane X_0, and all radii of curvature along all of the first outer curves are preferably equal to one another.
[0096] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the outer surface 5 has further radii of curvature R57, R55, R53, R59, R61, R63, which can be seen in Figure 7, along further second outer curves defined by the intersections of the outer surface 5 with planes Y_10, Y_20, Y_30, Y_-10, Y_-20, Y_-30 parallel to the second plane Y_0. In particular, each of the radii of curvature R53, R55, R57, R59, R61, R63 is constant along the respective further second outer curves.
[0097] More preferably, the radius of curvature of the outer surface 5 is constant along all further second outer curves. Furthermore, all radii of curvature R53, R55, R57, R59, R61, R63 along each further second outer curve are different from one another.
[0098] In other words, preferably the radii of curvature R53, R55, R57, R59, R61, R63 are constant along each further second curve but vary from one second curve to another, and more preferably the radii of curvature R53, R55, R57, R59, R61, R63 also vary relative to the radius of curvature R51 along the second outer curve 51.
[0099] More preferably, the outer surface 5 has a constant radius of curvature along each of the second outer curves defined by the intersection of the outer surface 5 with any plane parallel to the second plane Y_0. All radii of curvature along all of the first outer curves are preferably different from one another.
[0100] For example, the radius of curvature R53 is greater than the radius of curvature R55, which is greater than the radius of curvature R57, which is greater than the radius of curvature R51.
[0101] Furthermore, radius of curvature R51 is greater than radius of curvature R59, and so on.
[0102] In other words, the radius of curvature between the different second outer curves tends to decrease as one progresses from one side of the lens 1 to the other, or conversely, the radius of curvature between the different second outer curves tends to increase as one progresses from one side of the lens 1 to the other.
[0103] In the case of a sun lens, the invention makes it possible to provide a lens 1 with reduced optical aberrations.
[0104] 9 shows an exemplary image of the difference between the ideal case of a lens without optical aberrations, represented by reference grid G1, and such a lens 1, represented by grid G2 associated with lens 1 according to the invention. As can be observed, due to the optimization of the surface shape aimed at reducing optical aberrations, the variation between grid G2 associated with lens 1 according to the invention and reference grid G1 is minimal. In other words, lens 1 according to the invention is close to the ideal case.
[0105] A suitable design of the lens 1, with radii of curvature R30, R31 on the inner surface 3, makes it possible to optimize the optical properties of the lens 1 itself: spherical power, cylindrical power and prismatic power.
[0106] The process of designing and / or manufacturing the lens 1 as described above also forms part of the present invention.
[0107] The process according to the invention applies to the design and / or manufacture of both sun lenses and corrective or ophthalmic lenses.
[0108] Such a process involves identifying a target configuration for a lens 1 having specified desired aesthetic characteristics, with the outer surface 5 of the lens 1 itself being concave outward (convex toward the wearer) along at least one vertical direction.
[0109] In particular, this process includes a first step (a) of selecting a desired outer radius of curvature R50 for the outer surface 5, which is positive (with respect to a center located on the side of the wearer's eye) and constant along at least a first outer central curve 50.
[0110] Such first step (a) also further includes selecting, for the outer surface 5, a desired outer radius of curvature R51 that is negative (with respect to a center located on the side of the wearer's eye) and constant along at least a second outer central curve 51.
[0111] In other words, the first step (a) involves the selection of constant radii of curvature R50, R51 of the outer surface 5, which are respectively positive along the first outer central curve 50, giving the lens 1 an outer concave shape along the vertical direction, and negative along the second outer central curve 51, giving the lens 1 an outer convex shape along the horizontal direction.
[0112] The first step (a) is the same for the design and / or manufacture of both sun lenses and corrective or ophthalmic lenses.
[0113] When designing and / or manufacturing a sun lens, the process includes a subsequent step (b) of calculating, for the inner surface 3, an inner radius of curvature R30 that varies along a first inner central curve 30 and an inner radius of curvature R31 that varies along a second inner central curve 31, such inner radii of curvature R30, R31 being calculated so as to minimize the optical aberrations of the semi-finished lens 10 having the outer surface 5 and inner surface 3 described above.
[0114] When designing and / or manufacturing a corrective or ophthalmic lens, the process includes, following step (a), step (b) of calculating, for the inner surface 3, an inner radius of curvature R30 that varies along a first inner central curve 30 and an inner radius of curvature R31 that varies along a second inner central curve 31, such inner radii of curvature R30, R31 being calculated so as to impart a desired refractive power or gradation to the semi-finished lens 10 having the outer surface 5 and inner surface 3 described above.
[0115] Therefore, following step (b) of calculating the inner radii of curvature R30 and R31, the process includes a further step (c) which comprises, based on the desired outer radii of curvature R50, R51 and the calculated inner radii of curvature R30, R31, producing a semi-finished lens 10 having an inner surface 3 characterized by the aforementioned inner radii of curvature R30, R31 along the first inner central curve 30 and along the second inner central curve 31, and an outer surface 5 characterized by the aforementioned outer radii of curvature R50, R51 along the first outer central curve 50 and the second outer central curve 51, which are initially selected and calculated so as to minimize aberrations or impart a desired refractive power or gradation.
[0116] In particular, such step of manufacturing the semi-finished lens 10 preferably involves injection molding the semi-finished lens 10 .
[0117] Once the semi-finished lens 10 has been produced, the process comprises a subsequent step (d) of shaping the semi-finished lens 10 to obtain a lens 1 according to the invention, i.e. a lens 1 having an inner radius of curvature R30 that varies continuously and increasing and / or decreasing along at least a first inner central curve 30 and an inner radius of curvature R31 that varies continuously and increasing and / or decreasing along at least a second inner central curve 31.
[0118] Steps (c) and (d) apply to the design and / or manufacture of both sun lenses and corrective or ophthalmic lenses.
[0119] Preferably, step (a) includes selecting a plurality of desired outer radii of curvature along the plurality of respective outer curves, i.e., selecting constant outer radii of curvature at intersections of the outer surface 5 with the plurality of second planes Y_0, Y_10, Y_20, Y_30, Y_-10, Y_-20, Y_-30 and the first planes X_0, X_2, X_4, X_6, X_-2, X_-4, X_-6.
[0120] Similarly, step (b) comprises calculating, for the inner surface 3, a plurality of inner radii of curvature that vary along a plurality of respective inner curves that respectively correspond to the aforementioned outer curves. In other words, step (b) comprises calculating inner radii of curvature that vary (continuously and increasing and / or decreasing) at the intersections of the inner surface 3 with the same second planes Y_0, Y_10, Y_20, Y_30, Y_-10, Y_-20, Y_-30 and first planes X_0, X_2, X_4, X_6, X_-2, X_-4, X_-6 that are used to define the outer radii of curvature of the outer surface 5 of the lens 1.
[0121] Preferably, when designing and / or manufacturing a sun lens, step (b) of calculating a varying inner radius of curvature to minimize optical aberrations comprises calculating a varying inner radius of curvature that optimizes at least one of the spherical power, the astigmatic power and the prismatic power of the lens 1.
[0122] Even more preferably, such step (b) comprises a step of calculating a varying inner radius of curvature that optimizes a weighted combination of the spherical, astigmatic and prismatic powers of lens 1. In other words, since the optimum value of one of the three powers mentioned above generally does not correspond to the optimum values of the other two, step (b) comprises a step of weighting the contributions made by calculating each of the three powers in minimizing the optical aberrations, in order to find a varying inner radius of curvature that ensures the best overall compromise.
[0123] The lenses thus conceived, as well as the eyewear incorporating such lenses and the process for designing and / or manufacturing such lenses, are susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept, and furthermore all details may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.
[0124] In practice, the material used can be anything depending on the technical requirements, as long as it is compatible with the particular application and the accompanying size and shape. [Explanation of symbols]
[0125] 1 lens 1. Toric lenses 3. Inner Surface 5 External surface 10 Semi-finished lenses 100 glasses 100 Eyewear
Claims
1. A lens (1) for eyeglasses and / or a mask, having an inner surface (3) suitable for being directed towards at least the wearer's eyes, and an outer surface (5) opposite to the inner surface (3), wherein the inner surface (3) and the outer surface (5) are spaced apart from each other and define a thickness (S), A first inner central curve (30) and a second inner central curve (31) are defined on the inner surface (3) of the lens (1), and a first outer central curve (50) and a second outer central curve (51) are defined on the outer surface (5) of the lens (1). The first inner central curve (30) and the first outer central curve (50) are defined, respectively, by the intersection lines of the inner surface (3) and the outer surface (5) and a first plane (X_0) that passes through the geometric center of the lens (1) and extends substantially vertically. The second inner central curve (31) and the second outer central curve (51) are defined by the intersection lines of the inner surface (3) and outer surface (5), respectively, and a second plane (Y_0) passing through the geometric center of the lens (1), and the second plane (Y_0) is tilted at an angle of -25° to 25° with respect to the horizontal in the lens (1), The inner surface (3) is convex towards the wearer's eye, at least along the first inner central curve (30), and concave at least along the second inner central curve (31). The lens (1) is characterized in that the outer surface (5) is convex towards the wearer's eye at least along the first outer central curve (50) and concave at least along the second outer central curve (51).
2. - The inner surface (3) has a radius of curvature (R30) that changes continuously and increases and / or decreases along at least the first inner central curve (30), - The lens (1) according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface (3) has a radius of curvature (R31) that changes continuously and increases and / or decreases along at least the second inner central curve (31).
3. The lens (1) according to claim 2, wherein the radius of curvature (R30) of the inner surface (3) along the first inner central curve (30) is at least partially increased and at least partially decreased, and the radius of curvature (R31) of the inner surface (3) along the second inner central curve (31) is at least partially increased and at least partially decreased.
4. The lens (1) according to claim 2, wherein the outer surface (5) has a constant radius of curvature (R50) at least along the first outer central curve (50).
5. The lens (1) according to claim 2, wherein the outer surface (5) has a constant radius of curvature (R51) at least along the second outer central curve (51).
6. The lens (1) according to claim 2, wherein the thickness (S) changes continuously.
7. The lens (1) according to claim 2, wherein the inner surface (3) has further radii of curvature (R38, R40, R42, R36, R34, R32) that vary continuously and increase and / or decrease along each of the further first inner curves defined by the intersection of the inner surface (3) and a first plane (X_2, X_4, X_6, X_-2, X_-4, X_-6) that is angularly spaced apart with respect to the first plane (X_0).
8. The lens (1) according to claim 7, wherein the inner surface (3) has a radius of curvature that changes continuously and to increase and / or decrease along an arbitrary first inner curve defined by the intersection of the inner surface (3) and an arbitrary plane angularly spaced apart from the first plane (X_0).
9. The lens (1) according to claim 2, wherein the inner surface (3) has further radii of curvature (R37, R35, R33, R39, R41, R43) that vary continuously and increase and / or decrease along each of the further second inner curves defined by the intersection of the inner surface (3) and a second plane (Y_10, Y_20, Y_30, Y_-10, Y_-20, Y_-30) parallel to the second plane (Y_0).
10. The lens (1) according to claim 9, wherein the inner surface (3) has a radius of curvature that changes continuously and to increase and / or decrease along an arbitrary second inner curve defined by the intersection of the inner surface (3) and any plane parallel to the second plane (Y_0).
11. The lens (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer surface (5) is cylindrical.
12. The lens (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second plane (Y_0) extends substantially horizontally.
13. The lens (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first plane (X_0) is tilted by a second angle (β) between -30° and +30° with respect to the vertical plane.
14. Eyewear (100) comprising at least one lens (1) for eyeglasses and / or a mask, wherein the lens (1) has an inner surface (3) suitable for being directed toward at least the wearer's eye and an outer surface (5) opposite to the inner surface (3), the inner surface (3) and the outer surface (5) being spaced apart from each other and defining a thickness (S), A first inner central curve (30) and a second inner central curve (31) are defined on the inner surface (3) of the lens (1), and a first outer central curve (50) and a second outer central curve (51) are defined on the outer surface (5) of the lens (1). The first inner central curve (30) and the first outer central curve (50) are defined, respectively, by the intersection lines of the inner surface (3) and the outer surface (5) and a first plane (X_0) that passes through the geometric center of the lens (1) and extends substantially vertically. The second inner central curve (31) and the second outer central curve (51) are defined by the intersection lines of the inner surface (3) and outer surface (5) and a second plane (Y_0) passing through the geometric center of the lens (1), respectively, and the second plane (Y_0) is tilted at an angle of -25° to 25° with respect to the horizontal, in eyewear (100), The inner surface (3) is convex towards the wearer's eye, at least along the first inner central curve (30), and concave at least along the second inner central curve (31). The eyewear (100) is characterized in that the outer surface (5) is convex towards the wearer's eye along at least the first outer central curve (50) and concave along at least the second outer central curve (51).
15. Eyewear comprising at least one lens (1) for eyeglasses and / or a mask, wherein the lens (1) has an inner surface (3) suitable for being directed toward at least the wearer's eye and an outer surface (5) opposite to the inner surface (3), the inner surface (3) and the outer surface (5) being spaced apart from each other and defining a thickness (S), A first inner central curve (30) and a second inner central curve (31) are defined on the inner surface (3) of the lens (1), and a first outer central curve (50) and a second outer central curve (51) are defined on the outer surface (5) of the lens (1). The first inner central curve (30) and the first outer central curve (50) are defined, respectively, by the intersection lines of the inner surface (3) and the outer surface (5) and a first plane (X_0) that passes through the geometric center of the lens (1) and extends substantially vertically. The second inner central curve (31) and the second outer central curve (51) are defined by the intersection lines of the inner surface (3) and outer surface (5) and a second plane (Y_0) passing through the geometric center of the lens (1), respectively, and the second plane (Y_0) is tilted at an angle of -25° to 25° with respect to the horizontal, in eyewear, The inner surface (3) is convex towards the wearer's eye, at least along the first inner central curve (30), and concave at least along the second inner central curve (31). The outer surface (5) is convex towards the wearer's eye, at least along the first outer central curve (50), and concave at least along the second outer central curve (51). - The inner surface (3) has a radius of curvature (R30) that changes continuously and increases and / or decreases along at least the first inner central curve (30), - Eyewear characterized in that the inner surface (3) has a radius of curvature (R31) that changes continuously and increases and / or decreases along at least the second inner central curve (31).