spectacles

Abstract

The present invention is directed to spectacles, particularly, which can be made locally, comprising: a frame having a frame template and a nose bridge; and two side arms attachable to the frame on each side at one end and the side arms have a bend at the other end; wherein the frame template has a pair of apertures configured to receive a pair of lenses, and wherein each of the apertures has a groove corresponding to a protrusion on each of the lenses. Additionally, this invention relates to a kit and a method for assembling these spectacles on site.

Description

[0001] SPECTACLES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is directed to spectacles, particularly, which can be made locally. Additionally, this invention relates to a kit and a method for assembling these spectacles on site.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Around 65% of the world's population needs vision correction - creating a global eyewear market worth $157.9 billion in 2021 (growing to $184 billion by 2024). Over 85 million spectacles are sold every year in Western Europe and a further 80 million in the US. Over 50% of the West's population have access to corrective eye-wear. By contrast, the Developing World has very low access to vision correction - only 15% of China, 8% of India and less than 3% of Africa's population.

[0006] According to Vision Aid Overseas:

[0007] • 1 .2 billion people worldwide can’t see properly simply because they need glasses

[0008] • 12 million children worldwide struggle to learn simply because they need glasses

[0009] • 55% of visually impaired people are women

[0010] • 89% of visually impaired people live in low and middle-income countries

[0011] • 75% of all visual impairment is preventable or curable

[0012] • $200 billion worth of productivity is lost every year because so many people do not have the glasses they need to see clearly.

[0013] Unlike the West, the Developing World doesn't have the infrastructure to diagnose, prescribe and manufacture spectacles for its people. Especially in rural areas. Approximately 200 million people who live on less than $2.50 per day require spectacles or have eye conditions which make them dependent on their families. A number of charities and NGO’s are directly trying to increase the number of disadvantaged people who have access to prescription glasses. These organizations are limited by the spectacles donated by every-day wearers in developed countries.

[0014] The spectacles in the prior art require professional manufacturing with specialist equipment. The manufacturing processes of the prior art ensure the spectacles are manufactured specifically to a person’s eyeglass prescription. To ensure longevity, the spectacles are manufactured such that it is difficult or impossible to alter their original fit, without using the specialist equipment. The spectacles in the prior art are therefore limited to a single person, or at least to people with a particular eyeglass prescription. The manufacturing processes are also expensive, as they require specialist equipment. Additionally, the whole process from eye test to the receipt of the spectacles is a timeconsuming process, particularly, in the rural parts of the developing countries.

[0015] In developing countries, many people cannot work due to vision defects and poor access to eye care professionals. Despite charitable drives to donate spectacles to the developing world, the spectacles may only be donated to a person with the same eyeglass prescription. Furthermore, remanufacturing the spectacles in the developing country to create spectacles with the correct eyeglass prescription is not possible without the specialist equipment.

[0016] Current solutions targeting the same market are adjustable, variable-focus, one-size fits all spectacles from Adlens and Alvarez costing in the range £20 to £25 per pair. These spectacles use two lens plates sliding over each other or a liquid-filled lens to offer an adjustable optical prescription. These spectacles only offer a limited optical range between -6.00D and +3.00D - not satisfying the needs of very poor refractive visions - and offer no correction for Astigmatism. Equally, one-size does not fit all - especially not children! The General Optical Council identified several concerns for such a solution: "The distorted peripheral vision of the Alvarez lens, or a set of poorly adjusted spectacles, could make a driver more prone to accidents than other visual correction products." "Over time, a patient using lenses with an incorrect power for their vision might accelerate their visual issues, especially young myopes."

[0017] The present invention addresses these issues by providing the spectacles which can be assembled quickly and easily on site according to the requirements of the eye-sight and the face size of the users. Further, these spectacles are cheaper to manufacture and eliminate the need for and associated time delays of a remote custom lens glazing operation. This all-in- one solution enables local people to create an optician's micro-enterprise service to deliver low-cost rural vision care services, while creating an income for themselves.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pair of spectacles comprising: a frame having a frame template and a nose bridge; and two side arms attachable to the frame on each side; wherein the frame template is configured to be provided with a pair of apertures configured to receive a pair of lenses, and wherein each of the provided apertures has a groove corresponding to a protrusion on each of the lenses.

[0020] Preferably, the side arm is attachable to the frame at one end and has a bend at the other end.

[0021] The frame template is basically a front portion of the spectacles within the frame, often made of a glass or polymer through which the users get their vision. The frame template comprises lenses. According to this invention, the frame template has a portion cut out so as to create the pair of apertures for a pair of lenses to fit in.

[0022] Preferably the frame template is configured to be provided with a pair of apertures using a portable die press. Preferably, the frame template is manufactured using an injection moulding technique using a polycarbonate material. This enables the frame to have a narrow rim, adding to its torsion strength.

[0023] In one embodiment, the side arms may be clipped into the frame. In this design, the frame may have a slot on each side, and the side arms may have a protrusion at one end that snap-fit into the slots. The frame may allow the side arms clipping in at least two positions which creases the head width. This enables some degree of flex inwards and outwards for different head widths. In this case, there may be two slots to accommodate the two clip positions.

[0024] The frames may come in various different sizes, such as between 120 mm to 140 mm. Preferably, the frames have a length of 124 mm or 136 mm.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the side arms may have a slot such that the frame is clipped into the slot on each side. Thus, the frame can be detachably attached to the side arms. In this design, the frame may have a protrusion on each side that snaps-fit into the slot on the side arms. The side arms may have multiple slots for the frame to fit into according to the size of the user.

[0026] The side arms 17 may be provided of various lengths to accommodate spectacles for both children and adults. Preferably, the side arms may have a length of between 150mm to 170mm. More preferably, the side arms may have a length of 165mm.

[0027] The side arms may have a plurality of slots so that one or more additional features may be added to the spectacles. Examples of the additional features include accessories clip, torch, sun blind, side shields, additional frame, cord, etc.

[0028] The accessories clip may be used for clipping additional features to the spectacles, such as a torch or a cord. The torch may be useful for reading and those doing very fine close work like watch makers, embroidery workers, etc.

[0029] The sun blind may be added to the front of the frame so that a low vision aid can be created for those people with cataracts / trachoma etc.

[0030] The side shields may enable the spectacles to be used as safety spectacles for their use in an industrial setting.

[0031] The additional frame may allow the spectacles to meet special requirements of users in need for additional power.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the side arms may be flexible such that the position of the bend is adjustable. This allows the side arms to be oriented so that the position of the bend around the ear can be altered to suit the users’ ear shape and size. Thus, the side arms can have a universal length that fits all and the flex allows for some tension behind the ears.

[0033] The side arms may be made of a polyamide material or polypropylene which gives the spectacles a flexible and comfortable fit for a user.

[0034] The two side arms may be connected to each other with a cord. The cord may be continuous from one side of the frame to the other so that the remaining cord hanging between the two side arms allows the users to hang the spectacles around the neck.

[0035] In one embodiment, the frame is reversible such that it can be worn upside down. In one embodiment, the frame may have detachable front portions. This embodiment allows two front portions of the frame to be attached to each other through a nose bridge. This frame is designed such it can serve two nose bridge sizes through the use of one. Once assembled, this frame can be rotated through 180° along the horizontal axis, and thus can be worn in two ways. In one embodiment, the frame may be provided with different nose bridge heights to accommodate various nose sizes. Preferably, the apical radius at the top of the bridge is between 5mm to 10mm. Most preferably, the apical radius at the top of the bridge is 7mm or 9mm.

[0036] In another embodiment, the height of the nose may be adjustable with a bridge clip. The bridge clip can be detachably attached to a central slot on the nose bridge. Such a bridge clip allows for different apical radius of the nose bridge making the spectacles universal accommodating various nose curves of the users.

[0037] Another advantage of this bridge clip is that the height relative to the pupil may be altered by selecting a low clip where the top of the nose is in line with the lower eye lid, or a high clip where the top of the nose is in line with the eyebrow.

[0038] In one embodiment, the apertures may be substantially circular. In an alternative embodiment, the apertures may be oval. A portable die press may be used to cut the apertures on the frame template for the insertion of the lenses into them.

[0039] Each of the apertures has a groove corresponding to a protrusion on each of the lenses. The groove-protrusion design prevents the rotation of the lens once inserted into the aperture. Preferably, each of the apertures has a plurality of grooves corresponding to a plurality of protrusions on each of the lenses. The advantage of such a design is that the lenses are tightly fitted into the apertures to lock them into place so as to prevent accidental knock-outs and to prevent rotation which can mis-align the lenses.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, each of the lenses may have a plurality of pinholes to effectively correct the user’s eyesight by correcting the refractive error, and also to align the die press for monocular interpupillary distance positioning. These pinholes may also be useful when testing the sight of the user to establish the level of visual acuity. In another preferred embodiment, the frame template may have a plurality of pinholes at an edge on each side of the frame. These pinholes can be useful for an alignment of the negative axis of the lens when it is fitted into the aperture.

[0041] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided with a kit for preparing a pair of spectacles described above, wherein the kit comprises: a frame comprising a frame template and a nose bridge; a pair of lenses; a pair of side arms; and an instruction sheet for assembly of the spectacles.

[0042] In one embodiment, the kit may be provided with one or more additional features selected from accessories clip, bridge clip, cord, sun blind, torch, additional frame, and side shields.

[0043] In another embodiment, the kit may also comprise a portable die press to cut out the apertures on the frame template if the provided frame template is not pre-cut. Such a kit enables the establishment of a viable and affordable optician service to customise spectacles for communities in need living in remote areas where an established optician service is not available.

[0044] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a pair of spectacles comprising the steps of: a) providing a kit of parts as described above; b) optionally using the die press to create a pair of apertures; c) inserting the lenses into the apertures on the frame template; and d) clipping the frame onto the side arms.

[0045] The method may further comprise a step of cutting out the apertures on the frame template using a die press before step b). This is applicable when the frame template is not pre-cut and so the frame template can be prepared for lens fitting on site. The method may further comprise the steps of: e) clipping one or more additional features selected from bridge clip, accessories clip, cord, sun blind, torch, additional frame, and side shields.

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1 A is a front view of a frame.

[0049] Figure 1 B is a front view of an assembled spectacles with two side arms attached to a frame.

[0050] Figure 1 C is a side view of a left side arm of a pair of spectacles.

[0051] Figure 2A is a front view of a frame template of a pair of spectacles having a pair of apertures. The right aperture has a lens inserted in it.

[0052] Figure 2B is an embodiment of the frame template with a pair of apertures having a plurality of grooves.

[0053] Figure 3A is an embodiment of the frame that is rotatable.

[0054] Figure 3B is an embodiment of a detachable frame with detachable front portions.

[0055] Figure 3C is an embodiment of a nose bridge that can be clipped onto the front portions of the detachable frame of Figure 3B.

[0056] Figure 3D is another embodiment of a nose bridge that can be clipped onto the front portions of the detachable frame of Figure 3B. Figure 3E is a another embodiment of a nose bridge that can be clipped onto the front portions of the detachable frame of Figure 3B.

[0057] Figure 3F is a another embodiment of a nose bridge that can be clipped onto the front portions of the detachable frame of Figure 3B.

[0058] Figure 4A is a front view of a bridge clip according to one embodiment.

[0059] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the bridge clip shown in Figure 4A.

[0060] Figure 5A is a front view of a bridge clip according to another embodiment.

[0061] Figure 5B is a perspective view of the bridge clip shown in Figure 5A.

[0062] Figure 6A is a front view of an assembled spectacles having a bridge clip attached to the nose bridge and an accessories clip attached to the right-side arm.

[0063] Figure 6B is a perspective view of the spectacles shown in Figure 6A.

[0064] Figure 7A is a front view of a frame template having pinholes in the lenses and at the edge of the frame template.

[0065] Figure 7B is a perspective view of a pair of spectacles having pinholes in the lenses.

[0066] Figure 8A is a front view of an accessories clip.

[0067] Figure 8B is a perspective view of the accessories clip shown in Figure 8A.

[0068] Figure 9A is a perspective view of a pair of spectacles with a sun blind clipped in front of the frame.

[0069] Figure 9B is a top view of the spectacles shown in Figure 9A. Figure 9C is a side view of the spectacles shown in Figure 9A.

[0070] Figure 9D is a front view of the spectacles shown in Figure 9A.

[0071] Figure 10A is a perspective view of a pair of spectacles having two frames clipped onto the side arms.

[0072] Figure 10B is a side view of the spectacles shown in Figure 10A.

[0073] Figure 10C is a top view of the spectacles shown in Figure 10A.

[0074] Figure 10D is an embodiment of a pair of spectacles for low vision aid.

[0075] Figure 10E shows the spectacles of Figure 10D with side extenders.

[0076] Figure 1 1 A to 11 F illustrates another embodiment of a pair of spectacles for low vision aid.

[0077] Figure 12A is a perspective view of a pair of spectacles having side shields clipped onto the side arms.

[0078] Figure 12B is a side view of the spectacles shown in Figure 12A.

[0079] Figure 12C is a perspective view of the right side shield shown in Figure 12A.

[0080] Figure 12D is cross-sectional view of the side shield shown in Figure 12C.

[0081] Figure 12E is a front view of the side shield shown in Figure 12D.

[0082] Figure 12F is a top view of the spectacles shown in Figure 12A.

[0083] Figure 13A shows a die press with a frame placed into it and the handles activated in upright position to puncture the frame template. Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view of the die press shown in Figure 13A.

[0084] Figure 13C shows the handles being pushed down to cut the aperture in the frame template placed in the die press of Figure 13A.

[0085] According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a pair of spectacles 25 of Figure 1 B, comprising a frame 1 1 and a nose bridge 12 (as shown in Figure 1 A). The frame 1 1 is detachably attached at both its sides to one end of a pair of side arms 13. Both the side arms 13 are identical to each other as shown in Figure 1 C. The side arms 13 have a plurality of slots 14. The frame 1 1 is clipped into one of this plurality of slots 14. The frame 1 1 has a protrusion 1 at each end which snaps-fit into an appropriate slot 14. Preferably, the frame 1 1 is clipped into the first of the plurality of slots 14 on both side arms 13.

[0086] The side arms 13 have a bend at the opposite end of the end which is attached to the frame 1 1 . These bends help secure the spectacles to the ears of a user. Preferably, the side arms 13 are flexible so that the position of the bends are adjustable according to the face and ears size of a user. Preferably, the side arms are made of polypropylene.

[0087] The side arms 17 may be provided of various lengths to accommodate spectacles for both children and adults. Preferably, the side arms may have a length of between 150mm to 170mm. More preferably, the side arms may have a length of 165mm.

[0088] In one embodiment, the side arms may be provided with active hinges between each of the slots. These active hinges enable the sides arms to bend inwards and outwards allowing the side arms to flex in order to accommodate varying head size of the users.

[0089] The frames may come in various different sizes, such as between 120 mm to 140 mm. Typically, the frames have a length of 124 mm and 136 mm. The frames may have different nose bridge heights. Preferably, the height of the nose bridge is between 5mm to 10mm. More preferably, the height of the nose bridge is 7mm or 9mm.

[0090] The frame 1 1 has a frame template 11 a comprising pair of apertures 15 for a pair of corresponding lenses 17 to be inserted into them as shown in Figure 2A. This design prevents the lenses 17 from rotating within the aperture 15 and their accidental removal from the apertures 15. These apertures 15 may be identical to one another. The apertures 15 may be substantially circular or oval in shape.

[0091] In another embodiment, the apertures have a plurality of grooves as shown in Figure 2B. Preferably the depth of the groove is about 0.3mm and the width of the grooves is about 1 mm. Preferably the diameter of the lens is about 37mm

[0092] The apertures 15 are cut out from the frame template 11 a using a die press machine known in the state of the art for such purposes, such as the one shown in Figures 13A-13D. The die press machine can be customised to cut out the apertures 15 as desired and this would be part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art.

[0093] The process of cutting out the apertures is shown in Figures 13A to 13C. In step one, the frame 1 1 is positioned within the die press with the frame template 1 1 a being underneath the cutter. The frame template 11 a may be provided with the pinholes to help position the frame template 11 a within the die press. These pinholes may be marked with an indelible pen so that when the frame template 1 1 a is placed into the die press and is viewed through a sighting hole of the die press, the marked holes are aligned with the cutting area. Once the frame template 1 1 a is correctly positioned, the handles of the die frame are moved in an upright position at substantially 90 degrees to activate the cutter as shown in Figure 13A. Thereafter, in order to puncture the frame template 1 1 a with an aperture for the lens, the handles are pressed down to press the cutter onto the frame template 1 1 a as shown in Figure 13C. In a preferred embodiment, in order to cut out the apertures 15, the frame template 11 a is centred at the correct interocular distance and subtle markers are included in the frame template 11 a to assist in centring and lens insertion in the apertures at the correct rotational angle, allowing for the user’s measured astigmatism.

[0094] Preferably, the aperture 15 has a diameter of between 30mm to 50 mm. More preferably, the aperture 15 has a diameter of between 35 mm to 40 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the aperture 15 has a diameter of 37 mm. The lenses 17 being inserted into the apertures 15 are of appropriate size corresponding to the size of the apertures 15.

[0095] Each aperture 15 has a groove 16 corresponding to a protrusion 18 of the lens 17 being inserted into the aperture 15. In a preferred embodiment, there are at least two such grooves 16 and protrusions 18. Preferably, the groove 16 has a depth of between 0.5 mm to 0.9 mm and a width of between 1 .0 mm to 1 .5 mm. More preferably, the groove 16 has a depth of between 0.7 mm to 0.8 mm and a width of between 1 .0 mm to 1 .2 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the groove 16 has a depth of 0.75 mm and a width of 1 .0 mm.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of grooves 16 are all identical in size. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the plurality of grooves 16 are of different sizes. The protrusion 18 has an appropriate size corresponding to the size of the groove 16 into which it is inserted. The height of the protrusion 18 corresponds to the depth of the groove 16 and the width of the protrusion 18 corresponds to the width of the groove 16.

[0097] In one embodiment, the frame 11 may have the side arms 13 attachable such that the frame can serve two nose bridge sizes as the frame can be rotated through 180° along the horizontal axis, and thus can be worn in two ways. As shown in Figure 3a, such a frame 11 has protrusions 1 around the middle so that the side arms 13 are clipped such that the frame is reversable along the horizontal axis and can also be worn upside down. This way the same frame can be worn by two different people requiring a two different bridge sizes. For example, the frame may have a nose bridge such that it has 7mm radius with a 6mm gap above it suitable for a Caucasian nose. The same frame when reversed may have a radius of 9mm making the frame suitable for a African nose.

[0098] In another embodiment, the frame 11 may be detachable such that the two frontal portions 3 of the frame 11 can be separated as shown in Figure 3b. In this embodiment, the frame 11 is made up of two frontal portions 3 mirroring each other wherein the frontal portions 3 are provided with protrusions 1 and 2 on each side. When assembled together, the outer protrusions 1 are used to clip onto the side arms 13 and the inner protrusions 2 are used to clip on to a nose bridge 12. For this embodiment, nose bridges 12 of different shapes and sizes are provided so as to accommodate different nose shapes and sizes including adults and children as shown in Figures 3c and 3d. These nose bridges 12 have slots 4 on each side for each frontal portions 3 of the frame 11 to be clipped in. Once the frame 11 is assembled with the frontal portions 3 and the nose bridge 12, a pair of spectacle is assembled as shown in any of the other embodiments, such as by clipping the side arms 13, etc. Each of the frontal portion 3 is provided with a frame template comprising an aperture for a lens to be inserted into it as described above in other embodiments.

[0099] Figure 3E is another embodiment of a nose bridge that can be clipped onto the front portions of the detachable frame of Figure 3B. The embodiment is designed to have a variety of different bridge size that clip into the rim mount. The outside shape of the rim can vary and is not illustrated. This maintains the centre of the lens along the visual axis of the eye as illustrated. A nose bridge for a large nose is indicated at point 1 which is about 20mm above Datum and about 11 mm radius. A nose bridge for a standard nose is indicated at point 2 which is about 7mm above Datum and about 9mm radius. A nose bridge for a child’s nose or a smaller nose is indicated at point 2 which is about 6mm below Datum and 5mm radius and preferably a depth of about 1 mm.. In all cases the Back Vertex distance from the lens to the eye should be about 12mm as indicated in Figure 3F. According to a another embodiment, there is provided a pair of spectacles 35 as shown in Figure 6B, in which the height of the nose bridge 12 is adjustable. These spectacles are otherwise identical to those of the previous embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the height of the nose bridge 12 is adjusted with a bridge clip 19 which is detachably attached to the nose bridge 12. Examples of the bridge clip 19 are shown in Figures 4A to 6B.

[0100] The bridge clips 19 may have an apical radius of between 5mm to 22mm. Preferably, the bridge clip 19 has an apical radius of between 5mm and 9mm. The bridge clip 19 shown in Figures 4A, 4B, 6A, and 6B have an apical radius of 5mm. The bridge clip 19 shown in Figures 5A and 5B have an apical radius of 9mm.

[0101] The advantage of adjusting the height of the nose bridge 12 is so that the spectacles can be modified according to the size of the nose of the user. For example, the height of the nose bridge 12 relative to the pupil can be altered by selecting a low clip position such as for noses which are typically in line with the lower lid. This means that a low nose would have a bridge clip 19 that projects negatively from the frame front which causes the front to be moved forwards relative to the persons eyes which is needed when the cornea is in front of the nose. In this case, the bridge clip 19 would have small radius such as of 6mm and a negative projection of, for example, 10mm.

[0102] Alternatively, the height of the nose bridge 12 relative to the pupil can be altered by selecting a high clip position for noses which are typically in line with the eyebrows. In such cases, the bridge clips 19 would be thin at the apex of the nose allowing for little or no positive projection when seated on the nose.

[0103] According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a pair of spectacles 45 as shown in Figure 7B, in which the lenses have a plurality of pinholes 21 . These spectacles are otherwise identical to those of the previous embodiments and may also have a nose clip (as shown in Figure 7A which is a high clip). The pinholes 21 are used to locate the point of the minus power axis which runs from the front to the back of the lens 17 perpendicular to a surface.

[0104] Additionally, the pinholes 21 correct refractive error in the eye and can be used as a standalone device without any prescription lenses. This is also used when testing the sight of the person to establish the level of visual acuity. Furthermore, the monocular distance between the eyes is marked with a pen within the pinholes 21 so that the die press is correctly aligned. For example, some user could have monocular interpupillary distances of 40mm in one eye and 30mm in the other taken from the frame template 11a position when fitted to the nose, in cases where the nose is broken. For such a user, the apertures 15 will be positioned differently on each side of the frame template 11 a so that the lenses 17 are placed in front of the pupil of the eye.

[0105] The pinholes 21 may have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 1 .0 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the pinholes 21 have a diameter of 0.8 mm.

[0106] The pinholes 21 may be placed at a distance of about 1 ,5mm to about 3.0 mm from one another. In a preferred embodiment, the pinholes are placed at a distance of 2.5 mm from one another.

[0107] According to another embodiment, along with the other features of either or all of the previous embodiments, there is provided a pair of spectacles which has a plurality of pinholes 22 at the edge of the frame template 11 a as shown in Figure 7A. These pinholes 22 are used for alignment of the negative axis of the lens 17 when fitted in the aperture 15. Preferably, each pinhole is positioned at 5° increments and can be marked with an indelible pen during construction. This helps in an event in which the lens 17 is knocked out of the aperture 15 or rotated within the aperture under significant force. In that case, the lens 17 can be re-aligned when it is re-fitted into the aperture 15.

[0108] In a further embodiment, a pair of spectacles is provided which has all of the features of any or all of the embodiments described above along with some additional features such as an accessories clip, a cord, a sun blind, a torch, an additional frame, and side shields.

[0109] An accessories clip 20 as shown in Figures 6A, 6B, 8A, and 8B can be clipped onto the side arms 13 to aid the attachments of further elements such as a torch or a cord. The accessories clip 20 have a protrusion which snaps-fit into one of the slots 14 on the side arms 13.

[0110] The cord may be continuous from one side of the frame 11 to the other, so that the remaining cord is hanging between the two side arms 13 to allow users to hang their spectacles around their neck.

[0111] In another embodiment, there is provided a pair of spectacles 55 as shown in Figures 9A. These spectacles can have all of the features of any or all of the previously described embodiments. Additionally, they have a sun blind 23 at the front of the frame 11 . In this embodiment, the sun blind 23 is clipped into the first of the slots 14 on the side arms 13 and the frame 11 is clipped into the second or subsequent slots as shown in Figures 9B, 9C and 9D. This system also allows for more than one sun blind to be added to the front so that a low vision aid can be created for those users with cataracts, trachoma, etc.

[0112] In a yet another embodiment, there is provided a pair of spectacles 65 as shown in Figure 10A in which there are two frames 11 , 24 clipped onto the side arms 13. These spectacles can have all of the features of any or all of the previously described embodiments. The additional frame is useful for those users doing very fine close work like a watch makers eye glass which is a small galleon telescope using two lenses for each eye. Preferably, the side arms 13 will be longer to accommodate two frames so that a low vision aid can be created. Preferably, the front frame 24 and / or the lenses have a plurality of pinholes.

[0113] As shown in Figure 10D, the spectacles 650 can be built instantly for low vision aid. In this embodiment, the first frame 11 is positioned such that it sits on the user’s nose, and it has the lenses with their distance prescription. The second frame 24a set at the second position holds a pair of dioptre lens. The third frame 24b set at the third position holds a pair of dioptre glass achromatic doublet lens. This provides magnification of different measures depending on how close or far the third frame 24b is positioned. The further away the third frame is positioned from the second frame, the higher the magnification is achieved. The side arms can be provided with side extenders as shown in Figure 10E to allow the spectacles to be converted into a pair of magnifying glasses.

[0114] In a yet another embodiment, there is provided a pair of spectacles as shown in Figures 11 A to 11 F in which there are two frames clipped onto the side arms. These spectacles can have all of the features of any or all of the previously described embodiments. The additional frame is useful for those users doing very fine close work like a watch makers eye glass which is a small galleon telescope using two lenses for each eye. The low vision assembly in this embodiment allows for the front frame to move backwards and forwards so that one pair can perform two tasks, the magnification at distance / infinity is 2.3* and moving the frame forwards brings the near focus point closer 5-6” gives 4-5 times magnification.

[0115] In a different embodiment, there is provided a pair of spectacles 75 as shown in Figure 12A in which there are side shields 26 clipped onto the side arms 13. These spectacles can have all of the features of any or all of the previously described embodiments. The side shields provide a protective cover so that the spectacles can be used as safety spectacles ideal for working in a laboratory or a place requiring eye protection such as during welding. These side shields are provided with one or two protrusions 27 which can snap-fit into slot 14 of the side arms 13 as shown in Figures 12B to 12F.

[0116] Thus, the spectacles of the present invention are optimised to accommodate a range of different lenses including those providing protection from ultraviolet rays, their positioning with respect of the side arms, a range of different nose contours, and a range of different face and ears shapes and sizes. These spectacles are truly universal providing aid to children and adults from many different ethnic groups.

[0117] Various components of these spectacles described above in various embodiments are preferably supplied in a kit. Preferably, the kit has at least a frame 11 comprising a frame template 11 a and a nose bridge 12, lenses 17 to fit into the apertures 15, the side arms 13 for attachment to the frame 11 , and an instruction sheet for assembling the spectacles. In a preferred embodiment, the kit also comprises some or all additional features selected from accessories clip, bridge nose, cord, torch, side shields, sun blind, and additional frame. In a preferred embodiment, the kit also comprises a die press to cut the apertures 15 in the frame template 11 a if they are not pre-cut.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, the method of assembling these spectacles described above include taking a frame 11 as shown in Figure 1 A, cutting out a pair of apertures 15 in the frame template 11 a using a die press, inserting a pair of corresponding lenses 17 into the apertures, and attaching the side arms 13 at each end of the frame 11 . Additional features can be clipped into the side arms as desired thereafter. The lenses 17 may be produced off site for pre-cut frame templates 11 a, or the cut-out portions can be converted into the lenses 17. The lenses can be further modified to add a plurality of pinholes 21 before being inserted into the frame template 11 a. Similarly, the frame template 11 a can be provided with a plurality of pinholes 22 before assembling it into a full pair of spectacles.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, there is provided a method of assembling a pair of spectacles on site. For this, a frame 11 is taken and placed on a user’s face. Then the monocular distance of the eyes is measured. Once the measurements are taken, the frame is placed on a slider that goes into the die press shown in Figures 12A-C. The slider is moved to the correct measurement in the scale, and it is locked in place inside the die press when the frame template 11 a is correctly positioned under the cutter of the die press. The handles of the die press are then pressed so as to cut the apertures 15 on the frame template 11 a. The cut is made such that the aperture 15 has at least one groove 16. The diameter of the aperture 15 is standardised. Thereafter, a pair of lenses 17 with the correct eye measurement is taken. These lenses 17 have the same standardised diameter as the apertures 15, and they have at least one protrusion 18 corresponding to the groove 16 on the apertures 17. The edge of the lenses 17 may be marked with an axis of astigmatism by a small drill hole. When the lenses 17 are to fit into the frame template 11 a, firstly they are positioned correctly on the frame template 11a with the guide of the drill hole. Thereafter, the lenses 17 are inserted into the apertures 15. Once both the lenses 17 are inserted, the side arms 13 are clipped onto the frame 11 on each side resulting into an assembled pair of spectacles. Thus, a pair of spectacles is built on site within minutes and without requiring specialised tools. This can be very useful in remote areas where there is no optician clinic. Modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Relative terms such as “height”, “width”, “depth”, and / or “front” are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A pair of spectacles comprising: a frame having a frame template and a nose bridge; and two side arms attachable to the frame on each side; wherein the frame template has a pair of apertures configured to receive a pair of lenses, and wherein each of the apertures has a groove corresponding to a protrusion on each of the lenses.

2. A pair of spectacles according to claim 1 , wherein the side arm is attachable to the frame at one end and has a bend at the other end.

3. A pair of spectacles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the side arms have a slot for clipping a protrusion of the frame on each side.

4. A pair of spectacles according to claim 3, wherein the side arms have a plurality of slots.

5. A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the side arms are flexible such that the position of the bend is adjustable.

6. A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the side arms are made of a polyamide material.

7. A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the two side arms are connected to each other with a cord.

8. A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the height of the nose bridge is adjustable with a bridge clip.

9. A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apertures are substantially circular.

10. A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the apertures have a plurality of grooves corresponding to a plurality of protrusions on the lenses.1 1 . A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lenses have a plurality of pinholes.

12. A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein the frame template has a plurality of pinholes at an edge of the frame template.

13. A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the frame template is made of a polycarbonate material.

14. A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 13 further comprising an additional feature selected from any of accessories clip, sun blind, torch, side shields, and another frame for clipping into another slot on the side arms.

15. A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the frame is detachable such that the frame comprises a pair of frontal portions configured to be clipped onto a nose bridge.

16. A pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the frame is configured such the frame serves a different nose size when rotated through 180° along the horizontal axis.

17. A kit for preparing a pair of spectacles according to any of claims 1 to 16, comprising: a frame comprising a frame template and a nose bridge; a pair of lenses; a pair of side arms; and an instruction sheet for assembly of the spectacles.

18. A kit according to claim 17, further comprising a bridge clip.

19. A kit according to any of claims 17 or 18, further comprising a cord.

20. A kit according to any of claims 17 to 19, further comprising an additional feature selected from any of accessories clip, sun blind, torch, side shields, and another frame.21 .A kit according to any of claims 17 to 20, further comprising a portable die press to cut out the apertures on the frame template.

22. A method of assembling a pair of spectacles comprising the steps of: a) providing a kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 17 to 21 ; b) inserting the lenses into the apertures on the frame template; and c) clipping the frame onto the side arms.

23. A method according to claim 22 further comprising a step of cutting out the apertures on the frame template using a portable die press before step b).

24. A method according to any of claims 22 or 23, further comprising the steps of: d) clipping the bridge clip to the nose bridge; and / or e) attaching the cord to the side arms; and / or f) clipping the additional features.

Images