Oxygen therapy eyewear

Abstract

An oxygen therapy eyewear in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes a frame. The frame includes an upper frame portion, a bridge portion and two connection portions. The bridge portion has two sides and extends from a center of the upper frame portion. The two connection portions are located at each of two sides of the upper frame portion. A first channel is mounted to an inner side of the frame. The first channel penetrates the upper frame portion, the bridge portion and the connection portions, such that at least one of the connection portions is in fluid communication with each of the two sides of the bridge portion.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWOOXYGEN THERAPY EYEWEARCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application 63 / 754,831, filed February 6, 2025, entitled: “OXYGEN THERAPY GLASSES FRAME.” The contents of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to eyewear, especially to eyewear combined with an oxygen delivery device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] People with limited pulmonary capacities need supplemental oxygen therapy to improve the quality of life. The supplemental oxygen comes from oxygen sources such as oxygen concentrators, which remove nitrogen from air by pressure swing adsorption to generate oxygenrich gas in a continuous or pulse dose manner, or using pressurized oxygen cylinders. Among techniques available now, most of the supplemental oxygen is delivered to users by a pair of nasal cannulas, which are connected to the oxygen sources for allowing oxygen to flow through.

[0004] For many users, the nasal cannulas are uncomfortable and unattractive. Traditional nasal cannulas make it obvious that someone is receiving oxygen therapy because the nasal cannulas are usually hooked around the user’s ears and run across the user’s face. Owing to the negative perception associated with the use of oxygen, the users have lower self-esteem and follow the prescribed oxygen therapy at a relatively low rate.

[0005] In prior art eyewear, people try to hide the nasal cannulas by passing tubes along the side or inserting the tubes into theeyewear frame. Referring to US Pat. No. 11,559,652, an oxygen delivery apparatus is provided. The oxygen delivery apparatus includes a base frame configured to house a pair of lenses, a first hollow tubular temple member, and a second hollow tubular temple member, both connected to the base frame. Oxygen passes through the hollow tubular temple members, through a pair of channels disposed on either side of the frame, into and through nasal cannulas, and directly into the user’s nostrils. Problematically, however, the pairAttorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWOof channels do not extend across the bridge of the frame and are not in fluid communication with each other. Therefore, oxygen must be connected to both temple members in order to reach both nostrils of a user, which at times can be inconvenient for the user. This is because oxygen from one temple cannot flow through the bridge to reach both sides of the bridge and, therefore, both nostrils.

[0006] Moreover, an apparatus used to deliver breathable gases, such as oxygen, is integrally formed within the hollow frame of an eyewear. Channels in the hollow tubular members used to construct the eyewear need to be formed in advance during manufacturing of the eye wear. Yet, the hollow tubular members with such a design are easily blocked by plastics during the manufacturing. Moreover, once the hollow tubular members are blocked while in use due to various causes, the problems are hard to solve or deal with.

[0007] Thus, there is room for improvement, and there is a need to provide a novel eyewear that is designed for oxygen delivery and more convenient to use.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an oxygen therapy eyewear that not only combines an oxygen delivery device with an eyewear but also makes the eyewear more attractive and convenient to use.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an oxygen therapy eyewear according to the present invention mainly includes a frame composed of an upper frame portion, a bridge portion having two sides, connection portions located at two sides of the upper frame portion, a first channel, and a sealing part for sealing the first channel. The first channel is penetrating the upper frame portion, the bridge portion, and the connection portions, such that at least one of the connection portions is communicating (i.e., is in fluid communication) with each of the two sides of the bridge portion. At least one of the two sides of the bridge portion is connected with a nasal cannula able to be inserted into a user's nostril. Two temples are pivotally connected to the connection portions correspondingly, and an inner side of the temple is provided with a second channel, which is sealed by another sealing part. A rear end of the temple is connected to a gasAttorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWOsupply tube. The first and the second channels are communicating with each other, so that oxygen gas introduced by the gas supply tube can be delivered by the first and the second channels and then provided to the user through the nasal cannula. Thus, a gas delivery device is connected to the frame perfectly. Therefore, the oxygen therapy eyewear is more convenient to use and appealing.

[0010] Preferably, the frame is used for mounting lenses therein.

[0011] Preferably, a nose pad is locked and fixed on each of the two sides of the bridge portion for fixing the nasal cannula correspondingly. Preferably, an additional frame, such as a sunglasses frame, is connected to an outer side of the frame to increase functionality in use.

[0012] Preferably, a protruding piece is arranged at a center of the additional frame, while the frame is provided with a locking slot able to be locked with and fixed by the protruding piece correspondingly.

[0013] Preferably, a magnetic member for magnetic attachment and positioning is disposed on each of the two sides of both the additional frame and the frame.

[0014] An oxygen therapy eyewear in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes a frame. The frame includes an upper frame portion, a bridge portion, and two connection portions. The bridge portion has two sides and extends from a center of the upper frame portion. The two connection portions are located at each of the two sides of the upper frame portion. A first channel is mounted to an inner side of the frame. The first channel penetrates the upper frame portion, the bridge portion, and the connection portions, such that at least one of the connection portions is in fluid communication with each of the two sides of the bridge portion. Advantageously, the oxygen therapy eyewear is configured to enable oxygen to flow through at least one temple, reach both sides of the bridge portion, and, therefore, flow into both nostrils.

[0015] Another oxygen therapy ey ewear in accordance with one or more aspects of theAttorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWOpresent disclosure includes a frame. The frame includes an upper frame portion, a bridge portion, and two connection portions. The bridge portion has two sides and extends from a center of the upper frame portion. The two connection portions are located at each of the two sides of the upper frame portion. A first channel is mounted to an inner side of the frame. The first channel penetrates the upper frame portion, the bridge portion, and the connection portions, such that at least one of the connection portions is in fluid communication with each of the two sides of the bridge portion. Two nasal cannulas of the oxygen therapy eyewear each include one end of the nasal cannulas connected to, and in fluid communication with, the first channel located at the bridge portion of the frame. The nasal cannulas also each include another end of the nasal cannulas configured to be mounted into a nostril of a user. Two temples of the oxygen therapy eyewear have an open position wherein the temples are positioned to be worn by a user, and a closed position wherein the temples are folded onto each other. Each temple includes a pivot portion pivotally connected to one of the two connection portions of the frame. The pivot portion is configured to enable the temple to pivot between the temple’s open position and closed position. A through hole is arranged at the pivot portion of each temple. A second channel is disposed on an inner side of each temple. In the temple’s open position, the second channel is in fluid communication with the first channel through the through hole, and the first and second channels are configured to pass a flow of oxygen therethrough.

[0016] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein and may be used to achieve the benefits and advantages described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an embodiment, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment, according to aspects of the presentAttorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWOinvention;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing a partial sectional view of an embodiment, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment provided with lenses, according to aspects of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an embodiment provided with an additional frame, according to aspects of the present invention; and

[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing showing a partial sectional view of another embodiment, according to aspects of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Certain examples will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein. One or more examples are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the methods, systems, and devices specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples and that the scope of the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one example may be combined with the features of other examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an oxygen therapy eyewear according to the present invention mainly includes a frame 1, two temples 2, two sealing pads 3, two nasal cannulas 4, and two gas supply tubes 5. The frame 1 includes an upper frame portion 11, a bridge portion 12 having two sides and extending from a center of the upper frame portion 11, a connection portion 13 located at each of two sides of the upper frame portion 11, a first channel 14 mounted to an inner side of the frame 1, and a first sealing part 15 connected to an open end of the firstAttorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWOchannel 14. The first channel 14 is penetrating the upper frame portion 11 , the bridge portion 12, and the connection portions 13. In other words, the first channel 14 spans across the entire frame 1 to provide fluid communication between at least one of the connection portions 13 and both sides of the bridge portion 12. Advantageously, this configuration enables oxygen to flow through at least one temple and into both nostrils of a user.

[0026] Each of the temples 2 is provided with a pivot portion 21 pivotally connected to the connection portion 13 of the frame 1. The two temples 2 have an open position wherein the temples are positioned to be worn by a user, and a closed position wherein the temples 2 are folded onto each other. The pivot portion 21 is configured to enable the temples 2 to pivot between the temple’s open position and closed position.

[0027] A through hole 22 is arranged at the pivot portion 21. A connection tube 23 is disposed on a rear end of the temple 2. A second channel 24 is formed on an inner side of the temple 2. A second sealing part 25 is connected to an open end of the second channel 24. The second channel 24 is communicating (i .e. , in fluid communication) with the through hole 22 and the connection tube 23.

[0028] Each of the two sealing pads 3 is disposed on a pivotal connection between the pivot portion 21 of the temple 2 and the connection portion 13 of the frame 1. Each sealing pad 3 is provided with an opening 31 which is corresponding to the through hole 22 at the pivot portion 21 and communicating with the first channel 14 of the frame 1 and the second channel 24 of a temple 2.

[0029] Each of the two nasal cannulas 4 includes one end mounted to the first channel 14 located at the bridge portion 12 and the other end inserted into a nostril of a user.

[0030] The respective gas supply tubes 5 are connected to the connection tubes 23 on the rear end of the temples 2 , correspondingly, to deli veroxygen.Attorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWO

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, while in use, the two sealing pads 3 are aligned with and mounted into the connection portions 13 on the two sides of the upper frame portion 11, and the first sealing part 15 is mounted to the open end of the first channel 14 for sealing. Then, the sealing pads 3 are attached and positioned, and the open end of the second channels 24 of the temples 2 are sealed by the second sealing parts 25. Next, the temples 2 are pivotally connected to the frame 1, and the openings 31 of the sealing pads 3 are communicating with the through holes 22 of the pivot portions 21 and the first channel 14. Then, the two nasal cannulas 4 are installed at the bridge portion 12 and communicating with the first channels 14. A nose pad 121 is locked and fixed on each of the two sides of the bridge portion 12 for fixing the nasal cannula 4, correspondingly. Lastly, the two gas supply tubes 5 are disposed on the connection tubes 23 on the rear end of the temples 2.

[0032] While in use, the temples 2 are opened and worn by users together with the frame 1 while the nasal cannulas 4 are mounted into the user's nostrils. Under the opened state, the through hole 22 at the pivot portion 21 of the temple 2 is communicating with the opening 31 of the sealing pad 3 so that the first channel 14 and the second channel 24 are communicating with each other.

[0033] Moreover, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, when the temples 2 are opened and worn by a user, there is fluid communication all the way from one temple 2 to the other temple 2. Additionally, there is fluid communication between each temple 2 and both nasal cannulas 4 on both sides of the bridge 12. This is because the first channel 14 penetrates the upper frame 11, both sides of the bridge portion 12 and both connection portions 3.

[0034] When the gas supply tube 5 is connected with an oxygen delivery device (not shown), oxygen gas is introduced into the second channel 24 of the temple 2 through the gas supply tube 5 and the connection tube 23, and then flows from the through hole 22 at the pivot portion 21 to the first channel 14 through the opening 31 of the sealing pad 3. Next, the oxygen gas is continuously flowing into both the nasal cannulas 4 connected to the first channel 14 at the bridge 12 and delivered to the user.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the frame 1 is mounted with lenses 6 (as shown in FIG. 4) and an additional frame 7, such as sunglasses, is connected to an outer side of the frame 1 (as shown in FIG. 5) to increase functionality in use. A protruding pieceAttorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWO71 is arranged at a center of the additional frame 7 while the frame 1 is provided with a locking slot 16 able to be locked with and fixed by the protruding piece 71 correspondingly. Alternatively, a magnetic member A is disposed on each of two sides of both the additional frame 7 and the frame 1 , so that the additional frame 7 and the frame 1 are magnetically connected and positioned by each other.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 6, in the previous embodiments, the oxygen is supplied by being delivered into the frame 1 through the two temples 2. However, in another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, only one gas supply tube 5 is used to deliver oxygen.

[0037] In this embodiment, an oxygen therapy eyewear includes a frame 1, two temples 2, at least one sealing pad 3, two nasal cannulas 4, and at least one gas supply tube 5.

[0038] The frame 1 is composed of an upper frame portion 11, a bridge portion 12 having two sides and extending from a center of the upper frame portion 11, a connection portion 13 located at each of two sides of the upper frame portion 11, a first channel 14 mounted to an inner side of the frame 1 , and a first sealing part 15 connected to an open end of the first channel 14. The upper frame portion 11 includes a first frame segment 111 and a second frame segment 112. The first channel 14 is penetrating the upper frame portion 11, the bridge portion 12, and the connection portion 13. A stopping block 17 is disposed on the first frame segment 111 or the second frame segment 112 and located at the first channel 14. The stopping block 17 is configured to provide a blockage, or prevent fluid communication, of a flow of oxygen in a downstream flow direction in the first frame segment 111 or the second frame segment 112 that the stopping block 17 is disposed in.

[0039] Although the stopping block 17 is used herein to prevent the flow of oxygen in a downstream direction, it is within the scope of this invention that other features may be used to perform substantially the same function. For example, the sealing pad 3, which is disposed within the connection portion 13 positioned adjacent to the first frame segment 111 may be configured without an opening 31 to provide a blockage to oxygen flow. Also, by way of example, the pivot portion 21 of the temple 2 that is adjacent to the first frame segment 111, may be configured without a through hole 22 to provide a blockage to oxygen flow. Alternatively, by way of another example, a removable cap (not shown) may be connected, for example via a press fit, to the connection tube 23 of the temple 2 that is not receiving the supply of oxygen, inAttorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWOorder to prevent oxygen from flowing out of the connection tube 23 that the cap is covering.

[0040] Each of the temples 2 is provided with a pivot portion 21 pivotally connected to the connection portion 13 of the frame 1, a through hole 22 arranged at the pivot portion 21 of one of the temples 2, a connection tube 23 disposed on a rear end of the temple 2 with the through hole 22, a second channel 24 formed on an inner side of the temple 2 with the through hole 22, and a second sealing part 25 connected to an open end of the second channel 24. The second channel 24 is communicating with the through hole 22 and the connection tube 23.

[0041] The sealing pad 3 is arranged at a pivotal connection between the pivot portion 21 of one of the temples 2 with the through hole 22 and the connection portion 13 of the frame 1. The sealing pad 3 is provided with an opening 31 which is corresponding to the through hole 22 at the pivot portion 21 and communicating with the first channel 14 and the second channel 24.

[0042] Each of the two nasal cannulas 4 includes one end mounted to the first channel 14 located at the bridge portion 12 and the other end thereof is mounted into a user's nostril.

[0043] The gas supply tube 5 is connected to the connection tube 23 on the rear end of the temple 2 with the through hole 22 to deliver oxygen.

[0044] This embodiment is about the same as the above embodiment while in use. The difference between this embodiment and the above one is that the oxygen gas is only introduced into the second channel 24 from the gas supply tube 5 through the connection tube 23 of the temple 2 with the through hole 22 at the single side of the glasses frame. Then the oxygen gas is flowing to the first channel 14 through the through hole 22 at the pivot portion 21 and the opening 31 of the sealing pad 3. Due to the stopping block 17 being disposed on the first frame segment 111. This is because the stopping block 17 is configured to provide a blockage, or to prevent the flow of oxygen in a downstream flow direction in the first frame segment 111 that the stopping block 17 is disposed in. While flowing to the first channel 14, the oxygen gas passes a part of the first channel 14 located at the second frame segment 112 and then flows into the nasal cannula 4 in the bridge portion 12 to be supplied to the user.Attorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWO

[0045] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, and representative devices shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0046] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail herein (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[0047] Although the invention has been described by reference to specific examples, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the described examples, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An oxygen therapy eyewear comprising:a frame comprising:an upper frame portion,a bridge portion having two sides and extending from a center of the upper frame portion, anda connection portion located at each of two sides of the upper frame portion; anda first channel mounted to an inner side of the frame, wherein the first channel penetrates the upper frame portion, the bridge portion and the connection portions, such that at least one of the connection portions is in fluid communication with each of the two sides of the bridge portion.

2. The oxygen therapy eyewear of claim 1, wherein the first channel penetrates the upper frame portion, the bridge portion and the connection portions, such that both connection portions are in fluid communication with each of the two sides of the bridge portion.

3. The oxygen therapy eyewear of any of claims 1 through 2, comprising:the first channel comprising a first frame segment and a second frame segment: and a stopping block disposed in one of the first segment or the second frame segment; wherein the stopping block is configured to prevent a flow of oxygen in a downstream flow direction in the frame segment that the stopping block is disposed in.

4. The oxygen therapy eyewear of any of claims 1 through 3, comprising a first sealing part connected to an open end of the first channel.

5. The oxygen therapy eyewear of any of claims 1 through 4, comprising:two nasal cannulas each of which includes:one end of the nasal cannulas connected to, and in fluid communication with, the first channel located at the bridge portion of the frame, andanother end of the nasal cannulas configured to be mounted into a nostril of a user.

6. The oxygen therapy eyewear of claim 5, wherein a nose pad is locked and fixed on eachAttorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWOof two sides of the bridge portion for fixing the nasal cannulas correspondingly.

7. The oxygen therapy eyewear of any of claims 1 through 6, comprising:two temples having an open position wherein the temples are positioned to be worn by a user, and a closed position wherein the temples are folded onto each other, each temple comprising:a pivot portion pivotally connected to one of the two connection portions of the frame, the pivot portion configured to enable the temple to pivot between the temple’s open position and closed position,a through hole arranged at the pivot portion of the temple, and a second channel disposed on an inner side of the temple,wherein in the temple’s open position, the second channel is in fluid communication with the first channel through the through hole, and the first and second channels are configured to pass a flow of oxygen through the first and second channels.

8. The oxygen therapy eyewear of claim 7, wherein the temples each comprise:a second sealing part connected to an open end of the second channel.

9. The oxygen therapy eyewear of any of claims 7 through 8, wherein the temples each comprise:a connection tube disposed on a rear end of the temple, the connection tube configured to connect to a supply of oxygen.

10. The oxygen therapy eyewear of any of claims 7 through 9, comprising:two sealing pads, each of which is disposed within one of the two connection portions of the frame and each of which is pivotally connected to the pivot portion of one of the two temples;wherein each sealing pad includes an opening corresponding to the through hole of the pivot portion of each temple, the opening providing fluid communication between the first and second channels when the temples are in their open position.

11. The oxygen therapy eyewear of any of claims 1 through 10, wherein an additional frame is connected to an outer side of the frame.Attorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWO12. The oxygen therapy eyewear of claim 11 , wherein a protruding piece is arranged at a center of the additional frame while the frame is provided with a locking slot able to be locked with and fixed by the protruding piece.

13. The oxygen therapy eyewear of claim 11, wherein a magnetic member for magnetic attachment and positioning is disposed on each of two sides of the frame and each of two sides of the additional frame.

14. An oxygen therapy eyewear comprising:a frame comprising:an upper frame portion,a bridge portion having two sides and extending from a center of the upper frame portion, anda connection portion located at each of two sides of the upper frame portion; a first channel mounted to an inner side of the frame, wherein the first channel penetrates the upper frame portion, the bridge portion and the connection portions, such that at least one of the connection portions is in fluid communication with each of the two sides of the bridge portion;two nasal cannulas each of which includes:one end of the nasal cannulas connected to, and in fluid communication with, the first channel located at the bridge portion of the frame, andanother end of the nasal cannulas configured to be mounted into a nostril of a user; andtwo temples having an open position wherein the temples are positioned to be worn by a user, and a closed position wherein the temples are folded onto each other, each temple comprising:a pivot portion pivotally connected to one of the two connection portions of the frame, the pivot portion configured to enable the temple to pivot between the temple’s open position and closed position,a through hole arranged at the pivot portion of the temple, anda second channel disposed on an inner side of the temple,Attorney Docket No.: 6339.025AWOwherein in the temple’s open position, the second channel is in fluid communication with the first channel through the through hole, and the first and second channels are configured to pass a flow of oxygen through the first and second channels.

15. The oxygen therapy eyewear of claim 14, wherein the first channel penetrates the upper frame portion, the bridge portion and the connection portions, such that both connection portions are in fluid communication with each of the two sides of the bridge portion.

16. The oxygen therapy eyewear of any of claims 14 through 15, comprising:the first channel comprising a first frame segment and a second frame segment; and a stopping block disposed in one of the first segment or the second frame segment; wherein the stopping block is configured to prevent the flow of oxygen in a downstream flow direction in the frame segment that the stopping block is disposed in.

17. The oxygen therapy eyewear of any of claims 14 through 16, comprising:two sealing pads, each of which is disposed within one of the two connection portions of the frame and each of which is pivotally connected to the pivot portion of one of the two temples;wherein each sealing pad includes an opening corresponding to the through hole of the pivot portion of each temple, the opening providing fluid communication between the first and second channels when the temples are in their open position.

18. The oxygen therapy eyewear of any of claims 14 through 17, wherein an additional frame is connected to an outer side of the frame.

19. The oxygen therapy eyewear of claim 18, wherein a protruding piece is arranged at a center of the additional frame while the frame is provided with a locking slot able to be locked with and fixed by the protruding piece.

20. The oxygen therapy eyewear of claim 18, wherein a magnetic member for magnetic attachment and positioning is disposed on each of two sides of the frame and on each of two sides of the additional frame.

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