CA2321011A1 - Auxiliary lens unit for eyeglasses - Google Patents
Auxiliary lens unit for eyeglasses Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2321011A1 CA2321011A1 CA 2321011 CA2321011A CA2321011A1 CA 2321011 A1 CA2321011 A1 CA 2321011A1 CA 2321011 CA2321011 CA 2321011 CA 2321011 A CA2321011 A CA 2321011A CA 2321011 A1 CA2321011 A1 CA 2321011A1
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- Prior art keywords
- lens unit
- pair
- eyeglass device
- auxiliary lens
- attachment members
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- Abandoned
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
- G02C9/00—Attaching auxiliary optical parts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
- G02C2200/00—Generic mechanical aspects applicable to one or more of the groups G02C1/00 - G02C5/00 and G02C9/00 - G02C13/00 and their subgroups
- G02C2200/02—Magnetic means
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Eyeglasses (AREA)
Abstract
An eyeglass device comprising a primary lens unit and an auxiliary lens unit. The primary lens unit has a pair of nose pad supports for supporting nose pads and the auxiliary lens unit has a pair of connector arms for engaging the nose pad supports. Magnets or other suitable attachment devices are disposed on one of the auxiliary lens unit and the primary lens unit for attracting the other made of a metal responsive to a magnet, such as a ferrous metal.
Description
Title: AUXILIARY LENS UNITS FOR EYEGLASSES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to eyeglasses and in particular to auxiliary lens units that may be detachably mounted to eyeglasses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known for prescription eyeglasses to be fitted with detachable auxiliary lens units that are tinted for protection against the sun. The auxiliary lens units are typically mounted to the eyeglasses with clips and/or magnets. For instance, U.S. patent 5,568,207 (Chao) discloses an eyeglass device with auxiliary lenses having arms that rest on the upper surface of side portions of the primary lenses. The arms are equipped with magnets for engaging corresponding magnets located on the primary lenses. U.S. patent 5,737,054 (Chao) discloses an eyeglass device with auxiliary lenses having a middle bridge portion that extends over the bridge of the primary lenses. Corresponding magnets are disposed in the bridge and middle bridge portion to secure the respective members together.
There is a need for an improved eyeglass device in which auxiliary lens units may be easily fitted to primary lens units in an aesthetically pleasing manner where the auxiliary lens units are supported against movement relative to the primary lens units.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an eyeglass device comprising a primary lens unit having a pair of rims for holding lenses, a pair of nose pad supports and a pair of first attachment members, an auxiliary lens unit having a pair of lenses and a pair of second attachment members, the pair of second attachment members adapted to co-operate with the pair of first attachment members, wherein one of the pairs of first and second attachment members are magnets and the other of the pairs of first and second attachment members is unmagnetized but responsive to the magnets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a front view of the eyeglass device in accordance with the present invention showing the auxiliary lens unit detached from the primary lens unit;
Fig. 2 is a top view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a front view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 1 showing the auxiliary lens unit attached to the primary lens unit;
Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the eyeglass device as viewed along lines 4-4 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a partial rear view of the nose pad and nose pad support as viewed along direction arrow 5 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the eyeglass device as viewed along lines 6-6 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 7 is a front view of a second embodiment of an eyeglass device in accordance with the present invention showing the auxiliary lens unit attached to the primary lens unit;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the auxiliary lens unit for the eyeglass device of Fig. 7 as viewed along lines 8-8;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 7 as viewed along lines 8-8;
Fig. 10 is a front view of a third embodiment of an eyeglass device in accordance with the present invention showing the auxiliary lens unit detached from the primary lens unit;
Fig. 11 is a top view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is a front view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 10 showing the auxiliary lens unit attached to the primary lens unit;
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to eyeglasses and in particular to auxiliary lens units that may be detachably mounted to eyeglasses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known for prescription eyeglasses to be fitted with detachable auxiliary lens units that are tinted for protection against the sun. The auxiliary lens units are typically mounted to the eyeglasses with clips and/or magnets. For instance, U.S. patent 5,568,207 (Chao) discloses an eyeglass device with auxiliary lenses having arms that rest on the upper surface of side portions of the primary lenses. The arms are equipped with magnets for engaging corresponding magnets located on the primary lenses. U.S. patent 5,737,054 (Chao) discloses an eyeglass device with auxiliary lenses having a middle bridge portion that extends over the bridge of the primary lenses. Corresponding magnets are disposed in the bridge and middle bridge portion to secure the respective members together.
There is a need for an improved eyeglass device in which auxiliary lens units may be easily fitted to primary lens units in an aesthetically pleasing manner where the auxiliary lens units are supported against movement relative to the primary lens units.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an eyeglass device comprising a primary lens unit having a pair of rims for holding lenses, a pair of nose pad supports and a pair of first attachment members, an auxiliary lens unit having a pair of lenses and a pair of second attachment members, the pair of second attachment members adapted to co-operate with the pair of first attachment members, wherein one of the pairs of first and second attachment members are magnets and the other of the pairs of first and second attachment members is unmagnetized but responsive to the magnets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a front view of the eyeglass device in accordance with the present invention showing the auxiliary lens unit detached from the primary lens unit;
Fig. 2 is a top view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a front view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 1 showing the auxiliary lens unit attached to the primary lens unit;
Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the eyeglass device as viewed along lines 4-4 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a partial rear view of the nose pad and nose pad support as viewed along direction arrow 5 of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the eyeglass device as viewed along lines 6-6 of Fig. 2;
Fig. 7 is a front view of a second embodiment of an eyeglass device in accordance with the present invention showing the auxiliary lens unit attached to the primary lens unit;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the auxiliary lens unit for the eyeglass device of Fig. 7 as viewed along lines 8-8;
Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 7 as viewed along lines 8-8;
Fig. 10 is a front view of a third embodiment of an eyeglass device in accordance with the present invention showing the auxiliary lens unit detached from the primary lens unit;
Fig. 11 is a top view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 10;
Fig. 12 is a front view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 10 showing the auxiliary lens unit attached to the primary lens unit;
Fig. 13 is a top view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 10 showing the auxiliary lens unit attached to the primary lens unit;
Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the primary lens unit for the eyeglass device as viewed along lines 14-14 of Fig. 11;
Fig. 15 is a sectional view of the auxiliary lens unit of the eyeglass device as viewed along lines 15-15 of Fig. 11;
Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the eyeglass device as viewed along lines 16-16 of Fig. 13;
Fig. 17 is a sectional view of a primary lens unit for a fourth embodiment of an eyeglass device viewed in the same direction as the sectional view shown in Fig. 14;
Fig. 18 is a sectional view of the auxiliary lens unit of the eyeglass device of Fig. 17 viewed in the same direction as the sectional view shown in Fig. 15;
Fig. 19 is a sectional view of a primary lens unit for a fifth embodiment of an eyeglass device viewed in the same direction as the sectional view showing Fig. 14;
Fig. 20 is a sectional view of an auxiliary lens unit for the eyeglass device of Fig. 19 viewed in the same direction as the sectional view shown in Fig. 15.
Fig. 21 is a front view of a sixth embodiment of an eyeglass device in accordance with the present invention showing the auxiliary lens unit detached from the primary lens unit; and Fig. 22 is a top view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
An eyeglass device in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at 20 in the figures. Eyeglass device includes a primary lens unit 22 and an auxiliary lens unit 24.
The description includes directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "front" and "rear" and variations thereof to refer to elements of eyeglass device 20. These terms should be understood to relate to the orientation of the eyeglass device when it is worn on the head of a user.
Thus, "upper" refers to a surface that faces generally toward the sky and "lower" refers to a surface that faces generally toward the ground. "Rear"
refers to a surface that faces generally toward the back of the user's head and "front" refers to a surface that faces generally away from the user's face.
Referring to Figures 1 to 5, primary lens unit 22 includes lenses 26 that are typically prescription lenses to aid a person's eyesight.
Lenses 26 are supported by rims 28 spanned by a bridge 30. A side extension member 32 extends from each side of primary lens unit 22. Each side extension member 32 has a laterally extending portion 34 and a rearwardly extending portion 36. Temple arms 38 are pivotally mounted with a hinge 40 to the rearwardly extending portion 36.
Located below bridge 30 are nose pads 42 supported by nose pad supports 44. Nose pad supports 44 are either integrally formed with rims 28 or mounted to rims 28 by fasteners 46 such as solder, welds, glue or screw fasteners as known in the art. Nose pad 42 preferably has a neck 48 that is either integrally formed with nose pad 42 or that is separately formed and mounted to or embedded partially within nose pad 42 as known in the art. Neck 48 is received within a corresponding collar 50 located on nose pad support 44. A fastener 51 such as a screw fastener or pin extends from one side of collar 50 to the other side through neck 48 to pivotally support nose pad 42 on nose pad support 44. In this manner, nose pad 42 may pivot into a position where it sits comfortably against the surface of a person's nose. Alternatively, nose pad 42 is integrally formed with nose pad support 44.
Referring to Fig. 4, it may be seen that nose pad support 44 is modified from a conventional nose pad support to include a magnet 52.
The nose pad support 44 may be integrally formed with a housing 54 to receive magnet 52. Alternatively, magnet 52 may be attached to the surface of nose pad support 44 with a fastener (not shown) such as solder, welds or glue. Magnet 52 is oriented to face generally outwardly relative to a person's nose (i.e. the direction opposite to the nose pad 42) in order to receive a corresponding magnet located on the auxiliary lens unit 24 as discussed below.
The auxiliary lens unit 24 includes lenses 60 that are typically tinted to protect a person's eyes against the sun. The lenses 60 are supported in rims 62 that are spanned by a bridge 64. Side extension members 66 are provided to bear against the upper surface of side extension members 32 located on the primary lens unit 22.
Referring to Fig. 6, connector arms 68 extend rearwardly and downwardly from the rims 62 of the auxiliary lens unit 24 below the bridge 64. Connector arms 68 extend a sufficient distance G from rims 62 to allow a gap to be defined between lenses 60 of auxiliary lens unit 24 and lenses 26 of primary lens unit 22. The gap accounts for curvature in one or both of lenses 26, 60 to prevent the lenses 26, 60 of respective units 22, 24 contacting each other. A magnet 70 is disposed in a housing 71 at the terminal end 74 of each connector arm 68 facing inwardly towards a person's nose for engaging corresponding magnet 52 on primary lens unit 22. Magnets 52 and 70 are so positioned as to maintain attractive contact with each other when auxiliary lens unit 24 is fitted to the primary lens unit 22 to secure units 22, 24 together. Further support for auxiliary lens unit 24 may be provided by side extension members 66 bearing on top of side extension members 32 the primary lens unit 22.
Referring to Figs. 7 to 9, a second embodiment of the eyeglass device 20 is shown. For convenience, the same reference numerals have been given to structural elements corresponding to the elements of the first embodiment described above.
In the second embodiment of eyeglass device 20, connector arms 68 are positioned higher on auxiliary lens unit 24 such that connector arms 68 extend over bridge 30 of primary lens unit 22 and bear against the upper surface of bridge 30 while magnets 72 engage magnets 52 to secure primary and auxiliary lens units 22, 24 together. In this embodiment, auxiliary lens unit 24 does not include side extension members 66.
Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the primary lens unit for the eyeglass device as viewed along lines 14-14 of Fig. 11;
Fig. 15 is a sectional view of the auxiliary lens unit of the eyeglass device as viewed along lines 15-15 of Fig. 11;
Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the eyeglass device as viewed along lines 16-16 of Fig. 13;
Fig. 17 is a sectional view of a primary lens unit for a fourth embodiment of an eyeglass device viewed in the same direction as the sectional view shown in Fig. 14;
Fig. 18 is a sectional view of the auxiliary lens unit of the eyeglass device of Fig. 17 viewed in the same direction as the sectional view shown in Fig. 15;
Fig. 19 is a sectional view of a primary lens unit for a fifth embodiment of an eyeglass device viewed in the same direction as the sectional view showing Fig. 14;
Fig. 20 is a sectional view of an auxiliary lens unit for the eyeglass device of Fig. 19 viewed in the same direction as the sectional view shown in Fig. 15.
Fig. 21 is a front view of a sixth embodiment of an eyeglass device in accordance with the present invention showing the auxiliary lens unit detached from the primary lens unit; and Fig. 22 is a top view of the eyeglass device of Fig. 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
An eyeglass device in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at 20 in the figures. Eyeglass device includes a primary lens unit 22 and an auxiliary lens unit 24.
The description includes directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "front" and "rear" and variations thereof to refer to elements of eyeglass device 20. These terms should be understood to relate to the orientation of the eyeglass device when it is worn on the head of a user.
Thus, "upper" refers to a surface that faces generally toward the sky and "lower" refers to a surface that faces generally toward the ground. "Rear"
refers to a surface that faces generally toward the back of the user's head and "front" refers to a surface that faces generally away from the user's face.
Referring to Figures 1 to 5, primary lens unit 22 includes lenses 26 that are typically prescription lenses to aid a person's eyesight.
Lenses 26 are supported by rims 28 spanned by a bridge 30. A side extension member 32 extends from each side of primary lens unit 22. Each side extension member 32 has a laterally extending portion 34 and a rearwardly extending portion 36. Temple arms 38 are pivotally mounted with a hinge 40 to the rearwardly extending portion 36.
Located below bridge 30 are nose pads 42 supported by nose pad supports 44. Nose pad supports 44 are either integrally formed with rims 28 or mounted to rims 28 by fasteners 46 such as solder, welds, glue or screw fasteners as known in the art. Nose pad 42 preferably has a neck 48 that is either integrally formed with nose pad 42 or that is separately formed and mounted to or embedded partially within nose pad 42 as known in the art. Neck 48 is received within a corresponding collar 50 located on nose pad support 44. A fastener 51 such as a screw fastener or pin extends from one side of collar 50 to the other side through neck 48 to pivotally support nose pad 42 on nose pad support 44. In this manner, nose pad 42 may pivot into a position where it sits comfortably against the surface of a person's nose. Alternatively, nose pad 42 is integrally formed with nose pad support 44.
Referring to Fig. 4, it may be seen that nose pad support 44 is modified from a conventional nose pad support to include a magnet 52.
The nose pad support 44 may be integrally formed with a housing 54 to receive magnet 52. Alternatively, magnet 52 may be attached to the surface of nose pad support 44 with a fastener (not shown) such as solder, welds or glue. Magnet 52 is oriented to face generally outwardly relative to a person's nose (i.e. the direction opposite to the nose pad 42) in order to receive a corresponding magnet located on the auxiliary lens unit 24 as discussed below.
The auxiliary lens unit 24 includes lenses 60 that are typically tinted to protect a person's eyes against the sun. The lenses 60 are supported in rims 62 that are spanned by a bridge 64. Side extension members 66 are provided to bear against the upper surface of side extension members 32 located on the primary lens unit 22.
Referring to Fig. 6, connector arms 68 extend rearwardly and downwardly from the rims 62 of the auxiliary lens unit 24 below the bridge 64. Connector arms 68 extend a sufficient distance G from rims 62 to allow a gap to be defined between lenses 60 of auxiliary lens unit 24 and lenses 26 of primary lens unit 22. The gap accounts for curvature in one or both of lenses 26, 60 to prevent the lenses 26, 60 of respective units 22, 24 contacting each other. A magnet 70 is disposed in a housing 71 at the terminal end 74 of each connector arm 68 facing inwardly towards a person's nose for engaging corresponding magnet 52 on primary lens unit 22. Magnets 52 and 70 are so positioned as to maintain attractive contact with each other when auxiliary lens unit 24 is fitted to the primary lens unit 22 to secure units 22, 24 together. Further support for auxiliary lens unit 24 may be provided by side extension members 66 bearing on top of side extension members 32 the primary lens unit 22.
Referring to Figs. 7 to 9, a second embodiment of the eyeglass device 20 is shown. For convenience, the same reference numerals have been given to structural elements corresponding to the elements of the first embodiment described above.
In the second embodiment of eyeglass device 20, connector arms 68 are positioned higher on auxiliary lens unit 24 such that connector arms 68 extend over bridge 30 of primary lens unit 22 and bear against the upper surface of bridge 30 while magnets 72 engage magnets 52 to secure primary and auxiliary lens units 22, 24 together. In this embodiment, auxiliary lens unit 24 does not include side extension members 66.
Referring to Figs. 10 to 16, a third embodiment of the eyeglass device is shown. For convenience, the same reference numerals have been given to structural elements corresponding to the elements of the first or second embodiments described above.
Referring to primary lens unit 22 for the third embodiment of eyeglass device 20, magnet 52 is oriented in housing 54 to face generally inwardly relative to a person's nose (i.e. toward the nose). Nose pad support 44 and housing 54 are generally aligned with rim 28 in front view.
Referring to auxiliary lens unit 24, each connector arm 68 extends rearwardly along one axis from rims 62 below bridge 64. Magnets 70 are disposed at terminal end 74 of connector arm 68 facing outwardly relative to a person's nose (i.e. away from nose) for engaging magnets 52 on primary lens unit 22. Housing 54 of primary lens unit 22 is offset sufficiently from nose pad 42 to allow sufficient space for terminal end 74 of connector arm 68 to be received without interfering with a user's nose.
A support flange 76 is defined on each nose pad support 52 of primary lens unit 22 for receiving and supporting terminal end 74 of connector arm 68 for auxiliary lens unit 24. Most preferably, terminal ends 74 of connector arms 68 are rounded and support flanges 76 are correspondingly rounded in order to cradle each terminal end 74 in a position such that magnets 52 and 70 are aligned. Support flanges 76 thus support connector arms 68 to restrict auxiliary lens unit 24 from moving downwardly or downwardly and forwardly relative to primary lens unit 22. Support flanges 76 only extend partially about the lower half circumference of each housing 54 in order to permit sufficient clearance for auxiliary lens unit 24 to be attached and detached from primary lens unit 22 by moving auxiliary lens unit 24 generally toward or away from primary lens unit 22. This allows auxiliary lens unit 24 to be relatively easily attached or removed from primary lens unit 22 by a user.
Referring to Figs. 17 and 18, sectional views of a fourth embodiment of the eyeglass device is shown. The sectional views correspond to the sections shown in Figs. 14 and 15. For convenience, the _7_ same reference numerals have been given to the structural elements corresponding to the elements of the embodiments described above.
Referring to the section of primary lens unit 22 for the fourth embodiment of eyeglass device 20 as shown in Fig. 17, each nose pad support 44 has a first arm portion 80 for supporting nose pad 42 and a second arm portion 82 with housing 54 for supporting magnet 52. Second arm portion 82 also includes support flange 76 for receiving and supporting terminal end 74 of connector arm 68 of auxiliary lens unit 24 as described further below.
Referring to the section of auxiliary lens unit 24 as shown in Fig. 18, each connector arm 68 extends rearwardly from rims 62 below bridge 64. Magnets 70 are disposed at terminal ends 74 of connector arms 68 for engaging magnets 52 on second arm portions 82 of primary lens unit 22 as described above. Each housing 54 of primary lens unit 22 is offset sufficiently from nose pad 42 to allow sufficient space for terminal end 74 of connector arm 68 to be received without interfering with a user's nose (see offset for third embodiment shown in Fig. 16). While second arm portion 82 is shown integrally connected with first arm portion 80 of nose pad support 44, it is contemplated that second arm portion 82 may be a distinct element attached to rim 62 using screw fasteners, glue, solder or welds.
Referring to Figs. 19 and 20 sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the eyeglass device is shown. The sectional views correspond to the sections shown in Figs. 14 and 15. For convenience, the same reference numerals have been given to structural elements corresponding to the elements of the embodiments described above.
Referring to primary lens unit 22 for the fifth embodiment of eyeglass device 20 as shown in Fig. 19, support flanges 76 are disposed directly on rims 28 below bridge 30. Support flanges 76 may either be integrally formed with rims 28 or may be connected to rims 28 using glue, solder, welds or screw fasteners. Magnets 52 are preferably located in housings 84 defined in rims 28 above support flanges 76.
_g_ Referring to auxiliary lens unit 24 as shown in Fig. 20, each connector arm 68 extends rearwardly along an axis from rims 62 below bridge 64. Magnets 70 are disposed at terminal end 74 of each connector arm 68 for engaging magnets 52 on primary lens unit 22. Terminal ends 74 of connector arms 68 and support flanges 76 are correspondingly configured in order for terminal ends 74 to be securely cradled within support flanges 76 with magnets 52 and 70 aligned.
While it is preferable that magnets 52 and 70 be utilized in the above described embodiments of lens units 22 and 24, it is contemplated that support flanges 76 may alone be sufficient to support auxiliary lens 24 on primary lens unit 22. The correspondingly shaped profiles of terminal ends 74 of connector arm 68 and support flanges 76 may be sufficient to prevent auxiliary lens unit 24 from becoming dislodged from the primary lens unit 22.
Referring to Figs. 21 and 22, front and top views of a sixth embodiment of the eyeglass device are shown. For convenience, the same reference numerals have been given to structural elements corresponding to the elements of the embodiments described above.
Primary lens unit 22 has lenses 26 supported by rims 28 spanned by a bridge 30. Located generally below bridge 30 are nose pads 42 supported by nose pad supports 44. Nose pad supports 44 are either integrally formed with rims 28 or are mounted to lens unit 22. Rims 28 have an attachment member or region 90 which is made of an unmagnetized metal which is responsive to a magnet, such as a ferrous metal and, preferably, a low-quality stainless steel. Preferably the entirety of rims 28 are made of this material and region 90 is integral with and indistinguishable from rims 28. Alternately, such a metal may be embedded in a plastic rim.
Auxiliary lens unit 24 have lenses 60 and connector arms 68 ' which extend downwardly from rims 62 of the auxiliary lens unit 24 below the bridge 64. A pair of second attachment members 92 comprising magnets 70 are disposed at terminal end 74 of each connector arm 68 and are shaped and adapted for magnetically engaging first attachment region 90 on rims 28 of primary lens unit 22. Preferably second attachment members 92 are curved to exactly match the curvature of the corresponding first attachment member or region 90 on rims 28. When auxiliary lens 24 unit is connected to primary lens unit 22, second attachment members 92 engage first attachment members/regions 90 so as to permit magnets 70 to attract region 90 and maintain auxiliary lens 24 unit on primary lens unit 22.
Preferably, connector arms 68 extend a sufficient distance from rims 62 to allow a gap to be defined between lenses 60 of auxiliary lens unit 24 and lenses 26 of primary lens unit 22. As with other embodiments, the gap accounts for curvature in one or both of lenses 26, 60 to prevent the lenses 26, 60 of respective units 22, 24 contacting each other.
Optionally, one or more bridge extension members 94 extend rearwardly and generally downwardly from rims 62 of the auxiliary lens unit 24 for engaging bridge 30 of the primary lens unit for additional securing of the auxiliary lens unit to the primary lens unit. Further support for auxiliary lens unit 24 may be provided by side extension members 66 bearing on top of side extension members 32 the primary lens unit 22. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, it is desirable but not necessary to have an additional means of support (ie. one or more of a bridge extension member and side extension members) to assist magnets 70 in securing the auxiliary lens unit to the primary lens unit.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that first attachment members 90 may alternately comprise a pair of magnets and that second attachment members 92 may be an unmagnetized metal which is responsive to a magnet. Also, one skilled will realize that separate nose pads are not required and that nose support integral with the rims is equally possible.
It should also be understood that the discussion above describes preferred embodiments of primary lens unit 22 and secondary lens unit 24 in which lenses 26, 60 are supported by rims 28, 62. It should be understood that lenses 26, 60 may be supported with only partial rims or without the provision of rims 28, 62. In such cases, elements of the lens units 22, 24 are directly secured to the lenses 26, 60 in known manner using screw fasteners, glue, solder or welds. It is contemplated that the present invention may be readily adapted to such rimless lens units by connecting the structural elements such as connector arms 68, magnets 52, 70 and support flanges 76 directly to the lenses as discussed above.
Similarly, lenses may be integrally formed with support flanges 76 in order to adapt the embodiments as discussed above.
It is to be understood that what has been described are preferred embodiments to the invention. The invention nonetheless is susceptible to certain changes and alternative embodiments fully comprehended by the spirit of the invention as described above, and the scope of the claims set out below. For instance, magnets 52 and 70 may be replaced with mechanical attachment devices such as corresponding resilient tabs and recesses on the respective nose pad supports 44 and connection arms 68. The mechanical attachment devices would permit a "snap fit" attachment that may be detached by applying a sufficient upward force upon the auxiliary lens unit 24.
Referring to primary lens unit 22 for the third embodiment of eyeglass device 20, magnet 52 is oriented in housing 54 to face generally inwardly relative to a person's nose (i.e. toward the nose). Nose pad support 44 and housing 54 are generally aligned with rim 28 in front view.
Referring to auxiliary lens unit 24, each connector arm 68 extends rearwardly along one axis from rims 62 below bridge 64. Magnets 70 are disposed at terminal end 74 of connector arm 68 facing outwardly relative to a person's nose (i.e. away from nose) for engaging magnets 52 on primary lens unit 22. Housing 54 of primary lens unit 22 is offset sufficiently from nose pad 42 to allow sufficient space for terminal end 74 of connector arm 68 to be received without interfering with a user's nose.
A support flange 76 is defined on each nose pad support 52 of primary lens unit 22 for receiving and supporting terminal end 74 of connector arm 68 for auxiliary lens unit 24. Most preferably, terminal ends 74 of connector arms 68 are rounded and support flanges 76 are correspondingly rounded in order to cradle each terminal end 74 in a position such that magnets 52 and 70 are aligned. Support flanges 76 thus support connector arms 68 to restrict auxiliary lens unit 24 from moving downwardly or downwardly and forwardly relative to primary lens unit 22. Support flanges 76 only extend partially about the lower half circumference of each housing 54 in order to permit sufficient clearance for auxiliary lens unit 24 to be attached and detached from primary lens unit 22 by moving auxiliary lens unit 24 generally toward or away from primary lens unit 22. This allows auxiliary lens unit 24 to be relatively easily attached or removed from primary lens unit 22 by a user.
Referring to Figs. 17 and 18, sectional views of a fourth embodiment of the eyeglass device is shown. The sectional views correspond to the sections shown in Figs. 14 and 15. For convenience, the _7_ same reference numerals have been given to the structural elements corresponding to the elements of the embodiments described above.
Referring to the section of primary lens unit 22 for the fourth embodiment of eyeglass device 20 as shown in Fig. 17, each nose pad support 44 has a first arm portion 80 for supporting nose pad 42 and a second arm portion 82 with housing 54 for supporting magnet 52. Second arm portion 82 also includes support flange 76 for receiving and supporting terminal end 74 of connector arm 68 of auxiliary lens unit 24 as described further below.
Referring to the section of auxiliary lens unit 24 as shown in Fig. 18, each connector arm 68 extends rearwardly from rims 62 below bridge 64. Magnets 70 are disposed at terminal ends 74 of connector arms 68 for engaging magnets 52 on second arm portions 82 of primary lens unit 22 as described above. Each housing 54 of primary lens unit 22 is offset sufficiently from nose pad 42 to allow sufficient space for terminal end 74 of connector arm 68 to be received without interfering with a user's nose (see offset for third embodiment shown in Fig. 16). While second arm portion 82 is shown integrally connected with first arm portion 80 of nose pad support 44, it is contemplated that second arm portion 82 may be a distinct element attached to rim 62 using screw fasteners, glue, solder or welds.
Referring to Figs. 19 and 20 sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the eyeglass device is shown. The sectional views correspond to the sections shown in Figs. 14 and 15. For convenience, the same reference numerals have been given to structural elements corresponding to the elements of the embodiments described above.
Referring to primary lens unit 22 for the fifth embodiment of eyeglass device 20 as shown in Fig. 19, support flanges 76 are disposed directly on rims 28 below bridge 30. Support flanges 76 may either be integrally formed with rims 28 or may be connected to rims 28 using glue, solder, welds or screw fasteners. Magnets 52 are preferably located in housings 84 defined in rims 28 above support flanges 76.
_g_ Referring to auxiliary lens unit 24 as shown in Fig. 20, each connector arm 68 extends rearwardly along an axis from rims 62 below bridge 64. Magnets 70 are disposed at terminal end 74 of each connector arm 68 for engaging magnets 52 on primary lens unit 22. Terminal ends 74 of connector arms 68 and support flanges 76 are correspondingly configured in order for terminal ends 74 to be securely cradled within support flanges 76 with magnets 52 and 70 aligned.
While it is preferable that magnets 52 and 70 be utilized in the above described embodiments of lens units 22 and 24, it is contemplated that support flanges 76 may alone be sufficient to support auxiliary lens 24 on primary lens unit 22. The correspondingly shaped profiles of terminal ends 74 of connector arm 68 and support flanges 76 may be sufficient to prevent auxiliary lens unit 24 from becoming dislodged from the primary lens unit 22.
Referring to Figs. 21 and 22, front and top views of a sixth embodiment of the eyeglass device are shown. For convenience, the same reference numerals have been given to structural elements corresponding to the elements of the embodiments described above.
Primary lens unit 22 has lenses 26 supported by rims 28 spanned by a bridge 30. Located generally below bridge 30 are nose pads 42 supported by nose pad supports 44. Nose pad supports 44 are either integrally formed with rims 28 or are mounted to lens unit 22. Rims 28 have an attachment member or region 90 which is made of an unmagnetized metal which is responsive to a magnet, such as a ferrous metal and, preferably, a low-quality stainless steel. Preferably the entirety of rims 28 are made of this material and region 90 is integral with and indistinguishable from rims 28. Alternately, such a metal may be embedded in a plastic rim.
Auxiliary lens unit 24 have lenses 60 and connector arms 68 ' which extend downwardly from rims 62 of the auxiliary lens unit 24 below the bridge 64. A pair of second attachment members 92 comprising magnets 70 are disposed at terminal end 74 of each connector arm 68 and are shaped and adapted for magnetically engaging first attachment region 90 on rims 28 of primary lens unit 22. Preferably second attachment members 92 are curved to exactly match the curvature of the corresponding first attachment member or region 90 on rims 28. When auxiliary lens 24 unit is connected to primary lens unit 22, second attachment members 92 engage first attachment members/regions 90 so as to permit magnets 70 to attract region 90 and maintain auxiliary lens 24 unit on primary lens unit 22.
Preferably, connector arms 68 extend a sufficient distance from rims 62 to allow a gap to be defined between lenses 60 of auxiliary lens unit 24 and lenses 26 of primary lens unit 22. As with other embodiments, the gap accounts for curvature in one or both of lenses 26, 60 to prevent the lenses 26, 60 of respective units 22, 24 contacting each other.
Optionally, one or more bridge extension members 94 extend rearwardly and generally downwardly from rims 62 of the auxiliary lens unit 24 for engaging bridge 30 of the primary lens unit for additional securing of the auxiliary lens unit to the primary lens unit. Further support for auxiliary lens unit 24 may be provided by side extension members 66 bearing on top of side extension members 32 the primary lens unit 22. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, it is desirable but not necessary to have an additional means of support (ie. one or more of a bridge extension member and side extension members) to assist magnets 70 in securing the auxiliary lens unit to the primary lens unit.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that first attachment members 90 may alternately comprise a pair of magnets and that second attachment members 92 may be an unmagnetized metal which is responsive to a magnet. Also, one skilled will realize that separate nose pads are not required and that nose support integral with the rims is equally possible.
It should also be understood that the discussion above describes preferred embodiments of primary lens unit 22 and secondary lens unit 24 in which lenses 26, 60 are supported by rims 28, 62. It should be understood that lenses 26, 60 may be supported with only partial rims or without the provision of rims 28, 62. In such cases, elements of the lens units 22, 24 are directly secured to the lenses 26, 60 in known manner using screw fasteners, glue, solder or welds. It is contemplated that the present invention may be readily adapted to such rimless lens units by connecting the structural elements such as connector arms 68, magnets 52, 70 and support flanges 76 directly to the lenses as discussed above.
Similarly, lenses may be integrally formed with support flanges 76 in order to adapt the embodiments as discussed above.
It is to be understood that what has been described are preferred embodiments to the invention. The invention nonetheless is susceptible to certain changes and alternative embodiments fully comprehended by the spirit of the invention as described above, and the scope of the claims set out below. For instance, magnets 52 and 70 may be replaced with mechanical attachment devices such as corresponding resilient tabs and recesses on the respective nose pad supports 44 and connection arms 68. The mechanical attachment devices would permit a "snap fit" attachment that may be detached by applying a sufficient upward force upon the auxiliary lens unit 24.
Claims (10)
1. An eyeglass device comprising:
a primary lens unit having a pair of rims for holding lenses, a pair of nose pad supports and a pair of first attachment members;
an auxiliary lens unit having a pair of lenses and a pair of second attachment members, said pair of second attachment members adapted to co-operate with said pair of first attachment members, wherein one of said pairs of first and second attachment members are magnets and the other of said pairs of first and second attachment members are unmagnetized but responsive to said magnets.
a primary lens unit having a pair of rims for holding lenses, a pair of nose pad supports and a pair of first attachment members;
an auxiliary lens unit having a pair of lenses and a pair of second attachment members, said pair of second attachment members adapted to co-operate with said pair of first attachment members, wherein one of said pairs of first and second attachment members are magnets and the other of said pairs of first and second attachment members are unmagnetized but responsive to said magnets.
2. An eyeglass device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pair of unmagnetized attachment members are made of a ferrous metal.
3. An eyeglass device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said ferrous metal is a low quality stainless steel.
4. An eyeglass device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pair of said second attachment members are magnets.
5. An eyeglass device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pair of second attachment members are disposed respectively on a pair of connector arms on said auxiliary lens unit.
6. An eyeglass device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pair of first attachment members are integral with said nose pads supports.
7. An eyeglass device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said nose pads supports are integral with said rims.
8. An eyeglass device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pair of first attachment members are integral with said rims.
9. An eyeglass device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising side extension members disposed on said auxiliary lens unit for bearing upon corresponding side extension members disposed on said primary lens units.
10. An eyeglass device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a bridge extension member disposed on said auxiliary lens unit configured to extend over and to be supported upon said bridge of said primary lens unit when said primary and auxiliary lens units are secured together.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2321011 CA2321011A1 (en) | 2000-02-24 | 2000-09-27 | Auxiliary lens unit for eyeglasses |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2299573 CA2299573A1 (en) | 1999-08-31 | 2000-02-24 | Auxiliary lens units for eyeglasses |
| CA2,299,573 | 2000-02-24 | ||
| CA 2306584 CA2306584A1 (en) | 1999-08-31 | 2000-04-25 | Auxiliary lens units for eyeglasses |
| CA2,306,584 | 2000-04-25 | ||
| CA 2321011 CA2321011A1 (en) | 2000-02-24 | 2000-09-27 | Auxiliary lens unit for eyeglasses |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2321011A1 true CA2321011A1 (en) | 2001-08-24 |
Family
ID=27171172
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2321011 Abandoned CA2321011A1 (en) | 2000-02-24 | 2000-09-27 | Auxiliary lens unit for eyeglasses |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2321011A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2005050293A1 (en) * | 2003-11-24 | 2005-06-02 | Ah Nam Optical Corporation Pte Ltd | Spectacles with detachable sunglasses |
| EP2261727B1 (en) * | 2003-03-19 | 2013-12-04 | Ophthalmic Engineering Pty Ltd | Modular eyewear system |
-
2000
- 2000-09-27 CA CA 2321011 patent/CA2321011A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2261727B1 (en) * | 2003-03-19 | 2013-12-04 | Ophthalmic Engineering Pty Ltd | Modular eyewear system |
| WO2005050293A1 (en) * | 2003-11-24 | 2005-06-02 | Ah Nam Optical Corporation Pte Ltd | Spectacles with detachable sunglasses |
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