GB2379029A

GB2379029A - Spectacle frame having ear pinna engaging portions

Info

Publication number: GB2379029A
Application number: GB0218890A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Maxwell Hague
Original assignee: CONUNDRUM ART Co
Current assignee: CONUNDRUM ART Co
Priority date: 2001-08-14
Filing date: 2002-08-14
Publication date: 2003-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-14
Also published as: GB0218890D0; GB2379029B; GB0119760D0

Abstract

A spectacle frame (2) which has a pair of spectacle legs (arms) (6), which each have a free end (10) having a portion (4) for engaging the ear pinna (8) of wearer (3). Each portion (4) has a first and second part (12,14) for engaging the inner and outer surface of the ear pinna (8), respectively. The spectacle legs (6) may be formed integrally with the ear pinna engaging portions (12,14) and be made from deformable material, such as malleable metals or plastically deformable polymers. The engaging portions (12,14) may include the use of magnets and the second part (14) may be in the form of a scroll or astrological symbol. The spectacle frame (2) may also include a hearing aid, an earphone or an item of jewellery. Also disclosed is a spectacle frame having a nose engaging portion for gripping a wearer's nose.

Description

SPECTACLES The present invention relates to spectacles, and in particular but not exclusively to an attachment for retaining spectacles firmly in place on a wearer's head.

It will be understood that many forms and designs of spectacles exist in the prior art, which are made of various materials and are designed for comfort and fit. As the heads of spectacles wearers are of variable size and shape it is normal that the choosing of spectacles by an individual is determined by them trying on numerous spectacle frames of different designs, the selected frame being fitted with appropriate lenses and then adjusted to the head of the wearer until a comfortable fit is achieved. However, it will be understood that it is common after extended wear of a spectacle frame that the frame, particularly the frame legs, will become loose on the wearer's head with the possibility of the spectacles being knocked off or falling from the wearer's head.

It is also generally the case that a spectacle wearer often requires a second pair of spectacles specifically designed for use in, for example, sport wherein the spectacles are adapted for secure fit to the head such that the spectacles will not become loose or drop to the ground during abrupt movements. This has the disadvantage of

added cosT : to . e user in terms of the need of a second Ddir of spectacles for such purposes Furthermore, it is

I L common for there to be a relatively poor choice of L spectacles on the market that are adapted for use in, for are adapled for use for example, sports or for use as safety spectacles. Often these spectacles are not of a preferred design to the wearer, which may deter them from wearing the spectacles, contrary to safe practice. Additionally, such spectacles adapted for sport may be uncomfortable for normal, extended use, as often they comprise a loop that embraces the ear and which may exert pressure on the back of the ear, which becomes painful after prolonged wear. Other examples of such sports spectacles incorporate elastomeric straps that attach to the spectacles and loop round the user's head. Such a device may pull the spectacles into the front of the wearer's head, exerting pressure on the nose, and potentially causing a number of problems to the wearer including the onset of headaches.

It is among the objects of embodiments of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the foregoing disadvantages.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a spectacle frame comprising: a pair of spectacle legs, the free end of each leg having an ear pinna engaging portion comprising a first part for engaging the inner surface of the respective ear

pinna and a second part for engaging the outer surface of - : he ear pinna.

Thus, a spectacle frame according to the present invention may be secured to a wearer's head by gripping or otherwise engaging the pinna of the user's ears.

Preferably, the second part of each ear pinna engaging portion is substantially planar and is adapted to abut the outer surface of the ear at an upper portion of the ear that offers the most comfort for the wearer.

Alternatively, said second part may be shaped or formed to follow the contour of the ear surface. In certain embodiments, the second part may be formed of a thinner or smaller profile member than the first part, which still allows the device to grasp the ear and secure the spectacles to the wearer's head but permits the second part to remain relatively unobtrusive.

In another embodiment, one or both of the first and second parts of said ear pinna engaging portion may comprise a magnet, which allows the device to grasp the ear and secure the spectacles to the wearer's head but without the need for any unnecessary manual adjustment to ensure said portions grip the ear pinna, and potentially without the requirement to provide the engaging portion with a mechanical coupling between the parts.

Preferably, the ear pinna engaging portions are formed integrally with the spectacle frame legs. Alternatively,

the ear pinna engaging portions may be adapted for coupling to the legs of a conventional spectacle frame.

Thus, in a second aspect of the present invention there 1 s provided a device for coupling to a spectacle frame for securing the frame to a wearer's head, the device comprising : a member having means for coupling to a spectacle leg and an ear pinna engaging portion having a first part for engaging the inner surface of the ear pinna and a second part for engaging the outer surface of the ear pinna.

Thus, the present invention also provides a means for adapting conventional spectacles wherein the spectacles are retained on the wearer's head in a more secure manner.

Advantageously, adaptation of the conventional spectacles is not permanent so that the spectacles may still be used without the device if desired.

Preferably, the device for coupling to spectacles according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises a member with a portion that is hollow or defines a generally female form. Thus, the device according to the present invention may be coupled to the spectacle leg by sliding the spectacle leg into or through the hollow portion of the device.

Alternatively, the portion may comprise a'snap-fit' coupling for engaging the spectacle leg. Other means known to the skilled person could of course be used for coupling

the ear pinna engaging portions according to the present invention to a spectacle leg, including spring-biased or manually adjustable grips, or even an adhesive portion.

Preferably, the ear pinna engaging portions are of a deformable material, such as a malleable metal or a polymer which is plastically deformable at or near room temperature. Advantageously, this allows the ear pinna engaging portions to be formed to the specific requirements of an individual's ear.

The present invention has various distinct uses. For example, in a fashion and cosmetic sense, protruding ears may be pulled closer to the head in a discreet manner by the wearing of spectacle frames in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention not only provide a means for secure fitting of conventional spectacles but also of specialist spectacles, for example safety spectacles required for many workplace situations.

In this context the present invention has the advantage of providing spectacles that remain firmly but comfortably held on a user's head, without applying undue pressure on the user's head, ears or nose.

Embodiments of the present invention may also be used in a medical workplace, for example for wear by a surgeon utilising conventional spectacles or specialist eyewear, which eyewear may have to remain reliably fixed in place

Ear pntentlally ~'nq upnods of time during surgery. In a further medical sense, Lhe present invention may be adapted ro incorporate hearing aids or earphones. Similarly embodiments of the invention may incorporate earpieces for mobile'phones.

As discussed above, spectacle frames made in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may also be used in the fields of sport and recreation when spectacles are required Eo be securely fixed to the wearer's head and when an individual prefers not to wear or is unable to wear contact lenses.

Embodiments of the present invention may also be used as an item of jewellery or decoration. For example, the second part of the ear pinna engaging portion for engaging the outer portion of the ear pinna may be formed into the shape of a scroll or an astrological symbol. Optionally, the ear pinna engaging portion according to the present invention may comprise different designs or provide a mounting for an item of jewellery of the wearer's choice.

Preferably, the spectacle frame according to the present invention incorporates a nose piece formed in a design of choice. For example, the nose piece may be a shape that mirrors or complements the second part of the ear plnna engaging portion, such as a scroll or an astrological symbol. Preferably, said nose piece is made of a deformable material, such as a malleable metal or a

polymer that is plastically deformable at or near room temperature. Advantageously, this allows the nose piece to be formed to the specific requirements of an individual's nose, for increased comfort. Conveniently, the nose piece may be formed into a shape or form that lightly"pinches" Lhe wearer's nose in order to further secure the spectacles to the wearer's head.

In a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a spectacle frame comprising a nose engaging portion for gripping a wearer's nose.

Preferably, said nose engaging portion is integral to the spectacle frame or bridge of a spectacle frame.

Conveniently said nose engaging portion may be made of a deformable material, such as a malleable metal or a polymer that is plastically deformable at or near room temperature allowing said portion to be formed to specific requirements of an individual's nose, for increased comfort. Advantageously, this allows the nose engaging portion to be formed in such a way that conventional"nose pads"are not required. This has the further advantage of increased comfort to the wearer since conventional nose pads invariably cause deep and unsightly indentations on the side of the nose.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention said nose engaging portion sits higher up a wearer's nose than conventional nose pads in order to achieve a more

balanced cornierL.

In a furtner dspect of the present invention there is provided a spectacle frame comprising : a pair of spectacle legs, rhe free end of each leg having an ear pinna engaging portion comprising a first part for engaging the inner surface of the respective ear pinna and a second part for engaging the outer surface of the ear pinna; and a nose engaging portion for gripping a wearer's nose.

Advantageously, the tension between ear and nose ensures that the spectacle frame does not slip down the wearer's nose.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a pair of spectacles according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2A and 2B are schematic drawings depicting a pair of spectacles according to an embodiment of the present invention being utilised to pull in a wearer's normally protruding ears; Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of a further embodiment of the present invention depicting a nose piece in the shape of a scroll mirroring the shape of the second part of the ear engaging portion; and

Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a spectacle frame according to a further embodiment of the present invention depicting a nose engaging portion.

Referring firstly o F1gure 1, there is shown a side view of a pair of spectacles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention indicated generally by reference numeral 2, and mounted on the head of a wearer 3.

The spectacles incorporate a frame having legs 6 (only one shown), each leg 6 featuring an ear pinna engaging portion 4 at the free end 10 thereof. Each ear pinna engaging portion 4 comprises a first part 12 (shown in chain-dotted outline) for engaging the inner surface of the respective ear pinna 8 and a second part 14 for engaging the outer surface of the ear pinna. The ear pinna engaging portion 4 is formed of malleable metal sprung wire such that the portion 4 may be shaped to lightly grip the ear pinna 8.

Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B of the drawings, a pair of spectacles in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is shown being used to"correct"a wearer's protruding ears. Figure 2A shows a cartoon of an individual with protruding ears wearing conventional spectacles. Figure 2B depicts the same individual wearing spectacles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This cartoon illustrates that the ear pinnae 20 have been pulled in closer to the sides of the wearer's head. In Figure 2B, it may be seen that the second part of

the ear p : nna engaging portion for engaging the outer portion of the car pinna is unobtrusive and incorporates a soroil design'8, providlng an attractive means of spreading the force applied to the ear over a larger area, and thus reducing the pressure experienced by the ear surface.

Figure 3 shows a side view of an individual wearing spectacles in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. This cartoon shows a nose piece 22 incorporating a scroll design similar to that of the second part of the ear engaging portion 26. Like the ear engaging portion 26, the nose piece 22 is formed of malleable metal sprung wire to allow the nose piece 22 to grip the nose 24 comfortably.

Figure 4 shows a side view of an individual wearing a spectacle frame according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The schematic drawing depicts a nose engaging portion 28 gripping a wearer's nose 24.

The nose engaging portion 28 is integral to the spectacle frame 30. Said spectacle frame 30 further comprises legs 32 (only one shown), each leg 32 featuring an ear pinna engaging portion (shown generally as 34) at the free end 36 thereof. Each ear pinna engaging portion 34 comprises a first part 38 (shown in chain-dotted outline) for engaging the inner surface of the respective ear pinna 42 and a second part 40 for engaging the outer

surface of the ear pinna. The second part of the ear pinna engaging portion 40 incorporates a design similar to that of the nose engaging portion 28.

Testing of embodiments of the invention similar to those described and illustrated above has demonstrated that wearers find the spectacles comfortable and suited for everyday wear. Furthermore, under test conditions wearers involved in physical tasks have found that the spectacles remain in place in many circumstances where conventional spectacles would have been dislodged: in one such example of a test, a fisherman who had lost several pairs of conventional spectacles after the spectacles fell from his head into the sea, with potentially dangerous consequences, has used spectacles as described and illustrated above for an extended period without loss or incident. Also, it will be seen that the spectacles provide a safe and comfortable means for rendering protruding ears less conspicuous.

Various modifications may be made to the embodiment hereinbefore described without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the ear pinna engaging portions may consist of a transparent or flesh coloured polymer. Furthermore, the ear pinna engaging portions may be made of a polymer that allows said portions to be moulded to the shape of the wearer's ear for enhanced comfort. The device according to the present invention may also be used to secure other forms of head mounted

equipment to the wearer's head, such as specialist eyewear including monocular devices used by surgeons, jewellers and I ,-raft-q-,-ind-es-iid craftsmen, and devices such as hearing aids or ear phones.

Claims

1. A spectacle frame comprising a pair of spectacle legs, the free end of each leg having an ear pinna engaging portion comprising a first part for engaging the inner surface of the respective ear pinna and a second part for engaging the outer surface of the ear pinna.

2. A spectacle frame according to claim 1 further comprising a nose engaging portion for gripping a wearer's nose.

3. A spectacle frame according to either of claims 1 or 2 wherein said ear pinna engaging portions are formed integrally with the spectacle frame legs.

4. A spectacle frame according to either of claims 2 or 3 wherein said nose engaging portion is formed integrally with the spectacle frame.

S. A device for coupling to a spectacle frame for securing the frame to a wearer's head, the device comprising : a member having means for coupling to a spectacle leg and an ear pinna engaging portion having a first part for engaging the inner surface of the ear pinna and a second

part Tor engaging the outer surface of the ear pinna. dz A device according to claim 5 wherein said means for coupling comprises a portion that is hollow or defines a generally female form for sliding a spectacle leg into or through the nollow portion of said means.

7. A device according to either of claims 5 or 6 wherein said means for coupling comprises a'snap-fit'coupling for engaging the spectacle leg.

8. A spectacle frame or device according to any preceding claim wherein the second part of each ear pinna engaging portion is substantially planar.

9. A spectacle frame or device according to any preceding claim wherein said second part of each ear pinna engaging portion is adapted to abut the outer surface of the ear at an upper portion of the ear.

10. A spectacle frame or device according to any preceding claim wherein said second part of each ear pinna engaging portion is shaped or formed to follow the contour of the ear surface.

11. A spectacle frame or device according to any preceding

claim wherein said ear pinna engaging portions comprise one or more magnets for gripping the user's ear.

12. A spectacle frame or device according to any preceding claim wherein said ear pinna engaging portions and/or said nose engaging portion are of a deformable material.

13. A spectacle frame or device according to claim 12 wherein said deformable material is a malleable metal.

14. A spectacle frame or device according to claim 12 wherein said deformable material is a polymer which is plastically deformable at or near room temperature.

15. A spectacle frame or device according to any preceding claim further comprising a hearing aid.

16. A spectacle frame or device according to any preceding claim further comprising an earphone.

17. A spectacle frame or device according to any preceding claim further comprising an item of jewellery.

18. A spectacle frame or device according to any preceding claim wherein said second part of the ear pinna engaging portion for engaging the outer portion of the ear pinna

and/or said nose engaging portion is formed into the shape or a scroll or an astrological symbol.

19. A spectacle frame comprising a nose engaging portion for gripping a wearer's nose.

20. A spectacle frame according to claim 19 wherein said nose engaging portion is made of a deformable material.

21. A spectacle frame according to either of claims 19 or 20 wherein said nose engaging portion is formed integrally with the spectacle frame.

22. A spectacle frame according to any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein said nose piece is shaped or formed to follow the contour of the nose surface.

23. Spectacles comprising a spectacle frame or device according to any preceding claim.

24. Use of a spectacle frame or device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 to cosmetically correct protruding ears.

25. A method of cosmetically correcting protruding ears, comprising the step of providing a spectacle frame or device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 to a user in

need of such correction.

26. Use of a spectacle frame or device according to any of claims 1 to 22 for secure fitting of spectacles to a wearer's head.

27. Use of a spectacle frame or device according to claim 26 wherein said secure fitting is achieved without applying undue pressure on the user's head, ears or nose.

28. A spectacle frame substantially as described herein, and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.