GB2410805A - Eyewear frame with interchangeable bridge - Google Patents

Abstract

Any type of eyewear frames (examples given in figures 3 to 8) that provide the function of removable and attachable 'bridge parts' (figure 1). Preferably the frames will be compatible with bridge parts (figure 1) of different widths and lengths, and different gradients of arc (figures 9 and 10).

Description

Page 1 241 0805 Glossary of terms used in the following document Frame(s)

'- Refers to the metallic structural part of eyewear, which supports the lenses.

Lens(es)'- Refers to corrective lenses, either glass or plastic, prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, which are fitted into the frame.

Bridge part(s)' - Refers to part of the frame that extends across the top of the nose, linking and supporting the two eye frame areas together. It includes the 'nose pads' and the frame supporting the nose pads' (See figure 1) Temple(s)' - Refers to the "arms" of the frame. They run from the lens to the ear area and allow the frames to be worn on the face.

Evewear'- Refers to frame and lens fitted as one. Fitted collectively.

Concept frames' - Refers to the idea of frames with interchangeable 'bridge parts' (See figures 3 to 8) Conventional' or 'traditional' frames - Refers to non-tailored frames, or non-concept frames.

Range(s)' - Refers to a group of frames of similar type, (i.e.) rimless range, sunglass range.

Collection(s)' - Refers to a collection of 'ranges' Arch type' - Refers to the amount of arch (or bend) in a 'bridge part' Nose pads'- Refers to the small pads on 'bridge parts' that rest against the nose. (See figure a, B) Top bar' - Refers to the top part of the 'bridge part' (See figure 2, A) Nose pad frame'- Refers to the frame supporting the 'nose pads' to the 'top bar' (See figure 2, C) Glossary of types of frames (See figures 3 to 8) Standard'frames- Refers to most popular and widely used type of frame, figure 3 shows an example of a standard 'square' frame, and figure 4 shows an example of a standard 'oval' frame.

Rimless' frames- Refers to a design of eyewear which uses no frame. Example shown in figure 5 Supra'or 'Semi rimless' frames - Refers to frames that have only half a rim. Example shown in figure 6 Plasticmetal' frames - Refers to a new design of frames which incorporates metal with plastic. Example shown in figure 7 Sunglasst frames - Refers to frames which are used with sun (tinted) lenses. Example shown in figure 8 Page 2,

Specification

Title: Tailored frames

Background

The idea relates to all types of eye frames, including; rimless, reading glasses, supra (or semi rimmed), standard, sunglasses, half eye, aviator, angular, wraparounds, sportswear, etc Problem The Problem with conventional frames today is that people's faces are unique. They come in all shapes and sizes. This is why most eyeglass wearers find it difficult finding frames that fit their face. At the moment customers rely on luck when it comes to finding frames. They go from store to store endlessly trying on frames in the desperate hope of finding the pair that will fit them. This means a great amount of inconvenienced pressure is put on the customer. If the consumer is lucky enough to find a pair that fit, they are usually either: 1) frames that are not the shape or style they were looking for; a) frames with the wrong 'arch type' bridge for their face; 3) frames that have an uncomfortable fit; 4) frames that do not look particularly good; or 5) frames that are out of their price range.

Another problem consumers have is that when they do find a pair of frames they are happy with, they tend to physically grow out of them quite quickly and need to purchase new frames on a regular basis.

This can be a very costly problem considering that a good pair of frames will cost them in the region of 60, and new lenses will cost around another 40. That's a total of òoo.

Objective The main objective is to provide a way for frames to fit virtually anyone. l ailored frames at an affordable price. And to offer consumers a way to readjust the size of their frames whenever needed without them having to spend a fortune. Other objectives include: to save consumers a lot of inconvenience when it comes to shopping around for frames that fit; to provide consumers with frames that offer greater comfort; to offer consumers frames that will look more defined on their face; to offer customers a way of saving money in the future when selecting any new frames.

The following invention will satisfy all these objectives. The idea is intended for adult frames, but is also ideal for children's wear. The concept is suitable for both men and women of all age groups. The idea applies to: rimless glasses, reading glasses, supra (or semi rimmed), standard, sunglasses, half eye, aviator, angular, wraparounds, sportswear, etc. The invention works with the idea that the width and arch type' of a bridge determines the overall size and fit of frames.

Page 3 Solution

Title of invention:

Frames with interchangeable 'bridge parts'.

Description of invention:

Frames (figures 3 to 8) that provide the utility of removable and attachable 'bridge parts' (figure 1). The bridge parts' (figure 1) will be available in different sized widths, which will provide any consumer with tailored frames. These 'bridge parts' (figure 1) will also be available in different colours (i.e. silver, black blue, etc) and will be available in a choice of 'arch types' (see figures 9 and 10). The 'arch types' available include 'high arch', 'medium arch', and 'low arch'. The different 'arch types' are necessary to cater for people with different faces and needs. An example of all the possible combinations of colour, size, and arch type'of'bridge parts' (figure 1) is given in figure 9 and 10.

The concept of interchangeable 'bridge parts' works in conjunction with the idea illustrated in figures and Ad. Frames from each range 'collection will be compatible with (or interchangeable with) their matching coloured 'bridge part' (figure 1). For example, a silver coloured 'bridge part' (figure 1), of any choice of size and 'arch type', will be compatible with any frames from any of the ranges in the "silver frame collection"(see figure 11), which includes frames from the "silver standard frame range", frames from the "silver rimless frame range", and frames from the "silver plasticmetal frame range". The same rule applies to, for example, the black range 'collection' (see figure 1); a black colored 'bridge part' (figure 1), of any size and of any 'arch type', will be compatible with any frames from any of the ranges in the "black frame collection" (see figure 1), which includes frames from the "black standard frame range", frames from the "black rimless frame range", and frames from the "black plasticmetal frame range".

Figures 11 and 1 also show that frames m future ranges (frames not yet existing) will be designed and produced to make them compatible with their corresponding coloured 'bridge part' (figure 1). The bridge part' (figure 1) remains the same design. Figures 11 and 1 also show sunglass frames being compatible with their matching coloured 'bridge part' (figure 1).

The removal and attachment of'bridge parts' (figure 1) is done quick and easy, and can be done by the wearer without the need of any tools. The differences in the widths of the 'bridge parts' will need to be made very minuscule - perhaps increments of 1/3 or 1/ of a mm per size. Such a small amount will make a whole difference to the overall fit of the frames.

The concept frames will offer five of the following functions. A hsts of advantages and benefits are also listed for each function.

Page 4 Functions of interchangeable bridge frames.

Function 1- To provide every consumer with tailored frames.

Consumers select a pair of frames from any of the range 'collections' (eg) silver collection (figure 11), black collection (figure 1), blue collection, etc. They then select a 'bridge part' (figure 1) which matches the colour of their chosen frames, along with their ideal 'bridge part' size and 'arch type'. This will allow frames to be tailored to anyone, including people with wide or narrow faces, and people with wide or narrow noses.

"Custom made frames without the cost" "Tailored frames without the tailor" Advantages and benefits Frames will fit virtually anyone. Tailored frames for every consumer Value for money. Concept frames can be priced in the region of standard conventional frames More convenience for customers. The concept takes away all the hassle and frustration associated with shopping around for a pair of frames that fit No tools needed to remove or attach 'bridge parts'. Simply clicks into place (can be interchanged anywhere, and at any time).

More comfortable to wear. The concept allows a more snug fit and secures the frames to the face better.

Consumers wear frames with the right 'arch type'for their face.

Quick and easy to interchange 'bridge parts'. (consumers can remove or attach parts as often as they like).

Improved appearance. Frames will look more refined on the face Concept will save money on design and production costs.

Concept can be applied to children's wear.

Function 2 - To offer consumers the ability to adjust the size and fit of the frames in the future, when consumers eventually grow out of them.

As humans, we stop growing in height at around the age of 19, but continue to grow in width up until the age of 40. After this age, our 'bone mass index' starts reversing through bone diseases such as osteoporosis. This means our facial bone structure is continually changing, and it is why so many eyeglass wearers spend so much time and money changing their frames so often (typically happens to everybody every to - 15 months).

J he concept of interchangeable 'bridge parts' (figure 1) will accommodate for this. It will allow consumers the ability to purchase a different sized 'bridge part' (figure 1) to re-adjust the fit of frames whenever required. This means they pay only for the cost of the new 'bridge part' as apposed to spending money on a completely new set of frames, lenses, and lens fitting. Customers will also be free to change the 'arch type' if they wish. This function is particularly useful for children because they grow at a faster rate than adults and therefore need more frequent frame size adjustments. "The frames you never grow out of''.

Advantages and benefits Never grow out of frames Consumers save money Perfect for people who have either lost or gained weight (they may need regular frame size adjustments).

Ideal for children's wear.

Plus all of the already mentioned benefits of function Page 5 Function.q To offer consumers the ability to save money on a new pair of concept frames from future ranges.

The idea of interchangeable 'bridge part' frames allows consumers the ability to save money updating their concept frames with frames from any of the future ranges within the same 'collection' as their existing frames. This is because future frames will be designed to incorporate the 'bridge part' (figure 1) from existing frame ranges. Customers are able to save money by way of using the 'bridge part' (figure 1) from their existing frames.

Advantages and benefits Saves money for consumers.

Customers able to update frames more often than usual.

Guaranteed tailored fit. New frames are certain to fit because they incorporate 'bridge part' from old frames.

Generates extra revenue for the company Plus all of the already mentioned benefits of function 1 Function 4 - To offer consumers the ability to save money on a "second look" pair of concept frames from the same range 'collection'.

If the customer wants to buy a second pair of frames from the same range 'collection' as their first pair, the utility of the interchangeable 'bridge parts' allows them to save money in doing so. This is because all frames within the same range collection are compatible with the same 'bridge part' (figure 1). Given that only one pair of frames can be worn at any one time, the customer manages with just one 'bridge part' (figure 1) to use between the two pairs. Depending on which frames they want to wear on any given day, all the customer has to do is to remove the 'bridge part' (figure 1) from one set of frames and attach it to the other. This allows us to exclude the cost of the second 'bridge part' (figure 1) for the customer.

Advantages and benefits Saves money for consumers.

Customers able to afford second look frames.

Guaranteed tailored fit. Second frames are certain to fit because they incorporate 'bridge part' es first frames.

Generates extra revenue for the company.

Plus all of the already mentioned benefits of function 1: Function.s To offer consumers the ability to save money on prescription or non prescription sunglass frames from the same range 'collection' as their.

If the consumer decides they want to buy a pair of prescription or non presciption sunglasses from the same range 'collection' as their existing concept frames, the idea of the interchangeable 'bridge parts' will allow them to save money. The 'bridge part' (figure 1) from their existing concept frames will be compatible with sunglass frames within the same range 'collection'. Allowing the cost of the 'bridge part' (figure 1) to be excluded for the customer when they pick their sunglass frames. Customers using function 5 make the same saving as customers using function 3 and 4.

Advantages and benefits Saves money for consumers.

Customers able to afford designer sunglass frames.

Guaranteed tailored fit. Sunglass frames are certain to fit because they use 'bridge part' from first concept frames.

Customers still able to use function in future with sunglass frames"updating size of bridge part".

As well as functions 3, or 4.

Generates extra revenue for the company.

Plus all of the already mentioned benefits of function Page 6

Description of how the idea would be made.

The concept frames could be made from the same materials as conventional frames (see 'materials' section). The frames could also be made in the same way, with the only exception being that the 'bridge parts' (figure 1) will need to be manufactured separately in different sizes (possibly 4 or 5 various widths), and the remainder of the frame manufactured in a fixed invariable size. Each style of frames requires the same measurement in width to be made from point A to point B (see figures 3, 5, and 8).

An attachment mechanism needs to be designed which will be used on the frames that will allow the attachment and removal of 'bridge parts' (figure 1) to be done quick and easily by the wearer, without the need of any tools.

Materials The frames could be made from the following materials, or a combination of these materials: Monel Metal. This is the most commonly used material in manufacturing eyewear frames. It is malleable (bandy) and corrosion resistant, especially if the right kind of plating is used, such as palladium or other nickel free alternatives.

Flexon. This is a titanium based alloy. This is a unique and popular material, which is used by Marchon - an eyewear manufacturer. It is called a "memory metal" because it can go back to its original shape if bent or damaged.

Titanium. This is a silvery grey metal that is lightweight, durable, strong and corrosion resistant.

Beryllium. This is a steel grey metal that is becoming increasingly popular as a lower cost alternative to titanium eyewear.

Materials, made frame?Or Alternative versions of 'Bridge part' (figure 1) Alternative 1 Figure 2 shows an alternative version of the interchangeable 'bridge part'( figure 1). It is identical to the bridge part' in figure 1, with the only exception being that the 'nose pads' (B) and the 'nose pad frame'(C) is attachable and removable from the 'top bar' (A). This allows customers to choose suitable sizes for each part separately.

Alternative 2 Figure 2.1 shows another alternative to the 'bridge part' (figure 1). In this version the 'nose pads' (B) are not included in the 'top bar' (A), but are instead fixed to the frames.

Claims (1)

1. I. Any type of eyewear frames that provide the function of removable and attachable bridges.