GB2428809A

GB2428809A - Vision improving lens coupled to item worn by user

Info

Publication number: GB2428809A
Application number: GB0515281A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Klaas Zwart
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-26
Filing date: 2005-07-26
Publication date: 2007-02-07
Also published as: GB0515281D0

Abstract

An optical device for improving the vision of a user, comprises a lens component 10,42 coupled to an item of apparel for the user to wear, wherein the lens is disposed in a stored arrangement and is movable into a deployed arrangement suitable for improving the vision of the user. The optical device may be temporarily coupled to an item of apparel. The item of apparel may be a bracelet, finger ring 5,40 (fig 5a) or necklace. The lens may be a magnifying lens or a vision correcting lens for improving the long or short distance vision of a user.

Description

1 2428809

VIEWING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an optical device comprising a lens incorporated into an item of apparel for use by the wearer in moments of need.

Background

Persons having impaired vision often find themselves in situations needing improved vision when they do not have readily available their usual vision improvement articles such as spectacles and contact lenses. Such inconvenient situations include momentarily waking-up during sleeping periods to read a bedside clock, or during recreational swimming to monitor a wall clock.

There is a need for the provision of a portable convenient vision improvement device which may be used on demand in times of need.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to obviate ard/or mitigate the disadvantages presently faced by a visually impaired person in times of need.

Summary. of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an optical device for improving the vision of a user, comprising a lens component coupled to an item of apparel for the user to wear, wherein the lens is disposed in a stored non-useable arrangement and is moveable into a deployed arrangement suitable for improving the vision of the user.

Typically, the item of apparel is an accessory item, for example an adornment or jewellery item, such as a bracelet, finger ring or necklace.

Usually, the item of apparel is configured for the user to wear on an appendage such as an arm, wrist or finger.

The lens may be any type of lens for improving the vision of a user. For example the lens may be a conventional magnifying lens, or may be fashioned as a vision correcting lens e.g. to improve long distance or short distance vision according to the need of a user with compromised or defective vision.

The lens may take a number of shapes according to what is required or desirable. For example the lens may be circular or ellipsoid, or any other particular shape required for the individual's needs or coupling to the item of apparel.

The item of apparel is adapted to receive the lens in a stored configuration when the user does not require its use.

In this stored configuration, the lens is preferably presented in a visually aesthetic arrangement.

For example, the lens may be essentially superimposed with respect to an outward facing region of a finger ring in readiness for deployment by actuation by the user into a configuration suitable for viewing purposes by the user.

Thus, the lens component may conveniently be aesthetically incorporated into the item of apparel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical device for improving the vision of a user, comprising a lens, wherein the device is adapted to be temporarily coupled to an item of apparel for the user to wear, wherein the lens of the device, is disposed in a stored non-useable arrangement and is moveable into a deployed arrangement suitable for improving the vision of the user.

The device may be adapted for coupling to any conventional item of apparel.

Alternatively, the device may be adapted to comprise an arrangement to cooperate with a reciprocal arrangement integral with the item of apparel. The item of apparel may be adapted to receive such arrangement.

The device may comprise resiliently deformable means for coupling the device to the item of apparel.

The means may engage with at least a portion of the item of apparel.

For example the device may comprise clip means for attaching the device to the item of apparel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following embodiments and drawings, in which: Figures la and lb are perspective and side views respectively of a finger ring incorporating a lens according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention in a stored configuration; Figures 2a and 2b are perspective and side views respectively of a finger ring incorporating a lens according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention in a deployed configuration; Figures 3a and 3b are perspective and side views respectively of an optical device incorporating a lens according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention in a stored configuration; Figures 4a and 4b are perspective and side views respectively of an optical device incorporating a lens according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention in a deployed configuration, and engaged with a finger ring.

Figure 5a is a perspective view of a finger ring incorporating a lens according to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention in a stored configuration; Figure 5b is a perspective view of a finger ring incorporating a lens according to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention in a deployed configuration.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring to Figures la and lb, an optical device 1 is provided which comprises a finger ring 5 and a lens 10 disposed in a superimposed position over an outward portion of the ring, in a stored position, planar to a mounting region of the ring.

As seen, in this stored configuration, the lens 10 is conveniently positioned in a stored configuration whilst remaining as an aesthetically pleasing component of the finger ring.

Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, the same optical device 1 of Figures la and lb is shown, but in this view, the lens 10 is shown in a deployed, useable configuration in which it is lifted and rests at an angle relative to the outward portion of the ring by means of a sprung hinge arrangement 15.

In this deployed position, the user can view objects through the lens by holding his finger to position the lens in front of his eye.

Figures 3a, and 3b show an optical device 20 configured to clip onto an existing finger ring. The device 20 comprises a lens component 25, and arms 30 which are resiliently sprung to allow the device 20 to be pushed over the body of a ring.

Figures 4a and 4b show the optical device 20 of figures 3a and 3b, engaged with a finger ring 22. As shown, the arms 30 of the device engage with the ring 22 by describing an arc which substantially corresponds to the arc shape of the ring 22.

In this embodiment the arms 30 are further shaped to partially enclose or wrap around part of the cylindrical body of the ring.

As the device 20 is applied to the ring 22, the arms 30 are deformed outwardly by the ring 22 until the arms pass the widest part of the ring periphery. The arms then resiliently recoil to engage the ring 22.

Figure 5a shows an alternative embodiment of an optical device as a finger ring 40 which comprises a lens 42 disposed within a frame 45 mounted on a side of the ring 40 within runners 50.

Figure Sb shows the ring 40 with the lens 42 in a deployed position, achieved by the user sliding the frame within the runners SO until the frame 45 and lens 42 project above the top surface 55 of the ring to allow the user to view objects through the lens.

The embodiments as described herein are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Other embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged by the skilled person, for example a bracelet may be provided with a suitably configured lens component. Other suitably configured clip arrangements may also be provided.

Claims

S

Claims 1. An optical device for improving the vision of a user, comprising a lens component coupled to an item of apparel for the user to wear, wherein the lens is disposed in a stored arrangement and is moveable into a deployed arrangement suitable for improving the vision of the user.
2. An optical device according to claim 1, wherein the item of apparel is configured for the user to wear on an appendage.
3. An optical device according to claim 2, wherein the item of apparel is an accessory item selected from a bracelet, finger ring or necklace.
4. An optical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the lens is any type of lens for improving the vision of a user.
5. An optical device according to claim 4, wherein the lens is a conventional magnifying lens or a vision correcting lens.
6. An optical device according to claim 5, wherein the lens is a vision correcting lens for improving long distance or short distance vision of a user.
7. An optical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the item of apparel is adapted to receive the lens in a stored configuration when the user does not require its use.
8. An optical device according to any preceding claim, wherein the item of apparel is a finger ring and the lens is essentially superimposed with respect to an outward facing region of the finger ring in readiness for deployment by actuation by the user into a configuration suitable for viewing purposes by the user.
9. An optical device for improving the vision of a user, comprising a lens, wherein the device is adapted to be temporarily coupled to an item of apparel for the user to wear, wherein the lens of the device, is disposed in a stored arrangement and is moveable into a deployed arrangement suitable for improving the vision of the user.
10. An optical device according to claim 9, wherein the device is adapted for coupling to any conventional item of apparel.
11. An optical device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the device is adapted to comprise an arrangement to cooperate with a reciprocal arrangement integral with the item of apparel.
12. An optical device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the device comprises resiliently deformable means for coupling the device to the item of apparel.
13. An optical device according to claim 12, wherein the said means engage with at least a portion of the item of apparel.
14. An optical device according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein, the device comprises clip means for attaching the device to the item of apparel.
15. An optical device substantially as described herein and as illustrated in Figures la-2b, Figures 3a-4b, or Figures 5a and Sb of the accompanying drawings.