GB2582325A

GB2582325A - Universal spectacle lenses

Info

Publication number: GB2582325A
Application number: GB1903734.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek Snelgrove John
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-03-19
Filing date: 2019-03-19
Publication date: 2020-09-23
Also published as: GB201903734D0

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for fitting universal spectacle lenses 16 into any spectacle frame 18. There apparatus comprises a sheet of material 12 (e.g. cardboard) wherein the sheet of material 12 is configured to be formed to be received in the spectacle frame 18 and wherein the sheet of material is configured to be provided with an aperture, wherein the aperture is sized to receive the said universal lens 16. A method of creating a bespoke pair of spectacles may comprise the steps of: providing a kit of parts; cutting an aperture in the sheet material 12; inserting the universal lens 16 into the aperture; cutting the sheet material 12 to fit the spectacle frame 18; and fitting the sheet material 12 and universal lens 16 into the spectacle frame 18. The inner surface of the aperture may be provided with protrusions or teeth which fit into a circumferential groove of the universal lens 16.

Description

UNIVERSAL SPECTACLE LENSES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for fitting universal spectacle lenses into any spectacle frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Around 65% of the world's population needs vision correction -creating a global eyewear market worth $102.7 billion in 2015 (growing to $184 billion by 2024). Over 85 million spectacles are sold every year in Western Europe and a further 80 million in the US. Over 50% of the West's population have access to corrective eye-wear. By contrast, the Developing World has very low access to vision correction -only 15% of China, 8% of India and less than 3% of Africa's population.

According to Vision Aid Overseas: * 1.2 billion people worldwide can't see properly simply because they need glasses * 12 million children worldwide struggle to learn simply because they need glasses * 55% of visually impaired people are women * 89% of visually impaired people live in low and middle-income countries * 75% of all visual impairment is preventable or curable * $200 billion worth of productivity is lost every year because so many people do not have the glasses they need to see clearly Unlike the West, the Developing World doesn't have the infrastructure to diagnose, prescribe and manufacture spectacles for its people. Especially in rural areas.

Approximately 200 million people who live on less than $2.50 per day require spectacles or have eye conditions which make them dependent on their families. A number of charities and NGO's are directly trying to increase the number of disadvantaged people who have access to prescription glasses. These organizations are limited by the spectacles donated by every-day wearers in developed countries.

Current solutions targeting the same market are adjustable, variable-focus, one-size fits all spectacles from Adlens and Alvarez costing in the range £20 to £25 per pair. These spectacles use two lens plates sliding over each other or a liquid-filled lens to offer an adjustable optical prescription. These spectacles only offer a limited optical range between -6.00D and +3.00D -not satisfying the needs of very poor refractive visions -and offer no correction for Astigmatism. Equally, one-size does not fit all -especially not children! The General Optical Council identified several concerns for such a solution: "The distorted peripheral vision of the Alvarez lens, or a set of poorly adjusted spectacles, could make a driver more prone to accidents than other visual correction products." "Over time, a patient using lenses with an incorrect power for their vision might accelerate their visual issues, especially young myopes."

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for fitting a said universal spectacle lenses into a said spectacle frame comprising a sheet of material wherein the sheet of material is configured to be formed to be received in the said spectacle frame and wherein the sheet of material is configured to be provided with an aperture, wherein the aperture is sized to receive the said universal lens.

Preferably the sheet of material is configured to be cut to shape to allow it to be received in the said spectacle frame.

In one alternative the sheet of material is pre-formed with the aperture sized to receive the universal lens, in another alternative the apparatus further comprises a cutting tool to cut the aperture.

Preferably the aperture is substantially circular.

Preferably the aperture is provided with a plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions or teeth or filaments. Preferably the inner surface of the aperture is provided with a plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions. Preferably the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are the same thickness as the thickness of the plastic sheet.

In one alternative the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions extend towards the centre of the aperture. In another alternative the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are angled at about 15 to 45 degrees from perpendicular to the centre of the aperture, preferably about 50% of the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are angled at about 15 to 45 degrees from perpendicular to the centre of the aperture clockwise and about 50% of the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are angled at about 15 to 45 degrees from perpendicular to the centre of the aperture anticlockwise. Preferably the clockwise / anticlockwise protrusions are grouped together such that is the first half of the aperture the protrusions are all clockwise and in the second half of the aperture the protrusions are all anti-clockwise.

In one alternative the sheet of material is pre-formed with the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusion, in one alternative by laser cutting, in another alternative the apparatus further comprises a cutting tool to cut the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions.

Preferably the said universal lens is substantially circular.

Preferably the said universal lens is the same size as the aperture.

Preferably the edge of the said universal lens is provided with a circumferential groove.

Preferably the circumferential groove is v-shaped, more preferably the circumferential groove is off-set v-shaped such that the angle of the groove at the front of the said universal lens is greater than the angle of the groove at the back of the said universal lens.

Preferably the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are configured to fit into the circumferential groove of the said universal lens.

Preferably the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are configured to lock the said universal lens in position.

Preferably the sheet of material is selected from a plastic sheet, a cardboard sheet or a laminated cardboard sheet or other suitable material. The sheet of material may be transparent or opaque.

Preferably the thickness of the sheet of material is about 0.25mm to 0.9mm, preferably about 0.5mm.

Preferably the depth of the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions is preferably about 0.25mm to 0.5mm.

Preferably the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are about 0.5mm apart.

Preferably the width of the circumferential grove of said universal lens is about 0.5mm at the opening thereof.

Preferably the depth of the of the circumferential grove of said universal lens is about 0.5mm.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for fitting a said universal spectacle lenses into a said spectacle frame comprising an apparatus as set out in relation to the first aspect of the invention Preferably the kit of parts further comprises a universal lens.

Preferably the universal lens is substantially circular.

Preferably the universal lens is the same size as the aperture.

Preferably the edge of the universal lens is provided with a circumferential groove.

Preferably the circumferential groove is v-shaped, more preferably the circumferential groove is off-set v-shaped such that the angle of the groove at the front of the universal lens is greater than the angle of the groove at the back of the universal lens.

Preferably the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are configured to fit into the circumferential groove of the universal lens.

Preferably the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are configured to lock the universal lens in position.

Preferably the width of the circumferential grove of the universal lens is about 0.5mm at the opening thereof.

Preferably the depth of the of the circumferential grove of the universal lens is about 0.5mm.

Preferably the kit of parts further comprises a cutting tool to cut the aperture.

Preferably the kit of parts further comprises a cutting tool to cut the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of creating a bespoke pair of spectacles comprising the steps of: a) providing a kit of parts as claimed in the second aspect of the present invention; b) providing the sheet material with an aperture in the desired location; and c) inserting the universal lens of the desired prescription into the aperture.

Preferably the method further comprises: d) providing a spectacle frame; e) forming the sheet material to fit the spectacle frame; and f) fitting the sheet material complete with universal lens into the spectacle frame.

In one alternative the spectacle frame and sheet material are separate components; in another alternative the spectacle frame and sheet material are integral components The principle advantage of the invention is that it uses low-cost, pre-cut lenses, eliminating the need for and associated time delays of a remote custom lens glazing operation. This all-in-one solution enables local people to create an optician's micro-enterprise service to deliver low-cost rural vision care services, while creating an income for themselves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention with the aperture formed; Figure 2 illustrates a illustrates an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention with the aperture formed and with a universal lens set to be fitted; Figure 3 illustrates an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention with the aperture formed; Figure 4 illustrates a magnified view of the inwardly dependent protrusions of Figure 3; Figure 5 illustrates a illustrates an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention with the aperture formed and with a universal lens set to be fitted; Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a universal lens; Figure 7 illustrates a magnified cross-sectional view of the groove of universal lens; Figure 8 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention fitted into a spectacle frame where the spectacle frame and sheet material are separate components; and Figures 9 and 10 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention fitted into a spectacle frame where the spectacle frame and sheet material are integral components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of the apparatus 10 for fitting a universal spectacle lens 16 into a spectacle frame 18 comprising a sheet of material 12 which is configured to be formed to be received in the spectacle frame 18 and which is provided with an aperture 14, the aperture 14 being sized to receive the universal lens 16.

The sheet of material 12 is configured to be cut to shape to allow it to be received in the spectacle frame 18. In one alternative the sheet of material 10 is pre-formed with the aperture 14 sized to receive the universal lens, in another alternative the apparatus 10 further comprises a cutting tool to cut the aperture 14. The aperture 14 is substantially circular.

The sheet of material is 12 selected from a plastic sheet, a cardboard sheet or a laminated cardboard sheet or other suitable material. The sheet of material 12 may be transparent or opaque. The thickness "a" of the sheet of material 12 is about 0.25 to about 0.9mm preferably about 0.5mm.

Figures 3 to 5 illustrate a second embodiment of the apparatus 110 for fitting a universal spectacle lens 16 into a spectacle frame 18 comprising a sheet of material 112 which is configured to be formed to be received in the spectacle frame 18 and which is provided with an aperture 114, the aperture 114 being sized to receive the universal lens 16.

The sheet of material 112 is configured to be cut to shape to allow it to be received in the spectacle frame 18. In one alternative the sheet of material 110 is pre-formed with the aperture 114 sized to receive the universal lens, in another alternative the apparatus 110 further comprises a cutting tool to cut the aperture 114. The aperture 114 is substantially circular.

The inner surface of aperture 114 is provided with a plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions or teeth or filaments 120. The plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions 120 are the same thickness as the thickness of the sheet material 112.

In one alternative (not illustrated) the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions extend towards the centre of the aperture 114. In another alternative (illustrated) the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions 120 are angled at about 15 to 45 degrees from perpendicular to the centre of the aperture 14, about 50% of the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions 120 are angled at about 15 to 45 degrees from perpendicular to the centre of the aperture 114 clockwise and about 50% of the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions 120 are angled at about 15 to 45 degrees from perpendicular to the centre of the aperture 114 anticlockwise. The clockwise / anticlockwise protrusions are grouped together such that is the about first half of the aperture 114 the protrusions are all clockwise and in the about second half of the aperture the protrusions are all anti-clockwise.

The sheet of material may be pre-formed with the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions 120, in one alternative by laser cutting, in another alternative the apparatus 110 further comprises a cutting tool to cut the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions 120.

The sheet of material is 112 selected from a plastic sheet, a cardboard sheet or a laminated cardboard sheet or other suitable material. The sheet of material 112 may be transparent or opaque. The thickness "a" of the sheet of material 112 is about 0.25 to about 0.9mm, preferably about 0.5mm.

The depth "b" of the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions is about 0.25 to about 0.5mm and the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are about 0.5mm apart "c".

A universal lens 16 is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. The universal lens 16 is substantially circular and is substantially the same size as the aperture 14, 114. The diameter "h" of the aperture 114 is about 30mm to 37mm, preferably about 36mm and the dimeter "i" of the plurality of the inwardly dependent protrusions 120 of aperture 114 is about 29mm to 36mm, preferably about 35mm The edge 28 of the said universal lens 16 is provided with a circumferential groove 22.

The circumferential groove 28 is v-shaped, such that the angle of the groove 24 at the front 30 of the said universal lens is greater than the angle of the groove 26 at the back 32 of the said universal lens 16.

The plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions 120 if provided are configured to fit into the circumferential groove 20 of the said universal lens 16. The plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions 120 if provided are configured to lock the universal lens 16 in position.

The width "d" of the circumferential grove 20 of the universal lens 16 is about 0.5mm at the opening thereof. The depth "e" of the of the circumferential grove 20 of universal lens 16 is about 0.5mm. The diameter "f" of the universal lens is about 37mm and the dimeter "f" of the circumferential groove 20 is about 36mm.

In one alternative the spectacle frame and sheet material are separate components; in another alternative the spectacle frame and sheet material are integral components Figure 8 illustrates the alternative where the spectacle frame 18 and sheet material 12, 112 are separate components.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the alternative where the spectacle frame 118 and sheet material 12, 112 are integral components The invention also provides a method of creating a bespoke pair of spectacles comprising the steps of: a) providing an apparatus for fitting a said universal spectacle lenses into a said spectacle frame comprising a sheet of material wherein the sheet of material is configured to be formed to be received in the said spectacle frame and wherein the sheet of material is configured to be provided with an aperture, wherein the aperture is sized to receive the said universal lens; b) providing the sheet material with an aperture in the desired location; and c) inserting the universal lens of the desired prescription into the aperture.

The principle advantage of the invention is that it uses low-cost, pre-cut lenses, eliminating the need for and associated time delays of a remote custom lens glazing operation. This all-in-one solution enables local people to create an optician's micro-enterprise service to deliver low-cost rural vision care services, while creating an income for themselves.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for fitting a said universal spectacle lenses into a said spectacle frame comprising a sheet of material wherein the sheet of material is configured to be formed to be received in the said spectacle frame and wherein the sheet of material is configured to be provided with an aperture, wherein the aperture is sized to receive the said universal lens.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sheet of material is configured to be cut to shape to allow it to be received in the said spectacle frame.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the sheet of material is pre-formed with the aperture sized to receive the universal lens,
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the apparatus further comprises a cutting tool to cut the aperture.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the aperture is substantially circular.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the aperture is provided with a plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are the same thickness as the thickness of the plastic sheet.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions extend towards the centre of the aperture.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7wherein the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are angled at about 15 to 45 degrees from perpendicular to the centre of the aperture.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein about 50% of the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are angled at about 15 to 45 degrees from perpendicular to the centre of the aperture clockwise and about 50% of the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are angled at about 15 to 45 degrees from perpendicular to the centre of the aperture anticlockwise.
11. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10 wherein the sheet of material is pre-formed with the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusion
12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the thickness of the sheet of material is about 0.25mm to about 0.9mm preferably about 0.5mm.
13. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on claim 6 wherein the depth of the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions is about 0.25mm to 0.5mm.
14. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on claim 6 wherein the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are about 0.5mm apart.
15. A kit of parts for fitting a said universal spectacle lenses into a said spectacle frame comprising an apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14.
16. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 15 further comprising a universal lens
17. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 16 wherein the edge of the universal lens is provided with a circumferential groove.
18. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 17 wherein the circumferential groove is v-shaped.
19. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 17 wherein the circumferential groove is off-set v-shaped such that the angle of the groove at the front of the universal lens is greater than the angle of the groove at the back of the universal lens.
20. A kit of pads as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19 when dependent on claim 6 wherein the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are configured to fit into the circumferential groove of the universal lens.
21. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19 when dependent on claim 6 wherein the plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions are configured to lock the universal lens in position.
22. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 16 to 21 wherein the width of the circumferential grove of the universal lens is about 0.5mm at the opening thereof.
23. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 16 to 22 wherein the depth of the of the circumferential grove of the universal lens is about 0.5mm.
24. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 15 to 23 comprising a cutting tool to cut the aperture and plurality of inwardly dependent protrusions if provided.
25. A method of creating a bespoke pair of spectacles comprising the steps of: a) providing a kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 15 to 24; b) providing the sheet material with an aperture in the desired location; and c) inserting the universal lens of the desired prescription into the aperture.
26. A method as claimed in claim 25 further comprising: d) providing a spectacle frame; e) forming the sheet material to fit the spectacle frame; and f) fitting the sheet material complete with universal lens into the spectacle frame.