US20140049744A1 - Low-cost eyeglasses - Google Patents
Low-cost eyeglasses Download PDFInfo
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- US20140049744A1 US20140049744A1 US14/062,606 US201314062606A US2014049744A1 US 20140049744 A1 US20140049744 A1 US 20140049744A1 US 201314062606 A US201314062606 A US 201314062606A US 2014049744 A1 US2014049744 A1 US 2014049744A1
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- Prior art keywords
- lens
- frame
- aperture
- key
- flange
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
- G02C1/00—Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars
- G02C1/10—Special mounting grooves in the rim or on the lens
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
- G02C1/00—Assemblies of lenses with bridges or browbars
- G02C1/06—Bridge or browbar secured to or integral with closed rigid rims for the lenses
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
- G02C5/00—Constructions of non-optical parts
- G02C5/008—Spectacles frames characterized by their material, material structure and material properties
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
- G02C5/00—Constructions of non-optical parts
- G02C5/22—Hinges
- G02C5/2272—Hinges without well-defined pivot axis
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- 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
- G02C2200/12—Frame or frame portions made from sheet type material
Definitions
- the instant specification relates generally to spectacles, and more particularly, to low-cost eyeglasses with interchangeable lenses.
- Reading eyeglass frames have been commonly made from relatively expensive and durable materials such as metal or plastic.
- Reading lenses originally made from glass, are now made from various types of plastic, including polycarbonate—reducing the danger of breakage and weighing less than glass lenses.
- Some currently used plastics also have more advantageous optical properties than glass, such as better transmission of visible light and greater absorption of ultraviolet light.
- Conventional plastic or glass reading lenses are relatively expensive, typically including features such as an anti-scratch coating, an anti-reflective coating, polarization, photosensitive or photochromic materials, etc.
- the instant disclosure provides for low cost spectacles having paper or plastic frames and interchangeable injection molded plastic lenses.
- Exemplary features may include a capability to provide printed advertising material on the frames, selection and modification of properties of the lenses, and the provision of lenses having a long focal length suitable for reading glasses.
- the disclosure provides spectacles having a frame with at least one aperture and at least one removable lens for altering a user's vision when viewing through each of said at least one aperture.
- the lens includes a key and the at least one aperture is configured to fit the key, such that the key secures the lens to the frame when the lens is rotated within the aperture.
- Another aspect of the disclosure provides spectacles having a paper frame with at least one aperture, and at least one injection molded plastic lens for altering a user's vision when viewing through each of said at least one injection molded plastic lens.
- Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a method for securing an injection molded plastic lens within a frame.
- the method includes inserting the lens into an aperture of the frame, where the aperture has a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of at least a portion of the lens.
- the method further includes rotating the lens within the aperture to engage a portion of the frame within a channel between a key and a flange extending radially outward from an edge of the lens.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of a pair of eyeglasses according to an exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of a pair of eyeglasses according to another exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 3 is an illustration showing an aperture in a frame, and lenses according to two exemplary embodiments.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of spectacles 100 with lenses 104 in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the disclosure.
- spectacles are described herein in their traditional sense, the terms spectacles, eyeglass, and eyeglasses may be used interchangeably to refer to binocular and/or monocular spectacles having a frame with or without temple arms or ear pieces 102 .
- the configuration disclosed may apply equally to: (1) reading eyeglasses with two lenses, one for each eye for binocular vision; (2) a reading magnifier that may be used over one eye, i.e., a monocle for monocular vision; or (3) a single magnifying lens mounted in a frame large enough for two eyes.
- the instant disclosure may apply to a lens to be mounted to a camera or other viewing instrument, for example, having a frame configured as a bayonet mount or bayonet connector to fasten a lens in front of a camera lens.
- the spectacles 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may have a pair of ear pieces 102 and a pair of apertures 106 .
- the apertures 106 may be any opening, i.e., any shape or size, which would allow a user to see, observe, inspect, examine, or otherwise perceive an object through the opening.
- the pair of ear pieces 102 may facilitate a user's ability to affix the spectacles 100 temporarily to one's face.
- the spectacles 100 may forgo the presence of any ear pieces 102 and may simply be held in the user's hand.
- the spectacles 100 may be manually placed over one's eyes for viewing objects through the apertures 106 .
- the use of the spectacles 100 without ear pieces 102 may be referred to as a hand held or a lorgnette.
- the frame of the spectacles 100 may be constructed of an inexpensive material such as paper or plastic.
- a paper frame may be constructed of a paper board material, including one sheet or a plurality of sheets laminated together, in some embodiments, die-cut from paper stock.
- the term “paper” may be construed to include a broad range of apparatus having any suitable thickness, rigidity, etc., manufactured from any suitable type of a broad range of materials (e.g., plant matter, cellulose, animal skins, synthetic materials, etc.), chosen according to a manufacturer's needs.
- the frame of the spectacles 100 may be die cut or molded from an inexpensive plastic material, e.g., similar to a credit card.
- the frame of the spectacles 100 may be printed with advertisements, notices, or other commercial indicia that may indicate manufacturing or distribution information.
- the lens 104 may alter light passing through the lens 104 to improve or correct vision, to ease reading, or to magnify miscellaneous objects according to the index of refraction of the material and the difference in the curvature between the two surfaces of the lens 104 .
- the lenses are mounted in the frames to position the lenses in front of a user's eyes.
- the lenses may be colored or substantially clear.
- Various lenses may be utilized for magnification, reading, ophthalmic vision correction, 3D applications, solar viewing, etc. Further, because lenses according to an aspect of this disclosure are interchangeable, different lenses may be swapped in and out for different applications, resulting in a modular lens eyeglass system.
- the lens 104 may be unifocal, with one correction for all distances, or it may correct for more than one distance (multifocal); in one aspect of the disclosure, the lens 104 may be configured as half-glasses (eyeglasses that have half lenses and are used for reading only).
- the lens 104 may be made of plastic, polycarbonate, acrylic, glass, or any other suitable material.
- the lens is a molded acrylic, polycarbonate, or other polymer. In general, the greater the index of refraction, the thinner the lens 104 can be.
- the lens 104 may be a sheet magnifier that comprises many very narrow concentric ring-shaped lenses, such that the combination acts as a single lens but is much thinner than conventional convex lenses. This arrangement is known as a Fresnel lens.
- the lens 104 may be an injection molded plastic material.
- One aspect of such a material and construction is that, particularly in comparison to a Fresnel lens, a long focal length may be obtained.
- the lens may be adapted to provide a focal length of about 18 inches; however, a focal length of greater than about six inches may be suitable depending on various aspects and characteristics of a particular design.
- the lens may have a diopter of about +1.5, or more broadly, in a range between 1 and 5 to provide standard reading glasses. However in accordance with the disclosure the diopter may be as low as 0.5 depending on various aspects and characteristics of a particular design.
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of a frame 200 having a different shape. Those skilled in the art will comprehend that the frame 200 may take any suitable form or shape according to various design parameters.
- FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration showing details of the lens and aperture into which the lens is inserted, to show how the lens may be inserted into and secured in the frame in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.
- the frame of the spectacles is illustrated as having a square shape, but of course, the frame may take any suitable shape such as illustrated in FIGS. 1 , 2 , or essentially any other shape.
- the lens 304 or 306 may be substantially round in outline to facilitate rotation of the lens in an aperture 302 .
- the lens may include a flange 308 and a key 310 or 312 .
- the lens 304 may be removably placed into the aperture 302 in the frame by substantially aligning the key 310 with the shape of the aperture 302 and inserting the lens 304 into the aperture 302 , such that the flange 308 engages the surface 328 of the frame and prevents the lens 304 from passing completely through the aperture 302 .
- the lens may be rotated such that a portion of the frame is engaged within a channel 322 between the flange 308 and the key 310 to secure the lens 304 to the frame by friction.
- the flange 308 may extend radially outward from a bottom surface 318 of the lens 304 , wrapping substantially around the circumference of the lens 304 .
- the flange 308 need not necessarily wrap entirely around the circumference of the lens, but other configurations extending around a portion of the lens may be used in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.
- the flange 308 may have a thickness that is less than the thickness of the cylindrical lens 304 .
- the thickness of the lens is T lens
- the thickness of the frame is T frame (where the frame may be secured in the channel 322 between the flange 308 and the key 310 )
- the thickness of the flange T flange may be substantially equal to (T lens ⁇ T frame )/2.
- this thickness may be modified to any suitable thickness enabling the lens to be secured to the frame, e.g., within the channel 322 .
- the key may have any of various suitable shapes or sizes, for example, having a semi-circular profile, or rounded corners, for easy insertion into the keyhole.
- the key 310 has a semi-circular shape extending radially outward from the edge of the lens 304 .
- the key 310 has a top surface substantially flush with the top surface 316 of the lens 304 , and the key 310 has a thickness substantially equal to (T lens ⁇ T frame )/2.
- various embodiments may place the top surface of the key 310 in a position other than being flush with the top surface 316 of the lens 304 , and the thickness of the key 310 may vary from the thickness described herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure.
- the lens 304 is placed such that the keys 310 substantially align with the shape of the aperture 302 .
- the aperture 302 may include a substantially circular opening 324 and one or more notches 326 .
- the notches 326 may have a shape substantially the same as the shape of the keys 310 , or a shape substantially different from the shape of the keys 310 , as long as the keys 310 are capable of being inserted into the notches as described below.
- the notches 326 align with the keys 310 , such that the keys 310 pass through the notches 326 when the lens 304 is aligned and inserted into the aperture 302 .
- the flange 308 engages a surface of the frame, preventing the lens 304 from passing entirely through the aperture 302 .
- the lens may be rotated, for example, by one quarter of a turn.
- a portion of the frame proximate to the aperture 302 is engaged within the channel 322 between the flange 308 and the key 310 , securing the lens 304 in the aperture 302 .
- the channel 322 is configured to fit snugly around the frame to reduce or prevent unwanted rotation of the lens during use.
- the lens 304 may be rotated by one quarter of a turn, that is, until the keys 310 are substantially aligned with the notches 326 , and the portion of the frame proximate to the aperture 302 is no longer within the channel 322 .
- the lens 304 may be easily replaced with another lens, for example, having different optical properties, such as different magnification, a different color, a different application, etc.
- a system of interchangeable lenses in the same or different frames is provided.
- the shape of the key may be configured to suit various design choices, such as, but not limited to how secure the lens is in the aperture, and how easy it is to rotate the lens to secure it to the frame.
- the key is a substantially semi-circular shape, protruding radially from an edge 320 of the lens 304 outward to a distance substantially the same as the distance that the flange 308 extends.
- the key 312 may wrap approximately one quarter of the way around the circumference of the lens 306 , extending radially from the edge of the lens 306 the same distance as the flange 308 extends from the edge of the lens 306 .
- the lens 306 may utilize an aperture 302 substantially the same as the aperture described above, wherein the key 312 includes a curved edge 314 facilitating the insertion of the key 312 into the semicircular notch 326 as the lens 306 is rotated within the aperture 302 .
- insertion of the curved edge 314 into the notch 326 may be facilitated by pressing down (e.g., squeezing) or lifting up the frame on one side of the notch 326 .
- the lens 306 may be secured best by rotating the lens 306 by 3 ⁇ 8 of a turn after aligning the curved edge 314 of the key 312 with the notch 326 in the aperture 302 .
- the lens 306 may be removed from the frame by continuing its rotation in the same direction, such that the key 312 emerges from the notch 326 .
- any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims.
- the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.
- the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “includes” or any variation thereof are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition, or apparatus.
- Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.
Abstract
Low cost spectacles may include a paper or plastic frame and injection molded plastic lens or lenses, where the lens may be easily removed and changed within the frame. In one example, the lens may have a round shape, and securing the lens within the frame may be accomplished by inserting the lens into the aperture in the frame, and rotating the lens, for example, by ¼ of a turn. The lens may have a flange extending radially outward from an edge of the lens, wrapping substantially around a circumference of the lens. The lens may further have a key extending radially outward from an edge of the lens. The key is configured to fit the lens into the aperture of the frame. When the lens is rotated within the aperture, a portion of the frame enters a channel between the key and the flange to secure the lens to the frame.
Description
- This application claims priority to and the benefit of non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/969,354, filed on Dec. 15, 2010, entitled “LOW-COST EYEGLASSES,” which said application claimed priority to and the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/306,868, filed on Feb. 22, 2010, also entitled “LOW-COST EYEGLASSES,” the entirety of both applications which is incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field
- The instant specification relates generally to spectacles, and more particularly, to low-cost eyeglasses with interchangeable lenses.
- 2. Background
- Traditionally, reading eyeglass frames have been commonly made from relatively expensive and durable materials such as metal or plastic. Reading lenses, originally made from glass, are now made from various types of plastic, including polycarbonate—reducing the danger of breakage and weighing less than glass lenses. Some currently used plastics also have more advantageous optical properties than glass, such as better transmission of visible light and greater absorption of ultraviolet light. Conventional plastic or glass reading lenses, however, are relatively expensive, typically including features such as an anti-scratch coating, an anti-reflective coating, polarization, photosensitive or photochromic materials, etc.
- In certain situations it may be desired to provide an inexpensive alternative to the structural materials previously mentioned, for example, by providing paper framed glasses with inexpensive lenses. Thus, there is a need in the art for the latter mentioned glasses, which, although inexpensive, may magnify viewing material as effectively as a conventional pair of glasses.
- In various representative aspects, the instant disclosure provides for low cost spectacles having paper or plastic frames and interchangeable injection molded plastic lenses. Exemplary features may include a capability to provide printed advertising material on the frames, selection and modification of properties of the lenses, and the provision of lenses having a long focal length suitable for reading glasses.
- In one aspect, the disclosure provides spectacles having a frame with at least one aperture and at least one removable lens for altering a user's vision when viewing through each of said at least one aperture. Here, the lens includes a key and the at least one aperture is configured to fit the key, such that the key secures the lens to the frame when the lens is rotated within the aperture.
- Another aspect of the disclosure provides spectacles having a paper frame with at least one aperture, and at least one injection molded plastic lens for altering a user's vision when viewing through each of said at least one injection molded plastic lens.
- Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a method for securing an injection molded plastic lens within a frame. The method includes inserting the lens into an aperture of the frame, where the aperture has a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of at least a portion of the lens. The method further includes rotating the lens within the aperture to engage a portion of the frame within a channel between a key and a flange extending radially outward from an edge of the lens.
- These and other aspects are more fully comprehended upon review of this disclosure.
- The accompanying drawings, together with the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.
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FIG. 1 is an illustration of a pair of eyeglasses according to an exemplary embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a pair of eyeglasses according to another exemplary embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is an illustration showing an aperture in a frame, and lenses according to two exemplary embodiments. - Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve the understanding of various aspects of the disclosure.
- In the following detailed description, only certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, by way of illustration. As those skilled in the art would recognize, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Also, in the context of the present application, when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or be indirectly on the other element with one or more intervening elements interposed therebetween. Also, in the context of the present application, when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or be indirectly connected or coupled to the other element with one or more intervening elements interposed therebetween. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view ofspectacles 100 withlenses 104 in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the disclosure. Although spectacles are described herein in their traditional sense, the terms spectacles, eyeglass, and eyeglasses may be used interchangeably to refer to binocular and/or monocular spectacles having a frame with or without temple arms orear pieces 102. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that the configuration disclosed may apply equally to: (1) reading eyeglasses with two lenses, one for each eye for binocular vision; (2) a reading magnifier that may be used over one eye, i.e., a monocle for monocular vision; or (3) a single magnifying lens mounted in a frame large enough for two eyes. Moreover, the instant disclosure may apply to a lens to be mounted to a camera or other viewing instrument, for example, having a frame configured as a bayonet mount or bayonet connector to fasten a lens in front of a camera lens. - The
spectacles 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 may have a pair ofear pieces 102 and a pair ofapertures 106. Theapertures 106 may be any opening, i.e., any shape or size, which would allow a user to see, observe, inspect, examine, or otherwise perceive an object through the opening. The pair ofear pieces 102 may facilitate a user's ability to affix thespectacles 100 temporarily to one's face. Alternatively, thespectacles 100 may forgo the presence of anyear pieces 102 and may simply be held in the user's hand. Once in the user's hand, thespectacles 100 may be manually placed over one's eyes for viewing objects through theapertures 106. The use of thespectacles 100 withoutear pieces 102 may be referred to as a hand held or a lorgnette. - In an exemplary embodiment, the frame of the
spectacles 100 may be constructed of an inexpensive material such as paper or plastic. For example, a paper frame may be constructed of a paper board material, including one sheet or a plurality of sheets laminated together, in some embodiments, die-cut from paper stock. Of course, the term “paper” may be construed to include a broad range of apparatus having any suitable thickness, rigidity, etc., manufactured from any suitable type of a broad range of materials (e.g., plant matter, cellulose, animal skins, synthetic materials, etc.), chosen according to a manufacturer's needs. In another example, the frame of thespectacles 100 may be die cut or molded from an inexpensive plastic material, e.g., similar to a credit card. In these examples, the frame of thespectacles 100 may be printed with advertisements, notices, or other commercial indicia that may indicate manufacturing or distribution information. - The
lens 104 may alter light passing through thelens 104 to improve or correct vision, to ease reading, or to magnify miscellaneous objects according to the index of refraction of the material and the difference in the curvature between the two surfaces of thelens 104. In typical spectacles, the lenses are mounted in the frames to position the lenses in front of a user's eyes. According to various exemplary aspects of the instant disclosure, the lenses may be colored or substantially clear. Various lenses may be utilized for magnification, reading, ophthalmic vision correction, 3D applications, solar viewing, etc. Further, because lenses according to an aspect of this disclosure are interchangeable, different lenses may be swapped in and out for different applications, resulting in a modular lens eyeglass system. - The
lens 104 may be unifocal, with one correction for all distances, or it may correct for more than one distance (multifocal); in one aspect of the disclosure, thelens 104 may be configured as half-glasses (eyeglasses that have half lenses and are used for reading only). Thelens 104 may be made of plastic, polycarbonate, acrylic, glass, or any other suitable material. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens is a molded acrylic, polycarbonate, or other polymer. In general, the greater the index of refraction, the thinner thelens 104 can be. In an exemplary embodiment, thelens 104 may be a sheet magnifier that comprises many very narrow concentric ring-shaped lenses, such that the combination acts as a single lens but is much thinner than conventional convex lenses. This arrangement is known as a Fresnel lens. - In some embodiments the
lens 104 may be an injection molded plastic material. One aspect of such a material and construction is that, particularly in comparison to a Fresnel lens, a long focal length may be obtained. In one example, the lens may be adapted to provide a focal length of about 18 inches; however, a focal length of greater than about six inches may be suitable depending on various aspects and characteristics of a particular design. In another aspect, the lens may have a diopter of about +1.5, or more broadly, in a range between 1 and 5 to provide standard reading glasses. However in accordance with the disclosure the diopter may be as low as 0.5 depending on various aspects and characteristics of a particular design. -
FIG. 2 is an illustration of aframe 200 having a different shape. Those skilled in the art will comprehend that theframe 200 may take any suitable form or shape according to various design parameters. -
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration showing details of the lens and aperture into which the lens is inserted, to show how the lens may be inserted into and secured in the frame in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. Here, the frame of the spectacles is illustrated as having a square shape, but of course, the frame may take any suitable shape such as illustrated inFIGS. 1 , 2, or essentially any other shape. In an exemplary embodiment, thelens aperture 302. According to various configurations, the lens may include aflange 308 and a key 310 or 312. - In one example illustrated as
lens 304, thelens 304 may be removably placed into theaperture 302 in the frame by substantially aligning the key 310 with the shape of theaperture 302 and inserting thelens 304 into theaperture 302, such that theflange 308 engages thesurface 328 of the frame and prevents thelens 304 from passing completely through theaperture 302. The lens may be rotated such that a portion of the frame is engaged within achannel 322 between theflange 308 and the key 310 to secure thelens 304 to the frame by friction. - Here, the terms “top” and “bottom” are only used with reference to the orientation of the illustration, for ease and clarity of description. The
flange 308 may extend radially outward from abottom surface 318 of thelens 304, wrapping substantially around the circumference of thelens 304. Of course, theflange 308 need not necessarily wrap entirely around the circumference of the lens, but other configurations extending around a portion of the lens may be used in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Theflange 308 may have a thickness that is less than the thickness of thecylindrical lens 304. For example, in an embodiment where the bottom surface of theflange 308 is flush with the bottom surface of thelens 308, if the thickness of the lens is Tlens, and the thickness of the frame is Tframe (where the frame may be secured in thechannel 322 between theflange 308 and the key 310), then the thickness of the flange Tflange may be substantially equal to (Tlens−Tframe)/2. However, this thickness may be modified to any suitable thickness enabling the lens to be secured to the frame, e.g., within thechannel 322. - Here, the key may have any of various suitable shapes or sizes, for example, having a semi-circular profile, or rounded corners, for easy insertion into the keyhole. As illustrated on the
lens 304, the key 310 has a semi-circular shape extending radially outward from the edge of thelens 304. Here, the key 310 has a top surface substantially flush with thetop surface 316 of thelens 304, and the key 310 has a thickness substantially equal to (Tlens−Tframe)/2. However, as is the case with theflange 308 described above, various embodiments may place the top surface of the key 310 in a position other than being flush with thetop surface 316 of thelens 304, and the thickness of the key 310 may vary from the thickness described herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure. - With the key 310 and
flange 308 configured according to the above description, achannel 322 is created between the key 310 and theflange 308. Thus, to place thelens 304 into theaperture 302, thelens 304 is placed such that thekeys 310 substantially align with the shape of theaperture 302. For example, theaperture 302 may include a substantiallycircular opening 324 and one ormore notches 326. Thenotches 326 may have a shape substantially the same as the shape of thekeys 310, or a shape substantially different from the shape of thekeys 310, as long as thekeys 310 are capable of being inserted into the notches as described below. Here, thenotches 326 align with thekeys 310, such that thekeys 310 pass through thenotches 326 when thelens 304 is aligned and inserted into theaperture 302. Thereafter, theflange 308 engages a surface of the frame, preventing thelens 304 from passing entirely through theaperture 302. When the flange is engaged with the surface of the frame, the lens may be rotated, for example, by one quarter of a turn. Here, a portion of the frame proximate to theaperture 302 is engaged within thechannel 322 between theflange 308 and the key 310, securing thelens 304 in theaperture 302. In an exemplary embodiment, thechannel 322 is configured to fit snugly around the frame to reduce or prevent unwanted rotation of the lens during use. - In order to remove the
lens 304 from the frame, thelens 304 may be rotated by one quarter of a turn, that is, until thekeys 310 are substantially aligned with thenotches 326, and the portion of the frame proximate to theaperture 302 is no longer within thechannel 322. Thus, thelens 304 may be easily replaced with another lens, for example, having different optical properties, such as different magnification, a different color, a different application, etc. Thus, a system of interchangeable lenses in the same or different frames is provided. - The shape of the key may be configured to suit various design choices, such as, but not limited to how secure the lens is in the aperture, and how easy it is to rotate the lens to secure it to the frame. In the embodiment already described, the key is a substantially semi-circular shape, protruding radially from an
edge 320 of thelens 304 outward to a distance substantially the same as the distance that theflange 308 extends. - In another embodiment, illustrated as
lens 306, the key 312 may wrap approximately one quarter of the way around the circumference of thelens 306, extending radially from the edge of thelens 306 the same distance as theflange 308 extends from the edge of thelens 306. Of course, those skilled in the art will comprehend that the circumferential distance around the lens that the key extends is a matter of design preference, and may be modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Here, thelens 306 may utilize anaperture 302 substantially the same as the aperture described above, wherein the key 312 includes acurved edge 314 facilitating the insertion of the key 312 into thesemicircular notch 326 as thelens 306 is rotated within theaperture 302. In one embodiment, insertion of thecurved edge 314 into thenotch 326 may be facilitated by pressing down (e.g., squeezing) or lifting up the frame on one side of thenotch 326. In this embodiment, thelens 306 may be secured best by rotating thelens 306 by ⅜ of a turn after aligning thecurved edge 314 of the key 312 with thenotch 326 in theaperture 302. Thelens 306 may be removed from the frame by continuing its rotation in the same direction, such that the key 312 emerges from thenotch 326. - In the foregoing specification, spectacles have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, rather than restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described.
- For example, the steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims.
- Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components of any or all the claims.
- As used herein, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “includes” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition, or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.
Claims (1)
1. Spectacles comprising:
a paper frame having at least one aperture; and
at least one injection molded plastic lens for altering a user's vision when viewing through each of said at least one injection molded plastic lens.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/062,606 US20140049744A1 (en) | 2010-02-22 | 2013-10-24 | Low-cost eyeglasses |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US30686810P | 2010-02-22 | 2010-02-22 | |
US12/969,354 US8579433B2 (en) | 2010-02-22 | 2010-12-15 | Low-cost eyeglasses |
US14/062,606 US20140049744A1 (en) | 2010-02-22 | 2013-10-24 | Low-cost eyeglasses |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/969,354 Continuation US8579433B2 (en) | 2010-02-22 | 2010-12-15 | Low-cost eyeglasses |
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Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140049744A1 true US20140049744A1 (en) | 2014-02-20 |
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/969,354 Expired - Fee Related US8579433B2 (en) | 2010-02-22 | 2010-12-15 | Low-cost eyeglasses |
US14/062,606 Abandoned US20140049744A1 (en) | 2010-02-22 | 2013-10-24 | Low-cost eyeglasses |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/969,354 Expired - Fee Related US8579433B2 (en) | 2010-02-22 | 2010-12-15 | Low-cost eyeglasses |
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US (2) | US8579433B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011103592A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170336647A1 (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2017-11-23 | Prohero Group Co., Ltd. | Replacement structure of eyeglasses lens |
CN111065958A (en) * | 2017-09-11 | 2020-04-24 | 卢载龙 | Paper glasses and manufacturing method thereof |
KR102660554B1 (en) * | 2023-11-01 | 2024-04-25 | 최점주 | Eyeglass Frame having Changable Lenses |
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ITBL20120004A1 (en) * | 2012-06-08 | 2013-12-09 | Eric Balzan | PROCESS OF REALIZATION OF FRAMES OF COVERED GLASSES AND FRAMES OF GLASSES COVERED SO THEIR OBTAINED |
EP2945006B1 (en) * | 2014-05-13 | 2017-07-05 | Hannes Gasser | Spectacles and method for manufacturing spectacles |
US10473950B2 (en) * | 2016-09-20 | 2019-11-12 | Gerald Stulberger | Apparatus that improves vision |
JP6351698B2 (en) * | 2016-12-14 | 2018-07-04 | 則雄 関 | Eyeglass-shaped simple frame |
WO2018150280A2 (en) * | 2017-01-23 | 2018-08-23 | Pieterse Justin Sven | Eyewear |
WO2019055844A1 (en) | 2017-09-15 | 2019-03-21 | Thinoptics, Inc. | Ultra thin folding glasses and storage device |
JP2021534434A (en) * | 2018-06-21 | 2021-12-09 | シンオプティクス, インク.Thinoptics, Inc. | Ultra-thin glasses |
US11029531B2 (en) | 2019-02-18 | 2021-06-08 | Amanda Carrier | Eyeglass frame lens lock |
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CN111065958A (en) * | 2017-09-11 | 2020-04-24 | 卢载龙 | Paper glasses and manufacturing method thereof |
KR102660554B1 (en) * | 2023-11-01 | 2024-04-25 | 최점주 | Eyeglass Frame having Changable Lenses |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2011103592A1 (en) | 2011-08-25 |
US8579433B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 |
US20110205483A1 (en) | 2011-08-25 |
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