WO2015166449A1 - Lunettes d'entraînement sportif à vision réduite - Google Patents

Lunettes d'entraînement sportif à vision réduite Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015166449A1
WO2015166449A1 PCT/IB2015/053158 IB2015053158W WO2015166449A1 WO 2015166449 A1 WO2015166449 A1 WO 2015166449A1 IB 2015053158 W IB2015053158 W IB 2015053158W WO 2015166449 A1 WO2015166449 A1 WO 2015166449A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pair
user
restrictive filters
sports
eyewire
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2015/053158
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard Hareychuk
Original Assignee
Richard Hareychuk
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Richard Hareychuk filed Critical Richard Hareychuk
Publication of WO2015166449A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015166449A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F9/02—Goggles
    • A61F9/022—Use of special optical filters, e.g. multiple layers, filters for protection against laser light or light from nuclear explosions, screens with different filter properties on different parts of the screen; Rotating slit-discs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H5/00—Exercisers for the eyes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/165—Wearable interfaces

Definitions

  • This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to) vision restricting sports training eyewear (and a method thereof).
  • a tennis player for example
  • a coach or trainer
  • some emphasis is placed on the optimal strike-point at which to make ball contact with the racquet (typically hitting the ball early and off the front foot, etc.).
  • these motions are trained by giving verbal commands, and physical demonstrations of the optimal hitting style, for the forehand, for example, and then the student tries to emulate the ideal motion. Little emphasis has been placed (up to this point in the current art) on the visual or sensorial element of training.
  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to sports-training devices and to a method of training individuals for sports that require eye-hand coordination.
  • embodiments of the present invention relate to vision-restricting eyewear that obscures an individual's peripheral field of vision for improving the visual acuity of tracking a moving object.
  • Embodiments of the present invention also relate to the use of such vision-restricting eyewear as part of a method of training, to be followed in order to gradually improve a user's sports performance.
  • the embodiments of the present invention also relate to the use of electronic emitters, sensors, detectors, processors and signaling devices as part of a method of training the user as to the optimal timing and range for striking a moving object (e.g. incoming ball).
  • a moving object e.g. incoming ball
  • Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to specialized sports- training devices and to methods (programs) for sports training, especially for sports such as tennis, where body positioning, ball tracking and eye-body coordination are important factors in assuring consistent and optimal striking of a ball.
  • the embodiments of the present invention include vision training eyewear (ophthalmic device) alone, or combined with training methods, or combined with electronic devices configured to provide cues (preferably, in real-time) as to the optimal ball strike-point.
  • a goal of the embodiment of the present invention is to improve a user's body posture, stance and strike-point, to enable maximum performance for tennis, other racquet sports, golf, baseball, etc.
  • the training of a tennis player is discussed here; however, the same teachings are applicable to other sports.
  • the purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to assist in the alignment of the tennis player from the head to racquet and/or from the core of the body to the feet.
  • the ophthalmic device of the embodiments of the present invention accomplishes this (that is, the alignment of the body parts of the player) by restricting the visual field of the user in such a way as to cause an optimum desired turn of the head (of the user). If the wearer of the embodiments does not turn his head, he simply will not see the ball.
  • Some advantages of the embodiments of the present invention may include (and are not limited to): (1) linking the visual message of the motion of the tennis ball and the coordination of the body; (2) emphasizing the proper head position and visual tracking of the moving tennis ball; (3) blocking visual "noise” (especially the peripheral type) so that visual concentration is maximized; (4) restricting the visual field of the user in exchange for narrowing and intensifying visual concentration on a specific motion of the tennis ball; (5) forcing the user to strike the ball consistently, namely, in the same position, at the same height from the ground, and/or at the same distance from the body; (6) allowing the user to work on a particular stroke consistently, and deeply ingraining the muscle memory to enable consistent repetition of body part movements during a game setting; (7) giving the user a complete system of visual concentration, vision training, stance consistency and strike-point consistency leading to a superior level of sports performance; and/or (8) supplying (to the user) a system (eyewear) and method of visual field manipulation and strike-point cues which
  • Representative embodiments of the present invention comprise eyewear consisting of specially adapted sports glasses frames, modified to receive one or more filters specifically placed as barriers to obscure part of the visual field of the user.
  • such filters are opaque, so as to completely block parts of the visual field of both eyes of the user; however, the embodiments of the present invention may work with semi-opaque filters or with filters tinted in various colors, or tinted in colors selected specifically to de-emphasize the color of the tennis ball (the game ball), forcing the user to use the preferred (non-obscured) section of the sports glasses.
  • Further embodiments also implement electronic components (including emitters, sensors, detectors, processors and signaling devices) to provide cues to the player as to the optimal timing and range for striking the incoming ball.
  • electronic components including emitters, sensors, detectors, processors and signaling devices
  • Methods of training are also provided, which implement the use of the above devices to gradually improve a user's sports performance.
  • a vision restricting sports training eyewear is for a user having a peripheral vision.
  • the vision restricting sports training eyewear includes an eyewire.
  • the vision restricting sports training eyewear may also include a pair of restrictive filters configured to be removably attachable to the eyewire.
  • the pair of restrictive filters is configured to restrict (in use and at least in part) a peripheral vision of the user.
  • a vision restricting sports training eyewear is for a user, lenses, and an ophthalmic sports frame providing an eyewire.
  • the eyewire is configured to receive and support the lenses.
  • the ophthalmic sports frame is configured to be spatially positionable and wearable by the user in such a way that the ophthalmic sports frame (in use) positions the eyewire in front of the eyes of the user just so.
  • a pair of restrictive filters is configured to be spatially positioned in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters (in use) partially occludes a portion of a field of view of the user for a case where the pair of restrictive filters is spatially positioned to do just so.
  • the vision restricting sports training eyewear includes a filter-positioning assembly configured to be supported by the ophthalmic sports frame in such a way that the filter-positioning assembly is spaced apart from the lenses and the filter-positioning assembly is in a non-contact arrangement with the lenses.
  • the filter- positioning assembly is also configured to support the pair of restrictive filters in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters is spatially located at a spaced apart position from the lenses.
  • the filter-positioning assembly is also configured to facilitate the horizontal reciprocal sweeping movement of the pair of restrictive filters horizontally across the field of view of the user between a first training occlusion position and a second training occlusion position. This is done in such a way that: (A) in the first training occlusion position, the pair of restrictive filters, in use, partially occludes (in use) a first portion of the field of view of the user for the case where the filter-positioning assembly receives the pair of restrictive filters just so, and (B) in the second training occlusion position, the pair of restrictive filters (in use) partially occludes a second portion of the field of view of the user for the case where the filter-positioning assembly receives the pair of restrictive filters just so.
  • a vision restricting sports training eyewear is for a user having a field of view.
  • the vision restricting sports training eyewear includes lenses and an ophthalmic sports frame providing an eyewire.
  • the eyewire is configured to receive and support the lenses.
  • the ophthalmic sports frame is configured to be spatially positionable and wearable by the user in such a way that the ophthalmic sports frame (in use) positions the eyewire in front of the eyes of the user just so.
  • the vision restricting sports training eyewear also includes a pair of restrictive filters that is configured to be spatially positioned in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters (in use) partially occludes a portion of the field of view of the user for the case where the pair of restrictive filters is spatially positioned to do just so.
  • the vision restricting sports training eyewear also includes a filter-positioning assembly that is configured to be supported by the ophthalmic sports frame in such a way that the filter- positioning assembly is spaced apart from the lenses and the filter-positioning assembly is in a non-contact arrangement with the lenses for the case where the lenses are received by the eyewire of the ophthalmic sports frame.
  • the filter-positioning assembly is also configured to support the pair of restrictive filters in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters is spatially located at a spaced apart position from the lenses for a case where the lenses are received by the eyewire of the ophthalmic sports frame just so.
  • the filter- positioning assembly is also configured to facilitate the horizontal reciprocal sweeping movement of the pair of restrictive filters horizontally across the field of view of the user between a first training occlusion position and a second training occlusion position.
  • vision restricting sports training eyeglasses including a front eyewire and a pair of restrictive filters removably attached to said eyewire for restricting a peripheral vision of a user.
  • the vision restricting sports training eyeglasses may further include emitters, sensors, detectors, processors and signaling devices, to provide cues to a user as to optimal timing and spatial range for performing sport-specific movements.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of vision restricting sports training eyewear for a user having a peripheral vision
  • FIG. 2 depicts a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a filter-positioning assembly for usage with the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the filter-positioning assembly of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depict perspective views of embodiments of a pair of restrictive filters for usage with the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1, in which a pair of restrictive filters is placed in a first training occlusion position;
  • FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1, in which a pair of restrictive filters is placed in a second training occlusion position;
  • FIG. 6C depicts a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1, in which a pair of restrictive filters is placed in a first training occlusion position;
  • FIG. 6D depicts a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1, in which a pair of restrictive filters is placed in a second training occlusion position;
  • FIG. 7 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a visual field of view of a user of the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 8 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a position of a right handed user
  • FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B depict perspective views of embodiments of the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 10 depicts a front view of an embodiment of an inter-pupillary distance calibration device for usage with the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B and FIG. 11C depict views of embodiments of a pair of restrictive filters the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 12A and FIG.12B depict views of embodiments of the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B and FIG. 13C depict views of embodiments of a pair of restrictive filters the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B depict views of embodiments of the vision restricting sports training eyewear of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and 15F depict views of embodiments of the eyewear of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 15A depicts a front view of the eyewear.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the vision restricting sports training eyewear 100 for a user having a peripheral vision.
  • the vision restricting sports training eyewear 100 may be called a sports eyewear device, vision restricting sports training eyeglasses, etc., and any equivalent thereof.
  • the vision restricting sports training eyewear 100 is hereafter referred to as the eyewear 100.
  • the eyewear 100 is depicted without a pair of restrictive filters 108 installed thereto.
  • embodiments of the pair of restrictive filters 108 is depicted in any one of FIGS. 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 9A, 9B, 11A, 11B, 11C, 13A, 13B, 13C, 14A and 14B.
  • the eyewear 100 includes (and is not limited to) an eyewire 103.
  • the eyewire 103 may be called a front eyewire, etc., and any equivalent thereof.
  • the eyewire 103 provides (defines) a rim section of an ophthalmic sports frame 101.
  • the ophthalmic sports frame 101 includes the eyewire 103.
  • the ophthalmic sports frame 101 may be called an ophthalmic frame, an eye frame, etc., and any equivalent thereof.
  • the ophthalmic sports frame 101 includes temples 104 that are configured to be adjustable in such a way that the ophthalmic sports frame 101 may be custom fitted behind the ears of the user (the wearer), much like a standard pair of safety or ophthalmic spectacles, etc.
  • the eyewire 103 is configured to receive (at least in part) and surround (at least in part) the lenses 102 (once the lenses 102 are operatively mounted to the eyewire 103 just so).
  • the lenses 102 may include any one of prescription lenses and non-prescription lenses (as may be desired or required by the user).
  • the lenses 102 are configured to be operatively installed (mounted) to the eyewire 103.
  • the eyewire 103 is combined with the lenses 102 mounted to the eyewire 103 (for the case where the eyewire 103 is ready for usage by a user, if so desired).
  • the lenses 102 are not installed to the eyewire 103 (if so desired), and for this case, the user may wear the eyewire 103 without the lenses 102 operatively installed to the eyewire 103.
  • the lenses 102 are configured to be, at least in part, optically light transmissive (to transmit (convey or allow passage of) light toward the eye of the user.
  • the lenses 102 may be configured to affect the focusing of a light beam through refraction.
  • the lenses 102 may include a single piece of material, or may include a compound lens having several simple lenses (elements) aligned along a common axis (if so desired).
  • the lenses 102 may include any suitable or desired material, such as a polycarbonate material, a shatterproof material, glass, a plastic material, a transparent material, and any equivalent thereof.
  • the lenses 102 may be ground and polished to a desired shape.
  • the lenses 102 may be used to focus light to form an image in the eye of the user.
  • the lenses 102 may be clear or partly clear (clear at least in part), partly colored or tinted, etc., and any equivalent thereof. It is understood that tinted instances of the lenses 102 may be optionally used (if so desired).
  • the lenses 102 may be installed later on site at a retail outlet (store), if so desired. It will be appreciated that the supplier of the ophthalmic sports frame 101 may be different from the supplier of the lenses 102. The lenses 102 are not considered essential to the function of the ophthalmic sports frame 101 (unless, of course, the ophthalmic sports frame 101 is required to have the lenses 102 installed thereto for usage by the user). It will be appreciated that the ophthalmic sports frame 101 may function without (does not have to include) the lenses 102 attached to the eyewire 103 of the ophthalmic sports frame 101. It will be appreciated that the lenses 102 are provided for those users who may require enhanced vision assistance as may be provided by the lenses 102 (in a prescription form).
  • FIG. 2 depicts a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a filter-positioning assembly 111 for usage with the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1.
  • the eyewire 103 (as depicted in FIG. 1) includes the filter-positioning assembly 111 configure to receive and to spatially position the pair of restrictive filters 108.
  • the filter-positioning assembly 111 may be integrally formed to the eyewire 103, extend from the eyewire 103, and/or is a separate component that is configured to be installed to the eyewire 103.
  • the filter-positioning assembly 111 includes (and is not limited to) a channel piece 105.
  • the channel piece 105 is configured to be mounted (positioned) at a top portion (or any portion) of the eyewire 103.
  • the channel piece 105 may be called a center channel piece.
  • the channel piece 105 has an axial length extending therethrough.
  • the channel piece 105 includes (provides or defines) two channels along its length.
  • the channel piece 105 includes (and is not limited to) a body defining a posterior channel 106 and an anterior channel 107.
  • the posterior channel 106 extends (at least in part) along a length of the channel piece 105.
  • the anterior channel 107 is spaced apart from the posterior channel 106.
  • the anterior channel 107 extends (at least in part) along a length of the channel piece 105.
  • the posterior channel 106 and the anterior channel 107 are isolated from each other (not in communication with one another). [059] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG.
  • the posterior channel 106 and the anterior channel 107 are provided by (or defined within) the channel piece 105 (along the axial length of the channel piece 105).
  • the posterior channel 106 is configured to receive and hold the lenses 102 (as depicted in FIG. 1, for the case where the filter-positioning assembly 111 is integrally formed to the eyewire 103).
  • the posterior channel 106 is configured to receive and connect with the eyewire 103 for the case where the filter-positioning assembly 111 is a separate (discreet) component.
  • the anterior channel 107 is configured (adapted) to hold the pair of restrictive filters 108 (as depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) in (at) various operative sports training positions.
  • the sports training positions are spatially adjustable by the user.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to be slidably securely engaged with and movable along a length of the anterior channel 107 between the sports training positions.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 may be configured to be selectively engaged with and disengaged from the anterior channel 107.
  • the anterior channel 107 has a triangular shape in cross-section.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the filter-positioning assembly 111 of FIG. 2.
  • the channel piece 105 is placed at the top of the eyewire 103 of the eyewear 100.
  • the channel piece 105 is depicted showing the posterior channel 106 and the anterior channel 107 in cross-section.
  • the preferred cross-sectional shapes of the posterior channel 106 and the anterior channel 107 are as depicted in FIG. 3 (approximately rectangular and approximately triangular, respectively). It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the posterior channel 106 and the anterior channel 107 may use (include) any other suitable shapes adapted to (configured to) respectively hold the lenses 102 (or connect to the eyewire 103) and/or the pair of restrictive filters 108 in place (position), respectively.
  • FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depict perspective views of embodiments of a pair of restrictive filters 108 for usage with the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is thin yet sufficiently rigid.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 includes (at least in part) an opaque portion (that is, a non light- transmissive portion).
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is made of (include) a plastic material, a polycarbonate material, any similar material, and any equivalent thereof.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is preferably used in pairs; for instance, one restrictive filter of the pair of restrictive filters 108 is provided for each of the right eye and the left eye of the user (the wearer of the eyewire 103 as depicted in FIG. 1).
  • a track member 109 that is, a male track member.
  • the track member 109 provides (defines), preferably, a triangular shape in cross-section.
  • the track member 109 is configured to be (is capable of being) threaded (sliding with some frictional resistance permitted) into (along) the matching (corresponding) instance of the anterior channel 107. This is done in such a way that the track member 109 is configured to be fitted (slidably received) into (along) the channel piece 105.
  • the track member 109 is configured to be fitted (slidably received) by the eyewire 103 of the ophthalmic sports frame 101 of the eyewear 100.
  • the track member 109 is the male counterpart of the female of the anterior channel 107.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is slid or is slidable (by a slight application of force by the hand of the user) along the axial length of the channel piece 105 to an appropriate sports training position (as selected by the user).
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 remains frictionally locked in placed relative to the channel piece 105 until the pair of restrictive filters 108 is slidably moved again by the user (at a later time).
  • positional indexing means devices that may optionally be implemented on (for moving or translating) the pair of restrictive filters 108 or on the channel piece 105, so as to enable indexing and repeatability as to the positioning of the pair of restrictive filters 108 along the length of the channel piece 105.
  • the engagement between the pair of restrictive filters 108 and the ophthalmic sports frame 101 and/or the channel piece 105 is achieved by means other than by a triangular male track (that is, the embodiment of the track member 109 as depicted in FIG. 4) sliding into a female channel (that is, the embodiment of the anterior channel 107 as depicted in FIG. 3).
  • any means of reversible attachment i.e., magnetic, mechanical, adhesive, etc., and any equivalent thereof
  • the ophthalmic sports frame 101 and/or the channel piece 105 include a series of notches (notches, and may include relatively smaller openings) or notched tracks running along (at least in part) the length of the channel piece 105 and/or the ophthalmic sports frame 101.
  • the notches are configured to intermesh with matching projections extending from the edge of the pair of restrictive filters 108. This is done in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to be reversibly lockable in place at certain (predetermined) positions (selected by the user) along the length of the ophthalmic sports frame 101 (as depicted in FIG. 1) and/or the channel piece 105 (as depicted in FIG. 3).
  • FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1, in which a pair of restrictive filters 108 is placed in a first training occlusion position.
  • FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1, in which a pair of restrictive filters 108 is placed in a second training occlusion position.
  • the eyewear 100 is for a user having a peripheral vision.
  • the eyewear 100 includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combination of the eyewire 103 and the pair of restrictive filters 108.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is removably attachable to the eyewire 103.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to restrict the peripheral vision of the user.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 may include a single restrictive filter with a pair of filter zones, etc.
  • the eyewear 100 is adapted such that the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to be spatially positioned at any one of a first training occlusion position (as depicted in FIG. 6A) and a second training occlusion position (as depicted in FIG. 6B).
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to be spatially positioned relative to the eyewire 103. This is done in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters 108 partially occludes (in use) a portion of a field of view located in front of the eyewire 103 at any one of the first training occlusion position (as depicted in FIG. 6A) and the second training occlusion position (as depicted in FIG. 6B).
  • the eyewear 100 further includes (and is not limited to) the filter-positioning assembly 111.
  • the filter-positioning assembly 111 is configured to removably attach the pair of restrictive filters 108 to the eyewire 103.
  • the filter-positioning assembly 111 is also configured to support (receive and support) the pair of restrictive filters 108. This is done in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters 108 is spatially located at a spaced apart position from the eyewire 103.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is spatially positioned offset (spaced apart) in a position located in front of the eyewire 103 or in a position located behind the eyewire 103.
  • the filter- positioning assembly 111 is also configured to facilitate the horizontal reciprocal sweeping movement of the pair of restrictive filters 108 horizontally across the field of view (of the user).
  • the frontal field of view is located in front of the eyewire 103.
  • the filter- positioning assembly 111 is also configured to facilitate the horizontal reciprocal sweeping movement of the pair of restrictive filters 108 horizontally across the field of view (also called the frontal field of view of the user).
  • the field of view is located in front of the eyewire 103 between the first training occlusion position (as depicted in FIG. 6A) and the second training occlusion position (as depicted in FIG. 6B).
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 partially occludes (in use) a first portion of the field of view of the user (the field of view is located in front of the eyewire 103).
  • this is done in such a way that in the second training occlusion position, the pair of restrictive filters 108 partially occludes (in use) a second portion of the field of view of the user (the field of view is located in front of the eyewire 103).
  • the eyewear 100 is for the user (also called a wearer), the lenses 102, the ophthalmic sports frame 101 providing the eyewire 103, and the pair of restrictive filters 108. It is understood that in accordance with the second major embodiment, the eyewear 100 does not include the lenses 102, the ophthalmic sports frame 101, the eyewire 103, and the pair of restrictive filters 108.
  • the eyewire 103 is configured to receive and support the lenses 102.
  • the ophthalmic sports frame 101 is configured to be spatially positionable and wearable by the user. This is done in such a way that the ophthalmic sports frame 101 positions the eyewire 103 in front of the eyes of the user just so.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to be spatially positioned in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters 108 partially occludes (in use) a portion of the field of view of the user for the case where the pair of restrictive filters 108 is spatially positioned to do just so.
  • the eyewear 100 includes (and is not limited to) the filter-positioning assembly 111.
  • the filter-positioning assembly 111 is configured to be supported by (extend from, be mountable to) the ophthalmic sports frame
  • the filter-positioning assembly 111 is also configured to support (receive and support) the pair of restrictive filters 108 in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters 108 is spatially located at a spaced apart position (offset from, in front of or behind) from the lenses 102.
  • the filter-positioning assembly 111 is also configured to facilitate the horizontal reciprocal sweeping movement of the pair of restrictive filters 108 horizontally across the field of view (of the user, and is located in front of the eyewire 103) between the first training occlusion position (as depicted in FIG. 6A) and the second training occlusion position (as depicted in FIG. 6B).
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 In the first training occlusion position (FIG. 6A), the pair of restrictive filters 108 partially occludes (in use) the first portion of the field of view of the user for the case where the filter-positioning assembly 111 receives the pair of restrictive filters 108 just so. In the second training occlusion position, the pair of restrictive filters 108 partially occludes (in use) a second portion of the field of view (of the user) for the case where the filter-positioning assembly 111 receives the pair of restrictive filters 108 just so.
  • the eyewear 100 is for the user having a field of view.
  • the eyewear 100 includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combination of the lenses 102, the ophthalmic sports frame 101 providing the eyewire 103, the pair of restrictive filters 108 and the filter-positioning assembly 111 (as a kit, for instance).
  • the ophthalmic sports frame 101 provides the eyewire 103.
  • the eyewire 103 defines (provides) a set of lens-receiving apertures.
  • the eyewire 103 is configured to receive and support the lenses 102.
  • the ophthalmic sports frame 101 is configured to be spatially positionable and wearable by the user in such a way that the ophthalmic sports frame 101 positions the eyewire 103 in front of the eyes of the user just so.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to be spatially positioned in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters 108 partially occludes (in use) a portion of the field of view of the user for the case where the pair of restrictive filters 108 is spatially positioned to do just so.
  • the filter-positioning assembly 111 is configured to be supported by (extend from, be mountable to) the ophthalmic sports frame 101 in such a way that the filter-positioning assembly 111 is spaced apart from the lenses 102, and the filter-positioning assembly 111 is in a non-contact arrangement with the lenses 102 for the case where the lenses 102 are received by the eyewire 103 of the ophthalmic sports frame 101.
  • the filter-positioning assembly 111 is also configured to support (receive and support) the pair of restrictive filters 108 in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters 108 is spatially located at a spaced apart position (offset from, in front of or behind) from the lenses 102 (for the case where the lenses 102 are received by the eyewire 103 just so).
  • the filter-positioning assembly 111 is also configured to facilitate the horizontal reciprocal sweeping movement of the pair of restrictive filters 108 horizontally across the field of view of the user between the first training occlusion position (as depicted in FIG. 6A) and the second training occlusion position (as depicted in FIG. 6B).
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 In the first training occlusion position, the pair of restrictive filters 108 partially occludes the first portion of the field of view of the user for the case where the filter-positioning assembly 111 receives the pair of restrictive filters 108 just so. In the second training occlusion position, the pair of restrictive filters 108 partially occludes the second portion of the field of view of the user for the case where the filter-positioning assembly 111 receives the pair of restrictive filters 108 just so.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 (a right restrictive filter and a left restrictive filter for the right eye and the left eye, respectively, of the user) is placed and positioned on (mounted to) the ophthalmic sports frame 101.
  • the eyewear 100 also called ophthalmic eyewear
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 the right restrictive filter and the left restrictive filter
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 may include opaque restrictive filters.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is specifically placed as light-blocking barriers in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to obscure (in use) a part (at least in part) of the visual field (the field of view) of the user of the eyewear 100 (once positioned just so).
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is manually inserted by the user into respective instances of the anterior channel 107 provided by the channel piece 105 (depicted in FIG. 3).
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is placed at specific positions along the channel piece 105 in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters 108 blocks (in use) either the right visual field of view or the left visual field of view of both eyes of the user.
  • the arrows 113 depict the fact that the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to be movable to various desired training positions located along the length of the channel piece 105 (that is, located along the filter-positioning assembly 111).
  • the ease with which the user may reposition the pair of restrictive filters 108 along the length of the channel piece 105 allows the user to tailor the portion of the visual field of view to be occluded by the pair of restrictive filters 108, based on the user's eye and face anatomy and/or based on prescribed training method parameters, on the level of skill of the user (sports skill), and/or on the stroke of tennis swing that the user may be training on, etc.
  • the method supplied with (associated with) the eyewear 100 provides the user with instructions as to how to occlude the field of view of the user, what particular part of the visual field of view to occlude, how much of the field of view to occlude and how to proceed over time with a gradual widening of the un-occluded visual field of view.
  • the method calls for (includes) a gradual widening of the un-occluded visual field of view of the user, which may (in time) reduce reliance on such training aid (also called the weaning off process), along with the onset of the deep ingrained muscle memory (as may be established over prolonged use of the eyewear 100), which is a very desirable effect for the user.
  • training aid also called the weaning off process
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is spatially positioned such that the distance between the corresponding opaque-to-opaque edges of the pair of restrictive filters 108 matches the inter-pupillary distance of the user.
  • the inter-pupillary distance is also known as the pupillary distance or PD.
  • the pupillary distance is an individual measurement. Adjusting the position of the pair of restrictive filters 108 to the user's pupillary distance may be made with the eyewear 100 in place (positioned in situ on the user). Most people who wear prescription glasses may already know their individual pupillary distance, since pupillary distance is measured by an optometrist prior to any fitting of prescription glasses.
  • a positional indexing device (means) is implemented (deployed) with the eyewear 100.
  • the positional indexing device is configured to assist the user in the proper adjustment of the position of the pair of restrictive filters 108 according to the user's pupillary distance.
  • Instructions for self-measuring the pupillary distance may be optionally provided with the eyewear 100.
  • the eyewear 100 may be used by a right handed player (user) wanting to practice his forehand, or by a left-handed player (user) wanting to practice his backhand.
  • playing (or training) positions (of the pair of restrictive filters 108) are configured to be reversed (preferably quickly and easily) by the user in situ (on the spot), and preferably without a need for a separate instance of the pair of restrictive filters 108 and/or the ophthalmic sports frame 101.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to be: (A) horizontally reversed (that is, flipped) by about 180 degrees, and (B) attachable to corresponding positions located on the opposite sides of the ophthalmic sports frame 101.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6B (similar to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6A), the pair of restrictive filters 108 have been spatially flipped by about 180 degrees, and the pair of restrictive filters 108 is used for training the opposite part of the body of the user, or for left-handed users, etc.
  • the eyewear 100 has the pair of restrictive filters 108 flipped about 180 degrees on the channel piece 105 (that is, on the filter-positioning assembly 111). This is the configuration that may be used for a right handed player (user) to practice his backhand stroke (in the game of tennis) and/or for a left-handed player (user) to practice his forehand stroke (in the game of tennis).
  • yoking device positioned between the pair of restrictive filters 108.
  • the yoking device is configured to ensure that the relative distance between the filters of the pair of restrictive filters 108 is kept unchanged upon lateral adjustment of filter positions, and/or upon flipping the pair of restrictive filters 108 by about 180 degrees on the channel piece 105 (that is, on the filter-positioning assembly 111).
  • the yoking device may simplify the action of flipping and adjusting the portion of the visual field of view that is occluded by the pair of restrictive filters 108 (by ensuring that the relative distance between the filters used or provided by the pair of restrictive filters 108 is always kept equal to the user's pupillary distance).
  • FIG. 6C depicts a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1, in which a pair of restrictive filters 108 is placed in a first training occlusion position.
  • FIG. 6D depicts a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1, in which a pair of restrictive filters 108 is placed in a second training occlusion position.
  • the filter- positioning assembly 111 further includes (and is not limited to) a centrally positioned vertical member 114 positioned between the opposite sides of the eyewire 103.
  • the centrally positioned vertical member 114 is affixed to the channel piece 105.
  • the centrally positioned vertical member 114 extends downwardly from the channel piece 105 in front of the eyewire 103 (depicted in FIG. 1).
  • the centrally positioned vertical member 114 is configured to receive and to support the pair of restrictive filters 108. This is done in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters 108 (either one filter or both filters thereof) is adapted to be pivoted around the centrally positioned vertical member 114.
  • This arrangement may allow for relatively quicker reversing of the training positions by effecting an approximately 180 degree pivot of the pair of restrictive filters 108 (from one eye of the user to the opposite eye of the user), if so desired.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 includes a clear portion 137 (also called a light-transmissive portion) and an opaque portion 138 (also called a non light-transmissive portion) positioned next to the clear portion 137.
  • the clear portion 137 is positioned adjacent to and between oppositely positioned the opaque portions 138.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to be translated (linearly translated or move) from side to side of the ophthalmic sports frame 101 (depicted in FIG. 1).
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 includes two instances of the pair of restrictive filters 108 positioned on opposite sides of the centrally positioned vertical member 114. Each instance of the pair of restrictive filters 108 includes the clear portion 137 positioned adjacent to the opaque portion 138. Each instance of the pair of restrictive filters 108 is configured to be pivotally moved relative to the centrally positioned vertical member 114 providing a pivot axis.
  • one filter or both filters of the pair of restrictive filters 108 is not attached directly to the channel piece 105, but instead, the pair of restrictive filters 108 is attached to (and is adapted to pivot around) the track member 109.
  • the track member 109 extends from the channel piece 105.
  • This embodiment may make it relatively easier for the user to flip the pivoting instance of the pair of restrictive filters 108 by about 180 degrees around the track member 109, thereby simplifying (at least in part) the action of reversing the training position (e.g. from the backhand stroke to the forehand stroke associated with a tennis game).
  • the training position is also called the practice position.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 is slightly curved across their surface in such a way that the pair of restrictive filters 108 better conform (at least in part) to the curvature of the ophthalmic sports frame 101 and/or of the eyewire 103, in which the ophthalmic sports frame 101 and/or the eyewire 103 are generally slightly curved (so as to conform better to a user's face).
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 may be made of a material that allows (is configured to allow) the user to snap fit the pair of restrictive filters 108. In this way, it may be possible to reverse the orientation of curvature of the pair of restrictive filters 108.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 may conform (at least in part) to the ophthalmic sports frame 101 after the pair of restrictive filters 108 is flipped to the opposite side of the ophthalmic sports frame 101 (e.g. from the left eye to the right eye of the user, and vice -versa).
  • FIG. 7 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a visual field of view of a user 115 of the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 7 An illustration of the typical human visual field is depicted in FIG. 7. This illustration shows that the visual fields (fields of view) of the right eye and the left eye are symmetrical (approximately symmetrical) about a centerline running from the nose of the user 115 to the straight-ahead position (located in front of the user 115). Although this may be practical for everyday living, it is not the preferred orientation for an athlete (for playing tennis, for example). As illustrated in FIG. 7, the total visual field of the human is approximately 180 degrees along the horizontal line 116. The binocular field 117 (i.e. where the fields overlap) is approximately 120 degrees. For the left eye, the left eye field of view 119 is approximately 150 degrees.
  • the right eye field of view 120 is approximately 150 degrees.
  • the angular extent of the visual field of view used for tracking a moving object is only about 30 degrees.
  • Objects in the periphery (and the visual periphery in general) only contribute to the noise that does not play a role in the tracking of the main object (such as the ball 118, a tennis ball, etc.).
  • the visual periphery is filtered out of (removed from) a user's field of view, a more efficient visual tracking system is the result.
  • FIG. 8 depicts a top view of an embodiment of a position of a right handed user 115.
  • the position is depicted for a right handed tennis player (the user 115) wanting to hit a forehand shot, in an ideal, closed- stance position (this is a position of the body of the user 115).
  • the left shoulder of the user is rotated forward, and the left eye of the user becomes the leading eye, irrespective of dominance of the left eye or the right eye.
  • a wedge of the field of vision 110 is the most important part of the visual field of view of the user 115, and should be isolated for maximum focus and efficiency.
  • a technical effect of the eyewear 100 is to occlude the visual field of view of the user 115 that is not necessary (for tracking the ball 118 for this particular type of tennis shot strategy), thereby leaving clear windows (clear fields of view) for both eyes of the user 1 15 only in those parts of the visual field of view that optimally allow the user 115 to concentrate on the task.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 of the eyewear 100 may occlude the noise-inducing portions (the unwanted portions) of the peripheral left visual field of view 121 and the peripheral right visual field of view 122 (one for each eye of the user), leaving un-occluded the most important portion of binocular field of vision 110 having a base oriented or facing in the direction of the ball 118.
  • the eyewear 100 is configured to align the eyes of the user 115, followed by the head, the legs and the torso and, at the end, to be followed by the arm(s) of the user before the user strikes the ball 118 with a tennis racket. Limiting the visual field of view of the user (athlete) may improve (at least in part) user concentration on the task at hand.
  • the eyewear 100 assists (at least in part) in leading the motion of the body of the user 115, rather than having the body dictate the head and the eye position during a strike to be imparted to the ball 118 (by the racket).
  • FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B depict perspective views of embodiments of the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1.
  • the eyewear 100 further includes, preferably, the use of a combination of electronic components configured to: (A) mounted to an ophthalmic sports frame 101 of the eyewire 103, and (B) provide (in use) cues (preferably in real time or in near real time) to the user 115 (the player or the wearer of the eyewear 100) as to the optimal timing and range for striking the ball 118 with the racket (not depicted).
  • the ball 118 includes a special training ball configured to incorporate (include) the tracking emitter 134 (an electronic device) that is configured to emit (in use) a tracking signal that may be an electromagnetic signal, an acoustic signal, an optical signal, etc., and any equivalent thereof.
  • the player (the user) training with the ball 118 is fitted with wearable electronic circuitry 136 adapted to (configured to): (A) receive the tracking signal emitted by the tracking emitter 134 mounted in the ball 118, (B) track (preferably, continuously) the distance from the ball 118 to the user, and (C) provide a cue to the user as to the optimal time for striking the ball 118.
  • the eyewear 100 (also called training eyeglasses, as described above) is fitted with such wearable electronic circuitry 136 including (and not limited to): (A) one or more sensors configured to detect the tracking signal emitted by the tracking emitter 134 mounted in the ball 118; (B) a control unit (computer) configured to translate the tracking signal into a distance-from-emitter information; and (C) send (transmit) such information to a command module.
  • wearable electronic circuitry 136 including (and not limited to): (A) one or more sensors configured to detect the tracking signal emitted by the tracking emitter 134 mounted in the ball 118; (B) a control unit (computer) configured to translate the tracking signal into a distance-from-emitter information; and (C) send (transmit) such information to a command module.
  • the command module is configured to: (A) receive such information from the control unit, and (B) generate sensory cues (such as auditory cues, visual cues, tactile cues, etc.) to the user (the player) as to the optimal time for striking the ball 118, on the basis of the real-time (or near real-time) measured distance to the ball 118, with the possibility of pre-programmed adjustment factors, so that the user may hit the ball 118 sooner or later than the theoretical optimum point, depending on the swing style, etc.
  • sensory cues such as auditory cues, visual cues, tactile cues, etc.
  • the wearable electronic circuitry 136 configured to achieve the functionality described above is commercially available (that is, known to the public and is described) from known suppliers, and may be packaged in a very small form factor, which may be unobtrusively attached to the ophthalmic sports frame 101 of the eyewear 100 (or simply provided along with the eyewear 100), or may be attached to the player's racquet, or may be worn on the body of the user with minimal added weight and discomfort to the user.
  • the eyewear 100 is adapted for use with regular tennis balls (which do not have an emitter embedded inside).
  • the user a player
  • the eyewear 100 is fitted with the eyewear 100 and with wearable electronic circuitry functionally similar to the previously described embodiment (above), with the modification that the tracking signal sensors are to be replaced by optical tracking devices (means) configured to (capable to) use optical measurements for determining the distance from the ball to the user.
  • optical tracking devices means
  • Such optical range finder and tracking means are known in the art and are widely available from commercial suppliers.
  • any known moving -object-tracking methods can be combined with the circuitry, the eyewear 100 and the method of training of the embodiments of the present invention, so as to achieve a similar extended functionality, namely provision of real-time cues to the user (a player) as to the optimal timing and spatial range for striking the ball.
  • a preferred method of practicing embodiments of the present invention includes the use of a maximum degree of visual field occlusion and the strike-point cues for the first stages of training.
  • the method prescribes a gradual and staggered reduction in the provision of the strike-point cues and in the degree of visual field manipulation. This is done by gradual adjustments of the position of the pair of restrictive filters 108 on the ophthalmic sports frame 101 (relative to the ophthalmic sports frame 101). In this manner, the pair of restrictive filters 108 occludes (in use) less and less of the visual field of view of the use, up to a final level where the strike-point cues and visual field manipulation may not be needed or provided any longer.
  • the user is progressively weaned off from using the eyewear 100 (also called the training device) of the embodiments of the present invention).
  • the user (the player) may be said to have reached an elite level where the user may rely exclusively on his deep-ingrained muscle memory developed by training with the eyewear 100 and the method associated with the embodiments of the present invention.
  • the tracking emitter 134 is mounted in the ball 118.
  • a tracking sensor 135 is mounted to the ophthalmic sports frame 101 (including a battery, a micro-computer controller, memory unit tangible embodying controller-executable instructions for controlling the operation of the microcomputer controller, etc.).
  • the tracking sensor 135 with the micro-computer controller (with the executable instructions) are configured to: (A) track (in use) the approaching instance of the ball 118, and (B) compute and provide cues (such as, an audio beep next to the ear of the user, a very mild electric shock to the temple of the user, etc.) as to the proper timing and distance range to hit the ball 118 in an optimal way.
  • FIG. 10 depicts a front view of an embodiment of an inter-pupillary distance calibration device 123 for usage with the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1.
  • the inter-pupillary distance calibration device 123 may be called a pupillary -distance self-measurement tool.
  • the proper functionality of the eyewear 100 depends (to a certain extent) on starting with a pair of eyeglasses that fit the pupillary distance of the user. Some people have broad faces, with a larger distance between the eyes, some have a narrower face, etc. (that is, each user has a specific pupillary distance).
  • the parameter called inter- pupillary distance (or pupillary distance) is measured (normally by an optometrist) before fitting any pair of eyeglasses.
  • adjustment devices configured to make sure that the lenses 102 are (and/or the pair of restrictive filters 108 as depicted in FIG. 6A, is) laterally adjustable in such a way that the lenses 102 and/or the pair of restrictive filters 108 may be fitted to users having different pupillary distances.
  • the eyewear 100 includes the ophthalmic sports frame 101 and a set of snap-on type of the lenses 102 (for instance, five snap-on lenses).
  • Each set of lenses has a different percentage of the transparent area occluded with an opaque covering (such as an opaque paint).
  • the opaque covering is configured to correspond with different skill levels from beginner skill level to the advanced skill level.
  • the lenses are not laterally adjustable.
  • the lenses are connected (snap fitted) in place in an opening defined or provided by the ophthalmic sports frame 101 (depicted in FIG. 1).
  • the correct size of the ophthalmic sports frame 101 be initially acquired to ensure that lenses are aligned with the eyes of the user (that is, the center of each lens should be very close to the center of each pupil of the eye of the user).
  • the eyewear 100 includes three pupillary distances (a large pupillary distance, a medium pupillary distance, and a small pupillary distance).
  • the inter-pupillary distance calibration device 123 includes a handle 124 (also called an elongated stabilizing member, a stabilizing stick, etc.) and a sizing assembly 125 (also called a sizing strip) extending from the handle 124.
  • the inter-pupillary distance calibration device 123 may be provided with the eyewear 100.
  • the inter-pupillary distance calibration device 123 is configured to assist in making a determination as to an identification of a size of the eyewire 103 (depicted in FIG.
  • a user for use by a user (such as, a large size version, a medium size version or a small size version of the eyewire 103) in accordance with, at least in part, the pupillary distance of the user (either self-measured or measured by another person).
  • the eyewear 100 is configured to provide, preferably, proper occlusion of the visual field of view of the user. It is appreciated that proper occlusion of the field of view (the visible field of view) is dependent on the inter-pupillary distance of the user of the eyewear 100. Approximating the distance between the user's eyes (that is the pupillary distance) may allow for the proper use of the eyewear 100.
  • the average North American values for pupillary distance may range between about 54 mm (millimeters) to about 70 mm for males, and about 53 mm to about 65 mm for females.
  • the eyewear 100 is made-to-measure (that is, custom made) for each user; however, this preferred embodiment may be too costly for most users.
  • the inter-pupillary distance calibration device 123 is configured to categorize the user's anatomy into a small size, a medium size or a large size. In this manner, the cost of the eyewear 100 may be lowered because of mass manufacturing of three sizes to be made available to users.
  • the inter-pupillary distance calibration device 123 may be used as follows:
  • Operation (A) includes holding the handle 124 (with the long dimension of the handle 124 pointing downward or vertically), and orienting the sizing assembly 125 from right to left (horizontally) for a right handed user (and along the opposite direction for a left- handed user).
  • Operation (B) includes sighting a distant object through a sighting hole 126 defined by the sizing assembly 125, with the sizing assembly 125 positioned in front of both eyes of the user 115 (in the spectacle plane).
  • Operation (C) includes holding the sizing assembly 125 in such a way that the thumb of the opposite hand of the user occludes the holes (defined in the sizing assembly 125) in the portion closest to the sighting eye 127.
  • Operation (D) includes gradually sliding the thumb (of the user) from right to left, with the sizing assembly 125 in place, and both eyes open, thereby exposing the apertures (defined by the sizing assembly 125) in front of the non-sighting eye 128.
  • Operation (E) includes, stopping or ending the measurement (determination) of the pupillary distance 129 (for the user 115) once the non-sighting eye 128 sees through the first exposed instance of the determination aperture 130 (defined or provided by the inter- pupillary distance calibration device 123).
  • Operation (F) includes (depending on where this determination aperture 130 is located on the inter-pupillary distance calibration device 123), reading, from the inter- pupillary distance calibration device 123, the size of the eyewear 100 that may be best suited for usage (by the user).
  • the determination aperture 130 may be positioned within any one of: (i) a small size zone 131 of the strip corresponding to the small size of the eyewear 100, (ii) a medium size zone 132 of the strip corresponding to the medium size of the eyewear 100, and (iii) a large size zone 133 of the strip corresponding to the large size of the eyewear 100.
  • FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B and FIG. 11C depict views of embodiments of the pair of restrictive filters 108 the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B and FIG. 11C depict front views of the embodiments of the pair of restrictive filters 108.
  • kits including the ophthalmic sports frame 101 and five instances of the lenses 102 (pairs of lenses), each set of lenses having a different percentage of the transparent area occluded with an opaque cover (such as a layer of applied paint).
  • the kit includes a small size, a medium size and a large size (of the eyewear 100).
  • the inter-pupillary distance calibration device 123 may be included if so desired.
  • sets of lenses may be provided in which each lens has a different percentage of occlusion. Any amount of occlusion of the visual field is expected to benefit the user and may result in a more proper head position, proper visual tracking and proper body positioning.
  • a preferred range of occlusion may be about 50 percent to about 70 percent of the lens area (of the lens) is occluded (covered with opaque filters or dark paint).
  • An additional about 40 percent to about 80 percent broader range of occlusion of the lenses is also allowable (but not much over 80 percent of occluded percentage since this case may leave about a 20 present window for the user to see something with the corner of the eye).
  • the lenses 102 may be relaxed (by going back to a lower occlusion percentage) or even eliminating the eyewear 100 from use. It may be expected that periodic refresher treatments (use of a high occlusion lens set from time to time, even by advanced players) may help with muscle memory retention over a longer time.
  • the eyewear 100 includes sets of lenses in which each set of lenses have a different amount of occlusion (preferably, one set of lenses of about 50 percent of occluded lens area, another set of lenses of about 60 percent occluded lens area, and another set of lenses of about 70 percent of occluded lens area). Sets of lenses and ranges of percent occlusion may also be provided, if so desired.
  • the shape of the transition line between the occluded area of the lens and the transparent area of the lens is such that the transition line is curved so that a concavity is formed in the occluded lens area and a convexity is formed in the transparent lens area, as depicted in FIGS. 11A to 11C.
  • FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B depict views of embodiments of the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 12A depicts a top view of an embodiment of the eyewear 100.
  • FIG. 12B depicts a front view of an embodiment of the eyewear 100.
  • the ophthalmic sports frame 101 is configured to hold the pair of restrictive filters 108.
  • FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B and FIG. 13C depict views of embodiments of the pair of restrictive filters 108 of the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1.
  • the pair of restrictive filters 108 includes a pair of individually mountable lenses (mountable to the ophthalmic sports frame 101).
  • FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B depict views of embodiments of the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG.14A and FIG. 14B depict perspective views of embodiments of the eyewear 100.
  • the ophthalmic sports frame 101 may be configured to receive two individual detachable lenses.
  • the ophthalmic sports frame 101 may be configured to receive a visor style single wraparound lens (for which the same principles apply as to the amount of percentage of occluded lens area).
  • FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and 15F depict views of embodiments of the eyewear 100 of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 15A depicts a front view of the eyewear 100.
  • the eyewear 100 includes a prism assembly 139 without the set of restrictive filters 108 and without the lenses 102.
  • the prism assembly 139 is connected (either directly or indirectly) to the eyewire 103 in such a way that the prism assembly 139 is positioned in front of the eye(s) of the user wearing the eyewire 103.
  • the eyewear 100 includes the prism assembly 139 without the set of restrictive filters 108.
  • the prism assembly 139 is connected to the lenses 102 (to either one lens or to both lenses).
  • the prism assembly 139 may be embedded to, applied to (by a stick-on process, etc.), and any equivalent thereof, to the non-occluded portion of the lenses 102.
  • the eyewear 100 includes the prism assembly 139 for use with the set of restrictive filters 108.
  • the prism assembly 139 is configured to be connectable to (mountable) a non-occluded portion 140 (also called the transparent portion) of the lenses 102 (to either one lens or to both lenses).
  • the prism assembly 139 may be embedded to, applied to (by a stick-on process, etc.), and any equivalent thereof, to the non-occluded portion of the lenses 102.
  • a major problem with the vast majority of tennis players is that they tend to hit the incoming ball about several milliseconds too late (compared to an optimal timing in which the incoming ball may be hit more effectively). It may be an advantage to configure the eyewear 100 to improve the reaction time of a player (the user). For instance, the improvement in reaction time (by using the prism assembly 139) may allow the user to swing (move) the racquet (and thereby hit the ball) relatively faster. For instance, about one to about two (or several) milliseconds improvement in reaction time may be possible (with usage of the prism assembly 139) in comparison to the timing of the racquet strike of a non-elite (novice) player.
  • the prism assembly 139 once mounted to the non-occluded portion 140 of the lenses 102) may provide (at least in part) an improvement in the behavior (reaction time) of the player using the eyewear 100 (in accordance with this embodiment).
  • the prism assembly 139 includes a transparent optical element (a light- transmissive optical element) having surfaces (such as two flat polished surfaces) in which an angle is subtended between the surfaces.
  • the surfaces are configured to refract incoming light in such a way that the light reaching the eye(s) of the user is refracted (that is, the incoming light ray has changed alignment relative to the initial light ray that strikes the prism assembly 139).
  • the prism assembly 139 is configured to bend an incoming beam of light passing through the prism assembly 139 in such a way that the user sees the object in an apparent position. Refraction is the change in direction of the propagation of a wave (such as a beam of light) due to a change in a transmission medium (such as the prism assembly 139).
  • the prism assembly 139 may be formed by building (manufacturing) the lenses 102 somewhat (relatively) thicker at one end and somewhat (relatively) thinner at the opposite end. In this manner, the lense(s) 102 form(s) an angle between the lens faces in such a way that the lense(s) 102 provide a prism effect.
  • the non-occluded portion 140 (transparent portion) of the lenses 102 is relatively thicker near a top edge of the lenses 102 and relatively thinner near a bottom edge of the lenses 102.
  • the non-occluded portion 140 (transparent portion) of the lenses 102 is relatively thicker near the outer (temporal) edge on the left lens for a right-handed player, and thicker on the inner (nasal) edge of the right lens for a right- handed player, when the eyewear 100 is used to practice a forehand stroke.
  • the spatial orientation of the prism assembly 139 is configured to be adjustable depending on the handedness of the player (the user) and/or the stroke to be practiced by the user. It will be appreciated that other thin and thick orientations are possible for the lenses 102.
  • the effect of the prism assembly 139 bending (in use) the incoming light (even if somewhat slightly) is that the player (the user) may perceive the apparent position of the incoming ball to be slightly closer than the actual position of the ball. In this way, the user is urged to strike the ball about, for instance, one to about two (or several) milliseconds sooner (earlier).
  • the prism assembly 139 may urge the player (the user) to achieve improved timing (preferably, near-optimal timing) for striking the incoming ball.
  • the prism assembly 139 is configured to provide a prism strength sufficient to obtain the positive effect (that is, urging the player to strike the ball somewhat earlier).
  • the prism assembly 139 includes a prism diopter (preferably, about one to about two (or more) prism diopters) configured to shift the perceived ball position by, for instance, about one to about two centimeters (cm) closer than the real ball position. For instance, about 0.5 to about three prism diopters may be used. It will be appreciated that for stationary drills (such as for improving the golf swing), the prism assembly 139 may not provide any noticeable benefit; however, for the tennis player, the prism assembly 139 may provide noticeable improvement to the swing of the player.
  • FIGS. 15B and 15C a right handed player 115 is depicted practicing a forehand shot.
  • the set of restrictive filters 108 is placed on the user and the visual field of view is concentrated. Tracking of the ball 118 is made relatively easier and relatively more efficient by using the eyewear 100.
  • the prism assembly 139 is configured to improve (at least in part) the timing of the swing of the user.
  • the user 115 may perceive that the ball 118 has reached the position A (the apparent position) instead of the position B (the actual position), and, as a result, the user may swing (strike the ball) earlier than he may otherwise normally do, even if by a mere fraction of a second earlier (which may make a big difference in the outcome of the game).
  • Position A is the apparent position of the ball 118 when viewed through the prism assembly 139.
  • Position B is the real position of the ball 118 when not viewed through the prism assembly 139.
  • Prentice's rule is a formula used to determine the amount of induced prism in a lens.
  • Prentice's rule indicates that about one prism diopter may bend light about one centimeter over a distance of about one meter. The distance from the eye of the user to the contact point is about 1.2 meters. If the prism assembly 139 is configured to shift the image (of the ball 118) by about one centimeter, a difference can be made in improving the performance of the user.
  • a reasonable practice ball speed (for tennis) is about 60 km/hr (kilometer per hour) or about 16.7 meters per second. The professional tennis player can hit a ball travelling at about 130 km/hr (in comparison).
  • the prism correction is relatively small (say by about one prism diopter), then for about 1.2 meters, the position (apparent position) of the ball may shift by about 1.2 centimeters. Therefore, for a ball travelling at about 60 km/hr, the ball may be struck by the user by about one millisecond earlier than normal (that is, than without the prism assembly 139 in position in front of the user's eyes).
  • the prism assembly 139 may be used to more optimally train the motor system (muscles and nerves) of the user to strike a moving target, such as a tennis ball, etc.
  • assemblies and modules described above may be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms.
  • assembly or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the person skilled in the art.
  • mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)

Abstract

Lunettes d'entraînement sportif à vision réduite destinées à un utilisateur ayant une vision périphérique. Ces lunettes d'entraînement sportif à vision réduite comprennent un cercle et une paire de filtres obturateurs qui sont attachés au cercle de manière amovible. La paire de filtres obturateurs est conçue pour limiter la vision périphérique de l'utilisateur.
PCT/IB2015/053158 2014-05-01 2015-04-30 Lunettes d'entraînement sportif à vision réduite WO2015166449A1 (fr)

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US201461987473P 2014-05-01 2014-05-01
US61/987,473 2014-05-01

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109223464A (zh) * 2018-10-19 2019-01-18 广州润尔健康科技有限公司 一种眼睛训练仪
CN111870490A (zh) * 2020-07-22 2020-11-03 李冠峰 用于近视防控的模糊焦点、黄斑外视觉训练的系统及方法
WO2020249919A1 (fr) * 2019-06-13 2020-12-17 Uk Optical Plastics Limited Lunettes de sport

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US2639429A (en) * 1950-10-14 1953-05-26 Sven H Lundberg Carrier for eyeglasses, dimmerglasses, and the like
US3689136A (en) * 1970-09-09 1972-09-05 Zaven Atamian Sunglasses with reversible shade portions
US4022475A (en) * 1974-12-12 1977-05-10 Todd Irma L Golf training aid
US5372504A (en) * 1991-07-25 1994-12-13 Buechler; Richard L. Apparatus for pilot training
US5469229A (en) * 1992-03-20 1995-11-21 Greenbaum; Steven S. Multi-purpose protective eye shield
US6513928B1 (en) * 1999-07-06 2003-02-04 Gregory S. Moore Sports training eyeglasses
US6942336B2 (en) * 2003-12-29 2005-09-13 Penllyn Limited Partnership Training aid using vision restriction and method of use
US7192137B2 (en) * 2001-12-05 2007-03-20 Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd. Sports goggle
US20120329583A1 (en) * 2011-06-24 2012-12-27 Farris Jeffrey H Athletics visual aid device
US20130053187A1 (en) * 2011-08-25 2013-02-28 Patrick Slater Eyewear For Sports
WO2014165857A1 (fr) * 2013-04-05 2014-10-09 Lamorte Vincent Articles de lunetterie d'alignement de tête pour des applications sportives et leurs procédés d'utilisation

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2639429A (en) * 1950-10-14 1953-05-26 Sven H Lundberg Carrier for eyeglasses, dimmerglasses, and the like
US3689136A (en) * 1970-09-09 1972-09-05 Zaven Atamian Sunglasses with reversible shade portions
US4022475A (en) * 1974-12-12 1977-05-10 Todd Irma L Golf training aid
US5372504A (en) * 1991-07-25 1994-12-13 Buechler; Richard L. Apparatus for pilot training
US5469229A (en) * 1992-03-20 1995-11-21 Greenbaum; Steven S. Multi-purpose protective eye shield
US6513928B1 (en) * 1999-07-06 2003-02-04 Gregory S. Moore Sports training eyeglasses
US7192137B2 (en) * 2001-12-05 2007-03-20 Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd. Sports goggle
US6942336B2 (en) * 2003-12-29 2005-09-13 Penllyn Limited Partnership Training aid using vision restriction and method of use
US20120329583A1 (en) * 2011-06-24 2012-12-27 Farris Jeffrey H Athletics visual aid device
US20130053187A1 (en) * 2011-08-25 2013-02-28 Patrick Slater Eyewear For Sports
WO2014165857A1 (fr) * 2013-04-05 2014-10-09 Lamorte Vincent Articles de lunetterie d'alignement de tête pour des applications sportives et leurs procédés d'utilisation

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109223464A (zh) * 2018-10-19 2019-01-18 广州润尔健康科技有限公司 一种眼睛训练仪
CN109223464B (zh) * 2018-10-19 2024-04-19 广州润尔健康科技有限公司 一种眼睛训练仪
WO2020249919A1 (fr) * 2019-06-13 2020-12-17 Uk Optical Plastics Limited Lunettes de sport
CN111870490A (zh) * 2020-07-22 2020-11-03 李冠峰 用于近视防控的模糊焦点、黄斑外视觉训练的系统及方法
CN111870490B (zh) * 2020-07-22 2023-04-14 河南省儿童医院郑州儿童医院 用于近视防控的模糊焦点、黄斑外视觉训练的系统

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