WO2016142263A1

WO2016142263A1 - User-wearable eyewear with additional visor

Info

Publication number: WO2016142263A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/054527
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Kaltenbach; Ludwig Laxhuber; Bernhard Piernitzki
Original assignee: Forstgarten International Holding Gmbh
Priority date: 2015-03-09
Filing date: 2016-03-03
Publication date: 2016-09-15

Abstract

The present invention relates to a user-wearable eyewear and to a protective visor that can be removably connected to each other, thereby forming a protective user-wearable eyewear. The present invention further relates to a protective user-wearable eyewear in which a protective visor is swiveling mounted to the eyeglass frame of a user-wearable eyewear. The present invention further relates to a protective user- wearable eyewear comprising an eyeglass frame supporting a pair of lenses that are made of switchable glass. The invention also relates to a user-wearable eyewear comprising a lamp and to a light filter, wherein the lamp and the light filter can be removably connected to each other by a magnetic connection system. Such eyewear can be used in a variety of environments including the medical field, in particular the surgical and dental field.

Description

USER- WEARABLE EYEWEAR WITH ADDITIONAL VISOR

The present invention relates to a user- wearable eyewear and to a protective visor that can be removably connected to each other, thereby forming a protective user-wearable eyewear. The present invention further relates to a protective user- wearable eyewear in which a protective visor is swiveling mounted to the eyeglass frame of a user- wearable eyewear. The present invention further relates to a protective user- wearable eyewear comprising an eyeglass frame supporting a pair of lenses that are made of switchable glass. The invention also relates to a user-wearable eyewear comprising a lamp and to a light filter, wherein the lamp and the light filter can be removably connected to each other by a magnetic connection system. Such eyewear can be used in a variety of environments including the medical field, in particular the surgical and dental field.

BACKGROUND AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS UNDERLYING THE PRESENT INVENTION In recent years, it has become more or more common for surgeons and dentists to wear magnification loupes (also known as surgical loupes or dental loupes) while carrying out procedures on the patient. Some treatment procedures involve the use of potentially hazardous radiation, e.g. laser emission or UV light. The practitioner desiring to protect his eyes from such radiation has to take off the magnification loupes and put on a separate protective device, such as safety glasses or a face protector. However, it is time-consuming and cumbersome for the practitioner or dentist to repeatedly remove and once again put on the magnification loupes during a treatment procedure just to put on the safety glasses or the face protector. Removing the magnification loupes during a treatment session is particularly cumbersome, when the magnification loupes have cable connections, e.g. to a separate energy source.

Accordingly, there was a need in the prior art for eyewear that allows the user to keep on the magnification loupes during the full duration of the treatment session.

The present inventors constructed novel user-wearable eyewear that addresses the above needs. The novel user- wearable eyewear is described in the appended claims and in the following description.

The inventors particularly constructed user-wearable eyewear that allows to removably connect protective devices directly to an eyewear, especially to the two loupes being part of magnification loupes. The inventors further constructed user-wearable eyewear using switchable glass to protect the user's eyes from potentially hazardous radiation. The inventors also constructed user- wearable eyewear comprising a lamp that allows to removably attach a light filter to the lamp.

By using the novel eyewear of the present invention, the user, such as a surgeon or dentist, saves time.

The above overview does not necessarily describe all advantages and all problems solved by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention relates to a protective user-wearable eyewear comprising:

(a) an eyeglass frame supporting a pair of lenses, said pair of lenses consisting of a right lens and a left lens, wherein said right lens and said left lens are made of switchable glass;

(b) a first optical loupe attached to the right lens; and

(c) a second optical loupe attached to the left lens.

In a second aspect the present invention relates to a protective user- wearable eyewear comprising:

(a) an eyeglass frame supporting a pair of lenses, said pair of lenses consisting of a right lens and a left lens;

(b) a first optical loupe attached to the right lens;

(c) a second optical loupe attached to the left lens; and

(d) a protective visor that blocks at least 90% of passing light of a defined wavelength sub-range within the range between 200nm and 3000nm, wherein said protective visor is swiveling mounted to the eyeglass frame.

In a third aspect the present invention relates to a user- wearable eyewear comprising:

(b) a first optical loupe attached to the right lens;

(c) a second optical loupe attached to the left lens;

(d) a first mounting structure that cooperates with a corresponding first mounting structure on a protective visor for removably connecting the visor to the user- wearable eyewear; and (e) a second mounting structure that cooperates with a corresponding second mounting structure on a protective visor for removably connecting the visor to the user-wearable eyewear. In a fourth aspect the present invention relates to a protective visor that blocks at least

90% of passing light of a defined wavelength sub-range within the range between 200nm and 3000nm, wherein said visor comprises:

(f) a first mounting structure that cooperates with a corresponding first mounting structure on a user-wearable eyewear for removably connecting the visor to said user-wearable eyewear; and

(g) a second mounting structure that cooperates with a corresponding second mounting structure on a user-wearable eyewear for removably connecting the visor to said user- wearable eyewear. In a fifth aspect the present invention relates to a kit-of-parts comprising (i) the user- wearable eyewear according to the third aspect; and (ii) the protective visor according to the fourth aspect.

In a sixth aspect the present invention relates to a user-wearable eyewear comprising: (A) an eyeglass frame supporting a pair of lenses, said pair of lenses consisting of a right lens and a left lens;

(B) a first optical loupe attached to the right lens;

(C) a second optical loupe attached to the left lens; and

(D) a lamp,

wherein said lamp comprises a mounting structure that cooperates with a corresponding mounting structure on a light filter for removably connecting the light filter to said lamp, and wherein said mounting structure is part of a magnetic connection system.

In a seventh aspect the present invention relates to a light filter comprising a mounting structure that cooperates with a corresponding mounting structure on a lamp of a user- wearable eyewear for removably connecting the light filter to said lamp; wherein said mounting structure is part of a magnetic connection system. In an eighth aspect the present invention relates to a kit-of-parts comprising (i) the user-wearable eyewear according to the sixth aspect; and (ii) the light filter according to the seventh aspect. This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all features of the invention. Other embodiments will become apparent from a review of the ensuing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the user- wearable eyewear and the protective visor of the present invention. In this embodiment, eyewear and visor are connected to each other by a snap-fit connection system. Figures 1A, IB and 1C show this embodiment from different viewing angles. Fig. 1A: top view. Fig. IB: front view. Fig. 1C: side view.

Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the user- wearable eyewear and the protective visor of the present invention. This embodiment is very similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Again, eyewear and visor are connected to each other by a snap-fit connection system but the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 provides additional protection against exposure to light, because the protective visor extends over the sides of the optical loupes. Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of this embodiment of the user- wearable eyewear. Fig. 2B shows another perspective view of this embodiment of the user-wearable eyewear, viewed from another direction. Fig. 2C shows another perspective view of this embodiment of the user-wearable eyewear, viewed from another direction.

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the user-wearable eyewear and the protective visor of the present invention. In this embodiment, eyewear and visor are connected to each other by a magnetic connection system. Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show this embodiment from different viewing angles. Fig. 3A: top view. Fig. 3B: front view. Fig. 3C: side view.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the user-wearable eyewear and the protective visor of the present invention. In this embodiment, eyewear and visor are connected to each other by a snap-fit connection system. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that the visor is farther away from the eyeglass frame. This design type allows to construct the visor with a continuous surface; i.e. the visor is not interrupted by the pair of optical loupes as it is done in the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show this embodiment from different viewing angles. Fig. 4A: top view. Fig. 4B: front view. Fig. 4C: side view.

Fig. 5 shows three perspective views of the embodiment shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 5A shows a first perspective view of this embodiment of the user-wearable eyewear. Fig. 5B shows another perspective view of this embodiment of the user-wearable eyewear, viewed from another direction. Fig. 5C shows another perspective view of this embodiment of the user-wearable eyewear, viewed from another direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

Before the present invention is described in detail below, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols and reagents described herein as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Several documents (for example: patents, patent applications, scientific publications, manufacturer's specifications, instructions, etc.) are cited throughout the text of this specification. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Some of the documents cited herein are characterized as being "incorporated by reference". In the event of a conflict between the definitions or teachings of such incorporated references and definitions or teachings recited in the present specification, the text of the present specification takes precedence.

In the context of the present application, the term "user" refers to a person wearing the eyewear of the invention. As used herein, the term "eyewear" generally refers to protective or corrective devices for the eyes, such as glasses or goggles. In preferred embodiments, the eyewear of the invention are magnification loupes, also known as dental loupes or surgical loupes.

As used herein, the term "magnification loupes" refers to an eyewear that comprises an eyeglass frame supporting a pair of lenses and a pair of optical loupes. The two most common designs for "magnification loupes" are the through-the-lens (TTP) design and the flip-up design. In the TTP design, each optical loupe is set in one lens of the frame. In the flip-up design, the pair of optical loupes is attached to a mechanism that allows to "flip-up" the lenses so that they are out of the way.

As used herein, the term "attached to" in the expressions "a first optical loupe attached to the right lens" and "a second optical loupe attached to the left lens" can refer to the through-the-lens (TTP) design and to the flip-up design. Thus, when using the term "attached to" in these expressions, it is not required that the optical loupe is durably connected to the corresponding lens (as it is the case in the TTP design). The term "attached to" also refers to embodiments in which the optical loupes are indirectly connected to the corresponding lenses via a flip-up mechanism that allows to bring the first optical loupe and the second optical loupe into close proximity to the right lens and the left lens, respectively.

As used herein, the terms "dental loupes" and "surgical loupes" refer to magnification loupes that are particularly suitable for use by dentists and surgeons, respectively.

As used herein, the term "protective user-wearable eyewear" (or shortly: "protective eyewear") refers to a user-wearable eyewear that provides at least a partial protection for the user's eyes from potentially hazardous radiation, e.g. laser emission or UV light.

The term "switchable glass" (also known as "smart glass") refers to glass or glazing that changes light transmission properties under application of voltage, light or heat. The "switchable glass" used in some embodiments of the present invention typically changes its light transmission properties under application of voltage.

Embodiments of the Invention

The present invention will now be further described. In the following passages different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect defined below may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous, unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In a first aspect the present invention is directed to a protective user- wearable eyewear comprising:

(b) a first optical loupe attached to the right lens; and

(c) a second optical loupe attached to the left lens.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the switchable glass is selected from the group consisting of suspended particle devices (SPDs), electrochemical devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices (PDLCs), micro-blinds, and nanocrystals embedded in glass.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the switchable glass has a first state and a second state, wherein the first state of the switchable glass is transparent, and the second state of the switchable glass blocks at least 90% (e.g. at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%) of passing light of a defined wavelength sub-range within the range between 200nm and 3000nm.

Practitioners, surgeons and dentists are exposed to various light sources in the course of their work. Exemplary light sources include without limitation: UV light used for disinfection (especially UV-C light; 200-280 nm); UV light used for curing resin composites (e.g. 250-400nm); blue light used for curing filling materials (400-500nm); blue/cyan light used for UV bleaching of teeth (450-520nm); intense pulsed light (IPL) used for various cosmetic and therapeutic skin treatments, such as hair removal and treatment of acne or rosacea (500-1200nm); soft laser (also known as low level laser therapy, LLLT) used for example for treatment of acute pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis (600-1000nm); and erbium: YAG lasers used for removal of dental caries (2780-2940nm).

Accordingly, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the defined wavelength subrange is selected from the group consisting of the following wavelength ranges:

(i) 200nm to 280nm;

(ϋ) 250nm to 400nm;

(iii) 400nm to 500nm;

(iv) 450nm to 520nm;

(v) 500nm to 1200nm;

(vi) 600nm to lOOOnm; and

(vii) 2780nm to 2940nm. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the protective user-wearable eyewear comprises user-actuatable controls with which the user can make the switchable glass switch between the first state and the second state. These user-actuatable controls can be positioned on the eyeglass frame, e.g. on the right temple arm or on the left temple arm. Alternatively, these user-actuatable controls can be positioned on a separate control panel.

In a second aspect the present invention is directed to a protective user-wearable eyewear comprising:

(b) a first optical loupe attached to the right lens;

(c) a second optical loupe attached to the left lens; and

(d) a protective visor that blocks at least 90% (e.g. at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%) of passing light of a defined wavelength sub-range within the range between 200nm and 3000nm, wherein said protective visor is swiveling mounted to the eyeglass frame.

In one embodiment of the second aspect, the eyeglass frame comprises a front portion, a right temple arm, and a left temple arm, and the protective visor comprises: a right part that is swiveling mounted to the right temple arm or to the front portion and a left part that is swiveling mounted to the left temple arm or to the front portion. In this embodiment, the protective visor has two parts that can be moved from an open position to a closed position and back to the open position. In the open position, the protective visor does not block the user's line of sight. Accordingly, the user's eyes are not protected from potentially hazardous light, when the right part and the left part of the protective visor are in the open position. In the closed position, both the right part and the left part of the protective visor block the user's line of sight. Accordingly, the user's eyes are then protected from potentially hazardous light. In some embodiments, the right part and the left part of the protective visor are opened by turning each part sideways, quite similar to the opening of window shutters. In some embodiments, the right part and the left part of the protective visor comprise connection means that are structured and configured to releasably connect said right part to said left part when both the right part and the left part of the visor are in the closed position. The purpose of these connection means is to prevent an accidental opening of the right part and the left part of the visor. These connection means could be a snap-fit connection or a magnetic connection. In another embodiment of the second aspect, the eyeglass frame comprises a right brow portion, a bridge portion, and a left brow portion; and the protective visor is swiveling mounted to at least one of the right brow portion, the bridge portion, or the left brow portion. In this embodiment, the protective visor has only one part that can be moved from an open position to a closed position and back to the open position. In the open position, the protective visor does not block the user's line of sight. As above, the user's eyes are not protected from potentially hazardous light, when the protective visor is in the open position. Conversely, in the closed position, the protective visor blocks the user's line of sight. Accordingly, the user's eyes are then protected from potentially hazardous light. The protective visor may be opened by turning it to the left side, upwards or to the right side, depending on the part of the eyeglass frame to which the protective visor is swiveling mounted. It is preferred that the protective visor is opened by turning it upwards. In embodiments allowing such an upward opening, the protective visor can be connected to the bridge portion by one single hinge-joint; or it can be connected to the right brow portion by a first hinge-joint and to the left brow portion by a second hinge-joint; or it can be connected to the front portion by three hinge-joints: a first hinge-joint connected to the right brow portion, a second hinge-joint connected to the bridge portion, and a third hinge-joint connected to the left brow portion.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the defined wavelength sub-range is selected from the group consisting of the following wavelength ranges:

(i) 200nm to 280nm;

(ϋ) 250nm to 400nm;

(iii) 400nm to 500nm;

(iv) 450nm to 520nm;

(v) 500nm to 1200nm;

(vi) 600nm to lOOOnm; and

(vii) 2780nm to 2940nm.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the pair of lenses set in the eyeglass frame are corrective lenses that are specifically adapted to one single user. In other embodiments of the second aspect, the pair of lenses set in the eyeglass frame are just plane panes of glass or plastic.

In a third aspect the present invention is directed to a user-wearable eyewear comprising: (a) an eyeglass frame supporting a pair of lenses, said pair of lenses consisting of a right lens and a left lens;

(b) a first optical loupe attached to the right lens;

(c) a second optical loupe attached to the left lens;

(d) a first mounting structure that cooperates with a corresponding first mounting structure on a protective visor for removably connecting the visor to the user- wearable eyewear; and (e) a second mounting structure that cooperates with a corresponding second mounting structure on a protective visor for removably connecting the visor to the user-wearable eyewear.

In one embodiment of the third aspect, the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure of the user- wearable eyewear are part of a snap-fit connection system.

In another embodiment of the third aspect, the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure of the user- wearable eyewear are part of a sliding connection system.

In yet another embodiment of the third aspect, the first mounting structure and the second mounting structure of the user-wearable eyewear are part of a magnetic connection system. The first mounting structure and the second mounting structure on the user- wearable eyewear can - independently from each other - comprise, essentially consist of or consist of a permanent magnet or of a ferromagnetic material. In those embodiments, in which said first mounting structure and/or said second mounting structure comprises, essentially consists of or consists of a ferromagnetic material, the corresponding mounting structure on the visor should comprise, essentially consist of or consist of a permanent magnet.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the first mounting structure of the user- wearable eyewear is positioned on the first optical loupe and the second mounting structure of the user-wearable eyewear is positioned on the second optical loupe. The positioning of the first and second mounting structures on the first and second optical loupe, respectively, is particularly well- suited, when the first and second mounting structures are part of a snap-fit connection system or sliding connection system. In some alternative embodiments of the third aspect, the first mounting structure of the user-wearable eyewear is positioned on the right lens and the second mounting structure of the user-wearable eyewear is positioned on the left lens. The positioning of the first and second mounting structures on the right and left lens, respectively, is particularly well-suited, when the first and second mounting structures are part of a magnetic connection system. In some alternative embodiments of the third aspect, the first mounting structure is positioned on the eyeglass frame and the second mounting structure is positioned on the eyeglass frame, too. The positioning of the first and second mounting structures on the eyeglass frame is equally well-suited for all three connection systems described above, i.e. snap-fit connection system, sliding connection system, and magnetic connection system.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the pair of lenses set in the eyeglass frame are corrective lenses that are specifically adapted to one single user. In other embodiments of the third aspect, the pair of lenses set in the eyeglass frame are just plane panes of glass or plastic.

In a fourth aspect the present invention is directed to a protective visor that blocks at least 90% (e.g. at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%) of passing light of a defined wavelength subrange within the range between 200nm and 3000nm, wherein said visor comprises:

(g) a second mounting structure that cooperates with a corresponding second mounting structure on a user-wearable eyewear for removably connecting the visor to said user- wearable eyewear.

In one embodiment of the fourth aspect, the first mounting structure on the visor and the second mounting structure on the visor are part of a snap-fit connection system.

In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the first mounting structure on the visor and the second mounting structure on the visor are part of a sliding connection system.

In yet another embodiment of the fourth aspect, the first mounting structure on the visor and the second mounting structure on the visor are part of a magnetic connection system. The first mounting structure on the visor and the second mounting structure on the visor can - independently from each other - comprise, essentially consist of or consist of a permanent magnet or of a ferromagnetic material. In those embodiments, in which said first mounting structure and/or said second mounting structure comprises, essentially consists of or consists of a ferromagnetic material, the corresponding first and/or second mounting structures on the user-wearable eyewear should comprise, essentially consist of or consist of a permanent magnet. In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the defined wavelength sub-range is selected from the group consisting of the following wavelength ranges:

(i) 200nm to 280nm;

(ϋ) 250nm to 400nm;

(iii) 400nm to 500nm;

(iv) 450nm to 520nm;

(v) 500nm to 1200nm;

(vi) 600nm to lOOOnm; and

(vii) 2780nm to 2940nm.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the visor has a size and form that are suitable to shield the user's eyes from light, when said visor is connected to the user- wearable eyewear via the corresponding first mounting structures and via the corresponding second mounting structures, and when the user wears said eyewear. In other words: the visor is structured and configured to shield the user's eyes from light, when said visor is connected to the user-wearable eyewear via the corresponding first mounting structures and via the corresponding second mounting structures, and when the user wears said eyewear. In further embodiments of the fourth aspect, the visor is structured and configured to shield the user's eyes not only from light coming directly from the front but also from light coming from the sides or from below. In these embodiments, the size of the visor is increased and the visor is formed in such a manner that it extends to the sides of the user's head (i.e. to the temples) and/or to the user's cheeks. In further embodiments of the fourth aspect, the size and form of the visor is even larger so that it protects not only the user's eyes but also the user's face. Protection of the user's face from radiation is particularly desired, when the user has to be protected from UV light (i.e. electromagnetic radiation below 400nm, especially in the range between 250nm and 400nm).

In a fifth aspect the present invention is directed to a kit-of-parts comprising (i) the user-wearable eyewear according to the third aspect; and (ii) the protective visor according to the fourth aspect. When the protective visor is connected to the user- wearable eyewear via the corresponding first mounting structures and via the corresponding second mounting structures a protective user-wearable eyewear is formed. In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the kit-of-parts comprises at least two protective visors (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 protective visors), wherein each one of these at least protective visors provides protection against a different wavelength subrange. For example, a first protective visor among this set of at least two visors blocks at least 90% of passing light in the UV-C range (200nm-280nm), a second protective visor blocks at least 90% of passing light in the blue/cyan range of the spectrum (450-520nm); and a third protective visor blocks at least 90% of passing light in the infrared range (e.g. near-infrared from 750 to 1400 nm and/or short-wavelength infrared from 1400 nm to 3000 nm; in particular in the infrared range emitted by erbium: YAG lasers: 2780-2940nm).

In some embodiments of the first, second, third, or fifth aspect, the eyewear further comprises a lamp, which is preferably mounted to the bridge portion of the eyeglass frame. The lamp may be removably mounted or durably mounted to the eyeglass frame, preferably to the bridge portion of the eyeglass frame.

In a sixth aspect the present invention is directed to a user-wearable eyewear comprising:

(B) a first optical loupe attached to the right lens;

(C) a second optical loupe attached to the left lens; and

(D) a lamp,

In some embodiments of the sixth aspect, the lamp is removably mounted to the eyeglass frame, preferably to a bridge portion being part of the eyeglass frame. In other embodiments of the sixth aspect, the lamp is durably mounted to the eyeglass frame, preferably also to a bridge portion being part of the eyeglass frame.

The mounting structure on the lamp of the user-wearable eyewear of the sixth aspect can comprise, essentially consist of or consist of a permanent magnet or of a ferromagnetic material. In those embodiments, in which said mounting structure comprises, essentially consists of or consists of a ferromagnetic material, the corresponding mounting structure on the light filter should comprise, essentially consist of or consist of a permanent magnet.

In a seventh aspect the present invention is directed to a light filter comprising a mounting structure that cooperates with a corresponding mounting structure on a lamp of a user- wearable eyewear for removably connecting the light filter to said lamp; wherein said mounting structure is part of a magnetic connection system.

The mounting structure of the light filter can comprise, essentially consist of or consist of a permanent magnet or of a ferromagnetic material. In those embodiments, in which said mounting structure comprises, essentially consists of or consists of a ferromagnetic material, the corresponding mounting structure on the lamp of the user-wearable eyewear should comprise, essentially consist of or consist of a permanent magnet.

In some embodiments of the seventh aspect, the light filter blocks UV light and/or blue light. The blockage of UV light and blue light is particularly advantageous for dentists who use a separate UV light or blue light source for curing filling materials. The lamp attached to the user-wearable eyewear typically emits white light which contains a portion of blue light. This blue light portion might accidentally trigger the curing of the filling material freshly prepared by the dentist. Such an unwanted or premature curing of the filling material can be avoided by blocking the fractions of UV light and/or blue light emitted by the lamp through the usage of the light filter.

In an eighth aspect the present invention is directed to a kit-of-parts comprising (i) the user-wearable eyewear according to the sixth aspect; and (ii) the light filter according to the seventh aspect.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 user- wearable eyewear

12 eyeglass frame

16 pair of lenses

16a right lens

16b left lens

18a first optical loupe b second optical loupe

a first mounting structure on the user-wearable eyewearb second mounting structure on the user- wearable eyewear visor

a first mounting structure on the visor

b second mounting structure on the visor

0 protective user- wearable eyewear

2 eyeglass frame

2a right temple arm

2b left temple arm

4 front portion

4a right brow portion

4b left brow portion

4c bridge portion

6 pair of lenses

6a right lens

6b left lens

8a first optical loupe

8b second optical loupe

0 visor

0a right part of visor

0b left part of visor

0 protective user- wearable eyewear

2 eyeglass frame

6 pair of lenses

6a right lens

6b left lens

8a first optical loupe

8b second optical loupe

0 user- wearable eyewear

2 eyeglass frame

6 pair of lenses

6a right lens

6b left lens 318a first optical loupe

318b second optical loupe

330 lamp

340 mounting structure on the lamp

370 light filter

380 mounting structure on the light filter

Claims

A protective user- wearable eyewear (210) comprising:

(a) an eyeglass frame (212) supporting a pair of lenses (216), said pair of lenses consisting of a right lens (216a) and a left lens (216b), wherein said right lens (216a) and said left lens (216b) are made of switchable glass;

(b) a first optical loupe (218a) attached to the right lens (216a); and

(c) a second optical loupe (218b) attached to the left lens (216b).

The protective user- wearable eyewear (210) according to claim 1, wherein the switchable glass is selected from the group consisting of suspended particle devices (SPDs), electrochemical devices, polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices (PDLCs), micro-blinds, and nanocrystals embedded in glass.

The protective user- wearable eyewear (210) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switchable glass has a first state and a second state, wherein the first state of the switchable glass is transparent, and the second state of the switchable glass blocks at least 90% of passing light of a defined wavelength sub-range within the range between 200nm and 3000nm.

A protective user-wearable eyewear (110) comprising:

(a) an eyeglass frame (112) supporting a pair of lenses (116), said pair of lenses consisting of a right lens (116a) and a left lens (116b);

(b) a first optical loupe (118a) attached to the right lens (116a);

(c) a second optical loupe (118b) attached to the left lens (116b); and

(d) a protective visor (150) that blocks at least 90% of passing light of a defined wavelength sub-range within the range between 200nm and 3000nm, wherein said protective visor (150) is swiveling mounted to the eyeglass frame (112).

The protective user- wearable eyewear (110) according to claim 4, wherein the eyeglass frame (112) comprises a front portion (114), a right temple arm (112a), and a left temple arm (112b), and wherein the protective visor (150) comprises

a right part (150a) that is swiveling mounted to the right temple arm (112a) or to the front portion (114); and a left part (150b) that is swiveling mounted to the left temple arm (112b) or to the front portion (114).

The protective user- wearable eyewear (110) according to claim 4, wherein the eyeglass frame (112) comprises a right brow portion (114a), a bridge portion (114c), and a left brow portion (114b); and wherein the protective visor (150) is swiveling mounted to at least one of the right brow portion (114a), the bridge portion (114c), or the left brow portion (114b).

The protective user- wearable eyewear (210) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the defined wavelength sub-range is selected from the group consisting of the following wavelength ranges:

(i) 200nm to 280nm;

(ϋ) 250nm to 400nm;

(iii) 400nm to 500nm;

(iv) 450nm to 520nm;

(v) 500nm to 1200nm;

(vi) 600nm to lOOOnm; and

(vii) 2780nm to 2940nm.

A user- wearable eyewear (10) comprising:

(a) an eyeglass frame (12) supporting a pair of lenses (16), said pair of lenses consisting of a right lens (16a) and a left lens (16b);

(b) a first optical loupe (18a) attached to the right lens (16a);

(c) a second optical loupe (18b) attached to the left lens (16b);

(d) a first mounting structure (20a) that cooperates with a corresponding first mounting structure (60a) on a protective visor (50) for removably connecting the visor (50) to the user- wearable eyewear (10); and

(e) a second mounting structure (20b) that cooperates with a corresponding second mounting structure (60b) on a protective visor (50) for removably connecting the visor (50) to the user- wearable eyewear (10).

The user- wearable eyewear (10) according to claim 8, wherein the first mounting structure (20a) and the second mounting structure (20b) are part of a snap-fit connection system; or

part of a sliding connection system; or

part of a magnetic connection system.

The user- wearable eyewear (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein

(i) the first mounting structure (20a) is positioned on the first optical loupe (18a) and the second mounting structure (20b) is positioned on the second optical loupe (18b);

or

(ii) the first mounting structure (20a) is positioned on the right lens (16a) and the second mounting structure (20b) is positioned on the left lens (16b);

or

(iii) the first mounting structure (20a) is positioned on the eyeglass frame (12) and the second mounting structure (20b) is positioned on the eyeglass frame (12).

A protective visor (50) that blocks at least 90% of passing light of a defined wavelength sub-range within the range between 200nm and 3000nm, wherein said visor (50) comprises:

(f) a first mounting structure (60a) that cooperates with a corresponding first mounting structure (20a) on a user- wearable eyewear (10) for removably connecting the visor (50) to said user- wearable eyewear (10); and

(g) a second mounting structure (60b) that cooperates with a corresponding second mounting structure (20b) on a user- wearable eyewear (10) for removably connecting the visor (50) to said user- wearable eyewear (10).

The protective visor (50) according to claim 11, wherein the first mounting structure (60a) on the visor (50) and the second mounting structure (60b) on the visor (50) are

(i) part of a snap-fit connection system; or

(ii) part of a sliding connection system; or

(iii) part of a magnetic connection system.

13. The protective visor (50) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the defined wavelength sub-range is selected from the group consisting of the following wavelength ranges: (i) 200nm to 280nm;

(ϋ) 250nm to 400nm;

(iii) 400nm to 500nm;

(iv) 450nm to 520nm;

(v) 500nm to 1200nm;

(vi) 600nm to lOOOnm; and

(vii) 2780nm to 2940nm.

14. A kit-of-parts comprising

(i) the user- wearable eyewear (10) according to any one of claims 8 to 10; and

(ii) the protective visor (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. A user-wearable eyewear (310) comprising:

(A) an eyeglass frame (312) supporting a pair of lenses (316), said pair of lenses consisting of a right lens (316a) and a left lens (316b);

(B) a first optical loupe (318a) attached to the right lens (316a);

(C) a second optical loupe (318b) attached to the left lens (316b); and

(D) a lamp (330),

wherein said lamp (330) comprises a mounting structure (340) that cooperates with a corresponding mounting structure (380) on a light filter (370) for removably connecting the light filter (370) to said lamp (330), and

wherein said mounting structure (340) is part of a magnetic connection system.

16. A light filter (370) comprising a mounting structure (380) that cooperates with a corresponding mounting structure (340) on a lamp (330) of a user-wearable eyewear (310) for removably connecting the light filter (370) to said lamp (330);

wherein said mounting structure (380) is part of a magnetic connection system.

17. A kit-of-parts comprising

(i) the user- wearable eyewear (310) according to claim 15; and

(ii) the light filter (370) according to claim 16.