WO2020106170A1

WO2020106170A1 - Eyeglasses for loupes

Info

Publication number: WO2020106170A1
Application number: PCT/RO2018/000020
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adrian-Calin POP
Original assignee: Pop Adrian Calin
Priority date: 2018-11-21
Filing date: 2018-11-21
Publication date: 2020-05-28

Abstract

Eyeglasses for loupes (optical cylinders) comprising a frame of the eyeglasses and optionally lenses, the frame of the eyeglasses comprising two lenses rims, a nasal bridge and two temples of the eyeglasses wherein, to each rim of the lens there is rigidly or movably connected a carrier configured to detachably receive a loupe, for example provided with a female screw thread wherein a male screw thread of the loupe can be threaded.

Description

EYEGLASSES FOR LOUPES

[001] The present invention relates to eyeglasses for loupes for use in various medical fields (such as dentistry, surgery, ENT), or in different types of industries (such as electronics, watch making / jewellery).

[002] In various professions that require fine-grained work and need an amplified view of small elements, such as dentistry, surgery, but also electronics, fine mechanics etc., professional eyeglasses with loupes are used.

[003] According to the present disclosure, by loupes it is meant optical devices comprising a convergent lens or a convergent lens assembly enclosed in an opaque casing of, generally, cylindrical or frusto-conical shape (that is why they are also called cylinders with lenses or optical cylinders) which, placed in front of an object of. interest, give an enlarged image thereof. Depending on the lens / lens system amplification capacity, the loupes have different capacities of magnification, for example x2, x3, x4, x5, x10, x15, x20, x25 etc. They work by amplifying the image of objects found in front of the loupes at different optimal working distances (the distance between the loupe and the object of interest) characteristic to the type of loupe, typically in the range of about 1 to 50 cm. Such loupes are known to the specialist in the field and are commonly used for professional eyeglasses.

[004] According to the present description, by eyeglasses is meant a device which can be made of various materials (metal, plastic etc.), which comprises at least one frame of the eyeglasses and optionally lenses of the glasses. The frame of the eyeglasses comprises two lenses rims in which the lens of the eyeglasses can be mounted and which are connected to each other through a nose bridge for supporting the eyeglasses on the nose, each rim of the lens being connected to one temple of the eyeglasses which extends over the user's ear to hold the eyeglasses on the user's head in a position so that the user can look through the lenses / lenses rims. The two lenses rims are generally in the form of a closed or open frame of different shapes (for example approximatively circular, oval, rectangular shape etc.). Depending on its shape, each rim of the lens may comprise an upper portion representing the segment of the lens rim situated at the top (towards the user's forehead) of the frame in relation to the user's eye, a lower portion representing the segment of the lens rim situated at the bottom (towards the user's mouth) of the frame in relation to the user's eye and at least one lateral portion representing the segment of the lens rim situated at a lateral side (towards the user's nose or ear) of the frame in relation to the user's eye. Considering the usual position of the eyeglasses on the user's face, in relation to the plane of the lens rim also it can be defined a proximal direction (from the frame towards the user's eye) and a distal direction (from the frame towards the environment external to the user). All indications regarding the directions in the present disclosure are relative to the working position of the user of the eyeglasses (the position in which he holds his body and head when working, wearing the eyeglasses mounted on his head, resting on his nose and ears, so that he can look through the lenses / lenses rims).

[005] Eyeglasses with loupes are eyeglasses whereat loupes are fitted in front of the eyes of the user, so that when looking through the loupes, he can see optically amplified (magnified) the objects placed distally to the loupes. When mounting the loupes, it is important that they are/can be properly aligned to the optical axis of the user's pupil, so that, when wearing the eyeglasses and looking through the loupes, the user can see the optically amplified objects in a single image (one circle), clearly, without duplicating the image.

The user of the eyeglasses for loupes is especially a professional in various medical or industrial fields, such as a dentist, surgeon, electronics engineer, jeweller etc.

State of the art

[006] There are currently two types of eyeglasses with loupes known in the art, which differ according to how the loupes are positioned on the eyeglasses, namely Flip-up eyeglasses and TTL (through the lens) eyeglasses.

[007] Flip-up type eyeglasses with loupes are made up of eyeglasses, usually with lenses, and a flip-up system removably attached to the nose bridge. The flip-up system is usually made up of an elongated support to which the two loupes are attached, which support is provided with a sliding elements system (kinematic couples) and screws, which allow various adjustments of the position of the loupes relative to the position of the frame of the eyeglasses, by the relative sliding and/or rotation of the components. However, this system is inaesthetic and uncomfortable for the user, especially in the long term, as the mechanical alignment system is massive, heavy and uncomfortable, tends to unbalance the eyeglasses and to press disturbingly on the support points on the nose and ears and/or to slip from the support point on the nose, which will affect the user's focus and force him to stop working in order to adjust their position. Therefore, it is very inconvenient and uncomfortable for the user to wear such eyeglasses for several hours of work.

[008] Significantly more comfortable and aesthetic are the eyeglasses with loupes of the TTL (through the lens) type, wherein the loupes are positioned in holes made in the lenses of the glasses. This is a model clearly preferred by the users of eyeglasses with loupes, as they are much more suitable for long-term use, allowing the professional to work for hours in a row, his focus not being affected by the pressure of the glasses. TTL eyeglasses with loupes are customized, which is achieved through a complicated process, based on complex prior measurements, consisting of recording the inter-pupillar distance when the user looks ahead, and taking pictures of the user's face. The data from these measurements are communicated to the laboratory for making eyeglasses, where the loupes are then positioned in the lenses of eyeglasses with standard frames at a predetermined angle in relation to the lenses, and are glued in holes made in the lenses of the glasses.

[009] TTL eyeglasses, though more comfortable than Flip-ups, are made using standard frames, which may not be appropriate to the particularities of the user's physiognomy.

[010] In addition, the measurements based on which these eyeglasses are made (interpupillary distance and pictures of the face) are two-dimensional (2D) measurements, which require further processing with sophisticated equipment, and which are not sufficient to accurately manufacture a three-dimensional (3D) product which is well suited for the particular features of the user's head (such as arcade prominence, asymmetric positioning of the eyes, nose or ears etc.).

[011] Also, in TTL eyeglasses, errors may occur in aligning the loupes to the direction of the user's line of sight when he is in the working position (for example, for a dentist, bent over the patient's mouth), because the angle of inclination between the loupes and the eyeglasses is a predetermined one, and therefore the positioning of the loupes in the lenses of the eyeglasses often does not correspond to the angle of inclination of the user’s line of sight when in working position, and which may vary from one user to another depending on the user's height, preferred position and working distance, etc. These errors will have to be compensated by the user by keeping the eyes and/or the head in a defective position, which will cause fatigue and discomfort.

[012] At the same time, the fitting of loupes into the lens of TTL eyeglasses is fragile, and, in practice, at the smallest shock applied to the loupes, the lens of the eyeglasses can be damaged, thus the eyeglasses becoming useless because they can no longer support the loupes. In this case, the eyeglasses will have to be sent to the factory to replace the lens and to remount/realign the loupes according to the original characteristics, a long process (typically about one month), during which the user cannot exercise his profession.

[013] In addition, because the loupes are fitted (glued) into the lens of the glasses, they cannot be replaced by the user with other loupes having another working distance or a different magnification capacity (for example due to changes in the visual acuity of the user, or to changes in the position he has to work in).

[014] The present invention is directed to providing aesthetic and comfortable eyeglasses for loupes which are resistant to mechanical shocks, suited to the anatomical particularities of each user, adapted to the user's working position, and that allow the user to remove and replace the loupes with others.

[015] Eyeglasses for loupes according to the invention remove the above mentioned disadvantages in that they comprise a frame of the eyeglasses and optionally lenses, the frame of the eyeglasses comprising two lenses rims, a nose bridge and two temples of the eyeglasses, wherein to each lens rim is attached a carrier configured to removably attach to a loupe.

[016] For the purpose of the present disclosure, by carrier it is meant an element of the eyeglasses for loupes made of the same material as the frame of the eyeglasses or of another material suitable to receive and hold a loupe in a fixed position with respect to the carrier, provided with means for the detachable coupling of a loupe, means which allow the attachment in a stable position, and respectively the removal of the loupe into and out of the carrier, for example by screwing/unscrewing or by snap-fit joining, etc. Loupes may also be provided with suitable attachment means for the removable coupling/decoupling into and from the carrier, for example a male screw thread that can be threaded into the female screw thread of the carrier. The carrier will preferably have a shape and dimensions adapted to receive a loupe or a portion of a loupe, for example a substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical shape.

[017] Each carrier is attached to the frame of a lens and is positioned in front of the user's eye (pupil) so that, when the eyeglasses have loupes attached to the carriers, the user can look through them (the direction of the line of sight can coincide with the optical axis of the loupes). Therefore, in the manufacture of eyeglasses for loupes, the positioning of the carriers on the lenses rims is made taking into account the interpupillary distance of each user. The carrier is connected to the lens rim either directly (it is part of the lens rim), or by at least one means for connecting to the lens rim, for example by at least one connection bridge having an end connected to the lens rim and the opposite end connected to the carrier. The connection between the carrier and the lens rim, namely the at least one means for connecting, will have dimensions adapted to allow the carrier to be attached to the frame of the eyeglasses and to support its weight and the weight of the loupe in a stable position while using the glasses. Thus, depending also on the material of which the frame of the eyeglasses, respectively the means for connecting are made, as well as on the number and layout of the means for connecting with respect to the lens rim, the skilled person will be able to choose, in accordance with the usual knowledge in the field, the dimensions of the means for connecting so that they can support the carrier and the loupe into position. Such a connection will also give the eyeglasses for loupes a good resistance to the usual shocks; the loupes or carriers will be able to resist normal shocks without damaging the glasses, unlike TTL eyeglasses wherein even minor shocks applied to the loupes can lead to irreversible damage to the lenses in which the loupes are mounted.

The carrier is positioned in the frame profile so as to extend distally in relation to the plane of the lens rim, namely to the outside with respect to the user's eye, preferably at a downward angle to the forward-looking direction. In the present disclosure, the indications regarding the position of the carriers or the angles formed by them refer to the carriers when positioned to receive the loupes, so they refer to the direction of the optical axis of the loupes when coupled to the carriers. For example, position indications relating to a cylindrical carrier will refer to the direction, position and angles made by the height of that cylinder.

Preferably, the carrier is profiled from the lens rim so as to allow a lens to be fixed in the frame. Optionally, eyeglasses for loupes may also comprise lenses, for example for protecting the eye of the user or correcting the vision. The lenses can be made of any suitable material, such as glass or plastic, and are mounted in a usual manner in the lens rims, between the eyes and the carrier. Alternatively, if the carriers extend through the lens rim, each lens will be made and mounted having the portion where the carrier is placed removed, so as to leave in the lens an aperture that surrounds the carrier and said means for connecting, and whose edges do not touch the carrier or the means for connecting. As mentioned above, such arrangements where the carrier does not touch the lens of the eyeglasses will cause the lens not to be affected by shocks applied to the loupes or carriers.

[018] Thus, unlike the TTL (through the lens) eyeglasses with loupes, the eyeglasses according to the present invention may be described as TTF (through the frame) eyeglasses for loupes, which are more shock-resistant than known TTL glasses. The fitting of loupes into such TTF glasses, by the mounting (e.g., screwing) into said carrier, is extremely resistant, the loupes being able to suffer significant shocks without damaging the eyeglasses, since the loupes are attached to the frame of the eyeglasses and not to their lens. Because the carrier is provided with coupling means by which the loupes can be attached and removed, for example a female screw thread in which the male screw thread of the loupe is threaded, the user can replace anytime the loupes of his eyeglasses with other loupes with different magnification capacity or which are suitable for different working distances, such as if he has undergone changes in visual acuity or changes of his working distance.

[019] In a preferred embodiment, each carrier is attached in a fixed position to the lower portion of the corresponding lens rim, at a downwards angle of inclination, thus allowing the user to see over and by the sides of the loupes. Preferably, the carrier is attached to the lower portion of the lens rim through a connection bridge having an end connected to the lens rim and the opposite end connected to the carrier. Preferably, for better strength, the connection bridge and the carrier are made in one piece with the frame of the glasses.

[020] Preferably, the position of the carriers in the frame of the eyeglasses for loupes is adjusted in the process for manufacturing of the eyeglasses in order to comply with the user’s own needs and characteristics (anatomical features, preferred working angle and distance, etc). By adjusting the position of the carriers in the frame of the eyeglasses for loupes it is meant, for example, adjusting the distance between the carriers in order to correspond to the interpupillary distance, adjusting the angle of inclination (between the carriers and the frame of the eyeglasses) and/or adjusting the angle between the two carriers. A process of manufacturing eyeglasses for loupes having the carriers attached in a fixed position and adjusted as mentioned is an object of the present invention and will be described below.

In another embodiment, said means for connecting of the carriers to the lens rims are at the same time guidance means, which allow the linear displacement of the carriers and their blocking in a fixed position chosen to align to the user's pupils, for example at least one linear guidance system comprising a guiding rail or groove and sliding elements that move along it and that can be blocked in a desired position. Each of the two carriers is attached to a sliding element of the guidance system and consequently, the carriers will be able to move along with them along the guiding rail or groove for the adjustment of their position to the optical axes in accordance with the interpupillary distance of the user. Preferably, the carriers are coupled to the sliding elements by a mobile joint, preferably a spherical joint. Such a spherical joint will allow for complex adjustments of the position of the carriers, for example, the independent adjustment of their angles to the lens rim as well as the adjustment of the convergence angle between the carriers. In a preferred embodiment, said linear guidance means comprise two linear guiding rails profiled along the distal side of the upper or lower portion of each lens rim, which leaves the area of the nose bridge free to attach there, for example, a working lamp or a camcorder. Such a guiding rail can be attached for example to the lens rim by welding, gluing, etc. In an alternative embodiment, said guidance means comprise two guiding grooves provided along the upper or lower portion of the frame of each lens rim, preferably in the form of a perforated slot made along the upper portion of each lens rim.

[021] Advantageously, the frame of the eyeglasses for loupes may comprise elements for better supporting the eyeglasses on the nose, in the form of two nasal wings positioned on either side of the nose saddle, profiled, for example, from the nose bridge or from the sides of the lenses rims and configured to support and hold the eyeglasses on the nose. The shape, position, material of fabrication of such nasal wings, and their dimensions, are known in the field of frames for eyeglasses.

[022] In a preferred embodiment, the temples of the eyeglasses for loupes according to the invention are provided with temple wings, which allow an even better fit of the eyeglasses during use. A temple wing is an extension of the temple of the eyeglasses, preferably made of the same material, with one side of the wing coinciding with a portion of the temple of the eyeglasses, and which extends upward from the temple of the eyeglasses, next to the head, towards the top of the user's head, thus coming into contact on its surface with the user's head and providing, by friction, a better fit of the eyeglasses on the head. The wing of the temple preferably has an approximately triangular shape and is preferably placed on the temple of the eyeglasses approximately in the area where it bends to facilitate attaching the eyeglasses behind the ears. Preferably, the wing is provided with a hole or slot for attaching a means for fastening the eyeglasses, such as an adjustable supporting string or strap. Said hole is preferably placed in the postero-upper side of the temple wing (relative to its usual working position on the user's head), which will make possible the positioning of the means for fastening the eyeglasses on the user's head above the place where the eyeglasses are placed, above the occipital bone, and as a result it will take over part of the weight of the eyeglasses, reducing pressure on the nose and ears of the user. [023] In a preferred embodiment, the TTF eyeglasses for loupes according to the invention are made in one piece, for example by 3D printing of the frame of the eyeglasses and of the carriers attached thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the 3D printed frame has a guiding groove in the form of a slot made along the upper or lower portion of the lenses rims, to which the sliding elements and the carriers can then be attached, as described above. Making one-piece eyeglasses causes eyeglasses to be stronger, in the absence of junction points between components that have lower stress resistance. Manufacturing eyeglasses through 3D printing can allow the shape, size and positioning of the elements of eyeglasses for loupes (the lenses rims, nose bridge, nasal wings, temples of the eyeglasses including the wings of the temples) to be digitally adjusted by 3D graphic modelling to match the anatomical parameters of the user's head (positioning, contour, symmetry and thickness of the nose saddle, ears and eyes, temporal bone profile, etc.) and/or his working position (working angle, distance and height). This allows for a very good customization of the eyeglasses, which will be more comfortable to wear for any user, regardless of his particularities. A process for manufacturing such adjusted eyeglasses for loupes is an object of the present invention and will be described below.

[024] Alternatively, eyeglasses for loupes according to the invention can also be manufactured by other processes, such as by rigidly attaching the carriers, at a distance from one another appropriate for the interpupillary distance of each user, at various locations (for example in a lower, lateral or upper portion of the lenses rims) to an ordinary (standard) frame for eyeglasses, for example by welding, gluing, casting, etc. directly on the lens rim or by means for connecting. In this embodiment, during the manufacture of the eyeglasses, the carriers are positioned on the lenses rims at a predetermined working angle, for example downwards. The eyeglasses obtained by such a process are more resistant than TTL eyeglasses and allow the loupes to be replaced with others. Alternatively, a standard frame may be provided with the guidance means described above, preferably having the sliding elements provided with a spherical joint to which the carriers can be attached.

[025] It represents another object of the present invention eyeglasses with loupes comprising the eyeglasses for loupes according to the invention, to which loupes are attached.

[026] It represents another object of the present invention a process for the fabrication of eyeglasses for loupes excellently customized for each user, having the loupes aligned to their working position, which are resistant to mechanical shocks and allow the removal and replacement of the loupes.

[027] The process for manufacturing the eyeglasses for loupes comprises the following steps:

(i) mounting on the head of a user, in a working position, of flip-up eyeglasses with carriers, comprising:

a frame of the eyeglasses, comprising: two lenses rims, a nose bridge, two temples of the glasses, and

a flip-up system with carriers movably attached to the frame of the eyeglasses by at least one coupling means and comprising: an elongated support to which are adjustably connected two carriers provided each with means for the removable coupling of a loupe; and means for adjusting and blocking the position of the carriers; (ii) mounting loupes into the carriers, adjusting and blocking the position of the carriers into the working position suitable for the user using said means for adjusting and blocking, then removing the loupes from the carriers;

(iii) placing separately and 3D scanning the flip-up eyeglasses with the carriers in the position as adjusted in the previous step, thus obtaining a virtual image thereof as a 3D data file;

(iv) processing by 3D modelling the 3D data file obtained in the previous step in a device capable of doing so, by realising the following modifications to the virtual image of the flip-up glasses:

- creating a fixed connection of each carrier to one lens rim, without changing the carrier's position, preferably by adding to the virtual image at least one means for connecting between each carrier and one lens rim, and

- removing from the virtual image the elongated support, the means for adjusting and blocking the position of the carriers and said at least one coupling means; a 3D model of the eyeglasses is thus obtained, comprising: the frame of the eyeglasses to which a carrier is rigidly connected to each of the two lenses rims;

(v) 3D printing the 3D model of the eyeglasses obtained in the previous step.

[028] Optionally, to the above described process is added a further step of fitting lenses into the lenses rims.

[029] Optionally, to the process described above is added a further step of attaching a removable lighting and/or filming system to the frame of the eyeglasses, for example a system consisting of a support to which a working lamp and/or a video camera is attached, and a power supply system, e.g., a battery. Preferably, the frame of the eyeglasses is provided with means for supporting a cable that connects the working lamp/camera to the battery, for example a groove made in the frame of the glasses. The aforementioned support is preferably attached to the frame of the eyeglasses in the upper portion of the nose bridge. In a preferred embodiment, the frame of the eyeglasses in step (i) of the process is provided with means for attaching, to which the means for coupling of the flip-up system with carriers can be attached; these means for attaching are not removed in step (iv) of processing the 3D image of the eyeglasses and will be part of the eyeglasses printed in step (v) of the process. Said support may then be removably attached to these means for attaching.

[030] The components of the eyeglasses mentioned in the process steps above (eyeglasses, frames, carriers, loupes, etc.) are as defined above.

[031] In a preferred process for manufacturing eyeglasses for loupes according to the invention, in step (i) of the procedure, the user is provided with flip-up eyeglasses with carriers manufactured according to steps (a) to (e) of the process for manufacturing below.

[032] It represents another object of the present invention a process for manufacturing flip-up eyeglasses with carriers which can be used in the process step (i) above, comprising the following steps:

(a) capturing, with appropriate scanning means, a 3D image of the user's head in the form of a 3D file;

(b) transferring (uploading) the 3D file captured in step (a) to a device capable of performing 3D modelling, the device being provided with at least one pre-existing template of a eyeglasses frame comprising: two lens rims connected to each other through a nose bridge, each rim of the lens being connected to one temple of the eyeglasses optionally provided with a temple wing, and at least one means for attaching at least one means for movable coupling of a flip-up system;

(c) graphically modelling said pre-existing template of the eyeglasses frame , by adjusting its shape and dimensions to the anatomical landmarks of the 3D image of the user's head, thus obtaining a customized template;

(d) 3D printing a frame for measurements according to the customized template obtained in the previous step;

(e) attaching a flip-up system with carriers to the frame for measurements obtained in the previous step, using the at least one means for attachment, the flip-up system with carriers comprising: an elongated support to which are adjustably connected two carriers, each equipped with means for removable coupling of a loupe; means for adjusting and blocking the position of the carriers; and at least one means for movably coupling the flip-up system with carriers to said at least one means for attaching of the frame of the glasses.

[033] It represents another object of the present invention a flip-up system with carriers which can be used in the above process step (e), and comprising: an elongated support to which are adjustably connected two carriers, each provided with means for removably coupling a loupe, means for adjusting and blocking the position of the carriers; and at least one means for coupling for the movable attachment of the flip-up system to a eyeglasses frame. Such a system can be manufactured similarly to a usual flip-up system (with loupes), by replacing the loupes with carriers in the manufacturing process.

[034] Another object of the present invention is represented by flip-up eyeglasses with carriers, which can be used in the process step (i) above and which comprise:

- a frame of the eyeglasses, comprising: two lenses rims, a nose bridge, two temples of the eyeglasses, and

- the flip-up system with carriers described above, removably attached to the frame of the eyeglasses by said at least one means for coupling.

[035] According to the invention, by template it is meant a graphic model comprising an image which is virtually stored and physically displayed in a device capable of 3D graphic modelling, such as a computer. A template of eyeglasses is therefore a 3D image of eyeglasses, and will include the elements thereof described above (the frame of the eyeglasses, the nose bridge, the temples of the eyeglasses etc.). In the above process step (b), a device (e.g., a computer) shall be used in which are stored several templates of frames for eyeglasses having different designs, for example with different shapes, colours, etc. In preferred templates, the frame of the eyeglasses includes nasal wings and temple wings as defined above, for a better fitting of the eyeglasses during use. Another preferred template is one that includes means for leading and supporting a cable for the power supplying of a lighting system and/or camera, for example in the form of a groove in the frame of the glasses. For example, such a groove in the frame of the eyeglasses can lead a cable to a battery placed, for example, in a user's pocket, or attached to a belt, etc.

[036] It will be understood that the steps of graphic file transfers, graphic modelling of templates, digital adjustments of the pre-existing templates to overlay the 3D file (for example an STL file) with the image of the user's head in order to obtain the customized template, scanning, and 3D printing (for example, with nylon filament) will be done in accordance with common practices and methods, known by the person skilled in 3D computer-assisted modelling and 3D printing, inclusively the file transfer between the different devices involved. The person skilled in 3D design will recognize that a device capable of allowing 3D modelling is, for example, a computer with 3D modelling software installed. At the same time, the person skilled in the field, who knows and can use the usual methods of adjusting a pre-existing template to graphical markers, will be able to change the shape/dimensions of the pre-existing template to superimpose on (match) exactly the anatomical landmarks in the 3D image of the user's head.

[037] By means for coupling a flip-up system to eyeglasses, as mentioned above, it is meant at least one element by which a kinematic couple (kinematic pair) is made between the flip-up system and the frame of the eyeglasses. Preferably, said at least one means for coupling forms a rotation couple (also called cylindrical joint) with the frame of the eyeglasses, such as a hinge, which allows the flip-up system to rotate to the frame of the eyeglasses around an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said elongated support and to be locked in a desired position, for example by tightening a screw or by the friction between the rotation coupler elements. The means for coupling the flip-up system will be coupled to the frame of the eyeglasses to corresponding means for attaching provided on the frame of the eyeglasses. In one embodiment, said means for attaching are located in the region of the upper portion of the nose bridge of the frame of the eyeglasses, and allow the coupling of a means for coupling located in a central portion of the elongated support of the flip-up system. In an alternative embodiment, means for attaching are located in the upper portion of each lenses rims and allow the coupling of means for coupling located in lateral regions of the elongated support of the flip-up system.

[038] By means for adjusting and blocking the position of the carrier it is meant any devices which allow the position of the carriers to be adjusted linearly or rotatively relative to the elongated support or one to the other, and blocking them in a desired position in front of the user's eye, for example by friction between components, with a screw or other blocking device. Such means for adjusting are known in the field and may be, for example, one or more, preferably all, but at least the first of:

- means for adjusting the distance between the carriers (such as a guidance system that allows carriers to slide in a translation movement along the longitudinal axis of the elongated support),

- means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the carriers to the frame of the eyeglasses (such as at least one rotation coupler which allows the elongated support together with the carriers to rotate around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis),

- means for adjusting the distance of the carrier to the eye (such as a slider (prismatic joint) or a screw joint between the carrier and the support, which allow the proximal and distal movement of the carriers relative to the user's eye). Alternatively, the adjustment of the distance between the carrier and the eye may be made by using the means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the carriers to the eyeglasses which, if more than one, or together with the means for coupling the flip-up system of the eyeglasses, make up a system with multiple rotation couples having several degrees of freedom and which will also allow for the adjustment of the position of the carriers closer or farther from the eyes,

- means for adjusting the convergence angle (camber angle) between carriers (such as a spherical joint or a cylindrical joint between the carrier and the support having the axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, which allow the angle made by the two carriers one with the other to be changed). [039] Thus, in step (ii) of adjusting the position of the carriers in the described process, the user preferably attaches the loupes to carriers and then adjusts the position of the carriers, by himself or assisted by a professional, using the means for adjusting the position of the carriers, to the ideal position so that they are perfectly aligned with the line of sight during work. Thus, the final position of the loupes in the eyeglasses according to the invention is not determined, like in the case of TTL glasses, by the manufacturer, relative to the position of the pupils when the user looks forward, nor at a standard angle of inclination and convergence angle of the loupes, which may not be appropriate to the actual user's working angle. Because of these mismatches of TTL glasses, the user is required to compensate either by keeping the eyes at an unnatural (non-physiological) angle, which places considerable stress on the eye muscles, or by bending the head (spine) at a non-physiological angle, which will lead to the stress and fatigue of the muscles of the head, neck and shoulders, especially during long periods of work. By angle of inclination is meant the angle at which the user is looking during work (usually downwards) compared to the line of sight when he looks straight ahead. According to the disclosed process, the user adjusts and fixes the angle of inclination of the loupes, the convergence angle between them, their distance from the eye and the distance between the loupes according to his personal ideal position for work and according to his own anatomo-physiological characteristics. Aligning the position of the carriers and of the loupes is important for a proper use of the glasses. The goal is for the user to see the object of interest in a single image (one circle), clearly, without doubling the image, from the most comfortable position in which he is usually working. This goal is achieved in the step of adjusting the position of the carriers, so that the user does not have the surprise of having an imperfect final product, which is impossible to adjust, as in the case of TTL eyeglasses, but one perfectly adjusted to his needs. In addition, the user can test, by attaching and removing, even from the adjustment step (ii), the entire range of loupes, with all the possible magnifications, and can choose the most suitable loupes, and all other adjustments in step (ii) can be made directly with the appropriate loupes and in the actual work situation (position).

[040] After determining the ideal position of the carriers, the user blocks the means for adjusting and blocking (for example, by tightening the screws) so that the position of the carriers remains fixed, and will be exactly transposed by 3D scanning into the 3D graphic model and then into the final eyeglasses for loupes.

[041] In a preferred embodiment, the user performs by himself step (a) of scanning his head (the face and sides of the head are scanned) by using a suitable scanner, for example a 3D video camera functionally attached to a smartphone. It is enough, for example, for the manufacturer to send to the user, by courier service, a 3D camera accompanied by instructions for attaching it to the user's phone and for performing 3D scanning. This is a relatively simple process, similar to a video selfie, and in this way a 3D image of the user's head will be obtained (face and sides) saving time and resources, without being necessary for a representative of the eyeglasses manufacturer to go to the user or the user to go to the manufacturer's representative office, as in the case of the TTL eyeglasses manufacturing process. After realising the 3D file, the user will be able to send this file electronically (for example via e-mail) from his smartphone to the manufacturer. This way, the user's personal anatomical features are fully and accurately captured by 3D scanning, and the frame obtained according to them will be much more suitable and comfortable than a standard frame.

[042] Therefore, according to the preferred process described above, the manufacturer will be able, following steps (a) to (e), to realise a frame for measurements perfectly adjusted according to the anatomical details of the user's head, and then to attach to it a flip-up system with carriers, as described above. Thus, the user will then be able to adjust, directly on this frame for measurements perfectly adapted to his anatomical details, the ideal position for him of the carriers and to test the full range of loupes for all magnifications and work distances even while working. This adjustment method of the eyeglasses for loupes is definitely more advantageous than the usual way of obtaining the TTL glasses, which consists of the measurement of 2D markers (interpupillary distance and markers measured based on some pictures of the user's face), which are then used for positioning the loupes in holes made in the lenses of eyeglasses with standard frames, not adjusted to the user's personal anatomy. Basically, a 3D model allows that very important markers, such as those related to the nose saddle, ears positions or convexity of the temporal bone, can be taken into consideration in order to obtain perfectly customized eyeglasses which provide the user with the necessary comfort of wearing eyeglasses for 8 hours a day for many years.

[043] In one embodiment, in step (iv) of virtual image processing, the realisation of the connection between the carrier and the lens rim is achieved by inserting between them a rigid means for connecting, between each carrier and the appropriate lens rim, preferably graphically modelled in the form of a single-segment connecting bridge, for example approximately rectangular, having an end connected to the carrier and the opposite end connected to the corresponding lens rim. The mentioned rigid means for connecting will have dimensions adapted to allow the carrier to be attached in a fixed position to the frame of the eyeglasses and to support its weight and that of the loupe attached thereto. The specialist processes the 3D file comprising the scanned image of flip-up eyeglasses with carriers without altering in any way the position of the carriers or of the frame of the eyeglasses, by only inserting the rigid means for connecting in contact with them, so as to preserve the exact position of the carriers with respect to the frame, as received by the scanning the eyeglasses adjusted in step (iii). Such a means for connecting will also give the eyeglasses for loupes a good shock resistance; this way, the loupes or carriers will be able to suffer shocks without damaging the glasses, as with TTL glasses where the shocks applied to the loupes can lead to irreversible damage to the lenses in which the loupes are mounted. Preferably, the rigid connecting bridge is made to connect to the lower portion of the corresponding lens rim, allowing the user to freely see through the eyeglasses also above and on the sides of the loupes. Alternatively, the carrier can be connected to the frame of the eyeglasses via one or more connection bridges, connected in various other portions of the lenses rims.

[044] In step (iv) of virtual image graphic processing, all the other elements of the flip-up system with carriers except for the carriers are removed (deleted) from the image (the elongated support, the means for adjusting, the means for coupling), as well as, optionally, the means for attaching the frame of the eyeglasses to the flip-up system. Alternatively, the means for attaching may be kept so that they can be used, for example, for attaching a lighting system or a camera to the eyeglasses for loupes. Thus, at the end of step (iv) of the process, a digital image of the frame of the eyeglasses will result, having the carriers attached exactly in the position, and having the characteristics that the user has agreed upon during the measurements, which alignment they will also have in the product obtained through 3D printing. All that is left is for the user to mount to these perfectly customized eyeglasses the chosen loupes. Optionally, lenses can also be attached to the eyeglasses for loupes, for example for protection. [045] Another advantage of the disclosed process for manufacturing the eyeglasses for loupes is that, if the user later wants, for any reason (loss, damage), a new pair of eyeglasses for loupes, it is very easy, simple, fast and inexpensive to have printed, based on his customized 3D graphic model, a new pair of eyeglasses perfectly adjusted to his anatomical characteristics and working position.

At the same time, the user can easily and quickly replace the loupes with others, for example when his visual acuity or working position changes, unlike the case of TTL glasses.

[046] It represents another object of the present invention eyeglasses for loupes obtained by a manufacturing process as described above.

[047] It represents yet another object of the present invention eyeglasses for loupes which comprise eyeglasses for loupes as described above to which loupes are removably attached.

[048] There are further given, without limiting the generality, some embodiments in connection also with the figures, which represent:

Fig. 1 is an overview of TTL eyeglasses with loupes;

Fig. 2 is a detail view of a flip-up system with carriers according to an embodiment of the invention

Fig. 3 is an overview of flip-up eyeglasses with carriers according to an embodiment of the invention

Fig. 4a is an overview of eyeglasses for loupes according to an embodiment of the invention Fig. 4b is an overview of eyeglasses for loupes according to an embodiment of the invention together with loupes therefor

Fig. 4c is an overview of eyeglasses for loupes according to an embodiment of the invention to which loupes are attached.

Fig. 5 is an overview of eyeglasses for loupes according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the means for connecting the carriers are guidance means.

[049] Figure 1 a is an overview of TTL eyeglasses known from the state of the art, consisting of a frame 1 made up of two lenses rims 3 in which lenses 2 are fitted, a nose bridge 4 and two temples 5, as well as two loupes 7 rigidly attached by gluing into holes made in the lenses 2 of the glasses.

[050] According to a preferred process, TTF eyeglasses (eyeglasses with loupes 100) according to the invention are manufactured as follows:

[051 ] A 3D video camera is sent to the user (e.g. a physician, jeweller, etc.) along with instructions for its functional plugging into his own smartphone (a phone adapted to receive, record and transmit video files) and for making a video recording of his head (face and sides of the head), so as to obtain an adequate recording. The user performs this recording by himself, through a simple process similar to a selfie, and obtains a 3D graphic file in his phone. This 3D file (for example as an STL file) is transmitted by the user to the manufacturer, for example by e-mail. The manufacturer transfers the file to a computer having installed a 3D modelling software as well as several pre-existing eyeglasses templates (as described above), from which the user chooses the preferred one. A skilled person (a designer) then graphically overlays the pre-existing template over the 3D graphic file with the face/head of the user and digitally performs 3D adjustments of the shape and dimensions of the frame 1 of the eyeglasses in the pre-existing template until the template fits perfectly on the user's anatomical landmarks, thus becoming this user’s customized template. This customized template is printed on a 3D printer, for example with nylon filament, obtaining a frame for measurements 103 perfectly suited to the user anatomy and which will be used for further measurements. The frame for measurements 103 is provided with attachment means 13 to which a flip-up system with carriers (102) can be attached.

[052] Figure 2 is a partial image of an embodiment of said flip-up system with carriers 102 comprising: an elongated support 15 (incomplete view) having a longitudinal axis 16, a central region 17 and two lateral regions 18 on either side of the central region; to each lateral region 17 there is adjustably attached a carrier 6 in the shape of a cylindrical tube, each provided with means 8 for removably coupling a loupe 7, consisting of a female thread 21 wherein the male thread 22 of the loupe 7 can be screwed. The flip-up system with carriers 102 is provided with means 19 for adjusting and blocking the position of the carriers, namely: a hinge 24 which allows the elongated support together with the carriers to rotate around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 16 in order to adjust the angle of inclination of the carriers and the distance of the carriers to the eyes; a guidance system 25 for sliding the carriers in a translation movement along the longitudinal axis 16 in order to adjust the distance between carriers; and two cylindrical joints 26 (around a screw) having the axes of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16, for adjusting the angle formed by the carriers one with the other.

[053] Continuing the preferred process, the flip-up system with carriers 102 is attached to the frame for measurements 103, by attaching the means 14 for coupling the flip-up system with carriers 102 to the means 13 for attaching the frame for measurements 103, thus forming a movable attachment in the form of a rotation coupler (a hinge), which will allow the rotation of the flip-up system with carriers 102 with respect to the frame for measurements 103 around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 16, hinge which also functions as a means for adjusting of the position of the carriers. Following the attachment of the frame for measurements 103 to the flip-up system with carriers 102, flip-up eyeglasses with carriers 101 will be obtained.

[054] Figure 3 is an overview of an embodiment of flip-up eyeglasses with carriers 101. These are made up of a frame for measurements 103 to which a flip-up system with carriers 102 is attached. The frame for measurements (103) is made in one piece according to the process described, by 3D printing, and includes: two lenses rims 3 which are connected together by a nose bridge 4 for placing the eyeglasses on the nose, provided with nasal wings 23, each rim of the lens 3 being connected to one temple of the eyeglasses 5 which extends over the user's ear. Each temple 5 is provided with a temple wing 10 of approximately triangular shape, having one side placed in the area where the temple 5 bends (forms an angle) for fitting behind the ears, and having a hole of the wing 1 1 located in the area of the tip of the triangle opposite said side and which extends downwards along a portion of the posterior side of the wing. The frame for measurements is also provided with means 13 for attaching the flip- up system 102 in the form of two channels provided on the upper portion of the nose bridge 4, symmetrically to a midpoint thereof; to these are attached, around a screw, the means 14 for coupling of the flip-up system 102.

[055] The flip-up system with carriers 102 is made up of an elongated support 15, two carriers 6, means 19 for adjusting and blocking the position of the carriers and a means 14 for coupling to the frame for measurements 103. The elongated support 15 has a central region 17 and two lateral regions 18 on either side of the central region. The two carriers 6 are adjustably connected to said lateral regions 18 of the support 15 and are provided each with means 8 for removably coupling a loupe 7, in the form of a female thread 21. The means 14 for coupling is in the form of a flat element provided at the extremities with a groove that is part of a hinge 24. The means 19 for adjusting and blocking the position of the carriers consist of two hinges 24 for the adjustment of the angle of inclination of the carriers and of the distance between the carriers and the eyes, a guidance system 25 for drawing the carriers close or apart from one another and a screw 26 which allows the carriers to rotate around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 and thus to adjust the angle between carriers.

[056] The user will therefore be given these flip-up eyeglasses with carriers 101 having the frame for measurements 103 already perfectly adjusted on his face, and which is virtually identical to the frame of the final glasses. In this way, all adjustments will be made directly under the real conditions of wearing the eyeglasses. The user puts the eyeglasses on (mounts them on the face) in working position, that is, the position in which he holds his body and head when working, wearing the eyeglasses on his nose and ears, so that he can look through the carriers. The user will attach different loupes 7 and will adjust the position of the carriers 6 in the four degrees of freedom mentioned (longitudinally right-left, angle of inclination, angle between carriers and proximally-distally to the eyes). The user can attach to/remove from the eyeglasses 101 different loupes 7 with different magnification capacities and working distances while doing these adjustments, and will be able to test the various alignments directly in his personal work position, so that the carriers 6 are eventually brought into an ideal position for him and the most convenient loupes 7 are chosen. When reaching this ideal position, all the means 19 for adjusting are blocked in this position. The adjusted eyeglasses 103 are then removed from the user's head and are 3D scanned separately, obtaining their virtual image as a 3D file which is uploaded into a computer equipped with 3D modelling software. A designer will process this 3D file without altering in any way the position of the carriers 6 or of the frame 1 , thereby preserving the exact position of the carriers 6 with respect to the frame for measurements 103 as it was transposed by scanning the adjusted eyeglasses 103. The designer adds to the virtual image a connecting bridge 9 between each carrier 6 and the lower portion of the corresponding lens rim 3 closest thereto, and removes (erases) from the virtual image all the other elements of the flip-up system 102, except for the carriers, namely the support 15 together with the means 19 for adjusting and blocking and the means 14 for coupling. Optionally, from the image are also deleted the means 13 for attaching; these can nevertheless be kept for a possible future attachment thereto of another device such as a camcorder or a working lamp. Thus, it is obtained a 3D model of the eyeglasses for loupes 100 which comprises the frame of the eyeglasses 1 to which is rigidly connected a carrier 6, by a connecting bridge 9, to each of the two lenses rims 3. The 3D model obtained is 3D printed with nylon thread, thus obtaining a preferred embodiment of eyeglasses for loupes 100 according to the invention.

[057] Figures 4a, 4b and 4c are overviews of said preferred embodiment of the eyeglasses for loupes 100 provided with means for fastening the eyeglasses into the working position in the form of a fastening strip 12 attached by inserting the strip into the holes 1 1 of the wing 10. The eyeglasses for loupes 100 are made up of the frame of the eyeglasses 1 comprising two rims 3 of the lenses, a nose bridge 4 provided with nasal wings 23, two temples of the eyeglasses 5 provided with temple wings 10 each having a wing hole 1 1 , and two carriers 6 rigidly attached, by a connecting bridge 9, to the lower portion of each rim 3 of the lens. The carriers 6 are each provided with a female thread 21 for attaching and removing a loupe 7 provided with an corresponding male thread 22. In figure 4b there are also represented the two loupes, not attached to the carriers, and in Figure 4c there are represented the eyeglasses for loupes 100 to which two loupes 7 are attached.

[058] Figure 5 is an overview of eyeglasses for loupes 100 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the means for connecting the carriers 6 to the lens rims 3 are in the form of guidance means 27. In this embodiment, the eyeglasses for loupes were made by 3D printing as described above (the user's head was scanned, and based on the data obtained, eyeglasses adjusted to the user's anatomical features where 3D printed). The template used in this process is one wherein each lens rim is provided with a guiding groove (27) in the form of a slot perforated along the upper portion of the lens rim 3. To the eyeglasses printed according to this adjusted template shall subsequently be attached the sliding elements 29 and the carriers 6. Each sliding element 29 is provided with a spherical joint 30 to which is movably attached a carrier 6. As a result, in the case of the eyeglasses for loupes 100 of this embodiment, the two guidance means 27 are each made up of a guiding groove 28 and a sliding element 29 which slides along the guiding groove 28 and to which a carrier (6) is removably attached through a spherical joint 30. This arrangement allows adjusting of the carriers (6) in the desired working position both through lateral movements along the guiding groove (27) and through modifying, independently of each other, the angles formed by each carrier (6) with the lens rim (3), as well as modifying the angle formed by the two carriers (6).

Claims

1. Eyeglasses for loupes (100) comprising a frame of the eyeglasses (1 ) and optionally lenses (2), the frame of the eyeglasses (1 ) comprising two lenses rims (3), a nose bridge (4) and two temples of the eyeglasses (5) characterized in that, a carrier (6) configured to removably receive a loupe (7) is connected to each rim (3) of the lens.

2. Eyeglasses for loupes (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that each carrier (6) is rigidly connected to a lower portion (20) of each lens rim (3), preferably by at least one means for connecting in the form of a connecting bridge (9) having an end connected to the carrier (6) and the opposite end connected to the lens rim (3).

3. Eyeglasses for loupes (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that each carrier (6) is movably connected to each rim of the lens (3) by a means for connecting in the form of a guidance system (27) comprising a guiding rail or groove (28) positioned along the upper or lower portion of the lens rim (3) and a sliding element (29) which moves along the rail or guiding groove (28) and can be blocked in a desired position, each carrier (6) being coupled to a sliding element (29) through a spherical joint (30).

4. Eyeglasses for loupes (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the carrier

(6) is provided with means (8) for removably coupling of the loupe (7), preferably in the form of a female thread (21 ) wherein the corresponding male thread (22) of the loupe

(7) is threaded.

5. Eyeglasses for loupes (100) according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the eyeglasses (100) are produced by 3D printing.

6. Eyeglasses for loupes (100) according to any of the previous claims characterized in that each temple of the eyeglasses (5) is provided with a temple wing (10) extending along the head upwards with respect to the temple of the eyeglasses (5) for a better fitting of the eyeglasses (100) during use, preferably the temple wing (10) having an approximately triangular shape, with one of the sides of the triangle coinciding with a segment of the temple (5) and preferably being provided with a hole (1 1 ) in the postero-upper portion for attaching a means (12) for fastening the eyeglasses, such as an adjustable supporting string or strap.

7. Process for manufacturing eyeglasses for loupes (100) comprising the steps:

(i) installing on an user’s head in a working position flip-up eyeglasses with carriers (101 ), comprising:

the frame of the eyeglasses (1 ), comprising: two lenses rims (3), a nose bridge (4), two temples (5) of the eyeglasses, to which is movably attached

a flip-up system with carriers (102) comprising: an elongated support (15) to which are adjustably connected two carriers (6) each provided with means (8) for removably coupling a loupe (7), means (19) for adjusting and blocking the position of the carriers, and at least one means for coupling (14) for the movable attachment of the flip-up system with carriers (102) to the frame of the eyeglasses (1 );

(ii) coupling loupes (7) into the carriers (6), adjusting the position of the carriers (6) and blocking them into the working position suitable for the user by using the means (19) for adjusting and blocking, then removing the loupes (7) from the carriers (6);

(iii) placing separately and 3D scanning the flip-up eyeglasses with carriers (101 ) adjusted in the previous step, obtaining a virtual image thereof as a 3D file;

(iv) processing the 3D file obtained in the previous step by 3D modelling in a device suitable for doing this by:

- connecting each carrier (6) to a lens rim (3), without changing the position of the carrier (6), by adding to the virtual image at least one connecting bridge (9) connected with one end to a carrier (6) and with the other end to a lens rim (3) and

- removing from the virtual image the support (15), the means (19) for adjusting and blocking the position of the carriers, and said at least one means for coupling (14);

thus obtaining a 3D model of eyeglasses for loupes (100), which comprises the frame of the eyeglasses (1 ) to which there is rigidly connected a carrier (6) to each of the two rims of the lenses (3);

(v) 3D printing the 3D model of eyeglasses for loupes (100) obtained in the previous step;

(vi) optionally, fitting a lens (2) in each lens rim (3).

8. Process for manufacturing eyeglasses for loupes (100) according to claim 7, wherein, after step (v), there is a further step of attaching a lighting system or a video camera to the eyeglasses for loupes (100).

9. Process for manufacturing flip-up eyeglasses with carriers (101 ) for use in step (i) of the process according to claims 7 to 8, comprising the steps:

(a) capturing, with appropriate scanning means, a 3D image of the user's head as a 3D file;

(b) transferring the 3D file captured in step (a) to a device capable of performing 3D modelling, device wherein it is provided at least one pre-existing template of a frame of eyeglasses (1 ) comprising: two lenses rims (3) connected to each other through a nose bridge (4), each rim of the lens being connected to one temple of the eyeglasses (5) optionally provided with a temple wing (10), and at least one means for attaching (13) for coupling at least one means (14) for movably coupling a flip-up system with carriers (102);

(c) graphically shaping said pre-existing template of the eyeglasses frame (1 ) by adjusting the shape and dimensions of the template to the anatomical landmarks of the 3D image of the user's head, thus obtaining a customized template;

(d) 3D printing a frame for measurements (103) according to the customized template obtained in the previous step;

(e) coupling a flip-up system with carriers (102) according to claims 12 or 13 to the frame for measurements (103) obtained in the previous step, by using said at least one means for attaching (13).

10. Process for manufacturing flip-up eyeglasses with carriers (101 ) according to claim 9 wherein the user performs by himself step (a) of capturing the 3D image of his head by scanning the face and sides of the head using a suitable scanner, for example a 3D video camera, preferably coupled to a smartphone.

1 1 . Process for manufacturing eyeglasses for loupes (100) according to any of the claims 7 or 8, wherein, in step (i), the user is provided with flip-up eyeglasses with carriers (101 ) manufactured according to any of the claims 9 or 10.

12. Flip-up system with carriers (102) for use in step (e) of a process according to any of the claims 9 to 1 1 , comprising an elongated support (15) having a longitudinal axis (16), a central region (17) and two lateral regions (18) on each side of the central region; two carriers (6) adjustably attached to said lateral regions (17) of the support (15) and provided each with means (8) for removably coupling of a loupe (7), and means (19) for adjusting and blocking the position of the carriers.

13. Flip-up system with carriers (102) according to claim 12, wherein said means (8) for removably coupling the loupe (7) to the carrier (6) are a female thread (21 ) wherein a corresponding male thread (22) of the loupe (7) is threaded.

14. Flip-up eyeglasses with carriers (101 ) for use in step (i) of a process according to any of the claims 7 to 8 and 1 1 characterized in that they are made up of a frame of the eyeglasses (1 ) and a flip-up system with carriers (102) according to claim 12 or 13, optionally having attached loupes (7).

15. Eyeglasses for loupes (100) characterized in that they are manufactured by a process according to any of the claims 7 to 8 or 1 1.

16. Eyeglasses for loupes (100) according to any of the claims 1 to 6 or 15, wherein loupes (7) are mounted into the carriers (6).