MXPA97005979A - Non-corrective lenses descentrated for anteo - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to glasses, for the non-corrective use of dual lenses, in combination with a frame for supporting glasses in the normal path of a user, and consisting of the following: a spectacle frame, a front surface and another rear of the lens, defining the thickness of the lenses together, the front surface substantially conforming to a portion of the surface of a first sphere having a first center, the back surface substantially conforming to a portion of the surface of a second sphere having a second center, said first center and said second center are spaced apart from one another for the purpose of measuring the thickness of the lens, wherein said lens is mounted on the frame in such a way that a central optical line can be drawn between the said first and said second center, which are separated and substantially maintained parallel to the line visu to the normal of the user both in a horizontal and vertical plane

Description

NON-CORRECTIVE LENSES DESCENTRATED FOR GOGGLES The present invention relates in general to lenses used in glasses, and more particularly to non-corrective non-corrective lenses configured and oriented to reduce optical distortion.

Antecedents of the Invention In recent years, a great variety of improvements have been made in the field of eyeglasses, especially in relation to glasses that are intended to be used in active sports or as fashionable eyeglasses. These improvements have been incorporated into eyeglasses that have unit lenses, such as the "Blades®" design (Oakley, Inc.) the "M Frame®" line (Oakley, Inc.), and the "Zero®" line also produced by Oaktey , Inc. This eyeglass design has a wide variety of functional advantages, such as maximizing the peripheral light interception, reducing optical distortion and increasing the level of comfort of the wearer, compared to the previous active sports eyeglasses. .

The unitary lens of the "Blades®" goggles incorporates a cylindrical geometry that is shown, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,859,048, issued to Jannard. This geometry allows the lens to fit closely to the face of the wearer and intercept light, wind, dust, etc., so that they do not attack the front of the spectacle wearer (previous direction), or the periphery ( lateral direction). See also US Patent No. 4,867,550 extended to Jannard (toroidal lens geometry).

Although the previous unit lens systems provided a complete field of view from side to side and good lateral protection to the eye, optical distortion still existed in power. For example, in a unitary lens system the angle of incidence from the eye of the wearer to the posterior surface of the lens changes as the visual angle of the wearer rotates in both the vertical and horizontal planes. This results in an uneven refraction between the light that enters closer to the front of the lens, and the peripheral light entering through the lateral ends. To correct this source of prismatic distortion, US Patent No. 4,859,048 discloses the taper of the lens thickness from the middle portion to the side edge.

In the lenses of prior inventions, double lens systems have also been employed in which two separate lenses are mounted along a front frame. In the previous systems of glasses with double lens, both the right and left lenses were co-planar in their final configuration. In this way, the visual angle of the carrier, when looking at it from the front, generally intersected with the rear surface of the lens in a manner perpendicular to the surface of the lens in the optical zone. One of the disadvantages of this lens configuration was that the glasses basically did not offer any lateral protection to the eye unless special modifications were made, such as vertically elongated temples or lateral eye covers.

Then double lens systems were created, in which the lateral edge of each lens curved back from the frontal plane, and around the wearer's head to provide a lateral curvature similar to that achieved by the unit lens systems of the lens. high curvature Although double lens lenses with a fairly high curvature provided lateral protection to the eye, the curvature of the lens generally introduced a measurable prismatic distortion through the angular field of view of the wearer. This was particularly pronounced in lenses that contained materials with a high refractive index.

In addition, although it is sometimes advisable to have curves with a high base (for example, base 6 or higher) to optimize curvature while maintaining a low profile, such lenses have not been practical in the past due to the relatively high level of prismatic distortion. In this way, there remains a need for non-prescribed high-base lenses, for use in double-lens lenses of the type that have curvature and angle of incidence that can intercept light throughout the angular field of view and at the same time reduce the minimum optical distortion through all that field.

Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention, a spectacle lens is provided for use in uncorrectable double lens lenses. The eyeglass lens is used in combination with a frame to hold the lens in the path of the normal visual angle of the wearer.

The lens consists of a lens body, which has a front surface, a back surface and a certain thickness between them.

The front surface of the lens fits a portion of the surface of a solid geometric shape. In one embodiment, the front surface of the lens substantially fits a portion of the surface of a first sphere having a first center. The back surface of the lens substantially fits a portion of the surface of a solid geometric shape, which may be the same as that which conforms to the front surface or may be different. In one embodiment, the back surface substantially fits a portion of the surface of a second sphere having a second center.

The first center and the second center are offset from one another in order to taper the thickness of the lens. The lens is mounted on the frame so that a line drawn through the first center and the second is generally maintained parallel to a preselected reference, such as the normal straight visual angle of the carrier.

The lens can be cut from a lens blank, or directly conformed to its final configuration by injection molding or other techniques known in the industry. Preferably, the lens is oriented on the head of the wearer by means of the spectacle frame, so that the normal visual angle of the wearer traverses the anterior surface of the lens at an angle greater than 95 °, and preferably within the range of 100 ° to about 120 °, while maintaining the optical axis of the lens in a generally parallel relationship with the normal visual angle of the wearer. The optical axis of the lens may or may not pass through the lens.

Methods for making the lens of the present invention are also shown.

With the detailed description of the preferred embodiments set forth below, other features and advantages of the present invention will be obvious when taken together with the appended claims and drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of glasses incorporating corrected tapered lenses made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic horizontal view of a non-tapered lens of a prior invention for a dual lens goggle system.

Figure 4 is a horizontal cross-section schematic view of a tapered lens for a dual lens goggle system.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view like that of Figure 2, showing corrected tapered lenses having a greater base curvature, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a lens blank that fits a portion of the surface of a sphere, in which a profile of the lens to be cut out of the blank is shown according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. invention.

Figure 7 is a sectional perspective view of the hollow lens blank with spherical shape, with a tapered wall, and the lens of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a lens constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8A is a vertical cross-sectional view of a lens constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a plan view from the top of the lens of Figure 8, showing a high curvature in relation to the carrier.

Figures 10A-10C are elevational views from the right side of lenses of various configurations and orientations relative to the wearer.

Figure 10A illustrates the profile of a suitably configured and oriented lens for use in glasses, having a downward inclination angle, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10B illustrates the profile of a centrally oriented lens with no inclination angle.

Figure 10C illustrates a lens having a downward inclination angle but not configured and oriented to minimize the distortion of the straight line visual angle.

Figure 11 illustrates schematically the projection of the horizontal profile of the lens from a desired orientation within a spectacle frame to the lens blank according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11A schematically illustrates the projection of the vertical profile of the lens from a desired orientation within a spectacle frame to the lens blank, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a front elevation view of the right lens and front (convex surface) of the lens blank of Figure 6, rotated to project the mechanical axis of the blank perpendicular to the page.

Figure 12A is a front elevational view, like that of Figure 12, which also shows the position from which a left lens has been cut from the same blank.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments.

Although the preferred embodiments will be discussed below with reference to lenses having a "spherical" front and back surfaces (surfaces that conform substantially to a portion of the surface of a sphere), those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that The invention can also be applied to lenses having a different surface geometry. Furthermore, it will be understood that the present invention has application for lenses of many shapes and frontal orientations, apart from the definitive position illustrated in this document.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there are illustrated glasses 10, such as sunglasses, having a first lens and a second lens 12, 14, constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Although the invention is illustrated as being incorporated into a spectacle design that Oakley markets under the name Eye Jackets ™, the present invention only relates to the curvature, tapering and orientation of the lens in the wearer's head. Accordingly, the lens or the shape of the frame in question shown in Figure 1 is not essential to the invention. Moreover, lenses of many other shapes and configurations may be constructed that incorporate the configuration and orientation of the present invention, as will be obvious from the disclosure made in this document.

Similarly, the frame 16 shown to have continuous orbitals is not essential to the present invention. The orbitals may limit only the edge or bottom edges of the lenses 12-14, only the top edges, or the entire lens as illustrated. Alternatively, the frame 16 can serve as a limit to any other portions of the lens, which will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Unframed glasses may also be constructed in accordance with the present invention, as long as the orientation of the lenses in the wearer's head is substantially maintained in a predetermined relationship to a preselected visual angle as discussed below. However, preferably the lenses 12, 14 are each mounted in an annular orbit as shown.

A pair of lugs 20, 22 are pivotally attached to the frame 16. Alternatively, the lugs 20, 22 may be attached directly to the lenses 12, 14. The frame may be fabricated from a wide variety of metals, or compounds of relatively rigid molded thermoplastic materials that are well known in the art, and can be transparent or of any variety of colors. Construction techniques with injection molding, machining or others are well known in this art.

The lenses according to the present invention can be manufactured by a variety of processes well known in the art.

Generally, high-quality optical lenses are cut from preformed injection molded primordia. Since the right and left lenses should preferably be mirror images, one with respect to the other, usually only the right lens will be discussed in this document. However, when describing a method for cutting lenses from a preformed blank, the manner in which the left lens differs from the right lens will be related to the degree of the angle of inclination and the curvature chosen for the final orientation of the lens . Alternatively, the lens can be molded directly to obtain its definitive shape and size, thus eliminating the need to carry out other cutting steps after molding.

Preferably, the lens or primer from which the lens is cut is injection molded and consists of a relatively rigid and optically acceptable material, such as a polycarbonate. Other polymeric materials can also be used to make the lenses, such as the CR-39 and various high refractive index plastics known in the art. The off-center tapered correction of the present invention can also be applied to glass lenses, although the need for correction in the present context is generally more pronounced in non-glass materials that are currently very popular.

If the lens is to be cut from a blank, the taper and curvature of a carefully preselected portion of the molded blank is transferred to the lens according to a preferred orientation process described below. Preferably, the frame has a slot or other connecting structure that cooperates with the molded curvature of the lens to minimize a deviation from the curvature as it was molded and even improve the retention thereof.

Alternatively, the lens or blank can be stamped or cut from a generally flat and tapered sheet material and then bent to achieve a curved configuration in accordance with the present invention. Then, this curved configuration can be maintained by using a curved frame of relative rigidity, or by applying heat to the curved blade so that it retains its curved configuration, as is well known in the thermoforming art.

Even more preferably, the curvature of both lens surfaces is created in the process of molding and polishing the blank, and the shape of the lens is cut off from the blank according to the invention, as described below.

With reference to Figure 2, the lens 14 of the present invention is characterized in a horizontal plane by having a generally arcuate shape, extending from a middle edge 24 to at least a portion of the wearer's field of view, and preferably, almost the entire field of view thereof, up to a side edge 26. The length of the lens arch, from the middle edge 24 to the side edge 26 in a double lens system, will generally be within the range of approximately 1 1 / 2 inches to about 3 1/2 inches, and preferably within a range of about 2 inches to about 3 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the arc length of the lens is approximately 2 3/8 of an inch.

Although the outer surfaces of the lenses 12-14 are illustrated as falling in a common circle 31, the right and left lenses of high-curvature lenses will generally be inclined, so that the middle edge of each lens will fall out of the circle 31, and the side edges will fall into the circle 31. Such tilting of the lenses increases the angle? (Figure 2) and makes the optical correction achieved by the present invention more advisable.

When worn, the lens 14 should extend at least through the normal visual angle 27 of the wearer, and preferably substantially through the peripheral vision zones of the wearer. As used herein, the term "normal visual angle" of the carrier will refer to a line projecting straight from the eye of the wearer, with almost no angular deviation either in the vertical or horizontal plane, as illustrated by FIG. line 130 of the Figures 9 and 10.

The lens 14 has a front surface 28, a rear surface 30 and a variable thickness therebetween. The thickness of the lens 14 in the region of the middle edge 24, when dealing with polycarbonate lenses, is generally within the range of about 1 mm to about 2.5 mm, and preferably within the range of about 1.5 mm to about 1.8. mm. In a preferred embodiment, the thickest portion of the lens 14 is at or near the intersection of the lens with the optical axis, and is approximately 1.65 mm.

Preferably, the thickness of the lens 14 is tapering smoothly, but not necessarily linearly, from the maximum thickness near the middle edge 24 to a relatively smaller thickness at the side edge 26. The thickness of the lens near the side edge 26 it is generally within the range of about 0.635 mm to about 1.52 mm, and, preferably within the range of about 0.762 mm to 1.27 mm. In a preferred polycarbonate embodiment, the lens has a minimum thickness in its side area of approximately 1.15 mm. The minimum thickness at the side edge 26 is generally governed by the impact resistance that the lens is desired to have.

Figure 3 illustrates schematically the refraction in a lens 41 of a previous invention with horizontal cross sections of the outer and inner circular surface, with a uniform thickness 44. With such a lens 41, the angle of incidence of the rays from the lens 41 to eye 46 changes through the entire angular field of view. For example, a beam to which we will refer for descriptive purposes as an average ray of light 50 strikes the lens 41 at an angle in the perpendicular of the point of incidence. As is well known in this art, the refraction of light on the transmitting surfaces depends, in part, on the angle of incidence of the light rays. The ray 50 is refracted in opposite directions, both on the outer surface 52 and on the inner surface 54 of the lens 41, resulting in a transmitted beam 56 parallel to the incident ray 50. The transmitted beam 50 is displaced laterally, with respect to to the path of the incident ray 50, by a distance 58. This displacement represents a first-order source of optical (prismatic) distortion.

In addition, the refractory displacement is even more pronounced at the lateral end 60 because there is a greater angle of incidence β. A peripheral incident ray 62 experiences a greater displacement 64 than the average incident ray 50, according to the Snell Laws, as can be understood by those who have ordinary knowledge of optical science. The discrepancy between the displacement of the peripheral ray 64 and the displacement of the median ray 58 results in a second-order optical distortion. This second order distortion can cause a substantial curvature of an image seen through relatively lateral portions of the lens 41.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a tapered lens 71, to compensate for the greater angle of incidence at the lateral ends 60 of the lens 41 (Figure 3), similar in some ways to that described in the context of the unitary lens systems in the U.S. Patent No. 4,859,048, issued to Jannard. The taper produces a thickness 74 of the minor lens at the lateral end 76, relative to a thickness 78 of the lens at a point 80, which is more toward the middle. This smaller thickness 74 reduces a certain amount of displacement of the peripheral rays 82, relative to the displacement of the peripheral rays 64 through the non-tapered lens 41 of Figure 4. In other words, the smaller thickness 74 of the lens near the lateral end 76 of the tapered lens 71 compensates to some extent the existence of a greater angle of incidence ß ", in relation to the thickness 78 and the angle of incidence a 'at point 80 that is more towards middle.

The resulting difference between the displacement of the peripheral beam 82 and the displacement of the middle ray 84 in the same lens 71 is not as great as the corresponding difference in Figure 3, whereby the second-order optical distortion is reduced. It should be noted that the degree of correction of the second order distortion depends on the relationship between the mode and degree of taper from the vertex 85 to each side end 76 and the manner in which the angle of incidence changes therein. distance.

The lens 71 of Figure 4 is illustrated as being mounted within a frame (not shown) so that the normal visual angle 86 of the carrier passes perpendicularly through the lens 71 at the apex of the lens or mechanical axis 85. In others words, the angle of incidence to the perpendicular of the lens is zero for the normal visual angle of the wearer. The outer and inner surface of the lens 71 in the transverse illustration are adjusted to compensate for circles of equal radius represented by center points 87 and 88 respectively. A line drawn through the central points 87 and 88, which in this document will be referred to as the optical axis of the lens, is collinear with the normal visual angle in the definitive orientation with the glasses on. For ease of description, this conventional configuration will be defined as a centrally oriented lens. Circumferentially in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction of the normal visual angle 86, the angle of incidence to the perpendicular of the lens increases regularly from zero at the apex of the lens 85.

A greater degree of curvature may be advisable for aesthetic reasons, so that the eyes are protected laterally from airborne garbage, or to intercept the peripheral light. The curvature can be achieved by using closed horizontal (high base) curved lenses, such as small radius spherical lenses, or by mounting each lens in a position that is lateral and then inclined relative to centrally oriented double lenses. Such inclination displaces the normal visual angle 86 of the existing collinear relationship with the optical axis, and changes the optics of the lens. As a result, double lens lenses of previous inventions with quite a "curve" around the sides of the wearer's face, generally have some degree of prismatic distortion.

Similarly, a high degree of angle of inclination and vertical inclination may be advisable for aesthetic reasons and to be able to intercept light, wind, dust or other debris under the eyes of the wearer of spectacles. Just when the curvature tends to displace the normal visual angle 86 and eliminate the collinear relationship with a horizontal element of the optical axis, when mounting the lenses with an inclination angle the normal visual angle of the collinear relationship with the vertical axis element is displaced optical. The double lens glasses of the above inventions, with a substantial angle of inclination, also have some degree of prismatic distortion.

According to the present invention, an improved optical configuration and a method for minimizing prismatic distortion in a lens having angle of inclination and / or curvature in the definitive orientation is provided. Although the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of shapes and orientations of lenses, the invention has a special utility for dual lenses having a high base curvature and showing a high degree of curvature and / or angle of curvature. inclination in its definitive orientation.

With reference to Figures 2 and 5, the illustrated glasses incorporate slanted lenses 12 and 14 or 102 and 104, mounted in a laterally rotated position relative to conventional double lens mounts that are centrally oriented. An inclined lens can be conceived with one orientation, relative to the wearer's head, which can be achieved by starting with conventional double-lens lenses having centrally oriented lenses, and curving the frame inward at the temples so that it fits curved to the sides of the head.

As a consequence of a greater curvature, the normal visual angle 27 of the carrier no longer incurs perpendicularly in the lens 14, as illustrated in Figure 4. Instead, the angle of incidence? ° (Figure 2) for the visual angle of the carrier 27 is generally greater than 90 °, and to achieve a good curvature it should be greater than about 95 °, and preferably it should fluctuate between 100 ° and about 135 °, and in an embodiment with a base of 9.5 it will be approximately 101.75 ° approximately. Will lenses with a lower base usually have an angle? greater in its definitive orientation once placed, and the angle? in an embodiment with a base of 6.5 it will be approximately 113.4 °. In a base embodiment 4 having a pupillary distance of 2.8 inches, the angle? It will be approximately 119,864 °.

Figure 5 illustrates the horizontal cross section of eyeglasses 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, similar in style to that illustrated in Figure 2, except that it has lenses 102 and 104 with a more closed curvature (higher base), as well as a possibly greater curvature. When the spectacles 100 are worn, a side edge 106 of the lens 104 adjusts significantly curved around the wearer's temple and is very close thereto, in order to provide good lateral protection to the eye, as has been commented .

An anterior (front) lens surface 108 of the present invention will generally conform to a portion of the surface of a regular geometric solid, such as a sphere 110, which is shown in this document in horizontal cross section. Accordingly, the front surfaces of the spherical lenses 102 and 104 of the illustrated embodiment can be characterized by a radius. By industry agreement, the curvature can also be expressed in terms of a base value, such that the radius (R) in millimeters of the front surface of the lens equals 530 divided by the base curve, or 530 R = B (1) The present invention offers the ability to construct double lens goggle systems with a relatively high curvature by using lens blanks with a base curve of 6 or greater, preferably between about 7-1 / 2 and 10-1 / 2, and preferably between about 8 and 9-1 / 2, and, in one embodiment, between about 8-3 / 4 and 9. For example, the radius of the circle that fits the anterior surface of a lens with a base of 8 -3/4 will be approximately 60.57 millimeters. As a comparison, the radius of the circle that characterizes the anterior surface of a 3-base lens will be approximately 176.66 millimeters.

The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 5 can be cut from an 8 3/4 base lens primer having a thickness of approximately 0.0649 inches on the optical axis and around 0.053 inches as a reference at a point of two inches. along the outer circumference of the lens from the optical axis. Alternatively, the lens can be molded directly to the final shape and configuration it would have.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a blank 122 whose convex outer surface 136 generally conforms to a portion of the surface of a three-dimensional geometric shape 124. Those of skill in this art will understand that the lens according to the present invention can be made in any variety of geometric shapes.

Preferably, the outer surface of the lens will acquire a shape having a continuous smooth surface with a constant horizontal radius (sphere or cylinder) or a progressive curve (ellipsoid, toroidal or ovoid) or other spherical shape in any of the horizontal planes or vertical However, the geometric shape 124 of the preferred embodiments described herein is usually spheroid.

The sphere 124 illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 is an imaginary structure with solid and three-dimensional wall, and a portion of the wall thereof is suitable for cutting a lens 120. As is known in the art, in order to accurately cut lenses it is often necessary to produce a blank 122 from which a lens 120 is to be obtained by cutting it off from the same. However, it should be clear to those of skill in the art, with respect to the illustrations of Figures 6 and 7, that the use of a separate blank is optional and that the lens 120 can acquire its final shape and configuration by casting it directly if you want It can also be seen in Figures 6 and 7 that the lens 120 and / or the blank 122 can be placed in a great variety of locations along the sphere 124. For purposes of the present invention, the optical axis 132 serves as the line of reference for the orientation of the lens 120 relative to the sphere 124. In the illustrated embodiment, in which both the outer surface and the inner surface conform to a portion of a sphere, the optical axis is defined as the line 132 joining the the two centers C1 and C2. For purposes of non-spherical lens geometry, the analog reference line can be shaped differently than the connection of the two geometric centers of the spheres, as will be obvious to those who have knowledge of the technique.

Finally the lens 120 is formed in such a way that it retains the geometry of a portion of the wall of the sphere as illustrated in Figure 7. The location of the lens 120 in the sphere 124 is selected such that when the lens 120 is oriented on the frame of the glasses, the normal visual angle 130 of the carrier, through the lens, will generally remain parallel to the optical axis 132 of the geometric configuration from which the lens 120 was obtained. Figures 6 and 7, the lens 120 is a right lens having a high degree of curvature, as well as a certain downward inclination angle (indicated by the definitive normal visual angle traversing the sphere 124 below the optical axis 130) . A lens with a different shape, or with a lesser degree of curvature, may be superimposed on the optical axis 132 of the imaginary sphere 124 from which the lens was formed. However, the fact that the optical axis of the imaginary sphere 124 passes through the lens 120 or not is not important, as long as the visual angle 130 of the lens 120 is maintained generally in parallel in the definitive orientation with the glasses posts, with the optical axis 132.

Similarly, if the lens is not going to have an angle of inclination or an upward inclination angle in its final orientation, the normal visual angle (and the entire lens) would traverse the sphere 124 in the central horizontal meridian, or above the same, which contains the optical axis. Consequently, the spatial distance and the position of the definitive normal visual angle 130 relative to the optical axis 132, indicates the degree of curvature (by the horizontal distance) and the angle of inclination (by the vertical distance). However, preferably, regardless of the distance there is, the lens will have minimal optical distortion as long as the normal visual angle 130 is off-center from the optical axis 132, but keeping substantially parallel to it, both in the horizontal plane and in the horizontal plane. vertical For purposes of the present invention, "substantially parallel" means that the preselected visual angle 130, when the lens 120 is oriented in the position in which it is placed, generally does not deviate within the horizontal plane or from the vertical plane by more than + 15 °, approximately, its parallelism with the optical axis 132. Preferably, the normal visual angle 130 should not deviate more than about ± 10 ° from the optical axis 132, and, more preferably, the normal visual angle 130 should not deviate more than ± 5 °, approximately, and preferably not more than + 2 ° from its parallelism with the optical axis 132. Ideally, the visual angle 130 is parallel to the optical axis when it is in its definitive orientation.

When there are variations of the parallelism in the horizontal plane, these generally have a greater negative impact on the optics than the variations of the parallelism existing in the vertical plane. Consequently, the polyhedron angle existing between the visual angle 130 and the optical axis 132 in the vertical plane, may exceed the limits set forth above in some glasses, as long as the horizontal element of the angle of deviation is within the parameters of deviation mentioned above in relation to its parallel orientation. Preferably, the visual angle 130 does not deviate in the vertical plane by more than ± 10 ° approximately, and preferably by no more than ± 3 ° approximately from the optical axis in its definitive orientation.

Figure 7 is a sectional view of the lens 120, the blank 122 and the geometric shape 124 of Figure 6. This view shows that the preferred geometric shape 124 is hollow and with walls of varying thickness, as indicated by the section transverse horizontal 134 on the optical axis of the geometric shape 124.

The tapered walls of the preferred geometric shape 124 are the result of two horizontally decentered spheres, represented by their center points C1 and C2 and their radii R1 and R2. An outer surface 136 of the preferred blank 122 is fitted to a sphere (of radius R1) while an inner surface 138 of the blank 122 is fitted to the other ball (of radius R2). By adjusting the parameters that describe the two spheres, you can also adjust the taper type of the primordium 122.

In particular, the parameters of the two spheres to which the outer surface 136 of the blank and the inner surface 138 are adjusted, are preferably chosen so as to produce a zero refractive power or a minimum refractive power, or non-prescribed lenses . When CT represents a selected central thickness (maximum thickness of the wall of the hollow geometric shape 124), n constitutes a refractive index of the primordium material, R1 is regulated by the design chosen for the curvature of the outer surface 136, and R2 it can be determined according to the following equation: CT / n represents the separation of the spherical centers C1 and C2. For example, when you want to have a base 6 lens because it has been selected for design reasons, it is decided that the thickness of the center is 3 mm, and the refractive index of the preferred material (polycarbonate) is 1586, then R2 can be determined as follows: CT R2 = RrCT + n (2) 530 R2 = 6 -3 + 1,586 = 87,225 mm (3) For this example, the radius R1 of the outer surface 136 is equal to 88.333 mm, the radius R2 of the inner surface 138 is equal to 87.225 mm, and the spherical centers C1 and C2 are separated by 1892 mm. These parameters describe the curvature of the blank 122 of a preferred off-center spherical embodiment.

In the case of the preferred embodiment, the optical axis 132 is the line that passes through both center points C1 and C2 of the off-center spheres. The line passes through the thickest portion of the walls 124 of the preferred geometric shape on an optical axis 140, although this may not be true when it comes to alternative non-spherical embodiments. The optical axis 132 passes through the surface 136 of the blank 122 illustrated, although this is not necessary. The optical axis 140 does not fall into the lens 120, although it can happen in larger lenses or in lenses that try to have less curvature once they are in their final orientation.

Figure 8 illustrates a horizontal cross section of a lens 120, in which the geometric shape 124 to which the outer surface 136 and the inner surface 138 fit are shown translucently. The blank 122 is omitted in this drawing. According to the present invention, the optical axis 132 related to the chosen orientation is aligned so that it is generally parallel, but off-center, relative to the normal visual angle 130 of the carrier when the lens 120 is to be mounted on a spectacle frame. .

Figure 8A illustrates a vertical cross section of the lens 120, which also translucently shows the geometric shape 124 to which the outer surface 136 and the inner surface 138 are to be adjusted. Differently from the horizontal view of the Figure 8, the projection of the optical axis 132 onto a vertical plane (i.e., the vertical element of the optical axis 132) seems to pass through the vertical profile of the preferred lens 120. In any case, the vertical element of the optical axis 132 related to the The selected taper is also aligned so that it is generally parallel to the normal visual angle 130 of the eyeglass wearer in its final orientation.

Thus, in addition to providing optically correct lenses for double lens lenses with a high degree of curvature, the present invention can provide optically correct lenses for lenses that are characterized by having a certain degree of angle of inclination. The terms "tilt angle" and "optically correct" are defined in more detail below.

In general, it will be understood that the term "inclination angle" describes the condition of a lens, in its definitive orientation, with respect to which the normal visual angle 130 (see Figure 8A) impinges on a vertical tangent in the lens 120 at an angle not perpendicular. However, according to the preferred embodiment, in optically correct glasses the normal visual angle of an inclined lens is generally parallel to the optical axis and is vertically offset from it. Consequently, the degree of inclination in a correctly oriented lens can be measured by the distance that the normal visual angle travels vertically relative to the optical axis.

In a centrally oriented lens, as shown in Figure 10B, the visual angle of the wearer coincides with the optical axis, and therefore has no vertical displacement. Although such a lens can be optically correct (as defined below) in its definitive orientation, said lens has no inclination angle, unlike that of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10C shows a lens orientation inclined in a downward direction, but in which the optical axis and the normal visual angle are highly divergent and therefore no "displacement" can be well measured. Although such a lens can have a downward inclination angle in a conventional direction, whereby the eye is provided with a downward protection and fits the face of the wearer, it is not optically correct.

In contrast to the above, the normal visual angle of a lens with angle of inclination, made in accordance with the preferred embodiment, is characterized by having a finite vertical displacement from the optical axis, preferably a downward displacement for a downward inclination angle. When the optical axis diverges from the normal visual angle within the acceptable angular parameters discussed above, this displacement should be measured on or near the lens surface. The displacement can fluctuate between any displacement that is not zero to approximately 8.0 inches. Lens with lower base curvature may need more displacement in order to achieve a good angle of inclination. However, the vertical displacement of a lens with a base 6 curvature should fluctuate between 0.1 inches, approximately, and 2.0 inches approximately. More preferably, the vertical displacement should range from about 0.1 inches to about 1.0 inches, especially from about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, and, more preferably, about 0.5 inches.

As used in the present description, the term "optically correct" refers to a lens that exhibits relatively low distortion by measuring it by one or more of the following values in its final orientation: prismatic distortion, refractive power and astigmatism .

According to the preferred embodiment, the lenses with inclination angle show at least a value as low as 1/4 diopter or 3/16 diopter, and generally less than about 1/8 diopter prismatic distortion; preferably, less than 1/16 diopter, and more preferably, less than about 1/32 diopter. The refractive power and the astigmatism for lenses according to the present invention should also preferably be low. Both the refractive power and the astigmatism should also be as low as at least 1/4 or 3/16 diopter, and preferably less than about 1/8 diopter, and more preferably less than about 1/16 diopter, and more preferably less than about 1/32 diopter.

Technicians with knowledge in this science will understand the advantages of minimizing optical distortion apply to both horizontal and vertical dimensions. An advantage is obtained in particular by applying the principles taught in this instrument to both the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the lens, allowing the combination of a lower peripheral lateral protection of the eyes (by curvature and inclination angle) with excellent optical quality over the full angular field of view of who wears the glasses.

In addition, although the main embodiments described herein have a constant radius in both the horizontal and vertical cross section, a variety of lens configurations are also possible in both planes, in conjunction with the present invention. Thus, for example, both the outer and inner surface of the lens of the present invention, or both, can be generally adjusted to a spherical shape as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Alternatively, both the surface exterior as the interior, or both surfaces of the lens can be adjusted to a circular, straight, frustoconical cylindrical shape, elliptical cylinder, ellipsoid, revolutions ellipsoid, or sphere, or any other number of three-dimensional shapes. However, regardless of the particular vertical or horizontal curvature of a surface, the other surface should be chosen so that one or more of the refractive power, the prism and the astigmatism of the lens in its mounted and definitive orientation are minimized. .

Figures 9-12 will help to describe the method for choosing a location in the blank 122 from which the right lens 120 is cut, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It will be understood that a similar method can be used to construct the left lens as it is the dual lens goggles of the preferred embodiment.

As a first step, the desired general curvature for the inner or outer surface 138, 136 of the lens can be chosen. For the preferred lens 120, this selection determines the base value of the blank 122. As noted elsewhere in this document, various other curvatures may be used in conjunction with the present invention. You can also pre-select the thickness of the lens. In particular, the minimum thickness can be selected such that the lens supports a previously selected impact force.

You can also choose the desired shape of the lens. For example, Figure 12 illustrates an example of a front elevation view of the lens 120. Generally the particular shape that is chosen is not important for the optics of the oriented off-center lenses described herein.

It is also possible to choose the orientation in which the glasses are to be placed once placed, relative to the normal visual angle 130 of the carrier 126. As mentioned above, the preferred orientations can provide a pronounced lateral curvature to achieve lateral protection and to intercept the peripheral light, and for aesthetic reasons, and also some degree of downward inclination. For example, the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6-12 employs an inclined lens 120 to achieve curvature. Alternatively, curvature can be achieved by the use of higher base lenses and a more conventional (non-tilted) orientation. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate more simply how the orientations can be related to the visual angle 130 of the wearer.

The designer of the glasses can also choose a certain degree of angle of inclination, or vertical inclination, as can be deduced from Figures 10A-10C, in which various vertical orientations of the lens once set, in relation to the head of the carrier 126. Figure 10A illustrates the preferred orientation of the lens 120 relative to the head of the carrier 126, and with relation, in particular, to the normal visual angle 130 straight. As illustrated in Figure 10A, it is desirable to have a downward inclination angle due to several reasons, among which a better fit to the anatomy of any head is included. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art in view of the description made in this document, a lens 120 having a mechanical center point that falls below the horizontal plane that intercepts the optical axis 132 (see Figure 7) will allow the The lens is oriented with a downward inclination as illustrated in Figure 10 and still maintain a generally parallel relationship between the optical axis and the straight visual angle. As the orientation of the lens 120 relative to the optical axis 132 of the imaginary sphere should be the same as the orientation existing between the lens 120 and should be parallel to the normal visual angle 130 once the glasses are put on, any lens that is cut off from this sphere below the optical axis 132 it may be mounted with a corresponding degree of descending slope and achieve the optical correction of the present invention.

Accordingly, the degree of the desired inclination angle can be chosen by specifying a vertical element of the displacement existing between the normal visual angle 130 and the optical axis 132, as illustrated in Figure 10A. In any case, the greater the displacement, the greater the descending inclination angle. In general, according to the present invention, the vertical displacement will be greater than zero. Generally it will fluctuate between approximately 0.1 inches and approximately 2 inches, which will depend on the base curvature. Preferably, the vertical displacement will be from about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch, or about 0.2 inches or greater. More preferably, it will range from about 0.25 inches to 0.75 inches, and in one embodiment was about 0.5 inches.

Alternatively, a general profile can be chosen that fixes an orientation of the normal viewing angle in relation to the curvature of the lens (without taking into account the thickness of the lens). For example, Figure 10A provides reference points of an upper edge 152 and a lower edge 154 relative to the normal visual angle 130. Next, this relationship can be used to determine the position of a primordium from which the lens was to be cut. , which will be clear with the comments on Figure 11A that are discussed later.

Referring now to Figure 11, a horizontal orientation frame of the lens 120 is illustrated at the blank 122. The normal viewing angle 130, with respect to which the selected orientation is measured, is maintained substantially parallel to the optical axis 132 and offset from the optical axis 132. same. The horizontal element of the displacement will generally be between approximately 0.1 inches and approximately 8 inches with respect to low base curvatures.

Once the aesthetic design, the desired angle of inclination and the orientation of the curvature has been determined as illustrated in Figure 11 (choosing for example the frame 150), and that the formed blank 122 has a base curvature suitable for that fits the aesthetic design, the aesthetic design can be "projected" graphically or mathematically onto the surface of the theoretical sphere or primordium to reveal the portion of the sphere that is suitable for use as a lens 120. The projection of the lens shape in the sphere it must move around the surface of the sphere until it is placed in such a way that the lens cut of the sphere in that place shows an adequate curvature and an inclination angle also suitable to the aesthetic design without rotating the lens 120 outside the orientation in which the optical axis of the sphere is generally parallel to the desired normal visual angle of the orientation in which it will remain the lens once placed.

As illustrated in Figure 11 A, a similar simultaneous projection can be made with respect to the selected vertical orientation. Figure 11A schematically depicts the projection from the chosen frame 150 to a position in the blank 122. The frame 150 (or a conceptual configuration such as the one illustrated in Figure 10A) provides reference points in the shape of the top edge 152 of the lens and the lower edge 154 of the lens relative to the visual angle 130. Thereafter, the projection may be moved up or down until the upper edge 152 and the lower edge 154 are both aligned simultaneously with corresponding points on the outer surface 136 of the blank, while maintaining the visual angle 130 substantially parallel to the optical axis 132.

The projection, both of the horizontal profile and the vertical profile, can be performed simultaneously, placing a unique position of the blank 122 corresponding to the desired three-dimensional shape of the lens (including the front elevation form shown in Figure 12), in which the visual angle 130 is parallel to the optical axis 132 or to another reference line of the blank 122. Of course it should be understood that the lines 130 and 132 may be almost parallel; that is, within the acceptable parameter of angular deviation discussed above.

This shape can then be cut out of the blank 122 or directly shaped with the final configuration that the lens will have. The resulting lens 120 not only conforms to the desired shape, but also minimizes prismatic distortion when in its final orientation.

Figure 12 illustrates a blank 122, concave towards the page, such as the one shown, that fits a portion of the surface of the sphere of Figures 6 and 7. In Figure 12, the blank 122 has been formed in the theoretical sphere in such a way that the mechanical center of the primordium is illustrated in the center of the drawing in the central horizontal meridian. The profile of the illustrated lens 120 has a middle edge 148, a side edge 144, an upper edge 152 and a lower edge 154. The middle edge 148 of the right lens 120 falls near the optical center of the blank 122.

At least a portion of the right lens 120 falls into the lower quadrant (the third) which is to the left of the blank 122. Preferably, in an embodiment of the invention in which the curvature and the downward inclination angle are shown, at least about half the area of the lens will fall within the third quadrant of the blank 122. Preferably, the entire area of the lens 120, or almost all of it, will fall below and to the left of the optical axis as illustrated. Lenses having a similar angle of inclination but less curvature may be placed on the blank 122 so that at least 50% or more of the lens area is within the lower right quadrant (the second) of the blank 122.

Figure 12A illustrates the position, in the same blank 122, from which a left lens 120L can be cut. The left lens 120L has a middle edge 148L, a side edge 144L, an upper edge 152L and a lower edge 154L. The left lens 120L is traced translucently because both the right lens 120 and the left lens 120L of the illustrated profile can not be cut from the same blank 122. Instead, the left lens 120L illustrated would be cut from the position shown in a second primordium, which is identical to the first primordium 122.

Since the left lens 120L should be symmetrically opposite the right lens 120, the left lens 120L is a mirror image of the right lens 120. For example, the image of the right lens 120 can be launched through a vertical plane through which they pass. the optical axis 130 and the poles of the sphere 124. The primordium on which that image would be projected can be identical to the illustrated primordium 122, but rotating it 180 ° around its mechanical center.

Alternatively, the position of the left lens 120L can also be considered as the mirror image of the right lens 120 through a vertical axis of symmetry. As illustrated in Figure 12B, the left lens 120L is upside down relative to the right lens 120. In the preferred blank 122, the vertical symmetry axis is a central horizontal meridian 170 that divides the blank 122 into an upper half and in a lower half, each of which conforms to the upper and lower hemispheres of sphere 124 (Figures 6 and 7). In this way, the horizontal position (i.e. the distance from the medial or lateral edge of the blank 122) of the middle edge 148L, the side edge 144L, the top edge 152L and the bottom edge 154L, is the same with respect to the dots corresponding to the right lens 120. The corresponding points in the left and right lenses also constitute the same vertical distance from the horizontal meridian 170, but in the opposite direction. For example, the upper edge 152L of the left lens 120L is approximately the same distance above the horizontal meridian 170, since the upper edge 152 of the right lens 120 is below the horizontal meridian 170.

In this way, the left lens 120L of any embodiment of double lens with inclination angle, is substantially cut from the upper half of the preferred blank 122, while the right lens 120 is cut substantially from the lower half of an identical blank. Preferably, when a double lens embodiment has curvature and also has angle of inclination, the left lens 120L is cut substantially from the upper left quadrant (the fourth) of the preferred blank 122, while the right lens is cut substantially from the third quadrant . As used in this context, the term "substantially" means more than 50% of the surface area of the lens 120 or 120L falling within the concerned half or quadrant of the preferred blank 122.

Of course, this description is limited to a primordium 122, which is described by an optical axis that passes through the central horizontal meridian 170 (ie, the taper of the primordium 122 is vertically symmetrical) but does not pass through the center mechanical (that is, the taper of the primordium 122 is horizontally asymmetric). It will be understood that different types of tapers should be used with different primordia. A skilled technician will be able to adjust the positions from which he will cut the left lens and the right lens, such that the normal visual angle in the final orientation remains substantially parallel to the optical axis, regardless of the taper symmetry.

In this way, the present invention offers a precise method for providing a correct correspondence between the taper and the variant angle of incidence from the eye of the wearer to the surface of a lens. By recognizing a new relationship between the visual angle of the carrier and the tapering shape, the present invention allows the use of any diversity of lens designs, while minimizing astigmatism, refractive power and distortion prismatic For example, the designer can choose an orientation and a desirable curvature for the lens in relation to the visual angle of the wearer. The orientation and curvature can be selected from a wide range of angles of inclination, curvatures, base value and proximity to the face of the spectacle wearer. The shape of the taper and location of the lens profile can then be chosen in the theoretical sphere or another form, by the method of the present invention, such that the prismatic distortion in the final orientation is minimized.

Although the above invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, there will be other embodiments that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of what is described herein. Accordingly, it is not intended that the present invention be limited by the description of the preferred embodiments, but it is intended that it be defined only with reference to the claims set forth below.

Claims (16)

Having described the invention, it is considered a novelty and therefore the content is claimed in the following: CLAIMS

1. Some glasses that have a tapered lens which is optically corrected in its final orientation and that consists of the following: a spectacle frame for positioning at least one lens in a predetermined orientation with respect to the normal visual angle of the wearer; Y at least one spectacle lens attached to the frame; wherein said lens has a curvature and an angle of inclination in its definitive orientation; Y said lens has no more than about 1/8 diopter of prismatic distortion and less than about 1/8 diopter of refractive power in its definitive orientation.

2. Spectacles according to Claim 1, wherein said lens has no more than about 1/16 diopter of prismatic distortion and less than about 1/16 diopter of refractive power in its definitive orientation.

3. Spectacles according to Claim 1, wherein the lens is characterized as having an optical axis, and the lens is oriented in the frame such that the optical axis is substantially parallel to the normal visual angle of the wearer in its final position.

4. A method for cutting a right lens and a left lens lens lens, which consists of the following steps: providing at least a first lens blank and a second primer of substantially identical off-center lens, each primer having an axis of symmetry through which an optical axis of the lens blank passes and which divides the lens blank into a first half and in a second half; select a first lens primer; cut the right lens for a pair of glasses, so that more than 50% of the right lens is cut from the first half of the first lens primer; selecting a second lens primer substantially identical; Y Cut the left lens for a pair of glasses, so that more than 50% of the left lens is cut from the second half of the second lens primer.

5. The method according to Claim 4, wherein each of the lens blanks is vertically symmetric on the axis of symmetry.

6. The method according to Claim 4, wherein at least one surface of each of the lens blanks fits a sphere.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein each of the lens blanks is horizontally asymmetric along the axis of symmetry.

8. The method according to Claim 7, wherein each of the lens blanks is relatively thicker at the middle end, and more than 50% of the right lens is cut from a side quadrant of the first half of the first lens blanket , and more than 50% of the left lens is cut from a side quadrant of the second half of the second lens primer.

9. Glasses that contain an off-center and ungraded spectacle lens, which is optically corrected in its definitive orientation with respect to the normal visual angle of the spectacle wearer, which consists of the following: a frame; Y at least one lens attached to the frame and placed in the frame in a predetermined orientation with respect to the normal visual angle of the carrier, said lens having an outer surface that fits a portion of the surface of a first sphere having a first center and an interior surface that fits a portion of the surface of a second sphere having a second center, and an optical axis extending through the first center and the second center; wherein the frame holds the lens in a definitive orientation, such that the optical axis is maintained generally parallel to the normal straight visual angle of the carrier, but is vertically and horizontally separated from it.

10. Spectacles according to Claim 9, wherein the optical axis ceases to be totally parallel to the normal visual angle of the carrier no more than about 3 °, at least in one of the vertical and horizontal planes.

11. Spectacles according to Claim 9, wherein the optical axis is separated more than about 0.1 inch from the normal visual angle of the carrier in the vertical plane.

12. Spectacles according to Claim 9, wherein the optical axis is separated at least about 0.5 inches from the normal visual angle of the carrier in at least one of the vertical and horizontal planes.

13. Spectacles according to Claim 9, wherein the optical axis is vertically displaced between 0.25 inches, approximately, and 0. 75 inches, approximately, of the normal visual angle of the carrier.

14. Sunglasses like those of Claim 9, which consist of two lenses.

15. Sunglasses like those of Claim 9, where the prismatic distortion in its definitive orientation is no more than about 1/8 diopter.

16. A method for cutting an ungraded lens of an off-center lens blanket, to use said lens in a spectacle frame in which the lens will have a curvature and an angle of inclination in its definitive orientation, and minimizing optical distortion in its definitive orientation, consisting of the following steps: designing glasses at least to the point of determining the desired angle of inclination and curvature of the lens in its final orientation; obtain an offset lens primer having an optical axis; Select a place in the lens primer to cut the lens in such a way that the lens cut in that location has the same orientation with respect to the optical axis that it had before being cut with respect to a parallel to the normal visual angle once it is mounted in the glasses and placed in its final orientation; Y cut the lens of said place of the lens primer.