GB2576891A

GB2576891A - Spectacle apparatus and system

Info

Publication number: GB2576891A
Application number: GB1814420.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kee Carroll Lee Yiu
Original assignee: Mazen Group Ltd
Current assignee: Mazen Group Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-05
Filing date: 2018-09-05
Publication date: 2020-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-05
Also published as: GB201814420D0; GB2576891B

Abstract

A pair of spectacles comprising at least one recess 22A, (22B, Fig. 2B) in the bridge, the recess accommodating a removeable (swappable) nose pad support (30, Fig. 3B). The aperture of the recess is smaller than the nose pad support to retain the nose pad support through an interference fit. The recess material may be deformable, when heated above a predetermined temperature, to aid nose pad support insertion. The aperture may be restricted in size at an outer opening of the recess or within the recess (24, Fig. 4A). The recess may be non-linear e.g. arcuate; rectilinear; or asymmetric. The nose pad support may comprise: a first portion (310, Fig. 3B), receivable in the recess; second portions (320, Fig. 3B) extending perpendicularly to the first portion; and third portions (330, Fig. 3B), thinner than the first portion, comprising means to affix a nose pad (335, Fig. 3B). The nose pad support material may have a differentiated strength between the first and third portions due to a differentiated temperature regime applied during manufacture. A set of nose pad supports may be provided wherein the first portion of each support is the same; the rest of the support may be different.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Mazen Group Limited

Hok Yuen Street East, Unit 6, 7/F,

Guardforce Centre, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (72) Inventor(s):

Yiu Kee Carroll Lee (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2015/079610 A1 CN 207586566 U

TW 201000985 A

KR 1020140121698 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL G02C

Other: EPODOC, WPI

WO 1998/016861 A1 JP 2011064921 A

US 5689835 A (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

D Young & Co LLP

120 Holborn, LONDON, EC1N 2DY, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Spectacle apparatus and system Abstract Title: Spectacles with interchangeable nose pad supports (57) A pair of spectacles comprising at least one recess 22A, (22B, Fig. 2B) in the bridge, the recess accommodating a removeable (swappable) nose pad support (30, Fig. 3B). The aperture of the recess is smaller than the nose pad support to retain the nose pad support through an interference fit. The recess material may be deformable, when heated above a predetermined temperature, to aid nose pad support insertion. The aperture may be restricted in size at an outer opening of the recess or within the recess (24, Fig. 4A). The recess may be non-linear e.g. arcuate; rectilinear; or asymmetric. The nose pad support may comprise: a first portion (310, Fig. 3B), receivable in the recess; second portions (320, Fig. 3B) extending perpendicularly to the first portion; and third portions (330, Fig. 3B), thinner than the first portion, comprising means to affix a nose pad (335, Fig. 3B). The nose pad support material may have a differentiated strength between the first and third portions due to a differentiated temperature regime applied during manufacture. A set of nose pad supports may be provided wherein the first portion of each support is the same; the rest of the support may be different.

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SPECTACLE APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a spectacle apparatus and system.

People who wear spectacles (or ‘glasses’) vary significantly in terms of personal taste, and also appreciate a wide range of glasses to choose from. Consequently, a wide variety of glasses are typically made available to choose from by an optician or similar retailer.

In addition, people vary greatly in appearance and in particular in facial morphology. Consequently, in order to provide a wide variety of glasses that additionally may fit a wide variety of facial morphologies, a potentially large combination of styles and sizes of glasses must be kept in stock, or more typically only a smaller range can be provided. As a result a person may find a style of glasses that they like, but be unable to fit them comfortably.

It would therefore be beneficial if a pair of glasses could accommodate a wider variety of facial morphologies, thereby increasing the number of people who could wear them and reducing the number of glasses needed in a particular style.

The present invention seeks to address or mitigate this problem.

In a first aspect, a pair of spectacles is provided in accordance with claim 1.

In another aspect, a nose pad support is provided in accordance with claim 10.

In another aspect, a spectacle system is provided in accordance with claim 16.

Further respective aspects and features of the invention are defined in the appended claims.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a plan elevation of a pair of spectacles in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Figure IB is a schematic diagram of a front elevation of a pair of spectacles in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of the bridge area of a pair of spectacles in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the bridge area of a pair of spectacles in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of a front elevation of a nose pad support in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a side elevation of a nose pad support in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Figure 3C is a schematic diagram of a plan elevation of a nose pad support in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Figure 3D is a schematic diagram of a front elevation of a variant nose pad support in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Figure 3E is a schematic diagram of part of a variant nose pad support engaging with a recess in the bridge area of a pair of spectacles in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

- Figures 4A - 4C are schematic diagrams of a recess in the bridge area of a pair of spectacles and a part of a nose pad support, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

A spectacle apparatus and system are disclosed. In the following description, a number of specific details are presented in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to a person skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed to practice the present invention. Conversely, specific details known to the person skilled in the art are omitted for the purposes of clarity where appropriate.

Referring now to Figures 1A and IB, these illustrate plan and front elevations of a pair of spectacles 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

For the avoidance of doubt, the measurements, dimensions, tolerances, shapes, styles and configurations provided in Figures 1A and IB are exemplary only and non-limiting; it will be appreciated that the present invention aims to mitigate or alleviate the problem of providing glasses for a wide range of facial morphologies, and so it will equally be appreciated that the invention will apply to glasses of any suitable shape, size, style, or configuration.

It will also be appreciated that in the present application, ‘a pair of spectacles’ may equally mean spectacles with or without lenses being included or mounted therein (for example when being fitted, before lenses have been made). Similarly, ‘a pair of spectacles’ may also encompass pince-nez, or clip-on sunglasses that operate in conjunction with a second pair of spectacles.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the spectacles comprise a bridge 20 (being a central region connecting the frame regions 12R, 12L adapted to surround or otherwise provide a mount for respective left and right lenses).

Referring now also to figures 2A and 2B, these show the bridge area of a pair of glasses similar to those in Figures 1A and IB, but as seen from the wearer’s side (i.e. the side of the glasses closest to the wearer’s face). As shown, the bridge 20 comprises a recess (22A, 22B) adapted to removably engage with at least a first portion of a nose pad support 30.

As shown in figure 2A, the recess 22A may extend inward from a rear facing portion of the bridge, such that an aperture of the recess faces substantially towards the face / eyes of the user when the glasses are in normal use.

Alternatively as shown in figure 2B, the recess 22B may extend inward from an underside portion of the bridge, such that the aperture of the recess faces substantially down towards the nose of the user when the glasses are in normal use.

Referring to figures 3A-3C, a nose pad support 30 comprises a structure described later herein, typically made of metal, to which nose pads can be affixed. Again for the avoidance of doubt, the measurements, dimensions, tolerances, shapes, styles and configurations provided in figures 3A-3C are exemplary only and non-limiting.

In embodiments of the present invention, at least part of a first portion 310 of such a nose pad support is removably engaged with the recess, for example by clipping into it, as described later herein.

To this end, in embodiments of the present invention at least a first part of an aperture of the recess, through which the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support is passed in order to engage with the recess, is restricted in size to be smaller than the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support.

Referring to figures 4A and 4B, a cross-section of the recess 22A or 22B is shown with part of the first portion of a nose pad support 310 engaged therein. As can be seen, and aperture of the recess is restricted in size to be smaller the engaged part of the nose pad (for example, smaller than the diameter of a wire forming the first portion, or more generally smaller than the relevant dimension of the first portion that must traverse the aperture to engage or disengage with the recess.

The aperture can be restricted by one or more barriers 24, which may occupy one or both sides of the aperture. Barriers may take any suitable form, and several examples are illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in Figures 4A and 4B, including a wedge, sawtooth wedge or ratchet (in Figure 4A), and a biased plate or wire acting like a hook (in Figure 4B). A barrier may be formed in any suitable manner, for example by moulding or machining the spectacles so that the barrier structure or structures are integral to the material of the bridge (for example creating an inward / centrally facing lip to the recess on one or both sides); affixing one or more barriers to one or both sides of the recess; or by applying a subsequent process to the recess, such as applying pressure to the outer edges of the recess to deform the material of the bridge, to achieve a similar lip effect.

It will be appreciated that the restriction in size of the aperture may be located at the mouth or outer opening of the recess, shown in figure 4A, or may be located within the recess as shown in figure 4B.

It will also be appreciated that whilst it is preferable for the barrier structure or structures to be located such that the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support is restrained against a rear part of the recess, as shown in figures 4A and 4B, this is not essential. Hence for example Figure 4C illustrates a barrier structure within the recess that restricts the size of the aperture a second time, limiting further ingress of the at least part of the first part of the nose pad support. Indeed, it will be appreciated that in this case optionally, for the bridge recess arrangement of Figure 2A, the recess may be open on both sides of the bridge, if so desired.

Separately it will also be appreciated that if the path traced by the recess is non-linear, this can reduce the number of directions in which force can be applied upon the nose pad structure so as to move at least part of it towards an opening of the recess and the barrier structure, mitigating or further mitigating the need to physically restrain the engaged part of the nose support structure against a rear portion of the recess.

The depth of the recess may be chosen so as to just accommodate the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad when engaged with the recess and restricted by the barrier structure, for example shown in figure 4A, or may adopt any suitable depth, typically limited only by the physical dimensions of the particular pair of spectacles, and considerations of mechanical strength of the bridge, which in turn may depend upon the material from which it is made. Example depths additional to the accommodated dimension of the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad structure include 0 mm, 0.25 mm, 0. 5 mm, 0.75 mm, 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 1. 5 mm, 1.75 mm, 2mm, 2.25 mm, 2. 5 mm, 2.75 mm, 3 mm, and similar increments up to 4mm, 5mm, ... 10mm. In an embodiment of the present invention, the depth is in the range of 0.8 to 1.0mm. In a more preferred embodiment, the depth is in the range of 0.85 to 0.95mm. In a more preferred embodiment, the depth is 0.9mm.

More generally, the depth of the recess may be 0.1mm more than the thickness / diameter of the first portion 310 of the nose pad support, or as described later herein, of an attachment portion 312 of the first portion.

It will be appreciated that the range of depths possible for the recess 22A of figure 2A is likely to be smaller than the range of depths possible for the recess 22B of figure 2B in the case that the thickness of the material at the bridge is less than the height of the material at the bridge. Referring to the examples of figures 1A and IB, the thickness of the bridge is approximately 4.8 mm whilst the height of the bridge is approximately 5.6 mm at its narrowest point.

Figures 1A and IB show, as a non-limiting example, a recess of the type shown in figure 2B having no additional depth beyond the accommodated dimension of the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad structure (i.e. similar to Figure 4A), the recess being located under the bridge and approximately 3 mm away from the inner surface of the bridge that faces the wearer of the glasses in normal use.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in order for the recess to removably engage with at least part of the first portion of a nose pad support, a material forming the recess (e.g. the surrounding material of the bridge and/or of the barrier structure(s)) is selected to be deformable to the extent that the aperture expands to the size of the engageable at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support when subject to a predetermined threshold amount of force.

Hence for example the or each barrier structure 24 may be made of a material that deforms under pressure from a user pushing the at least part of the first portion of a nose pad support into the recess to the extent that the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support is able to pass the barrier structure and engage with the recess.

Alternatively the barrier structure may be rigid, for example to provide strength and durability if nose pad supports are repeatedly inserted and removed, in which case the deformation may occur primarily within the bridge itself; in this case effectively the material of bridge deforms at least in the locality of the recess, accommodating a forced opening of the recess aperture as the engageable at least part of the first portion of a nose pad support is pushed into it past the or each barrier structure.

It will also be appreciated that both the barrier structure and bridge material may be deformable (for example when the barrier structure(s) are integral with the bridge and made of the same material) and so deformation may occur in both to respective extents.

Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the material forming the recess and/or barrier structure is deformable in the above described manner when heated to above a predetermined temperature. In other words, the material becomes sufficiently deformable that the aperture can expand to the size of the engaging portion of the nose pad support when heated to above this temperature. This provides the benefit that the nose pad support can still be removably engaged with the spectacles, but not (or less easily) during the temperature conditions of normal use. Hence for example an optician can use a hot air blower to soften, or make more ductile / pliable the material forming the recess in order to engage or disengage the nose pad support.

Alternatively, the material may be thermosetting, being initially ductile / pliable, but subsequently hardening when exposed to heat, for example once a desired nose pad support has been selected and engaged, so that the nose pad support may be clipped in but then made irremovable.

Similarly, it will be appreciated that the barrier may be selected to make engaging the nose pad support with the recess easier than disengaging it. Typically this will be due to an asymmetry in the profile of the barrier as a function of depth within the recess. The asymmetry typically provides a gradual inward constriction and a step-wise or non-gradual outward constriction. Examples 24' of such asymmetric barriers are shown in figures 4A and 4B. In these cases, the nose pad support is much harder to remove than to engage, making the system of the spectacles and nose pad support robust once the appropriate nose pad support is selected and fitted. Optionally the nose pad support may not be subsequently removable, or only removable by use of a degree of force that requires a tool to provide sufficient grip of the bridge and nose pad support to exert the required force.

Alternatively or in addition to any restraining protrusion(s) proximate to the entrance of the recess, the recess itself may be bigger (e.g. 0.1mm bigger) than the diameter of the nose pad support; in this case elastic deformation of the nose pad support may be used to insert the nose pad support into the recess (as noted above, with or without the use of protrusions in the recess), and once the nose pad support is properly inserted, it can be allowed to return to a resting or default shape in which it engages with internal portions of the recess to hold the nose pad support in place.

For example, with reference to Figures 2A, 2B and 3C, whilst as shown in figure 3C the first portion of the nose pad support 310 is linear, it may instead have one or more arcuate curves; once the appropriate part of such a first portion of the nose pad support 310 is inserted into the recess 22A or 22B by appropriate elastic deformation, the one or more arcuate curves of the first portion will exert a force causing it to engage with the walls of the recess and hold it in place.

Similarly, and as will be discussed later herein with reference to Figures 3D and 3E, the elastic deformation may alternatively or in addition relate to reducing the resting or default radius of the first portion of the nose pad support 310 or a separate engagement portion 312, which upon proper insertion into the recess, opens back out to the available extent provided by the recess and thereby engages with it.

More generally the bridge may typically be made from any suitable plastic, although any suitable material able to accommodate a recess as described herein may be considered.

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the path of the recess is non-linear. Typically the recess path will be arcuate as shown in the Figures, being either continually curved or comprising a mix of one or more straight and curved components. The recess may similarly be rectilinear, for example having three sides (one horizontal and two downward facing). In either case, optionally the recess may be asymmetric, enabling an unambiguous placement of the nose pad support the correct way around within the spectacles (which may not otherwise be obvious, particularly for example if the nose pads themselves have yet to be mounted on the support). Finally optionally the recess may be linear, although this makes it easier for a nose pad support to slide, if there is space to do so, and also to be dislodged by a knock substantially parallel to the recess path.

It will be appreciated that the nose pad support, as shown in figures 3A -3C, must extend out of the recess in order to provide mounts for the nose pads. Accordingly, either a part of the first portion 310 of the nose pad support, or a part of a second portion 320 of the nose pad support, extends out of the recess when at least part of the first portion 310 is engaged with the recess.

Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present invention, whilst at least a first part of an aperture of the recess through which the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support is passed in order to engage with the recess is restricted in size to be smaller than the at least first portion of the nose pad support, conversely a second part of the aperture of the recess is not so restricted (for example a part at either end of the recess path), since a section of the nose pad support structure, corresponding to part of the first portion or second portion, must pass out of the recess. Alternatively, the second portion of the nose pad support can be slightly smaller / thinner than the first portion, so that it can pass through the reduced size aperture without causing deformation (or less than the first portion does when passing through).

It will be appreciated that a benefit of embodiments described herein is that different nose pad supports can be engaged with the spectacles during fitting of the spectacles for a prospective wearer. Nose pad supports can then be disengaged and replaced with alternatives if they do not fit, or produce the wrong aesthetic result.

However, it is possible that in order to accommodate a range of nose sizes, for example across different age ranges and ethnicities, a range of nose pad supports may need to be sufficiently large that different recesses are required to mount them on the spectacles in the manner described herein.

Consequently, in an embodiment of the present invention, the bridge of the spectacles may comprise second recess having a differently shaped path to the first recess. For example, the recesses of Figures 2A and 2B may both be present on one pair of glasses. Similarly, recesses with different widths may be provided to accommodate thinner or thicker nose pad supports. Where appropriate, for example to make use of limited space, the first and second recesses may partially intersect. For example two recesses with paths of different curvature may share a portion at the top of their respective arcs.

Referring now again to Figures 3A to 3C, the nose pad support comprises a first portion 310, at least part of which has a shape corresponding to a recess (22A, 22B) in the bridge 20 of the pair of spectacles 10. As described elsewhere herein, the engageable at least part of the first portion clips, snaps, slots or otherwise engages with the recess in a removable fashion, optionally subject to predetermined environmental conditions such as the temperature of the material forming the recess being above a predetermined level.

A second portion of the nose pad support extends from the first portion on each side of the first portion. As can be seen in the figures, the second portion typically bends out of the plane of the first portion. More specifically, the second portion is typically substantially perpendicular to the first portion, so that it extends out of and/or away from the recess in use. The angle (illustrated in Figure 3B as 92°) may vary according to need or style, and may be adjusted by the user or an optician during fitting. Hence typical angles may be in the range 70° to 110°, or more preferably in the range 80 ⁰ to 100 °, or more preferably in the range 85° to 95°, or more preferably still in the range 91° to 93°. It will be appreciated that the recess may comprise changes in aperture corresponding to the postion of the second portion to accommodate a particular exit angle.

Alternatively however, it will be appreciated that for some combinations of recess and glasses style, the second portion may not comprise a bend out of the plane of the first portion. Hence for example for a recess as shown in Figure 2B, for some styles the second portion may appear to be a continuation of the first portions out of the bottom of the bridge of the glasses. In this case the second portion is typically not distinct from the first portion.

The nose pad also comprises a third portion 330 depending from each side of the second portion, and respectively comprising means 335 to affix a nose pad.

As described previously, the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support is then removably engageable with the recess in the bridge of the pair of spectacles.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the third portion is at least in part thinner than the first portion. This typically makes the third portion more flexible than the first portion. This in turn can assist with adjustment of the third portion when fitting or wearing the spectacles, and assist with applying a force sufficient to adjust the third portion that is not sufficient to disengage the first portion from the recess (though this may still occur or be necessary in some cases).

Alternatively or in addition, the nose pad support may have a differentiated material strength between the first portion and third portion, for example due to a differentiated temperature regime applied to the material of the nose pad support during manufacture. Thus for example the at least part of the first portion that engages with the recess may be stiffer and/or stronger than the third portion, and conversely the third portion may be more flexible and/or ductile than the at least part of the first portion.

More generally, the nose pad support is formed from wire, for example stainless steel wire.

Referring now also to Figure 3D, in a variant embodiment of the nose pad support, the first portion 310 further comprises an attachment portion 312 as the part which corresponds to the recess on the bridge of the spectacles. This attachment portion may then engage with the recess instead of the remainder of the first portion. Typically the attachment portion is a separate piece of wire or similar that is welded to the first portion. Figure 3D shows the attachment portion welded above the first portion for engagement with a recess of the type shown in Figure 2B. It will be appreciated that the attachment portion could instead be welded in front of the first portion for engagement with a recess of the type shown in Figure 2A. Again for the avoidance of doubt, the measurements, dimensions, tolerances, shapes, styles and configurations provided in figure 3D are exemplary only and non-limiting.

The attachment portion may allow the nose pad support to be attached to glasses where the bridge shape would not easily accommodate the shape of the first portion (which itself may be constrained by the size of nose that nose pad support is intended to fit) by separating the shape requirements for engagement with a recess of the bridge (by the attachment portion) from the shape requirements for a comfortable fit (by the rest of the first portion and the remainder of the nose pad support).

Referring now also to Figure 3E (which shows the bridge area of the spectacles and for clarity only just the attachment portion 312 of a nose pad support), alternatively or in addition the attachment portion 312 may enable a different or additional mode of engagement with the recess 22A,B by virtue of having free ends; for a suitably shaped recess, such as 22B' shown in Figure 3E, the resilience, springiness or elasticity of the attachment portion may enable it to bend inward (increase its effective curvature) when pushed into the recess, and then flex outward (increase its effective curvature) when fully in the recess, such that the resilience, springiness or elasticity of the attachment portion causes it to push outward (as shown by the arrows in the Figure) and hence into the recess.

In this variant embodiment, such outward flexure of the attachment member may serve to permanently engage the attachment member with the recess, so that the nose pad support cannot then be disengaged. In Figure 3E, this is due to the ledge at each end of the recess that prevents movement of the ends of the attachment member downwards whilst it is resiliently flexing outwards into the recess.

Optionally, the recess may comprise a gap or wider portion enabling a tool to be used to move least one side of the attachment portion out of the recess, thereby disengaging the nose pad support. Similarly, sufficient careful lateral movement of the nose pad support in one direction may cause an opposing side of the attachment portion to be pulled out of the recess.

As noted above, a benefit of the embodiments described herein is that a pair of spectacles can be fitted with one or a plurality of alternative nose pad supports, to better fit a user. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present invention, a set of nose pad supports may be provided, in accordance with any of the techniques described herein, in which the first portion of each nose pad support (either with or without a distinct attachment portion) is substantially the same (enabling engagement with the same pair of glasses), and the third portion of each nose pad support is different to the third portion of the other nose pad supports, thereby providing a variety of fits. Similarly, alternatively or in addition the second section of each nose pad support may be different to the second portion of the other nose pad supports, or a combination of second and third portion varieties may be provided.

It will be appreciated that spectacles and nose pad supports can be supplied separately, typically for use together at an opticians or spectacle retailer. In this case, the optician or retailer then assembles a spectacle system, comprising a pair of spectacles according to any of the embodiments or suitable combinations thereof mentioned herein, together with a nose pad support according to any of the embodiments or suitable combinations thereof mentioned herein. The spectacle system may also comprise the actual nose pads and/or lenses if fitted, or these (in particular the lenses) may be added to the system later, once made for the user.

Alternatively, spectacles may be provided to opticians and other spectacle retailers as a system with a nose pad support pre-engaged for simplicity of use, giving them the option to swap out the pre-supplied nose pad support only if required during fitting. This is advantageous over existing systems in which a nose pad support may be permanently welded, glued or screwed into the bridge.

It will be also appreciated that where variants of the spectacles or nose pad supports may provide removable or irremovable engagement, then the removable variety or condition (e.g. heating or tool use) may be used for fitting, and once the right fit is chosen, the irremovable variety or condition (e.g. allowing to cool, or not using the tool) may be used.

Similarly, pre-packaged spectacles (for example including lenses with predetermined properties for common eyesight conditions) may be produced and sold together with one or more nose pad supports included in the packaging, typically with one pre-fitted to the spectacles, and thus also represent a spectacle system as described above.

It will be appreciated that such spectacle systems may therefore also be supplied with a set of nose pad supports as described previously, where the first portion of each nose pad support is substantially the same, and at least one of the second and third portion of each nose pad support is different to the respective other of the second or third portion of the other nose pad supports, so that the user, optician or retailer can select the best fitting combination of the spectacles with a nose pad support from the set.

Claims

1. A pair of spectacles, comprising a bridge, in turn comprising a recess adapted to engage with at least part of a first portion of a nose pad support, and in which at least a first part of an aperture of the recess through which the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support is passed in order to engage with the recess is restricted in size to be smaller than the at least first portion of the nose pad support.

2. A pair of spectacles according to claim 1, in which a material forming the recess is formed is selected to be deformable to the extent that the aperture expands to the size of the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support when subject to a predetermined threshold amount of force.

3. A pair of spectacles according to claim 2, in which the material forming the recess is so deformable when heated to above a predetermined temperature.

4. A pair of spectacles according to any proceeding claim, in which the aperture is restricted in size at an outer opening of the recess.

5. A pair of spectacles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the aperture is restricted in size within the recess.

6. A pair of spectacles according to any one of the preceding claims, in which a path of the recess is non-linear.

7. A pair of spectacles according to claim 6, in which the path of the recess is one selected from the list consisting of:

i. arcuate;

ii. rectilinear; and iii. asymmetric.

8. A pair of spectacles according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second recess having a differently shaped path to the first recess.

9. A pair of spectacles according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the recess is adapted to removably engage with the at least part of a first portion of a nose pad support.

10. A nose pad support for a pair of spectacles in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

a first portion, at least part of which has a shape corresponding to a recess in the bridge of the pair of spectacles;

a second portion extending from the first portion on each side of the first portion; and a third portion depending from each side of the second portion, and respectively comprising means to affix a nose pad, the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support being engageable with the recess in the bridge of the pair of spectacles.

11. A nose pad support according to claim 10 in which the second portion extends substantially perpendicular to the first portion on each side of the first portion.

12. A nose pad support according to any one of claims 10 and 11, in which the third portion is at least in part thinner than the first portion.

13. A nose pad support according to any one of claims 10 to 12, in which the nose pad support has a differentiated material strength between the first portion and third portion due to a differentiated temperature regime applied to the material of the nose pad support during manufacture.

14. A nose pad support according to any one of claims 10 to 13, in which the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support is removably engageable with the recess in the bridge of the pair of spectacles.

15. A set of nose pad supports according to any one of claims 10 to 14, in which the first portion of each nose pad support is substantially the same; and at least one of the second and third portion of each nose pad support is different to the respective other of the second or third portion of the other nose pad supports.

16. A spectacle system, comprising:

a pair of spectacles according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a nose pad support according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

17. A spectacle system according to claim 16, comprising

A set of nose pad supports according to claim 15.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1814420.4

Examiner: Mr Chris Davidson

17. A spectacle system according to claim 16, comprising

A set of nose pad supports according to claim 15.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A pair of spectacles, comprising a bridge, in turn comprising a recess adapted to engage with at least part of a first portion of a nose pad support the first portion being formed of a wire, and in which

5 at least a first part of an aperture of the recess through which the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support is passed in order to engage with the recess is restricted in size to be smaller than the at least first portion of the nose pad support.

2. A pair of spectacles according to claim 1, in which a material forming the recess is formed is selected to be deformable to the extent that the 10 aperture expands to the size of the at least part of the first portion of the nose pad support when subject to a predetermined threshold amount of force.

8 06 19

15 4. A pair of spectacles according to any proceeding claim, in which the aperture is restricted in size at an outer opening of the recess.

6. A pair of spectacles according to any one of the preceding claims, in which

20 a path of the recess is non-linear.

7. A pair of spectacles according to claim 6, in which the path of the recess is one selected from the list consisting of

i. arcuate;

ii. rectilinear; and

25 iii. asymmetric.

a first portion being formed of a wire, at least part of which has a shape corresponding to a recess in the bridge of the pair of spectacles;

16. A spectacle system, comprising: