HK1160229B - Eyeframe with interchangeable lenspieces held by a magnetic closure and interchangeable lens system - Google Patents

Abstract

An eyeframe system includes a rimwire and an interchangeable lenspiece. A hinged closure on the rimwire fastens the lenspiece to the rimwire. The closure includes a magnetic closure that slides beneath a nose bridge of the rimwire. The closure is held closed by mechanical and magnetic forces. The system can include a plurality of different lenspieces that are interchanged to attach lenses with different qualities.

Description

Eyeglass frame with replaceable lenses held by magnetic closure and system of replaceable lenses

Technical Field

The present application relates to eyewear having replaceable lenses.

Background

Eyewear having replaceable lenses or other lens configurations has several advantages over conventional fixed lens eyewear. For example, for sunglasses, different lenses may be provided to account for variations in light. For example, polarizers are used to protect the eyes from ultraviolet light and glare. There are systems that include different colored lenses used under different light conditions. In the event that damage is done to the lenses or frame, replacing only a single part may be less expensive than purchasing the entire pair of eyeglasses anew.

Replaceable lens eyewear is known, but conventional designs have significant drawbacks, and they are often mechanically complex and difficult to use. Other arrangements cause the lens to deform and the front end piece of the frame makes removal of the lens awkward.

Recently disclosed replaceable lens designs overcome the above-described deficiencies by inexpensively replacing lenses. As in the structure disclosed in U.S. patent application No.4176921, the front of the eyeglasses is constructed of wire with a complete rim that entirely surrounds the lens sheet. Two spaced lower teeth for supporting each lens sheet respectively are welded to the wire frame. The other tooth extends to the temple portion and is integral with the bezel or secured by other welding means. The lens, without the frame fixed before being used, is inserted from above until it is gripped by the teeth. Metal rods are hinged to the bridge for connecting the rims and fixing the teeth for supporting each lens plate. The rod is rotated downward to a resting position to prevent upward movement of the lens. A separate plastic nose pad is secured to the front end of the wire. The eyeglasses disclosed in this patent are popular but, due to their price, the entire wire front is usually formed from a metal main wire and needs to be welded into a closed loop by different manufacturing processes. Meanwhile, the all-metal wire frame is limited in material and color by itself.

The all-metal wire bezel, particularly for use with replaceable lenses, presents a problem: the wire borders are susceptible to warping or other deformation, which almost violates the need for the lens sheet to maintain a precise configuration. Also, the lens sheet is not supported during storage. Plastic and resin lenses are flexible and also easily scratched in overheated or squeezed conditions.

U.S. patent No.4523819 discloses an eyeglass structure having a front with a partial rim that surrounds only the periphery of the upper or lower half of the lens sheet. The front end of the eyeglasses includes wires or wires formed in grooves in the exposed bottom edge of the lens sheet. The wires are fixed to one end of their associated partial rim and are in contact with the bridge portion of the front end, with the remaining ends being held by the free ends of the pivot rods for tensioning the wires. A cable clamp, hinged to the lower bridge, is located above the free ends of the rods, holding the rods in their tensioned position. The front of the spectacles is preferably made of metal to compensate for wear due to the use of the pivoting parts, thus fixing the profile and providing sufficient tension for tightening. It is essentially satisfactory that the spectacles disclosed in this application are difficult to use for users who are not dexterous in their hands or who are engaged in outdoor winter sports or who otherwise need to wear gloves.

Another alternative embodiment of eyeglasses is shown in U.S. patent No. 2738709. A spectacle frame made of metal wires is used to mount two lens plates and includes a replaceable metal bridge member. The metal frame may be positioned behind a stack of plastic frames containing conventional temple pieces for fitting the temple and the wearer's ear. Both the wire frame and the overlying plastic frame have a complete rim that entirely surrounds the lens sheet. A recess is provided in the rear of the overlying plastic frame (adjacent the wearer's face) for seating the entire rim portion of the metal frame. Two hinge pins are provided on the wire frame for fixing the wire frame. The replaceable eyeglasses are relatively complex (i.e., bulky) and therefore heavy in weight. The stacked plastic frames must have large enough span and edge frame members to conceal or cover the wire frames stacked thereon, and the front portion of the plastic frame to which the temple members are attached is also increased in volume to accommodate the additionally formed hinge pins. The structure relies on frictional engagement between the metal wires and the plastic bridge, which is affected by the time of use. To compensate for wear, the temple members are adjusted to increase the pressure on the wearer's ear, thereby compressing the bridge together, but causing discomfort over extended wear periods.

Replaceable eyeglasses are disclosed in the prior art. Examples include U.S. patent nos. 4759622, 4822158, and 4834523. These patents use mechanical closures or latches to secure the lens sheet. Mechanical latches wear out with use, and the ability to "lock" or "grip" disappears. The mechanical lock catch is eventually worn out without a fixed function. This results in the replaceable lens sheet not being fixed to the eyeglasses and remaining free from falling off.

Another drawback of mechanical latches is that they require sufficient force to lock or unlock. For fixation, the applied force may cause the lens sheet to crack or break when improperly conducted to the lens sheet. Therefore, an operation of inadvertently fixing or detaching the bridge may cause damage to the lens sheet to be mounted.

U.S. patent nos. 2005/0052613 and 6869180, Kidouchim, disclose a system for mounting additional lens sheets to an eyeglass frame that includes a conventional, non-moving primary lens. A hinge is used to pivotally attach the additional lens sheet to or from the primary lens. The hinge does not remove the primary lens. The use of magnets to secure the additional lens plates in the different positions 68 and 70 does not provide for the use of magnets to lock the bridge closed, thus preventing the primary lens from falling out of the frame.

A magnetically fixed add lens system is disclosed in us patent No.6789893, Hong. The additional lens rotates on a hinge. The magnets are used to apply support to the eyeglass frame rather than locking the lenses.

U.S. patent No.6637878, Huang, discloses a pivoted add-on lens that is magnetically secured to eyeglasses. Huang does not teach a pivoting bridge that magnetically closes to hold a replaceable primary lens set.

U.S. patent nos. 6604822 and 6283591, Chen, disclose a pivoting add-on lens that is magnetically attached to eyeglasses. Chen does not show a pivoting bridge that magnetically closes to hold a replaceable primary lens set.

U.S. patent No.6352342, Huang, discloses a pivoted add-on lens that is magnetically attached to eyeglasses. Huang does not teach a magnetically closed pivot bridge holding a replaceable primary lens set.

U.S. patent No.5048944, Porsche, discloses eyeglasses having replaceable primary lenses. The eyeglasses include a metal rim, nose piece and hinged closure. The retaining clip achieves mechanical closure by clamping. The mechanical closure is limited to wear and permanent deformation and is not able to hold the lens when the fixation clamp is permanently deformed.

U.S. patent No.4176921, Matthias, discloses an eyeglass with replaceable primary lenses. The eyeglasses include a metal rim, nose piece and hinged closure. The retaining clip achieves mechanical closure by clamping. The mechanical closure is limited to wear and permanent deformation and is not able to hold the lens when the fixation clamp is permanently deformed.

U.S. patent No.6869179, Matthias, discloses a mechanical clip for securing an add-on lens to eyeglasses. U.S. patent No.6866384, Madison, discloses a magnetic attachment device for securing an add lens to a primary eyeglass. U.S. patent No.6478420, Xiang, discloses a magnetic attachment for securing a wire-free frame lens to frameless primary eyeglasses.

U.S. patent No.4523819, Dianitsch et al, modified Porsche's invention and wrapped the portion of the wire with the ratchet teeth around the periphery of the lens for fixation.

U.S. patent No.4834523, Porsche, discloses a collapsible eyewear having a replaceable primary lens. Each lens sheet has a plurality of notches for fixing. The frame is hinged on the dry shaft.

Us patent No.4822158, Porsche, discloses an interchangeable primary lens which is mounted to a frame by a mechanically closed hinged bridge. Porsche' 158 does not give magnetic closure across the beam. Each lens must be inserted individually. Holding both lenses closed simultaneously requires three hands. Thus, inserting the lens and closing the closure is difficult and time consuming. The lenses are easily scratched during installation.

U.S. patent No.4759622, scridsthaler, discloses a mechanical button bridge member for releasing a replaceable primary lens. The bridge member is non-hinged. Magnetic closure-just a button-is not disclosed.

None of the prior art examples including magnets hide the magnets. I.e. the magnets used for attaching the additional lenses are visible. These magnets, when visible, affect the aesthetic appearance of the eyeglass frame and are generally required to be invisible. Thus, for eyeglass frames having magnetically attached replaceable lenses, it is desirable to hide the magnets. Not only does the magnet need to be hidden, the eyeglass frame with the additional lens should appear as much as possible to include only the primary ophthalmic lens.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention discloses eyeglasses with magnetic closure for holding replaceable lenses that overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the products and methods of the general type already disclosed.

With reference to the foregoing and other conceivable products, the present invention discloses an eyeglass frame for interchangeable lenses, i.e., interchangeable eyeglass lenses and a peripheral frame. The eyeglass frame includes a frame and a closure. The closure is locked by magnetic force. A replaceable ophthalmic lens is easily held between the frame and the closure. The closure prevents the replaceable lens from falling off the frame. When open, the closure may allow for removal and replacement of the lens. When closed, the closure prevents the lens from falling off the frame. And thus is a magnetic closure that does not wear in use. In addition, unlike mechanical snap closures, the magnetic closure of the present invention requires only an operable force (i.e., on and off) to overcome the magnetic force without causing damage to the lens.

The frame, like the conventional eyeglasses, is formed with two lens frames (i.e., two rings) and a nose piece for connecting the two lens frames. The first magnetic clasp is attached to the frame, preferably to a nose piece of the frame. The closure includes a second magnetic clasp. Both magnetic buttons are made of magnetic materials. At least one of the magnetic buttons or both of the magnetic buttons may be a magnet. The magnetic clasps attract each other, thereby attracting the closure to the frame to clamp the replaceable lens between the nosepiece and the frame, thereby providing support when magnetically locked closed.

The lock is arranged at the connecting position of the two parts of the frame. The lock is formed at the two parts of the lens frame where the screws typically pass through the two threaded flanges. If the lock is open, the screw may be removed; the lens, originally fixed, can be removed from the frame. The lock is usually located on the temple of the spectacle frame, with the main stem connected to the frame.

The frame includes a brow web connecting two lens frames. A closure hinge may be used to connect the brow web and the closure. When opened and closed, the closure pivots about the closure hinge.

The frame may be "frameless". A "frameless" frame is not actually frameless, but is semi-framed. The frameless frame typically has a very thin portion of a conventional frame with nearly invisible monofilaments positioned in grooves formed in the edges of the lens. The monofilaments are very thin and nested, and are virtually invisible so as to appear "frameless".

True rimless (also referred to as three-piece) spectacles may also be provided with closures for securing replaceable lenses in accordance with the present invention. In this rimless spectacle frame, the main rod is typically attached to the lens by a threaded rod. A nose piece is threaded onto each lens for attachment. As with the other embodiments, the present invention shows a closure that can be used in conjunction with the nose piece of a truly rimless eyewear to attach or detach a replaceable lens.

In embodiments of the frame having a nose bridge and brow web, the trapezoid is defined in the frame. The closure may also be trapezoidal (formed by a closed nose bridge, a closed brow bridge and closed temples) and may be formed to overlie the trapezoidal region of the frame.

In embodiments having only a nose bridge (and no brow web), the closure is rectangular and overlies the brow web and the lens brow web.

In order to support the lenses on the spectacle frame, at least one tooth needs to be provided on each lens frame for stabilization and balance. The additional grip helps to hold the replaceable lens on the frame and ensures balance and stability. The teeth are welded to the temple portion of each replaceable lens. The tooth abuts the main stem of the eyeglass frame. The tooth may be attached to the lock if the lock is open.

The nose piece of the eyeglass frame and the nose piece of the replaceable lens may include a tongue that mates with the single groove. The tongue may be located in a groove on the replaceable lens and eyeglass frame or vice versa. By forming the tongue and groove to be other than circular, the replaceable lens is prevented from rotating relative to the eyeglass frame.

The replaceable lens sheet of the replaceable lens is a main lens; that is, no lens sheet is held in the underlying eyeglass frame. When the main lens sheet is replaced, different lens sheets may be used depending on the occasion. For example, bifocal, piano progressive lenses, sunglasses, reading lenses, or safety protective lenses may be substituted. Thus, a system is achieved that allows a generic spectacle frame to be adapted to different kinds of interchangeable lenses.

Alternatively, the replaceable lens may be an additional lens that is superimposed on the primary lens held within the frame of the eyeglass frame. For the replaceable additional lenses, the primary lens is permanently fixed in each lens frame. The system has the advantages that: the prescription lens may be a permanent primary lens. A set of replaceable additional lenses may be replaced to suit different situations. For example, the primary lens is a prescription lens and the interchangeable lens may be a polarized add-on lens for switching to fishing or an amber lens for skiing. Other lenses for other purposes such as in flight, golf or hunting may also be used.

The lens (which may also be referred to as a "lens clip") may be a single piece mirror, thereby simplifying installation. That is, the frame and the lens sheet are made as a single body, and are attached to the eyeglass frame as a whole. By being formed as a single piece, the lens can be mounted with one hand and closed with the other hand.

The present invention provides a set of lenses that may include preferred or desired lenses suitable for a particular task. The same frame can be reused with lenses of different entertainment needs. Both for work and leisure entertainment, the wearer only needs to buy one pair of frames, not many, so the wearer is willing to buy.

In addition, many alternative lenses may be incorporated together. A first set of replaceable lenses may be mounted on the frame. A second set of replaceable lenses may be attached to the first set. Two sets of replaceable builds are maintained by the closed nose frame.

According to another aspect of the invention, the magnetic closure includes a groove and a tongue on the groove to assist in closing the locking bridge. In particular, the grooves are formed on the nose piece or the closed nose piece. The tongue arranged in the groove makes it possible to mechanically secure the closure. This type of groove tongue closure is very powerful when used in combination with a magnetically closed span. Unlike a single magnetic closure, a magneto-mechanical closure using a groove and tongue and a magnet does not wobble and prevents the bridge from moving slightly but allows the replaceable lens to jog.

According to another aspect of the invention, the bridge is held in a locked position on the frame by magnetic force. The magnetic lock is formed by a magnetic buckle and is connected by magnetic force. Magnetic closures and buckles are broad in scope, including any form of use of magnetic force to hold a bridge closed.

The magnetic closure may be formed by a magnetic clasp that is a permanent magnet, while other magnetic clasps may be formed by a magnetic material (i.e., a ferromagnetic material or a permanent magnetic material) that may magnetically couple the permanent magnetic clasp. A description of magnetic materials can be found in Serway, Physics for scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, 3d ed., Chapter 30, pp 835-873, which is used as reference. The magnetic catch of the permanent magnet may be made of ferromagnetic material, the magnetic poles of which are adjusted. Examples of ferromagnetic iron, cobalt, nickel, gadolinium, dysprosium.

The magnetic closure may also be formed by two permanent magnetic clasps. At this time, the magnetic poles of the permanent magnet buttons need to be adjusted so that the two permanent magnet buttons attract each other (rather than repel each other).

Permanent ferromagnetism is preferred, and other magnetics may be used in the magnetic closure. For example, the magnetic closure may comprise an electromagnet.

According to another aspect of the invention, the magnetic clasp may be attached to the eyeglass frame, in particular the nose piece, and closed. The magnetic clasp may be glued, welded, cast or glued to the frame. The way the magnetic clasp is attached is the lowest cost but determines whether the clasp is visible when closed and open.

The magnetic clasp may be embedded in the eyeglass frame. For example, the magnetic clasp may be embedded by bending the eyeglass frame around the magnetic clasp. The magnetic clasp may be embedded in the eyeglass frame and closure around the magnetic clasp by providing the eyeglass frame or closure material. The magnetic clasps remain attracted to each other across the eyeglass frame (e.g., bridge) and the closed material. The embedded magnetic clasp in the frame makes it invisible. Therefore, the magnetic catch does not affect the performance of the frame.

According to another aspect of the invention, the spectacle frame and the closure itself are formed of magnetic material. For example, the bridge itself may be made of ferromagnetic or permanent magnets. The closure itself, however, may be made of ferromagnetic or permanent magnets. Thus, as long as at least one of the bridge or the closure is magnetized as a permanent magnet, it may attract each other. When one of the eyeglass frame or the bridge is made of a magnetic material, the other can use a magnetic material therein.

Another aspect of the invention provides an eyeglass frame with replaceable lenses magnetically attached and with magnets not visible when worn.

For understanding the invention, it is given how the glasses are worn. "front" refers to the face facing the wearer. "left" refers to the left of the line of sight when looking at the wearer. "lower" and "below" refer to downward directions when looking at the face of the wearer. "Upper" and "above" refer to the upward direction when looking at the face of the wearer.

The invention includes an eyeglass frame that removably retains a replaceable lens. The lens is also referred to as a "lens clip". The eyeglass frame includes a frame and a closure. The frame forms a first lens frame, a second lens frame, and a bridge. The bridge connects the first lens frame and the second lens frame and has a first magnetic clasp. The closure has a closure bridge and legs. The closed span beam is provided with a second magnetic buckle and is arranged below the span beam. The legs are used to hold the lens to the frame. The first magnetic clasp and the second magnetic clasp are magnetically coupled together for openably holding closed on the eyeglass frame.

By arranging the closing bridge below the frame bridge, the closing bridge is latched. The shape of the closure and bridge requires additional force for the latch to close. The same design tends to maintain the closure until the closure is opened. Because the closure is reused, the closure may lose the ability to latch. The locking ability tends to be weakened due to wear or material bending, especially when the material is metal or polymer.

The inclusion of a magnetic clasp for closure in the locked condition may provide effective locking even if the remainder of the frame is worn away by use.

The eyeglass frame includes a hinge for transferring closure from a closed condition to an open condition. The hinge connects the frame and the closure. The closure is pivotally connected to the hinge relative to the frame for opening and closing. One leg or other component of the closure may be connected from the hinge to the closure bridge for holding a removable lens on the eyeglass frame.

The bridge of the eyeglass frame, which is closed and locked, may be a nose bridge. As a nose bridge, the superimposed closure may be connected to the hinge of the spectacle frame and the closure bridge may also be a nose bridge. By using the eyeglass frame nose piece and the closed nose piece, the impact is reduced (i.e., relative to eyeglasses without additional lenses).

The bridge may accommodate a hinge, which is located below the magnetic clasp. That is, the closing may be to be upside down as shown in fig. 10. This can be achieved by placing the hinge on the nose piece, and the closing bridge on the brow web of the spectacle frame. In this case, the closing bridge is located above the brow web bridge. The magnetic buttons are arranged in the brow web frame and the closed span beam.

The closure bridge abuts (i.e., directly contacts) the eyeglass frame bridge when closed and locked. When the closure is locked, the eyeglass frame bridge and the closure bridge abut, and the closure may be mechanically and magnetically held.

According to another aspect of the invention, the magnet is not visible. In particular, the magnet is not visible when the lens is mounted, closed, and occluded. When the lenses are mounted, the closure is closed, the magnets, lenses and closure in the frame are hidden from view within the frame. Thus, it appears to be closer to ordinary eyeglasses (i.e., without magnets and replaceable lenses).

The bridge of the eyeglass frame has a flat lower surface. When the lock is closed, the lower surface is the surface that contacts the bridge. The closed span has a flat upper surface. Are all planar, the lower plane of the bridge abutting the upper plane of the closed bridge.

The eyeglass frame and the closure can be removably held closed by magnetic force. In order to generate a magnetic force, at least one of the magnetic buttons is a magnet. The remaining magnetic clasps may be made of a material that is attracted to, for example, a ferromagnetic magnet material, such as a magnet. The remaining magnetic buttons may themselves also be magnets, in particular permanent magnets. When the lock is closed, the two magnetic buttons attract each other. When both the magnetic buttons are permanent magnets, the magnetic poles of the magnetic buttons are adjusted so that the magnetic buttons attract each other when the magnetic buttons are closed and locked. Because one magnetic clasp is located below the other magnetic clasp, the magnetic pole is also downward. The downward magnetic pole can be an N pole or an S pole. And, if the rest of the magnetic buttons are also magnets, the magnetic poles of the rest of the magnetic buttons are also adjusted according to the other magnetic buttons.

Lenses (also known as "lens clips") are used with eyeglass frames. The lens has a frame and only one lens sheet. The frame forms a lens bridge. The locking lens is closed, thereby securing it to the eyeglass frame by clamping the lens between the nose piece and the frame. The frame of the lens may form a lens bridge. The lens bridge is held closed. By keeping the lens bridge closed, it does not block or scratch the lens sheet.

The lenses may include a main lens sheet and an additional lens sheet. The lens sheet may be a prescription lens, sunglasses, or a protective lens. Other forms of lens sheet are also possible. The lens sheet is removed when closed and opened. A different lens sheet may or may not be mounted. In this way, the same frame can be used for different lenses.

The lens bridge is arranged on the bridge. The placement of the lens bridge on the eyeglass frame bridge can facilitate proper placement of the lens when the lens is attached to the eyeglass frame. The placement of the lens bridge on the frame bridge may also help to keep the lens stationary when the lock is closed. Providing the lens bridge on the eyeglass frame may also help to reduce the overall thickness on the bridge.

The lens comprises a magnetic buckle. The magnetic catch is magnetically attracted to a magnetic catch on a bridge of the eyeglass frame. The lens magnetic clasp is made of a magnetic material, such as iron. Rare earth magnets are also possible. The magnetic clasp on the eyeglass frame may be a permanent magnet or other magnetic substance, e.g., electromagnetic. The magnetic clasp on the eyeglass frame is preferably positioned sufficiently close to the magnetic material on the lens so as to create sufficient magnetic attraction for supporting the weight of the lens attached to the eyeglass frame. One example of intimate contact is when the buttons are located on the lens bridge and the eyeglass bridge, respectively.

In addition to magnetic attraction, the lens and eyeglass frame may include means for mechanical attachment other than closure. The lenses and eyeglass frames may include tongues and recesses for receiving the tongues. The tongue may be located on one of the lens or the eyeglass frame. Likewise, the recess for receiving the tongue may also be located on one of the lens or the eyeglass frame. However, providing a recess in the eyeglass frame facilitates concealment when no lenses are attached, as compared to providing a tongue in the eyeglass frame. The shape of the recess and the shape of the tongue cooperate to achieve accommodation. The portion where the tongue and the recess join is preferably non-circular. Instead of being circular, the tongue may be prevented from rotating within the recess. When the tongue is placed on the lens, the magnetic catch itself acts as a magnetic catch or serves to retain other magnetic catches.

The means for attaching the frame to the lens may be magnetic or mechanical. For example, the tongue and groove may be mechanically connected to each other by the tongue being located in the groove, or may be a magnetic clasp. The tongue and groove may be made of, include or contain magnetic material.

Additional tongues may also be provided on either the frame or the lens for better retention of the lens on the frame. The plurality of tongues prevent rotation of the lens relative to the frame.

The eyeglass frame includes hooks for retaining the lenses to the eyeglass frame. The hooks are provided on the lenses or the eyeglass frame. The hooks are wide enough to include a frame or lens that is not secured to the hooks.

The hooks may be located on the upper portion of the eyeglass bridge (i.e., above the eyeglass frame bridge) when the lens bridge is located above the eyeglass frame bridge. By being disposed at the upper portion, the lens is held between the hook and the frame bridge. More than one hook may be used to secure the lens to the eyeglass frame. Hooks are provided on each lens sheet frame and are at least partially off-centered such that the hooks not only vertically secure the lens sheet but also prevent lateral movement.

The present invention includes a system comprising an eyeglass frame having a plurality of different lenses as described above. The lens is replaceable. Different lenses provide different appearances and functions. For example, the shadows in the lens sheet can be amber or reflective coated. The material of the lens may be glass or otherwise. Different lenses are replaced, but the eyeglass frame does not need to be replaced, saving cost.

It is more useful for the wearer when the system includes a prescription lens as the primary lens and a different non-prescription lens. The first lens may be a polarizer and the second lens may be a non-polarizing lens. Because the primary lens is a prescription lens, the additional lens may not be customized. Thus, the cost of the lens may be less relative to the prescription lens. The retail store can reduce inventory because various lenses are no longer needed for different prescription lenses.

The lenses do not need to be arranged on the spectacle frame manufacturer before the closed locking; the lenses may be positioned under the frame and then locked closed. The lens may be positioned under the bridge (i.e., the nose bridge) and then the closure closed for securing the lens. The lens is held by the wearer to the frame holder until the closure is closed. Mechanical means such as threads and clamps may be used to hold the lens on the frame prior to closure. The lens may be magnetic to retain the lens on the frame prior to closure. Once closed, the closure is located beneath the lenses and frame.

Other technical features of the present invention are disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a spectacle frame for use with replaceable lenses, it is not intended to be limited to the features disclosed, and various modifications and structural adjustments may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide eyeglass frames comprising replaceable lenses held by magnetic closure and replaceable lens systems and methods of using the above described devices that overcome the above described deficiencies of the prior art.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of an eyeglass frame and replaceable lenses in an open state with a nose piece and brow web according to the invention.

Fig. 2 shows an enlarged front view of the eyeglass frame and the replaceable lens in the open state in the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged front view of the eyeglass frame holding the replaceable lenses in the closed state in the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 shows a front side view of the spectacle frame in the open state in the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows a front side view of an eyeglass frame in a second embodiment with only one nose piece and replaceable lenses and with the closure in an open state.

Fig. 6 shows a front side view of an eyeglass frame with a replaceable lens secured thereto in a second embodiment, the eyeglass frame being closed in an open position.

Fig. 7 shows a front side view of an eyeglass frame with replaceable lenses held by a closure in the closed state in a second embodiment.

Fig. 8 shows a front partial perspective view of the nose piece of the eyeglass frame in a second embodiment, the nose piece being in an open position, and a rear partial perspective view of the nose piece of the replaceable lens.

Fig. 9 shows a rear side view of the nose piece of the spectacle frame in the second embodiment, the nose piece being in the locked state.

Fig. 10 shows a top view of an eyeglass frame with magnetic closure pinned to the underside of the frame bridge in a first embodiment. The spectacle frame of the first embodiment has a recess in the bridge edge. The closure is in an open state.

FIG. 10A shows a bottom rear right side view of the eyeglass frame shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10B shows a top front left side view of the eyeglass frame shown in FIG. 10 with lenses installed and closed in a closed, locked position.

FIG. 10C shows a cutaway partial front side view of the eyeglass frame shown in FIG. 10B.

Fig. 11 shows a top view of an eyeglass frame with magnetic closure pinned to the underside of the frame bridge in a second embodiment. The second embodiment of the eyeglass frame is not notched on the bridge edge. The closure is in an open state.

FIG. 11A shows a bottom rear right side view of the eyeglass frame shown in FIG. 11. The bridge edge of the lens is not provided with a groove.

FIG. 12 shows a top front left side view of an eyeglass frame with a magnetic closure pinned to the underside of the frame bridge and hooks on the frame in a third embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings and in particular to the specific details shown in fig. 1, an eyeglass frame is indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. Similar to most eyeglass frames, eyeglass frame 100 includes two main stems 101. Each main bar 101 comprises an ear pad 102. Each boom 101 is connected to a common frame 110 by a boom hinge 103.

Frame 110 is the front component of eyeglass frame 100. The frame 110 of the eyeglass frame is formed as two rings, which are the lens frames 111 of the eyeglass frame. The eyeglass frame lens frame 111 is positioned substantially over the wearer's eye sockets. The eyeglass frame lens frame 111 is connected by an eyeglass frame nosepiece 116. The frame nose bridge 111 is positioned over the nose of the wearer. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1-4, the brow web 115 of the eyeglass frame is additionally attached to the eyeglass frame lens frame 111 and is disposed parallel to the eyeglass frame nose bridge 116. The frame brow 115 is positioned over the wearer's eyebrows.

The illustrated embodiment has two primary optics 112, each held within a single lens frame 112. The primary optic 112 is shown as a permanent lens. In this embodiment, the primary lens 112 is a prescription lens. In other embodiments, the primary lens may be any lens, such as sunglasses, single vision lenses, piano lenses, bifocal lenses, trifocal lenses, progressive lenses, or protective lenses.

In the embodiment shown, the nose piece 116 has a groove 118 formed in the nose piece 116. The groove 118 is a shaped cavity designed to retain a tongue 218 as described below. The first magnetic clasp 117 is attached to the nose piece 116. The first magnetic catch 117 is a permanent magnet formed of a magnet, a ferromagnetic material. The first magnetic clasp 117 has an N-pole facing outward, perpendicular to the wearer's face.

The closure 120 is attached to the frame 110. The closures 120 are generally trapezoidal in shape. The closure 120 has a long closing brow web 121 and a short, parallel closing nose bridge 122. The closing leg 123 is curved and connects the closing brow web 121 and the closing nose bridge 122. The closure 12 is designed (i.e., formed) such that the closure brow web 121 overlies the brow web 115, such that the closure nose bridge 122 overlies the nose bridge 116, with each closure leg 123 overlying a separate portion of the lens frame 111.

The second magnetic clasp 124 is attached to the closed nose piece 122. When the closure 120 is in the locked state as shown in fig. 3, the second magnetic catch 124 is formed to overlap the first magnetic catch 117. In the embodiment shown, the second magnetic button 124 is a permanent magnet formed of a magnet or ferromagnetic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the N pole of the second magnetic clasp 124 is identical to the N pole of the first magnetic clasp. That is, the N pole of the second magnetic clasp 124 faces outward and perpendicular to the face of the wearer. This causes the second magnetic catch 124 and the first magnetic catch to attract each other.

A closure hinge 125 connects the closure 120 to the frame 110. In particular, the hinge 125 connects the closing brow web 121 to the brow web 115. The hinge 125 pivots the closure 120 from an open condition, as shown in fig. 1, 2, and 4, to a closed condition, as shown in fig. 3.

The replaceable lens 200 includes a lens frame 210. The lens frame 210 is formed of two lens frames 211 connected by a lens nose frame 216. The lens sheet frame 211 holds the lens sheet 212. The replaceable lens is substantially mated with the frame 110. "substantially fit" in the present invention refers to a size and shape fit such that the lens sheet 212 is superimposed on the lens frame 111 when the lens sheet nose piece 212 is superimposed on the nose piece 116. In a preferred embodiment, the lens sheet 212 is an additional lens sheet added to the primary lens sheet. Preferably, the lens sheet 212 is a sunglass. In other embodiments, the lens sheet 212 may be a reading lens or a progressive lens.

The tongue 218 is attached to the nosepiece 216 of the replaceable lens 200. The tongue 218 extends inwardly (i.e., toward the face of the wearer) from the lens nose piece 216.

To attach the replaceable lens 200 to the eyeglass frame 100, the closure 120 is opened. To open the closure 120, the second magnetic catch 124 is opened from the first magnetic catch 117, and the closure 120 is opened by rotating the closure about the hinge 115 relative to the frame 110. The replaceable lens 200 is attached by inserting the tongue 218 into the groove 118. The closure 120 is then locked by placing the second magnetic clasp 124 over the first magnetic clasp 117. The replaceable lens 200 is clamped between the closure 120 and the frame 110. In particular, the lens nose piece 216 is clamped between the nose piece 116 and the closing nose piece 122. The fit of tongue 218 in groove 118 prevents replaceable lens 200 from rotating or moving relative to eyeglass frame 100.

The preferred embodiment of the replaceable lens system includes one eyeglass frame 100 and a plurality of different replaceable lenses 200. Various alternative lenses 200 may be attached or incorporated into the eyeglass frame 100, as the case may be. For example, the replaceable lens 200 with the amber lens sheet 212 may be used in skiing applications. The amber lens sheet can be removed and exchanged for a different type of interchangeable lens 200 for fishing, anti-glare, driving, skiing or hunting, including polarized lens sheets.

Fig. 5-9 show a second embodiment of the eyeglass frame 100, wherein the eyeglass frame 100 has a nose piece 116, but no brow web 115. A recess 118 is formed in the nose piece 116 substantially centrally of the nose piece 117. The first magnetic catch 117 is disposed at a position lower than the recess 118 with the nose piece 116.

In a second embodiment, the closure 120 is connected to the nose piece 115 by a closure hinge 125. Closed 120 and substantially mated. The second magnetic catch 124 is located at the inner bottom of the closure (bottom when locked, top when unlocked) so as to overlap the first magnetic catch 117 when the closure is locked. A lip extends below the second magnetic catch 124 so that the closure 120 is more easily opened.

The interchangeable lens 200 in the second embodiment is similar to the interchangeable lens 100 in the first embodiment. The replaceable lens 200 includes a replaceable lens frame 210. By interchangeable is meant detachable from the eyeglass frame 100 and replaceable by other lens frames 210. The replaceable frame 210 is formed with two replaceable lens sheet frames 211. Each lens sheet frame holds an individual lens sheet 212. As shown in the embodiment, the separate lens sheet 212 is a secondary lens sheet (also referred to as an "add lens"). The lens sheet 212 may be a primary lens. The lens nose bridge 216 connects the two lens sheet frames 211. The tongue 218 is attached to the lens nose piece 216 and extends medially (i.e., toward the wearer's face). The tongue 218 mates with and is inserted into the groove 118. Preferably, the tongue 218 is rectangular and fits snugly in the groove 118; the rectangular shape prevents the tongue 219 and replaceable lens 200 from rotating and jogging relative to the eyeglass frame 100.

The closure hinge 125 is located rearward of the closure 120. By being located behind the closure 120, the closure hinge 125 is not visible when the closure 120 is locked. See fig. 7.

The closure hinge 125 is disposed at the front, near the top of the nose piece 116. The recess 118 is located in the center of the nose piece 116. The replaceable nose piece 216 cannot be stacked on the closure hinge 125; such a structural envelope closure is as small as possible. The first magnetic catch 117 is near the bottom of the nose piece 116.

To use the second embodiment of the present invention, the closure 120 is opened as shown in FIG. 5. The tongue 218 of the replaceable lens 200 is inserted into the groove 118 of the nose piece 116 as shown in figure 6. In fig. 5, the tongue 218 is shown as a dashed line because the tongue 218 is disposed behind the lens nose piece 216 and cannot be viewed from the front. The closure 120 is closed by rotating the closure 120 about the closure hinge 125, bringing the first magnetic clasp 117 into position adjacent to the second magnetic clasp 124, as shown in FIG. 7. To open the closure 120, the closure is lifted by the lip.

Fig. 10 and 10A-10C show a first embodiment of an eyeglass frame 100 having a magnetic closure 120 for magnetic attachment to the underside of the eyeglass frame nose piece 116. Eyeglass frame 100 has a frame 110. The frame 110 is formed with a right lens frame 111 and a left lens frame 111. Each lens frame holds a separate primary optic 112. Each eyeglass frame nose piece 116 is generally horizontal and connects to the lens frame 111. The eyeglass frame nose piece 116 is located in the middle of the nose of the wearer. An eyeglass frame brow 115 is horizontal and connects the lens frame 111. The frame nose piece 116 spans across the top of the frame and is positioned over the eyebrows of the wearer.

The closure 120 magnetically secures the lens 200 to the eyeglass frame 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure 120 is attached to the frame 110 along the brow web 15. A hinge 125 connects the frame 110 and brow web 115 to allow the closure 120 to be switched between an open configuration (fig. 10 and 10A) and a closed configuration (fig. 10B and 10C). The preferred embodiment of the closure 120 is trapezoidal. The closure 120 has a closure nose piece 120 that is horizontal and is positioned below the wearer's nose piece 116 when the closure 120 is occluded. Two laterally opposite legs 123 connect the closed span 122 and the hinge 125. The leg 123 is formed to overlap a portion of the frame 110. Leg 123 holds lens 200 to eyeglass frame 100 as described below. In the preferred embodiment, the closing nose piece 122 mechanically snaps under the eyeglass frame nose piece 116. The eyeglass frame nose piece 116 has a flat horizontal top surface. The flat top surface of the closing nose piece 122 tends to remain flat relative to the flat horizontal bottom surface of the eyeglass frame nose piece 116. When the closure 120 is occluded, the closure 120 is proximate to the closure nosepiece 116 due to the close proximity of the closure nosepiece 116 to the eyeglass frame nosepiece 116.

Magnetic clasp 117 is disposed within eyeglass frame nosepiece 116. The closure 117 is a permanent magnet made of iron with the N pole down. The magnetic clasp 117 is flush with the flat horizontal bottom surface of the eyeglass frame nose piece 116.

A magnetic clasp 124 is disposed within the closed nose piece 122. In the preferred embodiment, the magnetic clasp 124 is a permanent magnet made of iron. When the latch is closed, the N pole of the magnetic catch 124 faces downward. The magnetic clasp 124 is flush with the flat horizontal upper surface of the closed nose piece 122.

When closed as in the FIG. 10B lock, the eyeglass frame nose bridge 116 is magnetically attracted to the closure nose bridge 122. Eyeglass frame nose piece 116 has magnetic clasp 117 disposed within eyeglass frame nose piece 116. The closed nose bridge 122 has a magnetic clasp 124 disposed within the closed nose bridge 122. The two magnetic clasps 117 and 124 are magnetically attracted to each other. When the closure 120 is locked, the two magnetic clasps 117 and 122 are not visible, as shown in FIG. 10B. Even if the mechanical parts of the closure are inoperable, the magnetic force is large enough to keep the closure locked under the weight of the lens.

The lens 200 is held on the frame by closing as shown in fig. 10B. The structure of the lens 200 is shown in fig. 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C. The lens 200 is formed from a frame 210. In the preferred embodiment, the frame 210 is formed with two lens frames 211. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 210 forms a single lens frame. Each lens sheet frame 211 holds an individual lens sheet 212. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lens frame 210 is stacked on the glasses frame 100 when the lenses 200 are mounted on the glasses frame 100. The frame 210 is also formed with a lens nose piece 216. The lens frame bridge 216 connects the two lens frames 211.

In the preferred embodiment shown in fig. 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C, a lens nose piece 216 attaches the lens 200 to the eyeglass frame 100. The lens frame bridge 216 is provided to overlap the eyeglass frame bridge 116. The lens nose piece 216 is horizontal and is located in the center of the lens 200. The bottom surface of the lens frame bridge 216 is horizontal, planar (except for the tongues and magnetic catches) and is configured to lie flat on the top surface of the eyeglass frame bridge 116.

As shown in fig. 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C, various tongues 218 and grooves 118 may be provided on the bottom surface of the lens nose bridge 116 and the top surface of the eyeglass frame nose bridge 216 for mechanically connecting the lens nose bridge 216 and the eyeglass frame nose bridge 116. Preferably, tongue 218 is disposed on lens 200 because groove 118 is more concealed than tongue 218 if lens 200 is not installed. In the embodiment shown, the tongue 218 has two cylindrical shapes extending downward from the lens nose piece 216; other shapes are also possible. The tongues 218 are located on laterally opposite sides (i.e., left and right sides) of the lens nose piece 216. Each recess 218 is provided on the top surface of the eyeglass frame nose piece 216. The groove 218 receives the tongue 218. With two tongues 218, the lens 200 is prevented from twisting or moving relative to the eyeglass frame 100.

The lenses 200 are magnetically held on the eyeglass frame 100. The lens frame bridge 216 and the eyeglass frame bridge 116 have a magnetic catch 217 and a magnetic catch 117, respectively. Magnetic clasps 217 and 117 magnetically attract each other. Preferably, but not necessarily, the magnetic force is large enough to hold the lens 200 to the frame 100 without additional mechanical assistance. Preferably, both magnetic clasps 217 and 117 are made of a ferromagnetic material, such as iron, but other magnetic materials, such as rare earth metals, are also possible. And at least one of the magnetic buttons 217 and 117 is a permanent magnet, and preferably both the magnetic buttons 217 and 117 are permanent magnets. When both buttons 117 and 217 are permanent magnets, the buttons of the buttons are adjusted so that the two buttons 117 and 217 attract each other when the lens 200 is attached to the eyeglass frame 100. Preferably, when both the magnetic clasps 117 and 217 are permanent magnets, the permanent magnets are adjusted; for example, the N poles are all downward.

As with the embodiment of fig. 10-12, the magnetic clasp 217 (fig. 10A and 11B) forms a tongue (i.e., tongue) that is received in a groove (i.e., female connector) formed in the eyeglass frame nose piece 116. The tongue and groove are shaped to match each other. Preferably, the magnetic catch 217 has a shape that prevents rotation (i.e., non-circular; e.g., oval), when the magnetic catch 217 is inserted into the recess. Magnetic buttons 117 are located in the eyeglass frame nose piece 116 at the bottom of the recess. The magnetic clasps 117 and 217 are adjusted to attract each other. Preferably, both magnetic clasps 117 and 217 are permanent ferromagnetic magnets, with a downward N-pole.

In an embodiment not shown, the magnetotabs 117 of the frame bridge 116 form a tongue in a groove formed in the lens bridge 216. The magnetic buttons 217 are provided in a recess (i.e., inside) of the top surface of the lens nose frame 216.

As shown in fig. 12, a hook 130 may be provided on the frame 110. The hooks 130 hold the lenses 200 to the eyeglass frame 100, and in particular, the frames 210 of the lenses 200 to the frames 100 of the eyeglass frame 100. The hook 130 has an opening that is wide enough to receive the lens 200. The hooks 130 are preferably as wide as the lenses 200 to stably hold the lenses 200 on the eyeglass frame 100. Preferably, the hooks 130 are disposed on the frame 110 above (i.e., above) the eyeglass frame nose 116 such that the lenses 200 are held between the eyeglass frame nose 116 and the hooks 130.

In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the lens nose bridge 216 includes a lens tab 217. The lens frame nose bridge is located below the eyeglass frame nose bridge 116. The eyeglass frame nose piece 116 includes a magnetic clasp 117. Lens 200 is held to eyeglass frame 100 by magnetic attraction between magnetic clasps 117 and 217. The closure 120 is keyed by a closure bridge 122 located below the lens frame bridge 216 and the eyeglass frame bridge 116.

The drawings and written description set forth preferred embodiments of the invention, but the embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

Industrial applicability

The invention is suitable for the spectacle manufacturing industry.

Claims (19)

1. An eyeglass frame for removably retaining a replaceable lens, comprising:

a frame having a first lens frame, a second lens frame, and a frame bridge connecting the first and second lens frames and having a first magnetic catch; and

a closure having a closure bridge and a leg, said closure bridge having a second magnetic catch and being positioned above or below said frame bridge when locked, said leg being configured to retain a lens on said frame;

the first magnetic catch and the second magnetic catch are magnetically attracted to each other to maintain the closing and openably locking the eyeglass frame;

the frame bridge has a flat lower surface;

the closed span has a flat upper surface; and

the flat lower surface of the frame bridge indicates the flat upper surface adjacent the closed bridge. .

2. The eyeglass frame of claim 1, further comprising: a hinge connecting the frame and the closure, the closure pivoting on the hinge relative to the frame to open or close.

3. The eyeglass frame of claim 1, wherein the frame bridge is a nose bridge.

4. The eyeglass frame of claim 1, wherein the frame bridge and the closure bridge are adjacent to one another.

5. The eyeglass frame of claim 1, wherein at least one of the magnetic clasps is a permanent magnet.

6. The eyeglass frame of claim 1, wherein:

the two magnetic buttons are permanent magnets; and is

The permanent magnets are adapted to attract each other when the lock is closed.

7. The eyeglass frame of claim 1, wherein the magnetic clasps of the frame bridge have a magnetic pole facing downward.

8. The eyeglass frame of claim 1, wherein the magnetic clasp of the closed bridge has a downward magnetic pole.

9. The eyeglass frame of claim 1, further comprising: a lens having a lens bridge, said lens being retained between said closure and said frame when said closure is locked.

10. The eyeglass frame of claim 9, wherein the lens bridge is located above the frame bridge.

11. The eyeglass frame of claim 9, wherein:

the lens is provided with a third magnetic buckle; and is

The third magnetic catch is attracted by the first magnetic catch of the frame span beam.

12. The eyeglass frame of claim 9, further comprising:

a tongue disposed on the lens bridge; and is

The frame bridge has a recess formed therein for receiving the tongue.

13. The eyeglass frame of claim 12, wherein the tongue comprises the third magnetic clasp.

14. The eyeglass frame of claim 12, further comprising:

another tongue disposed on the lens bridge; and is

The frame bridge has another recess formed therein for receiving the tongue.

15. The eyeglass frame of claim 12, further comprising:

another tongue provided on the frame bridge; and is

The lens bridge has another recess formed therein for receiving the tongue, which is located in the recess.

16. The eyeglass frame of claim 1, further comprising: a hook disposed on an upper portion of one of the lens frames, the hook configured to retain a lens when inserted into the hook.

17. The eyeglass frame of claim 1, further comprising:

a first hook provided on an upper portion of the first lens frame;

a second hook provided on an upper portion of the second lens frame;

the hook is configured to retain a lens when inserted into the hook.

18. An eyewear system having replaceable lenses, comprising:

a first lens including a frame for holding a lens sheet;

a second lens including a frame for holding the lens sheet;

a frame forming a first lens frame, a second lens frame, and a bridge connecting the first and second lens frames and having a first magnetic catch;

a closure having a closure bridge and a leg, said closure bridge having a second magnetic catch and being positioned below said bridge when latched, said leg being configured to retain a lens on said frame for a given time; and is

A hinge connecting said frame and said closure, said closure pivoting on said hinge relative to said frame to open or close;

the first magnetic catch and the second magnetic catch are magnetically attracted to each other to maintain the closure releasably locking the eyeglass frame.

19. An eyeglass frame, comprising:

a lens having a lens bridge with a downwardly projecting oval magnetic clasp and two laterally opposed downwardly projecting tongues;

a frame forming a first lens frame, a second lens frame, and a nose bridge connecting the first lens frame and the second lens frame and having a magnet catch and a flat lower surface holding the lens nose bridge; the permanent magnet clasp of the lens is connected to the magnet clasp; the nose piece has an oval recess formed in an upper surface thereof, the oval recess receiving the oval magnetic clasp; the nose piece has two laterally opposite recesses for receiving tongues; and

a closure having a closure nose piece with a flat upper surface and a permanent magnetic clasp and positioned below the bridge when closed, and a leg configured to hold the lens bridge to the frame;

the flat lower surface of the nose piece abuts the flat upper surface of the closure nose piece when the closure is locked;

the ferromagnetic clasp and the permanent magnetic clasp are magnetically attracted to each other to openably hold the closure on the eyeglass frame.