WO2008103386A1

WO2008103386A1 - Interchangeable bridge saddle for eyewear

Info

Publication number: WO2008103386A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/002250
Authority: WO
Inventors: José QUIÑONES; Gregory John Peterson
Original assignee: Viva International Group
Current assignee: Viva International Group
Priority date: 2007-02-20
Filing date: 2008-02-19
Publication date: 2008-08-28
Anticipated expiration: 2009-08-20
Also published as: TW200846740A

Abstract

A pair of eyeglasses including a pair of lens-holding portions joined by a bridge portion, where each lens-holding portion is configured for securing an optical lens. A bridge saddle is configured for supporting the bridge portion of the eyeglasses on a wearer's nose, wherein at least one of the frame and the bridge saddle include at least one magnet for securing the bridge saddle to the bridge portion.

Description

INTERCHANGEABLE BRIDGE SADDLE FOR EYEWEAR

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application, serial number 60/902,609, filed February 20, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to eyewear, and more particularly, to a

nosepiece for supporting the bridge portion of a pair of eyeglasses on a wearer's nose.

2. Description of the Related Art Eyeglass frames, such as those fabricated from plastic, can be difficult to shape or

fit to conform to a person's face. Eyeglass wearers have noses of various shapes and dimensions, and there are variations not only between individuals, but as well between

ethnic groups. A dimension which often created difficulty in proper fitting of eyewear is across the width of the nose, where the bridge portion of the eyeglasses is seated on the

nose of the wearer.

Generally, this portion of the nose is termed the "nasion", which is narrower and

higher on, for example, Caucasians as compared to, for example, those of Asian or African decent, who typically have a nasion that is flatter and wider. For this reason,

framed eyeglasses with a fixed dimension across the nasion (generally, plastic eyeglass frames) which are sold in the United States and European markets have not been suitable

or desired in other markets, such as the Asian or African markets. Various devices have been utilized to increase the versatility of a particular model of eyewear, such that the eyewear can be worn by a greater number of persons having different shaped and nasion areas. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,848,893 to Grendol relates to a spectacle assembly kit with a lockable custom fitting nosepiece. The wearer is able to select an appropriately sized nosepiece (e.g., bridge saddle), manually attach it to the spectacle frame, check for correct fit, and then lock the nosepiece in place permanently. In one embodiment of the '893 patent to Grendol, the frame and nosepiece are fabricated from a polymeric or plastic material. The nosepiece is adapted to be snap fit to the spectacle front along the bridge portion of the frame, as well as engage the lens portion of the spectacles. U.S. Patent No. 4,822, 159 to Gaiser discloses a saddle-shaped spectacle bridge made of silicone is disclosed having two wings (leg portions) and a cross-member connecting the wings. The cross-member includes a through-hole for receiving a fastener, such as a set screw for securing the cross-member to the bridge portion of the eyeglass frame.

In U.S. Patent No. 4,704,015 to Grendol et al., a saddle-shaped bridge that can be attached to either wire or plastic eyeglass frames by snap-fit in a semi-permanent manner is disclosed. The saddle-shaped bridge allows the frames to be identical over a wide range of nose sizes, and the individual nose-pieces can vary in size to accommodate different shaped noses of the wearers.

U.S. Patent No. 4,045,137 to Bradley, Jr. relates to an eyeglass frame having a pair of lens supports connected together by a bridge portion, a temple member attached to each end of the lens supports, and a removable and replaceable plastic nosepiece (i.e., bridge saddle) for positioning between the lens support and the bridge portion. The bridge saddle is a generally inverted U-shaped member which is sized to conform to a wearer's nose, and is generally used for fitting purposes. By the use of a plurality of bridge saddles, the optometrist is able to quickly and easily fit the user of the eyeglasses with one of a plurality of various sized bridge saddle attachments, thereby assuring proper fit for a particular model of eyeglass frames. The bridge saddle is attached to the frame by use of a plurality of female receptacles or locking nuts imbedded in the bridge saddle in combination with a plurality of screws positioned in a protruding portion or lug formed to the rear of the lens supports.

PCT Patent Application No. WO/90/06532 to Goodwin discloses an interchangeable bridge saddle for a pair of spectacles. Various sized bridge saddles are fabricated so that the selected bridge saddle that is optimally sized for the wearer can be inserted (i.e., clipped) into the bridge portion of the eyeglass frame.

European Patent Application No. 0428,043 A2 to Battistin discloses a nose piece (i.e., bridge saddle) that is shaped to conform to the nose shape of a particular wearer. The bridge saddle includes and inner core formed by a rigid material, such as nylon, polycarbonate, metal, and the like, which is enclosed by a soft outer covering. The bridge saddle is attached to the bridge and pair of lens supports by screws.

Although those nose pieces or bridge saddles have as their objective, improving the ability of eyewear manufacturers, optometrists and ophthalmologists to provide particular eyewear models to a greater number of persons having different physiognomies, they have not been widely adapted for daily use.

This is not surprising because the bridge saddles are fastened to the eyeglass frames by screws, or other more cumbersome types of fasteners, such as an adhesive which can be difficult to apply, time consuming to cure, and/or cause discoloring of the spectacle components that it contacts over time. As well, these fasteners and techniques for retaining the bridge saddle to the frame are relatively difficult to interchange. Further, such fasteners do not permit the optometrist to make fine adjustments when positioning the bridge saddle on the bridge and the wearer's face during the fitting process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages heretofore associated with the prior art are overcome by the present invention of an ophthalmic frame or pair of eyeglasses including two lens-holding portions having a bridge portion which spatially connects the lens-holding portions, and a bridge saddle configured to provide facial support for the bridge portion of the frame on a wearer's nose. The bridge saddle is removably secured to the bridge portion by magnetic means in which either the bridge portion or the bridge saddle, or both, include a magnet, or a compatible magnetic member having magnetically attractive attributes when in the presence of a magnet, for securing the bridge saddle to the bridge portion.

In one embodiment, an ophthalmic frame includes a pair of lens-holding portions coupled together by a bridge portion. Each lens-holding portion is adapted for securing an optical lens. A rearwardly extending temple is pivotally attached to each of the outer portions of each respective lens-holding portion. A bridge saddle is adapted for supporting the bridge portion of the eyeglasses on a wearer's nose, wherein at least one of the frame and the bridge saddle include at least one magnet for securing the bridge saddle to the frame. Preferably, the bridge saddle is magnetically fastened to a mating companion area on the bridge portion which is magnetically attractive. Preferably, the magnetic member includes a pair of magnets provided on either the bridge portion, or the bridge saddle or both of these components.

The bridge saddle is one of a plurality of interchangeable bridge saddles for mounting on the bridge portion. The plurality of interchangeable bridge saddles are configured in different sizes and shapes, such that one of the bridge saddles will optimally conform to the nose of the wearer.

In one embodiment, the bridge saddle includes a pair of opposing legs having first and second ends, and a cross-member coupled substantially perpendicular to the first ends of the opposing legs to form a substantially U-shaped structure. Preferably, at least one magnet or at least one magnetic member is mounted on the cross-member of the bridge saddle. Further enhancements include providing a nose pad on each leg. hi one embodiment, at least one magnet is mounted substantially flush along a surface of at least one of the bridge portion and bridge saddle. In another embodiment, the bridge saddle and frame include a keying arrangement for aligning the bridge saddle with the frame. The keying arrangement broadly comprehends interlocking projecting and recessed elements of any shape and configuration that permit engagement between the bridge saddle and bridge portion. The purpose of the keying arrangement is to prevent or minimize the lateral movement of the bridge saddle relative to the bridge portion of the frame. In one embodiment, the keying arrangement includes male and female keying members. In another embodiment, the keying arrangement includes the at least one magnet as a keying member. In still another embodiment, the at least one magnet includes a first pair of magnets mounted to one of the bridge saddle and the bridge portion, and at least one magnetic member mounted to the other of the bridge portion and bridge saddle. The magnetic member can include a ferromagnetic member selected from one of iron, nickel cobalt and alloys or compounds thereof, and alloys and compounds of manganese and chrome. In one embodiment, a linking magnetic member is coupled between the first pair of magnets.

In one embodiment, the at least one magnet comprises a fust pair of magnets mounted to the bridge portion and a second pair of magnets mounted to the bridge saddle. Preferably, a linking magnetic member is coupled between at least one of the first and second pairs of magnets.

In one embodiment, the first pair of magnets extend outward substantially perpendicular from one of the bridge saddle and the bridge portion, and the at least one magnetic member is recessed within the other of the bridge portion and bridge saddle to form a keying arrangement between the first pair of magnets and the at least one magnetic member.

In yet another embodiment, the ophthalmic frame includes a pair of lens-holding portions coupled together by a bridge portion, each lens-holding portion is adapted for securing an optical lens, and a pair of temples pivotally attached to each of the lens- holding portions. A bridge saddle is adapted for attachment to the frame for supporting the bridge portion of the eyeglasses on a wearer's nose, wherein the bridge portion and the bridge saddle each include a pair of magnets that are aligned for magnetically attaching the bridge saddle to the bridge portion. In one embodiment, the magnet pairs are flush mounted to the bridge portion and the bridge saddle. Alternatively, the pair of magnets on the bridge portion and the pair of magnets on the bridge saddle are configured in a keying arrangement for aligning the bridge saddle with the frame. In one embodiment, the a wearer of the frames can select between two or more differently sized, custom fit bridge saddles for attachment to the frames. For example, the frames can be provided with different colored or transparent bridge saddles to thereby permit the wearer to select a particular bridge saddle based on fashion considerations. Alternatively, the bridge saddles can be fabricated from smooth materials such as plastic, or textured or non-slippage materials such as rubber or silicon, based on the level of physical activity that the wearer is participating.

In yet another embodiment where the ophthalmic frames are fitted with multi- vision lenses, such as bi-focal, tri-focal or progressive-powered lenses, various sized bridge saddles can be provided with the frames. For example, a normal profile bridge saddle can be provided to enable the wearer to view objects through the upper portion of the multi-vision lenses to see distal objects. Additionally, a high profile bridge saddle can be provided to enable the wearer to view objects through the lower portion of the multi- vision lenses to see nearby objects.

In one embodiment, the cross member of the high profile bridge saddle includes an extended bottom portion between said pair of opposing legs to form a high profile bridge saddle. The high profile bridge saddle raises the frames above the nasion portion of the nose a height equal to the height of the extended bottom portion, thereby positioning the lower portion of the multi- vision lenses frames in a position substantially normal relative to the wearer's line of sight. That is, the wearer can look straight out

through the lower portion of the multi-vision lenses, as opposed to having to look

downward or tilt their head back in order to view nearby objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in

which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a first embodiment of an ophthalmic frame showing a front view of a bridge saddle according to the present invention detached from

the frame;

FIG. 2 is a side view taken along line 2—2 of FIG. 1 showing the general

configuration of the bridge saddle;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the ophthalmic frame of FIG. 1 showing a rear

view of the bridge saddle of FIG.1 detached from the frame;

FIG. 4 is a side view taken along line 4—4 of FIG. 3 showing the general configuration of the bridge portion of the ophthalmic frame;

FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of the bridge saddle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of differently sized and shaped bridge saddles

suitable for use with the ophthalmic frame of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of another embodiment of an ophthalmic frame showing a rear view of a bridge saddle detached from the frame;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the bridge saddle of FIG. 7 having a pair of magnets and a magnetic member formed therebetween; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of the bridge saddle of FIG.

8;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of magnets and magnetic members arranged to form a magnetic circuit for fastening the bridge saddle to the bridge portion of the ophthalmic frame of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of an ophthalmic frame showing a bridge saddle detached from the frame;

FIG. 12 is a front elevated view of another embodiment of the bridge saddle having a keying member; and FIG. 13 is a top front perspective view of another embodiment of the bridge saddle suitable for use with frames having multi-focal or progressive-powered lenses. To facilitate understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the drawings shown and discussed in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is an ophthalmic frame that includes two lens-holding portions having a bridge portion which spatially couples the two lens-holding portions, where each lens-holding portion is adapted for securing an optical lens. A rearwardly extending temple is pivotally attached to an outer portion of each of the lens-holding portions. A bridge saddle is adapted for supporting the bridge portion of the eyeglasses on a wearer's nose, wherein at least one of the frame and bridge saddle includes magnetic means (e.g., at least one magnet and/or magnetic member) for releasably securing the bridge saddle to the bridge portion.

As used herein, a magnet is a device that has a significant magnetic field stored for attracting ferromagnetic material or other magnets. A magnetic member is a component that is attractable by a magnet. The stored magnetic field of such magnetic member, if any, is much less than that of a magnet, and generally will be induced by contact with a magnet.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a front elevated view of an ophthalmic frame 100 is shown. The ophthalmic frame 100 includes a pair of lens-holding portions 110, i.e., a left and right lens-holding portion, spatially coupled together by bridge portion 112 in a well known manner. Each lens-holding portion 110 is adapted to secure a lens 114, such as a prescription lens, sunglass lens, protective lens, and the like, as conventionally known in the art. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the lens-holding portions 110 are substantially rectangular in shape and retain the lenses 114, for example, within a circumferential groove (not shown) formed therein, as is well known in the art. Other techniques for securing the lenses 114 to the frames 110 can include a fastener, such as one or more screws, or other conventionally known fasteners. Further, the shape of the lens-holding portions 110 and corresponding lenses 114 is not considered as being limiting. The bridge portion 112 is formed between inner opposing sides of the lens- holding portions, as is well known in the art. As is discussed below in further detail, the bridge portion 112 along with the bridge saddle 120 of the present invention, provide facial support for the ophthalmic frame 100 over the nose (i.e., nasion) of a wearer. The ophthalmic frame 100 further includes a temple 116 pivotally attached to a respective outer portion (i.e., side) of each lens-holding portion 110. The pair of temples 116 extend rearwardly and substantially perpendicular to the lens-holding portion 110 to provide rear support of the ophthalmic frame 100 over the ears of a wearer in a conventionally known manner.

The ophthalmic frame 100 further includes a bridge saddle 120. In FIG. 1, the front view of the bridge saddle 120 is shown. The bridge saddle 120 is removably attached, illustratively, proximate the bridge portion 112 of the ophthalmic frame 100.

The bridge saddle 120 is preferably formed from a semi-flexible material, such as plastic, a non-magnetic metal with a rubber-like or plastic coating or a combination thereof, or any other semi-flexible wearer friendly material. In one embodiment, the bridge saddle 120 is configured as a generally inverted U-shaped member having a cross- member portion 122 and two downwardly protruding and outwardly extending legs 124. The inner surface of the bridge saddle 120 is sized to conform to the nasion portion of the wearer's nose.

Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, there is shown a side view taken along line 2—2 of FIG. 1 showing the general configuration of the side of the bridge saddle 120. The bridge saddle 120 further includes a protruding member 126 formed along the front side of the cross-member portion 122. As discussed below in further detail, the protruding member 126 is part of a keying arrangement provided to assist in aligning and reducing lateral movement of the bridge saddle when affixed to the bridge portion 112 of the frame 100. Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, FIG. 3 is a rear elevated view of the ophthalmic frame 100 showing a rear view of the bridge saddle 120 of FIG.1 detached from the frame 100. FIG. 4 depicts a side view taken along line 4—4 of FIG. 3 showing the general configuration of the side of the bridge portion 112, and FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of the bridge saddle 112. The protruding member 126 (FIG. 2) is sized to interface in nestled relation with a corresponding groove 132 formed on the rear portion 134 of the bridge portion 112. As such, the protruding member 126 and corresponding groove 132 collectively serve as a keying arrangement for positioning the front surface of the bridge saddle 120 on the rear surface 134 of the bridge portion 112. The legs 124 of the bridge saddle 120 each include a nose pad portion 128 formed thereon, which is preferably semi-circular in shape as viewed from the side. The nose pad portions 128 of the bridge saddle 120 provide additional surface contact area for interfacing with the nasion and supporting the bridge portion 112 of the ophthalmic frames 100 on the nose of the wearer. The bridge saddle 120 is preferably attached to the bridge portion 112 of the ophthalmic frames 100 by at least one magnet as shown. Referring to FIG. 1, preferably a first pair of permanent magnets 130 is positioned along the front surface of the cross- member portion 122 of the bridge saddle 120. Similarly, referring to FIG. 3, a corresponding second pair of permanent magnets 118 is positioned along the rear surface of the bridge portion 112, such that the second pair of magnets 118 is positioned to align with and face the first pair of magnets 130. The polarities of the first and second pairs of magnets 130 and 118 are respectively opposite each other, such that the opposed pairs of magnets are attracted to each other and secure the front surface of the bridge saddle 120 to the rear surface of the bridge portion 112. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the holding strength of the magnets is based on the magnetization, size and materials (e.g., rare earth elements) used to form the magnets.

For example, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the bridge saddle magnets 130 and bridge magnets 118 are cylindrical or circular in shape and have a diameter of approximately 2 millimeters (mm). Further, each pair of permanent magnets 130 and 118 is spaced approximately 9 mm apart. Although the size and spacing of the permanent magnets is not considered as limiting, and as described below in greater detail with respect to FIG. 5, the sizes and distances between the permanent magnet pairs can differ based on the dimensions of the bridge saddle 120 and bridge portion 112.

Preferably, the bridge saddle magnets 130 and bridge portion magnets 118 are mounted in corresponding bores formed in the cross-member portion 122 and bridge portion 112, respectively, and are sized to receive the magnets 130. Preferably, the magnets 130 are retained in the bores by a bonding material, such as epoxy or glue-like substance. Alternatively, the magnets 118 and 130 are retained in the bores by snap fitting them therein. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the magnets 118 and 130 are illustratively mounted flush with the surfaces of the bridge portion 112 and bridge saddle 120, respectively.

In an alternative embodiment, instead of utilizing one of the pair of permanent magnets, such as the magnets 118 mounted in the bridge portion 112, a ferromagnetic member such as one or more magnetic members formed by, for example, iron, nickel cobalt or alloys and compounds thereof, or alloys and compounds of manganese and chrome, among other ferromagnetic materials, is mounted to the opposing member, for example, the bridge portion 112 of the frame 100. In this manner, the pair of permanent magnets (e.g., the first pair of magnets 130) magnetically attracts the ferromagnetic member mounted to opposing member (e.g., the bridge portion 1 12).

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 6, the ophthalmic frame can be fitted with one of a plurality of differently sized bridge saddles 120. Preferably, a plurality of differently sized bridge saddles is manufactured for at least one particular model of the ophthalmic frames. Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of different sized bridge saddles having different sized U-shaped portions is shown. For example, the bridge saddle 120a includes an inner U-shaped surface 121 that is larger than the bridge saddle 120b, which in turn is larger than the bridge saddle 120c. In particular, the distance between the U-shaped inner surfaces of the opposing legs 124 of the bridge saddle is greater in the bridge saddle 120a, as compared to the bridge saddles 120b and 120c.

Although not shown, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the length of the legs 124, as well as the size and/or shape of the nose pads 128 can vary among the plurality of bridge saddles. Furthermore, the "U" portion of the U-shaped surface 121 can have different shapes. For example, the U-portion of the bridge saddle can be shaped flatter or rounder to accommodate different shaped noses.

The different sized bridge saddles 120 are provided to accommodate the various sizes and shapes of different wearer's noses. During a fitting procedure by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or other person who, for example, is authorized (e.g., licensed) to prescribe and/or fit ophthalmic frames on a person, the optometrist can choose from among the different sized bridge saddles 120, which, when attached to the frame 100, best fits or conforms to the nose of the wearer. In this manner, a particular model of ophthalmic frames 100 can be identical (i.e., mass produced) for persons having a wide range of nose sizes, and individual bridge saddles can vary in size to accommodate (i.e., "customize") the ophthalmic frame 100 to the different shaped noses of the wearers. Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, another embodiment of the ophthalmic frame 100 and bridge saddle 120 is shown. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the ophthalmic frame 100 and bridge saddle 120 are the same as described with respect to FIGS. 1-6, except that a first linking magnetic member 702 (drawn in phantom) is in contact with the permanent magnet pair 118 formed in the ophthalmic frame 100, and a second linking magnetic member 804 (drawn in phantom) is in contact with the permanent magnet pair 130 formed in the bridge saddle 120. Preferably the first and second magnetic members 702 and 804 are embedded respectively within the bridge portion 112 of the frame 100 and the cross-member portion 122 of the bridge saddle 120.

Referring to FIG. 10, the embedded magnetic members 702 and 804 form a substantially closed magnetic circuit between the opposing pairs of magnets. That is, when the permanent magnets 130 of the bridge saddle 120 are magnetically coupled to their respective opposing magnets 118 mounted on the bridge portion 112 of the frame 100, a magnetic circuit is formed between the opposing magnet pairs 118 and 130 via the magnetic members 702 and 804. The magnetic members 702 and 804 help increase the magnetic flux density (i.e., field strength, and therefore attractive force) between the magnets 130 and 118, as compared to the embodiment shown with respect to FIGS. 1-5.

It is noted that the polarities of the opposing pair of magnets is provided for illustrative purposes. Although the magnetic members 702 and 804 are described as being embedded in bridge saddle 120 and bridge portion 112 of the frames, only one of the magnetic members need be embedded within the frame member (e.g., bridge saddle 120 or bridge portion 112). For example, the magnetic member 702 between magnet pairs 11 S₁ and 118₂ can be embedded within the bridge portion 112, while the magnetic member 804 formed between magnet pairs 13O₁ and 13O₂ can be flush mounted or exposed along the surface of the bridge saddle 120. Alternatively, the magnetic member 702 can be flush or surface mounted to the bridge portion 112 and the magnetic member 804 can be embedded within the bridge saddle 120 as described above.

Further, although the magnetic members 702 and 804 are described as being separate structures from the magnets 130 and 118, respectively, one skilled in the art for which the invention pertains will understand that each magnet pair and magnetic member can be formed integrally or as a monolithic structure, such that, for example, the opposing ends of the C-shaped magnetic member 702 and/or magnetic member 804 are magnetized. Referring to FIG. 11 , a top plan view of yet another embodiment of the ophthalmic frame 100 illustratively showing a top plan view of the bridge saddle detached from the frame 100 is now described. The frame 100 includes the bridge portion 112 that couples the pair of lens-holding portions 110 together, as described above with respect to FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown, the bridge portion 112 includes at least one bore or recess 1102 sized to receive a corresponding magnet 118 therein. Accordingly, the at least one magnet (e.g., two magnets shown in FIG. 11) are recessed within the bridge portion 112 of the frame 100. The bridge saddle 120 includes at least one permanent magnet 130 that extends or protrudes outwards and is aligned with the at least one magnet 118 recessed in the bridge portion 112. As shown in FIG. 11, two magnets 130 extend from the rear of the bridge saddle 120 a distance corresponding to the depth of the recesses 1102. In this manner, the at least one magnet 130 serves as a magnetic fastener with the corresponding at least one magnet 118 of the bridge portion 112, as well as acts as a boss or pin or dowel to prevent undesirable lateral movement between the bridge saddle 120 and the bridge portion 112 of the frame 100. Optionally, the protruding member 126 formed on the bridge saddle 120 and the corresponding groove 132 formed in the bridge portion 112 can be included to further provide alignment. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that in an alternative embodiment, the magnets 130 of the bridge saddle can be recessed in a bore formed therein, and the magnets 118 of the bridge portion 112 can be formed to extend and magnetically fasten the bridge saddle 120 to the bridge portion 112 of the frame 100. In an alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the bridge saddle 120 includes the pair of magnets 130 that are flush mounted with the rear surface, as well as a pin 1202 or dowel member which extends perpendicular from the rear surface of the bridge saddle 120. The bridge portion 112 includes the flush mounted magnets 118 as discussed above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, and a corresponding bore (not shown) sized to receive the pin 1202. Alternatively, the pin/bore arrangement of FIG. 12 can be reversed, where the pin is formed in the bridge portion 112 and the bore is formed in the bridge saddle 130. In yet another embodiment, a bore can be formed in both the bridge saddle 130 and the bridge portion 112, and a separate pin 1202 or dowel can be provided for insertion into both bores formed in the bridge portion 112 and bridge saddle 130. In any embodiment, the pin/bore configuration or any other male/female keying arrangement helps provide proper alignment, as well as elimination of lateral movements between the bridge saddle 130 and the bridge portion 112 of the frame 100.

Although eyewear is typically worn for its utilitarian purposes to enhance vision, such as providing corrective lenses, protection from the sun (i.e., sun shades), and the like, fashionable designs are also important considerations for many wearers. In one embodiment, the dimensioning and positioning of the legs 124 of the bridge saddle 120 are formed in a manner such that when the bridge saddle 120 is attached via the magnets to the bridge portion 112, the legs 124 are aligned with the inner portions of the lens- holding portions 110. Similarly, the dimensioning and positioning of the cross-member portion 122 of the bridge saddle 120 is formed in a manner such that when the bridge saddle 120 is attached to the rear of the bridge portion 112, the cross-member portion 122 is aligned with the rear surface of the bridge portion 112. As such, the configuration and positioning of the bridge saddle 120 relative to the frames 100 permits the bridge saddle 120 to be substantially hidden or concealed from view as from the perspective of looking directly at a person wearing the ophthalmic frames 100.

The present invention permits a wearer to choose from amongst various custom fitted bridge saddles 120 for attachment to the eyeglasses based on a particular use or desired "look" or fashion. For example, a wearer may select a bridge saddle 120 fabricated from plastic during ordinary daily use where there is minimal physical activity. Alternatively, the wearer may select a textured or material having a frictional coefficient greater than the smooth plastic material, such as a rubber, rubber-coated, silicon or other textured material bridge saddle 120 for use while engaging in particular physical activities and/or on hot days where there is a tendency to actively move around and/or perspire, so as to help prevent the glasses from sliding down the wearer's nose.

Further, the bridge saddle 120 can be fabricated from a transparent or substantially transparent material (e.g., plastic) to help conceal the bridge saddle 120 from view. Otherwise, the bridge saddle 120 can be fabricated with an opaque material having one or more shadings or colors to distinguish or blend the bridge saddle 120 with the coloration of the lens-holding portions 110 and/or bridge portion 112. In other words, the bridge saddle can be dimensioned and shaded to highlight its presence and features to enhance the overall appearance of the frame 100. Ophthalmic frames 100 are often fitted with multi -vision lenses, such as bi-focal or tri-focal lenses or progressive-powered lenses, to provide proper vision for wearers with myopic and hyperopia vision impairments. For example, middle aged persons typically greater than forty years old often are nearsighted (myopic vision), as well as have difficulties is reading printed material and/or seeing nearby objects. During conventional use of these multi- vision ophthalmic frames 100 for seeing distal objects, the frames 100 can be provided with any one of the bridge saddles 112 (i.e., "normal profile" bridge saddles 112) shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 1-12. In this instance, the wearer is fitted with the appropriate sized and shaped bridge saddle to support the bridge of the frame over the nasion portion of the wearer's nose as discussed above, such that the wearer views objects primarily through the central and upper portions of the lenses.

In particular, when the wearer is viewing distal objects through the multi -vision frames, the wearer typically looks straight ahead through the central and upper portions of the bi- or tri-focal or progressive-powered lenses. Alternatively, when the wearer is viewing objects that are close by or when reading, the wearer looks through the lower portion of the bi- or tri-focal or progressive-powered lenses, hi this latter instance, a wearer often tilts her head upward to look through the lower portion of the lenses when reading, for example, a book or to view a nearby object. However, after extended periods of tilting one's head upward to look at nearby objects, discomfort can arise in the neck and shoulder regions of the eyeglass wearer.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an embodiment of a "high profile" bridge saddle 1320 that is suitable for use with ophthalmic frames 100 which include bi-focal, tri-focal or progressive-powered lenses is shown. The high profile bridge saddle 1320 includes a thicker cross-member portion 122 that causes the bridge of the frame to be positioned higher on the wearer's nose, thereby effectively raising the entire frame on the wearer's face. The wearer can easily and conveniently interchange between the normal profile bridge saddle 120 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-12 and the high profile bridge saddle 1320 of FIG. 13, depending on wearer's viewing requirements, without professional assistance.

In particular, the bottom portion 1302 of the cross-member portion 122 extends a distance downward between the pair of opposing legs 124 that is greater than the normal profile embodiments of the bridge saddle 120 of FIGS. 1-12. The magnets 130 are positioned near the top portion 1304 of the cross-member portion 122 in a similar manner as shown in the normal profile bridge saddle embodiments of FIGS. 1-12. When the high profile bridge saddle 1320 is magnetically attached to the frames 100, as described above, the extended bottom portion 1302 of the bridge saddle 1320 is supported by the nasion portion of the wearer's nose, thereby raising the frame a distance equal to the height "H" of the extended bottom portion 1302. In this manner, the focal point of the lenses is raised so that the wearer automatically looks through the lower portion of the lenses, as opposed to the central or upper portions of the lenses, which are the focal point when a normal profile bridge saddle is utilized. Preferably, the bridge saddle will raise the frames so that the wearer looks straight through the lower lens portion while viewing nearby objects. A person skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will appreciate that the height of the extended bottom portion 1302 is a matter of design choice based on, for example, the design configuration of the frames, the attachment position of the bridge saddle to the frame, the size and shape of the optical lenses, the positioning of the concave and convex portions of the lenses within the frames, among other design considerations.

Advantageously, a wearer can readily interchange the normal profile bridge saddle 120 of FIGS. 1-12 with the high profile bridge saddle 1320 of FIG. 13 in instances where the wearer is viewing nearby objects or reading literature for extended periods. For example, a wearer who is reading printed material such as a book for an extended period can interchange the normal profile bridge saddle 120 with the high profile bridge saddle 1320 to thereby shift the frames upward on the wearer's face. In this manner, the wearer does not have to tilt his or her head backward and be subjected to discomfort while reading the printed material through the lower lenses. Accordingly, the bridge saddle 120 of the present invention includes at least one magnet for conveniently fastening the bridge saddle to the ophthalmic frame 100. The bridge saddle that is attached to the frame can be selected to customize the fit to a particular wearer of the frames to thereby improve the comfort of the frame on the face of the wearer. Further, the implementation of the magnets in the bridge saddle overcomes the difficulties observed in the prior art by having to fasten the bridge saddles to the eyeglass frames by screws, or other more cumbersome types of fasteners, such as an adhesive, which can be difficult to apply, time consuming to cure, and/or cause discoloring of the spectacle components that it contacts over time. Thus, the use of the magnets makes it easier to readily interchange the bridge saddle during the fitting process. Further, the implementation of the magnets allows the optometrist to make fine adjustments while positioning the bridge saddle on the bridge portion and the wearer's face during the fitting process. Although an exemplary description of the invention has been set forth above to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, that description should not be construed to limit the invention, and various modifications and variations may be made to the description without departing from the scope of the invention, as will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

We claim:

1. An ophthalmic frame comprising: a pair of lens-holding portions joined by a bridge portion, each lens-holding portion configured for securing an optical lens; and a bridge saddle configured for supporting the bridge portion of the frame on a wearer's nose, at least one of said frame and said bridge saddle including at least one magnet for securing said bridge saddle to said frame.

2. The frame of claim 1, wherein said bridge saddle is one of a plurality of interchangeable bridge saddles adapted for mounting on said bridge portion.

3. The frame of claim 2, wherein said plurality of interchangeable bridge saddles are configured in different sizes and shapes, wherein one of said bridge saddles optimally conforms to the nose of a respective wearer.

4. The frame of claim 1, wherein said bridge saddle is magnetically secured to the bridge portion of the frame.

5. The frame of claim 1 wherein said at least one magnet is mounted substantially flush along a surface portion of at least one of said bridge portion and bridge saddle.

6. The frame of claim 1, wherein said bridge saddle and said frame include a cooperative keying arrangement for aligning said bridge saddle in position on said frame.

7. The frame of claim 6, wherein said keying arrangement includes male and female keying members.

8. The frame of claim 1, wherein said keying arrangement includes said at least one magnet as a keying member.

9. The frame of claim 1 , wherein said at least one magnet comprises a first pair of magnets mounted to one of said bridge saddle and said bridge portion, and at least one magnetic member mounted to the other of the bridge portion and bridge saddle.

10. The frame of claim 9, wherein said magnetic member comprises a ferromagnetic member selected from one of iron, nickel cobalt and alloys or compounds thereof, and alloys and compounds of manganese and chrome.

11. The frame of claim 9, wherein said at least one magnetic member includes a pair of magnetic members.

12. The frame of claim 9, further comprising a linking magnetic member coupled between said first pair of magnets.

13. The frame of claim 1 , wherein said at least one magnet comprises a first pair of magnets mounted to said bridge portion and a second pair of magnets mounted to said bridge saddle.

14. The frame of claim 13, further comprising a linking magnetic member coupled between at least one of said first and second pairs of magnets.

15. The frame of claim 9, wherein said first pair of magnets extend outward substantially perpendicular from one of said bridge saddle and said bridge portion, and said at least one magnetic member is recessed within the other of the bridge portion and bridge saddle to form a keying arrangement between the first pair of magnets and said at least one magnetic member.

16. The frame of claim 1 , wherein said bridge saddle comprises: a cross-member having opposing ends; a pair of opposing legs, each leg extending substantially perpendicular from said respective opposing ends to form a substantially U-shaped structure; wherein one of said at least one magnet and at least one magnetic member is mounted on said cross-member.

17. The bridge saddle of claim 16, wherein each opposing leg includes a nose pad.

18. The frame of claim 16, wherein said cross member includes an extended bottom portion between said pair of opposing legs to form a high profile bridge saddle.

19. The frame of claim 1 , further comprising a temple pivotally attached to each of said lens-holding portions.

20. An ophthalmic frame, comprising: a pair of lens-holding portions coupled together by a bridge portion, each lens- holding portion adapted for securing an optical lens; a pair of temples pivotally attached to each of said lens-holding portions; and a bridge saddle adapted for supporting the bridge portion of the eyeglasses on a wearer's nose, wherein said bridge portion and said bridge saddle each include a pair of magnets that are aligned for magnetically attaching said bridge saddle to said bridge portion.

21. The frame of claim 20, wherein said magnet pairs are flush-mounted to said bridge portion and said bridge saddle.

22. The frame of claim 20, wherein said pair of magnets on said bridge portion and said pair of magnets on said bridge saddle are configured in a keying arrangement for aligning said bridge saddle with said frame.

23. An ophthalmic frame, comprising: a pair of lens-holding portions coupled together by a bridge portion, each lens- holding portion configured to secure an optical lens; a pair of temples, each temple extending rearwardly and pivotally attached to each of the lens-holding portions; and a bridge saddle for supporting the bridge portion of the eyeglasses on a wearer's nose, wherein at least one of said frame and said bridge saddle includes at least one magnet for securing said bridge saddle to said frame.

24. The frame of claim 23, wherein said bridge saddle is aligned with said bridge portion and said frame such that said bridge saddle is substantially concealed from a front perspective view of said frame.

25. The frame of claim 23, wherein said bridge saddle is aligned with said bridge portion and said frame such that said bridge saddle is visible from a front perspective view of said frame.

26. The frame of claim 23, wherein said bridge saddle is substantially transparent.

27. The frame of claim 23, wherein said bridge saddle is substantially opaque.

28. The frame of claim 23, wherein said bridge saddle is fabricated from a material comprising at least one of plastic, silicon and rubber.