WO2016142261A1

WO2016142261A1 - User-wearable eyewear with conductor lines

Info

Publication number: WO2016142261A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/054525
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Kaltenbach; Ludwig Laxhuber; Bernhard Piernitzki
Original assignee: Forstgarten International Holding GmbH
Current assignee: Forstgarten International Holding GmbH
Priority date: 2015-03-09
Filing date: 2016-03-03
Publication date: 2016-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2017-09-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to a user-wearable eyewear with at least two conductor lines at the surface of the eyewear. The invention also relates to electrical devices that are removably attachable to said user-wearable eyewear. The invention further relates to kits-of-parts comprising such user-wearable eyewear and such electrical devices. The invention also relates to a user-wearable eyewear comprising an eyeglass frame and a pair of optical loupes, wherein each optical loupe comprises electrically adjustable lenses.

Description

USER- WEARABLE EYEWEAR WITH CONDUCTOR LINES

The present invention relates to a user-wearable eyewear with at least two conductor lines at the surface of the eyewear. The invention also relates to electrical devices that are removably attachable to said user- wearable eyewear. The invention further relates to kits-of- parts comprising such user-wearable eyewear and such electrical devices. The invention also relates to a user-wearable eyewear comprising an eyeglass frame and a pair of optical loupes, wherein each optical loupe comprises electrically adjustable lenses.

BACKGROUND AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS UNDERLYING THE PRESENT INVENTION In recent years, it has become more or more common for surgeons and dentists to wear magnification loupes (also known as surgical loupes or dental loupes), while carrying out treatment procedures on the patient.

Such magnification loupes often comprise a headlamp attached to the eyeglass frame. Typically, power is supplied to the headlamp via a cable connection between the headlamp and a power source, such as a battery coupled to the eyeglass frame or an external power source.

There was a need in the prior art to add further electrical devices to the magnification loupes so as to make the surgeon's or dentist's work easier. For example, it would be desirable to add a microphone and loudspeakers to the magnification loupes so that the surgeon or dentist could use a computer via a voice control system without having to interrupt the treatment procedure.

However, each additional electrical device needs a power supply. If this power supply is accomplished by a separate battery for each device, the weight of the magnification loupes increases; and the risk increases also that one of the several separate batteries is discharged just at the time when the magnification loupes are to be used. If this power supply is accomplished via cable connections to a power source, the number of cable connections increases with each additional electrical device, which makes the construction of the magnification loupes complicated.

The present inventors constructed novel user- wearable eyewear that addresses the above needs and disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the present inventors found out that power can be supplied to different electrical devices in a less complicated and more convenient manner when at least two conductor lines are positioned at the surface of the eyeglass frame. Correspondingly designed electrical devices can easily be clipped to and removed from the eyeglass frame, and the power supply is established by electrical communication between electrical contacts on the electrical device and the conductor lines on the eyeglass frame.

One advantage of the novel eyewear is that different combinations of electrical devices can be easily connected to (and removed from) the user-wearable eyewear according to the user's needs. Accordingly, the present invention provides a very flexible eyewear system that can be quickly modified by adding or removing different electrical devices according to the user's needs and preferences.

Another advantage of the novel eyewear is that an electrical device can be placed at different positions of the eyeglass frame according to the user's individual preferences.

The novel eyewear is described in the appended claims and in the following description.

While the novel eyewear design (using conductor lines on the surface of the eyeglass frame) was initially constructed to enhance the functionality of magnification loupes, the inventors found out that the novel eyewear design can also advantageously be applied to other types of eyewear, including but not limited to corrective glasses, protective glasses, sunglasses, and 3D glasses.

The above overview does not necessarily describe all problems solved by the present invention and all advantages of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention relates to a user- wearable eyewear 100 comprising an eyeglass frame 110 supporting a pair of lenses 150, said eyeglass frame 110 comprising: (a) a right temple arm 112; (b) a left temple arm 114; and (c) a front portion 120; wherein (i) the right temple arm 112; and/or (ii) the left temple arm 114 comprises at least two conductor lines 132/134 at its surface for supplying power and/or electronic signals to at least one removably attachable electrical device 200.

In a second aspect the present invention relates to a kit-of-parts 300 comprising

(A) the user-wearable eyewear 100 according to the first aspect; and

(B) an electrical device 200 that is removably attachable to said user- wearable eyewear 100, wherein said electrical device 200 comprises at least two electrical contacts 232/234, wherein said at least two electrical contacts 232/234 are structured and configured to provide electrical communication with the at least two conductor lines 132/134, when said electrical device 200 is attached to said user- wearable eyewear 100. In a third aspect the present invention relates to a user-wearable eyewear 400 comprising:

(a) an eyeglass frame 410 supporting a pair of lenses 450, said pair of lenses 450 consisting of a right lens 452 and a left lens 454,

(b) a first optical loupe 462 positioned in proximity to the right lens 452; and

(c) a second optical loupe 464 positioned in proximity to the left lens 454;

wherein the first optical loupe 462 and/or the second optical loupe 464 comprises electrically adjustable lenses. This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all features of the invention. Other embodiments will become apparent from a review of the ensuing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the user- wearable eyewear 100 of the present invention.

Figures 1 A, IB and 1C show this embodiment from different viewing angles. Fig. 1A: top view. Fig. IB: front view. Fig. 1C: side view from the right side.

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the user-wearable eyewear 100 of the present invention. Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show this embodiment from different viewing angles. Fig. 2A: back view; i.e. view from the wearer's direction. Fig. 2B: side view from the right side. Fig. 2C: front view. Line B-B indicates a section through the left lens 154 and the left brow portion 124 of the frame 110. Fig. 2D: sectional view along the plane section labelled by B-B in Fig. 2C. This view shows the inner side of the left temple arm 114.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the user- wearable eyewear 100 of the present invention. The eyewear is shown from the lower left back side.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the same embodiment as Fig. 3, but seen from a different direction. In Fig. 4, the eyewear is shown from the upper right back side.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the same embodiment as Fig. 3, but seen from a different direction. In Fig. 5, the eyewear is shown from the upper left front side.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the user- wearable eyewear 100 of the present invention. The eyewear is shown from the lower right back side.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a user- wearable eyewear assembly of the invention (kit- of-parts 300) comprising a user- wearable eyewear 100 and an electrical device 200 attached to the eyewear 100. Fig. 7A: The large drawing one the left side of Fig. 7A shows electrical device 200 attached to the right temple arm 112 of the user-wearable eyewear 100. Line A-A indicates a section through the right temple arm 112 and through electrical device 200. The small drawing on the right side of Fig. 7A shows the cross-section indicated by line A-A in the large drawing on the left side. Fig. 7B: enlarged view of the cross-section indicated by line A-A in Fig. 7A.

Fig. 8 shows two perspective views of an electrical device 200. Fig. 8A: one perspective view. Fig. 8B: another perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

Before the present invention is described in detail below, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols and reagents described herein as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Several documents (for example: patents, patent applications, scientific publications, manufacturer's specifications, instructions, etc.) are cited throughout the text of this specification. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. Some of the documents cited herein are characterized as being "incorporated by reference". In the event of a conflict between the definitions or teachings of such incorporated references and definitions or teachings recited in the present specification, the text of the present specification takes precedence.

In the context of the present application, the term "user" refers to a person wearing the eyewear of the invention.

As used herein, the term "eyewear" generally refers to protective or corrective devices for the eyes, such as glasses or goggles. In preferred embodiments, the eyewear of the invention are magnification loupes, also known as dental loupes or surgical loupes. As used herein, the term "magnification loupes" refers to an eyewear that comprises an eyeglass frame supporting a pair of lenses and a pair of optical loupes. The two most common designs for "magnification loupes" are the through-the-lens (TTP) design and the flip-up design. In the TTP design, each optical loupe is set in one lens of the frame, i.e. the optical loupe penetrates the lens. In the flip-up design, the pair of optical loupes is attached to a mechanism that allows to "flip-up" the loupes so that they are out of the way.

As used herein, the term "positioned in proximity to" in the expressions "a first optical loupe positioned in proximity to the right lens" and "a second optical loupe positioned in proximity to the left lens" are intended to encompass two alternative designs of magnification loupes, namely the through-the-lens (TTP) design and the flip-up design, which are explained above.

As used herein, the terms "dental loupes" and "surgical loupes" refer to magnification loupes that are particularly suitable for use by dentists and surgeons, respectively. Embodiments of the Invention

The present invention will now be further described. In the following passages different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect defined below may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous, unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

In a first aspect the present invention is directed to a user-wearable eyewear 100 comprising an eyeglass frame 110 supporting a pair of lenses 150, said eyeglass frame 110 comprising:

(a) a right temple arm 112;

(b) a left temple arm 114; and

(c) a front portion 120;

wherein

(i) the right temple arm 112; and/or

(ii) the left temple arm 114

comprises at least two conductor lines 132/134 at its surface for supplying power and/or electronic signals to at least one removably attachable electrical device 200. In the subsequent passages, it may become necessary to distinguish between the two conductor lines 132/134. One of the conductor lines will then be termed the first conductor line 132; and the other conductor line will be termed the second conductor line 134.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the front portion 120 comprises (I) a right brow portion 122; (II) a left brow portion 124; and (III) a bridge portion 126.

In some of these embodiments, (i) the right temple arm 112 and the right brow portion 122; and/or (ii) the left temple arm 114 and the left brow portion 124 comprise at least two conductor lines 132/134 for supplying power and/or electronic signals to at least one removably attachable electrical device 200.

In further embodiments of the first aspect, the (i) the right temple arm 112, the right brow portion 122, and the bridge portion 126; and/or (ii) the left temple arm 114, the left brow portion 124, and the bridge portion 126 comprise at least two conductor lines 132/134 for supplying power and/or electronic signals to at least one removably attachable electrical device 200.

In further embodiments of the first aspect, the right temple arm 112, the right brow portion 122, the bridge portion 126, the left brow portion 124, and the left temple arm 114 comprise at least two conductor lines 132/134 for supplying power and/or electronic signals to at least one removably attachable electrical device 200.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first conductor line 132 and the second conductor line 134 are positioned on opposite sides of the eyeglass frame 110. For example, the first conductor line 132 can be positioned on the inner surface of the eyeglass frame 110 (i.e. on the surface of the eyeglass frame facing the user), and the second conductor line 134 can be positioned on the outer surface of the eyeglass frame 110 (i.e. on the surface of the eyeglass frame facing away from the user). In another exemplary embodiment, the first conductor line 132 can be positioned on the bottom surface of the eyeglass frame 110 (especially on the bottom surface of the left temple arm 114 and/or on the bottom surface of the right temple arm 112), while the second conductor line 134 can be positioned on the upper surface of the eyeglass frame 110 (especially on the upper surface of the left temple arm 114 and/or on the upper surface of the right temple arm 112).

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the eyeglass frame 110 comprises a contact region 140 for electrically connecting the conductor lines 132/134 to an external power supply, wherein said contact region 140 is preferably positioned at the distal end of the right 113 and/or left temple arm 115 (i.e. 113 = distal end of the right temple arm; 115 = distal end of the left temple arm). In some embodiments, the contact region 140 is structured and configured to allow a magnetic coupling to a cable connecting to the external power supply. Such a magnetic coupling will facilitate to connect the cable from the external power supply to the contact region 140, especially when the user is already wearing the eyewear 100 and when the contact region 140 is positioned at the distal end of the right 113 and/or left temple arm 115, because the user cannot see the contact region 140 under these conditions.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the user- wearable eyewear 100 is an eyewear selected from the group consisting of corrective glasses, protective glasses, sunglasses, 3D glasses, and magnification loupes.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the pair of lenses 150 consists of a right lens

152 and a left lens 154. In some of these embodiments, the user-wearable eyewear 100 further comprises (d) a first optical loupe 162 positioned in proximity to the right lens 152, preferably penetrating the right lens 152, and (e) a second optical loupe 164 positioned in proximity to the left lens 154, preferably penetrating the left lens 154.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the electrical device 200 is selected from the group consisting of a lamp, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a camera, a display, a computer, a sensor for biological parameters, and a pilot beam. In further embodiments of the first aspect, the electrical device 200 is structured and configured to transmit and/or receive electronic signals via wireless communication, for example by a wireless local area network (WLAN; often also termed Wi-Fi™) or Bluetooth®. In further embodiments of the first aspect, the electrical device 200 is structured and configured (i) to transmit electronic signals to and/or (ii) to receive electronic signals from a control unit 320, preferably an external control unit 320. In a second aspect the present invention is directed to a kit-of-parts 300 comprising

(A) the user-wearable eyewear 100 according to the first aspect; and

(B) an electrical device 200 that is removably attachable to said user- wearable eyewear 100, wherein said electrical device 200 comprises at least two electrical contacts 232/234, wherein said at least two electrical contacts 232/234 are structured and configured to provide electrical communication with the at least two conductor lines 132/134, when said electrical device 200 is attached to said user- wearable eyewear 100.

The kit-of-parts 300 of the invention can also be termed a user-wearable eyewear assembly. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the electrical device 200 comprises a securing clip 210 that allows to removably attach the electrical device 200 to the eyeglass frame 110 of the eyewear 100. Other means that allow to removably attach the electrical device 200 to the eyeglass frame 110 are also considered within the context of the present invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the electrical device 200 might be removably attached to the eyeglass frame 110 by means of magnets.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the electrical device 200 is selected from the group consisting of a lamp, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a camera, a display, a computer, a sensor for biological parameters, and a pilot beam.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the electrical device 200 is structured and configured to transmit and/or receive electronic signals via wireless communication, for example by a wireless local area network (WLAN; often also termed Wi-Fi™) or Bluetooth®.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the electrical device 200 is structured and configured (i) to transmit electronic signals to and/or (ii) to receive electronic signals from a control unit 320, preferably an external control unit 320.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the kit-of-parts 300 further comprises

(C) a control unit 320, and/or

(D) a battery 340. In a third aspect the present invention is directed to a user-wearable eyewear 400 comprising:

(b) a first optical loupe 462 positioned in proximity to the right lens 452, preferably penetrating the right lens 452; and

(c) a second optical loupe 464 positioned in proximity to the left lens 454, preferably penetrating the left lens 454;

wherein the first optical loupe 462 and/or the second optical loupe 464 comprises electrically adjustable lenses.

The third aspect of the present invention can also be combined with all embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention.

The invention will now be further described by referring to the accompanying figures. Figures 1 A, IB and 1C depict an exemplary user- wearable eyewear 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. 1A, IB and 1C show the exemplary user-wearable eyewear 100 from different viewing angles. (Fig. 1A: top view. Fig. IB: front view. Fig. 1C: side view from the right side.) The user-wearable eyewear 100 comprises an eyeglass frame 110 supporting a pair of lenses 150 (right lens 152 and left lens 154). The eyeglass frame comprises a front portion 120, a right temple arm 112 and a left temple arm 114. The front portion 120 is connected to the right temple arm 112 via right hinge 116 and is connected to the left temple arm 114 via left hinge 118. As used herein, the part of the right temple arm 112 that is opposite to the front portion 120 is termed "distal end of the right temple arm" 113. Likewise, as used herein, the part of the left temple arm 114 that is opposite to the front portion 120 is termed "distal end of the left temple arm" 115. The user-wearable eyewear 100 further comprises a first conductor line 132 and a second conductor line 134. In the exemplary user- wearable eyewear 100 depicted in Fig. 1, the first conductor line 132 is located at the inner surface of the eyeglass frame 110, i.e. at the surfaces of the eyeglass frame 110 facing the user. Correspondingly, the second conductor line 134 is located at the outer surface of the eyeglass frame 110, i.e. at the surfaces of the eyeglass frame 110 facing away from the user.

The conductor lines 132 and 134 are shown as dotted lines in Fig. 1A and IB. In Fig. 1C, conductor line 134, which is located on the visible part of right temple arm 112, is represented schematically by a dash-dotted line, while conductor line 132, which is on the back of right temple arm 112 and which is normally not visible from this perspective, is represented schematically by a dotted line.

In the exemplary user- wearable eyewear 100 depicted in Fig. 1, both the first conductor line 132 and the second conductor line 134 extend over the right temple arm 112, the complete front portion 120 (i.e. the right brow portion 122, the bridge portion 126, and the left brow portion 124), and the left temple arm 114. However, as explained above, it is also contemplated by the inventors that the first and second conductor lines 132/134 extend only over the right temple arm 112, or over the left temple arm 114, or over both temple arms 112/114. In this latter embodiment, which is not shown in the Figures, there would be no conductor lines positioned on the surface of the front portion 120. As has also been explained above, it is contemplated by the inventors that the first and second conductor lines 132/134 extend only over the right temple arm 112 and the right brow portion 122 or over the left temple arm 114 and the left brow portion 124. In this latter embodiment, which is not shown in the Figures, there would be no conductor lines positioned on the surface of the bridge portion 126. Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D depict the same exemplary user- wearable eyewear 100 as Figures 1A to 1C but provide more details. Fig. 2A is a back view of the exemplary user- wearable eyewear 100; i.e. this a view from the user's direction. The user-wearable eyewear 100 comprises a left temple arm 114, a front portion 120 supporting a right lens 152 and a left lens 154, and a right temple arm 112. Left hinge 116 and right hinge 118 connecting the front portion 120 to the left temple arm 112 and to the right temple arm 114, respectively, are not labelled in Figures 2A to 2D. The front portion 120 of the eyeglass frame 110 can be subdivided into a left brow portion 124, a bridge portion 126, and a right brow portion 122. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the left brow portion 124 supports the left lens 154, the right brow portion 122 supports the right lens 152, and the bridge portion 126 will rest on the user's nose when the user wears the eyewear 100. Further depicted in Fig. 2A are the distal end of the right temple arm 113 and the distal end of the left temple arm 115.

The exemplary user- wearable eyewear 100 further comprises a first conductor line 132 and a second conductor line 134. Both conductor lines 132/134 are located on the surfaces of the left temple arm 114, the front portion 120, and the right temple arm 112. Each conductor line is interrupted at the hinges 116 and 118 connecting the left and right temple arm (114 and 112) to the front portion 120. In order to establish an electrical communication between the interrupted parts of each conductor line (132 and 134), sliding contacts 133 and 135 are positioned at the right hinge 116 and the left hinge 118. The position of a sliding contact 133 establishing an electrical communication between the part of the first conductor line 132 present on the left temple arm 114 and the part of the first conductor line 132 present on the front portion 120 is indicated by an arrow in Fig. 2A. A similar sliding contact establishing an electrical communication between the part of the first conductor line 132 present on the right temple arm 112 and the part of the first conductor line 132 present on the front portion 120 is also present on the right side of eyewear 100 but is not indicated in Fig. 2A. In an analogous manner, a sliding contact 135 establishes an electrical communication between the parts of the second conductor line 134 present on the temple arms (112 and 114) and the part of the second conductor line 134 present on the front portion 120. The position of such a sliding contact 135 establishing an electrical contact between the part of the second conductor line 134 present on the right temple arm 112 and the part of the second conductor line 134 present on the front portion 120 is indicated by an arrow in Fig. 2B. Fig. 2B is a side view of the exemplary user- wearable eyewear 100 from the right side.

As will be readily understood by the skilled person, each hinge (116 and 118) of the exemplary user-wearable eyewear 100 has two sliding contacts (133 and 135). Each hinge 116/118 has one sliding contact 133 for the first conductor line 132 and one sliding contact 135 for the second conductor line 134.

Fig. 2C depicts a front view of the exemplary user-wearable eyewear 100. From this viewing direction, the second conductor line 134 can be seen. Line B-B indicates a section through the left lens 154 and the left brow portion 124 of the frame 110.

Fig. 2D depicts a sectional view along the plane section labelled by B-B in Fig. 2C. This view shows the inner side of the left temple arm 114. From this viewing direction, the first conductor line 132 can be seen. Figures 3, 4 and 5 depict different perspective views of the exemplary user- wearable eyewear 100 shown in Figure 2. Figures 3, 4 and 5 show an additional feature that is not shown in Figure 2: A contact region 140 for electrically connecting the first and second conductor lines 132/134 to an external power supply (not shown) is positioned at the distal end of the left temple arm 115. The present invention also encompasses embodiments in which the contact region 140 is positioned at the distal end of the right temple arm 113 but these embodiments are not shown in the figures. As explained above, the contact region 140 may be structured and configured to allow a magnetic coupling to a cable connecting to the external power supply. Such a magnetic coupling will facilitate connecting the cable from the external power supply to the contact region 140, especially when the user is already wearing the eyewear 100 and when the contact region 140 is positioned at the distal end of the right 113 and/or left temple arm 115, because the user cannot see the contact region 140 under these conditions.

The perspective view presented in Figure 3 shows a back view of the user-wearable eyewear 100 from a position that is below and to the left of the eyewear 100.

The perspective view presented in Figure 4 shows a back view of the user-wearable eyewear 100 from a position that is above and to the right of the eyewear 100.

The perspective view presented in Figure 5 shows a front view of the user-wearable eyewear 100 from a position that is above and to the left of the eyewear 100.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an exemplary user-wearable eyewear 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The embodiment shown in Figure 6 is similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 but differs in the locations of the first conductor line 132 and second conductor line 134 on the eyeglass frame.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5, the first conductor line 132 is positioned at the inner surface of the eyeglass frame 110, i.e. at the surfaces of the eyeglass frame 110 facing the user, which means that the first conductor line 132 cannot be seen by others, when the user wears the eyewear 100. Thus, the first conductor line 132 is positioned at the inner surface of the left temple arm 114, at the inner surface of the front portion 120, and at the inner surface of the right temple arm 112. Conversely, the second conductor line 134 is positioned at the outer surface of the eyeglass frame 110, i.e. at the surfaces of the eyeglass frame 110 facing away from the user, which means that the second conductor line 134 can be seen by others, when the user wears the eyewear 100. Thus, the second conductor line 134 is positioned at the outer surface of the left temple arm 114, at the outer surface of the front portion 120, and at the outer surface of the right temple arm 112.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the first conductor line 132 is positioned at the bottom surface of the left temple arm 114, at the inner surface of the front portion 120, and at the bottom surface of the right temple arm 112. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the second conductor line 134 is positioned at the upper surface of the left temple arm 114, at the upper surface of the front portion 120, and at the upper surface of the right temple arm 112.

The perspective view presented in Figure 6 shows a back view of the user- wearable eyewear 100 from a position that is below and to the right of the eyewear 100.

Figure 7 depicts an exemplary user-wearable eyewear assembly of the invention (i.e. kit-of-parts 300) comprising a user- wearable eyewear 100 and an electrical device 200 attached to the eyewear. The type of electrical device 200 is not further defined in Figure 7. As explained above, an electrical device 200 usable in the context of the present invention comprises, without limitation, a lamp, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a camera, a display, a computer, a sensor for biological parameters, or a pilot beam.

Fig. 7A depicts a top view of the exemplary user-wearable eyewear assembly (i.e. kit- of-parts 300). In this exemplary assembly, electrical device 200 is attached to the right temple arm 112 of the user-wearable eyewear 100. The larger drawing in the left part of Figure 7A contains a line A- A, which indicates a section through the right temple arm 112 and through electrical device 200. The small drawing in the right part of Figure 7A shows the cross-section indicated by this line A-A. An enlarged representation of this cross-section is depicted in Figure 7B.

This cross-section shows that electrical device 200 comprises a securing clip 210. By means of this securing clip 210 the electrical device 200 can be attached removably to one of the temple arms. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the electrical device 200 is removably attached to the right temple arm 112 but it is also possible to removably attach the electrical device 200 to the left temple arm 114 or to the front portion 120. The location of attachment on the right temple arm 112, on the left temple arm 114, or on the front portion 120 can be varied according to the user's individual preferences and in dependence on the type of electrical device 200. For example, a headlight will typically be attached to the front portion, preferably to the bridge portion, while a microphone could be attached to the right temple arm 112 or to the left temple arm 114 and - once it is attached to one of the temple arms 112/114 - it could also be shifted to a position that is convenient to the user.

The electrical device comprises two electrical contacts 232 and 234. When the electrical device 200 is attached to the eyeglass frame 110, the first electrical contact 232 provides electrical communication with the first conductor line 132 and the second electrical contact 234 provides electrical communication with the second conductor line 134.

Figure 8 depicts two perspective views of an electrical device 200 in accordance with the present disclosure. The type of electrical device 200 is not further defined in Figure 8. As explained above, an electrical device 200 usable in the context of the present invention comprises, without limitation, a lamp, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a camera, a display, a computer, a sensor for biological parameters, or a pilot beam. Electrical device 200 comprises a securing clip 210 for removably attaching the electrical device 200 to a user- wearable eyewear 100. From the two different perspective views, it can be seen that electrical device 200 has two different electrical contacts 234 (visible in Fig. 8A) and 232 (visible in Fig. 8B).

REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 user- wearable eyewear

110 eyeglass frame

112 right temple arm

113 distal end of the right temple arm

114 left temple arm

115 distal end of the left temple arm

116 right hinge

118 left hinge

120 front portion

122 right brow portion

124 left brow portion

126 bridge portion

132 first conductor line

133 sliding contact of first conductor line at the hinge of the eyeglass frame

134 second conductor line

135 sliding contact of second conductor line at the hinge of the eyeglass frame

140 contact region

150 pair of lenses

152 right lens

154 left lens

162 first optical loupe

164 second optical loupe

200 electrical device

210 securing clip

232 first electrical contact

234 second electrical contact

300 kit-of-parts

320 control unit

340 battery

400 user-wearable eyewear

410 eyeglass frame

450 pair of lenses

452 right lens

454 left lens

462 first optical loupe

464 second optical loupe

Claims

1. A user-wearable eyewear (100) comprising an eyeglass frame (110) supporting a pair of lenses (150),

said eyeglass frame (110) comprising:

(a) a right temple arm (112);

(b) a left temple arm (114); and

(c) a front portion ( 120) ;

wherein

(i) the right temple arm (112); and/or

(ii) the left temple arm (114)

comprises at least two conductor lines (132/134) at its surface for supplying power and/or electronic signals to at least one removably attachable electrical device (200).

2. The user-wearable eyewear (100) according to claim 1, wherein said front portion (120) comprises:

(I) a right brow portion (122);

(II) a left brow portion (124); and

(III) a bridge portion ( 126) .

3. The user- wearable eyewear (100) according to claim 2,

wherein

(i) the right temple arm (112) and the right brow portion (122); and/or (ii) the left temple arm (114) and the left brow portion (124) comprise at least two conductor lines (132/134) for supplying power and/or electronic signals to at least one removably attachable electrical device (200).

4. The user-wearable eyewear (100) according to claim 2 or 3,

wherein

(i) the right temple arm (112), the right brow portion (122), and the bridge portion (126); and/or

(ii) the left temple arm (114), the left brow portion (124), and the bridge portion (126) comprise at least two conductor lines (132/134) for supplying power and/or electronic signals to at least one removably attachable electrical device (200).

The user- wearable eyewear (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4,

wherein the right temple arm (112), the right brow portion (122), the bridge portion (126), the left brow portion (124), and the left temple arm (114) comprise at least two conductor lines (132/134) for supplying power and/or electronic signals to at least one removably attachable electrical device (200).

The user- wearable eyewear (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the eyeglass frame (110) comprises a contact region (140) for electrically connecting the conductor lines (132/134) to an external power supply, wherein said contact region (140) is preferably positioned at the distal end of the right temple arm (113) and/or at the distal end of the left temple arm (115).

The user- wearable eyewear (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the user- wearable eyewear (100) is an eyewear selected from the group consisting of corrective glasses, protective glasses, sunglasses, 3D glasses, and magnification loupes.

The user- wearable eyewear (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pair of lenses (150) consists of a right lens (152) and a left lens (154).

The user- wearable eyewear (100) according to claim 8, further comprising:

(d) a first optical loupe (162) positioned in proximity to the right lens (152), preferably penetrating the right lens (152), and

(e) a second optical loupe (164) positioned in proximity to the left lens (154), preferably penetrating the left lens (154).

A kit-of-parts (300) comprising

(A) the user- wearable eyewear (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and

(B) an electrical device (200) that is removably attachable to said user-wearable eyewear (100), wherein said electrical device (200) comprises at least two electrical contacts (232/234), wherein said at least two electrical contacts (232/234) are structured and configured to provide electrical communication with the at least two conductor lines (132/134), when said electrical device (200) is attached to said user- wearable eyewear (100).

11. The kit-of-parts (300) according to claim 10, wherein the electrical device (200) is selected from the group consisting of a lamp, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a camera, a display, a computer, a sensor for biological parameters, and a pilot beam.

12. The kit-of-parts (300) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the electrical device (200) is structured and configured to transmit and/or receive electronic signals via wireless communication.

13. The kit-of-parts (300) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the electrical device (200) is structured and configured

(i) to transmit electronic signals to and/or

(ii) to receive electronic signals from

a control unit (320).

14. The kit-of-parts (300) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising:

(C) a control unit (320), and/or

(D) a battery (340).

15. A user- wearable eyewear (400) comprising:

(a) an eyeglass frame (410) supporting a pair of lenses (450), said pair of lenses (450) consisting of a right lens (452) and a left lens (454),

(b) a first optical loupe (462) positioned in proximity to the right lens (452), preferably penetrating the right lens (452); and

(c) a second optical loupe (464) positioned in proximity to the left lens (454), preferably penetrating the left lens (454);

wherein the first optical loupe (462) and/or the second optical loupe (464) comprises electrically adjustable lenses.