Methods (e.g., Securing Lenses In Mountings) Patents (Class 351/178)
  • Publication number: 20030184860
    Abstract: A flashing dot is alternately shown in the left image and right display of a binocular device at short intervals so as to allow a user to detect the misalignment in the displays. If misalignment occurs, the user sees a dot moving between two locations. The user uses a device or a software program to move the dot for minimizing the apparent movement until a single stationary dot is observed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jukka Hakkinen
  • Patent number: 6607271
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fitting, in a frame, a progressive ophthalmic lens prescribed for a wearer. It proposes that only the horizontal position of the wearer's pupil be measured on the wearer. From this measurement, and from the total height of the pattern of the frame, the lens is positioned in the frame, and is then machined and fitted into the frame. The invention makes it possible, when fitting lenses, to avoid the errors brought about by the measuring of the height of the wearer's pupil with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Essilor International
    Inventors: Nathalie Bar, Bruno Decreton, Thierry Bonnin, Berangere Donetti, Gilles Le Saux
  • Patent number: 6588898
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for displaying lens contour, an apparatus for processing lens contour data, and apparatus for grinding edge of eyeglass lens with the same so that these apparatuses can grasp contours of the eyeglass frame and the eyeglass lens related to three dimensional virtual display (3D V-shaped simulation), and a V-shaped figure formed in an edge surface of lens in three dimensions to represent visually assembling of the virtual frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventors: Toshihiro Iwai, Tatsuro Yokoi, Takeshi Nakamura, Yoshiyuki Hatano, Yasuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6581430
    Abstract: A method of making an eyewear frame comprising the initial step of extruding an elongated billet of substantially rigid material having a top surface having predetermined convex cross-sectional initially as extruded curvature and a bottom surface having a predetermined concave cross-sectional initially as extruded curvature. The next step involves mounting a predetermined length of the elongated billet in a holding fixture of a computer numerical control (CNC) cutting machine. Next the CNC cutting machine is operated to cut out predetermined lens apertures and a finished eyewear frame around each of the previously machined lens apertures thereby producing a substantially stress free eyewear frame that is ready to have a stress free lens installed in its lens aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Ken Wilson
  • Publication number: 20030048405
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a nosepiece coupled to a pair of annular eyewires, and a pair of clasps hinged to the nosepiece that cooperate with each of two annular eyewires to secure the lenses. Each clasp and eyewire contains a locking hole into which a pin may be inserted to secure the clasp in the closed position. The eyeglasses also contain a pair of temples, each of which is pivotally joined to each of the eyewires. The eyewires have axial markings that indicate the cylindrical axis of the lenses, and bifocal markings that indicate the correct position of the bifocals, so that lenses may be installed and removed without the need for instruments or tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: John C. Rivera
  • Publication number: 20030048410
    Abstract: What is described here is a method of manufacturing progressive ophthalmic lenses whereof each is produced in correspondence with the individual data of a specific spectacle wearer, and whereof each
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Baumbach, Gregor Esser, Werner Mueller, Jochen Brosig, Walter Haimerl, Helmut Altheimer, Herbert Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20020163621
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fitting, in a frame, a progressive ophthalmic lens prescribed for a wearer. It proposes that only the horizontal position of the wearer's pupil be measured on the wearer. From this measurement, and from the total height of the pattern of the frame, the lens is positioned in the frame, and is then machined and fitted into the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Nathalie Bar, Bruno Decreton, Thierry Bonnin, Berangere Donetti, Gilles Le Saux
  • Patent number: 6444293
    Abstract: A method for applying a bus bar to the peripheral edge region of a shaped substrate is disclosed. The method involves: 1) applying a protective coating to a blank substrate; 2) edging the blank substrate to shape; 3) applying a conductive coating to the peripheral edge region of the shaped substrate; and 4) removing the protective coating, along with excess conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Gregory, Harry L. Pinch, John E. Smarto
  • Publication number: 20020085172
    Abstract: An eye model system for remotely predicting the in-vivo performance of a vision altering optic includes a representative cornea, a dispersion medium, and a retinal surface. The corneal surfaces provide anatomical shape, optical power, and higher order aberration content. The dispersion medium mimics chromatic dispersion in an actual eye. The retinal surface is moveable to provide selected defocus. A humidity and temperature enclosure may be provided. Model eye elements can be tilted or decentered to simulate actual conditions. An associated method for remotely measuring the performance of a vision altering optic to predict its performance in-vivo includes making topography, wavefront, interferometry, PSF, MTF, or other optical and/or physical measurements of the model eye system with and without the optic in combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Griffith E. Altmann
  • Patent number: 6378181
    Abstract: Manufacturing method for spectacles with the use of first and second portions of profiled wire and a pattern having the same form and a size slightly greater than that of the lenses. The first and second wire portions are submitted in succession to different operative phases, in which they are adapted around the pattern so as to form frame half-portions which are shaped around the pattern with the outline of the lenses. The frame half-portions are joined to the respective bars through hinges which are attached to the corresponding frame half-portions, The frame half-portions are submitted, together with the bars to possible chemical treatments, the frame half-portions are applied to the lenses and the bars equipped with the respective terminal elements. Afterwards the nose-piece element is applied on to the assembly frame half-portions by tightening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Giuseppe Cargnel
  • Publication number: 20020041357
    Abstract: An optical non-contact method of reading the three-dimensional shape of a profile in accordance with the luminous section principle consists of scanning the profile with a plane light beam intersecting the profile transversely, simultaneously reading the trace of the plane light beam on the profile by means of an optical receiver having an optical pointing axis at a constant non-zero pointing angle to the light beam at a series of positions along the profile, and deducing the three-dimensional shape of the profile from the readings effected at these various positions. On each reading, the light beam whose trace on the profile is read by the optical receiver is chosen from a plurality of predefined light beams which can be activated alternately. The non-contact optical reading method is particularly suitable for reading the three-dimensional shape of the inside edge of a spectacle frame rim, known as the bezel. A specific device is used to implement the method in this particular application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Rene Farcy, Florent Guirriec, Emmanuel Almeras, Laurent Guillermin
  • Publication number: 20020039171
    Abstract: Disclosed is a manufacturing method of a spectacle lens. The entire range of available vertex power of a spectacle lens is divided into a plurality of sections, and a plurality of types of semifinished lens blanks that are different in base curve are prepared for each of the sections. On the basis of required vertex power, choices of lens blanks are narrowed down. The plurality of types of the semifinished lens blanks can be selected for a specific vertex power. A customer selects one type of the semifinished lens blank based on weightings of optical performance and outward appearance. Further, a back surface of the selected semifinished lens blank is processed to form a finished lens according to a required specification for the spectacle lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: ASAHI KOGAKU KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Moriyasu Shtrayanagi, Yoshimi Obara
  • Publication number: 20010038437
    Abstract: This lens is mounted in a frame having two earpieces and composed of two spherical surfaces (6, 8) and an optical center. In the standard wearing position in which a horizontal line connects the center of the pupil of the eye to an area of the ear on which an earpiece of the frame rests, the optical axis defined by the line passing through the two centers of the spherical surfaces makes an angle of at least 10° with a horizontal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: CHRISTIAN DALLOZ SUNOPTICS
    Inventors: Etienne Billard, Alain Ravier
  • Patent number: 6241353
    Abstract: The central piece of a full-rim eyeglass frame includes a left full rim (2) for receiving a left lens, a right full rim (4) for receiving a right lens, a bridge (6) joining the two full rims, and two endpieces (8, 10). The two full rims, the bridge and the two endpieces are integrally formed as a single piece, from a plastic. The two full rims (2, 4) are flexible, and are constituted by a closed, elastic band. The central piece of the full-rim frame is assembled into a central piece of a pair of eyeglasses with two lenses, whose outer circumferential lines have somewhat larger dimensions than the inner contour lines of the two full rims, so that the full rims of the central piece of the eyeglasses are stretched around the lenses, and their shape conforms to the shape of the lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Hemaris GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Anger
  • Patent number: 6213383
    Abstract: A Ni—Ti alloy part (6) constituting a frame for a pair of spectacles is inserted in and then caulked to a bore (3) formed in a joint piece (2) that is made of a resistance-weldable or resistance-brazeable titanium material. The joint piece (2) has a weldable or brazeable portion (5) that is located remote from the bore (3). This piece (2) will subsequently be resistance welded or brazed to a skeleton member (7) also constituting the frame and made of the same or a different titanium material also weldable or brazeable, so that the Ni—Ti alloy part can firmly and reliably be secured to the skeleton member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Nakanishi Optical Corporation
    Inventor: Eiichi Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 6199981
    Abstract: A method for securing two or more spectacle members together includes forming an orifice and an opening in one of the spectacle members, the opening of the spectacle frame may have an open or enclosed structure, forming an extension and a projection on the other spectacle member and engaging the extension and the projection into the orifice and the opening of the spectacle member. The extension or the projection is then melted or deformed to engage with the other spectacle member and to secure the spectacle members together. The spectacle members may be the lenses, the bridge or the temples. The spectacle members may be easily and quickly secured together without fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: David Yinkai Chao
  • Patent number: 6168271
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optically corrected lens for nonprescription, dual lens eyeglasses. In a preferred embodiment, the anterior surface of the lens lies on a portion of a first sphere having a first center. The posterior surface of the lens lies on the surface of a second sphere having a second center. The first and second centers are offset from one another to provide a tapered lens. The lens is oriented on the head of the wearer by a frame that maintains the lens in a position such that a line drawn through the first and second centers is maintained substantially in parallel to the normal sight line of the wearer. Methods of making the lenses, and eyewear incorporating the lenses, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm Neal Houston, James H. Jannard, Carlos D. Reyes
  • Patent number: 6129435
    Abstract: Noncorrective protective eyewear with lateral wrap and pantoscopic tilt introduce prismatic distortion and astigmatism into lenses that interfere with good optical performance. The lenses of this invention have an optical axis that is deviated away from the line of sight, in a direction generally opposite the inward tilt of the lateral wrap and/or the incline of pantoscopic tilt, to offset the tilt induced prism. Low power may be introduced into the lenses to decrease their taper, further offset the tilt induced prism and astigmatism (particularly in peripheral fields of view), lessen weight, provide better physical stability, and allow more uniform light transmission than plano lenses. The lenses may be cut from lens blanks in which the A line of the lens is at a non-zero angle to an equator of the lens, and the optical center of the lens may be horizontally and vertically displaced from the geometric center of the lens, and even off the lens altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Patent number: 6089706
    Abstract: A customized eyewear system sunglasses clip assembly is provided. The assembly includes a clip element comprising a tension bar having a first end and a second opposite end, as well as a pair of flexible eyewires each having a first end attached to the tension bar and a second end selectively feedable through and lockable by a screw locking unit fixed to the tension bar. Each eyewire is designed for wrapping around a sunglass lens. A pair of hook elements is also provided for use in maintaining the finished sunglass clip unit in an overlying position with respect to the wearer's prescription eyeglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: James F. Pilat, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6082857
    Abstract: Lightweight safety spectacles have a lens portion and two wing portions formed from a thin sheet of polycarbonate. A flange extends forwardly of the top edge of the lens portion, and a browguard of thin sheet aluminum is fixed to the flange by indentation of one of the opposed faces of the browguard by pin punches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Michael William Lockhart
  • Patent number: 5984473
    Abstract: A method and a system of adjusting a progressive lens relative to the frame of a patient's spectacles. The lens has power and distortions distributions and far and near vision zones and is selected inter alia in accordance with respective prescribed first and second values of the optical power required for the patient's eye at its reading and distance vision. A direction of a line of sight of the patient's eye at the reading vision, relative to the frame of the spectacles, is determined. The lens is positioned and oriented relative to the frame so as to ensure that the line of sight passes through the near vision zone of the progressive lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Rotlex Ltd.
    Inventor: Ami Livnat
  • Patent number: 5940161
    Abstract: A method for mounting safety shields onto eyeglass temples and a kit for carrying out that method. A temple of an eyeglass frame is placed in a channel forming part of a side shield thereafter, a screw is inserted into an opening formed in the side shield and into a member affixed to the temple to create a fastened fit between the temple and the channel which attaches the side shield to the temple. The side shield is placed in its operative position before the screw is inserted into the opening and the fastened fit results from the insertion of the screw into the opening and member which holds the side shield in its operative position. The kit includes a side shield having a longitudinally extending channel into which a longitudinally extending eyeglass temple may be inserted. The channel has an open lateral end through which the temple may be inserted and a supporting lateral end against which the temple may be supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Hudson Optical Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Hirschman, Wayne Jerman
  • Patent number: 5926247
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing spectacles by obtaining accurate frame shape information without performing a frame shape measurement in the spectacle store. In this method, frame shape information is first obtained after a spectacle frame is manufactured in a factory. Moreover, frame-related information, which includes the obtained frame shape information, or readout information, according to which this frame-related information is read out, is preliminarily added to the spectacle frame. Thereafter, in a spectacle store, the frame-related information is read from the spectacle itself or from a storage unit or the like by using the information added to the spectacle frame as a key. Thus, frame shape information, which is needed when obtaining lens processing information, is obtained therein. The present invention further provides a spectacle frame for use in this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Toshio Kimura
  • Patent number: 5839970
    Abstract: The head of a mallet-type putter includes on its upper surface indicia in the form of a first long line, a second short line, and a series of even shorter lines extending from the end of the short line and sweeping rearward in a curved are to become parallel with the first long line. In order to compensate for a golfer's sighting error resulting from eye predominance, the long line is arranged to align putts that are ten feet or longer in distance from the golf ball to the putting cup. The short line and the arcuate array of even shorter lines are arranged to align putts that are shorter than ten feet in distance from the golf ball to the putting cup. The golfer may measure the degree of eye dominance, if any, by a sighting method that closely approximates conditions found on all golf courses including a 4 1/4 inch putting cup, and this measurement is used to arrange the different sighting lines on the putter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Samuel Lombardo
  • Patent number: 5838417
    Abstract: An assembly jig, and method for assembling a clip-on eyeglass accessory, such as clip-on sunglasses, which is custom-made for a pair of eyeglasses, such as prescription eyeglasses. The accessory is made from two lenses, a lower clasp attached to the edge of each lens, and a unitary upper bridge piece which further includes an elastic bridge with an upper clasp on either end. The clasps are hook-shaped to hold onto eyeglasses by the spring force of the bridge. No accessory frame is needed because the four clasps attach directly to the lens. To assemble the accessory with the bridge and lower clasps in the correct assembly positions the jig makes use of lens holders. These lens holders are the same as those on which the accessory lenses have already been shaped in outline so as to match the outline of the eyeglasses. The lens holders are mated with respective lens mounts on the jig, and the jig permits adjustment of the distance between the mounts and the angles of the mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Custom Optical Frames, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dahan, Charles Dahan
  • Patent number: 5815238
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a molded ophthalmic lens from between the mold portions in which it is produced. A source of intense electromagnetic radiation is applied to at least one of the mold portions in a predetermined scanning pattern through the intermediary of galvanometer-driven mirrors. Differential expansion of the heated mold polymer relative to the cooler polymer shifts one surface with respect to the other, and the shear force breaks the polymerized lens/polymer mold adhesion and assists in the separation of mold portions. The greater the temperature gradient between the surfaces of the mold portions, the greater the shearing force and the easier the mold portions separate. The heated back mold portion is promptly removed so that very little energy is transferred to the polymer lens, avoiding the possibility of thermal decomposition of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Beaton, Denwood F. Ross, Craig W. Walker
  • Patent number: 5805263
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an optically non correcting lens blank for the manufacture of an optically non correcting lens, having a high curvature, corresponding to an average radius of curvature at most equal to about 90 mm, said lens blank comprising a transparent blade, and having on the one hand, a geometrical axis, passing through said blade and defining a geometrical center, and on the other hand, an optical axis defining an optical center, the blade, when seen in elevation, further having a generally non circular contour, the optical axis and geometrical axis, and thus the optical and geometrical centers, being physically separated by a predetermined distance from each other and angularly displaced, the blade further comprising stacking correction means, which are integrated with or affixed to the contour of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Christian Dalloz S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Reymondet, Etienne Billard
  • Patent number: 5790232
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pair of spectacle lenses, comprises a step of adjusting lens curves of the right and left lenses by making a relatively large lens curve of an R1 surface of one lens of the pair of right and left lenses inset in the approximate to a relatively small lens curve of the R1 surface of the other lens of the pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Hagiwara, Makoto Fukuyama, Satoru Kimura
  • Patent number: 5774200
    Abstract: Clip-on auxiliary glasses are custom fit to a user's regular eyeglasses by selecting heat-softenable rim blanks having circumferences corresponding to the circumferences of auxiliary lenses, softening them and securing the auxiliary lenses in them. A pair of spaced clips is secured in the periphery of each rim, and a spring bridge strap is cut to length and secured to each rim to produce a unit which matches the configuration of the eyeglasses with which the auxiliary glasses are to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Clip Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan N. Markey
  • Patent number: 5764333
    Abstract: A method and kit for making sunshields for eyeglasses. The sunshields are flexible, transparent sheets of smooth plastic film that are retained on lenses of eyeglasses by electrostatic attraction. The sunshields are made of smooth plastic film having opposed parallel surfaces that are flat and planar except as the film may be curved to match surfaces of the lenses, and absorb some incident electromagnetic radiation. The method includes the steps of laying eyeglasses on a sheet of writing material and tracing an outline of lenses of the eyeglasses on the sheet with a writing implement, cutting along the outlines on the sheet to obtain silhouettes of the lenses, comparing the silhouettes to the lenses in the eyeglasses to see if they match, and laying the silhouettes on a sheet of the smooth plastic film, and cutting the plastic film along the edges of the silhouettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: John R. Somsel
  • Patent number: 5758017
    Abstract: An eyeglass heater includes a fan motor, heater coils, and feedback circuitry for controlling the fan motor and heater coils. A heat conductive housing encloses all components and provides opposed air outlets for directing the heated air upon the work piece (eyeglass frames).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Western Optical Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hudspeth, Joshua Freilich
  • Patent number: 5689323
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optically corrected lens for nonprescription, dual lens eyeglasses. In a preferred embodiment, the anterior surface of the lens lies on a portion of a first sphere having a first center. The posterior surface of the lens lies on the surface of a second sphere having a second center. The first and second centers are offset from one another to provide a tapered lens. The lens is oriented on the head of the wearer by a frame that maintains the lens in a position such that a line drawn through the first and second centers is maintained substantially in parallel to the normal sight line of the wearer. Methods of making the lenses, and eyewear incorporating the lenses, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm Neal Houston, James H. Jannard, Carlos D. Reyes
  • Patent number: 5603125
    Abstract: A pair of swimming goggles includes a frame made of plastic material and including a pair of rims each defining an engaging groove therein. Each of the rims includes an annular member extending inwardly from an inner periphery which defines the engaging groove and thus separating the engaging groove into an outer portion and an inner portion. A lens of rigid transparent material is received in the outer portion of each of the rims and has a first engaging member formed on a first side thereof. An engaging ring of rigid material is mounted in the inner portion of each of the rims and has a second engaging member on a first side thereof, in which one of each of the first engaging members and the second engaging members extends through the associated annular member to engage with one another. The lenses, the frame, and the engaging rings are fused together by ultrasonic waves, thereby forming an integral pair of swimming goggles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Terry Chou
  • Patent number: 5592248
    Abstract: A method is provided for custom manufacturing or fitting eyeglasses wherein a digital camera is used to take a series of digital images of selected portions of a subjects head, the images then being stored in a computer electronically associated with the camera, wherein the images contain frame and lens fitting information with respect to the size and shape of the subjects head, and thereafter providing a visual image display screen functionally associated with the computer for receiving and visually displaying the images such that an eyeglass frame and lens can be structurally and dimensionally configured in accordance with the fitting information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventors: Ross A. Norton, Leon L. Norton
  • Patent number: 5526068
    Abstract: A combination lens assembly having optical properties suitable for use in eyewear comprising a glass lens member and a plastic lens member having a rim for holding the glass lens proximate thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Aaron M. Markovitz
  • Patent number: 5485399
    Abstract: A spectacle lens supply method for a system which includes a terminal installed at a lens orderer side and at least a computing device installed at a lens processor side and connected to the terminal via a communication line, for supplying spectacle lenses. In the lens supply method, the terminal transmits processing condition data including at least one of lens information, frame information, prescription values, layout information and processing information to the computing device, and the computing device calculates a desired lens shape including a bevel figure based on the received processing condition data, creates accept/reject information as to whether a lens process including beveling is possible or not, based on the result of the calculation, and transmits the accept/reject information to the terminal, which information is displayed at the terminal to permit the lens orderer to learn whether the lens process including beveling is possible or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Saigo, Takeo Koseki, Yoshihiro Kikuchi, Takashi Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 5387950
    Abstract: Prescription eyewear is disclosed comprising a non-prescription one-piece plastic lens shield within the periphery of which generally central apertures have been formed, and prescription lenses are permanently affixed within said apertures. The lens shield are generally obtained from optically defective lens shield material since apertures are to be cut out centrally from the lens shield. Alternatively, the non-prescription lens shield may be optically correct and, of course, may still be the source of the prescription eyewear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: Alfred Weltmann
  • Patent number: 5381190
    Abstract: A low vision lens for attachment to the front surface of an ophthalmic lens by an adhesive ring coupling carried by the lens, a method for making such a lens assembly, and a method for attaching such lens to the front surface of ophthalmic lens is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Unilens Corp, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Denis Rehse, Frank Rumsey, Tim Petito, Samuel Garrett, Giovanna Olivares, David Welsh, Roger Antici, Josepha Bruno
  • Patent number: 5359370
    Abstract: Disclosed is an eyewear system designed to improve the comfort, fit, functionability, and modularity of the eyewear. Features include a 180.degree. reflex spring hinge which improves comfort, fit, and safety; a sway-hinge mechanism that allows the temples to be independently adjusted to improve comfort and fit of the eyewear behind the ears; a strap-pad which has been ergonomically designed to fit different shaped and sized noses and can be positioned for wearer comfort and convenience; a frame and lens construction that allows for modularity by the easy removal and replacement of the lens, temples, tops of frames, and nose pieces; and accessories that can be added to the eyewear to provide a greater degree of comfort and to protect the face from ultraviolet radiation and the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Mugnier Design
    Inventor: Marc Mugnier
  • Patent number: 5129719
    Abstract: This invention relates to a manufacturing method for production of visibly heterogeneous or asymmetrical sunglasses, eyeglasses or frames. The production method mass produces a product comprising a randomly selected motley assembly of asymmetrical lens frames, for example, wherein a component of the left frame is different from a component in either the left frame or the right frame and/or where the product is sunglasses, the left lens is of a different color from the right lens, for example. Further, in the method both differing aspects may occur in the manufactured product. The sunglasses made by a random selection of right and left framed lenses of different colors, for example, and/or by a random selection of right and left differently framed lenses or by a random selection of both. In the method for manufacturing parts of the frames are randomly selected from sets of randomly pre-assembled sub-assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Clarence R. Dombrosky
  • Patent number: 5046198
    Abstract: The present invention describes goggles for protection against gases having a resilient frame with two eye spaces each surrounding an eye of the user. The eye spaces are surrounded by mounts which hold the lenses in place. In order to obtain a firm fit and the required sealing-tightness between the lenses and the mounts, the surface of the front edge of the mount is formed with a peripheral groove in which a rigid ring is secured. This ring applies pressure to the surface of the front edge of the mount sealingly securing the lens in a recess in the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Auergesellschaft GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Hunnebeck
  • Patent number: 4862726
    Abstract: This invention provides a system for shaping eyeglasses, utilizing a moveable die member and a supporting die member which, when brought together with an eyeglass temple therebetween, causes the eyeglass temple to bend to the desired shape. In one form there is disclosed a pliers-type device that has a male die member on one jaw and a female die member on the other jaw having a groove to hold the eyeglass temple in place. A projection or cusp in the groove of the female member causes a crimp to be formed in the eyeglass temple when the jaws are closed. This cusp corresponds to a hollow or indentation behind a typical human ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Paul Fooshee
  • Patent number: 4795247
    Abstract: A process for fitting temple end pieces onto the ends of the temples of a spectacle frame with a simplified manner of trimming the ends of the temples to the proper length and affixation of the temple end pieces thereto in the proper angle of rotation about the axes of the temples is disclosed together with apparatus for performing the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Eyemetrics-Systems AG
    Inventors: Stephan Volk, Joachim Baum
  • Patent number: 4690523
    Abstract: An eyeglass frame is disclosed which comprises a monolithic, one piece front member fabricated of thermoplastic resin and having a unitary brow bar and a pair of lens rims depending therefrom, there being an elongated reinforcement member fully embedded within said front member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: Kenco Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Loiacono
  • Patent number: 4573121
    Abstract: A method for determining the optimum thickness of an ophthalmic lens comprises the steps of applying data indicative of the kind of a lens suitable for a spectacle wearer and the contents of a prescription as inputs to a computer, executing necessary computation by the computer according to a predetermined program on the basis of the various input data thereby drawing a map of an equi-thickness line group of the ophthalmic lens on the basis of the result of computation, and placing a spectacle frame at a predetermined position on the map of the equi-thickness line group to find out the outermost equi-thickness line within the extent of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Hoya Lens Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Saigo, Akira Kitani
  • Patent number: 4443074
    Abstract: A method for making reinforced eyeglass frames of plastic material comprises the steps of providing at least a plastic plate, forming therein a groove of predetermined configuration, placing a metallic reinforcing blade in the groove, sealing the groove to permanently embed the reinforcing blade therein and cutting the plate adjacent the metallic reinforcing blade along the profile of the predetermined configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: MORWEN S.r.l.
    Inventor: Renato Giacomelli
  • Patent number: 4427271
    Abstract: A technique is presented for increasing the effective strength and impact resistance of mounted, finished, edged and strengthened ophthalmic glass lenses and particularly those which are relatively thin and prestrengthened chemically. This is accomplished by the incorporation of material preferably applied to the edge of the lens such that the material cushions a relatively thin eyeglass lens when mounted in an eyeglass frame. The elastomeric material is selected to have high strength and low modulus properties. One particular group of materials meeting these requirements is known as heat shrinkable material. This material is preferably applied to the edge of a lens in the form of a gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: C. Davis Fogg
  • Patent number: 4293201
    Abstract: The invention proposes a novel method for providing a covering pad member of silicone rubber to a frame of spectacles on the portions coming into contact with the human body of the wearer of the spectacles, such as the side pieces and the nose pads. According to the inventive method, a shaped member of the silicone rubber having dimensions somewhat smaller than the portion to be covered therewith is first swelled with an orgnosilicon compound having volatility, inserted to the portion, e.g. sidepiece, and then dried by evaporation of the organosilicon compound as the swelling agent whereby the member shrinks to fit the portion of the frame tightly. Organosilicon compounds, e.g. hexamethyldisiloxane, are recommended owing to the physiological inertness to human body as well as owing to the absence of aggressiveness to the plastic part used in the frames of spectacles causing no damage to the beautiful appearance of the frame even in an inadvertent contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Fukuda, Tomiyoshi Tutida
  • Patent number: RE37425
    Abstract: A frame for rimless spectacles is provided which has no protuberances projecting from both surfaces of lenses, provides an improved effective field of view, and can be fabricated with ease. Blind holes are formed in nose- and temple-side edge surface portions of each spectacle lens, respectively. A pin-like projection is formed on each of nose-side and temple-side contact plates, and is inserted and fixed in the corresponding blind hole by using an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Yukihiro Izumitami
  • Patent number: RE37461
    Abstract: A frame for rimless spectacles is provided which has no protuberances projecting from both surfaces of lenses, provides an improved effective field of view, and can be fabricated with ease. Blind holes are formed in nose- and temple-side edge surface portions of each spectacle lens, respectively. A pin-like projection is formed on each of nose-side and temple-side contact plates, and is inserted and fixed in the corresponding blind hole by using an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Yukihiro Izumitami