Abstract
The device of the current invention is a visual aid that provides for a lens that is attached to a frame that can be connected to a handle. The frame is curved in a way that can allow it to be smaller and be held closer to the eye than existing visual aids. The frame has inner extensions allowing the lens to be attached away from the edges of the frame, making the lens much smaller than the frame itself. This also allows the lens to be placed at a safe and fixed distance close to the eye. When the lens is smaller and when held closer to the eye, the user has the ability to view a wider field of vision than available in the current visual aids. This invention also describes a stick and a ring as examples of handles that can carry the frame with the small lens on it along with inherent utilities more expanded than existing art.
Claims
1. A magnifier for use braced against a human head, said magnifier comprising: a. a hinge means functioning to secure a frame, said frame having a window centrally located therein; b. said frame having a proximal and a distal extension defined thereon; c. a lens, said lens being smaller than the human cornea, said lens being secured to an upper and a lower extension on said frame; d. said hinge means having at least one stationary loop and a pivoting axle therein; e. said pivoting axle having a connection to the frame; f. said stationary loop designed to act as a footing and abut the superior orbital rim of a user; g. said stationary loop is secured to a user's ring; h. wherein the user can position said frame in a closed position against the ring and a functional position; and i. wherein the user can open the frame to the functional position and place the stationary loop against the user's superior orbital rim, or lower eyelid thereby positioning the lens a distance from the cornea ranging from 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm (0.098 inch to 0.138 inch).
2. A magnifier for use braced against a human head, said magnifier comprising: a. a frame, said frame being arcuate shaped and having a window defined therein, said window being smaller than the cornea of a human eye; b. a lens, said lens being fixed to said frame on a side of said frame; c. said frame having a proximal edge and a distal edge; d. said frame having an upper extension located on a proximal edge and a lower extension located on a distal edge; e. said frame having a hinge means consisting of a pivoting axle connected to said proximal edge of said frame; f. said pivoting axle is rotatably connected to at least one stationary loop; g. said stationary loop being secured to a user's ring; h. the user's upper and lower eyelid define a safety eyelid level plane, or safety boundary; i. said safety boundary being at least 2.5 mm to 3 mm (0.098 inch to 0.118 inch) from the user's cornea; j. said axle and stationary loop collectively defining an upper footing, said upper footing being positioned on said proximal edge of said frame, said distal edge defining a lower footing; k. wherein the user can close the frame against the ring, said lens being positioned between an outer surface of said ring and said a concave side of said frame; and l. wherein the user can pivotably open said frame to the functional position and place the lower footing on said distal edge against the user's upper eyelid and said upper footing on said proximal edge on said lower eyelid thereby placing the lens a safe distance from the user's cornea of at least 3 mm (0.118 inches).
3. The magnifier as described in claim 2, wherein said hinge means consists of 2 loops, said loops being fixed to an outer surface of said ring and being spaced apart; a. said pivoting axle being fixed to said frame on said proximal edge and being rotatably connected to said loops located at said users ring allowing said frame to rotate from a closed position to an open position.
4. The magnifier as described in claim 2, further comprising: a. a locking means, said locking means being located on said distal edge of said frame; and b. said locking means is a magnet, said magnet securing said concave side of said frame in close proximity to said outer surface of said ring.
5. A magnifier for use braced against a human head, said magnifier comprising: a. a frame, said frame being arcuate shaped and having a window defined therein, said window being smaller than the cornea of a human eye; b. said frame having an proximal extension and a distal extension; c. a lens, said lens being fixed to said frame on a concave side of said frame, said lens further being smaller in size than the human cornea; d. said frame having a proximal edge and a distal edge, said proximal extension being located on said proximal edge and said distal extension being located on said distal edge; e. a hinge means functioning to secure said lens and said frame in a closed and functional position; f. the upper and lower eyelid of the user define a safety eyelid level plane, or safety boundary, said safety boundary defining a radius, said radius being defined by the upper and lower eyelid of a user; g. said safety boundary being at least 3 mm (0.118 inches) from the user's cornea; h. a proximal footing, said proximal footing is positioned on said proximal edge of said frame; i. wherein the user can close the frame against a ring, said lens being positioned between an outer surface of said ring and said concave side of said frame; and j. wherein the user can pivotably open said frame to the functional position and place the proximal footing against the user's upper eyelid and said distal end on said lower eyelid thereby placing the lens a distance from the user's cornea of at least 3 mm (0.118 inches).
6. The magnifier as described in claim 5, wherein said arcuate shape of said frame is a radius, said radius matching the radius of said safety boundary when the eyelids are in an open position.
7. The magnifier as described in claim 5, wherein said hinge means consists of one centrally located loop; a. said loop being centrally fixed to an outer surface of said ring; b. a pivoting axle being fixed to said frame on said proximal edge and being rotatably connected to said loop located at said users ring allowing said frame to rotate from a closed position to an open position; and c. said pivoting axle and said loop further defining said upper footing.
8. The magnifier as described in claim 5, wherein said hinge means consists of two loops, said loops being spaced apart and being located on said outer surface of said ring; and a. a pivoting axle being fixed to said frame on said proximal edge and being rotatably connected to said loops located on said ring allowing said frame to rotate from a closed position to an open position.
9. The magnifier as described in claim 5, further comprising: a. a locking means, said locking means being located on said distal edge of said frame; and b. said locking means is a magnet, said magnet securing said concave side of said frame in close proximity to said outer surface of said ring.
10. The magnifier as described in claim 5, further comprising at least 2 prongs, said prongs being attached to said proximal and distal extensions of said frame; and a. said prongs fixing said lens to said frame, said lens being centrally located to said window in said frame allowing a user to see through said lens and said window when said frame is rotated to a functional position.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The invention, together with further advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
(2) FIG. 1A—Frame on a Stick with a Concavo-Convex Lens
(3) FIG. 1B—Matching Radii of Curvatures
(4) FIG. 2A—Frame on Eyelids-Profile View
(5) FIG. 2B—Frame on a Stick Placed on Eyelids-Frontal View
(6) FIG. 2C—Ring with a Frame on the Eyelids
(7) FIG. 3—Frame on a Stick Bi-Convex Lens
(8) FIG. 4A—Concave View of the Lens Frame
(9) FIG. 4B—Extension in New Invention
(10) FIG. 5—Convex View of the Lens Frame
(11) FIG. 6—Profile View of the Lens Frame
(12) FIG. 7—Safety Eyelid Level Plane
(13) FIG. 8—Profile View Safety Plane
(14) FIG. 9—Concave View Safety Plane
(15) FIG. 10—Tilted View Safety Plane
(16) FIG. 11A—Frame in Locked Position on a Ring-Profile View
(17) FIG. 11B—Frame in Locked Position on a Ring-Top View
(18) FIG. 12A—Frame in Unlocked Position on a Ring-Profile View
(19) FIG. 12B—Frame in Unlocked Position on a Ring-Side View
(20) FIG. 12C—Frame attached to single Loop-Oblique Position
(21) FIG. 13—Lens Prongs Details
(22) FIG. 14A—Safety Lens Cornea Distance-Current Invention
(23) FIG. 14B—Safety Lens Cornea Distance-Existing Art
(24) FIG. 15A—External Loop Tunnel-Full and Open
(25) FIG. 15B—External Loop Tunnel-Full and Closed
(26) FIG. 15C—External Loop Tunnel-Partial and Open
(27) FIG. 15D—External Loop Tunnel-Partial and Closed
(28) FIG. 15E—Internal Tunnel
(29) FIG. 15F—Hybrid Loop Tunnel-Full and Open
(30) FIG. 15G—Hybrid Loop Tunnel-Full and Closed
(31) FIG. 15H—Hybrid Loop Tunnel-Partial and Open
(32) FIG. 15I—Hybrid Loop Tunnel-Partial and Closed
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Background of the Invention
(33) Existing handheld visual aid tools provide for magnification that requires large lenses. In general, visual aids such as magnifiers are handheld and bulky while in use. When hand held, they allow only for a narrow field of vision, or when designed to allow for a wider field of vision, existing devices must be made bigger and be worn on large frames called eyeglasses. The current invention allows for a wide field magnification, discrete use and transportation without the use of large eyeglasses or bulky magnifiers.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
(34) The following disclosure encompasses several methods to attach the lens-frame-footing (100), the current invention, to a holding apparatus such as a ring (2) or a holding stick (26) as examples. The lens-frame-footing (100) can also be attached by itself in front of the eye without any holding apparatus by connecting it to an anatomical feature near the eye. All components describing the details of the lens-frame-Footing (100) portion of the invention are identical and do not have unique numerical identifiers.
(35) Referring to FIG. 1A we show the present invention (100) that consists of a frame (4) carrying a concavo-convex lens (1), hereinafter “lens”, with specific optical power. In one particular embodiment of the invention (200) the frame can be attached to a stick (26). The frame (4) is the central element of the current invention. The frame (4) has a concave side (12) (FIGS. 4, 6) and a convex side (13) (FIGS. 5, 6). The frame (4) is arcuate shaped and has a specific radius (83) (FIG. 1B) that matches and conforms with the radius of the human cornea (25) (FIG. 1B). The frame (4) has at least two outer edge footings (27) one located on the proximal edge (56) and another located on the distal edge (58) that are used to position and stabilize the frame (4) on the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23) during use. The dotted line depicted in FIG. 1A represents a safety boundary (28) which separates the physical elements of the present invention (100) from the vital elements of the human eye. This safety boundary (28) is also named the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28). The outer edge frame footings (27) support such separation during use as the user positions the frame footings (27) on the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23) keeping all physical elements of the frame (4) from breaching the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28).
(36) Unlike FIG. 1A that shows a concavo-convex lens on a frame, FIG. 3 represents a profile view of a different type of lens, a bi-convex lens (1) anchored to a frame (4). In one embodiment of the current invention (200) the frame (4) is mounted on a stick (26) which is handheld during use. The frame (4) is arcuate shaped and has a specific radius (83) (FIG. 1B) that matches and conforms with the radius of the human cornea (81) (FIG. 1B). The frame (4) also has extension features (31) allowing the dimensions of the window (10), to be smaller than the frame (4). A smaller window (10) allows for a smaller lens (1). Since the bi-convex lens (1) in FIG. 3 is thicker in the center, it is anchored differently than the concavo-convex lens (1) shown in FIG. 1A. This manipulation is intended to keep the lens (1) within the safety boundary (28) that separates the frame from the human eye (20) (FIG. 2A).
(37) FIG. 6 represents a profile view of the frame (4) of the preferred embodiment. The top part of the figure is the convex side (13) of the frame (4), and the bottom is the concave side (12) of the frame (4). The concavo-convex lens (1), here-in-after referred to as “lens”, is anchored to the frame (4) with prongs (11) on the concave side (12) of the frame (4). A locking mechanism (9) is attached to the distal edge (8) of the frame (4) on the concave side (12) of the frame (4) (bottom side of this figure). Prong details are shown in FIG. 13.
(38) In another preferred embodiment (300) of the invention (100) illustrated in FIG. 2C, the frame (4) is anchored on a ring (2) by attaching loops (6) to the outer surface (14) of the ring (2). The frame (4) is connected to the ring (2) by inserting a rod (7) through the loops (6) at the proximal edge (5) of the frame (4). The arcuate shaped frame (4) having a radius (83) similar to the radius of the periphery (81) of the human cornea (25). The frame (4) can be brought close to the cornea (25) and centered on the visual axis by resting the frame footings (27) on the outer skin layer of the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23). The outward and convex direction of the frame (4) allows the lens to be kept away from the cornea (25). Unlike all other flat plane frames of handheld visual aids in prior art, the present invention (100) prevents the lens (1) and all other physical elements of the frame (4) from breaching the arc shaped 3 mm thick safety barrier we are calling the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28). This barrier is 3 mm away (24) from the eye and its vital anatomical features. The curvature of the frame (4) can be manipulated to be flatter and steeper based on functional requirements so long as it does not breach the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28). Such collective spatial arrangement of the elements of the frame (4) leads to a secure separation distance (24) between the cornea (25) and the lens-frame-footing (100) elements of the invention. These essential unique features of the preferred embodiment of the invention (100) allow for the safe ability to limit the distance between the frame elements and the cornea (25) to a critical minimum for the purpose of protecting the eye (20) from any risk of physical injury.
(39) The loops (6) can be placed on the ring (2) in various ways. FIG. 12A illustrates 2 loops (6) placed on the edge of the outer surface of the ring (2).
(40) Another essential element of the current invention (100) illustrated in FIG. 1B is the unique choice of the radius of curvature of the frame (83). The frame (4) is designed to have a radius of curvature (83) that conforms with the radius of curvature of the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28). The Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) has a radius of curvature that is close to the radius of the central (85) and peripheral cornea (81). FIG. 1B also illustrates the curvatures of the average ring worn by humans (84), the frame (4) subject to the current invention (100) (83), the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28), and that of the peripheral cornea (81) as very closely matched curvatures. The numerical representation of the 4 closely matched curvatures is shown in Table 1.
(41) The radius (83) of the frame (4) is designed to be slightly longer than that of the cornea (25) to provide for a frame surface that is flatter than that of the cornea (25). Edges of a flatter frame (4) are softer and safer to place on the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23). In addition to a flatter frame (4) is more visible by the user thus easier to manipulate during use.
(42) The preferred embodiment of the invention (100) can in some situations be a viable substitute for the planar-shaped larger high optical power magnifiers and other visual aids on the basis of convenience and safely using smaller lenses closer to the eye. This same optical principle was used when contact lenses were introduced as a substitute for high prescription glasses. Contact lenses provided much optical relief by using lenses that are much smaller and closer to the eye than eyeglasses, hence allowed higher power and asymmetric optical corrections to be free of aberrations and more functionally tolerated by users. The principle of lenses being smaller and closer of the current invention is also the same as that of intraocular lenses that are placed inside the eye replacing the grotesquely massive thick lenses of aphakic spectacles used following cataract extraction. Intraocular lenses greatly reduced inconvenience and all the adverse optical effects and aberrations and asymmetry associated with thick glasses required after cataract surgery.
(43) Both mentioned prior art (Contact Lenses and Intraocular Lenses) brought life changing benefits to millions on the basis of making smaller lenses and placing them closer to the eye's optical apparatus. Contact Lenses are place on the eye, and Intraocular Lenses are placed inside of it; the device proposed in the current invention (100) is placed outside the eye.
(44) It is critical to emphasize that the unique feature of the current invention (100) is the ability to utilize a very small lens (under 10 mm) attached to a visual aid to safely use it closer to the eye and safer than equivalent existing art; the use of smaller and closer lenses is restricted to hard contact lenses (10 mm) and intraocular lenses (6 mm) in current use. The current invention (100) brings the lens safely close to the eye without placing it on the eye (as in contact lenses) or in the eye (as in intraocular lenses).
(45) Continuing with FIG. 2A, The Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) is the virtual spherical cap dome-shaped surface covering the outer skin surface of the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23). The frame outer edge footings (27) in the current invention are specifically oriented to conform to the upper and lower eyelids' (22, 23) outer configuration. The arcuate shape of the frame (4) is specifically curved with a radius (83) to match the curvature of the radius Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) in the open eyelids position (82) as well as that of the peripheral cornea (25) (FIG. 1B). An essential element of the current invention is the specific size and location of the lens (1) within the frame (4). In addition to the lens (1) being located in the center of the frame (4), in the current invention, the lens (1) is specifically designed to be separated from the cornea (25) by a safety distance (24) equal to the thickness of the eyelids which is about 3 mm. In the design of the current invention, the lens (1) will not encroach into the safety boundary (28) we are referring to in this submission as the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28). This boundary plane (28) is anatomically located at the level of the skin outer surface of the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23) is also shown in FIG. 7 with the eyelids closed. This safety anatomical boundary plane (28) is fixed in position whether the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23) are open as shown in FIG. 2A or closed, as shown in FIG. 7. The shape of this boundary plane (28) is determined by the fixed shape and location of the cornea (25) and the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23). The frame (4) does not determine the shape of the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28), rather it is specifically designed and conforms to it. Unlike the existing prior art, the preferred embodiment of the invention (100) is designed with thickness, curvature, and outer edge footings (27) specifically intended to respect the boundary of the outer layer of the eyelids referred to in this presentation as the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28). Such design's core intention is to be curved and tilted to keep all its structural elements from crossing the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) of the human eye (20), preventing injury.
(46) FIG. 8 represents the manner in which the frame (4), lens (1) and footings (27) are designed with the intention to be kept on the convex side (48) of the Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28). The frame (4) outer edge footings (27) define the position of the frame (4) with respect to the Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28) once the user places footings (27) on his/her upper and lower eyelid skin (22, 23). Note that the curvature of the frame (4), is parallel to the curvature of the Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28), as they both have a radius (83) that is similar to that of the curvature of the human cornea (25). The footings' (27) position in conjunction with the curvature of the frame (4), restrict the encroachment of any mechanical elements including the lens (1) past the Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28).
(47) FIG. 9 represents the concave view of the Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28) on the frame (4) as seen by the user during use. When the user places the frame (4) close to the eye (20) (not shown) and places the frame footings (27) on the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23), the user can effectively see through the lens (1) with the knowledge that the frame (4) and the lens (1) attached to it are fixed in a stable and safe position on the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23) and will not breach the Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28) as intended by the invention (100).
(48) FIG. 10 represents a tilted view of the intended position of the Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28) on the frame (4) during use. In FIG. 10 as was shown in FIG. 9, the leading outer edge footings (27) are placed on the safety plane (28), the Frame (4) and the lens (1) along with the leading edge (27) footings are all behind the Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28).
(49) Referring to FIG. 2B, the frame (4) is shown longer than the diameter of the human cornea (25) as well as the vertical palpebral fissure (30) that represents the distance between the upper and lower eyelid (22, 23) margins. Such requirement allows the proximal (5) and distal (8) edges of the frame (4) to extend safely past the cornea (25) to rest onto the surfaces of the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23). The user can bring the invention (100) close enough to touch the upper eyelid (22) and/or the lower eyelid (23) or neither without risk of touching the eye (20) itself. FIG. 2B demonstrates how the lens (1) that is anchored on the frame (4) can safely be positioned closer to the cornea (25) by placing the outer edge footings (27) of the frame on the upper (22) and lower (23) eyelids. The lens (1) is exposed through the window (10) to the outside world, and the pupil (32) is visible through the transparent lens (1). The footings (27)-frame (4)-lens (1) apparatus (100) is physically separated from the cornea and other vital eye structures by the Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28) defined by the outer skin of the upper (22) and lower (23) eyelids on which the flat ends of the upper footings and lower footings (27) rest. FIG. 2B clearly demonstrates that the lens (1) is significantly smaller than the cornea (25), and emphasizes one of the core intentions of the current invention; a smaller lens (1) to be placed close to the eye (20).
(50) FIG. 4A represents a concave view of the current invention (100). This is the side of the frame (4) that faces the user's eye during use. In the center of the frame there is an open window (10). At the outer edges of the window (10) there are multiple prongs (11) designed to centrally fix the lens (1) to the window (10). The size, location and orientation of the prongs (11) can be manipulated to optimize the stability. The purpose of the window (10) is to allow light rays carrying images of the environment located on one side of the lens to travel to the other side where the eye is supposed to be positioned when the frame is place in front of the cornea (25) (not shown). The small size of the lens (1) as compared to existing art is an essential element of this invention.
(51) What enables the lens (1) to be smaller are the proximal (5) and distal (8) extensions (31) of the frame (4) unique to the current invention, shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 4B. The frame extensions (31) allow the window (10) and the lens (1) attached to it to be significantly smaller than the frame (4). Prior art calls for attaching a lens to the inner edge of the frame (FIG. 4B) as opposed to an inner edge of the extensions (31) of the frame (4) that is uniquely called for in this invention (100) (FIG. 4B). No extensions of the frame were needed in prior art because smaller lenses in smaller visual aids were never intended for use.
(52) FIG. 4A also shows a frame (4) with a distal edge (8) that contains locking and unlocking mechanism (9). On the opposite side of the frame (4) there is a proximal end (5) that contains a permanent anchoring mechanism of the frame (4). Depending on the embodiment of the invention (100), the anchoring mechanism can be a simple stick (26) shown in FIG. 1A or a rod (7) that is loosely integrated in two loops (6) on a ring holder also shown in FIG. 12B.
(53) FIG. 7 represents the location of the Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28), the virtual plane past which it is considered unsafe and injurious to encroach upon. FIG. 7 shows the profile sagittal cross-section of the front of the eye (20) and the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23) in the closed position. The virtual Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28) is located on the outer surface of the skin of the upper (22) and lower (23) eyelids. It is of importance to note that this plane (28) is nearly parallel to the outer skin layer of the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23) as well as the outer surface of the cornea (25) behind the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23). The Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28) is the arbitrary safety boundary of the anatomical area of the eye (20) past which the current invention (100) deems by intent and design a no entry zone. Such strict consideration of safety of the present invention (100) during use is not present in prior art. For that reason, all magnifiers and other handheld visual aids in existing use are not designed nor are they intended nor used nor able to be safely used with the intention to bring the device close enough to touch the skin of the user's eyelids as is the case in the current invention (100).
(54) FIG. 14A illustrates how the current invention (100) provides for a safe lens cornea distance (24) during use of the current device (100). As the user centers the lens (1) on the visual axis (29) and rests the frame footings (27) on the user's eyelids (22, 23), the curved nature of the frame (4) keeps the lens (1) away from the cornea (25) keeping it reliably at a safe distance (24). This illustration demonstrates that the virtual Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28) as defined in this presentation is not breached by any of the physical elements of the present invention (100). Resting the lens (1) on the upper (22) and lower (23) eyelids during use provides for predictable and stable lens-eye distance of about 3 mm (24). Such safety design elements are not present in existing art.
(55) FIG. 14B shows that if the frame (4) of a handheld visual aid in existing use is brought close to the cornea and touch the skin of the upper and lower eyelids (22) and (23), the lens (1) attached to the frame will breach the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) defined in this presentation and come close (24) to touching the cornea (25) and present risk of injury to the cornea (25) of the user. When one compares the distance between the lens (1) and the cornea (25) in the current invention (100) as shown in FIG. 14A and that of existing art shown in FIG. 14B, the difference is clear due to lack of frame curvature and the large size of the lens in the existing art.
(56) In FIG. 14B, the magnifier's straight frame (4) pushes the lens (1) closer (24) to the cornea (25) than what would be the case if the frame is curved as shown in FIG. 14A. This existing art does not take into account the risk of the lens (1) touching the cornea (25) when the frame footings (27) are brought into contact with the eyelids (22 and 23). For that reason, the existing art does not call for the frame footings to touch the eyelids; rather it calls for holding the device close but not touching the eye or eyelids. The current invention calls for a small lens on a curved frame (FIG. 14A), while the existing are calls for a large lens on a straight planar frame (FIG. 14B).
(57) FIG. 11A illustrates another embodiment (300) of the current invention (100) in which the frame (4) can be integrated with a finger ring (2). The advantage of this embodiment over that of a holding stick (26) handle is the ability of the user to easily carry the present invention (100) for extended periods of time. In this particular respect, unlike other hand-held magnifiers and visual aids, the current invention (100) allows the visual aid to be in the same category as eyeglasses, contact lenses and intraocular lenses, where the expectation is that the visual aid is on the user's body at all time without any appreciable effort on the part of the user. The difference here of course is that the (300) embodiment does not place the lens (1) in front of the eye (20) at all time, rather it is on the body at all time. In addition, unlike the existing art of handheld magnifiers where the ability to manipulate the frame is limited in degrees of freedom to the one wrist joint, when the frame is placed on a finger ring there are additional degrees of freedom that become available for more accurate placement of the lens (1) in front of the eye. This is due to the additional number of joints involved in holding a device on the finger.
(58) Referring to FIG. 11A, in this embodiment of the invention (300) while the device is not in use, the frame (4) is in a locked position on the ring (2). In this position the lens (1) that is anchored to the frame (4) is sandwiched between the frame (4) and the ring (2). The view through the lens (1) is blocked by the outer surface of the ring (2). In the locked position, while the concave side (12) of the frame (4) adjoins and conforms to the outer surface of the ring (2), the convex side (13) of the frame, that is on the opposite side of the frame (4) faces the outside world. In this embodiment of the current invention (300), the loops (6) are fixed to the outer edge of the outer surface (14) of the ring (2). The loops (6) act as a fixed anchor through which the frame (4) can be flexibly be connected.
(59) In FIG. 11A there is a gap (68) between the frame (4) and ring (2) that can be manipulated to accommodate differing lenses having different types, powers, shapes and sizes. In addition, the overall shape, design, esthetic appeal of the frame and ring can be artistically manipulated without interfering with the optimal optical performance of the lens.
(60) Continuing with FIG. 11A, features of the design can include magnetic material to further simplify the functionalities and facilitate the use of the device. Specifically, at the distal edge (8) of the frame (4), the locking mechanism of the frame (9) can magnetically connect with the ring (2). Size and strength of such magnetic elements can be manipulated to facilitate the reversible locking and unlocking of the frame (4) to the ring (2) before and after use. The frame (4) can be locked in the closed position using either a mechanical or magnetic mechanism (9).
(61) Continuing in FIG. 11A the frame (4) connects to the ring (2) through the rod (7) and the loops (6). The rod (7) is fixed to the frame (4). The loops (6) are fixed to the ring (2). The rod (7) is loosely and flexibly inserted through both loops (6). In the locked position, the proximal edge (5) the frame (4) is connected to the ring (2) flexibly and irreversibly with the rod (7) which is inserted in the loops (6). On the distal edge (8) the frame (4) has a locking-unlocking mechanism (9) affixed.
(62) Moving on to FIG. 11B where a top view of the device (100) illustrates the frame (4) on a ring (2) that is in the locked position. In this position the frame (4) with the lens (1) attached, are anchored to the ring (2). The Lens (1) is partially seen through the window (10) that is a permanent opening located in the center of the frame (4). The attachment of the frame (4) to the ring (2) is achieved through the insertion of the rod (7), which is a fixed element of the frame (4) through loops (6) that are fixed to the ring (2). The rod (7) and the loops (6) are flexibly connected together allowing the frame (4) when user wishes to use the lens to be rotated towards the open position without being disconnected from the ring (2) as shown in FIG. 12A.
(63) In FIG. 12A, the frame (4) is rotated open around the axis (78) of the rod (7) which rotates inside the loops (6) that are fixed to the ring (2) into the open unlocked position. Only in the unlocked position can the lens be used as a visual aid. The device (100) can be used only in the unlocked position once the lens (1) is moved away from the outer surface (14) of the ring (2) that blocks the concave side (12) of the frame (4) in the locked position. In the unlocked position, both sides of the lens (1) are exposed to the environment with unblocked transparency. The frame (4) does not block the lens (1) because it has a permanently open window (10) as shown in FIGS. 5 and 12B.
(64) Continuing with 12A and 11B, when the user is done, the frame (4) can be rotated around the axis (78) of the rod (7) that is rotating inside the loops (6), the loops are permanently fixed to the ring (2) and fastened in the locked position. The lens (1) cannot be used in the locked position. Notice that when the frame (4) is unlocked, it forms an angle (21) with the ring (2). This angle (21) can be manipulated to allow the lens (1) which is attached to the frame (4) that is connected to the ring (2) to be placed in close proximity to the cornea (25) in a manner that allows the entire ring (2)-frame (4)-lens (1) apparatus (80) to properly and comfortably conform with the human cornea (25) and its surrounding anatomical support structures as shown in FIG. 2C. The use of such a wide angle (21) is unique to this invention. Handheld devices in current use a right angle (90 degrees) between the ring (2) and the lens (1). Large angles are not needed in prior art because there isn't a necessity to bring the device into close proximity to the eye (20) in the manner required in the current invention (100).
(65) As shown in FIG. 12B, the frame (4) is in the open and unlocked position. This position is achieved by rotating the frame (4) around the (longitudinal) axis (78) of the rod (7) which is a fixed element of the frame (4) that is inserted in the loops (6), where the loops (6) are fixed elements of the ring (2). The lens (1) is now rotated away from the outer surface (14) of the ring (2) and allowed to have both of its sides exposed to the surrounding environment. This exposure is possible because the ring (2) has been rotated out of the way and the frame (4) and has a window (10) that is permanently open allowing light to travel through the lens (1). In this illustration, the locking mechanism (9) is visibly disconnected from the ring (9).
(66) Another embodiment of the invention (100) is illustrated in FIG. 12C. The frame (4) containing the lens (1) and the rod (7) as a permanent element that is flexibly connected to a single loop (6) that is permanently attached to a ring (2). Such loop (6) can be wide and tunnel shaped to add mechanical stability.
(67) FIG. 2C illustrates the ring holder embodiment (300) of the invention during use. Instead of a stick (26), the frame (4) is flexibly anchored to a ring (2). The frame (4) is permanently attached to the ring (2) while the ring (2) is worn on a finger (3) in a locked position (FIG. 11A). In preparation for use the frame (4) is rotated around the rod (7) from the locked to the unlocked position (FIG. 11A). Referring back to FIG. 2C, the ring (4) is then brought close to the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23) resting the ring (2) and the ring loops (6) on the lower eyelid (23) positioning the lens (1) in alignment with the center of the cornea (25). Here, the loops (6) not only permanently anchor the frame (4) to the ring (2), they also act as footings to stabilize the frame (4) on the lower eyelid (23). In this embodiment of the invention (300), the ring (2) is also used as a footing. The proximal edge (8) footing (27) rests on the skin of the upper eyelid (22) to further safely stabilize the frame (4) and lens (1) in front of the cornea (25). All this positioning can be safely done without breaching the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28). In this embodiment of the invention (300) where a finger ring (2) is used as a handle, both ring (2) and loops (6) act as footings to stabilize the frame (4) on the eyelid (23) and avoid breaching the safety barrier of the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28). This illustration demonstrates that during use of this embodiment of the invention (300), the Safety Eyelids Level Plane (28) is not breached by any physical element of the ring-frame-lens apparatus (80).
(68) FIG. 2C further illustrates the feasibility of using a finger ring (2) as a holder onto which the frame (4) of a lens (1) can be folded and reopened for use on the eye (20). That feasibility, however, is predicated upon the condition that all 4 curved elements involved in this invention have similar radii of curvature; these elements are the human cornea (25), the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28), the frame (4) and the ring (2).
(69) Table 1 shows published empirical knowledge of the radii of curvature for the human cornea (25) and that of rings (2) in common use.
(70) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 RADII OF CURVATURE CORNEA RC 7.77 ± 0.2 MM REFERENCE 1 CENTRAL EYEBALL RE 12.13 ± 0.5 MM REFERENCE 3 CORNEA RP 9.29 MM ± 0.4 MM REFERENCE 1 PERIPHERAL SAFETY EYELID RS 9.29 MM EQUAL TO RP LEVEL PLANE BY ANATOMICAL LOCATION RING RR 9.80 ± 2.5 MM REFERENCE 2 FRAME RF 9.98 MM EQUAL TO RR BY DESIGN
(71) A critical feature and intent in this design of the current invention (100) is the conformity of the frame (4) with the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28). Specifically, for safety purposes the objective is for the frame (4) and the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) to be parallel or near parallel with preference toward the frame (4) to be slightly flatter than the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28).
(72) In addition, the proposed design calls for exact fitting of the frame (4) on the ring (2) in the locked position (FIG. 11A). The proposed radius of curvature of the frame (Rf) must be equal to that of the radius of the rings (Rr) in existing use, otherwise they cannot fit together as required by the design.
(73) Therefore, by design requirement: Rr=Rf
(74) The radius of curvature of the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) (Rs) is equal to that of the peripheral human cornea (25) (Re). This is the case because, by definition the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) is formed by the outer surface of the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23), where the frame footings (27) are to be placed (FIG. 2C). Due to the soft tissue nature of the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23), and the fact that the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23) rest on the human cornea (25) in the open and closed position, the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) naturally conforms to the curvature of the cornea (25).
(75) Therefore, by anatomical fact: Rc=Rs
(76) Since the intention of the current invention (100) is to place a frame (4) with a curvature that is similar the curvature of the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28), the radius of curvature of the frame (4) (Rf) must be close to the radius of curvature of the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) (Rs). Otherwise the claim will have no foundation.
(77) Therefore, the requirement is: Rf≈Rs
(78) According to Table 1: Rr≈Rc
(79) Since, as stated above: Rr=Rf and Rc=Rs
(80) Therefore: Rf≈Rs
(81) Since the human eye (20) and the human fingers (3) are both circular and of similar circumferences, that makes the assertion of Rf≈Rs not an unusual coincidence. Simply put, the frame (4) with enough curvature as described and claimed in the current invention (100) that can fit on a person's finger ring (2), can also fit on the outer skin layer of the upper and lower eyelids (28).
(82) The established empirical evidence laid out in Table 1 supports that claim. According to data in Table 1 and referring to FIG. 1B, the average radius of curvature of the ring used by humans (9.80 mm) (84) is just slightly flatter than the average radius of curvature of the human central cornea (7.77 mm) (85), and even closer in radius of curvature of the peripheral cornea (9.29 mm) (81). In fact, the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (82) rests on the peripheral cornea (82), and not on the central cornea (85) in the open eye position; that is the position taken during use of the ring (2)-frame (4)-lens (1) apparatus (80), making the conformity even more exact.
(83) A frame (4) on a ring (2) can be either in a locked (FIGS. 11A and 11B) or unlocked position (FIGS. 12A and 12B). A unique design of this invention (100) is that when in the locked position, the frame (4) (FIG. 11A) is curved in a way that matches the curve of the ring (2) (FIG. 11A). As such it becomes discrete while not in use. A locked stable frame (4) is critical for maximum enjoyment of use of the ring (2) as a stable jewelry item during the long periods between uses of the device.
(84) The way the frame (4) (FIGS. 4, 5, 11B) connects to the ring (2) (FIGS. 4, 5, 11B) is through the rod (7) (FIGS. 4, 5, 11B) and the loops (6) (FIGS. 4, 5, 11B). The rod (7) (FIGS. 4, 5, 11B) is a feature that is fixed to the frame (4) (FIGS. 4 and 11B). The loops (6) (FIGS. 4, 5, 11B) are features that are fixed to the ring (2) (FIGS. 4, 5, 11B). The rod (7) is loosely and flexibly inserted in both loops (6) (FIGS. 4, 5, 11B). In the locked position, the proximal edge of the frame (5) (FIG. 11A) is locked to the ring (2) irreversibly with the rod (7) inserted in the loops (6). On the distal edge (8) (FIG. 11A) the frame (4) is reversibly locked with a locking-unlocking mechanism (9).
(85) The frame (4) (FIG. 12A) can be twisted open and allowed to rotate around the axis of the rod (7) (FIG. 12A) that is rotating inside the loops (6) (FIG. 12A) that are fixed to the ring (2) (FIG. 12A). The lens (1) is used for visual aid purposes only in the unlocked position. When the user is done, the frame (4) (FIG. 12A) can be twisted around the axis of the rod (7) (FIG. 12A) that is rotating inside the loops (6) (FIG. 12A) that are fixed to the ring (2) (FIG. 12A) and allowed back into locked position. The lens (1) cannot be used in the locked position.
(86) Another unique aspect of this embodiment of the invention (100) is that the frame (4) (FIG. 2C) is small enough and shaped in a way that the ring (2) (FIG. 2C) can be brought close to the eye (20), resting on the lower eyelid (23) (FIG. 2C) placing the center the lens (70) (FIG. 2C) close to the center of the cornea (25) (FIG. 2C) without breaching the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) (FIG. 2C).
(87) The small size of the lens (1) as compared to existing art is an essential element of this invention (100). What enables the lens (1) to be smaller are the extensions (31) of the frame (4) unique to the current invention (100) (FIGS. 4, 3) making the window (10) significantly smaller than the frame (4) (FIGS. 4, 3). Prior art use calls for attaching the lens to the inner edge of the outer rim of the frame as opposed to the inner edge of the upper and lower extensions (31) (FIG. 4) of the frame (4) as is shown in the present invention (100). No extensions (31) were needed in prior art because smaller lenses in smaller visual aids as defined in the present invention (100) were not intended in the prior art.
(88) In this embodiment of the invention (300) where a finger ring (2) is used as a handle instead of a stick (26), the loops (6) (FIG. 2C) that are fixed to the ring (2), along with the ring (2) itself (FIG. 2C), act as footings (27) to stabilize the frame (4) (FIG. 2C) on the lower eyelid (23) (FIG. 2C) to avoid breaching the safety barrier of the Safety Eyelid Level Plane (28) (FIG. 2C).
(89) In this embodiment of the invention (300), in the closed position, the lens (1) (FIG. 11A) is sandwiched between the frame (4) (FIG. 11A) and the ring (2) (FIG. 11A). The lens (1) is exposed to the outside world from one side in the closed position (FIG. 11B) through the window (10) (FIG. 11B) and from both sides in the unlocked position (FIG. 12A). When both sides are exposed in the unlocked position, the frame footings (27) can be placed on the upper and lower eyelids (FIG. 2C, 2C) to center the lens (1) (FIG. 2C) in front of the center of the cornea (25) (FIG. 2C).
(90) It is called for in the current invention (100) that the curvature of the frame (4) (FIG. 2C) matches the curvature of the ring (2) (FIG. 2C) should conform with it in the locked position (FIGS. 11A, 11A). Such a curved frame (4), when in the open position (FIGS. 12A, 2C), becomes parallel and conformant with the curvature of the human cornea (25) (FIG. 2C).
(91) The attachment of the frame (4) (FIG. 2A) to a ring (2) to be worn on a finger (3) is possible because the curvature of a finger ring (2) is slightly flatter than the human cornea (25) (See Table 1). The average radius of the inner ring worn on a human finger is 9.80 mm. The average central cornea radius is 7.77 mm and that of the peripheral cornea is 9.29 mm. The frame (4) (FIG. 2A) that is subject to this invention (100) is expected to have the exact curvature of the ring (2) (FIG. 2A) but is preferred to be flatter than the curvature of the human cornea (25) (FIG. 2A) for reasons stated above; Longer, Flatter, softer edges and more visible by user. Therefore, the curvature design of the frame (4) presented in this invention (100), when matched to fit in a finger ring (2) is plausible because the human finger ring (2) is slightly flatter than the human cornea (25).
(92) What is also unique to this current invention (100) is the ability to seamlessly integrate a functionally useful magnifier with a ring without interruption of the ability of the user to wear and enjoy the elegance of the ring as a jewelry item.
(93) The frame (4) has a concave side (12) (FIGS. 4, 6) and a convex side (13) (FIGS. 5, 6). Once the frame (4) is closed and locked on to the ring (2) (FIG. 11A), the concave side (12) adjoins and fits with the outer surface of the ring (4), and the convex side (13) is on the opposing side of the frame (4) away from the outer surface of the ring (4) facing the outside world.
(94) In this embodiment of the current invention (300), the loops (6) are connected to the outer edge of the outer surface of the ring (14) (FIG. 11A). The prongs (11) can be placed in a variety of ways based on design and functional preferences (FIG. 4A). Aside from prongs (11), the lens (1) can be anchored and stabilized by variety means and methods available in existing jewelry art.
(95) The loops and tunneling system described in this embodiment of the invention can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example, the tunnel system can occupy the entire width of the band (39) of the ring (2) as demonstrated in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15E 15F and 15G (See Table 2). This differs from FIGS. 15C, 15D, 15H and 15I where the tunnel occupies a portion of the band width (40) of the ring (2). In addition, the variation includes whether the tunnel is open (33) as in FIGS. 15A, 15C, 15F and 15H where loops (6) define the outer edges of the tunnel (33). This differs from FIGS. 15B, 15D, 15E, 15G and 15I where the tunnel (34) system is covered. Finally, the tunnel system can be fully elevated (43) off the outer surface of the ring (14) as in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D, partially elevated (44) as in FIGS. 15F, 15G, 15H and 15I, or not elevated at all, it is rather completely buried (45) inside the ring (2) as in FIG. 15E. The elements that all the variations of the loop-tunneling system described in this invention have in common are the tunnels (33, 34) and the connection to the ring (2).
(96) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 TYPES OF TUNNELS FULL/ OPEN/ FIGS. PARTIAL CLOSED ELEVATED/BURRIED 15A FULL OPEN ELEVATED 15B FULL CLOSED ELEVATED 15C PARTIAL OPEN ELEVATED 15D PARTIAL CLOSED ELEVATED 15E FULL CLOSED BURRIED 15F FULL OPEN PARTIALLY ELEVATED 15G FULL CLOSED PARTIALLY ELEVATED 15H PARTIAL OPEN PARTIALLY ELEVATED 15I PARTIAL CLOSED PARTIALLY ELEVATED
(97) The gap (68) between the frame (4) and ring (2) (FIG. 11A) can be manipulated to accommodate for lenses of different types, powers, shapes and sizes. In addition, the overall shape, design, esthetic appeal of the frame and ring can be artistically manipulated without interfering with the optimal optical performance of the lens.
(98) In this embodiment of the current invention (300) the frame (4) (FIG. 2B) is longer than the opening of the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23), which is known as the vertical palpebral fissure (30) (FIG. 2B). Such a requirement allows for the edges of the frame (52) to extend safely past the cornea (25) and the eyelids' margins to rest onto the surfaces of the upper and lower eyelids (22, 23) (FIG. 2B). The user can bring the frame-lens complex close enough to touch the upper eyelid (22) and/or the lower eyelid (23) or neither. In none of these options will the frame (4) or lens (1) will touch the vital elements of the eye (20) such as the cornea (25) (FIG. 2B).
(99) In this embodiment of the current invention (100), some features of the design can be made with magnetic material to further simplify the functionalities and facilitate the use of the device. Specifically, at the outer edge of the frame (72), the locking mechanism (9) of the frame (4) (FIG. 11A) can magnetically connect with the ring (2). Size and strength of such magnetic elements can be manipulated to facilitate the reversible locking and unlocking of the frame to the ring (2) before and after use. The frame (4) (FIG. 11A) can be locked in the closed position using either a mechanical or magnetic mechanism (FIG. 11A).
(100) Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within scope and equivalents of the invention.
