Eyeglasses with integrated magnetic clip

Abstract

The disclosure concerns eyeglasses with an integrated magnetic clip for removably attaching the eyeglasses to a wearer's clothing, a vehicular sun visor, or other object. The eyeglasses may embody any wearable optics device, such as, prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, and the like. In some embodiments, the eyeglasses further include a shield element positioned between a magnetic element of the magnetic clip and a wearer's body for reducing or eliminating magnetic field effects on the body of the wearer.

Claims

1. Eyeglasses (100), comprising: a frame system including: a frame front (110), a first arm (120), and a second arm (130), the first arm attached to a first side (111) of the frame front at a first hinge (140a) disposed therebetween, the second arm attached to a second side (112) of the frame front at a second hinge (140b) disposed therebetween, the second side being opposite the first side; at least one lens (150) contained within the frame front; and a magnetic clip (180) integrated with the frame system, the magnetic clip including: a magnetic element (160) and a shield element (161) each embedded in one of the first and second arms, and a strike-plate (170) embedded in another of the first and second arms, wherein the shield element is configured to dampen a magnetic field in a direction toward a wearer of the eyeglasses, and wherein the magnetic element is configured to magnetically engage the strike-plate thereby forming the magnetic clip.

2. The eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the magnetic element comprises a Polymagnet.

3. The eyeglasses of claim 2, wherein the Polymagnet comprises at least one magnetic north pole and at least one magnetic south pole each disposed on a first surface thereof.

4. The eyeglasses of claim 3, wherein the Polymagnet is configured within the eyeglasses to dampen the magnetic field in the direction toward the wearer.

5. The eyeglasses of claim 3, wherein said at least one magnetic north pole and at least one magnetic south pole each disposed on the first surface are configured to dampen the magnetic field in the direction toward the wearer.

6. Eyeglasses (100), comprising: a frame system including: a frame front (110), a first arm (120), and a second arm (130); and a magnetic clip (180) integrated with the frame system, the magnetic clip including: a Polymagnet magnetic element (160) having at least one magnetic north pole and at least one magnetic south pole each disposed on a first side of the magnetic element, and a strike-plate (170); wherein the Polymagnet magnetic element is configured to dampen a magnetic field in a direction toward a wearer of the eyeglasses, and wherein the Polymagnet magnetic element is configured to magnetically engage the strike-plate thereby forming the magnetic clip.

7. The eyeglasses of claim 6, further comprising a shield element positioned adjacent to the Polymagnet magnetic element; wherein the shield element is configured to further dampen the magnetic field in the direction toward the wearer of the eyeglasses.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of eyeglasses in accordance with a first illustrated example, the eyeglasses being configured in an open configuration with arms extending perpendicular from the frame front, and further showing an exploded view of the contents of a recessed cavity, including: a shield element, a magnetic element, and a cover.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a top view of the eyeglasses of the first illustrated example, the eyeglasses shown as-configured in a closed configuration.

(3) FIG. 3 shows the eyeglasses of FIG. 2 from an alternative view.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of eyeglasses in accordance with a second illustrated example.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a top view of the eyeglasses in accordance with the second illustrated example, the eyeglasses being configured in an open configuration with arms extending perpendicular from the frame front.

(6) FIG. 6 shows a top view of the eyeglasses in accordance with the second illustrated example, the eyeglasses being configured in a closed configuration with arms extending parallel the frame front.

(7) FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the eyeglasses in accordance with the second illustrated example.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a front view of the eyeglasses in accordance with the second illustrated example.

(9) FIG. 9 shows a right-side of the eyeglasses in accordance with the second illustrated example.

(10) FIG. 10 shows a left-side of the eyeglasses in accordance with the second illustrated example.

(11) FIG. 11 shows an external surface of right arm of the eyeglasses in accordance with the second illustrated example.

(12) FIG. 12 shows a top view of the right arm of the eyeglasses in accordance with the second illustrated example.

(13) FIG. 13 shows an internal surface of right arm of the eyeglasses in accordance with the second illustrated example.

(14) FIG. 14 shows a top view of a strike-plate in accordance with various embodiments.

(15) FIG. 15 shows a front view of a strike-plate in accordance with various embodiments.

(16) FIG. 16 shows a top view of a magnetic element in accordance with various embodiments.

(17) FIG. 17 shows a front view of a magnetic element in accordance with various embodiments.

(18) FIG. 18 shows a transparent side-view of the eyeglasses in accordance with the second illustrated example for revealing various components embedded within the frame system of the eyeglasses.

(19) FIG. 19 shows a top view of a Polymagnet assembly having a Polymagnet magnetic element with a plurality of north and south poles on each surface of the Polymagnet magnetic element, and a shield element disposed at a side of the Polymagnet toward a wearer, wherein magnetic fields are greatly reduced in the direction toward the wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(20) For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain illustrated embodiments. However, a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described herein would be readily understood by one having skill in the art upon a thorough review hereof. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention by the claims, and such scope shall not be limited by the embodiments described and illustrated herein.

(21) Eyeglasses generally comprise: a frame front, a first arm and a second arm. The first arm is coupled to the frame front at a first hinge, and the second arm coupled to the frame front at a second hinge distinct (and opposite) from the first hinge; with the frame front configured to receive at least one lens therein. Each of the first arm and the second arm comprises a corresponding external surface and internal surface. The internal surface is the surface facing a head of a user (or wearer) when wearing the sunglasses, and wherein the external surface is the surface opposite the internal surface. The eyeglasses may embody any wearable optics device, such as, prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, and the like.

(22) For purposes herein, we prefer to use the term arm when describing the component known as a temple, since, the word temple is also used to describe the point on a person's head between a respective eye and ear. The terms arm and temple as they relate to eyeglasses shall be interchangeable with respect to the instant disclosure.

(23) In one aspect, the eyeglasses comprise a magnetic clip integrated with arms of the eyeglasses.

(24) In some embodiments, the eyeglasses may comprise two magnetic clips; one magnetic clip formed between a magnetic element of a first arm and a strike-plate of a second arm; and another magnetic clip formed between a magnetic element of the second arm and a strike-plate of the first arm.

(25) Additionally, the eyeglasses may comprise a magnetic shield element or other features for magnetic field dampening. The shield element provides magnetic-field shielding and helps shield the wearer's body, specifically blood cells, from the magnetic field associated with the magnetic element(s), to prevent blood stacking, or magnetic poisoning. This is accomplished three ways: (i) by positioning the magnetic element(s) at a proximal end of the arm where a significant air volume is formed between the sunglasses and a user's skin; and/or (ii) by providing a shield element between the magnetic element(s) and the user, where the magnetic field at the wearer's body will be reduced; and/or (iii) by utilizing a programmable magnet as the magnetic element, wherein the programmable magnet is configured to dampen or cancel the magnetic field in the direction of the wearer while concurrently providing a magnetic field in a direction away from the wearer.

Example 1

(26) Now, in a first illustrated example as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, eyeglasses are shown and described.

(27) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an eyeglasses product 100, configured in an open configuration where the arms 120; 130 of the frame system (110; 120; 130, collectively) are extended perpendicular with respect to the frame front 110.

(28) The first arm 120 is attached to the frame front 110 at a first hinge 140a, and the second arm 130 is attached to the frame front at a second hinge 140b; with the frame front 110 configured to receive a pair of lenses 150 therein.

(29) Although two lenses are shown in the illustrated embodiments, eyeglasses which embody only a single lens, or which embody three or more lenses, may be similarly practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

(30) While not shown, it should be understood that the hinge is generally formed by a mating of a tongue and groove of an arm and the frame front, respectively. A bolt, pin, or other fixation means is generally deployed to effectuate the hinge(s), though a bump and notch between hinge elements may be similarly employed, or any hinge mechanism may be alternatively employed as would be appreciated by one having skill in the art.

(31) In the first illustrated example, the first arm 120 comprises a recessed cavity 123 configured to receive each of: a shield element 161, a magnetic element 160, and an optional cover 162 (shown in an exploded view). The recessed cavity 123 is shown disposed at a proximal end 121 of the first arm 120 adjacent to the first hinge 140a, wherein the recessed cavity 123 extends from the external surface 124 of the first arm into a volume thereof (i.e. in a preferred embodiment the cavity is exposed at the outer surface when not covered by the optional cover 162). However, one with skill in the art may alternatively provide a cavity that is exposed at the internal surface, that is, with the recessed cavity extending from the internal surface of the arm into a volume thereof.

(32) The second arm 130 comprises a strike-plate 170 positioned on the internal surface 125 of the second arm 130 at the distal end 132 thereof.

(33) FIG. 2 shows a top view of the eyeglasses product 100, comprising: a frame front 110, a first arm 120 and a second arm 130 magnetically retained in a closed configuration. The magnetic element of the first arm and the strike-plate of the second arm are positioned in proximity to one another, when the eyeglasses are configured in the closed configuration as shown, forming a magnetic clip 180. The magnetic clip provides a function of clipping the eyeglasses to a wearer's clothing, such as a shirt, or alternatively to another object, such as a vehicular sun-visor, a ferromagnetic article, or other object.

(34) FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of the eyeglasses of FIG. 2, which are configured in a closed configuration such that the arms are aligned substantially parallel with respect to one another and the frame front. Upon configuring the first and second arms in the closed configuration, the magnetic element of the first arm (see FIG. 1) is positioned to magnetically engage the strike-plate of the second arm thereby forming a magnetic engagement for magnetically closing and retaining the two arms of the sunglasses frame, otherwise herein termed a magnetic clip 180.

(35) While the eyeglasses of FIGS. 1-3 embody a single magnetic clip, a dual magnetic clip arrangement may also be provided, which allows the user to freely open and close the arms of the sunglasses frame wherein an identical magnetic retention function is provided regardless of the order of arms as-folded, or whether the first arm is configured on top, or on bottom, relative to the second arm. As such, the eyeglasses may be provided with one or two magnetic clips in any configuration as-described.

(36) The magnetic clip can be used to maintain the eyeglasses in closed configuration. The magnetic clip allows the user to not only keep the eyeglasses in a closed configuration (secured), but it also allows the user to clip the glasses to a shirt, automobile sun visor, or suspend them around any fabric, or magnetically combine upon any metallic surface, or other object.

(37) The frame system can be made from plastic, wood or metal, with materials which minimize potential magnetization of the frame itself being preferred. An embodiment with a plastic frame can be made by common plastic forming techniques such as but not limited to: injection molding or compression molding, over-molding, among others known to one with skill in the art.

(38) The magnetic element can comprise, inter alia: any conventional magnet, preferably small enough to embed in the recessed cavity of the arm volume. The magnetic element may comprise a neodymium magnet or other rare earth magnet. Alternatively, and preferably, the magnetic element may comprise a programmable magnet (or Polymagnet, http://www.polymagnet.com). The programmable magnet may be one that has been configured to cancel or dampen the magnetic field at one side, that is, the side in the direction of a wearer's head, while providing sufficient magnetic field in a direction away from the wearer's head for functioning as a magnetic clip.

(39) The shield element is optional, and may comprise, inter alia: a metal plate, also preferably small enough to embed in the recessed cavity of the arm volume. This metal plate would help reduce the magnetic field at the user's skin. The thicker the shield element, the more it negates the magnetic field of the magnetic element. In a preferred embodiment, the shield element comprises a metal plate having a thickness of between 0.5 mm-2.0 mm. Also, the area of the shield element should preferably span at least an area equal to that of the magnetic element for maximum dampening of the magnetic field. The shield element may comprise any ferromagnetic material, preferably a steel plate or disc.

(40) The shield element, and specific positioning of the magnetic element, helps shield the user's blood from the magnetic field associated with the magnetic element, and can help prevent blood stacking, or magnetic poisoning. This is accomplished three ways: (i) by positioning the magnets at the proximal end of the arms, as far forward as possible, wherein a significant air volume is formed between the sunglasses and a user's skin; and/or (ii) by providing a shield element between the magnetic element and the user, the magnetic field at the user will be reduced or eliminated by the shield element and/or (iii) by utilizing a programmable magnet as the magnetic element (with or without a shield element), wherein the programmable magnet is configured to dampen or cancel the magnetic field in the direction of the wearer while concurrently providing a magnetic field in a direction away from the wearer. In the first illustrated example, the cavity and magnetic element are positioned at the proximal end of the respective arm, near the hinge, and yields spacing from the magnet to the user's skin of one-half inch or more, wherein a shield element is also provided for dampening the magnetic field in the direction of the user (i.e. wearer).

(41) The cover 162 can comprise a thin piece of plastic or metal to secure the contents of the recessed cavity and is configured generally to sit flush with the external surface of the arm, though a raised or lowered surface at the cover is optional.

(42) The strike-plate can be made of any ferromagnetic material. The strike-plate would preferably be sized to fit flush with the design of the arm, or may be over-molded with plastic, and may be suspended from the second arm.

(43) The first example shows an embodiment with a single magnetic clip. However, as discussed above, it may be advantageous or preferred to provide eyeglasses with two magnetic clips.

Example 2

(44) In another illustrated example, as depicted in FIGS. 4-18, eyeglasses with two integrated magnetic clips (a dual magnetic clip arrangement) are shown and described.

(45) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of eyeglasses in accordance with a second illustrated example. In this example, the eyeglasses comprise: a frame system including: a frame front (110), a first arm (120), and a second arm (130). The first arm is attached to a first side (111) of the frame front at a first hinge (140a, see FIG. 7) disposed therebetween. The second arm is attached to a second side (112) of the frame front at a second hinge (140b, see FIG. 7) disposed therebetween, the second side being opposite the first side. At least one lens (150) is contained within the frame front, however the instant embodiment shows two lenses.

(46) The eyeglasses are further characterized in that:

(47) the first arm of the frame system comprises: a first magnetic element (160a) coupled therewith, the first magnetic element being disposed at a proximal end (121) of the first arm adjacent to the first hinge, and a first strike-plate (170a) disposed at a distal end (122) thereof; and

(48) the second arm of the frame system comprises: a second magnetic element (160b) coupled therewith, the second magnetic element being disposed at a proximal end (131) of the second arm adjacent to the second hinge, and a second strike-plate (170b) disposed at a distal end (132) thereof;

(49) wherein: the first magnetic element and the second strike-plate are configured to form a first magnetic clip (180a, FIG. 6), and the second magnetic element and the first strike-plate are configured to form a second magnetic clip (180b, FIG. 6).

(50) Each of the magnetic elements and strike-plates may be individually implemented as an attached feature, or as an embedded feature. These features may be embedded by over-molding or other techniques known to one having skill in the art. Attached features may be attached by slide-lock or friction fit attachment, or other mechanical attachments known to one having skill in the art.

(51) FIG. 5 shows a top view of the eyeglasses 100 in accordance with the second illustrated example, the eyeglasses being configured in an open configuration with arms 120; 130 extending perpendicular with respect to the frame front 110. First magnetic element 160a and first strike-plate 170a are shown as being embedded in the first arm 120. Likewise, second magnetic element 160b and second strike-plate 170b are shown as being embedded in the first arm 130.

(52) FIG. 6 shows a top view of the eyeglasses 100 in accordance with the second illustrated example, the eyeglasses being configured in a closed configuration with arms 120; 130 extending parallel with respect to one another and the frame front 110. First magnetic clip 180a is formed by first magnetic element 160a and second strike-plate 170b (See FIG. 5). Additionally, second magnetic clip 180b is formed by second magnetic element 160b and first strike-plate 170a (See FIG. 5).

(53) FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the eyeglasses 100 in accordance with the second illustrated example. First hinge 140a is disposed between first arm 120 and first side 111 of frame front 110. Second hinge 104b is disposed between second arm 130 and second side 112 of frame front 110. Also shown are nose pads 113 positioned at the bridge between lenses of the frame front.

(54) FIG. 8 shows a front view of the eyeglasses 100 in accordance with the second illustrated example. Two lenses 150 are each disposed in corresponding apertures of the front frame 110. As discussed elsewhere herein, a single lens may be provided, two lenses as shown, or even three or more lenses may be similarly implemented as would be appreciated by one with skill in the art.

(55) FIG. 9 shows a right-side of the eyeglasses 100 in accordance with the second illustrated example.

(56) FIG. 10 shows a left-side of the eyeglasses 100 in accordance with the second illustrated example.

(57) FIG. 11 shows an external surface 124 of right arm (aka second arm 130) of the eyeglasses 100 in accordance with the second illustrated example. Further illustrated is tongue 133 extending from the arm at the proximal end 131. The tongue is adapted to fit tightly within a corresponding groove of the frame front in accordance with known techniques. A pin (not shown) is generally inserted axially through the tongue and groove hinge. Opposite of the proximal end is distal end 132. Note that the left arm is a mirror opposite of second arm 130.

(58) FIG. 12 shows a top view of the second arm 130 of the eyeglasses 100 in accordance with the second illustrated example. From this view, both the external surface 124 and internal surface 125 are viewable. Also shown is magnetic element 160 disposed at proximal end 131 of arm 130. Strike-plate 170 is shown disposed at distal end 132 of arm 130. Further illustrated is pin channel 134 of the hinge, which is generally configured to receive a bolt or pin therein for securing the hinge components. Note that the first arm is a mirror opposite of this figure.

(59) Optionally, a shield element (not shown) can be positioned at the magnetic element, adapted to remain between the magnetic element and the body of a wearer, the purpose of which is to shield a magnetic field of magnetic element 160. The shield element can be attached to, inserted within, or embedded in the respective arm, and generally comprises a ferromagnetic material.

(60) FIG. 13 shows an internal surface of the second arm 130 of the eyeglasses 100 in accordance with the second illustrated example. Internal surface 125 is shown along with magnetic element 160 at proximal end 131 and strike plate 170 disposed at distal end 132. Note that the first arm is a mirror opposite of this figure.

(61) FIG. 14 shows a top view of a strike-plate 170 in accordance with various embodiments. The strike plate may be formed into any shape that is consistent with the eyeglasses design at the distal end of a respective arm.

(62) FIG. 15 shows a front view of a strike-plate 170 in accordance with various embodiments. Shown is a parallelogram-shape strike-plate, though any shape will perform similarly.

(63) FIG. 16 shows a top view of a magnetic element 160 in accordance with various embodiments. The magnetic element may be formed into any shape that is consistent with the eyeglasses design at the proximal end of a respective arm.

(64) FIG. 17 shows a front view of a magnetic element 160 in accordance with various embodiments. Shown is a circular shaped magnetic element (disc), though any shape will perform similarly.

(65) FIG. 18 shows a transparent side-view of the eyeglasses 100 in accordance with the second illustrated example for revealing various components embedded within the frame system of the eyeglasses. Of particular importance are magnetic element 160 and strike-pate 170, and their respective positions about the arm as-shown.

(66) FIG. 19 shows a top view of a Polymagnet assembly 200 having a Polymagnet magnetic element 260 with a plurality of north (N) and south (S) poles on each surface of the Polymagnet magnetic element, and a shield element 261 disposed at a side of the Polymagnet magnetic element toward a wearer, wherein magnetic fields 210 are greatly reduced in the direction toward the wearer.

(67) While a shield element is illustrated with the Polymagnet in FIG. 19, it will be understood by one with skill in the art that a shield element is not required; instead the Polymagnet may be designed with multiple north and south poles to dampen or cancel the field in one direction, particularly the one toward the wearer.

FEATURE LIST

(68) eyeglasses (100) frame system (110; 120; 130) frame front (110) first side (111) second side (112) nose pads (113) first arm (120) proximal end of first arm (121) distal end of first arm (122) recessed cavity (123) external surface (124) internal surface (125) second arm (130) proximal end of second arm (131) distal end of second arm (132) tongue (133) pin channel (134) first hinge (140a) second hinge (140b) lens (150) magnetic element (160) first magnetic element (160a) second magnetic element (160b) shield element (161) a first shield element (161a) a second shield element (161b) cover (162) magnetic field (165) strike-plate (170) first strike-plate (170a) second strike-plate (170b) magnetic clip (180) first magnetic clip (180a) second magnetic clip (180b) Polymagnet assembly (200) Polymagnet magnetic element (260) Polymagnet shield element (261) Polymagnet field (210)