Corrective Lens Apparatus and Method

Abstract

A unitary lens structure is provided which is employable with spectacles as well as goggles and safety eyewear. The lens is formed as a unitary structure with projections having surfaces which are machinable for prescription eyewear extending from a first side surface of a larger shield. Damage from cracking of the shield at the intersections with the projection perimeters is prevented by non linear connections between the two surfaces.

Claims

1. A unitary lens structure, comprising: a first lens portion having a perimeter edge and having a first surface opposite a second surface; said first lens portion having a first end opposite a second; at least one projecting portion, said projecting portion having a sidewall defining a perimeter edge of said projecting portion, said perimeter edge defining a shape of said projecting portion; said projecting portion and said first lens portion forming a unitary structure, with said projecting portion extending from an intersection of a first end of said sidewall with said first side of said first lens portion, to a raised surface having a shape defined by a second end of said sidewall; and each said raised surface adapted for formation of an ophthalmic lens to correct the vision of a wearer of said unitary lens structure.

2. The unitary lens structure of claim 1, wherein said intersection of said first end of said sidewall with said first surface of said first lens portion, is a non-linear intersection of said first end of said sidewall with said first surface of said first lens portion.

3. The unitary lens structure of claim 2, wherein said non linear intersection is any of a group of non linear intersections, including said intersection formed by a curved surface extending between said first end of said sidewall and said first surface of said first lens portion, said intersection formed by an angled surface extending between said first end of said sidewall and said first surface of said first lens portion, and said intersection formed by a recess extending underneath said first end of said sidewall and depending into said first surface of said first lens portion.

4. The unitary lens structure of claim 1 wherein said perimeter edge of said first lens portion is large than said perimeter edge of said projecting portion; and said perimeter edge of said first lens portion configured for engagement with one lens holder of an eyeglass frame, and whereby said raised surface may be formed to an ophthalmic lens to correct the vision of a nearsighted wearer, and said perimeter edge of said first lens portion is engageable with a said eyeglass frame.

5. The unitary lens structure of claim 2 wherein said perimeter edge of said first lens portion is large than said perimeter edge of said projecting portion; and said perimeter edge of said first lens portion configured for engagement with one lens holder of an eyeglass frame, and whereby said raised surface may be formed to an ophthalmic lens to correct the vision of a nearsighted wearer, and said perimeter edge of said first lens portion is engageable with a said eyeglass frame.

6. The unitary lens structure of claim 3 wherein said perimeter edge of said first lens portion is large than said perimeter edge of said projecting portion; and said perimeter edge of said first lens portion configured for engagement with one lens holder of an eyeglass frame, and whereby said raised surface may be formed to an ophthalmic lens to correct the vision of a nearsighted wearer, and said perimeter edge of said first lens portion is engageable with a said eyeglass frame.

7. The unitary lens structure of claim 1 additionally comprising: said first lens portion having a perimeter edge sized for engagement with a goggle frame; two projecting portions, extending from a said intersection of a respective first end of a respective said sidewall with said first side of said first lens portion; said two projecting portions and said first lens portion formed as a unitary structure; and each of said two projecting portions having a said raised surface adapted for formation of a said ophthalmic lens to correct the vision of a said wearer of said unitary lens structure.

8. The unitary lens structure of claim 2 additionally comprising: said first lens portion having a perimeter edge sized for engagement with a goggle frame; two projecting portions, extending from a said intersection of a respective first end of a respective said sidewall with said first side of said first lens portion; said two projecting portions and said first lens portion formed as a unitary structure; and each of said two projecting portions having a said raised surface adapted for formation of a said ophthalmic lens to correct the vision of a said wearer of said unitary lens structure.

9. The unitary lens structure of claim 3 additionally comprising: said first lens portion having a perimeter edge sized for engagement with a goggle frame; two projecting portions, extending from a said intersection of a respective first end of a respective said sidewall with said first side of said first lens portion; said two projecting portions and said first lens portion formed as a unitary structure; and each of said two projecting portions having a said raised surface adapted for formation of a said ophthalmic lens to correct the vision of a said wearer of said unitary lens structure.

10. The unitary lens structure of claim 7 additionally comprising: a tooling engagement member extending from a first end engaged with said first lens portion, to a distal end; said tooling engagement member adapted to engage a lens machining device; said tooling engagement member positioned upon said first lens portion and engaged with said lens machining device, operatively positioning said raised surfaces for ophthalmic lens formation using said lens machining device.

11. The unitary lens structure of claim 9 additionally comprising: a tooling engagement member extending from a first end engaged with said first lens portion, to a distal end; said tooling engagement member adapted to engage a lens machining device; said tooling engagement member positioned upon said first lens portion and engaged with said lens machining device, operatively positioning said raised surfaces for ophthalmic lens formation using said lens machining device.

12. The unitary lens structure of claim 10 additionally comprising: a tooling engagement member extending from a first end engaged with said first lens portion, to a distal end; said tooling engagement member adapted to engage a lens machining device; said tooling engagement member positioned upon said first lens portion and engaged with said lens machining device, operatively positioning said raised surfaces for ophthalmic lens formation using said lens machining device.

13. unitary lens structure of claim 7 additionally comprising: both of said two projecting portions, having a said shape which is wider at first end of said projecting portions adjacent ends of said first lens portion, and narrower at second ends centrally located on said first lens portions; said first side of each of said projecting portions extending in a line between a first corner of said first side and first corner of a second side; and a second side of each of said projecting portions extending in a curve from a second corner of said first side to a second corner of said second side.

14. The unitary lens structure of claim 8 additionally comprising: both of said two projecting portions, having a said shape which is wider at first end of said projecting portions adjacent ends of said first lens portion, and narrower at second ends centrally located on said first lens portions; said first side of each of said projecting portions extending in a line between a first corner of said first side and first corner of a second side; and a second side of each of said projecting portions extending in a curve from a second corner of said first side to a second corner of said second side.

15. The unitary lens structure of claim 9 additionally comprising: both of said two projecting portions, having a said shape which is wider at first end of said projecting portions adjacent ends of said first lens portion, and narrower at second ends centrally located on said first lens portions; said first side of each of said projecting portions extending in a line between a first corner of said first side and first corner of a second side; and a second side of each of said projecting portions extending in a curve from a second corner of said first side to a second corner of said second side.

16. The unitary lens structure of claim 3 additionally comprising: wherein both said curved surface extending between said first end of said sidewall and said first surface of said first lens portion, and said angled surface extending between said first end of said sidewall and said first surface of said first lens portion, extend to a point on said sidewall which is 1 mm or less, above said first surface of said lens portion.

17. The unitary lens structure of claim 6 additionally comprising: wherein both said curved surface extending between said first end of said sidewall and said first surface of said first lens portion, and said angled surface extending between said first end of said sidewall and said first surface of said first lens portion, extend to a point on said sidewall which is 1 mm or less, above said first surface of said lens portion.

18. The unitary lens structure of claim 9 additionally comprising: wherein both said curved surface extending between said first end of said sidewall and said first surface of said first lens portion, and said angled surface extending between said first end of said sidewall and said first surface of said first lens portion, extend to a point on said sidewall which is 1 mm or less, above said first surface of said lens portion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

[0032] FIG. 1 depicts a view of the first surface of a first lens portion having a plurality of raised portions with shapes defined by a perimeter sidewall, extending away therefrom.

[0033] FIG. 2 depicts a view of the opposite side of the first lens portion from FIG. 1 showing the second surface and the shadowless appearance of the second surface provided by the unitary structure herein.

[0034] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the view of FIG. 1 showing two projecting portions having a shape defined by a perimeter sidewall extending from the first surface of the first lens portion.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a sectional view through FIG. 3 showing the unitary structure formed by the projecting portions and first lens portion and the non linear intersection of the sidewall of the projecting portions with the first surface of the first lens portion.

[0036] FIG. 4a shows a curved intersection between the sidewall defining the shape of the projecting portion and the first surface of the first lens portion.

[0037] FIG. 4b shows a reverse curved intersection between the sidewall defining the shape of the projecting portion and the first surface of the first lens portion.

[0038] FIG. 4c shows an angled intersection between the sidewall defining the shape of the projecting portion and the first surface of the first lens portion.

[0039] FIG. 4d shows a curved radius relief intersection between the sidewall defining the shape of the projecting portion and the first surface of the first lens portion.

[0040] FIG. 5 depicts another mode of the unitary lens structure showing a curved panoramic first lens portion and two circular projecting portions extending from the first surface thereof and showing the centered positioning of a tooling engagement member attached thereto, which may be employed on all versions of the device herein.

[0041] FIG. 6 shows a view of the unitary lens structure of FIG. 5 from the opposite side from FIG. 5 showing the second side surface.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a unitary lens structure such as in FIG. 6, showing the tooling engagement member centered between the two ends of the first lens portion and running perpendicular to an axis running across the first lens portion.

[0043] FIG. 8 depicts a sport goggle mode of the device herein.

[0044] FIG. 9 depicts a first lens portion having two projecting portions thereon and a second lens engaged in a spaced relationship adjacent the second surface of the first lens portion as would be engaged in the goggle of FIG. 8.

[0045] FIG. 10 shows the device in a similar fashion to that of FIG. 9, engageable within the goggle frame of FIG. 8, wherein the second lens forming a cavity is positioned adjacent to the raised lens-machinable surfaces of the projecting portions.

[0046] FIG. 11 shows another mode of the device adapted for a goggle to minimize fogging in the same fashion as those of FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, and showing a mating lens having projecting sections adapted to fit adjacent the sidewalls of the formed projecting portions of the first lens.

[0047] FIG. 12 depicts a mode of the device forming a unitary lens structure adapted for engagement in eyeglass frames where the thinner cross section of the first lens portion surrounds the thicker area where the projecting portion is engaged.

[0048] FIG. 12 depicts a mode of the device forming a unitary lens structure which is adapted for engagement in eyeglass frames where the thinner cross section of the first lens portion surrounds the thicker area where the projecting portion is engaged.

[0049] FIG. 13 is an overhead view of the device as in FIG. 12 showing the intersection surrounding the perimeter sidewall defining the shape of the oval projecting portion and the first surface of the first lens portion.

[0050] FIG. 14 depicts a sectional view of the device of FIGS. 12 and 13 and shows the preferred non linear intersection of the sidewall defining the projecting portion, with the first surface of the first lens portion.

[0051] FIGS. 15a-15d depict various preferred shapes to the intersection of the sidewall with the first surface of the first lens portion, to eliminate the linear intersection prone to cracking.

[0052] FIG. 16 depicts unitary lenses formed to engage eyeglass frames where the thicker projecting portion is surrounded by the thinner first lens surface to allow engagement to more fashionable eyewear when the user must have thick lenses for sight correction.

[0053] FIG. 17 depicts another mode of the device as in FIG. 16 but with rectangular panoramic first lens portions.

[0054] FIG. 18 shows the unitary lens structure herein having a polarizing or other filter engaged between the projecting portion and the first lens portion and which can be included with any form of the unitary lens herein.

[0055] FIG. 19 depicts the unitary lens structure where the polarizing or other filter layer is positioned across the entire first lens component in between the first surface and second surface thereof.

[0056] Other aspects of the present invention shall be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the above noted accompanying drawings, and the following detailed description, neither of which should be considered limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0057] Now referring to drawings of FIGS. 1-19, where similar structures are described with like numerals there is seen in FIG. 1 depicts a view of a mode of the device 10 having a unitary structured lens, formed of a first lens portion 12 having a first surface 14, and having at least one, or as shown preferably a plurality of projecting or projecting portions 16 extending therefrom. The projecting potions 16 have a shape defined by a perimeter formed by a sidewall 18 which extends away from an intersection 20 at a first end of the sidewall 18, with the first surface 14 of the first lens portion 12. The sidewall 18 of each projecting portion 16 extends to a distal end, at an intersection with the edge of a projecting surface 22 formed within the perimeter defined by the sidewall 18. The projecting surface 22, is adapted for formation of an ophthalmic lens to correct the vision of a user or wearer.

[0058] A particularly preferred shape of the projecting portions 16 is shown in FIG. 1. As shown, each of the two projecting portions 16 has a respective wider diameter adjacent the two ends of the curved first lens portion 12, and have narrower diameters at their respective ends, adjacent the middle.

[0059] This preferred shape allows for portions of the projecting portions 16 to extend closer to the bridge of the nose, while concurrently extending to the temple and well below the nose. This extended rectangular shape, with a curve extending from a nose-side of the projections 16 to a lower edge adjacent both ends of the first lens portion 12, allows for formation of progressive lenses, using the projecting portions 16, and prescriptive eyewear which are highly customized, as the formed progressive lens can be both horizontal from top to bottom, and sideways from nose end to temple end.

[0060] FIG. 2 depicts a view of the opposite side or second side surface of the first lens portion 12 from that shown in FIG. 1. A novel aspect of the disclosed device 10 is that the formed unitary structure of ophthalmic lens formed on the projecting portion 16 projecting from the first side 14 of the first lens portion 12, when viewed from the second surface 24 side, yields a shadowless appearance of the second surface 24 even where a filter material may be inserted as noted below.

[0061] Shown in FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device 10 shown in FIG. 1. Depicted are a plurality of two projecting portions 16 each having a shape defined by the perimeter of a sidewall 18 extending from an intersection 20 with the first surface 14 of the first lens portion 12. As can be seen the cross sectional thickness of the first lens portion 12 surrounds the formed projecting portions 16 and is significantly thinner. As noted, the projecting portions 16 and first lens portion 12 are formed in a unitary structure, either by a single mold with the projections 16 and lens portion 12, or by co molding formed projecting portions 16 into the mold for the first lens portion 12 which melts and forms the projecting portions 16 into the structure of the first lens portion 12.

[0062] In the depiction of FIG. 4 is shown a sectional view through the device as in FIGS. 1 and 3 showing the unitary structure of the first lens portion 12 and projecting portions 16. The non linear intersection 20 of the sidewall 18 forming the perimeter and defining the shape of the projecting portions 16 with the first surface 14 of the first lens portion 12 is preferred. As noted above, the non linear intersection 20 of the sidewall 18 with the first surface 14 is most important. By non linear is meant that the line running along the surface of the sidewall 18 running between its communication with the raised surface 22 and the intersection 20, does not intersect the line or planar surface of the first side of the first lens portion.

[0063] Instead, at, or adjacent to, the interaction 20 the surface of the sidewall 18 deviates from a planar or straight surface, with an angled portion or curved portion of the surface communicating between the sidewall 18, and the first surface 14. Currently, the angled intersection of FIG. 4c and the curved intersection is in FIG. 4a are particularly preferred as a non linear communication of the sidewall 18 with the first surface 14, however the other noted intersection shapes of FIGS. 4b-4d are also examples of a non linear communication of the sidewall 18 at or adjacent to the first surface 14.

[0064] FIG. 4a shows a curved surface at the intersection 20 between the sidewall 18 defining the shape of the projecting portion 16 and the first surface 14 of the first lens portion 12.

[0065] FIG. 4b shows a reverse curved shape of the surface of the intersection 20 between the sidewall 18 defining the shape of the projecting portion 16 and the first surface 14 of the first lens portion 12.

[0066] FIG. 4c shows an angled surface of the intersection 20 between the sidewall 18 defining the shape of the projecting portion 16 and the first surface 14 of the first lens portion 12.

[0067] FIG. 4d shows a curved relief shaped intersection 20 of the perimeter edge of the sidewall 18, running underneath the first end of the sidewall, 18 and depending into the first surface 14, and running for the perimeter of the projecting portion 1.

[0068] Thus, the non linear intersection as defined herein, can be any of a group of non linear intersections, including an intersection formed by a curved surface extending between said first end of said sidewall and said first surface of said first lens portion as in FIGS. 4a and 4b, an intersection formed by an angled surface extending between said first end of said sidewall and said first surface of said first lens portion as in FIG. 4c, and an intersection formed by a recess extending underneath said first end of said first sidewall 18 and depending into the first surface 14 of said first lens portion 12. This formation of a non linear intersection as noted, prevents cracks.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5 is depicted another mode of the unitary lens structure device 10 herein. Shown is a curved panoramic first lens portion 12 and two circular projecting portions 16 extending from the first surface 14 of the curved first portion 12 of the formed lens. The perimeter intersection 20 of both sidewalls 18 is shown also and would preferably non linear as noted above. Additionally depicted is a centered tooling engagement member 28 in operative engagement to the first lens portion 12 along a side edge. This tool engagement member may be employed in all modes of the device herein.

[0070] In FIG. 6 is shown an opposite side view of the unitary lens structure of FIG. 5 showing the second side surface 24 and showing the tooling engagement member 28 centered between the two side edges 13 of the first lens portion 12 and extending perpendicular to a horizontal axis running between the two side edges 13.

[0071] A perspective view of this configuration is shown in FIG. 7. As can bee seen, the tooling engagement member 28 is centered between the two ends 13 of the first lens portion 12 and runs substantially perpendicular to an axis 17 running across the first lens portion 12 between both ends or the temple ends, thereof. As noted this tooling engagement member 28 is adapted for engagement with conventional eyeglass grinding machines, where a goggle lense will not fit or be engageable to form the lenses.

[0072] FIG. 8 depicts a sport or protective goggle mode 33 of the device 10 herein. The configurations shown in FIGS. 9-12 can be engaged with a goggle frame such as in FIG. 8.

[0073] In FIG. 9 is shown first lens portion 12 having two projecting portions 16 thereon and having a second lens 31 engaged in a spaced relationship adjacent the second surface 24 of the first lens portion 12 as would be engaged in the goggle of FIG. 8.

[0074] Shown in FIG. 10 is a mode of the device 10 similar in fashion to that of FIG. 9 and engageable within the goggle frame 33 such as that of FIG. 8. In this figure, the second lens 31 forming a cavity is positioned adjacent to the lens-machinable raised surfaces 22 of the projecting portions 16.

[0075] Another goggle or protective eyewear mode is shown in FIG. 11 and adapted to minimize fogging in the same fashion as those of FIGS. 9, 10, and 12. As depicted, a mating second lens 31 having projecting sections 35 is engageable where the projecting sections 35 are configured to fit adjacent the sidewalls 18 of the formed projecting portions 16 of the first lens 12 and fill the gaps.

[0076] FIG. 11 shows another mode of the device adapted for a goggle to minimize fogging in the same fashion as those of FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, and showing a mating lens having projecting sections adapted to fit adjacent the sidewalls of the formed projecting portions of the first lens.

[0077] FIG. 12 depicts a mode of the device forming a unitary lens structure formed with a first lens portion 12 and projecting portion 16 as with the other modes herein. This mode of the device is well adapted for engagement in eyeglass frames where the thinner cross section of the first lens portion 12 which surrounds the thicker area where the projecting portion 16 rises will better fit frames.

[0078] FIG. 13 is an overhead view of the device as in FIG. 12 showing the perimeter intersection 20 of the sidewall 18 with the first surface 14 of the first lens portion 12. As depicted the sidewall 18 defines an oval projecting portion 16 extending from the first surface 14 of the first lens portion 12.

[0079] FIG. 14 depicts a sectional view of the device of FIGS. 12 and 13 and shows the preferred non linear intersection 20 between the sidewall 18 and the first surface 14 of first lens portion 12 as is preferable in all modes of the device herein.

[0080] FIGS. 15a-15d depict various non linear shapes to the intersection 20 of the sidewall 18 with the first surface 14 of the first lens portion 12. Such as noted are highly preferred to eliminate a linear intersection prone to cracking.

[0081] FIG. 16 depicts unitary lense devices 10 formed to engage eyeglass frames where the thicker projecting portion 16 is surrounded by the thinner first lens portion 12 to allow for optical prescriptions requiring thick lenses, but also allow engagement of the formed lens devices 10 to more fashionable eyewear when the user must have such thick lenses for sight correction. In FIG. 17 is shown a similar mode of the device 10 as in FIG. 16, but with rectangular panoramic first lens portions 12.

[0082] Where filtered optics are desired or required in the device 10 herein in any mode, such is depicted in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19. In FIG. 18 is shown the unitary lens device 10 which has a polarizing or other filter layer 36 engaged between the projecting portion 16 and the second side 24 of the first lens portion 12. Shown in FIG. 19 the polarizing or other filter layer 36 is positioned across the entire first lens portion 12 in between the first surface 14 and second surface 24 thereof.

[0083] While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the software enabled employee management and matching system herein have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features or steps in the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features or steps without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.