Electronic eyewear viewing device
09841603 · 2017-12-12
Assignee
Inventors
- Declan Halpin (New Bedford, MA, US)
- Lee A. Kuczewski (Brooklyn, NY, US)
- Ernesto Carlos Martinez Villalpando (Shrewsbury, MA, US)
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
An electronic eyewear viewing device including a display module having a microdisplay for viewing images. The microdisplay can have an exit window aligned along a first lateral axis L.sub.1. The display module can have a pivot joint along a second lateral axis L.sub.2 parallel to and spaced apart from the first lateral axis L.sub.1. The display module can be rotatable about the pivot joint. A lateral position adjustment screw can be mounted and rotatably secured to the display module for laterally adjusting position of the display module. A rotational position adjustment screw can be mounted along a transverse axis that is transverse to the second lateral axis L.sub.2 and rotatably secured to the display module at a location offset from the second lateral axis L.sub.2 for adjusting rotational position of the display module about the pivot joint along the second lateral axis L.sub.2.
Claims
1. An electronic eyewear viewing device comprising: a display module having a microdisplay for viewing images, the microdisplay having an exit window aligned along a first lateral axis L.sub.1, the display module having a pivot joint along a second lateral axis L.sub.2 parallel to and spaced apart a distance from the first lateral axis L.sub.1, the display module being rotatable about the pivot joint; a lateral position adjustment screw mounted and rotatably secured to the display module for laterally adjusting position of the display module; and a rotational position adjustment screw mounted along a transverse axis that is transverse to the second lateral axis L.sub.2 and rotatably secured to the display module at a location offset from the second lateral axis L.sub.2 for adjusting rotational position of the display module about the pivot joint along the second lateral axis L.sub.2, the distance that the exit window of the microdisplay along the first lateral axis L.sub.1 is spaced apart from the pivot joint and the second lateral axis L.sub.2 providing a larger radius of rotation for the exit window than if the exit window was positioned along the second lateral axis L.sub.2.
2. The device of claim 1 in which the lateral position adjustment screw is mounted along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 and rotatably secured to the pivot joint of the display module for laterally adjusting position of the display module along the second lateral axis L.sub.2.
3. The device of claim 2 in which the second lateral axis L.sub.2 is positioned below the first lateral axis L.sub.1, and the transverse axis is in an upright orientation generally perpendicular to the second lateral axis L.sub.2.
4. The device of claim 3 in which the lateral position adjustment screw has screw threads which engage mating threads of a lateral movement sleeve positioned at the pivot joint of the display module along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 for providing lateral adjustment of the display module, and the rotational adjustment screw has screw threads which engage mating threads of a rotational movement sleeve positioned in the display module and rotationally mounted along a third lateral axis L.sub.3 parallel to and spaced apart from the second lateral axis L.sub.2, the rotational movement sleeve rotating about the third lateral axis L.sub.3 to allow the screw threads of the rotational adjustment screw to engage the mating threads of the rotational movement sleeve as rotational position of the display module is adjusted.
5. The device of claim 4 further comprising a frame, the display module being rotatably mounted at the pivot joint along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 to the frame by the lateral position adjustment screw, the frame having a lateral track extending along a fourth lateral axis L.sub.4 parallel to and spaced below the third lateral axis L.sub.3, the rotational position adjustment screw being slidably mounted to the lateral track to move with lateral adjustment of the display module.
6. The device of claim 5 in which the frame comprises an eyewear frame.
7. The device of claim 5 in which the frame comprises a display housing bracket for mounting to an eyewear frame.
8. The device of claim 7 in which the frame further comprises a brow bar bracket mounted to the eyewear frame to which the display housing bracket is mounted.
9. The device of claim 1 in which the pivot joint pivotably connects together first and second arms of a pivoting mechanism along the second lateral axis L.sub.2, the rotational position adjustment screw being mounted to the first and second arms for adjusting the rotational position of the first and second arms relative to each other for adjusting the rotational position of the display module.
10. The device of claim 9 in which the pivoting mechanism is secured to a housing of the microdisplay.
11. The device of claim 10 in which the first and second arms are integrally formed together, the pivot joint comprising a bendable section extending along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 that bends to pivot the first and second arms relative to each other.
12. The device of claim 11 in which the first and second arms are upper and lower arms, respectively, the lateral position adjustment screw being rotatably secured to the upper arm for laterally adjusting position of the display module and the lower arm being secured to the housing of the microdisplay, rotation of the rotational position adjustment screw adjusting rotational position of the display module.
13. The device of claim 12 further comprising an eyewear frame, the pivoting mechanism being slidably mounted to the eyewear frame between two end stops, the lateral position adjustment screw being rotatably secured between the two end stops and to the upper arm of the pivoting mechanism positioned between the two end stops.
14. A method of adjusting a display module of an electronic eyewear viewing device, the display module having a microdisplay for viewing images, the microdisplay having an exit window aligned along a first lateral axis L.sub.1, the method comprising: providing the display module with a pivot joint aligned along a second lateral axis L.sub.2 that is parallel to and spaced apart a distance from the first lateral axis L.sub.1, the display module being rotatable about a pivot joint; adjusting lateral position of the display module with a lateral position adjustment screw rotatably secured to the display module; and adjusting rotational position of the display module about the pivot joint along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 with a rotational position adjustment screw mounted along a transverse axis that is transverse to the second lateral axis L.sub.2 and rotatably secured to the display module at a location offset from the second lateral axis L.sub.2, the distance that the exit window of the microdisplay along the first lateral axis L.sub.1 is spaced apart from the pivot joint and the second lateral axis L.sub.2 providing a larger radius of rotation for the exit window than if the exit window was positioned along the second lateral axis L.sub.2.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising adjusting lateral position of the display module along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 with a lateral position adjustment screw mounted along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 and rotatably secured to the pivot joint of the display module.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising positioning the second lateral axis L.sub.2 below the first lateral axis L.sub.1, and the transverse axis in an upright orientation generally perpendicular to the second lateral axis L.sub.2.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: engaging screw threads of the lateral position adjustment screw with mating threads of a lateral movement sleeve positioned at the pivot joint of the display module along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 for providing lateral adjustment of the display module; and engaging screw threads of the rotational adjustment screw with mating threads of a rotational movement sleeve positioned in the display module that is rotationally mounted along a third lateral axis L.sub.3 parallel to and spaced apart from the second lateral axis L.sub.2, the rotational movement sleeve rotating about the third lateral axis L.sub.3 to allow the screw threads of the rotational adjustment screw to engage the mating threads of the rotational movement sleeve as rotational position of the display module is adjusted.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: rotatably mounting the display module at the pivot joint along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 to a frame by the lateral position adjustment screw; and slidably mounting the rotational position adjustment screw to a lateral track of the frame extending along a fourth lateral axis L.sub.4 parallel to and spaced below the third lateral axis L.sub.3.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising providing an eyewear frame as the frame.
20. The method of claim 18 further comprising providing the frame with a display housing bracket for mounting to an eyewear frame.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising providing the frame with a brow bar bracket mounted to the eyewear frame to which the display housing bracket is mounted.
22. The method of claim 14 further comprising pivotably connecting together first and second arms of a pivoting mechanism with the pivot joint along the second lateral axis L.sub.2, the rotational position adjustment screw being mounted to the first and second arms for adjusting the rotational position of the first and second arms relative to each other for adjusting a rotational position of the display module.
23. The method of claim 22 further comprising securing the pivoting mechanism to a housing of the microdisplay.
24. The method of claim 23 further comprising: integrally forming the first and second arms together, the pivot joint comprising a bendable section extending along the second lateral axis L.sub.2; and bending the pivot joint to pivot the first and second arms relative to each other.
25. The method of claim 24 in which the first and second arms are upper and lower arms, respectively, the method further comprising: rotatably securing the lateral position adjustment screw to the upper arm for laterally adjusting position of the display module; and securing the lower arm to the housing of the microdisplay, rotation of the rotational position adjustment screw adjusting rotational position of the display module.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising slidably mounting the pivoting mechanism to an eyewear frame between two end stops, the lateral position adjustment screw being rotatably secured between the two end stops and to the upper arm of the pivoting mechanism positioned between the two end stops.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(29) A description of example embodiments of the invention follows.
(30) Referring to
(31) The adjustable display module 22 can include the microdisplay 26 and an adjustment mechanism 36, mounted to a first or right corner shaped housing or module, or motion mechanism housing/hinge 2. The corner shaped housing 2 can be secured or mounted to a first or right corner bracket portion 46 of the frame chassis 7. The adjustment mechanism 36 can include a rotatable threaded interpupillary adjustment screw 1 for providing linear lateral adjustment of the microdisplay 26 along lateral axis L in the direction of arrows 28, and a rotatable or pivotable worm wheel, gear or drive, or worm gear wheel 3 that is engagingly driven by a worm or worm screw, or worm gear and shaft 6 for providing rotatable or pivotable adjustment of the microdisplay 26 about axis L in the direction of arrows 24. The adjustment screw 1 and the worm wheel 3 are rotatably mounted to the corner shaped housing 2 about lateral axis L, and can be inserted into a generally round worm drive, bore, hole, opening or cavity 2c (
(32) As a result, the adjustment screw 1 can be rotated within cavity 2c, and by screw threads engaging a threaded hole in a portion of microdisplay 26 or a member attached thereto, move and adjust the lateral position of the microdisplay 26 linearly along lateral axis L. The thread or teeth of worm 6 can be rotatably mounted to corner shaped housing 2 about upright axis W perpendicular to lateral axis L within a hole or opening 6a (
(33) The corner shaped housing 2 can include a pupil flex/cable entry channel, hole or opening 2b that has an upright narrow rectangular shape which can receive a flex or ribbon cable 41 (
(34) The frame chassis 7 can be a front eyewear or spectacle frame extending in a generally flat or shallow curved manner holding two lenses 50, (prescription and/or sunglass lenses). The frame chassis 7 can have an upper or top frame or rim portion 52 above the lenses 50 and a lower or bottom frame or rim portion 54 extending around the sides and bottom of the lenses 50 (
(35) The frame bracket 9 and front bracket portion 47 can have an upper surface that is curved to match the upper surface or upper rim 52 and can have a narrow thickness that is sized and shaped or curved to match the narrow width and shape or curve of the wiring channel 58 for insertion and securement therein, while being positioned above the lower wiring passage portion 58a and wires contained therein, thereby covering and protecting the wires 43. The frame bracket 9 can act as both a structural bracket and a cosmetic cover over wires 43. This allows passage of wires 43 through the frame chassis 7 in a slim compact elegant design that can look like prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses. The frame bracket 9 includes first or right 46 and second or left 48 corner bracket portions which are bent rearwardly from the front bracket portion 47 to extend from the wiring channel 58 first laterally, then rearwardly. The bottom of the corner bracket portions 46 and 48 extend or curve downwardly to provide a total upright height greater than the height of the front bracket portion 47 that is large enough to mount the first or right corner shaped housing 2 and a second or left corner shaped housing or module 12 thereto, on curved upright inner surfaces. Portions of the corner bracket portions 46 and 48 having a large upright height can be secured within the wiring channel 58 at the ends of the frame chassis 7 by screws 15 through interlocking brow bar registration holes 9a. The securement of the large height portion of the corner bracket portions 46 and 48 within the wiring channel 58 can provide increased strength and rigidity to the corner bracket portions 46 and 48. The right corner bracket portion 46 can have a brow bar motion mechanism hole 9b through which the head of the adjustment screw 1 can extend for access by the user.
(36) The second or left corner shaped housing or module, or power, microphone hinge housing 12 can include a microphone aperture 12a, a hinge member 60 at the rearward end with a hinge assembly pivot hole 12d and a hinge/cable exit channel, opening or hole 12b. The hinge member 60 can be pivotably or rotatably mounted or connected to hinge member 62 of left temple 14 about upright axis T.sub.2 with screw/nut 15 through pivot hole 12d. The cable exit channel 12b can provide access or passage for electrical wires 43 from frame chassis 7 to pass through hinge member 60 into left temple 14 via opening, passage or channel 62 in the forward end of left temple 14, while allowing the left temple 14 to pivot, which can be 90°. A power, microphone hinge housing assembly cover 13 can be secured to the bottom of the left corner shaped housing 12, by screws 15 and can include an on/off switch port 13a.
(37) The right 10 and left 14 temples can include right 10a and left 14a temple assembly covers secured with screws 15 for covering cavities within temples 10 and 14 containing various components, and can have right 10b and left 14b temple speakers. The right temple 10 can include a USB port 10c, and a board reset port 10d (
(38) Further description of embodiments in the present invention shown in
(39) Pupil Motion Mechanism and Components 1 Interpupillary Adjustment Screw 2 Motion Mechanism Housing/Sleeve Bearing/Hinge 3 Worm Drive 4 Interpupillary (IPD) Adjustment Limiter Pin 5 Pupil Mechanism 6 Worm Screw 7 Frame Chassis 8 Housing/Hinge Assembly Cover
(40) The components numbered 1, 3, 5, 6 can be referred to as the “pupil motion mechanism”; and can be referred to as a single assembly that is housed in the motion mechanism housing/sleeve bearing/hinge 2, and secured via the interpupillary adjustment limiter pin 4, and housing/hinge assembly cover 8 with fasteners. 9 Interlocking Brow Bar 10 Right Temple 11 Adjustable Silicone Nose Pads 12 Power, Microphone, Hinge Housing 13 Power, Microphone, Hinge Housing Assembly Cover 14 Left Temple 15 Assembly Screws/Fasteners
(41) Each of these components can contain unique subfeatures as identified by the following reference numerals. 2a IPD Adjustment Limiter Pin Hole 2b Pupil Flex Entry Channel 2c Worm Drive Cavity 2d Pupil Flex Exit Channel/Hinge 2e Hinge Assembly Pivot Hole 2f Worm Screw Registration Track 5a Electronic Cable/Flex Exit 7a Interlocking Brow Bar Channel 7b Interlocking Brow Bar Registration Hole 7c Motion Mechanism Clearance Track 7d Nose Pad Clearance Pocket 8a Electronic Cable Clearance Track 8b Work Screw Registration Track 9a Interlocking Brow Bar Registration Hole 9b Brow Bar Motion Mechanism Hole 9c Brow Bar Worm Screw Hole 10a Right Temple Assembly Cover 10b Right Temple Speaker 10c USB Port 10d Board Reset Port 12a Microphone Aperture 12b Hinge/Cable Exit 12c Electronic Cable Clearance Track 12d Hinge Assembly Pivot Hole 13a On/Off Switch Port 14a Left Temple Assembly Cover 14b Left Temple Speaker
(42) Interpupillary Adjustment Screw: The interpupillary adjustment screw 1 (IPD screw) can serve both functional and aesthetic/branding purposes. The IPD adjustment screw 1 (
(43) Motion Mechanism Housing/Hinge: The motion mechanism housing/hinge 2 (
(44) Worm Drive: The worm drive allows the pupil motion mechanism 5 (
(45) IPD Adjustment Limiter Pin: The IPD adjustment limiter pin 4 (
(46) Pupil Mechanism: The Pupil Mechanism 5 (
(47) Worm Screw: The worm screw 6 (
(48) Frame Chassis: The frame chassis 7 can be ophthalmically constructed to accommodate prescriptive lenses, adjustable silicone nose pads, interlocking brow bar, and electronic wires and cables. The motion mechanism clearance track 7c (
(49) Housing/Hinge Assembly Cover: The housing/hinge assembly cover 8 can include an electronic cable clearance track 8a (
(50) Interlocking Brow Bar: The interlocking brow bar 9 can be a modular component of the frame construction (
(51) Right Temple: The right temple 10 can accommodate the electronic board, cables, USB port 10c, board reset port 10d and speakers 10b of the eyeglass frame (
(52) Adjustable Silicone Nose Pads: The adjustable silicone nose pads 11 protrude into the nosepad clearance pocket 7d (
(53) Power, Microphone, Hinge Housing 12: The hinge housing on the left side of the frame can accommodate the microphone 12a, and On/POff switch to the battery (
(54) Power, Microphone, Hinge Housing Assembly Cover 13: The On/Off Switch Port 13a (
(55) The Left Temple 14 can accommodate the battery, speaker and cables/wires traveling to and from the hinge/cable exit 12b (
(56) Referring to
(57) The adjustable display assembly 122 can include the display module 135, microdisplay 126 and an adjustment mechanism 136, mounted to a first or right corner of the eyewear frame 134, and can be mounted to the brow bar 109. The display module 135 can include a housing or pupil mechanism support harness 108 containing the microdisplay 126, and a support harness base or tongue like protrusion 108a that can extend downwardly relative to the microdisplay 126. The support harness base 108a can include pivot joint 137 extending therethrough along the second lateral axis L.sub.2, which can include a threaded hole 110a. The pivot joint 137 can include a lateral hole, opening, bore, or interpupillary distance (IPD) sleeve track 108c extending laterally through support harness base 108a along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 for receiving a threaded nut or IPD threaded travel sleeve 110 having the threaded hole or travel sleeve threads 110a. The sleeve 110 can be secured, trapped or adhered within track 108c. A lateral motion or interpupillary distance adjustment (IPD) screw 101 can extend through the support harness base 108a along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 and engage threads 110a. The display module 135 can be linearly moved laterally along the axis L.sub.2 by IPD screw 101 for IPD adjustment of the exit window 130 along axis L.sub.1 relative to the user's eye.
(58) The support harness base 108a can also include an upright angle of view entry hole, opening or cavity 108d offset from the second lateral axis L.sub.2, extending upwardly from the bottom into or through a lateral hole, opening, bore or angle of view tilt drum track 108b extending laterally through the support harness base 108a along the third lateral axis L.sub.3 that is parallel to and spaced apart from the axis L.sub.2 by a distance or radius R.sub.2. An angle of view adjustment screw 106 can extend upwardly into entry hole 108d along an upright or generally vertical axis U for engaging mating tilt drum threads 111a for raising and lowering display module 135, by rotating the display module 135 about pivot joint 137, IPD screw 101 and axis L.sub.2. The adjustment screw 106 and axis U can intersect with axis L.sub.3 at a distance R.sub.2 from axis L.sub.2. The tilt drum track 108b can receive a generally round or cylindrical angle of view tilt drum or member 111 that is rotatably mounted therein. The angle of view tilt drum 111 can have threads 111a that generally extend upright perpendicular or at a right angle to axis L.sub.3 for engaging adjustment screw 106. Tilt drum 111 can rotate about axis L.sub.3 to rotate threads 111a about axis L.sub.3 to allow operation of the adjustment screw 106 while the tilt drum 111 and threads 111a also move concentrically about pivot joint 137 and axis L.sub.2 in a radius R.sub.2. The entry hole 108d can have sufficient room for any longitudinal or side to side lateral movement of adjustment screw 106. The radius R.sub.2 can be sized to provide in conjunction with the threads per inch of adjustment screw 106, the desired amount of rotational movement of display module 135 per revolution of adjustment screw 106. Adjusting or moving the exit window 130 in a curved path about axis L.sub.2 with a radius R.sub.1, can provide movement in a curved path with a larger radius and with a more gradual tilt adjustment than if tilted about axis L.sub.1 (or alternatively if the exit window 130 was positioned on axis L.sub.2) and can in some embodiments make it easier to adjust or obtain the amount of tilt desired by the user.
(59) The display module 135, IPD screw 101 and angle of view adjustment screw 106 can be mounted to a motion mechanism display housing bracket 102. The bracket 102 can have a bottom wall, a rear wall and opposite side or end walls with the cavity within. The IPD screw 101 can be rotatably mounted along axis L.sub.2 between the two end walls and extend through support harness base 108a therebetween. The IPD screw 101 can be rotationally supported by sleeve bearings 104 and 112 positioned within respective sleeve bearing mounting holes, cavities or recesses 102a and 102b, located in opposite end walls. An internal threaded journal 103 with internal threads 103a can be fitted over IPD screw 101 and engaged within hole 104b of sleeve bearing 104 for providing concentric rotation. Alternatively, IPD screw 101 can be provided with a shoulder for engaging sleeve bearing 104. The end of the IPD screw 101 can have an IPD screw journal 101b for engaging the hole 112a of sleeve bearing 112, and a lock washer 113 can be used to trap or lock IPD screw 101 laterally in place.
(60) The angle of view adjustment screw 106 can be extended upwardly through an elongate or linear tilt guide track or slot 102c in the bottom wall and into the support harness base 108a. The track 102c extends through the bottom wall of bracket 102 along a fourth lateral axis L.sub.4 that is parallel to and spaced below the third lateral axis L.sub.3. The adjustment screw 106 can be secured to a washer 114 below the bracket 102 and a flanged bushing with internal threading 116 that travels within track 102c. Bushing 116 can have a flange 116a which extends above track 102c and with washer 114, can trap the track 102c therebetween. The track 102c allows the adjustment screw 106 to laterally or linearly travel within the display module 135 as it moves within bracket 102. The amount of linear or lateral travel of the display module 135 can be limited by one or all of the length of the IPD screw 101, the space between the end walls of the bracket 102, the width of the support harness base 108a, the length of the track 102c, and the size of the bushing 116. The adjustment screw 106 and bushing 116 can be dimensioned to provide some tilting within track 102c to follow the position of the tilt drum 111 as it moves around axis L.sub.2 while rotating about axis L.sub.3. The upper surfaces of the end walls of bracket 102 can have a curve, radius or fulcrum 102e which can provide a concentric brace about axis L.sub.2 over which the bottom of the display module 135 can rest and be supported during rotation.
(61) The bracket 102 can be mounted to the interlocking brow bar 109 and the eyewear frame 134 by screws 115. In some embodiments, the adjustable display assembly 122 can be a modular unit that is attached to eyewear frame 134, and can in some embodiments include brow bar 109. The brow bar 109 can have ends that are bent rearwardly for securement to side stems or temples. An IPD screw axis hole 109b can be formed in one rearwardly bent end of brow bar 109 for providing access to IPD screw 101 for adjustment.
(62) Additional description of embodiments in the present invention shown in
(63) Interpupillary Adjustment Screw (IPD Screw) 101: When turned either clockwise or counterclockwise, the interpupillary adjustment screw (IPD screw) 101 (
(64) Motion Mechanism Housing Bracket: The motion mechanism housing bracket 102 (
(65) Internal Threaded Journal: The internal threaded journal 103 (
(66) Sleeve Bearing: The sleeve bearing 104 (
(67) Pupil Mechanism: The pupil mechanism 105 (
(68) Angle of View Adjustment Screw: The angle of view adjustment screw 106 (
(69) Frame Chassis: The frame chassis 107 (
(70) Pupil Mechanism Support Harness: The pupil mechanism support harness 108 (
(71) Interlocking Brow Bar: The interlocking brow bar 109 (
(72) IPD Threaded Travel Sleeve: The IPD threaded travel sleeve 110 (
(73) Angle of View Tilt Drum: Angle of view rotation of the pupil mechanism 105 can be achieved with the angle of view tilt drum 111 (
(74) Sleeve Bearing: The sleeve bearing 112 (
(75) Lock Washer: The lock washer 113 (
(76) Washer: The washer 114 (
(77) Assembly Screws: The assembly screws 115 (
(78) Flanged Bushing with Internal Threading: The flanged bushing with internal threading 116 (
(79) In other embodiments in the present invention, referring to
(80) The microdisplay 226 can be similar to those previously described. The microdisplay 226 can be electronically, processor or computer driven, and can display images 232 including text and/or video on a small display screen or image exit window 230 along optical axis O. The exit window 230 can be positioned along a first lateral axis L.sub.1.
(81) The adjustment mechanism 236 of the adjustable display assembly 222 can be mechanically adjustable and can adjust the position of the image exit window 230 and optical axis O of the display module 235, incrementally latterly in a linear direction along the first lateral axis L.sub.1 in the direction of arrows 228, while incrementally adjusting the linear position of the display module 235 along a fifth lateral axis L.sub.5. The fifth lateral axis L.sub.5 can be parallel to the first lateral axis L.sub.1, being spaced above and offset to the side of the first lateral axis L.sub.1. The adjustment mechanism 236 can also incrementally pivotably or rotatably adjust the position of the image exit window 230, optical axis O and display module 235 about or around a pivot joint 237 along a second lateral axis L.sub.2, in the direction of arrows 224, to pivot, rotate, angle or tilt image exit window 230 and optical axis O to the user's eyes, such as slightly angled or tilted downwardly. The exit window 230 can move concentrically about and below the second lateral axis L.sub.2 along a generally circular or curved swinging, rotating or pivoting path having a radius R.sub.1(
(82) The adjustable display assembly 222 can include the display module 235, microdisplay 226, and an adjustment mechanism 236, mounted to a first or right corner of the eyewear frame 234. The display module 235 can have, include or be a pupil mechanism 205 with a housing or pupil mechanism housing 205b which can have, include, be, or contain the microdisplay 226. A pivoting mechanism, device or member, or multi-directional motion clip 202 can be mounted, connected, attached, secured or extended from an upper surface of the housing 205b. In some embodiments, the motion clip 202 and/or adjustment mechanism 236 can be considered part of the display module 235.
(83) The motion clip 202 can have first or upper 202U and second or lower 202L portions or arms. The upper 202U and lower 202L arms can be integrally formed together and can each include generally rectangular planar members that are connected together at one side or edge at a motion clip stabilizing flange 202a generally in a vee or wedge shaped configuration or structure. The lower arm 202L can be mounted, connected, attached, secured or extended from the upper surface of the housing 205b or the display module 235. The stabilizing flange 202a can have a folded linear edge that can be parallel to axes L.sub.1, L.sub.2 and L.sub.5. The upper arm 202U can have two spaced apart track flanges or members 202d with threaded holes on opposite ends thereof, aligned along the fifth lateral axis L.sub.5, forming a threaded interpupillary (IPD) screw alignment track or guide for engaging a lateral motion or interpupillary distance (IPD) adjustment screw 201 extending along axis L.sub.5. The flanges 202d can extend below the upper arm 202U between arms 202U and 202L. The lower arm 202L can have a threaded tilt guide tab or member 202c extending centrally from the opposite side or edge from stabilizing flange 202a towards the upper arm 202U. The tilt guide tab 202c can have a threaded tilt guide hole or opening 202f. An angle of view or rotational position adjustment screw 203 can rotatably engage threaded hole 202f in the tab 202c in lower arm 202L while being rotatably secured through or in a tilt screw hole 202b in the upper arm 202U by a lock nut 204, along an upright or generally vertical axis U. The lower arm 202L of the motion clip 202 can have a slight fold or bend line extending along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 slightly inward from the folded linear edge, which can form the pivot joint 237. The lower arm 202L can pivot, bend or deform upwardly or downwardly along pivot joint 237 and the second lateral axis L.sub.2, to allow the lower arm 202L to pivot, rotate or move towards and/or away from the upper arm 202U by rotation of the angle of view adjustment screw 203. The pivot joint 237 can have a concise angle bend line that forms an obtuse angle on the underside of the lower arm 202L relative to the underside plane of the motion clip 202e, to provide the pivot joint 237 with a defined bendable hinge that pivots consistently along the second lateral axis L.sub.2. In some embodiments, the lower arm 202L and/or the upper arm 202U can be considered to be leaf springs. The adjustment screw 203 and vertical axis U can be perpendicular and offset from axis L.sub.2 by a distance R.sub.2. In some embodiments, the pivot joint 237 can have a narrow precise bend line extending along the second lateral axis L.sub.2, and in other embodiments, the pivot joint 237 can have a wider bend line. In some embodiments, the lower arm 202L and/or the motion clip 202 can be formed as part of housing 205b, and can be integrally formed therewith.
(84) The frame chassis 207 of the eyewear frame 234 can have a recess or pupil mechanism clearance cavity 207b on the first or right upper side or corner to provide space for recessing the display module 235 and/or the housing 205b of the pupil mechanism 205 while allowing the display module 235 and/or pupil mechanism 205 to move, translate, swing, rotate and/or pivot therein. In some embodiments, the recess 207b can extend into the front portion of the frame chassis 207. The front right upper rim portion of the frame chassis 207 can include a lateral motion clip guide channel, slot, slide or track 207g for slidably receiving the stabilizing flange 202a of the motion clip 202. The motion clip 202 can slide linearly laterally within the clip guide channel 207g to guide lateral movement of the display module 235 and exit window 230 along a fixed linear path. The clip guide channel 207g can have elongate flat bottom and edge surfaces for slidably engaging the bottom and side edge of the stabilizing flange 202a of the motion clip 202. The angled bend of the pivot joint 237 along the second lateral axis L.sub.2 can engage the outer corner of the bottom of the clip guide channel 207g and provide an elongate linear leverage pivot edge over which the lower arm 202L can pivot or bend over or around. The clip guide channel 207g can align the second lateral axis L.sub.2 of the pivot joint 237 of the motion clip 202 parallel to the fifth lateral axis L.sub.5 and generally on a common horizontal or lateral plane.
(85) The clip guide channel 207g can extend between two end members, structures or stops, which can act as end stops for limiting the amount of lateral adjustment of the motion clip 202, as well as rotatably securing the opposite ends of the IPD adjustment screw 201 therebetween along the fifth lateral axis L.sub.5. A protruding shoulder, ledge or structure such as an IPD screw reinforcement guide 207f can be a first end member and can extend from the upper front and right side of the frame chassis 207 inwardly, and have a flat side wall surface perpendicular to the direction of travel of the clip guide channel 207g to act as a right side end stop for movement of the motion clip 202 to the right. The reinforcement guide 207f can also have an IPD screw thumbwheel cavity 207e aligned with the fifth lateral axis L.sub.5, with a larger cavity inset into the reinforcement guide 207f for accepting the IPD adjustment screw thumbwheel or head 201a, and a smaller opening through the sidewall of the right side end stop, for rotatably trapping or securing the thumbwheel 201a in the thumbwheel cavity 207e. A protruding shoulder, ledge or structure such as an extruded frame chassis ledge 207c can be a second end member and can extend inwardly from the upper front of the frame chassis 207. Ledge 207c can have a flat side wall surface perpendicular to the direction of travel of the clip guide channel 207g, and spaced apart from the reinforcement guide 207f to provide a left side end stop for movement of the motion clip 202 to the left. The ledge 207c can have a IPD adjustment screw journal hole, opening or bore 207h in the flat side wall surface aligned with the fifth lateral axis L.sub.5 facing opposite to the thumbwheel cavity 207e and reinforcement guide 207f, for accepting and rotatably securing the IPD adjustment screw journal 201b. As a result, the IPD adjustment screw 201 can be trapped in place in the longitudinal direction along the fifth lateral axis L.sub.5 as well sideways thereof, while allowing rotation around axis L.sub.5. Since an IPD adjustments screw 201 engages flanges 202d of the motion clip 202, the motion clip 202 can be constrained by the clip guide channel 207g and the IPD adjustment screw 201. Motion along axis L.sub.5 can be actuated, caused or permitted by rotation of IPD adjustment screw 201. In some embodiments, ledge 207c can be removably attachable to frame chassis 207 for assembly purposes, and does not have to be extruded.
(86) The ledge 207c can have an angled outer surface. The IPD adjustment screw 201, flanges of alignment track 202d, cavity 207e, journal 207h, and the fifth lateral axis L.sub.5 are aligned with each other and can be aligned to be on or near a lateral plane coinciding with clip guide channel 207g, such as the bottom of the clip guide channel 207g. As a result, the motion clip 202 can be positioned between the ledge 207c and reinforcement guide 207f with the pupil mechanism 205 being positioned below the ledge 207c and guide 207f by extending the lower arm 202L of the motion clip 202 below the clip guide channel 207g, and members 207c and 207f.
(87) An upper motion mechanism concealment cover 208 can be secured over the adjustment mechanism 236. The cover 208 can be a generally flat triangular piece or member having fastening tabs 208a and 208b for engaging or snapping into mating holes 207a and 207d on the upper surfaces of the frame chassis 207 and ledge 207c for securement. In some embodiments, the motion clip 202 and adjustment mechanism 236 and/or the cover 208 can be considered part of the frame chassis 207. In some embodiments, the adjustable display assembly 222 can be positioned at the left side of eyeglass frame 234.
(88) In use, for adjusting the lateral position of the exit window 230 and optical axis O along the first lateral axis L.sub.1 to adjust to the user's interpupilary distance, cover 208 can be removed, and the thumbwheel 201a of IPD adjustment screw 201 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. The rotation of the IPD adjustment screw 201, moves the motion clip 202 laterally via engagement with the threaded holes of track flanges 202d, thereby moving exit window 230 and optical axis O laterally incrementally in the direction of arrows to 228 along axis L.sub.1 either to the left or right. The extent of lateral adjustment to the left or right is limited by end stops formed by members 207c and 207f.
(89) For adjusting the tilt, angle, pivotal or rotational position of the exit window 230 and optical axis O, the user can rotate the angle of view adjustment screw 203 clockwise or counterclockwise to bend, move, rotate or pivot the lower arm 202L of motion clip 202 downwardly from or upwardly towards the upper arm 202U, while the upper arm 202U remains fixed or constrained on the horizontal or lateral plane extending between axes L.sub.2 and L.sub.5, by guide channel 207g and IPD screw 201. Moving the lower arm 202L downwardly angles, pivots or rotates the exit window 230 and optical axis O downwardly about the second lateral axis L.sub.2 of the motion clip 202. Moving the lower arm 202L upwardly angles, pivots or rotates the exit window 230 and optical axis O upwardly about axis L.sub.2. Since the exit window 230 is aligned along axis L.sub.1, and rotates around axis L.sub.2 which is spaced apart from axis L.sub.1 by distance R.sub.1, the exit window 230 can be adjusted in a curved path with the radius R.sub.1 that is a larger radius and with a more gradual tilt adjustment than if tilted about axis L.sub.1. In addition, since the adjustment screw 203 is offset away from the pivot joint 237 and the second lateral axis L.sub.2 by a distance R.sub.2, gradual incremental adjustment can be further provided by the rotating threads of screw 203. Since the pivot joint 237 is a joint that rotates by bending the lower arm 202L, backlash or play in the pivot joint 237 can be eliminated or minimized, which can provide for better or consistent adjustment and viewing. In some embodiments, the pivot joint 237 does not have to be an integral bendable joint, and the arms 202U and 202L can be two separate pieces that are rotatably connected together about the second lateral axis L.sub.2, such as around a shaft. In some embodiments, the threaded interpupillary (IPD) screw alignment track can have only one threaded track flange or member 202d. In some embodiments, the cover 208 can have openings over the screw 203 and thumbwheel 201a to allow adjustment with the cover 208 on.
(90) Additional description of embodiments shown in
(91) Interpupillary Adjustment Screw (IPD Screw): The IPD screw 201 can include the thumbwheel 201a, threads, and journal 201b. The IPD screw can be stabilized and threaded into the alignment track and flanges 202d of the motion clip 202. When the IPD screw 201 is engaged in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by way of the thumbwheel 201a, the interpupillary adjustment screw (IPD screw) 201 can actuate linear motion of the pupil mechanism 205, housing 205b, and motion clip 202, which in turn provides incremental adjustment of the user's interpupillary distance. Once the IPD screw 201 is threaded into the motion clip 202, the IPD screw journal 201b and thumbwheel 201a can be positioned in the journal hole 207h and thumbwheel cavity 207e for stabilization. The IPD adjustment screw 201 can be the primary means by which horizontal linear motion is engaged.
(92) Multidirectional Motion Clip: The multidirectional motion clip 202 can include two threaded alignment track flanges 202d for the IPD screw 201, and a threaded tilt guide tab 202c. The motion clip 202 features a stabilizing flange 202a, which slides in the guide channel 207g of the frame chassis 207. The total linear distance traveled by the motion clip can be dependent on the extruded frame chassis ledge 207c and IPD screw reinforcement guide 207f Once assembled, the underside plane of the motion clip 202e can be attached directly to the housing of the pupil mechanism 205b, allowing the clip and pupil to move as one unit.
(93) Angle of View Tilt Screw: The angle of view tilt screw 203 can be the primary method of adjusting the angle of view of the microdisplay. The tilt screw can be inserted into the tilt screw hole 202b and secured in place with the lock nut 204. After the lock nut is secured, the tilt screw can be threaded into the guide hole 202f. When adjusted clockwise or counterclockwise the angle of view tilt screw 203 either increases the angle using downward pressure on the bottom portion of the motion clip 202e, or decreases the angle of the clip to narrow when turned in the opposite direction. The pupil mechanism housing 205b can be secured in final assembly to the underside plane of the motion clip 202e, and the two independent units can behave as one when moving.
(94) Lock Nut: The Lock Nut 204 can be positioned between the tilt screw hole 202b and threaded tilt guide tab 202c. The lock nut can be threaded on, and permanently fused to the angle of view tilt screw 203, prohibiting the adjustment screw from exiting the motion clip.
(95) Pupil Mechanism: The pupil mechanism 205 can house the optics, electronics, and microdisplay. A purpose of the invention can be to accommodate both longitudinal and latitudinal movement of this mechanism for customization of the viewer's interpupillary distance and rotational angle of view. The pupil housing 205b can be attached to the underside plane of the motion clip 202e to facilitate movement of the clip and pupil as one. The flex exit 205a can allow for the electronics to seamlessly integrate into the right temple by way of chassis's clearance cavity 207b.
(96) Right Temple: The right temple 206 of the eyewear may house additional electronics including, but not limited to, wired and/or wireless technology components.
(97) Frame Chassis: The frame chassis 207 can be ophthalmically constructed to accommodate prescription lenses, plano lenses, sun lenses, or a combination thereof. The chassis can include an extruded frame chassis ledge 207c and IPD screw reinforcement guide 207f, both of which support the stability and positioning of the assembled motion clip 202. In combination with one another, the IPD screw thumbwheel cavity 207e, IPD adjustment screw journal hole 207h, and motion clip guide channel 207g create a method and structure to secure and stabilize the motion clip assembly.
(98) Motion Mechanism Concealment Cover: The motion mechanism concealment cover 208 can protect the multidirectional motion clip and assembly from unwanted movement and debris. The concealment cover fastening tabs 208a and 208b can be inserted into the cover holes of the frame chassis 207a and 207d to ensure a secure fit. Additional fastening methods may also be used to provide downward pressure on the motion clip.
(99) While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. Various features and components of the different embodiments can be combined together, interchanged or omitted. In addition, although some components have been described with orientational terms, this is not intended to limit the orientation of embodiments of the eyewear devices in the present invention.