Patent Application
20240288710
Eyewear can include any devices worn on or around a person's eye. Eyewear can have many different purposes, including any combination of safety, fashion, vision correction, display, and utility. Eyewear can be made from a variety of different materials and further specialized into eyewear for specific jobs or purposes. Eyewear can include lenses configured to modify light passing in front of a wearer's eyes and/or to protect a wearer's eyes. Some lenses used in eyewear are corrective lenses that can be configured to remedy or improve a wearer's eyesight. Other examples of features that can be incorporated into lenses include polarizing filters, UV filters, ballistic impact-resistant materials, and filters to reduce incoming light.
Different types of eyewear can have different combinations of benefits. For example, safety-specific eyewear like safety glasses or goggles may not be fashionable. Or, as another example, eyewear that is fashionable or designed for safety may lack vision correction or utility features.
An exemplary system, method, and device are disclosed that facilitate a modular eyewear system with modular components (e.g., lenses, frames, speakers, cameras, lights, etc.) that can be interchanged. The modular components can be interchanged using components that are reversibly attachable/releasable (e.g., magnets at both male-female connectors). This can allow a wearer of the eyewear to quickly reconfigure the eyewear for different purposes, readjust the fit of the eyewear, repair damage to the eyewear, and/or customize the appearance of the eyewear.
In an aspect, a modular eyewear system is disclosed, the system comprising a first lens section (e.g., lens frame+lens) having a first end, wherein the first lens section includes, at a second end, a second lens or a second lens section having the second lens; and a first temple frame section designed to extend along a temple and side of a person face to have a terminated end to rest along an ear region of the person, the first temple frame section having a first adjustable section at its first end to attachably and releasably couple to the first end of the first lens section, the first adjustable section having a multiple-collapsible or bendable structure configured to move between a plurality of configurations, including (i) a first configuration that rests the terminated end along a first ear region of the person and (ii) a second configuration that rests the terminated end along a second ear region.
In some embodiments, the multiple-collapsible or bendable structure of the first adjustable section forms a parallel-folds-accordion structure.
In some embodiments, the multiple-collapsible or bendable structure of the first adjustable section forms a bendable structure.
In some embodiments, the multiple-collapsible or bendable structure is configured as a male connector or female connector to attachably and releasably couple to a corresponding pair connector located on the first end of the first lens section.
In some embodiments, the male connector comprises a rubberized magnetic rod, and the female connector comprises a slot sized to receive the rubberized magnetic rod.
In some embodiments, the male connector comprises a magnetic rod, and the female connector comprises a slot sized to receive the magnetic rod.
In some embodiments, the multiple-collapsible or bendable structure of the first adjustable section is formed of a pliable material.
In some embodiments, the first adjustable section comprises one or more magnets.
In some embodiments, the system further includes a second temple frame section designed to extend along the other temple and side of the person's face to have a second terminated end to rest along an ear region of the second ear of the person, the second temple frame section having a second adjustable section at its first end to attachably and releasably coupled to the second end of the first lens section, wherein the second end of the first lens section includes the second lens and associated frame, wherein the second adjustable section has a multiple-collapsible or bendable structure configured to move between a plurality of configurations, including (i) a third configuration that rests the second terminated end along a first ear region at the second ear of the person and (ii) a fourth configuration that rests the second terminated end along a second ear region at the second ear of the person.
In some embodiments, the system further includes a second temple frame section designed to extend along the other temple and side of the person's face to have a second terminated end to rest along an ear region of the second ear of the person, the second temple frame section having a second adjustable section at its first end to attachably and releasably couple to a first end of a second lens section, wherein the second lens section includes the second lens and associated frame, wherein the second adjustable section has a multiple collapsible or bendable connection configured to move between a plurality of configurations, including (i) a third configuration that rests the second terminated end along a first ear region at the second ear of the person and (ii) a fourth configuration that rests the second terminated end along a second ear region at the second ear of the person.
In some embodiments, the first lens section and the second lens section include a corresponding pair of multiple collapsible or bendable connections.
In some embodiments, a first optical property of the first lens is different than a second optical property of the second lens.
In some embodiments, the first temple frame section and the second temple section have a same mass though different in color or shape.
In some embodiments, the first lens further comprises a first lens frame and the second lens further comprises a second lens frame, wherein the first lens frame and the second lens frame are different.
In some embodiments, the first temple frame section comprises a sensor, an earbud, a speaker, an LED light, and/or a communications module.
In some embodiments, the system further includes the second lens section (e.g., lens frame+lens) having a first end, wherein the second lens section comprises a frame for the second lens, and wherein the second lens section includes a connector to couple to the first lens section at the nose bridge.
In another aspect, a method of operating a modular eyewear system is disclosed, the method comprising: providing (i) a first lens section (e.g., lens frame+lens) having a first end, wherein the first lens section includes, at a second end, a second lens or a second lens section having the second lens and (ii) a first temple frame section connected to the first lens section and is designed to extend along a temple and side of a person face to have a terminated end to rest along an ear region of the person, the first temple frame section having a first adjustable section at its first end to attachably and releasably couple to the first end of the first lens section, the first adjustable section having a multiple-collapsible or bendable structure configured to move between a plurality of configurations, including (i) a first configuration that rests the terminated end along a first ear region of the person and (ii) a second configuration that rests the terminated end along a second ear region; releasing the first lens section, at its first end, from the first temple frame section; and attaching the first lens section, at its first end, to a third temple frame section, wherein the third temple frame section is designed to extend along a temple and side of a person face to have a terminated end to rest along an ear region of the person, the third temple frame section having a third adjustable section at its first end to attachably and releasably couple to the first end of the first lens section, the third adjustable section having a multiple-collapsible or bendable structure configured to move between a plurality of configurations, including (i) a first configuration that rests the terminated end along a first ear region of the person and (ii) a second configuration that rests the terminated end along a second ear region.
In another aspect, a method of fitting a modular eyewear system to a person is disclosed, the method comprising: providing (i) a first lens section (e.g., lens frame+lens) having a first end, wherein the first lens section includes, at a second end, a second lens or a second lens section having the second lens and (ii) a first temple frame section connected to the first lens section and is designed to extend along a temple and side of a person face to have a terminated end to rest along an ear region of the person, the first temple frame section having a first adjustable section at its first end to attachably and releasably couple to the first end of the first lens section, the first adjustable section having a multiple-collapsible or bendable structure configured to move between a plurality of configurations, including (i) a first configuration that rests the terminated end along a first ear region of the person and (ii) a second configuration that rests the terminated end along a second ear region; determining a desired position of the first lens section and the first temple frame section relative to a nose region and the first ear region of the person; and adjusting the first adjustable section at the multiple-collapsible or bendable structure to the desired position relative to the body part of the person.
In another aspect, a modular eyewear system is disclosed, the system comprising: a first lens section (e.g., lens frame+lens) having a first end, wherein the first lens section includes, at a second end, a second lens or a second lens section having the second lens; and a first temple frame section designed to extend along a temple and side of a person face to have a terminated end to rest along an ear region of the person, the first temple frame section having a connection assembly at its first end to attachably and releasably couple to the first end of the first lens section. The modular eyewear with the connection assembly may be configured with any of the above-discussed features.
Other aspects and features, according to the example embodiments of the disclosed technology, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the devices and methods.
Although example embodiments of the disclosed technology are explained in detail herein, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology be limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
As discussed above, exemplary systems, methods, and devices are disclosed that facilitate an eyewear system having modular components, e.g., the lenses, frames, and other components that can be interchanged. The modular components can be interchanged using components that are reversibly attachable/releasable (e.g., magnets or male-female connectors). This can allow a wearer of the eyewear to quickly reconfigure the eyewear for different purposes, repair damage to the eyewear, and/or customize the appearance of the eyewear.
Different modular eyewear components can be attached to and removed from the modular eyewear system to configure the modular eyewear system to have different attributes, visual appeal, or aesthetics.
In the following description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments or examples. In referring to the drawings, like numerals represent like elements throughout several figures.
As shown in
As shown in
Still with reference to
Embodiments of the present disclosure can include any number of adjustable sections and frame sections. Still, with reference to
In some embodiments, any number of modular components 130 can be attached to first lens section 102a, the second lens section 102b, first frame section 110a, second frame section 110b, third frame section 126a, fourth frame section 126b, first adjustable section 106a, second adjustable section 106b, third adjustable section 124a, and fourth adjustable section 124b, bendable bridge 120, and modular component 130.
The modular device 130 can additionally include any type of sensor, input device, and/or output device. Non-limiting examples of modular devices 130 that can be used include a wireless communication module (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular devices), cameras, speakers (e.g., earbuds), microphones, displays, lights (e.g., flashlights, LEDS, and/or LED flashlights),
Optionally, the modular component(s) 130 can include a computing device (e.g., the computing device 700 illustrated in
It should be understood that any/all of the components shown in
As a further non-limiting example, the first lens section 102a can have a first magnet (shown in
As yet another non-limiting example, embodiments of the present disclosure can include one or more latches configured to attachably and releasably connect any/all of the components shown in
In embodiments of the present disclosure that include male-female connectors, the male and/or female ends of the male/female connectors can be rubberized.
Optionally, the first lens section 102a can include a first lens frame 104a. Optionally, the second lens section 102b can include a second lens frame 104b. The present disclosure contemplates that the first lens frame 104a and the second lens frame 104b can be different.
With reference to
The modular eyewear system 100 can include a second hinge 402b and second pin 404b, which can connect the second adjustable section 106b to the second lens section 102b.
It should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure shown and described with reference to
With reference to
At step 602 the method 600 can include providing a first lens, a first adjustable section attachably and releasably connected to the lens, and a first frame section attachably and releasably connected to the adjustable section. Optionally, the method can further include providing any or all of the various embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated with reference to
At step 604, the method 600 can include releasing the first lens from the first adjustable section. Releasing the first lens from the first adjustable section can include reversing any of the attachments described with reference to
At step 606 the method 600 can include attaching a second lens to the first adjustable section. The second lens can be attached to the first adjustable section in the same way that the first lens was attached to the first adjustable section or in a different way. For example, the second lens can be attached by latching a latch, placing two magnets adjacent to each other, or connecting a male/female connector.
Optionally, the method 600 can further include providing a bendable bridge like the bendable bridge 120 illustrated with reference to
Optionally, the method can further include attaching a attaching a modular component to any component of the modular eyewear (e.g., to the first lens, second lens, third lens, first frame section, bendable bridge, etc.). In some embodiments, more than one modular component can be attached. The modular component can include any/all of the devices/features described with reference to
With reference to
At step 634, the method 630 can further include determining a desired position of the first lens and first frame section relative to a body part of a person.
At step 636, the method can further include bending the first adjustable section so that the first lens and the first frame section are in the desired position relative to the body part of the person.
As shown in
As shown in
As another example,
The first frame section 910a and the third frame section 926a connect with the use of the magnet 952 and the corresponding magnetic element to form a rigid structure, as shown in
Furthermore, note that the first frame section 910a includes a second female connector 980 disposed on an opposite end from the first female connector 960. The second female connector 980 can connect to other eyewear elements, for example, the first lens frame 904a, as shown in
As described with reference to
Magnets can be characterized as having a “pull strength” where the pull strength of the magnet is the highest possible holding power of the magnet. The pull strength can be measured in kilograms or any other units of mass. Another property of magnets is the magnetic pull force, where the pull force can be represented as F=m*a. Pull force can be tested by testing the holding force of a magnet that is in contact with a flat steel plate.
The strength of a magnet can be affected by the size and shape of the magnet, as well as temperature, environmental conditions, the material being attracted. Non-limiting examples of material properties that can affect the magnet's strength include size, quality, shape, and permeability.
Another property of the magnets that can be used in embodiments of the present disclosure is the maximum energy product of the magnets. A higher maximum energy product value can correspond to a greater magnetic field in a particular application.
Another property that can be used to characterize the magnets described herein is the pull-gap curve. The pull-gap curve represents the pull force or pull strength at different air gap distances, where the air gap distance represents the space between two surfaces that are magnetically attracted to one another.
As a non-limiting example, a pair of S-15-08-N disc magnets with a 15 mm diameter, 8 mm height was considered. The magnetization for each magnet was N42, and the magnets were considered to be 0 mm apart (i.e., in contact with one another). The adhesive force of the two magnets was approximately 6.2 kilograms.
In embodiments including a magnetic tape or magnetic sheets, the adhesive force and holding strength of the magnetic tape or sheet can be measured. The adhesive force and holding strength can be given in grams per square centimeter (g/cm2). As used herein, magnetic adhesive force of a magnetic tape or magnetic sheet can represent the needed strength for separating the magnetic tape from a steel plate.
Holding strength diagonal can be measured as the strain that happens when the magnetic tape is used to hang an object from the vertical surface of a steel plate 702. As shown in
As some non-limiting examples, a pair of neodymium magnetic adhesive tapes joined together can have a magnetic adhesive force of 675 g/cm2, a holding strength diagonal of 360 g/cm2, and a holding strength parallel of 180 g/cm2. A neodymium magnetic adhesive tape on an iron surface can have a magnetic adhesive force of 450 g/cm2, a holding strength diagonal of 112 g/cm2, and a holding strength parallel of 112 g/cm2.
It should be understood that the magnets described herein can be any magnet and are not limited to the sizes and types of magnets described herein.
Referring to
In its most basic configuration, computing device 800 typically includes at least one processing unit 806 and system memory 804. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, system memory 804 may be volatile (such as random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (such as read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. This most basic configuration is illustrated in
Computing device 800 may have additional features/functionality. For example, computing device 800 may include additional storage such as removable storage 808 and non-removable storage 810, including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tapes. Computing device 800 may also contain network connection(s) 816 that allow the device to communicate with other devices. Computing device 800 may also have input device(s) 814, such as a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, etc. Output device(s) 812, such as a display, speakers, printer, etc., may also be included. The additional devices may be connected to the bus in order to facilitate the communication of data among the components of the computing device 800. All these devices are well-known in the art and need not be discussed at length here.
The processing unit 806 may be configured to execute program code encoded in tangible, computer-readable media. Tangible, computer-readable media refers to any media that is capable of providing data that causes the computing device 800 (i.e., a machine) to operate in a particular fashion. Various computer-readable media may be utilized to provide instructions to the processing unit 806 for execution. Example of tangible, computer-readable media may include, but is not limited to, volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 804, removable storage 808, and non-removable storage 810 are all examples of tangible computer storage media. Examples of tangible, computer-readable recording media include, but are not limited to, an integrated circuit (e.g., field-programmable gate array or application-specific IC), a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, a holographic storage medium, a solid-state device, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices.
In an example implementation, the processing unit 806 may execute program code stored in the system memory 804. For example, the bus may carry data to the system memory 804, from which the processing unit 806 receives and executes instructions. The data received by the system memory 804 may optionally be stored on the removable storage 808 or the non-removable storage 810 before or after execution by the processing unit 806.
It should be understood that the various techniques described herein may be implemented in connection with hardware or software or, where appropriate, with a combination thereof. Thus, the methods and apparatuses of the presently disclosed subject matter, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other machine-readable storage medium where, when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computing device, the machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the presently disclosed subject matter. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing device generally includes a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. One or more programs may implement or utilize the processes described in connection with the presently disclosed subject matter, e.g., through the use of an application programming interface (API), reusable controls, or the like. Such programs may be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language, and it may be combined with hardware implementations.
While the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiment described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the present invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Accordingly, the invention is to be considered limited only by the spirit and scope of the disclosure (and claims), including all modifications and equivalents.
Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-recited detailed description and drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of this application. For example, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. Further, any activity or element can be excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. Unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence or such activities, any particular size, speed, material, dimension or frequency, or any particularly interrelationship of such elements. Accordingly, the descriptions and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
It should be appreciated that various sizes, dimensions, contours, rigidity, shapes, flexibility, and materials of any of the components or portions of components in the various embodiments discussed throughout may be varied and utilized as desired or required.
It should be appreciated that while some dimensions are provided on the aforementioned figures, the device may constitute various sizes, dimensions, contours, rigidity, shapes, flexibility, and materials as it pertains to the components or portions of components of the device, and therefore may be varied and utilized as desired or required.
Although example embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in detail herein, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
In summary, while the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiment described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the present invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Accordingly, the invention is to be considered as limited only by the spirit and scope of the disclosure, including all modifications and equivalents.
Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-recited detailed description and drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of this application. For example, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. Further, any activity or element can be excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. Unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence or such activities, any particular size, speed, material, dimension or frequency, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Accordingly, the descriptions and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all sub-ranges therein. Any information in any material (e.g., a United States/foreign patent, United States/foreign patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such incorporated by reference material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.
It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.
By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.
In describing example embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more steps of a method does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Steps of a method may be performed in a different order than those described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosed technology. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a device or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified.
