Method and apparatus for masking removable optical lens markings during lens grinding
AssigneeVenture Tape Corp.
InventorJohn R. Ohlin, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for protecting removable markings on an optical lens during grinding thereof to a desired prescription. A mask is placed over the markings prior to application of an adhesive tape, to which a low temperature alloy block is bonded for holding of the lens during grinding. The mask preferably covers only the markings, and is transparent to allow alignment thereof. Preferably the mask is held in place on the lens surface without the use of an adhesive, although a low tack adhesive may be used which does not remove the markings when the mask is peeled away from the lens. A preferred material for the mask is a static cling vinyl.
Claims16
A method of preparing prescription eyeglass lenses having removable markings on one surface thereof, the one surface having an outer edge defining a perimeter of the one surface, said method comprising the steps of:
- placing a mask over the markings on the one surface of the lens, the mask covering an area which is less than a total area of the one surface of the lens, said mask not extending beyond the perimeter of the one surface of the lens;
- removably adhering a second layer of material to the one surface of the lens, the second layer of material completely covering the mask;
- securing to the second layer of material a member adapted for grasping and holding the lens, the member contacting only the second layer of material and not the mask;
- grinding the lens to a desired prescription while grasping the member in a grinding machine;
- removing the member;
- removing the mask and the second layer of material from the one surface of the lens;
- and
- aligning the lens in its desired frame using the markings.
A structure secured to an optical lens which is adapted to be grasped for holding of the lens during grinding thereof to a desired prescription, the lens having two generally parallel, opposed faces, a first one of the faces having removable markings thereon for alignment and having an outer edge defining a perimeter of the first face, the second one of the faces being exposed for grinding thereof, said structure comprising:
- a mask covering the markings on the first face of the lens, said mask not extending beyond the perimeter of the first face of the lens;
- a second layer of material adhesively secured to the first face of the lens and completely covering said mask;
- and
- a rigid member removably bonded to said second layer of material, said rigid member being in engagement only with said second layer of material and not in engagement at any point with said mask.
A structure adapted to be removably secured to one face of an optical lens having removable markings thereon, the one face having an outer edge defining a perimeter, the structure being adapted to be grasped for holding the lens in a desired position during grinding of a second face of the lens disposed on a side of the lens opposite of the one face of the lens, said structure comprising:
- a transparent, non-adhesive mask covering the markings on the one face of the lens, said mask not covering at least some portions of the one face of the lens not having markings thereon, said mask not extending beyond the perimeter of the one face of the lens;
- a layer of adhesive tape secured on one side thereof to the one face of the lens and completely covering said mask;
- and
- a block bonded to an outwardly facing side of said adhesive tape opposite of the one side of said adhesive tape, said block engaging said layer of adhesive tape and not said mask.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.