US 7,954,942 B2 · Floating lens mounting system

Abstract

Various embodiments of an eyeglass and eyeglass system are provided that can maintain the geometric and optical quality of a lens supported by the eyeglass. The eyeglass can comprise a frame, a support member carried by the frame, and a lens mounting area or groove extending at least partially along at least one of the frame and the support member. The support member can be pivoted, moved, or deflected relative to the frame between a retaining position and an open position. In the open position, the lens can be seated within the lens mounting area. In the retaining position, the support member and the frame retain the lens without exerting deformative forces on the lens. Accordingly, the as-molded geometric and optical qualities of the lens can be preserved.

Claims31

Dependent claims

An eyeglass for maintaining geometry and optical quality of a lens supported by the eyeglass, the eyeglass comprising:

a frame adapted to be carried by the head of a wearer, the frame extending at least partially about a perimeter of the lens;
a support member pivotably attached to the frame such that the support member can be pivoted relative to the frame between a retaining position and an open position, the support member being moveable to the retaining position to capture at least a portion of the perimeter of the lens for mounting the lens in the path of the wearer's field of view;
and
a securing member being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the securing member being in an engaged position to secure the support member in the retaining position for securing the support member relative to the frame, the securing member being disposed between the wearer and at least one of the support member and the frame when the securing member is in the engaged position, the securing member defining an outer surface configured to contact the nose of the wearer during use.

1 more element

An eyeglass for maintaining geometric and optical quality of a lens supported by the eyeglass, the eyeglass comprising:

a frame adapted to be carried by the head of a wearer;
a first support carried by the frame for positioning a first lens in the path of the wearer's field of view, the first support having an open position and a retaining position in which the first support is fixed relative to the frame to define a first lens mounting area and capture the first lens therein;
a second support carried by the frame for positioning a second lens in the path of the wearer's field of view, the second support having an open position and a retaining position in which the second support is fixed relative to the frame to define a second lens mounting area and capture the second lens therein;
and
first and second securing members being pivotably coupled to the frame to move in an anterior-posterior direction between engaged and disengaged positions for securing the first and second supports relative to the frame, wherein the first and second securing members are unable to pivot into the disengaged position during use;
wherein the first and second lens mounting areas are formed along an interior perimeter of the respective first and second supports and the frame upon attachment of the first and second supports to the frame, the first and second lens mounting areas defining opposing banks and a bed disposed intermediate the opposing banks, the bed defining a float profile, the opposing banks each defining respective retention profiles;
and
wherein the float profiles of the beds are greater than corresponding profiles of the lenses, and the corresponding profiles of the lenses are less than the retention profiles of the banks of the lens mounting areas such that the first and second lenses are permitted to move within the respective first and second lens mounting areas without disengaging from the lens mounting areas.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Floating lens mounting system

Life of this patent

Floating lens mounting system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31