U.S. patent application number 09/852406 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-14 for optically correct and clear eyeshields.
Invention is credited to Lane, Henry Welling, Underwood, Ronald L..
Application Number | 20020166160 09/852406 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25313228 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020166160 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lane, Henry Welling ; et
al. |
November 14, 2002 |
Optically correct and clear eyeshields
Abstract
An apparatus for shielding a human eye of a patient while
allowing the human eye contact with the air. A lens of the
apparatus is fashioned to one or both of the eyes and is optically
clear and optically correct in that it does not distort the
patient's vision. The optically correct aspect of the lens is
achieved by either polishing a mold for the lens or alternatively,
by die-cutting the lens from an optically correct material. The
lens may be held in place by an adjustable strap. A plurality of
vents to allow the eye contact with the air are a plurality of
apertures in the lens or a plurality of spaces or holes in a
cushioning structure, where the cushioning structure is coupled to
the perimeter of the surface of the lens facing the eye.
Inventors: |
Lane, Henry Welling; (San
Luis Obispo, CA) ; Underwood, Ronald L.; (San Luis
Obispo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAVERSTOCK & OWENS LLP
162 NORTH WOLFE ROAD
SUNNYVALE
CA
94086
US
|
Family ID: |
25313228 |
Appl. No.: |
09/852406 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/444 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 9/025 20130101;
A61F 9/026 20130101; A61F 9/029 20130101; A61F 9/027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/444 |
International
Class: |
A61F 009/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for shielding a patient's eye while allowing the
patient's eye contact with air, the apparatus comprising: a. an
eyeshield having an optically correct viewing area; and b. a
plurality of vents surrounding the optically correct viewing area
for allowing air to circulate through the eyeshield.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising openings
in the eyeshield for coupling a strap to the eyeshield.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the length of the
strap is adjustable for holding the eyeshield in front of the human
eye.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the eyeshield is
substantially circular in shape and has a nose bridge protrusion
extending from the substantially circular shape that is configured
such that the nose bridge protrusion rests on and above the
patient's nose and maintains close proximity to the patient's nose
and eyebrow.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plurality of
vents are a plurality of apertures through the lens.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the plurality of
apertures through the lens do not distort vision.
7. An apparatus for shielding a patient's eye while allowing the
patient's eye contact with air, the apparatus comprising: a. an
eyeshield having an optically correct viewing area; and b. a
cushioning structure affixed to the perimeter of a first surface of
the eyeshield wherein the cushioning structure includes a plurality
of vents for allowing air to circulate behind the eyeshield.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further comprising openings
in the eyeshield for coupling a strap to the eyeshield.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the length of the
strap is adjustable for holding the eyeshield in front of the human
eye.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the plurality of
vents do not distort vision.
11. A medical eyeshield for shielding a patient's eye while
allowing the patient's eye contact with air, the medical eyeshield
comprising: a. means for shielding a human eye said shielding means
being optically correct; b. means for securing the shielding means;
c. means for coupling the securing means with the shielding means;
and d. means for circulating air between the human eye and the
shielding means while preserving the optically correct nature of
the shielding means.
12. The medical eyeshield as claimed in claim 11 wherein the
securing means is an adjustable strap.
13. The medical eyeshield as claimed in claim 11 wherein the
circulating means does not distort vision.
14. A method of manufacturing an eyeshield comprising the steps of:
a. producing a mold that will fashion an eyeshield wherein the
eyeshield is optically clear; and b. polishing the surface of the
mold to facilitate the eyeshield being optically correct.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14 further comprising coupling
an adjustable strap with the eyeshield.
16. The method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the mold fashions the
eyeshield including a plurality of vents.
17. The method as claimed in claim 16 wherein the plurality of
vents are configured as to not distort vision.
18. A method of manufacturing an eyeshield comprising the steps of:
a. cutting an eyeshield from an optically clear and optically
correct material; b. affixing a cushioning structure having a
plurality of vents to the perimeter of one surface of the
eyeshield; and c. coupling an adjustable strap with the eyeshield.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120
of the co-pending U.S. design application No. 29/130,115 filed on
Sep. 26, 2000 and entitled "EYESHIELDS." The design application No.
29/130,115 filed on Sep. 26, 2000 and entitled "EYESHIELDS" is also
hereby incorporated by reference. This application also claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 of the copending U.S. design
application No. 29/130,173 filed on Sep. 27, 2000 and entitled
"EYESHIELDS." The design application No. 29/130,173 filed on Sep.
27, 2000 and entitled "EYESHIELDS" is also hereby incorporated by
preference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to the field of medical eyeshields.
More particularly, the invention relates to the field of designing
and manufacturing medical eyeshields with optically correct and
optically clear lenses.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Physicians perform various eye surgeries daily, each
requiring specific types of care. Many times, after one of these
surgeries, as part of the rehabilitation process, the patient is
required to shield the eye from the environment as to not hinder
the healing process.
[0004] Additionally, many of these patients are able to maintain
normal vision while the eye heals. Such operations include cataract
surgery and the ever increasingly popular vision correction
surgeries.
[0005] Because a patient of one of these surgeries regains normal
vision immediately or shortly after the operation is completed, an
optically clear and correct eyeshield is needed so that the patient
may perform everyday tasks while the eye heals. It is also
important that the eye receives adequate air circulation during the
healing process.
[0006] Existing eyeshields do not provide the patient with all of
the necessary aforementioned aspects. Prior eyeshield designs lack
a functional eyeshield that also allows for comfort and accurate
vision. In other words, prior designs do embody an eyeshield that
allows for proper air circulation for optimal healing capabilities
combined with a comfortable fit and optically correct vision.
[0007] Absent in the prior art is a design encompassing all of the
aspects necessary to effectively and efficiently heal the eye while
allowing the patient normal vision through an optically correct
lens. A design such as this is needed to allow a patient to quickly
heal from a surgery without losing the ability to perform everyday
functions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is an apparatus for shielding a human
eye while allowing air to circulate to the eye. The present
invention is an eyeshield which includes an optically correct
viewing area and a plurality of vents. The eyeshield can be held in
place with tape, or adhesive or can include an adjustable strap for
holding the eyeshield and the optically correct viewing area in
place in front of the user's eye. The eyeshield of the present
invention includes one surface that faces the eye and one surface
that faces away from the eye.
[0009] The eyeshield in the present invention is optically clear as
well as optically correct in that it does not distort the user's
vision. This is achieved by two different methods. The preferred
method utilizes a polished mold to achieve an optically correct
surface while another method to achieve an optically correct
eyeshield utilized by the present invention is to die cut the lens
from an optically correct material.
[0010] The present invention may be fashioned to protect one or
both eyes. In both cases, the plurality of vents are actually a
plurality of apertures. The preferred embodiment includes apertures
in the form of slots while an alternate embodiment includes
apertures in the form of holes. In either case, the plurality of
vents do not distort the patient's vision.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an optically correct
eyeshield in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an optically correct
eyeshield in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of an optically
correct eyeshield in accordance with the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of an optically
correct eyeshield in accordance with the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of an optically
correct eyeshield in accordance with the preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an optically correct
eyeshield in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an optically correct
eyeshield in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a front elevation view of an optically
correct eyeshield in accordance with an alternative embodiment of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of an optically
correct eyeshield in accordance with an alternative embodiment of
the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of an optically
correct eyeshield in accordance with an alternative embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevation view of an optically
correct eyeshield for two eyes in accordance with an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a rear elevation view of an optically
correct eyeshield for two eyes in accordance with an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 13a illustrates a bottom view of an optically correct
eyeshield for two eyes in accordance with an alternative embodiment
of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 13b illustrates a top view of an optically correct
eyeshield for two eyes in accordance with an alternative embodiment
of the present invention.
[0025] FIGS. 13c & 13d illustrate side views of an optically
correct eyeshield for two eyes in accordance with an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an
optically correct eyeshield for two eyes in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 15 & 16 illustrate a side perspective view of an
optically correct eyeshield for two eyes in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 17 illustrates a front perspective view of an optically
correct eyeshield for two eyes in accordance with an alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] FIGS. 1-5 depict the preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to the top view in FIG. 1, the eyeshield 10 is
fashioned to cover one of the user's eyes, as well as the area
around the eye. The bottom view is a mirror image of the top view.
A plurality of vents 14 in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention are slots which are arranged in a pattern so that the
optically correct lens 12 is not interrupted in the viewing area in
front of the eye, and therefore, do not distort the user's vision.
The vents allow fresh air to impinge on the users eye, while
keeping fingers, other objects and most dust away from the eye.
[0030] Referring to the front elevation view of the preferred
embodiment in FIG. 3, the pattern of the plurality of vents 14 is
displayed in a clearer fashion. It will be apparent to those of or
ordinary skill in the art that other patterns are possible for the
vents 14. However, to maintain the shield as optically correct it
is desired that the vents 14 not be positioned in the viewing area
of the eyeshield 10.
[0031] Referring again to the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG.
1, the set of openings 16 allow the strap 18 to be coupled with the
eyeshield 10. The strap 18 is adjustable in that it is made of an
elastic material. Alternative embodiments of the strap 18 can
utilize adjusting devices coupled with an elastic strap 18, or a
combination thereof. Alternatively, the eyeshield can be affixed to
the user's face over their eye using adhesive tape or another
adhesive. In such a circumstance, the openings 16 and the strap 18
need not be present.
[0032] The slope of the eyeshield 10 is adopted to make contact
along its periphery with the average user's face. This contact
serves to prevent dust and other irritants from access to the
interior of the eyeshield 10 along its periphery and hence the eye.
The eyeshield 10 is substantially circular. The eyeshield 10
includes a nose bridge protrusion 100. The nose bridge protrusion
100 is adopted to ride on and above the user's nose such that the
increase in dimension of the eyeshield 10 toward its substantially
circular region maintains close proximity to the typical user's
nose and eyebrow. The eyeshield 10 and the nose bridge protrusion
100 can be manufactured in several sizes to accomodate an even
wider range of users.
[0033] According to the preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-5,
the eyeshield 10 is produced from a mold. To achieve the optically
correct lens 12 from the mold, the mold is preferably polished.
[0034] FIGS. 6-10 depict a first alternative embodiment of the
present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the eyeshield 20 is again
fashioned to cover one of the patient's eyes as well as the area
around the eye. However, the plurality of vents 24 in this case are
holes. Similar to the slots of the preferred embodiment, the holes
are arranged in a pattern so that the optically correct lens 22 is
not interrupted in the viewing area in front of the eye, and
therefore, is incapable of distorting the user's vision. Referring
to the front elevation view of the first alternative embodiment in
FIG. 8, the pattern of the plurality of vents 24 is displayed in a
clearer fashion. Also in the first alternative embodiment depicted
in FIG. 6, the set of openings 26 allows the strap 28 to be coupled
with the eyeshield 20. The strap 28 is also adjustable in the first
alternative embodiment in that it is made of an elastic material.
Alternative embodiments of the strap 28 can utilize adjusting
devices coupled with an elastic strap 28, or a combination
thereof.
[0035] Again, similar to the preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS.
1-5, the eyeshield 20 depicted in FIGS. 6-10 is produced from a
mold. In order to achieve the optically correct lens 22 from the
mold, the mold must be polished.
[0036] FIGS. 11-17 depict a second alternative embodiment of the
present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the optically correct lens
32 of the eyeshield 30 in this case is fashioned to provide
protection for both eyes as well as the area of the face
surrounding the eyes. In embodiments such as the second alternative
embodiment in FIG. 11, the optically correct lens 32 is die-cut
from an optically correct material.
[0037] A cushioning structure 40 outlines the perimeter of the
optically correct lens 32 on the surface facing the eye. In this
second alternative embodiment, the plurality of vents 34 are formed
by the spaces formed in the cushioning structure 40. Other
embodiments will include a cushioning structure 40 fashioned as one
continuous piece outlining the perimeter of the optically correct
lens 32. In such an embodiment, a plurality of vents are formed by
holes in the cushioning structure 40.
[0038] Again referring to the second alternative embodiment in FIG.
11, the set of openings 36 allow the strap 38 to be coupled with
the eyeshield 30. The strap 38 is also adjustable in this second
alternative embodiment in that it is made of an elastic material.
Alternative embodiments of the strap 38 can utilize adjusting
devices coupled with the strap 28, or a combination thereof.
[0039] The present invention has been described in terms of
specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the
understanding of the principles of construction and operation of
the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and
details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims
appended hereto. For example, the application of the eyeshield of
the present invention is not limited to eye surgery patients. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may
be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *