U.S. patent application number 13/594505 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for eyewear for sports.
The applicant listed for this patent is Patrick Slater. Invention is credited to Patrick Slater.
Application Number | 20130053187 13/594505 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47744528 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130053187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Slater; Patrick |
February 28, 2013 |
Eyewear For Sports
Abstract
A method for training an athlete is provided. The method
includes equipping the athlete with eyewear having a first lens
(205) which extends over the field of vision of a first eye,
wherein the first lens has first (207) and second (209) distinct
optical regions which impart vision to the first eye which is
characterized by undistorted central vision and distorted
peripheral vision; and causing the athlete to undertake a training
exercise which replicates a motion required by the sport the
athlete is being trained for.
Inventors: |
Slater; Patrick; (Austin,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Slater; Patrick |
Austin |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47744528 |
Appl. No.: |
13/594505 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61527343 |
Aug 25, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/422 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02C 7/104 20130101;
G02C 7/105 20130101; G02C 9/04 20130101; G09B 19/0038 20130101;
A63B 69/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/422 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00 |
Claims
1. A method for training an athlete, comprising: equipping the
athlete with eyewear having a first lens which extends over the
field of vision of a first eye, wherein the first lens has first
and second distinct regions which impart vision to the first eye
which is characterized by a first central and first peripheral
vision, wherein the first central vision has a first optical
quality that is not shared by the first peripheral vision; and
causing the athlete to undertake a training exercise which
replicates a motion required by the sport the athlete is being
trained for.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second regions
impart vision to the first eye which is characterized by an
undistorted first central vision and a distorted first peripheral
vision.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first region transmits
visible light with a lower degree of optical distortion than said
second region.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the degree of optical distortion
is measured using the ASTM F2156-11 standard test method.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second regions
impart vision to the first eye which is characterized by an
uncolored first central vision and a colored first peripheral
vision.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second regions
impart vision to the first eye which is characterized by an
untinted first central vision and a tinted first peripheral
vision.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second regions
impart vision to the first eye which is characterized by a
polarized first central vision and an unpolarized first peripheral
vision.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said first region is
characterized by a higher % transmission than said second
region.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said first region does not
distort the vision of the first eye along the line of sight.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said first lens imparts tunnel
vision to the first eye.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second regions
are characterized by first and second distinct optical powers
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the sport is golf, and wherein
the motion is the swing of a golf club.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the sport is tennis, and wherein
the motion is the swing of a tennis racket.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the sport is baseball, and
wherein the motion is the swing of a bat.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the first optical region is
centrally disposed in the field of vision of the first eye.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the second region is disposed
adjacent to the first region.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein said first region is centrally
disposed in the field of vision of the first eye, and wherein said
second region is disposed peripheral to said first region.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein said first region is centrally
disposed in the field of vision of the first eye, and wherein said
second region is disposed peripheral to, and around, said first
region.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein said first region is centrally
disposed over the line of sight of the first eye, and wherein said
second region is disposed over the peripheral vision of the first
eye.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said first and second regions
produce a condition of near-sightedness in the first eye.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein said first and second regions
produce a condition of tunnel vision in the first eye.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein the eyewear is a pair of eye
glasses.
23. The method of claim 1, wherein the eyewear is a pair of contact
lenses.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein the eyewear further comprises a
second lens which extends over the field of vision of a second eye,
and wherein the second lens has third and fourth regions which
impart vision to the second eye which is characterized by a second
central and second peripheral vision, wherein the second central
vision has a second optical quality that is not shared by the
second peripheral vision.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first and second optical
qualities are the same.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the first and second optical
qualities are different.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein the second lens has third and
fourth regions therein characterized by third and fourth distinct
optical powers.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first and third optical
powers are the same.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the second and fourth optical
powers are the same.
30. The method of claim 1, wherein the first region is essentially
circular.
31. The method of claim 1, wherein the first region is essentially
elliptical.
32. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second optical
regions are essentially circular and concentric.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the second optical region is
disposed around the first optical region.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application 61/527,343, filed Aug. 25, 2011, having the same title
and the same inventor, and which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure pertains generally to eyewear, and
more particularly to the use in sports of eyewear which imparts
tunnel vision or a similar effect to the user, thus causing the
wearer to focus on a central subject and also inducing subtle inner
ear reflexes which may help to improve the athletic performance of
the wearer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Eyewear is currently known to the art which features lenses
equipped with first and second optical regions having first and
second distinct optical powers. Common bifocal lenses are one
example of such eyewear. Bifocals are frequently prescribed to
patients diagnosed with presbyopia (a progressively diminished
ability to focus on near field objects with age) who further
require correction for other visual impairments such as myopia,
hyperopia or astigmatism. In a common configuration, the lower
center portion of a bifocal lens provides for near-sighted vision,
while the remainder of the lens provides for distance
correction.
[0004] The use of eyewear in sports is also well known. For
example, skiers frequently wear polarizing goggles to enable them
to see the terrain of the slopes better, especially on sunny days.
The use of such eyewear also serves an obvious protective
function.
[0005] The use of corrective eyewear in sports is also common. For
example, many athletes wear contact lenses, especially in contact
sports, to correct for astigmatism and other deficiencies in their
vision.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect, a method for training an athlete is provided.
The method comprises (a) equipping the athlete with eyewear having
a first lens which extends over the field of vision of a first eye,
wherein the first lens has first and second distinct regions which
impart vision to the first eye which is characterized by central
vision having a first optical quality and peripheral vision having
a second optical quality which is different from said first optical
quality; and causing the athlete to undertake a training exercise
which replicates a motion required by the sport the athlete is
being trained for.
[0007] In another aspect, a method for training an athlete is
provided. The method comprises (a) equipping the athlete with
eyewear having a first lens which extends over the field of vision
of a first eye, wherein the first lens has first and second
distinct regions which impart vision to the first eye which is
characterized by a first central and first peripheral vision,
wherein the first central vision has a first optical quality that
is not shared by the first peripheral vision; and (b) causing the
athlete to undertake a training exercise which replicates a motion
required by the sport the athlete is being trained for.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] For a more complete understanding of the present invention
and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which like reference numerals indicate like features and
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first particular,
non-limiting embodiment of a set of eyeglasses made in accordance
with the teachings herein.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second particular,
non-limiting embodiment of a set of eyeglasses made in accordance
with the teachings herein.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a particular, non-limiting
embodiment of an ophthalmic lens made in accordance with the
teachings herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] While the use of eyewear in sports is fairly prevalent, such
use has been directed primarily at vision enhancement and
protection. However, the beneficial effects which may be achieved
in sports with eyewear which selectively modifies different fields
of the user's vision (e.g., by imparting different optical
characteristics or perceptual experience to those fields so as to
create, for example, a condition of near-sightedness or tunnel
vision) has heretofore been unappreciated.
[0013] It has now been found that such eyewear can have a profound
effect, as a training tool or as a performance enhancement device,
in sports where the user's visual focus is important in achieving a
desired result. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the use of
the eyewear disclosed herein is believed to cause the wearer to
focus on a central subject, and to also induce subtle inner ear
reflexes which may help to improve the athletic performance of the
wearer. For example, in golf, maintaining good visual focus
frequently goes hand-in-hand with the mechanics of properly
swinging a golf club, with the result that many flaws in a golfer's
swing can be traced to failure by the golfer to maintain proper
focus on the ball throughout the swing. However, it has now been
found that, if a golfer is equipped with eyewear of the type
disclosed herein, many of the problems associated with an improper
swing can be avoided, overcome, minimized or otherwise ameliorated,
thus allowing the user to train with a proper swing and to develop
the muscle memory needed to replicate a proper swing on the golf
course. Similar results may be achieved in other sports, especially
those in which the athlete's visual focus has a significant effect
on proper mechanics.
[0014] FIG. 1 discloses a first particular, non-limiting embodiment
of eyewear which may be utilized in the practice of the
methodologies disclosed herein. The eyewear 201 disclosed therein
is a set of eyeglasses having first 205 and second 211 lenses. As
used herein, the term "lens" refers merely to a portion of the
eyeglasses that covers a portion of the user's field of vision, and
does not by itself imply any particular optical characteristic or
effect. The first lens 205 has first 207 and second 209 regions
defined therein, and the second lens 211 has third 213 and fourth
215 regions defined therein. Any of the first 207, second 209,
third 213 and fourth 215 regions may be optical regions (that is,
may impart an optical effect to the user's vision). These regions
may be placed in various locations in the lenses, but preferably,
the first 207 and third 213 regions are situated within the lens so
that they are disposed over all or a portion of the central portion
of the user's vision, and the second 209 and fourth 215 regions are
situated within the lens so that they are disposed over all or a
portion of the peripheral portion of the user's vision.
[0015] In one preferred embodiment, the optical characteristics of
the first 207 and third 213 regions are the same, and the optical
characteristics of the second 209 and fourth 215 regions are the
same, although embodiments are also possible in which the optical
characteristics of any of the first 207, second 209, third 213 and
fourth 215 optical regions may independently be the same or
different. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the color
and/or tinting of the first 207 and third 213 regions is the same,
the color and/or tinting of the second 209 and fourth 215 regions
is the same, and the color and/or tinting of the first 207 and
second 209 regions is different.
[0016] Even more preferably, the first 207 and third 213 regions
may have a lesser degree of color and/or tinting (and preferably,
no color or tinting) (as measured, for example, by darkness,
saturation or hue), and the second 209 and fourth 215 regions may
have a greater degree of color and/or tinting (and preferably, a
pronounced degree of color and/or tinting). This has the effect of
dimming the peripheral portion of the user's vision, thus creating
a tunnel vision effect of the type referred to above which is
characterized by clear and bright central vision and a darkened
peripheral vision.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the optical power of the
first 207 and third 213 regions is the same, and the optical power
of the second 209 and fourth 215 regions is the same. Preferably,
the first 207 and third 213 regions impart normal (e.g., 20/20)
vision to the user in the field of vision they cover, and hence,
the optical characteristics of this region may be selected in light
of the user's vision. By contrast, the optical characteristics of
the second 209 and fourth 215 regions are preferably selected to
impart other than 20/20 vision to the user, and more preferably are
selected to impart distorted, blurred, or occluded vision to the
user in the field of vision they cover. Most preferably, the
optical characteristics of the second 209 and fourth 215 regions
are selected so that, taken in conjunction with the first 207 and
third 213 regions, the eyewear imparts a condition of tunnel vision
or near-sightedness to the user which is characterized by clear
central vision and a peripheral vision that is distorted or
"out-of-focus".
[0018] Various means may be utilized to create regions with
different optical characteristics for the purposes of the teachings
herein. The optical characteristics may be, for example, color,
tint, optical power, polarization, specularity, diffusiveness,
degree of clarity, degree of obfuscation, optical reflectivity
(over one or more wavelengths), optical transmission (over one or
more wavelengths), the presence or absence of visual artifacts,
degree of vision correction, or various combinations or
subcombinations of the foregoing.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a second particular, non-limiting
embodiment of eyewear which may be utilized in the methodologies
described herein. The eyewear 301 in this embodiment comprises a
set of glasses 302 equipped with a clip 321 that releasably engages
a flip frame 319. The glasses 302 are otherwise conventional and
comprise a first frame 303 within which is set first 323 and second
325 lenses. In some implementations of this embodiment, the glasses
302 may be prescription glasses to impart corrected (and hence
normal) vision to users with vision problems. In other
implementations, the glasses may simply comprise clear glass or
plastic that does not provide any vision correction.
[0020] The flip frame 319 comprises a second frame 333 within which
is set a first 305 lens comprising first 307 and second 309
regions, and a second 311 lens comprising third 313 and fourth 315
regions. The first 305 and second 311 lens, and the first 307,
second 309, third 313 and fourth 315 regions may be of the type
described with respect to their analogous components in the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.
[0021] In use, when it is desired to impart tunnel vision,
near-sightedness, or to otherwise modify the user's vision for the
purposes described herein, the user simply flips the flip frame 319
into place over the first 323 and second 325 lenses, whereupon the
eyewear 301 functions in a manner similar to the eyewear of FIG. 1.
Hence, this embodiment provides the user with ready access to the
advantages of the eyewear described herein, while also providing
the user with the protection or use of conventional eyewear when
such advantages are not needed.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a third particular, non-limiting
embodiment of eyewear which may be utilized in the methodologies
described herein. The eyewear in this embodiment comprises an
ophthalmic lens 401 having first 407 and second 409 regions defined
therein. If the user wears an ophthalmic lens of this type in each
eye, the first 407 and second 409 regions in the two lenses may be
the same or different.
[0023] The first 407 and second 409 regions may be of the type
described in the embodiments above, and preferably cooperate to
induce tunnel vision or short-sightedness, or to otherwise
manipulate the vision of the user in the manner described herein.
Methods which may be used to make an ophthalmic lens of this type
are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,472,993 (Matsui), which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0024] In some of the embodiments described herein, it may be
desirable to construct lenses having a first region characterized
by a first degree of optical distortion d.sub.1 and a second region
characterized by a second degree of optical distortion d.sub.2,
wherein d.sub.1<d.sub.2. In such embodiments, d.sub.1 may be
very small or may be essentially 0, and d.sub.2 may be in the
range, for example, of greater than 2%, greater than 5%, greater
than 10%, or greater than 20%.
[0025] Various methodologies for measuring the degree of optical
distortion may be utilized in fabricating such embodiments. One
such methodology is described, for example, in the ASTM F2156-11
standard entitled "Standard Test Method for Measuring Optical
Distortion in Transparent Parts Using Grid Line Slope". In some
implementations of this type of embodiment, the optical distortion
may maintain or expand the image in the center of the field of view
and compress the image in the periphery of the field of view.
Examples of lenses capable of performing such a functionality may
be found, for example, in U.S. 2012/0206627 (Reshidko et al.),
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0026] In some of the embodiments described herein, it may be
desirable to construct lenses having a first region characterized
by a first % transmission T.sub.1 to visible light and a second
region characterized by a second % transmission T.sub.2 to visible
light. In such embodiments, the difference in % transmission
(T.sub.1-T.sub.2) is preferably at least 10%, more preferably at
least 20%, even more preferably at least 30%, and most preferably
in the range of about 25% to about 50%. The % transmission may be
expressed in various ways including, for example, the average
transmission over the visible region of the spectrum, or the
minimum or maximum transmission over the visible region of the
spectrum.
[0027] In some of the embodiments described herein, it may be
desirable to construct lenses having a first region characterized
as being relatively free of optical occlusions, and a second region
which contains optical occlusions. The occlusions may be, for
example, particles or features which specularly or diffusely
scatter, reflect light or absorb light over the visible region of
the spectrum. Preferably, the first region is essentially devoid of
such optical occlusions so that it provides little or no
scattering, reflection or absorption of visible light, while the
second region provides at least some scattering, reflection or
absorption of visible light. The amount of scattering, reflection
or absorption of visible light in the second region may be, for
example, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, or at least 50%,
but is preferably within the range of about 25% to about 50%, while
the amount of scattering, reflection or absorption of visible light
in the first region is preferably less than 10%, more preferably
less than about 5%, and even more preferably less than about 2%.
The % of scattering, reflection or absorption may be expressed in
various ways including, for example, the average scattering,
reflection or absorption over the visible region of the spectrum,
or the minimum or maximum scattering, reflection or absorption over
the visible region of the spectrum.
[0028] In some embodiments, the second region may have visible
features (such as, for example, printed features) disposed thereon
or therein, and the first region may be free of such features or
contain a lower incidence of them. The features may include, for
example, dots, lines, curves, geometrical figures or patterns, or
the like. In other embodiments, perforations in the lenses may be
used in place of, or in addition to, such features.
[0029] In some of the embodiments described herein, it may be
desirable to construct lenses having a first region characterized
as having a higher transmission or a lower reflectivity or
absorption, and a second region characterized as having a lower
transmission or a higher reflectivity or absorption. This may be
accomplished, for example, by providing or applying an optically
reflective or absorbing film to (or over) the second region but not
to (or over) the first region, or by providing an optically
reflective or absorbing film to (or over) both regions and
selectively removing it from the first region. A similar effect may
be provided by applying an optically reflective or absorbing
pigment to (or over) the second region but not to (or over) the
first region, by providing a higher density of the reflective or
absorbing pigment or film to (or over) the second region than the
first region, or by applying first and second reflective or
absorbing films to the first and second regions, wherein the second
reflective film has a higher reflectivity than the first reflective
film.
[0030] In any of the foregoing embodiments, the reflective films or
pigments may also be polarizing films or pigments. Moreover, the
optical reflectivity or absorption of the second region to visible
light may be, for example, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least
30%, or at least 50%, but is preferably within the range of about
25% to about 50%, while the optical reflectivity or absorption of
the first region to visible light is preferably less than 10%, more
preferably less than about 5%, and even more preferably less than
about 2%.
[0031] In some of the embodiments described herein, it may be
desirable to construct lenses in which the first region is
characterized as having a first color or hue (or being colorless),
and in which the second region is characterized as having a second
color or hue. The first and second colors or hues are preferably
distinct, but may also (or instead) differ in value or saturation.
Preferably, the second color is darker or cooler (e.g., more
towards the blue end of the spectrum) than the first color. Most
preferably, the first region is colorless, and the second region is
selected from the group consisting of green, blue or violet.
[0032] The first, second, third and fourth regions may have various
shapes and may independently be, for example, elliptical, circular,
polygonal (including, for example, square, rectangular, pentagonal,
hexagonal and octagonal), or irregular in shape.
[0033] The dimensions of the first, second, third and fourth
regions may vary from one implementation to another. Typically, the
first and third regions have a major dimension within the range of
about 4 mm to about 75 mm, preferably within the range of about 8
mm to about 50 mm, more preferably within the range of about 15 mm
to about 35 mm, and most preferably within the range of about 20 mm
to about 30 mm. The dimensions of the second and fourth regions may
also vary, and will typically de dictated by such considerations as
style, gender of the user, the dimensions of popular or available
frames, and the like.
[0034] In some embodiments, the boundaries between the first and
second regions and the third and fourth regions may be sharply
defined. In other embodiments, these regions may be blurred, may
transition gradually into each other, or may be separated from each
other by an intervening region which may be optically distinct from
the first and second regions.
[0035] While the eyewear disclosed herein has frequently been
described as lenses having two distinct optical regions thereon,
one skilled in the art will appreciate that a larger number of
optical regions may be utilized to a similar effect.
[0036] The eyewear disclosed herein may be utilized in various
activities, but is especially suitable for training activities for
sports. The eyewear disclosed herein is especially suitable for
sports or activities in which the athlete's or user's visual focus
has a significant effect on proper mechanics and/or the development
of muscle memory. Some non-limiting examples of sports that the
eyewear may be utilized in include golf, tennis (or various other
racquet sports), baseball, football, basketball, volleyball,
fencing, bowling, marksmanship and gymnastics. It will be
appreciated that the eyewear disclosed herein may be especially
useful in particular drills or training exercises for these or
other sports or activities. It will further be appreciated that the
eyewear disclosed herein may be especially useful in particular
drills or training exercises for an athlete which replicate a
motion required by the sport the athlete is being trained for.
[0037] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0038] As used herein, the term "essentially", as used in reference
to a geometric shape or figure (e.g., "essentially elliptical"),
means that one skilled in the art would describe the item in
question as having the designated shape or figure, notwithstanding
slight deviations or imperfections in the item that might prevent
it from meeting the strict mathematical definition of such a shape
or figure. When used in reference to a number k, "essentially" k
shall mean k.+-.0.05 k. Moreover, the disclosure of "essentially" k
shall be taken to be a disclosure of both "essentially" k and k as
possible values for the parameter in question.
[0039] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0040] Preferred embodiments of the devices and methodologies
disclosed herein have been described. Variations of these preferred
embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art upon reading the foregoing description. It is expected that
skilled artisans will employ such variations as appropriate, and it
is further expected that the devices and methodologies disclosed
herein may be practiced other than as specifically described
herein. Accordingly, this disclosure is to be construed as
including all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter
recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable
law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in
all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context.
* * * * *