GB2411009A

GB2411009A - Eyewear with one or more light emitting diodes

Info

Publication number: GB2411009A
Application number: GB0403182A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Margaret Paton
Original assignee: PATONLITE SPECTACLES Ltd
Current assignee: PATONLITE SPECTACLES Ltd
Priority date: 2004-02-13
Filing date: 2004-02-13
Publication date: 2005-08-17
Also published as: GB0403182D0

Abstract

Illuminated spectacles 10 comprising a frame (12) for retaining one or more lenses (22 and 24) and at least one light source 54, 56, 58 associated the frame (12), the light source being arranged to illuminate an area in front of the lens or lenses (22 and 24) and comprising one or more light emitting diodes 60 powered by one or more batteries and a switch (38) for selectively connecting and disconnecting the one or more light emitting diodes (60) from the one or more batteries. A jack or inductive coil 62 is preferably included for recharging the battery. Preferably contacts (50, 52 fig. 2) within the arms 18, 20 conduct current to to LEDs such that opening the arms 18, 20 automatically turns on the LEDs. A circuit is preferably provided for adjusting light intensity and monitoring battery charge.

Description

1 241 1009 Title: Eyeglasses

Description:

The present invention relates to an eyeglass or and especially, but without limitation to, a pair of eyeglasses or spectacles and in particular to improvements in and relating to illuminated eyeglasses or spectacles.

Spectacles are worn to correct / compensate for a variety of eye defects. Commonly spectacles are worn for reading, i.e. to magnify or sharpen the text to make reading easier. Reading in a darkened room can cause eyestrain, which can worsen an eye defect and/or cause headaches.

People with poor eyesight often require subjects to be well lit if they are to see them properly.

Illuminated spectacles are available and generally comprise a frame comprising a built-in light source, e.g. a battery powered bulb. Known illuminated spectacles are heavy (due to the weight of the batteries), cumbersome (due to the wiring associated therewith) and suffer from poor bakery life (due to low battery capacity and/or high bulb power drain).

Furthermore, the brightness and/or quality of the light emitted from known illuminated spectacles tends to be variable and the light emitted thereby can dazzle others nearby. Moreover, switching on and off of known illuminated spectacles can be difficult, owing to the small size of switch used, which is particularly problematic when the user of the spectacles has poor eyesight.

The present invention aims to provide a solution to one or more of the above problems. 1

, e; , ' I 2 e e Accordingly, the present invention provides an illuminated eyeglass comprising a carrier for one or a pair of lenses and at least one light source associated with the carrier, the light source being arranged to illuminate an area in front of the lens or lenses and comprising one or more light emitting diodes powered by one or more batteries, and switch means for selectively connecting and disconnecting one or more of the light emitting diodes from the one or more batteries.

The lens or pair of lenses may be arranged to be hand held, but preferably, the eyeglass of the invention is adapted to be worn on the head of a user such that the lens or pair of lenses substantially register with the eyes of the user. The carrier may comprise a bridge element for engaging directly or indirectly (eg: by more pieces carried thereby) with the nose of the user.

The lens or lenses depend may be attached to the bridge element. Arms are preferably provided to engage with the ears of the user. The arms may connect directly to a respective one of the lenses or may connect to a cross member that spans between the arms. The bridge element may form part of the cross-section. The carrier comprises one or more of the bridge element, cross-member and the arms. Preferably, the arms include a hinge to permit them to fold from a position of disposed substantially perpendicular to the plane of the lenses - to a position lying substantially parallel to the plane of the lenses.

The light source of the invention may be provided at any convenient location on the frame, although it is envisaged that the light source will be positioned on or within the bridge element or on the generally forward facing end of the arms, where provided.

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3.. : The light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), which may be of any suitable type. Preferably, the LED or LEDs are high intensity and/or narrow angle LEDs. Any colour LED or LEDs may be provided, although green or a white-green tint is preferred to improve black- on-white contrast (e.g. reading text on paper) and hence visibility.

The light source is preferably shaded to direct light substantially within the visible arc of the user, but to substantially reduce or prevent stray light directed outside the visible arc of the user. This feature may reduce the likelihood of dazzling other people in the vicinity of the user. The light source is preferably shaded using a shade element that depends from the carrier of the illuminated eyeglass. Preferably, the shade, where provided, is located above the light source to reduce substantially forward directed light emissions when the user's head is tilted down when in use. Additional side shades may be provided to reduce the amount of light being emitted sideways. The shade or shades may be arcuate.

Additionally or alternatively, the light source may comprise a light lens.

The light lens may be a focussing or collimating lens such that the light emitted is directed in a substantially narrow cone to reduce the likelihood of dazzling persons nearby.

The light source is powered by a battery. Preferably, the battery is a rechargeable battery. Where the battery is rechargeable, recharging means (e.g. a power-in jack or inductive coil) is provided on or within the frame to facilitate charging. Any suitable rechargeable battery may be used, where desired, although high-power, high-cycle life batteries, e.g. Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-Metal-Hydride or Lithium-lon are preferred.

he' ::' .. ee : :e : : . .. . . 4 : The battery or batteries are preferably located within the carrier of the illuminated eyeglass. Most preferably, the batteries are of small dimensions and/or substantially flat to enable them to be fitted inside the arms, of the carrier, where provided. Where the battery or batteries are fitted within the arm or arms of the frame, they are preferably located towards the extreme ends of the arm or arms such that they are accommodated behind the ear of the user when in use. The aforementioned arrangement conveniently balances or more evenly distributes the weight of the illuminated eyeglass and/or conceals the battery or batteries behind the ear and/or within the hair of the user.

A charging cradle may also be provided. The cradle, where provided, may comprise a jack or induction coil that interacts with a respective jack or induction coil provided in or on the illuminated spectacles. The illuminated eyeglass may thereby be conveniently placed in the cradle to recharge when not in use. The cradle may additionally comprise protective elements, e.g. a cover and/or a soft lining, to prevent accidental damage to the illuminated spectacles.

The switch may be of any suitable type. A slide switch may be provided on the frame for connecting/disconnecting the light source from the battery or batteries. The switch may comprise a variable resistor for controlling the brightness of the light source, although a separate variable resistor may be provided for this purpose.

Additionally or alternatively, the switch may comprise a micro-switch or contact switch located at or near to an end of the arms of the carrier, where provided. Thus, an electrical contact may conveniently be made when the c: ce.

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arms are opened, (i.e. when in use) and broken when the arms are closed (i.e. when folded when not in use). Such an arrangement may reduce the likelihood of accidentally leaving the light source switched on when not in use, and inadvertently draining the battery or batteries.

There may also be a control circuit for controlling the light output of the light source. The control circuit may comprise monitoring means, for monitoring the charge status of the battery or batteries and means for controlling the power directed to the light source. In this way, a more constant light source may be provided, i.e. by providing lower power for longer to compensate for the change in power output as the battery or batteries discharge.

The control circuit may additionally comprise any of the following features: A dimmer circuit for reducing the light output of the power source.

Means for directing the power to different light sources e.g. to centrally located light sources for reading, to spaced apart light sources for general work, to a green light source for reading, or a white light source for general work. Other useful combinations and permutations can be easily worked out.

An audible/visual alarm to warn when battery power is low.

An indicator (e.g. a red, amber and green multicoloured LED) to indicate the charge status of the battery.

A motion detector (e.g. a mercury switch) to detect when the illuminated spectacles are not being used and/or means to automatically switch off the light source when not in use.

A charging indicator. c: e e

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A preferred embodiment of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 shows a side perspective view of a pair of illuminated spectacles according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a side perspective view of a pair of spectacles according to the invention having one arm folded; Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of a pair of spectacles according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the shade of the invention; and Figure 5 shows a schematic graph of the power output of the optional controller of the invention.

Referring now to Figure 1, a pair of spectacles 10 embodying the invention is shown generally comprising a carrier 12 in the form of a frame accommodating a pair of lenses 22,23 and having a bridge element 14, a cross member 16' two arms 18 & 20. The carrier 12 supports nose pads 26 & 28.

At extreme ends of the arms 18 & 20 are battery housings 30 & 32 for retaining a batteries (not shown). Each battery housing 30 & 32 has an inspection cover 34 which can be unscrewed using a coin in the coin slot 36 to facilitate inspection of and/or removal and replacement of the batteries.

A sliding switch 38 is provided on one arm 18. The switch 38 has three positions, namely "full power", "reduced power" and "off' for controlling the output of the light source.

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The arms 18 & 20 are arranged to fold inwards about hinges 40 & 42.

The bridge element 14 comprises an arcuate shade 44 for partially masking light emitted by the light source.

Figure 2 shows a similar pair of spectacles 10 except that a pair of shades 46 and 48 are provided at the outer ends of the cross members. The ends of the arms 18 & 20 are provided with electrical contacts 50 & 52, such that folding the spectacles as shown, breaks the connection between the batteries and the light source. A switch 38 is also provided to enable the spectacles 10 to be worn with the light sources switched off.

Figure 3 shows a front view of the spectacles 10 having three light sources 54, 56 & 58. The central light source 54 comprises three adjacent LEDs 60 that are arranged to direct light generally forwards. The central light source 54 is of a high intensity, narrow angle type suitable for reading and other similar tasks.

The spaced apart light sources 56 & 58 provide light over a wider angle and are more suited to general viewing. The light sources 56 & 58 are slidable within generally tubular shades 46 & 48 using sliders 60. The angle of the beams produced thereby can thus be narrowed by moving the light sources back inside the shades or widened by moving them towards the open ends of the shades. The switch 38' permits the user to select between central and spaced apart light sources depending on the particular situation.

Incorporated into one of the arms 20 is a wire coil 62 that enables the batteries to be recharged using an inductive field. A charging cradle (not shown) may be provided for this purpose.

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. 8: Also shown in Figure 3 is a tri-coloured LED 64 located in the battery housing that is arranged to flash (e.g. to indicate charging) and to change colour (e.g. from green to amber to red) to indicate battery charge status as the batteries discharge.

Figure 4 shows, schematically, the arrangement of the central light source 54 and central arcuate shade 44 and how the angle of light is shielded from above and partially from the side. Thus the light emitted is substantially shielded from onlooker's eyes 66.

Figure 5 shows a similar arrangement for the spaced apart light sources 58 within their tubular shades 46. Here, the angle of light can be adjusted by moving the light source 56 within the shade as indicated by arrow A. Finally, Figure 6 shows a schematic graph of battery voltage V and controlled power output P over time t. The battery voltage V is initially high, but decreases over time from a serviceable range V1 to an unserviceable range V2. The controller of the invention (which may be a circuit incorporated into any part of the frame) controls the voltage, and hence power P applied to the light source. Thus, the power consumption is lower for longer. The amount of power saved (area C) can be used to extend the life of the battery (area B) and to make the power output more consistent over a longer period.

Thus the serviceable battery life t is extended from t1 to t2.

Claims

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9 :. ::e Claims: 1. An illuminated eyeglass comprising a carrier for one or a pair of lenses and at least one light source associated with the carrier, the light source being arranged to illuminate an area in front of the lens or lenses and comprising one or more light emitting diodes powered by one or more batteries, and switch means for selectively connecting and disconnecting the one or more of the light emitting diodes from one or more batteries.
2. An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source comprises one or more LEDs.
3. An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more LEDs are high intensity LEDs.
4. An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the one or more LEDs are narrow angle LEDs.
5. An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the one or more LEDs have a green or white-green tint.
6. An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light source is shaded to direct light substantially within the visible arc of the user, but to substantially reduce or prevent stray light directed outside the visible arc of the user.
7. An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claim 6, wherein the light source is shaded using a shade element that depends from the carrier of the spectacles.

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8. An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claim 7, wherein the shade is located above the light source to reduce substantially upwardly directed light emissions.
9. An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein additional side shades are provided to reduce the amount of light being emitted sideways.
10.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the shade or shades are arcuate.
11.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light source comprises a light lens.
12.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claim 11, wherein the light lens is a focussing lens.
13.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claim 11, wherein the light lens is a collimating lens.
14.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery.
15.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a recharging means to facilitate charging.
16.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the battery or batteries are located inside the arms of the spectacle carrier.
17.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claims 16, wherein the battery or batteries are located towards the extreme ends of the arm or arms such that they are accommodated behind the ear of the user, when in use. : .e

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18.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the switch is a slide switch.
19.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the switch comprises a variable resistor for controlling the brightness of the light source.
20.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19, wherein the switch comprises a micro-switch or contact switch that closes the circuit when the arms are opened and breaks the circuit when the arms are closed.
21.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a control circuit for controlling the light output of the light source.
22.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claim 21, wherein the control circuit comprises monitoring means for monitoring the charge status of the battery or batteries.
23.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the control circuit comprises means for controlling the power directed to the light source to produce a substantially constant light source and to conserve battery power.
24.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 21, 22 or 23, wherein the control circuit further comprises a dimmer circuit for reducing the light output of the power source.
25.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the control circuit further comprises means for selectively directing power to different light sources. c:

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26.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 21 to 25, wherein the control circuit further comprises an audible/visual alarm to warn when battery power is low.
27.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 21 to 26, wherein the control circuit further comprises an indicator to indicate the charge status of the battery.
28.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 21 to 27, wherein the control circuit further comprises a motion detector to detect when the An illuminated eyeglass are not being used.
29.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claims 28, wherein the control circuit further comprises means to automatically switch off the light source when not in use.
30.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the motion sensor comprises a mercury switch.
31.An illuminated eyeglass as claimed in any of claims 21 to 30, wherein the control circuit further comprises a charging indicator.
32.An illuminated eyeglass substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.