Patent Publication Number: US-2022236555-A1

Title: Loupes having features adapted for various procedures

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/142,120, filed Jan. 27, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     1. Field 
     This application is directed to the field of loupes for providing improved viewing. In particular, the application is directed to various loupes and eyewear configurations that are adapted to improve viewing. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Surgeons, dentists, and hygienists, among other professionals, use loupes to magnify the area where they perform their work. Some loupes fail to provide the best viewing conditions and/or require positioning oneself in a manner that is uncomfortable for extended periods of time. Therefore, there is a need in the field to improve and provide features to loupes to enable better viewing conditions for loupes. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly described, aspects of the present disclosure relate to loupes. An aspect of the present disclosure is a set of loupes. The set of loupes comprising at least one prism; at least one housing adapted to house a lens arrangement and the at least one prism, the housing having an objective end and an ocular end, wherein light entering through the objective end is observable by a user viewing through the ocular end; and wherein the at least one prism is shaped and positioned within the housing so that a path of a ray of light passing through the objective end into the at least one prism is not symmetrical within the at least one prism before the ray of light passes through the ocular end. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure is a set of loupes. The set of loupes comprising a first and a second housing, each of the first and second housings adapted to house a lens arrangement and a Schmidt roof prism, each of the first and second housings having an objective end and an ocular end, wherein light entering through the objective end is observable by a user viewing through the ocular end; and wherein the Schmidt roof prism is positioned so that a path of a ray of light passing through the objective end into the Schmidt roof prism is not symmetrical within the Schmidt roof prism before is passes through the ocular end. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a set of loupes. 
         FIG. 2  is side view of set of loupes in a raised position 
         FIG. 3  is a view of a central portion of the set of loupes 
         FIG. 4  is a top-down view of set of loupes. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the set of loupes. 
         FIG. 6  a view of the set of loupes worn on a person. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a set of loupes worn on a person. 
         FIG. 8  is a view of a set of loupes with a light attached to the loupes 
         FIG. 9  shows the housing of a set of loupes. 
         FIG. 10  shows the interior lens arrangement of a set of loupes. 
         FIG. 11  shows the lens arrangement of a set of loupes and the ray path through the lens arrangement. 
         FIG. 12  shows a 3D view of the prism used in the lens arrangement. 
         FIG. 13  shows another lens arrangement of a set of loupes and the ray path through the lens arrangement. 
         FIG. 14  shows another lens arrangement of a set of loupes and the ray path through the lens arrangement. 
         FIG. 15  shows loupes attachable to glasses. 
         FIG. 16  shows another view of loupes attachable to glasses. 
         FIG. 17  shows a view of loupes with a knob for attaching a mask. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     To facilitate an understanding of embodiments, principles, and features of the present disclosure, they are disclosed hereinafter with reference to implementation in illustrative embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to use in the described systems or methods and may be utilized in other systems and methods as will be understood by those skilled in the art familiar with this disclosure. 
     Aspects of the present invention may apply principles related to surgical loupes disclosed in Applicant&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 10,247,965 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/663,643, the contents of both the patent and the application are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Turning now to the drawings, wherein embodiments of the loupes and items associated with it are shown,  FIGS. 1-7  show loupes  100  made in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 1  shows a side view of set of loupes  100 .  FIG. 2  shows a view of the set of loupes  100  when the housings  20  is and the eye protection portion  11  are raised.  FIG. 3  is a view of the central portion of the set of loupes  100 .  FIG. 4  is a top-down view of the set of loupes  100 .  FIG. 5  is a front view of the set of loupes  100 .  FIG. 6  a view of the set of loupes  100  worn on a person.  FIG. 7  is a side view of the set of loupes  100  worn on a person. 
     Loupes  100  are adapted to be worn by an individual who is engaged in a procedure that requires viewing certain regions close-up. The loupes  100  disclosed may be used by surgeons, dentists, and other individuals that work within the field. 
     The loupes  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-7  comprise a housing  20  and an eyewear portion  10 . In some embodiments, the set of loupes only comprise housing portions and are adapted to be secured to existing eyewear. 
     The eyewear portion  10  of the loupes comprises, eye protection portion  11 , frames  14 , ear hooks  17 , spring hinge  28 , and nose bridge  29 . A connecting portion  8  connects the eyewear portion  10  to the housings  20  and enables the movement of the housings  20  and the eyewear portion  10 . 
     Eye protection portion  11  may be formed from polycarbonate (PC) lenses that have been coated with anti-blue light and anti-fog. In an embodiment, the eye protection portion is formed from other plastic material. In an embodiment, the eye protection portion is formed form glass material. 
     The eye protection portion  11  formed from PC lens is mounted onto the housings  20  of the loupes  100  yet still can be flipped up as a whole unit due to the connecting portion  8  and the spring hinge  28 . This is unlike traditional through the lens (TTL) loupes that do not have a flip up mechanism. Having the flip-up capability allows the ocular ends  25  to be closer to the person&#39;s eyes which is the benefit of the traditional through the lens, yet still have the flip up capability which can be lifted-up and out of the way. Because the pupillary distance can be adjusted to any user, one size for the set of loupes  100  is able to fit most individuals. In the embodiment, the eye protection portion  11  allows the user to protect theft eyes with sufficient medial and lateral coverage around each housing  20  as it expands or constricts according to the preferences and dimensions of each user. 
     The frames  14  are adapted to hold the loupes  100  on an individual&#39;s head when in use. The frames  14  are operably attached to the connecting portion  8  via the spring hinge  28 . Nose bridge  29  is connected to the frame  14  and provides support for a user when the loupes  100  are being worn. The height of the nose bridge  14  is adjustable to accommodate the use of the loupes  100 . 
     Frames  14  additionally are adjustable to change the length of the temple covering. This allows for the ear hooks  17  to be secured firmly to the ears to keep the frames  14  properly mounted to a user&#39;s face, such as with respect to the nose bridge  29 . This prevents the frames  14  from falling forward. As discussed further below, the frames  14  additionally incorporate knobs for masks to reduce components needed for the loupes  100 . 
     Each of the housings  20  of the loupes  100  comprises objective end  24 , objective lens  23 , ocular end  25  and ocular lens  21 . The housing  20  also has focal cam  22 . 
     The ocular end  25  passes through and is operably connected to the eye protection portion  11 . In an embodiment, the housing  20  is secured to the eye protection portion  11  with an adhesive. In an embodiment, the housing  20  is secured to the eye protection portion  11  by integrally bonding the eye protection portion  11  to the housing  20 . 
     The ocular end  25  houses the ocular lens  21 . The objective end  24  is located distally from the ocular end  25 . The objective end  24  houses the objective lens  23 . 
     The focal cam  22  is located between the objective end  24  and the ocular end  25 . Movement of the focal cam  22  will adjust the focus of the loupes  100  and permit the loupes  100  to change the magnification. In this way a user can change the focus and zoom in or out depending on the situation. The focal cam  22  allows the group of lenses located within the housing  10  to move and alter the magnification from between 2× to 6× magnification. In an embodiment, the magnification can be changed from between 1× to 10×. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 3  is a view of the central portion of the loupes  100 .  FIG. 3  shows a view of the connecting portion  8 , which has located therein a spring hinge  28 . Connecting portion  8  is further connected to each of the housings  20 , with one arm of the connecting portion  8  connected to either the left or right housing  20  and the other arm connected to the other one of the left or right housing  20 . 
     Further shown is nose bridge  29 . The nose bridge  29  allows the person to adjust the pupillary distance as needed by sliding the housings  20  together or outward. The spring hinge  28  is adapted to click into place when moved to an up position or down position (in-use), eliminating any loose screws. The spring hinge  28  permits rotation upwards. In an embodiment, other hinges are used to permit movement of the loupes  100  into different positions. 
     Loupes  100  differs from other products where eye protection portions stay stationary on the eyewear frame and do not allow the loupes to come close to the user&#39;s eyes. This design allows the housing  20  of the loupes  100  disclosed herein to be close to the user&#39;s eyes and yet provide protection around each eye. Traditional flip down loupes have eyewear lenses in the way and cannot approach closely to the user&#39;s eyes. Loupes  100  allow the ocular end  25  of the housing  20  of the loupes  100  to be mounted through the eye protective portion  11  yet remain stationary. 
     In an embodiment, the set of loupes rotates the view, so the two views converge at the working site. Fine tuning the view so it better fits the user. This helps eliminate re-calibration and re-mounting issues because they are fixed and are not adjustable once they are mounted. In an embodiment, there is a rotatable scope at the objective end to allow the person to change working distance and focus, so it better fits the person&#39;s preference. 
     Now turning to  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 8  is a view of loupes with a light  40  attached to the loupes. In an embodiment, there are more than one light  40  attached to the loupes. In an embodiment, the light, or lights  40  are motion sensor activated. The motion sensor permits activation of the light without requiring use of hands. In an embodiment, the light, or lights  40  are LEDs (light emitting diodes) adapted to create a shadow free area. 
       FIG. 9  shows the housing  20  of the loupes  100 . The housing  20  of the loupes  100  comprises objective end  24 , objective lens  23 , ocular end  25  and ocular lens  21 . The housing portion  20  also has focal cam  22 . The ocular end  25  houses the ocular lens  21 . The objective end  24  is located distally from the ocular end  25 . The objective end  24  houses the objective lens  23 . 
     The focal cam  22  is located between the objective end  24  and the ocular end  25 . Movement of the focal cam  22  will adjust the focus of the loupes  100  and permit the loupes  100  to change magnification. The focal cam  22  allows the group of lenses located within the housing  10 , shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  to move and alter the magnification from between 2× to 6× magnification. In an embodiment, the magnification can be change from between 1× to 10×. 
       FIG. 10  shows the interior lens arrangement of set of loupes.  FIG. 11  shows the lens arrangement of a set of loupes and the ray path through the lens arrangement. The lens arrangement shown in  FIG. 11  is for a set of loupes having 8× magnification.  FIG. 12  shows a 3D view of the prism  30  used in the lens arrangements shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
     A user looks through the ocular lens  21 , which visualizes objects seen through the objective lens  23 . Located within the interior of the of the housing  20  is series of lenses that control the path of light entering through the objective lens  23 . 
     Light passes through the objective lens  23  and through first interior objective lens  33 , which is a negative meniscus lens. The negative meniscus lens is a convex lens oriented with the convex side facing the prism  30 . The light then passes through the second interior objective lens  32 , which is a double-convex lens. Light then passes through the prism  30 . 
     After the light passes through the prism  30 , the light passes through the focal lens  39 , which is a positive meniscus lens. The positive meniscus lens has its convex side facing the prism  30 . In an embodiment, the focal lens  39  is operably connected to the focal cam  22  and can adjust the magnification of the image viewed at the ocular end  25 . Light passes from the focal lens  39  through first interior housing lens  34 , which is double concave lens, then through first interior ocular lens  35 , which is a cemented double lens. 
     After passing through the first interior ocular lens  35  and, the light passes through the second interior ocular lens  37 , which in an embodiment is a double-convex lens. Both the first interior ocular lens  35  and the second interior ocular lens  37  are convex lenses where the convex ends of each face each other. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the line shown in the diagram illustrates the path of light through the lenses. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the path of light through the prism  30  is not symmetrical. That is to say, the path of the light is such that, it enters through side A, reflects off the interior of side B then reflects off the interior of side C, then off the interior of side A. When the light reflects off the interior of side A it does so at an area separate from where the light enters through side A. The resulting path inside the prism  30  is asymmetrical and forms a four-sided path having path lengths that are each of different length. This results in deflection that can be between 45-49 degrees. 
     In an embodiment, the 3D shape of the prism  30  is not symmetrical and in an embodiment, is a non-symmetrical Schmidt roof prism, as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 13  shows another embodiment of a lens layout for a set of loupes. This arrangement is generally for a 4-5-6× zoom design. Light passes through the objective lens on the set of loupes and through first interior objective lens  1333 , which is a plano-convex lex. The plano-convex lens is a convex lens oriented with the convex side facing away from the prism  1330 . The light then passes through the second interior objective lens  1332 , which is a plano-convex lens with the convex side facing away from the prism  1330 . Light then passes through the prism  1330 . The prism  1330  is a roofed Schmidt prism. 
     After the light passes through the prism  1330 , the light passes through the focal lens  1339 , which is a symmetrical double-concave lens. In an embodiment, the focal lens  1339  is operably connected to the focal cam and can adjust the magnification of the image viewed at the ocular end  1325 . Light passes from the focal lens  1339  through first interior housing lens  1334 , which is double convex lens, then through second interior housing lens  1335 , which is a double-concave lens and first interior ocular lens  1336 , which is a plano-convex lens. 
     After passing through the second interior housing lens  1335  and through first interior ocular lens  1336 , the light passes through the second interior ocular lens  1337 , which in an embodiment is plano-convex lens. Both the first interior ocular lens  1336  and the second interior ocular lens  1337  are convex lenses where the convex ends of each face each other. 
     Turning to  FIG. 14 ,  FIG. 14  shows another embodiment of a lens layout for a set of loupes. The lens layout shown provides a 5× zoom design. Light passes through the objective lens and through first interior objective lens  1433 , which is a cemented doublet lens. The light then passes Light then passes through the prism  30 . The prism is a 49-degree Schmidt prism with roof. 
     After the light passes through the prism  30 , the light passes through the focal lens  1439 , which is a plano-convex lens with the convex side facing the prism  30 . In an embodiment, the focal lens  1439  is operably connected to the focal cam and can adjust the magnification of the image viewed at the ocular end. Light passes from the focal lens  1339  through first interior housing lens  1334 , which is double concave lens, then through second interior housing lens  1436 , which is a positive meniscus lens. 
     After passing through the second interior housing lens  1436 , the light will pass through the first interior ocular lens  1435 , which is a positive meniscus lens. After the light passes through the first interior ocular lens  1435  the light passes through the second interior ocular lens  1437 , which in an embodiment is a plano-convex lens. Both the first interior ocular lens  1435  and the second interior ocular lens  1437  are convex lenses where the convex ends of each face each other. 
     In an embodiment, mirrored Littrow prisms are used in the loupes to achieve the viewing results. In an embodiment, Schmidt roof prisms are used in the loupes to achieve viewing results. In an embodiment, Amici prisms are used in the loupes to achieve viewing results. 
     In an embodiment, when mirrored Littrow prisms are used, the mirrored Littrow prism loupes have a panoramic shape. By panoramic shape it is meant that the prism has a rectangular shape near the ocular end of the loupes that then expands outwardly. In an embodiment, each objective lens has a larger width than the lens at the ocular end of the loupes. 
     In an embodiment, the prism used is narrower near the ocular end than at the objective end, which is located opposite of the ocular end. The shape of this prism for the loupes provides a panoramic view for the user and fits many users&#39; pupillary distance since the ocular shape of the lens that is employed is rectangular. 
     In an embodiment, the set of loupes are zoom enabled. In an embodiment, the zoom enabled prism lenses have cam mechanisms that allow the group of lenses to move within the loupes to zoom from between 2× to 6× magnification. In an embodiment, the zoom enabled prism lenses have cam mechanisms that allow the group of lenses to move within the loupes to zoom from between 2× to 8× magnification. In an embodiment, the loupes can zoom from between 1× to 10×. 
     In an embodiment, the set of loupes have a prism near the objective end of the lens. In an embodiment, the prism is a Schmidt roof prism adapted to deflect the image 45 degrees. In an embodiment, the prism is a Schmidt roof prism adapted to deflect the image 45-49 degrees. In an embodiment, the prism is a mirrored Littrow prism adapted to deflect the image 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the prism is a mirrored Littrow prism adapted to deflect the image more than 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the prism is a mirrored Littrow prism adapted to deflect the image between 60-85 degrees. 
     In an embodiment, the prism is a modified Amici prism that has equilateral sides and a 60-degree, internal angle that is adapted to deflect the image 60 degrees. This type of prism is different than other Amici prisms in that other Amici prisms are adapted to only provide 45 degrees of deflection. In some embodiments, the prisms are Amici prisms that are modified to deflect the view between 45 degrees to 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the prisms are Amici prisms that are modified to deflect view above 45 degrees. 
     In an embodiment, the Schmidt roof prism zoom enabled prism loupes can additionally be mounted at 10-15 degrees to achieve 60 degrees deflection since it deflects at least 45 degrees by itself. Once it is mounted to the prism loupes, it can gain an additional tilt from 5-15 degrees. 
     Lenses and the arrangement of lenses may be varied depending on the specific needs of the user. The lens arrangement can comprise a variety of concave, convex, and cemented lens depending on the needs of the user. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 15 and 16 ,  FIGS. 15 and 16  show loupes  1500  attachable to glasses  1504 . Loupes  1500  have lenses  1502  that magnify the view. Loupes  1500  are adapted to have mirrored Littrow prisms that are used separately or placed over existing eyewear. The loupes  1500  may also have a Schmidt roof prism. 
     Once open on the objective side, the user can adjust the focus and working distance of the loupes  1500 . Once the mirror coated Littrow prism is attached, the convergence angle can be adjusted, and a user can see 60 degrees below their eyelevel. The working distance and convergence angle can also be adjusted by the user. This view can be secured by a screw to stabilize position. Various magnifications, from between 2× and 10× can be obtained, such as 4× and 5× magnification. A light component can be attached for illumination. Additionally, an antireflective coating can be used to reduce glare. In an embodiment, lenses  1502  are trapezoidal in shape to increase field of view. In an embodiment, the housings for the loupes are attached to protective eyewear or prescription glasses. In an embodiment, the protective eyewear has a flip up mechanism, such as the flip up mechanism discussed above, to lock it in place when not in use. In an embodiment, the loupes are integrated with the protective eyewear. 
     In an embodiment, the mirrored Littrow prism is a separate addition to traditional loupes. In an embodiment, a mirrored Littrow prism is adapted to be attached to existing eyewear. In an embodiment, there is a housing that allows the prism lens to screw onto existing loupes. In an embodiment, there is a suction cup enabled lens that is adapted to be placed on the objective end of existing loupes. In an embodiment, the suction cup is made of rubber material. In an embodiment, there is a prism cap that permits different prisms to be screwed onto the ends of the loupes. In an embodiment, the attachable lens allows deflection of the image 60 degrees. In an embodiment, the attachable lens allows easy rotation to converge images when being viewed by a user. 
     Turning to  FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 17  shows a view of frames  14  with a knob  1700  for attaching a mask. In an embodiment, ear fins or hooks made of silicone can be placed on the frames  14  to prevent the eyewear from slipping. In an embodiment, the hooks can hook around the back of the ears. In an embodiment, these fins/hooks are different because the fins/hooks have a knob  1700  that allows masks to be able to loop around the silicone to relieve pressure around the ear due to wearing masks. 
     In an embodiment, the knob  1700  is a circle shape. In an embodiment, the knob is a half-circle shape. In an embodiment, the knob is square shaped. In an embodiment, the knob is conical shaped. In an embodiment, the knob is spherical shaped. In an embodiment, the knob is rectangular shaped. In an embodiment, the knob is triangular shaped. 
     The knob  1700  allows a mask to loop around it easily. The fins/hooks on the frames  14  also counterbalance the weight of the set of loupes to alleviate weight on the ridge of the nose from eyewear 
     While embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and its equivalents, as set forth in the following claims.