Patent Publication Number: US-2022213921-A1

Title: Screw with Integrated Slot

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/134,383, which was filed on Jan. 6, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of eyeglass lenses securing screws. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel screw that prevents eyeglass lenses from falling out. The screw ensures that the lenses remain intact and do not become loose. More specifically, the screw is a small screw with an integrated groove or slot along the length and surface of the screw. The slot is filled with a neoprene, polypropylene, or polypropene planar bar that causes drag and prevents automatic unwinding of the screw, thereby, securing the lenses effectively in the eyeglass frame. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     By way of background, small screws are used in eyeglasses for securing the components such as nose pads, temples, hinges, rims, and lenses. These small screws, especially, used for securing lenses are important as they keep the expensive lenses secure within the eyeglass frame and rim. These small screws have a tendency to back out which can cause lenses to fall out. This is not only costly for individuals but individuals also face difficulties in performing daily work until the lenses are replaced. 
     The small screws loosen and fall easily and when they fall on the ground, are extremely difficult to locate. The screws can go under a table and other furniture and individuals may have to bend over and spend time in locating them. Older individuals wearing eyeglasses are generally not able to locate these screws and thus have to go an optician to replace them. 
     The aforementioned screws are required to be periodically tightened and replaced with new screws. Further, the screws are difficult to be reinstalled in an eyeglass. Individuals need a small screwdriver to reinstall the screws and without wearing glasses, it is nearly impossible for individuals to install the screws without a magnifying lens. 
     Heretofore known screws are rotatably threaded screws that need to be rotated to slidably insert into the slots for tightening and securing the lenses and/or temples. These threaded screws generally become loose over time and back out which leads to falling of the lenses or separation of the temple from the rim. Individuals desire improved screws that do not back out in order to prevent eyeglass lenses from falling out of the rim and to prevent temples from separating from the rim. 
     Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for improved eyeglass lens, rim, and temple securing screws that prevent eyeglass lenses from falling out of the rim. There is also a long felt need in the art for an eyeglass screw that does not become loose easily. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for improved screws for eyeglasses that remain securely in place to keep lenses and temples intact. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved eyeglass screw that saves unnecessary expenses for users by eliminating falling of eyeglass lenses. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for an eyeglass screw that can be screwed using a conventional screwdriver. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an eyeglass screw that increases life of the eyeglass lenses, temples, and rims. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a small screw that is not likely to be lost on the floor and therefore eliminates inconvenient repairs. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an eyeglass lens, rim, end piece, and/or temple screw; hereinafter, referred to as eyeglasses screw. The eyeglasses screw is designed to install in eyeglasses to secure the eyeglass lenses, temples, and rim to prevent the lenses from falling out. The eyeglasses screw includes a head, a shaft, a slot channel cut along the length of the shaft, the slot channel is filled with a neoprene or polypropene material wherein the filled material causes a drag and prevents unwinding (i.e. unscrewing) of the screw during use of the eyeglasses having the installed screw secured therein. The screw can be used for fastening the upper frame or rim component and the lower frame or rim component to secure the eyeglass lenses therebetween. 
     In this manner, the novel eyeglass screw of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a unique screw that prevents eyeglass lenses from falling out. The screw does not become loosened and does not fall on the floor. Using the screws, the eyeglass lenses remain secure and therefore eliminates inconvenient repairs. The screws save expenses for the user and can be installed in both new eyeglasses and during repair of existing eyeglasses. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a novel screw that causes drag and prohibits automatic unwinding or unscrewing of the screw. The screw further comprising a fillister head, a drive disposed on the head for engaging a screwdriver, a shaft running from the head to a terminal end, the shaft includes circumferential threads along the length of the shaft for rotatably sliding the screw through slots, a longitudinal channel in the form of a slot disposed along the surface of the shaft and through the length of the shaft wherein the threads are absent along the longitudinal channel, and the channel is configured for receiving a planar bar such the planar bar securely fits into the channel. The channel with the planar bar helps in preventing automatic unwinding of the screw when the screw is in use. It is to be appreciated that a fillister head machine screw, sometimes called a cheese head screw, is similar to a pan head machine screw but with greater side height. Fillister head screws are similar to pan head machine screws but with greater side height. 
     In yet another embodiment, the planar bar does not have threads and is made from neoprene or polypropene. 
     In yet another embodiment, the shaft is cylindrical and includes threads in the form of grooves or cuts in the shaft, wherein the threads are interrupted by the planar bar. 
     In yet another embodiment, the screw is made from lightweight metal, alloy, or stainless steel. 
     In yet another embodiment, the screw is a 0-64 threaded screw. 
     In yet another embodiment, an eyeglasses screw is disclosed. The eyeglasses screw is designed to install in an eyeglass to secure the eyeglass lenses and prevent them from falling out. The eyeglasses screw includes a head, a shaft, a slot channel cut along the length of the shaft, the slot channel can be filled with a neoprene or polypropene material, wherein the filled material causes a drag and prevents unwinding or unscrewing of the screw during use of the eyeglasses. The screw is used for fastening the upper frame or rim component and the lower frame or rim component to secure the eyeglass lenses. 
     In yet another embodiment, the screws remain securely in place to keep lenses intact. 
     In yet another embodiment, the screws can be used for fastening nose pads, end pieces, and temples of the eyeglasses. 
     In yet another embodiment, eyeglasses having novel screws for securing the lenses is disclosed. The eyeglasses include an upper frame or rim component, a lower frame or rim component, two lenses aligned with left and right eyes of a wearer, the upper frame component having a slot for fastening each lens, a lower frame component having a slot for each lens, a novel screw having a slot along the shaft length filled by neoprene or polypropene can be used for fastening the slot of the upper frame component and the corresponding slot of the lower frame component to secure the lens for the left eye therebetween, a similar novel screw is used for fastening the slot of the upper frame component and the corresponding slot of the lower frame component to secure the lens for the right eye therebetween, wherein the novel screws cause drag and prohibits automatic unwinding or unscrewing of the screws and prohibits unfastening of the upper frame components and the lower frame components. 
     Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a novel screw of the present invention for eyeglass lenses and rims in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view showing the eyeglasses screw with a longitudinal channel filled with the neoprene or polypropene planar bar in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view showing the eyeglass slots or openings for inserting the novel screw for securing the eyeglass lenses in accordance with the disclosed architecture; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view showing the eyeglasses screw being installed in the eyeglasses to fit the lens in the frame portions in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view showing the screw installed in the eyeglasses in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined. 
     As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for improved eyeglass lens, rim, and temple securing screws that prevent eyeglass lenses from falling out of the rim. There is also a long felt need in the art for an eyeglass screw that does not become loose easily. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for improved screws for eyeglasses that remain securely in place to keep lenses and temples intact. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved eyeglass screw that saves unnecessary expenses for users by eliminating falling of eyeglass lenses. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for an eyeglass screw that can be screwed using a conventional screwdriver. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for an eyeglass screw that increases life of the eyeglass lenses, temples, end pieces, hinges, and rims. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a small screw that is not likely to be lost on the floor and therefore eliminates inconvenient repairs. 
     The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel screw that causes drag and prevents automatic unwinding of the screw. The screw further comprising a head at one terminal end, a drive disposed on the head for engaging a screwdriver, and a shaft running from the head to another terminal end. The shaft includes circumferential cuts or threads along the length of the shaft for rotatably sliding the screw through slots using the screwdriver, a longitudinal channel in the form of a slot disposed along the surface of the shaft and through the length of the shaft wherein the threads are absent or interrupted along the longitudinal channel. The channel is filled with a planar bar of neoprene or polypropene material that helps in preventing automatic unwinding of the screw when the screw is in use. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a novel screw  100  of the present invention for eyeglass lenses in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The novel eyeglasses screw  100  of the present invention is specifically used for attaching upper and lower frame or rim component sections together that securely hold the eyeglass lenses as best shown in  FIG. 3 . When the screw  100  securely attaches the upper and lower frame, the lens of the eyeglass remains secured and does not fall out. More specifically, the screw  100  includes a head  102  having a drive  104 , the drive  104  enables a user to use a conventional screwdriver to install the screw  100  in an eyeglass frame. The screw  100  includes a shaft or thread length  106  running from the head  102  to the terminal end  114 . The thread length  106  includes substantially circumferential threads  110  along the length of the shaft  106 , however, the screw  100  includes a longitudinal channel  108  in the form of a continuous groove or cut running along the thread length  106 . The longitudinal channel  108  makes the threads  110  discontinuous unlike conventional screws for eyeglasses. Further, the threads  110  do not protrude from the thread length  106  but are in the form of circumferential cuts in the body of the screw  100 . The presence of the longitudinal channel  108  prohibits the unwinding, unscrewing, and counter-rotation of the screw  100  when the screw  100  is installed in an eyeglass frame to secure the lenses therein. 
     It should be noted that the screw  100  is solid and not hollow. The screw  100  can be made from any metal, alloy, or stainless steel. The threads  110  are not disposed along the longitudinal channel  108  and thus the threads are disposed in non-contiguous manner. Preferably, the longitudinal channel  108  includes a width in the range of from about 2 mm to about 5 mm depending on the diameter of the thread length  106 . In one embodiment, the non-contiguous threads  110  can extend circumferentially from about 88% to about 98% of the outer circumference of the screw shaft  106 . In another embodiment, the non-contiguous threads  110  can extend circumferentially from about 92% to about 98% of the outer circumference of the screw shaft  106 . In still another embodiment, the non-contiguous threads  110  can extend circumferentially from about 94% to about 97% of the outer circumference of the screw shaft  106 . 
     Along with the screw  100 , an elongated neoprene or polypropene planar bar  112  is commercially available in accordance with the present invention. The neoprene planar bar  112  is configured to be positioned in the longitudinal channel  108  as best shown in  FIG. 2 . The neoprene planar bar  112  is planar and does not have any threads or grooves. The planar bar  112  is dimensioned to fit into the channel  108  such as the thread length  106  includes a threaded portion where threads are disposed and a planar portion along the channel  108  where the planar bar  112  is inserted. The channel  108  upon receiving the planar bar  112  causes a drag and prevents unwinding of the screw when installed in an eyeglass frame to prohibit falling out of the lenses, thereby allowing the screw  100  to secure the lenses of the eyeglasses effectively and for longer periods. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view showing the eyeglasses screw  100  with a longitudinal channel  108  filled with the neoprene planar bar  112  in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the channel  108  extending along the length of the screw  100  is filled with neoprene or polypropene material planar bar  112 . The screw  100  with the inserted planar bar  112  is used for screwing the upper and lower frame components of the eyeglasses together to secure the eyeglass lenses therebetween. The screw can be operated and handled like a conventional screw and installed using a conventional screwdriver. 
     The screw  100  with the installed neoprene planar bar  112  acts as a self-sealing fastener for resisting virtually all chemical and environmental conditions. Further, the head  102  of the screw  100  can be a pan head, socket cap head, or any other head type. Preferably, the screw  100  is a fillister head screw with a slightly convex top surface. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view showing the eyeglass slots for inserting the novel screw  100  for securing the eyeglass lens in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The first slot  302  positioned on the upper frame  304  and the second threaded slot  306  positioned on the lower frame  308  are fastened together by the screw  100  with neoprene planar bar  112  positioned inside the channel  108 . The screw  100  is rotatably slid through the slots  302  and screwed into threaded slot  306  to fasten the frame components  304 , 308  together. The screw  100  allows the lens  310  to be secured easily and effectively for longer periods with the screw  100  providing drag and resistance to unwinding/unscrewing of the screw  100  automatically during use of the eyeglasses  300 . 
     It should be appreciated that similar slots are positioned on the frame components  304 , 308  for the other lens of the eyeglasses  300 . A similar novel screw  100  is used for fastening those slots to secure the other lens. The method of securing the frame components is the same for both the lenses and is therefore not explained again for brevity. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view showing the eyeglasses screw  100  being installed in the eyeglass  300  to secure the lens  310  in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, a conventional screwdriver  402  is used for screwing the screw  100  into the eyeglasses  300 . In use, the screwdriver  402  is engaged to the driver  104  of the screw  100  and is rotated to rotatably slide the screw  100  inside the slots as shown in  FIG. 3  to secure the lens  310 . 
     It should be appreciated that although the disclosure focuses on use of the screw  100  for securing the lens  310  in its place, the screw  100  can be made in various dimensions to use with other components such as nose piece  312  and temple  314  of the eyeglasses  300 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view showing the screw  100  installed in the eyeglasses  300  in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the upper frame or rim component  304  and the lower frame or rim component  308  are fastened together to form a closed loop in which the lens  310  is secured therebetween. The screw remains securely in the slots to keep the lenses intact and prevents same from falling out and thus prevents breaking of the lenses. The screw eliminates inconvenient repairs of the lenses and thus saves cost for the users. 
     It should be appreciated that screw  100  with neoprene  112  eyeglass lenses can be sold in a repair kit for existing lenses or sold directly to manufacturers to pre-install in new models. The screw  100  with neoprene  112  can be a part of the new eyeglasses purchased by a consumer. 
     The screw  100  with corresponding neoprene  112  can come in separate packages of ten screws, fifty screws, hundred screws or more. The screw can also be sold as a kit that may include a small screwdriver, a small bottle of cleaning solution, and a scratch free cloth. 
     Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “novel screw”, “eyeglass lens screw”, “eyeglasses screw”, and “screw” are interchangeable and refer to the eyeglasses screw  100  of the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding the forgoing, the eyeglass lens screw  100  and the neoprene planar bar  112  of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the eyeglasses screw  100  and the neoprene planar bar  112  as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the eyeglasses screw  100  and the neoprene planar bar  112  are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the eyeglasses screw  100  and the neoprene planar bar  112  are important design parameters for user convenience, the eyeglasses screw  100  and the neoprene planar bar  112  may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user&#39;s needs and/or preferences. 
     Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.