Patent Publication Number: US-9835879-B2

Title: Mounting systems for glasses frames

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/278,438, filed May 15, 2014 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/826,822, filed May 23, 2013, and disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety herewith. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This application relates generally to mounting systems used in conjunction with glasses and glasses frames, and particularly mounting systems for mounting near-eye display systems on glasses frames. 
     Consumer products including near-eye display systems are becoming more frequent in the marketplace. Such near-eye display systems typically mount directly to or are integral with, a glasses frame that include or do not include actual glasses lenses with the frames. 
     For example, U.S. Design Pat. No. D659,741 (hereinafter the “D&#39;741 patent”) depicts an exemplary glasses frame utilizing an integral mounted near-eye display system. As can be seen in the D&#39;741 patent, the near-eye display system mounts directly to the right temple/earpiece portion of the glasses frames. Moreover, U.S. Design Pat. No. D664,185 (hereinafter the “D&#39;185 patent”) illustrates a glasses frame, without lenses, that include an integrally mounted near-eye display system. 
     Near-eye display systems, such as those described above, require the consumer to wear a specific frame that is sold concurrently with the near-eye display system. Although the D′741 and D&#39;185 patents illustrate an integral near-eye display system and glasses frame, the glasses frame may alternatively include a hole for mounting the near-eye display system directly to the frame via a screw. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect is described a mounting system having for mounting a device onto a glasses frame, the mounting system including a frame attachment portion for removably attaching to the glasses frame having a spring clip including a forward portion and a rearward portion, separated in the lengthwise direction, for applying pressure on the glasses frame from a first side of the glasses frame, and a middle portion for applying pressure on the glasses frame from a second side of the glasses frame; a magnet for coupling to the device, the magnet being housed in a magnet housing, the magnet housing attached to the middle portion of the spring clip; and a pad located between at least part of the middle portion and the forward and rearward portion and applying pressure from the second side. 
     In another aspect is described a mounting system having a length, width, and height, for mounting a device onto a glasses frame, the mounting system including a frame attachment portion for removably attaching to the glasses frame having: a spring arm including a forward portion and a rearward portion separated in the lengthwise direction, each of the forward and rearward portions (i) having two distal ends separated in the height direction and (ii) attached at a post that applies pressure to the glasses frame from a first side of the glasses frame; a first spring clip, for wrapping around the glasses frame in both the widthwise and height directions, insertable into respective first and second apertures within the forward portion; and, a second spring clip, for wrapping around the glasses frame in both the widthwise and height directions, insertable into respective third and fourth apertures within the forward portion; wherein, when inserted into the apertures, the spring clips apply pressure from a second side of the glasses frame opposite the first side. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The foregoing and other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the more particular description of embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary frame attachment portion of a mounting system for mounting a device to a glasses frame, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the frame attachment portion of  FIG. 1  mounting a near-eye display, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an exploded view of the frame attachment portion of  FIG. 1  in greater detail. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the frame attachment portion of  FIG. 1  against the glasses frame prior to attachment. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a top plan view of the frame attachment portion of  FIG. 1  against the glasses frame prior to attachment. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a front view of the frame attachment portion of  FIG. 1  against the glasses frame prior to attachment. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a side view of the frame attachment portion against the glasses frame after attachment. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a top plan view of the frame attachment portion of  FIG. 1  against the glasses frame after attachment. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a front view of the frame attachment portion of  FIG. 1  against frame after attachment. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a top plan view of an exemplary frame attachment portion of a mounting system for mounting a device to glasses frame, in an alternate embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a side view of the frame attachment portion of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  depicts an exemplary spring clip used in conjunction with the frame attachment portion of  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  depicts an exemplary clip arm and pads used in conjunction with frame attachment portion of  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  depicts an exemplary magnet for mounting a device onto a mounting system. 
         FIG. 15  depicts an exemplary slide-on portion used in conjunction with either of the mounting systems of  FIGS. 1-9  or  FIGS. 10-13 , and prior to attachment, in one embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  depicts slide-on portion, of  FIG. 15 , after attachment to a mounting system. 
         FIG. 17  depicts slide-on portion sliding onto magnet and magnet housing of  FIGS. 1-9 . 
         FIG. 18  depicts magnetic force imparted on slide-on portion when locked in place on magnet and magnet housing of  FIGS. 1-9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Conventional near-eye display systems are sold with a set of frames and cannot be mounted to any arbitrary frame. Such systems are undesirable to consumers. Many consumers require particular prescriptions, and cannot utilize the near-eye display system because the system is not sold with prescription lenses. Moreover, if the near-eye display system were to allow prescription lenses, the frames available are limited to a few types. Moreover, the use of the near-eye display system must be used in conjunction with the specific frame. Consumers cannot switch the near-eye display system to another arbitrary frame (such as a different pair of glasses, or a pair of sunglasses). 
     Attachment of Mounting System to Glasses Frame: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary frame attachment portion  100  of a mounting system for mounting a device to a glasses frame  102 , in one embodiment.  FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of frame attachment portion  100 , of  FIG. 1 , mounting a near-eye display  200 , in one embodiment.  FIG. 3  depicts an exploded view of frame attachment portion  100 , of  FIG. 1 , in greater detail.  FIG. 4  depicts a side view of frame attachment portion  100  against frame  102  prior to attachment.  FIG. 5  depicts a top plan view of frame attachment portion  100 , of  FIG. 1  against frame  102  prior to attachment.  FIG. 6  depicts a front view of frame attachment portion  100 , of  FIG. 1  against frame  102  prior to attachment.  FIG. 7  depicts a side view of frame attachment portion  100  against frame  102  after attachment.  FIG. 8  depicts a top plan view of frame attachment portion  100 , of  FIG. 1  against frame  102  after attachment.  FIG. 9  depicts a front view of frame attachment portion  100 , of  FIG. 1  against frame  102  after attachment.  FIGS. 1-9  are best viewed together with the following description. A mounting system including frame attachment portion  100  may be utilized to mount a near-eye display  200  to glasses frame  102  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As will be appreciated in the art, frame attachment portion  100  may be utilized to mount other objects to glasses frame as well, including but not limited to mirrors, lights, cameras, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , frame attachment portion  100  is illustrated in an exploded perspective view. Frame attachment portion  100  has a height, a length, and a width, where each characteristic is defined by the largest dimensioned element, or combination of elements, of frame attachment portion  100  (discussed below). Within the figures, the height direction corresponds to the Y-axis, the lengthwise direction corresponds to the X-axis, and the widthwise direction corresponds to the Z-axis. 
     Frame attachment portion  100  includes spring clip  302 , pad  304 , holding seat  306 , attachment members  308 , magnet housing  310  and magnet  312 . Spring clip  302 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 , is formed to removably attach to glasses frame  102 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , spring clip  302  removably attaches to the right temple/earpiece of frame  102  (however, it should be appreciated that spring clip  302  may removably attach to other portions of frame  102 , such as the left temple/earpiece). Spring clip  302  includes a forward portion  318 , a rearward portion  320 , and a middle portion  325 . Middle portion  325  may be coupled to forward and rearward portions  318 ,  320  via a top bar  323 . Middle portion  325  sits within one or more notches  307  within holding seat  306  (as indicated by dashed lines  309 .) For example, middle portion  325  includes two bars  327  each sitting in a respective notch, and a bottom bar  329  which prevents middle portion  325  from sliding out of the notches  307 . Although illustrated as having two bars and a bottom bar, middle portion  325  may include more or fewer bars (for example, a single bar that sits within a single notch of the holding seat.) Spring clip  302  may be formed of metal, rubber, plastic, or any other material that is capable of providing resiliency (as discussed below). Moreover, although not shown, spring clip  302  may include a soft outer covering so as to prevent scratching of frame  102 . 
     Holding seat  306  secures to magnet housing  310  via attachment members  308 , thereby securely affixing spring clip  302 , holding seat  306  and housing  310  together. Attachment members are illustrated as screws attaching to housing  310  via corresponding threaded apertures  311 , however it should be appreciated that housing seat  306  may be affixed to magnet housing  310  via alternate attachment means including but not limited to bonding, welding, riveting, or other attachment means known in the art. Moreover, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, magnet housing  310  is not needed, and housing seat  306  is attached directly to magnet  312 . 
     In certain embodiments, pad  304  is securely attached to holding seat  306  via one or more of the attachment means. Alternatively, pad  304  may be separate from holding seat  306 . In such embodiment, pad  304  may include a protrusion  314  and holding seat  306  may include an opposing intrusion  316  in which the protrusion  314  and intrusion  316  align such that pad  304  rests against holding seat  306  when frame attachment portion  100  is mounted on glasses frame  102 . Pad  304  contacts glasses frame and applies pressure via middle portion  325  of spring clip  302  from an opposing side of the pressure applied from front and rearward portions of spring clip, as discussed below. Moreover, pad  304  may be made of any suitable material, such as rubber, plastic, foam, wood, metal; may be flexible and/or compressible; and may be any suitable shape as will be appreciated in the art. Optionally, pad  304  is not included and middle portion  325 , either directly or via holding seat  306 , applies pressure to glasses frame  102 . 
     Frame attachment portion  100  removably attaches to frame  102  via the features of spring clip  302 . For example, spring clip  302  is resilient along the widthwise direction (i.e. along the Z-axis). Moreover, one or more of forward portion  318  and rearward portion  320  of spring clip  302  may each include a lip  319 ,  321 , which may work with top bar portion  323  for preventing movement of frame attachment portion  100  along the height axis (i.e. the Y-axis) when frame attachment portion  100  is mounted on frame  102 . It should be appreciated that forward portion  318  and rearward portion  320  are relative depending on where the frame attachment portion  100  is mounted on glasses frame  102 . In one example, lip  319 ,  321  may be angled such that any height of frame may be accommodated. 
     Now referring particularly to  FIGS. 4-9 , as illustrated, spring clip  302  wraps around frame  102  and rests against a first side of frame  102  (i.e. the inner surface of frame  102 ). Such wraparound of clip is shown within circles and arrow  402  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 ) as compared to clip  302  shown within circles  702  (as indicated in  FIGS. 7-9 ). Holding seat  306  and pad  304  rest against an opposing side of frame  102  (i.e. the outer surface of frame  102 ) once attachment portion is mounted to glasses frame  102 . The resiliency of spring clip  302  applies pressure on either side of frame  102  from clip  302  and pad  304  (i.e. between points A and A′ of  FIG. 9 ) such that frame attachment portion  100  is removably attached to frame  102 . Moreover, top bar portion  323  and lip portions  319  and  321  prevent frame attachment portion  100  from sliding off of frame  102  in the Y direction (i.e. the height direction). 
     Frame attachment portion  100  provides numerous advantages. For example, frame attachment portion  100  enables exchangeability of frame attachment portion  100  between multiple pairs of glasses frames  102 . Moreover, frame attachment portion  100  allows for mounting on either side of glasses frames  102 . Additionally, frame attachment portion  100  adapts for different size characteristics of glasses frames  102 . The pressure provided by spring clip  302  and pad  304  applies to thin frames as well as thick frames. Further yet, frame attachment portion  100  is capable of being used with any type of glasses frame. Therefore, any near-eye display device, or other device, may be mounted on glasses frame from different sources (such as designer frames, sunglasses, reading glasses, etc.). 
       FIG. 10  depicts, in top plan view, an exemplary frame attachment portion  1000  of a mounting system for mounting a device to glasses frame  1002 , in an embodiment.  FIG. 11  depicts a side view of the frame attachment portion  1000 , of  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 12  depicts an exemplary spring clip  1004  used in conjunction with the frame attachment portion  1000 , of  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment.  FIG. 13  depicts an exemplary clip arm  1006  and pads  1302  used in conjunction with frame attachment portion  1000 , of  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment.  FIGS. 10-13  are best viewed together with the following description. Frame attachment portion  1000  includes a height, a length, and a width, each characteristic is defined by the largest dimensioned element, or combination of elements, of frame attachment portion  1000  (discussed below). For example, the height direction corresponds to the Y-axis, the lengthwise direction corresponds to the X-axis, and the widthwise direction corresponds to the Z-axis. 
     Frame attachment portion  1000  includes at least one spring clip  1004 , at least one spring arm  1006  each optionally having a pad  1008  mounted thereon at least one distal end, a magnet housing  1010 , and a magnet  1012 . Magnet housing  1010  and magnet  1012  are similar to magnet housing  110  and magnet  112 , discussed above, and are attached to spring arms via an attachment means  1007  (such as a screw, rivet, weld, bond, etc.). 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10-13 , frame attachment portion  1000  includes two spring clips  1004  each comprising a bar that spans at least a portion of the height of system  1000 . Particularly, spring clips  1004  are resilient in the height direction such that they provide a tension along the Y-axis. Each spring clip  1004  is removably attachable to one or more spring arms  1006 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , pad  1008  optionally attaches to each respective distal end of each spring arm  1006  thereby forming an aperture  1009  (i.e. aperture  1009  includes an aperture within the distal end and a pad aperture aligned thereto). In certain embodiments, pads  1008  are not included, and spring clip  1004  attaches directly to spring arm  1006  via the aperture. Pads  1008  are illustrated as rubber wheels, but are not intended to be limited in scope. As such, pads  1008  may be formed of other materials and other shapes as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Spring clip  1004  inserts into two of apertures  1009 , such as one spring clip  1004 ( 1 ) for the forward apertures, and one spring clip  1004 ( 2 ) for the rearward apertures. 
     First spring clip  1004 ( 1 ) attaches between forward top pad  1008 ( 1 ) and forward bottom pad  1008 ( 2 ). Additionally, second spring clip  1004 ( 2 ) attaches between rear top pad  1008 ( 3 ) and rear bottom pad  1008 ( 4 ). Accordingly, each of first and second spring clips  1004  apply pressure between points B and B′, thereby securing frame attachment portion  1000  to glasses frame  1002 . It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, pads  1008  are not utilized because post  1007  applies pressure against glasses frame  1002  from a first side (i.e. outer side), and each spring clip  1004  applies pressure from a second side opposing the first side. 
     In one embodiment, spring clip  1004  additionally applies pressure along the Z-axis (or widthwise direction) such that frame attachment portion  1000  is stationary on glasses frames  1002  when secured. However, in certain advantageous embodiments, spring arm  1006  applies pressure in the widthwise direction (or the Z-axis dimension). For example, referring to  FIG. 10 , when frame attachment portion  1000  is mounted on frame  1002 , spring arm  1006  is formed bent towards magnet housing (i.e. away from the glasses frame) in the widthwise direction. Therefore, spring arm  1006  applies pressure via the spring clip  1004 . Thus, constant contact is made between spring clip  1004  and glasses frame  1002  on an inner surface  1003  of glasses frame  1002 ; also, constant contact is made between post  1007  and glasses frame  1002  on an outer surface  1001  of glasses frame  1002 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates spring arms  1006  and pads  1008  in greater detail. Spring clips  1004 , magnet housing  1010 , and magnet  1012  are not depicted in  FIG. 13  for clarity of illustration. Spring arms  1006  include two or more arms that are hinged at a middle point  1302  thereby forming an “X” shape. Although illustrated as two separate arms, more or fewer arms may be utilized without departing from the scope hereof (for example, four arms may be hinged at a middle point). In order to mount frame attachment portion  1000  on glasses frame  1002 , the distance between each of pads  1008  is increased or decreased (for example in the heightwise direction) as indicated by arrow  1304 . Once adjusted, spring clips  1004  are inserted into apertures  1009  such that constant pressure is applied between pads  1008  and glasses frame  1002 , thereby securing frame attachment portion  1000  to glasses frame  1002 . In one embodiment, once secured, pads  1008  may apply pressure only to a top or bottom surface of glasses frame  1002 . In another embodiment, pads  1008  are slanted shaped (see  FIG. 10 ) such that pressure is applied on both (i) a top or bottom surface and (ii) an outer surface  1001  of glasses frame  1002 . 
     Frame attachment portion  1000  provides numerous advantages. For example, frame attachment portion  1000  enables exchangeability of frame attachment portion  1000  between multiple pairs of glasses frames  1002 . Moreover, frame attachment portion  1000  allows for mounting on either side of glasses frames  1002 , that is, on the left or right temple/earpiece portion of glasses frame  1002 . Additionally, frame attachment portion  1000  adapts for different size characteristics of glasses frames  1002 . The pressure provided by spring clip  1004  and pads  1008  applies to thin frames as well as thick frames. Further yet, frame attachment portion  1000  is capable of being used with any type of glasses frame. Therefore, any near-eye display device, or other device, may be mounted on glasses frame from different sources (such as designer frames, sunglasses, reading glasses, etc.). 
     In the embodiments above, magnet  312  and  1012  are illustrated as being substantially flush with magnet housing  310  and  1010 , respectively. Such embodiments are advantageous when utilizing a slide-on mounting portion (discussed below) to mount a device (such as a near-eye display system) to mounting system  100  or  1000 . However, alternate embodiments do not utilize a slide-on mounting portion and instead the device attaches directly to the magnet. 
     Attachment of Device to Mounting System: 
       FIG. 14  depicts an exemplary magnet  1400  for mounting a device onto a mounting system. Magnet  1400  may insert into magnet housing  310  or  1010 , discussed above. Alternatively, magnet  1400  may be formed integral to the magnet housing—or in other words, the magnet includes apertures, similar to apertures  311  of  FIG. 3 , for attaching a holding seat, similar to holding seat  306 , thereto; or the magnet includes at least a portion of post  1007 . Magnet  1400  includes one or more protrusions  1402  extending from a base portion  1404 . Protrusions  1402  align with one or more opposing intrusions within the device housing (not shown). When the protrusions  1402  are inserted into intrusions of the device, the device is securely held in place via the magnetic force of magnet  1400 . It should be appreciated that more or fewer protrusions may be included with magnet  1400 , and further that the shape of protrusions as illustrated is not intended to be limiting in scope. 
       FIG. 15  depicts an exemplary slide-on portion  1500  used in conjunction with either of mounting systems  100 , of  FIG. 1-9 , or  1000  of  FIGS. 10-13 , in one embodiment.  FIG. 15  shows slide-on portion  1500  prior to attachment to the mounting system.  FIG. 16  depicts slide-on portion  1500 , of  FIG. 15 , after attachment to mounting system.  FIG. 17  depicts slide-on portion  1500  sliding onto magnet  312  and magnet housing  310 , of  FIGS. 1-9 .  FIG. 18  depicts magnetic force  1800  imparted on slide-on portion  1500  when locked in place on magnet  312  and magnet housing  310 , of  FIGS. 1-9 .  FIGS. 15-18  are best viewed together with the following description. While  FIGS. 15-18  shows slide-on portion  1500  used in conjunction with mounting system  100  of  FIGS. 1-9 , slide-on portion  1500  may be used in conjunction with mounting system  1000  of  FIGS. 10-13 , as discussed below for mounting system  100 , without departing from the scope hereof. 
     Slide-on portion  1500  allows a device, such as a near-eye display device, mirror, light, camera, or other device, to releasably attach to either of mounting systems  100  or  1000 , discussed above. Particularly, slide-on portion  1500  includes device attachment portion  1502  for attaching to the device (not shown), and magnet attachment portion  1504  for releasably attaching to mounting system  100  by sliding onto magnet housing  310 . Attachment portion  1502  as illustrated includes three apertures  1501  for attaching the device thereon via screws, rivets, etc. It should be appreciated that device  1502  may include more or fewer apertures  1501  than illustrated, and/or may attach by other means such as bonding, welding, gluing, etc. 
     Magnet attachment portion  1504  is adapted to slide onto magnet housing  310 , as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . Magnet attachment portion  1504  includes a magnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic metal, such that magnetic forces from magnet  312  keep magnet attachment portion in place. In an alternate embodiment, a second magnet is embedded within magnet attachment portion  1504 , made of plastic for example, such that magnet  312  and the second magnet interact to provide the magnetic force for holding slide-on portion  1500  onto magnet housing  310 . Once attached, slide-on portion  1500  is held in place via the magnetic force. Slide-on portion  1500  releases from housing  310  via pulling on slide-on portion  1500 . Removal of slide-on portion  1500  involves moving slide-on portion  1500  in a direction that is generally orthogonal to the magnetic field lines. Therefore, slide-on portion  1500  may be removed with relative ease, while still allowing for a strong magnetic force  1800  for preventing inadvertent removal. 
     Changes may be made in the above methods and systems without departing from the scope hereof. It should thus be noted that the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.