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Patent 2216280 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2216280
(54) English Title: EYEGLASSES HAVING MAGNETS ATTACHED THERETO
(54) French Title: LUNETTES POURVUES D'AIMANTS
Status: Deemed expired
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • A61N 2/08 (2006.01)
  • G02C 1/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • RIACH, GEORGE (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • RIACH, GEORGE (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • RIACH, GEORGE (United States of America)
(74) Agent: GOUDREAU GAGE DUBUC
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2002-08-20
(86) PCT Filing Date: 1995-01-23
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 1996-08-01
Examination requested: 1999-10-07
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US1995/000954
(87) International Publication Number: WO1996/023241
(85) National Entry: 1997-09-23

(30) Application Priority Data: None

Abstracts

English Abstract




The invention defines an eyeglass having a frame structure that includes a
frame member (12) having openings (14) in which glass lenses (16) are mounted,
wherein the frame structure of the eyeglass is employed as a support device
for one or more permanent magnets (22, 30) that are selectively positioned on
the frame or lenses so that magnetic energy is focused on the eyes for
stimulating and increasing the blood circulation in the general area of eyes
when worn by the user thereof.


French Abstract

La présente invention concerne une paire de lunettes dont la structure de monture comporte une monture (12) pourvue d'ouvertures (14) à l'intérieur desquelles les verres (16) sont montés, cette structure de monture servant de support à un (ou plusieurs) aimant(s) permanent(s) (22, 30) placé(s) de manière sélective sur la monture ou sur les verres de façon qu'une énergie magnétique soit concentrée sur les yeux pour stimuler et accroître la circulation sanguine dans la zone entourant les yeux de l'utilisateur desdites lunettes.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



What I claim is:

1. An eyeglass frame structure having magnets selectively positioned thereon
to define a non-invasive device so as to project a magnetic field into the
surrounding area of one's eye or eyes so as to effectively improve the blood
circulation within the eye or eyes subjected to the magnetic field and
comprising:

a frame member formed to define a pair of openings to receive lenses
therein;

a pair of temple members hingedly mounted to said frame member; and

magnetic means having north and south magnetic poles mounted on said
eyeglass frame structure, said magnetic means being arranged to project a
north magnetic field in the direction of the eye to impinge on the eye,
whereby the surrounding area thereof is stimulated by said north magnetic
field; and

means for attaching said magnetic means to said frame structure.

2. An eyeglass frame structure having magnets as recited in claim 1, wherein
said magnetic means is defined by at least one ceramic magnet mounted to said
frame member about said openings therein.

3. An eyeglass frame structure having magnets as recited in claim 2, wherein
a plurality of ceramic magnets are selectively mounted to said frame member
adjacent the peripheral edge of said openings in said frame member.

4. An eyeglass frame structure having magnets as recited in claim 3, wherein
said attaching means comprises a plurality of recesses formed in said frame
member adjacent the peripheral edge of said openings, wherein said ceramic
magnets are fixedly secured in said recesses so said north pole of each said
ceramic magnets faces each respective eye of the user thereof.


5. An eyeglass frame structure having magnets as recited in claim 3, wherein
said attaching means comprises a plurality of recesses formed in said frame
member adjacent the peripheral edge of said openings, said recesses being
formed with an opening defined by a pair of flexible finger members that
engage
the ceramic magnet positioned within said recess, wherein each of said mounted
ceramic magnets is arranged with the north pole thereof facing each respective
eye of the user thereof.

6. An eyeglass frame structure having magnets as recited in claim 1, wherein
said magnetic means is defined by at least one ceramic magnet mounted to at
least one of said lenses.

7. An eyeglass frame structure having magnets as recited in claim 6, Wherein
a plurality of ceramic magnets are selectively mounted to each of said lenses.

8. The use of an eyeglass frame structure as defined in claim 1 to provide a
non-invasive stimulating action of an individual's eyes by means of subjecting
the
eyes to an increase in the oxygen content of the surrounding area of said
eyes,
said use comprises:
mounting at least one magnet to a pair of eyeglasses;
positioning said magnet, so that the north magnetic field of said magnet
impinges on at least one of said eyes of the individual so as to increase the
oxygen saturation of the red blood cells.

9. The use as recited in claim 8, wherein said magnetic means is selectively
positioned on at least one lens of said eyeglasses.

10. The use as recited in claim 9, wherein said magnetic means comprises a
plurality of magnets mounted on at least one lens of said eyeglasses, whereby
said
north magnetic field of said magnet impinges on at least one selected area of
at
least one of said eyes of the individual.


11. The use as recited in claim 9, wherein said magnetic means comprises a
plurality of magnets mounted on the frame of said eyeglasses, wherein at least
one
of said eyes of the individual is selectively exposed to said north magnetic
field of
said magnet.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CA 02216280 1997-09-23
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S P _ C I _ I _ A_ I _ _
EYEGLASSES HAVING MAGNETS ATTACHED THERETO

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to eyeglasses and more particularly to eyeglasses employed
as a m~gnrtic support device that includes one or more permanent magnets that are
selectively positioned on the frame or lenses so that mzlgn.otir energy is focused on the eyes
for improving the blood circulation within the ~ulloullding area of the eyes.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Although m~gn~tir field therapy has been known for some time, recent
developments have opened many areas in the health fields for m~gnf tic therapy which
involves the use of unipolar magnets having opposing north and south poles and closely
spaced s~ ces of various sizes which may have subst~nti~lly dirre~e"L lengths, widths or
diameters. Such m~n.ots are now available both in rigid form, as ceramic m~n~ts, and
in any desired length, width, thickn~s~ and ~ m~trr to meet the many needs that might
be required in new fields of technology.
A book entitled "New Hope for Physical and Emotional Illness" by William
Howard Philpott, M.D., and Walter C. Rawls, Jr., D. Sc., which is available through
ENVIRO-TECH PRODUCTS, 17171 S.E. 29th Street, Choctaw, OK 73020, ~ c~ es
the use of unipolar m~gnrt~ and particularly the effects of using the north (or negative) and
south (or positive) poles.
It is well established that the north and south poles of unipolar magnets provide
quite different effects on living metabolic systems. These effects can be briefly
summarized in Table "A" as follows:




SUBST~TUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

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TABLE "A"
NORTH POLE ENERGY SOUTH POLE ENERGY

Stim~ t~-s alkali metabolic Stim~ t?s acid metabolic
response response

Slows down metabolic Speeds up metabolic process
process
Reduces or stops pain Increases pain

Dissolves calcium deposits Can increase ~y~ tullls
around arthritic joints

Can slow heart function and Can step up heart function;
produce bradycardia produce a fast heartbeat

Reduces multiplication of Speeds up multiplication of
microorg~ni~m~ and helps microorg~ni~mc and can be
the body fight infection injurious to infections

Increases oxygenation of Decreases oxygenation of
tissue-indirect evidence tissue-indirect evidence

Supports the biological Decreases the biological
healing process healing process
Increases mental alertness


It is a~alcllL from this tabulated data that therapeutic benefit is derived primarily
from exposure to the north pole energy, and that extended exposure to south pole energy
should be avoided. It should be noted, however, that in some situations, and under
professional gni~l~nre, it can be desirable to alternate between north pole and south pole
energy, or to simlllr~nf ously apply different polar energy to different portions of an

afflicted site.
Extensive research has been done on magnet therapy in Japan as well as in the
West. It has been shown to be exkemely effective and a keatment of choice in many
hospitals and clinics. Excellent work has been done in America by many scientists and

SUBST~TUTE SHEE~ (RULE 26)

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mfrlir~l professionals, among them Dr. A. Roy, Walter C. Rawles, Albert Roy Davis, and
by Professor M.F. Barnothy. They have been able through extensive and repeated
experiments to prove that m~gn~til~ ~;u~ lL~ positively influence metabolism and support
the formation of amino acids (the building blocks for protein) in cells.
In recent years Dr. O. W. Stark and Dr. P. Kerdaniel analyzed several scientific
reports dealing with magnet therapy, among them studies done at the University of Tokyo
Medical School. They came up with surprising results: approximately eighty per cent of
the patients reacted positively to therapy.
Glaucoma (excessive pressure buildup in the eye) is a leading cause of blin~lnPc.s.
Professor Holger ~nntom~nn, a respected Swiss naLulopaLll, describes how glaucoma can
be alleviated by the use of m~gn~ts placed near the eye (with the north pole toward the
eye).
One m~ch~ni.cm of intraocular pressure elevation is a malfunction of the central and
the autonomic nervous system, which hlLelre,~s with the flow of fluids. Another
mPch~ni~m is a blockage of the outflow facility of the aqueous humor of the eye. Aqueous
fluid is produced inside the eye at the rate of 2 micro-liters per minute, and the eye must
be able to drain fluid from the eye at this rate to avoid a pressure buildup. Any blockage
is essentially a clogging of the fluid pathways, and the effectiveness of a m~gn~tic field in
facilit~ting the flow may be in its ability to breakup clumping of leucocytes and
lymphocytes in the lymphatic drainage system.
Any disruption of the retinal vessel network will impair vision by hlL~lr~i"g with
the clear tr~n~mi~ion of images. Most retinal disorders are due to degenerative vascular
changes, and many of these changes are thought to be secondary to toxic blood factors.
In all cases, proper blood flow is crucial to proper retinal function, an any
SU~STITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

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enh~nrement of blood flow will benefit the health of the eye and vision in general. Studies
have shown that people who smoke tobacco experience a clumping of blood cells in the
blood vessels of the eye, clogging up the vital nutrient supply routes. Another concern is
among contact lens wt;alcl~, who deprive the cornea of access to molecular oxygen by
placing a plastic semipermeable barrier (the lens) on top of the cornea. The cornea is one
of the few entirely vascular tissues of the body, and since the vessels can not reach the
tissue cells of the cornea they are dependent on absorption of oxygen from the air and the
aqueous fluid. Applying a proper magnetic field may facilitate this absorption.
Certain m~nPtic fields (such as from co~ uLel~ and televisions) are known to be
harmful, while other fields (such as from pL~ magnets) are known to be beneficial.
In a review of the art only two patents U. S . Patent No. 5,096,284 and 5,120,119,
both issued to Yoshiro N. Mats, teach the use of perm~nPn~ magnets that are mounted on
the rear portion of the ear pieces of eyeglasses so as to be positioned rearwardly of the
ears adjacent the back of the head of the wearer, suggesting that the permanent m~gnPts
may influence the flow of blood under the skin of the user's head.
U. S. Patent No. 2,920,327 to M. Singer teaches a pair of glasses with a m~gnPtic
strip that is used to snag airborne particles.
U. S . Patent No. 4,070,103 to Martha C. Meeker, teaches a pair of eyeglasses with
a magnetic rim that allows the wearer of eyeglasses to change a single pair of glasses to
match any individual fashion or mood.
U. S. Patent No. 3,583,192 to Manual M. Gitlin teaches detachable decorative
sleeves for spectacles.
U. S. Patent No. 4,988,181 to George Riach, Jr., teaches the mounting of an
ornamental device to eyeglasses by means of magnets.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

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U. S. Patent No. 5,181,051 to D. R. Townsend et al teaches a m~gntotic removable
display of m~gn-otic printed matter.



OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
It is an important object of the present invention to provide eyeglasses with one or
more ceramic m~gn.o,t~ that are arranged to project the north m~gnrtic field into the
~ulloullding area of one's eyes to improve blood circulation therein.
Another object of the invention is to provide ceramic m~gn-?t~ that can be
selectively positioned on the frame of an eyeglasses so as to stim~ tr a given area of the
eye.
Still another object of the present invention is to provided a stimlll~tion reaction
by means of subjecting one's eye with the north m~gn.otir field so as to increase oxygen
in the ~ull~unding surface tissue of the eye.
Yet another object of the invention is to increase the oxygen saturation of the red
blood cells of the eye and ~ulloul~ding area thereof which at the same time causes the cells
to elimin~te metabolic waste.
A further object of the invention is to provide a device of this character that
stimlll~tes the eye by means of a non-invasive method which has been found to lessen eye
strain and hr~ r,h-?s associated with eye strain.
A still further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of this character
that has no moving parts and wherein the magnets can be simply mounted either on the
glass lenses or the frame struct,ure so that the m~gn~tic field can be positioned to establish
a positive affect on a given area of the eye.
The characteristics and advantages of the invention are further sufficiently referred

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2~)

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W O96/23241 PCT~US95/00954

to in connection with the accompanying drawings, which represent one embodiment. After
considering this e~ample, skilled persons will understand that variations may be made
without departing from the principles disclosed; and I contemplate the employment of any
structures, arrangements or modes of operation that are properly within the scope of the
appended claims.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
With the above and related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of
construction and combination of parts, as will be more fully understood from the following
description, when read in conju~ ion with the accolllpallyillg drawings and numbered parts
in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention wherein a plurality of
perm~nl-nt magnets are mounted to the lenses of a pair of eyeglasses;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view taken sl1bst~nti~l1y along line 2-2 of FIG. showing a
mzlgnt-.t mounted to the glass lens;
FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an eyeglass frame wherein a plurality of
permanent magnets are shown mounted to the frame structure around the lens openings;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken subst:~nti~lly along line 4-4 of
FIG. 3 showing a magnet mounted within a recess formed in the frame member;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one portion of an eyeglass, wherein the frame
member is shown as formed with an alternative arrangement; and
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the eyeglass taken substantially along
line 6-6 of FIG. 5.



SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawing in detail and more particularly to the views in FIGS.
1 and 2 thereof, there is illustrated a typical pair of eyeglasses, generally in~ljc~te~ at 10,
that comprises a frame member 12 which defines a pair of side-by-side openings 14
separated by a space that allows the frame to rest on one's nose. Mounted within each
opening 14 is a glass lens 16 that is supported within a peripheral recess 19. Temple side
members 18 are hingedly ~tt~ch~,l at the respective outer portions of frame member 12 by
means of hinge 20.
Fixedly ~tt~ch~l to glass lenses 16 is a ceramic magnet 22 which can be mounted
to the lens by one of two methods. One method would be gluing magnet 22 directly to
the glass lens 16, as shown in FIG. 1, and the other method would be by first ~ffixing a
m~gnetic support member 24 to the lens by a suitable securing means such as glue or the
like, as seen in more detail in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 2. Ceramic
m~nlotic 22 is then m~gnetie~1ly ~tt~rh~(1 to the fixed support member 24 formed from a
suitable ferrous material. This particular mounting arrangement is ~ rtll~,d because
support member 24 can be ~l",~,~ently ~tt~rh~fl to the lens. The position of the magnet
or magnets is determined by the need and condition of the person's eyes, and thus the
position of the magnet or magnets will not nPcess~rily be that as illustrated in FIG. 1.
However, it is important that the south side (positive) is facing the glass lens, and
the north side (negative) is facing uuLw~dly, whereby the negative side will interact with
the positive side of ceramic magnet 22. As is well known, opposite poles will always
attract and this arrangement allows the ceramic magnet to be removed and replaced without
mi~t~kenly being mounted with the south m~gn~tir pole of the magnet projecting outwardly
in the direction of the eye.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

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A second embodiment is disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4 in which a frame structure 12
is shown that is provided with one or more ceramic m~gn~ts 30. These magnets are
fixedly mounted within fram 12 of eyeglass 10 by means of recesses 32 formed therein
about openings 14 in selected positions as mentioned above. A magnet can also be located
in temple members 18 adjacent the hinge portion thereof if need be, as illustrated in FIG.
3.
In FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown a third embodiment which discloses an eyeglass
frame 12 having a plurality of recesses 34 formed along the inner peripheral edge of
opening 14. Recesses 34 have a subst~nti~lly "C"-shape configuration that is defined by
an opening 36 which itself is defined by a pair of extenrlell flexible finger members 38.
The finger members provide a gripping means for securely holding magnet 22 that is
inserted therein as shown adjacent the four corner portions of the opening.
It may thus be seen that the objects of the present invention set forth herein, as
well as those made a~a~ L from the foregoing description, are efficiently ~tt~in~l While
the preferred embo~limpnt~ of the invention have been set forth for purpose of disclosure,
modifications of the disclosed embo-liment.c of the invention as well as other embodiments
thereof may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are
int~n~l~rl to cover all embo~iim~-nt~ which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
invention.




SUBSTITU~E SHEET (RUEE 26)

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2002-08-20
(86) PCT Filing Date 1995-01-23
(87) PCT Publication Date 1996-08-01
(85) National Entry 1997-09-23
Examination Requested 1999-10-07
(45) Issued 2002-08-20
Deemed Expired 2006-01-23

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $150.00 1997-09-23
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 1997-01-23 $50.00 1997-09-23
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 1998-01-23 $50.00 1998-01-19
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 1999-01-25 $50.00 1999-01-12
Request for Examination $200.00 1999-10-07
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2000-01-24 $75.00 2000-01-05
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2001-01-23 $75.00 2000-11-29
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 7 2002-01-23 $75.00 2002-01-14
Final Fee $150.00 2002-06-10
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 8 2003-01-23 $75.00 2003-01-07
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 9 2004-01-23 $75.00 2003-12-11
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
RIACH, GEORGE
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Representative Drawing 1997-12-29 1 5
Description 1997-09-23 8 325
Claims 1997-09-23 3 90
Drawings 1997-09-23 1 36
Cover Page 1997-12-29 1 36
Claims 2001-11-05 3 90
Cover Page 2002-07-18 1 39
Abstract 1997-09-23 1 38
Representative Drawing 2002-07-18 1 11
Assignment 1997-09-23 4 106
PCT 1997-09-23 3 109
Fees 1998-01-19 1 40
Fees 2000-11-29 1 40
Fees 2000-01-05 1 40
Fees 2002-01-14 1 38
Fees 2003-01-07 1 44
Fees 2003-12-11 1 35
Prosecution-Amendment 2001-11-05 6 171
Prosecution-Amendment 1999-10-07 1 23
Prosecution-Amendment 2000-10-03 2 33
Fees 1999-01-12 1 45
Prosecution-Amendment 2001-07-03 2 63
Correspondence 2002-06-10 1 29