This class corresponds generally in subject matter to optometry, and includes eye examining and vision testing instruments. These instruments must include some optical structure or they must operate in conjunction with the optical or vision path of the eye. Included also are these instruments combined with eye exercising and/or training devices. Included also are certain accessories such as test charts and/or targets which may involve projection, illuminators and supports which are peculiar to these instruments. Included also are methods of operating or using these instruments and not generally classifiable.
Included also are spectacles and eyeglasses, which may include the frames or mountings, per se, or the frames or mountings with fitted opthalmic lenses. Included also are spectacles and eyeglasses combined with other structural elements when not otherwise classifiable, such as spectacles combined with holders for microphotographs, telescopes or face protecting masks.
Included also are perfecting features with these spectacles and eyeglasses such as antiglare or light absorption, rear view reflectors, decorations moisture prevention or absorption, and supports or holders. Included also are parts of spectacles and eyeglasses when not otherwise classifiable, such as temples, bridges, connectors, lens linings or rims, and nose pads or cushions.
Included also are opthalmic lenses or blanks, including the eye-contact type. Included also are perfecting features in these lenses such as with light filtering or with protecting layers. Included also are methods of making the spectacles and eyeglasses and the opthalmic lenses. Included also are lens repair devices.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
A. EYE EXAMINING AND TESTING INSTRUMENTS CLASSIFIEDELSEWHERE
Eye testing instruments and such instruments combined with eye training devices are classified here as a residual home. Eye treatment appliances and methods intended to aid in the diagnosis of diseased eyes or during surgical operations of the eye are elsewhere. (See References to Other Classes, below.
B. SPECTACLE AND EYE GLASS MOUNTINGS COMBINED WITH OTHERSTRUCTURE This class provides for opthalmic lenses combined with the mountings or frames; and also provides residually for such mountings or frames, per se, even when the sole indicated use is to mount nonopthalmic lenses or other structure which may be nonoptical. Examples of such nonopthalmic lenses are in telescopes, microscopes, and general magnifiers; and examples of this other structure are eye shades and goggle components (such as cups, masks, or shields), artificial body members, and electrical hearing aids. However, when these nonopthalmic lenses or other structures are claimed either broadly or specifically with the mounting, classification is not here, but in the class providing for the particular lens or other structure. See References to Other Classes, below.
As between this class, Class 2, and Class 623 the claiming of opthalmic structure in such example terms as "opthalmic lens", "correcting lens" and "astigmatic lens" is sufficient for classification in this Class 351 regardless of any eye shielding or artificial body structure included. However, as between this Class 351, Class 381, and Class 359 the inclusion of opthalmic structure together with other structure, per se, classifiable in Class 381 and Class 359 is not sufficient to classify in this Class 351.
The term "lens" due to its wide use is not sufficient to control classification. The combination of the lens broadly claimed together with the spectacle- type frame is classifiable in this Class 351 regardless of the indicated use of the lens.
C. GOGGLES
Goggles, which may include frames similar to the opthalmic lens mountings as classified with spectacles, but which in addition, have some structure whose purpose is protection of the wearer from mechanical injury such as cups, masks, shields, or hoods are classified elsewhere (see References to Other Classes). When this goggle structure includes lenses or transparent elements with some optical limitation such as vision correcting or light intensity modifying opthalmic elements, curved, spherical or meniscus lenses, light filters or polarizing lenses, classification is with the spectacles in this Class 351. However the broad recitation of a lens or transparent element is not sufficient to include otherwise goggle structure in this Class 351.
Goggles with no optical limitations but formed as spectacle lens mountings, but omitting any body protection structure, are classified in this Class 351. Where both the optical and body protecting structure are claimed classification is with the spectacles in this Class 351.
D. LENSES
Single lenses or lens combinations are classified elsewhere, and are primarily used in the category of optical instruments such as cameras, binoculars, magnifiers, telescopes,
microscopes and oculars, principally for the purpose of forming or projecting a real or virtual image or images. (See References to Other Classes, below.)
In contrast to the above lenses used in instruments the opthalmic lenses including contact lenses classified in this Class 351 act as vision correcting organs and are specially adapted for use in spectacles or eyeglasses for the purpose of producing a clear image in conjunction with the eye lens on the sensitive screen in the eye known as the retina. For example, if the eye is myopic (near-sightedness) a negative lens is necessary to produce a proper image on the retina, and if the eye is hyperopic (far-sightedness) a positive lens is added to bring the light rays into correct focus on the retina. If the eye is astigmatic a cylindrical lens is added. These opthalmic lenses are essentially useful with the eye lens for aiding and correcting any visual defects of the eye lens.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS 2, Apparel, appropriate subclasses for goggles including eye shields, bridges, rims and fasteners as component parts thereof. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, C, "Goggles", above, for the line between spectacles and goggles.
2, Apparel,
13, for spectacle attached eye shades and subclasses 10, 11, 12, and 15 provide for other eye shields. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, B, "Spectacle and Eye Glass Mountings Combined with Other Structure")
2, Apparel,
426+, provides for goggles, which may include frames similar to the opthalmic lens mountings as classified with spectacles, but which in addition, have some structure whose purpose is protection of the wearer from mechanical injury such as cups, masks, shields, or hoods. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, C, "Goggles")
16, Miscellaneous Hardware,
228, for an eyeglass hinge, per se.
24, Buckles, Buttons, Clasps, etc.,
265, for connectors and attaching devices useable between component parts of spectacle frames.
29, Metal Working,
20, for machines and processes for making spectacle-frames,
temples, bridge pieces etc. 33, Geometrical Instruments,
200, for spectacle gauges such as used for measuring pupillary distances.
65, Glass Manufacturing,
36, 39 for fusion bonding of lenses and reshaping of lens parts during bonding.
70, Locks,
229, and 230 for bolt or screw locking means as for preventing the loosening of screws which interconnect various frame parts or secure rimless lenses in the frame structure.
206, Special Receptacle or Package,
5+, for cases or covers for eyeglasses and spectacles which may comprise hinged parts.
248, Supports, appropriate subclasses, especially
121+, for brackets, stands or uprights which may support ophthalmic test devices and which may have provisions to move an ophthalmic device relative to the support.
252, Compositions,
299.01+, for liquid crystal-containing optical filter compositions, and subclasses 582+ for other optical filter compositions which change their light and visible solar radiations transmittance properties when exposed to emergy and for corresponding filters defined solely in terms of their composition with no claimed significant filter structure. 285, Pipe Joints or Couplings,
51, and 54 for joints between members of ophthalmic mountings wherein the joint comprises a socket type or a ball and socket joint.
315, Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices: Systems,
291+, for illuminating means having electric current and/or voltage regulation.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
465, for light polarizing devices, as used in stereoscopic viewing, subclasses 642+ for lenses as used in photography, binoculars and telescopes; subclasses 409+ for opera glass holders; subclass 481 for binocular loupes; subclass 816 for
monocular loupes, subclasses 880+ for mirrors mounted before the eye; and subclasses 350+ and 885+ for optical filters.
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
409+, for opera glass holders, subclass 481 for binocular loupes, and subclass 816 for monocular loupes. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, B, "Spectacle and Eye Glass Mountings Combined with Other Structure")
359, Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and Elements,
642+, for single lenses or lens combinations, primarily used in the category of optical instruments such as cameras, binoculars, magnifiers, telescopes, microscopes and oculars, principally for the purpose of forming or projecting a real or virtual image or images.
362, Illumination, 103+, for spectacles combined with illumination means, and subclasses 109+ for ophthalmic instruments comprising illuminating devices.
381, Electrical Audio Signal Processing Systems and Devices,
68+, for electric hearing aids in spectacle-type mountings, especially subclass 68.5 for spectacles or ophthalmic mountings combined with electrical hearing aid devices. (Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, B, "Spectacle and Eye Glass Mountings Combined with Other Structure")
403, Joints and Connections, for joints and connections of general application.
411, Expanded, Threaded, Driven, Headed, Tool-Deformed, or Locked-Threaded Fastener,
378+, for screws and bolts of general application; and subclasses 531+ for washers of general application.
427, Coating Processes,
162+, for coating processes, per se, wherein the product is an electrical element.
451, Abrading,
42+, for an ophthalmic lens abrading process and subclasses 57+ for an abrading process for plural distinct areas.
501, Compositions: Ceramic,
11+, for glass composition; especially subclasses 60+ for lead containing glass composition.
520, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, for synthetic resins or natural rubbers, per se, or compositions containing same.
523, Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers,
105+, for contact lens compositions and for certain other compositions containing a synthetic resin or natural rubbers designed to come into contact with living tissue.
600, Surgery,
398+, and 558 for surgical devices used in the diagnosis of the eye generally and not involving conventional eye testing instruments, or for devices counteracting muscular eye imbalances, or for devices such as moving targets for exercising eye muscels. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, above, for the line between the eye testing instruments of this Class 351 and the surgical instruments of another class of Surgery.
600, Surgery,
398+, for eye treatment appliances and methods intended to aid in the diagnosis of diseased eyes or during surgical operations of the eye. See Lines With Other Classes and Within This Class, A, "Eye Examining and Testing Instruments Classified Elsewhere", above.
GLOSSARY:
ANISEIKONIA
The inequality in shape and size between the two ocular images seen in binocular vision.
ASTIGMATISM Defect of vision caused by unequal curvature of the refracting surfaces of the eye.
BINOCULAR COORDINATION
Fusion of the sight responses of both eyes, or correct space perception.
BRACE ARM
A relatively long and slender temple supporting arm or arc substantially identical to the shape of the upper contour edge of a lens.
BRIDGE
The connecting part between the lens supporting members of
spectacles or eyeglasses.
CATARACT CORRECTION LENS
A lens, usually with cylindrical correction, to optically compensate for diminution of vision or opacity of the lens of the eye.
CHARTS
A light reflecting or transmitting panel with symbols or pictures of varying size for testing the refraction of the eye. CHROMATICITY TEST
Determination of the visual sensitivity or adaptation to color.
ELEMENT
Component part of an optical instrument unless otherwise indicated.
EYEGLASSES
Spectacles, pince-nez or other mountings with lenses to correct defects of vision of the human eye.
EYE CONTACT LENSES
Opthalmic lenses that fit over the cornea of the eye and which float on the tear of the eye or are held in place by the eyelids.
FRAME
Mechanical parts, not including lenses, which serve to surround or support or which serve to interconnect elements of the frame.
INTERPUPILLARY DISTANCE
The distance between the centers of rotation of a pair of human eyes. LENS
Ophthalmic lens or transparent material in goggles unless otherwise indicated.
LENS REPAIR DEVICES
Structure embracing the broken portion of a lens by a metal or plastic strip so that the lens can be restored to the mounting.
LIGHT POLARIZING LENSES
Lenses comprising a polarizing element which reduces light losses due to reflection.
MOUNTING
A frame structure completely or partially surrounding a lens or utilizing a bridge and nose pads for supporting vision-aids in front of the eyes of a user. This term is broader than "frame", in that it includes the pince-nez type.
MULTIFOCAL LENSES
Fused or onepiece lenses having areas of different refracting powers, usually one area part being intended for distant vision and the other for close work.
MUSCULAR IMBALANCE Abnormal eye muscle functioning, tending the eyes to cross or diverge.
OPTHALMIC LENSES
Lenses usually mounted in spectacle frames, in eyeglass mountings or in trial frames having cylindrical, spherical or prismatic power for testing or correcting visual deficiencies of the eye. These lenses cooperate with the refracting medium of the eye to form on the retina a clear image of the object viewed, or in strabismus to modify the imbalanced visual axis of the eye to make the eye gradually resume normal status to correctly superimpose deviated images. The lenses may be spherical (plus or minus) to correct for fairly simple defective near or far sightedness, or they may be cylindrical to correct for astigmatism, or they may be prismatic to correct for strabismus, or they may be any of these in combination. The magnification or minification power of these lenses serves primarily to produce clear images on the retina of an eye with poor vision rather than to produce any telescopic, microscopic or pictorial effects.
OPTICS, OPTICAL
The science of light and vision and the construction of optical instruments.
OPTICAL PATH
Imaginary lines passing on the principal and secondary axes from the center of the retina to the object viewed.
OPTOMETRY
The art of investigating vision defects such as refraction and ocular muscle function-defects and correcting or aiding
them by optical means such as opthalmic lenses, prisms, muscle training and other optical measures.
PRISMATIC LENS
A light-deflecting medium which diverges or converges the lightrays entering the eyes. RIM
A grooved-optical element made from metal or plastic material for framing lenses.
SPECTACLES
Instruments for aiding vision consisting of lenses and supports therefor.
STEREOSCOPIC VISION
The ability to perceive distance and the three dimensional properties of a viewed object.
TEMPLES
The parts of a spectacle which are secured to the end of lenses or the frame and maintain the glasses on the user's head.
TRIAL FRAME
Adjustable lens holding frames for supporting lenses interchangeably during vision testing.
VISION CORRECTING
Remedying vision defects by means of sight correcting lenses, eye muscle training devices, etc.