Glasses with wearing cushion device

The present invention relates to a pair of glasses, and more particularly to a pair of glasses with a wearing cushion device using an air pump to perform inflation.

With increasing development of science and technology, various 3C products are introduced into the market. Since the demands of modern people on the 3C products become higher and higher, the burdens on people's eyesight are heavier. As a result, the average age that people start needing to wear glasses is lowering, and the population wearing glasses is increasing. Thus, the manufacturers pay attention to the improvement of the aesthetically-pleasing appearance and the wearing comfort of the glasses.

Generally, the temples of the commercially available glasses are one-piece plastic structures, or the temples are metal bracket with plastic material earmuffs. That is, the parts of the temples contacting the ears are made of the plastic material. Since the plastic material is a hard material, the ears are uncomfortable when the glasses are worn. Moreover, the temples of the commercially available glasses cannot completely match the shapes of the user's ears. Under this circumstance, the glasses may fall down from the ears readily, thus damaging the glasses or causing danger if the user is taking exercise or driving.

Currently, some kinds of silicone hooks are commercially available. The silicone hooks are for being sheathed around the rear parts of the temples. When the glasses are worn by the user, the user's ears are hooked by the silicone hooks and thus the possibility of falling down the glasses is reduced. However, the process of sheathing the silicone hooks around the temples is troublesome. Moreover, because of the silicone hooks, it is more difficult to put on and take off the glasses. In addition, the silicone hooks also cannot completely match the shapes of the user's ears. That is, the silicone hooks result in foreign body sensation. Consequently, the overall comfort of wearing the glasses is impaired.

Therefore, there is a need of providing a pair of glasses with a wearing cushion device in order to increase the wearing comfort and safety.

An object of the present invention provides a pair of glasses with a wearing cushion device, which is comfortable and safe, resolving the problems with conventional glasses in which the ears feel uncomfortable and the glasses easily fall off while wearing.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pair of glasses with a wearing cushion device. The glasses include a main body, at least one inflatable cushion, an air pump, a switch element, a control unit and an air channel. The main body includes at least one temple. The at least one inflatable cushion is disposed on a surface of the at least one temple. The air pump is in communication with the at least one inflatable cushion. The control unit is electrically connected with the switch element and the air pump. The air channel is embedded within the main body and in communication with the at least one inflatable cushion and the air pump. When the switch element is turned on, the switch element issues an enabling signal to the control unit and the control unit enables the air pump in response to the enabling signal. When the air pump is enabled, an ambient gas is transferred to the at least one inflatable cushion through the air channel, so that the at least one inflatable cushion is inflated with the gas and expanded.

The above contents of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a pair of glasses with a wearing cushion device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view illustrating the inner portion of the glasses according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a schematic exploded view illustrating the glasses according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic functional block diagram illustrating the architecture of the glasses according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a schematic exploded view illustrating the air pump of the glasses according to the embodiment of the present invention and taken along a front side;

FIG. 4B is a schematic exploded view illustrating the air pump of the glasses according to the embodiment of the present invention and taken along a rear side;

FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view illustrating the piezoelectric actuator of the air pump according to the embodiment of the present invention and taken along the front side;

FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view illustrating the piezoelectric actuator of the air pump according to the embodiment of the present invention and taken along the rear side;

FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the piezoelectric actuator of the air pump according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the air pump of FIGS. 4A and 4B ; and

FIGS. 7A to 7D schematically illustrate the actions of the air pump according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention will now be described more specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the following descriptions of preferred embodiments of this invention are presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a pair of glasses with a wearing cushion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , the glasses 1 comprise a main body 10 , a first inflatable cushion 11 a , a second inflatable cushion 11 b and a switch element 14 . The main body 10 comprises a first temple 101 a , a second temple 101 b and a frame 102 . The first temple 101 a and the second temple 101 b are connected to a first end and a second end of the frame 102 , respectively. The first temple 101 a and the second temple 101 b are foldable, but not limited thereto. The first inflatable cushion 11 a is located at a distal end of the first temple 101 a and attached on a surface of the first temple 101 a . The second inflatable cushion 11 b is located at a distal end of the second temple 101 b and attached on a surface of the second temple 101 b . Preferably but not exclusively, the first inflatable cushion 11 a and the second inflatable cushion 11 b are one-piece expandable structures. Moreover, the outer shells of the first inflatable cushion 11 a and the second inflatable cushion 11 b are made of a soft elastic material. For example, the soft elastic material includes but is not limited to a silicone material. The switch element 14 is located at the second temple 101 b . For example, the switch element 14 is a button, but not limited thereto.

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view illustrating the inner portion of the glasses according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a schematic exploded view illustrating the glasses according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the glasses 1 further comprise an air pump 12 and an air channel 13 . The air channel 13 is a soft hollow tube for communicating gas, being embedded within the main body 10 and in communication with both the first inflatable cushion 11 a and the second inflatable cushion 11 b . The air pump 12 is also in communication with the air channel 13 , so that the air pump 12 can introduce the gas into the air channel 13 .

In an embodiment, the first inflatable cushion 11 a and the second inflatable cushion 11 b have a first inflating hole (not shown) and a second inflating hole (not shown), respectively. Meanwhile, the air channel 13 comprises a first channel opening (not shown) corresponding to the first inflating hole and a second channel opening (not shown) corresponding to the second inflating hole. The size and location of the first channel opening match those of the first inflating hole, and the size and location of the second channel opening match those of the second inflating hole. As a result, the first channel opening can be connected to the first inflating hole to communicate gas between the air channel 13 and the first inflatable cushion 11 a . Similarly, the second channel opening can be connected to the second inflating hole to communicate gas between the air channel 13 and the second inflatable cushion 11 b.

Please refer to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 . FIG. 3 is a schematic functional block diagram illustrating the architecture of the glasses according to the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the glasses 1 further comprise a control unit 16 and a battery 17 . The battery 17 provides electric power for powering the control unit 16 . The control unit 16 is electrically connected with the air pump 12 and the switch element 14 for receiving signals from the switch element 14 and accordingly controlling the air pump 12 . When the glasses 1 are worn by the user, the first inflatable cushion 11 a and the second inflatable cushion 11 b are respectively contacted with the two ears of the user. When the switch element 14 is turned on, the switch element 14 issues an enabling signal to the control unit 16 . In response to the enabling signal, the control unit 16 enables the air pump 12 to transfer the gas into the first inflatable cushion 11 a and the second inflatable cushion 11 b through the air channel 13 . Being inflated with the gas, the first inflatable cushion 11 a and the second inflatable cushion 11 b expand to fit the ears of the user. As a result, the glasses 1 is securely worn on the ears of the user and does not easily fall off, which is more safe and comfortable than conventional ones.

In the above embodiment, the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b are located at the distal ends of the temples 101 a and 101 b . It is noted that the locations of the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b are not restricted. For example, in another embodiment, the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b extend inwardly on the inner surfaces of the temples 101 a and 101 b to reach a position that is able to be in contact with the user's face. Hence, when the air pump 12 is enabled to introduce the gas into the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b through the air channel 13 , the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b are expanded to fit and to be attached on the user's face. Consequently, the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b can be fixed more stably. Under this circumstance, the comfort of wearing the glasses 1 is enhanced. In a further embodiment, an additional inflatable cushion is attached on the frame 102 or other parts of the temples 101 a and 101 b that are able to be contacted with the user's face. Consequently, the comfort of wearing the glasses 1 is further enhanced.

Please refer to FIG. 3 again. In this embodiment, the glasses 1 further comprise a gas pressure sensor 18 . The gas pressure sensor 18 is electrically connected with the control unit 16 and in communication with the air channel 13 for sensing the pressure of the gas in the air channel 13 . The gas pressure sensor 18 may be embedded within the main body 10 . If the gas pressure sensor 18 detects that the pressure of the gas within the inflatable cushions 11 a or 11 b is higher than a threshold value, the gas pressure sensor 18 issues a disabling signal to the control unit 16 . In response to the disabling signal, the control unit 16 disables the air pump 12 . Consequently, the pressure of the gas within the inflatable cushions 11 a or 11 b is adjusted to be in a specified range, and the expansion amounts of the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b are adjustable. Since the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b are not excessively expanded, the pressure applied to the user's ears is comfortable.

Please refer to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 3 again. In this embodiment, the glasses 1 further comprise a pressure valve structure 15 . The pressure valve structure 15 is embedded within the main body 10 and in communication with the air channel 13 . Meanwhile, the pressure valve structure 15 is in communication with the exterior of the glasses 1 through an exhaust hole 15 a of the main body 10 . The pressure valve structure 15 is a switchable valve structure comprising a check valve (not shown) and a relief valve (not shown). The check valve allows the gas in the air channel 13 to flow in only one direction without backflow. The relief valve is used for adjusting the pressure of the air channel 13 .

The pressure valve structure 15 is electrically connected with the control unit 16 . When the air pump 12 is enabled by the control unit 16 in response to the enabling signal, the gas is transferred through the air channel 13 in one direction without backflow due to the check valve of the pressure valve structure 15 . When the switch element 14 issues a pressure-relief signal to the control unit 16 , the control unit 16 controls the relief valve of the pressure valve structure 15 to decrease the pressure, and the gas is exhausted from the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b to the surroundings through the air channel 13 , the pressure valve structure 15 and the exhaust hole 15 a , sequentially. Consequently, the pressure in the air channel 13 is properly adjusted, or the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b are restored to the deflated state. The user can deflate the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b or decrease the pressure thereof before putting the glasses in the non-usage state. Therefore, since the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b are not continuously in the high pressure state, the use lives of the inflatable cushions 11 a and 11 b are extended.

FIG. 4A is a schematic exploded view illustrating the air pump of the glasses according to the embodiment of the present invention and taken along a front side. FIG. 4B is a schematic exploded view illustrating the air pump of the glasses according to the embodiment of the present invention and taken along a rear side.

In an embodiment, the air pump 12 is a piezoelectric air pump for driving the gas. In this embodiment, the air pump 12 comprises a resonance plate 122 , a piezoelectric actuator 123 and a covering member 126 .

The resonance plate 122 is aligned with the piezoelectric actuator 123 . The resonance plate 122 comprises a central aperture 1220 . The central aperture 1220 is formed in a middle portion of the resonance plate 122 .

The piezoelectric actuator 123 comprises a suspension plate 1231 , an outer frame 1232 and a piezoelectric element 1233 . Preferably but not exclusively, the suspension plate 1231 is a square suspension plate. The suspension plate 1231 comprises a middle portion 1231 c and a periphery portion 1231 d . When the piezoelectric element 1233 is subjected to the curvy vibration in response to an applied voltage, the suspension plate 1231 is subjected to the curvy vibration from the middle portion 1231 c to the periphery portion 1231 d . The outer frame 1232 is arranged around the suspension plate 1231 and comprises at least one bracket 1232 a and at least one conducting pin 1232 b . Each of the at least one bracket 1232 a is arranged between the suspension plate 1231 and the outer frame 1232 . The two ends of the bracket 1232 a are connected with the suspension plate 1231 and the outer frame 1232 , respectively. Consequently, the bracket 1232 a can elastically support the suspension plate 1231 . The conducting pin 1232 b is protruded outwardly from the outer frame 1232 so as to be electrically connected with an external power source (not shown). The piezoelectric element 1233 is attached on a second surface 1231 b of the suspension plate 1231 . The length of a side of the piezoelectric element 1233 is smaller than or equal to the length of a side of the suspension plate 1231 , but not limited herein. When the piezoelectric element 1233 is subjected to deformation in response to an applied voltage, the suspension plate 1231 is subjected to a curvy vibration.

The covering member 126 comprises a sidewall 1261 , a bottom plate 1262 and an opening 1263 . The sidewall 1261 is protruded from the edges of the bottom plate 1262 . Moreover, an accommodation space 126 a is defined by the sidewall 1261 and the bottom plate 1262 collaboratively. The resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric actuator 123 are accommodated within the accommodation space 126 a . The opening 1263 is formed in the sidewall 1261 . The conducting pin 1232 b of the outer frame 1232 is protruded out of the covering member 126 through the opening 1263 so as to be electrically connected with an external circuit (not shown), but not limited herein.

The air pump 12 further comprises a first insulation plate 1241 , a conducting plate 125 and a second insulation plate 1242 . The first insulation plate 1241 is located over the conducting plate 125 . The second insulation plate 1242 is located under the conducting plate 125 . The shapes of the first insulation plate 1241 and the second insulation plate 1242 substantially match the shape of the outer frame 1232 of the piezoelectric actuator 123 . The first insulation plate 1241 and the second insulation plate 1242 are made of an insulating material (e.g. a plastic material) for providing insulating efficacy. The conducting plate 125 is made of an electrically conductive material (e.g. a metallic material) for providing electrically conducting efficacy. The shape of the conducting plate 125 substantially matches the shape of the outer frame 1232 of the piezoelectric actuator 123 . Moreover, the conducting plate 125 has a conducting pin 1251 so as to be electrically connected with an external circuit (not shown). Similarly, the conducting pin 1251 is protruded out of the covering member 126 through the opening 1263 so as to be electrically connected with the control unit 16 .

FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view illustrating the piezoelectric actuator of the air pump according to the embodiment of the present invention and taken along the front side. FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view illustrating the piezoelectric actuator of the air pump according to the embodiment of the present invention and taken along the rear side. FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the piezoelectric actuator of the air pump according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the suspension plate 1231 is a stepped structure. That is, the suspension plate 1231 comprises a bulge 1231 e . The bulge 1231 e is formed on the first surface 1231 a of the suspension plate 1231 and located at the middle portion 1231 c . For example, the bulge 1231 e is a circular convex structure such as a cylinder. In some embodiments, the suspension plate 1231 is a square plate structure with two flat surfaces without the bulge 1231 e.

Please refer to FIG. 5C again. A top surface of the bulge 1231 e of the suspension plate 1231 is coplanar with a first surface 1232 c of the outer frame 1232 , and the first surface 1231 a of the suspension plate 1231 is coplanar with a first surface 1232 a ′ of the bracket 1232 a . Moreover, the bulge 1231 e of the suspension plate 1231 (or the first surface 1232 c of the outer frame 1232 ) has a specified thickness with respect to the first surface 1231 a of the suspension plate 1231 (or the first surface 1232 a ′ of the bracket 1232 a ). A second surface 1231 b of the suspension plate 1231 , a second surface 1232 d of the outer frame 1232 and a second surface 1232 a ″ of the bracket 1232 a are coplanar with each other. The piezoelectric element 1233 is attached on the second surface 1231 b of the suspension plate 1231 . In some other embodiments, the suspension plate 1231 is a square plate structure with two flat surfaces. That is, the structure of the suspension plate 1231 may be varied according to the practical requirements. In this embodiment, the suspension plate 1231 , the outer frame 1232 and the at least bracket 1232 a are integrally formed and produced by using a metal plate (e.g., a stainless steel plate). Moreover, at least one vacant space 1234 is formed between the suspension plate 1231 , the outer frame 1232 and the bracket 1232 a for allowing the gas to go through.

The inner structure and the outer structure of the air pump 12 will be described as follows. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the air pump of FIGS. 4A and 4B . From top to bottom, the covering member 126 , the second insulation plate 1242 , the conducting plate 125 , the first insulation plate 1241 , the piezoelectric actuator 123 and the resonance plate 122 of the air pump 12 are stacked on each other sequentially, wherein the peripheries of the piezoelectric actuator 123 , the first insulation plate 1241 , the conducting plate 125 and the second insulation plate 1242 are coated with glue to form a glue layer 128 . The glue layer 128 is filled in the accommodation space 126 a of the covering member 126 and seal the peripheries of the components. Consequently, the air pump 12 is assembled.

The air pump 12 has a square profile. It is noted that the profile of the air pump 12 may be varied according to the practical requirements. Moreover, the conducting pin 1251 (not shown) of the conducting plate 125 and the conducting pin 1232 b of the piezoelectric actuator 123 are protruded out of the covering member 126 so as to be electrically connected with an external circuit. After the air pump 12 is assembled, a first chamber 127 b is formed between the covering member 126 and the resonance plate 122 . Moreover, a convergence chamber 127 a is defined by the sidewall 1261 of the covering member 126 and the resonance plate 122 collaboratively.

In this embodiment, there is a gap g 0 between the resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric actuator 123 . Moreover, a filler (e.g. a conductive adhesive) is inserted into the gap g 0 . Consequently, the depth of the gap g 0 between the resonance plate 122 and the bulge 1231 e of the suspension plate 1231 can be maintained to guide the gas to flow more quickly. Moreover, due to the proper distance between bulge 1231 e of the suspension plate 1231 and the resonance plate 122 , the contact interference is reduced and the generated noise is largely reduced. In some embodiments, the height of the outer frame 1232 of the piezoelectric actuator 123 is increased, so that the gap is formed between the resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric actuator 123 .

When the piezoelectric actuator 123 is actuated to perform a gas-collecting operation, the gas is introduced into the convergence chamber 127 a through the opening 1263 of the covering member 126 , transferred to the first chamber 127 b through the central aperture 1220 of the resonance plate 122 , and temporarily stored in the first chamber 127 b . When the piezoelectric actuator 123 is actuated to perform a gas-releasing operation, the gas is transferred from the first chamber 127 b to the convergence chamber 127 a through the central aperture 1220 of the resonance plate 122 and transferred to the air channel 13 through the pressure valve structure 15 .

The operations of the air pump 12 will be described as follows. FIGS. 7A to 7D schematically illustrate the actions of the air pump according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Please refer to FIG. 7A , which shows an initial state of the air pump not in action. After the covering member 126 , the second insulation plate 1242 , the conducting plate 125 , the first insulation plate 1241 , the piezoelectric actuator 123 and the resonance plate 122 of the air pump 12 are stacked on each other sequentially, the air pump 12 is assembled. There is a gap g 0 between the resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric actuator 123 . The convergence chamber 127 a is defined by the sidewall 1261 of the covering member 126 , the resonance plate 122 and the bottom surface 201 a of the receiving part 201 collaboratively. The first chamber 127 b is formed between the covering member 126 and the resonance plate 122 .

Please refer to FIG. 7B . When the piezoelectric actuator 123 of the air pump 12 is actuated, the piezoelectric actuator 123 is vibrated upwardly in response to the applied voltage. Consequently, the ambient gas is introduced into the air pump 12 through the opening 1263 of the covering member 126 . After the gas is converged to the convergence chamber 127 a , the gas is transferred to the first chamber 127 b through the central aperture 1220 of the resonance plate 122 . Due to the resonance effect of the suspension plate 1231 of the piezoelectric actuator 123 , the resonance plate 122 is vibrated in a reciprocating manner. That is, the resonance plate 122 is subjected to an upward deformation. Meanwhile, the position of the resonance plate 122 corresponding to the central aperture 1220 is protruded upwardly.

Please refer to FIG. 7C . The piezoelectric actuator 123 is vibrated downwardly and has returned to its original position. Meanwhile, the bulge 1231 e of the suspension plate 1231 of the piezoelectric actuator 123 is close to the central aperture 1220 of the resonance plate 122 . Consequently, the gas in the air pump 12 is transferred to and temporarily stored in the upper portion of the first chamber 127 b.

Please refer to FIG. 7D . The piezoelectric actuator 123 is vibrated downwardly. Due to the resonance effect of the piezoelectric actuator 123 , the resonance plate 122 is vibrated downwardly. Due to the downward deformation of the resonance plate 122 , the volume of the first chamber 127 b is shrunken. Consequently, the gas in the upper portion of the first chamber 127 b is pushed toward peripheral regions of the first chamber 127 b . Then, the gas is transferred downwardly through the vacant space 1234 of the piezoelectric actuator 123 , and transferred through the central aperture 1220 of the resonance plate 122 . From the above discussions, it can be seen that when the resonance plate 122 is vibrating along the vertical direction in the reciprocating manner, the gap g 0 between the resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric actuator 123 is helpful to increase the amplitude of vibration of the resonance plate 122 . That is, the proper gap g 0 between the resonance plate 122 and the piezoelectric actuator 123 allows the maximum amplitude of vibration of the resonance plate 122 . Then, the resonance plate 122 is returned to the original position of FIG. 7A .

The processes of FIGS. 7A to 7D are repeatedly done. Consequently, the gas is continuously introduced into the convergence chamber 127 a through the opening 1263 of the covering member 126 , and transferred to the first chamber 127 b . Then, the gas is transferred from the first chamber 127 b to the convergence chamber 127 a . Consequently, the gas can be transferred stably. When the air pump 12 is operated, the gas is sequentially transferred through the opening 1263 of the covering member 126 , the convergence chamber 127 a , the first chamber 127 b and the convergence chamber 127 a.

As mentioned above, after the air pump 12 is enabled, the gas is introduced into the air channel 13 through the pressure valve structure 15 and the gas is transferred to the first inflatable cushion 11 a and the second inflatable cushion 11 b through the air channel 13 . Since the first inflatable cushion 11 a and the second inflatable cushion 11 b are inflated with the gas, the first inflatable cushion 11 a and the second inflatable cushion 11 b are expanded and attached on the ears of the user. That is, the glasses 1 can be securely worn on the ears of the user while achieving the safe and comfortable purposes.

From the above descriptions, the present invention provides a pair of glasses with a wearing cushion device. The user may turn on the switch element to inflate the inflatable cushions with the gas. Consequently, the inflatable cushions are expanded and attached on the ears of the user. In other words, the inflatable cushions are adjustable according to the shapes of the user's ears and securely fixed on the ears. Since the possibility of falling down the glasses is minimized, the safety of using the glasses is increased. Moreover, the glasses have the gas pressure adjusting function. The gas pressure sensor is used for detecting the gas pressure within the inflatable cushions. The control unit is used for controlling the gas pressure to be in a specified range. Since the inflatable cushions are not excessively expanded, the pressure applied to the user's ears is comfortable. In case that the glasses are in the non-usage state, the user may turn off the switch element to reduce the pressure and deflate the inflatable cushions. Under this circumstance, the use lives of the inflatable cushions are extended.

While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.