(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY(PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property
`Organization
`International Burcau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`15 December 2005 (15.12.2005)
`
` (10) International Publication Number
`
`WO 2005/119344 Al
`
`(51)
`
`(21)
`
`International Patent Classification’:
`
`G02C 1/02
`
`International Application Number:
`PCT/US2005/019710
`
`(22)
`
`International Filing Date:
`
`3 June 2005 (03.06.2005)
`
`(25)
`
`Filing Language:
`
`(26)
`
`Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30)
`
`(71)
`
`Priority Data:
`60/577,090
`
`4 June 2004 (04.06.2004)
`
`US
`
`Applicant (for all designated States except US): OAK-
`LEY, INC. [US/US]; OneIcon, Foothill Ranch, California
`92610 (US).
`
`(72)
`(75)
`
`(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN,
`CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI,
`GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU,ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE,
`KG, KM, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA,
`MD, MG, MK, MN, MW,MX, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ,
`OM, PG, PH, PL, PT, RO, RU, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL,
`SM,SY, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC,
`VN, YU, ZA, 7M, ZW.
`
`(84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, KE, LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM,
`ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, T™),
`European (AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI,
`FR, GB, GR, HU,IE, IS, IT, LT, LU, MC, NL, PL, PT, RO,
`SE, SI, SK, TR), OAPI (BI, BJ, CI, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN,
`GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Inventors; and
`Inventors/Applicants (for US only): OGREN, Steve
`[US/US]; 6015 Kingsbriar Dr., Yorba Linda, California
`Published:
`92886 (US). REYES, Carlos, D. [US/US]; 7 Via Silla,
`—_with international search report
`Rancho Santa Margarita, California 92688 (US).
`
`WO2005/1193441IITMNININEIITANTANATAAARNMUTTUAYAAT
`
`(74)
`
`Agent: ALTMAN,Daniel, E.; Knobbe, Martens, Olson &
`Bear, LLP, 2040 MainStreet, 14th Floor, Irvine, California
`92614 (US).
`
`For two-letter codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-
`ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations” appearing at the begin-
`ning of each regularissue of the PCT Gazette.
`
`Title: EYEGLASS CONNECTION SYSTEM
`
`(54)
`
`(57) Abstract: Systems and methods of connecting compo-
`nents of eyeglasses or other brittle structures are disclosed.
`Fasteners such as screws can have compressible elements be-
`
`tween them andaglass structure, for example, to disperse
`force and deter fract uring of the glass. Compressible ele-
`ments can also conform to irregular cavities and surfaces to
`improve connections between components. In some embodi-
`ments, an eyeglass onnection system comprises a lens with a
`first surface, a second surface, and a lens aperture extending
`from the first surface to the second surface. The lens aper-
`ture can havea first region adjacentto the first surface of the
`elns with a first cross-sectional area. Additionally, the lens
`aperture can have a second region adjacent to the second sur-
`face of the lens with a second cros-sectional area. The second
`
`cross-sectional area of the lens aperture can be larger than teh
`first cross-sectional area of the lens aperture. The eyeglass
`connection system can further comprise a compressible ele-
`ment with a first side and a second side, the compressible el-
`ement positioned at least partially within the posterior region
`of the lens aperture. Additionally, the eyeglass system can
`comprise a lens support with a lens support aperture and a
`washerpositioned between the lens and the lens support. The
`washercan have a higher durometer than the compressible el-
`ement. Moreover, the system can comprise a fastener with
`a head andashaft, the head positioned near the second side
`of the compressible elementand the shaft extending from the
`head, through the compressible element, lens aperture, and
`washer, and into the lens support aperture.
`
`Luxottica Ex. 1008
`IPR Petition USP 8,708,483
`
`

`

`WO 2005/119344
`
`PCT/US2005/019710
`
`EYEGLASS CONNECTION SYSTEM
`
`Background of the Inventions
`
`Field of the Inventions
`The present inventions relate to eyeglass connection systems, and, in particular, systems for
`connecting lenses to adjacent eyeglass components, particularly in rimless eyeglass systems, which
`
`reduce stress and fractures in the lenses.
`
`SummaryoftheInventions
`
`In some embodiments, an eyeglass connection system comprises a lens with a first surface, a
`second surface, and a lens aperture extending from the first surface to the second surface. The lens
`aperture can have a first region adjacent to the first surface of the lens with a first cross-sectional
`area. Additionally, the lens aperture can have a second region adjacentto the second surface of the
`lens with a second cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area of the lens aperture can be
`larger than the first cross-sectional area of the lens aperture. The eyeglass connection system can
`further comprise a compressible element with a first side and a second side, the compressible
`element positioned at least partially within the posterior regionof the lens aperture. Additionally,
`the eyeglass system can comprise a lens support with a lens support aperture and a washer
`positioned between the lens and the lens support. The washer can have a higher durometer than the
`compressible element. Moreover, the system can comprise a fastener with a head and a shaft, the
`head positioned near the second side of the compressible element and the shaft extending from the
`head, through the compressible element,
`lens aperture, and washer, and into the lens support
`
`aperture.
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`Figure 1 is a schematic, front elevational perspective view of a rimless eyeglass system.
`Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of one embodiment of an eyeglass system
`having a connector in accordance with the present inventions.
`Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of an eyeglass
`system having a connector in accordance with the present inventions.
`Figure 4 is an exploded view of the eyeglass connectorof Figure 2.
`Figure 5 is an assembled view of the eyeglass connectorillustrated in Figure 4.
`
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`Figure 6 is a partial perspective exploded view of an eyeglass connector in accordance with
`
`the present inventions.
`
`Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
`
`Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a front elevational perspective view of an eyeglass
`system which incorporates an eyeglass connector. An eyeglass 10 comprises a first lens 2 and
`second lens 2 connected by a bridge 5. Each lens 2 includes a medial portion 3 andalateral portion
`6. In the vicinity of the medial portion 3, a lens support 11 attached to the bridge 5 overlaps either a
`first surface (such as an anterior surface) or a second surface (such as a posterior surface) of the lens
`2.
`In the illustrated embodiment, the lens support 11 overlaps the anterior surface of the lens 2, but
`
`the lens support 11 could also overlap the posterior surface of the lens 2. Connected to either the
`
`bridge 5 or the lens 2 is a nose pad support 9 and a nose pad 12.
`In the vicinity of the lateral portion 6 of the lens 2, an ear stem connector 7 is provided,
`which is normally hingedly connected to an ear stem 37. The ear step connector 7 can also have an
`ear stem support 13 that overlapseither the anterior surface or the posterior surface of the lens 2. In
`the illustrated embodiment, the ear stem support 13 overlapsthe anterior surface ofthe lens2.
`In the foregoing type of eyeglass system, each lens is connected at two points to adjacent
`structure. Although the eyeglass connection system will be described primarily in the context of the
`connections between the bridge 5 and the right and left lens, the eyeglass connection system may
`also be utilized at another portion of the lenses 2 (such as the lateral portions 6 of the lenses 2) to
`
`connect the ear stem connectors7.
`
`In addition, although the eyeglass connection system will be described primarily in the
`context of an eyeglass design in which the lens support 11 extends across a portion of the anterior
`surface of the lens 2, the connection system may be reversed so that the lens support 11 (or the ear
`
`stem support 13) extends acrossa portion of the posterior surface of the lens 2.
`Figure 2 shows a horizontal cross-sectional view througha portion of the eyeglass 10, across
`an eyeglass connector 1. The eyeglass connector 1 connects a lens 2 to a lens support 11 on a
`bridge 5. Asis illustrated in Figure 1, the lens support 11 extends across a portion ofthe anterior
`
`surface of the lens 2.
`
`The lens connector 1 comprises a fastener 40 such as a screw, having a radially enlarged
`
`head 42 connected to a threaded shaft 44. The threaded shaft 44 extends through a lens aperture 46,
`
`-2-
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`WO 2005/119344
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`
`and into a lens support aperture 48. The threaded shaft 44 and lens support aperture 48 have
`complimentary threads, to enable engagementof the fastener 40 with the lens support 11.
`In some
`embodiments, the fastener 40 can comprise an industry standard, 1.4 mm, stainless steel screw.
`The lens aperture 46 has a first, larger diameter 50 at the posterior side of the lens, and a
`second, smaller diameter 52 at the anterior side of the lens. This configuration, in cooperation with
`the configuration of the threaded shaft 44 creates a cavity, such as an annular cavity 54. The shape
`of the annular cavity 54 is generally determined by the configuration of the threaded shaft 44, a
`compression surface 58 on the anterior surface of the head 42, and the wall of the cavity 54.
`A compressible element 56 is positioned within the cavity 54. The compressible element 56
`can comprise any of a variety of compressible media, such as rubber, silicone, neoprene, and others
`which will be apparentto those of skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein.
`In general, the
`compressible element 56 is sufficiently compressible that, as the fastener is advanced into the lens
`support aperture 48, the compression surface 58 will force the compressible element 56 to compress
`along the axis of the advancing fastener and expand in a direction perpendicular to such axis,
`preferably causing the compressible element 56 to substantially conform to the shape of the cavity
`54,
`In some embodiments, the compressible element 56 can expand or compress in a variety of
`directions, according to the shapes of the cavity and the fastener employed. In some embodiments,
`the compressible element 56 is an o-ring formed fromanitrile material. Nitrile generally has good
`memory characteristics (e.g., a high compression set) and has the advantage of meeting certain
`environmental requirements. In another embodiment, the o-ring comprises another known material
`having a high compression set, so that the frame maintains a tightly assembled feel.
`In some
`embodiments, the o-ring is a standard, off-the-shelf o-ring or compressible element (e.g., not
`necessarily custom sized or made of a custom material).
`In some embodiments,
`the o-ring
`comprises Nitrile material having a Shore: A durometer of 85 +/- 10.
`In the illustrated embodiment,the lens aperture 46 has a slightly larger inside diameter along
`at least a portion of its length, than the outside diameter of the threaded shaft 44. This creates an
`annular space surrounding the threaded shaft 44, into which the compressible element 56 can at
`least partially extrude, under compression from the head 42. In this configuration, the lens aperture
`may be considered to have a stepped inside diameter, in which a greater inside diameter exists
`adjacent the posterior surface of the lens 2 and a smaller inside diameter exists adjacent an anterior
`
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`surface of the lens 2. However, the precise configuration of the lens aperture 46 may be varied
`
`considerably, while remaining within the scope of the present inventions.
`For example, Figure 3 illustrates an alternative configuration for the lens aperture 46. In the
`illustration, the lens aperture 46 includesa first, generally cylindrical portion adjacent the posterior
`surface of the lens. The generally cylindrical portion adjoins a frustoconical portion which tapers
`from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter in the direction of the anterior surface of the lens. As a
`further alternative,
`the entire lens aperture 46 may comprise a frustoconical, or
`tapered
`
`configuration.
`the compressible element 56 may take any of a variety of
`Prior to compression,
`configurations. In some embodiments, the compressible element 56 is a torus, having a body with a
`generally circular cross-section, rotated about a central aperture and joined to itself. See, for
`example, Figure 4. Alternatively, the compressible element 56 can have a substantially torroidal
`shape. In some embodiments the compressible element 56 can extend substantially completely
`around the fastener 40, but without joining to itself.
`In some embodiments, the compressible
`element 56 is C-shaped.
`In some embodiments,
`the compressible element
`is U-shaped.
`Furthermore, the cross-section may be any of a variety of non-round configurations, such as square,
`rectangular, triangular, or others, depending upon the desired performance. The uncompressed
`shape of the compressible element 56 can also be determined by economic factors. For example,
`shapes that are more readily available or cheaper to obtain or manufacture may be preferred.
`The total volume of the compressible element 56 is preferably calibrated with respect to the
`volume of the cavity 54 so that the compressible element 56 substantially fills the cavity 54 when
`the fastener 40is fully installed. Alternatively, depending upon the durometer of the compressible
`element 56, a larger or smaller portion of the cavity 54 may remain unfilled by the compressible
`element 56 upon complete assembly of the connector 1. The cavity 54 can act as a counterbore for
`the o-ring.
`In some embodiments, the counterbore constrains the o-ring from squeezing outward
`too far.
`In some embodiments, the counterbore diameteris slightly larger than the o-ring diameter.
`When compressed, the o-ring is forced outward (into the counterbore walls), thereby forcing the o-
`ring downward (which creates a tight feeling frame).
`A washer 60 may additionally be provided in-between the lens support 11 and the lens 2. In
`some embodiments, the washer comprises a poly washer.
`In one embodiment, for example, the
`poly washer comprises an industry-standard polyethelyne washer. The washer can form a complete
`
`An
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`ring, having an O-shape.
`
`In some embodiments, the washer can have a C-shape or a U-shape, for
`
`example.
`In some embodiments, the washer 60 can have a harder durometer than the compressible
`element 56. This can be especially desirable if the washer 60 is not intended to conform to fill a
`cavity with complex contours or structure. Thus, the washer 60 can be configured to distribute
`force into a greater surface area of a contacted surface. However, a harder material that does not
`conform can be better adapted to distributing force in a particular direction, as opposed to
`distributing force in various diffuse directions that may change depending on the shape and
`
`structure of the hole.
`| If the washer 60 and the compressible element 56 are both considered to bepart of a general
`set of force-distributing structures having different durometers, conformability can be inversely
`related to durometer. Thus, a compressible element 56 can be both more conforming andless hard
`than a washer 60. Accordingly, if the shape of a particularorifice to be filled by a force-distributing
`structure is more complex, it may be advantageous to choose a lower durometer, more highly
`conforming material. On the other hand, a higher durometer (and potentially higher strength)
`material can be chosen if the orifice or complementary structure is less complex andless likely to
`require drastic conformation.
`In accordance with another aspect of the embodiments described herein, the material from
`which the compressible element or o-ring is made preferably has a high compression set. The
`material of the o-ring preferably does not permanently conform to the shape into whichit is exerted,
`but can resiliently return to an original shape or volume. In one embodiment, the o-ring material or
`compressible element material comprises Shore A: 85 +/-5.
`In another embodiment, the o-ring
`material comprises Shore A: 70 through 90. The material is preferably not so soft that it becomes
`permanently deformed understress, resulting in a frame that feels loose.
`In one exemplary
`embodiment, the upper limit is about Shore A: 95 through 100.
`One aspect of the described system allows for
`less stringent machining tolerances.
`Imperfections in lens drilling or manufacturing tolerances can be effectively eliminated because the
`relatively soft material molds itself into the adjacent surfaces. For example, if a compressible
`element 56 is provided within a cavity 54, the cavity 54 need not be machined to match the size or
`configuration of the fastener 40 as precisely as may otherwise be desirable. Similarly, because the
`compressible element 56 can fill irregularly-formed cavities or voids, machining tolerances of
`
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`various portions of the system can be relaxed while at the same time minimizing adverse affects.
`Suchportions include, without limitation, the lens aperture 46, the larger diameter 50, the smaller
`diameter 52, the annular cavity 54, etc.
`Indeed, in some circumstances, it can be preferable to have
`lower machining tolerances because the manufacturing process can be faster.
`Inclusion of a
`compressible element 56 also allows for a wider variety of fasteners 40 to be used without a need
`for adapting the size of the annular cavity 54 to matchtheparticular fastener 40.
`Another advantage of the described system allows an increased contact area between the
`fastener 40 and the lens 2.
`If no compressible element 56 is used, the fastener 40 can contact the
`lens 2 directly at a few specific points. Becauseit is difficult to machine an annular cavity 54, for
`example,
`to exactly fit the contours of a fastener 40, slight differences in the two cooperative
`surfaces will concentrate the fastening force on a few cornersorprotrusions rather than distributing
`that force evenly over the annular cavity 54.
`In the absence of a compressible element 56, such
`uneven force distribution can lead to cracked lenses or to the creation of weak areas in brittle
`materials (such as a glass or polymer lens 2). However,
`the compressible element 56 can
`accommodate various irregularities in the two cooperative surfaces (e.g., one on the lens 2 and one
`on the fastener 40).
`In fact, while the irregularities may not be desirable where no compressible
`element 56 is present, such surface irregularities can in fact be helpful to provide the compressible
`element 56 slight depressions into which it can protrude, thus increasing the compressible element’s
`ability to randomly and/ordiffusefly distribute the force.
`Not only can the described system alleviate requirements for machining tolerances, the
`compressible elements or o-rings (or similar types of compressible washers or the like) can act as
`suspension buffers to absorb screw (or other mounting hardware) stress.
`In particular,
`the
`compressible element 56, when placed into contact with both the fastener 40 and the lens 2, can
`help spread force, which in turn can increase the useful lifetime ofthe lens. This effect can improve
`the efficiency of the contact between a rigid connection device (such as the fastener 40) and the
`complementary surface of a bore in a brittle material (such as a lens 2).
`In particular,
`the
`compressible element 56 can conform to adjacent surfaces. In one embodiment, the o-rings are soft
`enough that when compressed, for example, with a screw,
`the o-rings disperse stress evenly
`downward into the lens as well as outward from the o-ring. The dispersed load (downward and
`outward) substantially increases the surface area at which the stressis applied, thus dispersing the
`overall load.
`In contrast, a hard washer(e.g., an industry standard poly washer) may not have the
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`capability to conform and thereby exerts stress at contact points. Such stress can result in cracks or
`
`chipping in those areas.
`The compressible element 56 can also provide a fastener locking function by resisting
`twisting by the fastener 40. For example, if the fastener is tightened down, compressing the
`compressible element 56 and deforming that element, the fastener 40 can have great frictional
`resistance against the compressible element 56. The compressible element 56 can function as a
`resilient and/or rubbergrip, for example, that resists loosening of a screw or other fastener 40.
`[0030]
`The principles and inventions described herein can also have useful application
`in attaching brittle and/or rigid materials using hard components such as screws. For example,
`similar structures can be used in attaching panel or plate glass to vehicles or to buildings. For
`example, compressible o-rings can be used to distribute the force of a connecting screw, to prevent
`localized stress in brittle materials such as glass, and to allow for relaxed machining tolerances and
`more efficient manufacture.
`Another application is in goggles
`for swimming or skiing.
`Prescription inserts can be inserted into swimming or skiing goggles, requiring a connection
`between brittle or glass-like materials and involving metal screws, for example.
`Indeed,
`the
`" described inventions have broad applicability to reducing the risk of material failure due to fracture
`or other compromiseofthe integrity of two juxtaposed materials.
`{0031]
`While the inventions have been illustrated and described with particularity in
`terms of preferred embodiments, it should be understood that no limitation of the scope of the
`inventions is intended thereby. Features of any of the foregoing methods and devices may be
`substituted or added into the others, as will be apparentto those ofskill in the art. It should also be
`understood that variations of the particular embodiments described herein incorporating the
`principles of the present inventions will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art and yet be within
`the scope of the inventions.
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`Weclaim:
`
`1.
`
`An eyeglass connection system comprising:
`
`a lens with a first surface, a second surface, and a lens aperture extending from the
`
`first surface to the second surface, the lens aperture having a first region adjacentto the first
`
`surface of the lens with a first cross-sectional area and a second region adjacent to the
`
`second surface of the lens with a second cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area
`
`of the lens aperture being larger than the first cross-sectional area of the lens aperture;
`
`a compressible element with a first side and a second side, the compressible element
`
`positioned at least partially within the posterior region of the lens aperture;
`
`a lens support with a lens support aperture;
`
`a washer positioned between the lens and the lens support, the washer having a
`
`higher durometer than the compressible element; and
`
`a fastener with a head and a shaft, the head positioned near the second side of the
`
`compressible element and the shaft extending from the head, through the compressible
`
`element, lens aperture, and washer, and into the lens support aperture.
`
`2.
`
`3.
`
`4.
`
`The system of Claim 1, wherein the lens aperture comprises a frustoconical portion.
`
`The system of Claim 1, wherein the compressible element comprises an o-ring.
`
`The system of Claim 1, wherein the compressible element substantially surrounds
`
`the shaft of the fastener.
`
`5.
`
`The system of Claim 1, wherein the total volume of the compressible element
`
`substantially fills a cross-sectional area of the second region.
`
`6.
`
`The system of Claim 1, wherein the compressible element comprises a material
`
`having a durometerin the range of approximately Shore A: 70 through approximately shore A: 90.
`
`7.
`
`The system of Claim 1, wherein the compressible element comprises a material
`
`having a durometer less than approximately Shore A: 100.
`
`8.
`
`The system of Claim 1, wherein the compressible element comprises nitrile material
`
`having a Shore A durometer of approximately 85.
`
`9.
`
`10.
`
`The system of Claim 1, wherein the washeris a round, continuous annulus.
`
`The system of Claim 1, wherein the washer has a harder durometer than the
`
`compressible element.
`
`11.
`
`The system of Claim 1, wherein the washeris formed from polyethelyne.
`
`-8-
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`FIG. 2
`
`FIG. 5
`
`-10-
`
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`3/4
`
`
`
`FIG. 5
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`
`
`FIG. 6
`
`-12-
`
`

`

`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`A.
`CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER
`7
` G02C1
`IPC
`02
`
`| Application No
`Inter
`PCT/US2005/019710
`
`According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both nationalclassification and IPC
`B. FIELDS SEARCHED
`
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
`IPC 7
`G02C
`
`Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fietds searched
`
`Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, wherepractical, search terms used)
`
`EPO-Internal, WPI Data, PAd
`
`Cc. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`
`
`
`Category °|Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No.
`
`X
`
`WO 03/050595 A (SAFILO SOCIETA’ AZIONARIA
`FABBRICA ITALIANA LAVORAZIONE OCCHIALI
`S.P.A) 19 June 2003 (2003-06-19)
`page 7,
`line 13 - page 8,
`line 9
`page 10,
`line 10 - line 15
`page 11,
`line 3 - line 17
`
`1-11
`
`Further documents are listed in the continuation of box C.
`
`Patent family members arelisted in annex.
`
`*T"
`
`later document publishedafter the internationalfiling date
`or priority date and notin conflict with the application but
`cited to understandthe principle or theory underlying the
`invention
`"Xx" documentof particular relevance;the claimed invention
`cannot be considered novelor cannot be considered to
`involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone
`"Y" documentof particular relevance; the claimed invention
`cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the
`documentis combined with one or more other such docu—
`ments, such combination being obvious to a person skilled
`in the art.
`"&" document memberof the same patent family
`
`Cohen, A
`
`EP 0 666 490 A (KOBAYASHI, MITSUO; YUGEN
`KAISHA MONA JAPAN, CORPORATION)
`9 August 1995 (1995-08-09)
`column 9;
`line 25 - line 26
`column 10,
`line 22 - line 25
`column 11,
`line 26 - line 50;. figure 30
`----—
`/-
`
`°
`
`Special
`
`categories of cited documents :
`I categor!
`Sp
`nt
`*A‘ document defining the general state of the art which is not
`considered to be of particular relevance
`*E" earlier document but published on orafter the international
`filing date
`*L* document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or
`whichis cited to establish the publicationdate of another
`citation or other special reason (as specified)
`"O" documentreferring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or
`other means
`*P* document publishedprior to the international filing date but
`later than the priority date claimed
`
`Date of the actual completionof the international search
`
`Date of mailing of the intemational search report
`
`19 September 2005
`Nameand mailing address of the ISA
`European Patent Office, P.B. 5818 Patentlaan 2
`NI t 2280 HV Rijswijk
`Tel.
`(+31~70) 340-2040, Tx. 31 651 epo nl,
`Fax: (+31-70) 340-3016
`Form PCTISA/210 (second sheet) (January 2004)
`
`-13-
`
`29/09/2005
`Authorized officer
`
`

`

`
`inter,
`Application No
`
`PCT/US2005/019710
`
`
` Relevant to claim No.
`
`
`Category °|Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages
`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`C.Continuation) DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`
`EP 0 953 862 A (VISION OPTIC CO., LTD)
`3 November 1999 (1999-11-03)
`column 15,
`line 32 - column 16,
`column 18,
`lines 3-19
`column 18,
`line 46 - column 20,
`
`line 11
`
`line 48
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`WO 00/26716 A (MICROVISION OPTICAL,
`11 May 2000 (2000-05-11)
`page 3,
`line 3 - page 4,
`
`line 18
`
`INC)
`
`line
`
`Form PGT/SA/210 (continuation of second sheet) (January 2004)
`
`-14-
`
`US 2 332 160 A (MCDONELL WILLIAM E)
`19 October 1943 (1943-10-19)
`page 2, column 1,
`line 4 - column 2,
`36; figures
`
`
`
`

`

`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`Information on patent family members
`
`
`
`Inte!
`Application No
`
`
`
`
`Patent document
`cited in search report
`
`Publication
`date
`
`2002217437 A
`
`PCT/US2005/019710
`Publication
`date
`
`Patent family
`member(s)
`
`
`
`19-06-2003
`WO 03050595
`23-06-2003
`
` EP 0666490
` 09-08-1995
`
`170637
`15-09-1998
`DE
`69412994
`08-10-1998
`
`DE
`69412994
`12-05-1999
`
`DK
`666490
`07-06-1999
`
`ES
`2122084
`16-12-1998
`
`JP
`2608027
`07-05-1997
`
`18-08-1995
`JP
`7218871
`
`
`5450141 12-09-1995
`
` 03-11-1999 A
`
`
`
`2269860
`28-10-1999
`JP
`2000105356
`11-04-2000
`
`6170950
`
`09-01-2001
`
`
`
`
` 15-07-2005
`
`
`299600
`A
`11-05-2000
`AU
`757038
`30-01-2003
`22-05-2000
`AU
`1450100
`
`BR
`9915244
`24-07-2001
`
`
`CA
`2347180
`11-05-2000
`CN
`1325500
`05-12-2001
`DE
`69926138
`18-08-2005
`
`
`EP
`1127289
`29-08-2001
`22-04-2005
`HK
`1041053
`ID
`28404
`17-05-2001
`
`IL
`142750
`25-07-2004
`
`JP
`3593036
`24-11-2004
`
`10-09-2002
`JP
`2002529765
`
`22-07-2004
`JP
`2004206155
`
`NO
`20012147
`' 04-07-2001
`
`NZ
`511193
`31-10-2003
`
`21-08-2001
`200101221
`
`
`
`WO 0026716
`
`-
`
`
`
`Form PCT/ASA/210 (patent family annex) (January 2004)
`
`-15-
`
`