GB2574033A

GB2574033A - Optical article

Info

Publication number: GB2574033A
Application number: GB1808484.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Katzman Youval
Original assignee: Shamir Optical Industry Ltd
Current assignee: Shamir Optical Industry Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-23
Filing date: 2018-05-23
Publication date: 2019-11-27
Also published as: GB201808484D0; WO2019224828A1

Abstract

An optical article such as eyeglasses, goggles, masks, visors and helmets has a frame unit 310 with a lens mount which has a clearance surface 314 and a lens engaging surface 312. The assembly has a lens 350 with a first optical surface 352, an opposite second optical surface 354, and a frame mounting portion having a frame facing wall 358 disposed between the first and second optical surfaces. The frame facing wall has a frame engaging surface 359 which engages the lens engaging surface. A film layer with a first film surface 363a is adhered to the majority of the first optical surface and has an opposite second film surface 363b, and a film layer mounting wall 366 in between. The film layer mounting wall at least partially faces the clearance surface and at least a portion of the film layer mounting wall is adjacent to the frame facing wall. The film layer mounting wall is spaced from the clearance surface by a gap 330 which is free of material having the same or greater rigidity than the clearance surface. A majority of the film surfaces may be spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

Description

OPTICAL ARTICLE

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to the field of eyeglasses, and more particularly, to optical article assemblies, optical article kits and methods of assembling optical articles.

BACKGROUND

Lenses of optical articles, such as eyeglasses, goggles, masks such as ski masks, visors, helmets etc. are commonly coated on one or both optical surfaces to provide particular optical and other functional qualities to a wearer. Coatings may have antireflection properties, polarizing properties, scratch resistance properties and/or antiabrasion properties to protect the lens, anti-fog properties, or colourising properties, for example. Conventionally, coalings are provided on the lenses of the optical article by deposition processes. Such processes and methods are costly and time consuming.

It is also known to provide coatings tor lenses of optical articles in the form of a film separate from and subsequently adhered to the lenses of the optical article. Such coatings are more simple and cost effective for manufacturing eyewear.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is related to an optical article having at least one lens with a film layer adhered thereto.

According to a first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an optical article assembly comprising:

a frame unit comprising a lens mounting portion having a clearance surface and a lens engaging surface;

a lens comprising a first optical surface, an opposite second optical surface, and a frame mounting portion having a frame facing wall disposed between the first and

-2second optical surfaces, the frame facing wall having a frame engaging surface which engages said lens engaging surface;

a film layer comprising a first, film surface adhered to at least a majority of said first optical surface, an opposite second film surface, and a film layer mounting wall disposed between the first and second film surfaces and at least partially facing the clearance surface, at least a portion of said film layer mounting wall being adjacent to the frame facing wall and being spaced from said clearance surface by a gap which is free of material having the same or greater rigidity than that of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

According to a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an optical article kit comprising:

a lens comprising a first optical surface, an opposite second optical surface, and a frame mounting portion having a frame facing wall disposed between the first and second optical surfaces, the frame facing wall having a frame engaging surface which is configured to engage said lens engaging surface;

a film layer comprising a first film surface adhered to at least a majority of said first optical surface, an opposite second film surface, and a film layer mounting wall disposed between the first and second film surfaces and configured to at least partially face the clearance surface, at least a portion of said film layer mounting wall being adjacent to the frame facing wall and when the lens is mounted to the lens mounting portion, said film layer mounting wall being configured to be spaced from said clearance surface by a gap which is configured to be free of material having the same or greater rigidity than that of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

The term optical article as used herein refers io any article which provides optical properties, or optical protection, to a wearer. For example, optical articles may include, but are not limited to, eyeglasses, goggles, masks such as ski masks, visors and helmets, for example.

- 3 ’Ihe term adjacent to as used herein refers to a position of the film layer mounting wall or part thereof with respect to the frame facing wall such that they are substantial 1 y consecutive.

The lens mounting portion is a portion of the frame unit configured for mounting a lens to the frame unit. When a frame unit connects to a lens via the lens mounting portion, forces such as pressure forces, compressive forces, tensile forces and/or shear forces are transferred between the lens and the frame mounting portion. Such forces if transferred to the adhered film layer would result in undesirable effects such as bubbles ana waves as the film layer would become separated from the first optical surface of the tCisS at du. surface at wnich n was adhered, or optical distortions due to stresses m the film and/or adhesive. Bubbles, waves and distortions can reduce the aesthetic appearance of the optical article and impair the visibility through the ontical article’s lenses. However, due to the presence of the gap of the first and second aspects provided between the film layer mounting wall and the clearance surface of the frame mounting portion, such forces will not be transferred to the film layer via the film layer mounting wall. In this manner, the frame unit can support the lens in a robust and resilient manner, while eliminating the above undesirable effects.

The film layer of the presently disclosed subject matter is adhered to a given lens m order to provide one or more optical and/or mechanical properties to the lens. For example, die fi-m -aver may comprise anti-reflection properties, polarizing properties, photochromic properties, anti-fog properties, colourising properties, UV or sR lefleciive 01 absorbing properties, scratch resistance properties, anti-abrasion properties and/or self-healing properties to protect the lens. The film layer may comprise a film material such as a thermoplastic polymer. The film layer may be provided as a sticker, and may be adhered to the lens by a glue or other adhesives provided therewith.

he film layer mounting wall may be at least, a part of an outer peripheral surface of the film layer, or the entire outer peripheral surface. Alternatively, the film layer may comprise a borehole passing therethrough between the first and second film surfaces, and the film layer mounting wall may be at least a part of an inner peripheral surface of the borehole, or the entire inner peripheral surface. The borehole in the film

4layer can be formed by a drilling machine, or any other suitable means, before or after lamination of the film layer to the lens.

A thickness of the film layer between the first film surface and the second film surface may be in the range of 10-500 microns.

At least a majority of the second film surface may be spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

At least a majority of the first film surface may be spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

The entire film layer may be spaced from the lens mounting portion.

The spacing of any part of the film surfaces from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion, or spacing of the film layer from the lens mounting portion ensures that no forces wilt be transferred to that part of the film surface or film layer which is spaced from the lens mounting portion. Consequently, the above-described undesirable effects can be eliminated at those parts of the film surfaces or in the film layer.

The film layer may comprise a first film edge at which the first film surface and the film layer mounting wall meet, and at least a portion of the first film edge may be spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion by the gap.

The first film edge may be adjacent, to the frame facing wall.

Said first film edge may be in contact with a lens edge of the lens at which the first optical surface and the frame facing wall meet.

The frame facing wall may comprise a frame free surface disposed between the frame engaging surface and the first optical surface,

At least a portion of the frame free surface may face the clearance surface and may be spaced from the clearance surface by the gap.

Since the frame free surface is spaced from the clearance surface by the gap, it would require great distortion or relative movement between the lens and the frame unit to bring the frame unit into contact with the film layer mounting wail. Consequently, the chances of accidental force transfer between the frame unit and the film layer are reduced, and the above-described undesirable effects can be further eliminated.

The gap may be defined by the clearance surface, the frame free surface and the film layer mounting wall.

I he first film edge may be adjacent to the frame free surface.

The film layer mounting wall and the frame facing wall may be disposed consecutively.

The frame facing wall may have an imaginary surface extending therefrom towards and beyond the first optical surface, and the film layer mounting wall may face tne imaginary surface at the gap or may extend parallel to the imaginary surface.

The film layer mounting wall may extend along at least part of the imaginary surface. Alternatively, the film layer mounting wall may be orientated at an acute angle with respect to the imaginary surface. In each case, the film layer mounting wall does not depart at all, or significantly from the imaginary surface, thereby allowing the optical properties provided by the film to be provided over a greater extent of the first optical surface of the lens.

The lens mounting portion may comprise one or more of the following elements; a washer, a nut, a screw, a shaft, a compressible element, a rivet, and a portion of the frame unit. The clearance surface of the lens mounting portion can be any surface of each of these elements, or any combination of more than one surface of these elements. The lens engaging surface, which is a different surface than the clearance surface, can be any surface of each of these elements, or any combination of more than one surface of these elements.

In tne event that the lens mounting portion comprises a rivet, such a rivet may comprise a compressible media, such as one or more of rubber, silicone and neoprene, for example. The rivet may be configured to conform to fill a cavity in the lens and apply force to at least some walls c*f the cavity.

The first film surface may be adhered to the entirety of the first optical surface. With this arrangement, the optical properties provided by the film can be provided over the entirety of the first optical surface of the lens.

A distance across the gap between the film layer mounting wall and the clearance surface may be between 0.01 mm and 5 mm. A distance of between 0.01 mm and 5 mm across the gap between the film layer mounting wall and the clearance

- 6 surface is not apparent to the wearer of the optical article and will not impede the wearer's vision in any way. Such a distance is also not visible to an onlooker and thus does not impair the aesthetic appearance of the glasses.

The gap may be free of material having the same or greater rigidity than that of the film layer.

Since the gap is free of material having the same or greater rigidity than that of the him layer, then it any forces are transferred through the gap, then any material in the gap which is less rigid than the firm layer can deform before the film layer is forced away from the first optical surface of the lens, thereby absorbing at least some of the transferred forces, avoiding bubbles, waves and distortions and mitigating the abovedescribed undesirable effects.

The gap may be free of any material. No forces are transferred via the gap if the gap is free of any material, thus the above-described undesirable effects can be eliminated.

A filler may be at least partially disposed in the gap, wherein the filler may comprise a material having a rigidity lower than that of at least one of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion and the film layer. Since the material of the filler tias a ngiaity lower than that of at least one of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion and the film layer, then any deformation, which would otherwise be caused in the lens by forces transferred to the lens, will be at least partially absorbed by the material which is of lower rigidity than that of at least one of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion and the film layer. Consequently, the presence of bubbles, waves and distortions between the adhered film layer and the first optical surface of the lens will be reduced and visibility in terms of clarity of the lens and lack of distortion of light will be increased.

A further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter is also envisaged, comprising the assembly ot the first aspect, comprising the kit of the second aspect assemoled m a manner such as to arrive at the result for which the components of the kit have been configured.

According to a third aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a method for assembling an optical article assembly comprising:

providing a frame unit comprising a lens mounting portion having a clearance surface and a lens engaging surface;

providing a lens comprising a first optical surface, an opposite second optical surface, and a frame mounting portion having a frame facing wall disposed between the first ana second optical surfaces, the frame lacing wall having a frame engaging surface;

providing a film layer comprising a firs'· film surface adhered to at least a majority or said first optical surface, an opposite second film surface, and a film layer mounting wall disposed between the first and second film surfaces, at least a portion of tlie film layer mounting wall being adjacent to the frame facing wall;

mounting said lens to said lens mounting portion by engaging said frame engaging surface with said lens engaging surface, thereby bringing said film layer mounting wail to a position in which said film layer mounting wall at least partially faces the clearance surface and at least a portion of said film layer mounting wall is spaced from said clearance surface by a gap which is free of material having the same or greater rigidity than that of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

At the step ot mounting the lens to the lens mounting portion, at least a majority of die second film surface may be spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

At the step of mounting the lens to the lens mounting portion, at least a majority of the first film surface may be spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

I he film layer may comprise a first film edge at which the first film surface and the film layer mounting wall meet, and at the step of mounting the lens to the lens mounting portion, at. least a portion of the first film edge may be spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion by the gap.

.At the step of mounting the lens to the lens mounting portion, the entire film layer may be spaced from the lens mounting portion.

I he frame facing wall may comprise a frame free surface disposed between the frame engaging surface and the first optical surface.

At the step or mounting the lens to the lens mounting portion, at least a portion of the frame free surface may face the clearance surface and may be spaced from the clearance surface by the gap.

The method may comprise adhering the first film surface to at least a majority of the first optical surface.

The method may comprise adhering the first film surface to the entirety of the first optical surface.

The method may comprise forming at least one of the frame facing wall and the film layer mounting wail subsequent to adhering the first film surface to the first optical surface and prior to mounting the lens to the lens mounting portion. Forming may comprise at least one of lathe machining, CNC machining and drilling.

The method may comprise positioning the film layer mounting wall and the frame facing wall consecutively.

The method may comprise positioning a filler at least partially in the gap, wherein the filler may comprise a material having a rigidity lower than that of at least one of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion and the film layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig, 1A shows a top view of an optical article assembly according to a first example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. IB shows a perspective view of the optical article assembly of Fig. 1 A;

Fig. 1C shows a cut-away perspective view of the optical article assembly of Fig. 1A, taken along the line A-A in Fig. IB;

Fig. ID shows an enlarged front view of section AA encircled by a dashed line in Fig. 1C;

Fig. 2A shows a top view of an optical article assembly a second example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Fig. 28 shows a perspective view of the optical article assembly of Fig. 2A;

fig. 2(.. shows a cut-away perspective view of the optical article assembly of Fig. 2A, taken along the line B-B in Fig. 2B;

Fig. 2D shows an enlarged front view of section BB encircled by a dashed line in Fig. 2C;

Fig. 3 A shows a top view of an optical article assembly a third example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

Mg. 3B shows a perspective view of the optical article assembly of Fig. 3 A:

Fig. 3C shows a cut-away perspective view of the optical article assembly of Fig. 3A, taken along the line C-C in Fig. 3B;

Fig. 3D shows an enlarged front view of section CC encircled by a dashed line in Fig. 3C;

Fig. 4A shows a top view of an optical article assembly a fourth example of the presently disclosed subject, matter;

Fig. 4B shows a perspective view of the optical article assembly of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 4C shows a cut-away perspective view of the optical article assembly of Fig. 4A, taken along the line D-D in Fig. 4B;

Fig. 4D shows an enlarged front view of section DD encircled by a dashed line in Fig. 4C;

Mg. 5A shows a top view of an optical article assembly a fifth example of the presently disclosed subject matter;

fig. SB shows a perspective view of the optical article assembly of Fig. 5 A;

Mg. 5(, shows a cut-away perspective view of the optical article assembly of Fig. 5 A, taken along the line E-E in Fig. 5B;

Fig. 5D shows an enlarged front view of section EE encircled by a dashed line in Fig. 5C; and

Fig. 5E shows an enlarged front view of section FF encircled by a dashed line in Fig. 5C.

- 10DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1A shows an optical article assembly 100 comprising a frame unit 110 and a lens 150. The optical article assembly 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a pair of eyeglasses of the rimless type. It is appreciated that the optical article assembly 100 has an additional lens and additional portions of the frame unit HO, which together form eyeglasses. However, these additional elements are not shown m the drawings for reasons of simplicity in describing the presently disclosed subject matter. With reference to Figs. IB, 1C and ID, within the meaning of optical article assembly” in the present disclosure, the frame unit 110 could be considered to be either an arm 112 or a bridge 114, together with the connecting screws 116, washers 118 and nuts 120. The frame unit 110 comprises a lens mounting portion III, which is a portion of the frame unit 110 configured for mounting the lens 150 to the frame unit 110. In this particular example, the lens mounting portion 111 comprises four compressible washers 118, 118’, 118 and 118’”, two nuts 120 and 120% two connecting screws 116 and 116', and portions of the arm 112 and the bridge 114. The screws 116 and 116' pass through the lens 150. thereby preventing relative rotation of the bridge 114 and the lens 150 once the screws 116, 116’ and the nuts 120, 120’ have been tightened.

Explanations below are made with reference to the screw 116, the washers 118, 118', and the nut 120, however, they are similarly relevant for the screw 116', the washers 118, 118’ and the nut 120'.

The lens 150 comprises first and second optical surfaces 152, 154, and a frame mounting portion 157 having a frame facing wall 157a disposed between the first and second optical surfaces 152, 154. The frame mounting portion 157 is arranged for mounting the lens 150 to the lens mounting portion 111. In this particular example, each optical surface 152, 154 of the lens 150 comprises a respective film layer 162, 164 adhered thereto; however it is also envisaged that a film layer 162, 164 may be adhered to only one or the other of the optical surfaces 152, 154. Passing through the film layers 162, 164 and the lens 150 are boreholes which provide passageway for the screws 116 and 116’ of the lens mounting portion 111. The borehole of the screw 116 comprises a centra] portion 156 having a first diameter, and two end portions 158a and 158b having

- 11 a second diameter which is larger than the first diameter. In other words, the borehole comprises a nanower centra! borehole 156 having two wider countersunk ends 158a and 158b. The change in borehole diameter occurs at a respective shoulder 159a and 159b provided m each of the end portions 158a and 158b. The shoulders 159a and 159b are arranged to be parallel to one another even if the lens curvature differs on each of the surfaces 152 and 154, to ensure that compression forces from the screw 116 are evenly applied to the lens 150.

In this specific example, the borehole arrangement is a circular-cylindrical arrangement; however it is envisaged that the boreholes may have other suitable cross sections for engagement of the lens mounting portion and tor providing a gap from the clearance portion.

The borehole for the screw 116 is bored through both the film layers 162, 164 and the lens 150 using known boring techniques which are capable of forming boreholes without damaging or disrupting the level of adhesion of the film adjacent to the end portions 158a and 158b. The same applies to the borehole for the screw 116'.

The bridge 114 is mounted to the lens 150 by the screw 116, which passes through the bridge 114, followed by a washer 118 which abuts at a first, surface against a side of the bridge 114, and at a second surface against the shoulder 159a. The screw 116 continues to pass through the central portion 156 of the borehole, through the washer 118' which abuts against the shoulder 159b, and finally through the nut 120 which fastens io the end of the screw 116 and can be tightened to achieve a secure connection between the bridge 114 and the lens 150.

In this connection arrangement, the outer diameter of the washers 118 and 118' is smaller than the inner diameter of the end portions 158a and 158b, even when the washers 118 and 118' are compressed by the screw 116 being tightened to achieve a secure connection. This provides annular gaps between the washers 118 and 118’ and the inner circumferential surface of the end portions 158a and 158b. Further, the washer 118 is arranged to have a depth greater than that of the washer 118’ even when compressed, to hold the bridge 114 away from the film layer 162. At the other end portion 158b, the nut 120 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the end portion 158b. Consequently, the bridge 114 and washer 118 are spaced from the

- 12 film layer 162 by a gap 130, while the nut 120 and the washer 118' are spaced from the film layer 164 by a gap 130’.

Although in this specific example, the bridge 114 is shown as being mounted to the first optical surface 152 of the lens 150, it is also envisaged that the attachment arrangement may be reversed, so that the bridge 114 is mounted to the second optical surface 154 of the lens 150. In any event, the bridge 114 is capable of being mounted to a convex or a concave surface of a lens.

The lens mounting portion ill comprises a lens engaging surface 117 that engages the lens 150. The lens engaging surface 117 is considered to be an outer circumferential surface of the shaft of the screw 116 that passes through the narrow central portion 156 of the borehole, together with portions of the washers 118 and 118’ which engage the lens 150. The surfaces of the lens mounting portion 111 which face but do not contact the film layers 162, 164 can be considered to be clearance surfaces 119 and 119’ of the lens mounting portion 111. In particular, the clearance surface 119 comprises the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the washer 118 which faces the film layer 162, while the clearance surface 119’ comprises the outer circumferential surfaces of the nut 120 and the washer 118'.

In this example, the frame facing wall 157a is the wall of the borehole portions 156, 158a and 158b which pass through the lens 150. The frame facing wall 157a has a frame engaging surface 155 which is the inner circumferential surface of the narrower central portion I5o of the borehole. The frame engaging surface 155 engages the lens engaging surface 117. In other words, the inner circumferential surface of the central portion i 56 of the borehole engages the outer circumferential surface of the screw 116.

In the present example, a first surface 163a, 165a of each of the film layers 162, 164 contacts and is adhered to the entire respective optical surface 152, 154 at which it is located. This allows the optical properties provided by the film to be provided over the entirety of the first optical surface of the lens 150.

Each of the film layers 162, 164 has a second surface 163b, 165b, opposite to and separated from the respective first surface 163a, 165a by means of a respective film layer mounting wall 166a, 166b disposed between the first and second film surfaces. The film layer mounting wall 166a faces the clearance surface 119, and die film layer

- 13 mounting wall 166b faces the clearance surface 119*. Further, the film layer mounting wall 166a is adjacent to, i.e. consecutive with, the end portion 158a, and the film layer mounting wall 166b is adjacent to. i.e. consecutive with, the end portion 158b. In this particular example, a thickness of each film layer 162, 164 between the respective first film surface 163a, 165a and the respective second film surface 163b, 165b is 190 microns, and a thickness of the adhesive between the first surface of the film 163a, 165a and the respective optical surface 1542, 154 is 50 microns.

As described above, the film layer mounting wall 166a is spaced from the clearance surface 119 by the gap J 30, and the film layer mounting wall 166b is spaced from the clearance surface 119' by the gap 130', Due to the gaps 130, 130’, the entiretv ot each film layer 162, 164 - which includes the entirety of both the first film surface 163a, 165a and second film surface 16.3b, 165b of each film layer 162, 164 - is spaced from the respective clearance surface 119. 119'. The gaps 130, 130' are shown as being free of any material, although a filler less rigid than the film layers 162, 164 and/or less rigid than the clearance surfaces 119, 119' can be provided in the gaps 130, 130*.

Since the gaps 130, 130' provide a spacing between the respective film layer 162, 164 and the lens mounting portion 111, there is prevented a transfer of forces between the frame unit 110 and the film layers 162, 164 adhered to the lens 150. Such forces if transferred to the adhered film layers 162, 164 would result in undesirable effects such as bubbles and waves as the film layers 162, 164 would become separated from the respective optical surface 152, 154 of the lens at the first surface 16.3a, 165a at which they are adhered, or optical distortions due to stresses in the film and/or adhesive. Bubbles, waves and distortions can reduce the aesthetic appearance of the optical article and impair the visibility through the optical article’ lenses. However, due to the presence of the gaps 130, 130'. such forces will not be transferred to the film layers 162, 164. In this manner, the frame unit HO can support the lens 150 in a robust and resilient manner, while eliminating the above undesirable effects. As shown in more detail m the gap 130 shown in Fig. ID, the film layer 162 comprises a first film edge 168, which is an edge at which the first film surface 163a and the film layer mounting wall 166a meet. The first film edge 168 is spaced from the clearance surface 119 of the lens mounting portion 111 by the gap 130.

As shown in Figure ID, D_} is a distance across the gap 130 between the film layer mounting wall 166a and the clearance surface 119. The distance D- is substantially constant along the film layer mounting wall, and may be between 0.01 mm and 3 mm. Suen a distance is not apparent to the wearer of the optical article and will not impede the wearer's vision in any way. Such a distance is also not visible to an onlooker and thus does not impair the aesthetic appearance of the glasses.

Further, in this particular example, the gap 130 is defined by the clearance surface 1 i9, the film layer mounting wall 166a and a frame free surface 153. The frame free surface 15.3 is a portion oi the lens 150 which is free of contact with the frame unit HO. A portion of the frame free surface 153 faces the clearance surface 119 and is spaced from the Clearance surface 11 y by the gap 130. Thus in this example, not only the film layer 162, 164 is spaced from the clearance surface 119 of the frame unit 110, but also a portion of the lens 150. In this manner, even if the lens undergoes some Slight distortion or applied force, the him layer 162. 164 will not accidentally come into contact with the frame unit 110.

The first film edge 168 is adjacent to, i.e. consecutive with, the frame facing wad 15 /a, and is in contact with a lens edge 153a of the lens 150. The lens edge 153a is an edge of the lens 150 at which the first optical surface 152 and the frame facing wall 157a meet.

As an alternative io the above, the borehole may be of constant diameter throughout, and the him layer may have an annular section removed surrounding the borehole, this may leave a surface with some adhesive film remaining between a bolt, rivet, pin or otner connecting component and the borehole. However, this section of adhesive film functions as a part ot the frame unit, in avoiding damage to the lens and further allowing the connecting component to be isolated in terms of direct load transfer between the clearance surface and the film layer which surrounds trie borehole. As another possibility, tnc film layer may have a circular section removed surrounding the borehole. I his may leave a surface with no adhesive film remaining between a bolt, rivet, pin or other connecting component and the borehole. Thus the outer peripheral surface of the connecting component, i.e. clearance surface of the frame unit, is isolated .from the surrounding film layer in terms of direct load transfer between the clearance surface and the film layer which surrounds the borehole.

In trie event that tne lens mounting portion comprises a rivet, such a rivet may comprise a compressible media, such as one or more of rubber, silicone and neoprene, for example. The rivet may be configured to conform to fill a cavity in the lens, such as an end portion L>8a, 158b of the borehole, and to apply force to at least some walls of the cavity. The use of a rivet may obviate the need for a nut.

Fig. 2 A shows an optical article assembly 200 comprising a frame unit 210 and a iens 250. The optical article assembly 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment is a pair of eyeglasses of the rimmed type, i.e. where the frame unit 210 surrounds the lens 250. It is appreciated that the optical article assembly 200 has an additional lens and additional portions of the frame unit 210, which together form eyeglasses. However, these additional elements are not shown in the drawings for reasons of simplicity in describing the presently disclosed subject matter. With reference to Figs. 2B, 2C and 2D, within the meaning of optical article assembly in the present disclosure, frame unit 210 may comprise a single plastic, polymer or other material moulding into which lens 250 is arranged to be fitted. The purpose of the frame unit is to support the lens to maintain the optical article in a structurally sound manner and allow comfortable placement on the wearer. Thus the frame unit may alternatively comprise a structure, such as a metal, plastic, polymer natural material or other frame, which may be a single structure, or may comprise several portions which are arranged to be connected to fully or partially surround and support the lens.

As shown in the enlarged portion of Fig. 2D, frame unit 210 comprises a lens mounting portion 212 disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the frame unit 210, having two clearance surfaces 214, 214' and a lens engaging surface 218. The lens engaging surface 218 is provided as an annular recess in the inner circumferential surface or the lens mounting portion 212, having a radial profile arranged to receive and at least partially conform with an annular protrusion having a corresponding profile, protruding radially outwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the lens 250.

The lens 250 shown is a plus lens designed to correct Hyperopia. Such lenses naturally are deeper in their center and shallower towards their peripheral edge.

- 16The lens 250 comprises a first optical surface 252 and a second optical surface 254, opposite to the first optica! surface 252. Adhered to each optica] surface 252, 254 is a respective film layer 262, 264. The lens 250 comprises a frame mounting portion 256 having a frame facing wall '258 disposed between the first and second optical surfaces 2.?2, 254 of the lens 250. The frame facing wall 258 has a frame engaging surface 259 which engages the lens engaging surface 218. As described above, the frame engaging surface 259 comprises an annular protrusion, protruding radially outwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the lens 250. The annular protrusion is arranged to be received in the annular recess of the lens mounting portion 212, and has a radial profile arranged to at. least partially conform with that of the annular recess. It is also envisaged that according to another example, the frame engaging surface 259 may instead comprise an annular recess in the outer circumferential surface of the lens 250, while as the lens engaging surface 218, the lens mounting portion 212 may comprise a corresponding annular, radially inward protrusion on its inner circumferential surface, arranged to be received in the annular recess of the lens 250.

Each film layer 2.62, 264 comprises a first surface 263a, 265a which is adhered to the entirety of the respective optical surface 252, 254 of the lens 250, and a second surface 263b, 265b, opposite to the first surface, which faces away from the lens 250. Since the first surfaces 263a, 265a are adhered to the entirety of the respective optical surfaces 252. 254, the optical properties provided by the film layers 262, 2.64 can be provided over the entirety ot the respective optical surfaces 252, 254. Between the first and second surfaces of each film layer 262, 264 is a respective film layer mounting wal l 266, 266'. The film layer mounting wall 266 faces the clearance surface 214., and the film layer mounting wall 266' faces the clearance surface 214'. in this particular example, a thickness of each film layer 262, 264 between the respective first film surface 263a, 265a and the respective second film surface 263b, 265b is 190 microns, and a thickness of the adhesive between the first surface of the film 163a„ 165a and the respective optical surface 1542, 154 is 50 microns.

lhe film layer mounting walls 266. 266' of the film layers 262, 264 are disposed adjacent to, i.e. consecutively with, die frame facing wall 258 of the lens 250, and are

- 17spaced from the respective clearance surface 214, 214' by a respective gap 230, 230’. lhe gaps 230, 230’ are shown as being free of material. Therefore any forces, such as compressive forces, between the frame unit 210 and the lens 250 when they are mounted together, will not be transferred to the film layer 262, 264, rather to the lens 250 itself via the respective engagement surfaces 218, 259. This prevents bubbles, waves and distortions being created m the film layer 262, 264 as a result of separation of foe film layers 262, 264 from the respective optical surfaces 252, 254 of the lens 250 at the adhesive first surfaces 263 a, 265a of the film layers 262, 264.

As shown in Figure 21), a distance across the gap 230' between the film layer mounting wall 266’ and the clearance surface 214’ varies between a shorter distance D? and a longer distance Dj'. Such distances Dj, D·?’ may be between 0.01 mm and 5 mm. Such distances are not. apparent to the wearer of the optical article and will not impede the wearer’s vision in any way. Such distances are also not visible to an onlooker and thus does not impair the aesthetic appearance of the glasses. In a similar manner, distances across the gap 230 also vary.

It is also envisaged that the gaps 230, 230’ may comprise a filler having a lower rigidity, i.e. being more easily deformable, than the film layers 262, 264 and/or than the clearance surfaces 214, 214' of the lens mounting portion 212, such that the filler will detorm first before applying force and deformation to the film layers 262, 264.

The film layer mounting wall 266 of the film layer 262 is parallel to, and extends along, a part of an imaginary surface I extending from the frame facing wall 2.58 towards and beyond the respective first optical surface 252.

As shown in Fig. 2D, the entire film layers 262, 264, which include all of the first film surfaces 263a, 265a and second film surfaces 263b, 265b are spaced from the lens mounting portion 212 by the gaps 230, 230’. This spacing ensures that no forces will be transferred to the film surfaces 263a, 263b, 265a, 265b. Consequently, the above-described undesirable effects can be ehmiriated at those parts of the film surfaces 263a, 263b, 265a, 265b or any other part of the film layers 262, 264.

Ihe film layer 262 comprises a first film edge 268, which is an edge at which the respective first film surface 263a and the film layer mounting wall 266 meet. As shown in Fig, 2D, the first film edge 268 is spaced from the clearance surface 214 by

- 18 the gap 230. The first film edge 268 is in contact with a lens edge 2.53 of the lens 250 at which the optical surface 252 and the frame facing wall 258 meet.

The frame facing wall 258 comprises a frame free surface 2.55 disposed between the frame engaging surface 259 and the optical surface 252. The frame free surface 255 faces the clearance surface .214 and is spaced from the clearance surface 214 by the gap 230. The first film edge 268 is adjacent to the frame free surface 255, and the gap 230 is defined by the clearance surface 214, the frame free surface 255 and the film layer mounting wall 266. Since the frame free surface 255 is spaced from the clearance surface 214 by the gap 230, it would require great, distortion or relative movement between the lens 250 and the frame unit 210 to bring the frame unit 210 into contact with the film layer mounting wall 266. Consequently, the chances of accidental force transfer between the frame unit 210 and the film layer 262, 264 are reduced, and the above-described undesirable effects can be further eliminated.

Fig. 3A shows a similar optical article assembly 300 to the optical article assembly 2.00 desen ned above. The optical article assembly 300 comprises a frame unit 310 and a lens 3.50. The optical article assembly 300 according to the present exemplary embodiment is also a pair of eyeglasses of the rimmed type, i.e. where the frame unit 310 surrounds the lens 350. It is appreciated that the optical article assembly 300 has an additional lens and additional portions of the frame unit 310, which together torrn eyeglasses. However, these additional elements are not shown in the drawings for reasons of simplicity in describing the presently disclosed subject matter. With reference to Figs. 38, 3C and 3D, within the meaning of’’optical article assembly in the present disclosure, frame unit 310 may comprise a single plastic, polymer or other material moulding into which lens 350 is arranged to be fitted. The purpose of the frame unit is to support the lens to maintain the optical article in a structurally sound manner and allow comfortable placement on the wearer. Thus the frame unit, may alternatively comprise a structure, such as a metal, plastic, polymer natural material or other frame, which may be a single structure, or may comprise several portions which are arranged to be connected to fully or partially surround and support the lens.

As shown in the enlarged portion of Fig. 3D, frame unit 310 comprises a lens mounting portion 312 disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the frame unit

- 19310, having a clearance surface 314 and a lens engaging surface 318. The lens engaging surface .318 is provided as an annular recess in the inner circumferential surface of the lens mounting portion 312, having a radial profile arranged to receive and at least partially conform with an annular protrusion having a corresponding profile, protruding radially outwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the lens 350.

The lens .350 shown is a minus lens designed to correct Myopia. Such lenses naturally are shallower in their center and deeper towards their peripheral edge.

Trie lens 350 comprises a first optical surface 352 and a second optical surface 354, opposite to the first optical surface 352. Adhered to the first optical surface 352 is a film layer 362. The lens .350 comprises a frame mounting portion 356 having a frame facing wall 358 disposed between the first and second optical surfaces 352, 354 of the lens 350. The frame facing wail 358 has a frame engaging surface 359 which engages the lens engaging surface 318. As described above, the frame engaging surface 359 comprises an annular protrusion, protruding radially outwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the lens 350. U is also envisaged that according to another example, die frame engaging surface 359 may instead comprise an annular recess in the outer circumferential surface of the lens 350, while as the lens engaging surface 318, the lens mounting portion 312 may comprise a corresponding annular, radially inward protrusion on its inner circumferential surface, arranged to be received in the annular recess of the lens 350.

The film layer 362 comprises a first surface 363a which is adhered to the entirety ot the first optical surface 352 of the lens 350, and a second surface 363b, opposite to the first surface, which faces away from the lens 350. Since the first surface 363a is adhered to the entirety of the first optical surface 352 of the lens 350, the optical properties provided by the film layer 362 can be provided over the entirety of the first, optical surface 352 of the lens 350. Between the first and second surfaces 362a, 362b is a film layer mounting wall 366. The film layer mounting wall 366 faces the clearance surface 314. in this particular example, a thickness of the film layer 362 between the first film surface 363a and the second film surface 363b is 190 microns, and a thickness of the adhesive between tne nrst surface of the film 163a, 165a and the respective optical surface 1542, 154 is 50 microns.

-20The film layer mounting wall 366 is disposed adjacent to, i.e. consecutively with, the frame facing wall 358, and is spaced from the clearance surface 314 of the lens mounting portion 312 of the frame unit 310 by a gap 330. The gap 330 is shown as being free of material. Therefore any forces, such as compressive forces, between the frame unit 310 and the lens 350 when they are mounted together, will not. be transferred to she film layei .>6zi, ra-tner to die tens .>50 itseif via lire respective engagement sunaees 318, 359. This prevents bubbles, waves and distortions being created in the film layer 362 as a result of separation of the film layer 362 from the first optica! surface 352 of the lens 350 at the adhesive first surface 363a of the film layer 362.

As shown in Figure 3D, a distance across the gap 330 between the film layer mounting wall 366 anu the clearance smtace .> i4 vanes between a shorter distance D^ and a longer distance D-f. Such distances D-j, Df may be between 0.01 mm and 5 mm. Such distances are not apparent to the wearer of the optica] article and will not impede the wearer's vision m any way. Such distances are also not visible to an onlooker and thus does not impair the aesthetic appearance of the glasses.

It is also envisaged that the gap 330 may comprise a filler having a lower rigidity, i.e. being more easily deformable, than the film layer 362 and/or than the clearance surface 314 of the lens mounting portion 312, such that the filler will deform first before applying force and deformation to the film layer 362.

The film layer mounting wail 366 of the film layer 362 forms an acute angle β with an imaginary surface Γ extending from the frame facing wall 358 towards and beyond the first optical surface 352. The effect of this acute angle is to further increase the gap between the film layer 362 and the clearance surface 314. As a result, in the event that the lens 350 is twisted or contorted with respect to the frame unit 310 when they are mounted together, it is unlikely to be accidentally applied to the film layer 362.

As shown in Fig. 3D, the entire film layer 362 which includes the first and second film surfaces 363a, 363b is spaced from the Jens mounting portion 312 This spacing ensures that no forces will be transferred to the film surfaces 363a, 363b. Consequently, the above-described undesirable effects can be eliminated at those parts of the film surfaces 363a, 3b3b or any other part of the film layer 362.

-21 The film layer 362 comprises a first film edge 368, which is an edge at which the first film surface 363a and the film layer mounting wall 366 meet. As shown in Fig. 3D, the first film edge 368 is spaced from the clearance surface 314 of the lens mounting portion 312 by the gap 330. The first film edge 368 is adjacent to, i.e. consecutive with, the frame facing wall 358. The first film edge 368 is in contact with a lens edge 353 of the lens 350 at which the first optical surface 352 and the frame facing wall 358 meet.

The frame facing wall 358 comprises a frame free surface 355 disposed between the frame engaging surface 359 and the first optical surface 352. The frame free surface 355 laces the clearance surface 314 and is spaced from the clearance surface 314 by the gap 330. The first film edge 3^8 is adjacent to die frame free surface 355, and the gap 330 is defined by the clearance surface 314, the frame free surface 355 and the film layer mounting wall 366. Since the frame free surface 355 is spaced from the clearance surface 314 by the gap 330, it would require great distortion or relative movement between the lens 350 and the frame unit 310 to bring the frame unit 310 into contact with the film layer mounting wall 366. Consequently, the chances of accidental force transfer between the frame unit 310 and the film layer 362 are reduced, and the abovedescribed undesirable effects can be further eliminated.

Figs. 4A-4D show a similar optical article assembly 400 to the optical article assemblies 200 and 300 described above. The optical article assembly 400 comprises a frame unit 410 and a lens 450. The optical article assembly 400 according to the present exemplary embodiment is also a pair of eyeglasses of the rimmed type. i.e. where the frame unit 410 surrounds the lens 450. Lens 450 is a minus-lens as described above for Figs. 3A-3D. h is appreciated that the optical article assembly 400 has an additional lens and additional portions of the frame unit 410, which together torm eyeglasses. However, these additional elements are not shown in the drawings for reasons or simplicity in describing the presently disclosed subject matter. Film layers 462. 464 are adhered to respective first and second optical surfaces 452, 454 of the lens 450 as described above in the optical article assembly 200, and there are gaps 430, 430’ having vanable distances across the gaps 430, 430, as described above in both optical article assemblies 200 and 300.

-22 As can be seen in Fig. 4D in more detail, as with optical article assemblies 200 and JOO, frame unit 410 eompnses a lens mounting portion 412 disposed on the inner circumferential surface of die frame unit -r 10, having a lens engaging surface 418, and two clearance surfaces 414, 414', disposed towards the two axial ends of the inner circumferential surface of the lens mounting portion 412.

The lens 4o0 comprises a frame mounting portion 456 having a frame facing wall 458 disposed between the first and second optical surfaces 452, 454 of the lens 450. The frame facing wall 458 has a. frame engaging surface 459 which engages the lens engaging surface 418 of the frame unit. 410 in the manner described above for optical article assemblies 200 and 300.

A frame free surface 455 is disposed between the frame engaging surface 459 of the frame mounting portion 456 and the first optical surface 452. The frame free surface 455 faces the clearance surface 414’, and is configured to be spaced from the clearance surface 414' by the gap 430'. Thus, in this arrangement, not only the film layer 462.. but also a portion of the frame facing wall of the lens 450, i.e. the frame free surface 455 is spaced from the frame unit 410. As a result, forces cannot be accidentally applied to the film layer 462, in the event that the lens 450 is twisted or contorted with respect to the frame unit 410 when they are mounted together.

It can also be seen in Fig. 4D that towards the second optical surface 454 of the lens 450, there is no frame free surface, but. rather the frame engaging surface 459 of the frame mounting portion 456 extends substantially until the second optical surface 454. In this case, an imaginary surface I extending from the frame facing wall 459 towards and beyond the second optical surface 454 is parallel to the lens mounting portion 412. However, the gap 430 is created between the clearance surface 414 and the film layer mounting surface 466 - which is the wall of the film layer 464 between the first and second surfaces 465a, 465b of the film layer 464 - by the film layer mounting surface 4t>6 being angled at an acute angle u relative to the imaginary surface I, and by the film layer mounting surface 466 being disposed marginally offset from the imaginary surface I. Thus even where there is no frame free surface similar to the frame free surface 455, an effective gap 430 is still provided.

Figs. 5A-5D show an optical article assembly 500, comprising a frame unit 510 and a lens 550. Ihc optical article assembly 5()0 according to the present, exemplary embodiment is also a pair of eyeglasses of the rimmed type, i.e. where the frame unit 310 surrounds the lens 5?0. It is appreciated that the optical article assembly 500 has an additional lens and additional portions of the frame unit 510, which together form eyeglasses. However, these additional elements are not shown in the drawings for reasons of simplicity in describing the presently disclosed subject matter. The frame unit 510 comprises a first rigid section 510a and second flexible section 51 Ob. The flexible section is attached to the rigid section in a taut manner so as to hold the lens 550 m a stable manner due to tension in the flexible section 510b. The flexible section may comprise a cable-type structure.

The rigid section 310a may comprise a single plastic, polymer or other material moulding into which a portion of the lens 550 is arranged to be fitted. The purpose of the frame unit as a whole is to support the lens to maintain the optical article in a structurally sound manner and allow comfortable placement on the wearer. Thus the rigid section 5l0a and the flexible section .510b frame unit may each comprise a structure, comprising a metal, plastic, polymer natural material or other supportive material, which may be formed as a single structure, or may comprise several portions which are arranged to be connected to folly or partially surround and support the lens 550.

The interaction between the rigid section 510a of the frame unit 510 and the lens toO will now be described. As shown in the enlarged portion of Fig. 5D, the rigid section 510a ot the frame unit 510 comprises a lens mounting portion 512. disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the rigid section 510a, having a clearance surface 514 and a lens engaging surface 518. The lens engaging surface 518 is provided as a radially inwardly protrusion from, and extending around, the inner circumferential surface ol the lens mounting portion 512. The protrusion is arranged to be received in a corresponding recess, or recessed channel in a circumferential outer surface of the lens 550, and has a radial profile corresponding to and at least partially conforming with a radial profile of the recess. The lens engaging surface 518 may further comprise a . 24 portion ot the inner circumferential surface of the lens mounting portion 512, arranged to contact a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the lens 550.

he lens 550 shown is a plus lens designed to correct Hyperopia. Such lenses naturally are deeper in their center and shallower towards their peripheral edge.

Lens 550 comprises a first optical surface 552 and a second optical surface 554, opposite to the first optical surface 552. Adhered to each of the first and second optical surfaces 5o2, 554 is a respective Him layer 562, 564, The lens 550 comprises a frame mounting portion 556 having a frame facing wall 558 disposed between the first and second optical surfaces 552, 554 of the lens 550. The frame facing wall 558 has a frame engaging surface 559 which engages the lens engaging surface 518. As described above, the frame engaging surface 559 comprises a recessed channel extending around at least part of an outer circumferential surface of the lens 550, and may further comprise a portion of the outer circumferential surface itself arranged to contact the inner circumferential surface of the lens mounting portion 512 of the rigid section 510a as shown. The recessed channel is arranged to receive the protrusion which protrudes radially inwardly from the inner circumferential surface of the lens mounting portion 312, and which extends around the inner circumferential surface of the lens mounting portion 512. The radial profile of the recessed channel is arranged to at. least partially conform with, that of the protrusion.

The film layers 562, 564 each comprise a first surface 563a, 565a which is adhered to the entirety of the respective optical surface 552. 554 of the lens 550, and a second surface 563b, 565b, opposite to the first surface 563a, 565a, which faces away trom the lens 550. Since the first surface 563a, 565a is adhered to the entirety of the respective optical surface 552, 554 of the lens 550, the optical properties provided by the film can be provided over the entirety of the respective optical surfaces 562, 564 of tne lens 550. Between die first and second surfaces is a respective film layer mounting wall 566, 566'. The film layer mounting wall 566 faces the clearance surface 514 of the lens mounting portion 512 of the rigid section 510a of the frame unit 510. In this particular example, a thickness of each film layer 562, 564 between the respective first film surface 56.3a, 565a and the respective second film surface 563b, 565b is 190

-25mtcrons, and a thickness of the adhesive between the first surface of the film 163 a, 165a and the respective optical surface 1542, 154 is 50 microns.

The film layer mounting wall 566 is disposed adjacent to, i.e. consecutively with, the frame facing wall 558 of the lens 550, and is spaced from the clearance surface 514 of the lens mounting portion 512 of the rigid section 510a of the frame unit 510 by a gap 530. The gap 530 is shown as being free of material. Therefore any forces, such as compressive forces, between the rigid section 510a of the frame unit 510 and the lens 550 when they are mounted together, will not be transferred to the film layer 562, rather to the lens 550 itself via the respective engagement surfaces 518, 559. This prevents bubbles, waves and distortions being created in the film layer 562 as a result of separation of the film layer 562 from the first optical surface 552 of the lens 550 at the adhesive first surface 563a of the film layer 562. Similarly, the film layer mounting wall 566' faces a clearance surface 514’ so that a gap 530' is formed therebetween. Description below is made with respect to the gap 530, however it should be understood that the same is relevant also to the gap 530’.

As shown in Figure 5D, a distance across the gap 530 between the film layer mounting wall 566 and the clearance surface 514 vanes between, a shorter distance D$ and a longer distance Ds'. Such distances Dj, Dd may be between 0.01 mm and 5 mm. Such distances are not apparent to the wearer of the optical article and will not impede the wearer's vision in any way. Such distances are also not visible to an onlooker and thus does not impair the aesthetic appearance of rhe glasses. In a similar manner, distances across the gap 5.30' also vary.

It is also envisaged that the gap 530 may comprise a filler having a lower rigidity, i.e. being more easily deformable, than the film layer 562 and/or than the clearance surface 514 of the lens mounting portion 512, such that the filler will deform first before applying force and deformation to the film layer 562.

The fdm layer mounting wall 566 of the film layer 562 is continuous with a frame free surface 555 of the lens 550.

As shown in Fig. 5D, the entire film layer 562, which includes the first and second film surfaces 563a and 563b is spaced from the lens mounting portion 512. The same is applies to the film layer 564. This spacing ensures that no forces will be

-26transferred to the film surfaces 563a, 563b. Consequently, the above-described undesirable effects can be eliminated.

The film layer 562 comprises a first film edge 568, which is an edge at which the first film surface 563a and the film layer mounting wall 566 meet. The first film edge 568 is adjacent to the frame free surface 555, and the gap 530 is defined by the clearance surface 514, the frame free surface 555 and the film layer mounting wall 566. Since the frame free surface 555 is spaced from the clearance surface 514 by the gap 530, it would require great, distortion or relative movement between the lens 550 and the rigid portion 510a ot the frame unit 510 to bring the rigid portion 510a of the frame unit 51 u into contact with tne film layer mounting wall 566. Consequently, the chances of accidental force transfer between the frame unit 510 and the film layer 562, 564 are reduced, and the above-described undesirable effects can be further eliminated.

The interaction between the flexible section 51 Ob of the frame unit 510a and the tens 550 will now be described, with reference to Fig. 5E. The flexible section 510b comprises a tension member, in the form of a cable 511 which is connected at each end to an end of the rigid section 510a, such that together, the rigid section 510a and the flexible section 510b surround the lens 550. The lens 550 comprises a recessed channel 551 extending around a part of its outer circumferential surface, arranged to receive therein the cable 511 of the flexible section 510a. Due to the cable 511 being arranged in tension when the lens 550 is mounted in the frame unit 510, the cable 511 will not disengage from the recessed channel 551 and the lens 550 will be held securely by the frame unit. 510. The cable may be a. nylon cable.

Since the cable 511 is situated within the recessed channel 551 within the lens 550, there is no further part of the flexible section 510b of the frame unit. 510 which could contact or transfer loads directly to either of the film surfaces 562, 564 which are adhered to the first and second optical surfaces 552, 554 of the lens 550.

Although the above described embodiments showed various different arrangements of the film layer, it should be understood that an adhesive film layer may be adnered to the front side surface, the back side surface or both front and back side surfaces of the lens. By front side and back side, surface, what is meant is the sides of the lens which are respectively further from and closer to the wearer when the optical article is worn.

Claims

1. An optical article assembly comprising:

a lens comprising a first optical surface, an opposite second optical surface, and a frame mounting portion having a frame facing wall disposed between the first and second optical surfaces, the frame lacing wall having a frame engaging surface which engages said lens engaging surface;

a film layer comprising a first film surface adhered to at least a majority of said first optical surface, an opposite second film surface, and a film layer mounting wall disposed between the first and second film surfaces and at least partially facing the clearance surface, at least a portion of said film layer mounting wall being adjacent to the frame facing wall and being spaced from said clearance surface by a gap which is free of'material having the same or greater rigidity than that of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

2. The optical article assembly according to Claim 1, wherein at least a majority of the second film surface is spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

3. The optical article assembly according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a majority of said first film surface is spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

4. The optical article assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein said film layer further comprises a first film edge at which said first film surface and said film layer mounting wall meet, and wherein at least a portion of said first film edge is spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion by said gap.

5. The optical article assembly according to Claim 4, wherein said first film edge is adjacent to said frame facing wall.

6. The optical article assembly according to Claim 5, wherein said first film edge is in contact with a lens edge of said lens at which said first optical surface and said frame facing wail meet.

7. The optical article assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the entire film layer is spaced from said lens mounting portion.

8. The optical article assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said frame facing wail further comprises a frame free surface disposed between the frame engaging surface and the first optical surface.

9. The optical article assembly according to Claim 8, wherein said at least a portion of said frame free surface faces said clearance surface and is spaced from said clearance surface by said gap.

10. The optical article assembly according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein said gap is defined by said clearance surface, said frame free surface and said film layer mounting wall.

11. 'The optical article assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a distance across said gap between said film layer mounting wall and said clearance surface is between 0.01 mm and 5 mm.

12. The optical article assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein sale; gap is further free of material having the same or greater rigidity than that of said film layer.

13. The optical article assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said gap is free of any material.

14. The optical article assembly according to any one of Claims I to 12, 'further comprising a filler at least partially disposed in said gap, wherein the filler comprises a material having a rigidity lower than that of at least one of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion and said film layer.

15. An optical article kit comprising:

a film layer comprising a first film surface adhered to at least a majority of said first optical surface, an opposite second film surface, and a film layer mounting wall disposed between the first and second film surfaces and configured to at least partially face the clearance surface, at least a portion of said film layer mounting wall being adjacent to the name facing wall and when the lens is mounted to the lens mounting portion, said film layer mounting wail being configured to be spaced from said clearance surface by a gap which is configured to be free of material having the same or greater rigidity than that of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

16. The optical article kit according to Claim 15, wherein at least a majority of at least one of the first and second film surfaces is configured to be spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

17. The optical article kit according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein said gap is further configured to be free of material having the same or greater rigidity than that of said film layer.

18. The optical article kit according to any one of Claims 15 to 17, further comprising a filler configured to be at least partially disposed in said gap, wherein the filler comprises a material having a rigidity lower than that of at least one of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion and said film layer.

19. The optical article assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, or the optical article kit according to any one of Claims 15 to 18, wherein said frame facing wall has an imaginary surface extending therefrom towards and beyond said first optical surface, and wherein said film layer mounting wall faces said imaginary surface at said gap or extends parallel to said imaginary surface.

20. A method for assembling an optical article assembly comprising:

providing a lens comprising a first optical surface, an opposite second optical surface, and a frame mounting portion having a frame facing wall disposed between the first and second optical surfaces, the frame facing wall having a frame engaging surface;

providing a film layer comprising a first film surface adhered to at least a majority of said first optical surface, an opposite second film surface, and a film layer mounting wall disposed between the first and second film surfaces, at least a portion of the film layer mounting wall being adjacent to the frame facing wall;

mounting said lens to said lens mounting portion by engaging said frame engaging surface with said lens engaging surface, thereby bringing said film layer mounting wall to a position in which said film layer mounting wall at least partially faces the clearance surface and at least, a portion of said film layer mounting wall is spaced from said clearance surface by a gap which is free of material having the same or greater rigidity than that of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

21. The method according to Claim 20, wherein at said step of mounting said lens to said lens mounting portion, at least a majority of at least one of the second film surface and the first film surface is spaced from the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion.

22. The method according to Claim 20 or 21, further comprising adhering said first tiim surface to at least a majority of said first optical surface; or adhering said first film surface to the entirety of said first optical surface.

23. The method according to Claim 22, further comprising forming at least one of the frame facing wall and the film layer mounting wall subsequent to adhering the first film surface to the first optical surface and prior to mounting the lens to the lens mounting portion.

24. The method according to any one of Claims 20 to 23, further comprising positioning said film layer mounting wall and said frame facing wall consecutively.

25. The method according to any one of Claims 20 to 24, further comprising positioning a filler at least partially in said gap, wherein said filler comprises a material having a rigidity lower than that of at least one of the clearance surface of the lens mounting portion and said film layer.