IPC Definitions - January 01, 2012
G02C - Definition
This subclass covers:
The following optical and non-optical categories of eyewear:
Relationship between large subject matter areas
Groups A61F 9/02 and A61F 9/04 cover goggles or eye-masks (eye-shields) as forms of protective eyewear worn to prevent particulates or chemicals from striking the eyes, and not having the features of vision correction or protection against high levels of visible and ultraviolet light, which are normally associated to spectacles. Typical examples of goggles covered by these groups are goggles worn while welding, drilling or sawing. Goggles for swimming are covered by A63B 33/00, whereas diving masks are covered by B63C 11/12.
This subclass covers instead spectacles or goggles insofar they have features of vision correction or protection. Sunglasses are covered by this subclass; insofar they protect the eye against high levels of visible and ultraviolet light.
References relevant to classification in this subclass
This subclass does not cover:
Optical parts characterized by the material | G02B 1/00 |
Heating arrangements specially adapted for transparent or reflecting areas | H05B 3/84 |
Trial frames for optician's use | A61B 3/04 |
Goggles for swimming | A63B 33/00 |
Diving masks, including those having corrective lenses | B63C 11/12 |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Helmet visors having means to avoid fogging or misting, or having cleaning means | A42B 3/22 |
Cases for telescopes or binoculars | A45C 11/08 |
For means to examine the eyes | A61B 3/00 |
Goggles or eyeshields not having the same features as spectacles | A61F 9/00 |
Devices for inserting contact-lenses | A61F 9/00 |
Means to grind the edges of lenses using spectacles as a template | B24B 9/14 |
Positioning or marking of lenses | B24B 13/005 |
Tools for grinding lenses | B24B 13/02-B24B 13/06 |
Surface treatment of glass | C03C 15/00-C03C 23/00 |
Simple or compound lenses | G02B 3/00 |
In patent documents the following expressions/words:
* "spectacles" and "eyeglasses"
* "eye-shields" and "eye-masks"
are often used as synonyms.