SPINE Optics Give Your Glasses Some Backbone 

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Have you ever struggled to keep your eyeglasses in place and on your face? Many of us have, and that’s why SPINE Optics has come up with what seems to be a phenomenal solution. By mimicking the structure and function of the human spine, the company as created glasses that stay put.

More than that, the glasses are flexible enough to pretty much fit any size head and face.

One of the review samples I was sent is a pair of sunglasses which I have worn and enjoyed. The other is a pair of standard glasses into which one would put their own lenses.

Here’s what the company has to say about their products along with a few thoughts from me after wearing the sunglasses in Florida last week.

Inspired by the interaction between vertebrae, SPINE solves age-old hinge limitations. Unencumbered by traditional parts and manufacturing processes, we strive to out-think the competition. Globally patented, you can be assured there is no substitute, so don’t accept one.

This unique connection system that sits between the glasses and the ear pieces is what makes the SPINE Optics offerings so unique. As they explain it, there are five different working SPINE vertebrae that are constantly interacting with one another. By doing to they create a 90 degree hinge opening. More than that, “since each element helps the other to take the strain, they rotate only 18 degrees meaning they share the load, making wear from friction virtually non-existent.”

 

A spun wire cable is at the heart of the hinge. Just 0.60mm in diameter, at full tensile strength it can hold over 300kg. The dual springs are what allow the vertebrae to interact and flex in the manner they do. They are also key to the “unique auto-shut mechanism” of each pair of SPINE glasses. That’s right, when you take these glasses off the ear pieces automatically close in on themselves. This prevents unexpected and unwanted damage that occurs when open glasses are sat on or otherwise crushed.

SPINE Optics

There is another benefit to the design of the hinges. As the company explains, “these micro injection metal (MiM) hinges flex to fit any face shape, they constantly grip with the lightest of touch and when lifted from the face temples shut automatically.” That means that these glasses, which would fit someone with a much smaller head than mine also fit my head comfortably without putting too much or unwanted stress and strain on my temples.  It is no small thing for glasses to comfortably fit pretty much any size head and, thanks to the unique design approach at the heart of these products, they are able to do just that.

One last point is worth noting. The hinge is designed in such a way that there are no screws used in the working mechanics of SPINE glasses. That means there is nothing to come loose and nothing to serve as a weak point when there is impact. As the company explains, “Accidental impacts are glanced off as SPINE moves in all directions, absorbing and dissipating shocks thus greatly reducing breakage.”

The result of the unique design of the SPINE Optics glasses are glasses, both sun and standard, that fit anyone comfortably, stay in place during vigorous movement, close automatically when removed and will stand up to a great deal of use and abuse. There are, however, to caveats worth noting. First, because of the auto-closing feature the glasses require two hands when initially putting them on. Obviously they can be removed with a single hand but both earpieces need to be moved into the open position in order to get them in place on your head. Second, since this is a relatively small and a brand new endeavor the designs are limited to a few in both sun and standard wear. If you like one of the styles they currently offer you will be happy with the product. If, on the other hand, none of the styles looks good on you or fits your personal taste you will be out of luck.

Barring those two caveats the SPINE Optics glasses are an innovative entry into the eyewear market and one that just may take off. We will update this post as pricing become clear. You can learn more here.

Source: Review Samples of the SPINE Optics Glasses supplied by manufacturer

What I Like: Fits all sized heads; Stays on during movement; Close automatically when taken off; More rugged joints

What Needs Improvement: Require two hands to put on; Limited range of styles

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.