GB2594583A

GB2594583A - A modified spectacle temple

Info

Publication number: GB2594583A
Application number: GB2104426.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Greene Andrew; Greene Michelle
Original assignee: Lid Vision Ltd
Current assignee: Lid Vision Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-27
Filing date: 2021-03-29
Publication date: 2021-11-03
Also published as: GB202004465D0; GB202104426D0

Abstract

A modified spectacle temple 400 includes a hinge attachment portion 10 removably connected to an arm attachment portion 20. The hinge attachment is adapted to attach to an eyewear frame 600 (e.g. spectacles, sunglasses) and the arm attachment is adapted to receive an arm 90 for securing the eyewear to a wearer or item of headwear. A distal end of the arm attachment portion has at least one aperture 21,60 to connect with the arm securely locating and locking the arm on the modified spectacle temple. The hinge attachment may be adapted for connection to a sprung hinge. The proximal end of the hinge attachment may comprise a barrel for receiving a screw thread 11. The hinge and arm attachment portions may connect via a detent mechanism or a push-fit mechanism. A distal end of the hinge attachment portion may include a resiliently deformable V-shaped member received in a channel (30B figure 1E). A tab (40A figure 1E) may deform the resiliently deformable portion to allow its removal from the channel. A helmet with an articulating hinge that receives the modified temple is also claimed (figures 5A-5D,6A,6B,11).

Description

A Modified Spectacle Temple

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a modified spectacle temple for eyewear such as spectacles or sunglasses. More particularly, but not exclusively the invention relates to a two part spectacle temple that facilitates quick and easy attachment and detachment of alternative arms to the modified temple.

Background

For someone who wears corrective or protective spectacles it is often necessary, and in many cases, essential for spectacles to be worn at all times. Spectacles with traditional fixed arms may not always be viable or comfortable in certain situations. For example if wearing a protective motorcycle helmet, sometimes referred to as a crash helmet. In such cases spectacle arms may press or 'dig' into the side of a wearers head. Sometimes, during vigorous activities, such as skiing, the spectacles can become dislodged which can be dangerous.

A wearer can seek different styles of spectacles that may have different arms, or the wearer may consider modifying other equipment such as choosing a different size helmet. However, such approaches can be costly and may also compromise the wearer's choices in style. Additionally the modification of other equipment may reduce the quality and safety of an item, thus subjecting the wearer to undue risks.

The present invention provides a modified spectacle temple that enables spectacles to be adapted to specific uses and situations.

Prior Art

GB2504323 (Lid Vision Limited) discloses a helmet with a visor and an articulated mounting with a ratchet.

GB2560005 (Lid Vision Limited) discloses a spectacle mounting for a visor on 5 a helmet with an articulated mounting with a torsion spring.

W02018154507 (Lid Vision Limited) discloses a spectacle mounting for a visor on a helmet.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a modified spectacle temple comprising: a hinge attachment portion that is removably connected by a connection means to an arm attachment portion, the hinge attachment portion is adapted to attach to the frame of a pair of spectacles or sunglasses, and the arm attachment portion is adapted to receive an arm for securing the spectacles to a wearer or to an item of headwear; wherein a distal end of the arm attachment portion has at least one adjustment aperture that permits connection with the arm by a securing means that locates the arm on the modified spectacle temple and locks the arm to the modified spectacle temple.

In this manner the modified spectacle temple can be retrofitted to the frame of any pair of spectacles, sunglasses or other eyewear. It is appreciated that the modified spectacle temple is suitable for any form of eyewear that includes a frame and lenses, this may include, but is not limited to; spectacles, sunglasses, protective eyewear, goggles or visors. For avoidance of doubt, reference to spectacles is intended to include all forms of suitable eyewear.

In this way various arms for securing spectacles to a wearer and/or to an item of headwear such as a helmet can be interchangeably connected, thereby allowing a wearer to use one pair of spectacles frames (spectacle fronts) with the modified spectacle temple, with a range of different attachments or arms.

For example the modified spectacle temple may be connected to a standard spectacle arm, a flexible strap or an articulated mounting for a helmet. Advantageously the wearer does not therefore require different eyewear for different activities, but can adapt one pair of spectacles for different activities.

Preferably a proximal end of the hinge attachment portion has a barrel for receiving a joint located on the frame of the eyewear. It appreciated that the barrel is adapted to receive a joint that is common to spectacle frames so that a traditional spectacle temple can be removed and replaced with the modified spectacle temple. In this way there is no requirement for the eyewear frame to be altered or adapted.

Ideally the barrel is adapted to be received between a pair of eyelets arranged on the frame of the eyewear. This ensures secure fitting of the modified 15 spectacle temple to the spectacles.

The barrel and joint provided on the frame together form a hinge about which a spectacle temple pivots with respect to the frame. Typically the barrel and/or joint include an internal screwthread so as to permit connection by means of a screw. This mechanism is ideally the same mechanism that is used to connect traditional spectacle temples, thus ensuring that the same mechanism can be used for a standard spectacle temple and a modified spectacle temple.

There are two types of preferred hinge that the modified spectacle temple is adapted for use with, a rigid hinge and a spring hinge. Both types of spring hinge are common to spectacles and sunglasses. It is appreciated that the hinge attachment portion of the modified spectacle temple is adapted to be received by any joint of the frame of an item of eyewear.

A rigid hinge is substantially square and limits a pivot range about which the hinge is able to pivot, as the hinge attachment portion engages with the spectacle frame, and/or the joint in such a way that movement is prevented beyond a certain point. Typically the range of movement is stopped to prevent the spectacle temple splaying outward, away from the wearer, thereby ensuring a secure fit that does not flex beyond a predefined range. The usual range of movement of a rigid hinge is 90 degrees.

A sprung hinge ideally includes a substantially cylindrical barrel to permit a great range of movement about the hinge. The sprung hinge is typically more compact and has a greater range of movement due to the rounded outer edge that permits the hinge to have a wider range of movement and do not abut the joint or frame for the eyewear.

Preferably the sprung hinge has an increased range of movement beyond the normal range (usually 90 degrees). Ideally the sprung hinge has an increased range of movement of at least an additional 20 degrees and preferably at least an additional 30 degrees beyond the normal range. The hinge is sprung so that although the spectacle temples can be extended through a greater range, the spectacle temple is biased to return to the side of a wearer's head.

Sprung hinges tend to fit more snugly due to the sprung nature and are less likely to be broken due to the greater range of movement permitted. Sprung hinges can be more difficult to repair, therefore using the modified spectacle temple is advantageous as most repairs are often required as a result of damage to the spectacle temple. As the modified spectacle temple allows the arm to be readily replaced, without requirement for the hinge to be removed, this problem is to a large extent mitigated.

The hinge attachment portion and arm attachment portion removably connect one to another, so that either portion can be readily changed to accommodate different spectacle frames via joints (by the hinge attachment portion), and/or different arms (by the arm attachment portion).

It is appreciated that in use, the hinge attachment portion is fitted and remains permanently on the frame and it is only the arm attachment portion that is changed in order to be adapted to receive different arms.

Preferably the arm fits over the modified spectacle temple so that the modified spectacle temple, which comprises the hinge attachment portion and the arm attachment portion, is at least partially encased or covered by the arm. In this embodiment the outer face of the arm and modified spectacle temple has an aesthetically pleasing appearance of being a single piece.

At least one arm hole is aligned with one, two or more corresponding adjustment apertures provided in the arm attachment portion, so that the arm 10 can be fitted over the modified spectacle temple in different configurations to suit a user's requirement and to aid comfortable fitting.

The arm is connected to the arm attachment portion by securing means that locates the arm on the modified spectacle temple and locks the arm to the modified spectacle temple. The securing means may be a rod, screw or node that passes through the arm hole and an adjustment aperture so as to locate and lock the arm to the distal end of the arm attachment portion.

If there are two or more adjustment apertures, a user selects which adjustment aperture the arm hole is aligned, to enable the proximal end of the arm to be correctly positioned on the spectacle frame. Advantageously by having two or more adjustment apertures enables the arm to be positioned closer to, or further from, the spectacle frame.

This is also beneficial as the adjustment means enables the arms to be fitted to different types of spectacle frames, for example acetate or metal spectacle frames which each have their joints for receiving hinges located in slightly different locations. Typically an acetate frame has a joint that receives the hinge attachment point on a rear face of the frame, whereas a metal spectacle frame has a returned portion with a joint so that the joint is adjacent to a side region of a wearer's face. Thereby by being able to alter where the arms fits and connects to the modified spectacle temple and where a proximal end of the arm is located relative to the spectacle frame so that the arm is adapted to connect with any spectacle frame in stylish and efficient manner.

In preferred embodiments arms are fitted to the modified spectacle temple so 5 that the proximal end of the arm abuts, or is close to, the spectacle frame so that there is no gap, or only a small gap, between the proximal end of the arm and the spectacle frame. Advantageously this arrangement prevents over rotation of the arms about the hinge, as if a proximal end of the arm is fitted close to, or against, the spectacle frame, the proximal end of the arm will 10 engage with the frame and prevent rotation about the hinge beyond a certain point.

In some embodiments the hinge attachment portion and arm attachment portion removably connect one to another by means of a detent mechanism.

In another embodiment the hinge attachment portion and arm attachment portion removably connect one to another by means of a push fit or clip mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment a distal end of the arm attachment portion has a resiliently deformable member that is received by a channel provided in a proximal end of the arm attachment portion.

The resiliently deformable member is deformed as it passes through the 25 channel entrance and returns to its original form once fully inserted in the channel. The resiliently deformable member and the channel thereby form a first part and a second part of the connection mechanism.

The channel is shaped and dimensioned to receive the resiliently deformable 30 member. Preferably the entrance to the channel is tapered so as to cause the resiliently deformable member to orient correctly and to deform on insertion into the narrowing.

The channel typically has a larger cross section beyond the entrance so as to allow the member to return to its original shape and size so that the member becomes locked in the channel until it is deliberately deformed for removal.

In a preferred embodiment the resiliently deforrnable portion is substantially V-shaped. In this way the two fingers of the V-shaped member can be displaced from a first position in which the fingers are spaced apart and extended away from each other, to a second position in which the fingers are pushed together to deform the member such that both fingers are substantially parallel. When force is applied, the fingers are moved to their second position. When force is released, the fingers return to their first position.

Preferably the V-shaped member is formed from a strong, durable material so as to be suitable for repeated use. Ideally the V-shaped member is formed from 15 metal or a metal alloy.

In some embodiments the a resiliently deformable material may be provided between the fingers of the V-shaped member. For example a cellular material such as foam, a flexible rubber or synthetic plastic may be arranged in the gap.

In this way the V-shaped member is less likely to snag on anything such as a wearer's hair or clothing and is thereby less liable to damage.

The resiliently deformable member has a means of deforming the member whilst in the channel so as to enable it to be easily removed without causing 25 any damage.

Preferably the resiliently deformable portion has at least one release tab that is adapted to be depressed to deform the resiliently deformable portion from the first position to the second position to permit its removal from the channel.

When the release tab is released this allows the resiliently deformable portion to return to its original shape (first position) so that it can be locked within the channel.

In a preferred embodiment the release tab (or release tabs) extend(s) from a slot provided in the wall of the channel. In this way the member is located within the channel and the, or each, tab is external to the channel. The tab is ideally connected to the member by a bar that extends therebetween. The bar is shaped and dimensioned to be received in and to pass along the slot.

Ideally the tab is arranged on an inner face of the hinge attachment portion. In this way the tab is less likely to be accidently displaced during use.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples, and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figures lA and 2A show a top view first and second embodiment of a modified spectacle temple; Figures 1B and 2B show a top, exploded view of the first and second embodiments of the modified spectacle temple shown in Figure 1A and 1B; Figure 1C shows an exploded side view of the first embodiment; Figure 1D show shows an assembled side view of the first embodiment; Figure 1E shows a top view cross section of the first embodiment; Figure 2C shows an exploded side view of the second embodiment that is for use with a hinge; Figure 2D show shows an assembled side view of the second embodiment; Figure 2E shows a top view cross section of the second embodiment; Figure 3A shows a top back view of the first embodiment mounted on a spectacle frame; Figure 3B shows an underside back view of the first embodiment mounted on 5 a spectacle frame; Figure 4A shows a top back view of the second embodiment mounted on spectacle frame; Figure 4B shows an underside back view of the second embodiment mounted on spectacle frame; Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E show various views a third embodiment of the modified spectacle temple for use with a sprung hinge mounted on a spectacle 15 frame and connected to an articulated arm for a helmet, Figures 6A and 6B show and exploded and assembled view of the third embodiment; Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and 7D show various views of a fourth embodiment of the modified spectacle temple that is adapted to connect to an elasticated head strap; Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show exploded and assembled views of the fourth 25 embodiment; Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D and 9E show various views of a fifth embodiment of the modified spectacle temple for use with a rigid hinge configured with a traditional spectacle arm; Figures 10A and 10B show exploded and assembled views of the fifth embodiment; Figure 11 shows the modified spectacle device connected to an articulating arm that is attached to a helmet; and Figure 12 shows a metal frame spectacle with a modified spectacle temple and 5 an articulating arm.

Detailed Description of Figures

Figures 1 to 10 disclose 5 different embodiments of the modified spectacle 10 temple.

Like parts maintain the same references throughout the description.

Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 3A and 3B show a first embodiment of the modified 15 spectacle temple 100 for a rigid hinge.

The hinge attachment portion 10 is removably connected by a connection means 30 to an arm attachment portion 20.

The hinge attachment portion 10 is adapted to attach at a proximal end to a spectacle frame 600 and the arm attachment portion 20 is adapted to receive an arm 90 for securing the spectacles to a wearer (not shown) or to an item of headwear (see Figure 11).

In the first embodiment 100, the hinge attachment portion 10 is received by a traditional spectacle arm fitting joint 610 that receives part of the hinge attachment portion 10 and is secured in place by a screw 11.

The joint 610 is substantially square and therefore limits range of pivot at the 30 hinge as the hinge attachment portion 10 engages with the joint 610 (which is also square) preventing movement.

At a distal end 15 of the hinge attachment portion 10 is a first part of the connection means 30A, that engages with a second part, a channel 303, on the arm attachment portion 20.

The first pad 30A is a substantially V-shaped projection that extends from the proximal end of the hinge attachment portion 10.

The first part 30A has a tab 40 arranged on the unattached end of the V-shaped part. The tab 40 is pressed in order to move the two fingers of the V-shaped 10 part towards each other.

The tab 40 is a circular disc 40A that is arranged in use on an inner face of the hinge attachment portion 10 so that it is adjacent to the side of the face of a wearer. The circular disc 40A is mounted on a bar 408 which when connected 15 is received through a slot 50 on the channel 308.

A distal end 25 of the arm attachment portion is adapted to receive an arm 800 so that various arms can be attached for different uses. The distal end 25 of the arm attachment portion 20 has two apertures 21 that permit connection with the arm 800. It is intended that at least one of the apertures 21 may receive a securing means such as a rod, screw or node that locates and locks the arm 800 to the distal end of the arm attachment portion 25 (see Figures 9A, 90; 9D and Figures 10A and 108).

A user selects one of the apertures 21 depending upon where the proximal end of the arm 90 is to be positioned relative to the spectacle frame 600. In this way the arm 90 is arranged to fit over the modified spectacle temple such that the proximal end of the arm abuts and is preferably flush with the spectacle frame 600.

For example, with reference to Figures 1C, 1D and 1E, the arm attachment portion has two apertures 21. In this way the arm (not shown in these Figures) can be secured in two different locations.

Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 4A and 4B show a second embodiment of the modified spectacle arm 200. The second embodiment differs only by the proximal end of the hinge attachment portion that has a rounded barrel for connecting to the spectacles. This configuration is slightly more compact and has a greater range of movement due to the rounded edges (Figure lE and 2E for comparison).

The joint 610 is a barrel spring mechanism that receives the modified spectacle 10 arm 200.

Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E, and Figures 6A and 6B show various views a third embodiment of the modified spectacle arm 300 mounted on a pair of spectacles 600 and connected to an articulated hinge 90 for a helmet.

Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and 7D, and Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show various views of the fourth embodiment of the modified spectacle arm 400. In this embodiment the arm attachment portion 20 has an eyelet 60 for receiving an arm 90 that is in the form of a strap 90. The eyelet 60 is the provided at a distal 20 end 25 of the arm attachment portion 20.

The eyelet 60 is an elongate aperture through which a strap 90 can be threaded.

Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D and 9E, and Figures 10A and 10B show various views 25 of a fifth embodiment of the modified spectacle arm 500 configured with a traditional spectacle arm 90.

In this embodiment the arm attachment portion 20 has a tapered distal end 25 that is adapted to be received within a corresponding opening on a spectacle 30 arm 90.

An aperture 21 is provided on the distal end 25. The aperture 21 corresponds to a hole 91 on the spectacle arm 90. A screw 92 is passed through both the hole 91 and aperture 21 so as to lock the arm 90 in position on the modified spectacle arm 500. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, in some embodiments the arm attachment portion 20 has two adjusting apertures 21 that permit the arm 90 to be configured in two locations. Securing the arm using the securing means (92) 5 to the aperture 21 closest to the spectacle frame in use, positions the proximal end of the arm closer to the spectacle frame. Securing the arm by the securing means (92) on the aperture 21 furthest from the spectacle frame in use, positions the proximal end of the arm slightly further from the spectacle frame. In this way the modified spectacle temple 100 enables fitting of arms to different 10 spectacle frames, such as acetate frames (Figures 1 to 9) and metal frame (Figure 12), without any alternation required to the modified spectacle temple.

Figure 11 shows the modified spectacle device connected to an articulating arm that is attached to a helmet.

Figure 12 shows a metal frame spectacle with a modified spectacle temple and articulating arm. The joint 610 to which the hinge attachment portion 10 is connected is arranged on an inner, side face of the spectacle frame, so as to be adjacent to a side of a wearer's face when worn.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.A modified spectacle temple comprising: a hinge attachment portion that is removably connected by a connection means to an arm attachment portion; the hinge attachment portion is adapted to attach to a frame of a pair of spectacles, sunglasses or eyewear, and the arm attachment portion is adapted to receive an arm for securing the spectacles to a wearer or to an item of headwear; wherein a distal end of the arm attachment portion has at least one aperture that permits connection with the arm by a securing means that locates the arm on the modified spectacle temple and locks the arm to the modified spectacle temple.
A modified spectacle temple according to claim 1 wherein a proximal end of the hinge attachment portion has a barrel for receiving a screwthread.
A modified spectacle temple according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the hinge attachment portion and arm attachment portion connect one to another by means of a detent mechanism.
A modified spectacle temple according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the hinge attachment portion and arm attachment portion removably connect one to another by means of a push fit mechanism.
A modified spectacle arm according to claim 4 wherein a distal end of the arm attachment portion has a resiliently deformable member that is received by a channel provided in a proximal end of the arm attachment portion.
A modified spectacle temple according to claim 5 wherein the resiliently deformable portion is substantially V-shaped.
7. A modified spectacle temple according to claim 6 wherein a gap between a pair of fingers that form the V-shaped member is filled with a resiliently deformable material.
8 A modified spectacle temple according to any of claims 5, 6 or 7 wherein the resiliently deformable portion has a release tab that is adapted to be depressed to deform the resiliently deformable portion to permit removal from the channel and when released allows the resiliently deformable portion to return to its original shape to be locked within the channel.
9. A modified spectacle temple according to claim 8 wherein the tab is arranged on an inner face of the hinge attachment portion.
10. A modified spectacle temple according to claim 8 or 9 wherein bar connects the tab and a finder of the V-shaped member and wherein the bar is dimensioned to fit within and pass along the slot.
11.A modified spectacle temple according to any preceding claim wherein the hinge attachment portion is adapted for connection to and use with a rigid hinge.
12.A modified spectacle temple according to any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the hinge attachment portion is adapted for connection to and use with a sprung hinge.
13. An item of eyewear including a modified spectacle temple according to any of claims 1 to 12.
14.A helmet with an articulating hinge that receives a modified spectacle temple according to any of claims 1 to 12