WO2001011415A1 - Frames for eyeglasses - Google Patents

Abstract

This eyeglasses frame consists of two lateral temples (3a) connected with a frame front side through hinges (4a) in order to make the temples rotate. The frame front side consists of two circles (5a) for support of the associated lenses (6), these circles are open and they can take a closed fastening configuration (6) as to the frame and an open configuration in which the lenses (6) can be fit in or removed from the frame. The advantage of this invention is that each temple is made up of two bars (12) whose front ends (13a) are engaged with the ends (9a) of the associated frame front side circle (5a). Removable hooking devices (14) are foreseen in order to keep the bars (12) of the temples (3a) in a configuration of mutual engagement in which the frame front side circle (5a) is kept in closed fastening configuration.

Description

FRAMES FOR EYEGLASSES

DESCRIPTION

This invention concerns a frame for eyeglasses whose temples are

connected with a frame front side through associated hinges in order to

make them rotate, the frame front side consists of two circles for the lens

support, they are called circles since they are open and subject to take a

close fastening configuration, in which the lenses are firmly fastened to the

frame, and an open configuration in which the lenses can be fit in or

removed from the frame.

Particularly, this invention refers to an eyeglasses frame which is

almost entirely carried out with metallic wire, for instance, titanium or steel

wire.

The eyeglasses frame, in addition to its aesthetic features, shall

satisfy a series of technical-practical needs of both user and manufacturer

and further on of the optician that has to provide for the fastening of the

lenses. Therefore, if the user requires a frame that is aesthetically nice,

resistant and working correctly - also after a prolonged use, it is clear that

the manufacturer needs to contrive a frame made up of a limited number of

pieces in order to reduce to minimum level the problems concerning the

manufacture and the assembly of the frame, with a consequent save in

economic terms.

For the opticians' concerns, first of all there is the need to have

frames that allow an easy fitting of the lenses without running into the risk

of scratching, splintering or damaging the lenses in any way, during the

fastening of the same lenses on the frame.

It is necessary to point out about the above specified traditional

frames that are provided with screws fastening devices or something similar

and operating on these, it is possible to have a fastening and frames with

fixed circles in which the fitting of the lenses is made through pressure.

However, these frames do not prove to be very satisfying,

the above mentioned screw devices are subject to loosen due to the use and

the other type is subject to splinter . It is clear that if it is enough easy to

operate on those devices and risks-free for an optician, it is not as easy for

the user.

Besides, another not less important detail is that the frames are

usually made up of a high number of parts whose manufacturing and

assembling have the disadvantages before-mentioned.

There are also other well-known frames in which the frame front side

circles are open and, next to their free end, are shaped so that they make a

fastening-hook. These frames, even though they are made of a limited

number of pieces, have the disadvantage that the lenses have to be fitted in

the closed ring - identified by the frame front side circles - by pressure.

As it was previously explained, this operation is difficult even for a

skilled optician and it brings with it the big risk of splintering the lenses,

particularly when the lens itself has been cut slightly bigger than what

required by the frame.

Users have the need to be able to change the lenses or the type of

temples according to the activity to perform.

The main target of this invention is to contrive a frame that can

satisfy the above mentioned requirements and, at the same time, can avoid

the disadvantage which have been already said regarding the frames with

the traditional technique.

That problem is sorted out by a type of frame that is in compliance

with the claim 1.

The resolution idea of this patent is to use the frames temples in

order to make the fastening of the circles around the lens and, giving the

temples the possibility to rotate as to the frame front side.

As well, this invention concerns a frame temple in compliance with

claim 16.

Additional features and advantages of the eyeglasses frame-

according to this intervention - will come from the description hereafter

reported of a significant but not restrictive example of frame carrying out

and attached figures:

- figure 1 represents the perspective front view of a frame, according to this

invention, whose templetes are in an open position;

- figure 2 represents the perspective rear view of the frame of figure 1 with

the temples folded in a resting position.

- figure 3 represents a side perspective view of the frame of figure 1.

- figure 4 represents an enlarged detail of figure 3:

- figure 5 represents an exploded view of the frame of figure 1 ;

- figure 6 represents the enlarged detail, designated A, in figure 5;

- figures 7 and 9 represent a plane view of a frame temple of figure 1 , in

three different configurations;

- figure 10 represents a perspective view of the detail of figure 4 according

with a different point of view and

- figure 1 1 represents a perspective view of the detail of figure 4 with the

temple folded in a resting position.

With reference to the attached figures, we designate as 1, the frame

in compliance with the invention that is almost entirely

carried out through metallic wire, preferably titanium wire with a circular

section.

The frame (1) includes a frame front side, shown as (2), and two side

temples, shown as (3a, 3b), which are connected with the front side (2)

through side hinges (4a, 4b). The hinges (4a, 4b) allow the temples (3a, 3b)

to rotate as to the front side (2) in order to go from a ready-to-use

configuration - (fig.1) in which the temples (3a, 3b) are basically

perpendicular to the plane made by the front side (2) and the frame (1 )- to a

resting configuration (fig.2) in which the temples (3a, 3b) are folded so that

they are parallel to the front side (2) and the frame (1), that is ready to be

put back into the eyeglasses case.

The front side (2) of the frame (1) includes two circles, shown as (5a)

and (5b) for supporting the lenses (6)- a bridge (7) that connects circle (5 a)

to circle (5b) and a pair of arms that support standard nose pads (8).

The circles (5a, 5b) describe a perimeter

that correspond to the lenses profile (6) and can engage the lenses edge (6).

The circles (5a,5b) are open and subject to take a closed fastening

configuration (figures 1, 2 and 10) in which they are tightened on the lenses

(6) in order to fasten them to the frame (1 ) and, an open configuration in

which the lenses (6) can be easily fit in or removed from the circles and

therefore, from the frame (1). In particular, the circles (5a, 5b) are open

next to the side part of the front side (2), that is where the hinges (4a, 4b)

are. Next to the above mentioned opening point, the circles (5a, 5b) have

free faced ends shown as (9a) and (9b), and making them get near, it is

possible make the circles (5a,5b) go from the open configuration into the

closed fastening configuration.

As shown in figure n.5, the front side (2) of the frame (1) consists of

three parts, in detail, of an upper arc that includes two upper semicircle

(5a',5b') tied by a bridge (7) and two lower semicircles (5a", 5b"). The

lower semicircles (5a",5b") can be connected with the upper arc as to

make the open circles (5a, 5b) together with the upper semicircles.

For this reason, both lower semicircles (5a", 5b") are equipped with

a hook-shaped end, shown as (10a, 10b) that engages the upper arc in a

reversible way, next to points ( 1 1a, l ib) where the bridge (7) connects with

the upper circles (5a', 5b'). In order to back the hooking of the lower

semicircles with the upper arc, this last arc is shaped so that there are two

hollows next to the points before mentioned (1 1 ).

It is clear that the front side part (2) of the frame (1 ) - made up of

three parts- corresponds only to a favourite carrying out, since it is enough

to have a frame front side comprising two open circles, also made of just

one piece in order to carry out the invention, as it will be clearer from the

remaining description.

In a very advantageous way, each temple (3a, 3b), next to the front

portion near the frame front side (2), comprises at least two parts that

involve the above-mentioned ends (10a, 10b) of the circles (5a, 5b). Those

portions of the temples (3a, 3b) allow to operate on the ends (10a , 10b) of

the circles (5a, 5b) so as to keep those circles in the above-mentioned

closed fastening configuration,

previously defined.

The temples (3a, 3b) are equipped with fastening devices that allow

to keep the above-mentioned temples portions in a configuration of mutual

engagement in which the circles (5a, 5b) of the front side (2) of the frame

(1 ) are kept in a closed fastening configuration.

In the example, each temple (3a, 3b) comprises two parallel bars (12)

that are made by bending suitably a single unbroken metallic wire. Next to

each front end of each temple (3a, 3b), the bars (12) end with two free-ends

(13a, 3b) shaped so as to engage the ends (10a, 10b) of the circles (5a, 5b),

as previously explained.

The above-mentioned fastening devices associated with the temples

comprise removable hooking devices (14) that allow to keep the bars (12)

coupled, in substantial approach, next to the front end of the temples. In the

example, the removable hooking devices (14) arrange in a clip that,

according to the most advantageous way to carry it out, is a sliding-type

such as a slider along the bars (12) between an advanced position

towards the front end of the temples (3a, 3b) (fig.7) and a rear position

(fig-9).

When the clip (14) is in an advanced position (fig.7), the two bars

(12) are kept together in approach one another while, when the clip ( 14) is

in a rear position (fig.9), the free ends (13a, 13b) of the bars (12) of each

temple can be spread apart.

The phase in which the clip (14) is in an intermediate position

between the advanced position and rear position, is shown in figure 8.

Preferably, the bars (12) of the temples (3a, 3b) are tightly connected

one another, also next to point (15) located in a rear position as to the front

end of the temples. This makes the structure of the temples (3a, 3b) more

rigid.

For what has been said, the clips (14) prove to be sliding along the

bars as a slider between the rear point ( 15), next to it, the bars (12) are

together, and the front part of the associated temples (3a, 3b).

The hinges (4a, 4b) comprise the first part of the hinge made by the

ends (13a, 13b) of the bars (12) and, the second part of the hinge made by

the ends (9a, 9b) of the circles (5a, 5b) of the front side (2) of the frame

(1 ). The first and the second part of the hinges are mutually coupled so as

to be mutually rotating.

In the favourite example of carrying out, shown in the figure, the two ends

(13a, 13b) of the bars (12) are shaped through bending so as to be turned

one towards the other in alignment, as to identify a rectilinear hinge pintle

set according to a direction perpendicular to the temples axis.

Instead, the ends (9a, 9b) of the circles (5a, 5b) are shaped so as to

make eyelets in which the ends (13a, 13b) of the temples (12) that describe

the above-mentioned hinge pintle, are fit in as to be able to rotate.

An alternative option to what is described and shown in the figures,

the ends (9a, 9b) of the circles (5a, 5b) can be shaped through bending so

as to be aligned and opposite and, to identify a rectilinear hinge pintle while

the ends (13a, 13b) of the temples (12) can be shaped so as to make eyelets

that can be fit in the rectilinear portions - acting as hinge pintle of the

circles (5a, 5b) of the front side (2) of the frame (1). In short, it is

a solution of carrying out of the hinge practically equivalent to that above-

described.

In an advantageous way, the eyelets of the hinges (4a,4b) are carried

out with a portion of the metallic wire wound different times as a coil

(fιg.6).

According to the favourite way of carrying out, the hinges (4a, 4b)

comprises a stop element (16), a fastening of the rotation of the temples (3 a,

3b) as to the front side (2) of the frame (1 ). The stop element (16) stops the

temples rotation past the above-mentioned position of use.

In the example, the stop element (16) comes true in the rectilinear

final part of metallic wire projecting from coil of the ends (9a, 9b) of the

circles (5a, 5b) and more precisely, of the upper semicircles (5a', 5b') of

the upper arc of the front side (2) of frame (1) (fig. 6). The final portion

(16) of the metallic wire is a stop against which the temple (3a or 3b) comes

to an end (fig.10) when it gets to the position of use in which the temple is

perpendicular to the plane identified by the front side (2).

Further more, the hinges (4a, 4b) are ready to keep the temples (3a,

3b) in a removable way when these are bent in the above mentioned resting

position (fig. 2 and 1 1 ). Practically the hinges (4a, 4b) are in a position in

which a portion of the associated temple is disposed to be fitted in and

remain in it - kept by a prearranged constrain when the temple is in the

resting position. That allows to keep the temples (3a, 3b) in the resting

position. Obviously, it is possible to remove the temple from the draft

through a light pressure so as to make it rotate as to the frame.

According to a different shape that is not shown, the ends (9a, 9b) of

each circle (5a, 5b) of the front side (2) of frame (1 ) come to an end with an

eyelet made by a part of the metallic wire wound as a cylindrical-coil.

However, the final part of each cylindrical coil, instead of ending with the

stop element (16) is made go on in order to make the bar of the temples so

that the temples proves to be made up of only one piece with the frame

circles.

In order to fasten the lens (6) in the semicircle (5a) of

the front side (2) of frame (1 ), first of all, it is necessary to connect the

hook-shaped end (10a) of the lower semicircle (5a") to the upper

semicircle of the front side (2), next to point ( 1 1 a).

Afterwards, the lens (6) is set between the upper semicircle (5a') and

the lower semicircle (5a") so that they can follow the profile. Then, the clip

( 14) of temple (3a) is set in a rear position (fig.9) and, after having opened

out the bars (12) of temples (3a), it is arranged to engage the end (13a) of

bars ( 12) with the end (9a) eyelet-shaped of the open circle (5a).

Then, at the same time, the eyelet-shaped end (9a) and the end (13a)

of the bars (12) of temple (3a) are brought nearer in order to rim tightly the

edge of the lens (6) with both upper and lower semicircles (5a' , 5a"). The

circle (5a) is brought from the open configuration to the closed fastening

configuration, just bringing the eyelets close one another.

Finally, the clip (14) is made slide along the guide (12) in order to

take it from the above mentioned advance position towards the rear temple

(3a) end (fig.7), in which both bars (12) and

are kept together one closed the other and provide to keep the circle (5a) in

the closed fastening configuration.

In a similar way, it is possible to fit in the lens (6) in the circle (5b)

of the front side (2) of frame (1 ).

In order to remove the lenses (6) from the frame (1 ), it is enough to

repeat the above described fastening phases but in the opposite way.

With special reference to figure 4, it is important to point out that

there is no direct contact between the opposite ends of both circle (5a) and

bars (12) when the lens is fastened on the frame.

This ensure the presence of a sufficient elastic pre-load on both the circle

and the temples so that it guarantees the correct hold of the lens even in

cases such as pushes, vibrations and the like.

It must be pointed out that the adopted system to keep the semicircles

in the closed fastening position of the lenses allows to use the elastic

movement of the circles at the best and advantageously, this comes from its

shape and from the type of material used to carry it out.

This allows to make up for the possible mistakes

made by the optician during the lenses cut. Therefore, the eyeglasses of this

invention can be appreciated because they satisfy the needs reported in the

introduction section and at the same time they overcome all the

disadvantages typical of the traditional eyeglasses frame. Infact, the temples

assure an effective fastening of the lenses on the frame circles as well as

they keep their usual function of frame holding and rotation.

It is important to point out that the frame structure of this invention

allows to carry out the necessary hinges to assure the temples joint as to the

frame front side, in a cheap and easy way.

Another advantage connected with the invention of this eyeglasses

frame is that the structure allows the fastening and removal of the lenses in

an easy and quick way, without the use of any tool or equipment. It also

allows both optician and users to change the lenses and/or the type of

temples in a short time. It is possible to change the lenses

with sun shade glasses or to mount temples provided with a rear curl-

shaped temples suitable for people who have to wear eyeglasses during the

sporting activity.

An additional advantage of this invention is that the frame is made up

of a limited number of pieces which are easy-to-make in an automated

production.

Obviously, an expert in this field can make a lot of modifications and

changes to the above mentioned eyeglasses frame in order to satisfy the

specific and contingent needs; all the modifications are included in order to

protect the invention as described in the claims hereafter.

So, for instance, the temples can comprise only one bar jointed with

its associated hooking element in order to engage both ends of the

associated open circle so as to keep it in the closed fastening position.

As alternative option, the temples can comprise only one bar whose

front part is connected with the second portion of the bar through a hinge

connection, the bar and the part of the bar cooperate in order to keep its

front side circle in a closed fastening configuration

Also in this case, the bar and the connected portion of bar- connected

through a hinge - are kept in a configuration of mutual engagement through

fastening devices such as a clip, a clasp and the like.

The frame can be carried out with plastic, acetate, celluloid and like

materials at least to a limited extent to same parts. It is possible to use the

temple of this invention together with a celluloid frame front side made up

of two closed circles connected one another with a bridge. In this case, the

fitting of the lenses in the circles is made through an appropriate standard

heating of the front side. The bars of the temples engage ring-like parts or

bushes intentionally pre-arranged in the frame front side so that there is a

hinge-connection between the temples and the frame. Also in this case, the

temple structure allows to change the temples quickly and easily.

Claims

1. Eyeglasses frame (1 ) in which the side temples (3 a, 3 b) are

connected with a front side (2) through hinges (4a, 4b) so as to

rotate; the frame front side (2) comprising two circles (5a, 5b) for

holding the associated lenses (6), those circles (5a, 5b) are open and

subject to take a closed fastening configuration, in which the lenses

(6) are fastened tightly to the frame (1 ) and an open configuration in

which the lenses (6) can be fit in or removed from the frame (1 ). This

frame is characterized in that each temple (3a, 3b), next to its front

part near the front side (2), comprises at least two portions (12) of

temples (3a, 3b) in a mutual engagement with the associated ends

(9a, 9b) of the circle (5a, 5b) of the frame front side (2), fastening

devices (14) are provided for keeping the said portions (12) of

temples (3a, 3b) in a configuration of mutual engagement in which

their associated circle (5a, 5b) of the frame front side (2) is kept in

that closed fastening configuration.

2. Frame (1 ), according to claim 1 in which the front temples part (3a,

3 b) comprises two bars ( 12) and removable hooking devices ( 14) to keep

those bars (12) mutually coupled.

3. Frame (1 ) according to claim 2, in which said removable hooking

devices comprise a clip (14).

4. Frame (1) according to claim 3 in which that clip (14) is sliding as a

slider along those bars (12) and between an advance position towards

the front end of temple (3a, 3b), keep the two bars (12) in approach

and a rear position in which the bars (12) can be spread.

5. Frame (1 ) according to claim 2 in which the two bars (12) are

connected one another in a rear position as to the front part of the

temples (3a, 3b).

6. Frame (1 ) according to claim 2 in which said bars (12) are connected

one another through a hinge in a rear position as to the front part of

the temples (3a, 3b)

7. Frame (1 ) according to claim 1 in which each hinge comprises a first

part made up of two portions (12) of the temples (3a, 3b) and a

second part made up of those ends (9a, 9b) of

the circles (5a, 5b) of the frame front side (2), the said first and second

part being coupled one another as to be mutually rotating.

8. Frame (1 ) according to claim 1 in which those ends (9a, 9b) of the

circle (5a, 5b) of the frame front side (2) are shaped as to make

eyelets and those temples (3a, 3b) comprise two bars (12) that have

bent ends (13a, 13b) so they are turned one towards the other in

alignment in order to make a hinge pintle.

9. Frame (1 ) according to claim 7 in which those portions of the temples

comprise two eyelet-shaped bars and those rectilinear circles ends are

bent so to be aligned and opposed in order to make a hinge pintle.

10. Frame (1) according to any of the claim 8 or 9 in which that eyelet is

made up of a portion of metallic wire coil wound.

1 1. Frame (1 ) according to claim 1 in which said hinges (4a, 4b)

comprise a stop element (16) that is a rotation stop of the temples

(3a, 3b) as to the frame front side (2).

When the position of use is reached and the temples (3a, 3b) are

perpendicular to the frame front side (2).

12. Frame (1 ) according to claim 1 in which the hinges (4a, 4b) are coil-

shaped in order to keep the temples (3a, 3b) in a resting position

where the temples are parallel to the frame front side (2) (fig.2).

13. Frame (1 ) according to claim 1 in which the frame ( 1 ) is made up of

metallic wire.

14. Frame (1 ) according to claim 13 in which the ends of each frame

circle ends with an eyelet made by a portion of metallic coil-wound

wire, the final end of the coil makes one of the frame portion so that

the temple proves to be made just of one piece with the frame front

side circle.

15. Eyeglasses that comprise a frame (1 ) and two lenses (6) are

characterized in that the frame ( 1 ) agrees with any of the previous

claims.

16. Eyeglasses temple for the frame ( 1 ), characterized in that it

comprises at least two parts (12) next to its front part and they can be

engaged so as to rotate together with the end of the frame front side

(2) and the temple (3a, 3b) as they are associated fastening devices

(14) in order to keep those temples (3a, 3b) in a configuration of

mutual engagement and the ends of those parts are engaged with the

frame front side.

17. Temple according to claim 16 in which, at least, the front part of the

temples (3a, 3b) comprises two bars ( 12) and removable hooking

devices mutually coupled in a substantial approach.

18. Temple according to claim 17 in which those removable hooking

devices comprise a clip (14).

19. Frame (1 ) according to claim 18 in which that said clip (14) is

sliding as a slider , along those bars (12) between an advance

position and towards the front end of the temple (3a, 3b) that keeps

the two bars (12) coupled in a substantial approach and, a rear

position in which the bars ( 12) are spread.

20. Temple according to claim 17 in which those bars ( 12) are connected

one another in a rear position as to the front end of the temple (3a,

3b).

21. Frame (1 ) according to claim 17 in which those bars ( 12) are

connected one another through a hinge in a rear position as to the

front end of the temple (3a, 3b).

22. Temple according to claim 1 in which those bars (12) comprise bent

ends (13a, 13b) as so to be in alignment and make a hinge pintle

perpendicular to the temple axis.

23. Temple according to claim 17 in which those side bars (12) comprise

bent ends as to make a hinge eyelet.