WO2012084203A1

WO2012084203A1 - Spectacles having a retaining strap

Info

Publication number: WO2012084203A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/006442
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eberhard Lenz
Original assignee: Eberhard Lenz
Priority date: 2010-12-21
Filing date: 2011-12-20
Publication date: 2012-06-28

Abstract

The invention relates to spectacles having a lens frame and arms connected thereto and a retaining strap which can be fastened to the spectacles. A receiving device is provided on the free end of at least one arm, which receiving device interacts with a connecting element to which a retaining strap is undetachably fastened, e.g. moulded on. A plurality of receiving devices can be disposed at predetermined positions between the front end of each arm and the free end thereof. This has the advantage that the retaining strap can be adapted individually to the shape of the head, the hair length and possible individual preferences of the wearer of the spectacles. Thus the retaining strap can be immovably fastened not only to the free end of the arm but also to a front end of the arm, that is to say where the arm adjoins the hinge, and all intermediate positions. The fastening of the retaining strap cannot move while being worn.

Description

Glasses with tether

The invention relates to spectacles with a holding strap according to the preamble of the independent claim 1 and a holding strap according to claim 4.

For glasses that are used only for reading or as protective goggles for special operations or as sun and sports glasses, it is often useful that the glasses can be carried without storing them in a case or otherwise. For these cases, a strap around the neck or a chain is often used, which can be connected to the glasses in different ways.

One known from DE 84 14 889 U1 solutions is to pull flexible loops of rubber or plastic through a tube or a spiral and to rub one of its ends on the temple and the other to attach to the tether or the chain. This very simple way of securing the tether or the chain on the glasses, however, is very unreliable, since both a frequent displacement of the loop on the temples can not be avoided, as well as the risk that solves the connection after prolonged use and the Glasses fall down. In addition, the known straps or chains are usually so long that the glasses hang uncontrollably in front of the body and can be damaged or restricts the freedom of movement, which is also disadvantageous.

US 6 182 334 B1 describes a connection between the tether and the temples by means of a rubber hose, which is pushed over the ends of the Temples. Here, the disadvantage is that the diameter of the hose connections must be matched to the thickness of the eyeglass temple. Other disadvantages are that the connection looks provisional and that the hose pushed onto the temples affects the wearing comfort.

Another approach is described in DE 10057908 C2 or the corresponding US Pat. No. 6,253,388 B1. Here, the strap was proposed so short that the glasses on the nose bridge is separated and held with a magnetic connection. Because of the otherwise resulting instability of the two spectacle halves, the tether was designed as a rigid bracket. This from the construction following rigid design has considerable

CONFIRMATION COPY Disadvantage. For example, the glasses can not be pushed into the bag in a small package, but they remain bulky. In addition, when leaning on the head, such as when reading in bed, the rigid bracket affects the fit of the glasses.

The US 2004/0051845 A1 has the task to show a pair of glasses with retractable strap. In Fig. 1 of the document, a tether is shown, which is threaded either into a hollow temples and attached at the end via a reel or is connected to a closure with the temples. To connect the tether with a connecting element is disclosed that a ball is attached to the end of the tether.

US Pat. No. 6,478,419 B1 and US Pat. No. 5,673,094 A have the object of disclosing buoyant spectacles in which the tether provides buoyancy. In US Pat. No. 6,478,419 B1, only the two ends of a hollow tether are slipped over the free ends of the temples. It is therefore a detachable connection.

The US 5,786,882 A has as the DE 93 20 854 U1 the task to keep the tether safely and reliably to the glasses. The proposed solution is in the view of the applicant aesthetically unsatisfactory.

The US 2003/0101542 A1 as well as the already mentioned US 6 182 334 B1 have the task of connecting a tether made of woven fabric material with a pair of glasses. For this purpose, the tether is connected via connecting elements with the temples. The attachment to the connecting elements takes place with receiving parts, which are suitable to receive a woven fabric material. US 2003/0101542 A1 shows a holding strap, which can be fastened both to the temple piece and to the temple end. When attached to the temple, however, it is not a fixed one position, but displaceable along a straight part of the eyeglass temple. This has a limited wearing comfort result, because the attachment of the tether can move during wear and the requirements for long hair are different than for short hair.

In the closest DE 93 20 854 U1, a pair of spectacles with a lens frame and eyeglass temples connected to it is proposed, which has at least one holder for a tether that is releasably connected to the lens frame or temples. The detachable connection takes place by means of a plug-and-snap connection. This is achieved by a specially constructed and connected by means of loops with the retaining band holder in a matching receptacle in the lens frame or the spectacle frame. gel clicks. The disadvantage of the proposed embodiment by means of zwekelnkeliger U-shape of the holder is that the receiving device due to the two-sided enclosure by the U-shaped bracket on the glasses always, so even without attachment of a tether, prominently visible. DE 93 20 854 U1 has the task to hold the tether safely and reliably to the glasses. However, the proposed solution is aesthetically unsatisfactory, according to the Applicant.

Object of the present invention is to develop the glasses with tether so that the connection between the glasses and tether is improved both in functional and aesthetic terms.

The object is achieved by a pair of spectacles according to claim 1 and a tether according to claim 5 for interacting with a pair of spectacles. The present invention solves the problem by a temples having a receiving device at a front end of the eyeglass temple, which with a connecting element of a tether can cooperate, and in addition to the free end of a temples another receiving device is provided, which cooperate with the connecting element of a tether and can enter into a detachable connection. Thus, the tether not only at the free end of the eyeglass temple but also at a front end of the eyeglass temple, ie where the eyeglass temple adjoins the hinge, are immovably attached. The attachment of the tether can not move during wear and the glasses with tether is adjusted with an adjustable ideal breakpoint equally to the requirements for long hair (front position) as short hair (rear position).

In a further development, it is provided that a plurality of receiving devices are arranged between the front end of each eyeglass temple and its free end at predetermined positions. This has the advantage that the tether can be adapted individually to the head shape, the hair length and possible individual preferences of the wearer.

In a further development it is provided that the two connecting elements of the

Tether each can enter into a releasable connection by means of push-button, slot, pin or snap-fit connection with the associated temple strap, the outside of a temple piece has no hole and possibly a hole can be provided at the free end of the eyeglass temple for connection to the connecting element. So you do not see the glasses, that if it is worn without tether, all Arrangements are made so that a tether according to the invention is immovably fastened to her.

The invention also relates to a tether for interacting with a

glasses according to the invention. At the ends of the tether a fastener is permanently attached, which with a receiving device on the temple

can interact. The attachment can be between tether and

Connecting element can be done in all known ways, particularly advantageous is the molding by the connecting element of the material of the molded

Tether undetachably enclosed or penetrated.

The term "molding" is a term known in the art of plastics, which is clear to the person skilled in the art of plastics technology, in particular for joining technology.There are various known methods, which is why the Applicant does not wish to be bound by a common method in the present patent application is, for example, the injection molding into a mold, in which a component is inserted before the injection process and after curing, for example by cooling, a non-detachable connection results in. Also in the description, reference is made repeatedly to typical process steps of an injection molding process, so that for the It is clear to the skilled person what is meant by "molded". In particular, the connecting element has a toothing or openings, which are enclosed or penetrated by the material of the integrally formed tether.

An aesthetically pleasing solution results when there is a steady transition from tether to the connector. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting element may consist of the same material as the eyeglass temple.

Overall, the transition between eyeglass temple and tether is aesthetically pleasing

attractively designed. This is done e.g. by continuous material transitions between connecting elements on the one hand and tether on the other hand by the holding band is formed. The attractive design of the transition between eyeglass temple and tether is also done by using the same materials for eyeglass temple and fastener. None of the cited references provides such a solution.

In the following figures are the same or equivalent part with the same

Named position sign. Show it: Fig. 1 is a side and interior view of a spectacle arm

Fig. 2 A top view of the glasses with tether in 3 positions

Fig. 3 a) a detailed view of the eyeglass temple and b) a section

Fig. 4 a) a free end of the eyeglass temple from the inside and b) from the outside

Fig. 5 is a free end of the eyeglass temple in section

Fig. 6 A releasable connection by means of a push button in two versions

Fig. 7 Various connections between the connecting element and tether

Fig. 8 molding the tether to the connecting element

Fig. 1 shows a side view and an interior view of an embodiment of a pair of glasses 1 with a tether 5. The glasses 1 includes glasses 2 and a lens frame 3. The right temple 4R is shown inside. The left eyeglass temple would cover the right temple 4R in this view and is therefore not shown. There is shown in FIG. 1 a tether 5.1 in a forward position, a tether 5.2 in a rearward, spaced position I, and a tether 5.3 in an end position at the free end of the temples 4R.

In general: The receiving devices 7 for the connecting elements 6 with the tether 5 are to be arranged and designed so that they are not perceived on the worn glasses in the dissolved state for the viewer or at least not disturbing, i. they are either not visible or appear as an integral part of the design of the glasses. The illustrated embodiments are only to be understood as examples. In a concrete embodiment, deviations may result without departing from the inventive idea presented.

In order to be able to carry out the shortest possible holding strap, which is so short that the glasses could not easily be raised or lowered over the head, the holding strap can be made elastic and, in addition or alternatively, be provided with an openable closure.

In order to optimally shape the connection between the holding strap 5 and the spectacle frame, consisting of the lens holder 3 and the two temple clips 4R, 4L, in the transitional area between the strap 4R and holding strap 5, different releasable connection of the holding strap with the spectacle frame 3, 4R, 4L proposed. The detachable connection is effected by means of receiving means arranged equally at both temple stirrups 4R, 4L in predetermined positions 7.1 - 7.3 and the retaining strap 5.1 - 5.3 in corresponding mounting positions. The attachment of the tether 5 takes place at predetermined positions P1, P2, P3 by means of the connecting element 6. Here, the case of an elastic tether 5 is assumed, but also a non-elastic tether is conceivable.

In the tether 5.3 in the 3rd position, the two temple pieces 4R, 4L are optically continued so that they open by means of a receiving device 7.3 and a connecting element 6 in a tether, so that the free ends of the tether 5 directly to the free ends of the temples Connect 4R, 4L.

Due to the detachable connection ensures that the tether 5 is not constantly connected to the glasses 1, but only if the eyeglass user desires it. If the glasses 1 without tether 5 are needed, this can be removed by loosening the connection with little force. In addition, the user can be used in terms of material, color and length different straps. Thus, the need of very many people to wear glasses, whether reading glasses, sunglasses or safety goggles always ready to hand, technically simple but effective and creative in design terms can be solved very flexible. The proposed solutions are in part designed so that the connecting element 6 is rotatably mounted in the respective receiving device 7.1 - 7.3, so that the tether 5 can be flexibly angled even in a fixed position to the temples 4R, 4L. The releasable connection may be provided on both temple stirrups 4R, 4L. But it can also be the detachable connection to a temple with a permanent connection on the other temple be combined. However, both compounds, e.g. by molding, be insoluble.

In order to ensure that the receiving devices 7.1 - 7.3 do not appear as such, even with removed tether 5, they must be either inconspicuous or an integral part of the design of the glasses. 2 shows a top view of the spectacles with holding strap in 3 positions for the holding strap 5. In this exemplary embodiment it is provided that the receiving devices 7.1 and 7.2 are arranged in a fold F and the receiving devices 7.1 to 7.2 along the spectacle arm on the outside, ie Visible side of the eyeglass temple does not appear by the holes are not carried out continuously. Depending on the choice of the hole, the tether 5 is fixed in the first P1, second P2 or third position P3 position. Intermediate positions Pia are also conceivable, which are arranged along the path I (FIG. 1) between the first position P1 and the second position P2. FIG. 3a shows a detailed view of the eyeglass temple 4R and a section 3b. In the illustrated embodiment in Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, the receiving devices 7.1 are formed by holes into which a pin 6.1 of the connecting element 6 can engage. The fold F is clearly visible in the section Fig. 3.b. Here, the attachment is accomplished by a snapper 6.2, which engages by a pin 6.1 in the lens frame or the temple piece and is released by, for example, with the fingernail of the edge 6.2 is lifted. Thus, the holder 6 consisting of connecting element 6 and receiving device 7, which may be linear because of the requirement of many discrete stops, as little as possible appears without tether, it is expediently mounted on the inside of the temples. Possible impairments of the user by the attachment can be avoided by a recess (fold F), which ensures a flush fit when inserted. At the end of the glasses is also a receiving device 7.3, as shown in Fig. 4, attached, which still has the advantage that an impairment of a voltage applied inside the head connecting element can be excluded. Overall, it is generally useful to avoid impairments that the connecting element 6 is formed filigree, which is possible in metal but also various plastics. The recess of the receiving device 7.3 can be designed so that the connecting element 6 is fixed in its position, so there is a predetermined angle or range of movement between the free end of the eyeglass temple and the connecting element. Fig. 4a shows a partial view of the temple piece 4R from the inside, while Fig. 4b shows the same temple from the outside. The view from the inside Fig. 4a shows a crescent-shaped depression around the edge of the connecting element, for example, with the fingernail to engage behind the edge and lever on the pin and to release the snap connection.

FIG. 5 shows a free end of the eyeglass temple 4R in section. The connecting element 6 has, as already described, pin 6.1 and an edge 6.2. The free end of the eyeglass temple 4R has a recess on both sides to accommodate the two legs of the connecting element 6. This results in a smooth conclusion of the eyeglass temple 4R. With the elongated recess in the temple, the connecting element is fixed in an angular position.

In general, ie not only related to the free end of the eyeglass temple, this solution is in a plug-and-snap connection as it may be provided at other positions along the temple. Here is a receiving device 7 a recess or a fold F (the female part) provided on the inside of the glasses and optionally a Falzl on the outside of the glasses, while a U-shaped holder made of comparatively rigid material, such as the glasses or metal, as part of the connecting element 6 the Grasps the eyeglass frame and locks it in the material - without penetrating it as in the pin connection explained below -. In reverse order, the connection can also be solved again. The compound can be round or as a fold and thus between glasses and connecting element rotatable or elongated as in Fig. 4 and thus more rigid. The U-shaped part forms a connecting element of the holding band, which closes off a free end of the holding band. For the exact embodiment, reference is made to the above-cited DE 9320854 U1 as an example.

In the following, further possible solutions for the detachable connection between eyeglass temple 4R, 4L and the connecting element 6 are shown. Details can be found in WO 2011/076381 A1 of the same applicant, which is hereby incorporated by reference. For example, there releasable connections through push-button, slot, pin or plug-snap (pin) connections are shown.

A first solution consists of a push-button connection (FIGS. 6a and 6b). Here, the opening (the female part) for the push button is attached as a receiving device on the inside of the glasses. In the embodiment in Fig. 6a, the opening is only about half the extent of the eyeglass temple, while in the embodiment of Fig. 6b it passes entirely through the material. The first embodiment in FIG. 6a has the advantage that the outside, ie the visible side of the eyeglass temple, conceals the print head connection. The connecting element 6 is designed as a push-button pin (the male part) in rigid material, e.g. how the glasses are designed. The connection between the connecting element 6 and the tether 5 can be made by molding. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the connection between the glasses and the strap is harmonious and as if made from one piece.

Another solution consists of a slot connection (without figure). Here, a slot opening is provided as a receiving device at the free end of the eyeglass temple or in another area of the glasses through which a pin of the connecting element fits and can be locked by displacement in the slot. The pin may have a flattened head that fits into a recess on the eyeglass temple. The pin is part of the connecting element and made of hard material, such as the glasses, and connected to the tether. Another solution consists of a pin connection (without figure). Here, designed as a pin part of the connecting element is inserted through a hole in the temple and fixed with a U-shaped connection loop of the connecting element, for example by a push-button type connection. The U-shaped connecting loop with pin is part of the connecting element, made of hard material, such as the glasses, and is connected to the tether.

The attachment of the connecting element 6 to the tether 5 is carried out either as in jewelry or necklaces such as between closure and chain e.g. through an eyelet. Such attachment is shown in Figures 7a - 7c. In Fig. 7a, the tether 5 is formed as a chain. In Fig. 7b, the tether 5 has at its free end a ring with which it is attached to the connecting element 6. In Fig. 7c, the tether 5 penetrates the connecting element 6 and is welded or glued to me.

In Fig. 7b, the connection, in which the tether is movably guided by means of a wire on the connecting element, allows substantially more freedom of movement, so that the spectacles, e.g. can be worn in the folded state with the top up hanging on the tether.

A positive connection of e.g. elastic plastic of the tether 5 to a connecting element 6 is achieved in that the tether 5 is integrally formed on the connecting element 6 with continuous material transitions and by an internal toothing 8 or mutual penetration. The external view is shown in Fig. 8a and the section in Fig. 8b the example of a tether at a free end of a spectacle arm. In this way it can also be achieved that the connecting element 6 is made of the same material as the eyeglass temple 4R.

In general, the holding band 5 can be molded onto the hard material of the connecting element 6, wherein the connecting element 6 can be made of the same material as the spectacle arm 4R, 4L. The Anformung the tether 5 is designed so that the rigid end of the connecting element 6 connects well with the ummantelnden example elastic material of the tether 5. This is ensured by the fact that the free end of the connecting element 6 has a toothing and additional openings through which the elastic material can connect. However, this toothing can also be formed by a separate end piece, for example made of metal, which is anchored in the connecting element. As a result, the tether becomes an integral part of the eyeglasses, thereby providing many possibilities of aesthetic design of eyeglasses and tether result. Details of the connection between tether and fastener can be found in WO 2011/076381 A1 of the same Applicant, which is hereby incorporated by reference. In "molding", the connection between two parts can be conveyed by chemical dissolution or by thermal fusion, ie melting.

Many prior art tethers are woven tapes of textile, non-elastic and infusible material. The preferred material is plastic, which should not exclude that one can braid plastic threads to a fabric. Plastic is to be used according to the invention, inter alia, also because the tether in one embodiment should be elastic, so you can strip the glasses with a short tether over the head. The plastics used are elastomers or, better still, thermoplastic elastomers, such as e.g. NBR, considering. These are elastic to process at moderate temperatures, resistant to deformation and aging. Suitable plastics are known from the literature.

Some figures depict the tether fastened directly to the fastener, e.g., Figures 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b and 5. Of course, the tether may also be secured to the fastener by means of an eyelet and a ring, as shown in Figure 7b. Of course, the tether may be designed not as a band but as a chain, as shown by way of example in Fig. 7a.

The glasses according to the invention with holding strap has several advantages: The connection between the holding strap and glasses is detachable, so that the glasses can be worn with or without tether. The connection allows several different mounting points on the glasses to meet different needs and preferences of the user. For this purpose, the temples on inconspicuous recordings for holding the tether, by means of which in many places the tether can be releasably but securely attached. Although numerous embodiments for solving this problem are conceivable, preference is given to those in which the receiving devices do not penetrate the temples.

The recording device on the glasses does not appear prominently even when wearing without tether, so that it is in principle a pair of glasses that has the added benefit that different straps can be attached at different locations. One of the advantages of the invention is the positive aesthetic aspect of the glasses. In particular, the retaining strap or the connecting element in material and color can be matched to the glasses. The connection is designed so that completely different straps are conceivable, in particular elastic or non-elastic, inconspicuous or designed as a necklace. The connection between glasses and tether is designed so that aesthetically results in a homogeneous unity between the two.

Claims

claims

1. Glasses with a lens frame and temple, which are connected at its front end with the lens frame, wherein the eyeglass temple at least one

Have receiving device at a front end of the eyeglass temple, which can cooperate with a connecting element of a tether, characterized in that at the free end of at least one eyeglass temple (4R, 4L), a further receiving device (7) is provided, which with the

Connecting element (7) of a tether (5) can cooperate.

2. Spectacles according to claim 1

characterized in that between the front end of each eyeglass temple (4R, 4L) and its free end at predetermined positions more

Receiving devices (7) are arranged.

3. Spectacles according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that

the connecting element (6) a detachable connection, in particular by means of push-button, slot, pin or plug-and-snap connection, with the

Temples (4R, 4L) are received.

4. Spectacles according to claim 3, characterized in that the outside of a

Eyeglass temple (4R, 4L) has no hole or only a hole at the free end of the eyeglass temple.

5. Spectacles according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that

the tether, in particular by means of a running wire via a ring, is guided movably on the connecting element.

6. tether for interacting with a pair of spectacles according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one end of the tether (5), a connecting element (6) permanently attached, in particular is formed, wherein the Connecting element (6) with a receiving device (7) on the eyeglass temple (4R, 4L) can cooperate.

7. retaining strap according to claim 6, characterized in that the

Connecting element (6) of the material of the integrally formed tether (5) undetachably enclosed or penetrated.

8. retaining strap according to claim 7, characterized in that

the connecting element (6) has a toothing or openings, which are enclosed or penetrated by the material of the integrally formed holding band (5).

9. retaining strap according to claim 8, characterized in that

the forming of the tether (5) on the connecting element (6) takes place in such a way that a continuous transition to the connecting element (6) results.

10. retaining strap according to claim 9, characterized in that

the connecting element (6) consists of the same material as the eyeglass temple (4R, 4L).