Process for partially covering spectacle frame part and frame part obtained by process

Abstract

A process for partially coating a component (1) of a spectacle frame, for example a temple or front, is described; the process method comprises the steps of: providing a first sheet (2) of polymeric material (20) and a second sheet of polymeric material; manufacturing at least one seat in a first sheet (2) of polymeric material, wherein the seat is shaped to receive the component (1); covering the first portion (11) of the component (1) with an insulating element (3); placing the component (1) in the seat; placing the second sheet on the first sheet (2), wherein the component (1) is placed in the seat; permanently joining the two sheets where the two sheets are in contact with each other; the polymer material (20) is removed from the first portion (11) of the component (1) covered with the insulating element (3). The invention also relates to parts of a spectacle frame obtained by said process method, and to a frame comprising at least one of such parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for partially covering a part of a spectacle frame, such as a temple or a front part, and also relates to a covering part obtained by the process and a spectacle frame comprising such a part.

[0002] The invention is effectively used to coat only certain parts of the frame parts, for example for coating the terminal ends of the temples. The coating of this part that rests on the wearer's ear is called the terminal end. In fact, the temples are usually made of a metal core or even a polymer core that is coated to make the part of the temple that rests on the ear more comfortable, but also to decorate and customize it. Background Art

[0003] It is known to completely coat eyeglass frame temples or parts of temples to form so-called temple tips.

[0004] For temples having a regular shape, ie straight temples, a known method for covering the ends involves snap-fitting an acetate cap (ie the end) onto the temple, the acetate cap having previously been perforated to receive the temple therein.

[0005] The downside to this method is that the acetate caps tend to slip off the temples.

[0006] It is also known to apply plastic ends to temples by means of a so-called hot core process.

[0007] The process involves inserting a temple core having a needle-shaped end (ie, a sharp end) into cellulose acetate, the temple core being heated to facilitate insertion.

[0008] Disadvantageously, the core shooting process is only applicable to cores with sharp ends and furthermore, the step of heating the core is undesirable as it creates deformations and tensions within the core.

[0009] In addition to the above disadvantages, the above two methods also have the additional limitation that they are not applicable to the case of temples with specific shapes. Specifically, these methods cannot be used for temples with non-constant cross-sections, such as temples with one end expanded relative to the temple body, or temples with irregular shapes, such as curved temples.

[0010] In order to produce tips on temples of various shapes, it is known, for example, to injection mold a thermoplastic polymer, such as nylon, propionate or acetate, directly onto the portion of the temple to be covered.

[0011] In particular, it is known to inject such thermoplastic polymers in a single step, making the end in a single shell, or to mold a first half shell and a second half shell of thermoplastic polymer at two different times, thereby forming two different half shells that are joined together to surround the temple. A second double jet injection method is disclosed, for example, in Italian Patent No. 102019000005312.

[0012] A common disadvantage of the various variants of both single-shot and dual-shot injection molding processes is that, although the process is simple and fast, it is harsh on the temples due to the high pressure when the polymer is injected.

[0013] Furthermore, it is because of these pressures that it is difficult to hold the temple in place during the injection step. For example, the support beams used to hold the temple in place, when removed, form uncoated areas of the temple. Such support beams can also scratch the core.

[0014] Furthermore, in the case of two-jet injection, the separation line between the two halves is subject to the formation of defects until the two halves are separated from one another.

[0015] To form the temple ends, a known alternative to injection molding is to cast a thermosetting resin onto the temple. However, this method is complicated because it requires specialized equipment, such as special molds. In addition, this process produces burrs and other defects that must be removed. Another disadvantage of casting is that it requires a polymerization step of the resin in an oven, which produces deformations in the temple.

[0016] To solve these problems, a cellulose acetate coating process using two acetate sheets was developed.

[0017] The process involves placing the temples between two acetate sheets and then joining them. Specifically, the two sheets are joined by high frequency welding or acetone to form a single body in which the temples are embedded. The body is then cut and processed to remove excess material, such as by forming, shimming, bending and tumbling.

[0018] Disadvantageously, this process results in complete coating of the part. Therefore, in the event that the coating is only applied to a portion of the temple (i.e., the end of the temple), a portion of the coating will need to be removed. However, this removal step is cumbersome and sometimes damages the temple, as acetate is difficult to remove from the temple. Summary of the invention

[0019] The basic task of the present invention is to provide a process for partially coating parts of a frame, such as temples or front parts, which overcomes the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art. The basic task of the present invention is also to provide parts of a frame, such as temples or front parts, obtained by this process, and frames comprising such parts, which are partially coated and less prone to defects than those of the above-mentioned prior art.

[0020] The object of the invention is in particular to provide a process which causes minimal damage to the component itself and which is simple and precise.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a process that is applicable to different types of parts and their several shapes.

[0022] The above-mentioned task as well as the objects mentioned and others which will emerge better later are achieved by a process as claimed in claim 1 , by a component of a frame obtained by such a process as claimed in claim 9 and by a frame comprising such a component as claimed in claim 10 .

[0023] Further features are provided in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a process for partially coating parts of eyeglass frames, such as temples or the front, some of the steps of which are shown, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] - Figure 1 The steps of the process according to the invention for partially coating an eyeglass frame component are shown;

[0026] - Figure 2a and Figure 2b The temples of a spectacle frame obtained by further process steps according to the invention are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a process for partially coating a part 1 of an eyeglass frame is described below.

[0028] In the drawings, the part 1 shown is a temple. However, the invention is also applicable to other parts of the frame, such as the front part.

[0029] Therefore, in the following, reference is made to a part 1 of an eyeglass frame, such as a temple or a front part.

[0030] The component 1 comprises a first portion 11 which is not to be coated and a second portion 12 which is to be coated.

[0031] The process comprises a first step of providing a first sheet 2 of polymer material 20 and a second sheet of polymer material (not shown). The second sheet is similar to the first sheet 2. In particular, both sheets are preferably made of the same material and have similar dimensions, as explained below.

[0032] The polymer material 20 of the sheet is preferably cellulose acetate or the like.

[0033] In particular, in the context of the present description, the polymer material 20 of the sheet is provided by any polymer material that can be processed in the form of a sheet, ie that can be shaped and at the same time is not overly brittle.

[0034] For example, the polymer material 20 includes acrylate or polyurethane.

[0035] The sheet is preferably decorated with color and / or pattern.

[0036] Advantageously, it is possible to obtain the frame part 1 decorated in various ways, as will be shown below.

[0037] The step of providing the first and second sheets may also feasibly comprise the sub-step of manufacturing such sheets by, for example, milling or laser cutting from a block of polymeric material 20 .

[0038] The process comprises the further step of making at least one seat in the first sheet 2 of polymer material 20. In particular, each seat is shaped to house a component 1 in order to keep it stationary during the subsequent process steps.

[0039] Preferably, the seat has a depth of at least 0.5 mm. More preferably, the seat has a depth of 1 mm.

[0040] Preferably, the seat or seats are manufactured by milling the first sheet 2 .

[0041] It should be noted that one or more seats are made on at least one of the two sheets.

[0042] Thus, the seat can be produced not only in the first sheet 2 but also in the second sheet.

[0043] Still preferably, the first sheet 2 has a plurality of seats to accommodate a plurality of components 1 in order to increase production throughput.

[0044] Preferably, the first sheet 2 and the second sheet have the same transverse dimensions.

[0045] It is always preferred that the first sheet 2 and the second sheet have a thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. More preferably, the thickness of both sheets is between 1 mm and 4 mm.

[0046] The first sheet 2 and the second sheet may have the same or different thicknesses.

[0047] After the step of manufacturing at least one seat, the process comprises a step of placing the component 1 in the seat.

[0048] In the case where more than one seat is provided, this step involves placing a respective component 1 in each seat.

[0049] The process according to the invention also comprises the step of covering the first portion 11 of the component 1 with an insulating element 3, such as Figure 1 as shown in .

[0050] This step may be performed before or after the step of placing the component 1 in the seat.

[0051] After applying the insulating element 3 and placing the component 1 in the seat, the process comprises a step of placing a second sheet on top of the first sheet 2 with the component 1 placed in the seat.

[0052] In particular, if both sheets comprise the above-mentioned seats, the two sheets must be positioned so that the seats made on the first sheet 2 correspond to the seats made on the second sheet, in order to keep the component 1 embedded between the two sheets.

[0053] In other words, the first sheet serves as the base and the second sheet serves as the cover.

[0054] The process preferably also comprises a step of arranging the two sheets in the mould. This step can be performed at various times, such as before placing the second sheet on the first sheet 2 and after placing the components 1 in the respective seats, or before inserting one or more components 1 into the seats of the first sheet 2, so that the second sheet is placed directly in the mould when the step of placing the second sheet on the first sheet 2 is performed.

[0055] The process then includes the step of permanently joining the two sheets where they contact each other.

[0056] It is noted in this regard that the insulating element 3 is, for example, an insulating tape, a heat-sealed bag or any other element that prevents the joining of the two sheets, if present.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the step of permanently joining the two sheets is performed by high frequency welding.

[0058] In this case, the insulating element 3 must therefore also be resistant to high-frequency welding.

[0059] This results in a single body formed from the two sheets and incorporating the component or components 1 to be sheathed.

[0060] The process of the invention therefore comprises a further step of removing the polymer material 20 of the sheet from the first portion 11 of the component 1 covered by the insulating element 3 .

[0061] This step is performed after the step of permanently joining the two sheets.

[0062] It should be noted that, thanks to the invention, and in particular thanks to the fact that the first portion 11 of the component 1 is covered by the insulating element 3 , the removal of the polymeric material 20 from the first portion 11 is easy.

[0063] Specifically, the removal of excess polymer material 20 is performed in several steps.

[0064] For example, if several components 1 are embedded between two sheets, they are separated from each other.

[0065] Processes such as laser cutting, forming, shimming, tumbling, bending or even more are also provided to shape and / or remove a portion of the polymeric material 20 around the component 1 .

[0066] For example, the forming process makes it possible to obtain a wide variety of shapes very easily.

[0067] Figure 2a The component 1 is shown, for example, with a semi-finished coating which surrounds both the first portion 11 and the second portion 12 .

[0068] Finally, according to the first embodiment, the process comprises a step of removing the insulating element 3 from the component 1 .

[0069] This step is performed after the polymer material 20 has been removed from the component 1 .

[0070] According to the second embodiment, no step of removing the insulating element 3 from the component 1 is provided. In fact, according to the second embodiment, the insulating element 3 remains tightly bonded to the polymer material 20, without having to remove it from the component 1.

[0071] Advantageously, the components 1 remain protected until the end of the process: this allows the finished components 1 to be sheathed, minimizing the risk of damaging them and obviating the need for additional processing at the end of the process.

[0072] At the end of the process, the component 1 is finished and coated only at the second portion 12, such as Figure 2b as shown in .

[0073] The invention also relates to a component 1 of an eyeglass frame obtained by this process. This component 1 is a temple and / or a front part, which comprises a first uncoated portion 11 and a second portion 12 coated with a polymer material 20 by the above process, Figure 2b Specifically, the second portion 12 preferably has a curved or irregular shape.

[0074] Preferably, the second portion 12 is coated with cellulose acetate by means of the above-mentioned process.

[0075] Advantageously, a partly uncoated and partly coated component 1 is obtained.

[0076] For example, component 1 is a metal temple with an acetate tip at the end, or a metal temple coated with acetate except for the end.

[0077] Alternatively, component 1 is a metal front part with a bridge (i.e. the connecting part between the two lenses) coated in acetate, or a front part completely coated in acetate except for the bridge. Advantageously, it is also possible to cover bridges with different shapes (for example double).

[0078] The invention also relates to an eyeglass frame, not shown in the drawings, comprising at least one component 1 having a first uncoated portion 11 and a second portion 12 coated with a polymer material by means of the above-described process.

[0079] The process for coating a part of a spectacle frame thus conceived, as well as the part 1 obtained by this process and the spectacle frame comprising this part, are susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept; moreover, all the details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the dimensions and, if appropriate, the shapes, may be any according to the technical requirements.

Claims

1. A process for partially coating a part (1) of an eyeglass frame, such as a temple or a front part or both a temple and a front part, comprising the following steps: - providing a first sheet (2) of polymer material (20) and a second sheet of polymer material; - making at least one seat in said first sheet (2) of polymer material (20), said seat being shaped to receive said component (1); - covering the first portion (11) of the component (1) with an insulating element (3); - placing the component (1) in the seat; - placing the second sheet on the first sheet (2), wherein the component (1) is placed in the seat; - permanently join the two sheets where they contact each other; - Removing the polymer material (20) of the sheet from the first portion (11) of the component (1) covered by the insulating element (3).

2. Process according to claim 1, comprising the further step of removing the insulating element (3) from the component (1).

3. The process according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating element (3) remains tightly bonded to the polymer material (20) and does not need to be removed from the component (1).

4. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of permanently joining the two sheets is performed by high frequency welding.

5. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more seats are made by milling the first sheet (2).

6. A process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said polymer material (20) of said sheet is cellulose acetate or the like.

7. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sheet (2) and the second sheet have the same transverse dimensions.

8. Process according to claim 7, wherein the first sheet (2) and the second sheet have equal or different thicknesses.

9. A component (1) of an eyeglass frame, the component (1) being a temple and / or a front part, the component (1) comprising: - a first uncoated portion (11); - A second portion (12) having a curved or irregular shape, said second portion (12) being coated with a polymer material (20) by a process according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Eyeglass frame comprising at least one component (1) according to claim 9.

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