Eyewear hinge assembly and eyewear comprising such hinge assembly

Abstract

An eyewear hinge assembly (100) comprising: a support plate (110) comprising a first cantilevered portion (113) and a second cantilevered portion (114), the first cantilevered portion and the second cantilevered portion exhibiting a first through hole (115) and a second through hole (116), respectively; a support body (130) rotatably coupled to the support plate (110) and including a third hole (132) and a fourth hole (133) and a receiving chamber (138); an arm element (150) presenting a first arm portion (160) and a second arm portion (170), the first arm portion (160) presenting a first perforated end portion (161) arranged at the first through hole (115) and a second perforated end portion (162) arranged at the third hole (132), a second arm portion (170) presenting a third perforated end portion (171) arranged at the second through hole (116) and a fourth perforated end portion (172) arranged at the fourth hole (133), the third hole (132), the second perforated end portion (162), the fourth perforated end portion (172) and the fourth hole (133) being penetrated by at least one coupling pin (137); a torsion spring (139) housed in the housing chamber (138) and having at least one tubular portion (140) at least partially penetrated by the at least one coupling pin (137).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an eyeglass hinge assembly which may be used particularly, but not exclusively, in "smart" eyeglasses.

[0002] The invention also relates to spectacles comprising such a hinge assembly. Background Art

[0003] Although such hinge assemblies can be used in all types of glasses, for simplicity, we will focus only on "smart" glasses for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

[0004] As is known, "smart" glasses (also called virtual glasses or digital glasses) mean a pair of glasses that includes electronic devices suitable for operating like a computer to support the activities performed by the user wearing the glasses, whether in the daily and private sphere, in the work and business sphere or in any other specific sphere.

[0005] Currently used "smart" glasses enable the display of desired information and / or objects on the lenses or the use of voice commands to interact with the glasses themselves, saving time and money in many tasks and also enabling the user to work more safely while having both hands free.

[0006] In more detail, the "smart" glasses available on the market today consist of electronics and software that are able to play videos, audio files, take photos, run computer applications, recognize natural language, shapes and objects arranged in the surrounding environment.

[0007] "Smart" glasses are provided with: a display device (such as a display), which is typically integrated into the lens of the glasses frame or placed on it; and an electronic processing and control unit (such as a controller or a battery), which is typically integrated into the glasses frame or in its temples.

[0008] As is known, there are "smart" glasses on the market that are provided with a bi-stable hinge.

[0009] The bi-stability of the hinge enables the temple of the eyeglass frame to remain stationary and stable in the operating position it is in (ie open or closed), thereby preventing it from accidentally moving and inadvertently causing discomfort to the user.

[0010] For example, document DE 102020210683 B3 describes a bi-stable hinge for a spectacle frame, the bi-stable hinge being formed by a first articulation region configured to connect the hinge to the front of the spectacle frame and to identify a first articulation axis, and a second articulation region configured to connect the hinge to the temple of the spectacle frame and to identify a second articulation axis, and the bi-stable hinge having a recess perpendicular to the first articulation axis and the second articulation axis, the recess acting as a guide for accommodating a cable connecting the front of the spectacle frame to the temple.

[0011] They are also known hinges that enable a further flexible additional open operating position, known as an "extra flex" operating position, in which the angle formed between the temple and the front of the eyeglass frame when the temple is opened is greater than 90 degrees.

[0012] The "extra flex" operating position allows for easier donning by the user due to the extra flex opening of the temples, and allows the user to have greater comfort when the user is wearing these glasses.

[0013] A hinge that is able to obtain an "extra flex" operating position will hereinafter be referred to as flexible.

[0014] As is known, additional open positions are reached by continuing to rotate the temples after the temples have reached the open position.

[0015] In other words, the additional open position is achieved by further rotating the temple from the open position in a direction opposite to the rotation that would allow the temple to return to the closed position.

[0016] Hinges on the market are both bi-stable and flexible.

[0017] However, such a hinge is composed of a large number of articulated elements, thereby increasing the complexity of the hinge itself as well as its size.

[0018] Additionally, during transition to the additional open position, the temples may adopt an incorrect position, which may cause mechanical stress on the hinges themselves, leading to hinge degradation and / or breakage.

[0019] Furthermore, typically, when the temple is rotated to reach the additional open position, the end portion of the temple comes into contact with the front of the eyeglass frame, with the risk of wearing and scratching the front of the frame itself in the long term. Summary of the invention

[0020] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and in particular to design a spectacles hinge assembly which is bi-stable and at the same time flexible and which is simpler and less bulky than known hinge assemblies.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a bi-stable but flexible eyeglass hinge assembly that enables the integrity of the hinge to be maintained during transition from the open position to the additional open position or vice versa.

[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to create a bi-stable and at the same time flexible eyeglass hinge assembly which enables the temples and the front to be protected from wear.

[0023] These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by making a spectacles hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1 and a spectacles comprising such a hinge assembly as claimed in claim 13 .

[0024] Further features of the spectacles hinge assembly are subject matter of the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The characteristics and advantages of the hinge assembly for spectacles and spectacles comprising such a hinge assembly according to the invention will become more apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0026] - Figure 1a is a first perspective view of the eyeglass hinge assembly according to the present invention when in a first stable open position;

[0027] - Figure 1b yes Figure 1a A second stereoscopic view of the hinge assembly of the eyeglasses;

[0028] - Figure 1c yes Figure 1a a first front view of the hinge assembly of the eyeglasses, the first front view being taken from a space between the temple and the front of the eyeglasses;

[0029] - Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c are respectively along Figure 1c Three cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly of glasses taken along lines IIa-IIa, IIb-IIb, and IIc-IIc;

[0030] - Figure 3a is a third perspective view of the eyeglass hinge assembly according to the present invention in an intermediate position between the first stable open position and the second stable closed position;

[0031] - Figure 3b yes Figure 3a A fourth stereogram of the hinge assembly of glasses;

[0032] - Figure 3c yes Figure 3aa second front view of the eyeglass hinge assembly of FIG. 1 , the second front view being taken from the space between the temple and the front portion;

[0033] - Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 4c are respectively along Figure 3c Three cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly of glasses taken along lines IVa-IVa, IVb-IVb, and IVc-IVc;

[0034] - Figure 5a is a fifth perspective view of the eyeglass hinge assembly according to the present invention when in a second stable closed position;

[0035] - Figure 5b yes Figure 5a A sixth stereogram of the hinge assembly of glasses;

[0036] - Figure 5c yes Figure 5a A third front view of the eyeglass hinge assembly, the third front view being taken from the space between the temple and the front portion;

[0037] - Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c are respectively along Figure 5c Three cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly of glasses taken along lines VIa-VIa, VIb-VIb, and VIc-VIc;

[0038] - Figure 7a is a seventh perspective view of the eyeglass hinge assembly according to the present invention when in a third unstable additional open position;

[0039] - Figure 7b yes Figure 7a An eighth stereogram of the hinge assembly of glasses;

[0040] - Figure 7c yes Figure 7a A fourth front view of the eyeglass hinge assembly, the fourth front view being obtained from the space between the temple and the front portion;

[0041] - Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Figure 8c are respectively along Figure 7c Three cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly of glasses taken along lines VIIIa-VIIIa, VIIIb-VIIIb, and VIIIc-VIIIc;

[0042] - Fig. 9 is a ninth exploded perspective view of the hinge assembly for glasses according to the present invention;

[0043] - Fig.10a and Fig.10b are two partial perspective schematic diagrams of glasses including a hinge assembly according to the present invention;

[0044] - Fig.11a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an eyeglass hinge assembly according to the present invention;

[0045] - Fig.11b Yes Fig.11a A partial stereoscopic schematic diagram of the glasses with a hinge assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Referring to the drawings, an eyeglass hinge assembly is generally indicated at 100 .

[0047] The eyeglass hinge assembly 100 may be advantageously mounted in a pair of eyeglasses 300 .

[0048] Such glasses 300 include: a frame 310, which further includes a front part 311, which is suitable for carrying two lenses and two temples 312, which are suitable for allowing a user to wear the glasses 300; two glasses hinge assemblies 100, each of which connects a corresponding temple 312 to the front part 311.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the glasses 300 are of the “smart” type. In this case, the glasses 300 further comprise a cable 220, preferably flexible, adapted to electrically connect the electrical and / or electronic devices mounted in the front portion 311 and the temples 312 to each other.

[0050] In this description, for simplicity and clarity of explanation, reference will be made to the Cartesian axis system xyz including the transverse axis x, the longitudinal axis y and the vertical axis z represented in the accompanying drawings, and to the orientation of the eyeglass hinge assembly 100, such as Fig. 9 Orientation shown.

[0051] The eyeglass hinge assembly 100 comprises a support plate 110 having a substantially flat first face 111 and a substantially flat second face 112 opposite and parallel to the first face 111. In particular, the first face 111 is intended to be applied to the front portion 311 of the frame 310. Furthermore, the support plate 110 comprises a first cantilever portion 113 and a second cantilever portion 114, which are parallel and opposite to each other, extending from the second face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second face 112, i.e. in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse axis x. In more detail, the cantilever portions 113, 114 present a first through hole 115 and a second through hole 116, which are opposite and aligned to each other along a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis z.

[0052] The two cantilever parts 113 , 114 define a free space between which a receiving seat 117 is created.

[0053] The eyeglass hinge assembly 100 further comprises a support body 130 intended to be applied to the temple 312. In particular, the support body 130 is box-shaped and has a substantially flat first face 131 intended to be attached to the temple 312.

[0054] Advantageously, the support body 130 is rotatably connected to the support plate 110 in such a manner that the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 can present: a first stable open position, which corresponds to a position in which the temples 312 of the eyeglasses 300 are open and the eyeglasses 300 can be worn; a second stable closed position, which corresponds to a position in which the temples 312 of the eyeglasses 300 are closed and the eyeglasses 300 cannot be worn; and a third unstable additional open position, in which the temples 312 are opened beyond the first stable open position.

[0055] The support body 130 comprises a third hole 132 and a fourth hole 133 which are coaxial with each other and have axes which are substantially parallel to the vertical direction z.

[0056] Advantageously, the support body 130 and the support plate 110 include corresponding interaction elements 118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136, which are suitable for guiding the support body 130 and the support plate 110 to reciprocate between a first stable open position of the glasses hinge assembly 100 and a second stable closed position of the glasses hinge assembly 100 and between the first stable open position of the glasses hinge assembly 100 and a third unstable additional open position of the glasses hinge assembly 100.

[0057] The eyeglass hinge assembly 100 further includes an arm member 150 including a first arm portion 160 and a second arm portion 170 spaced apart and parallel to each other, and a bridge connection portion 151 connecting the first arm portion 160 and the second arm portion 170 to each other.

[0058] The first arm portion 160 presents a first perforated end portion 161 arranged at the first through hole 115 and a second perforated end portion 162 arranged at the third hole 132. The second arm portion 170 presents a third perforated end portion 171 arranged at the second through hole 116 and a fourth perforated end portion 172 arranged at the fourth hole 133.

[0059] The eyeglass hinge assembly 100 further includes a first coupling element 122 and a second coupling element 123 , which at least partially pass through the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116 , respectively, and are connected to the first perforated end portion 161 and the third perforated end portion 171 , respectively.

[0060] Preferably, the first perforated end portion 161 and the third perforated end portion 171 have threaded holes. In this case, the first coupling element 122 and the second coupling element 123 have corresponding threaded ends 124, 125, which are suitable for coupling with the threaded holes of the first perforated end portion 161 and the third perforated end portion 171, respectively.

[0061] Furthermore, the first and second coupling elements 122 , 123 have respective cylindrical portions 126 , 127 which are adapted to allow the coupling elements 122 , 123 to rotate within the first and second through holes 115 , 116 .

[0062] The first coupling element 122 and the second coupling element 123 are made, for example, in the form of screws having threaded end portions of the shank and a non-threaded intermediate cylindrical portion.

[0063] The second perforated end portion 162 and the fourth perforated end portion 172 are received in the support body 130 so as to be coaxial with respect to the third hole 132 and the fourth hole 133 .

[0064] In addition, the third hole 132 , the second perforated end portion 162 , the fourth perforated end portion 172 and the fourth hole 133 are penetrated by at least one coupling pin 137 .

[0065] The second perforated end portion 162 and the fourth perforated end portion 172 are free to rotate relative to the at least one coupling pin 137 .

[0066] The support body 130 further includes a housing chamber 138 that is open toward the outside and communicates with the third hole 132 and the fourth hole 133 .

[0067] In more detail, the accommodation chamber 138 is delimited by two opposite, preferably parallel boundary walls along the vertical direction z. The third hole 132 is perforated on a first of the boundary walls and the fourth hole 133 is perforated on a second of the boundary walls such that the third hole 132 and the fourth hole 133 are coaxial with each other.

[0068] The eyeglass hinge assembly 100 further includes a torsion spring 139, which is accommodated in the accommodating chamber 138 and has at least one tubular portion 140 at least partially passed through by the at least one connecting pin 137, a first torsion portion 141 resting on the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 138, and at least one second torsion portion 142 resting on the bridging connection portion 151.

[0069] When the glasses hinge assembly 100 is urged to transition from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position, the first torsion portion 141 moves closer to the at least one second torsion portion 142, thereby loading a torsion moment on the torsion spring 139. On the other hand, the glasses hinge assembly 100 returns from the third unstable additional open position to the first stable open position when released due to the loaded torsion moment of the torsion spring 139.

[0070] In the embodiment shown, the torsion spring 139 is of the double torsion type comprising two tubular portions 140 and two opposite second torsion portions 142, and wherein the first torsion portion 141 is bridge-shaped. In this case, the accommodation chamber 138 internally presents a protruding anchoring portion 138' extending from the wall of the accommodation chamber 138. In addition, the first torsion portion 141 is anchored to the protruding anchoring portion 138'.

[0071] Preferably, the protrusion anchoring portion 138 ′ is penetrated by the at least one coupling pin 137 .

[0072] Preferably, the two tubular portions 140 are completely penetrated by the at least one coupling pin 137 .

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 includes two coupling pins 137, and each of the two tubular portions 140 is partially penetrated by one of these coupling pins 137. In this case, the first of the two coupling pins 137 passes through the third hole 132 and the second perforated end portion 162, while the second of the two coupling pins 137 passes through the fourth hole 133 and the fourth perforated end portion 172.

[0074] When the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 is in the first stable open position, it is possible to transition to the third unstable additional open position by pushing the support body 130 in the opposite direction to that done to reach the second stable closed position. By forcing the support body 130 to rotate, the support body 130 is forced to rotate around an axis passing through the third hole 132 and the fourth hole 133. Because the second perforated end portion 162 and the fourth perforated end portion 172 are aligned with the third hole 132 and the fourth hole 133, during the above-mentioned rotation of the support body 130, the arm element 150 does not rotate.

[0075] Likewise, in the transition from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position, the support body 130 rotates until it touches the arm element 150, thus defining the third unstable additional open position. During this transition, the first torsion portion 141 anchored to the protruding anchoring portion 138' rotates integrally with the support body 130 and moves closer to the second torsion portion 142 abutting against the bridging connection portion 151; during this rotation of the support body 130, the arm element 150 does not rotate, and the bridging connection portion 151 therefore remains stationary relative to the support body 130. Therefore, when the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 is urged to transition from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position, the distance between the first torsion portion 141 and the second torsion portion 142 decreases as the support body 130 rotates. As a result, the first torsion portion 141 loads the torsion spring 139 with a torsional moment.

[0076] At this time, when the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 is released, the loaded torsion torque of the torsion spring 139 causes the first torsion portion 141 to move away from the second torsion portion 142; in this case, the second torsion portion 142 remains in contact with the bridging connection portion 151, which remains stationary relative to the support body 130 as described above, and the first torsion portion 141 engaged with the protruding anchoring portion 138' pushes the support body 130 integral therewith to rotate. As a result, the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 returns from the third unstable additional open position to the first stable open position.

[0077] Preferably, the interaction element 118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136 comprises at least one guiding element 118, 119 between the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114. Furthermore, the at least one guiding element 118, 119 presents a respective end-stroke abutment portion 118', 119'.

[0078] The interaction elements 118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136 further include a guide end 134 of the support body 130. The guide end 134 is shaped to slide on the at least one guide element 118, 119 so as to guide the reciprocating rotation of the support body 130 and the support plate 110 between the first stable open position and the third unstable additional open position. In addition, the guide end 134 is configured to contact the end travel abutment portions 118', 119' when the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 is in the first stable open position.

[0079] Preferably, the at least one guide element 118, 119 is made integrally with the support plate 110. In this case, the at least one guide element 118, 119 may protrude from the second face 112 of the support plate 110.

[0080] Alternatively, the at least one guide element 118, 119 is coupled to the support plate 110. More specifically, the at least one guide element 118, 119 is coupled to the second face 112 of the support plate 110.

[0081] In the embodiment shown, the number of the at least one guide element 118 , 119 is equal to two, each guide element being arranged at a respective cantilever portion 113 , 114 .

[0082] The interaction elements 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 , 134 , 135 , 136 further include a first guide protrusion or cam 120 and a second guide protrusion or cam 121 formed on the first cantilevered portion 113 and the second cantilevered portion 114 , respectively.

[0083] The first guide protrusion or the first cam 120 and the second guide protrusion or the second cam 121 are parallel and opposite to each other.

[0084] The interaction elements 118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136 also include at least one free adjacent wall 135, 136 of the support body 130, which is configured to slide on the first cam 120 and the second cam 121 to guide the reciprocating rotation of the support body 130 and the support plate 110 between the first stable open position and the second stable closed position.

[0085] Furthermore, the first and second guide protrusions 120, 121 present respectively a first and second flat abutment portion 120', 121', on which the at least one free abutment wall 135, 136 abuts and stops by identifying the second stable closed position.

[0086] In the embodiment shown, the number of the at least one free abutment wall 135 , 136 is equal to two; in this case, the free abutment walls 135 , 136 correspond to the lateral walls of the two free edges of the support body 130 facing the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114 respectively.

[0087] In case there is only one free abutment wall 135 , 136 , the support body 130 has only one wall facing the first cantilevered portion 113 and the second cantilevered portion 114 .

[0088] In more detail, when the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 is in the first stable open position, the guide end 134 contacts and abuts the end-travel abutment portions 118 ′, 119 ′.

[0089] When the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 transitions from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position, the guide end portion 134 slides along the at least one guide element 118, 119, thereby separating and moving away from the end-travel abutment portions 118', 119'.

[0090] When the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 transitions from a first stable open position to a second stable closed position, the at least one free adjacent wall 135, 136 slides along the first guide protrusion 120 and the second guide protrusion 121; during this transition, the support body 130 performs a first rotational movement around the axis of the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116 of the cantilevered portion 113, 114 of the support plate 110, and the first rotational movement can be quantified by a determined first angular excursion.

[0091] On the contrary, when the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 transitions from the second stable closed position to the first stable open position, the at least one free adjacent wall 135, 136 slides along the first guide protrusion 120 and the second guide protrusion 121 as described above; during this transition, the support body 130 performs a second rotational movement around an axis passing through the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116 in a direction opposite to the direction described previously, and the second rotational movement can be quantified by a second angular offset determined to be equal to and opposite to the first angular offset of the first rotational movement.

[0092] Therefore, during the transition of the hinge assembly 100 from the first stable open position to the second stable closed position or from the second stable closed position to the first stable open position, the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 no longer rotates around the axis passing through the third hole 132 and the fourth hole 133, as it does during the transition of the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position or from the third unstable additional open position to the first stable open position.

[0093] In addition, during the transition from the first stable open position to the second stable closed position, the support body 130 can continue to rotate until the at least one free abutment wall 135, 136 abuts the first flat abutment portion 120' and the second flat abutment portion 121'. At this point, the second stable closed position is identified and the support body 130 cannot continue to rotate.

[0094] Preferably, the at least one free adjacent wall 135, 136 presents a first peripheral recess 135' and a second peripheral recess 136' facing the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114, respectively. In this case, the first guide protrusion 120 presents a first adjacent protrusion 120", and the second guide protrusion 121 presents a second adjacent protrusion 121".

[0095] When the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 is in the second stable closed position, the first abutment protrusion 120 ″ and the second abutment protrusion 121 ″ are shaped to fit into the first peripheral recess 135 ′ and the second peripheral recess 136 ′, respectively.

[0096] The first abutment protrusion 120 ″ and the first peripheral recess 135 ′ have shapes complementary to each other.

[0097] The second abutment protrusion 121 ″ and the second peripheral recess 136 ′ have shapes complementary to each other.

[0098] Furthermore, in the case where the at least one free abutment wall 135 , 136 is two, the first peripheral recess 135 ′ and the second peripheral recess 136 ′ are arranged on the lateral walls of the two free edges of the support body 130 .

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, when the at least one free abutment wall 135, 136 abuts on the first and second planar abutment portions 120', 121', the first abutment protrusion 120' is inserted into the first peripheral recess 135' and the second abutment protrusion 121' is inserted into the second peripheral recess 136'.

[0100] In addition, the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 includes a cover element 230 that is integral with the support body 130. The cover element 230 may be coupled to the support body 130 or made integrally with such a support body 130. The cover element 230 is configured to abut on the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114 when the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 is in the second stable closed position.

[0101] In more detail, during the transition from the first stable open position to the second stable closed position, the support body 130 can continue to rotate until the cover element 230 abuts against the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114; at this time, the second stable closed position is identified and the support body 130 cannot continue to rotate.

[0102] In a particular embodiment in which the glasses 300 are of the "smart" type, the glasses hinge assembly 100 further comprises a shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220, which extends along the axis z between a first end 181 and a second end 182. This shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 is interposed between the two cantilever parts 113, 114 in the receiving seat 117, so that the first end 181 faces the first cantilever part 113 and the second end 182 faces the second cantilever part 114.

[0103] In this case, the first perforated end portion 161 of the first arm portion 160 is interposed between the first end 181 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 and the first cantilever portion 113. The third perforated end portion 171 of the second arm portion 170 is interposed between the second end 182 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 and the second cantilever portion 114.

[0104] Preferably, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 comprises: a first support portion 183 and a second support portion 184, which are spaced apart from each other and extend in length between a first end 181 and a second end 182; and at least one bridging element 185, which connects these support portions 183, 184 to each other. Therefore, the two support portions 183, 184 face each other and define a free gap between them.

[0105] Preferably, the support portions 183 , 184 have two peripheral adjacent walls 186 , 187 which protrude beyond the first end 181 in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis z and create two accommodating seats at the second end 182 for the first perforated end portion 161 and the third perforated end portion 171 .

[0106] The shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 cannot be moved out of the receiving seat 117 because its movement in the vertical direction z is limited by the presence of the first perforated end portion 161 and the third perforated end portion 171, and in the transverse plane xy, its movement is limited by the interference between the peripheral adjacent walls 186, 187 and the first perforated end portion 161 and the third perforated end portion 171.

[0107] On the other hand, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 is freely rotatable around an axis passing through the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116 .

[0108] Preferably, the support plate 110 comprises a first side wall 128 and a second side wall 129 connecting the first cantilevered portion 113 to the second cantilevered portion 114. In this case, the at least one guide element 118, 119 may be made integrally with the second side wall 129.

[0109] Preferably, the support plate 110 further comprises an opening 190 which is positioned between the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114 along the vertical direction z and between the two side walls 128 , 129 along the longitudinal direction y.

[0110] Preferably, the support body 130 comprises at least one anchoring portion 231 adapted to be attached to the temple 312 of the eyeglasses 300. In detail, the temple 312 is interposed between the at least one anchoring portion 231 of the support body 130 and the cover element 230.

[0111] exist Fig.11b In the illustrated alternative embodiment, eyeglasses 300 include eyeglass hinge assembly 100, such as Fig.11a The illustrated eyeglass hinge assembly, wherein the support body 130 is applied to the temple 312 of the eyeglass 300 by, for example, gluing or secondary injection, and similarly, the support plate 110 is attached to the front portion 311 of the eyeglass 300 by, for example, gluing or secondary injection.

[0112] In detail, the cable 220 from the front portion 311 of the glasses 300 passes through the opening 190 of the support plate 110 and the gap between the support portions 183 , 184 to be engaged with an engaging portion (not shown) of the cover member 230 .

[0113] When the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 is in the first stable open position, at least one bridging element 185 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 contacts and abuts on the first side wall 128 of the support plate 110; in addition, the cable 220 contacts and abuts on the surface of the first supporting portion 183 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220.

[0114] When the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 is in the second stable closed position, at least one bridging element 185 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 contacts and abuts on the second side wall 129 of the support plate 110; in addition, the cable 220 contacts and abuts on the surface of the second supporting portion 184 of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220.

[0115] When the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 is transformed from the first stable open position to the second stable closed position, the cable 220 is dragged and rotated by the cover element 230, which causes the cable to be separated from the first support portion 183 until it contacts the second support portion 184. At this time, the cable 220 drags the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 to rotate, and the at least one bridging element 185 is separated from the first side wall 128 and rotates toward the second side wall 129 of the support plate 110 together with the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220. During the initial step of the rotation of the support body 130, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 does not rotate until the cable 220 abuts on the second support portion 184. Therefore, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 rotates with a first angle delay relative to the support body 130.

[0116] During the final step of the rotation of the support body 130, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 does not rotate, because the at least one bridging element 185 abuts on the second side wall 129. The support body 130 continues to rotate until the at least one free abutting wall 135, 136 abuts and stops on the first flat abutting portion 120' and the second flat abutting portion 121' and / or the cover element 230 abuts on the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114, thereby determining a second angular delay of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 relative to the support body 130.

[0117] Preferably, the first angular delay is between 1° and 45°.

[0118] Preferably, the second angular delay is between 1° and 45°.

[0119] Preferably, the first angular delay is substantially equal to the second angular delay.

[0120] In the transition from the first stable open position to the second stable closed position, the cable 220 is not subjected to the first angular offset, but rather to a third angular offset obtained by subtracting the first angular delay and the second angular delay from the first angular offset.

[0121] Preferably, as can be seen in the figures, the third angular offset is 45 degrees.

[0122] When the eyeglass hinge assembly 100 is transformed from the second stable closed position to the first stable open position, the cable 220 is dragged and rotated by the cover element 230, which causes the cable to be separated from the second support portion 184 until it contacts the first support portion 183. At this time, the cable 220 drags the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 to rotate, and the at least one bridging element 185 is separated from the second side wall 129 and rotates toward the first side wall 128 of the support plate 110 together with the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220.

[0123] During the initial step of rotation of the support body 130, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 is then rotated with a second angular delay relative to the support body 130. During the final step of rotation of the support body 130, the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 does not rotate because the bridging element 185 abuts on the first side wall 128, but the support body 130 continues to rotate until the guiding end 134 reaches the end-stroke abutment portion 118', 119', thereby determining the first angular delay of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 relative to the support body 130.

[0124] Therefore, the distance between the side walls 128, 129 determines a first angular delay between the rotation of the support body 130 and the rotation of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 and a second angular delay between the rotation of the support body 130 and the rotation of the shielding and guiding body 180 for the cable 220.

[0125] The characteristics of the eyeglass hinge assembly and the eyeglasses covered by the invention are clear from the description given, as are their advantages.

[0126] In fact, the spectacles hinge assembly according to the invention is bi-stable and, thanks to the described torsion spring, is both flexible and less bulky than known spectacles hinge assemblies.

[0127] Furthermore, the eyeglass hinge assembly according to the invention allows maintaining the integrity of the hinge itself during the transition of the temple from the open position to the additional open position or vice versa, and prevents the temple and the front from being worn due to the interaction elements described. Finally, it is clear that the eyeglass hinge assembly and the eyeglasses thus conceived are susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the invention; moreover, all the details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as their dimensions, may be of any type, according to the technical requirements.

Claims

1. A spectacles hinge assembly (100), include: - a support plate (110) having a first substantially flat face (111) intended to be applied to the front part (311) of a frame (310) of spectacles (300) and a second substantially flat face (112) opposite and parallel to the first face (111), the support plate (110) comprising a first cantilever portion (113) and a second cantilever portion (114), the first cantilever portion and the second cantilever portion being parallel and opposite to each other and extending from the second face (112) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second face (112), the cantilever portions (113, 114) respectively presenting a first through hole (115) and a second through hole (116) opposite and aligned to each other along a vertical direction z; - a support body (130) intended to be applied to a temple (312) of a pair of spectacles (300), the support body (130) being rotatably connected to the support plate (110), the support body (130) and the support plate (110) comprising respective interaction elements (118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136) adapted to guide the support body (130) and the support plate (110) to engage with the spectacles hinge assembly (100) in a first stable open position of the spectacles hinge assembly (100), The support body (130) is configured to reciprocate between a first stable open position of the eyeglass hinge assembly (100) and a second stable closed position and between the first stable open position of the eyeglass hinge assembly (100) and a third unstable additional open position of the eyeglass hinge assembly (100), the support body (130) comprising a third hole (132) and a fourth hole (133), the third hole and the fourth hole being coaxial with each other and having an axis substantially parallel to the vertical direction z, the support body (130) comprising a receiving chamber (138), the receiving chamber being open to the outside and communicating with the third hole (132) and the fourth hole (133); - an arm element (150) presenting a first arm portion (160) and a second arm portion (170) spaced apart and parallel to each other; and a bridging connection portion (151) connecting the first arm portion (160) and the second arm portion (170) to each other, the first arm portion (160) presenting a first perforated end portion (161) arranged at the first through hole (115) and a second perforated end portion (162) arranged at the third hole (132), and the second arm portion (170) presenting a third perforated end portion (171) arranged at the second through hole (116) and a second perforated end portion (172) arranged at the fourth hole (133). a fourth perforated end portion (172) of the first through hole (115) and the second through hole (116), wherein the third hole (132), the second perforated end portion (162), the fourth perforated end portion (172) and the fourth hole (133) are penetrated by at least one coupling pin (137), and wherein a first coupling element (122) and a second coupling element (123) at least partially penetrate the first through hole (115) and the second through hole (116), respectively, and are respectively coupled to the first perforated end portion (161) and the third perforated end portion (171); - a torsion spring (139), which is accommodated in the accommodating chamber (138) and has at least one tubular portion (140) at least partially penetrated by the at least one connecting pin (137), a first torsion portion (141) abutting against the inner wall of the accommodating chamber (138), and at least one second torsion portion (142) abutting against the bridging connecting portion (151), when the eyeglass hinge assembly (100) is pushed to change from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position, the first torsion portion (141) moves closer to the at least one second torsion portion (142), thereby loading a torsion torque on the torsion spring (139), and the eyeglass hinge assembly (100) returns from the third unstable additional open position to the first stable open position when released due to the action of the loaded torsion torque of the torsion spring (139).

2. The eyeglass hinge assembly (100) according to claim 1, in, The torsion spring (139) is of a double torsion type including two tubular portions (140) and two opposite second torsion portions (142), and wherein the first torsion portion (141) is bridge-shaped, the accommodating chamber (138) internally presents a protruding anchoring portion (138') extending from the wall of the accommodating chamber (138), and the first torsion portion (141) is anchored to the protruding anchoring portion (138').

3. The eyeglass hinge assembly (100) according to claim 2, in, The tubular portion (140) is completely penetrated by the at least one coupling pin (137).

4. The hinge assembly (100) for glasses according to claim 2, comprising two said coupling pins (137), wherein each of said tubular portions (140) is partially penetrated by one of said coupling pins (137).

5. Hinge assembly (100) for spectacles according to one or more of the preceding claims, in, The interaction element (118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136) comprises: at least one guide element (118, 119) interposed between the first cantilever portion (113) and the second cantilever portion (114), the at least one guide element (118, 119) presenting a respective end-of-stroke abutment portion (118', 119'); - a guide end portion (134) of the support body (130), the guide end portion being shaped to slide on the at least one guide element (118, 119) so as to guide the reciprocating rotation of the support body (130) and the support plate (110) between the first stable open position and the third unstable additional open position, the guide end portion (134) being configured to contact the end-stroke abutment portion (118', 119') when the eyeglass hinge assembly (100) is in the first stable open position; - a first guide protrusion or first cam (120) and a second guide protrusion or second cam (121), the first guide protrusion or first cam and the second guide protrusion or second cam being formed on the first cantilever part (113) and the second cantilever part (114), respectively, the first guide protrusion or first cam (120) and the second guide protrusion or second cam (121) being parallel to and opposite to each other; - At least one free adjacent wall (135, 136) of the support body (130), the at least one free adjacent wall being configured to slide on the first guide protrusion (120) and the second guide protrusion (121) so as to guide the reciprocating rotation of the support body (130) and the support plate (110) between the first stable open position and the second stable closed position, the first guide protrusion (120) and the second guide protrusion (121) respectively presenting a first flat adjacent portion (120') and a second flat adjacent portion (121'), and the at least one free adjacent wall (135, 136) abuts and stops on the first flat adjacent portion and the second flat adjacent portion by identifying the second stable closed position.

6. The eyeglass hinge assembly (100) according to claim 5, in, The at least one free adjacent wall (135, 136) presents a first peripheral recess (135') and a second peripheral recess (136') facing the first cantilever portion (113) and the second cantilever portion (114), respectively, the first guide protrusion (120) presents a first adjacent protrusion (120") and the second guide protrusion (121) presents a second adjacent protrusion (121"), and when the eyeglass hinge assembly (100) is in the second stable closed position, the first adjacent protrusion (120") and the second adjacent protrusion (121") are formed to fit into the first peripheral recess (135') and the second peripheral recess (136'), respectively.

7. Hinge assembly (100) for spectacles according to one or more of the preceding claims, in, The eyeglass hinge assembly (100) includes a cover element (230) integral with the support body (130), and the cover element (230) is configured to abut on the first cantilever portion (113) and the second cantilever portion (114) when the eyeglass hinge assembly (100) is in the second stable closed position.

8. Hinge assembly (100) for spectacles according to one or more of claims 2 to 7, in, The at least one guide element (118, 119) is made integrally with the support plate (110).

9. The hinge assembly (100) for glasses according to claim 8, in, The support plate (110) comprises a first side wall (128) and a second side wall (129) connecting the first cantilever portion (113) to the second cantilever portion (114), and the at least one guide element (118, 119) is made integrally with the second side wall (129).

10. Hinge assembly (100) for spectacles according to one or more of claims 2 to 7, in, The at least one guide element (118, 119) is coupled to the support plate (110).

11. Hinge assembly (100) for spectacles according to one or more of claims 2 to 10, in, The number of the at least one guide element (118, 119) is equal to two, each guide element being arranged at a respective cantilever portion (113, 114).

12. Hinge assembly (100) for spectacles according to one or more of claims 2 to 11, in, The number of the at least one free adjacent wall (135, 136) is equal to two, wherein the free adjacent walls (135, 136) correspond to the lateral walls of the two free edges of the support body (130) facing the first cantilever part (113) and the second cantilever part (114), respectively.

13. A pair of glasses (300), include: - a front part (311) suitable for carrying two lenses and two temples (312) suitable for allowing the user to wear the glasses; - Two eyeglass hinge assemblies (100) according to the invention, each of which couples a respective temple (312) to the front part (311).

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