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); a support body (130) rotatably coupled to the support plate (110); at least one guide element (118, 119) interposed between the first cantilevered portion (113) and the second cantilevered portion (114); a guide end (134) of the support body (130) sliding on the at least one guide element (118, 119) to guide reciprocal rotation of the support body (130) and the support plate (110) between a first stable open position of the eyeglass hinge assembly (100) and a third unstable additional open position of the eyeglass hinge assembly (100); a first guide projection or a first cam (120) and a second guide projection or a second cam (121), the first guide projection or the first cam and the second guide projection or the second cam being made on a first cantilevered portion (113) and a second cantilevered portion (114), respectively; at least one free abutment wall (135, 136) of the support body (130) shaped to slide on the first guide protrusion (120) and the second guide protrusion (121) so as to guide reciprocal rotation of the support body (130) and the support plate (110) between a first stable open position and a second stable closed position of the eyeglass hinge assembly (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spectacle hinge assembly which can be used, in particular but not exclusively, in "smart" glasses.

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

[0003] Although such hinge assemblies can be used in all types of spectacles, for the sake of convenience of discussion, for exemplary and non - limiting purposes, the focus will be only on "smart" glasses.

[0004] As is known, "smart" glasses (also known as intelligent glasses or virtual glasses or digital glasses) refer to a pair of glasses that include electronic devices adapted to operate as a computer, which can support the activities performed by the user wearing them in both the daily and private fields, as well as in the work and business fields or in any other specific fields.

[0005] Currently used "smart" glasses allow the display of required information and / or objects on the lenses and / or interaction with the glasses themselves using voice commands, in order to save time and financial costs in many operations and further give the user the possibility to work in a safer way when both of their hands are free.

[0006] More specifically, the "smart" glasses available on the market today consist of electronic devices and software that are capable of playing videos, audio, taking pictures, operating computer applications, and recognizing natural languages, 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 in or arranged on the lenses of the spectacle frame; and an electronic processing and control unit (such as a controller or a battery), which is usually integrated in the spectacle frame or its temple.

[0008] As is known, there are "smart" glasses on the market provided with bistable hinges.

[0009] The bistability of the hinge allows the temples of the spectacle frame to remain stationary and stable in their open or closed operating positions, thus preventing their accidental movement and causing discomfort to the user without the user's will.

[0010] For example, document DE 102020210683 B3 describes a bistable hinge for an eyeglass frame, which is formed by a first joint region and a second joint region. The first joint region is configured to connect the hinge to the front part of the eyeglass frame and identify a first joint axis, and the second joint region is configured to connect the hinge to the temple of the eyeglass frame and identify a second joint axis. The bistable hinge has a recess perpendicular to the first joint axis and the second joint axis, and the recess serves as a guide for accommodating a cable that connects the front part of the eyeglass frame to the temple.

[0011] Hinges that allow reaching a further flexible additional open operating position (referred to as the "additional flexure" operating position) are also known, in which position, when the temple is opened, the angle formed between the temple and the front part of the eyeglass frame is greater than 90 degrees.

[0012] Only due to the flexible additional opening of the temple, the "additional flexure" operating position allows the user to perform an easier wearing operation and has greater comfort when the user wears such glasses.

[0013] The hinge provided to reach the "additional flexure" operating position will hereinafter be referred to as flexible.

[0014] As is known, reaching the additional open position occurs when the temple continues to rotate after reaching 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 itself to return to the closed position.

[0016] During the transition to the additional open position, the temple may take an incorrect position, which may cause mechanical stress on the hinge itself, resulting in deterioration and / or breakage of the hinge.

[0017] In addition, generally, when the temple rotates to reach the additional open position, the end portion of the temple contacts the front part of the eyeglass frame, thus having the risk of wearing and scratching the front part itself in the long run. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and particularly envisage an eyeglass hinge assembly that is bistable and at the same time "additionally flexible", which allows maintaining the integrity of the hinge itself during the transition of the temple from the open position to the additional open position or from the additional open position to the open position.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to envisage a bistable and at the same time "additionally flexible" hinge assembly that allows preventing wear of the temple and the front part.

[0020] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by manufacturing an eyewear hinge assembly as claimed in claim 1 and an eyewear including such a hinge assembly as claimed in claim 12.

[0021] Further features of the eyewear hinge assembly are the subject of the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The features and advantages of the eyewear hinge assembly according to the present invention and an eyewear including such a hinge assembly will become more apparent from the following exemplary and non - limiting description with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0023] - Figure 1a is a first perspective view of an eyewear hinge assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a first stable open position;

[0024] - Figure 1b is Figure 1a a second perspective view of the eyewear hinge assembly;

[0025] - Figure 1c is Figure 1a a first front view of the eyewear hinge assembly, which is taken from the space between the temple and the front part of the eyewear;

[0026] - Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c , Figure 2d , Figure 2e are five cross - sectional views taken along lines IIa - IIa, IIb - IIb, IIc - IIc, IId - IId, IIe - IIe of the eyewear hinge assembly respectively; Figure 1c of the eyewear hinge assembly;

[0027] - Figure 3a is a third perspective view of an eyewear hinge assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an intermediate position between a first stable open position and a second stable closed position;

[0028] - Figure 3b is Figure 3a a fourth perspective view of the eyewear hinge assembly;

[0029] - Figure 3c is Figure 3a a second front view of the eyewear hinge assembly, which is taken from the space between the temple and the front part;

[0030] - Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 4c , Figure 4d , Figure 4e are taken along Figure 3cFive cross-sectional views taken along lines IVa-IVa, IVb-IVb, IVc-IVc, IVd-IVd, and IVe-IVe of the spectacle hinge assembly;

[0031] - Figure 5a Is the fifth perspective view of the spectacle hinge assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention when in the second stable closed position;

[0032] - Figure 5b Is Figure 5a The sixth perspective view of the spectacle hinge assembly;

[0033] - Figure 5c Is Figure 5a The third front view of the spectacle hinge assembly, which is obtained from the space between the temple and the front part;

[0034] - Figure 6a 、 Figure 6b 、 Figure 6c 、 Figure 6d 、 Figure 6e Are respectively five cross-sectional views taken along lines VIa-VIa, VIb-VIb, VIc-VIc, VId-VId, and VIe-VIe of the spectacle hinge assembly; Figure 5c The spectacle hinge assembly;

[0035] - Figure 7a Is the seventh perspective view of the spectacle hinge assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention when in the third unstable additional open position;

[0036] - Figure 7b Is Figure 7a The eighth perspective view of the spectacle hinge assembly;

[0037] - Figure 7c Is Figure 7a The fourth front view of the spectacle hinge assembly, which is obtained from the space between the temple and the front part;

[0038] - Figure 8a 、 Figure 8b 、 Figure 8c 、 Figure 8d 、 Figure 8e Are respectively five cross-sectional views taken along lines VIIIa-VIIIa, VIIIb-VIIIb, VIIIc-VIIIc, VIIId-VIIId, and VIIIe-VIIIe of the spectacle hinge assembly; Figure 7c The spectacle hinge assembly;

[0039] - Figure 9 Is the ninth perspective view of the exploded view of the spectacle hinge assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] -Figure 10a and Figure 10b are two partial perspective views of glasses including a glasses hinge assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] - Figure 11a is a perspective view of a glasses hinge assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] - Figure 11b is including Figure 11a a partial perspective view of glasses with a hinge assembly;

[0043] - Figure 12a is a front view of a glasses hinge assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a first stable open position, the front view being taken from the space between the temple and the front part;

[0044] - Figure 12b is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIb-XIIb of the glasses hinge assembly; Figure 12a of

[0045] - Figure 13a is a front view of a glasses hinge assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a second stable open position, the front view being taken from the space between the temple and the front part;

[0046] - Figure 13b is along Figure 13a a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIIb-XIIIb of the glasses hinge assembly;

[0047] - Figure 14a is a front view of a glasses hinge assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a third unstable additional open position, the front view being taken from the space between the temple and the front part;

[0048] - Figure 14b is along Figure 13a a cross-sectional view taken along line XIVb-XIVb of the glasses hinge assembly;

[0049] - Figure 15 is a perspective view of an exploded view of a glasses hinge assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] - Figure 16 is a perspective view of a glasses hinge assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a glasses hinge assembly generally designated by 100 is shown.

[0052] The spectacle hinge assembly 100 can be advantageously mounted in a pair of spectacles 300. Such spectacles 300 include: a frame 310 which in turn includes a front portion 311 adapted to carry two lenses and two temple pieces 312 adapted to allow a user to wear the spectacles 300; and two spectacle hinge assemblies 100, each of which couples a respective temple piece 312 to the front portion 311.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the spectacles 300 are of the "smart" type. In this case, the spectacles 300 also include a cable 220 which is preferably flexible and adapted to electrically connect electrical and / or electronic devices mounted in the front portion 311 and the temple pieces 312 to each other.

[0054] In the present specification, for the sake of facilitating a clear discussion, reference will be made to a Cartesian axis system xyz including a transverse axis x, a longitudinal axis y and a vertical axis z as represented in the accompanying drawings, and to the orientation of the spectacle hinge assembly 100 as Figure 9 and Figure 15 shown.

[0055] The spectacle hinge assembly 100 includes a support plate 110 provided with a substantially flat first face 111 and a substantially flat second face 112 which is opposite and parallel to the first face. In particular, the first face 111 is intended to be applied to the front portion 311 of the frame 310. In addition, the support plate 110 includes a first cantilever portion 113 and a second cantilever portion 114 which are parallel and opposite to each other and extend from the second face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second face, i.e., in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse axis x. More specifically, the cantilever portions 113, 114 present a first through-hole 115 and a second through-hole 116 which are opposite and aligned with each other along a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis z.

[0056] The two cantilever portions 113, 114 delimit a free space therebetween which forms a receiving seat 117.

[0057] The spectacle hinge assembly 100 also includes a support body 130 intended to be applied to the temple piece 312. In particular, the support body 130 has a box-shaped configuration and a substantially flat first face 131 intended to be fixed to the temple piece 312.

[0058] Advantageously, the support body 130 is rotatably coupled to the support plate 110 such that the spectacle hinge assembly 100 can assume: a first stable open position corresponding to the position where the temple 312 of the spectacle 300 is open and the spectacle 300 can be worn; a second stable closed position corresponding to the position where the temple 312 of the spectacle 300 is closed and the spectacle 300 cannot be worn; and a third unstable additional open position where, in addition to the first stable open position, the temple 312 is also open.

[0059] The support body 130 includes a third through-hole 132 and a slotted through-hole 133. The third through-hole 132 and the slotted through-hole 133 have axes that are parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the vertical axis z.

[0060] Advantageously, the support body 130 and the support plate 110 include respective interacting elements 118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136 that are adapted to guide the reciprocal rotation of the support body 130 and the support plate 110 between the first stable open position and the second stable closed position and between the first stable open position and the third unstable additional open position.

[0061] The interacting elements 118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136 include at least one guiding element 118, 119 between the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114. In addition, the at least one guiding element 118, 119 presents respective end-travel abutment portions 118', 119'.

[0062] The interacting elements 118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136 further include a guiding end 134 of the support body 130. The guiding end 134 is shaped to slide on the at least one guiding element 118, 119 so as to guide the reciprocal 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 guiding end 134 is configured to contact the end-travel abutment portions 118', 119' when the spectacle hinge assembly 100 is in the first stable open position.

[0063] Preferably, the at least one guiding element 118, 119 is integrally formed with the support plate 110. In this case, the at least one guiding element 118, 119 can protrude from the second face 112 of the support plate 110.

[0064] Alternatively, the at least one guiding element 118, 119 is coupled to the support plate 110, in particular to the second face 112 of the support plate 110.

[0065] InFigures 12a to 15 and Figure 16 In the third and fourth embodiments respectively shown, the number of the guiding elements 118, 119 is equal to two, and each guiding element is arranged at the corresponding cantilever part 113, 114.

[0066] The interaction elements 118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136 further include a first guiding protrusion or a first cam 120 and a second guiding protrusion or a second cam 121 respectively formed on the first cantilever part 113 and the second cantilever part 114.

[0067] The first guiding protrusion or the first cam 120 and the second guiding protrusion or the second cam 121 are parallel and opposite to each other.

[0068] The interaction elements 118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136 further include at least one free adjacent wall 135, 136 of the support body 130, and the at least one free adjacent wall is configured to slide on the first cam 120 and the second cam 121 so as to guide the reciprocating rotation of the support body 130 and the support plate 110 between a first stable open position and a second stable closed position.

[0069] In the shown embodiment, the number of the free adjacent walls 135, 136 is equal to two; in this case, the free adjacent walls 135, 136 correspond to the side walls of the two free edges of the support body 130 respectively facing the first cantilever part 113 and the second cantilever part 114.

[0070] In the case of the existence of a single free adjacent wall 135, 136, the support body 130 presents a single wall facing the first cantilever part 113 and the second cantilever part 114.

[0071] More specifically, when the spectacle hinge assembly 100 is in the first stable open position, the guiding end 134 contacts and abuts against the end - stroke abutting parts 118', 119'.

[0072] When the spectacle hinge assembly 100 is changed from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position, the guiding end 134 slides along the at least one guiding element 118, 119, so as to separate and move away from the end - stroke abutting parts 118', 119'.

[0073] When the spectacle hinge assembly 100 transitions from the first stable open position to the second stable closed position, the at least one free abutting wall 135, 136 slides along the first guiding protrusion 120 and the second guiding protrusion 121; during this transition, the support body 130 performs a first rotational movement about an axis passing through the first through-hole 115 and the second through-hole 116 of the cantilever portions 113, 114 of the support plate 110, and this first rotational movement is quantifiable by a determined first angular excursion.

[0074] Vice versa, when the spectacle hinge assembly 100 transitions from the second stable closed position to the first stable open position, the at least one free abutting wall 135, 136 slides along the first guiding protrusion 120 and the second guiding protrusion 121 as described above; during this transition, the support body 130 performs a second rotational movement about an axis passing through the first through-hole 115 and the second through-hole 116 of the cantilever portions 113, 114 of the support plate 110 in a direction opposite to the previously described direction, and this second rotational movement is quantifiable by a determined second angular excursion that is equal and opposite to the first angular excursion of the first rotational movement.

[0075] The spectacle hinge assembly 100 further includes a first arm element 140 and a second arm element 150. The first arm element 140 and the second arm element 150 respectively have a first perforated end portion 141, 151 and a second perforated end portion 142, 152. The first perforated end portion 141 of the first arm element 140 is disposed at the first through-hole 115 of the first cantilever portion 113. The first perforated end portion 151 of the second arm element 150 is disposed at the second through-hole 116 of the second cantilever portion 114.

[0076] In Figures 12a to 15 and Figure 16 the third and fourth embodiments respectively shown, the first arm element 140 and the second arm element 150 are connected by a connecting element 140'.

[0077] The connecting element 140' may be integrally formed with the first arm element 140 and the second arm element 150.

[0078] The spectacle hinge assembly 100 further includes a first coupling element 122 and a second coupling element 123, and the first coupling element and the second coupling element respectively at least partially pass through the first through-hole 115 and the second through-hole 116 of the cantilever portions 113, 114 of the support plate 110, and are coupled to the first perforated end portions 141, 151 of the first arm element 140 and the second arm element 150.

[0079] Preferably, the first perforated end portions 141, 151 present threaded holes. In this case, the first coupling element 122 and the second coupling element 123 present corresponding threaded ends 124, 125, which are adapted to be coupled to the threaded holes of the first perforated end portions 141, 151.

[0080] The first coupling element 122 and the second coupling element 123 further present corresponding cylindrical portions 126, 127, which are adapted to allow the coupling elements 122, 123 to rotate within the first through hole 115 and the second through hole 116.

[0081] The first coupling element 122 and the second coupling element 123 are, for example, in the form of screws having a threaded end portion of the rod and an unthreaded intermediate cylindrical portion.

[0082] Alternatively, the first perforated end portions 141, 151 do not present threaded holes. In this case, the first coupling element 122 and the second coupling element 123 do not present corresponding threaded ends 124, 125 and are coupled to the first perforated end portions 141, 151 in an interference fit.

[0083] The second perforated end portions 142, 152 of the first arm element 140 and the second arm element 150 are alternatively received in the support body 130 so as to be coaxial with the third through hole 132.

[0084] The spectacle hinge assembly 100 further includes at least one first coupling pin 137, which is received in the third through hole 132 of the support body 130 and passes through the second perforated end portions 142, 152 of the first arm element 140 and the second arm element 150.

[0085] The second perforated end portions 142, 152 are rotatable freely relative to the at least one first coupling pin 137.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the spectacle hinge assembly 100 may include a first coupling pin 137 that passes completely through the third through hole 132.

[0087] Alternatively, the spectacle hinge assembly 100 may include two first coupling pins 137, and each of the second perforated end portions 142, 152 is respectively passed through by one of such first coupling pins 137. In this case, the second perforated end portion 142 of the first arm element 140 is passed through by one of the two first coupling pins 137, while the second perforated end portion 152 of the second arm element 150 is passed through by the other of the two first coupling pins 137.

[0088] The spectacle hinge assembly 100 further includes a third arm element 160 and a fourth arm element 170. The third arm element 160 and the fourth arm element 170 respectively present a third perforated end portion 161, 171 and a fourth perforated end portion 162, 172.

[0089] The third perforated end portions 161, 171 are respectively rotatably coupled to the first perforated end portions 141, 151 of the first arm element 140 and the second arm element 150.

[0090] Preferably, the first perforated end portions 141, 151 present cylindrical defining walls 143, 153 around their respective holes, and these cylindrical defining walls project beyond the surfaces of these portions towards the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114 respectively for a length section; in this case, the third perforated end portions 161, 171 are placed on the first perforated end portions 141, 151 such that the corresponding holes are coaxial, and the cylindrical defining walls 143, 153 penetrate into the corresponding holes of the third perforated end portions 161, 171. In this way, the third arm element 160 rotates freely relative to the first arm element 140 about the axis of the hole of the first perforated end portion 141 of the first arm element 140 and the third perforated end portion 161 of the third arm element 160; similarly, the fourth arm element 170 rotates freely relative to the second arm element 150 about the axis of the hole of the first perforated end portion 151 of the second arm element 150 and the third perforated end portion 171 of the fourth arm element 170.

[0091] The fourth perforated end portions 162, 172 of the third arm element 160 and the fourth arm element 170 are received in the support body 130 at the slotted through-hole 133.

[0092] In addition, the spectacle hinge assembly 100 includes a second coupling pin 138 that passes through the slotted through-hole 133 of the support body 130 and the corresponding fourth perforated end portions 162, 172 of the third arm element 160 and the fourth arm element 170. The fourth perforated end portions 162, 172 rotate freely relative to the second coupling pin 138.

[0093] The at least one first coupling pin 137 allows the support body 130 to rotate, while the second coupling pin 138 controls the translation of the temple 312 in the third unstable additional open position and thus controls its opening.

[0094] The support body 130 further includes at least one receiving chamber 139 that opens towards the outside and communicates with the slotted through-hole 133.

[0095] Preferably, there can be more than one of the at least one receiving chamber 139. For example, in Figures 1a to 10b and Figures 11a to 11bIn the first and second embodiments respectively shown, the support body 130 includes two of the accommodation chambers 139, which are parallel to each other and arranged successively along the vertical axis z.

[0096] The spectacle hinge assembly 100 further includes at least one elastic element 200, and the at least one elastic element is received in the at least one accommodation chamber 139. More specifically, the at least one elastic element 200 contacts the bottom wall of the at least one accommodation chamber 139 on one side and contacts the second coupling pin 138 on the other side.

[0097] Preferably, the at least one elastic element 200 can be more than one and in particular can be equal in number to the number of accommodation chambers 139. For example, in Figures 1a to 10b and Figures 11a to 11b the first and second embodiments respectively shown, the elastic elements 200 are two springs, and each spring is received in a corresponding accommodation chamber 139.

[0098] Alternatively, in Figures 12a to 15 and Figure 16 the third and fourth embodiments respectively shown, the at least one accommodation chamber 139 is one, while the elastic elements 200 are two.

[0099] When the spectacle hinge assembly 100 is in the first stable open position, it can be shifted to the third unstable additional open position, thereby pushing the support body 130 to rotate in a direction opposite to that for reaching the second stable closed position. By forcing the support body 130 to rotate, the support body 130 is forced to rotate about the axis passing through the third through-hole 132, rather than about the axis passing through the first through-hole 115 and the second through-hole 116. In this case, the guiding end portion 134 remains in contact with the at least one guiding element 118, 119.

[0100] Still in the shift from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position, the second coupling pin 138 slides in the slotted through-hole 133 to the first end travel end portion 133' that defines the third unstable additional open position. In this way, the second coupling pin 138 compresses the at least one elastic element 200 received in the at least one accommodation chamber 139; thus, once the support body 130 is released, the spectacle hinge assembly 100 returns from the third unstable additional open position to the first stable open position due to the elastic restoring force of the at least one elastic element 200, and the at least one elastic element pushes the second coupling pin 138 by elongation, causing the second coupling pin to slide in the slotted through-hole 133 toward the second end travel end portion 133'' opposite to the first end travel end portion 133'.

[0101] Preferably, the first guiding protrusion 120 and the second guiding protrusion 121 respectively present 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 recognizing the second stable closed position.

[0102] More specifically, 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 adjacent wall 135, 136 abuts on the first flat adjacent portion 120' and the second flat adjacent portion 121'; at this time, the second stable closed position is recognized, and the support body 130 cannot continue to rotate.

[0103] In Figures 12a to 15 and Figure 16 In the third and fourth embodiments respectively shown, the at least one free adjacent wall 135, 136 presents a first peripheral recess 135' and a second peripheral recess 136' respectively facing the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114. In this case, the first guiding protrusion or the first cam 120 presents a first adjacent protrusion 120", and the second guiding protrusion or the second cam 121 presents a second adjacent protrusion 121".

[0104] When the spectacle hinge assembly 100 is in the second stable closed position, the first adjacent protrusion 120" and the second adjacent protrusion 121" are shaped to respectively fit into the first peripheral recess 135' and the second peripheral recess 136'.

[0105] The first adjacent protrusion 120" and the first peripheral recess 135' have complementary shapes to each other.

[0106] The second adjacent protrusion 121" and the second peripheral recess 136' have complementary shapes to each other.

[0107] In addition, when there are two of the at least one free adjacent wall 135, 136, the first peripheral recess 135' and the second peripheral recess 136' are arranged on the side walls of two free edges of the support body 130.

[0108] More specifically, when the at least one free adjacent wall 135, 136 abuts on the first flat adjacent portion 120' and the second flat adjacent portion 121', the first adjacent protrusion 120" fits into the first peripheral recess 135', and the second adjacent protrusion 121" fits into the second peripheral recess 136'.

[0109] In addition, the spectacle hinge assembly 100 includes a cover element 230 that is integral with the support body 130. The cover element 230 can be coupled to the support body 130 or made integrally with such support body 130.

[0110] Preferably, the cover element 230 is configured to abut against the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114 when the spectacle hinge assembly 100 is in the second stable closed position.

[0111] More specifically, 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.

[0112] In a specific embodiment where the spectacle 300 is of the "intelligent" type, the spectacle hinge assembly 100 further includes a masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220, which extends along the axis z between a first end 181 and a second end 182. Such a masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 is interposed between the two cantilever portions 113, 114 in the receiving seat 117, such that the first end 181 faces the first cantilever portion 113 and the second end 182 faces the second cantilever portion 114.

[0113] In this case, the first perforated end portion 141 of the first arm element 140 is interposed between the first end 181 of the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 and the first cantilever portion 113. The first perforated end portion 151 of the second arm element 150 is interposed between the second end 182 of the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 and the second cantilever portion 114.

[0114] Preferably, the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 includes: a first resting portion 183 and a second resting portion 184, which are spaced apart from each other and extend in length between the first end 181 and the second end 182; and at least one bridging element 185 that connects such resting portions 183, 184 to each other. Thus, the two resting portions 183, 184 face each other and define a free gap therebetween.

[0115] Preferably, the resting portions 183, 184 present two peripheral abutting walls 186, 187 that project beyond the first end 181 and the second end 182 in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis z, thereby forming two receiving seats for the first perforated end portions 141, 151.

[0116] The masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 cannot be detached from the receiving seat 117 because its movement is restricted in the vertical direction z by the presence of the first perforation end portions 141, 151 and the third perforation end portions 161, 171, and in the transverse plane xy by the interference between the peripheral adjacent walls 186, 187 and the respective first perforation end portions 141, 151 and third perforation end portions 161, 171.

[0117] The masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 alternatively rotates freely about an axis passing through the first through-hole 115 and the second through-hole 116.

[0118] Preferably, the support plate 110 includes a first side wall 128 and a second side wall 129 that connect the first cantilever portion 113 to the second cantilever portion 114. In this case, the at least one guiding element 118, 119 can be integrally formed with the second side wall 129.

[0119] Preferably, the support plate 110 further includes an opening 190 that is positioned in the vertical direction z between the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114 and in the longitudinal direction y between the two side walls 128, 129.

[0120] In Figures 1a to 10b and Figures 12a to 15 In the first embodiment and the third embodiment respectively shown, the support body 130 includes at least one anchoring portion 231 adapted to be fixed to the temple 312 of the glasses 300. Specifically, the temple 312 is interposed between at least one anchoring portion 231 of the support body 130 and the cover element 230.

[0121] Conversely, in Figure 11a and Figure 16 In the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment respectively shown, the support body 130 can be applied to the temple 312 of the glasses 300, for example, by gluing or overmolding, and similarly, the support plate 110 can be applied to the front portion 311 of the glasses 300, for example, by gluing or overmolding.

[0122] Preferably, 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 resting portions 183, 184, and thus engages with a joint portion (not shown) of the cover element 230.

[0123] When the spectacle hinge assembly 100 is in the first stable open position, at least one bridging element 185 of the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 contacts and abuts against the first side wall 128 of the support plate 110; in addition, the cable 220 contacts and abuts against the surface of the first resting portion 183 of the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220.

[0124] When the spectacle hinge assembly 100 is in the second stable closed position, at least one bridging element 185 of the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 contacts and abuts against the second side wall 129 of the support plate 110; in addition, the cable 220 contacts and abuts against the surface of the second resting portion 184 of the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220.

[0125] When the spectacle hinge assembly 100 transitions 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 separates the cable from the first resting portion 183 until it contacts the second resting portion 184. At this time, the cable 220 drags the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 to rotate, and the at least one bridging element 185 separates from the first side wall 128 and rotates towards the second side wall 129 of the support plate 110 together with the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220. During the initial step of the rotation of the support body 130, the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 does not rotate until the cable 220 abuts against the second resting portion 184. Therefore, the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 rotates with a first angular delay relative to the support body 130.

[0126] During the final step of the rotation of the support body 130, the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 does not rotate because the at least one bridging element 185 abuts against the second side wall 129. The support body 130 continues to rotate until the at least one free abutting wall 135, 136 abuts against and stops on the first flat abutting portion 120' and the second flat abutting portion 121' and / or the cover element 230 abuts against the first cantilever portion 113 and the second cantilever portion 114, thereby determining a second angular delay of the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 relative to the support body 130.

[0127] Preferably, the first angular delay is between 1° and 45°.

[0128] Preferably, the second angular delay is between 1° and 45°.

[0129] Preferably, the first angular delay is substantially equal to the second angular delay.

[0130] During the transition from the first stable open position to the second stable closed position, the cable 220 does not undergo a first angular offset, but rather undergoes a third angular offset obtained by subtracting a first angular delay and a second angular delay from the first angular offset.

[0131] Preferably, as can be observed in the figure, the third angular offset is 45 degrees.

[0132] When the spectacle hinge assembly 100 transitions 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 separate from the second resting portion 184 until it contacts the first resting portion 183. At this time, the cable 220 drags the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 to rotate, and the at least one bridging element 185 separates from the second side wall 129 and rotates towards the first side wall 128 of the support plate 110 together with the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220.

[0133] Therefore, during the initial step of the rotation of the support body 130, the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 rotates relative to the support body 130 with a second angular delay. During the termination step of the rotation of the support body 130, the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 does not rotate because the at least one 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 portions 118', 119', thereby determining the first angular delay of the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 relative to the support body 130.

[0134] Therefore, the distance between the side walls 128, 129 is used to determine the first angular delay between the rotation of the support body 130 and the rotation of the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220 and the second angular delay between the rotation of the support body 130 and the rotation of the masking and guiding body 180 for the cable 220.

[0135] The features of the spectacle hinge assembly that are the object of the present invention are clear from the description made, and the related advantages are clear.

[0136] In fact, the spectacle hinge assembly according to the present invention is bistable and at the same time flexible, and allows the integrity of the hinge itself to be maintained during the transition of the temple from the open position to the extra - open position or from the extra - open position to the open position, and prevents wear of the temple and the front part due to the interacting elements.

[0137] Finally, it is clear that the spectacle hinge assembly and spectacles thus conceived are susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention; furthermore, all details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, depending on the technical requirements, the materials used and the size may be any materials and any size.

Claims

1. A spectacle hinge assembly (100), comprising: - A support plate (110) having a first face (111) that is substantially flat and intended to be applied to the front portion (311) of the frame (310) of a pair of spectacles (300), and a second face (112) that is substantially flat, opposite and parallel to the first face (111). The support plate (110) includes a first cantilever portion (113) and a second cantilever portion (114). The first and second cantilever portions are parallel and opposite to each other and extend from the second face in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second face (112). The cantilever portions (113, 114) respectively present a first through-hole (115) and a second through-hole (116) that are opposite and aligned with each other along the vertical direction z; - A support body (130) intended to be applied to the temple (312) of the spectacles (300). The support body (130) is rotatably coupled to the support plate (110). The support body (130) and the support plate (110) include corresponding interaction elements (118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136) that are adapted to guide the reciprocal rotation of the support body (130) and the support plate (110) between a first stable open position of the spectacle hinge assembly (100) and a second stable closed position of the spectacle hinge assembly (100), and between the first stable open position of the spectacle hinge assembly (100) and a third unstable additional open position of the spectacle hinge assembly (100); wherein the interaction elements (118, 119, 120, 121, 134, 135, 136) include: - At least one guiding element (118, 119) interposed between the first cantilever portion (113) and the second cantilever portion (114). The at least one guiding element (118, 119) presents corresponding end-travel abutment portions (118', 119'); - A guiding end portion (134) of the support body (130) that is shaped to slide on the at least one guiding element (118, 119) so as to guide the reciprocal 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 guiding end portion (134) is configured to contact the end-travel abutment portions (118', 119') when the spectacle hinge assembly (100) is in the first stable open position; - A first guiding protrusion or first cam (120) and a second guiding protrusion or second cam (121), the first guiding protrusion or first cam and the second guiding protrusion or second cam being formed on the first cantilever portion (113) and the second cantilever portion (114) respectively, the first guiding protrusion or first cam (120) and the second guiding protrusion or second cam (121) being parallel 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 cam (120) and the second cam (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.

2. The spectacle hinge assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, the first guiding protrusion (120) and the second guiding protrusion (121) respectively present 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.

3. The spectacle hinge assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the at least one free adjacent wall (135, 136) presents a first peripheral recess (135') and a second peripheral recess (136') respectively facing the first cantilever portion (113) and the second cantilever portion (114), the first guiding protrusion (120) presents a first adjacent protrusion (120”) and the second guiding protrusion (121) presents a second adjacent protrusion (121”), and when the spectacle hinge assembly (100) is in the second stable closed position, the first adjacent protrusion (120”) and the second adjacent protrusion (121”) are shaped to fit into the first peripheral recess (135') and the second peripheral recess (136') respectively.

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

5. The spectacle hinge assembly (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, The support body (130) includes a third through-hole (132) and a slotted through-hole (133). The third through-hole and the slotted through-hole have axes that are parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the vertical direction z. The support body (130) includes at least one receiving chamber (139) that is open to the outside and communicates with the slotted through-hole (133). The spectacle hinge assembly (100) includes: - A first arm element (140) and a second arm element (150). The first arm element and the second arm element have respective first perforated end portions (141, 151) disposed at the first through-hole (115) and the second through-hole (116) of the cantilever portions (113, 114), and respective second perforated end portions (142, 152) received in the support body (130) at the third through-hole (132). The first arm element (140) and the second arm element (150) are connected by a connecting element (140'). - At least one first coupling pin (137) that is received in the third through-hole (132) and passes through the second perforated end portions (142, 152). - A first coupling element (122) and a second coupling element (123) that at least partially pass through the first through-hole (115) and the second through-hole (116) respectively and are coupled to the first perforated end portions (141, 151) respectively. - A third arm element (160) and a fourth arm element (170). The third arm element and the fourth arm element have respective third perforated end portions (161, 171) rotatably coupled to the first perforated end portions (141, 151) and respective fourth perforated end portions (162, 172) received in the support body (130) at the slotted through-hole (133). - A second coupling pin (138) that passes through the slotted through-hole (133) and the fourth perforated end portions (162, 172). - At least one elastic element (200) that is received in the at least one receiving chamber (139), contacts the bottom wall of the at least one receiving chamber (139) on one side, and contacts the second coupling pin (138) on the other side. When the spectacle hinge assembly (100) transitions from the first stable open position to the third unstable additional open position, the at least one elastic element (200) is compressed by the second coupling pin (138), and the at least one elastic element (200) pushes the second coupling pin (138) to return from the third unstable additional open position to the first stable open position.

6. The spectacle hinge assembly (100) according to claim 5, comprising two of the first coupling pins (137), each of the second perforated end portions (142, 152) being respectively passed through by one of the first coupling pins (137).

7. The spectacle hinge assembly (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, the at least one guiding element (118, 119) is integrally formed with the support plate (110).

8. The spectacle hinge assembly (100) according to claim 7, wherein, the support plate (110) includes 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 guiding element (118, 119) is integrally formed with the second side wall (129).

9. The spectacle hinge assembly (100) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the at least one guiding element (118, 119) is coupled to the support plate (110).

10. The spectacle hinge assembly (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, the number of the guiding elements (118, 119) is equal to two, and each guiding element is arranged at a corresponding cantilever portion (113, 114).

11. The spectacle hinge assembly (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, the number of the free abutting walls (135, 136) is equal to two, and the free abutting walls (135, 136) correspond to the lateral walls of the support body (130) facing two free edges respectively of the first cantilever portion (113) and the second cantilever portion (114).

12. A pair of spectacles (300), comprising: - a front part (311) adapted to carry two lenses and two temple pieces (312), the temple pieces (312) being adapted to allow a user to wear the spectacles; - two spectacle hinge assemblies (100) according to the present invention, each of the spectacle hinge assemblies coupling a corresponding temple piece (312) to the front part (311).

Images