A hinge for an eyeglass frame, an eyeglass frame including such a hinge and eyeglasses, and a method for assembling such a hinge.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-14
Smart Images
Figure CN122580601A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge for an eyeglass frame, an eyeglass frame including such a hinge, and an eyeglass device including such an eyeglass frame.
[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling such a hinge.
[0003] It is known that hinges for eyeglass frames are placed between the front frame and the temples, for pivotally connecting the temples to the front frame.
[0004] Known hinges typically consist of a set of screws and other small components. The disadvantage is that, due to the presence of multiple small components, such hinges are complex and therefore difficult to assemble.
[0005] To reduce the use of small parts present in classic hinges and to simplify assembly, various types of hinges without screws have been developed.
[0006] The disadvantage is that in many types of hinges without screws, it is impossible to adjust the force resisting the opening / closing of the temples, because that force is predetermined by the existing parts.
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, and in particular to design a hinge for eyeglass frames that allows adjustment of the force resisting the opening / closing of the temples, while minimizing the components constituting the hinge itself and thus simplifying its assembly.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge that can be customized with ornamental or decorative elements, logos or designs.
[0009] These and other objects according to the invention are achieved by means of a hinge for an eyeglass frame having the features set forth in claim 1, by means of a frame including such a hinge as claimed in claim 11, by means of an eyeglass including such a frame as claimed in claim 12, and by means of a method for assembling such a hinge as claimed in claim 13.
[0010] Further features of the hinge according to the invention are described in the dependent claims.
[0011] From the following description, which should be understood as exemplary and non-limiting, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, the features and advantages of the hinge for an eyeglass frame according to the invention, the frame including such a hinge, the eyeglass, and the method for assembling such a hinge, as shown in the drawings:
[0012] - Figure 1 A frontal perspective view of a hinge assembled on an eyeglass frame according to the present invention is shown.
[0013] - Figure 2 This shows the assembly on the frame of an eyeglass lens. Figure 1 Rear-view perspective of the hinge in the image;
[0014] - Figure 3 This shows the assembly on the frame of an eyeglass lens. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top view of the hinge in the image;
[0015] - Figure 4 It shows Figures 1 to 3 Exploded front perspective view of the first embodiment of the hinge in the figure;
[0016] - Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Rear-view perspective of the hinge in the image;
[0017] - Figure 6 It shows Figures 4 to 5 The front view of the hinge in the middle, partially cut along the cross-sectional plane VI-VI;
[0018] - Figure 7 It shows Figures 1 to 3 An exploded front perspective view of the second embodiment of the hinge in the diagram;
[0019] - Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Rear-view perspective of the hinge in the image;
[0020] - Figure 9 It shows Figures 7 to 8 The front view of the hinge in the middle, partially cut along the cross-sectional plane VI-VI;
[0021] - Figure 10 It shows Figures 4 to 6 An exploded front-view stereoscopic view of a variant of the hinge in the image;
[0022] - Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 The hinge along Figure 3 The front view shown is partially cut off by the cross-sectional plane VI-VI;
[0023] - Figure 12 A frontal perspective view of an additional hinge assembled on an eyeglass frame according to the present invention is shown.
[0024] - Figure 13 A rear perspective view of a hinge assembled on an eyeglass frame according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown;
[0025] - Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 An exploded front-view stereoscopic view of the hinge in the image;
[0026] - Figure 15 This shows the assembly on the frame of an eyeglass lens. Figure 13 and Figure 14 A top view of the hinge in the image;
[0027] - Figure 16 It shows Figures 13 to 15 A front view of the hinge in the section, partially cut along the cross-sectional plane XVI-XVI;
[0028] - Figure 17 It shows Figures 13 to 16 A front view of the hinge in the section, partially cut along the cross-sectional plane XVII-XVII;
[0029] - Figure 18 An exploded front perspective view is shown according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the hinge 1 of the frame 100 for an eyewear 200 according to the present invention is described below.
[0031] The hinge 1 of the frame 100 for eyewear 200 is adapted to connect the first part 101 of the front frame 102 of the frame 100 of eyewear 200 to the temple 103 of the frame 100 of eyewear 200.
[0032] According to the invention, the hinge 1 includes a concave element 10, which is configured to be attached to a first portion 101 of the front frame 102 of the eyeglass frame 100 of the eyewear 200.
[0033] The concave element 10 is basically circular.
[0034] The concave element 10 has a substantially circular first opening 11. Additionally, the concave element 10 has a slot 12 communicating with the first opening 11. Specifically, the concave element 10 is preferably formed as a cylindrical body, with the first opening 11 axially formed in the cylindrical body and the first slot 12 circumferentially formed in the cylindrical body. The slot 12 extends in an arc along the sidewall of the cylindrical body. Preferably, the arc is at an angle of at least 180°.
[0035] The hinge 1 includes a convex element 20, which is configured to be attached to the temple 103 of the frame 100 of the eyewear 200.
[0036] The convex element 20 is substantially circular and has a second opening 21 that defines a receiving seat 22.
[0037] The convex element 20 has the same height as the slot 12.
[0038] Specifically, the convex element 20 can be inserted into the slot 12 so as to at least partially insert into the first opening 11. Once inserted into the slot 12, the convex element 20 is pivotable relative to the concave element 10. The slot 12 also allows the temple 103 to rotate to open and close.
[0039] The hinge 1 includes a support element 30 configured to insert into the first opening 11 and the receiving seat 22. Specifically, the height of the support element 30 is greater than the height of the slot 12.
[0040] Further details regarding the concave element 10, the convex element 20, and the support element 30 will be provided later in this specification.
[0041] According to the invention, the hinge 1 includes a screw 40 that can be coupled to a support element 30 and a convex element 20 for securing the support element 30 to the convex element 20.
[0042] Specifically, in use, the support element 30 and the convex element 20 are longitudinally secured in place by screws 40, while the support element 30 laterally secures the convex element 20 within the first opening 11 and the slot 12. The convex element 20 and thus the support element 30 fixed thereto remain pivotable relative to the concave element 10.
[0043] Preferably, when the hinge 1 is in use, the screw 40 can be accessed via the slot 12. In this way, the friction between the convex element 20 and the concave element 10 can be adjusted during rotation. In other words, when the hinge 1 is installed, the screw 40 is inserted into the slot 12.
[0044] Specifically, preferably, even when hinge 1 is assembled and in use, screw 40 remains accessible to the user, as in Figure 2 and Figure 13 As can be seen in the image. In this way, the user can freely adjust the screw 40 to adjust the resistance to opening / closing the temple 103, even after assembly.
[0045] Preferably, the concave element 10 has an upper contour 13 and a lower contour 14 that surround and partially define the first opening 11.
[0046] The first opening 11 extends axially between the upper contour 13 and the lower contour 14.
[0047] Regarding the convex element 20, preferably, the convex element 20 is formed as an annular body.
[0048] Preferably, the convex element 20 has an outer wall 24 that is always visible when the hinge 1 is in use. Still preferably, the convex element 20 also has an inner wall 25 that is hidden when the hinge 1 is in use and when the temple 103 is in the fully open position. As the temple 103 closes and moves closer to the front frame 102, the inner wall 25 becomes gradually visible. The outer wall 24 and the inner wall 25 are at least partially curved.
[0049] The inner wall 25 is radially further inward than the outer wall 24. A step 26 is defined between the outer wall 24 and the inner wall 25 for connecting the outer wall 24 and the inner wall 25. The step 26 is formed in a complementary manner to a corresponding recess 15 of the concave element 10. Specifically, the recess 15 at least partially defines the slot 12. In other words, the step 26 is an abutment wall.
[0050] Specifically, step 26 is adapted to abut against recess 15. When temple 103 is open, step 26 abuts against recess 15. In this way, step 26 allows temple 103 to a predetermined maximum open position.
[0051] Alternatively, logos, text, decorations, etc., may be applied (e.g., engraved) on the inner wall 25 and / or the outer wall 24.
[0052] Alternatively, logos, text, decorations, etc., can be applied (e.g., engraved) to the support element 30.
[0053] Regarding the support element 30, preferably, the support element 30 includes a first element 31 and a second element 32 that are different from each other. Both the first element 31 and the second element 32 can be inserted into the receiving seat 22 and the first opening 11. The first element 31 and the second element 32 can also be connected to each other.
[0054] More preferably, the first element 31 has a first head 311 that is shaped in a manner complementary to the lower contour 14. Alternatively, the first head 311 is shaped in a manner complementary to the upper contour 13.
[0055] Preferably, the second element 32 has a second head 321 that is shaped to complement the upper contour 13. Alternatively, the second head 321 is shaped to complement the lower contour 14.
[0056] The first head 311 and the second head 321 are configured to abut against the lower contour 14 and the upper contour 13, respectively, and vice versa.
[0057] Preferably, as shown in the figures, the first element 31 includes a first protrusion 312 extending away from the first head 311. The first protrusion 312 is configured to insert into the receiving seat 22. The first protrusion 312 is also configured to insert into the first opening 11 when the convex element 20 is inserted into the concave element 10.
[0058] Preferably, the second element 32 includes two second protrusions 322 extending away from the second head 321. The second protrusions 322 are configured to insert into the receiving seat 22. Specifically, according to this embodiment, the second protrusions 322 are spaced apart from each other to define a gap 33. A first protrusion 312 is arranged to connect the first element 31 and the second element 32 to each other in this gap.
[0059] Preferably, the first protrusion 312 and the second protrusion 322 are plate-shaped and face each other and are parallel.
[0060] Preferably, the convex element 20 has a hole 23 to receive the screw 40.
[0061] Preferably, the first element 31 and the second element 32 each have corresponding holes 310 and 320, each hole being adapted to accommodate the screw 40.
[0062] Specifically, holes 23, 310 and 320 are arranged to align with each other when the first element 31 and the second element 32 are joined and inserted into the receiving seat 22.
[0063] More preferably, only one of the second protrusions 322 and the first protrusion 312 each have corresponding holes 310 and 320.
[0064] Holes 23, 310, and 320 are arranged such that when the first element 31 and the second element 32 are joined and inserted into the receiving seat 22, these holes are aligned with each other.
[0065] Screw 40 can be self-tapping (e.g.) Figures 4 to 9 (as can be seen in the text), or more preferably metric (e.g. Figures 10 to 11 , Figure 14 and Figures 16 to 18 (As can be seen in the image). Preferably, in the case of a metric screw, the screw 40 is configured to be positioned in use such that the thread is at least located at the hole 23 of the convex element 20.
[0066] In the case of the self-tapping screw 40, preferably, the screw 40 is configured to be positioned in use such that the thread is at least located at the hole 320 of the second element 32 of the support element 30.
[0067] Preferably, the hinge 1 includes at least one decorative or ornamental element 50 associated with the support element 30. The decorative or ornamental element 50 takes the form of crystal, for example, as shown in the attached image. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 11 and appendix Figure 13 To be continued Figure 17 As shown. Decorative element 50 can also be a logo or text, for example, such as... Figure 12 and Figure 18 As shown.
[0068] Preferably, the first head 311 has a first surface 313. The first surface 313 faces away from the first protrusion 312. Preferably, the second head 321 has a second surface 323. The second surface 321 faces away from the second protrusion 322.
[0069] The first surface 313 and the second surface 323 are configured to be opposite each other.
[0070] More preferably, the first surface 313 and / or the second surface 323 are fixed to the corresponding decorative or ornamental element 50.
[0071] Preferably, each surface 313, 323 has one or more grooves 314, 324 suitable for receiving adhesive. Advantageously, the grooves 314, 324 allow for better attachment of decorative or ornamental elements 50 to the respective surfaces between the first surface 313 and the second surface 323.
[0072] For example, if the decorative element 50 is a crystal or other similar element, one or more of these elements are fixed to the first surface 313 and / or the second surface 323.
[0073] If the decorative element 50 is a logo or text, it can be directly engraved / embossed on the first surface 313 and / or the second surface 323. In this case, the first surface 313 and / or the second surface 323 will not have the aforementioned grooves. For example, the logo or text can be obtained by stamping, laser technology, or other similar methods of known types.
[0074] Alternatively, the logo or text may be engraved or made on the plate fixed to the first surface 313 and / or the second surface 323.
[0075] The support element 30, the convex element 20, and the concave element 10 can all be made of plastic or metal.
[0076] According to the first embodiment, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the concave element 10 is made of metal, while the support element 30 is made of plastic.
[0077] According to the second embodiment, such as Figures 4 to 6 As shown, both the concave element 10 and the support element 30 are made of metal.
[0078] According to the second embodiment, the hinge 1 includes at least one sliding element 60 inserted between the concave element 10 and the support element 30.
[0079] In other words, when the concave element 10 is made of metal and the support element 30 is made of plastic, i.e. according to the first embodiment, there is no need to provide a sliding element.
[0080] On the other hand, when both the concave element 10 and the support element 30 are made of metal, it may be advantageous to provide a sliding element 60 to facilitate the rotation of the support element 30 relative to the concave element 10.
[0081] The sliding element 60 is in the form of a washer, such as a "T-shaped washer".
[0082] Specifically, according to the second embodiment, the hinge 1 preferably includes a pair of sliding elements 60.
[0083] Each sliding element 60 is positioned at the upper contour 13 or lower contour 14 of the concave element 10. According to an embodiment in which the support element 30 includes a first element 31 and a second element 32, when the hinge 1 is installed and in use, each sliding element 60 is specifically inserted between the first element 31 and the lower contour 14 and between the second element 32 and the upper contour 13.
[0084] According to specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figures 13 to 18 As shown, hinge 1 includes a pusher 70 and a spring 80, which can be mounted on the pusher 70. Specifically, the pusher 70 is shaped like a pin having a handle 71 and a dome 72. The spring 80 is mounted on the pusher 70 in use to surround the handle 71.
[0085] According to this embodiment, the hinge 1 further includes a heel portion 105, which can be attached to the front frame 102 of the eyeglass frame 100 of the eyewear 200. The heel portion 105 is preferably formed as a single piece with the concave element 10. The heel portion 105 includes an internal cavity 104 communicating with the first opening 11. The cavity 104 formed within this portion of the heel portion 105 is adapted to accommodate the pusher 70 and the spring 80.
[0086] In practice, the pusher 70 and the spring 80 are inserted into the cavity 104, and the pusher 70 protrudes at least partially from the outside of the cavity 104. Specifically, the dome 72 abuts against the inner wall 25 of the convex element 20.
[0087] The pusher 70 and spring 80 allow the temple 103 to be locked in both the fully open and fully closed positions (bistable).
[0088] According to this configuration, the inner wall 25 of the convex element 20 has two recesses 25', 25'' and a thrust surface 25''' inserted between the two recesses 25', 25''. In this way, the inner wall 25 forms a cam portion, on which the dome 72 is adapted to slide. Specifically, when the dome 72 is located at the first recess 25', the temple 103 is in a first stable position, i.e., the open position. When the dome 72 is located at the second recess 25'', the temple 103 is in a second stable position, i.e., the closed position. The two recesses 25', 25'' are spaced apart along the inner wall 25, for example, by 90°.
[0089] During the transition between the open and closed positions, the dome 72 slides on the thrust surface 25''', which, due to its curved shape, compresses the spring 80. Therefore, during the transition between the open and closed positions, the temple 103 tends to move to one or another stable position, depending on the location of the dome 72 on the thrust surface 25'''. Other stable positions of the temple 103 can be defined by providing additional recesses on the inner surface 25.
[0090] Also according to this embodiment, the screw 40 preferably passes through both the first element 31 and the second element 32. Therefore, each of the two second protrusions 322 of the second element 32 has a corresponding hole 320 through which the screw 40 passes during use.
[0091] According to this embodiment, the first element 31 and the second element 32 are made of metallic material.
[0092] A frame 100 for eyewear, including the hinge 1 as described above, also forms part of the present invention. The frame 100 includes a front frame 102 having a first portion 101 connected to the concave element 10. The frame 100 also includes temples 103 connected to the convex element 20.
[0093] The eyewear 200, including the aforementioned frame 100, is also part of this invention.
[0094] In the context of this specification, the term "eyewear" means any type of eyeglasses with two lenses (e.g., sunglasses, prescription glasses, cosmetic glasses, protective glasses, or sports glasses) or any type of face shield with a single lens (e.g., sports or protective goggles).
[0095] The method for assembling hinge 1 as described above also forms part of this invention.
[0096] According to the present invention, the method includes a first step of inserting the convex element 20 into the slot 12 of the concave element 10.
[0097] Therefore, the method includes the subsequent step of inserting the support element 30 from above and / or below into the first opening 11 and the receiving seat 22.
[0098] According to the present invention, the method includes the subsequent step of connecting the screw 40 to the support element 30 and the convex element 20 to secure the support element 30 to the convex element 20.
[0099] Once the components of hinge 1 are connected, the method may include the step of tightening adjusting screw 40 to adjust the friction between convex element 20 and concave element 10 during rotation.
[0100] The invention has been described by way of non-limiting example with reference to preferred embodiments thereof (shown in the accompanying drawings), but it should be understood that any variations and / or modifications that are obvious to those skilled in the art should be considered to be included within the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A hinge (1) for a frame (100) of an eyeglass (200), said hinge (1) being adapted to connect a first portion (101) of the front frame (102) of the frame (100) of the eyeglass (200) to a temple (103) of the frame (100) of the eyeglass (200); said hinge (1) comprising: - A concave element (10), the concave element being configured to be attached to a first portion (101) of the front frame (102) of the eyeglass frame (100) of the eyewear (200); the concave element (10) is substantially circular and has a substantially circular first opening (11); the concave element (10) has a slot (12) communicating with the first opening (11). - A convex element (20) configured to be attached to the temple (103) of the frame (100) of the eyewear (200); the convex element (20) is substantially circular and has a second opening (21) defining a receiving seat (22); the convex element (20) is capable of being inserted into the slot (12) so as to be at least partially inserted into the first opening (11); the convex element (20) is pivotable relative to the concave element (10) once inserted into the slot (12); - A support element (30) configured to be inserted into the first opening (11) and the receiving seat (22); the height of the support element (30) is greater than the height of the slot (12); - Screw (40), which can be connected to the support element (30) and the convex element (20) to fix the support element (30) to the convex element (20).
2. The hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The screw (40) can be accessed through the slot (12).
3. The hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The support element (30) includes a first element (31) and a second element (32), which are different from each other and both can be inserted into the receiving seat (22) and the first opening (11) and can be connected to each other.
4. The hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The concave element (10) has an upper contour (13) and a lower contour (14), which surround and partially define the first opening (11); the first element (31) and the second element (32) have a first head (311) and a second head (321), respectively, each head being shaped complementaryly to one of the lower contour (14) and the upper contour (13); The first head (311) and the second head (321) are configured to abut against the lower contour (14) and the upper contour (13), respectively, and vice versa.
5. The hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, - The first element (31) includes a first protrusion (312) that extends away from the first head (311) and is configured to be inserted into the receiving seat (22); - The second element (32) includes two second protrusions (322) that extend away from the second head (321) and are configured to be inserted into the receiving seat (22); The second protrusions (322) are spaced apart to define a gap (33), wherein the first protrusions (312) are arranged to connect the first element (31) and the second element (32) to each other.
6. The hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The convex element (20) has a hole (23), and wherein only one of the second protrusions (322) and the first protrusion (312) each have a corresponding hole (310, 320), the holes (23, 310, 320) being adapted to receive the screw (40) and arranged to align with each other when the first element (31) and the second element (32) are engaged and inserted into the receiving seat (22).
7. The hinge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims includes at least one decorative or ornamental element (50) associated with the support element (30).
8. The hinge (1) according to claim 5 or 6 and 7, wherein, The first head (311) and the second head (321) have a first surface (313) and a second surface (323), respectively, which are configured to face each other; the first surface (313) faces away from the first protrusion (312) and the second surface (323) faces away from the second protrusion (322); the first surface (313) and / or the second surface (323) are fixed to a corresponding decorative or ornamental element (50).
9. The hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, Each surface (313, 323) has one or more grooves (314, 324) adapted to receive an adhesive to allow the decorative or ornamental element (50) to be better secured to the corresponding surface between the first surface (313) and the second surface (323).
10. The hinge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The convex element (20) has an outer wall (24) that is always visible when the hinge (1) is in use. The convex element (20) further has an inner wall (25) that is radially more inward than the outer wall (24). The inner wall (25) is hidden when the hinge (1) is in use and when the temple (103) is in the fully open position. As the temple (103) is closed and the temple is brought closer to the front frame (102), the inner wall (25) becomes gradually visible.
11. The hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, A step (26) is defined between the outer wall (24) and the inner wall (25), the step being used to connect the outer wall (24) and the inner wall (25); the step (26) is complementaryly formed to a corresponding recess (15) of the concave element (10); the step (26) is adapted to abut the recess (15).
12. The hinge (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The outer wall (24) and the inner wall (25) are at least partially curved.
13. The hinge (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6 or 8, wherein, The concave element (10) and the support element (30) are made of metal; the hinge (1) includes at least one sliding element (60) inserted between the concave element (10) and the support element (30); each sliding element (60) is positioned at the upper contour (13) or the lower contour (14).
14. A frame (100) for eyewear, the frame comprising a hinge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; the frame (100) comprising: - Front frame (102), the front frame having a first portion (101) connected to the concave element (10); - Temple (103), the temple being connected to the convex element (10).
15. An eyewear (200) comprising a frame (100) according to claim 14.
16. A method for assembling a hinge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising the steps of: - Insert the convex element (20) into the slot (12) of the concave element (10); - Insert the support element (30) into the first opening (11) and the receiving seat (22) from above and / or below; - Connect the screw (40) to the support element (30) and the convex element (20) to secure the support element (30) to the convex element (20); - Optionally, the screw (40) can be adjusted to regulate the friction between the convex element (20) and the concave element (10) during rotation.