Temples of a glasses frame

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of eyeglass frames. In particular, the present invention relates to a branch of a pair of glasses likely to deform, or even bend, when a force is exerted on the latter. ARRIERE PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUE DE L'INVENTION

[0002] Conventionally, a pair of glasses known from the state of the art comprises a frame on which are mounted lenses providing a sun protection function and / or a vision correction function and / or a protection function (in particular for DIY, in the industrial field or the medical field, etc.). The frame also comprises a front face or main frame (hereinafter "face") receiving the lenses, and on which are fixed, in a hinged connection by means of hinges, temples.

[0003] Each hinge allows, in particular, by rotation, to fold (in closed position) and unfold (in open position) the branch to which it is associated.

[0004] In the folded position, the temples are folded against the face of the spectacle frame so as to reduce their bulk. In the unfolded position, the temples are spaced from the face and extend along two axes substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to a plane defined by the face of the spectacle frame.

[0005] The spectacle frame may be provided with stops so as to limit the relative spacing of the temples when they are in the unfolded position. However, this configuration gives the spectacle frame a damaging rigidity when excessive force is exerted on one and / or the other of the two temples.

[0006] Thus, it could be proposed, for example in documents EP3767372A1 and FR 2 786 883, to implement flexible branches.

[0007] In particular, this document describes a spectacle frame branch formed of two parts called, respectively, proximal part and distal part, connected by a spring-effect element allowing relative movement of the distal part with respect to the proximal part. More particularly, the spring-effect element allows flexion of the branch as soon as a force is exerted on the latter. However, this flexibility of the branch remains limited to an effort in the direction of deployment of the latter.

[0008] An aim of the present invention is therefore to propose an improved spectacle frame branch with respect to the branch described in document FR 2 786 883. More particularly, an aim of the present invention is to propose a branch whose flexion is not limited to a single degree of freedom. BREVE DESCRIPTION DE L'INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a branch intended to be mounted by one of its faces, called the mounting face, in hinge connection around a hinge axis, to a spectacle frame, so as to be able to pivot between a folded position and an unfolded position, the branch comprising: a first section provided with a first housing opening through the mounting face and through a first face of the first section opposite the mounting face; a second section comprising a second face through which a second housing opens, the first and second faces being of complementary shapes so as to allow them to fit together; the branch is also provided with a hinge element fixed to the second section in the second housing and which passes through the first housing to allow one of its ends to emerge, called the attachment end, provided with a knuckle intended to fix the branch to a tenon of an eyeglass frame, the hinge element being configured to exert a return force keeping, by default, the first and second faces nested, and allowing articulation of the second section with respect to the first section when a force is exerted on the second section.

[0010] The profile of the first face along a cutting plane perpendicular to the hinge axis is configured so as to maintain the interlocking of the first and second faces when a force is exerted on the second section in a plane perpendicular to the hinge axis in order to bend the branch.

[0011] The first section comprises a stop formed by a tab projecting relative to the first face and in the continuity of an internal face of said first section, the internal face being intended to face a main frame of the spectacle frame when the branch is folded, the tab is configured so as to maintain the interlocking of the first and second faces when a force is exerted on said branch in a plane perpendicular to the hinge axis in order to fold it.

[0012] The hinge element comprises a rod which extends from the attachment end towards one end, called the terminal end, a spring mounted coaxially on a section of the rod housed in the second housing, the hinge element further comprises arranged on either side of the spring, and in order from the attachment end towards the terminal end, a threaded sleeve and a stop sleeve, the threaded sleeve and the stop sleeve being arranged to hold the spring in compression, the threaded sleeve is in sliding connection with the rod and is screwed into the second housing.

[0013] According to one implementation method, the profile is W-shaped.

[0014] According to one method of implementation, the stop sleeve is either crimped onto the rod or held in abutment by the spring against a stop formed on the rod.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the threaded sleeve abuts against a hook formed on the attachment end.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the hinge element further comprises a generally planar insert linked to the hook and which comprises a hole forming the knuckle.

[0017] The invention also relates to an eyeglass frame comprising two arms according to the present invention.

[0018] According to one method of implementation, each branch is fixed to a tenon of said frame.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the mounting face is flat, each tenon comprises two flat faces called, respectively, unfolded face and folded face, the mounting face being intended to bear against the unfolded face when the branch is unfolded, and to bear against the folded face when the branch is folded. BREVE DESCRIPTION DES DESSINS

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of a branch of a spectacle frame which will follow with reference to the appended figures in which: [ Fig.1 ] There figure 1 is a schematic representation, in perspective view, of a branch mounted on an eyeglass frame according to the present invention, the branch being in an unfolded position; [ Fig.2 ] There figure 2 is a schematic representation, in perspective and exploded view, of a branch and a hinge element capable of being implemented within the framework of the present invention; [ Fig.3 ] There figure 3 is a partial schematic representation, in a perspective view, of a branch capable of being implemented within the framework of the present invention, the figure 3 represents in particular the attachment end of the hinge element opening through the mounting face; [ Fig.4 ] There figure 4 illustrates the effect of a force (represented by an arrow) exerted on the second section along a plane perpendicular to the hinge axis in order to unfold the branch; [ Fig.5 ] There figure 5 illustrates the effect of a force (represented by an arrow) exerted on the second section in a direction included in a plane including the hinge axis and upwards; [ Fig.6 ] There figure 6 illustrates the effect of a force (represented by an arrow) exerted on the second section in a direction included in a plane including the hinge axis and downwards; [ Fig.7 ] There figure 7 illustrates the effect of a force (represented by an arrow) exerted on the second section along a plane perpendicular to the hinge axis in order to bend the branch, the profile of the first face along a cutting plane perpendicular to the hinge axis being configured so as to maintain the interlocking of the first and second faces when a force is exerted on the second section in a plane perpendicular to the hinge axis in order to bend it; [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 is a schematic representation, in perspective view, of a particular hinge element capable of being implemented within the framework of the present invention; [ Fig. 9 ] There figure 9 is a representation of the hinge element of the figure 8 in exploded view; [ Fig. 10 ] There figure 10 is a representation, by a lateral surface, of the two-cam system implemented in the repair / assembly kit; [ Fig. 11 ] There figure 11 is a representation of the two-cam system of the figure 10 , and according to a section plane passing through the holes; [ Fig. 12 ] There figure 12 is a representation of the two-cam system by a face from which the bore is formed; [ Fig. 13 ] There figure 13 is a representation of a housing of a repair / assembly kit. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTION

[0021] The present invention relates to a branch intended to be mounted, by a mounting face, in a hinge connection (also known as a "pivot connection") around a hinge axis, to a face of an eyeglass frame, so as to be able to pivot between one and the other of two stable positions called, respectively, folded position and unfolded position.

[0022] In particular, and according to the present invention, the branch comprises from its proximal end towards a distal end a first section and a second section.

[0023] The first section is provided with a first face opposite the mounting face.

[0024] The second section is connected to the first section by a ball joint. The first face and the second face are also of complementary shapes so that one can fit into the other.

[0025] The hinge connection and the ball joint connection are provided by a hinge element exerting a return force. The latter maintains, by default, one of the first and second faces nested in the other of the first and second faces, and allows articulation of the second section with respect to the first section when a force is exerted on the second section.

[0026] There figure 1 represents a branch 1 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0027] The branch 1 is intended to be mounted by a mounting face Fm, in hinge connection around a hinge axis, to a face of an eyeglass frame. This mounting of the branch 1 on the eyeglass frame allows in particular a rotation of the branch 1 around the hinge axis between one of a folded position and an unfolded position (illustrated in figure 1 ) towards the other of these two positions.

[0028] Branch 1 comprises, from its mounting face Fm towards a distal end Ed, a first section 2 and a second section 3.

[0029] In particular, as illustrated in the figure 2 , the first section 2 extends from the mounting face Fm to the first face F1, and comprises a housing, called the first housing L1, opening out through one and the other of these two faces. In other words, the first housing L1 passes through the first section 2 from the first face to the mounting face Fm. The first section is advantageously generally parallelepipedal in shape.

[0030] The second section 3 comprises a housing, called second housing L2, and which opens out through the second face F2. The second housing L2 may have a longitudinal shape.

[0031] Furthermore, and according to the present invention, the first face F1 and the second face F2 are of complementary shapes. The complementarity of the shapes specified above allows the first face and the second face to fit together. For example, and without however limiting the present invention to this aspect alone, the first face F1 may take a hollow shape.

[0032] The first section 2 and the second section 3 may comprise a plastic material. However, a person skilled in the art may, based on his general knowledge, use any other type of material that may be suitable.

[0033] Branch 1 is also provided with a hinge element 10 (an example of which is shown in exploded view at figure 2 ).

[0034] This hinge element 10 is in particular fixed to the second section in the second housing L2 and passes through the first housing from the first face F1 to the mounting face Fm. The hinge element 10 further comprises an end, called the attachment end Ea, provided with a knuckle 11 intended to fix the branch 1 to a tenon of an eyeglass frame. More particularly, the attachment end Ea opens out through the mounting face Fm ( figure 3 ).

[0035] In other words, as soon as the knuckle 11 is fixed to a knuckle of a tenon of an eyeglass frame, the hinge element 10 keeps the first section, the second section and the eyeglass frame secured to each other.

[0036] Furthermore, the hinge element is configured, when the knuckle 11 is fixed to a knuckle of a tenon of an eyeglass frame, to exert a spring effect (or return force) keeping, by default, the first and second faces nested. Furthermore, the link between the first section and the second section exerted by means of the hinge element is therefore a ball joint. In other words, the hinge element allows the rotation of the second section relative to the first section according to the three degrees of freedom of a ball joint when a force is exerted on the second section.

[0037] The hinge element 10, according to the invention, comprises a spring making it possible to keep the first face and the second face nested inside each other.

[0038] There figure 4 , there figure 5 and the figure 6 illustrate different joints depending on an effort (the direction and meaning of which are illustrated by an arrow) exerted on the second section 3.

[0039] In particular, at the figure 4 , the force (illustrated by an arrow) is exerted in such a way as to force the branch to extend beyond its unfolded position. Under the effect of this force, the branch flexes at the ball joint. This flexing only involves movement of the second section.

[0040] There figure 5 illustrates the effect of a force exerted on the second section in a direction included in a plane including the hinge axis and towards the “up”.

[0041] There figure 6 illustrates the effect of a force exerted on the second section in a direction included in a plane including the hinge axis and towards the “down”.

[0042] In these two examples ( figure 5 et figure 6 ), a bending of the branch can also be observed. More specifically, the second section is articulated around the ball joint according to the sense and direction of the force exerted.

[0043] Advantageously, the branch 1 can be configured to prevent any articulation of said branch 1 at the level of the ball joint as soon as a force intended to pivot said branch 1 from its unfolded position to its folded position is exerted on the second section ( figure 7 ).

[0044] Thus, according to the invention, the profile of the first face along a cutting plane perpendicular to the hinge axis is configured so as to maintain the interlocking of the first and second faces when a force is exerted on said branch in a plane perpendicular to the hinge axis in order to bend it.

[0045] More particularly, the first face comprises a stop formed by a tab Bl, in the continuity of an internal face Fi, of the first section, so as to maintain the interlocking of the first and second faces when a force is exerted on said branch in a plane perpendicular to the hinge axis in order to bend it.

[0046] The dimensions of the tab Bl can be determined as a function of the restoring force exerted by the hinge element 10.

[0047] An inner face of a first section of a branch is in particular the face intended to be opposite the main frame of a pair of glasses when the branch carrying said first section is folded. In other words, the inner faces of two first sections of two separate branches, called first branch and second branch, mounted on a glasses frame, are opposite each other when the first and second branches are in the unfolded position.

[0048] Particularly advantageously, the profile of the first face along a cutting plane perpendicular to the hinge axis is W-shaped. The W bar carried by the internal face of the first section can advantageously form the tongue.

[0049] In the remainder of the statement of the present invention, a hinge element 10 of a particular configuration is described. The invention should not, however, be limited to this aspect alone.

[0050] There figure 8 schematically represents this hinge element 10, while the figure 9 represents the latter in exploded view.

[0051] The hinge element 10 comprises a rod 12 which extends from the attachment end Ea towards one end, called the terminal end Et.

[0052] The rod 12 may comprise a metal, and in particular comprise steel, iron, aluminum.

[0053] The attachment end Ea of the rod 12 can be formed by a hook 13.

[0054] The hinge element 10 comprises a spring 14 mounted coaxially on a section of the rod 12 housed in the second housing L2.

[0055] This spring 14 is held in compression by a threaded sleeve 15 and a stop sleeve 16. More particularly, the hinge element 10 further comprises arranged on either side of the spring 14, and in order from the attachment end Ea to the terminal end Et, the threaded sleeve 15, the spring 14 and the stop sleeve 16. The implementation of the stop sleeve is not strictly necessary and any other stop means can be considered but is not part of the invention. In particular, crushing, for the formation of protrusions, of the rod 12 at the terminal end can act as a stop for the spring 14.

[0056] The threaded sleeve 15 and the stop sleeve 16 are arranged to hold the spring 14 in compression.

[0057] The threaded sleeve 15 is in sliding connection with the rod 12 and is intended to be screwed into the second housing L2.

[0058] The stop sleeve 16 can either be crimped onto the rod 12 or held in abutment by the spring 14 against a stop formed on the rod. The stop formed on the rod can in particular be obtained by pinching the latter.

[0059] The threaded sleeve 15 can be in abutment against the hook 13 formed on the attachment end Ea.

[0060] The hinge element 10 may further comprise the insert of generally planar shape linked to the hook and which comprises a hole forming the knuckle 11. This implementation of an insert makes it possible to confer greater flexibility to the hinge element 10 with regard to the known systems of the state of the art.

[0061] Thus, and in operation, this hinge element 10 is fixed to the second section 3 by screwing the threaded sleeve 15 into the second housing L2. In other words, the section of the hinge element 10 carrying the threaded sleeve 15, the spring 14 and the stop sleeve 16 is housed in the second housing L2.

[0062] Another section of this hinge element 10 passes through the first section 2 so that the knuckle of said element opens through the mounting face Fm. Said knuckle is for its part fixed to the knuckle of a tenon of a spectacle frame.

[0063] The spring 14 is held in compression so as to exert a return force between the second section 3 and the knuckle of the tenon of the spectacle frame. The first section 2 is therefore interposed between the second section and the knuckle of the tenon of the spectacle frame.

[0064] A force exerted on the second section 3 therefore forces the threaded sleeve to slide along the rod and towards the stop sleeve 16. This movement imposes additional compression on the spring 14.

[0065] The invention also relates to an eyeglass frame comprising two arms according to the present invention.

[0066] Each branch can be attached to a tenon of said frame.

[0067] Advantageously, the mounting face Fm is flat, and each tenon comprises two flat faces called, respectively, the unfolded face and the folded face, the mounting face being intended to bear against the unfolded face when the branch is unfolded, and to bear against the folded face when the branch is folded.

[0068] This latter aspect makes it possible to confer a stable character to the folded position and the unfolded position of a branch. Indeed, the edge formed between the folded face and the unfolded face induces an instability of the pivoting of the branch from one of the folded position and the unfolded position to the other of these two positions. More particularly, if the force leading to the pivoting of the branch is released before this instability is reached, the branch will return to its initial position. Conversely, if the force leading to the pivoting of the branch is released after having reached this instability, the branch will complete its travel and tilt into the target position.

[0069] Also shown is a hinge element repair / assembly kit ( figure 10, figure 11, et figure 12 ). The kit comprises in this regard a hinge element 10. In particular, the hinge element of the repair kit uses the terms of the hinge element described in relation to the figures 8 et 9 .

[0070] The kit also includes a pin, a screw, and a tensioning element. The tensioning element 100 includes a system with two cams 110a and 110b, which are essentially identical, and fixed to a support 120 by one of their ends, called the fixing end Ef. The end E of each of the cams 110a and 110b, opposite their fixing end Ef, is rounded and includes a bore 111a and 111b arranged on the diameter of the rounded end. In particular, each of the bores 111a and 111b is eccentric relative to the center of the rounded end so as to ensure the cam effect. Each cam 110a and 110b includes a notch 112a, 112b formed on the lateral flank of said cams. The two cams 110a and 110b, fixed on the support 120, are parallel to each other and arranged so that the two holes 111a and 111b are in continuity with each other (in other words the two axes of revolution of the two holes are the same).Furthermore, the two cams 110a and 110b are spaced from each other so as to allow the passage of the insert.

[0071] The repair / assembly kit may comprise a box 200, one wall of which forms the support 120, and intended to store the screw, the pin(s) and the hinge element ( figure 13 ).

[0072] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and variant embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An arm (1) to be mounted by one of its faces, referred to as a mounting face (Fm), in a hinge connection about a hinge axis, to a frame of eyeglasses, so as to be able to pivot between a folded position and an unfolded position, the arm comprising: - a first segment (2) provided with a first housing (L1) opening through the mounting face (Fm) and through a first face (F1) of the first segment (2) opposite to the mounting face (Fm); - a second segment (3) comprising a second face (F2) through which a second housing (L2) opens, the first and the second face being of complementary shapes so as to allow them to be interlocked; the arm is also provided with a hinge element (10) fastened to the second segment (3) in the second housing (L2) and which passes through the first housing (L1) to leave one of its ends, referred to as an attachment end (Ea), to open, provided with a charnier for fastening the arm to an endpiece of a frame of eyeglasses, the hinge element (10) being configured to exert a spring force holding, by default, the first and second faces interlocked, and allowing articulation of the second segment (3) with respect to the first segment (2) when a force is exerted on the second segment (3), the profile of the first face (F1) in a cutaway plane perpendicular to the hinge axis is configured so as to retain interlocking of the first and the second face when a force is exerted on the second segment (3) in a plane perpendicular to the hinge axis in order to fold the arm, the first segment (2) comprises an abutment (B1) formed by a tab projecting with respect to the first face (F1) and in the continuity of an inner face (Fi) of said first segment (2), the inner face (Fi) being for facing a main framework of the frame of eyeglasses when the arm is folded back, the tab is configured so as to retain interlocking of the first and second faces (F2) when a force is exerted on said arm in a plane perpendicular to the hinge axis in order to fold it, the hinge element (10) comprises a rod (12) that extends from the attachment end (Ea) to an end, referred to as a terminal end, a spring (14) coaxially mounted to a section of the rod (12) housed in the second housing (L2), the hinge element (10) further comprises, being arranged on either side of the spring (14), and in the order from the attachment end (Ea) to the terminal end (Et), a threaded bushing (15) and an abutment bushing (16) for the spring (14), the threaded bushing (15) and the abutment bushing (16) being arranged to hold the spring (14) in compression, the threaded bush (15) is in slide connection with the rod (12) and is screwed into the second housing (L2).

2. The arm according to claim 1, wherein the profile is W-shaped.

3. The arm according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the abutment bushing (16) is either crimped onto the rod (12) or held by the spring (14) bearing against an abutment formed on the rod (12).

4. The arm according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the threaded bushing (15) abuts against a hook (13) formed on the attachment end (Ea).

5. The arm according to claim 4, wherein the hinge element (10) further comprises a generally planar-shaped insert connected to the hook (13) and which comprises an aperture forming the charnier.

6. A frame of eyeglasses comprising two arms according to one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The frame of eyeglasses according to claim 6, wherein each arm is fastened to an endpiece of said frame.

8. The frame of eyeglasses according to claim 7, wherein the mounting face (Fm) is planar, each endpiece comprises two planar faces, respectively referred to as the unfolded face and the folded face, the mounting face (Fm) being for bearing against the unfolded face when the arm is unfolded, and bearing against the folded face when the arm is folded.