Eyeglass frames and temples

Abstract

Frame (2) for glasses comprising a pair of rims (20) connected by a bridge, a pair of tenons (6) intended for fixing a pair of temples (4) of glasses, and a pair of removable temples (4) each of which has a fixing end with a tenon (6), characterized in that the pair of temples (4) is magnetically fixed to the pair of tenons (6). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2b

Description

Title of the invention: Eyeglass frame and eyeglass arms

[0001] The invention relates to a spectacle frame and the associated temples, in particular the manner of fixing the spectacle temples which are advantageously removable.

[0002] Glasses have a frame designed to hold two lenses, and two opposite arms which are fixed to two tenons of the frame. The arms are fixed to the tenons by screws. However, this fixing remains fragile, and the loosening of the screws, or even their loss, is relatively common.

[0003] The invention aims to propose another solution for fixing the arms of glasses, which is quick and solid, while being aesthetic. In addition, the fixing proposed by the invention makes it possible to make the arms removable, which can thus be easily changed to personalize the glasses.

[0004] According to the invention, the spectacle frame comprises a pair of rims connected by a bridge, a pair of tenons intended for fixing a pair of spectacle arms, and a pair of removable arms each of which has a fixing end with a tenon, and is characterized in that the pair of arms is magnetically fixed to the pair of tenons.

[0005] The branches are fixed by magnetization to the tenons. The branches have magnetic fixing means.

[0006] A magnetic fastener provides assembly strength without the disadvantage of prior art fixing screws. In addition, this magnetic fastener provides speed and simplicity of implementation.

[0007] According to one feature, the fixing end of each branch comprises two magnets which interact by attracting each other, while each tenon has a through hole which is crossed by the two magnets attracted to each other. The hole which crosses the thickness of the tenon is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the rims of the frame.

[0008] In particular, the branches are fixed by clipping, the two magnets being able to be separated for the introduction between them of each branch and the sandwiching of each tenon through the through hole. The separation of the magnets is done by pushing the branch relative to the tenon. To disassemble the branches, it is sufficient to pull on them, which will force the magnets to separate and release them from the through hole.

[0009] According to another characteristic, the fixing end of each branch comprises two facing and spaced housings, each housing receiving a respective magnet. The space between the housings ensures a vacuum when the magnets are separated in order to allow the passage of the tenon. Preferably, the magnets comprise a film coating or interface with the interior of the housings, made of Teflon or silicone. The coating film can surround the magnets (except between their contact surface) or be located between each magnet and the interior of each housing.

[0010] According to yet another characteristic, the fixing end of each branch comprises between the two housings and along the extension of the branch, an oblong notch which is intended to accommodate a fixing wing of each tenon. Advantageously, each tenon has a general L shape, being provided with a first wing secured to a rim, and a second wing perpendicular to the first wing and constituting the fixing wing on the glasses branch, preferably the second wing comprising a recess serving as a stop with the bottom of the notch of the branch.

[0011] According to a preferred example of a frame, each rim (in particular metallic) comprises an elongated core with a contour adapted to the desired geometry of the rim, and has two opposite faces, a so-called inner face which is intended to be opposite the edge of a glass to be rimmed, and which comprises a raised element projecting while extending continuously and perpendicularly to the core, in particular each rim having a profile whose cross-section is T-shaped, the raised element being intended to cooperate with a groove drawn in the edge of a glass intended to be mounted in each rim.Thus, the particular shape of the core of each rim with this raised element provides effective support for the glass which is, for its part, provided on its edge with a receiving groove; this makes it possible to provide a width of the frame core which is reduced compared to existing metal rims, providing a frame with an extremely discreet appearance, the metal wire / core in the manner of a border. In the remainder of the description, the term "width" of the core means the dimension perpendicular to the direction of development of the rim and intended to be parallel to the edge / thickness of the glass, that is to say the dimension from one longitudinal edge to the other longitudinal edge of the elongated core.

[0012] Still in an exemplary embodiment of the frame, each hoop (in particular metallic) comprises an interrupted part whose opposite free ends comprise means of fixing by mutual cooperation, preferably by clipping, in particular by cooperation of male-female shapes by mutual engagement, such as a rigid and elastic tab secured to one of the ends of the hoop capable of engaging in a light made in the other end. Such fixing by cooperation of male-female shapes avoids the usual fixing by screws. Advantageously, each tenon is secured to each hoop at the interrupted part.

[0013] In a preferred example of a frame, the bridge connecting the two hoops comprises means for adjusting its height relative to the hoops, in particular the bridge is a part independent of the strapping and includes means capable of being fitted onto each strapping and being held fixedly, preferably by crimping, at the desired height. The height of the bridge is thus easily adaptable during manufacturing while minimizing production costs.

[0014] The magnetic attachment of the branches according to the invention can be adapted to any type of frame, regardless of the type of assembly of the tenons to the rim of the frame.

[0015] According to another characteristic, the magnets, in particular of cylindrical shape, are arranged in housings preferably secured to the end of the branch. The magnets, while being captive to the branch, are capable of being movable transversely to the axis of the branch (vertically movable) to come into contact or detach from one another. This particular embodiment of magnetic fixing by sandwiching the tenon of the frame via two magnets secured to the branch and coming into contact by magnetization transversely to the longitudinal axis of the branch, provides a secure and robust magnetic fixing system by magnetization. In addition, for example in the event of the frame falling, the branch can detach without risk of breaking the tenon.Finally, to open and close the temple, the magnets remain fixed within their housing attached to the temple, are in contact with each other and are stuck in the hole in the tenon of the frame, while the temple pivots around the vertical axis of the magnets. These movements can be facilitated by the presence of the Teflon or silicone coating or interface film located between the magnet and the temple.

[0016] The frame may include a removable trim fixed by clipping onto the frame, in particular the trim includes at least one groove to cooperate with the core of the frame, the bridge and the tenons. A groove is provided inside each rim to cooperate with the core of the rims of the frame. Grooves are provided at the rear of the trim to cooperate with the bridge and the tenons of the frame. The core of the frame in fact includes two wings on either side of the raised element (and perpendicular to said raised element), on the edge of which the walls of the groove of the trim are clipped. The groove provided at the level of the two rims of the trim to cooperate with the core of the rims of the frame is less deep than the grooves at the rear which must cooperate with the bridge and the tenons of the frame.

[0017] The invention also relates to eyeglasses comprising a aforementioned frame of the invention, and a pair of lenses.

[0018] Finally, the invention relates to a spectacle branch, characterized in that it is capable of being magnetically fixed to a spectacle frame tenon and is in accordance with a aforementioned branch of the spectacle frame of the invention.

[0019] In the remainder of the description the terms “height”, “front”, “rear”, "Vertical" are used in the context of normal positioning of glasses when worn by a user.

[0020] The present invention is now described with the aid of an example which is solely illustrative and in no way limiting of the scope of the invention, and from the attached illustrations, in which:

[0021] [fig.l] or [fig.l] represents a front perspective view of a pair of glasses made from a glasses frame according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention with regard to the rim of the frame.

[0022] [fig.2a] or [fig.2a] is a partial perspective view from below of the frame of [fig.l], at the level of a tenon of the frame and before fixing of the associated rim, as well as the fixing according to the invention of a spectacle branch to the tenon of the frame.

[0023] [fig.2b] or [fig.2b] corresponds to [fig.2a] showing the branch fixed on the tenon.

[0024] [fig.3] or [fig.3] is a vertical and transverse sectional view of the bezel of [fig. 1] according to a plane passing through a glass of the bezel.

[0025] [fig.4a] or [fig.4a] represents a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the bridge of the frame, before its attachment to the rim of the frame.

[0026] [fig.4b] or [fig.4b] corresponds to [fig.4a] after fixing.

[0027] [fig.4c] or [fig.4c] is a partial schematic front view of a lens before cooperation with the frame to show the localized cutting of the thickness of the lens in the form of notches to accommodate without tension the means for securing the bridge to the eyeglass frame.

[0028] [fig.5a] or [fig.5a] is a perspective view of the front face of a trim to clip onto the front face of the frame, to modify the aesthetic appearance of the glasses.

[0029] [fig.5b] or [fig.5b] corresponds to the rear face of the hubcap of [fig.5a].

[0030] [fig.6] or [fig.6] represents the cross-sectional view of the telescope of [fig.5a] assembled with the frame of [fig.l], in a plane passing through a glass of the telescope.

[0031] [fig.7] or [fig.7] is a partial perspective view of the hubcap of [fig.5a] showing the detail of the part intended to cooperate with a hoop and a tenon of the frame.

[0032] [fig.8] or [fig.8] is a partial perspective view of the trim of [fig.5a] showing the detail of the part intended to cooperate with a rim and the bridge of the frame.

[0033] [fig.9a] or [fig.9a] is a schematic view in vertical section and in a plane parallel to the face of the frame according to the invention, showing a tenon and the associated spectacle branch of [fig.2a], before their assembly.

[0034] [fig.9b] or [fig.9b] corresponds to [fig.9a] during assembly.

[0035] [fig.9c] corresponds to [fig.9b] after assembly.

[0036] The device The pair of glasses 1 of the invention illustrated in the figures comprises a frame 2, a pair of lenses 3 fixed in the frame, and a pair of branches 4 specific according to the invention and described later.

[0037] The frame 2 comprises two rims 20, a bridge 5, and two opposite tenons 6 to which the temples 4 of the glasses are respectively fixed.

[0038] The tenons 6 have particular characteristics which will be detailed later, for their association with the branches 4 of the invention. Advantageously, each tenon 6 has an L shape, and comprises a first wing 60 secured to the hoop 20 and a second wing 61 which orthogonally extends the first wing 60.

[0039] In the illustrated example of glasses, the rims 20, the bridge 5, and the two tenons are metallic.

[0040] With regard to [fig.2a], each strapping 20 comprises an interrupted part whose opposite free ends 21 and 22 are connected to each other after insertion of a glass 3 in the strapping, by connecting and fixing means 23A, 23B.

[0041] Each strapping 20 is made of a metal wire whose development follows a geometry adapted to the desired shape of the strapping. The wire has a non-circular section and has a base whose section is rectangular in shape. Each strapping comprises an elongated core 24 whose outer face 24A is flattened, being able to be flat or slightly curved, and a longitudinal raised element 25 which projects from the inner face 24B of the core and in a direction perpendicular to the core 24, preferably in a median plane of the core. According to a cross-section to the longitudinal development of the strapping, the strapping / the wire has a T-shaped profile (figures 2a, 2b and 3). The raised element 25 is preferably continuous and follows the entire contour of the strapping 20.

[0042] Each glass 3 has, over its entire periphery and in its edge 30, a continuous groove 31 ([fig.3]) which accommodates the raised element 25 of the frame, while the core 24 rests on the edge of the glass on each side of the groove.

[0043] The raised element 25 has a height (dimension perpendicular to the core) which is of the order of 0.8 mm. The depth of the groove 31 of the glasses is greater than the height of the raised element 25 so that the core 24 bears directly on the edge 30 of the glass 3, and the distal end (opposite the core) of the raised element 25 does not bear directly on the bottom of the groove 31. An elastic silicone seal may be inserted at the bottom of the groove 31. The width of the groove 31 must be slightly greater than the width of the raised element 25.

[0044] Preferably, the core 24 of a rim / frame has a width less than or equal to the edge / edge of the glass, providing a very discreet metal frame. This feature is possible due to the presence of the raised element 25 capable of cooperate with the groove 31 of the lenses to ensure the frame is held in place. Of course, the frame is fixed by the elastic rim and its mechanical tightening to the lenses.

[0045] The dimensions of the metal frame are for example the following: of the order of 2.8 mm for the width of the core 24, 0.6 mm for the thickness of the core, 0.8 mm for the height of the raised element 25 and 0.6 mm for the width of the raised element.

[0046] The connection of the two ends 21 and 22 of each hoop 20 is made at the level of each tenon 6 of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment ([fig.2a]), the tenon 6 is monolithic with one of the ends 21 of the hoop 20.

[0047] The connecting means 23A and 23B of the two ends 21 and 22 of each strapping 20 are formed respectively of male and female shapes which cooperate by mutual engagement. The connecting means 23 are integral, on the one hand, with the tenon 6 and, on the other hand, with the second end 22 of the strapping opposite the tenon. In particular, the second end 22 of the strapping 20 comprises at its termination the male shape 23A, while the tenon 6 comprises, in the immediate vicinity of the core 24 of the strapping, the female shape 23B. The female shape 23B consists of a lumen, for example substantially T-shaped. The male shape 23A has the shape of an arrow, the tip making it easier to introduce it into the lumen 23B, and the rear of the wings of the arrow constituting means for retaining said male shape 23A after introduction through the lumen 23B. The male form 23A is preferably elastic in function, and cooperates according to a hooking in the female form 23B by clipping.

[0048] Furthermore, the flattened surface of the core 24 of the frame advantageously allows the bridge 5 to be fixed according to a suitable height adjustment during manufacture. With reference to Figures 4a and 4b, the bridge 5 comprises, in a known manner, at each of its two ends a support lug 50 for the plate. The bridge 5 comprises at the base of each support lug 50 two jaws 51 and 52 facing each other and arranged in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the bridge, the two jaws providing (in thickness) between them and the bridge, a space 53 for the passage of the core 24 of the frame. The jaws 51 and 52 do not touch each other in order to provide a free zone for the raised element 25. The bridge 5 is held in position on the frame 2 by crimping the jaws 51 and 52 against the inner surface 24B of the core. The jaws 51 and 52 constitute means of securing the bridge to the frame rings and means of adjusting the height of the bridge.It is therefore very easy during manufacturing to adjust the height of the bridge in a personalized manner for each user, by crimping the jaws to the desired height.

[0049] To prevent the jaws 51 and 52 from exerting pressure forces on the spectacle lenses, each lens ([fig.4c]) has, depending on its thickness and opposite each jaw, a notch 32 in which the jaw is wedged. These notches are made with standard glass machining tools, and once the height of the bridge has been identified.

[0050] The illustrated example of the configuration of the frame 2 also makes it possible to easily fix a trim 7 to the face of the glasses (figures 5a, 5b and 6). The trim 7 has a body of geometry corresponding to that of the frame 2. The trim is advantageously made of plastic material. The trim 7 comprises two rims, two opposite tabs 73 secured to the two outer sides of the rims, and a bridge 74 which connects the rims of the trim. The body of the trim comprises means for clipping onto the frame 2, in particular it comprises inside (in a hollowed-out manner in the thickness) (figures 6, 7 and 8), a continuous groove 70 at the level of each rim providing two opposite edges 71 and 72 with an elastic function, a groove 70A at the level of the lugs 73, and a groove 70B at the level of the bridge 74. The grooves 70A and 70B at the level of the lugs 73 and the bridge 74 are on the rear face of the trim.

[0051] The trim 7 is mounted by fitting the frame 2. The core 24 of the frame 2 fits into the groove 70 while the edges 71 and 72 pinch the edges of the wings 24C and 24D of the core 24 ([fig.6]). The tabs 73 of the trim 7 project perpendicular to the edge of the rim, such as in an L, in order to cooperate, also by clipping, with the tenons 6 of the metal frame. The groove 70A ([fig.7]) with elastic edges of the tabs 73 cooperates by clipping by applying itself against the front edge 62 ([fig.2a]) of each tenon 6 (the edge 62 of the two wings 60 and 61 of a tenon) and on the face of the frame. The groove 70A of each lug opens onto the groove 70 of the body of the hubcap. Similarly, the groove 70B with elastic edges ([fig.8]) of the bridge 74 cooperates with the bridge 5 of the mount 2 by being fixed by clipping. The groove 70B of the bridge 74 of the hubcap opens at its two ends onto the groove 70 of the two respective rings of the hubcap.

[0052] The trim 7 is advantageously made of plastic material, such as acetate. The trim is manufactured by molding and / or machining.

[0053] The example of mount 2 described above is in no way limiting.

[0054] According to the invention, the branches 4 of the glasses are removable by clipping, allowing in particular rapid interchangeability and customization of the glasses. According to the invention, the method of attachment is a magnetic attachment. The attachment is carried out by magnetization.

[0055] Figures 2a, 2b and 9a to 9c illustrate this magnetic attachment. Each branch 4 of glasses comprises two magnets 40 and 41 which attract each other, and which sandwich each tenon 6. The two magnets 40 and 41 of a branch form the articulation axis of the branch to ensure its folding and unfolding relative to each tenon 6, and therefore to each rim 20 of the frame.

[0056] Each tenon 6 has an L shape. The tenon 6 comprises a first wing 60 integral (monolithic with one of the ends 21) with the rim 20 and a second wing 61 which orthogonally extends the first wing 60 and is intended for fixing a branch 4 of the glasses. The first wing 60 extends perpendicularly to the core 24 of the rim 20.

[0057] The tenon 6, in particular the second wing 61 of the tenon, is intended to be sandwiched between the two magnets 40 and 41 attracting each other, integral with the branch 4. The two magnets 40 and 41 are brought into contact in the mounted position of the branch 4 in the tenon 6, by passing through an orifice 63 arranged in the tenon 6, which guarantees very effective fixing.

[0058] The fixing end of the branch 4 comprises in the body of the branch, in the longitudinal direction of the branch, an oblong notch 42 in which the second wing 61 of the tenon 6 is able to engage. This notch allows in particular the folding of the branches 4 relative to the frame.

[0059] The notch 42 is delimited by two parallel arms 43 and 44 (terminations of the body of the branch 4) whose distal end forms a cylindrical housing 45, respectively 46, with an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the branch. Each cylindrical housing 45, 46 respectively retains each magnet 40, 41, and has a volume adapted to the mobility of each magnet in translation in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the branch 4. Each branch 4 is able to pivot around the magnets to ensure its opening and closing relative to the rest of the frame. Advantageously, a Teflon or silicone coating film covers the magnets opposite the housings, to facilitate the pivoting of the branch during its opening and closing, and to prevent wear. The magnets 40 and 41 are arranged so as to have their opposite poles facing each other in order to be attracted to each other.The magnets 40 and 41 are held in their respective housings 45, 46 so that in the rest position, they are in contact with each other (figures 9a and 9c). As for the tenon 6, it has the through orifice 63 formed in the second fixing wing 61. The orifice 63 is intended to be located opposite the cylindrical housings 45 and 46, and consequently the magnets 40 and 41 when the second wing 61 cooperates with the notch 42. In the mounted position of the branch, the magnets 40 and 41 pass through the orifice 63 while being in contact with the peripheral wall of the orifice and wedged in the orifice.

[0060] The second wing 61 ([fig.2a]) of the tenon 6 has a free end 61A which is thinner than its base connected to the first wing 60 and comprising the orifice 63; this free end 61A forms with its base a step 61B which serves as a stop by cooperating with the bottom of the notch 42 ([fig.2b]), to limit the opening of the branch. In the mounted position of each branch 4 on the tenon 6 of the frame and in the fully open position of the branch, the free end 61A of the second wing 61 comes over the external face of branch 4 and the bottom of notch 42 is in abutment against the internal edge of recess 61B.

[0061] The attachment of a branch 4 to the frame 2 is done in the following manner: - the branch 4 is brought to the rear of the tenon 6 in the direction of the axis of the second wing 61 of the tenon, or conversely it is the second wing 61 of the tenon 6 which is brought towards the branch 4 (according to the arrow in [fig.9a]), the magnets 40 and 41 of the branch 4 being glued to each other; - by exerting a pushing force on the wing 61 of the tenon 6 when it comes into abutment against the magnets 40 and 41, this makes it possible to translate / lift the magnets ([fig.9b]). - by continuing the pressure force, the wing 61 of the tenon engages towards the bottom of the notch 42 and over the branch; when the through orifice 63 arrives opposite the two magnets 40 and 41, the attractive force of the magnets causes them to return towards each other, and the passage of their free end through said orifice 63 until they come into contact ([fig.9c]). The two magnets 40 and 41 are then stuck to each other and wedged inside the orifice 63.

[0062] The magnets 40 and 41 also serve as a pivot axis for the arms 4 of the glasses to ensure the folding of the arms relative to the frame 2. Preferably, a protective coating that promotes sliding, such as Teflon, is arranged on the contact faces of the magnets 40 and 41, and possibly on the opposite face of the two cylindrical housings 45 and 46.

Claims

Claims

1. Eyeglass frame (2) comprising a pair of rims (20) connected by a bridge (5), a pair of tenons (6) intended for fixing a pair of temples (4) of glasses, and a pair of removable temples (4) each of which has a fixing end with a tenon, the pair of temples (4) being magnetically fixed to the pair of tenons (6), characterized in that the fixing end of each temple comprises two housings (45, 46) facing and spaced apart which each accommodate a respective magnet (40, 41), the magnets while being captive in the temple being able to be movable transversely to the axis of the temple, and each tenon (6) comprises a single through orifice (63), the two magnets (40, 41) being glued to each other and wedged inside the orifice (63) in the fixed position of each temple.

2. Spectacle frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing end of each branch (4) comprises two magnets (40, 41) which interact by attracting each other, while each tenon (6) has a through orifice (63) which is crossed by the two magnets (40, 41) attracted to each other.

3. Spectacle frame according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the branches (4) are fixed by clipping, the two magnets (40, 41) being able to be separated for the introduction between them of each branch and the sandwiching of each tenon (6) via the through hole (63).

4. Spectacle frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnets (40, 41) comprise a coating or interface film with the interior of the housings, made of Teflon or silicone.

5. Spectacle frame according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing end of each branch (4) comprises between the two housings and along the extension of the branch, an oblong notch (42) which is intended to accommodate a fixing wing (61) of each tenon (6).

6. Spectacle frame according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each tenon (6) has a general L shape, being provided with a first wing (60) secured to a rim, and a second wing (61) perpendicular to the first wing (60) and constituting the wing for fixing to the branch (4) of the glasses, preferably the second wing (61) comprising a recess (61B) serving as a stop with the bottom of the notch (42) of the branch.

7. Spectacle frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each rim (20) comprises an elongated core (24) of contour adapted to the desired geometry of the rim, and has two opposite faces, a so-called inner face (24B) which is intended to be opposite the edge of a glass to be rimmed, and which comprises a raised element (25) projecting while extending continuously and perpendicularly to the core, in particular each rim having a profile whose cross section is T-shaped, the raised element (25) being intended to cooperate with a groove (31) drawn in the edge of a glass intended to be mounted in each rim.

8. Spectacle frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each rim (20) comprises an interrupted part whose opposite free ends (21, 22) comprise fixing means (23A, 23B) by mutual cooperation, preferably by clipping, in particular by cooperation of male-female shapes by mutual engagement, such as a rigid and elastic tongue (23A) integral with one of the ends (22) of the rim capable of engaging in a slot (23B) formed in the other end (21). Advantageously, each tenon is integral with each rim at the interrupted part.

9. Spectacle frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bridge (5) connecting the two rims (20) comprises means (51, 52) for adjusting its height relative to the rims, in particular the bridge is a part independent of the rims and comprises means capable of being fitted onto each rim and being held fixedly, preferably by crimping, at the desired height.

10. Spectacle frame according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a removable trim (7) fixed by clipping onto the frame (2), in particular the trim comprises at least one groove (70, 70A, 70B) to cooperate with the rims of the frame, the bridge (5) and the tenons (6).

11. Eyeglasses (1) comprising a frame (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a pair of lenses (3).

12. Branch (4) of glasses, characterized in that it is capable of being fixed in magnetically to a tenon (6) of an eyeglass frame and is in accordance with a branch according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

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