Process for partially encapsulating spectacle frame components and frame components obtained by such a process

Abstract

A process for partially coating a component (1) of an eyeglass frame, such as a temple or a front, is described, the process comprising the steps of providing a first sheet (2) of a polymeric material (20) and a second sheet of the polymeric material, creating at least one seating in the first sheet (2) of the polymeric material, the seating having a shape for accommodating the component (1), covering a first part (11) of the component (1) with an insulating element (3), placing the component (1) in the seating, placing the second sheet over the first sheet (2) in which the component (1) is placed in the seating, permanently joining the two sheets in contact with each other, and removing the polymeric material (20) from the first part (11) of the component (1) covered with the insulating element (3). The invention also relates to a component of an eyeglass frame obtained by the process, and to a frame comprising at least one such component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for partially encapsulating components of an eyeglass frame, such as temples or fronts. The present invention also relates to an encapsulated component obtained by such a process, and an eyeglass frame comprising such a component.

Background Art

[0002] The present invention is practically employed for coating only some parts of the frame components, for example, coating the extreme end of the temple, which is the part that touches the wearer's ear and is known as the tip. In fact, the temple is generally made from a metal or polymer core, which is coated to improve the wearing feel of the part of the temple that touches the ear, but also to decorate and customize it.

[0003] It is known to coat the entire temple of an eyeglass frame or a part of the temple to form a so-called temple tip.

[0004] For a temple having a normal shape, i.e., a straight temple, a known method for encapsulating the end involves snapping on an acetate cap, i.e., the tip, which has a pre-drilled hole for housing the temple on the temple.

[0005] This method has the drawback that the acetate cap tends to slip off the temple.

[0006] It is also known to attach a plastic end to the temple by means of a so-called hot core shooting process.

[0007] This process involves inserting a template core having a needle-like end, i.e., a pointed end, which is heated to facilitate insertion, into cellulose acetate.

[0008] The disadvantage is that the core shooting process can only be applied to a core with a pointed end. In addition, the step of heating the core generates deformation and tension within the core, which is undesirable.

[0009] In addition to the drawbacks described above, the two methods mentioned above have an additional limitation that they cannot be applied to templates with specific shapes. In particular, these methods cannot be used for templates with non-uniform cross-sections where one end is enlarged with respect to the template body part, or templates with irregular shapes such as curvature.

[0010] To create earpieces on templates of various shapes, it is known to injection mold thermoplastic polymers such as nylon, propionate, acetate, etc. directly onto the part of the template to be covered.

[0011] In particular, it is known to injection mold such thermoplastic polymers in a single step to form an earpiece within a single shell, or to mold the first and second half-shells of the thermoplastic polymer at two different times, thereby forming two different half-shells that are joined to surround the template. The second method of double-jet injection is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0012] A common drawback of both single-jet injection molding and double-jet injection molding is that this process is simple and fast, but due to the high pressure when the polymer is injected, the template is subjected to a severe load.

[0013] Furthermore, precisely due to these pressures, it is difficult to hold the template in place during the injection step. For example, support beams are used to hold the template in place, but when these are removed, an uncoated area of the template will be formed. Such support beams also scratch the core.

[0014] Furthermore, in the case of double jet injection, the off-line between the two half-shells is susceptible to the influence of defects formed until the two half-shells are pulled apart from each other.

[0015] To form the pre-cell, an alternative means well known as an alternative to injection molding is to cast a thermosetting resin onto the template. However, this method is complex because it requires dedicated equipment such as special molds. Furthermore, such a process produces burrs and other defects, which must be removed. Another drawback of casting is that it requires a polymerization step of the resin in an oven, which causes deformation within the template.

[0016] To address these problems, a cellulose acetate sealing treatment process has been developed from two acetate sheets.

[0017] This process consists of placing the template between two acetate sheets and then joining them. In particular, the two sheets are joined by high-frequency welding or by acetone, resulting in the formation of a single body part in which the template is embedded. This body part is then cut and excess material is removed by processes such as shaping, shimming, bending, and tipping.

[0018] Unfortunately, such a process results in a complete encapsulation process of the component. Therefore, when coating is applied only to a part of the template, i.e., the front cell, it may be necessary to remove a part of the coating. However, this removal step is delicate and it is difficult to remove acetate from the template, and sometimes the template may be damaged.

[0019] The problem underlying the present invention is to enable a process for partially coating components of a frame, such as a template or a front, which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art described above. The problem underlying the present invention is also to enable a frame with components of a frame obtained by such a process, such as a template or a front, and such components that are partially coated and less prone to defects compared to those of the prior art described above.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0020]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0021] The object of the present invention is, in particular, to minimize damage to the component itself and to provide a simple and accurate process.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a process that can be adapted to different types of components and some of their shapes.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0023] The above problems, and further the above-mentioned objects, and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by the process according to claim 1, the component of the frame obtained by such a process according to claim 9, and the frame comprising the component according to claim 10.

[0024] Other features are presented in the dependent claims.

[0025] Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the description of the preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the process for partially coating components of a spectacle frame, such as a temple or a front, in which some steps are illustrated, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a process for partially coating component 1 of a spectacle frame will be described below.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, the illustrated component 1 is a template. However, the present invention is also applicable to other components of the frame, such as a front.

[0029] Therefore, in the following, component 1 of the eyeglass frame, such as a temple or a front, is referred to.

[0030] Component 1 comprises a first part 11 that should not be coated and a second part 12 that should be coated.

[0031] The process includes a first step of providing a first sheet 2 of polymer material 20 and a second sheet, not shown, of the polymer material. The second sheet is similar to the first sheet 2. In particular, these two sheets are preferably made of the same material and have similar dimensions, as will be described below.

[0032] The polymer material 20 of the sheet is preferably cellulose acetate or the like.

[0033] In particular, in the context of this specification, the polymer material 20 of the sheet is provided by any polymer material that can be processed into sheet form, i.e., shaped, and at the same time is not overly brittle.

[0034] For example, the polymer material 20 includes acrylates or polyurethanes.

[0035] The sheet is preferably decorated with a color and / or a pattern.

[0036] As shown below, advantageously, it is possible to obtain frame components 1 decorated in various ways.

[0037] The step of providing the first and second sheets may optionally include sub-steps of manufacturing such sheets by milling or laser cutting from a block of polymer material 20.

[0038] This process includes a further step of creating at least one seating portion in the first sheet 2 of the polymeric material 20. In particular, each seating portion is shaped to receive the component 1 and, in subsequent process steps, keeps the component 1 in a stationary state.

[0039] Preferably, the seating portion has a depth of at least 0.5 mm. More preferably, the seating portion has a depth of 1 mm.

[0040] One or more seating portions are preferably created by milling the first sheet 2.

[0041] Note that one or more seating portions are created on at least one of the two sheets.

[0042] Therefore, the seating portion can be created not only in the first sheet 2 but also in the second sheet.

[0043] Still preferably, the first sheet 2 has a plurality of seating portions for accommodating a plurality of components 1 in order to increase the production volume.

[0044] Preferably, the first sheet 2 and the second sheet have the same lateral dimension.

[0045] Always preferably, the first sheet 2 and the second sheet have a thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. More preferably, the two sheets have a thickness between 1 mm and 4 mm.

[0046] The first sheet 2 and the second sheet may have equal or different thicknesses.

[0047] Following the step of creating at least one seating portion, this process includes the step of placing the component 1 into the seating portion.

[0048] If a plurality of seating portions are provided, this step involves placing each component 1 into each seating portion.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, the process according to the present invention further includes the step of covering the first portion 11 of the component 1 with the insulating element 3.

[0050] This step can be performed before or after the step of placing the component 1 in the seat.

[0051] After applying the insulating element 3 and placing the component 1 in the seat, the process includes the step of placing a second sheet on the first sheet 2 on which the component 1 is placed in the seat.

[0052] In particular, when the two sheets include both of the above-described seats, the two sheets are positioned such that the seat formed on the first sheet 2 corresponds to the seat formed on the second sheet, and the component 1 embedded between the two sheets must be maintained.

[0053] In other words, the first sheet acts as a base and the second sheet acts as a lid.

[0054] This process preferably also includes the step of arranging and configuring the two sheets in a mold. This step can be performed at various times, such as before placing the second sheet on the first sheet 2, after placing the component 1 in their respective seats, or before directly placing the second sheet in the mold when the step of inserting one or more components 1 into the seats of the first sheet 2 and thus placing them on the first sheet 2 is performed.

[0055] The process then includes the step of permanently joining the two sheets where they are in contact with each other.

[0056] In this regard, it should be noted that the insulating element 3 is, for example, an insulating tape, a heat-sealed bag, or any other element that prevents the two sheets from being joined if present.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the step of permanently joining the two sheets is performed by high-frequency welding.

[0058] In this case, the insulating element 3 must be resistant to high-frequency welding.

[0059] As a result, a single body part is formed by the two sheets and incorporates the one or more components 1 to be sealed.

[0060] Therefore, the process of the present invention includes a further step of removing the polymer material 20 of the sheet from the first portion 11 covered by the insulating element 3 of the component 1.

[0061] This step is performed after the step of permanently joining the two sheets.

[0062] It should be noted that due to the present invention, in particular the fact that the first portion 11 of the component 1 is covered by the insulating element 3, it is easy to remove the polymer material 20 from the first portion 11.

[0063] In particular, removing the excess polymer material 20 is performed over several steps.

[0064] For example, if some components 1 are embedded between the two sheets, they are separated from each other.

[0065] Processes such as laser cutting, shaping, shimming, flipping, bending, or more are also provided to shape and / or remove a part of the polymer material 20 surrounding the component 1.

[0066] The shaping process can, for example, very easily enable obtaining a wide variety of shapes.

[0067] FIG. 2a shows a component 1 having a semi-finished coating surrounding both, for example, a first part 11 and a second part 12.

[0068] Finally, according to the first embodiment, the process includes the step of removing the insulating element 3 from the component 1.

[0069] This step is carried out after removing the polymeric material 20 from the component 1.

[0070] According to the second embodiment, the step of removing the insulating element 3 from the component 1 is not provided. In fact, according to the second embodiment, the insulating element 3 remains adhered to the polymeric material 20 without having to be removed from the component 1.

[0071] Advantageously, the component 1 remains protected until the end of the process. This makes it possible to minimize the risk of damaging the finished component 1 by encapsulation, as well as the need for further processing at the end of the process.

[0072] At the end of the process, as shown in FIG. 2b, the component 1 is finished and coated only in the second part 12.

[0073] The invention also relates to a component 1 of an eyeglass frame obtained by such a process. Such a component 1 is a temple and / or a front comprising a first uncoated part 11 and a second part 12 coated with a polymeric material 20 by the process described above. In particular, this second part 12 preferably has a curved or irregular shape.

[0074] Preferably, this second part 12 is coated with cellulose acetate using the process described above.

[0075] Advantageously, a component 1 that is partially uncoated and partially coated is obtained.

[0076] For example, the component 1 is a metal temple having acetate ear pads at the ends, or a metal temple coated with acetate except at the ends.

[0077] Alternatively, the component 1 is either a bridge coated with acetate, i.e., a metal front having a connection portion between two lenses, or a front completely coated with acetate except for the bridge. Advantageously, it is also possible to cover the bridge in different shapes, for example, a double shape.

[0078] The present invention also relates to an eyeglass frame (not shown in the accompanying drawings) comprising at least one component 1 having a first uncoated portion 11 and a second portion 12 coated with a polymeric material using the process described above.

[0079] The eyeglass frame components thus contemplated, further a process for coating the component 1 obtained by such a process, and an eyeglass frame comprising such a component can undergo numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the inventive concept, and furthermore, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, as long as it is suitable for a specific application, the materials used, as well as the dimensions and accidental shapes, can be anything depending on the technical requirements.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0080] 1 Component 3 Insulating element 11 First portion 12 Second portion 20 Polymeric material

Claims

1. A process for partially coating a component (1) of an eyeglass frame, such as a temple or a front or both, wherein the process comprises - providing a first sheet (2) of a polymer material (20) and a second sheet of a polymer material; - creating at least one seat in the first sheet (2) of the polymer material (20), the seat having a shape for receiving the component (1); - covering a first part (11) of the component (1) with an insulating element (3); - placing the component (1) in the seat; - placing the second sheet on the first sheet (2) with the component (1) placed in the seat; - permanently joining the two sheets in contact with each other; - removing the polymer material (20) of the sheet from a first part (11) of the component (1) covered by the insulating element (3) of the component (1). A process comprising

2. The process according to claim 1, further comprising removing the insulating element (3) from the component (1).

3. The process according to claim 1, wherein the insulating element (3) remains adhered to the polymer material (20) without the need to be removed from the component (1).

4. The process according to claim 1, wherein the step of permanently joining the two sheets is performed by high-frequency welding.

5. The process according to claim 1, wherein the one or more seats are created by milling the first sheet (2).

6. The process according to claim 1, wherein the polymer material (20) of the sheet is cellulose acetate or the like.

7. The process according to claim 1, wherein the first sheet (2) and the second sheet have the same lateral dimension.

8. The process according to claim 7, wherein the first sheet (2) and the second sheet have equal or different thicknesses.

9. A component (1) of an eyeglass frame, wherein the component (1) is a temple and / or a front, and the component (1) - a first uncoated portion (11); - a second portion (12) having a curved or irregular shape, the second portion (12) being coated with a polymer material (20) by the process according to claim 1, the component (1) comprising the second portion (12).

10. An eyeglass frame comprising at least one component (1) according to claim 9.

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