Hinge for eyeglass frame, frame and eyeglass comprising such a hinge, and method for assembling such a hinge

Abstract

A hinge (1) for frame (100) of eyewear (200) is described, which comprises a female element (10), configured to be coupled to a first portion (101) of a front (102) of frame (100) of eyewear (200); the female element (10) is substantially circular and has a first substantially circular opening (11); the female element (10) has a slot (12) communicating with the first opening (11); a male element (20) configured to be coupled to a temple (103) of a frame (100) of eyewear (200); the male element (20) is substantially circular and has a second opening (21) defining a housing seat (22); the male element (20) is insertable in the slot (12) so as to be at least partially inserted into the first opening (11); the male element (20) is pivotable with respect to the female element (10) once inserted in the slot (12); a support element (30) configured to be inserted in the first opening (11) and in the housing seat (22) and having a height higher than the height of the slot (12); a screw (40) couplable to the support element (30) and to the male element (20) to fix the support element (30) to the male element (20); the screw (40) is accessible through said slot (12). A method for assembling such a hinge is also described.

Description

[0001] Hinge for eyeglass frame, frame and eyeglass comprising such a hinge, and method for assembling such a hinge

[0002] The present invention relates to a hinge for an eyewear frame, a frame comprising such a hinge and an eyewear comprising such a frame.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling such a hinge.

[0004] Hinges for eyewear frames that are placed between the front and the temples to connect the temples to the front in a pivotable manner are known.

[0005] Known hinges generally comprise a set of screws and other small elements. Disadvantageously , due to the number of small elements they contain, such hinges are complex and consequently complicated to assemble.

[0006] In order to reduce the use of small parts that are present in the case of classic hinges and also to simplify assembly, various types of hinges without screws have been developed.

[0007] Disadvantageously, in many types of hinges without screws, it is not possible to adjust the force resisting the opening / closing of the temple, as the force itself is predetermined by the presence of the parts.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and in particular to devise a hinge for an eyewear frame which allows the force resisting the opening / closing of the temple to be adjusted, while minimising the components constituting the hinge itself and thus simplifying its assembly.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge that can be customised with ornamental or decorative elements, logos or designs.

[0010] These and other objects according to the present invention are achieved by means of a hinge for an eyewear frame having the features set forth in claim 1, by means of a frame comprising such a hinge as claimed in claim 11, by means of an eyewear comprising such a frame as claimed in claim 12, and by means of a method for assembling such a hinge as claimed in claim 13.

[0011] Further features of the hinge according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] The features and advantages of a hinge for an eyewear frame, of a frame comprising such a hinge, of an eyewear, and of a method for assembling such a hinge according to the present invention will become clearer from the following description, which is to be understood as exemplifying and not limiting, with reference to the appended schematic drawings, wherein:

[0013] - Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a hinge according to the present invention assembled on an eyewear frame;

[0014] - Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the hinge in Figure 1 assembled on an eyewear frame;

[0015] - Figure 3 shows a top view of the hinge in Figures 1 and 2 assembled on an eyewear frame;

[0016] - Figure 4 shows an exploded front perspective view of a first embodiment of the hinge in Figures 1-3;

[0017] - Figure 5 shows a rear perspective view of the hinge in Figure 4;

[0018] - Figure 6 shows a front view of the hinge in Figures 4- 5 partially sectioned along section plane VI-VI;

[0019] - Figure 7 shows an exploded front perspective view of a second embodiment of the hinge in Figures 1-3;

[0020] - Figure 8 shows a rear perspective view of the hinge in Figure 7;

[0021] - Figure 9 shows a front view of the hinge in Figures 7- 8 partially sectioned along section plane VI-VI;

[0022] - Figure 10 shows an exploded front perspective view of a variant of the hinge in Figures 4-6;

[0023] - Figure 11 shows a front view of the hinge in Figure 10 partially sectioned along the section plane VI-VI shown in Figure 3;

[0024] - Figure 12 shows a front perspective view of an additional hinge according to the present invention assembled on an eyewear frame;

[0025] - Figure 13 shows a rear perspective view of a hinge in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, assembled on an eyewear frame;

[0026] - Figure 14 shows an exploded front perspective view of the hinge in Figure 13;

[0027] - Figure 15 shows a top view of the hinge in Figures 13 and 14 assembled on an eyewear frame;

[0028] - Figure 16 shows a front view of the hinge in Figures 13-15 partially sectioned along the section plane XVI- XVI;

[0029] - Figure 17 shows a front view of the hinge in Figures 13-16 partially sectioned along the section plane XVII- XVII;

[0030] - Figure 18 shows an exploded front perspective view in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention .

[0031] With reference to the accompanying figures, a hinge 1 for a frame 100 of an eyewear 200 in accordance with the present invention is described below.

[0032] The hinge 1 for a frame 100 of an eyewear 200 is adapted for coupling a first portion 101 of a front 102 of a frame 100 of eyewear 200 to a temple 103 of a frame 100 of eyewear 200.

[0033] In accordance with the present invention, the hinge 1 comprises a female element 10, configured to be coupled to a first portion 101 of a front 102 of a frame 100 of eyewear 200.

[0034] The female element 10 is substantially circular.

[0035] The female element 10 has a first opening 11 that is substantially circular. In addition, the female element

[0036] 10 has a slot 12 communicating with the first opening 11. In particular, the female element 10 is preferably shaped as a cylindrical body in which the first opening

[0037] 11 is formed axially and the first slot 12 circumferentially. The slot 12 extends for an arc of a circle on the side wall of this cylindrical body. Preferably, this arc of a circle is subtended by an angle of at least 180° .

[0038] The hinge 1 comprises a male element 20 configured to be coupled to a temple 103 of a frame 100 of eyewear 200. The male element 20 is substantially circular and has a second opening 21, which defines a housing seat 22.

[0039] The male element 20 has the same height as the slot 12. In particular, the male element 20 can be inserted into the slot 12 so as to be inserted at least partially into said first opening 11. The male element 20 is pivotable with respect to the female element 10 once inserted into the slot 12. The slot 12 also allows the rotation of the temple 103 for opening and closing it.

[0040] The hinge 1 comprises a support element 30 configured to be inserted into the first opening 11 and the housing seat 22. In particular, the support element 30 has a height higher than the height of the slot 12.

[0041] More details on the female element 10, the male element 20 and the support element 30 are provided later in this description .

[0042] In accordance with the present invention, the hinge 1 comprises a screw 40 couplable to the support element 30 and the male element 20 for securing the support element 30 to the male element 20.

[0043] In particular, in use, the support element 30 and the male element 20 are held in position longitudinally by the screw 40 and simultaneously the support element 30 holds the male element 20 laterally within the first opening 11 and the slot 12. The male element 20, and consequently the support element 30 fixed to it, both remain pivotable with respect to the female element 10. Preferably, when the hinge 1 is in use, the screw 40 is accessible via the slot 12. In this way, it is possible to modulate the friction between the male element 20 and the female element 10 during rotation. In other words, the screw 40 is inserted into the slot 12 when the hinge 1 is mounted.

[0044] In particular, preferably the screw 40 remains accessible for a user even when the hinge 1 is assembled and in use, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 13. In this way, it is possible for a user to adjust the screwing of the screw 40 at will, in order to regulate the resistance to the opening / closing of the temple 103, even after assembly .

[0045] Preferably, the female element 10 has an upper profile 13 and a lower profile 14 surrounding and defining in part the first opening 11.

[0046] The first opening 11 extends axially between the upper profile 13 and the lower profile 14.

[0047] With regard to the male element 20, preferably, the male element 20 is shaped as an annular body.

[0048] Preferably, the male element 20 has an outer wall 24 that is always visible when the hinge 1 is in use. Still preferably, the male element 20 also has an inner wall 25 which is concealed when the temple 103 is in the fully open position when the hinge 1 is in use. The inner wall 25 becomes increasingly visible as the temple 103 is closed, bringing it closer to the front 102. The outer wall 24 and the inner wall 25 are at least partially curved .

[0049] The inner wall 25 is radially more internal 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 shaped in a complementary manner to a respective recess 15 of the female element 10. In particular, the recess 15 at least partially defines the slot 12. The step 26 is, in other words, an abutment wall.

[0050] The step 26 is in particular adapted to abut against this recess 15. The step 26 is against the recess 15 when the temple 103 is open. In this way, the step 26 allows a maximum opening position of the temple 103 which is predetermined.

[0051] Optionally, on the inner wall 25 and / or outer wall 24, logos, lettering, decorations, etc. can be applied, e.g. engraved .

[0052] Optionally, logos, lettering, decorations, etc. can be applied, e.g. engraved, on the support element 30.

[0053] With regard to the support element 30, preferably, the support element 30 comprises a first element 31 and a second element 32 that are distinct to each other. Both the first element 31 and the second element 32 can be inserted into the housing seat 22 and the first opening 11. The first element 31 and the second element 32 can also be coupled to each other.

[0054] More preferably, the first element 31 has a first head 311 shaped in a complementary manner to the lower profile 14. Alternatively, the first head 311 is shaped in a complementary manner to the upper profile 13.

[0055] Still preferably, the second element 32 has a second head 321 shaped complementarily to the upper profile 13. Alternatively, the second head 321 is shaped complementarily to the lower profile 14.

[0056] The first head 311 and the second head 321 are configured to abut with the lower profile 14 and the upper profile 13, respectively, or vice versa.

[0057] Preferably, as shown in the accompanying figures, the first element 31 comprises a first protrusion 312 extending away from the first head 311. The first protrusion 312 is configured to be inserted into the housing seat 22. The first protrusion 312 is also configured to be inserted into the first opening 11 when the male element 20 is inserted into the female element 10.

[0058] Again preferably, the second element 32 comprises two second protrusions 322 extending away from the second head 321. The second protrusions 322 are configured to be inserted into the housing seat 22. In particular, in accordance with this embodiment, the second protrusions 322 are spaced to each other to define an interspace 33. In this interspace, the first protrusion 312 is arranged to couple the first element 31 and the second element 32 to each other.

[0059] Still preferably, the first protrusion 312 and the second protrusions 322 are plate-like and are facing and parallel to each other.

[0060] Preferably, the male element 20 has a hole 23 to accommodate the screw 40.

[0061] Even preferably, the first element 31 and the second element 32 each have a respective hole 310, 320, each adapted to accommodate said screw 40.

[0062] In particular, the holes 23, 310 and 320 are arranged to be aligned to each other when the first element 31 and the second element 32 are coupled and inserted into the housing 22.

[0063] More preferably, the first protrusion 312 and only one of the second protrusions 322 each have a respective hole 310, 320.

[0064] The holes 23, 310 and 320 are arranged so that they are aligned to each other when the first element 31 and the second element 32 are coupled and inserted into the housing 22.

[0065] The screw 40 may be of the self-tapping type, as visible in Figures 4-9, or more preferably metric, as visible in Figures 10-11, 14 and 16-18. Preferably, in the case of metric screws, the screw 40 is configured to be positioned in use so that the thread is at least at the hole 23 of the male element 20.

[0066] In the case of the self-tapping screw 40, preferably the screw 40 is configured to be positioned in use so that the thread is at least at the hole 320 of the second element 32 of the support element 30.

[0067] Preferably, the hinge 1 comprises at least one decorative or ornamental element 50 associated with the support element 30. The decorative or ornamental element 50 takes the form of a crystal, for example, as shown in the accompanying Figures 1-11 and 13-17. The decorative element 50 can also be a logo or lettering, as for example shown in Figures 12 and 18.

[0068] Still preferably, the first head 311 has a first surface 313. The first surface 313 faces away from the first protrusion 312. Still preferably, the second head 321 has a second surface 323. The second surface 321 faces away from the second protrusions 322.

[0069] The first surface 313 and the second surface 323 are configured to be opposite each other.

[0070] More preferably, this first surface 313 and / or second surface 323 are fixed to a respective decorative or ornamental element 50. Preferably, each surface 313, 323 has one or more grooves 314, 324 adapted to accommodate an adhesive.

[0071] Advantageously, the grooves 314, 324 allow better attachment of the decorative or ornamental element 50 to the respective surface between the first surface 313 and the second surface 323.

[0072] For example, in the case where the decorative element 50 is a crystal or other similar element, one or more of these are fixed to the first surface 313 and / or the second surface 323.

[0073] If the decorative element 50 is a logo or lettering, this may be engraved / embossed directly 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 lettering can be obtained by stamping, laser techniques or other similar methodologies of a known type .

[0074] Alternatively, the logo or lettering may be engraved or made on a plate fixed to the first surface 313 and / or the second surface 323.

[0075] Both the support element 30, the male element 20 and the female element 10 can be made of plastic or metal. According to a first embodiment, as shown in Figures 4- 6, the female element 10 is made of metal material while the support element 30 is made of plastic material.

[0076] In accordance with a second embodiment, as shown in Figures 4-6, both the female element 10 and the support element 30 are made of metal.

[0077] In accordance with this second embodiment, the hinge 1 comprises at least one sliding element 60 interposed between the female element 10 and the support element 30.

[0078] In other words, in the case where the female element 10 is made of metal material and the support element 30 is made of plastic material, i.e. in accordance with the first embodiment, there is no need to provide a sliding element .

[0079] On the other hand, in the event that both the female element 10 and the support element 30 are made of metal material, it may be advantageous to provide a sliding element 60 to facilitate the rotation of the support element 30 with respect to the female element 10.

[0080] The sliding element 60 takes the form of a washer, for example of the "T-washer" type.

[0081] In particular, in accordance with the second embodiment, the hinge 1 preferably comprises a pair of sliding elements 60.

[0082] Each sliding element 60 is placed at the upper profile 13 or lower profile 14 of the female element 10. In accordance with the embodiment which provides that the support element 30 comprises the first element 31 and the second element 32, when the hinge 1 is mounted and in use, each sliding element 60 is particularly interposed between the first element 31 and the lower profile 14 and between the second element 32 and the upper profile 13.

[0083] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figures 13-18, the hinge 1 comprises a pusher 70 and a spring 80, which can be mounted on the pusher 70. In particular, the pusher 70 is shaped like a pin having a shank 71 and a dome 72. The spring 80 in use is mounted on the pusher 70 so as to encircle the shank 71.

[0084] In accordance with this embodiment, the hinge 1 also comprises a heel portion 105 that can be coupled to a front 102 of the frame 100 of eyewear 200. The heel portion 105 is preferably made as a single piece with the female element 10. The heel portion 105 comprises an inner cavity 104 that is communicating with the first opening 11. This cavity 104 formed within this portion of the heel 105 is adapted to accommodate the pusher 70 and spring 80.

[0085] In fact, in use, the pusher 70 and spring 80 are inserted into the cavity 104 and the pusher 70 is at least partly protruding outside the cavity 104. In particular, the dome 72 abuts the inner wall 25 of the male element 20. The pusher 70 and spring 80 allow the temple 103 to be locked in both the fully open and closed position (bistability) .

[0086] In accordance with this configuration, the inner wall 25 of the male element 20 has two recesses 25' , 25' ' and a thrust surface 25' ' ' interposed between the two recesses 25' , 25' ' . In this way, the inner wall 25 creates a cam on which the dome 72 is adapted to slide. In detail, when the dome 72 is at the first recess 25' , the temple 103 is in the first stable position, i.e. the opening position. When the dome 72 is at the second recess 25' ' , the temple 103 is in the second stable position, i.e. the closed position. The two recesses 25' , 25' ' are spaced e.g. 90° along the inner wall 25.

[0087] In the transition between the open and closed position, the dome 72 slides on the thrust surface 25' ' ' , which, due to its curved shape, pushes the dome 72 compressing the spring 80. Thus, in the transition between the open and closed position, the temple 103 tends to move into one or the other stable position, depending on where the dome 72 is positioned on the thrust surface 25' ' ' . By making additional recesses on the inner surface 25, further stable positions of the temple 103 can be defined .

[0088] Also in accordance with this embodiment, the screw 40 preferably passes through both the first element 31 and the second element 32. Thus, both of the second protrusions 322 of the second element 32 each have a respective hole 320, crossed, in use, by the screw 40. In accordance with this embodiment, the first element 31 and the second element 32 are made of metal material.

[0089] A frame 100 for eyewear comprising a hinge 1 as described above also forms part of the present invention. The frame 100 comprises a front 102 having a first portion 101 which is coupled to the female element 10. The frame 100 also comprises a temple 103 that is coupled to the male element 20.

[0090] An eyewear 200 comprising the aforementioned frame 100 also forms part of the present invention.

[0091] In the context of this description, the term eyewear means a pair of spectacles of any type with two lenses, e.g. sunglasses, prescription glasses, cosmetic glasses, protective or sports spectacles, or a mask of any type with a single lens, e.g. sports or protective goggles, or the like.

[0092] A method for assembling a hinge 1 as described above also forms part of the present invention.

[0093] In accordance with the present invention, the method comprises a first step of inserting the male element 20 into the slot 12 of the female element 10.

[0094] The method thus comprises a subsequent step of inserting the support element 30 from above and / or below into the first opening 11 and into the housing seat 22.

[0095] In accordance with the present invention, the method comprises a subsequent step of coupling the screw 40 to the support element 30 and the male element 20 to fix the support element 30 to the male element 20.

[0096] Once the components of the hinge 1 are coupled, the method can then comprise a step of modulating the tightening of the screw 40 to modulate the friction between the male element 20 and the female element 10 during rotation.

[0097] The present invention has been described, by way of nonlimiting example, according to its preferred embodiments thereof, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but it is to be understood that any variation and / or modification obvious to a person skilled in the art is to be considered within the scope of protection of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Hinge (1) for frame (100) of eyewear (200) , said hinge (1) being adapted to couple a first portion (101) of a front (102) of frame (100) of eyewear (200) to a temple (103) of frame (100) of eyewear (200) ; said hinge (1) comprising :- a female element (10) , configured to be coupled to a first portion (101) of a front (102) of frame (100) of eyewear (200) ; said female element (10) being substantially circular and having a first opening (11) substantially circular; said female element (10) having a slot (12) communicating with said first opening (11) ;- a male element (20) configured to be coupled to a temple (103) of a frame (100) of eyewear (200) ; said male element (20) being substantially circular and having a second opening (21) defining a housing seat (22) ; said male element (20) being insertable in said slot (12) so as to be at least partially inserted in said first opening (11) ; said male element (20) being pivotable with respect to said female element (10) once inserted in said slot (12) ;- a support element (30) configured to be inserted in said first opening (11) and in said housing seat (22) ; said support element (30) having a height higher than the height of the slot (12) ;- a screw (40) couplable to said support element (30) and to said male element (20) to fix said support element (30) to said male element (20) .

2. Hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said screw (40) is accessible through said slot (12) .

3. Hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said support element (30) comprises a first element (31) and a second element (32) distinct to each other and both insertable in the housing seat (22) and in the first opening (11) and being couplable to each other.

4. Hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said female element (10) has an upper profile (13) and a lower profile (14) surrounding and defining in part said first opening (11) ; said first element (31) and said second element (32) having a first head (311) and a second head (321) , respectively, each shaped complementarily to one of said lower profile (14) and said upper profile (13) ; the first head (311) and the second head (321) being configured to abut with said lower profile (14) and said upper profile (13) , respectively, or vice versa.

5. Hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein:- said first element (31) comprises a first protrusion (312) extending away from the first head (311) and configured to be inserted in said housing seat (22) ;- said second element (32) comprises two second protrusions (322) extending away from the second head (321) and configured to be inserted in said housing seat (22) ; said second protrusions (322) being spaced to each other to define an interspace (33) wherein said first protrusion (312) is arranged to couple said first element (31) and said second element (32) to each other.

6. Hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said male element (20) has a hole (23) and wherein saidfirst protrusion (312) and only one of said second protrusions (322) each have a respective hole (310, 320) , said holes (23, 310, 320) each being adapted to accommodate said screw (40) and being arranged so as to be aligned to each other when the first element (31) and the second element (32) are coupled and inserted in the housing seat (22) .

7. Hinge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one decorative or ornamental element (50) associated to said support element (30) .

8. Hinge (1) according to claims 5 or 6 and 7, wherein said first head (311) and said second head (321) have a first surface (313) and a second surface (323) , respectively, configured to be opposed to each other; the first surface (313) facing away from the first protrusion (312) and the second surface (323) facing away from the second protrusions (322) ; the first surface (313) and / or the second surface (323) being fixed to a respective decorative or ornamental element (50) .

9. Hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each surface (313, 323) has one or more grooves (314, 324) adapted to accommodate an adhesive to allow said decorative or ornamental element (50) to be better fixed to the respective surface between said first surface (313) and said second surface (323) .

10. Hinge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the male element (20) has an outer wall(24) which is always visible when the hinge (1) is in use, said male element (20) further having an inner wall(25) radially more internal than the outer wall (24) ,said inner wall (25) being hidden when the temple (103) is in the fully open position when the hinge (1) is in use; said inner wall (25) being increasingly visible as the temple (103) is closed, bringing it closer to the front (102) .

11. Hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein between the outer wall (24) and the inner wall (25) a step (26) is defined for connecting the outer wall (24) and the inner wall (25) ; said step (26) being shaped complementarily to a respective recess (15) of the female element (10) ; said step (26) being adapted to abut with said recess (15) .

12. Hinge (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the outer wall (24) and the inner wall (25) are at least partially curved.

13. Hinge (1) according to any one of claims 4-6 or 8, wherein said female element (10) and said support element (30) are made of metal material; said hinge (1) comprising at least one sliding element (60) interposed between said female element (10) and said support element (30) ; each sliding element (60) being placed at said upper profile (13) or said lower profile (14) .

14. Frame (100) for eyewear comprising a hinge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; said frame (100) comprising:- a front (102) having a first portion (101) coupled to said female element (10) ;- a temple (103) coupled to said male element (10) .

15. Eyewear (200) comprising a frame (100) according to claim 14.

16. Method for assembling a hinge (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said method comprising the steps of :- inserting said male element (20) into said slot (12) of said female element (10) ;- inserting said support element (30) from above and / or below into said first opening (11) and into said housing (22) ;- coupling said screw (40) to said support element (30) and said male element (20) to fix said support element(30) to said male element (20) ;- optionally, modulating the screwing of said screw (40) to modulate the friction between the male element (20) and the female element (10) during rotation.

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