EP2380058A1

EP2380058A1 - Foldable spectacles having a spectacle housing

Info

Publication number: EP2380058A1
Application number: EP09778032A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Keesjan Klant
Original assignee: Creative Force Design BV
Current assignee: Maii Ip Bv
Priority date: 2008-08-25
Filing date: 2009-08-21
Publication date: 2011-10-26
Also published as: CH699412B1; WO2010022900A1; CH699412A2

Abstract

The invention relates to foldable spectacles (11) comprising a first folding mechanism (13) between the two spectacle lenses (15), a second folding mechanism (17) between each spectacle lens (15) and a sidepiece (19) hinged thereon. In the foldable spectacles (11), the sidepieces (19) each comprise a side part (21) hinged with the second folding mechanism (17) on the spectacle lens (15) and an ear part (23) movably arranged on the side part (21). The two side parts (21), possibly together with the two ear parts (23), form a protective housing, which can at least partially cover the two spectacle lenses (15) folded onto each other in the folded state of the foldable spectacles (11). Each side part (21) comprises a bracket (25), on which the second folding mechanism (17) is arranged. According to the invention, each side part (21) comprises at least one flap (27, 29), which is hinged on the bracket (25) about a hinge axis (31) running parallel to the longitudinal extension of the sidepiece (19). Said flaps (27, 29) each form a part of the protective housing. The front part of the sidepiece (19) can therefor form the protective housing and nevertheless appear elegant and filigree. In addition, a locking of the ear part (23) relative to the bracket (25) and also the second folding mechanism (17) can be achieved by folding over the flaps (27, 29).

Description

Folding glasses with eyewear housing

The invention relates to a folding glasses with a spectacle case in which the folding glasses is supplied in the folded state, which spectacle frame is a part of the spectacle frame.

From US 2,307,419 such folding glasses is known, the spectacle frame forms a front part of the bracket of the glasses. This front part of the bracket is therefore designed like a flaps flat. The height of the stirrup in this front part is higher than the height of the spectacle lenses with frame. The front part of the bracket encloses the eyeglass lens with a frame and the ear hook inserted in the front part of the bracket with a flange when the glasses are folded up. In the folded state of the folding glasses form the two front parts of the two brackets together a closed container in which the lenses are supplied protected. There is a snap closure for holding the two shells of the container available.

Disadvantage of this embodiment is that the housing has blind-like side parts whose height exceeds even the height of the lenses and the frame. Although this makes the glasses suitable as work safety goggles, which should protect the eyes from splashes and splinters, the glasses, however, the suitability as reading glasses, since they lack any elegance and they therefore no

Acceptance as reading glasses can achieve. Another disadvantage is that the folding axes in unfolded state of the glasses in the direction back to the folded position are freely movable, so that the glasses has an unstable bow.

These two disadvantages were overcome in the folding goggles known from WO 2008/052124. In this folding glasses, the lenses and the strap are also folded in a W-shape. The stirrups have a flat front part and an ear piece which can be turned around an axis arranged perpendicular to this surface. The front part and the ear part together form a lid, which has the outline of the spectacle lens and covers in the folded state of the folding glasses. The front part of the bracket is therefore less high than the lenses. In addition, detents were provided by Engage spring preload in both end positions of the folding glasses, in order to lock the folding axes in the corresponding end positions.

Disadvantage of such glasses, however, is that the lens frame must be formed substantially planar, since the brackets do not form the socket comprehensive housing, but only flat lid. Another disadvantage is that the lenses are protected by the lid only on one side, so that the folding glasses is virtually dependent on a version for the glasses, which version protects the glass edges.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a folding glasses of the type mentioned above, which makes an elegant impression in the unfolded state and therefore manages without blinding flap-like side panels, but in which the glass edges of the glasses are protected by a housing. The glasses should be frameless. Another object is to fix the folding mechanisms between spectacle lens and bracket and in the bracket in the unfolded position.

The object of the invention is achieved in a folding glasses according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features specified in the characterizing part of the claim. The folding glasses therefore has, in a known manner, a first folding mechanism between the two spectacle lenses and a second folding mechanism between the spectacle lens and a bracket articulated thereto. The stirrups each have a side part hinged to the spectacle lens with the second folding mechanism and an earpiece movably arranged on the side part. The folding glasses are therefore e.g. W-shaped collapsible, so that the outer sides of the lenses come to rest on each other, the length of the bracket can be reduced thanks to the bipartite. Also, the opposite to the mentioned W-shaped folding W-shaped folding is possible if it also larger folding angle must be taken into account. Other types of folding are also not excluded.

Also in a known manner, the two side parts, optionally together with the two ear parts, a protective housing which is able to cover the two folded spectacle lenses in the folded state of the folding glasses at least partially. The side part comprises at least one carrier on which the second folding mechanism is arranged.

In such folding glasses, according to the invention, each side part has at least one flap, which extends around a bracket parallel to the longitudinal extension extending hinge axis is hinged to the carrier. These flaps each form part of the protective housing. Thanks to the foldability of these flaps, the bracket in unfolded state of the glasses, in which the flaps are folded by 90 degrees, for example, only a very small amount. The folding of the flaps reduces the height of the side part by the height of these flaps. The height of the flaps is parallel to the height of the spectacle front, the height of the glasses and therefore measured perpendicular to the hinge axis. The height of the side part is parallel to it and thus also measured perpendicular to the hinge axis or perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the bracket.

It is possible that the side parts together form the entire protective housing and the earpiece is e.g. finds room in it. However, it is preferred that the earpiece forms a part of the protective housing in the collapsed state of the folding glasses. Conveniently, it forms a lower edge of the protective housing, which protects the lower lens edge.

A preferred folding requires a design of the first and second folding mechanism in a manner that allows the lenses and the brackets to fold in a W-shape towards one another. For this folding in the open state of the glasses has a stable end position, the folding mechanisms each have a stop which define the unfolded state of the folding mechanisms, or the corresponding end position.

Although only one flap can be present on each carrier, it is preferred that an upper and a lower flap are pivotably hinged around mutually extending hinge axes on the carrier. On the flaps more flap parts can be hinged.

The folding of the flaps can only have a beneficial to the appearance of the folding glasses function. Advantageously, however, is the task of

Flaps beyond and causes blocked at least one of the aforementioned flaps in the folded state, a pivoting in the second and / or the third folding mechanism. Thus, if the earpiece is brought into the pushed-out or unfolded position, the folding over of the flap locks this earpiece in this position. The flap needs to be brought back into the position suitable for the glass protection in order to shorten the bracket can. A corresponding locking of the second folding mechanism between spectacle lens and bracket is also accessible by folding the flap. These fixations of Folding mechanics through the folded flaps on the carrier gives the folding glasses at the same time an elegant appearance (by impressive reduction of the height of the temple) and a stability when worn, which was not reached by previous folding glasses.

The earpiece can be arranged on the carrier or on a flap. It may be slidably mounted on the carrier or on the flap or be articulated. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the folding glasses, the earpiece is hinged to the lower flap and the curved shape of the lower edge of the closed protective housing is formed by the earpiece. The curvature of the earpiece is pivoted 90 degrees, thanks to the folding of the lower flap, from vertical to horizontal. This causes this earpiece, when unfolded with the concave side of its curvature over the ear of the wearer, to follow the curve of the head.

Thanks to the side panels can also have angular flaps, the protective housing can provide all-round protection for the lenses. This allows framing the lenses. Preferably, therefore, the first and the second folding mechanism is each frameless attached to the lens. This causes a very elegant impression of the glasses and also a reduction of the necessary protective housing with the same lens size.

It follows that at least one of two flaps has an angular range which protects the edge of the lenses. This is advantageously the upper flap, since preferably the lower edge of the lens is protected by the earpiece.

As already stated, a flap should advantageously be able to fix the ear part in a position in which the bar has its greatest length. Conveniently, this function is perceived by the upper flap. In particular, the angle range on the upper flap in the unfolded state of the folding glasses can comprise the ear part and fix it in its unfolded position.

This angular range is also suitable to fix the second folding mechanism in the open position in the unfolded state of the folding glasses. However, suitable recesses and stops make it very easy to to perform a fixation of both the second and a third folding mechanism through the lower flap or a non-angled flap.

If the earpiece can also be connected via a sliding guide to the carrier or a flap hinged to the carrier, a pivoting

Connection about a folding axis preferred. The earpiece may be hinged to the carrier or to the lower flap. In both cases, it is preferably used to protect the lower edge of the spectacle lens. The folded earpiece then covers the lower circumference of the spectacle lens folded into the protective housing. The curvature of the ear part follows in the unfolded position of the head shape of the wearer when the earpiece is hinged to the lower flap. It lies with the concave side on the ear when the ear piece is hinged to the carrier.

It can be provided at least one magnet to keep the protective housing closed in the folded state of the folding glasses. This same magnet can also be used to hold the flaps in the elegant position when the folding glasses are open. Instead of magnets and snap mechanisms can be provided.

Whether one, both or neither of the two flaps has an angular range which protects the circumference of the spectacle lens is for the time being left undecided. In any case, it is expedient if the two opposite free edges of the flaps abut each other in the folded state of the flaps (open glasses). This gives the flaps the impression of a compact support profile and the inside of the protective housing can be undesigned, since it is not visible.

The invention will be explained below with reference to the figures in detail. Fig. 1 shows in perspective the folding glasses in the folded state. Fig. 2 shows in perspective the folding glasses with partially unfolded

Ear parts. Fig. 3 shows in perspective a folding glasses with earpiece hinged to the lower flap in the half-open state.

Fig. 4 shows in perspective the folding glasses in the open state, but with not yet folded flaps.

Fig. 5 shows in perspective the folding glasses in the open state with partially folded flaps. Fig. 6 shows in perspective the folding glasses from the other front and with partially folded flaps.

Fig. 7 shows in perspective the folding glasses with folded flaps. Fig. 8 shows in perspective the third folding mechanism with articulation of the ear part on the lower flap.

Fig. 9 shows in perspective the third folding mechanism with articulation of the

Earpiece at the lower flap and the upper flap in fixing

Position.

Fig. 10 shows in perspective the third folding mechanism with articulation of the ear part on the carrier.

The folding glasses 11 shown in the figures is a reading glasses. Although the folding glasses 11 glasses could also be glasses with correction for permanent wear, as small as possible folding is usually not desirable for such glasses. However, by increasing the size of the glasses 15 rather too small for sunglasses, the folding glasses according to the invention are also suitable for sunglasses.

The folding glasses 11 according to the invention are very small in the folded state (FIG. 1). The dimensions of the protective housing are only slightly larger than the dimensions of a single glass 15. The thickness of the protective housing depends on the curvature of the glasses 15 and is practically only by material thickness greater than the superimposed glasses.

The protective housing is formed from two side parts 21 and the covered ear parts 23. In Figure 1, the ear parts 23 are placed protectively under the lower edge of the glasses 15, in Figure 2, they are partially folded out. For the protection of the upper edge of the glasses 15 is an angular range, respectively. Vault 41 formed. The two angle portions 41 are in the folded state together and close one of the narrow longitudinal sides of the protective housing. The ear parts 23 close the other narrow longitudinal side of the protective housing.

The folding glasses has three folding mechanisms: The first folding mechanism 13 is formed in the nosepiece and is formed in the present embodiment as a hinge-like connection of two nosepiece parts. These

Nosepiece parts are preferably framelessly attached to the lenses 15. The second folding mechanism 17 is formed in glasses customary manner between the glasses and the brackets 19. This can be designed in a known manner and optionally be protected by spring means on the bracket to protect against over-loading of the mechanism. The first and the second folding mechanism have a stop which defines the open position. In the present embodiment, a third folding technique 39 is formed. This connects a side part 21 of the bracket 19 with an ear portion 23 of the bracket 19. The illustrated folding mechanism with a pivot axis in the bracket 19 is simple in design and, as explained below, be executed in different variants. However, the ear part 23 can also be displaceably mounted on the side part 21, as is known from the prior art.

As shown, the first and second folding mechanisms 13, 17 can each comprise a single folding axis, but they can also comprise two folding axes. This is a variant to be considered, especially in the case of the first folding mechanism, since this would make it possible to increase the distance between the edges of the spectacle lenses adjoining the nosepiece, which in the case of arched glasses becomes one

Approximation of the adjacent to the bracket 19 edges of the lenses 15 may result. The provision of two folding axes between the two glasses 15 can also lead to a shortening of the folding glasses in the folded state.

The side part 21 comprises in the folding spectacles according to the invention at least one carrier 25 and a flap 27 or 29. The carrier 25 is that part of the side part 21 on which the second folding mechanism 17 is arranged. In the present embodiment, even two flaps 27 and 29 are present. These flaps 27,29 are hinged about hinge axes 31,33 on both sides of the carrier 25. In a departure therefrom, the flaps can also be arranged on one side only on the carrier, so that the carrier 25 is marginally formed on the side part 21.

The ear parts 23 are preferably arranged on one, in particular the lower flap 29. As a result, the ear member 23 is pivoted with the pivoting of the flap 29 and the curvature of the ear member 23 is pivoted by 90 degrees. As a result, the curvature of the ear part 23 following the lower spectacle lens edge finally arrives in a position following the curvature of the head of the spectacle wearer (FIG. 7). As can be seen from FIG. 10, it is also possible to steer the ear part 23 on the carrier 25. It is then the concavity of the earpiece concave at the bottom, so that the ear part 23 bulges over the ear of the wearer of the eyeglass away. The formation of flaps 27,29 not only has the advantage that the side parts 21 of the open folding glasses have smaller dimensions than the side parts 21 of the folded spectacles. The folding of the flaps 27,29 can also be used to lock the folding mechanisms 17 between the glasses 15 and the brackets 19 and or for fixing the ear member 23 in the open position. As can be seen in Figure 6, the angle portion 41 folds when opening the folding glasses behind the frame of the glass 15 or a glass suspension. As a result, this folding mechanism is locked in the open position. As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, the same angle part 41 also comprises the ear part 23 when the folding flap 27 is opened, or when the upper flap 27 is folded over, thus preventing a pivotal movement of the ear part 23 about the folding axis of the third folding mechanism 39.

As can be seen from the sequence of FIGS. 1 to 7, the folding glasses 11 are first unfolded during opening in the three folding mechanisms 13, 17, 39. Thereafter, the flaps 27,29 are folded. Now the folding glasses are locked in the open position. To fold the folding glasses 11, the flaps must first be brought back into the protective housing position (FIGS. 3 and 4) before the folding glasses 11 can be folded together in the folding mechanisms.

Handling the folding glasses is very intuitive. In the open position a high rigidity is achieved by fixing the folding mechanisms, which ensures a secure fit of the folding glasses on the nose and ears of the user. The folding of the flaps 27 and 29 leads to an elegance of the temple, which is otherwise only ordinary glasses own. The integration of the protective housing in the bracket 19, however, has the advantage that the protective cover can not be left lying and that the folded glasses is always protected.

Claims

claims

1. folding glasses (11) with a first folding mechanism (13) between the two lenses (15), each a second folding mechanism (17) between the lens (15) and a hinged thereto bracket (19), in which folding glasses (11) the Bracket (19) each having a second folding mechanism (17) on the lens (15) articulated side part (21) and on the side part (21) movably arranged ear part (23), the two side parts (21), optionally together with the two Ear parts (23), form a protective housing which is able to cover the two folded spectacle lenses (15) in the folded state of the folding glasses (11) at least partially, and each side part (21) comprises a support (25) on which the second folding mechanism ( 17) is arranged, characterized in that each side part (21) has at least one flap (27,29) which is hinged to a parallel to the longitudinal extent of the bracket (19) extending hinge axis (31) on the carrier (25), said fold (27,29) each form a part of the protective housing.

2. folding glasses according to claim 1, characterized in that the ear part (23) in the folded state of the folding glasses (11) forms part of the protective housing.

3. folding glasses according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first folding mechanism (13) and the second folding mechanism (17) allow the lenses (15) and the bracket (19) to fold in a W-shape, and one each Stop, which stops define the unfolded state of the folding mechanisms (13,17).

4. folding glasses according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that on the carrier (25) at least one upper flap (27) and a lower flap (29) are hinged to each other concomitantly extending hinge axes (31,33) folded.

5. folding glasses according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of said flaps (27,29) in the folded state a pivoting in the second folding mechanism (17) and / or a third folding mechanism (39) between the carrier (19) and the ear part (23) blocked.

6. folding glasses according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the ear part (23) on the carrier (19) or on a flap (27,29) is displaceably mounted.

7. folding glasses according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ear part (23) with a third folding mechanism (39) on the carrier (19) or on a - in particular the lower - flap (27,29) is articulated.

8. folding glasses according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the lenses (15) are frameless and the first and the second folding mechanism (13,17) are each framelessly attached to the lens (15).

9. folding glasses according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper flap (27) comprises an angular region (41) which covers the upper circumference of the folded into the protective housing spectacle lens (15).

10. folding glasses according to claim 9, characterized in that the angular range (41) in the open state of the folding glasses (11) comprises the ear part (23) and fixed in its unfolded position.

11. folding glasses according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the angular range (41) in the open state of the folding glasses (11) fixes the second folding mechanism (17) in the open position.

12. folding glasses according to claim 7, characterized in that the folded-ear part (23) covers the lower circumference of the folded into the protective housing spectacle lens (15).

13. folding glasses according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one magnet is provided to keep the protective housing in the folded state of the folding glasses (11) closed.

14. folding glasses according to claim 7, characterized in that two opposite free edges of the flaps (27,29) abut each other in the folded state of the flaps.