EP2715434A1

EP2715434A1 - Screwless spectacle frame

Info

Publication number: EP2715434A1
Application number: EP12724322.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Guillaume LEFRANCOIS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: LUNITHE SAS
Priority date: 2011-05-24
Filing date: 2012-05-24
Publication date: 2014-04-09
Also published as: WO2012160154A1; FR2975791B1; FR2975791A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spectacle frame comprising a front frame part (4) and two spectacle temple arms (5), one end of which has at least one tongue (1a, 1b), the front frame part (4) having two hoops able to receive spectacle lenses (6), and two elements (2) for connecting to a spectacle temple arm (5) extending in a transverse direction with respect to the plane defined by the front frame part (4), each hoop being slit along a slot so as to allow the insertion or removal of the spectacle lenses (6) into or from said front frame part (4), said slot extending through the connecting element (2) so as to define a lower part (2a) of the connecting element and an upper part (2b) of the connecting element, said lower part and upper part (2a, 2b) of the connecting element (2) being kept in contact by at least one tongue (1a, 1b) of one of the spectacle temple arms (5), characterized in that the front spectacle part (4) further comprises for each hoop a locking element (3) at the level of the slot, said locking element (3) consisting of at least two superposed levels having complementary patterns on both sides of the slot and located approximately in the plane of the front frame part (4), which, when they are slotted together, prevent a relative movement of the lower and upper parts (2a, 2b) of the connecting element in said transverse direction with respect to the plane defined by the front frame part (4).

Description

Eyeglass frame without screws

GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of eyewear

STATE OF THE ART

The eyeglasses or sunglasses that are usually found in the trade usually have a front frame, which houses glasses, and two branches that rest on the ears. In order to store the glasses, it is necessary to provide a hinge for folding the branches.

This hinge is most often a point of weakness of the glasses, by the presence of small elements such a mini-screw serving as an axis of rotation.

For q u estion s of id idity, ma is also equal cost and aesthetics, it has been proposed many alternatives to the ordinary hinge.

European Patent Application EP1596242 proposes a spectacle frame requiring no other part than the front part of the frame and the two branches. The front part of the frame is slotted laterally. This slot makes it possible to "open" the straps by elasticity of the frame, in order to easily engage and disengage the glasses of spectacles, and extends to split also a "connecting element", which is a tab bent to lateral extremities of the front part of the frame. As the name suggests, this piece can be assembled with the end of a branch. The two parts cooperate: the connecting element allows the pivoting mounting of the branch, and the branch allows the tight holding of the two parts of the connecting element (and therefore the frame) on either side of the slot , that is to say the locking of the glasses. To do this, the branch is divided into three parallel deformable blades whose two end blades will come to grip and therefore maintain joined the two parts separated by the slot. The rotation is around projections protruding from the connecting element. The third blade, the central blade, serves as "spring" of the branches and allows to naturally maintain the pair of glasses in the open position or in the closed position.

This clear view of the state of the art, however, poses a problem: if the fact that the end branches securely enclose the two parts of the frame separated by the slot prevents them from moving apart (this is that is to say, prevents any relative displacement of the lower and upper parts in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane defined by the branches when they are unfolded, in other words the "vertical" direction), there is much less blocking in case of relative displacement in a direction included in the horizontal plane. For example, if a glass is strongly pressed down when the glasses are folded, as the branch connecting element (the split piece) has a bend almost at right angles to the plane formed by the front part of the glass. frame, a relative longitudinal translation of the upper and lower parts is obtained (in other words a sliding in the direction of the slot). And since the blades of the branches are flexible relative to each other, nothing prevents this movement of the lower part relative to the upper part.

Then submit to forces of cisa ilement, the glass would break easily.

It is imperative to protect a maximum of one spectacle lens, which is why the frames described in European patents EP1754097 and EP 0863424 also provide the structure previously written with a locking ring. This is an additional piece that is threaded onto the connecting element to completely block any movement of the lower part relative to the upper part. This piece brings satisfaction, but it would be desirable for the issues of strength, cost and aestheticism mentioned above to be able to do without, and while also keeping the frames of split frames that are the only solution to engage or disengage a glass of bezel without otherwise requiring additional room.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect, the present invention thus relates to an eyeglass frame comprising a front part of a frame and two glasses branches, one end of which has at least one blade, the front part of the frame having two suitable rims. receiving glasses of spectacles, and two connecting elements with a telescope branch extending in a direction transverse to the plane defined by the front part of the frame, each strapping being split in a slot so as to allow the engagement or disengaging the spectacle lenses from said frame front portion, said slot extending into the connecting member to define a bottom portion of a connecting member and a top portion of the connecting member, said lower portions and upper connecting element being held in contact by the at least one blade of one of the branches hes glasses,

characterized in that the front portion of the bezel further comprises for each strapping a locking member at the slot, said locking member consisting of at least two superposed levels of complementary patterns on either side of the slot and located substantially in the plane of the front frame portion, which when nested together prevent relative movement of the lower and upper portions of the connecting member in said transverse direction relative to the plane defined by the front frame portion . According to other advantageous and nonlimiting features:

The lower and upper connecting member portions intersect so as to grip said blade beyond a point of intersection of said lower and upper connecting member;

· The end of the branches is divided into at least two blades, said lower and upper connecting element being gripped between the at least two blades of one of the glasses branches;

At least one blade of a branch and the connection element of the branch have a pair of complementary notches able to engage;

• on the one hand one of the blades of the branch and the lower part of the connection element of the branch have a first pair of complementary notches able to engage, and on the other hand another of the blades of the branch and the upper part of the connecting element of the branch have a second pair of complementary notches able to fit together;

• the first pair of notches and the second pair of notches are not aligned, so that the opening and / or closure of the eyeglass branch causes (s) the relative deformation of the blades of the branch; · Said blades of the branch are twisted;

• A bezel branch is divided into three blades including a central blade and two extremal blades, the opening and / or closure of a branch causing the elastic deformation of the central blade;

• the two extremal blades of the telescope branch meet at their extremities;

• The central blade of the glasses branch fits into a slot in the connecting element by which the branch is connected to the front frame;

A branch of a telescope is divided into two blades, one of which is a lower blade and an upper blade, said lower and upper blades intersecting so that the upper blade is connected to the lower part; connecting element and the lower blade is connected to the upper part of connecting element;

The lower and upper blades of the branch are placed in a crossed position by application of a mechanical stress, such that the lower and upper portions of the connecting element are clamped together because said lower and upper blades of the branch tend to to return to their original position by uncrossing;

• the fact that said lower and upper blades of the branch tend to return to their original position causes a concavity of the branch, the opening and closing of the branch involving the reversal of the meaning of this concavity;

For each branch, the upper blade and the lower part of the connecting element are monolithic, or the lower blade and the upper part of the connecting element are monolithic, so that the spectacle frame consists only of 'a piece.

• A strapping of the front frame includes a thinned portion located under the glass;

The straps capable of receiving glasses of spectacles are connected to the front part of the frame by flexible shafts;

The locking element comprises a first level lower pattern, a first level top pattern, a second level lower pattern, a second level top pattern, the contour of the first level lower pattern substantially coinciding with the outline of the pattern. first level top, the contour of the second level lower pattern substantially coinciding with the contour of the second level top pattern, the first level lower pattern being substantially identical to the second level top pattern, and the second level lower pattern being substantially identical to the superior first level pattern; • the two levels consist of two layers, and the lower pattern of one of the levels and the upper pattern of the other layer are substantially wave-shaped;

The locking element has a helical shape.

PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figures 1 to 7 are views from different angles of all or part of a first embodiment of a spectacle frame according to the invention;

- Figures 8 to 15 are views from different angles of all or part of a second embodiment of a spectacle frame according to the invention;

Figures 16 to 23 are views from different angles of all or part of a third embodiment of a spectacle frame according to the invention;

Figures 24 to 30 are views from different angles of all or part of a fourth embodiment of a spectacle frame according to the invention;

Figures 31 to 34 illustrate various possibilities of locking element in spectacle frames according to the invention;

Figures 35 to 39 are views from different angles of all or part of a fourth embodiment of a spectacle frame according to the invention.

FIGS. 40 to 45 illustrate various other locking element possibilities in eyeglass frames according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Principle of the invention

With reference to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, the invention relates to a spectacle frame. By this term refers to the entire frame of a pair of glasses adapted to support glasses. It will be understood that the invention relates to all types of glasses, including both eyeglasses and sunglasses, the only difference residing in the nature of glasses (corrective lenses, tinted glasses, progressive lenses ...).

The eyeglass frame according to the invention comprises on the one hand a front part 4 of frame and on the other hand two branches 5 of glasses.

The front part 4 corresponds to the part of the frame that receives the lenses 6 and lands on the nose. For this purpose it comprises possibly as seen in the figures a pair of wedges nose-rest which do not hurt the nose of the wearer of glasses. The branches 5 as for them rest on the ears of the wearer of spectacles.

To receive the two glasses 6, the front portion 4 has two hoops, which surround the periphery of the glasses 6 and lock. For example, if the front portion 4 is thicker than the glasses, it may include a groove of width equivalent to the thickness of the glasses. Alternatively, as can be seen in FIG. 2, if the front portion 4 is thinner than the lenses 6, it is on the contrary in the glasses that a groove can be made, the strapping being inserted into this groove The front part 4 may even include a tongue 41 2 (see FIG. 9) over all or part of the circumference of the strapping, fitting into a groove of the glass 6. In a particularly clever way, as in FIG. FIGS. 40a and 40b show that the hoops adapted to receive glasses 6 of glasses can be connected to the front part 4 of the frame by flexible shafts 431, 432, 433. Thus, the glass 6 is held by several arcs which are flexibly coupled with the front part 4. U very strong deformation of the front portion 4 such that the q ue shown in Figure 40b will make that the axes 431, 432 and 433 will deform without transmit the constraint to the arches that constitute the strapping of glasses. The lenses will not be damaged, while such a deterioration will occur in the light of the rest of the world. In addition, reinforcements 441, 442 may be arranged on the front part (preferably on the internet face to hide them) near the arches in order to compensate for the decrease in rigidity that may be caused by the flexible coupling of the straps and the front part 4.

To allow the engagement or disengagement of the glasses 6, each strapping is split in a slot as seen in Figure 2. This slot is through, and substantially radial. By acting on the rigidity of the front portion 4, this slot can be widened, thereby increasing the diameter of the strapping, hence the mobility of the glass 6. The set of materials usually used in eyewear, such as metal, horn, flaking, plastic, etc. are suitable in the vast majority of cases to achieve the front part 4 (except for example if the front end is too thick, so too rigid).

For the connection between the front part 4 and the branches 5, the front part 4 has on each side a connection element 2. These two connection elements 2 extending in a direction transverse to the plane defined by the front part 4 of mount. Indeed, when the pair of glasses is worn (the branches 5 in the open position), the branches 5 extend on the sides of the face and are therefore substantially perpendicular to the front portion 4. The connecting elements 2 are intended to be find in the axis of the branches 5 when they are open, as can be seen in FIG. It will be understood that according to the shape of the face and according to aesthetic considerations, the connecting elements 2 and / or the branches 5 may not be exactly perpendicular to the front part, and form a slightly more open angle or a little more closed. For example, it will be assumed that this angle is orthogonal in the following description (with reference to the reference visible in Figure 3, it will be considered by convention that the front portion 4 extends in the xOy plane, and that the connecting elements 2 and branches 5 when they are in the open position extend in the plane yOz), but the skilled person will keep in mind that it suffices that the two connecting elements 2 extend in a transverse direction (that is to say substantially non-collinear) relative to the plane defined by the front portion 4 mount. By convention also, when we speak of "length", "width" and "thickness" of a blade, we designate the dimensions of the blade respectively in the directions Oz, Oy and Ox when the branch 5 is open.

As can be seen in the figures, the position of the slot in each strapping is chosen such that it extends into the connecting element 2 so as to define a lower part 2a of connection element and a upper part 2b of connecting element, that is to say in particular in the upper outer corner of the front part 4. In other words, the opening / closing of the strapping involves the opening / closing of the connecting element 2. According to the embodiments, the connecting element 2 can be designed so that its two halves 2a, 2b are joined when the strapping is closed (see FIG. 12 for example), or else in all cases spaced apart (see Figure 16 for example).

It is understood that if the two halves 2a, 2b of the connecting element 2 are prevented from moving apart, the opening of the straps is prevented. Any drop of glasses 6 becomes impossible. For this, we choose branches 5, one end has at least one blade 1a, 1b (preferably two, and even more preferably three), which serves as a locking piece. The blade or blades 1a, 1b may in particular be in a material similar to (or not) that of the front portion 4 (metal, plastic, horn, etc.) and thus have a certain flexibility. They can for example as well made in a metal sheet as in a machined solid material, and possibly also in a material different from the rest of the branch 5.

So we can slightly twist them relative to each other (rotation at their base around the axis Oy), but the thickness of the branches 5 that it is almost impossible to deform them in a Oy direction, and therefore especially to dismiss them when there are two. In other words, if any attempt is made to discard them, a constraint (represented by the vectors at and è in FIG. 1) reciprocates tends to bring the blades 1a, 1b closer together. Any element inserted in force between the blades 1a, 1b is therefore subjected to a compressive force (or rather "expansion restraint") in the direction Oy. That is why in a first architecture with two blades 1a, 1b by branch 5 of the frame according to the invention the lower and upper parts 2a, 2b of connecting element 2 are sandwiched between the at least two blades 1a, 1b of one of the branches 5 glasses. We will come back later on the different embodiments of this "clasping", but it will be understood that the blades 1a, 1b are placed on either side of the lower and upper parts 2a, 2b so that any spacing according to Oy lower and upper portions 2a, 2b mechanically drives a spacing along Oy blades 1a, 1b, and inversely a closer together on Oy blades 1a, 1b brings a bringing together of the lower and upper parts 2a, 2b. In other words, the outer faces of the lower and upper portions 2a, 2b are in abutment with the inner faces of the blades 1a and 1b. And since structurally a constraint occurs when one tries to spread the blades 1a, 1b, the latter thus prevent any separation of the lower and upper parts 2a, 2b when the branches 5 are in place, they are open, closed, or even in an intermediate position (since the axis of rotation of the hinge, Oy, coincides with the direction of the stress applied to the lower and upper parts 2a, 2b). Alternatively, in a second architecture with a single blade 1a, 1b per branch 5 of the frame according to the invention (represented for example in FIG. 35a and which will be described later) the lower and upper part 2a, 2b of connecting element 2 intersect so as to grip the blade 1a, 1b beyond a point of intersection of said lower and upper part 2a, 2b of connecting element 2. Thus, thanks to the crossing, a "spacing" of the two connecting element parts at the front part 4 of frame becomes a "bringing together" of these same parts at the level of their distal extremity (ie ie beyond the crossing point). For example, with reference to Fig ure 36b, the spacing of the two connecting member portions 2 involves the closing of a recess defined by the notches 224 vis-à-vis the lower and upper portions 2a, 2b of the element 2. As soon as the blade 1a, 1b (see Figure 37b) of the branch 5 is inserted therein, it prevents the closure of this recess and thus prevents mechanically the separation of the parts of the element connection.

It will be understood that the invention relates to any frame in which the lower and upper part 2a, 2b of connecting element 2 are kept in contact (it is understood by keeping in contact prevented from moving away according to Oy), in a way or on the other hand, by the at least one blade 1a, 1b of one of the branches 5 of spectacles.

Note further that any relative movement of the blade or blades 1a, 1b substantially along the axis of the branch 5 (for example Oz when the branch 5 is open) is naturally almost impossible, unless blade 1 a, 1 b does not bend. This would indeed result in a shortening or an elongation of the blade, but as in the previous case the blades resist such deformation by inducing a reciprocal stress. Thus, by the connection between the branches 5 and the connecting elements 2 (more precisely respectively between the blade 1a and the lower part 2a, and between the blade 1b and the upper part 2b), another direction is obtained according to which the relative displacement of the lower and upper parts 2a, 2b is prevented. Still with reference to FIG. 3, it is the direction Oz when the branch 5 is open, of the direction Ox when it is closed, and a component of the two when it is in an intermediate position. . It's always a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the first blocking direction, Oy.

Thus, the cooperation between the branches 5 and the connecting elements 2 prevents any relative displacement of the two parts of the straps in two substantially orthogonal directions (which can not be collinear and therefore form a "blocking plane"), but not according to a third direction that corresponds to the vector product of the first two (a direction both orthogonal to the first two).

This direction of "non-blocking", mentioned in the introduction corresponds to the direction Oy ^A Oz = Ox when the branch 5 is in the open position, and Ox ^A Oy = Oz when the branch is in the closed position. It is in the latter case that there is a problem, since a relative displacement of the lower and upper parts according to Oz involves a shear of the glass 6 mounted in the strapping at the slot of the strapping. Thus, if the pair of glasses in the closed position placed in the pocket receives a blow on Oz, the energy of the blow is transmitted integrally to the glass 6 in the form of shear stress. By the lever arm, if the blow is worn for example at the bottom of the glass 6, the breakage is almost assured.

The mount according to the invention provides a solution to this problem through an element ensuring a permanent locking of any relative movement of the lower and upper parts 2a, 2b, and regardless of the position of the branches 5, and without additional parts. For this, the front portion 4 of the bezel further comprises for each strapping a locking member 3 at the slot.

This locking element 3 can be seen in the numerous figures, both in the open position and in the closed position, and particularly sees its structure in FIG. 2. It is in fact a particular section of the slot opening the strapping, and doing it not straight as in the previous art, but curved and especially different on two levels.

The locking element 3 therefore consists of at least two superimposed levels of complementary patterns 31 1, 31 2, 321, 322 on either side of the slot and located substantially in the plane of the front portion 4 when they are engaged together prevent a relative movement of the lower and upper portions 2a, 2b of the connecting element in said transverse direction relative to the plane defined by the front portion 4 of mount (c). that is, the direction Oz). By "pattern" will be understood a shape defined by a particular plot of a section of the slot (a plot defines a pair of patterns, an upper pattern and a lower pattern, separated by the cut and therefore naturally complementary: in effect means that the cutting is quasi-linear, and therefore that there is no particular removal of material at the level of the slot, so that in every point of the cut there is a substantial coincidence between the lower pattern and the upper pattern, from which "complementary" patterns on both sides of the slot) with respect to a median slot plane (xOz), and by "superimposed levels" it will be understood that the pattern is not constant when one moves in the front part 4 in the direction Oz, and that it takes at least two different traces. In other words, there are at least two sections in a plane parallel to xOy in the thickness of the front portion 4 according to which the slot is different, these two different paths defining the two levels of patterns (one pair of patterns per level). Indeed, in known frames of the state of the art, as explained the slot is straight, that is to say just in accordance with the median plane (xOz), and for any cut in the thickness of the front part of mounting the outline of the cut is the same: a straight cut along Ox. There is only one level, and no blocking effect at the slot.

In most of the illustrated examples of frames according to the invention, there are exactly two levels, and the first to the second pass abruptly: the two levels here consist of two distinct layers, each of these layers extending substantially over the half the thickness of the front part 4 of mount. Alternatively, there may be a continuous variation from a first extremal level to a second extremal level. There are then no physically distinct layers, but virtually an infinity of superimposed levels. This case will be described in more detail below, but for the remainder of the present description, it will be considered by way of example that the two units of patterns are two layers, but one skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

In particular, in the case of two layers, one finds as explained two pairs of patterns, that is to say a lower pattern of first layer 31 1, a higher pattern of first layer 321, a lower pattern of second layer 312 and an upper layer second pattern 322. The contour of the first level lower pattern 31 1 then coincides substantially with the outline of the first level top pattern 321, as well as the contour of the second level lower pattern 321 with the outline of the first layer 321. top level second pattern 322.

This two-level structure makes that, on the one hand, the patterns 31 1 and 322, and on the other hand 312 and 321, have facing portions, and therefore bearing surfaces substantially in the plane formed by the front portion 4 In other words, the patterns 31 1 and 322 prevent, by contact, a relative displacement of the lower and upper parts 2a, 2b (and thus of the two half of the strapping) according to the vector z, the patterns 31 2 and 321 prevent by contact a relative displacement of the lower and upper parts 2a, 2b (and thus of the two half of the strapping) according to the vector

+ z.

The locking element 3 thus prevents any relative displacement of the lower and upper parts 2a, 2b along the axis Oz, even when the branches 5 are in the closed position. In the remainder of the description, reference will be made to advantageous features that the locking elements 3 may exhibit.

First Embodiment A first particularly advantageous embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. The various advantageous embodiments which will be successively described show all characteristics presented above, and are distinguished in particular by their aesthetics, and mechanical advantages such as having open / closed positions of bistable branches 5, or have manufacturing facilities. Those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to any of these advantageous embodiments, and will adapt to many other models. The first four embodiments have branches 5a at least two blades 1a, 1b.

As seen in Figure 5, in this first embodiment there are three distinct parts: the front part 4 and the two branches 5. The interlocking between the branches 5 and the connecting elements is done by means of complementary notches adapted to fit: advantageously on the one hand one of the blades 1a, 1b (it will be named for convenience lower blade 1a) of the branch 5 and the lower part 2a have a first pair of complementary notches able to engage, and on the other hand the other of the blades 1a, 1b (it will be named for convenience upper blade 1b) of the branch 5 and the upper part 2b of the connecting element 2 have a second pair of complementary notches suitable for s 'max out.

Notches adapted to fit together include, as seen in the figures, a cutout on the upper half (for the lower blade 1a and the upper part 2b) or on the lower half (for the upper blade 1b and the lower part 2a) so that the cuts are all substantially in the direction Oy (to make the axis of rotation), facing outwardly of the connecting member 2 and inwardly of the blades 1a, 1b (see Figure 5 and 6), so as to allow the clamping of the connecting member 2 by the blades 1a, 1b. If there is a space (or other blade) between thin blades 1a and 1b, the cuts may be of unequal sizes (and extend over more or less than half of the element), or even at the extreme concern only the connecting element 2, the cut being as deep as the width of a thin blade 1a, 1b: the latter is inserted over its entire width in the cut. Although this is a special case, it will be understood that this case remains a the case of "complementary pairs of notches", since it is possible to define their axis. This case will be discussed for the second embodiment.

If it is natural to align the two pairs of notches previously described to make a common axis of rotation, it is expected in the first embodiment to just not respect this alignment. Thus, the opening and / or closing of the eyeglass branch 5 causes the relative deformation of the blades 1a, 1b of the branch 5. More precisely, as can be seen particularly in FIG. 6, the fact that the two pairs of notches are not aligned there is "two axes of rotation" between the leg 5 and the front portion 4. These two axes of rotation being fixed, the opening / closing of the branch 5 corresponds to a rotation about a virtual axis equidistant from them both, this virtual axis being located at the intersection between the connecting element 2 and the median plane between the two blades 1 a, 1 b (which corresponds substantially to the plane that must be the rest of the branch 5). And move from the open position to the closed position of the branch 5 causes a twist / curvature of the lower blade 1 has relative to the upper blade 1b. In other words, the blades 1a, 1b are substantially aligned when the leg 5 is open, and form views from above a "Y" when the leg 5 is closed (see Figure 7).

Note further that the opening / closing branches 5 in such a configuration involves the variation in length of the blades 1a, 1b, which is difficult, but can be done by slight bending of the blade. Advantageously, the lengths of the blades 1a, 1b are chosen such that the position "at rest" (that is to say the position in which there is no stress on the length of the blades 1a, 1 b) corresponds to the closed position of the branch 5. This is therefore a minimum potential. When it comes to open the branch 5, the upper blade 1b (in the configuration shown in Figures 6 and 7) is contracted, while the lower blade 1 has undergone rather a stretch. The elongation / shortening of the blades 1a, 1b being almost impossible, the upper blade 1b hinges. The potential energy of the branch 5 then increases. In the open position, as one see Figure 7, we come to exceed the plane formed by the al dash of d pa ders of coaches (which corresponds to a m axi mum d 'potential energy). The open position is therefore stable. As soon as we start to fold a branch, we will rediscover this maximum potential energy, and the branch will continue to fold back to the end, that is to say the lowest stress position. In the case of metal branches, it is nevertheless necessary to force to bend the blades, so particularly advantageously, as seen in Figures 1 to 7, the blades 1 a, 1 b of the branch 5 are twisted, so that the blade 1b can bend in more than one direction.

The mounting of the mount is simple and is as shown in Figure 5: after installing the glasses 6 in the strapping, for each branch 5 is engaged first the notch of the lower blade 1 has in the notch of the lower part 2a of the connecting element 2, then slightly twisting the branch 5 downwards to pass the upper branch 1b above the upper part 2b, and nest their respective notches.

Second embodiment

A second particularly advantageous embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8 to 15, of which FIGS. 13 and 14-15 show two slight variations.

In this embodiment, as can be seen for example in FIG. 8, a branch 5 of a telescope is divided into three blades 1a, 1b, 1 2, including a central blade 1 2 and two end blades 1a, 1 b (respectively lower and upper), the opening and / or closing of a branch causing the elastic deformation of the central blade 12. This deformation is particularly illustrated in Figure 9: the central blade 12 fits advantageously in a slot formed in the connecting element 2 by which the branch 5 is connected to the front portion 4 mounting. In contrast to the preceding embodiment, the two pairs of notches through which the end plates 1a, 1b and the connecting element 2 engage are aligned. We have a unique axis of rotation. However, as seen in Figure 1 0, the slot in formed in the connecting element is not aligned with this axis of rotation. The blade 12 which inserts into it thus undergoes, as in the previous case, a deformation with respect to the extremal blades 1 a, 1 b, unlike the fact that it is movable in translation inside the slot, and therefore that the deformation does not consist in a bending, but simply a curvature at its base (compare the two branches 5 of the frame of Figure 10).

When the branch is in the open position, all the blades 1a, 1b, 1 2 are substantially parallel. Here again, there is a m imum of potential. By folding the branch 5, the deformation of the central branch 1 2 is progressively increased, and one achieves an unm axi mum of potential when the branch 5 is orthogonal to the connection element 2. The energy decreases again on the any end of the folding movement, so that the closed position is also stable.

As can be seen in FIG. 11, which represents in detail the branch 5, the two end plates 1a, 1b advantageously meet at their ends via a rod 51. Indeed, this embodiment does not imply any relative deformation of the lower extremal blade 1a with respect to the upper extremal blade 1b. These two blades 1a, 1b have the same movement, so it is interesting to secure them to prevent any unplanned deformation.

In the example shown, the notches on the blades 1a and 1b are a bit special: instead of splitting the two blades 1a, 1b on their inner half as was the case in the first embodiment, two recesses 231 and 232 are made in the thickness of the blades 1a, 1b. In other words, instead of making a cut (ie a recess over the entire thickness of the blade), two half-cuts are made (ie two recesses not vis-à-vis on half the thickness of the blade). Thus, seen from above the blades 1a, 1b have an "S" profile. The lower and upper portions 2a, 2b then have, as can be seen in FIG. 12, lugs 221 and 222 complementary to the recesses 231 and 232. The notch around which the rotation is made is defined by the interstice between the lugs 221 and 222. It will therefore be understood that even if they are less visible than in the previous embodiment, each leg 5 and the associated connecting element 2 have two pairs of complementary notches able to engage. The use of "half-notches" provides an aesthetically interesting effect of total complementarity of the branch 5 and its connecting element. As seen in Figure 8, when the branch 5 is unfolded the two parts fully integrate.

Advantageously, a portion 233 of the central blade 12 is partially hollowed so as to cooperate with a hollow portion 223 common to the lower and upper portions 2a, 2b of the connecting element 2, and the central blade 12 being finished by a pin 234. inserted into said slot 224 formed in the connecting element 2. All this makes it possible, on the one hand, for the central blade 12 to be integrated in both the connecting element 2 and the end plates 1a, 1b, and allowing on the other hand to prevent with the pin 234 that the central blade 12 out of the hole 224 if it was forced on the branches 5 (opening them too).

A first slight variant of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 13. As can be seen, the end plates 1a and 1b are not of equal width. Unlike the case described above, the branches 5 and the connecting elements 2 are not symmetrical. At the level of the lower junction (lower portion 2a / lower extremal blade 1a), it can be seen that the two "half-cuts" and the S-profile are not found, but a cut-out throughout the thickness as in the notches of the first embodiment.

If one of the extremal blades (here the lower blade 1a) is really thinner than the other (here the upper blade 1b), it is possible to physically separate this blade at its base (ie the notch extends over the entire width of the branch 5), the blade is no longer connected to the rest of the branch than via the rod 51 which in the drawings connects the ends of the two extremal blades 1a, 1b. This configuration is advantageous since on the one hand the central blade 12 is less opposite and can be deformed freely, and on the other hand the two parts 2a, 2b of the connecting element 2 are securely held together while having an internal space (defined by the slots which make the end of the blade 12 is disjoint extremity blades 1a, 1b) which is not a closed space in the plane formed by the branch 5. In other words, this internal space "Opens" on the outside of the branch 5. This makes it easier to assemble the branch 5 to the connecting element 2 than in the previous case where a rather complex movement of insertion of the connecting element 2 between one of the end plates 1a, 1b and the central blade 12 followed by a rotational movement was necessary.

In the second slight variant, shown in Figures 14 and 15, the central blade 12 is in fact an extremal blade. As seen, the blades 1a and 1b are in fact a single block. The central blade 12 is part of a lateral arm that is just folded against the rest of the branch 5. A little material is however removed at the head 233, 234 of the central blade so that it can "cross" the rest of the branch 5. Compared to the basic version of the second embodiment of the invention, this configuration is more aesthetic, because there are no more visible slots separating the blades 1a, 1b 12, since the central blade 12 is hidden behind the rest of the branch 5. Third embodiment

A third particularly advantageous embodiment is shown in FIGS. 16 to 23.

In this embodiment, the branch 5 of the bezel is divided into two blades 1a, 1b. And as seen for example in Figure 16, the lower and upper blades 1a, 1b cross to reverse. It is then the upper blade 1b which is connected to the lower part 2a connecting element and the lower blade 1a which is connected to the upper part 2b of connecting element 2.

This crossing is however not natural: the branches 5 are made so that at rest the blades 1a, 1b are substantially parallel. It is therefore necessary to have a mechanical constraint to put them in a crossed position, a constraint which causes the blades 1a, 1b to tend to uncross by generating a mutual constraint: the upper blade 1b (whose end is in the "lower" position) induces a upward constraint, and the lower blade 1a (whose end is in the "upper" position) induces a downward constraint (represented respectively by the vectors â and S in FIG. 22). In other words, even if the role of the blades 1a, 1b is reversed, any element inserted in force between them is therefore subjected, as in the other embodiments, to a compressive force in the direction Oy. lower and upper portions 2a, 2b of connecting element 2 are similarly sandwiched between the at least two blades 1a, 1b of one of the branches 5 of glasses.

This embodiment makes it particularly advantageous thanks to this cross a frame in a single piece. As can be seen in FIG. 17, it is possible for each branch 5 to be the upper blade 1b and the lower part 2a of connecting element, or the lower blade 1a and the upper part 2b of connecting element ( 2), be monolithic. In this case, in Figure 17, it is the upper part 2b and the lower blade 1a which are monolithic. Crossing reconnects the other two (the upper blade 1b and the lower part 2a). It is always possible to have three distinct parts (the front part 4 and the two branches 5) and two interlocking branches (upper and lower part), but the frame in one piece has many advantages, both on the financial plan only on the aesthetic level. Note that although one of the blades 1a, 1b and one of the parts 2a, 2b of the connecting element are one, it will always be considered that the lower and upper portions 2a, 2b are sandwiched between the two blades 1a, 1b. As soon as the production is completed, a monoblock plant is advantageously produced flat. It is therefore necessary to twist the one-piece blade with the connecting element 2 so that it extends well in a direction transverse to the plane defined by the front part 4 mount. The assembly is done as shown in Figures 20 and 21 by the interlocking of the end of the blade (here 1b) free in an associated receptacle on the free part (here 2a) of the connecting element. This nesting is in force (J trajectory).

Depending on the flexibility of the blades 1a, 1b the fact that they tend to return to their initial position may advantageously result in a concavity of the branch 5, clearly visible in FIG. 23. According to the position of the branch 5 with respect to the plane generated by the connecting element 2 of the branch 5, it can be seen that two concavity directions are possible: concavity "facing inwards" (the center of curvature is located outside the frame, open position branches 5 in Figure 23 above) or concavity "facing inward" (the center of curvature is located inside the frame, closed position of the branches 5 in Figure 23 below). And the opening and closing of the branch 5 implicates the crossing of this plane generated by the connecting element 2 of the branch 5, ie an inversion of the meaning of this concavity. This makes it possible to have, as in the other embodiments, stable open and closed positions: the inversion of the concavity (i.e. passing through a zero concavity) is a maximum of potential. Fourth embodiment

A fourth particularly advantageous embodiment is shown in FIGS. 24 to 30. In contrast to the previously described embodiments in which three or even one piece were required, five are required here. However, as seen in Figure 24, the blades 1a, 1b are hidden and no cutout is visible on the branches 5. It is aesthetically the model pl usa shop, with all the advantages described above.

As can be seen particularly in FIG. 26, a tongue 10 is inserted into a cavity provided for this purpose in the branch 5. It is this tongue 10 that has the two blades 1a and 1b that i enclose as explained above the two parts 2a, 2b of the connecting element. It is further noted that the tongue 10 has at the end opposite the blades 1a, 1b a kind of hook which will be forced into the branch 5. As can be seen in Figure 27 it s is the only point of attachment between the leg 5 and the tongue 1 0. The latter is chosen material and thickness such that it can be deformed so that its end having the blades 1 a, 1 b can slightly away from the rest of the branch 5. This is a deformation similar to that which could have the central blade 12 relative to the extremal blades 1 a, 1 b in the second embodiment.

And as it is still seen in FIG. 27, the notches on the lower and upper portions 2a, 2b of the connecting element 2 are arranged in such a manner that neither the deflection pin nor the element portion of FIG. the connection beyond the notch is substantially longer than it is wide (in other words the notch is not too close to the end of the connecting element 2). Thus the section of this lug according to the plane xOz is an elongated rectangle, which is inserted into the gap between the branch 5 and the tongue 10.

During an opening / closing of the branch 5, in the reference system of the branch this rectangular spigot pivots on itself. And as we see, by turning it comes to bear both on the inner faces of the limb 5 and the tongue 10 by applying forces represented by the vectors a and b in Figure 27. This forces the tongue uette 1 0 to deform: it is necessary to bring energy to open or close the branch 5, as in other embodiments. The two stable positions are the positions separated by 90 ° in which one of the sides of the rectangular pin is parallel to the axis of the branch 5. These are the positions open and closed. It may be possible to reduce the force to be provided to move from one position to another by slightly filing the angles of this lug.

Figures 28 to 30 show a slight variant of this fourth embodiment. Here the front portion 4 can be covered with a shell 7. This shell 7 can be changed by the user to change according to his desires the appearance of his eyeglass frame. It also makes it possible to hide the locking elements 3 and the connecting elements 2, so it is possible to have no visible cutout on the entire spectacle frame.

The front part 4 of mount can be chosen the simplest and cheapest possible, since it is hidden by the shell 7. As can be seen in Figure 29, the shell 7 advantageously comprises connecting element covers 2 also extending in a direction transverse to the plane defined by the front portion 4 mounting. As can be seen in FIG. 30, if the front portion 4 is chosen to be relatively flexible, the connecting elements tend to deform outwards. The shell 7 prevents this deformation by generating reciprocal constraints a, b and c which allow the locking of the front portion 4 in the shell 7. The front portion 4 is as "clipped" in the shell 7. In addition, the blades 1a , 1b branches 5 further improve this blocking of the front portion 4 in the shell 7.

Fifth embodiment

A fifth particularly advantageous embodiment is shown in FIGS. 35 to 39.

This is the single-blade embodiment discussed above. As can be seen in FIG. 37b, the blade is at the same time referenced by the numbers 1a and 1b, since it simultaneously plays the role of these two blades of the other embodiments: as the lower blade 1a its face upper is supported on the underside of the lower part 2a (that i is in the upper position beyond the point of intersection), and as upper blade 1b its lower face bears on the upper face of the upper part 2b (which is in the lower position). beyond the crossing point). It is, however, that it is enclosed by the connecting element 2, and not the other way around.

The blade 1a, 1b is oriented towards the rear of the branch 5 (there is therefore a 180 ° turn) so as to create a hinge.

The coupling element 2 may have the same object and more variants: either a simple notch 224, as shown in FIGS. 36a and 36b, or a more complex shape with additional external lugs not aligned with the recess provided for the passage of the branch 1a, 1b (see Figures 36c and 36d), relatively similar to that shown in Figure 1 2c. In this second variant, the branch may have two extremal blades (not shown) in addition to the main blade 1a, 1b, but it should be noted that these additional blades have no effect of blockage e, ma is only the "torsion" effect described above which makes it possible to have stable open and closed positions of branches. This variant is similar to the second embodiment, with the difference that the lower and upper parts 2a, 2b of the connecting element cross each other.

In addition and / or alternatively, the branch 1a, 1b may be as shown in FIGS. 37a, 37b, 38a and 38b being extended by an inward folding noted 1 2 (since it is equivalent to the central blade 1 2 of the second embodiment) which acts as a spring. As can be seen in FIGS. 38a and 38b, the rotation of the branch 5 from the open position towards the closed position imposes a spacing ab between the branch 5 and the central blade 12, whence a deformation which passes through a maximum potential. Curving the end of the blade 12 further enhances this effect.

This embodiment with a locking blade is particularly robust. As can be seen in FIG. 39a, it supports, without any problem, twists, in particular towards the outside of a branch 5. Complements on the locking element

As explained above, the locking element 3 is an element ensuring that there can be no relative movement of the two halves of the strapping in the direction Oz. It consists of at least two superimposed levels of patterns 31 1, 312, 321, 322 complementary on either side of the slot and located substantially in the plane of the front portion 4 mount. The locking element 3 is particularly visible in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 18, 25 and 31 to 34.

The invention is not limited to any particular pattern geometry. It is only desirable that there are suf fi cient support suf fi ciently large enough for there to be a blocking effect. Each pair of facing surfaces further prevents only displacement in one direction of movement. For example, considering FIG. 2, supposing that the lower second layer pattern 31 2 is suppressed (such a case would not be in accordance with the invention, since one of the lower and upper units of a level would not be more complementary on both sides of the slot: there would be a vacuum), the upper pattern of first layer 321 no longer have support surface facing. There would then be blockage only between the lower pattern of first layer 31 1 and the upper pattern of second layer 322: a push on the bottom of the glass 6 (corresponding to a movement along + z of the lower part 2a of the connecting element 2 with respect to the upper part 2b) would be prevented, unlike a pull on the bottom of the glass 6 (corresponding to a displacement along z of the lower part 2a of the connecting element 2 with respect to the upper part 2b). When the pattern 312 is present, the displacement is prevented in both directions.

Since we have a complementary pair of distinct patterns on two levels, we see that there is existence of two pairs of bearing surfaces facing preventing movement in both directions. However, the two pairs of facing surfaces may be unbalanced and have substantially different areas.

To avoid this risk, as shown in all the figures, advantageously the lower level of the first level 31 1 is substantially identical to the second level top pattern 322, and the second level lower pattern 312 is substantially identical to the top pattern of first level 321. In other words, the locking element 3 has a central symmetry.

Advantageously, to maximize the bearing surfaces, one can further choose that the patterns are made so that their median plane includes the center of symmetry.

An advantageous form of pattern, resembling a "wave" is repeated in many figures. By waveform is meant any form of bump substantially curved, in other words deviating laterally. This form has a hook function, and as can be seen in FIG. 4, it can indifferently be oriented to the left as to the right. With respect to a pattern that would be symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the yOz plane, the waveform requires a certain force to be nested (along a path J visible for example in FIG. 25), and holds in place better.

As seen in FIGS. 42a, 42b and 43a, the vagu-shaped pattern may be completed with a male stud 331 (and its female counterpart 332) on the complementary pattern. As can be seen in FIG. 42b, the interlocking of this pin 332 is made by elasticity of the front part of the frame. This pin still significantly improves the self-locking effect offered by the waveform.

It should be noted that this pin can also be used on the connecting element 2 (see the pin 2331 in Figures 45a, 45b and 45c) to enhance the stability of the position of the branches in case of vibrations. In fact, it is necessary to prevent the branches from opening spontaneously when the glasses are folded. When combined with certain thinning portions 421, 424, 423 of the frame front portion 4 and in particular of the straps (see FIGS. 17 and 18), the reinforcing effect further enhances the locking effect imparted by 3. Indeed, when the glass 6 is in place, it comes to press the entire periphery and the two halves of the strapping have natural tendency to deviate. In the absence of thinning, this constraint is of vertical axis (according to Oy). And, as can be seen for example in FIG. 18, a thinning 424 of the strapping located under the glass 6 (and advantageously on the outer side of the glass 6, that is to say on the side of the element of 2) facilitates locally its deformation, which changes the orientation of the stress which tends to spread the two halves of the strapping on both sides of the slot: represented by the vectors a and S in Figure 1 8, this stress deviates from the vertical, and is then substantially orthogonal to the main direction of the wave-shaped pattern 31 1 of the locking element.

If the pattern 31 1 is a wave this time turned outward (see Figure 31), one can achieve the same result by slimming the part of the strapping of the inner side of the glass 6.

The locking element 3 in two layers as seen in most of the figures is mainly by chemical cutting. Not having two layers but continuously varying from one pattern level to another level (as seen in FIGS. 32 to 34) allows the use of other manufacturing techniques.

For example, the bevel cut as seen in Figure 32 is achievable by mechanical milling. In this configuration, the bearing surfaces are oblique, and not vertical as in the case of two layers, but as the two parts 2a, 2b of the connection element are kept in contact, this does not in any way diminish the blocking efficiency of the locking element 3.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 33, there is a bevel cut, but the angle varies continuously. There are no longer two bevels of the same type in the case of Figure 32. This makes possible a laser cut in a single pass: as seen in Figure 34, it is sufficient to move laterally the laser while simultaneously making a rotational movement around the Ox axis. This simple and fast process advantageously makes it possible to generate a particularly effective locking element 3 since it respects (if the speed of rotation of the laser is constant) the central symmetry conditions mentioned above.

In the case of machining by chemical cutting, there is sometimes a difficulty in etching the material at the pattern cross points 322, 321, 312, 311 (see Figure 43a). This causes an accumulation of undesirable material, which can interfere with the interlocking of the two halves of the locking element 3. To remedy this, a small quantity of material is advantageously removed beforehand by creating two cavities 341, 342 at the precise location where said patterns intersect. Then, as seen in Figure 43b, the excess material not removed by the chemical cutting method is housed in these cavities material and is no longer undesirable for fitting parts. These small material cavities 341, 342 are blind cavities (i.e., non-through cavities) housed behind the face 4 in order to be concealed, as can still be seen in FIG. 43b.

Alternatively to the waveform, there is shown in Figs. 44a, 44b and 44c an embodiment of the locking member 3 having a helical shape, the lower level first pattern (311), upper level first pattern (321 ), lower second level pattern (312), and second level top pattern (322) being helix portions. The locking element is assembled by a rotational movement. This form has a strong lock and is aesthetic.

Claims

1. Eyeglass frame comprising a front part (4) of frame and two branches (5) of spectacles, one end of which has at least one blade (1a, 1b), the front part (4) of frame having two suitable straps receiving glasses (6) glasses, and two connecting elements (2) with a branch (5) of the telescope extending in a direction transverse to the plane defined by the front portion (4) mount, each strapping being slotted in a slot so as to allow engagement or disengagement of the glasses (6) of spectacles from said front frame part (4), said slot extending in the connecting element (2) so as to define a lower part (2a) of connecting element and an upper part (2b) of connecting element, said upper and lower parts (2a, 2b) of connecting element (2) being held in contact by the at least one blade (1 a, 1 b) of one of the branches (5) of the unettes,

characterized in that the front portion (4) of the bezel further comprises for each strapping a locking member (3) at the slot, said locking member (3) consisting of at least two superposed levels of patterns (31 1 , 31 2, 321, 322) complementary on either side of the slot and located substantially in the plane of the front portion (4) mounting, which when they are fitted together prevent relative movement of the lower and upper parts (2a, 2b) of the connecting element in said transverse direction relative to the plane defined by the front portion (4) mount.

2. Mount of unettes according revenditation ication 1, wherein the dndes lower and upper part (2a, 2b) of connecting element (2) intersect so as to grip said blade (1 a, 1 b) au- beyond a point of intersection of said lower and upper part (2a, 2b) of connecting element (2).

3. Mount of nets according to claim 1, wherein the end of the branches (5) is divided into at least two blades (1a, 1b), said lower and upper parts (2a, 2b) of connecting element (2) being sandwiched between the at least two blades (1a, 1b) of one of the branches (5) of glasses.

Eyeglass frame according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one blade (1a, 1b) of a limb (5) and the connecting element (2) of the limb (5). have a pair of complementary notches able to fit together.

5. Eyeglass frame according to claim 4, in which firstly one of the blades (1a, 1b) of the limb (5) and the lower part (2a) of the connecting element (2) of the limb (5) has a first pair of complementary notches able to engage, and on the other hand another of the blades (1a, 1b) of the limb (5) and the upper part (2b) of the connecting element (2) of the branch (5) have a second pair of complementary notches able to engage.

6. Eyeglass frame according to claim 5, wherein the first pair of notches and the second pair of notches are not aligned, so that the opening and / or closing of the branch (5) of glasses causes (s) the relative deformation of the blades (1 a, 1 b) of the branch (5).

7. Mount of the u nettes according to claim 6, wherein said blades (1 a, 1 b) of the branch (5) are twisted.

8. spectacle frame according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein a branch (5) of the bezel is divided into three blades (1 a, 1 b, 1 2) including a central core e (1 2) and two end blades (1 a, 1 b), the opening and / or closure of a branch causing the elastic deformation of the central blade (12).

9. Eyeglass frame according to claim 8, wherein the two end blades (1a, 1b) of the branch (5) of the bezel meet at their end.

10. Eyeglass frame according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the central blade (12) of the branch (5) of glasses is inserted into a slot in the connecting element (2) by which the branch (5) is connected to the front part (4) mount.

11. Eyeglass frame according to claim 3, wherein a branch (5) of the bezel is divided into two blades (1a, 1b) including a lower blade (1a) and a blade superior (1b). ), said lower and upper blades (1a, 1b) intersecting so that the upper blade (1b) is connected to the bottom portion (2a) of connecting member and the lower blade (1a) is connected to the upper part (2b) of connecting element (2).

12. spectacle frame according to claim 1 1, wherein the lower and upper blades (1a, 1b) of the branch (5) are placed in a crossed position by applying a mechanical stress, so that the parts The upper and lower connecting elements (2a, 2b) are clamped so that said upper and lower blades (1a and 1b) of the branch (5) tend to return to their initial position by uncrossing.

Eyeglass frame according to claim 11, in which the fact that said lower and upper blades (1a and 1b) of the branch (5) tend to return to their initial position causes a concavity of the branch (5), the opening and closing of the branch (5) involving the reversal of the meaning of this concavity.

14. spectacle frame according to one of claims 12 or 13, wherein for each branch (5) is the upper blade (1b) and the lower part (2a) connecting element are monolithic or the lower blade (1 a) and the upper part (2b) connecting element (2) are monolithic, so that the spectacle frame consists of a single piece.

Eyeglass frame according to one of claims 1 to

14, wherein a strapping of the frame front portion (4) comprises a thinned portion (424) located under the glass (6).

Eyeglass frame according to one of claims 1 to

15, wherein the hoops adapted to receive glasses (6) of glasses are connected to the front portion (4) mounting by flexible shafts (431, 432, 433).

Eyeglass frame according to one of claims 1 to

16, wherein the locking element (3) comprises a first level lower pattern (31 1), a first level top pattern (321), a second level lower pattern (312), a second level upper pattern (322), the contour of the first level lower pattern (31 1) substantially coinciding with the outline of the first pattern of the first pattern (321), the contou r of the second pattern second pattern (321) substantially coinciding with the outline of the second level top pattern (322), the lower first level pattern (31 1) being substantially identical to the second level top pattern (322), and the second level lower pattern (312) being substantially identical to the upper level pattern (321); first level (321).

The spectacle frame according to claim 17, wherein the two levels consist of two layers, and the lower pattern of one of the levels (31 1) and the upper pattern of the other layer (322) have substantially a shape. of wave.

19. Eyeglass frame according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the locking element (3) has a helical shape.