FR3061564A1 - ADJUSTABLE WOOD ELEMENT FOR EYEGLASS MOUNT, SUCH AS EYEWEAR BRANCH - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a wooden element (1) for spectacle frames, comprising the following steps: - providing an oblong wooden piece, extending in a longitudinal direction (x), and having a fiber structure (20) ; - Heat and compress the wooden piece in the longitudinal direction to change the fiber structure; - Dry and then machine the wooden part to remove compression creases that may appear during compression; - Cut the oblong wooden part along a cutting plane parallel to the longitudinal direction to obtain a longitudinal portion in which the fiber structure has a majority of fibers extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction; g) machining the longitudinal edge so as to obtain the wooden element.

Description

Holder (s):

KILLINE OPTICAL LTD.

O Extension request (s):

® Agent (s): CABINET GERMAIN & MAUREAU.

* 54) ADJUSTABLE WOODEN ELEMENT FOR EYEWEAR FRAME, SUCH AS EYEWEAR BRANCH

FR 3,061,564 - A1

@) Method of manufacturing a wooden element (1) for spectacle frame, comprising the successive steps:

- Provide an oblong wooden piece, extending in a longitudinal direction (x), and having a fiber structure (20);

- heating and then compressing the wooden part in the longitudinal direction in order to modify the fiber structure;

- dry and then machine the wooden part to remove compression folds that may appear during compression;

- Cut the oblong wooden piece along a cutting plane parallel to the longitudinal direction to obtain a longitudinal section in which the fiber structure has a majority of fibers extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction;

g) machine the longitudinal section so as to obtain the wooden element.

i

Adjustable wooden element for spectacle frame, such as spectacle arm

Technical area

The invention relates to the technical field of adjustable wooden elements for spectacle frames.

The invention mainly finds its application in the manufacture of adjustable wooden spectacle branches.

However, the invention can also find its application in cabinetmaking, decoration or even jewelry. By way of nonlimiting examples, one can cite a stair railing, a fence, a cane, a handle, a sculpture, a toy, a window, an organ, a garden tool, a chair, a bench, a boat fittings, table legs, works of art.

State of the prior art

It is known in the state of the art to equip a spectacle frame with wooden temples. The wood used is conventionally solid wood or laminated wood. Such an original frame becomes popular with eyewear designers in order to highlight a noble and eco-responsible material.

Such branches of wooden glasses of the prior art are not entirely satisfactory insofar as they are liable to break when a user or an optician tries to bend them in order to obtain an adjustment in particular with respect to temples and ears of the user.

Statement of the invention

The invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks. To this end, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wooden element for a spectacle frame, comprising the successive steps:

a) provide an oblong piece of wood, extending in a longitudinal direction, and having a fiber structure;

b) heating the oblong wooden piece;

c) compressing the oblong wooden piece in the longitudinal direction, so as to modify the fiber structure;

d) dry the oblong wooden piece;

e) machine the oblong wooden piece, so as to remove any compression folds that may appear during step c);

f) cutting the oblong wooden piece according to a chosen cutting plane parallel to the longitudinal direction, to obtain at least one longitudinal section of the oblong wooden piece so that the fiber structure has a majority of fibers extending along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction;

g) machine the longitudinal section, so as to obtain the wooden element for spectacle frame.

Thus, such a method according to the invention makes it possible to obtain at the end of step g) a wooden element for a spectacle frame which can be bent (adjusted) without risk of breakage. Step b) softens the wood. Step c) makes the wood malleable by modifying the fiber structure. More specifically, the fibers are deformed in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction at the end of step c). Step d) reduces the water content in the wood. Step f) makes it possible to obtain a wood with very low risk of breakage while keeping the fiber structure intact in a longitudinal plane.

Definitions

- By "oblong" is meant that the wooden piece is longer than wide.

- By "substantially parallel" is meant that the majority of fibers extend in a longitudinal plane in a first direction forming an angle between -20 ° and 20 °, preferably between -15 ° and 15 °, with the direction longitudinal.

The method according to the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the oblong wooden piece provided during step a) has a dimension, denoted L _o , in the longitudinal direction; step c) is performed so that the oblong wooden piece compressed at the end of step c) has a dimension, noted L, in the longitudinal direction verifying 75% L ₀ <L <85% L _o , preferably L = 80% L _o .

Thus, an advantage provided is to modify the fiber structure in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction in order to make the wood malleable, and this while limiting the deformations of the fiber structure in a longitudinal plane.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the oblong wooden piece provided during step a) has:

- a peripheral surface extending in the longitudinal direction;

- two opposite end surfaces, parallel, and interconnected by the peripheral surface;

step c) being carried out by exercising:

- a first pressure on at least one end surface so as to compress the oblong wooden piece in the longitudinal direction; and

- At least a second pressure on the peripheral surface so as to guide the compression in the longitudinal direction, without deforming the oblong wooden piece in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Thus, an advantage obtained is to improve the compression efficiency while maintaining an excellent quality of wood thanks to both the second pressure exerted on the peripheral surface, and the first pressure exerted on at least one of the two parallel end surfaces.

It should be noted that, although the fiber structure is deformed in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction during step c) - to make the wood malleable - the wooden part is not deformed in the transverse plane in the sense that the peripheral surface of the wooden part is not deformed in the transverse plane thanks to the second pressure exerted.

Advantageously, during step c), a first pressure is exerted on each end surface.

According to a characteristic of the invention, step d) is carried out at a temperature between 20 ° C and 30 ° C for a period between 3 days and 5 days, preferably 4 days.

Thus, an advantage provided is to obtain easy drying at room temperature.

According to a characteristic of the invention, step b) is carried out by steam heating at a temperature between 90 ° C and 110 ° C, preferably 100 ° C, for a period between 80 minutes and 200 minutes , preferably between 120 and 160 minutes.

Thus, an advantage provided is to be able to soften the wood before compression in an easy manner, for example using an autoclave.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the oblong wooden piece provided during step a) is free from cracks and knots.

Thus, an advantage obtained is the obtaining of quality wood without major defects.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the oblong wooden piece provided during step a) is made of a wood selected from the group comprising an ash wood, a beech wood, a cherry wood, a elm, maple wood, oak wood, American oak wood, walnut wood.

Thus, an advantage provided by these types of wood is their ease of malleability.

The invention also relates to a wooden element for a spectacle frame, obtained by a process in accordance with the invention.

The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing a branch of glasses, comprising the steps:

a ₀ ) provide a wooden element according to the invention;

b ₀ ) forming a longitudinal groove, extending in the longitudinal direction, in the wooden element;

c ₀ ) placing a reinforcing rod, preferably metallic, in the longitudinal groove.

Thus, such a method according to the invention makes it possible to improve the mechanical strength of the wooden element over time, as successive bends are made, thanks to the reinforcing rod forming an armature.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the method comprises a step d ₀ ) consisting of covering the wooden element and the reinforcing rod with a covering part.

Thus, the covering part makes it possible both to conceal the reinforcing rod and to keep the reinforcing rod in position in the groove.

The invention also relates to a branch of glasses obtained by a process according to the invention.

The invention finally relates to a spectacle frame, comprising two branches of spectacles according to the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages will appear in the detailed description of different embodiments of the invention, the presentation being accompanied by examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figures la to le are schematic perspective views of an oblong wooden piece, illustrating different stages of a method of manufacturing a wooden element for spectacle frame according to the invention, at the end of which is obtained at minus a longitudinal section of the oblong wooden piece.

Figures le and lf are schematic perspective views of a longitudinal section, illustrating two variants of a step of machining the longitudinal section so as to obtain the wooden element for spectacle frame.

Figure 2a has two schematic side views of a wooden element for spectacle frame obtained at the end of the method according to the invention, before and after bending.

Figure 2b has two views similar to those of Figure 2a, and illustrates an ineffective choice of a cutting plane or machining during the execution of a method according to the invention.

Figure 2c has two views similar to those of Figure 2a, and illustrates another inoperative choice of a cutting plane or machining during the execution of a method according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a branch of glasses obtained at the end of a method according to the invention, illustrating a first arrangement of a covering part and a reinforcing rod.

Figure 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a branch of glasses obtained at the end of a method according to the invention, illustrating a second arrangement of a covering part and a reinforcing rod.

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a branch of glasses obtained at the end of a process according to the invention, illustrating a third arrangement of a reinforcing rod, in the absence of a covering part.

Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a wooden part obtained at the end of the process according to the invention, the wooden part being intended to form a front bar for spectacle frames.

Detailed description of the embodiments

Identical elements or ensuring the same function will have the same references for the different embodiments, for the sake of simplification.

An object of the invention is a method of manufacturing a wooden element 1 for a spectacle frame, comprising the successive steps:

a) providing an oblong wooden piece 2, extending in a longitudinal direction x, and having a fiber structure 20;

b) heating the oblong wooden piece 2;

c) compressing the oblong wooden piece 2 in the longitudinal direction x, so as to modify the fiber structure 20;

d) dry the oblong wooden piece 2;

e) machine the oblong wooden part 2, so as to remove compression folds which may appear during step c);

f) cutting the oblong wooden piece 2 along at least one cutting plane P chosen parallel to the longitudinal direction x to obtain at least one longitudinal section 23 of the oblong wooden piece 2, so that the fiber structure 20 has on this longitudinal section 23 a majority of fibers 20 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction x;

g) machine the longitudinal section so as to obtain the wooden element 1 for spectacle frame.

Step a): provide an oblong wooden piece

The oblong wooden piece 2 provided during step a) advantageously has:

- a peripheral surface 21 extending in the longitudinal direction x;

- two opposite end surfaces 22, parallel, and interconnected by the peripheral surface 21.

By way of nonlimiting example, the oblong wooden piece 2 preferably has a rectangular cross section. By "cross section" means a section along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x. The peripheral surface 21 of the oblong wooden piece 2 then has four rectangular side faces 21, connected together by the two opposite end surfaces 22. The two opposite end surfaces 22 are parallel rectangular faces. The four lateral faces 21 delimit the peripheral surface 21 of the oblong wooden part 2.

The oblong wooden piece 2 provided during step a) is advantageously free from cracks and knots.

The oblong wooden piece 2 provided during step a) is advantageously made of a wood selected from the group comprising an ash wood, a beech wood, a cherry wood, an elm wood, a wood of maple, oak wood, American oak wood, walnut wood.

Heating step b)

Step b) is advantageously carried out by steam heating at a temperature between 90 ° C and 110 ° C, preferably 100 ° C, for a period between 80 minutes and 100 minutes, preferably 90 minutes.

Step b) is advantageously carried out in an autoclave.

Compression step c)

Step c) consists of compressing the oblong wooden piece 2 heated at the end of the step

b). Step c) must be carried out quickly after the completion of step b), for example within less than 5 minutes, and in particular less than 1 minute.

The oblong wooden piece 2 provided during step a) has a dimension, denoted L _o , in the longitudinal direction x. Step c) is executed so that the oblong wooden piece 2 compressed at the end of step c) has a dimension, noted L, in the longitudinal direction x verifying 75% L ₀ <L <85% L _o , preferably L = 80% L _o .

Step c) is advantageously carried out by exercising:

- A first pressure P _t on each end surface 22 so as to compress the oblong wooden piece 2 in the longitudinal direction x; and

- At least a second pressure P ₂ on the peripheral surface 21 so as to compress the oblong wooden part 2 in transverse directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction x, in order to guide the compression in the longitudinal direction x, without deforming the part in oblong wood 2 along the transverse directions orthogonal to the longitudinal direction x.

Advantageously, a second pressure P ₂ is exerted on each lateral face of the peripheral surface 21, orthogonal to each lateral face.

The first pressure P _t is in particular of the order of 30 to 50 MPa depending on the type of wood. The second pressure P ₂ is in particular of the order of 5 to 10 MPa depending on the type of wood. The first pressure P _t is greater than the second pressure P ₂ .

Step c) can be carried out using a motorized, pneumatic or hydraulic press.

Step d) drying

Step d) consists in drying the oblong wooden piece 2 compressed at the end of step c). Step d) is advantageously carried out at a temperature between 20 ° C and 30 ° C for a period of between 3 days and 5 days, preferably 4 days. Step d) can therefore be carried out at room temperature.

Step d) can be performed in the open air.

Machining step e)

Step e) consists of machining the oblong wooden piece 2 dried at the end of step d). More specifically, step e) consists in machining the peripheral surface 21 of the oblong wooden piece 2, for example the four rectangular side faces 21. Step e) is advantageously carried out so as to keep the proportions of the oblong wooden piece 2 compressed at the end of step c) and dried at the end of step d). The dotted lines in Figure lb illustrate the shape of the oblong wooden piece 2 at the end of step e).

Step e) can be performed using a planer or sander.

Cutting step f)

Step f) consists of cutting the oblong wooden piece 2 machined at the end of step e). The cutting plane P is chosen so that the fiber structure 20 on the longitudinal edge 23 has a majority of fibers 20 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction x. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. Le and ld, we choose to keep the face F _t of the oblong wooden piece 2 where the majority of fibers 20 extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction x, while the face F ₂ of the oblong wooden piece 2 is discarded because the majority of fibers 20 extend in an oblique direction relative to the longitudinal direction x. In other words, the or each longitudinal section 23 will be parallel to the face F1 retained.

As can be seen in FIG. 1d, it is possible to cut the oblong wooden part 2 along several cutting planes P parallel to one another and parallel to the face F1 retained, so as to obtain several longitudinal sections 23.

FIGS. 2b and 2c each illustrate a wooden element 1 for an eyeglass branch, at the end of step g), with a wrong choice of cutting plane P. After the curvature of the wooden element 1, it one or more break zones ZC appear due to the discontinuity of the fibers 20.

For the sake of simplification, the reference numeral 1 has been assigned in FIGS. 1f and 1g to the area of the longitudinal section 23 partially delimiting the future wooden element 1 after step g) of machining.

Step f) can be carried out using a saw, such as a multi-blade circular saw for cutting several longitudinal sections 23 of the same thickness.

Machining step q)

Step g) consists of machining the oblong wooden piece 2 cut at the end of step f). Step g) makes it possible to shape the oblong wooden piece 2 so as to give it, for example, the shape of a bezel branch of rectangular section (cf. FIGS. 1f and 2a), of a bezel branch of cylindrical section ( see figure lg) or a front bar for spectacle frames (see figure 6).

Step f) can be carried out by means of a machining apparatus, and in particular a numerically controlled machining apparatus and pantograph.

Manufacturing of a branch of glasses

An object of the invention is a method of manufacturing a branch of glasses 5, comprising the steps:

a ₀ ) provide a wooden element 1 obtained after a process according to the invention;

b ₀ ) forming a longitudinal groove 50, extending in the longitudinal direction x, in the wooden element 1;

c ₀ ) placing a reinforcing rod 6, preferably metallic, in the longitudinal groove 50.

The longitudinal groove 50 can be formed in the wooden element 1 by having a central position, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. The longitudinal groove 50 can be formed in the wooden element 1 by having a peripheral position, as illustrated in Figure 4.

The method advantageously comprises a step d ₀ ) consisting in covering the wooden element 1 and the reinforcing rod 6 with a covering piece 7. The covering piece 7 can be produced in the form of a plate. The cover piece 7 is preferably made of a wood-free material, such as for example a plastic, polymeric or composite material.

The reinforcing rod 6 is advantageously provided with a hinge 60 allowing the spectacle arm 5 to pivot on a front of the spectacle frame.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments set out. Those skilled in the art are able to consider their technically effective combinations, and to substitute equivalents for them.

Claims (13)

1. Method of manufacturing a wooden element (1) for spectacle frame, comprising the successive steps: a) provide an oblong wooden piece (2), extending in a longitudinal direction (x), and having a fiber structure (20); b) heating the oblong wooden piece (2); c) compressing the oblong wooden piece (2) in the longitudinal direction (x), so as to modify the fiber structure (20); d) dry the oblong wooden piece (2); e) machine the oblong wooden part (2), so as to remove compression folds that may appear during step c); f) cutting the oblong wooden piece (2) along at least one cutting plane (P) chosen parallel to the longitudinal direction (x), in order to obtain at least one longitudinal section (23) of the oblong wooden piece (2) so that the fiber structure (20) has on said longitudinal edge (23) a majority of fibers (20) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (x); g) machine the longitudinal edge (23) so as to obtain the wooden element (1) for spectacle frames. 2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the oblong wooden piece (2) provided during step a) has a dimension, denoted L _o , in the longitudinal direction (x); step c) is executed so that the oblong wooden piece (2) compressed at the end of step c) has a dimension, noted L, in the longitudinal direction (x) verifying 75% L ₀ <L <85% L _o , preferably L = 80% L _o . 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the oblong wooden piece (2) provided during step a) has: a peripheral surface (21) extending in the longitudinal direction; two opposite end surfaces (22), parallel, and connected to each other by the peripheral surface (21); step c) being carried out by exercising: at least a first pressure (P _t ) on an end surface (22) so as to compress the oblong wooden piece (2) in the longitudinal direction (x); and - at least a second pressure (P ₂ ) on the peripheral surface (21) so as to guide the compression in the longitudinal direction (x), without deforming the oblong wooden piece (2) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction ( x). ίο 4. Method according to claim 3, in which, during step c), a first pressure (PI) is exerted on each end surface (22). 5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein step d) is carried out at a temperature between 20 ° C and 30 ° C for a period between 3 days and 5 days, preferably 4 days. 6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein step b) is carried out by steam heating at a temperature between 90 ° C and 110 ° C, preferably 100 ° C, for a period between 80 minutes and 200 minutes, preferably between 120 and 160 minutes. 7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the oblong wooden piece (2) provided during step a) is free of cracks and knots. 8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the oblong wooden piece (2) provided during step a) is made of a wood selected from the group comprising an ash wood, a beech wood , a cherry wood, an elm wood, a maple wood, an oak wood, an American oak wood, a walnut wood. 9. Wooden element (1) for spectacle frame, obtained by the method according to one of claims 1 to 8. 10. Method for manufacturing a branch of glasses (5), comprising the steps: a ₀ ) providing a wooden element (1) according to claim 9; b ₀ ) forming a longitudinal groove (50), extending in the longitudinal direction (x), in the wooden element (1); c ₀ ) placing a reinforcing rod (6), preferably metallic, in the longitudinal groove (50). 11. Method according to claim 10, comprising a step d ₀ ) consisting in covering the wooden element (1) and the reinforcing rod (6) with a covering part (7). 12. Eyeglass branch (5) obtained by the method according to claim 10 or 11. 13. Spectacle frame, comprising two branches of spectacles (5) according to claim 12. 1/6 2/6 P