GB2522446A

GB2522446A - Spectacles

Info

Publication number: GB2522446A
Application number: GB1401190.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Derek Snelgrove; Anthony Harrison-Griffin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-01-24
Filing date: 2014-01-24
Publication date: 2015-07-29
Also published as: GB201401190D0

Abstract

Spectacles are provided which include a frame; a lens; and a connector 10 for fastening the lens to the frame. The connector includes a first connector part 20 having a first frame engaging portion 21, a first protruding portion 25 and a first receptacle portion 23. A second connector (30, figure 5) has the same configuration. The frame engaging portions are configured to engage first and second sides of the frame respectively such that the first receptacle portion is disposed on the first side of the frame and receives the second protruding portion, and the second receptacle portion is disposed on the second side of the frame and receives the first protruding portion. Fasteners such as nuts (41, 42, figure 5) are configured for fastening the first and second connector parts to the frame such that the distance between the spectacle lenses can be adjusted. Connecting portions (131, 132, figure 8) are for connection to the lens. A device (101, figures 8-11) for fitting a lens having a peripheral groove to a frame and a hinge (200, 300, figures 13-21) to connect temple/arm (4, figure 21) to frame (3, figure 21) are also provided. Pad arms 400 with adjustable pad tip (420, figures 22-26) may also be used.

Description

SPECTACLES

This invention relates to spectacles. More specifically, this invention relates to a connector for fastening a lens to a frame, a device for fitting a lens to a frame, a hinge for connecting a frame to a temple, and a component for spectacles.

Conventional spectacles require professional manufacturing with specialist equipment. The manufacturing processes for the conventional spectacles ensure they are manufactured specifically to a person's eyeglass prescription. To ensure longevity, the spectacles are manufactured such that it is difficult or impossible to alter their original fit, without using the specialist equipment. The conventional spectacles are therefore limited to a single person, or at least to people with a particular eyeglass prescription. The manufacturing processes are also expensive, as they require specialist equipment.

In developing countries, many people cannot work due to vision defects and poor access to eye care professionals. Despite charitable drives to donate spectacles to the developing world, the spectacles may only be donated to a person with the same eyeglass prescription.

Furthermore, remanufacturing the spectacles in the developing country to create spectacles with the correct eyeglass prescription is not possible without the specialist equipment.

It is therefore desirable to provide spectacles that alleviate some or all of the above problems. In particular, it is desirable to provide spectacles that may be manufactured at a reduced cost and without specialist equipment.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided spectacles comprising a frame; a lens; and a connector for fastening the lens to the frame, wherein the connector includes a first connector part having a first frame engaging portion, a first protruding portion and a first receptacle portion; a second connector part having a second frame engaging portion, a second protruding portion and second receptacle portion, wherein the first and second frame engaging portions are configured to engage first and second sides of the frame respectively such that the first receptacle portion is disposed on the first side of the frame and receives the second protruding portion, and the second receptacle portion is disposed on the second side of the frame and receives the first protruding portion; a fastener configured for fastening the first and second connector parts to the frame; and a connecting portion for connection to the lens.

The connector of the spectacles of the present invention therefore includes first and second connector pads which may engage each other on opposing sides of the frame (e.g. the first receptacle portion is disposed on the first side of the frame and receives the second protruding portion passing over the top side of the frame, and the second receptacle portion is disposed on the second side of the frame and receives the first protruding portion passing under the bottom side of the frame). As the first and second connector parts are fastened to the frame, the connector may therefore fasten the connector to the frame in a first and second axis (i.e. a first axis passing through the first and second sides of the frame and a second axis passing through the top and bottom side of the frame). The first or second connector part may be connected to the lens and this ensures a rigid engagement between the lens and frame.

The first or second connector part may include a splined portion for engaging the lens. This provides a simple to use mechanism for connecting the connector to the lens, and allows for further components (e.g. a nose pad arm) to be connected to the frame with a corresponding connector. The splines allow the user to connect the lens and/or further components to the first or second connector part at a variety of angles.

The first and second connector part may have substantially the same shape. Accordingly, the first and second connector part (or at least a portion thereofl may be manufactured using the same mould. This reduces the manufacturing costs. Furthermore, this reduces the processes involved in connecting the lens to the frame such that construction does not depend on skilled professionals, thus allowing a larger proportion of users in developing countries to manufacture and construct the spectacles of the present invention. Also, the operational costs are reduced due to the reduction in stocking options.

The skilled person will understand that only two distinct parts (a first and second connector part from the same mould, and a fastener) are required to connect the lens to the frame and frictionally engage the frame on two axes.

The first or second connector part may include a threaded exterior and the fastener may be a nut. This simple connection method may therefore be carried out by non-professionals, thus allowing a larger proportion of users in developing countries to manufacture and construct the spectacles of the present invention. The fastener may include a first and second nut, which may also have substantially the same shape (e.g. manufactured using the same mould) to reduce manufacturing costs. Also, the operational costs are reduced due to the reduction in stocking options.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for fitting a lens having a peripheral groove to a frame, the device comprising a lens engaging member configured to engage a circumferential edge of a lens and having a cross-section including a front, middle and rear portion; and a plurality of protrusions configured to extend from the middle section of the lens engaging member into a peripheral groove of a lens, wherein the middle portion of the lens engaging member has a greater elasticity than the front and rear portions of the lens engaging member.

The device of the second aspect of the invention may therefore engage the peripheral edge of a lens by the user manipulating the shape of the lens engaging member. As the middle section of the lens engaging member has a greater elasticity, the middle section may be stretched outwards such that it may pass over the peripheral edge of the lens and then released such that plurality of protrusions may then enter the peripheral groove. The plurality of protrusions may therefore connect the lens to the lens engaging member (which may in turn be connected to a frame of a pair of spectacles). The front and rear sections of the lens engaging member are of a lower elasticity than the middle section, such that the lens engaging member is relatively rigid at these sections.

The lens engaging member may be constructed from a material having a Shore hardness between 30 and 80. This allows the lens engaging member to be constructed such that the thickness of the material defines its elasticity (e.g. such that a thickness of the front and rear sections of the lens engaging member is greater than the thickness of the middle section of the lens engaging member).

S

The plurality of protrusions may extend from a middle section of an inner face of the lens engaging member, and the lens engaging member may include a curved outer face such that the thickness of the front and rear sections of the lens engaging member is greater than the thickness of the middle section.

The plurality of protrusions may be a plurality of teeth having an angle between two adjacent teeth, such as to allow the generally circular lens engaging member to be manipulated to a variety of shapes including square or elliptical. This angle may be around thirty degrees.

The device may further comprise a connector for engaging a frame of a pair of spectacles.

Thus, the lens and lens engaging member may be connected to a pair of spectacles.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided spectacles comprising a frame, a temple, and a hinge for connecting the frame and temple, the hinge including a first hinge part connectable to the frame or temple, having a first hollow centre; a second hinge part connectable to the frame or temple, having a second hollow centre; a central connector, configured to be positioned within the first and second hollow centres; and a first and second end cap, configured to be positioned within the first and second hollow centres, wherein the first and second hinge part and configured to rotate relative to the central connector and the first and second end caps, and wherein the first and second hinge parts are substantially the same shape and the first and second end caps are substantially the same shape.

As the first and second hinge parts, and the first and second end caps, are substantially the same shape, the spectacles may include a hinge which has only three distinct parts. This decreases the amount of tooling, and therefore cost, required to manufacture the hinge. It also simplifies the construction process such that unskilled workers may assemble the hinge.

Furthermore, the operational costs are significantly reduced due to the reduction in stocking options.

The first and second hinge part may include a splined connector for connection to either the frame or temple.

The first and second hinge pads may include a plurality of hinge protrusions extending into their hollow centres, and the first and second end caps may include a first plurality of end cap protrusions and a second plurality of end cap protrusions, wherein the first and second plurality of end cap protrusions are of different lengths, and the first and second end caps may be configured to rotate between a first and second position defined by the position of the first and second plurality of end cap protrusions relative to the plurality of hinge protrusions.

Alternatively, the first and second hinge pads may each include an inner and outer groove, wherein each inner groove may be for receiving a connector protrusion on the connector and each outer groove may be for receiving an end cap protrusion on either the first or second end cap.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided spectacles comprising a component including an elongate member having a first end; and a distal member having an internal cavity for receiving the first end of the elongate member, wherein the internal cavity of the distal member and the first end of the elongate member have a complimentary interference fit such that the distal member is connectable to the first end of the elongate member in several positions. This provides a simple assembly for attaching a component, such as a pad tip or earpiece, to the spectacles.

The complimentary interference fit may include a plurality of protrusions and cavities disposed on the elongate and distal member.

The elongate member may include a second end and a splined connector disposed at the second end.

The elongate member may be a pad arm and the distal member may be a pad tip. The pad tip may have an elliptical shape. Alternatively, the elongate member may be a temple and the distal member may be an earpiece.

The spectacles may further comprise a band, wherein the distal member may have an external surface including a plurality of cavities each for receiving the band.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first connector part of a connector of a pair of spectacles of a first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the first connector part of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second connector part of the connector of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a nut of the connector of Figure 1; Figures 5 to 7 illustrate a method of connecting a lens to a frame using the connector of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device of a second aspect of the invention; Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the device of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a side view of a plurality of protrusions of the device of Figure 8; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a device of Figure 8 being connected to a frame using the connector of Figure 1; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device of the second aspect of the invention; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a hinge of a first embodiment of a pair of spectacles of a third aspect of the invention; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the hinge of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the hinge of Figure 13; Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge of Figure 13; Figures 17 and 18 are perspective views of a first hinge part and first end cap of the hinge of Figure 13; Figure 19 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a hinge of the third aspect of the invention; Figure 20 is a cross sectional view of the hinge of Figure 19; Figure 21 is a perspective view of a hinge of Figure 19 connected to a frame and temple using the connector of Figure 1; Figure 22 is a perspective view of components of a fouith aspect of the invention; Figure 23 is a perspective view of the components of Figure 22, showing a pad tip in a second position; Figure 24 is a cross sectional view of the components of Figure 22; Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of the components of Figure 22; and Figures 26 and 27 are perspective views of the component of Figure 22, the hinge of Figure 19 and the device of Figure 8 connected to spectacles using connectors of Figure 1.

A first embodiment of a pair of spectacles 1 of a first aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The pair of spectacles 1 includes a frame 3, lens (not shown), and a connector 10 configured for fastening the lens to the frame 3. The frame 3 (which may take any shape) is generally an elongate member configured to extend across the front of a user's forehead, and the lens may also take any shape and includes either a hole in a peripheral portion or includes a circumferential holding member including an attachment hole.

The connector 10 will now be described in more detail. The connector 10 includes a first connector pail 20 and a second connector part 30. The first connector part 20 is shown in Figures 1 and 2, and includes a first frame engaging portion 21, a first receptacle portion 23 and a first protruding portion 25. The first frame engaging portion 21 is shaped and configured to conform with the frame 3, such that the first frame engaging portion 21 has a height and concave shape substantially corresponding to the outer surface of the frame 3.

The first frame engaging portion 21 therefore closely abuts and engages a first side of the frame 3 when brought into contact.

The first protruding portion 25 extends from a bottom edge of the first frame engaging portion 21 such that it extends under a bottom side of the frame 3 when the frame 3 is in contact with the first frame engaging portion 21. The first protruding portion 25 includes an extending pin 26, and has an outer surface including a first screw thread portion 29.

The first receptacle portion 23 extends from a top edge of the first frame engaging portion 21, which, in this embodiment, corresponds to the top edge of the frame 3 when in contact with the first frame engaging portion 21. The first receptacle portion 23 also includes a receiving hole 24.

The first connector part 20 also includes a component connecting poition 27. In this embodiment, the component connecting portion 27 is disposed beside the first receptacle portion 23 and includes a splined outer suiface, which is configured to engage a lens having a connector with a corresponding splined connector (as detailed below). As shown in Figure 2, the component connecting portion 27 includes a hollow centre having a threaded surface 28. This allows a locking plug (not shown) to be inserted inside the hollow centre of the component connecting poition 27, which may be used to fasten the component (e.g. lens) to the first connector part 20 and thus to the frame 3.

Figure 3 illustrates a second connector part 30. The second connector part 30 also includes a corresponding second frame engaging portion 31, second receptacle portion 33, second receiving hole 34, second protruding portion 35, second screw thread poition 39 and second component connecting portion 37 (all corresponding to their counterparts of the first connector part 20, with the exception that the second component connecting portion 37 is shoiter than the first). The first and second connector parts 20, 30 have a substantially similar shape and size such that they are constructed from the same mould. This reduces the overall manufacturing costs of the connector 10.

In other embodiments, the components connecting portion 27 may be omitted completely.

The skilled person will understand that in most situations the second connector part 30 is identical to the first connector part 20 (e.g. due to being constructed from the same mould).

The two connector parts 20, 30 may undergo subsequent manufacturing steps, such as the shortening or removal of the component connecting portion 27, but still be used to connect the lens to the frame.

A fastener 40 will now be described with reference to Figure 4. In this embodiment, the fastener 40 includes a first and second nut (a first nut 41 is illustrated in Figure 4, although both have a similar (or identical) shape such that they are constructed from the same mould). The first nut 41 includes an inner threaded face 43 corresponding to the first and second screw thread portions 29, 39, and an outer face having a plurality of indentations 45.

A method of connecting a lens to the frame 3 will now be described with reference to Figures to 7. Firstly, the first connector part 20 is placed alongside the frame 3 such that the first frame engaging portion 21 abuts a first side 31 of the frame 3, the first receptacle portion 23 is disposed on the first side 3f of the frame 3 and the first protruding portion 25 extends under the frame 3 to a second side 3s thereof.

Secondly, the second connector part 30 is brought into contact with the second side 3s of the frame 3 such that second frame engaging portion 31 is disposed on the second side 3s of the frame 3 at the corresponding position to the first connector part 31. Accordingly, the second receptacle portion 33 and second receiving hole 34 are aligned with the first protruding portion 25 and first extending pin 26 respectively, and the first receptacle portion 23 and first receiving hole 24 are aligned with the second protruding portion 35 and second extending pin 36 respectively. As the second frame engaging portion 31 abuts the second side 3s of the frame 3, the first extending pin 26 enters the second receiving hole 34 and the second extending pin 36 enters the first receiving hole 24.

At this stage, the first and second connector parts 20, 30 are in the position illustrated in Figure 6, such that the first frame engaging portion 21 of the first connector part 20 abuts the first side 3f of the frame, a portion of the first protruding portion 25 (nearest the first frame engaging portion 21) of the first connector part 20 abuts the bottom face 3b of the frame 3, the second frame engaging portion 31 of the second connector part 30 abuts the second side 3s of the frame, and a portion of the second protruding portion 35 (nearest the second frame engaging portion 31) of the second connector part 30 abuts the top face 3t of the frame 3. Accordingly, the connector 10 abuts the frame 3 along a first and second axis thereof (i.e. a first axis passing through the first and second face 3f, 3s, and a second axis passing through the top and bottom face 3t, 3b).

The next step involves the first and second nut 41, 42 being screwed onto the first and second connector part 20, 30, thereby fastening the first and second connector parts to the frame 3 (as shown in Figure 7). The lens (not shown) is then placed on the first component connecting portion, thus connecting the lens to the frame 3.

The skilled person will understand that the connector 10 may be used to connect any type of component to the spectacles 1. Various examples are illustrated in the description of the second, third and fourth aspects of the invention.

A first embodiment of a device 101 for fitting a lens having a peripheral groove to a frame of a second aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11.

The device 101 (hereinafter called the lens rim") includes a substantially circular lens engaging member 110 configured for engaging the circumferential edge of a lens (having a groove therein). The lens engaging member 110 includes an inner face 130 having a plurality of protrusions 135 extending therefiom, which are configured to extend into the groove of the lens.

The lens engaging member 110 also includes an outer face 120 having a first and second attachment member 131, 132.

The shape and construction of the lens engagement member 110 will now be described in more detail. The lens engaging member 110 is constructed out of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore hardness between 30 and 80. In this embodiment, the lens engaging member 110 is constructed out of a particular thermoplastic elastomer Hytrel (TM).

As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 9, the lens engagement member 110 includes a front, middle and rear section 1 lOf, 1 lOm, 1 br. The outer face 120 of the lens engagement member 110 is concave such that middle section 1 lOm is thinner than the front and rear sections 11 Of, 11 Or.

The skilled person will understand that the elasticity of the lens engagement member 110 varies with thickness, such that the middle section of the lens engagement member 110 is therefore more elastic than the front and rear sections 1 lOf, 1 br.

The plurality of protrusions 135 extend from the middle section ibm of the lens engagement member 110. Accordingly, the plurality of protrusions 135 and the middle section ibm of the lens engagement member 110 may be deformed from the position shown in Figure 9 such that it may pass over the lens, and the plurality of protrusions 135 then spring back to the position shown in Figure 9 and extend into the groove of the lens.

The lens and lens engaging member 110 are therefore attached, and the increased rigidity of the front and rear sections 11 Of, 11 Or of the lens engaging member 110 (by virtue of their increased thickness relative to the middle section ibm) ensure that the lens rim 101 remains in position.

As shown in Figure 10, the plurality of protrusions 135 include a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth have an angle of around thirty degrees between adjacent teeth. The skilled person will understand that the elasticity of the lens engaging member 110 and the angle between adjacent teeth allow the user to manipulate the lens engaging member 110 to conform to a variety of lens shapes. For example, the circular lens engaging member 110 shown in Figures 8 to 10 may be manipulated to an elliptical or even square shape, and the plurality of protrusions will remain engaged with the peripheral groove of the lens.

The skilled person will understand that the lens engaging member may be constructed in a variety of original shapes, including circular, elliptical or square, and then be manipulated to conform to a new shape.

Figure 11 illustrates the lens rim 101 being attached to the frame 3 of the spectacles 1 using the connector 10 of the first aspect of the invention.

A second embodiment of a device 150 of the second aspect of the invention is shown in Figure 12, illustrating a square lens engaging member 151.

A first embodiment of a pair of spectacles of a third aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 13 to 18. A hinge 200 is provided, which is configured to pivotally connect a frame and temple. The hinge 200 includes a first hinge part 210 connectable to a frame (not shown) and a second hinge part 220 connectable to a temple (not shown). The first and second hinge parts 210, 220 are connected for pivotal motion by a central pin assembly 230.

The first and second hinge parts 210, 220 are configured to pivot around the central pin 230 between a first position shown in Figure 13 (wherein the first and second hinge parts 210, 220 are at an angle of 90 degrees to each other), a second position shown in Figure 14 (wherein the first and second hinge parts 210, 220 are at an angle of 180 degrees to each other), and a third position shown in Figure 15 (wherein the first and second hinge parts 210, 220 are at an angle of 270 degrees to each other).

The first and second hinge parts 210, 220 and the central pin assembly 230 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 16. The first and second hinge parts 210 include a first and second generally circular member defining hollow centres. The first and second hinge parts 210, 220 also include a first and second attachment member extending tangentially from a point on the circular member. In this embodiment, the attachment members include a splined connector.

The first and second hinge parts 210, 220 both include a ridge protruding inwardly (i.e. towards a centre of the first and second circular member). The ridge includes a plurality of ridge protrusions 212, 222 and ridge recesses 214, 224.

The central pin assembly includes a central guide 231. The central guide 231 is shaped and sized such that it may pass through the hollow centres of the first and second circular members, and includes a plurality of guide recesses 232 such that it may pass over each ridge protrusion 212, 214 of the first and second hinge parts 210, 220 as it is inserted through the hollow centres. The central guide 231 may freely rotate once positioned inside the hollow centres of the first and second circular members.

The central pin assembly 230 also includes a first and second end cap 234, 236. The first and second end caps 234, 236 are shaped and sized such that they fit within the hollow centres of the first and second circular members. The first and second end caps 234, 236 include a plurality of cap protrusions 235a, 235b, 237a, 237b, which are positioned, sized and shaped to fit within the plurality of guide recesses 232 of the central guide 231. The end cap members 234, 236 and the central guide 231 also include an annular protrusion 239 and annular recess 233a, 233b respectively for locking the end caps to the central guide 231.

The skilled person will understand that as the central guide 231 is positioned inside the hollow centres of the first and second circular members and the end caps 234, 236 are inserted and the cap protrusions 235a, 235b, 237a, 237b are placed within the plurality of guide recesses 232 of the central guide, such that the cap protrusions 235a, 235b, 237a, 237b may cause the first and second hinge parts 210, 220 to rotate relative to one another.

This will now be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 17 and 18.

Figure 17 shows a first hinge part 210 and a first end cap 234. The rest of the hinge 200 assembly is omitted for ease of understanding. The first hinge part 210 includes a first, second and third protrusion 212a, 212b, 212c, each with a pair of recesses 214 either side.

The first, second and third protrusions 212a, 212b, 212c are spaced with roughly 45 degrees between each other. The first end cap 234 includes a pair of longer protrusions 235b and a pair of shorter protrusions 235a. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the first end cap 234 is placed in the first hinge part 210 (and in the full assembly, also in the central guide 231) such that one of the longer protrusions 235b is positioned between the first and second ridge protrusion 212a, 212b.

The skilled person will understand that, in this arrangement, the first end cap 234 may rotate relative to the first hinge part 210 between two points when the longer protrusion 235b abuts either of the ridge protrusions 212a, 212b. This is roughly 45 degrees. As the first end cap 234, central guide 231 and second end cap are all connected, the central guide 231 and second end cap 236 both move. This will cause the second hinge part 220 to move relative to the first hinge part 210.

The shorter protrusions 235a will not touch the ridge protrusions 212a, 212b, 212c as the first end cap 234 rotates.

The skilled person will understand that the first and second end caps 234, 236 may be placed within the first and second hinge parts 210, 220 and connected to the central hinge in a variety of ways. For example, the first end cap 234 may be placed in the first hinge part 210 such that the longer protrusions 235b are positioned within the first and second ridge protrusion 212a, 212b (as shown in Figure 17), or such that that the longer protrusions 235b are positioned within the first and third protrusion (as shown in Figure 18). In the arrangement shown in Figure 18, the first end cap 234 may therefore rotate around 135 degree relative to the first hinge part 210.

The first and second end caps 234, 236 may therefore be inserted into the first and second hinge parts 210, 220 (creating a "hinge half') in a variety of ways such that the combination allows for either 90 degree, 180 degree or 270 degree rotation of the first hinge part 210 relative to the second hinge part 220. The skilled person will understand that there are therefore two resulting rotational angles achievable within each hinge half (45 and 135 degrees), which provides the three different orientations from their combination. That is, each hinge half set at 45 degrees gives a combined rotation of 90 degrees, one hinge half at degrees at the second hinge half set at 135 degrees gives a combined rotation of 180 degrees, and each hinge half set at 135 degrees gives a combined rotation of 270 degrees.

A second embodiment of a pair of spectacles of a third aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 19 to 21. A hinge 300 is provided having a first and second hinge part 310, 320, a central connector 330 and a first and second end cap 334, 336.

The first and second hinge part 310, 320 are substantially circular and both include a hollow centre. On an internal edge of the hollow centre, the first and second hinge parts 310, 320 both include first and second recesses 312, 314, 322, 324 (see Figure 19). The first recesses 312, 322 (i.e. those nearest the abutment between the first and second hinge parts 310, 320) are configured to receive connector protrusions 331, 332 on the central connector 330, and the second recesses 314, 324 (i.e. those furthest from the abutment between the first and second hinge part 310, 320) are configured to receive end cap protrusions 335, 337 on the first and second end caps 334, 336.

As shown in Figure 19, the connector protrusions 331, 332 include a plurality of spaced connector protrusions (and the first recesses 312, 322 include a plurality of spaced first recesses), such that the first and second hinge parts 310, 320 may be rotated relative to the central connector 330 and each other. The parts may therefore rotate relative to each other to defined positions.

As shown in Figure 20, the end caps 334, 336 may be substantially hollow and may be moulded to include a relatively thin annular ring 338, 339. The thicknesses of the annular rings 338, 339 are configured such that the central, outer portions of the end caps 334, 336 may be separated by pushing until it breaks away. The hollow centres of the end caps 334, 336 may then be exploited, for example by placing components inside.

The first and second end caps 334, 336 may also include a connector on an inside portion (i.e. at the abutment between the first and second end caps 334, 336) such that the two end caps 334, 336 may connect (and therefore rotate together). This connector may be a first and second set of teeth on the first and second end caps 334, 336 respectively, configured to mesh together.

The skilled person will understand that the hinge 200, 300 of either the first or second embodiment of the invention may be connected to the frame 3 and a temple 4 of the spectacles 1 using the connectors of the first aspect of the invention. This is shown in more detail in Figure 21.

A first embodiment of a pair of spectacles of a fourth aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 22 to 26. The spectacles include a pad arm 400 having a frame connector 410 at a first end and a pad tip 420 at a second end. The frame connector 410 includes a splined inner surface such that the pad arm 400 may be connected to a frame (not shown) in a variety of configurations. The pad tip 420 may be connected to the pad arm 400 at a variety of points along the length of the pad arm 400 (e.g. from the position shown in Figure 22 to the position shown in Figure 23). The connection between the pad tip 420 and the pad arm 400 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 24 and 25.

The pad tip 420 is constructed from silicon, is elliptically shaped, includes a plurality of indentations (or rings) 421 on its outer surface and a hollow centre. An inner wall of the pad tip 420 and the second end of the pad arm 400 are shaped for a complimentary interference fit (as shown in Figure 24), such that the pad arm 420 may be inserted into the hollow centre and be held in one of several positions. In this embodiment, the complimentary interference fit includes a plurality of protrusions and cavities.

The elliptical shape allows the pad tip 420 to be rotated about the pad arm 400 to change its orientation.

The pad tip 420 also has a plurality of cavities 421 on its outer surface. As shown in Figure 25, an 0-ring band may be placed in one of the plurality of cavities 421 to increase the grip between the pad arm 400 and the pad tip 420. As the pad tip 420 is tapered (such that the circumference around each cavity varies), the amount of extra grip provided by the 0-ring may be varied by placing it in a cavity with a greater circumference. Furthermore, multiple 0-rings may be used to further increase grip (and thus the optimal level of grip may be achieved by using an 0-ring in each cavity of the plurality of cavities).

The skilled person will understand that this method of connection may be used on many parts of the pair of spectacles other than the pad arm/pad tip connection. For example, the earpiece may be connected to the temple using this connection.

Figure 26 illustrates the pad arm 400 being connected to the frame 3 of the spectacles 1 using a connector 10 of the first aspect of the invention. As shown in the Figure, the same connector 10 may be used to connect both the pad arm 400 and the lens rim (of the second aspect of the invention) to the frame 3. Connectors 10 are also used to connect the hinge 300 (of the third aspect of the invention) between the frame 3 and temple 4.

Figure 27 illustrates a pair of spectacles including the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention. The spectacles 1 comprise the frame 3, two temples 4, and a plurality of connectors for connecting components to the frame 3 and temple 4. In this embodiment, eight connectors 10 are used, such that two connectors 10 are used to connect each lens rim 101 (of the second aspect of the invention) to the frame 3 (wherein one of these two connectors 10 also connects a pad arm 400 (of the fourth aspect of the invention) to the frame 3 and the other of these two connectors 10 also connects a hinge 300 (of the third aspect of the invention) to the frame 3). Two further connectors 10 are used to connect the hinges 300 to the temples 4.

In this embodiment, two further connectors 10 are used to connect earpieces 9 to the temples 4. However, the earpieces 9 may be connected to the temples 4 in the same manner as the pad tips 420 to the pad arms 400 (as described in the fourth aspect of the invention) The skilled person will understand that any combination of features is possible within the scope of the invention, as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Spectacles comprising a frame; a lens; and a connector for fastening the lens to the frame, wherein the connector includes a first connector part having a first frame engaging portion, a first protruding portion and a first receptacle portion; a second connector part having a second frame engaging portion, a second protruding portion and second receptacle portion, wherein the first and second frame engaging portions are configured to engage first and second sides of the frame respectively such that the first receptacle portion is disposed on the first side of the frame and receives the second protruding portion, and the second receptacle portion is disposed on the second side of the frame and receives the first protruding portion; a fastener configured for fastening the first and second connector parts to the frame; and a connecting portion for connection to the lens.
2. Spectacles as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the connecting portion includes the first connector part having a splined outer surface.
3. Spectacles as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the connecting portion includes the second connector part having a splined outer surface.5. Spectacles as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the first and second connector part are substantially the same shape.6. Spectacles as claimed in Claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the first and second connector part are constructed from the same mould.7. Spectacles as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector part has a threaded exterior.8. Spectacles as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector part has a threaded exterior.9. Spectacles as claimed in either Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the fastener is a nut.10. Spectacles as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the fastener includes a plurality of nuts, wherein the plurality of nuts are substantially the same shape.11. A device for fitting a lens having a peripheral groove to a frame, the device comprising a lens engaging member configured to engage a circumferential edge of a lens and having a cross-section including a front, middle and rear portion; and a plurality of protrusions configured to extend from the middle section of the lens engaging member into a peripheral groove of a lens, wherein the middle portion of the lens engaging member has a greater elasticity than the front and rear portions of the lens engaging member.12. A device as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the lens engaging member has a Shore hardness between 30 and 80.13. A device as claimed in either Claim 11 or Claim 12, wherein a thickness of the front and rear sections of the lens engaging member is greater than the thickness of the middle section.14. A device as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the plurality of protrusions extend from a middle section of an inner face of the lens engaging member, and the lens engaging member includes a curved outer face such that the thickness of the front and rear sections of the lens engaging member is greater than the thickness of the middle section.15. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 14, wherein the angle between two protrusions of the plurality of protrusions is around thirty degrees.16. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 15, further comprising a connector for engaging a frame of a pair of spectacles.17. Spectacles comprising a frame, a temple, and a hinge for connecting the frame and temple, the hinge including a first hinge part connectable to the frame or temple, having a first hollow centre; a second hinge part connectable to the frame or temple, having a second hollow centre; a central connector, configured to be positioned within the first and second hollow centres; and a first and second end cap, configured to be positioned within the first and second hollow centres, wherein the first and second hinge part and configured to rotate relative to the central connector and the first and second end caps, and wherein the first and second hinge parts are substantially the same shape and the first and second end caps are substantially the same shape.18. Spectacles as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the first and second hinge part include a splined connector for connection to either the frame or temple.19. Spectacles as claimed in either Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the first and second hinge parts include a plurality of hinge protrusions extending into their hollow centres, and the first and second end caps include a first plurality of end cap protrusions and a second plurality of end cap protrusions, wherein the first and second plurality of end cap protrusions are of different lengths, and the first and second end caps are configured to rotate between a first and second position defined by the position of the first and second plurality of end cap protrusions relative to the plurality of hinge protrusions.20. Spectacles as claimed in either Claim 17 or Claim 18, wherein the first and second hinge parts each include an inner and outer groove, wherein each inner groove is for receiving a connector protrusion on the connector and each outer groove is for receiving an end cap protrusion on either the first or second end cap.21. Spectacles comprising a component including an elongate member having a first end; and a distal member having an internal cavity for receiving the first end of the elongate member, wherein the internal cavity of the distal member and the first end of the elongate member have a complimentary interference fit such that the distal member is connectable to the first end of the elongate member in several positions.22. Spectacles as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the complimentary interference fit includes a plurality of protrusions and cavities disposed on the elongate and distal member.23. Spectacles as claimed in either Claim 21 or Claim 22, wherein the elongate member includes a second end and a splined connector disposed at the second end.24. Spectacles as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 23, wherein the elongate member is a pad arm and the distal member is a pad tip.25. Spectacles as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the pad tip has an elliptical shape.26. Spectacles as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 23, wherein the elongate member is a temple and the distal member is an earpiece.27. Spectacles as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 26, further comprising a band, wherein the distal member has an external surface including a plurality of cavities each for receiving the band.28. Spectacles substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any one of the accompanying drawings.29. A device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in any one of the accompanying drawings.