GB2524297A

GB2524297A - A pair of spectacles

Info

Publication number: GB2524297A
Application number: GB1404951.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sholly Inglis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-19
Filing date: 2014-03-19
Publication date: 2015-09-23
Also published as: GB201404951D0

Abstract

Eyeglasses 10 with frame 20, frame portion 70 and arms with revolvable sleeves 60 and rotation means 80. The rotations means may include a rod 80 attached to the frame portion 70 or the outer portion 60 and there is also possibly a cooperating rotation lock 92, 94 between the outer and frame sections and/or out and ear piece sections. The rotation lock can include a male 92 and corresponding female member 94 and the glasses may include a rod biasing means 110 so that the reversible part 60 is pulled away from the frame portion to overcome the rotation lock and allow it to rotate.

Description

A pair of spectacles The present invention relates generally tc a pair of spectacles.

Spectacles are often used asafashion accessory with People owning more than one pair of spectacles; each pair having a different colour so as to match a particular social occasion. lot instance, someone may have, a pair with more sober colours for use at work and a pair with more colourful features for use during non-working hours.

Since spectacles are relatively expensive it would he desirable to have a single pair of spectacles which allowed the owner to use in both situations.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a pair of spectacles including a frame, a frame portion attached to the frame, and an arm extending from said frame portion. wherein the arm comprises an outer rotatable member and rotation means for enabling the onter rotatable member to rotate relative to the frame.

Tn this way, the outer member may include more than one colour, for instance it may comprise two different colours; one on each side of the outer member. Thus, in use, the owner may rotate the outer member such that the desired colour is outermost.

the outer member may include more than tvo different colours. For instance it may iricludc a gradual change of colour and the outcr member may bc substantially circular in longitudinal cross-section.

The spectacles \vill most probably include two arms but for the sake of simplicity only one arm is referred to within this specification.

The rotation means may include a rod attached at one end to the frame portion, and the outer member may include a passage for rotatably retaining the rod therein configured such that the outer member is rotatable thereabout relative to the frame portion.

Alternatively, the rotation means may include a rod attached at one end to the outer member, and the frame portion may include a passage for rotatably retaining the rod therein configured such that the frame member is rotatable thereabout relative to the outer member.

Another possibility is that the rotation means includes a ferrule within which the outer member is rotatably retained configured such that the outer member is rotatable within the ferrule and relative to the frame portion.

At least a portion of the outer inernl)er may he relatively flexible. In this manner a portion of the outer member above the ear, in use, may be maintained in a substantially straight recti-]inear manner having a huingttudtna axis substantially parafid to the remaining ength of the outer member, or it may be bent tei form a partial hook-like shape te rest behind a user's ear in use. The outer member may compnse rubber and/or silicone materials.

The outer member and the frame portion may include cooperating rotation lock means for preventing the rotation of the outer member rdative to the frame portion. In this way the selected colour may be maintained in the outermost position. in other words, the lock means help prevent the outer member from moving relative to the frame when this is not desired.

The rotation lock means may include a male member and a corresponding female member, one of the two members being provided on the frame portion and the other of the two members being provided on the outer member. For instance the rnak 1 5 member may be one or more pimpks and the fem2tie member may be one or more corresponding dimples.

Other rotation lock means are contemplated such as pins and sockets, opposing tecth arid the hke.

The frame portion and /or the arm may indude a rod biasing means for biasing the outer member towards the frame portion. the biasing means may be a spring, such as a coil spring.

The rod biasing means may be configured to allow the outer member to be pulled away from the frame portion thus unlocking the rotation lock means and allowing the outer member to rotate relative to the frame portion. Release of the outer member may allow the biasing means to pull the arm back towards the frame portion.

The rotation lock means may rely on friction between the frame pothon and the outer member, when the latter is biased towards the former, to prevent inadvertent and undesired rotation of the outer member relative to the frame member.

At otie end of the outer member, distal from the frame portion, an ear rest may be provided. This nray be a portion which is bent relative to the longitudinal length/axis of the arm.

The ear rest may he fixed relative to the rod so as to rotate with the rod. the ear rest may comprise or consist of the rod.

The ear rest may be fixed relative to the outer member so as to rotate with the outer member. Tn this regard the ear rest may not be bent relative to the longitudinal length/axis of the arm. Rather, it may be co-linear with the longitudinal axis of the ann.

The outer member and the car rest may include cooperating rotation lock means for preventing the relative rotation of the outer member and the ear rest.

The rotation lock means may include a male member and a corresponding female member, one of the. vo members being provided on the ear test and the other of the two members being provided on the outer member. For instance the male member may be one or more pimples and the female member may be one or more corresponding dimples.

Other rotation lock means are contemplated such as pins and sockets, opposing teeth and the like.

The ear rest and/or the arm may include a biasing means for biasing the outer member towards the ear rest. The biasing means may be a spring, such as a coil spring.

The rod biasing means may he configured to allow the ear rest to he pulled away from the outer member thus unlocking the rotation lock means and allowing the outer member to rotate relative to the ear rest and thus the frame portion. Release of the outer mriemnber iriay allow tlie biasing mncnis to pull tlic ear rest back towards the outer member.

The rotation lock means may rely on friction betveen the ear rest and the outer member, \vhen the latter is biased towards the former, to prevent inadvertent and undesired rotation of the outer member relative to the frame member.

The above and other characteristics, featires and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drm\vings, which illusirate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attach ed drawings.

Figures 1 to 3 are perspective views of a pair of spectacles; Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of a portion of one arm of the spectacles.

The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto hut only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily he considered to he an enihodirnent of the invention. Tn the drawings, the size of some of the elements may he exaggerated and not drawn tei scale for illustrative iMTtposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the tenns first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing beveen similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used arc interchangeable under appropnate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to he understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

Tt is to be noticed that the term "comprising" used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elerjierits or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of tlie stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, hut does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or componentr, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. it means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or ccan aspect" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "iii an embodiment", or "in an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any embodiment or aspect of the invention may he combined in any suitable nt:ulner, as would he apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this

disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamhning the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. this method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, xvith each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embc'diments described herein include some features 1 5 included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. IJor example, in the following claims, any of the claimed emnbodimncrits cart bc used in arty corribiriation.

Tn the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.

However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instinces, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detuil in order not to obscure an understanding of

this description.

In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred arid the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term "at least one" may mean only one in certain circumstances.

the principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features of the invention. It is clear that other arrangements can he conhgured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Tn Figure 1 a pair of spectacles 10 is shown comprising a frame 20, in which two lenses 30 are provided, two arms 40 extending away from the frame 20 at each end thereof and an ear rest 50 located at the distal end of each arm 40.

With regard to the arm 40 in the foreground of Figure 2, it conprises' -a middle section 60 which includes a rod 80 projecting towards the frame 20 from longitudinal end thereof. the rod 80 connects the middle section 60 to a frame portion 70 which is connected to the frame 20.

The rod 80 extends right the way through the middle section 60 and connects to the ear rest 50.

In Figure 3 it is seen that the middle section 60 has partially rotated about the rod 80 relative tc the frame 20 and ear rest 50 which have remained stationary relative I 5 to one another.

A close-up view of a portion of the arm 40 is sho\vn in Figure 4. The rod 80 is seen to span the gap bertveen the frame portion 70 and the middle section 60. This gap lias been crcatcd by pulling thc riuddle scctiori 60 arid tlic car rest 50 away frorri the frame 20 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod 80.

At the longitudinal end of the middle section 60, closest to the frame 20, tivo pimples 92 are provided, these correspond with two dimples 94 provided on the longitudinal end, furthest from the frame 20, of the frame portion 70.

With the middle section 60 immediately adjacent the frame portion 70 (with no gap therehetween) the dimples 94 and pimples 92 engage one another to prevent rotation of the middle section 60 relative to the frame portion 70.

Tn Figure 5 a cut-away view of the same portion of arm is shown. The frame perfloti 70 is seen to be of a shape and siae to match the remainder of the ann 40. Tn this instance it is shown as substantially rectangular in shape. It is hinged 100 at one end to the frame 20. On the outer surface of the other longitudinal end die dimples 94 are provided.

The frame portion 70 is hollow having an internal chamber 72. Into this chamber 72 one end of the rod 80 projects via an aperture 81 provided in the longitudinal end of the franie portion 70 on which the dimples 94 are located. At the end of the rod within the chamber a rod-head 82 is provided. This hasa diameter greater than the aperture 81 thus preventing the rod end 81) from falling out of the chamber 72. A cod spnng 110 is provided around the rod 80 between the rod-head 82 and the internal surface 74 of the chamber 72. This spring 110 biases the rod-head 82 and thus the rod 70 towards the frame 20 At its full extent, as permitted by the size of the chamber 72, the rod pulls the middle section 60 of the arm 40 to abut the frame portion 70 such that no gap is provided therebetween.

By contrast, if the middle section and/or ear rest 30 are pulled away from the frame 20 a gap forms between the middle section 60 and the frame portion 70 such that the dimples 94 and pimples 92 disengage thus allowing the middle section 60 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the rod 80.

Within the middle section a rod chamber 66 is provided. This chamber 66 has a bore which is greater than the bore of the passage 83 provided within the longitudinal length of the middle section 60. This chamber accommodates a tubular section 64 of the frame portion 70 which extends away from the longitudinal end of the frame portion 70 which comprises the dimples 94. This section envelopes the rod 80 such that when the arm is pulled away from the frame portion 70 the rod 80 itself is not visible. It also provide stability to thu connection bctwceri tlic rod 80 arid the paage 8) and helps prevent the middle section 60 moving (wobbling, rattling) with respect tc the frame portion 70.

Although not shown the rod 80 may be glued into the ear rest 50.

Also, the arm 40 may comprise a single outer covering extending from the hinge to the ear rest portion 50. Ibis outer covering may be rotated about a rod which extends therethrough. No rotation lock means may he required because the outer covering may grip the rod within such that it will only rotate relative to the rod upon application of a torque of sufficient magnitude.

Claims

(:LAIMS 1. A pair of spectacles including a frame, a frame portion attached to the frame, and an arm extending from said frame pothoib wherein the arm comprises an outer rotatalifle member and rotation means for enabling the outer rotatable member to rotate relative to the frame.
2. The spectacles of claim 1, wherein the rotation means includes a rod attached at one end to the frame portion, and the outer member includes a passage for rotatably retaining the rod therein configured such that the outer member is rotatable thereabout relative to the frame portion.
3. The spectacles of claim 1, wherein the rotation means includes a rod attached at one end to the outer member, and the frame portion inchides a passage fbr rotatably retaining the rod therein configured such that the frame member is rotatable thereabout relative to the outer member.
4. The spectacles of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the outer member is relatively flexible.
5. The spectacles of any preceding claim, wherein the outer member and the frame portion include cooperating rotation lock means for preventing the rotation of the outer member relative to the frame portion.
6. The spectacles of claim 5, wherein the rotation lock means includes a male member and a corresponding female member, one of the two members being provided on the frame pothor and the other of the two menibers being provided on the outer member.
7. The spectacles of any one of claims 2 to 6, dependent directly or indirectly on either of claims 2 and 3, wherein either the frame portion and/or the arm includes a rod biasing means for biasing the outer member towards the frame poron.S
8. The spectacles of claim 7. wherein the rod biasing means is configured to allow the outer member to be pulled away from the frame portion thus unlocking the rotation lock means and allowing the outer member to rotate relative to the frame portion.
9. The spectacles of any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein at one end of the outer member, distal from the frame portion. an ear rest is provided.
10. The spectacles of claim 9, wherein the ear rest is fixed relative to the rod so as to 1 0 rotate with the rod.
ii. The specticles of claim 9, wherein the ear rest is fixed relative to the outer member so as to rotate with the outer member.
12. The spectacles of either one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the outer member and the ear rest include cooperating rotition lock means for preventing the rotation of the outer member about the rod.
13. The spectacles of claim 12, wherein the rotation lock means includes a male member and a corresponding female member, one of the rtvo members being provided on the ear rest and the other of the two members being provided on the outer member.
14. A pair of spectacles substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.