GB2538715A

GB2538715A - Glasses frames comprising a thermochromic material

Info

Publication number: GB2538715A
Application number: GB1508912.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lavin Colette
Original assignee: G Frames Ltd
Current assignee: G Frames Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-26
Filing date: 2015-05-26
Publication date: 2016-11-30
Also published as: GB201508912D0

Abstract

A pair of glasses having a left and right lens 12 & 14, a front frame 10 and a left and right temple, 22 & 16 mounted onto the front frame. A decoration is provided on either a temple or the front frame, and the temple or front frame have a thermochromic material to allow a change in appearance in response to a change in frame temperature. The thermochromic material may be on an outer surface of either temple or front frame, may be provided as either a coating or a paint, and may overlay the decoration. The decoration may be a colour, pattern (24, fig 2b & 26, fig 3b), logo, image, text, numerals or trademark, and may have an optical effect such as a reflective, sparkling, iridescent, phosphorescent or refractive effect. The thermochromic material may allow parts of the decoration to change appearance at different temperatures by means of changing from opaque to translucent or transparent.

Description

Glasses frames comprising a thermochromic material

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to glasses having a frame comprising a thermochromic material to allow a change in appearance with temperature of the frame.

Background

Glasses having frames that react to changes in their environment to change their appearance are known, for example comprising a thermochromic material whose colour changes with temperature. However, prior art glasses have relatively crude changes in their appearance, being limited to simple colour change. The present invention provides more subtle and complex thermally-driven changes in appearance

than the prior art devices.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve 20 the problem or similar, including the following: US20070024807 discloses a set of eyeglasses wherein the nose rest and/or earpiece changes colour when exposed to body heat. The nose rest and/or earpiece may contain a thermochromic material that is brightly coloured and/or glow in the dark when not being worn and then when the eyeglasses are being worn, the material changes into a more desirable colour for fashion purposes.

These glasses solve the problem that glasses are hard to find in the dark and phosphorescent properties of the glasses are masked by a thermochromic material 30 that is opaque at higher temperatures, for example when being worn.

CN203519930U discloses: The utility model discloses a photochromic glasses frame, and belongs to the technical field of manufacturing of glasses. The utility model comprises a glasses frame and glasses legs, wherein the glasses frame is hinged with the glasses legs via hinges; the glasses frame comprises a glasses frame body and a photochromic coating; the photochromic coating is arranged on the outer surface of the glasses frame body; each glasses leg comprises a glasses leg body and a thermochromic coating; each thermochromic coating is arranged on the outer surface of each glasses leg body. According to the photochromic glasses frame, color change modes are diverse and change of colors can be achieved under various environments.

This application states only that the thermochromic material might be used on a glasses frame and does not state in what way it would be used to control the appearance of the frames, other than a 'colour change'.

JP2004125888 discloses: To solve the problem of providing spectacle frames whose color is changed by a temperature change as if a person has different spectacle frames and whose pattern is altered to impart different designs, a part of at least one of the constituent members of spectacle frames such as front frames and temples is made transparent and a thermochromic temperature sensing member is disposed on the rear face corresponding to the part.

This disclosure is limited to a change the colour or pattern resulting from a colour change of the thermochromic material provided on the rear face of a transparent 20 glasses frame material.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a pair of glasses comprising a front frame, a left and a right lens, and a left temple and right temple mounted on the front frame and optionally hinged to it, a decoration provided on the front frame or on a temple, wherein one of the front frame and of a temple comprises a thermochromic material configured such that the appearance of the outer surface of the front frame or temple changes in response to a change in temperature of the front frame or temple from a first appearance to a second appearance.

The outer surface of the front frame and the temples is the surface that faces away from a wearer in use. The outer surface of the front frame is the front surface of the frame. The outer surface of the left temple is the left hand surface looking towards the front of the glasses, and the outer surface of the right temple is the right hand surface.

In some embodiments a temple comprises a thermochromic material on its outer surface. In some embodiments the front frame comprises a thermochromic material on its outer surface. In some embodiments both of the left and the right temples comprise a thermochromic material on their outer surfaces.

The front frame or a temple may be formed at least in part from a thermochromic material such as a thermochromic polymer or a polymer comprising a thermochromic component. A front frame or temple may comprise a layer of a thermochromic material on its outer surface, for example on a portion of the outer surface. The layer may be provided as a coating or paint, as a stick-on film, as a co-moulded portion of the front frame or temple.

In some embodiments the front frame or temple comprises a decoration visible at their outer surface and the appearance of the front frame or temple comprises both the decoration and the thermochromic material, the thermochromic material being configured to change the appearance of the decoration in response to a change in temperature of the front frame or temple.

In some embodiments the decoration is provided on the outer surface and the thermochromic material overlies the decoration on the outer surface, such that the 25 thermochromic material is configured such the appearance of the decoration changes in response to a change in temperature of the outer surface.

In some embodiments a thermochromic material overlies the whole of a region of decoration. In some embodiments a thermochromic material overlies a portion of the decoration, such that the appearance of a portion of the decoration is changed in response to a change in temperature while the appearance of the remainder of the decoration is unchanged.

In some embodiments a thermochromic material may be configured to change from 35 opaque to translucent or transparent in response to a change in temperature. In some embodiments the thermochromic material is configured to hide a portion of the decoration when at a first temperature and to reveal the said portion when at a second temperature. The first temperature may be a lower temperature and the second temperature may be a higher temperature. For example, the portion of the decoration may be hidden at a low temperature and may be revealed at a high temperature.

In this way the glasses present a first appearance at a first temperature and a second appearance at a second temperature. For example in use the glasses may react to the heat from a wearer's head and change from a first appearance when first put on to a second appearance when warmed by the wearer. The glasses may react to ambient temperature or heating by the sun to change appearance.

It will be understood that thermochromic materials may have optical properties that change over a temperature range, and that reference to a temperature herein may 15 refer to a range of temperatures within which the material has a given optical property. Such thermochromic materials are known in the art.

The decoration may comprise a decoration element chosen from a colour, a pattern, a logo or image, text or numerals, an optical effect such as a reflective, sparkling, 20 iridescent, phosphorescent or refractive optical effect.

The glasses may comprise a first decoration element that is visible in the first appearance and a second decoration element that is visible in the second appearance. Both the first and the second decoration elements may be visible together in one of the appearances. In this way the thermochromic material may act in use to reveal a second decoration element in addition to the first as the temperature changes, for example as the temperature rises.

The device may comprise a first and a second thermochromic material, each having a different temperature at which they change their optical properties. A first thermochromic material may become transparent at a first temperature, and the second material may become opaque at the first temperature, so causing a first image to appear and a second image to disappear at the said temperature.

The decoration element may be selected according to the embodiment. For example, the glasses may be configured such that in response to rising temperature: the temples change colour; a pattern becomes visible a pattern becomes invisible; a logo appears a logo disappears; an image appears; an image disappears; text or numerals appear; text or numerals disappear; an optical effect such as a reflective, sparkling, iridescent, phosphorescent or refractive effect may appear or disappear; or a combination of more than one of the above.

In some embodiments the following features of the appearance may be provided: a second image might become visible adjacent to a first, for example a second cartoon character may appear next to a first, or a second portion of an image might appear next to a first portion; an image or a portion of an image changes colour, for example a face goes red; a second image may replace a first image; a second piece of text or numerals may appear next to a first portion, or may disappear, for example to change the meaning of a piece of text or number; a region of front frame or temple configured to provide a reflective, sparkling, iridescent, phosphorescent or refractive optical effect may be covered by a thermochromic material such that at a first temperature the thermochromic material is opaque to prevent the appearance from comprising the optical effect and at a second temperature the thermochromic material becomes transparent to as to reveal the said region such that the appearance comprises the said optical effect. For example, at a lower temperature the glasses may be configured such that the optical effect is not visible but at a higher temperature the effect is visible, or vice-versa.

The glasses may be designed to appeal to children and so the decoration element may be chosen to be a cartoon character, an animal, or an object of interest to children such as stars, moons, planets, spaceships, etc. The invention is not limited to any specific design or combination of decoration elements.

The glasses may be formed from materials known in the art. The front frame and temples may be formed from polymer, for example injection moulded or 3D printed polymer, or from metal, for example by casting or 3D printing. The temples may be mounted on the frame by means of hinges permanently attached to both as known in 5 the art. The lenses may comprise materials known in the art, such as moulded polymer such as polycarbonate or acrylic, or glass. A lens may be an eyesight correction lens for example for short or long sight, or may be a parallel sided lens as used in sunglasses. A lens may be a polarised lens as used in glasses for 3D viewing of an image. A lens may be tinted or metallised, for example as in 10 sunglasses to give a metallic or mirrored appearance.

Thermochromic materials as known in the art, and suitable to be deposited on the material of the front frame and temples where the thermochromic is to be applied, may be used.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a pair of glasses according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a pair of glasses as shown in figure 1 with a first decoration, in which the appearance changes from a first colour (a) to a geometric (striped) pattern (b).

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a pair of glasses as shown in figure 1 with a second decoration, in which the appearance changes from a first colour (a) to a variegated pattern (b).

Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of a pair of glasses as shown in figure 1 with a third decoration, in which the appearance changes from plain (a) to showing a number of cartoon characters (b).

Figure 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a pair of glasses as shown in figure 1 with a fourth decoration, in which the appearance changes from a first appearance (a) in which a first set of decoration elements (stars) is visible to a second appearance (b) in which a second set of decoration elements (spaceships) is visible in addition to the first.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 5, embodiments of the invention are shown having a range of decorations.

The embodiments comprise a front frame 10, a left and a right lens 12, 14, a left temple 16 and right temple 18 mounted on the front frame and hinged to it, a decoration 24, 26, 32, 34, 36 provided on the front frame or on a temple, wherein the temples each comprises a thermochromic material at their outer surfaces 20, 22 configured such that the appearance of the outer surface changes in response to a change in temperature of the outer surface from a first appearance to a second appearance.

In these embodiments both of the left and the right temples comprise a thermochromic material on their outer surfaces in the form of a layer of a thermochromic material on at least a portion of the outer surface. The layer may be provided as a coating or paint, as a stick-on film according to versions of the embodiment. A thermochromic material may also be provided on the front surface 23 of the frame in some embodiments.

In these embodiments the outer surface of each temple comprises a decoration and the thermochromic material overlies the decoration, such that the thermochromic material changes the appearance of the decoration in response to a change in temperature of the outer surface. In these embodiments a thermochromic material changes from opaque to translucent or transparent in response to a change in temperature, and the thermochromic material is configured to hide a portion of the decoration when at a first, lower temperature and to reveal the said portion when at a second, higher temperature.

In this way in these embodiments the glasses present a first appearance at a first temperature and a second appearance at a second temperature, for example when heated by a wearer's head, a rise in ambient temperature or heated by the sun.

Thermochromic materials as known in the art and suitable to be deposited on a 35 polymer may be used.

The embodiments give examples of decoration and how the thermochromic material may be provided on the outer surface to give a change in appearance.

Referring to Figure 2, a first embodiment of a pair of glasses as shown in figure 1 has 5 a first decoration comprising a pattern, in which the appearance changes from a first colour (a) to a geometric (striped) pattern 24 (b). In this embodiment the pattern 24 is provided on the outer surface and the thermochromic material overlies the pattern and is selected to change from opaque and having the said first colour at a first temperature, for example a lower temperature, to transparent at a second 10 temperature so as to reveal the pattern.

Referring to Figure 3, a second embodiment of a pair of glasses as shown in figure 1 has a second decoration, in which the appearance changes from a first colour (a) to a variegated pattern 26 (b). In this embodiment the pattern 26 is provided on the outer surface of the temple and the thermochromic material overlies the pattern and is selected to change from opaque and having the said first colour at a first temperature, for example a lower temperature, to transparent at a second temperature so as to reveal the pattern.

In an alternative embodiment the pattern 26 is provided by a regions of thermochromic material shaped to form the pattern, the thermochromic material temple having a first colour at a first temperature that matches that of the temple so as to conceal the pattern and a second colour different from the first at a second temperature that reveals the pattern. It will be understood that the pattern may be of any kind, such as a random or semi-random pattern as in a 'camouflage' pattern, or may be a geometric pattern as for example a striped pattern as shown in figure 2. A thermochromic material may for example be provided in some of the striped areas such that those striped change colour while other stripes without a thermochromic material overlay do not.

In an alternative embodiment the temple comprises a first polymer 28 that is not thermochromic co-moulded with a second polymer 30 that is thermochromic to form the pattern, the second polymer having a first colour at a first temperature that matches that of the first polymer so as to conceal the pattern and a second colour at a second temperature that reveals the pattern.

Referring to Figure 4, a third embodiment of a pair of glasses as shown in figure 1 has a third decoration, in which the appearance changes from plain (a) to showing a decoration comprising a number of decoration elements in the form of cartoon characters 32 (b). In this embodiment the decoration is provided on the outer surface and the thermochromic material overlies the decoration element and is selected to change from opaque to transparent so as to reveal the decoration elements.

Referring to Figure 5, a fourth embodiment of a pair of glasses as shown in figure 1 has a fourth decoration, in which the appearance changes from a first appearance (a) in which a first set of decoration elements 34 (stars) is visible to a second appearance (b) in which a second set of decoration elements 36 (spaceships) is visible in addition to the first. In this embodiment the thermochromic material overlies the second set of decoration elements but not the first, and is selected to change from opaque and having a first colour at a first temperature, matching the background colour of the surface on which it is applied, to transparent at a second temperature so as to reveal the second set of decoration elements.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A pair of glasses comprising a front frame, a left and a right lens, and a left temple and right temple mounted on the front frame and optionally hinged to it, and a decoration provided on the front frame or on a temple, wherein one of the front frame and of a temple comprises a thermochromic material configured such that the appearance of the outer surface of the front frame or temple changes in response to a change in temperature of the front frame or temple from a first appearance to a second appearance.
2. A pair of glasses according to claim 1 wherein a front frame or a temple is formed at least in part from a thermochromic material.
3. A pair of glasses according to claim 1 wherein a front frame or temple comprises a layer of a thermochromic material on its outer surface.
4. A pair of glasses according to claim 3 wherein the said layer is provided as a coating or paint.
5. A pair of glasses according to any preceding claim wherein the front frame or temple comprises a decoration visible at their outer surface and the thermochromic material overlies the decoration, such that the thermochromic material is configured to change the appearance of the decoration in response to a change in temperature of the front frame or temple.
6. A pair of glasses according to claim 5 wherein the decoration is provided on the outer surface.
7. A pair of glasses according to claim 6 wherein a thermochromic material is configured to change from opaque to translucent or transparent in response to a change in temperature
8. A pair of glasses according to claim 7 wherein the thermochromic material is configured to hide a portion of the decoration when at a first temperature and to reveal the said portion when at a second temperature.
9. A pair of glasses according to claim 8 wherein the first temperature is a lower temperature and the second temperature is a higher temperature.
10. A pair of glasses according to any preceding claim wherein the decoration comprises a decoration element chosen from a colour, a pattern, a logo or image, text or numerals, an optical effect such as a reflective, sparkling, iridescent, phosphorescent or refractive optical effect.
11. A pair of glasses according to claim 10 configured such that a first decoration element is visible in the first appearance and a second decoration element is visible in the second appearance.
12. A pair of glasses according to claim 11 wherein both the first and the second decoration elements may be visible together in one of the appearances.
13. A pair of glasses according to any preceding claim comprising a first and a second thermochromic material, each having a different temperature at which their optical properties change.
14. A pair of glasses according to claim 13 wherein a first thermochromic material is configured to become transparent at a first temperature, and the second material is configured to become opaque at the first temperature.
15. A pair of glasses according to any preceding claim configured such that a second image becomes visible together with a first image when the appearance of the outer surface changes.
16. A pair of glasses according to any preceding claim configured such that an optical effect becomes visible when the appearance changes, the optical effect being one of a reflective, sparkling, iridescent, phosphorescent or refractive effect.
17. A pair of glasses according to any preceding claim wherein a lens is an eyesight correction lens.
18. A pair of glasses according to any preceding claim wherein a lens is a polarised lens as used in glasses for 3D viewing of an image.
19. A pair of glasses according to any preceding claim wherein a lens is tinted or metallised.