WO1994020876A1 - Monture de lunettes a elements en alliage a memoire de forme entoures d'une enveloppe polymere - Google Patents

Monture de lunettes a elements en alliage a memoire de forme entoures d'une enveloppe polymere Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1994020876A1
WO1994020876A1 PCT/US1994/001932 US9401932W WO9420876A1 WO 1994020876 A1 WO1994020876 A1 WO 1994020876A1 US 9401932 W US9401932 W US 9401932W WO 9420876 A1 WO9420876 A1 WO 9420876A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
coating
shape memory
eyeglass frame
memory alloy
component
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1994/001932
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John F. Krumme
Robert B. Zider
Original Assignee
Cvi/Beta Ventures, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cvi/Beta Ventures, Inc. filed Critical Cvi/Beta Ventures, Inc.
Publication of WO1994020876A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994020876A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
    • G02C5/00—Constructions of non-optical parts

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an eyeglass frame, and to a method of making an eyeglass frame.
  • U.S. Patent 4,896,955 (“the '955 patent”), the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses an eyeglass frame, of which components are formed from nickel- titanium based shape memory alloys. Components of the frame can be formed from such alloys treated in a variety of ways, to confer desired properties on the component. For example, fastening elements used in the frame can exhibit conventional shaped memory properties of the alloy. Other components of the frame can exhibit the enhanced elastic properties exhibited by shape memory alloys.
  • a shape memory alloy can exhibit "super elastic" behavior at a temperature below the M, of the alloy as a result of a significant degree of work-hardening, for example to about 30% or more plastic deformation.
  • a temperature range of -20°C to 40°C By selection of an alloy with an appropriate M, temperature, with appropriate work-hardening, such behavior can be obtained in a temperature range of -20°C to 40°C.
  • a shape memory alloy can exhibit "pseudo-elastic" properties. Such properties are exhibited in a narrow temperature range, between the M, and M d temperatures of the alloy. They involve transformation of an alloy in its austenite phase to its martensite phase by the application of stress. Application of stress in these conditions can give rise to high strain values. Provided that the temperature is between the M, and the M d temperatures of the alloy, virtually all of the strain is recovered. The deformation and recovery are marked by significant deviations from linear elastic behavior.
  • a shape memory alloy which has been work-hardened, perhaps to 30% or more plastic deformation, and at a temperature between its M, and M d temperature, exhibits a combination of superelastic and pseudoelastic behavior.
  • the optimized elastic behavior is referred to in the '955 patent as "work-hardened pseudoelastic" behavior.
  • shape memory alloys which exhibit enhanced elastic behavior in the manufacture of eyeglass frames, for their kink resistance.
  • Pseudoelastic properties are particularly preferred, because of the large amount of strain which can be recovered.
  • a disadvantage of relying on pseudoelastic properties is that they are available only over a narrow temperature range.
  • the invention provides an eyeglass frame which has at least a portion thereof formed from a shape memory alloy existing in the pseudoelastic metallurgical state, the portion having a coating of a thermally insulated polymeric material.
  • the portion can be a bridge, nosepad wires, eyewires and/or a pair of temples of the eyeglass frame.
  • the shape memory alloy can be any suitable material such as a nickel-titanium based alloy or a copper based alloy.
  • the coating can be applied in a variety of ways.
  • the coating can be provided as a tube of polymeric material which engages and conforms to the shape memory alloy portion elastically.
  • the coating can be provided by dipping the shape memory alloy portion in a liquid, which has solidified in ⁇ itji on the portion.
  • the coating can have any suitable thickness such as 0.2-2.0 mm.
  • the minimum thickness of the coating of polymeric material can be less than about 0.2mm and the maximum thickness of the coating of polymeric material can be greater than about 2.0mm.
  • the material of the coating can comprise a silicone based polymer or a polyurethane based polymer as an example.
  • the coating can comprise a plurality of layers of polymeric material and each layer can be of a different polymeric material.
  • the coating can contain additives to enhance various properties and features of the eyeglass frames and/or of the coating itself.
  • the invention also provides a method of making an eyeglass frame, which includes the steps of (a) forming a component of the frame at least partially from a shape memory alloy, the alloy in the component being in the pseudoelastic metallurgical state, and (b) applying to the component a coating of a thermally insulating material.
  • the coating can be applied as a tube of a polymeric material, and the method can include (a) positioning the shape memory alloy component inside the tube, and (b) allowing the tube to engage and to conform to the shape memory alloy component elastically.
  • the tube can be conformed to the shape memory alloy by heating the tube and shrinking the tube onto the shape memory alloys.
  • the method can include steps of (a) dipping the shape memory alloy component in a liquid, and (b) allowing the liquid to solidify in situ on the component to provide the coating.
  • the dipping step can be carried out more than once.
  • the coating can contain at least one additive such as a coloring additive.
  • the coating is provided in a thickness sufficient to enlarge a temperature range at which the component exhibits pseudoelastic behavior.
  • Figure 1 is an isometric view of an eyeglass frame
  • Figures 2A to 2G illustrate strain-temperature and stress- strain behavior of a shape memory alloy
  • Figures 3A to 3H illustrate various cross sections of coated eyeglass frame components in accordance with the invention.
  • the present invention provides a technique for making an eyeglass frame from a shape memory alloy such as a nickel- titanium based or copper based alloy exhibiting pseudoelastic behavior, by providing a coating of a thermally insulating polymeric material on a component made from such an alloy.
  • a shape memory alloy such as a nickel- titanium based or copper based alloy exhibiting pseudoelastic behavior
  • the invention provides an eyeglass frame of which at least a portion is formed from a shape memory alloy existing in the pseudoelastic metallurgical state, the portion having a coating of a thermally insulating polymeric material.
  • the invention provides a method of making an eyeglass frame, which includes the steps of:
  • the technique of the present invention of producing an eyeglass frame has the advantage of enhanced kink resistance, arising from the use of a shape memory alloy which exhibits pseudoelastic behavior.
  • a coating of a thermally insulating polymeric material on the shape memory alloy portion of the eyeglass frame allows the frame to be exposed to temperatures outside the narrow range in which pseudoelastic behavior is exhibited, at least for short periods of time.
  • an eyeglass frame can be provided, having the advantages of pseudoelastic behavior, but with an ability to tolerate temperatures lower than the M, temperature and greater than the M d temperature of the alloy. This is made possible without any requirement necessarily to subject the alloy to a specific, controlled work- hardening processing step.
  • the eyeglass frame of the invention can include any of a number of components, at least a portion of one of which is formed from a shape memory alloy.
  • the eyeglass frame might include a pair of temples, and/or eyewires, and/or a bridge, and/or a pair of nosepad wires (which connect a pair of nosepads through respective lens rims), a portion of any one or more of which can be formed from a shape memory alloy.
  • the material of the coating may include additives.
  • Additives may be included, for example, to affect the appearance of the eyeglass frame.
  • colorant additives may be added to impart a desired color to the coated shape memory alloy component.
  • Additives might also, or alternatively, be included to modify surface feel, wear texture, chemical resistance, UV resistance, durometer, flexibility, or to create specific zones of enhanced thermal conductivity in order to draw heat from the wearer while in use in cold ambients.
  • the coating can be provided as a tube of polymeric material which engages and conforms to the shape memory alloy portion el stically. It might be convenient in some circumstances for the tube to be closed at one end, for example when the tube is to be fitted to a temple for an eyeglass frame.
  • the use of a tube of polymeric material to provide the coating on the shape memory alloy component has the advantage of allowing the coating to be provided in a reliable way, without a significant minimum skill level required of the operator of the coating process. It is envisaged, for example, that the coating tube might be allowed to shrink onto the shape memory alloy component, for example by the application of heat. In another arrangement, an elastically deformable tube might be rolled over a shape memory alloy eyeglass frame component.
  • the coating of polymeric material be applied to the shape memory alloy component as a liquid, which solidifies in sifii on the surface of the component.
  • the component might be dipped in a quantity of the liquid.
  • the coating might then solidify, for example, by evaporation of a solvent, or as a result of a curing reaction. This process is commonly referred to as "dipping".
  • the application of the coating as a liquid for solidification has the advantage that coatings can be built up on the shape memory alloy component in a number of layers. This allows coatings with different thickness or materials to be built up on components as required without a requirement for a large inventory of coating tubes. Furthermore, by use of different coating liquids in respective layers of the coating material, a variety of aesthetic and other effects can be created. For example, the inner layer might be a solid or vivid color with the outer layer being translucent, thereby giving an unusual aesthetic effect. It should be noted, however, that such multilayered coatings can also be obtained from layered sheet materials thus obviating the need to use a liquid for building up the layers on the shape memory alloy.
  • a particularly preferred material for the coating comprises the family of dippable and/or sprayable silicone polymers as produced by Dow Corning.
  • the minimum thickness of the coating of polymeric material is at least about 0.2mm. More preferably, the minimum thickness is at least about 0.5mm.
  • the maximum thickness of the coating of polymeric material is less than about 2.0mm. More preferably, the maximum thickness is less than about 1.0mm.
  • the preferred coating can have a thickness ranging from less than 0.2 to more than 2.0 mm.
  • the shape memory alloy component of the eyeglass frame of the invention can be work-hardened, and the method of the invention can include a work-hardening step applied to the shape memory alloy component.
  • suitable work-hardening conditions are disclosed in the '955 patent referred to above.
  • the application of a coating of a thermally insulating polymeric material to a shape memory alloy component of an eyeglass frame which has been work-hardened has the advantage that pseudoelastic behavior, or work-hardened pseudoelastic behavior, is exhibited for some period of time by the component at ambient temperatures greater than the M,, temperature of the alloy from which the component is formed.
  • Alloys will be selected for use in the eyeglass frame of the invention, with a M,, temperature which is greater than the temperature which can be expected to be encountered in use by a user of the frame. Such a temperature might be, for example, 35°C, preferably 40°C, for example about 45 °C.
  • Suitable shape memory alloys are generally based on a nickel-titanium system. Some of the nickel or the titanium can be replaced by one or more other elements, such as iron, chromium, copper, cobalt or vanadium. Suitable alloys are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,174,851; 3,351,463; 3,558,369; 3,672,879;
  • shape memory alloys can be used.
  • copper based shape memory alloys can be used. Examples of copper based shape memory alloys can be found in U.S. Patent No. 4,490,112.
  • Figure 1 shows an eyeglass frame 12.
  • the frame 12 includes two rims 14, 16, a nose bridge 18, nosepads 19, 21, and temples 20, 22.
  • the temples are connected to the rims by means of hinges.
  • the temples extend rearwardly from the rims, over the ears of a wearer when in use.
  • the bridge 18 connects the two lenses.
  • Tne ncsepads 19, 21 rest on the nose of a wearer, and are attached to the eyewires or rims by means of wires 23, 25.
  • Each of the nose bridge 18, the temples 20, 22 and the nosepad wires 23, 25 is formed from a nickel-titanium based shape memory alloy, which exhibits pseudoelastic behavior at ambient temperature.
  • Each is provided with a coating of a thermally insulating polymeric material. The coating is provided by dipping each of the components in liquid silicone polymer, which solidified in situ.
  • Figure 2A illustrates conventional shape memory effect behavior of the shape memory alloy. It provides an illustration of the strain-temperature behavior of an alloy, as it is cycled from low temperature to high temperature and back again, at constant stress. It can be seen that a component made from an alloy, on cooling or heating in the temperature range M f to A f can be made to change configuration.
  • the change in configuration results in a reduction of strain.
  • the configuration of the article in question reverts to the original configuration, the revision taking from a place between M, and M d of the alloy.
  • A is higher than M,.
  • the alloy is stable in the martensite phase at a temperature below M f and is stable in the austenite phase at a temperature above A f .
  • an article formed from a shape memory alloy in this configuration as is subjected to a change in temperature its phase changes between martensite and austenite phases.
  • Figures 2B to 2G illustrate the behavior of a shape memory alloy which exhibits pseudoelastic, superelastic and work-hardened pseudoelastic behavior, depending on the temperature at which the behavior is observed, and the method by which a component is formed from the alloy.
  • Transformation of a shape memory alloy from its austenite phase to its martensite phase can be induced by the application of stress. This is possible provided that the temperature does not exceed M,, the characteristic temperature of a shape memory alloy above which the stress induced transformation can no longer take place.
  • the M d temperature is generally greater than the A, temperature. This behavior of a shape memory alloy at a temperature less than its M,, temperature when under stress is referred to generally as pseudoelastic behavior, and is illustrated in Figures 2B to 2E.
  • the temperature T ! is less than the M 8 temperature of the alloy.
  • the temperature T 2 is between the M, and M d temperatures of the alloy.
  • the behavior illustrated in Figure 2C is classical pseudoelastic behavior of a shape memory alloy in which all (or virtually all) of the strain resulting from the application of stress is recovered.
  • the temperature T 3 is between the M, and M d temperatures of the alloy, and is greater than the temperature T 2 of which the behavior shown in Figure 2C takes place.
  • the temperature T 4 is greater than both the Mj and A f temperatures of the alloy being observed.
  • Superelastic behavior of a shape memory alloy is exhibited once it has been subjected to a work-hardening step.
  • a suitable work-hardening step can be plastic deformation of at least 25%, for example at least about 35%.
  • Figures 2F and 2G illustrate the stress-strain behavior of a shape memory alloy component which has been subjected to such a work-hardening step.
  • Figure 2F shows the behavior of a shape memory alloy at a temperature which is less than the M, temperature of the alloy.
  • the behavior illustrated in Figure 2F is classical superelastic behavior of a shape memory alloy.
  • Figure 2G illustrates the behavior of a component formed from a shape memory alloy which has been work-hardened, at a temperature between M, and M d temperatures of the alloy.
  • Figures 3A to 3H show various cross sections of coated eyeglass frame components in accordance with the invention.
  • the cross sections of the component and coating can be circular (Fig. 3A), rectangular (Fig. 3B), irregular (Fig. 3C), elliptical (Fig. 3D), or C-shaped (Fig. 3H).
  • a portion of the T-shaped component is not coated.
  • the component is covered with multiple coatings.
  • the elliptical component is coated with air or gaseous spaces between the coating and the component (e.g., four air spaces can be created between four radially extending polymeric standoffs 30).

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Ophthalmology & Optometry (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Eyeglasses (AREA)

Abstract

Monture (12) de lunettes qui comporte au moins un élément tel les branches (20, 22), le pont (18) ou les tiges de plaquettes (23, 25) fabriqué dans un alliage à mémoire de forme rendu pseudo-élastique par traitement métallurgique. L'élément est revêtu d'un matériau polymère qui assure une isolation thermique et permet à l'alliage de subir des températures supérieures à sa température Md, tout au moins pendant une durée brève, sans perdre son comportement pseudo-élastique.
PCT/US1994/001932 1993-03-05 1994-02-24 Monture de lunettes a elements en alliage a memoire de forme entoures d'une enveloppe polymere WO1994020876A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US2677293A 1993-03-05 1993-03-05
US08/026,772 1993-03-05

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994020876A1 true WO1994020876A1 (fr) 1994-09-15

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19523882A1 (de) * 1995-06-30 1997-01-16 Matthias Mertmann Zahnbürsten-Druckkraftbegrenzer
EP0907094A1 (fr) * 1997-04-07 1999-04-07 Polaris Inter AB Lunettes
WO2004077128A1 (fr) * 2003-02-26 2004-09-10 Rancangelo Di Rancan Dario E Pietro S.N.C. Monture pour lunettes

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1479937A (en) * 1924-01-08 Island
US4190333A (en) * 1978-01-16 1980-02-26 Lambert Anodizing Co. Inc. Spectacle frames
GB2044667A (en) * 1979-03-22 1980-10-22 Shinetsu Chemical Co Swelling polymers padded spectacle frames
US4272166A (en) * 1978-10-02 1981-06-09 Bononi Walter H Temples for eyeglasses
US4758285A (en) * 1986-10-14 1988-07-19 Cvi/Beta Ventures, Inc. Shape-memory alloy resetting method
US4952044A (en) * 1987-04-17 1990-08-28 Sigma Industry Co., Ltd. Metallic eyeglass frame and method of making the same
US4953966A (en) * 1989-01-05 1990-09-04 Sigma Co., Ltd. Spectacle frame
US5078485A (en) * 1989-06-12 1992-01-07 Kanto Special Steel Works, Ltd. Temples for eyeglasses

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1479937A (en) * 1924-01-08 Island
US4190333A (en) * 1978-01-16 1980-02-26 Lambert Anodizing Co. Inc. Spectacle frames
US4272166A (en) * 1978-10-02 1981-06-09 Bononi Walter H Temples for eyeglasses
GB2044667A (en) * 1979-03-22 1980-10-22 Shinetsu Chemical Co Swelling polymers padded spectacle frames
US4758285A (en) * 1986-10-14 1988-07-19 Cvi/Beta Ventures, Inc. Shape-memory alloy resetting method
US4952044A (en) * 1987-04-17 1990-08-28 Sigma Industry Co., Ltd. Metallic eyeglass frame and method of making the same
US4953966A (en) * 1989-01-05 1990-09-04 Sigma Co., Ltd. Spectacle frame
US5078485A (en) * 1989-06-12 1992-01-07 Kanto Special Steel Works, Ltd. Temples for eyeglasses

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19523882A1 (de) * 1995-06-30 1997-01-16 Matthias Mertmann Zahnbürsten-Druckkraftbegrenzer
DE19523882C2 (de) * 1995-06-30 2000-03-09 Matthias Mertmann Zahnbürsten-Druckkraftbegrenzer
EP0907094A1 (fr) * 1997-04-07 1999-04-07 Polaris Inter AB Lunettes
EP0907094A4 (fr) * 1997-04-07 1999-12-29 Polaris Inter Ab Lunettes
WO2004077128A1 (fr) * 2003-02-26 2004-09-10 Rancangelo Di Rancan Dario E Pietro S.N.C. Monture pour lunettes

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