WO2005083496A1

WO2005083496A1 - Spectacle pins having pin-to-lens rotation-preventing design and temple hinge features

Info

Publication number: WO2005083496A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/000695
Authority: WO
Inventors: Colin Hynes
Original assignee: Colin Hynes
Priority date: 2004-02-26
Filing date: 2005-02-24
Publication date: 2005-09-09

Abstract

The present invention provides a spectacle pin (50) for a pair of spectacles including a connecting part (52) for connecting with support arm of the spectacles and a lens fastening portion (56) shaped so that when fitted in an aperture (58) of a lens (60) of the spectacles pivotal movement of the pin relative to the lens is restrained. The lens fastening portion (56) co-operates with a fastening member (62) to fasten the pin to the lens.

Description

SPECTACLE PINS HAVING PIN-TO-LENS ROTATION-PREVENTING DESIGN AND TEMPLE HINGE FEATURES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to spectacles, and, in particular to pins for spectacles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Frameless spectacles are well known. Such spectacles comprise two lenses, which are fixed to wire support members that consist of a bridge and two arms. When fixing the support members to the lenses, it is important to restrain relative movement between the support members and the lenses to prevent the spectacles from loosening and becoming floppy, a problem to which frameless spectacles are particularly prone. There is a further problem in that such spectacles require intricate assembly work, which contributes to costs.

In one prior art arrangement, each lens is provided with an aperture for receiving a fastening member for fastening a support member to the lens. The lens is further provided with an indentation at a side thereof proximate the aperture for receiving a portion of the support member, and for restraining pivotal movement of the support member in the aperture. The aperture must be accurately spaced from the side of the lens to allow the support member to be fixed to the lens. The spectacles of this arrangement have a tendency to loosen over time because relative movement between the support members and the lenses is not adequately restrained. Also, the indentation in the side of the lens causes a weakness in the material of the lens which can lead to cracking.

In a modification of this prior art arrangement that omits the indentation, a connection piece grips the side of the lens to restrain relative movement. However, manufacture of such spectacles is still complicated by the requirement to position the aperture accurately and the connection piece requires soldering to the support arm. i another prior art arrangement, two apertures are provided in a lens for receiving respective fastening members for fastening the support member to the lens. Since the support member is fastened to the lens at two positions, relative movement can be restrained. However, accurate spacing between the apertures is still required to allow the support member to be fastened to the lens. Further, in one method of fastening the support members to the lens, the support member is provided with two barbed fastening extensions, which engage within respective grooved sleeves that fit in the apertures. These fastemng extensions exert a radially outward pressure on the lens, which can lead to cracking of the lens.

La a further prior art arrangement, an elongated aperture is provided in the lens for receiving a fastening portion of a support member. The fastening portion is shaped to complement the shape of the aperture so that relative pivotal movement of the support member in the aperture is restrained. The fastening portion is fixed in the aperture with glue. The type of glue used must be speedily cleaned from the lens after assembly without damaging the lens and such glues typically have low melting points and are susceptible to degradation under UN light. Consequently, the support members can become unfixed if exposed to relatively high temperatures, or if exposed to sustained sunlight. The support member can also become unfixed if exposed to certain solvents such as washing up liquid or hair spray.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a spectacle pin for a pair of spectacles, the spectacle pin comprising means for fastemng the spectacle member to a support member of the spectacles and a lens fastening portion shaped so that when fitted in an aperture of a lens of the spectacles, pivotal movement of the pin relative to the lens is restrained, the lens fastening portion having means for co-operating with a fastening member to fasten the pin to the lens.

The invention also includes spectacles comprising two lenses each provided with two apertures for receiving a respective spectacle pin as defined in the last preceding paragraph, a respective said spectacle pin inserted in said apertures and fastened to the respective lens by a respective fastener engaging said means for cooperating with a fastener, a bridge support member connecting the lenses and fastened to two of said pins and two side support members fastened to two of said pins that are not fastened to the bridge support member.

The invention also includes a spectacle pin for a pair of spectacles, the spectacle pin comprising a lens engaging part for fitting into an aperture defined in a lens of a said pair of spectacles, a fastener engaging part for engaging with a fastener for fastening the spectacle pin to said lens and a connection part for connection with a support member of said pair of spectacles, said lens engaging part including at least a portion having a non-circular section for non-rotatably engaging in said aperture.

The invention also includes frameless spectacles comprising: two spectacle lenses; a bridge part interconnecting said lenses; respective support arms extending from said lenses for engaging behind the ears of a wearer; and respective spectacle pins by which said support arms are connected to the respective lens, wherein: each said lens defines an aperture in which a lens engaging portion of the respective spectacle pin is received, said lens engaging portions being a complementary fit in said apertures and shaped so as to be substantially non-rotatable therein, each said spectacle pin includes a fastener engaging portion cooperably engaging a respective fastener whereby the spectacle pin is fastened to the respective lens, and each said support arm is pivotally connected to the respective spectacle pin.

A spectacle pin for a pair of spectacles, the pin having an elongate aperture for receiving a connection portion of a support member of the pair of spectacles, a hole for insertion of a fastening member for fastening the connection portion to the pin and a fastening extension for extending through an aperture in a lens so that the pin can be fastened to the lens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention may be well understood, various embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows the parts of a pair of spectacles in a disassembled condition; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a spectacle pin, which forms a part of the pair of spectacles shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the connection of the spectacle pin of Figure 2 to a lens; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a spectacle pin; Figure 5_. is a top view of the spectacle pin shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is another side view of the spectacle pin shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the spectacle pin taken along line V-V in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows the spectacle pin shown in Figure 4 and a support member in a disassembled condition; Figure 9 shows the spectacle pin and support member of Figure 8 in an assembled condition; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a spectacle pin; Figure 11A is a side, view of a fourth embodiment of spectacle pin; Figure 1 IB is a top view of the spectacle pin of Figure 11 A; Figure 11C is a front view of the spectacle pin of Figure 11A; Figure 12A is a perspective view of the spectacle pin of Figure 11A; Figure 12B is a perspective view of the spectacle pin of Figure 11 A and a lens; Figures 13A-D show assembly steps of a support member to the spectacle pin of Figure 11 A; Figures 14A-D are various different views of a bridge support member; Figure 14E shows the bridge member with a pair of spectacle pins; Figure 15 shows the components of a pair of spectacles incorporating the spectacle pin of Figure 11 A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 shows the parts of a pair of spectacles. The assembly comprises two lenses 12, two side support members 14, a bridge support member 16, four spectacle pins 18, and four fastening members in the form of nuts 20. The spectacles also comprise four connectors, or cotters, 22. A cotter 22 is shown in Figure 2. Each lens 12 has two apertures and a spectacle pin 18 is inserted through each aperture and comprises means for co-operating with a nut to fasten the pin to the lens. The bridge support member 16 is connected to two of the pins 18 with respective connectors 22 to form the bridge of the spectacles. The two side support members 14 are connected to the respective remaining pins 18 with connectors 22 to form the arms of the spectacles. No welding or other complicated assembly steps are required and therefore the spectacles are easy and quick to assemble.

A spectacle pin 18 is shown in more detail in Figure 2. The assembly may comprise two types of spectacle pin — one type for connecting the side support members to the lenses and one for connecting the bridge support member to the lenses. Alternatively, all four pins can be the same in order to reduce manufacturing costs. Figure 2 (and Figures 11 to 13 and 15) show a spectacle pin that can be used for connecting a bridge support member and side support members to the lenses of a pair of spectacles. Figures 4 to 9, and 10 show two types of spectacle pin adapted to connect the side support members to the lenses. Figures 4 to 9 and 10 will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to Figure 2, one end portion 23 of each spectacle pin 18 has means for fastening a support member 14, 16 thereto in the form of an elongate slot, or opening, 24 for receiving a looped portion of a support member 14. The spectacle pin 18 has first and second holes 26 into which a connector 22 can be inserted. The connector 22 is inserted in a direction generally perpendicular to the elongate slot so that when the looped portion of support member 14 is received in the slot, the connector extends through the looped portion to connect the support member to the pin. The connector may be a rivet, a screw or any other suitable connector. The hollowed interior of the pin is adapted to receive the looped portion of a support member with a snug fit to improve the connection therebetween and restrain relative movement. It should be noted that the looped portions of the support members need not form a full 360° loop provided the connection to the pin 18 is secure.

As shown in Figure 1, the looped portions 19 of the bridge support member 16 are preferably elongate. The looped portion 19 has two curved end portions connected by two straight portions that fit flush against respective sides of the elongate slot to resist pivotal movement of the support member 16 relative to the pin. A washer 36 with a circular through-hole is provided for preventing movement of the support member 16 relative to the pin 18.

As shown in Figure 1 and in more detail in Figures 8 and 9, the looped portions 21 of the side support members 14 are preferably circular to allow pivotal movement of the support member relative to the pin 18.

Referring to Figure 3, the end portion of each spectacle pin 18 opposite the end portion 23 forms a lens fastening portion 28 for fastening the pin to a lens 12. The fastening portion 28 comprises a threaded cylinder 30 for extending through an aperture 34 in the lens and co-operating with a threaded bore in a nut, or fastening member, 20. Alternatively, other suitable fastening arrangements can be adopted. In the arrangement shown, the aperture 34 has a non-circular shape (e.g. a slot as shown) and the fastening portion 28 comprises a non-cylindrical lens engaging portion 32 having a non-circular, or elongate, cross-section that complements the shape of the aperture 34 so that when it is fitted in the aperture, it will resist rotation of the pin relative to the lens. By shaping the lens engaging portion 32 to resist relative rotation between the spectacle pin 18 and the lens 12, the arrangement reduces the possibility of the nut 20 being loosened during use. When the pin is fastened to the lens, the lens is squeezed between the pin and the nut in a direction, approximately perpendicular to the surface of the lens. This method of fastening the pin to the lens restrains relative movement and reduces the occurrence of cracks in the lens, which can more readily occur in the prior art arrangement where the fastemng member exerts a radially outward pressure on the lens. Preferably, the nut 20 is a self-locking nut.

Alternative techniques of resisting rotation of the pin relative to the lens may be adopted, such as the provision of two extensions for fastening in two respective apertures in the lens, although these techniques are not currently preferred.

Figures 4 to 9 show a second embodiment of a spectacle pin 18, which with a looped portion 21 of a side support member 14 forms a hinge for connecting the side support member 14 to a lens 12 to allow pivotal movement of the support member relative to the pin. This spectacle pin is different to the spectacle pin of the first embodiment in that a counter-sunk groove, or recess, 25 extends from an adjacent end of the elongate slot 24 to the free end of the end portion 23 of the pin 18. The groove 25 is shaped to partially, or fully, receive the support member 14 in a first, or folded, position of the support member. As shown in Figure 9, the connector 22 forms a pivot, or hinge pin, with an axial center C about which pivotal movement of support member 14 can take place. The counter-sunk groove 25 allows the pin to be reduced in size, as compared with the pin shown in Figure 2, whilst still allowing the support member 14 to pivot through 90°.

The outer circumference of the connector and the inner circumference of the looped portion 21 are circular and of similar size so that smooth pivotal movement of the support member can be achieved. The outer circumference of the looped portion is also circular so that the support member 14 can rotate smoothly in elongate slot 24. Although not shown in the drawings, the support member 14 is bent through approximately 90°. so that the position shown in Figure 9 constitutes a folded position. Pivotal movement of the support member 14 (in an anti-clockwise direction as shown in Figure 9) moves the support member 14 to a second, or unfolded, position of the spectacles, for supporting the spectacles on a wearer's face. The elongate slot 24 is shown in broken lines in Figures 5, 8 and 9. The elongate slot is preferably sized and shaped to match the shape of the looped portion to reduce movement of the support member 14 in the pin 18 when assembled. In the first and second embodiments, the elongate slot 24 is closed at each end. This is preferable as it increases the rigidity of the pin. Alternatively, the elongate slot 24 may be open as shown in Figure 10.

In a third embodiment of the spectacle pin 18 shown in Figure 10, the pin is provided with a gap 38 so that the elongate slot, or opening, 24 is not closed at the free end of the end portion 23 of the pin. This arrangement allows a reduction in the size of the pin whilst still allowing the support member 14 to pivot through 90°.

The support members 14,16 can be formed by any suitable method but are preferably preformed by bending lengths of wire into the desired shapes. The support members are preferably made from a plastics or metal material with shape memory. Stainless-steel or titanium may be used.

By way of example the spectacle pins 18 of the embodiments are preferably dimensioned as follows. End portion 23 is 4.5mm long and 2.9mm in diameter. Slot 24 is 3mm by 1mm by 2.9mm and formed at the geometrical center of the end portion 23. Where provided, the groove 25 is 1mm in length by 1mm deep. The free end of end portion 23 is domed to a radius of 2.45mm. End portion 28 is 10mm in length. The non-cylindrical lens engaging portion 32 is 2mm in length and 2.5mm in width. The lens engaging portion 32 has a curved surface as shown in Figure 5 having a radial curve of 0.7mm. Circular cylinder 30 is 1.4mm in diameter. The spectacle pins are preferably moulded from a metallic substance to form a rigid, non- flexible support for the support member 14, 16.

By way of example, the support members 14,16 are made from a 1mm diameter wire. The looped portions 19 of the bridge support member 16 are formed by bending the wire over an oval of 1.5mm by 2.00mm to form an elongated looped portion 3.5mm wide by 4.0mm long. Once the looped portion 21 is formed, a pad arm and bridge sections are bent through 90°. The side support member 14 has a looped portion 21 formed by bending the wire around a 1mm circle. Connector 22 is 1mm in diameter.

A further spectacle arrangement will now be described with reference to Figures 11 to 15. A fourth embodiment of a spectacle pin 50 is shown in detail in Figures 11 A, 11B and l lC. Pin 50 comprises means for fastening a support member thereto including an opening 52 for receiving a portion of a support member. The support member is described in more detail with reference to Figures 13 to 15. Unlike the previously described spectacle pins, the means for co-operating with a fastening member of pin 50 does not include a threaded cylinder but instead includes a threaded bore 54 provided in the lens fastening portion 56. The bore 54 opens into opening 52. Referring additionally to Figures 12 A and 12B, the fastening portion 56 is shaped so that when fitted in the aperture of a lens pivotal movement of the pin relative to the lens is restrained. As shown portion 56 is non-cylindrical and is adapted to fit in a complementary shaped non-cylindrical aperture 58 in lens 60. A threaded fastening member 62 engages with threaded bore 54 when the fastening portion 56 is received in aperture 58 for fastening the pin 50 to the lens 60. Fastemng member 62 is a screw as shown but other suitable fastening members can be provided as appropriate. The non- cylindrical shape of the fastening portion 56 and aperture 58 is elongate as shown, but other suitable non-cylindrical shapes can be selected as required. The purpose of the non-cylindrical shajpe is to prevent movement of the pin 50 relative to the lens 60 when the pin is fastened to the lens. This non-cylindrical arrangement solves the problems discussed in relation to the prior art.

The fastening of a support member to pin 50 will now be described with reference to Figures 13A to 13D, which show a side support member 64. The side support member 64 comprises a shoulder portion 66 and hook portion 68. The shoulder portion 66 is inserted through the opening 52 in the pin 50 so that the hook portion 68 extends out from the pin,- as shown in Figure 13B. The support member 64 is then moved to the position shown in Figure 13C and a clamp member 70 is inserted into opening 52. Clamp member 70 has a countersunk recess 72. After insertion of the clamp member 70 as shown in Figure 13D, screw 62 is fastened in bore 54 to fasten the pin to the lens 60 and also to engage in countersunk recess 72 in clamp member 70 thereby fastening the support member 64 to the pin.

As shown in Figure 12B, the pin 50 is orientated with opening 52 extending upwardly so that when the support arm 64 is received in opening 52 pivotal movement of the arm between open and closed positions is allowed. The shoulder portion 66 is cylindrical to allow this pivotal movement. Although reference is made to opening 52 extending upwardly, clearly the spectacles can be placed in any orientation whilst still allowing opening and closing of the support arms. The reference to upwardly is the orientation when the spectacles are being worn.

Figures 14A-D show a bridge support member 74 comprising a bridge portion 76, two nose portions 78 and two connection portions 80. Bridge support member 74 is formed by bending a wire into the shape shown, with respective looped portions forming connection portions 80. As shown in Figure 14E, the connection portions 80 are adapted to be received in the opening 52 of a pin 50 and fastened therein with a screw 62 (not shown in Figure 14E).

Figure 15 shows all of the components of a pair of spectacles. It will be appreciated from Figure 15 that the clamp member 70 for use in clamping arm support member 64 to pin 50 is required to allow pivotal movement of the arms relative to the spectacles. Bridge support member 74 which, is not required to be pivoted, does not require a separate clamp member and therefore the connecting portion 80 can simply be formed by a loop portion of the bridge support member.

A further. embodiment is described below but is not illustrated in the drawings. This further embodiment comprises a spectacle pin which is attached to the lens in any of .the ways shown in the drawings. The pin has a hole extending therethrough and a support member is fastened to the pin by pushing it through the hole and then bending the member so that it cannot detach from the pin.

Claims

C L AI M S

1. A spectacle pin for a pair of spectacles, the spectacle pin comprising means for fastening the spectacle pin to a support member of the spectacles and a lens fastening portion shaped so that when fitted in an aperture of a lens of the spectacles, pivotal movement of the pin relative to the lens is restrained, the lens fastening portion having means for co-operating with a fastening member to fasten the pin to the lens.

2. A spectacle pin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lens fastening portion comprises a non-cylindrical lens engaging portion for engaging in said aperture.

3. A spectacle pin as claimed in claim 2, wherein in one direction, the lens engaging portion has an elongate cross-section.

4. A spectacle pin as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the lens fastening portion has a bore therein for receiving a said fastening member for fastening the pin to a said lens.

5. A spectacle pin as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the spectacle pin has an opening for receiving a portion of said support member so that the support member can be fastened thereto.

6. A spectacle pin as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the lens fastening portion defines a bore for receiving said fastening member, the spectacle pin has an opening for receiving a portion of said support member and the bore opens into said opening so that said fastening member can fasten said support member in said opening.

7. A spectacle pin as claimed in claim 6, wherein said opening is adapted so that when said support member is a side arm support member and said portion of the support member is received in the opening, said side arm support member can be pivoted between a folded condition and an open condition for supporting the spectacles on the face of a wearer.

8. A spectacle pin as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising an opening for receiving a looped portion of said support member and a hole for insertion of a connector for connecting the support member to the pin.

9. A pin as claimed in claim 8, having a second hole aligned with the first said hole so that said connector can be inserted through said first hole and the looped portion of the support member and into said second hole.

10. A pin as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first and second holes are positioned such that the connector is inserted in a direction generally perpendicular to a lengthways direction of the opening.

11. A pin as claimed in claims 8, 9 or 10, wherein a recess extends from said opening for receiving a portion of a support member in a first position of the support member.

12. A pin as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the connector forms a pivot about which said support member can pivot, so that said connector forms a hinge pin and said pin and said support member form a hinge.

13. A pin as claimed in claim 12, wherein the support member can pivot between a first position in which the spectacles are folded and a second position in which the support member can support the spectacles on the face of a wearer.

14. Spectacles comprising two lenses each provided with two apertures for receiving a respective spectacle pin as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, a respective said spectacle pin inserted in said apertures and fastened to the respective lens by a respective fastener engaging said means for co-operating with a fastener, a bridge support member connecting the lenses and fastened to two of said pins and two side support member fastened to two of said pins that are not fastened to the bridge support member.

15. A spectacle pin for a pair of spectacles, the spectacle pin comprising a lens engaging part for fitting into an aperture defined in a lens of a said pair of spectacles, a fastener engaging part for engaging with a fastener for fastening the spectacle pin to said lens and a connection part for connection with a support member of said pair of spectacles, said lens engaging part including at least a portion having a non- circular section for non-rotatably engaging in said aperture.

16. A spectacle pin as claimed in claim 15, wherein said lens engaging part includes at least one formation for engaging a complementary formation of said aperture.-

17. A spectacle pin as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein said connection part defines an opening for receiving a portion of said support member.

18. A spectacle pin as claimed in claim 17, wherein said fastener engaging part comprises a bore for receiving said fastener, said bore extending to said opening such that said fastener can additionally fasten said portion of the support member in said opening.

19. A spectacle pin as claimed in claim 17, wherein said connection portion defines a bore for receiving an elongate member such that said elongate member can pass through an aperture in said portion of the support member such that the support member can pivot about said elongate member.

20. Frameless spectacles comprising: two spectacle lenses; a bridge part interconnecting said lenses; respective support arms extending from said lenses for engaging behind the ears of a wearer; and respective spectacle pins by which said support arms are connected to the respective lens, wherein: each said lens defines an aperture in which a lens engaging portion of the respective spectacle pin is received, said lens engaging portions being a complementary fit in said apertures and shaped so as to be substantially non-rotatable therein, each said spectacle pin includes a fastener engaging portion cooperably engaging a respective fastener whereby the spectacle pin is fastened to the respective lens, and each said support arm is pivotally connected to the respective spectacle pin.

21. Frameless spectacles as claimed in claim 20, further comprising two spectacle pins by which the bridge part is connected to the two spectacle lenses, wherein said lenses define respective apertures for receiving a lens engaging portion of the respective spectacle pin, said lens engaging portions being a complementary fit in said apertures and shaped so as to be substantially non-rotatable therein, each said spectacle pin includes a fastener engaging portion cooperably engaging a respective fastener by which the spectacle pin is fastened to the respective lens, and said bridge part has respective members secured to the spectacle pins.

22. Frameless spectacles as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein each said spectacle pin has a longitudinal axis and when fastened to the respective lens projects therefrom with said longitudinal axis extending transverse to the plane of the lens.

23. Frameless spectacles as claimed in claim 22, wherein said longitudinal axis extends perpendicular to the plane of the lens.