WO2006106541A1

WO2006106541A1 - Improved spectacles

Info

Publication number: WO2006106541A1
Application number: PCT/IT2005/000195
Authority: WO
Inventors: Massimiliano Tabacchi
Original assignee: SAFILO SOCIETÀ AZIONARIA FABBRICA ITALIANA LAVORAZIONE OCCHIALI S.p.A.
Priority date: 2005-04-07
Filing date: 2005-04-07
Publication date: 2006-10-12

Abstract

A description is given of spectacles comprising a frontal lens structure (2) and respective articulation lugs (4) for a corresponding pair of arms (3), the lens structure (2) including at least a first inner lens (5), turned towards the user’s face when the spectacles are put on, at least a second outer lens (6) facing the inner lens (5), and at least one spacer member (7) contained between the lenses and capable of maintaining the inner lens and outer lens (5, 6) in a position spaced from one another, wherein the at least one spacer member (7) constitutes a frame for the attachment of the lugs (4) to the frontal lens structure (2).

Description

Improved spectacles

Technical field

The present invention concerns spectacles produced in accordance with the characteristics listed in the preamble of main claim 1. Technological background

In the field of protective mask goggles, designed in particular for sporting activities, for example in the field of ski goggles, it is known to use lenses having a double front lens structure, that is to say, formed of an inner lens and an outer lens, facing one another and spaced from one another, and between which an air gap or internal chamber is delimited. Such a lens structure is normally provided in applications for protective purposes, for example having a thermal insulation function, or an anti- mist function or more simply a solar ray screening function. Typically, these lens structures are held in portions of the front frame of the goggles that are capable of supporting the lens with sufficient rigidity and stability and also of guaranteeing optional sealed closure of the air gap defined between the inner lens and the outer lens.

It is also found in the field in question that the aforesaid double lens structures, in addition to performing the protective functions mentioned, confer a no less significant pleasing aesthetic impact which meets with the user's approval. Description of the invention

It is a principal aim of the invention to provide spectacles of conventional type, equipped with hinged arms, having in particular a protective and/or decorative function, but not exclusively intended for use in sporting activities, and which are distinguished by lens structures having a double lens configuration of the type mentioned above.

A further aim of the invention is to produce spectacles of the type devoid of a front mounting, that is to say, without lens-holding rims for retaining the lenses, both in the case where a lens configured as an integral mono-lens is provided, and in the case where respective independent lenses are provided for each eye region.

These aims are achieved by the invention by means of spectacles produced in accordance with the appended claims. Brief description of the drawings

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of some preferred exemplary embodiments thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first example of spectacles according to the invention, Figure 2 is a plan view from above of the spectacles of Figure

1,

Figure 3 is a partial perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of a detail of the spectacles of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a view in partial section of a further detail of the spectacles in the preceding figures,

Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the detail of Figure 4, Figure 6 is a view in section and on an enlarged scale of a detail of the lens structure of the spectacles of the preceding figures,

Figure 7 is a view in partial section and on an enlarged scale of a further detail of the spectacles of the preceding figures, Figure 8 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 6 pertaining to the attachment of the detail of Figure 7 to the lens structure of the spectacles according to the invention,

Figure 8A is a view in partial section of an alternative embodiment of the detail of Figure 7,

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second example of spectacles produced according to the invention, Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of a detail of the spectacles of Figure 9. Preferred ways of implementing the invention

With reference to the above figures, the reference 1 indicates as a whole a first example of spectacles produced in accordance with the present invention.

The spectacles are of the so-called "rimless" type, that is to say, devoid of a frame or front mounting for supporting and retaining the lenses, and conveniently have a frontal lens structure, indicated as a whole by 2, having a typical wrap-around "goggles" type configuration of the type with a mono-lens extending integrally between the opposed eye regions. The spectacles are also equipped with respective arms 3 articulated on respective lugs 4 fixed to the lens structure 2, as described in detail hereinafter.

The frontal lens structure 2 has a double lens configuration with an inner lens 5 and an outer lens 6, facing one another frontally and maintained in a mutually spaced position by the provision of a spacer member 7 contained between the lenses. The term "inner lens" is intended in the present context to distinguish the lens turned towards the user's face, with the spectacles put on, while "outer lens" indicates that lens facing the inner lens on the frontally opposed side, as is also clearly shown in the drawings. The spacer member 7 extends along the peripheral edges of the lenses with a profile having a closed contour so as to define an internal chamber or air gap 7a conjointly delimited by the spacer member and the respective facing surfaces of the lenses 5, 6.

In addition, the outer lens 6 protrudes, at its peripheral edge, beyond the profile of the spacer member 7, along the entire length thereof, while the inner lens 5 is connected to the spacer member 7 without protruding from the contour line thereof. In this regard, the spacer member 7 is conveniently provided with a surface undercut 8 extending along the entire contour of the spacer member and constituting a seat for receiving and supporting the peripheral edge of the inner lens 5, so that the latter is coupled flush with the spacer member without protruding laterally therefrom (Fig. 6).

Depending on requirements principally of the aesthetic type, provision is made in an alternative embodiment of the frontal lens structure 2, not shown, for the outer lens 6 not to protrude with respect to the profile of the spacer member 7, but to be coupled flush with the spacer member 7 along the whole of its peripheral edge.

The aforesaid lens structure 2 may conveniently be obtained by means of initial independent cutting of the inner lens 5 and outer lens 6 from flat plate, for example with digitally controlled cutting tools, and subsequent assembly thereof with the spacer member 7. In particular, the spacer member may be obtained in the form of an annular moulding by injection of a plastics material with adhesive securing thereof on the outer lens and subsequent corresponding adhesive securing to the inner lens. This assembly operation is accompanied or followed by a stage of bending of the lens structure 2 obtained previously, in order to impart the desired wrap-around shape thereto. Once bending has been completed, the lens structure 2 is ready to be assembled with the lugs 4, the arms 3 and any nasal support members provided. According to a principal characteristic of the invention, the spacer member 7 constitutes the frame for the attachment of the lugs 4 to the frontal lens structure 2, as explained in detail in the continuation of the description. In this regard, only one of the lugs 4 with the corresponding attachment in the lens structure 2 will be described, the other lug being coupled in a mirror image with an identical corresponding attachment system.

In particular, the spacer member 7 is provided, at each lateral zone of attachment of the lugs, with a seat 9 capable of being engaged, at least partially, by a respective end appendage 10 of the corresponding lug 4, relative locking means being provided between the seat and the appendage.

The seat 9 conveniently comprises a blind cavity 9a, integrally provided radially in the thickness of the spacer member 7 and having an opening 9b towards the outside through which is inserted the appendage 10 of the lug.

Said appendage is likewise configured so as to be received in the cavity 9a with a substantial mutual form fit.

In this respect, in the example described, the bottom of the cavity

9a, opposed to the opening 9b, has a surface projection 11 which engages, by fitting round the shape thereof, the corresponding end profile 11a of the appendage, as clearly illustrated in Figure 4. Because of the transparency of the lenses 5, 6, the profile 11a is moreover visible from the front side of the spectacles, should the spacer member 7 in its turn be made of transparent material, also imparting a not inconsiderable decorative effect.

Alternatively, the appendage 10 may be constituted simply by the end of the lug, having a regular shape, for example plate-like, the concept of a form fit with the seat 9 remaining unchanged.

By means of such a form fit between the appendage 10 and the seat 9, on the one hand the centred mounting of the lug on the spectacles is facilitated and on the other hand the stability of the relevant coupling is ensured, in particular by impeding any unwanted rotation of the lug with respect to the spacer member. This anti-rotation function is further accentuated by the fact that the appendage 10 is plate-like in shape, with a substantially rectangular cross-section, capable of engaging the cavity 9a having a cross-section of corresponding geometry, as described above.

For the relative locking between the appendage 10 and the seat 9, screw clamping means are provided, comprising a screw 12 intended to engage respective holes provided in the lens structure 2 and the lug 4. A first hole 13 is provided, passing transversely through the inner lens 5 and outer lens 6 and also through the spacer member 7, in the region involving the cavity 9a. A second hole 14 is provided, passing through the plate-like appendage 10 of the lug in a position such as to be coaxial with the hole 13 when the appendage 10 is fully engaged in the seat 9. During assembly, the holes 13, 14 are engaged by the screw 12 which is mounted with a head 12a thereof abutting on the inner lens and a shank 12b protruding with a threaded end section thereof beyond the outer lens 6 to allow a respective nut 15 to be screwed onto it. The nut 15 may conveniently have on the part visible frontally on the outer lens one or more decorative elements 15a which also perform the function of masking the nut itself. There may further be provided in the nut 15 a portion 15b having a polygonal external profile capable of coupling with a part 13a of hole 13, on the outer lens, of corresponding configuration, having the function of anti-rotation of the nut and also such as to permit the correct relative positioning of the decorative elements 15a on the outer lens 6.

In the stages of assembly of the lug, subject to positioning of the nut 15 on the outer lens, by means of the passage of the screw 12 through the holes 13 and 14 and the tightening thereof with the nut, the relative locking between the lug 4 and the lens structure 2 is obtained, the locking being however of the type that is removable if required.

Alternatively, the holes 13, 14 may be engaged by the screw 12 mounted with its head 12a abutting on the outer lens 6 and with the shank 12b protruding with a threaded end section thereof beyond the inner lens 5 to allow a respective nut to be screwed onto it.

As a further alternative, the relative locking between the appendage 10 and the corresponding coupling seat 9 may be obtained by means of adhesive securing between one or more pairs of mutually coupled surfaces.

The reference 16 designates a nasal support member, provided centrally in the spectacles 1 and having a pair of appendages or nosepieces 17 extending from a central portion 18 thereof and also preferably obtained in one piece therewith. The portion 18 is provided with an appendage 19 arranged for attachment to the lens structure 2, at a central region thereof. More particularly, the attachment appendage 19 has a iip 19a capable of being engaged in a blind seat 20 of the spacer member, subject to the passage of the lip through a through opening 21 provided in the inner lens 5, as is clearly illustrated in Figure 8. The relative locking between the attachment appendage 19 and the seat 20 is obtained by means of adhesive securing.

Alternatively, the nosepieces 17 may be, structurally independent of each other, of the type connected to the spectacles by means of wire. In this case, the wire of each nosepiece may for example be equipped with one or more protuberances (or small teeth) 17a, in the end section facing the region of attachment to the spectacles. The protuberances 17a are arranged for insertion into suitable seats 17a provided in the thickness of the inner lens and, partially, in the thickness of the spacer member, with a substantial form fit with said seats (Fig. 8A). Relative locking may be obtained for example by means of adhesive securing. With reference to Figures 9 and 10, the reference Ia indicates a second example of spectacles produced in accordance with the invention, in which details similar to those of the preceding example are designated by the same reference numbers. This example has a lens structure 2 substantially identical to that previously described and differs mainly in that a different system is provided for the attachment of the lug 4 to the spacer member 7. In this case the lug 4 is provided with an attachment base 25 of elongate shape, capable of frontal superposition at the spacer member 7, from the inner lens side, along a lateral edge section thereof. At its opposed longitudinal ends, the base 25 is provided with holes for the engagement of respective clamping screws 26 passing through the spacer member 7, in order to effect the relative locking between the lug 4 and the lens structure 2. The reference 27 indicates a hinge for articulation of the arm 3 on the lug 4, which hinge comprises a first hinge member 27a extending centrally from the attachment base 25 and a second hinge member 27b extending from the end of the arm 3 facing the lug 4.

The invention thus achieves the aims proposed, obtaining the advantages indicated with respect to the known solutions. A reminder is given in particular of the fact that in spectacles of the "rimless" wrap-around goggles type . with double lens structure, produced according to the invention, adequate rigidity overall is guaranteed and in particular in the lateral area of connection of the arms, benefitting from the spacer member as a frame element that is sufficiently rigid for stable attachment of the lugs for articulation of the arms.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. Spectacles comprising a frontal lens structure (2) and respective articulation lugs (4) for a corresponding pair of arms (3), said lens structure (2) including at least a first inner lens (5), turned towards the user's face when the spectacles are put on, at least a second outer lens (6) facing said inner lens (5), and at least one spacer member (7) contained between said lenses and capable of maintaining the inner lens and outer lens (5, 6) in a position spaced from one another, characterized in that said at least one spacer member (7) constitutes a frame for the attachment of the lugs (4) to the frontal lens structure (2).

2. Spectacles according to claim 1, wherein each of the inner and outer lenses (5, 6) has a configuration of the mono-lens type, extending integrally between the opposed eye regions.

3. Spectacles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said outer lens (6) protrudes, at its peripheral edge, beyond the profile of the spacer member (7) at least at the respective lateral areas of attachment of the lugs (4) to said spacer member.

4. Spectacles according to claim 3, wherein said outer lens (6) protrudes beyond the profile of the spacer member (7) along the entire length of the spacer member.

5. Spectacles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said outer lens (6), at its peripheral edge, does not protrude beyond the corresponding peripheral profile of the spacer member (7).

6. Spectacles according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said spacer member (7) extends at the peripheral edges of said lenses (5, 6) with a profile having a closed contour defining an internal chamber (7a) conjointly delimited by said lenses (5, 6) and said spacer member (7).

7. Spectacles according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein means are provided for relative locking between the spacer member (7) and respective appendages (10) extending from said lugs (4).

8. Spectacles according to claim 7, wherein said spacer member (7) comprises for each of said lugs (4) a respective seat (9) capable of receiving, at least partially, the corresponding appendage (10).

9. Spectacles according to claim 8, wherein each of said seats

(9) comprises a respective cavity (9a) provided integrally in the spacer member (7).

10. Spectacles according to claim 9, wherein each appendage

(10) is received in the respective cavity (9a) with a substantial form fit.

11. Spectacles according to one or more of claims 7 to 10, wherein screw clamping means are provided between each appendage (10) of the corresponding lug (4) and said spacer member (7), said means comprising at least one screw (12) passing through a respective hole (13) provided through the inner lens (5), outer lens (6) and spacer member (7), and also coaxial with a hole (14) passing through the appendage (10), when the latter is engaged in the corresponding seat of the spacer member, so as to maintain said appendage (10) secured in a stable manner to said spacer member (7) by the clamping of said screw (12) with a respective nut (15).

12. Spectacles according to one or more of claims 7 to 10, wherein means are provided for clamping by means of adhesive securing between each appendage (10) of the corresponding lug (4) and said spacer member (10).

13. Spectacles according to claim 11, wherein said nut (15) constitutes a support for one or more decorative elements, located at the surface of the outer lens (6) and visible at the front on the lens structure (2).