WO2007034520A1

WO2007034520A1 - Improved frame for spectacles

Info

Publication number: WO2007034520A1
Application number: PCT/IT2005/000548
Authority: WO
Inventors: Massimiliano Tabacchi
Original assignee: Safilo Società Azionaria Fabbrica
Priority date: 2005-09-26
Filing date: 2005-09-26
Publication date: 2007-03-29

Abstract

A frame for spectacles comprises nasal support means arranged with a pair of juxtaposed pads (6a, 6b) defining respective nasal support surfaces (10), capable of being placed straddling the user's nose, and opposed rear surfaces (11), and also a respective support (5a, 5b) for each pad (6a, 6b), means for ball-and-socket type articulated coupling being provided between each support (5a, 5b) and the rear surface (11) of the corresponding pad, and means for limiting the relative rotation between each pad (6a, 6b) and the corresponding support (5a, 5b) being provided in each of the ball-and-socket type couplings. The articulated coupling means comprise a pair of appendages (12) extending in the same direction from the rear surface (11), in a position spaced from each other and also including respective seats (13a; 13b), facing one another, and capable of at least partially receiving respective spherical profile portions provided at one end (9) of the support.

Description

Improved frame for spectacles Technical field

The present invention concerns a frame for spectacles including the characteristics mentioned in the preamble of the main claim. Technological background

Frames including the aforesaid characteristics are widely known in the relevant technical field and normally provide, as nasal support means, a pair of pads fixed to the respective supports (so-called "hooks") with the further provision of suitable means for preventing the possibility of relative rotation thereof.

A first known solution typically provides for each pad to be mounted on the corresponding hook with a coupling articulated about a preferred axis of rotation, with the provision of means for limiting such rotation. The adaptability between the geometry of the pad and the sides of the user's nose is obtained both by means of a preventative and rigid deformation of the hook, and with the contribution of the limited pivoting permitted about the axis of rotation. The limit of such a solution is linked to the fact that the adaptation of the pad to the nose is only partial and in any case influenced by the reduced orientation capacity of the pad. A second known solution, described in US Patent No. 4029403, provides for a ball-and-socket type coupling between the pad and the relevant support firmly connected to the frame. The ball-and-socket type coupling provides for the formation of a seat with spherical cavity in the support and of a spherical member, provided on the pad, having an accentuated resilient yielding capacity such as to be received and held in the seat, subject to resilient deformation of same. Such a solution, although improving the orientation capacity of the pad, is constructionally rather complex to produce, with particular reference to the production, in the constructive detail, of the components of the joint. Description of the invention A principal aim of the present invention is that of providing a frame in which a constructionally simplified structure of the hook/pad assembly is obtained, with consequent saving of weight and with greater ease of relative assembly, such as to ensure at the same time a wide orientation capacity of the pad for an improved capacity for adaptation to the user's nose.

This and other aims which will become clearer hereinafter are achieved by the invention by means of a frame for spectacles produced in accordance with the appended claims. Brief description of the drawings

Further 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 frame produced in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 2 is a view in side elevation, on an enlarged scale, of the nasal hook/pad assembly of the frame of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a view in front elevation according to the arrow A of Figure 2 of the relevant detail,

Figure 4 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 3 of the nasal pad alone,

Figure 5 is a view in section along the line V-V of Figure 4, Figure 6 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 4 in an alternative embodiment of the nasal pad,

Figure 7 is a view in section along the line VII-VII of Figure 6, Figure 8 is a view, corresponding to that of Figure 3, of the variant of Figure 6,

Figures 9 and 10 are views respectively in front and side elevation of the hook of the frame in the preceding figures, Figures 11 and 12 are views respectively in front and side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the hook, Figure 13 is a view in front elevation of the hook/pad assembly with the hook of Figures 11 and 12, - Figures 14 and 15 are views respectively in front and side elevation of a further alternative embodiment of the pad in the preceding figures,

Figure 16 is a view in side elevation, with the parts disassembled, of a further variant of a detail of the invention, - Figure 17 is a view with parts assembled and in cross-section of the variant of Figure 16,

Figure 18 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 16 of a further alternative embodiment,

Figure 19 is a view, corresponding to that of Figure 17, of the variant of Figure 18.

Preferred ways of implementing the invention

Referring initially to Figure 1, the reference 1 indicates as a whole a pair of spectacles with frame produced according to the present invention. The frame is of the type provided with lens-holding rims 2 connected by a central cross-member or bridge 3. Further indicated in the spectacles is a pair of arms 4a, 4b hinged onto the outermost margin of the lenses by means of respective articulation lugs. In order to perform the function of nasal support of the spectacles, the frame is provided with a pair of rod- like supports 5a, 5b on each of which a respective pad 6a, 6b is fitted in the manner explained hereinafter.

The supports 5a, 5b have a stem 7 with a first end bent into a hook

8, and intended for fixing the support to the lens-holding rim (or to the central bridge in the case of frames devoid of lens-holding rims) and with a second, opposed end 9, spherical in shape and arranged for a ball-and- socket type articulated coupling with the corresponding pad. Each pad 6a, 6b comprises a nasal support surface 10 and an opposed rear surface 11. From the rear surface 11, a pair of appendages 12 are raised in the same direction, parallel to, and spaced from, each other, and in which respective seats 13a are provided, facing each other in order to receive and retain portions of the spherical end 9 of the support in a reciprocal ball-and-socket type articulated coupling.

The seats 13a are provided in the form of a cavity with spherical bottom as illustrated in Figure 5, for receiving, with substantial form-fit, spherical cap portions of the spheroidal end 9 of the support. In an alternative embodiment, provision is made . for such seats to be in the shape of holes 13b passing transversely through the respective appendages 12, coaxial with each other and having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the spherical end of the support so as to retain the latter in mutual articulated coupling between the appendages 12. The spherical end 9 of the support is removably held between the appendages 12 and is snap-fitted into the corresponding seats subject to resilient spreading apart of said appendages.

Also provided according to the invention are means for limiting the relative rotation between each pad 6a, 6b and the corresponding support 5a, 5b, said means comprising a terminal section 14, extending in prolongation of the spheroidal end 9, and which is arranged to co-operate with the checking region of the rear surface 11 of the pad, thus limiting the rotation of same about an axis transverse to the appendages, indicated by X in the drawings. The terminal section 14 is conveniently produced with a cylindrical configuration (for example dictated by the circular cross-section of the metal wire from which the stem 7 is made). Other configurations of the terminal section 14 are however possible, as an alternative to the aforesaid configuration. Preferably, the terminal section is obtained in one piece with the end 9 and with the stem 7. In a further alternative embodiment of the support 5a, 5b (Figures

11-13) provision is made for the spherical end 9 to be provided with a pair of protuberances 15, protruding from its spherical surface and placed in diametrically opposed positions. Each protuberance 15 is of such a length as to be freely received in the respective seat 13b of the corresponding appendage 12 in order to constitute a retaining means capable of opposing the disengagement of the spherical end 9 from the ball-and-socket type coupling with the seats 13b. Preferably, the protuberances 15 are provided with a cylindrical configuration.

The reference 16 indicates a first connecting cross-member between the appendages 12, extending at the rear surface 11 of the pad. Said appendages 12 are conveniently obtained in one piece with the cross- member 16 structurally independently of the pad body, for example by means of injection-moulding of a plastics material or by stamping or shearing sheet metal. The pad body in this case is obtained by means of injection-moulding of plastics material with concomitant embedding of the cross-member and possibly of part of the appendages in the pad body, at the rear surface 11.

In order to increase the rigidity of the appendages 12 by limiting the resilient flexion thereof, so as to obtain stable retention of the end 9 of the support in the ball-and-socket type coupling, a second connecting cross- member 17 may likewise be provided between the appendages 12, extending on the opposite side from the first cross-member 16 at the free ends of the appendages 12 (Figures 14 and 15). The second cross- member 17 may also be obtained in one piece with the appendages and the first cross-member. In order to oppose the withdrawal of the support 5a, 5b from the ball-and-socket type articulation with the pad 6a, 6b, a retaining member 18 may further be provided, configured as a clip with opposed cheeks 19a, 19b, raised in the same direction from a base 19, and between which the appendages 12 are received, so as to oppose the resilient spreading apart of same. The relative locking between the retaining member 18 and the appendages 12 is obtained via stop means comprising, on each cheek 19a, 19b, a respective projection 20a, 20b capable of engaging a respective seat 21a, 21b provided in the corresponding coupling appendage 12. The seats 21a, 21b may be separate from the seats 13b, as illustrated in Figure 19, or may coincide with the seats 13b as shown in Figure 17. In each case the projections 20a, 20b have a configuration and dimensions such as to ensure stable retention (with substantial form-fit in the case of the seats 21a, 21b) of the retaining member 18 on the appendages 12. The fitting of the member, once the ball-and-socket type articulation between support and pad is assembled, takes place by coupling with resilient snap engagement thereof on the appendages 12, subject to spreading apart of the cheeks 19a, 19b until the position is reached in which the projections 20a, 20b are engaged in the respective reciprocal receiving seats 21a, 21b. Owing to the structure of the support/pad assembly provided in the frame according to the invention, a capacity of orientation is obtained, with limited rotation, of the pad 6a, 6b about at least two main axes, that is, the axis X and an axis orthogonal thereto, indicated by Y in the drawings.

The invention thus achieves the aim proposed, providing numerous advantages with respect to the known solutions.

Among these are numbered, in particular, an improved capacity of adaptation of the pad to the user's nose, constructional simplification of the support hook/pad assembly, with overall lightening and improved stability of reciprocal retention of the members of the ball-and-socket joint provided between each support and the corresponding pad.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. A frame for spectacles comprising nasal support means arranged with a pair of juxtaposed pads (6a, 6b) defining respective nasal support surfaces (10), capable of being placed straddling the user's nose, and opposed rear surfaces (11), and also a respective support (5a, 5b) for each pad (6a, 6b), ball-and-socket type articulated coupling means being provided between each support (5a, 5b) and the rear surface (11) of the corresponding pad, and means for limiting the relative rotation between each pad (6a, 6b) and the corresponding support (5a, 5b) being provided in each of said ball-and-socket type couplings, characterized in that said articulated coupling means comprise a pair of appendages (12) extending in the same direction from said rear surface (11), in a position spaced from each other and also including respective seats (13a; 13b), facing one another and capable of at least partially receiving respective spherical profile portions provided at one end (9) of said support.

2. A frame according to claim 1, wherein each of said seats (13a) comprises a respective cavity having a surface profile in the shape of a spherical segment, capable of receiving with substantial form-fit a respective portion configured as a spherical cap of said end (9) of the support.

3. A frame according to claim 1, wherein each of said seats comprises a respective hole (13b) passing transversely through the corresponding appendage (12), the holes of said appendages being coaxial with one another and of such dimensions as to receive respective spherical cap portions of said end (9) of the support.

4. A frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said end (9) of each support (5a, 5b) is removably retained in the ball-and-socket type coupling between said appendages (12) and is received in a snap fit between said appendages subject to resilient spreading apart of same.

5. A frame according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said end (9) of the support has a substantially spherical configuration.

6. A frame according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said means for limiting the rotation comprise a terminal section

(14) of said support extending in prolongation of said end (9) with at least partially spherical profile and co-operating with the rear surface (11) of the corresponding pad (6a, 6b).

7. A frame according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein each of said supports (5a, 5b) comprises a respective rod-like stem (7) and the end (9) with spherical profile of the ball-and-socket type coupling is obtained in one piece with said stem (7).

8. A frame according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said appendages (12) are connected transversely by a first cross- member (16), at the rear surface (11) of the corresponding pad (6a, 6b).

9. A frame according to claim 8, wherein said appendages (12) are obtained in one piece with said first cross-member (16) and structurally independent of the body of said pad, said pad body being formed by injection-moulding with concomitant embedding of said cross- member (16) in the pad body.

10. A frame according to claim 9, wherein said appendages (12) are transversely connected by a second cross-member (17) extending at the free ends of said appendages.

11. A frame according to claim 10, wherein said appendages (12) are obtained in one piece with said first (16) and second cross-member

(17).

12. A frame according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein for each pad (6a, 6b) a respective retaining member (18) is provided, configured as a clip with opposed cheeks (19a, 19b) between which said appendages (12) are received, so as to oppose the resilient spreading apart of same.

13. A frame according to claim 12, wherein removable stop means are provided between said retaining member (18) and the appendages (12) of the corresponding pad (6a, 6b) in order to oppose the relative disengagement thereof.

14. . A frame according to claim 13, wherein said stop means comprise at least one projection (20a, 20b) extending from one of said cheeks (19a, 19b) and capable of engagement in a respective receiving seat (21a, 21b) provided in the corresponding appendage (12).

15. A frame according to claim 14, wherein said seat for receiving the projection (20a, 20b) is defined by the through opening of the ball- and-socket type coupling of the corresponding appendage (12).

16. A frame according to claim 14 or 15, wherein a pair of projections (20a, 20b) are provided, extending from said cheeks in a facing position and capable of engaging respective seats (21a, 21b) provided in a corresponding position on said appendages (12).

17. A frame according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the coupling of the retaining member (18) on said appendages (12) is of the snap-fit type, with engagement of the stop projections in the respective seats of said appendages subject to resilient spreading apart of the cheeks.

18. A frame according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising auxiliary retaining means on said end (9) of the support, capable of being received in the respective seats (13a, 13b) of said appendages (12) in order to oppose the disengagement of the end (9) of the support from the articulated coupling with said appendages (12).

19. A frame according to claim 18, wherein said auxiliary retaining means comprise at least one protuberance (15) protruding from said end (9) with at least partially spherical profile, capable of being freely received in the corresponding seat (13a, 13b) of the appendage.