WO2014027879A1

WO2014027879A1 - Eyeglass frame assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2014027879A1
Application number: PCT/MY2013/000140
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tzy Cuan TAI
Original assignee: Tai Tzy Cuan
Priority date: 2012-08-14
Filing date: 2013-07-31
Publication date: 2014-02-20
Also published as: MY162212A

Abstract

The present invention discloses an eyeglass frame assembly (100) comprising a frame member having a front portion (101) with a central bridge (116) interconnecting a pair of lens holders for receiving a removable lens (110) inserted through the top of each lens holder and a pair of temple arms (106) hinged to the lateral ends of the front portion (101), wherein the central bridge (116) carries a first part of a locking mechanism (107) on the top surface of the central bridge (116) that is bounded by lateral gaps and has a slot (108) passing through the first part of the locking mechanism (107) from side to side; a top frame (102) detachably fixed to the frame member, having a middle portion and a pair of elongate members each extending from both lateral sides of the middle portion, wherein the middle portion carries a second part of the locking mechanism (109) which comprises a fork portion having a pair of legs that fit into the lateral gaps of the first part of the locking mechanism (107) respectively; and a pin (115) passing through the legs and the slot (108) upon fitting the legs into the lateral gaps such that the pin (115) is movable together with the top frame (102) along the slot (108); wherein the top frame (102) is rotatable about a pivot point on the pin (115) when the pin (115) is moved to a hinging position of the slot (108) for removing or replacing the lens (110) and the top frame (102) is locked in position when the pin (115) is moved to a locking position of the slot (108).

Description

EYEGLASS FRAME ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to an eyeglass frame assembly with multiple securing and locking features that enable lenses to be removed and replaced conveniently and securely.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional eyeglasses frame typically comes in one piece. Lenses fixed within conventional eyeglasses frames are not detachable and hence users would have to attain a new pair of eyeglasses whenever replacement of lens is needed or desired. The limited usage of eyeglasses with permanently attached lenses leads to the emergence of eyeglasses that allow lenses to be removed and changed.

U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0132705 describes an eyeglass frame assembly that has an upper half portion with a central hollow in the bridge having two opposite catching blocks, each fabricated with a barb, and a lower half portion having two opposite protruding members at the bridge with a through hole formed between the two opposite protruding members. Each protruding member is provided with a stopping article. To assemble the upper and lower half portions together, the opposite catching blocks are inserted into the through hole for the barbs to respectively catch the stopping articles and the protruding members to be inlaid in the central hollow.

Another prior art, U.S. Patent No. 6863395 describes an eyeglasses that comprises a frame having right and left portions with a recess abutted on a bridge, a projection on an end piece and an aperture proximate the projection. The eyeglasses further includes two lenses, each having an indentation at an outer end and a hole proximate the indentation, two temples and two connecting mechanisms pivotally coupled to both the temples and the frame. The connecting mechanism has a pin projected from an inner side. For fastening each lens onto the frame, the indentation is engaged with the projection while the inner end of the lens is rested on the recess. The pin is then inserted into the through hole and the aperture to lock the lens in position.

Whilst US 2006/0132705 provides a solution to removing and changing lens, the eyeglass frame assembly does not provide any locking features to secure the assembled parts of the eyeglass frame assembly in place. The detachable upper half portion is only engaged with the lower half portion by inserting the catching blocks of the upper half portion into the through hole of the lower part portion. Furthermore, the upper half portion of the eyeglass frame assembly has to be totally detached from the lower half portion in order to remove and insert the lens. This increases the risk of misplacing the separated parts of the eyeglass frame assembly. Also, this would cause inconvenience for users to detach and attach the upper half portion. The catching blocks and stopping articles could also break easily during the detaching and attaching processes of the upper half and lower half portions.

On the other hand, the lens in US 6863395 is detachable and affixed to the eyeglass frame through engaging the indentation of the lens with the projection on the eyeglass frame and inserting the inner end of the lens on the recess of the frame. Users could break or dirty the lens easily during the removal and attaching process of the lens to the frame. In addition to that, frequent insertion of the pin through the aperture on the lens could damage the lens easily.

It is therefore crucial to introduce an eyeglass frame assembly that allows changing of lenses to be carried out conveniently without damaging the lens and prevent losing of the detachable parts of the eyeglass frame assembly that are disassembled from the frame assembly. Most importantly, locking features are also desired to be incorporated in the eyeglass frame assembly to secure the lens in position. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The main aspect of the present invention is to provide an eyeglass frame assembly that allows the lens to be removed and replaced conveniently.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an eyeglass frame assembly that is incorporated with a locking mechanism for securing the lens and the detachable parts of the frame assembly in position. Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide an eyeglass frame assembly that prevents the lens to be damaged.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide an eyeglass frame assembly that prevents the detachable parts of the eyeglass frame assembly to be misplaced when the parts are disassembled from the frame assembly.

Also another aspect of the present invention is to provide an eyeglass frame assembly with a rear open to remove and replace lens that is suitable for eyeglass frame that is substantially straight and slightly curvy or an eyeglass frame assembly with a front open to remove and replace lens that is suitable for curvier eyeglass frame.

At least one of the preceding aspects is met, in whole or in part, by the present invention, in which the embodiment of the present invention describes an eyeglass frame assembly (100) comprising a frame member having a front portion (101)_. with a central bridge (116) interconnecting a pair of lens holders for receiving a removable lens (110) inserted through the top of each lens holder and a pair of temple arms (106) hinged to the lateral ends of the front portion (101), wherein the central bridge (116) carries a first part of a locking mechanism (107) on the top surface of the central bridge (1 16) that is bounded by lateral gaps and has a slot (108) passing through the first part of the locking mechanism (107) from side to side; a top frame (102) detachably fixed to the frame member, having a middle portion and a pair of elongate members each extending from both lateral sides of the middle portion, wherein the middle portion carries a second part of the locking mechanism (109) which comprises a fork portion having a pair of legs that fit into the lateral gaps of the first part of the locking mechanism (107) respectively; and a pin (115) passing through the legs and the slot (108) upon fitting the legs into the lateral gaps such that the pin (115) is movable together with the top frame (102) along the slot (108); wherein the top frame (102) is rotatable about a pivot point on the pin (115) when the pin (115) is moved to a hinging position of the slot (108) for removing or replacing the lens (110) and the top frame (102) is locked in position when the pin (115) is moved to a locking position of the slot^'(108).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure l is an exploded front view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an isometric front view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an isometric back view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention when the top frame is secured at a hinging position and the fasteners are adjusted to the unfastening position.

Figure 4 is a medial side view of the mated parts of the locking mechanisms of the first preferred embodiment that shows the pin being at the hinging position.

Figure 5 is an isometric back view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention when the top frame is being rotated about a pivot point on the pin at the hinging position for removing and replacing the lens.

Figure 6 is lateral side view of the mated parts of the locking mechanism of the first preferred embodiment that shows the pin being at the hinging position when the top frame is being rotated about a pivot point on the pin at the hinging position for removing and replacing the lens.

Figure 7 is an isometric back view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention when the top frame is secured at a locking position and the fasteners are adjusted to the fastening position.

Figure 8 is a medial side view of the mated parts of the locking mechanism of the first preferred embodiment that shows the pin being at the locking position. Figure 9 is an exploded front view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is an isometric front view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is an isometric back view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention when the top frame is secured at a hinging position and the fasteners are adjusted to the unfastening position. Figure 12 is a medial side view of the mated parts of the locking mechanism of the second preferred embodiment that shows the pin being at the hinging position.

Figure 13 is an isometric back view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention when the top frame is being rotated about a pivot point on the pin at the hinging position for removing and replacing the lens. Figure 14 is a lateral side view of the mated parts of the locking mechanism of the second preferred embodiment that shows the pin being at the hinging position when the top frame is being rotated about a pivot point on the pin at the hinging position for removing and replacing the lens.

Figure 15 is an isometric back view of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention when the top frame is secured at a locking position and the fasteners are adjusted to the fastening position.

Figure 16 is a medial side view of the mated parts of the locking mechanism of the second preferred embodiment that shows the. pin being at the locking position

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses an eyeglass frame assembly (100) comprising a frame member having a front portion (101) with a central bridge (116) interconnecting a pair of lens holders for receiving a removable lens (110) inserted through the top of each lens holder and a pair of temple arms (106) hinged to the lateral ends of the front portion (101), wherein the central bridge (116) carries a first part of a locking mechanism (107) on the top surface of the central bridge (116) that is bounded by lateral gaps and has a slot (108) passing through the first part of the locking mechanism (107) from side to side; a top frame (102) detachably fixed to the frame member, having a middle portion and a pair of elongate members each extending from both lateral sides of the middle portion, wherein the middle portion carries a second part of the locking mechanism (109) which comprises a fork portion having a pair of legs that fit into the lateral gaps of the first part of the locking mechanism (107) respectively; and a pin (115)^" passing through the legs and the slot (108) upon fitting the legs into the lateral gaps such that the pin (115) is movable together with the top frame (102) along the slot (108); wherein the top frame (102) is rotatable about a pivot point on the pin (115) when the pin (115) is moved to a hinging position of the slot (108) for removing or replacing the lens (110) and the top frame (102) is locked in position when the pin (115) is moved to a locking position of the slot (108).

The main element of the eyeglass frame assembly (100) is the frame member that comprises a pair of lens holders each having a rim (104) and a curved groove constructed at the lower front or lower back portion of the rim (104) that defines a retaining seat (105) for holding the lens (110), wherein the lens (110) is inserted into the lens holder from the top into the retaining seat (105). The first preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in Figure 1 to Figure 8 has the rims (104) constructed at the front part of the frame member whereas the retaining seat (105) is constructed behind the rim (104) at the lower back part of the lens holder. Referring to Figure 9 to Figure 16 that shows the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining seat (105) is constructed at the lower front part of the lens holder before the rim (104). The lens holders are interconnected by a central bridge (116) which is also used to engage the eyeglass frame assembly (100) onto the nose of the user. Both the upper lateral sides of the frame member are hinged with a pair of temple arms (106) to be engaged onto the ears of the users. The first part of the locking mechanism (107) is constructed on a top surface of the central bridge (116) in between the retaining seats (105), whereby the lateral gaps separate the first part of the locking mechanism (107) from the lens holders. Preferably, the first part of the locking mechanism (107) is a block structure with the slot (108) formed through the lateral sides of the structure. Else, the first part of the locking mechanism (107) could be a pair of spaced apart vertical structures raised from the top of the central bridge (116) in between the retaining seats (105), with an aperture (118) formed through the lateral sides of each vertical structure. Examples of the shape of the slots (108) are as presented in Figures 4, 6 and 8 for the first preferred embodiment and Figures 12, 14 and 16 for the second preferred embodiment. The shape of the slots (108) could be a normal or an inverted 'L' shape having a longitudinal part and an upright part being the first and second parts of the slot (108) in no particular order. The end of the first part is the hinging position whereas the end of the second part is the locking position. It should be noted that the slots (108) could be in other shapes and not limited to the 'L' shape.

The top frame (102) is detachable from the eyeglass frame assembly (100) to remove and change the lens (110). In the preferred embodiments, the top frame (102) has a middle portion with a second part of the locking mechanism (109) and a pair of elongate members, each extending from both sides of the middle portion. The protrusions (111) at the end of the elongate members are engaged to .the frame member by being inserted into the recesses (112) at the top inner lateral edges of the lens holders. For the first preferred embodiment, the recesses (112) are constructed at the back of the frame member whereas for the second preferred embodiment, the recesses (112) are constructed at the front of the frame member.

To further secure the top frame (102) in position, fasteners (113) are utilized for fastening the two ends of the top frame (102) to the frame member. In the first preferred embodiment, there is an intermediate portion (117) between the front portion (101) and the temple arms (106) that is mounted with a track (114) on the back surface of the intermediate portion (117). The track (114) is used to receive the fastener (113) in order to lock the elongate members of the top frame (102) in position. When the fasteners (113) are adjusted to the unfastening position as illustrated in Figure 3, the fasteners (113) are positioned at the lateral end of the tracks (114) and away from the top frame (102). On the other hand, when the fasteners (113) are slid or pushed inwards to the fastening position as shown in Figure 7, the fasteners (113) are positioned at the medial end of the tracks (114) and blocks a small part of the elongate member of the top frame (102), preventing the top frame (102) from rotating or being disassembled. In the second preferred embodiment, two tracks (114a, 114b) are utilized and the fasteners (113) are preferably designed to have two engaging parts, one at the top and one at the bottom. The primary tracks (114a) are each mounted on the upper back horizontal end surface of the rims (104) for the fasteners (113) to be engaged thereto before locking the top frame (102) in position wherein the fasteners (113) are at the unfastening positions as shown in Figure 11. The bottom engaging parts of the fasteners (113) are engaged onto the primary tracks (114a). On the other hand, the secondary tracks (114b) which resemble a cut are constructed at each lateral ends of the elongate members. When the top frame (102) is attached snugly to the frame member, the fasteners (113) could be slid or pushed inwards to the fastening position for the upper engaging part of the fasteners (113) to be engaged onto the secondary tracks (114b), disallowing the top frame (102) to be movable. However, the primary (114a) and secondary tracks (114b) could also be mounted or fabricated in the same horizontal axis whereby fasteners (113) with just one engaging part could be used for sliding along the tracks (114) to the fastening and unfastening positions.

The middle portion of the top frame (102) comprises the second part of the locking mechanism (109) which is preferably a fork portion having a pair of spaced apart legs having an aperture (118) formed through the lateral sides of the legs. The space between the legs is substantially similar to the width of the structure of the first part of the locking mechanism (107) such that the structure could fit in between the legs when the legs are fitted into the lateral gaps. In the first preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the top frame (102) is fixed to the frame member from a horizontal direction from the back of the frame member. The first preferred embodiment of the eyeglass frame assembly (100) has a rear opening for lenses (110) to be inserted and removed when the top frame (102) is not fixed snugly to the frame member. The structure is fitted in between the legs to mate the two parts of the locking mechanisms (107, 109) together whereas the top middle portion and the elongate members of the top frame are fitted snugly to a groove at the top part of the frame member by inserting the protrusions (111) into the recesses (112). On the other hand, the top frame (102) of the second preferred embodiment as illustrated in Figure 9 is fixed to the eyeglass frame assembly (100) from a downwardly vertical direction. The second preferred embodiment of the eyeglass frame assembly (100) has a front opening for lenses (110) to be inserted and removed when the top frame (102) is not fixed snugly to the frame member. It is preferred that the top frame (102) has a front surface (119) such that the top frame (102) is fixed to the frame member by sitting onto the upper portion of the frame member and the lens (110) with the front surface (119) of the middle portion covering the first part of the locking mechanism (107) on the central bridge (116).

To lock the mated first (107) and second (109) parts of the locking mechanisms together, the pin (115) that acts as a hinge is inserted into the slot (108) through the aperture (118) of the second part of the locking mechanism (109) and pushed along the slot (108) to the hinging position as shown in^' Figure 4 for the first preferred embodiment as well as Figure 12 for the second preferred embodiment, and then to the locking position as depicted in Figure 8 for the first preferred embodiment and Figure 16 for the second preferred embodiment. Both of the preferred embodiments have an 'L' shape slot. In the first preferred embodiment, the pin (115) is pushed sideways to reach the hinging position and upwards to the locking position whereas in the second preferred embodiment, the pin (115) is pushed upwards to reach the hinging position and sideways to the locking position. As the pin (115) is movable together with the top frame (102) when the pin (115) is inserted into the aperture (118), users could exert pull or push forces to the top frame in order to move the pin (115) along the slot (108).

To remove and change the lens (110) from the eyeglass frame assembly, the fasteners ^' (113) arc adjusted to the unfastening positions by pushing towards the lateral sides, away from the elongate members of the top frame (102). The top frame (102) can be rotated about a pivot point at the hinging position by adjusting the pin (115) to the hinging position. For the first preferred embodiment, the top frame (102) is rotatable backwards as shown in Figure 5 whereas the top frame (102) is rotatable forward for the second preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 13, providing an opening at the top of the front for the lenses (110) to be moved or inserted into the lens holder. With reference to Figure 6 and Figure 14, the top frame (102) is rotatable until it reaches a maximum rotation angle that prevents the top frame (102) from rotating further. The maximum rotation of the top frame (102) is not limited but preferred to be around 45 degrees in relative to the vertical axis from where the top frame (102) is fixed snugly to the frame member.

When the lenses (110) are removed and replaced, the top frame (102) is rotated back to its original position to be affixed snugly to the frame member. The protrusions (111) at both ends of the elongate members are inserted into the recesses (112) while the pin (115) is moved to the locking position to lock the mated locking mechanisms (107, 109) together. Finally, the fasteners (113) are pushed inwards to the fastening positions for preventing the top frame (102) from rotating or dislocating from the frame member. Such eyeglass frame assembly (100) provides multiple securing and locking features to ensure that the lenses (110) are secured in position and that the top frame (102) of the frame assembly (100) is fixed firmly to the frame member. The ability of the top frame (102) to rotate while hinging to the eyeglass frame assembly (100) allows changing of the lens to be carried out conveniently and easily as well as prevents the detachable top frame (102) from being misplaced. As could be seen from the figures, the first preferred embodiment with the rear open is particularly suitable for eyeglass frame with a front portion (101) that is substantially straight and slightly curvy whereas the second preferred embodiment with the front open is suitable for eyeglass frame with a curvier front portion (101). Although the description above contains many specifications, it is understood that the embodiments of the preferred form are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention and it may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An eyeglass frame assembly (100) comprising

a frame member having a front portion (101) with a central bridge (116) interconnecting a pair of lens holders for receiving a removable lens (110) inserted through the top of each lens holder and a pair of temple arms (106) hinged to the lateral ends of the front portion (101), wherein the central bridge (116) carries a first part of a locking mechanism (107) on the top surface of the central bridge (116) that is bounded by lateral gaps and has a slot (108) passing through the first part of the locking mechanism (107) from side to side;

a top frame (102) detachably fixed to the frame member, having a middle portion and a pair of elongate members each extending from both lateral sides of the middle portion, wherein the middle portion carries a second part of the locking mechanism (109) which comprises a fork portion having a pair of legs that fit into the lateral gaps of the first part of the locking mechanism (107) respectively; and

a pin (115) passing through the legs and the slot (108) upon fitting the legs into the lateral gaps such that the pin (115) is movable together with the top frame (102) along the slot (108);

wherein the top frame (102) is rotatable about a pivot point on the pin (115) when the pin (115) is moved to a hinging position of the slot (108) for removing or replacing the lens (110) and the top frame (102) is locked in position when the pin (115) is moved to a locking position of the slot (108).

2. An eyeglass frame assembly (100) to claim 1, further comprising at least one pair of fasteners (113) for securing both ends of the top frame (102) onto the frame member.

3. An eyeglass frame assembly (100) according to claim 2, further comprising one or more tracks (114) formed on the back surface of the frame member or a combination of the frame member and the top frame (102) for receiving the fasteners (113).

An eyeglass frame assembly (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a protrusion (111) at each end of the elongate members of the top frame (102).

An eyeglass frame assembly (100) according to claim 4, wherein the frame member is constructed with a recess (112) at each top lateral inner edge of the lens holders for receiving the protrusions (111).

An eyeglass frame assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the legs have an aperture (118) for the pin to pass through.

An eyeglass frame assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first part of the locking mechanism (107) is a block structure.

An eyeglass frame assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the top frame (102) is fixed to the frame member from a horizontal or a downwardly vertical direction.

9. An eyeglass frame assembly (100) according to claim 8, wherein the top frame (102) has a front surface (119) such that the top frame (102) is fixed to the frame member from the downwardly vertical direction by sitting onto the upper portion of the frame member and the lens (110).

10. An eyeglass frame assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the lens holders each has a rim (104) and a curved groove constructed at the lower front or lower back portion of the rim (104) defining a retaining seat (105) for holding the lens (110).