WO2017037162A1

WO2017037162A1 - Improvements in eyeglass temples

Info

Publication number: WO2017037162A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/070597
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eduard Zanen; Jasmijn RIJCKEN; Janne Kyttanen
Original assignee: What The Future Venture Capital (Wtfvc) B.V.
Priority date: 2015-09-04
Filing date: 2016-09-01
Publication date: 2017-03-09

Abstract

A temple for use in spectacles or other glasses having one or two bi-stable flexures allowing the temple(s) to be held extended, for use, or in a folded-up configuration, where the end earpieces of the temples pass through a gap between the lenses and across the front of the lenses.

Description

Improvements in Eyeglass Temples

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to eyeglass temples, and to eyeglasses comprising such temples. Background and Prior Art

In this specification, the term "eyeglass" is intended to include spectacles including vision-correcting lenses, sunglasses or other such glasses designed to protect a user's eyes from visible or near- visible electromagnetic radiation, and safety glasses, designed to protect a user' s eyes from airborne debris or high-intensity visible or near- visible electromagnetic radiation. The term "eyeglass" is also intended to include arrangements that hold other apparatus in front of a user's eye or eyes, such as headsets or displays used for virtual reality, or augmented reality. As well as vision- correcting lenses and sunglasses, the term "eyeglass" therefore also includes items such as sports glasses or goggles such as those used for skiing, motocross and the like, and also "safety glasses" such as for impact protection or for carrying out welding operations. The term "lens", in the singular or plural, is intended to refer to that portion of the eyeglass through which light must travel to reach a user's eyes; it is not limited to vision-correcting lenses, but also includes semi-opaque or photochromic lenses as used in sunglasses, or shock-resistant lenses such as may be used in safety glasses. Where the eyeglass is an image delivery system, such as a virtual reality or augmented reality headset, the term "lens" is intended to refer to that portion of the apparatus that projects the image towards a user's eye(s).

A typical pair of eyeglasses (also referred to herein as "an eyeglass"), generally indicated by 1, is illustrated in Figure 1, to establish a nomenclature for the various parts of the eyeglass. The eyeglass 1 comprises two lenses 2 supported by a frame 3. The lenses are held in a spaced-apart relationship by a bridge portion 4 of the frame. Alternatively, each lens 2 may have its own frame, the two frames being joined together by a separate bridge 4. In some eyeglasses, no frames are used, but the lenses themselves form part of the structure of the eyeglass, with a connecting bridge portion being attached directly to each of the lenses.

The eyeglass also comprises two temples 5, extending rearwardly from the plane of the lenses, and attached to a side region of the frame 3, serving to retain the eyeglass in position on a user's head. Where the eyeglasses are constructed without frames, as discussed above, the temples may be connected directly to an edge region of each lens. In this specification, where we refer to a temple being connected to such a region of a frame, this should be understood to also include a configuration where the temple is connected directly to a lens.

In Figure 1, the proximal end of each temple 5 is connected to a respective side region 6 of the frame 3 by a hinge 7, allowing the temples to be folded across the rear face of the lenses 3 when not in use. The distal region 8 of each temple is angled downwards, to form a structure that can sit behind a user's ear, referred to as an "earpiece". Such a design of temples is often referred to as a "skull temple" as they generally follow the shape of a user's skull. In some designs of eyeglasses, no such angled portion is provided, the temples being essentially straight. These are often referred to as "library temples", the eyeglasses being held in position by an inward force from the temples against the side of a user's head. In this specification, we also refer to the distal region of such temples as earpieces, even though they may not be so shaped as to follow the form of a user's ear.

Such eyeglasses are well-known. Also well-known amongst users of such eyeglasses is the complexity of the hinge mechanism, and the propensity for the hinges to malfunction, especially by means of the loss of a securing screw. Such complexity also increases the number of parts used to construct the eyeglasses, and makes manufacture difficult. The hinges are also relatively fragile, by comparison to the rest of the temples and frame, and are often the region that is broken if the eyeglasses are mistreated by a user.

When the temples of the eyeglasses illustrated in Figure 1 are moved to there "out of use' configuration, the temples lie across the back of the lenses, affording a degree of protection to the rear surface of the lenses against scratches. However, the front surface of the lenses is afforded no such protection.

It is amongst the objects of the present invention to attempt a solution to these problems.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the invention provides a temple for eyeglasses comprising a first bistable flexure adjacent a frame portion of said eyeglasses, said flexure being formed from a resilient material pre-stressed such that it can adopt either one of two metastable configurations: (a) a first configuration in which the flexure holds said temple in a position extending rearwardly from the plane of the lenses of said eyeglasses; and (b) a second configuration in which the flexure holds said temple in a position extending across the back of the plane of the lenses. Typically, in the first configuration, the temple extends rearwardly at approximately right angles to the plane of the lenses, such that they would each abut an opposite side of a user's head.

Preferably, said temple further comprises a second bi-stable flexure distal to said first flexure, said flexure being formed from a resilient material, pre-stressed such that it can adopt either one of two metastable configurations: (a) a first configuration in which the flexure holds the earpiece of the temple in a position substantially co-linear with the portion of the temple between said first and second flexures; and (b) a second configuration in which the flexure holds the earpiece of the temple in a position substantially parallel to and adjacent the portion of the temple between said first and second flexures.

More preferably, said temple comprises a third bi-stable flexure between said first and second flexures said third flexure being formed from a resilient material, pre-stressed or shaped such that it can adopt either one of two metastable configurations: (a) a first configuration in which the flexure holds adjacent portions of temple in a position substantially co-linear with each other; and (b) a second configuration in which the adjacent portions of temple in a position substantially parallel to and adjacent to each other. In any case, it is particularly preferred that said temple and flexure(s) are of single piece construction. Whilst the temple could comprise portions of rigid material either side of the or each flexure, the use of this type of flexure allows the structural elements of temple to be of a one-piece construction, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Although of structurally one-piece construction, the temple might, of course, be provided by adornments, such as a decorative or protective coating, or affixed ornamentation.

In any embodiment, it is also preferred that said temple is rigidly attached to an eyeglass.

Also in any embodiment, it is particularly preferred that said temple is formed as a single piece construction with the frame of an eyeglass. This again reduces manufacturing costs.

Also in any embodiment, it is particularly preferred that said temple is constructed using a steel strip.

Also in any embodiment, it is particularly preferred that said temple consists, or consists essentially, of a steel strip.

Also included within the scope of the invention is an eyeglass comprising: (a) a pair of spaced-apart lenses, held in a frame, said lenses defining a gap therebetween; (b) a temple according to any of Claims 2 to 7, extending rearwardly from a side region of said frame, and wherein the distance between said side region of the frame and the second flexure is such that when the flexures are moved between their respective first and their respective second configurations, the earpieces of said temple can pass though the gap between the lenses, and lie in front of, and substantially parallel to the lens adjacent the side region of the frame.

Preferably said eyeglass comprises two such temples, each extending rearwardly from an opposite side region of said frame. Typically such temples would extend at approximately right angles to the plane of the lenses, as discussed above. Also included within the scope of the invention is a temple substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of Figures 2 to 15.

Also included within the scope of the invention is An eyeglass substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of Figures 2 to 15.

Brief Description of the Figures

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows in perspective view, an eyeglass of the prior art;

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the formation of a flexure forming part of a temple of the invention;

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate, in plan view, how different bending angles of the flexure may be constructed;

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate two different configurations of a flexed flexure; Figures 8 and 9 illustrate, in elevation and plan view respectively, eyeglasses of the invention;

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate, in front and rear elevation respectively, eyeglasses of the invention with temples in a "not in use" configuration;

Figure 12 illustrates the eyeglasses of Figures 10 and 11, in plan view; and Figures 13-14 illustrate, in elevation and plan view, dimensions of a temple of the invention in its extended "in-use" configuration;

Figure 15 illustrates, in plan view dimensions of a temple of the invention in its flexed "out-of-use" configuration;

Figure 16 illustrates, in side elevation view, an eyeglass of the invention; Figure 17 illustrates, in plan view, an eyeglass of the invention;

Figure 18 illustrates in rear plan view, an eyeglass of the invention in ist closed configuration;

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate a self-closing feature of an eyeglass of the invention; Figures 21 and 22 illustrate in plan view, an eyeglass of the invention in place on a user' s head;

Figure 13 illustrates, in plan view, an eyeglass of the invention; and

Figures 24 and 25 illustrate in plan view, an eyeglass of the invention in place on a user' s head.

Description of Preferred Embodiments Figure 2 illustrates, in perspective view, a cross-section through a flexure 11 of a temple 5 of the invention, to illustrate how the flexure 11 may be pre-stressed to create one of the metastable configurations. The temple 23 is constructed of a resilient strip material, such as a metal (e.g. steel), plastics, or composites including such materials. The width of an outer face 9 of the flexure is made to be slightly longer than the width of the inner face 10, causing the flexure to adopt a curved configuration in cross-section. Such a flexure may be constructed by tempering flat strip steel by means of a heat treatment, forcing it into the curved shape by passing it through a die, or stamping it into a curved shape, followed by a further tempering stage. Such a structure will be familiar from its use in steel extending tape measures, and methods for manufacturing such tape measures may be readily adapted to form the flexure.

It will be recognised that such a configuration, having an edge-to-edge curvature, produces a strip material that is stable in its extended, generally linear configuration, but which may be readily bent. On releasing the bent strip, it returns to its generally linear configuration by virtue of the edge-to-edge curvature.

Figure 3 illustrates, in perspective view, a flexure 11 of a temple 5 of the invention, to illustrate how the flexure 11 may be pre-stressed to create the second metastable configuration of the flexure. In this example, the starting point is a strip of material, pre-stressed as described above, and illustrated in Figure 2, although the pre-stressing to produce both edge-to-edge and end-to-end curvature could be carried out in any order, or indeed simultaneously. The strip is bent, or rolled into a curved

configuration, as illustrated, past its resilient limit, thereby causing an outer face 12 of the flexure to be longer (in the axial direction of the temple, i.e. towards each end of a temple) than the inner face 13. This may be accomplished by rolling the strip, e.g. against an edge, or by use of a roller or a die, past its resilient limit. We refer to the curvature thus imparted as end-to-end curvature. The strip may be curved end-to- end with the concave edge-to-edge surface of the flexure (illustrated in Figure 2) facing in either direction, but it is preferred that the convex edge-to-edge surface (as illustrated in Fig 2) faces the concave end-to-end surface of the illustration of Figure 3. In other words, face 12 is concave and face 13 is convex. In this way, the convex surface of the temple is the one that contacts a user's head, providing more comfort.

In the absence of the edge-to-edge curvature, such an end-to-end curved strip would be stable in its curved configuration but could be straightened out within its resilient limits, returning to the curved configuration when released. By pre-stressing the material to have both an end-to-end and an edge-to-edge curvature, a bi-stable system is created that is metastable in each of the two configurations: straight, or curved.

Figure 4 illustrates a portion of a temple 5 of the invention in which a flexure 11 is formed in the temple by introduction of edge-to-edge and end-to-end curvature in the region delineated by the dotted lines A-A and B-B, running perpendicular to an edge 14 of the flexure. If the curvature is introduced in this way, when the flexure is in its bent configuration, the temple regions either side of the flexure 11 will lie parallel to and adjacent each other as illustrated in perspective view in Figure 6. The radius of curvature of the flexure when in its flexed configuration can be controlled by the overall extent of curvature imparted in the end-to-end curvature, and the length of the region A-A to B-B.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternative portion of a temple 5 in which a flexure 11 is formed in the temple by the introduction of edge-to-edge and end-to-end curvature in the region delineated by the dotted lines C-C and D-D, running at an angle 2Θ to the edge 14 of the flexure. If the curvature is introduced in this way, when the flexure is in its bent configuration the temple regions either side of the flexure 11 will lie at an angle Θ to each other, but in adjacent planes, as illustrated in perspective view in Figure 7. Again, the radius of curvature of the flexure when in its flexed configuration can be controlled by the overall extent of curvature imparted in the end-to-end curvature, and by the length of the region C-C to D-D.

Figure 8 illustrates in side elevation view, an eyeglass 1 of the invention incorporating temples 5 of the invention. The temples 5 are attached to a side region 6 of the frame 3, or the temple 5 and frame 3 can be of single piece construction. A first flexure 11 A is located proximally on the temple 5 adjacent the frame 3, and a second flexure 1 IB is located towards the distal portion of the temple 5 towards the earpiece 8 of the temple 5. In this embodiment, the flexures 11 are integral to the temples 5 and each consist of a pre-stressed bi-stable region of the temple 5.

Figure 9 illustrates the eyeglass of Figure 8 in plan view.

Figure 10 illustrates in front elevation view, an eyeglass of the invention with the temples in their "out of use" configuration, showing how the distal portions of the temples - the earpieces 8 - can pass through the gap 15 between the lenses 2 and occupy a position in front of the lenses 2 thereby affording them some protection.

Figure 11 illustrates, in rear elevation view, an eyeglass of the invention in the "out of use" configuration of Figure 10.

Figure 12 illustrates, in plan view, an eyeglass of the invention in the "out of use" configuration of Figure 10. Figures 10-12 also illustrate that the radius of curvature of each of the flexures, when in their flexed configuration, act to position the temples in the required configuration in relation to the frame of the eyeglass, and particularly to the gap 15 between the lenses 2 through which the earpiece portion 8 of the temples 5 passes. Figure 13 illustrates an elevation view of a temple 5 of the invention in its "in-use", or generally flat configuration, Figure 14 showing a corresponding plan view. Figure 15 shows a plan view of the temple with both flexures in their metastable fully flexed configuration. Elements described above have been numbered accordingly. The figures illustrate typical dimensions of the various elements of the temples: Element Reference Number Typical Length Typical Range on Figure (mm) (mm)

Width of temple 16 8 5 - 25

Frame attachment to mid17 20 5 - 25 line of first flexure

Mid-point of first flexure 18 18 15 - 25 to mid-point of second

flexure

Mid-point of second 19 57 45 - 65 flexure to end of earpiece

Width of curved flexure 20 2.25 1.5 - 3.5

Thickness of temple 21 0.25 0.15 - 0.5

Radius of curvature of 22 12.75 8 - 20 first flexure

Radius of curvature of 23 6.25 3 - 15 second flexure

The angle swept out by the first flexure 11 A is typically about 75°, and would usually fall in the range of 60° - 85°.

Figure 16 illustrates, in elevation view, an alternative embodiment of an eyeglass of the invention, generally indicated by 1, comprising temples 5 of the invention. In this embodiment, three bi-stable flexures 11A-C are provided, in a spaced-apart relationship along the length of each temple 5.

The first flexure 11 A is located proximal to the frame 3 of the eyeglass that holds the lenses 2. The second flexure 1 IB is distal to the first flexure, and its location may be varied according to the desired functionality of the temples, as will be discussed below. The third flexure 11C is distal to the first and second flexures, and is preferably located towards or at an end region of the temple. In some embodiments, the third flexure may itself form the distal end of the temple. Figure 17 also illustrates, in plan view, an embodiment of an eyeglass of the invention, generally indicated by 1, comprising temples 5 of the invention. For clarity, only one of the temples 5 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the position of the second 1 IB and third 11C flexures are such that the they allow the temple 5 to extend around the opposite extremity of the frame (i.e. the edge of the frame to which the temple is not immediately connected), and to wrap around the front face of the lens 2. The third flexure 11C acts to press the temple against the front of the lens 2. In this way, the distal ends of the temples can act to protect the front face of the lenses 2. A further advantage is that the arrangement may also be used with eyeglasses that do not have a bridge 4, or a gap between the lenses 2, such as is found in eyewear referred to as "goggles".

Figure 18 illustrates the eyeglass 1 of Figure 17, in elevation view from the rear face of the eyeglass. Corresponding elements are numbered accordingly. The eyeglass is illustrated in its "folded-up", or "out-of-use" configuration. The illustration shows how the temples 5 may be arranged at an angle so that they can bot wrap around the outside edge of the frame without hitting each other.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate a particular advantage of any of the embodiments of eyeglasses disclosed herein. The figures illustrate the consequences of an eyeglass 1 of the invention being dropped onto a surface 24, such as might happen if they are accidentally dropped onto a hard floor. In Figure 19, the eyeglass is in its open "in- use" configuration, and falling towards the surface 24, as indicated by the arrow. In Figure 20, the end of one of the temples 5 hits the surface 24, causing one or more of the flexures 11 A-C to transition from their first configuration to their second configuration, as illustrated by the curved arrow. In this way, for most impacts, the temples automatically snap into their closed configuration, thereby protecting the eyeglass 1, and especially the front of the lens 2, from damage.

Figures 21 and 22 illustrate, in plan view, a further advantage of the invention. The figures illustrate an eyeglass 1 of the invention surrounding a user's head 25. It can be seen that the transition of the most distal flexure(s) 1 IB, 11C from the "open configuration" towards their closed configuration (as illustrated in Figures 21 and 22 respectively) also serve to press elements of the temples 5 (especially the most distal elements) onto the user's head, thereby making it more difficult to dislodge the eyeglass from the user's head in the face of movement. The inventors have found it all but impossible to shake such an eyeglass from the head by rapid head movements alone.

Figure 23 illustrates a particularly preferred embodiment of an eyeglass of the invention. Each temple 5, 5' of the eyeglass comprises three bistable flexures 11A- 11C, 11 A'-l 1C, and the arrangement is similar to that illustrated and described in Figure 17. Only one of said temples 5 is illustrated, for clarity. Like elements are numbered correspondingly. In this embodiment, the length of each temple 5, and positioning of flexures 11 is such that, when in the closed configuration as illustrated, the distal end of each temple extends completely across the front face of a lens 2. In this way, the temple provides increased protection for the lens when in the closed configuration. In further preferred embodiments, the temple 5 extends across, and preferably completely across, the front face of both lenses when in the closed configuration (not illustrated).

Figures 24 and 25 illustrate the eyeglass 1 of Figure 23 in place on a user's head 25. The arrangement is similar to that illustrated and described in Figures 21 and 22, and like elements are numbered correspondingly. In this embodiment, the increased length of the temples provide additional grip when in place on a user's head. When in position on a user's head, the bistable flexures 11, and especially 1 IB and 11C, are positioned in a configuration between the two stable configurations, and thereby exert a force on the side of the user's head to provide the required grip. Preferably, the length of the temples are such the temples and frame together enclose at least 75%, and more preferably at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or even 100% of the circumference of an intended user's head, in use.

The inventors have also found that, in any configuration, increasing the width of the temples (dimension 16 in Figure 13) increases the ability for the eyeglass to remain in position in the face of movement of the head. For sports eyeglasses, a width 16 of at least 10mm, and preferably at least 15mm or at least 20mm is therefore particularly preferred.

Claims

1. A temple for eyeglasses comprising a first bi-stable flexure adjacent a frame portion of said eyeglasses, said flexure being formed from a resilient material pre- stressed or shaped such that it can adopt either one of two metastable configurations:

(a) a first configuration in which the flexure holds said temple in a position extending rearwardly from the plane of the lenses of said eyeglasses; and

(b) a second configuration in which the flexure holds said temple in a position extending across the back of the plane of the lenses.

2. A temple according to Claim 1 further comprising a second bi-stable flexure distal to said first flexure, said second flexure being formed from a resilient material, pre- stressed or shaped such that it can adopt either one of two metastable configurations:

(a) a first configuration in which the flexure holds the earpiece of the temple in a position substantially co-linear with the portion of the temple between said first and second flexures; and

(b) a second configuration in which the flexure holds the earpiece of the temple in a position substantially parallel to and adjacent the portion of the temple between said first and second flexures.

3. A temple according to Claim 2 further comprising a third bi-stable flexure between said first and second flexures said third flexure being formed from a resilient material, pre-stressed or shaped such that it can adopt either one of two metastable

configurations:

(a) a first configuration in which the flexure holds adjacent portions of temple in a position substantially co-linear with each other; and

(b) a second configuration in which the adjacent portions of temple in a position substantially parallel to and adjacent to each other.

4. A temple according to any preceding claim wherein said temple and at least one flexure are of single piece construction.

5. A temple according to any preceding claim, rigidly attached to an eyeglass.

6. A temple according to any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein said temple is formed as a single piece construction with the frame of an eyeglass.

7. A temple according to any preceding claim wherein said temple is constructed using a steel strip.

8. A temple according to Claim 7 wherein said temple consists of a steel strip.

9. An eyeglass comprising:

(a) a pair of spaced-apart lenses, held in a frame, said lenses defining a gap therebetween;

(b) a temple according to Claim 2 or any Claim dependent thereon, extending rearwardly from a side region of said frame, and wherein the distance between said side region of the frame and the second flexure is such that when the flexures are moved between their respective first and their respective second configurations, the earpieces of said temple can pass though the gap between the lenses, and lie in front of, and substantially parallel to the lens adjacent the side region of the frame.

10. An eyeglass according to Claim 9 comprising two such temples, each extending rearwardly from an opposite side region of said frame.

11. An eyeglass comprising:

(a) one or more lenses, held in a frame;

(b) a temple according to any of Claims 2 to 8, extending rearwardly from a side region of said frame, and wherein the distance between said side region of the frame and a second flexure is such that when the first flexure and a second flexure are moved between their respective first and second configurations, the earpieces of said temple can wrap around the opposite edge of said frame.

12. A temple substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of Figures 2 to 25.

13. An eyeglass substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by any appropriate combination of Figures 2 to 25.