Optics: eye examining – vision testing and correcting – Spectacles and eyeglasses – Split rim mounting
Patent
1998-06-18
1999-11-30
Mai, Huy
Optics: eye examining, vision testing and correcting
Spectacles and eyeglasses
Split rim mounting
351 95, 351154, G02C 108
Patent
active
059929952
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to the field of spectacles, and more particularly to fixing lenses to a spectacles frame by means of apparatus comprising, for each lens, a flexible rim element passing along an associated bezel or groove and being secured to the frame on either side of the lens.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There exists a lens-fixing technique that has already been known for about fifty years and that consists in using flexible rim elements, in general a strand of nylon thread or of steel wire, surrounding some portion of each lens. That technique is attractive because of the effects of lightness and of inconspicuousness that it procures for a person who wears spectacles equipped in this way.
However, manufacturers have had to address the difficult problem of ensuring that such flexible elements are secured to the spectacles frame, and various solutions have been proposed.
Numerous solutions make provision to bore through the frame to enable the flexible filament (thread or wire) to pass through and to enable the end of the filament to be locked either by an extra thickness of filament (see for example Documents FR-A-2 504 694, FR-A-2 489 970, U.S. Pat. No. 2,516,549, and FR-A-1 156 468), or by knot (see for example Documents U.S. Pat. No. 2,516,549, FR-A-2 506 958, FR-A-2 701 573, EP-A-0 643 316), or else by offsetting the filament once (see Document GB-A-775 293), or twice using a two-hole technique (see for example Documents FR-A-1 094 381, FR-A-1 270 904, FR-A-2 509 058, FR-A-2 524 656, FR-A-2 530 038, EP-A-0 027 415). Document FR-E-73 293 also combines a plurality of those solutions. Document EP-A-0 093 108 proposes a variant in which each end of the filament has extra thickness force fitted into a groove in the frame, which groove is provided with an abutment at each of its ends to snap-fasten the extra thickness.
Those solutions for fixing the lenses are costly and difficult to implement because a considerable degree of accuracy is required to avoid any slack which would allow the lens to fall out. In addition, any adjustment involves difficult and tedious manipulation.
Moreover, if it is desired to use a frame whose structure is made of metal wire, e.g. titanium wire, there is not enough material available in which to machine a channel through which the end of the wire can pass. That is why wire frame spectacles are presently fixed by clamping (see Documents U.S. Pat. No. 718,363 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,588,505) or more often by screwing, the lenses then being provided with holes (see Documents U.S. Pat. No. 943,085, U.S. Pat. No. 962,549, U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,020, EP-A-0 554 341).
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to design fixing apparatus having flexible rim elements making it possible to avoid any boring of the frame, while being accurate and simple to implement both for fitting and for removing the lenses.
Another object of the invention is to design fixing apparatus that lends itself particularly well to use in frames of metal wire structure.
The invention solves that problem by means of apparatus for fixing lenses to a spectacles frame, the apparatus comprising, for each lens, a flexible rim element passing along an associated bezel and being secured to the frame on either side of the lens, said apparatus being characterized in that each flexible element is organized to have two end loops which are secured to the frame on either side of the lens in question, merely by engaging over said frame.
It is thus necessary merely to put the flexible element into place by engaging the two end loops over the frame, on either side of the lens, and then to insert the lens by easing the flexible element progressively into the bezel in the lens.
In the particular case of the frame being of metal wire structure, it is advantageous for the frame to comprise, for each lens, a curved portion surrounding a portion of the lens by passing along an associated bezel and being extended on either side of the lens by a bridge hook and by a temple hook to which the two loops of th
REFERENCES:
patent: 2516549 (1950-07-01), Ohappell
patent: 3068751 (1962-12-01), Moeller
patent: 4464025 (1984-08-01), Lhospice
patent: 4466713 (1984-08-01), Tanaka
patent: 5073020 (1991-12-01), Lindbert et al.
Friedman Stuart J.
Mai Huy
LandOfFree
Device for fixing lenses to a spectacles frame does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device for fixing lenses to a spectacles frame, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device for fixing lenses to a spectacles frame will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1663473