Foldable spectacles

A pair of foldable spectacles has a two-lens front piece (30) to which two side pieces (20a, 20b) are pivotally connected by means of resilient corner hinges (25). The front piece (30) has a central hinge assembly (40) by means of which the front piece can be folded to a position where its lenses (31, 32) are held between and protected by the side pieces (20a, 20b). Each side piece (20a, 20b) has a first portion (21) which is connected to the front lens piece (30) by a resilient corner hinge (25), a second portion (22) which forms a free end portion of the side piece, and a resilient transition portion (23) between the first and second portions (21, 22). Thanks to the resilient corner hinges (25) and the resilient transition portion (23) of the two side pieces (20a, 20b), the spectacles (10) in use are held in place in a reliable manner since the side pieces (20a, 20b) are pressed against the side of the user's head.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a pair of foldable spectacles, or eyeglasses, and more particularly to side pieces, as well as a lens front piece of such foldable spectacles.

BACKGROUND

Spectacles which are foldable, not only by its side pieces but also around a hinge arranged between the lenses, have been around for a while. By folding the spectacles in different ways the size of the spectacles may be reduced and the fragile lenses may be protected from external forces while they are not used.

An example of such spectacles is disclosed in WO2010/022900A1 showing foldable spectacles with a folding mechanism between the two lenses which makes it possible to fold the lenses inwards, so that they may be protected by the side pieces when the spectacles are not used. Moreover, the side pieces are arranged in a telescopic manner which allows the spectacles to have a reduced size when folded. However, this known structure is not rigid in an unfolded state, i.e. when a user is using them, which means that the spectacles will not retain its shape. The known spectacles, when in a folded state, are not safely secured which means that parts of the spectacles may fall out or open up and therefor no longer be protected from external forces.

Another problem of prior-art spectacles, which is also valid for the spectacles previously described, is that they are only designed for a specific head size, as the side pieces are attached at a fixed distance from each other.

Further background art is reflected in US2010/0053546 which discloses eyeglass side pieces with flexible corrugations. A problem with these corrugations is that even though they may flex the side pieces in two directions, they are only adapted to adjust to a head size larger than the width between the side pieces. Another problem is that when the side pieces flex outwards parts of the same may create an undesired contact with the user's head.

Yet another example is disclosed in US2012/0224136 where a pair of foldable spectacles is shown and where the lenses in a folded state may be protected by portions of the spectacles. However, when the spectacles are in its folded state they are not safely secured which means that the spectacles may open or parts may fall out which may damage the lenses.

The foldable reading glasses disclosed in US2009/0190088 suffer from similar problems. Further background art is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,062 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,186.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention is to provide a novel type of spectacles, especially a novel type of reading spectacles, and related parts by which the problems above can be mitigated. This object is achieved by the technique defined in the appended independent claims; preferred embodiments being defined in the related dependent claims.

In one aspect of the invention, a side piece for a pair of foldable spectacles comprises a first portion configured to be hinged to a front lens piece; a second portion configured to press against a user's head; and a resilient transition portion between the first and second portions. An advantage of this structure is that the side piece adjusts its shape depending on the size and shape of the user's head during use.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the second portion is configured to be rotatable with respect to the first portion about a longitudinal axis of the side piece. This is advantageous since the side pieces are not then only adaptable to the size of a user's head but also to the shape of it.

In another embodiment, the resilient transition portion comprises a bridge between the first and second portion extending along a longitudinal axis and where the first portion, the bridge and the second portion are made in one piece. This structure is advantageous during manufacturing processes since the first and the second portions may be handled as one piece.

In yet another embodiment, the first portion further comprises a resilient hinge configured to connect the first portion to the front lens piece and where the resilient hinge may be biased towards an idle position, in which the side piece is folded towards the front lens piece. The resilient hinge is advantageous since it enables the side pieces to also adjust to a small head size, i.e. when the width of the head is smaller than the distance between two side pieces.

In an embodiment, the side piece comprises a contact member which extends at least partly along the periphery of the first and second portions and which is configured to frictionally engage with the user's head. This design is advantageous since it provides contact between the side piece and the user's head so that the side piece will stay in place during use without having to be put around an ear of a user, as most spectacles today.

In another embodiment, the contact member comprises a flexible plastic material for providing said frictional engagement when it is in contact with the user's head. This brings the advantage that the contact member provides a soft feeling to the user when it presses on the user's head and it also secures the side piece on the head of the user by means of friction.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the side pieces comprises a center portion and a rim portion, wherein the rim portion protrudes from the center portion and wherein the center portion and the rim portion together defines a space for accommodating a lens portion in a folded state of the spectacles. The space for accommodating the lens portion protects the same against dirt and external forces which may damage the lens when they are not in use.

In another aspect of the invention, a front lens piece for a pair of spectacles is provided. The front lens piece comprises a right eye lens portion and a left eye lens portion, wherein the right eye lens portion and the left eye lens portion are interconnected by a central hinge assembly having a central hinge and a locking device. An advantage of this structure is that the shape and extension of the front lens piece may be adjusted by means of the central hinge and the locking device so that it is adapted to the face of the user and that the front lens piece may be locked in one position.

In an embodiment, the right eye lens portion and the left eye lens portion may be folded towards each other, around the central hinge. Hereby the front lens piece may be protected from dirt and external forces when not in use.

In another embodiment, the front lens piece further comprises at least two magnets, wherein at least one magnet is located at one end of the each lens portion, and wherein the magnets are in contact with each other when the lens portions are in a folded position. This design is advantageous since it provides a secure locking mechanism in the folded position.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a foldable pair of spectacles is provided which comprises two side pieces and a front lens piece of the type described above. A pair of spectacles of this novel structure will have the advantages explained above. The spectacles are easy to fold and unfold, respectively, and thanks to the new design the spectacles are easy and comfortable to use.

In an alternative embodiment, each connection between the front lens piece and the two side pieces comprises a resilient corner hinge configured to bias the side pieces toward the user's head. This means that side pieces are always pushing towards the user's head, which is advantageous especially if the width of the user's head is smaller than the distance between the two side pieces. It also means that the side pieces always are in their folded position when the spectacles are not used.

In an aspect, there is provided a pair of foldable spectacles which is improved over prior art and which comprises a two-lens front piece to which two side pieces are pivotally connected by means of resilient corner hinges. The front piece has a central hinge assembly by means of which the front piece can be folded to a position where the lenses are held between and protected by the side pieces. Each side piece has a first portion which is connected to the front lens piece by a resilient corner hinge, a second portion which forms a free end portion of the side piece, and a resilient transition portion between the first and second portion. Thanks to the resilient corner hinges and the resilient transition portion of the two side pieces, the spectacles in use are held in place in a reliable manner since the side pieces are pressed against the side of the user's head.

In another aspect, there is provided a pair of foldable spectacles comprising a front lens piece with a right eye lens portion and a left eye portion. The lens portions are interconnected by a central hinge assembly having a central hinge and a locking device. The spectacles further comprise two side pieces, each of which having a first portion hinged to said front lens piece and a second portion configured to press against a user's head by means of a resilient transition portion arranged between said first side piece portion and said second side piece portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

InFIG. 1a pair of spectacles10, preferably reading spectacles, according to an embodiment is shown in a state where a user may place them on his/her head. This state is from now on called an open or unfolded state. The pair of spectacles10comprises two side pieces20a,20band a front lens piece30. The side pieces20a,20bare connected to each end of the front piece30, respectively, by hinges25, preferably corner hinges.

The two side pieces20a,20beach includes a first portion21adjacent to the front piece30and a second portion22which extends from the first portion21away from the front piece30. Both portions21,22may have a cross section which for instance resembles a C-shape, and the extension of the first portion21may be shorter than the extension of the second portion22. The portions21,22may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastics material, metal material, such as aluminum, or a somewhat flexible material. The shape of the first and second portion21,22will be further described in the following.

Between the first and second portions21,22there is a transition portion, here in the shape of a resilient member23which interconnects the first and second portion21,22so that the first portion21, the second portion22and the resilient member23together form the side piece20a,20b. An alternative to the resilient member23may be a hinge or another type of joint (not shown). The resilient member23includes a flexible material, preferably a rubber or plastic material which has the ability to spring back to an idle position. In this case the idle position is when the first portion21, the second portion22and the resilient member23extend basically along a straight line, as is shown inFIG. 1. In the shown embodiment the resilient member23has the same thickness as the width of the cross section of the first and second portion21,22. The resilient member23provides the side pieces20a,20bwith a spring back effect and if the length of the first portion21the second portion22the spring back effect may be varied. In another embodiment (not shown) the first portion21, the second portion22and the resilient member23may have a curved shape in its idle position.

In an alternative embodiment the side piece20a,20bmay be made in one piece and the resilient member23may include a recess (not shown) which for instance may have the shape of a V in cross section. The recess forms an area of the resilient member23with less material then its surrounding parts, and this area provides the resilient member23with spring back effect. In another embodiment the resilient member may be a resilient mechanical hinge (not shown), and in yet another embodiment the side piece may be formed in one piece in a flexible material which also provides a spring back effect and allows the side piece to adapt its shape depending on the size and shape of the head of the user. In an embodiment where the side pieces each are formed in one piece, the side pieces may include a transition portion wherein its shape and material provides the side pieces with its spring back effect. This effect is illustrated inFIG. 3where the spectacles10are placed on the head of a user. Hence, each side piece20a,20bcomprises two portions21,22which are hingedly connected in such way that the side piece20a,20bin use presses against the head H of the user so that the spectacles10are efficiently kept in place.

At least partly around the edges or the periphery of the first portion21, the second portion22and the resilient member23there is provided a contact member24(FIG. 5) which forms that part of the side pieces20a,20bwhich is in contact with the head H of the user. The contact member24is made of a flexible material so that it will not break when the form of the side pieces20a,20bis changed. Therefore the material of the contact member24should preferably be soft and flexible and with such properties that the interaction between the skin of the user and the contact member24results in an increased friction or a frictional engagement that allows the spectacles10to stay in position on the user. For example, the material of the contact member24may be the same as for the resilient member23, which is a rubber or plastic material.

Each side piece20a,20bfurther comprises a resilient hinge25for connecting its first portion21to the front piece30, preferably arranged at one end of the first portion21. The resilient hinge25may include a spring (not shown) and the side pieces20a,20bmay be articulated around the resilient hinge25. The resilient hinge25and the end of the front piece30which is connected to the resilient hinge25is located within a recess (not shown) of the first portion21.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the resilient hinge25may further comprise interlocking means configured to lock the side pieces20a,20bin the position shown inFIG. 1. The interlocking means may comprise a groove or recess and a matching rib or boss which is received in the groove/recess and which is configured to prevent the associated side piece from folding back towards the front lens piece30. The interlocking means may be locked by unfolding the side piece from the front lens piece30and unlocked by gently pushing on the side of the side piece or pressing on top and/or under the resilient hinge25. As soon as the interlocking means is unlocked, the resilient hinge25provides the side piece with its preferred spring back effect. This interlocking means is advantageous since the user then may unfold the spectacles and put them on his/her head with just one hand.

The second portion22may optionally include a grip element26(FIG. 2) which may be made of the same material as the contact member24and which preferably has the shape of a wedge. The grip element26is located at the free end of the second portion22and preferably presses firmly into the skin of the user and provides a supplementary contact position to make sure that the spectacles10stay in place during use. Also, the second portion22may optionally include an opening27close to its free end which makes it possible to securely attach a strap or a fastener for a key ring or the like cf.FIGS. 15cand16c.

Further, the pair of spectacles10includes a central hinge assembly40(FIG. 4) located at the middle of the front lens piece30. The central or nose hinge assembly40comprises a central hinge41and a locking device42, around which central hinge41the front lens piece30may be folded. This structure will be described in detail below.

FIG. 2shows the pair of spectacles10in its unfolded state, where the two side pieces20a,20bare in their idle positions with respect to the position of the first portion21, the second portion22and the resilient member23. However, the two side pieces20a,20bare with reference to the front piece30, in a position where the resilient hinge25is subject to tension which forces the two side pieces20a,20bto their resting state, i.e. the state where the side pieces20a,20bare located close to and along the extension of the front piece30. This tension will provide a gentle pressure, from the side pieces20a,20bagainst the head H of the user.

InFIGS. 3a-cthe pair of spectacles10are placed on a user's head H with its central hinge assembly40around the area of the nose N of the user H, wherein the two side pieces20a,20bare adapting their shape with reference to the shape and size of the head H of the user. The second portion22of the side pieces20a,20bis tilted or inclined, by means of the resilient member23, outwards from the idle position and a force is applied to the resilient member23, pressing the side pieces20a,20btowards the head H of the user. To create the force which presses the second portion22against the head H of the user, the first portion21should form an angle α less than 90° with the front piece30, preferably an angle α between 65° and 80° or an angle that forces the second portion22to tilt outwards when adjusting to the size of the head H of the user. Preferably the second portion22should be tilted outwards in such away that an angle β between the first and second portion21,22is more than 180°, preferably 190°-220°.

Furthermore, the force applied to the resilient hinge25, in the unfolded state, provides a pressure on the head H of the user. This total pressure on the head H prevents the spectacles10from sliding on or falling off from the user during use. The side pieces20a,20bmay of course be of any length but in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-8the side pieces20a,20bextend back to the temple of the user and do not depend on the ear E of the user (as in known spectacles), where the side pieces20a,20balso apply the pressure during use. They may also be adapted to extend behind the ears E of the user, as is common for known spectacles (not shown). Known spectacles have side pieces that extend back and around the top of the user's ear which means that the position of the front lens piece on the user's nose depends on the position and shape of the user's ear. Since the present spectacles10are preferably used as reading spectacles, the user wants to be able to look over the top edge of the spectacles and see further away without taking them off. Therefor, a preferred embodiment of the spectacles has side pieces which extend only to the area of the user's temples which means that the user him/herself may choose the position of the side pieces while using the spectacles.

The central hinge assembly40and its locking device42are configured to lock the lens portions31,32so that the lens portions31,32don't fold while using them. The locking device42may lock the lens portions31,32in different positions depending on the need of the user and his/her wish of the width of the front lens piece30. InFIG. 3aa second angle δ indicates an example of an angle which may be adjusted by the user due to his/her needs. Preferably the angle δ may vary between 160° and 190°.

Referring toFIG. 4the front piece30of the spectacles10comprises a right eye lens portion31and a left eye lens portion32which in this embodiment are identical and inverted but which may, in other embodiments, have shapes that differ from each other. Between the two lens portions31,32the central hinge assembly40is provided. The central hinge assembly40comprises, as has been explained above, a central hinge41between the two lens portions31,32which allows the lens portions31,32to be articulated around the central hinge41, and a locking device42which can lock the lens portions31,32together in a specific position.

The locking device42has an idle position in which the lens portions31,32are locked, and a second position in which the portions31,32are unlocked and where the locking device42always strives to enter its idle position. Hence, the locking device42locks the lens portions31,32in a position where the portions31,32basically form a straight line, seen from above, by e.g. snap locking into the idle position where it is in contact with a surface (shown as e.g.131ainFIG. 9b) of the lens portion31,32. This surface prevents the locking device42from leaving its idle position. When unlocking the locking device42, the user may easily disengage the locking device42and then fold the lens portions31,32. In another embodiment, the locking device42may be unlocked by gently pushing on one of the lens portions31,32so that the locking device42unsnaps. The central hinge assembly40with the central hinge41and the locking device42can also be seen in for exampleFIG. 1. In alternative embodiments the locking device42may lock the lens portions31,32in a position which differs from a straight line.

As has been described above, the front piece30is connected to the side pieces20a,20bby means of the resilient hinges25at the end of the first portion21of the side pieces20a,20b. Close to the two ends where the front piece30is connected to the side pieces20a,20b, both lens portions31,32comprises a magnet35. The function of these magnets35will be described with reference to for exampleFIG. 7.

FIG. 5shows the inside of one of the side piece20a,20bwhich preferably are identical to the other side piece20a,20b. Each side piece20a,20bmay also be explained by having a center portion28which may consist of parts of the first and second portion21,22and the resilient member23, and a peripheral rim portion29which extends at least partly around the center portion28, preferably around the entire center portion28. The contact member24is attached to the rim portion28by means of e.g. glue if the side piece20a,20band the contact member24are made of different materials, and extends around the two long sides and the short side opposite the short side where the resilient hinge25is located. The rim portion29protrudes from one side of the center portion28in such a way that together the center portion28and the rim portion29define a space of the side piece20a,20b. The shape of this space is designed in such a way that when the spectacles10are folded each space of the side piece20a,20bmay enclose at least a part of one lens portions31,32. Preferably both side pieces20a,20btogether entirely enclose both of the lens portions31,32and the central hinge assembly40, whereby the front lens portion30is covered and protected from external forces. The center portion28, the rim portion29and their function are further illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7.

A semi-folded state of the spectacles10is shown inFIG. 6, where the locking device42has been unlocked and the two lens portions31,32have been folded inwards around the central hinge41. While folding the lens portions31,32the two side pieces20a,20bare pushed towards each other so that the rim portion29and the two ends of each side piece20a,20bmove towards the corresponding rim portion29and end of the other side piece20a,20buntil the spectacles10are in a folded state, as is shown inFIG. 7.

Thus,FIG. 7shows the pair of spectacles10in a completely folded state where the entire front lens piece30with its two lens portions31,32and the central hinge assembly40are enclosed by the two side pieces20a,20b. At one end (the lower end inFIG. 7), the two free ends of the two side pieces20a,20bare engaged with each other by means of the magnets35located on the lens portions31,32. In this embodiment the engagement comprises one magnet35on each side of the from lens piece30but in an alternative embodiment the engagement may comprise several magnets and yet in another embodiment the engagement may comprise only one magnet arranged on one side and e.g. a metal portion arranged on the other side.

FIG. 8shows a state of the spectacles10where one end (the lower end inFIG. 8where the magnets35are located) has been slightly opened. These spectacles10have a wide range of application since they may also be used as a note or money clip, a tiepin or any accessory of that size utilizing a clamping effect between two elongated members. The magnets35, as well as the spring biasing, form a strong engagement for these other applications. Since the spectacles10, in a folded state are small the user may find them hard to find. This engagement makes it possible for the user to attach the folded spectacles to a shirt pocket or the like so that he/she doesn't loose them.

InFIGS. 9a-9bthe two lens portions131,132and a central hinge assembly140with a locking device142according to a first embodiment are shown.FIGS. 9a-9bshow the locking device142in its locked state, whereasFIGS. 9cand 9dshow the locking device142in its unlocked state. To unlock the locking device142the user pushes on a lug143, in the direction of the arrow A1, of the locking device142(inFIG. 9bthe right side of the locking device142should be pushed to the left), so that the lug143is released from the interaction with the lens portion131. The locking device142may of course be arranged on either of the lens portion131, and it may also be unlocked by gently pressing on one of the lens portions131,132and then folding the lens portions131,132around the central hinge141.

FIGS. 10a-10bshow a locking device242according to a second embodiment which may be integrated in the two lens portions231,232. One of the lens portions232may comprise two end parts243a,243bboth including a protrusion244a,244b, shown inFIG. 10b. The other lens portion231may have one end part245including two recesses246a,246bwhich are interacting with the two protrusions244a,244bin the locked state (shown inFIG. 10b) of the locking device242. To unlock the locking device242the user gently presses on one lens portion231,232, in the direction of the arrows A2, A3, A4, so that the protrusions244a,244bare released from the recesses246a,246b. The three end parts243a,243b,245may be rotated around the center hinge241which runs through all the parts243a,243b,245.

InFIGS. 11a-11bthere is shown a locking device342according to a third embodiment wherein one of the lens portions332includes two end parts343a,343band wherein the other lens portion331includes one protruding end part344. The left ends345a,345bof the two end parts343a,343bof one lens portion332are in an idle state inclined or bent slightly outwards. In a locked state the slightly bent ends345a,345bare interacting with two diagonal surfaces346a,346blocated at the bottom of the protruding end part344on the other lens portion331. To unlock the locking device342the user presses the slightly bent ends345a,345btowards each other, like the arrows A5, A6inFIG. 11ashow or force the locking device342to unlock by means of an increased pressure, so that two ends345a,345bare released from the interaction with the surfaces346a,346b. The user may then fold the lens portions331,332as shown inFIG. 11b. The three end parts343a,343b,344may be rotated around the central hinge341which extends through all the parts343a,343b,344.

FIGS. 12a-cshow a locking device442according to a fourth embodiment, which is arranged in one of the lens portions431,432(in these figures in the left eye lens portion432), wherein the two lens portions431,432are connected to each other by means of the central hinge441. In a locked state a first lug443(to the right side inFIG. 12c) interacts with one of the lens portions431. To unlock the locking device442the user pushes on a second lug444, in the direction of the arrow A7(inFIG. 12c, the left lug444of the locking device442is pulled to the left), pushes the first lug443in the direction of the arrow A8, or forces the locking device442to unlock by means of increasing a pressure on one side of the front lens portion30, so that the first lug443is released from the lens portion431. The locking device442includes a resilient member445which is in an idle state when the locking device442is in its locked state, and therefor presses the locking device442back towards its idle state when the user pulls the second lug444to the left.

InFIGS. 13a-cof a locking device542according to a fifth embodiment is shown, comprising a type of snap-locking means543which snaps into a locked state shown inFIG. 13band rotatably arranged by means of the central hinge541. To unlock the locking device542the user pushes on the snap-locking means543in the direction of the arrow A9shown inFIG. 13bor force the locking device324to unlock by means of an increased pressure on one of the lens portions531,532, which then will release the snap-locking means543from the engagement with one of the lens portions531,532.

FIGS. 14a-dshow a locking device642according to a sixth embodiment comprising a displaceable element643for locking the two lens portions631,632arranged around the central hinge641.FIGS. 14a-bshow the locking device642in its locked state where the displaceable element643slightly protrudes at the top of the locking device642, above to top of the central hinge641. The displaceable element643is in this state in contact with both of the lens portions631,632, as is shown inFIG. 14b, in such a way that the lens portions631,632are locked in this position.FIGS. 14c-dshow the locking device642in its unlocked state. To unlock the locking device642the displacement element643may be pushed down, alternatively pushed down and rotated, so that the lower part of the displacement element643is only in contact with one of the lens portions631,632. The displacement element643is resilient connected, by means of for example a spring644, to the locking device642in such a way that its idle state is when the locking device642is in its locked state.

The locking device of the various embodiments may be made of plastic, metal or any other suitable material and may all be either a separate device being assembled to the spectacles10or integrated in the two lens portions31,32. The locking device may also be arranged to lock the lens portions in different position.

With reference toFIGS. 15a-ca substantially T-shaped holder50is illustrated which preferably is made of metal and has a mounting portion51to be arranged between the side pieces20a,20bin their folded position and to hold, by a projecting ring portion52, a strap S, a key-ring (not shown) or the like. In the mounting portion51of the holder50there is a substantially rectangular opening53which has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the magnets35located on the front lens piece30so that when the front lens piece30is folded and the user has inserted the holder50between the side pieces20a,20b, the magnets35may still be in contact with each other. In a folded state the holder50is fixed between the side pieces20a,20bso that the user may attach a key or the like to the key-ring without any risk of dropping them. The key-ring may be replaced by a strap S or the like depending on the need of the user. Also, the metal material helps the holder50to stay in place between the side pieces20a,20bsince it is drawn to the magnets35.

InFIG. 16a-ca holder150according to an alternative embodiment is shown, which is preferably made of a plastic material. The holder150comprises a rectangular mounting portion151and a projecting ring portion152. The mounting portion151has an opening153adapted to fit the magnets35on the front piece30, and the ring portion152is configured to hold a strap S, a key-ring or such. The holder150further comprises two shoulders154a,154blocated on the side of the holder150between the portions151,152. The shoulders154a,154bare adapted to fit the space between the end of the side piece20a,20b, where the resilient hinge25is located, and the magnets35so that side portions155a,155bof the shoulders154a,154bare wedged into the inside surfaces of the side pieces20a,20b. When the user folds the pair of spectacles10the holder150stays in place and keys or the like may be hung in the holder150.

With reference toFIGS. 17a-ca holder250according to another alternative embodiment is shown. The holder250comprises a mounting portion251and a projecting ring portion252which is configured to hold a strap S, a key-ring or the like. The ring portion252and the mounting portion251are of different design than the previous embodiment. In particular, the mounting portion251does not have any opening, but it comprises a V shaped part253which is easy to connect to the end of the side piece20b. This means that the magnet35is exposed in an efficient manner which improves the locking effect in the folded state; seeFIG. 17c. The V shaped part253of the mounting portion251also makes it possible to attach the holder250after the side pieces20a,20bhave been folded together. The user can just push the holder250in between the side pieces20a,20b, as the arrow inFIG. 17cshows, until it snaps into position without unfolding the spectacles.

With reference toFIGS. 18aand 18ba pair of spectacles110according to a second embodiment is shown. The spectacles110include two side pieces120a,120b, a front lens piece130and a central hinge assembly140similar to the first embodiment described above. In this embodiment the side pieces120a,120bare provided with a different bias both in the resilient member123and in the resilient hinge125which gives the spectacles110a different appearance but the same function as the second portion122of the side piece120a,120bstill presses against the user's head H.

An idle position of the resilient hinge125is when an angle α about 90° is formed between the front lens piece130and the first portion121and an idle position of the resilient member123is when an angle β less than 180°, preferably around 160°, is formed between the first and second portion121,122.

The spectacles110provide an alternative pair of spectacles to a user with e.g. a large head since the distance between the side pieces120a,120b, especially between the two corresponding resilient members123, can be made longer than the same distance in the first embodiment due to the angle α not having to be less than 90°.

Further, all the embodiments of the present invention may include an optional lock hook assembly60which is illustrated inFIGS. 19a-c. The lock hook assembly60is preferably arranged on the second portion22of the side piece20a,20bor close to the resilient member23. The lock hook assembly60comprises two lock hooks61a,61bwhich are connected to each other by means of an elongated intermediate portion62, wherein the two lock hooks61a,61band the intermediate portion62may be manufactured as separate parts or as one piece. The lock hooks61a,61band the intermediate portion62are arranged inside the side piece20a,20band extend from the lower part of the rim portion29, along the center portion28and up to the upper part of the rim portion29. The lock hooks61a,62bare configured to grab the lens portion31,32, arranged within the space defined by the center portion28and the rim portion29of the side piece20a,20b, in the folded state. The lock hook assembly60provides an additional safety feature since the lens portions31,32are kept in place in the folded state, as can be seen inFIG. 19cwhere one lens portion31,32is folded into the area of the side piece20a,20b.

Further, the lock hook assembly60comprises two grip portions63a,63blocated on the upper and lower outer surface of the rim portion29, preferably in direct contact with the lock hooks61a,61bor close to them. The grip portions63a,63bare preferably configured to unhook the lock hooks61a,61bfrom the lens portions31,32as the user by means of e.g. his/her forefinger and thumb, gently presses on them.

The parts of the lock hook assembly60may be made of a rubber, plastic of metal material and placed anywhere on the side piece20a,20b.

FIG. 20illustrates a side piece220baccording to an alternative embodiment. This side piece220bis similar to the previously described side pieces20a,20b,120a,120band it comprises a first portion221, a second portion222, a contact member224, and a resilient hinge225which connects the side piece220bto a front piece230, the left eye lens portion232of which is shown inFIG. 19. The difference lies within the transition portion223which in this embodiment comprises a bridge223aand an associated resilient member223b. Preferably, the resilient member223bis made in a flexible material, for instance plastic or rubber, and it is configured to provide the side piece230bwith its spring back effect as described above and with the straight arrow in the figure. The bridge223ais arranged in the mid section of the transition portion223, between the first and second portion221,222, and it extends along a longitudinal axis A of the side piece220b. The shape and size of the bridge223amake it possible to rotate the second portion222with respect to the first portion221, as indicated by the arrows. By this inclining or tilting movement, the side piece220bmay easily adapt to the size and shape of the head of a user. This means that the side piece220bprovides the user with a very comfortable fit when using the spectacles.

Further, the bridge223aallows the resilient member223bto be made in a more flexible material which may provide the side piece220bwith an adequate resilience and an efficient spring back effect. The bridge223balso contributes to a smooth and efficient manufacturing process since it is made in one piece with the first and second portion221,222whereas the bridge223bholds the two portions221,222together during the process which means that no means for fixing the positions of the different portions221,222are necessary.

FIG. 21illustrates yet another side piece320bwith an alternative transition portion323where the bridge223aof the previous embodiment is omitted. The transition portion323is instead an I shaped bridge where the two wider portions323bare configured to increase the adherence between the harder and the softer plastic, i.e. between the first/second portion321/322and the transition portion323. This creates a strong side piece320awhich is wear resistant while still having the favorable spring back effect and rotational movement as previous embodiments.

FIG. 22shows still another alternative side piece420bwith yet another transition portion423, where the transition portion423has more of a rectangular shape. The rectangular shape increases further the adherence between the first/second portion421/422and the transition portion423.

It should be mentioned that the inventive concept is by no means limited to the embodiments given as examples above, and modifications are feasible within the inventive idea expressed by the appended claims. For instance, the length and shape of the side pieces and their first and second portions may vary to meet the needs of the user. The same goes for the dimensions of the front lens piece.