DEVICE, PARTICULARLY REDUCED, FOR THE ELASTICIZING OF AN EAR-PIECE FOR SPECTACLES

Abstract: Device, particularly reduced, for the double elasticizing of an ear-piece for spectacles, essentially comprising one small box, combined as finished with the ear-piece by spot-welding and pre-assembled, in whose inside are housed two springs, said springs on one side being with their end in abutment on the bottom of the small box, on the other side being positioned in abutment of the end of a tie-rod, with respect to which are positioned one for each side; and in which the shape of the tie-rod is substantially "T" like having the opposite end, provided with a suitable hole, hingeable to a corresponding small front face provided on the frame of the spectacles.

Description: I 1 DESCRIPTION 2 DEVICE. PARTICULARLY REDUCED. FOR THE ELASTICIZING OF 3 AN EAR-PIECE FOR SPECTACLES 4 Technical Field 5 This invention has for object a device, particularly reduced, for the 6 elasticizing of an ear-piece for spectacles. 7 The innovation finds particular even if not exclusive application in 8 the field of the spectacles production and of the metal small parts, 9 not excluding their fittings. I 0 Background Art I I It is known that many frames for spectacles are found in prior art. 1 2 Some of these, provide some devices, made close to the hinging, for 1 3 allowing the elastic fastening to that part of the frame which is 1 4 known as front face. Such function, obtained on both sides of the 1 5 spectacles, on one hand has the advantage of giving a better fitting, 1 6 because if the ear-pieces exert a lower pressure on the temples, they 7 are more easily endurable by most people, on the other hand they 1 8 would result more adaptable to the different anatomical shapes of 9 each subject. The firms of the field therefore, are since a long time 0 thus oriented, with the main purpose of finding innovative and 1 often improving solutions, both with regard to the functioning and 2 mainly to the size, when compared to the pre-existing ones. 3 For example, a traditional elasticized ear-piece, that found a wide 4 consent among the consumers, consists of the European patent 5 application n.79400087.7, in which was described an elastic hinge 6 for spectacles frame, essentially made up of a box, associated 7 sideways to the ear-piece, for containing a tie-rod means coaxial to 8 said box, and in which the end portion of the tie-rod is threaded, on 97/41482 PCMT97/00088 2 which is screwed a bushing that ensures the positioning of a spring, while on the other side it is in abutment on the inside of a seat obtained in said box Again a system, conceptually based on the solution provided by the previous patent, may consist of the utility model n 181221, having for object an improved hinge for the articulation to a spectacles frame of an elastically openable ear-piece, in which it is provided a squared support inserted in the frame, on which it is inserted a support which is also squared that makes up a shoulder for the compression of a spring Finally, the Italian Patent n 1 147 198, has tor object an ear-piece with elastic hinging, in which the end of the ear-piece involves an axially holed small block within which is inserted an end for the connection of the hinge Continuing with a reduced diameter, it supports inserted a sharp edge that is fixed inside the borehole while on the back of this latter is provided a tension helicoidal spring blocked at the end of the element by a threaded locknut In such case it is possible the elastic opening of the ear-piece according to a certain angle by means of elastic yielding of the hinge-like c on necti on. The drawbacks noticed, in general common in the mentioned solutions, consist essentially of the excessive complexity of the utilized devices, which involved also a total oversizing of the device. Furthermore, notwithstanding they perform their f unctions perfectly , they determine many problems during the execution phases, on one side for what concerns the realization of the many precision components, on the other during their assembling, at the end influencing in considerable measure times and costs Main purpose of the present firms of the field, has been therefore the obtainment of the elasticizing devices of the ear-piece, that, even being more restrained in their size, offer a good functionality aiming at the same time to reducing the components, facilitating the assembling and diminishing the costs. In the panorama of the recent devices, in line with the above mentioned principles, and that are more or less effectively proposed on the market, there is a solution in which the articulation is all one with the sliding body for the containing of an elasticizing spring of the ear-piece. In more detail said body, has a square cross section, in which longitudinally has been removed some material from one part to the other, up to obtain opposite thin sheets which define the guide seat, making up the containing walls of a spring On one side, the spring is placed in abutment on said seat, while on the other, it is fastened to a tooth which protrudes respect to the profile defined by the sliding body. Of the device considered, is part also a half-hull, opened on one side to be then associated to an ear-piece, and on the inside of which is inserted the sliding body complete ol the spring, turning the tooth on the longitudinal surface in which is obtained a stop reference. Being in a traction condition, the articulation obliges the body to slide on the inside of the half-hull maintaining the tooth constantly gripping along the base of said half-hull, up to compress the spring, therefore recalling elastically the articulation itself. It is also very common the condition of fastening to said box preassembled on the end of the ear-piece, the elastic yielding group, essentially consisting of an articulation on which is screwed a tie- rod coaxial to a spring, fastened on the opposite side by a suitable bus h i n g . As a consequence, it is possible to notice at least two drawbacks, on one side, the need for an adequate size, which influences the weight of the structure, aesthetic not excluded, on the other, the use of screw means involves considerable assembling times, and therefore also considerable costs. For some ear-pieces, considered valuable, the system is still valid, as seen by their wide use, but for the others, directed to a wider public, the device would not be anymore convenient, because it should suit costs of the frame definitely more contained. The continuous research in the field, in recent times, was therefore directed towards alternative devices, designed for being promoted in a great amount and mainly able to obviate the use of the spring passing the box for the fastening of the elastic yielding g rou p . It is known also the French Patent n. 2 517 080. More in detail is again described a hinge for spectacles frame, in which the metal core is all one with the articulation hinged to the front face. More in detail, the core is placed, passing from one side to the other, coaxial to a box, which near to one end provides an housing able to contain an helicoidal compression spring. This latter, on one side is positioned in abutment on the annular edge obtained through a working internal to said box, on the other side is being positioned on the end partially inserted inside the box and which covers the end of said core. The effect obtained by opening the era-piece, consists in visualizing the coaxial sliding of the end with respect to the box containing the device. The drawbacks of this latter solution consist of the fact that are still required some complex components, which would make particularly difficult the manufacturing and assembling, not excluded some manufacturing costs which would affect considerably the finished product Always in prior art, are known other improved elastic yielding devices, which derive more or less from the previously described solutions, and in which are anyway observable some problems related to the large size of the articulation The fact of being particularly bulky, with regard to the elasticizing device, on one hand is unpleasant to see, on the other it is with no doubt l imi ti ng, because the ear-piece shape conditi on s its application Other negative aspects, commonly noticeable in the mentioned solutions, regard the fact that it is no possible to combine the already finished device directly with the ear-piece, thus involving rather long assembling times Finally, the traditional ear- pieces have a tie-rod which, because of its shape, allows an excessive slack, being inclined to a torsion, not much liked by the consumer Purpose of this invention is to obviate the mentioned drawbacks This and other purposes are reached with the present invention according to the characteristics to be found in the enclosed claims, solving the mentioned problems by using a device, particularly reduced, for the elasticizing of an ear-piece for glasses, essentially comprising a small box, combined as finished to the ear-piece by means of spot-welding and preassembled, in whose inside are housed two springs, said springs on one side being with one end in abutment on the bottom of the small box, on the other being placed in abutment of the end of a tie-rod, respect to which they are placed one for each side, and in which the tie-rod is substantially T" like shaped having the opposite end, provided with suitable hole. hingeable to a corresponding small front face provided on the frame of the spectacles In such way, through a considerable creative contribution whose effect represents an immediate technical progress, are obtained many advantages. First of all it is obtained a substantial reduction of the size, mainly of the length, that besides being a considerable aesthetic advantage, allows the widening of the range of the tie-rods on which said device can be used. A second aspect, non less important, is the fact that because of the particular T" like shape of the tie-rod, ai e avoided those negative slacks, mainly torsion ones, very common in the linear single-tie rods, and which for this reason cause a higher wear of the components This may cause a wrong stress ot the parts, giving a feeling of precaπousness to the object For what concerns the productive aspect, some advantages consist of the fact that the device is completed before being combined with the ear-piece, and therefore, combined as finished to this same with a substantial reduction of manufacturing times and costs In conclusion, there will be a considerable functionality-price ratio, making possible the use of the elastic yielding device in a great amount of spectacles, thus widening the base of the possible con su mers . These and other advantages will appear from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments with the aid of the enclosed schematic drawings whose execution details are not to be considered as limitative but only as examples. Figure 1 , represents a total view and seen from the open side of the small box, of the main part of an elastic yielding device, possible to be combined with a corresponding tie-rod Figure 2 , represents a longitudinal section view of the device of Figure 1 , seen respectively along the axis A-A Figure 3 , is a top view of a small front face to be engaged on the spectacles frame of the device of the previous Figures Figure 4 , represents a top and a total view of the elastic yielding device complete with the small front face Figure 5 represents always a top and partially section view, of the device of the previous Figures, seen in use Figures 6, and 7 represent respectively a lower and a side view of the small box, as a part of the elastic yielding device Finally, Figures 8 and 9 , represent a view taken on the two sides of a tie-rod provided with a "T" like shaped end Referring also to the figures, it can be seen that at least one ear- piece (A), particularly for spectacles, is elastically yielding for al lowing, when worn, the opening of these same beyond the common opening axis, generally perpendicular, with respect to the frame (D) More in detail, each metal ear-piece (A) of the spectacles, provides as combined on a flat side, and in correspondence of one end, an elastic yielding device (B), which interacts with a device part (C), called small front face, and engaged in turn on the spectacles frame (D) The elastic yielding device (B)consιsts of a small box ( 1 ), having rather contained size, open ( 1 ') on the fixing side on the corresponding tie-rod (A) Along the perimetncal edge of the small box ( 1 ), always on the open side ( 1 '), are provided three coplanar teeth of exceeding material ( 1 "), respectively two in the front part and only one m the back part Said teeth ( 1 ' ), during a following cycle of spot welding by electro-welding, melting with the part of the ear-piece (A) concerned, allow the definite and steady fastening of the small box ( 1 ) A second characteristic, always of the small box ( 1 ), is that of providing a longitudinal opening (2) which concerns its edge in correspondence of the front part, and which requires some perpendicular walls (2') respect to a surface with an oblique base (2") The purpose of said opening (2), is that of allowing the axial guide of a tie-rod (3), said tie-rod being in part housed inside of the small box (1 ), and in part protruding from this latter through a flat surface (T) for being hinged to the small front face (C) of the spectacles (D) The part (3 ) of the tie-rod (3) provides the rounded end and a central hole (4) for the hinging to the small front face (C), while on the opposite side, it is possible to see a progressive tapering, obtained from an oblique side (3"), which is a positive copy of the guide's shape (2) obtained in the small box ( I ) Then always in the tie-rod (3), it has a straight shape (3"") which joins the hinging front part (3') with a transversal striker (5) This latter obtained monohthically from the tie-rod (3), provides the construction of two wings (5') opposite and perpendicular to the section (3" ) defining two lateral housings, that is allowing the division of the small box into sections, each of which compπses an helicoidal spring (6) Even more in detail, the springs (6) concern both sides of the tie-rod (3), and are placed with one end (6') in abutment on the bottom of the front part of the small box ( 1 ), while with the opposite end (6") are in abutment on the corresponding wings (5'). In a possible variation, the end shape of the tie-rod (3), instead of having a shape similar to a "T", can provide an "L" like shape, (not shown), practically with only one of the wings protruding perpendicularly to the same tie-rod In such case, the housing. obtained on the side of said tie-rod (3), will be allowed for only one spring (6) rather than for two Always in a variation relative to this last hypothesis, the tie-rod (3) can be provided misaligned respect to a middle position, being longitudinally movable near to an internal side of the small box ( 1 ), which allows to increase the width of the space which contains the single spring (6) For allowing, in a rest position, to keep the springs (6) slightly functioning, avoiding any slack mainly relative to the tie-rod (3), just before the beginning of the oblique side (3") of the tie-rod (3), is provided a hook (7) The function of this latter, in a static condition of the device, that is with the springs (6) extended, is the fact that it stops on the abutment (8) provided, in the manufacturing of the small box ( 1 ), in correspondence of the guide entrance (2) During the assembling phase, it is therefore possible inserting into the small box ( 1 ), first the tie-rod (3) and then the springs (6), or also together, which slightly forcing in the respective housings will result s lightly pre-charged By exerting an axial traction of the tie-rod (3), a condition which is equivalent to the opening beyond the common opening angle of the ear-piece (A), is obtained a compression of both springs (6), which thus contrast its action As consequence, the ear-piece (A) hinged to a corresponding front face (C), yields elastically, respect to the front part of the frame (D), pulling the tie-rod and at the same time compressing the springs (6), pushed internally against the shoulder of the front part of the small box (1 ) Thus, the natural extension of the springs (6), allows to the spectacles, first to be properly and softly worn by modulating the pressure exerted by the ear-pieces on the temples, and then, when 1 no more used, the return to a static condition.

Claims: Claims 1. Device, particularly reduced, for the double elasticizing of an ear- piece for spectacles, characterized in that it comprises essentially a small box ( 1 ), combined with the ear-piece (A) inside of which is previously housed at least one spring (6), said spring on one side being with its end in abutment on the bottom of the small box ( I ), on the other being placed in abutment of the end (5) of a tie-rod (3), respect to which it is placed to the side; and in which the shape of the tie-rod (3) provides at one end (5) at least on section (5') perpendicular to the connecting stem (3'") of the two ends of the tie- rod (3), which has the opposite end (3') provided with suitable hole (4), hingeable to a corresponding small front face (C) provided on the spectacles frame (D) 2 Device, according to claim I characterized in that the shape of one end (5) of the tie-rod (3), in particular the one contained inside of the small box ( 1 ) ts similar to the shape of a "T" 3 Device, according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that it comprises a small box ( 1 ), open ( 1 ') on the fixing side on the corresponding car-piece (A), along whose peπmetπcal edge, are provided some points of exceeding material ( 1 "), allowing a following cycle of spot melting by electro-melting, for the definite and steady fastening of the small box ( 1 ) of the side itself of the ear- piece (A). 4. Device, according to previous claims, characterized in that on the perimeter of the small box ( 1 ), in correspondence of the front face is provided a longitudinal opening (2) concerning the edge of this same, provided with perpendicular walls (2') respect to an oblique base surface (2"). P T/IT97/00088 1 2 5. Device, according to previous claims, characterized in that the opening (2), is an axial guide of a tie-rod (3), said tie-rod being partly housed inside of the small box (1 ), and partly protruding from the same through a surface (3') for being hinged to the small front face (C) of the spectacles (D). 6. Device, according to previous claims, characterized in that the tie- rod (3) having on one side the rounded end (3') and a central hole (4) for the hinging to the small front face (C), provides on the opposite side, a progressive tapering given by an oblique side (3"), which is the positive copy of the shape of the guide (2) obtained inside the small box ( 1 ), and therefore ending with a transversal striker (5) inside of said small box ( 1 ) which defines laterally at least an housing for an helicoidal spring (6). 7. Device, according to previous claims, characterized in that the part of the tie-rod (3), internal to the small box ( 1 ) has a straight shape (3"') which joins the hinging front part (3'), by an intermediate oblique section (3"), with a transversal striker (5), this latter being monolithically obtained, provides, the construction of two wings (5') opposite and perpendicular to the section (3 "') defining two lateral housings to each of which corresponds an helicoidal spring (6). 8. Device, according to previous claims, characterized in that the springs (6) concern both sides of the tie-rod (3), and are placed with one end (6') in abutment on the bottom of the front part of the small box ( 1 ), while with the opposite end (6") are in abutment of the corresponding wings (5') of said tie-rod (3). 9. Device, according to previous claims, characterized in that the springs (6), are contained in the small box (6) slightly pre-charged, / 1 3 1 providing in relation to the tie-rod (3), just before the beginning of 2 the oblique side (3") of the tie-rod (3), a hook (7), which in a static 3 condition of the device, that is with the extended springs (6), stops 4 on the abutment (8), provided in the manufacturing of the small box 5 ( 1 ), in correspondence of the guide entrance (2). 6 10. Device, according to previous claims, characterized in that the 7 end shape (5) of the tie-rod (3), provides an "L" like shape, with only 8 one of the wings (5') protruding perpendicularly to the same, 9 obtaining on the side of the said tie-rod (3), only one housing for I 0 one spring (6). I I 1 1 . Device, according to claims 10, characterized in that the tie-rod 1 2 (3) is misaligned respect to a middle position, being longitudinally 1 3 movable near to an internal side of the small box ( 1 ).

Inventors: MONTAGNER LUCIANO, MONTAGNER, LUCIANO
Applicants: MONTAGNER LUCIANO, MONTAGNER, LUCIANO
Application year: 1997
Main classification: G02C5
IPC codes: G02C5