Improvements in the Frames of Spectacles and Eye-glasses.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 5th Oct., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 11th June, 1894-Accepted, 8th Sept., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Frames of Spectacles and Eye-glasses.
We ERNST WÜRTZ and CONRAD BILLMANN of Pforzheim in the Empire of
Germany, Opticians, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
The invention has for its object to afford a convenient and ready means for
inserting, holding and removing such objects as spectacle lenses or glasses either
oval or circular and consists of a pliant or flexible frame, rim, holder or support of
any suitable material and of a form corresponding to the glass to be held, split at
one part with ends made to join at one part and having lugs, tubes or other con-
trivances on such ends for tightening the said frame and into and through which
ends is inserted a pin, screw or other fastening device, furnished with a spring for
keeping it in place or otherwise. In cross section the frame may be channelled,
hollowed or curved to better grasp and hold the glass.
Dated this 5th day of October 1893.
K. HADDAN,
Agent for Applicants.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Frames of Spectacles and Eye-glasses.
We, ERNST WÜRTZ and CONRAD BILLMANN both of Pforzheim, Baden,
Germany, Optical Instrument Makers, hereby declare that the essential nature of
our invention "IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FRAMES OF SPECTACLES AND EYE-
GLASSES and the manner of using it are clearly set forth in the following
statement :-
"
Antecedently, to remedy any mishap to the glasses of spectacles or eye glasses
in outside, everyday life, the carrying of a screw-driver in the pocket was necessary
and, moreover, the work of thus effecting repairs was tediously troublesome.
The object of this invention is to make it possible for a person by merely pressing
upon our frames to be able to remove the glasses and to change them for others.
The invention cousists in the provision of a frame held together by the pressure
of a spring, which frame with appropriate manipulation gives outwardly and frees
the glasses.
In the accompanying drawing, in which the same figures denote the same parts,
Figure gives a view of a glass with its frame with section through the
connection in question, and
Figure 2 a cross-section of a glass and the rim-shanks or staples.
To attain the above-stated object, the screw which ordinarily holds the
shanks (a, a) together of an opening rim (b) is dispensed with. In its place we
use a pin (e) with a head (c). The pin is so wormed and arranged that it screws
only into the hinder staple (a) so that the frame offers no resistance when drawn
asunder. Between the head of the pin (c) and the staple (a) a spiral spring is
inserted which has always a tendency to expand. The head (c') of the pin (c)
counteracts this expansion in that direction whereby the pressure of the spring is
continually directed against the staple and suffices to hold the rim firmly together.
If the rim be pulled outwards, the spiral spring is compressed, the rim opens,
and the glasses can be changed.

page_text: The springs are constructed of 14-carat gold so that besides their utility not
only is a pleasing appearance gained but the disagreeable rusting of steel springs is
avoided.
Having now described the essential parts of our invention and the manner of
using it, we claim as our invention―
The application to all sorts of spectacles and eye-glasses of frames which permit
an immediate changing of glasses, such frames being held together by the pressure
of a spring.
ERNST WÜRTZ.
CONRAD BILLMANN.