Patent Description:
This patent document generally relates to eyeglasses with multiple sets of hinges which can be folded into an ultra-compact configuration.

When not being worn, eyeglasses are generally folded at the temples via a pair of hinges near the frame of the eyeglasses that folds each temple horizontally toward the frame. This creates a smaller profile of the eyeglasses than when the eyeglasses are in their unfolded configuration to be worn by a user. However, this conventional folded configuration remains relatively thick and therefore also requires a relatively thick eyeglasses case for storage. Such an eyeglasses case is generally bulky and not easily stored on a person, such as inside a cloth pocket, or in a small personal bag.

Therefore, there is a need for eyeglasses designs which allow a pair of eyeglasses to be folded more compactly and fitted into a more compact case.

<CIT> discloses eyeglasses with multiple sets of hinges for folding into a compact configuration to be fitted inside a compact case for easy storage and carrying. The eyeglasses include a frame surrounding a pair of lenses, and a pair of temples each of which extending from an outer edge of the frame, and the eyeglasses are in an unfolded configuration when the eyeglasses is being worn by a user. The eyeglasses also include a horizontal hinge positioned on each temple for folding the pair of temples horizontally from the unfolded configuration toward the frame into a first folded configuration. The eyeglasses additionally include a vertical hinge positioned on each temple for folding the pair of temples vertically from the first folded configuration toward the frame into a second folded configuration.

<CIT> discloses spectacles in a flat case with an auxiliary temple member pivoted to the outer end of upper side of a lens frame and a main temple member pivoted to a free end of the temple member, the temple members being folded generally in the same plane as the lens frame and prepared from a light metal. The main temple member is provided at its outer end with an earpiece prepared from an easily elastically deformable synthetic resin and having an ear-engaging bent portion at the earpiece outer end. The spectacles can be worn by the user with good stability by engaging the bent portion on the ear from above. The case has a small height H<NUM> less than the bend height H of the bent portion and corresponding to the overall thickness of the lens frame and the auxiliary temple member as folded. The earpiece is made of the easily elastically deformable resin, so that when a lid of the case is closed with the temple members folded in the same plane as the lens frame for encasing, the earpiece is moved along the case bottom and elastically deformed by being pushed by the lid, whereby the spectacles are accommodated in the flat case.

<CIT> discloses a pair of folded glasses, which comprises a spectacle frame, an end frame and two folded spectacle legs. One end of the end frame is fixed with the spectacle frame, the other end of the end frame is articulated with a rotating rod through a pin shaft, the other end of the rotating rod is connected with the folded spectacle legs. During the process of folding the glasses, the utility model drives the folded shaft to make the spectacle legs and the lenses arrange on the same plane through the rotating rod, thereby decreasing the thickness after being folded, which is easy to be carried.

<CIT> discloses collapsible spectacles provided with two arms connected to a flat lens frame and which can be folded into a collapsed configuration in which they are coplanar and situated side-by-side with the lens frame, one at an upper long side and another at a lower long side of said lens frame. Each arm comprises a first segment, constrained at a first hinge to a halfway point of a smaller side of the lens frame, and being of about half a length of said smaller side, and a second segment hinged to the first segment and having a perpendicular axis to the axis of the first hinge.

Embodiments described herein provide for eyeglasses with multiple set of hinges for folding into a compact configuration, and more specifically to two pair of hinges which fold temples of the glasses both inward and downward such that they are configured to be collapsed into the compact configuration when a case is closed over the eyeglasses. Embodiments described herein further provide for eyeglasses with multiple sets of hinges for folding into a flattened, compact configuration in which parts of the eyeglasses are made of injection molded plastic material or engineering plastics such as cellulose acetate and other parts are made of metal.

In one aspect, a pair of foldable eyeglasses having multiple set of hinges is disclosed in accordance with claim <NUM>. Some optional features are set out in dependent claims.

In some embodiments, the second hinges or pivot connections are configured to rotate around an axis which is substantially parallel to or aligned with the plane of the frame and substantially perpendicular to the respective outer edge of the frame.

In some embodiments, each temple includes a first portion located between the first and second pivot connections and a second portion extended beyond the first pivot connection. The first portion is affixed to a rotating part of the second pivot connection and is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second pivot connection.

In some embodiments, after folding the temples using the first pivot connections or hinges into the first folded configuration, the second portion of the temple is substantially parallel to the plane of the frame while the first portion of the temple remains unfolded.

In some embodiments, the first portion of the temple is configured with a length which is substantially equal to or greater than a distance between the axis of the second pivot connection and a bottom edge of the frame.

In some embodiments, folding the temples vertically from the first folded configuration toward the frame into the second folded configuration using the second pivot connections includes rotating the first portion of the temple around the axis of the respective second pivot connection by approximately <NUM> degrees.

In some embodiments, after folding the temples vertically using the second pair of hinges or pivot connections into the second folded configuration, the first portion of the temple is substantially parallel to the plane of the frame while it remains perpendicular to the axis of the respective second hinge or pivot connection.

In some embodiments, each second pivot connection includes a tension spring which is configured to keep the first portion of the temple in an unfolded configuration even when the second portion of the temple is folded into the first folded configuration.

In some embodiments, the tension spring is configured to unfold the second portion of the temple from the second folded configuration to the unfolded configuration when a tension is removed from the tension spring.

In some embodiments, the foldable eyeglasses is operable to be placed inside a collapsible case which operates to fold the foldable eyeglasses from the first folded configuration into the second folded configuration by closing a lid of the collapsible case onto the partially folded temples of the foldable eyeglasses.

In an unclaimed aspect, an end piece of a pair of foldable eyeglasses for connecting an outer edge of a rim of the eyeglasses to a temple of the eyeglasses is disclosed. This end piece includes a stationary part which is affixed to the outer edge of the rim of the eyeglasses. The end piece also includes a rotatory part which is affixed to the temple of the eyeglasses and attached to the stationary part horizontally through an attachment mechanism. The rotatory part also includes a tension spring which inclines to keep the temple of the eyeglasses in an unfolded configuration when the eyeglasses are being worn by a user. Together, the stationary part and the rotatory part of the end piece form a rolling hinge which is operable to fold the temple from the unfolded configuration vertically downward into a folded configuration such that the temple is substantially in the same plane as the rim of the eyeglasses.

In some examples, the stationary part further includes an attachment part for connecting the stationary part with the outer edge of the rim and a fastening part attached to the attachment part and containing a threaded borehole. The stationary part additionally includes a first cylindrical tube attached to the attachment part such that the fastening part is substantially inside and coaxial with the first cylindrical tube.

In some examples, the rotatory part further includes a second cylindrical tube attached to the temple of the eyeglasses at an outer surface of the second cylindrical tube. The tension spring of the rotatory part is substantially positioned inside the second cylindrical tube and in contact with the inner surface of the second cylindrical tube. This configuration causes the tension spring to rotate along with the second cylindrical tube. Moreover, the second cylindrical tube is substantially coaxial with the first cylindrical tube in the stationary part. In some embodiments, the tension spring includes an extended end which is securely attached to the stationary part of the rolling hinge. In some embodiments, the tension spring is attached to the stationary part of the rolling hinge by being fitted inside a groove cut into the surface of the fastening part of the stationary part.

In some examples, the second cylindrical tube has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical tube and greater than the diameter of the fastening part, wherein the second cylindrical tube is partially inserted into a gap between the first cylindrical tube and the fastening part.

In some examples, the rolling hinge is operable to fold the temple from the unfolded configuration vertically downward into the folded configuration by rotating the rotatory part around the stationary part by approximately <NUM> degrees.

In some examples, the rim includes a rim lock. In some examples, the rim does not include a rim lock.

In a further aspect, a foldable eyeglasses and collapsible case assembly is disclosed in accordance with claim <NUM>. Some optional or preferred features are set out in dependent claims.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

The structure and operation of the present invention will be understood from a review of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:.

Only the embodiments disclosed with reference to <FIG> are part of the claimed invention. All other disclosed embodiments do not form part of the claimed invention.

Some embodiments disclosed herein provide for foldable eyeglasses with multiple sets of hinges for folding the eyeglasses into a compact configuration to be fitted inside a compact case for easy storage and carrying. In one aspect, the multiple sets of hinges include a first pair of hinges (or "horizontal" hinges) located within the temples and near the frame of the eyeglasses which folds first on outer portions of the temples of the eyeglasses inward in a conventional folding manner. The multiple sets of hinges also include a second pair of "rolling" hinges (or "vertical" hinges) located immediately adjacent to or partially within the rim or frame of the eyeglasses which folds the temples of the eyeglasses downward toward the plane of the rim/frame and lenses. When both pairs of the hinges are engaged, the foldable eyeglasses are collapsed into a compact configuration which has a very thin profile to be fitted into an ultra-thin case.

In another aspect, the first pair of hinges may be engaged first to fold the temples of the eyeglasses into a conventional folded configuration, which is also referred to as a "first folded configuration," or a "partially folded configuration. " Next, the partially folded eyeglasses are placed inside a case with the frame and lenses facing downward while the second pair of hinges remains unengaged. Next, the lid of the case is closed over the eyeglasses, which pushes on the temples of the eyeglasses. The applied pressure causes the second pair of hinges to engage so that the temples of the eyeglasses rotate and fold around the second pair of hinges into a fully folded configuration (also referred to as a "second folded configuration") to allow the case to close and be latched with the eyeglasses securely stored inside the case.

In a further aspect, an end piece or pivot connection device is provided on or partially within outer edges or sides of the frame pivotally connecting the outer edge of the rim or frame of the eyeglasses to a temple of the eyeglasses. Each end piece or pivot connection includes a stationary part which is affixed to the outer edge of the frame of the eyeglasses or embedded in a receiving recess or indent in the outer edge of the frame. The end piece also includes a rotating part which is affixed to the temple of the eyeglasses and rotatably attached to the stationary part. The pivot connection also includes a tension spring between the fixed and rotatable parts to keep the temple of the eyeglasses in an unfolded configuration when the eyeglasses are being worn by a user. The stationary part and the rotating part of the end piece form a rolling hinge which is operable to fold the temple from the unfolded configuration vertically downward into a folded configuration such that the temple is substantially in the same plane as the rim of the eyeglasses.

In some embodiments, the stationary part further includes an attachment part for connecting the stationary part with the outer edge of the rim and a fastening part attached to the attachment part and containing a threaded borehole. The stationary part additionally includes a cylindrical tube attached to the attachment part such that the fastening part is substantially inside and coaxial with the first cylindrical tube. The rotatory part further includes another cylindrical tube attached to the temple of the eyeglasses at an outer surface of the second cylindrical tube. The tension spring is substantially positioned inside the second cylindrical tube and in contact with the inner surface of the second cylindrical tube. This configuration causes the tension spring to rotate along with the second cylindrical tube. In some embodiments, the tension spring includes an extended end which is securely attached to the stationary part of the rolling hinge. Moreover, the second cylindrical tube is substantially coaxial with the first cylindrical tube in the stationary part.

In a second embodiment, each hinge connection is at least partially housed in an indent in a respective outer side portion of the frame. In this embodiment, the eyeglass frame may be of engineering plastic or the like while the pivot connection is of metal. A stationary tubular part may be housed in the indent and has a pivot pin on which a sleeve attached to a respective temple is rotatably mounted.

After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

<FIG> shows a top-down view of one embodiment of a pair of dual-hinged foldable eyeglasses with temples being folded along a first set of hinges into a first folded configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, the eyeglasses <NUM> include a first set of hinges or pivot connections <NUM> including a pair of hinges 102A and 102B located a short distance from the rim or frame <NUM> of the eyeglasses. Hinges <NUM> are configured to collapse the temples 104A and 104B of eyeglasses <NUM> horizontally into the frame <NUM> to form a first folded configuration of eyeglasses <NUM>, which is similar to a pair of folded conventional eyeglasses. <FIG> illustrates eyeglasses <NUM> in a partially folded configuration where a left hinge 102A of the first set of hinges <NUM> are in an unfolded configuration on a left temple 104A and a right hinge 102B is in a folded configuration on the right temple 104B. <FIG> shows a front view of the first folded configuration <NUM> of eyeglasses <NUM> when both of the temples 104A and 104B are properly folded into a first folding configuration at the corresponding hinges 102A and 102B in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Eyeglasses <NUM> can include various types of vision-correction eyeglasses, sunglasses, among others.

As show in <FIG>, eyeglasses <NUM> also include a second set of hinges or pivot connections <NUM> including a pair of hinges 110A and 110B located substantially adjacent to the frame <NUM> of eyeglasses <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second set of hinges <NUM> are part of the end pieces of eyeglasses <NUM>. Embodiments of mechanism structure of hinges <NUM> are described below in conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>. In the embodiment shown, hinges <NUM> are configured to rotate according to the directional arrows 120A and 120B to fold the temples 104A and 104B vertically downward from the first folded configuration <NUM> shown in <FIG> into a position below the frame <NUM> to form a second folded configuration.

<FIG> shows eyeglasses <NUM> being collapsed into the second folded configuration <NUM> using the second set of hinges <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As can be seen in <FIG>, the second set of hinges <NUM> is positioned immediately adjacent to the frame <NUM> and in substantially the same plane as the frame <NUM> so that the temples <NUM> can fold downward to a position immediately below the frame <NUM> and in substantially the same plane as frame <NUM>, creating an ultra-thin profile for set of folded eyeglasses with a minimal thickness.

The second pivot connection include a pair of end pieces <NUM> attached to frame <NUM> for connecting temples <NUM> to frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rotatable parts of hinges <NUM> may have cylindrical shapes to facilitate "rolling" or rotational motions. Accordingly, the end pieces <NUM> may include a cylindrical part to accommodate the cylindrical-shaped rotating parts as described in more detail below. More specifically, the rotating part of each pivot connection may be inserted into the cylindrical part of the respective end piece <NUM>. When put together, the second pivot connections of eyeglasses <NUM> are substantially in the same plane as frame <NUM>. More detailed embodiments of the second pivot connections or hinges <NUM> are described below in conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, between the first set of hinges <NUM> and the second set of hinges <NUM> is a pair of straight temple sections <NUM>. When eyeglasses <NUM> are unfolded at the first set of hinges <NUM>, straight sections <NUM> are part of the temples <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. When eyeglasses <NUM> are folded by the first set of hinges <NUM>, straight sections <NUM> create a predetermined space which keeps the folded temples <NUM> some distance away from the frame <NUM>. Hence, when eyeglasses <NUM> are folded into the second folded configuration <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the bottom of the frame <NUM> is positioned inside the space created by the straight sections <NUM> and the folded temples <NUM>, without interfering with the temples <NUM>. This configuration allows for a flat profile with a minimum thickness.

<FIG> shows a side view of eyeglasses <NUM> where the second set of hinges <NUM> is in an unfolded configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, at least one of the first set of hinges <NUM> is also shown in the unfolded configuration. Also shown in <FIG> is the direction of rotation of the second set of hinges <NUM> by an arrow <NUM>. <FIG> shows a side view of eyeglasses <NUM> where the temples <NUM> are rotated from the first folded configuration <NUM> into the second folded configuration <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, eyeglasses <NUM> are in the first folded configuration <NUM> prior to the folding movement. <FIG> also illustrates the motion of the temples <NUM> from the first folded configuration <NUM> to the second folded configuration <NUM> as the temples <NUM> pivot around the second set of hinges <NUM>. As discussed above, <FIG> illustrates a front-view of the eyeglasses <NUM> in the second folded configuration <NUM> where the temples <NUM> have been folded down and approximately below the frames <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second set of hinges may be rolling hinges made of cylindrical parts which provide a simple rolling motion of the temples without creating any separated or sharp edges between the separated parts.

<FIG> illustrate multiple viewing-angle schematics of a more detailed design of the proposed eyeglasses having two sets of hinges in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates a left side view schematic of the exemplary eyeglasses in an unfolded configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. More specifically, <FIG> shows a set of design parameters of the temples of the exemplary eyeglasses. <FIG> illustrates a top plan view of the exemplary eyeglasses in an unfolded configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. More specifically, <FIG> shows various design parameters of the temples, the two pairs of hinges, and the bridge of the exemplary eyeglasses. Notably, the location of the second set of hinges <NUM> is immediately adjacent the rim of the lenses, so that the hinges <NUM> become part of the end pieces of the eyeglasses. <FIG> illustrates a front elevation view of the exemplary eyeglasses in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. More specifically, <FIG> shows various design parameters of the frame of the exemplary eyeglasses. <FIG> illustrates a right side elevation view of the exemplary eyeglasses in the unfolded configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. More specifically, <FIG> shows additional design parameters of the temples of the exemplary eyeglasses.

In some embodiments such as the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the second set of hinges <NUM> are shown to include a rolling hinge and a tension spring, so that the hinges <NUM> are inclined to remain in an unfolded configuration. To place the hinges <NUM> into the second folded configuration, one applies force to the hinges via downward pressure on the temples of the eyeglasses (as discussed above in conjunction with <FIG>). In this manner, the eyeglasses are configured to function in conjunction with a collapsible case (described below) such that a lid of the case can be collapsed down onto the temples of the eyeglasses in the first folded configuration to force the second set of hinges to fold the temples into the second folded configuration as the case is closed. This results in a closed case with a minimal thickness, as shown and illustrated below.

An additional benefit of the spring-loaded second set of hinges is that the eyeglasses are more comfortable and easier to wear for the user because the springs ensure that the temples remain in the unfolded configuration when being worn. Without these tension springs, the frame or temples may rotate while the user is wearing the eyeglasses, resulting in unwanted movement of the eyeglasses when being worn. In some embodiments, the springs in the hinges are configured to only allow the hinges to rotate approximately <NUM> degrees (e.g., a few degrees more or less than <NUM> degrees) so that when in the second folded configuration, the temples are positioned immediately below or at the bottom of the frame. This design results in an ideal folded position with the smallest potential thickness of the eyeglasses, while providing the benefit of not allowing the temples to over-rotate past the plane of the frame into a position forward of the lenses and frame. Additional rotation may cause the eyeglasses to rotate into an unsafe or unstable position that may cause the temples or hinges to break, or may cause damage to the lenses by having the lenses in contact with the temples.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary mechanical structure of the second hinges or pivot connection of a pair of proposed eyeglasses <NUM> which includes a rolling hinge as part of the end piece in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, the rim <NUM> of the eyeglasses <NUM> includes a rim lock <NUM> for securely locking rim <NUM> around a lens (not shown). Also shown in <FIG> is an end piece or pivot connection <NUM> which comprises a set of subcomponents, including a rolling hinge, which is an embodiment of the proposed second set of hinges. More specifically, end piece <NUM> includes a part <NUM> for attaching end piece <NUM> to rim <NUM>. Part <NUM> further includes an attachment part 410A that has a flat notch for connecting the end piece <NUM> with the front side of the rim <NUM>. Part <NUM> also includes a cylindrical part 410B containing a threaded borehole for receiving a screw <NUM> (described later). End piece <NUM> includes a tension spring <NUM> as part of the rolling hinge. As can be seen in <FIG>, tension spring <NUM> has a slightly larger diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical part 410B so that the spring can be snugly fitted onto cylindrical part 410B. End piece <NUM> also includes a cylindrical tube <NUM> of a greater diameter than the tension spring <NUM>. Cylindrical tube <NUM> can be jointed with part <NUM>, such as through the attachment part 410A, to form the stationary part of the rolling hinge.

End piece <NUM> additionally includes a rolling tube <NUM> which is also part of the rolling hinge. As can be seen in <FIG>, rolling tube <NUM> is also attached to the end of temple <NUM> of the eyeglasses. As such, rolling tube <NUM> provides a rotatable attachment mechanism between temple <NUM> and end piece <NUM> so that the rolling hinge can be rotated by applying pressure on temple <NUM>. When the end piece <NUM> is assembled, tension spring <NUM> is contained by rolling tube <NUM>, which itself can partially slide into cylindrical tube <NUM>. The entire structure is held together by screw <NUM> which goes inside cylindrical part 410B. More specifically, the threaded part of screw <NUM> passes through both tension spring <NUM> and rolling tube <NUM> before entering the borehole of cylindrical part 410B. The right opening of the rolling tube <NUM> is configured slightly larger than the diameter of the threaded part of screw <NUM> but smaller than the head of screw <NUM>. Hence, after tightening, the head of screw <NUM> is stopped by the entrance of the rolling tube <NUM>.

Rolling tube <NUM> and tension spring <NUM>, which is largely positioned inside rolling tube <NUM>, form the rotatory part of the rolling hinge. More specifically, when assembled, the rotatory part of the rolling hinge comprising rolling tube <NUM> and tension spring <NUM> is physically confined by the stationary part of the rolling hinge comprising cylindrical part 410B, screw <NUM> and cylindrical tube <NUM> so that the rotatory part is allowed to rotate around the axis of the assembly but not able to displace horizontally. The tension inside the rolling hinge can be created by securely attaching one end of tension spring <NUM> (e.g., using the extended end of the spring <NUM> shown in <FIG>) to the stationary part of the rolling hinge while allowing the rest of the tension spring <NUM> to rotate along with the rolling rube <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tension spring is attached to the stationary part of the rolling hinge by being fitted inside a grove which is cut into the surface of the cylindrical part 410B of the stationary part. To create the situation where the temple <NUM> of the eyeglasses remains in the unfolded configuration when being worn, tension spring <NUM> is configured in a relaxed state when the temple <NUM> is fully unfolded as shown in <FIG>. Note that the exemplary design of eyeglasses <NUM> provides one embodiment of the second set of hinges, but many other variations of end piece <NUM> are possible to form a rolling hinge to create the proposed second set of hinges.

<FIG> illustrates another exemplary mechanical structure of the end piece of a pair of proposed eyeglasses <NUM> which includes a rolling hinge as part of the end piece in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. One main difference between eyeglasses <NUM> and eyeglasses <NUM> is that eyeglasses <NUM> do not include a rim lock. Examples of such eyeglasses include rimless eyeglasses. One noticeable difference in eyeglasses <NUM> is that attachment part 510A has different notch configuration than attachment part 410A in eyeglasses <NUM> for attaching end piece <NUM> to the rimless lens <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the dual-hinged foldable eyeglasses of the above embodiments operate to fold into the compact, second folded configuration with an ultra-thin profile which can be fitted inside an ultra-compact collapsible case. <FIG> illustrates a top plan view of such an ultra-compact collapsible case <NUM> in a closed configuration <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, while <FIG> illustrates a top plan view of this ultra-compact collapsible case <NUM> in an open configuration <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As can be seen in <FIG>, the ultra-compact case includes a bottom portion <NUM> which holds the eyeglasses and a top cover <NUM> connected with the bottom portion <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. <FIG> also illustrates how the proposed eyeglasses fit into the bottom portion <NUM> in the above described second folded configuration. <FIG> illustrates a side view of the ultra-compact collapsible case <NUM> in the closed configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. It can be seen that case <NUM> has small dimensions when the eyeglasses are folded within.

<FIG> illustrates a designed function of the ultra-compact collapsible case <NUM> in conjunction with the proposed foldable eyeglasses. More specifically, <FIG> provides a side view illustration of the collapsible case <NUM> being collapsed from the open configuration <NUM> to the closed configuration <NUM> with the pair of foldable eyeglasses contained therein. As can be seen in <FIG>, the case is used to fold the temples of the eyeglasses from the first folded configuration into the second folded configuration as the top cover <NUM> is being closed onto the bottom portion <NUM>. In other words, the top cover <NUM> operates to rotate the second pair of hinges and fold the temples down into the plane of the lenses. The case <NUM> can then be secured into the closed configuration via a latch <NUM>, which may be configured with an angled top front edge to help the top cover <NUM> easily slide forward and down over the latch <NUM> to create a secure closure.

In some embodiments, the dual-hinged eyeglasses can also be placed inside case <NUM> in the first folded configuration with the top of the frame and the temples of the eyeglasses facing down on the bottom portion <NUM>. In this placement, the bottom of the frame is positioned upward as a result of the tension spring. To close the case, the top cover <NUM> of case <NUM> is used to fold the frame of the eyeglasses from the first folded configuration into the second folded configuration as the top cover <NUM> is being closed onto the bottom portion <NUM>. In other words, the top cover <NUM> operates to rotate the second pair of hinges and fold the frame down into the plane of the temples.

<FIG> illustrates a reverse operation of the one shown in <FIG>. More specifically, <FIG> provides a side view illustration of the collapsible case <NUM> being opened from the closed configuration <NUM> to the open configuration <NUM> by actuating the latch <NUM> in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, the hinge <NUM> of the collapsible case <NUM> and the second pair of hinges of the eyeglasses include tension springs, so that when the latch <NUM> is pressed, the tension springs operate to force the top cover <NUM> open and expand the temples of the eyeglasses from the second folded configuration to the first folded configuration. In other embodiments, only the second pair of hinges of the eyeglasses include tension springs but not in the hinge <NUM> of the collapsible case. In these embodiments, when the latch <NUM> is pressed, the tension springs of the eyeglasses also operate to force the top cover <NUM> open and expand the temples of the eyeglasses from the second folded configuration to the first folded configuration.

Referring back to <FIG>, the embodiment of the case <NUM> may also include a positioning element <NUM> which facilitates a user to position the eyeglasses inside the case in a desired position that allows the case to easily close onto the temples of the eyeglasses. The positioning element <NUM> can be formed as a raised element in the middle of the case which helps the user position the eyeglasses into the case such that the lenses are placed on opposing sides of the positioning element <NUM>. This configuration also forces the user to place the eyeglasses into the case with the lenses and frames facing down, which allows for the top cover <NUM> of the case to more easily fold the eyeglasses into the second folded configuration by making contact with the temples of the eyeglasses as opposed to contacting the frame of the eyeglasses, which provides better protection for the frame and lenses. This configuration also allows the angle of closure of the top cover of the case to force the temples into their second folded configuration more easily in one direction.

<FIG> is a top-down see-through illustration of the ultra-compact collapsible case in the closed configuration with the foldable eyeglasses inside in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, while <FIG> is a side view see-through illustration of the ultra-compact collapsible case in the closed configuration with the foldable eyeglasses inside in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Finally, <FIG> is a side view see-through illustration of how the opening of the case causes the eyeglasses to automatically assume the first folded configuration as a result of the tension springs in the second set of hinges in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

As already described above, the collapsible case <NUM> includes latch <NUM> to hold the case in a closed position. In some embodiments, latch <NUM> is designed with a curved top surface and a clasp immediately underneath the curved top surface. This provides for a simple and smooth closing of the lid as the lid is being forced down onto the temples.

In some embodiments, hinge <NUM> on the collapsible case is a tension hinge, such as a piano hinge, which is provided to operate in conjunction with the spring tension in the rolling hinge of the second set of hinges on the glasses in order to allow the case to open and close with the expansion and contraction of the second set of hinges.

<FIG> provides a flowchart illustrating a process of folding the collapsible eyeglasses into the collapsible case for compact storage and easy carrying in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. During operation, the temples of the eyeglasses are folded horizontally along the first set of hinges into the first folded configuration (step <NUM>). Next, the partially folded eyeglasses are placed inside the collapsible case in a face down position, such that the lenses and the frame are on the bottom of the case (step <NUM>). Next, the top cover of the case is folded downward toward its closed configuration (step <NUM>). While the cover of the case is being closed, the temples of the eyeglasses are folded along the second set of hinges and into the second folded configuration (step <NUM>). Finally, the case is closed, for example, when the latch of the case is engaged and the glasses are completely secured within the closed case (step <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of a pair of foldable eyeglasses <NUM> which are similar to the eyeglasses of <FIG> and fold about two sets of hinges into a flattened condition to fit into a compact case similar or identical to the case <NUM> of <FIG>, and like reference numerals are used for like parts as appropriate. Foldable or fold-flat eyeglasses <NUM> have a frame <NUM> with eye wires or rims <NUM> surrounding openings which receive lenses <NUM> and a bridge <NUM> to extend over a wearer's nose, and a pair of temples 716A and 716B which each have a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> pivotally connected to the first portion via a first hinge or pivot connection 102A, 102B identical to the first hinges of the previous embodiments. The temples are connected via a second set of hinges or second pivot connections 710A, 710B to the respective opposite sides of frame <NUM>. The second set of hinges 710A, 710B have aligned pivot axes <NUM> which extend perpendicular to the respective first temple portions <NUM> which extend from hinge 710A, 710B to the respective hinge 102A, 102B. Second portions <NUM> of the temples extend outwards from the respective second hinges to temple tips <NUM> for engagement over a wearer's ears. Hinges 102A, 102B are located between the respective first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the temples and have respective pivot axes <NUM> which are perpendicular to the temples and to pivot axes <NUM>.

Unlike the previous embodiment where the eyeglass temples, hinges, and frame are all of the same material, such as metal or the like, in this embodiment the entire frame <NUM> is formed from injection molded plastic such as acetate or cellulose acetate. The temples and hinges are formed of metal, as in the previous embodiment, apart from temple tips or sleeves <NUM> engaged over the outer ends of the second portions <NUM> of the temples which are formed from the same injection molded plastic material as the frame <NUM>. This results in a strong but lightweight structure. Enlarged end portions <NUM> on the outer side edges of the frame are configured to house parts of the second set of hinges 710A, 710B, as described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>. The second pivot connections of this embodiment are therefore more compact and less bulky in appearance than in the previous embodiments where the entire second hinge structure is external to the frame.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the eyeglasses in a fully open condition ready for wear by a user. The second portions <NUM> of the respective temples are rotatable about the hinges 102A, 102B between the fully extended position of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> in which they are aligned with the respective first portions <NUM> of the temples, and the inwardly rotated position of <FIG> in which they extend inwards from the hinges and overlap with one another at a location spaced inward or rearward from the frame <NUM>. The first portions <NUM> can then be rotated down about hinges 710A, 710B through around <NUM> degrees, in exactly the same way as described above in connection with the previous embodiments, until the temples are located beneath and substantially coplanar with the eyeglass frame, as illustrated in <FIG>. In this substantially flat condition, eyeglasses <NUM> can be placed into a thin, compact storage case, such as the storage case <NUM> as described above in connection with the previous embodiment. Alternatively, eyeglasses <NUM> in the partially folded condition of <FIG> may be placed face downwards in the open base of the storage case, and the lid may be closed as indicated in <FIG>, simultaneously rotating the first portions <NUM> about hinges 710A, 710B into a fully folded condition within the case <NUM>.

As best illustrated in <FIG>, the second portion <NUM> of each eyeglass temple has three sets of linear ribs or ridges <NUM> on its outer surface, with the first set located at a short distance from the hinge connection between the first and second portions of the temples. This provides a decorative effect and also increases the strength of the temple at this folding location.

As best illustrated in <FIG>, hinges 710A, 710B are similar to the rolling hinge construction of the previous embodiment. Each second hinge or second pivot connection includes a stationary part or pivot housing <NUM> which is partially or completely housed in a bore or recess in the enlarged side portion <NUM> of the respective outer edge of frame <NUM> of the eyeglasses and secured in the recess via screw <NUM>. Each hinge also includes a pivot sleeve or rolling tube <NUM> which is affixed to the respective temple 716A, 716B of the eyeglasses and rotatably mounted partially inside pivot housing and over a pivot pin <NUM> secured at one end in pivot housing <NUM> and rotatably secured at its outer end to the outer end of rolling tube <NUM>. Tension spring <NUM> acts between the pivot pin <NUM> and rotatable sleeve <NUM> in the same manner as spring <NUM> of the previous embodiments, and is arranged to bias the temple of the eyeglasses into an unfolded configuration when the eyeglasses are being worn by a user.

The stationary part or housing <NUM> and the rotatable part or tube <NUM> form a rolling hinge which is operable to fold the temple from the unfolded configuration of <FIG> vertically downward into a folded configuration as seen in <FIG> such that the folded temples are substantially in the same plane as the rim of the eyeglasses and located partially beneath the eyeglass frame <NUM>. Hinges 710A, 710B are similar to the rolling hinges of the previous embodiment as described above in connection with <FIG> and <FIG>, but the hinge arrangement is more compact since the stationary cylinder or part <NUM> of each hinge is housed within the respective enlarged side portion <NUM> of the eyeglass frame <NUM>. Only the outer part of the rolling tube or sleeve <NUM> protrudes out of the side edge of the frame.

Claim 1:
A pair of foldable eyeglasses comprising:
a frame (<NUM>) surrounding a pair of lenses, the frame having an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposite left and right outer side edges;
first and second elongated temples (716A, 716B) each having a first portion (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>) including a tip portion (<NUM>) for extending over a wearer's ears;
a first pivot connection (102A, 102B) between the first portion and second portion of each temple, each first pivot connection defining a first pivot axis generally perpendicular to the respective temple, whereby each second portion is foldable inwardly about the first pivot axis between an unfolded condition generally aligned with the respective first portion and a first folded condition substantially perpendicular to the first portion in which the respective second portion overlaps with the other second portion and the two overlapped second portions are spaced rearward from the frame; and
a second pivot connection (710A, 710B) between each first portion and a respective outer side edge of the frame, each second pivot connection including a stationary pivot housing (<NUM>) and defining a second pivot axis generally perpendicular to the respective first pivot axis and the respective temple in the unfolded condition, whereby each first portion is foldable about the respective second pivot axis between an unfolded condition extending generally rearward from frame and a second folded condition extending generally downward from the respective pivot mounting portion adjacent the respective outer side edge of the frame;
whereby when the first portions are folded into the second folded condition with the second portions overlapped and folded into the first folded condition, at least a major portion of the overlapped second portions is located below and substantially in alignment with the frame to form a compact, fully folded condition of the foldable eyeglasses,
wherein the frame further comprises enlarged end portions (<NUM>) located on the opposite left and right outer edges, the enlarged end portions configured to house part of the stationary pivot housing (<NUM>) of the second pivot connection.