Patent ID: 8256894

Claim:
A hinge assembly, comprising: a joint element comprising first and second essentially orthogonal plate members, wherein the first plate member has an opening extending from one side to the other and wherein the second plate member has an opening extending from one side to the other; a first pivot pin; a second pivot pin, wherein the first plate member of the joint element is pivotally mounted to an end of a temple of a pair of eyeglasses by the first pivot pin passing through at least one opening in the end of the temple of the pair of eyeglasses and the opening in the first plate member; and wherein the second plate member of the joint element is pivotally mounted to a temple region of the main frame of the pair of eyeglasses by the second pivot pin passing through at least one opening in the end of the temple region of the main frame and the opening in the second plate member; a spring disposed in a cavity in the end of the temple; and a pad disposed in the cavity in the end of the temple between the spring and the first plate member, wherein the spring biases the pad against a surface of the first plate member as the first plate member pivots.