WO2009093279A1

WO2009093279A1 - Spectacles with interchangeable lenses

Info

Publication number: WO2009093279A1
Application number: PCT/IT2009/000017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luigi Grosso
Original assignee: Rudy Project S.R.L.
Priority date: 2008-01-25
Filing date: 2009-01-21
Publication date: 2009-07-30
Also published as: ITPD20080029A1

Abstract

A description is given of spectacles with interchangeable lenses comprising a front mount (2) defining seats (3) for respective lenses (4), the seats comprising at least one portion configured as a groove (7) capable of receiving at least partially a peripheral edge (4a) of the corresponding lens (4), means for locking each lens on the mount being provided at the respective groove and acting between the groove and the corresponding lens edge, for locking and retaining the lens (4) in position on the front mount (2), wherein the locking means act exclusively by means of magnetic attraction between parts associated respectively with the lens (4) and the corresponding groove (7) of the mount (2). The locking means comprise, for each lens, at least one first magnet element (8) or element made of ferromagnetic material provided on the lens edge (4), capable of co-operating, by magnetic attraction, with at least one corresponding second element (9) of ferromagnetic material or magnet element provided within the groove (7) in a corresponding position, such as to ensure the retention of the lens (4) in position on the front mount (2), as a result of the insertion of the lens (4) into the groove.

Description

Spectacles with interchangeable lenses Technical field

The present invention concerns spectacles with interchangeable lenses according to the preamble of the main claim No. 1. Technological background

In the specific technical field there is a need to produce spectacles provided with lenses of the interchangeable type, in particular those that can be easily substituted by the user. Spectacles of this type in fact advantageously allow the substitution of the lenses both for the correction of any optical parameter, not necessarily linked to defects of vision, and for reasons which are more typically linked to the aesthetic impact, so as to adapt the same pair of spectacles to the various requirements of the user. There is also the advantage of being able to interchange, in the same spectacle mount, sun lenses of a different colour for better adaptation to the different light conditions or in order to ensure optimum visibility conditions in the most varied activities or in the practice of different sporting disciplines. Of no lesser importance is the fact of being easily able to fit, interchangeably on the same mount, lenses that can be substituted for the correction of defects of vision. An example of spectacles with interchangeable lenses of the type indicated is known from the production of the Applicant, wherein provision is made for a coupling with engagement of a mechanical nature between the lens and parts of the mount. In particular, in the mount, seats are provided for receiving the peripheral edge of the lens and the lens is shaped with a profile suitable for engaging corresponding recesses provided in the seats of the mount. In general, such a coupling system requires preliminary deformation of the mount to allow the engagement of the lens in the coupling seats. The system is not therefore particularly practical, nor rapid, and furthermore requires prior resilient deformation of the frame, necessary in order to allow the insertion of the lenses into the respective receiving seats, which may involve consequent unwanted deformation of the frame and/or of the lenses themselves. Such deformations may also cause changes or partial reductions in the optical properties of the lens. Description of the invention The primary aim of the present invention is the structural and functional improvement of the spectacles with interchangeable lenses in relation to the aspects listed above, so as to be designed to remedy the limitations cited with reference to the aforesaid prior art. This and other aims stated hereinafter are achieved by the invention by means of spectacles produced according to the attached claims. Brief description of the drawings

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of some preferred exemplary embodiments thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a pair of spectacles produced according to the present invention,

- Figure 2 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 1, in which one of the lenses is removed from the mount, - Figure 3 is a side view of the spectacles of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a partially sectional perspective view on an enlarged scale of a detail of the spectacles according to the invention,

Figures 5 and 6 are respectively front and side views of a detail of Figure 4, - Figure 7 is a sectional side view of the detail of Figure 4, with a magnetic element coupled to the lens,

- Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of one of the lenses of the spectacles according to the invention,

- Figures 9 to 13 are front views of a lens of the spectacles according to the invention in respective and different alternative embodiments,

Figure 13A is a view corresponding to Figure 8 in a further alternative embodiment,

Figures 13B and 13C are views corresponding to the respective figures 7 and 5 of a variant of the detail associated with the exemplary embodiment of the preceding figure,

Figures 13D and 13F are views corresponding to Figures 13A and 13C of a further alternative embodiment,

Figure 13E is a perspective view of the detail of Figure 13F,

- Figures 14 and 14A are partially sectional views of a further variant of a detail of the spectacles according to the invention,

- Figures 15 and 15A are partially sectional views of a further variant of a detail of the spectacles according to the invention,

- Figures 16 and 16A are partially sectional views of a further variant of a detail of the spectacles according to the invention, - Figures 17 and 17A are partially sectional views of a further variant of a detail of the spectacles according to the invention,

- Figures 18 and 19 are sectional views of further alternative embodiments of a detail of the spectacles according to the invention,

- Figures 20 and 2OA are partially sectional views of a further alternative embodiment of the detail of the preceding figures,

Figures 21 and 22 are sectional views of respective further alternative embodiments of the detail of the preceding figures, Figures 23 and 24 are plan views on an enlarged scale of respective parts of a detail relating to a further variant of the invention, - Figure 25 is a plan view on an enlarged scale of another detail of the variant of the invention of Figures 23 and 24,

- Figure 26 is a partially sectional side view of the whole of the details of Figures 23 to 25 coupled to each other,

Figure 27 is a partially sectional perspective view also on an enlarged scale of a lens arranged according to the invention and relating to the alternative embodiment of Figures 23 to 26. Preferred embodiments of the invention

With initial reference to Figures 1 to 3, the reference 1 indicates as a whole a pair of spectacles produced according to the present invention. The spectacles shown in the aforesaid drawings are provided with a front mount 2 defining seats, indicated by 3, for two respective lenses 4. Between the lenses 4, a central nasal support zone 5 is formed in the mount, while at the opposed ends 2a, 2b the mount 2 extends in a lateral zone for hinged articulation to respective side-pieces 6. Between each lateral zone and the central zone, an eyebrow arch zone is formed in the front mount 2.

Each lens-holding seat 3 comprises a respective groove 7 extending longitudinally in the corresponding eyebrow arch zone and is arranged to receive, in a substantial positive connection, corresponding peripheral portions of the edge 4a of each lens 4.

For the retention of each lens 4 in the respective groove 7, locking means are provided, by virtue of which the retaining action derives exclusively from the action of magnetic attraction induced between parts associated respectively with each lens 4 and with the corresponding groove 7 of the mount, as will become clear in the continuation of the description.

Since the seats in the mount and the corresponding locking means are structurally identical for each of the lenses 4 and arranged in a mirror image with respect to a central plane of symmetry of the mount (indicated by the direction X in Figure 1), reference will be made in the description to only one of the lenses 4 and to the respective retaining groove 7 of the mount, the same details and reference numbers therefore being referable also to the other lens of the mount.

The groove 7 extends continuously on the mount front 2 between the lateral zone for articulation to the side-piece and the central nasal support zone. The groove 7, which has a cross-section substantially in the shape of an inverted "U", with a pair of opposed lateral walls 7a, 7b connected by a groove bottom 7c, is capable of receiving a peripheral portion of the edge 4a of the respective lens, with substantial mutual positive connection. For retention of the lens removably in the groove, provision is made for the locking means to comprise at least one first magnet element 8 provided on the edge of the lens and capable of co-operating with a second magnet element 9 provided inside the groove 7, so as to ensure the retention of the lens in position in the mount as a result of the insertion of the lens in the groove and the consequent magnetic attraction exerted between the magnet elements 8, 9. Alternatively, provision may be made for one of the elements 8, 9 to be produced as a magnet and the other of the elements to be obtained from a ferromagnetic material, therefore capable of co-operating with the magnet for mutual relative locking owing to the magnetic attraction exerted by the magnet itself. in a first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the element 8 is positioned on the lens in proximity to the lateral zone for articulation to the side-piece, as shown in Figure 2. The element is produced as a body having a trapezoidal base and capable of engaging a recess 10 provided in the lens at the edge 4a. Said recess 10 is produced as an open cavity either on the edge or on at least one of the opposed lens surfaces, as illustrated in Figure 8. Moreover, the recess 10 has a corresponding trapezoidal configuration such as to receive the magnetic element 8 by means of an insertion movement directed transversely to the opposed surfaces of the lens, the inclined walls for the trapezoidal shape being selected such that, once inserted into the recess, the magnet 8 is prevented from being extracted from the lens in a radial direction (transversely to the thickness of the lens). Moreover, the element 8 conveniently has a first part 8a with a trapezoidal base and a second part 8b, extending in prolongation of the first, also trapezoidal but of smaller overall dimensions, such that a ledge 11 is defined between the two parts 8a, 8b, suitable for meeting a corresponding shoulder surface 12 provided in the recess 10.

It should be noted that the magnet 8 is further selected to have dimensions such that, when received in the recess 10, it has a transverse overall dimension comprised in the thickness of the lens, as is clearly illustrated in Figure 4.

Preferably, the magnet element 8 is secured in the recess 10 by means of an interference connection, although other securing systems may be provided as an alternative or in addition to interference. In an alternative embodiment, the recess 10 may pass through the thickness of the lens and be open on the peripheral edge thereof (Figures 9-12). As a further alternative, the recess 10 may be obtained as an opening passing through the thickness of the lens but having a closed contour (Fig. 13). Figure 13A illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the recess is provided as an opening passing through the thickness of the lens having a closed contour. The opening is capable of receiving in a substantial positive connection the magnetic element 8, which is also produced in part with a trapezoidal profile. In more detail, it comprises a first part 8a with a trapezoidal base and a second part 8b of rectangular configuration (Figures 13B and 13C). Between the two parts 8a, 8b a ledge 11 is defined, capable of meeting a corresponding shoulder surface 12 provided in the recess 10.

Figure 13D illustrates a further alternative embodiment of the recess 10, configured as an opening passing through the thickness of the lens. In this variant the opening is in the shape of an elongate slot at the opposed ends of which are defined respective surfaces 12, forming abutments capable of meeting respective portions 11a, lib of the magnetic element 8. Said portions, formed at the opposed longitudinal ends thereof, are conveniently in the shape of a half-moon, as is clearly illustrated in Figures 13E and 13F. In order to co-operate by mutual magnetic attraction, the second magnetic element 9 is secured to the mount 2 and is capable of being received and retained in a cavity 13, extending from the groove 7, in a position corresponding to the magnet element 8.

With reference to Figure 4, according to a first exemplary embodiment, the magnetic element 9 is received, with a substantial positive connection, in the cavity 13, the latter being blind in the front mount and also extending from the groove bottom 7c.

The element 9 is preferably secured to the mount by means of retention in the cavity by interference, although other securing systems may be provided.

For example, screw-fixing means may be provided, which provide for a screw passing through the mount front and screwed into a threaded hole communicating with the cavity 13. In this way the screw can be pressed against the magnet 9 and lock the magnet itself in the cavity by friction. As an alternative, the magnetic element 9 may be provided with a localised depression in which the end of the screw engages so as to fix the magnet firmly in the cavity, opposing, by interference (in addition to the friction forces), its removal from the cavity itself (Fig. 14).

As a further alternative, the retaining means for the magnet 9 may comprise one or more raised portions 15, in the form of projections or protuberances, extending from the magnet or from the wall of the cavity 13, and is capable of engaging a respective recess 16 provided in the other part, i.e. in the wall of the cavity or in the magnet. The result is that when the raised portion 15 is engaged, with a substantial positive connection, in the recess 16, the magnet is held in the cavity with relative locking of the coupled parts in opposition to their mutual disengagement. The coupling between the raised portion 15 and the recess 16 is conveniently obtained by means of the resilient deformation of the surfaces in relative engagement during the movement of insertion of the magnet 9 into the cavity 13. The appended drawings illustrate alternative embodiments wherein raised portions are provided (Figs. 15, 19 and 21), one or more in number, in the magnet 9 with corresponding recesses 16 in the mount, or wherein the raised portions 15 protrude from the cavity (Figs. 18, 22) to engage recesses 16 provided in the magnet 9. It should be noted that the recesses and the raised portions 15, 16 may extend from one or both of the opposed walls of the cavity 13. In a further alternative embodiment, provision may be made for the cavity 13 to be formed as an opening passing through the front of the mount (Figs. 20- 22). In this case screw means may be provided in order to secure the magnet to the front, as illustrated in Fig. 20, where a pair of screws 17 are arranged to pass through respective shoulders 18 of the magnet 9, in order to engage, by screwing, threaded holes provided in the front frame. As an alternative, pairs of raised portions 15/recesses 16 may be combined with solutions in which the cavity 13 is a through cavity, as illustrated in Figures 21 and 22.

A further alternative embodiment of the invention may provide for the magnetic element 9 to be firmly fixed to the frame of the front mount 2 by means of co-moulding technology, in which the front part is over-moulded on the magnetic element 9, ensuring the relative locking thereof. A further variant is shown in Figures 23 to 27. In this example the cavity 13 for receiving the magnet 9 is formed as an opening passing through the mount front, similarly to what is illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, said opening being visible only from the inner side of the front, that facing towards the face when the spectacles are being worn. The magnet 9 preferably has the configuration in plan of Figure 25, with the opposed longitudinal sides inclined with respect to each other and curved end profiles different from each other. This configuration facilitates the insertion of the magnet 9 into the opening of the cavity 13 and ensures greater stability of relative fixing. Provision is further made for the magnet 9, intended for the lens, to be formed by two magnet parts, respectively indicated by 8' and 8", in mutual magnetic attraction when inserted into the receiving recess 10. The parts, independent of each other, have a different shape from each other, designed to prevent their emergence from the recess 10 when they are coupled in mutual attraction. In more detail, provision is made that, with reference to the plan view of Figures 23 and 24, the part 8¹ has a length L' which is greater than the length L" of the part 8" and has a width H' which is less than the width H" of the other part 8". The dimensional differences, once the parts 8¹ and 8" are coupled, serve to define abutment surfaces intended to co-operate in abutment against corresponding shoulder surfaces provided in the recess 10 of the lens, these latter being designated by 12' and 12" in Figure 27, consequently preventing the magnet 8 from slipping out of the recess 10 when the parts 8¹ and 8" thereof are received in mutual attraction within the recess. Provision may be made for the addition of adhesive means in the fixing of the magnet 8 to the lens in order to increase the grip thereof to the lens. Also when securing the magnet 9 to the mount, provision may be made to deposit a resin, for example transparent, on the side of the magnet 9 facing towards the outside of the cavity 13, still for the purpose of improving the function of mutual locking between magnet and mount. The reference 20 indicates as a whole auxiliary means for supporting and centring the lens and which, in the step of insertion of the lens into the groove, make it possible to obtain rapid and correct centred positioning of the lens itself with respect to the lens-holding seat. These means comprise a locating surface 21 extending within the groove 7, capable of co-operating with a peripheral portion of the lens edge, indicated by 22, such that by means of bearing contact of these surfaces the positioning of the lens in the groove is identified unequivocally. Provision may also be made for the locating surface 21 to be conveniently configured to support the portion 22 of the lens profile, in opposition to the movement away from the groove 7, when the elements 8, 9 are mutually secured by magnetic attraction.

In this way the auxiliary means 20 perform a combined function of centring and supporting the lens 4 in the step of insertion into the groove 7, it being understood that the function of locking the lens on the mount is in any case demanded of the forces of magnetic attraction exerted between the magnetic elements 8 and 9.

In use, each lens 4 is inserted into the respective groove 7 with a movement guided by the co-operation of the surface profiles 21, 22 (for centring the lens), until the insertion into the groove 7 is completed with mutual engagement of the elements 8, 9 owing to the relative magnetic attraction. It should be noted that the insertion of the lenses does not entail any substantial deformation either of the mount 2 or of the lens 4, and the action of retention of the lenses exerted in the groove by the magnetic elements 8, 9 causes each lens to be retained in a stable manner in a position set against the profile of the mount, mating with the shape thereof without the need for any deformation.

Owing to the means for retention of the lens, provided according to the invention, ease and rapidity of removal of the lens by the user is also ensured, permitting easy interchangeability of the lenses. The invention thus achieves the aims proposed, providing the advantages claimed above with reference to the prior art cited.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. Spectacles with interchangeable lenses comprising a front mount (2) defining seats (3) for respective lenses (4), said seats comprising at least one portion configured as a groove (7) capable of receiving at least partially a peripheral edge (4a) of the corresponding lens, means for locking each lens (4) on the mount (2) being provided at the respective groove and acting between the groove (7) and the corresponding lens edge, for locking and retaining the lens (4) in position on the front mount (2), characterized^" in that said locking means act exclusively by means of magnetic attraction between parts associated respectively with the lens (4) and the corresponding groove (7) of the mount (2) and in that said locking means comprise, for each lens, at least one first magnet element (8) or element made of ferromagnetic material provided on the lens edge (4), capable of co-operating, by magnetic attraction, with at least one corresponding second element (9) of ferromagnetic material or magnet element provided within the groove (7) in a corresponding position, such as to ensure the retention of the lens (4) in position on the front mount (2), as a result of the insertion of the lens into said groove.

2. Spectacles according to claim 1, wherein said first and said second element (8, 9) are both produced as magnets, with respective polarities localised so that as a result of the insertion of the lens (4) into the respective seat (3) of the mount (2) the locking of the lens in the respective groove is effected by means of magnetic attraction between said elements (8, 9).

3. Spectacles according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one first element (8) is capable of engaging a recess (10) provided in the lens (4) at the peripheral edge thereof, the dimension of said first element (8) being selected such that when received in the recess (10), it has an overall dimension transverse to the lens substantially comprised within the thickness of the lens (4).

4. Spectacles according to claim 3, wherein said first element (8) is engaged in the corresponding recess (10) with coupling by interference.

5. Spectacles according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said recess (10) passes through the thickness of the lens (4) and is also open at the peripheral edge (4a) of the lens.

6. Spectacles according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said recess (10) is provided in the lens (4) as an opening passing through the lens thickness and having a closed contour.

7. Spectacles according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, for each lens (4), a single groove (7) is provided, extending continuously at an eyebrow arch zone of the mount (2), extending between a central nasal support zone of said mount and an opposed lateral zone for articulation of the side-piece to the mount, wherein said second element (9) is positioned in said eyebrow arch zone,

8. Spectacles according to claim 7, wherein said second element (9) is positioned in the groove (7) in proximity to the lateral zone of articulation of the side-piece, auxiliary means (20) for supporting and centring the lens (4) being provided in proximity to the opposed central nasal support zone.

9. Spectacles according to claim 8, wherein said auxiliary means (20) comprise a locating surface (21) in said groove (7) capable of co-operating with a portion (22) of the peripheral lens profile (4), such that the positioning of the lens (4) in the groove (7) is identified unequivocally.

10. Spectacles according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said locating surface (21) is configured for supporting the corresponding portion (22) of the lens profile in opposition to movement away from the groove (7), when said first and said second element (8, 9) are mutually secured by magnetic attraction.

11. Spectacles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second element (9) is capable of being received in a cavity (13) of the mount (2) extending from the bottom (7c) of the groove in which the lens edge (4) is received.

12. Spectacles according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said second element (9) is capable of being received in a cavity (13) of the mount (2) extending from one of the opposed lateral walls (7a, 7b) defining the groove (7), and connected to each other by the bottom of the groove.

13. Spectacles according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said second element (9) is retained in the cavity (13) by screw means.

14. Spectacles according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said second element (9) is retained in the cavity (13) by means of interference connection or interlocking connection.

15. Spectacles according to claim 11 or 12, wherein between said second element (9) and said cavity (13) means are provided for retention of the element in the cavity, said means comprising at least one raised portion (15) protruding on one of said second element (9) or said cavity (13) and at least one corresponding recess (16) provided on the other of said second element or said cavity, said raised portion and said recess (15, 16) being capable of mutual relative engagement when said second element (9) is received in said cavity (13), so as to effect the relative locking thereof in opposition to their mutual disengagement.

16. Spectacles according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein said cavity (13) is produced as a blind cavity in said mount (2).

17. Spectacles according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein said cavity (13) is provided as an opening passing through said mount (2).

18. Spectacles according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second element (9) is secured to the mount (2) by means of co-moulding thereof with the frame of the mount.