This invention relates to an improved hinge assembly for rotative movement around an axis between a plurality of components. More specifically, this invention involves an improved hinge connector assembly for securely linking the frames and earpieces of eyeglasses.
A variety of hinge assemblies for eyeglasses are well known in the art. For both young hipsters as well as mature adults who prefer eyeglasses that comprise a relatively thickened frame and earpiece or temple component, these parts are often secured to one another with a screw or bolt without sufficient support integrated into the earpiece.
Therefore, in this form of conventional eyeglasses, there is significant strain in the area of the interlocking hinge. This strain can be caused by the weight of the earpiece during ordinary use or the result of external force, such as when an individual unintentionally steps on the glasses. These types strains inevitably cause the earpiece to come apart from the frame by loosening the bolt or screw or by tearing the hinge component off the earpiece.
Based on the nature of eyeglass earpieces which extend relatively far away from the hinge and frame, this problem exists even in more contemporary forms of eyeglasses which utilize spring hinges or which include a flexible earpiece. Since the force produced by the weight of the earpiece falls completely on the interlocking hinge, it may loosen the screw that secures the earpiece to the frame. Further, during the application of intense stress to the interlocking hinge, the earpiece may even simply break off.
Even in eyewear that utilizes a more firm and stable support structure for holding the earpiece to the frame, these supports are generally bulky and unsightly, such that individuals who consider themselves to be “stylish” prefer not to wear these eyeglasses.
In view of the prior art deficiencies, the principle objective of the present invention is to provide an improved hinge assembly for securely linking together the frames and earpieces of eyeglasses.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved hinge assembly that is integrated into the earpiece of eyeglasses.
A further objective of the present invention is to provide a hinge assembly that is neat, compact and less bulky than other prior art hinge assemblies.
An even further objective of the present invention is to provide a hinge assembly for eyeglasses that is stylish and more desirable to individuals of all ages.
Additional objectives will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the invention as contained herein.
In its broadest aspects the invention is an improved hinge assembly for joining an earpiece or temple to the frame of a pair of glasses for rotative movement. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge connector assembly comprises a hinge connector and connector clamp which are fastened around an earpiece by a plurality of bolts proceeding through the interior of the earpiece.
For purposes providing a more secure fit around the earpiece, the hinge connector preferably includes notches for receiving tabs that extend from the connector clamp. Further, the earpiece preferably includes a depression or channel which mates with a ridge or bulge located on the hinge connector for providing a more secure fit and support. The earpiece also includes depressions for mating with the tabs that extend from the connector clamp.
Hinge ears attached to the hinge assembly interlock or conventionally link up with hinge ears attached to the frame with a screw or other means known in the art.
Referring to the drawings,
Preferably, the end wall (22) and plate (24) form an interior angle of ninety degrees which enables the wall (22) to be flush against the end of the earpiece (15) and the lens frame (17) of the eyeglasses. See
The plate (24) also accommodates a hinge (16) that is attached to plate (24) by conventional welding or other means well known in the art. In this embodiment, the hinge (16) comprises three hinge ears (18) what are is linked to the lens frame (17) by virtue of a compatible set of hinge ears (20) or other corresponding structure attached to the frame (17). Of course any number of hinge ears on the assembly (10) and corresponding lens frame (17) may be utilized depending on the size of the frame (17). Accordingly, in glasses comprising relatively thinner earpieces, two hinge ears may be used, and vice versa. Further, the hinge (16) may also join with hinges or compatible structures that are attached directly to the lens, such as in glasses which do not have a conventional frame that proceeds around the entire perimeter of the lens. Therefore, for purposes of this description, where an area of an eyeglass lens accommodates a hinge structure, this portion of the lens is also referred to as a “frame.”
The connector clamp (14) includes a plate (38) and a tongue (44) which extends from the plate (38) towards the lens frame (17) of the eyeglasses. As shown in
As shown in
In another preferred embodiment, as shown in
In this embodiment interior angles formed by the wall (22A) and plate (24A) are approximately one hundred and ten degrees. When compared to the prior embodiment shown in
Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Thus it is to be understood that numerous modifications may be made in the illustrative embodiments of the invention and other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2684014 | Simpson | Jul 1954 | A |
3133141 | Anderson | May 1964 | A |
3189912 | Miller | Jun 1965 | A |
3271094 | Wildermuth | Sep 1966 | A |
3544204 | Bienenfeld | Dec 1970 | A |
3574451 | Lazazzera | Apr 1971 | A |
3873192 | Anderson | Mar 1975 | A |
4131340 | Preston | Dec 1978 | A |
4408843 | Bononi | Oct 1983 | A |
5367346 | Branning | Nov 1994 | A |
5473395 | Huang | Dec 1995 | A |
D384365 | Keith | Sep 1997 | S |
5760867 | Pernicka et al. | Jun 1998 | A |
5847801 | Masunaga | Dec 1998 | A |
6059410 | Wang | May 2000 | A |
6210002 | Tachibana | Apr 2001 | B1 |
D459747 | Marc et al. | Jul 2002 | S |
D459748 | Marc et al. | Jul 2002 | S |
6454407 | Mille | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6464353 | Spindelbalker | Oct 2002 | B1 |
D468340 | Marc et al. | Jan 2003 | S |
6502941 | Whisenant | Jan 2003 | B1 |
6505933 | Schuchard et al. | Jan 2003 | B1 |
6659606 | Duppstadt | Dec 2003 | B1 |
RE38764 | Hirschman et al. | Jul 2005 | E |
6971743 | Jung | Dec 2005 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20050183237 A1 | Aug 2005 | US |