FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to frames for eyeglasses and more particularly to frames fabricated from materials which undergo phase transformation at given temperatures or pursuant to stress and exhibit- shape memory properties, or pseudo-elastic properties, or a combination of both.

TECHNOLOGICAL CONTEXT

In the past, eyeglass frames have been made from metal or plastic. A combination metal and plastic frame has also been disclosed.

In the prior art, shape memory metals have been employed in the fabrication of eyeglass frames and related components. Such metals have been suggested for use as the rims of the glasses, as the fasteners for holding the temples to the frame and for the temples.

Problems have arisen with the metals since there are various phases or states of the metals martensitic, austenitic and combinations of the two resulting in characteristics such as superelasticity, two way shape memory, rubber like behavior, austenitic to martensitic transformation and the like. In the martensitic state, the metals behave like any memory metal in that the material can be deformed and will hold this deformed shape, but upon heating will revert to the memory shape. In the superelastic or austenitic state, the material is very elastic but exhib- ■ its no shape memory. In the combination state, the material exhibits both properties. Specifically, if the strain on the member is not more than 6% it will recover when re-

leased. If the strain is in the range of 8% or greater, it will take a set and not fully recover its original shape.

It should be noted that state changes can-be induced by both temperature and strain effects. The superelastic state is stress induced above the martensite to austenite transition temperature. In this mode, the material is normally austenite but upon sufficient stress reverts to martensite. When the stress is relaxed, the material returns to the austenitic phase thus exhibiting great springiness. If the strain exceeds approximately 8% the material acquires a permanent set. . .

Thus, the two states each provide desirable properties but in certain specific environments such as in eyeglass components as set forth in the present invention not all requirements are met. Specifically, trie elastic state has no memory and thus can take a permanent set and the memory state has no elasticity and can be recovered only by heating. It has been a failure of the prior art to apply the appropriate techniques and materials to the appropriate eyeglass frame parts that has inhibited the use of these types of materials in this field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention utilizes shape memory mater- ials in specified areas of eyeglasses wherein the various states of shape memory metals provide the desired flexibility, shape memory or a combination of the two characteristics of such materials. The invention also contemplates shape memory materials in those instances where flexibility is not required but strength and memory are.

Instances of the latter are in frames which enclose a portion edge of a lens about its periphery and thus grip the lens inside of the edge and in shape memory rivets, screws, or clamps for holding the temples to the main frame. The- alloys with memory and/or elasticity can be used for temples, hinges for ^" temples to frames and related members.

The alloys which exhibit both memory and elasticity may be achieved by properly work hardening martensitic alloys so that the material exhibits some elasticity while retaining some shape memory. Thus, if the component is deformed beyond its elasticity limit (but still less than 8%) the deformation can be recovered via shape memory. If on the other hand, the material exceeds 8% strain, it takes a permanent set, but if it does not exceed 10% strain, it acquires some springiness and can be partially recovered at 10% strain back to 6% strain and a combination material is produced.

Other material configurations may also be employed. For instance, a combination of Nitinol and spring stainless steel for holding the edge of the lens can be designed that permits alternate opening or clamping of the lens.

Shape memory metals according to this invention include metals—such as nickel titanium alloys or Nitinol and other martensitic transformation compositions that are known such as the Cu-Zn-Al.

Shape memory metals are significantly distinct from shape memory plastics in numerous respects. While both can be plastically deformed from a memory configura¬ tion and then recovered to the memory configuration by directing them to a transition or recovery temperature

(e.g. by the application of heat), shape memory metals are typically more endurant in repetitive deformation and recovery cycling and can be selected to recover in small temperature bands over a broad range of temperatures, e.g. over 0°K to 420°K«_ Heat recoverable plastics on the other hand feature (a) less cost, and (b) recovery temperatures typically above 100°C. Metals are often used where plas¬ tics would be inappropriate due to lack of strength or corrosion resistance, or aesthetic values. In the present invention, both shape memory metals and shape memory plas¬ tics may be employed, although it is contemplated that the characteristics of shape memory metals render them prefer¬ able. Various members of eyeglass frames may- be fabricated from various of these materials. Where maximum shape memory is required shape memory metals or plastic may be

employed. Where shape stability without memory but with a high degree of resiliency is required Nitinol or like materials in the superelasticity state may be employed, such as in certain types of temples. Materials possessing both elasticity and shape memory, i.e. combination mater¬ ials, are useful in certain types of hinges, nose piece supports and in some instances, in temples and front pieces.

Hence, by employing shape memory material in eyeglass frames new constructions (e.g completely rimless frames are possible and prior constructions are improved. Faciliated fitting, certain fastening, effective lens retaining, lower parts and production costs, and enhanced appearance are achievable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure I is an illustration of a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure II is an illustration showing one embodiment in cross-section of a lens-retaining rim with two-way action activated by heat.

Figure III is an illustration in cross-section of another frame member and associated lens.

Figure IV is a graph illustrating various states of martensite and austensite characteristics of materials. Figure V is a general illustration showing a temple pivotally coupled to a rim by a fastener.

Figures VI, VII, IX, al_d X are illustrations showing various embodiments of shape memory fasteners employable in coupling a temple to a rim as in Figure V. Figure VIII is an illustration of the fastener of

Figure VII in the opened configuration.

Figure XI is an illustration of a fastener employable in the embodiment of Figure X.

Figure XII is an illustration of a hinge arrangement employing a shape memory nut and bolt.

Figures XIII and XIV are front view and side view illustrations, respectively, showing the coupling of nose

rests and temples to the lenses of the glasses.

Figure XV is an illustration ^' showing a shape memory rim which engages a 1-ens and pivotally engages a temple both upon heat recovery. Figure XVE is an illustration of a support for a nose piece for use in the present invention.

Figure XVII is an illustration of a one piece hinge in accordance with the present invention, and

Figure XVIII illustrates a type of temple employed in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure I, eyeglasses 100 are shown having a frame 102. The frame 102 includes two rims 104 and 106, a nose bridge 108, and temples 110 and 112 which extend from the rims 104 and 106, respectively. The temples 110 and 112 extend back over the ears of a wearer (not shown), the bridge 108 resting on the nose of the wearer.

In Figure I, the rim 104 is shown in a contracted shape wherein the rim 104 abuts a lens 114 and forms a tight fit therewith. The dashed representation 104' shown in Figure I indicates a configuration of the rim 104 when expanded outwardly relative to the lens 114. Rim 106 also depicts an expanded rim relative to a lens 116. The rims 104 and 106 are made of shape memory material—such as, but not limited to, a martensitic transformation metal (including a nickel titanium alloy or Nitinol, various aluminum brasses, copper alloys, and other known alloys)—or a heat recoverable plastic. In this figure, by way of example, the shape memory materials may be formed to have a memory configuration to which they return when sufficient heat is generated therein. That is, the shape memory material can be plastically deformed and thereafter returns to its memory configuration when it is heated. For metals, this. emory characteristic is attributed ^' to changes of state in the metal or alloy (between an austenitic state and a martensitic state, for example) in response to heat being applied. The rim 104

or 106 can be plastically deformed and thereafter recov¬ ered to a memory configuration by exposing the rim 104 or 106 to an appropriate temperature. The transition temper¬ atures for shape memory materials are known in the arts relating to metal shape memory materials and plastic shape memory materials, respectively. The methods in which the rims 104 and 106 are directed to a transition, or recov¬ ery, temperature -include: adjusting the temperature of the environment surrounding the rims 104 and 106; passing current through rims 104 and 106 (if metal) to generate heat; inductive heating; or other temperature control techniques. Preferably, a technique which permits close control of the temperature of the rims 104 and 106 is employed; e.g. dipping in water of proper temperature. In one mode of operation, the rim 104 as shown in solid representation in Figure I corresponds to the memory configuration thereof. The dashed representation then corresponds to a deformed state of the rim 104'. In the deformed state, the rim 104' is sufficiently large to enable the lens 114 to be inserted therein. Upon heating, the rim 104' contracts so that the inner surface thereof 120* comes into tight contact with the lens 114.

The speed at which the rim 104* contracts may be closely controlled by controlling the application of heat to the rim 104'. (This feature, it is noted, pertains to all of the embodiments of the invention as relates to recovery of the metals.)

By heating rim 106 according to this first operational mode, the rim 106 will contract to retainably engage the lens 116. — - ^~

In another mode of operation, the rim 104 may be in the deformed state when in the solid representation of Figure I. By heating the rim 104 in this mode, the memory configuration corresponding to representation 104' results. Hence, in this mode, insertion and removal of a lens 114 is performed when the rim 104* is the memory configuration and the lens 114 is held in place by a deformed rim 104.

Referring now to Figure II, a preferred cross- section for a rim 200 according to the invention is shown.

The cross-section is C-shaped defining a channel 202 along the length of the rim 200. The channel 202 has a radial dimension which can be selectively increased or decreased to enable release of a lens 204 or retention of the lens 204, respectively. As previously suggested, either release or retention can be effectuated by recovery to the memory con iguration, the complementary operation being performed by plastically deforming the radial dimension of the rim 200. Deformation may, if desired, be effected by spring-loading which tends to reduce the channel radius— the channel being increased in radius r with heating to recovery temperatures. . .

In considering figure II, it should be noted that the lens 204 may be retained (a) solely or primarily by the ridges 206 and 208 of the rim 200 or (b) by the ridges 206 and 208 together with a friction fit against the inner surface 210 of the rim 200.

As shown in Figure II, the rim 200 includes an inner layer 212 and an outer layer 214. The inner layer 212 is shown having the ridges 206 and 208 disposed therealong, although the invention also contemplates providing the retaining ridges along the outer layer 214. (In this latter embodiment the C-shape circumferential, ie. angular, dimension of the outer layer 214 would be relatively greater than the circumferential dimension of the inner layer 212). Similarly, engaging the lens 204 by both layers 212 and 214 is also contemplated. In any of the above Figure II embodiments, either the inner layer 212 or outer layer 214 may comprise a shape memory material. The other layer is then, preferably, SST or some other metal. When the outer layer 214 is shape memory material, the rim 204 preferably closes upon heating to engage the lens 204. When the inner layer 212 is shape memory material, the rim 204 opens to disengage the lens 204 upon heating to the memory configuration.

Accordingly, by dipping rim 200 into hot water, the wearer or practitioner is able to remove and replace the lens 204 which is engaged upon ^' cooling. It should be recognized that the C-shaped cross-section may be provided in a closed rim (e.g. see Figure I) or partial rim embodiment.

Alternatively, it is noted, the rim 200 may comprise just a single layer of shape memory material if desired.

In this latter case also, the lens configuration of Figure III is preferred? In this case, material with different characteristics, such as, different transformation temperatures, stresses and the like, are contemplated.

Referring to Figure III, there is illustrated in cross-section a lens 301 having grooves 302 and 303 formed in opposite sides of the lens about its periphery. A C- shaped frame member 304 is disposed about the periphery of the lens and has approved ends 305 and 306 seated in the grooves 302 and 303, respectively.

A rim such as illustrated in Figure II may be employed but preferably a rim of a single material having shape memory is employed. Elasticity is not a major factor in such an application but strength is and the grooves permit a secure hold on the lens. In some instances where elasticity as well as memory is desired, material with combination characteristics (Curve F of Figure 4) may be employed.

It should be realized that the C-shaped cross- section of the rim 300 need not be circular as illustrated but may be of smaller shapes which would function similarly.

Reference is made to Figure IV of the accompanying drawings which is a graph of various characteristics of Nitinol which may be attained through various treatments of the material. The materials represented by these graphs have from about 49.9% to 51.5% Titanium by atomic weight.

The graph A of Figure IV represents a material at a temperature well above its transition temperature, i.e. in the austenitic state. The material has no shape memory but is quite strong and difficul to bend.

Curve B represents"the superelasticity state. The temperature of the material of Curve B is very close to its transition temperatures but the material is in the austenitic state. In this condition the material, so long as it is not strained more than about 6% will follow Curve

B; the material converting to martensite to relieve the stress and upon release of the stress the material reverts to austenite and resumes its original shape. The materials represented by Curves A and B do not have shape _c memory. If they are subject to a strain of over approximately 8%, the material will not return to its original state.

Referring now to Graph C, the material represented by this curve is in the martensitic state and thus has shape memory. If the material is stressed such that strain does not exceed approximately 8%, the material will reach point D on the curve and when the stress, is released, it will go to point E on the curve and remain there until heated to a temperature close to the initial martensitic to austinite transition temperature. Over the range of temperatures from the beginning of the martensite transition to the temperature at which the austenitic state is fully achieved, the material will recover to its original shape; thus shape memory. The Curve F represents a still further function of the material. If the material is stressed along the Curve C to a point G the material when released reverts to a position H along the strain axis or abscissa indicating a permanent set. If the composition of the material is such that its transition temperature is about 50°C and the material has been work hardened and the material is now heated above its transition temperature, the material will assume a shape as represented by the point I on the strain axis that is, the material will recover abouit 4% of the strain to 6% strain. The material will thereafter follow the. F curve which represents the combination phenomena previously discussed.

Although only Nitinol has been discussed herein, various changes in properties are affected by additives, heat treatment and work hardening. Further, Cu-Zn-Al and other copper-based and alike alloys are also specifi- cally useful herein, having many of the same types of characteristics as Nitinol. See, for instance. Shape Memory Alloys, Page 728, Vol 20, of Kirk-Othmi's Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, John Wiley & Sons, Third Edition. Still other materials exhibit some of these same properties but are not currently economically feasible. . .

- Referring now to Figure V, the fastening of an eyeglass frame temple 500 to an eyeglass frame rim 502 with a fastener 504 is detailed. In Figure V, a shape memory member 506 having a U-shaped cross-section is shown extending from the rim 502. Inserted into the member 506 is an end portion 508 of the temple 500. A pivot element 510 enables the temple 500 and the member 506 to be pivotally coupled when the member 506 is closed as shown n Figure V. The member 506 is shown in its memory configuration. In deforming the member 506 by spreading its sides outwardly, at a cold temperature (dry ice and freon mixture, for instance) the temple 500 is uncoupled from the member 506. The temple 500 can be pivotally coupled by recovering the member 506 to the memory configuration thereof. In such an embodiment, a shape memory member is employed and recovered to the initial position by heat which may be room temperature. In Figure VI, a dual open-ended fastener 560 is shown having an H-shaped cross-section—or two U-shaped cross-sections. At each end is a transverse protrusion 562 extending inwardly from one side 524 of the fastener 560. The other side 566 of the fastener 560 is deformable to open the space between the protrusions 562 and the side 566 and is recoverable by heating to a recovery temperature. Fastener 560 may be used in an application like that shown in Figure V.

The operation of the fastener 560 of Figure VI is similar to that of the single open-ended fastener 570 of

Figures VII and VIII. In Figure VII, the single open- ended shape memory fastener 570 is closed. With the temple end portion 572 inserted therein, a protrusion 574 extends through an aperture 576 in the temple end portion 572, thereby forming a pivotal coupling. In Figure VIII, the fastener 570 is open to permit the insertion or removal of the temple end portion 572.

In Figure VII-IX, the yoke or member 570 for instance may be located on the temple and clamp a member such as the end 572 on the main frame. It is not intended to limit the arrangement to a single pin such as pin 574 but a half pin may extend from each leg of the U or Yoke and engage a hole such as 576 in member 572. Also, both members, the temple and frame member, may be yokes with opposed pins, or hemispheres, engaging opposed holes in the other member.

Figure IX shows another type of fastener 580. Rather than having a protrusion 674 on the U-shaped, shape memory member 582 as in Figure VII, temple end portion 584 has two transverse male elements 586 which are receivable by complementary female elements 588 in U-shaped member 582. As in the Figures VII and VIII embodiment, the member 582 can similarly open and close to provide a pivotal coupling. In Figure X, pivotal coupling is achieved by means of a shape memory stud or screw. The screw 590 screws or if a stud is pushed easily into apertures in a temple end portion 592 and a U-shaped element 594 when aligned. When recovered, the screw or stud 590 expands to tightly engage the U-shaped element 594.

If the element 590 is a stud, it takes the form of the stud of Figure XI. The stud 590 has a head portion 1000 seated in a recess 1001 in the member 582. A split shank 1002 extends from head 1000 through a hole 1003 in member 594 and through aligned hole 1004 in the end member 592 of the temple. The end of the stud 590 has short outwardly extending feet 1005 which catch on the top surface of a shoulder 1006 in the bottom leg of the U- shaped member 594. When it is in its stressed state, the member 590

slips readily through the aligned holes in the temple and U-shaped member 594. When expanded the feet 1005 lock in the recess 1006 and also engage the side walls of the temple and lower U-shaped member to lock the members together.

The edges of the feet 1006 may be compressed to reset the stud and permit extraction. The heat recoverable materials employed in the embodiments of Figures V to XI are all of the shape memory type or of the combination type so that particularly relative to Figures X and XII, the studs or screws can be snapped into place. As to the screw type, superelastic materials may also be employed.

It will be noted that in the embodiments of Figures IX and X, the stud or screw 590 is recessed in the members to be joined so that no part of them can be snagged or caught oh adjacent objects. As such there is little likelihood of the stud or screw being compressed and loosened or withdrawn. In Figure XII a screw and nut assembly 600 is shown for providing fastening through a lens 602 or to a temple. As depicted therein, the screw 603 extends through a rim 604 and the lens 602 and is received by a complementary nut 606. The screw 603 and/or the nut 606 comprise shape memory material. When the screw 603 has shape memory, it is preferably in a compressed state when inserted into the nut 606. When the nut has shape memory, it is preferably expanded when the screw 603 is inserted therein. When recovered then, the screw 603 expands longitudinally and/or the nut 606 contracts radially to effect tight coupling therebetween. The magnitude of contraction and/or expansion is readily controlled by the predefined memory configuration of the screw 603 and/or nut 606. These elements may also be recessed. The same concept may be employed to produce a rimless design.

An alternative for the arrangement of Figure XII is provided by the arrangement illustrated in Figures XIII and XIV. Referring specifically to these Figures, rela¬ tively small arcuate rim members are provided which ^' clamp the lens at the temples and at the nose piece.

Specifically, shape memory members 1301 and 1302 are pre¬ ferably squared C-shaped in cross-section and arcuate to conform to the circumferential curvation of lens 1303 and 1305, respectively. The lenses are grooved preferably on both faces to receive the ends of the C-shaped members; grooves 1304 and 1306 providing a narrow projection 1307 extending from the lens 1303. The C-shaped member clamps the projection 1307 and may be of the composite type illustrated in Figure II or a combination type as illus- trated by Curve F of Figure IV and this type of groove arrangement may be employed in Figure III. Such material would be of particular use since elasticity is.of value in the event the glasses are struck and the nose piece is bent. Strain which does not exceed 8% will not produce a permanent set but if a permanent set is induced by a strain of less than approximately 10% (a very large strain in such an environment) the set can be recovered by heating the members.

Referring again to Figure XIII, temples 1307 and 1308 are secured via hinges 1309 and 1310, to the lens 1303 and 1305, by members 1311 and 1312 which are sub¬ stantially identical to members 1301 and 1302, except for the hinge pieces. The method of connection to the lens is also identical. The various members 1301, 1302, 1311 and 1312 are greatly enlarged in the drawings for purposes of clarity of illustration but in reality provide a sub¬ stantially rimless eyeglass of sturdy construction and yet with the ability to readily replace defective parts.

Figure XV shows an eyeglass frame 900 having shape memory rims 902 and 904 which contract radially inwardly when heated to a recovery temperature. As the rims 902 and 904 decrease in radius upon recovery, lenses 906 and 908 inserted therein are engaged by the rims 902 and 904 and, also, temples 910 and 912 are pivotally engaged. Specifically, protrusions 914, 916 and 918, 920 enter depressions or holes in the temples 910 and 912, respectively.

Further in regard to Figure XV, it is noted that the temples 910 and 912 may comprise stainless steel (SST) or some other metal when coupled to the rims 902 and 904

with a hinged joint as shown. Alternatively, the joint may comprise a thin section of Nitinol which has good flexibility and fatigue properties. That is, instead of a multi-piece hinge, pivotal coupling may be achieved by a foldable length of Nitinol disposed between each rim 902 or 904 and temples 910 and 912, respectively as illustrated in Figure XVII.

Turning now to Figures XVI, nose rest 700 is shown coupled to a rim 702 by an extension 704 of the rim 702. Each nose rest 700 may be tightly coupled to an extension 704 by a shape memory fastener 706. The fasten¬ er 706 is deformable from the memory configuration thereof shown in Figure XV to open sufficiently to enable the extension 704 to be inserted or removed. When recovered, the fastener 706 encompasses and engages the extension 704. The material for these rests must be of the Curve F type to permit both flexure over a limited range and memor .

Referring more specifically to Figure XVII of the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a hinge for the temple frame connection. In this modification, both the end of 1400 of the temples 1401 and an extension 1402 from frame 1403 have deep recesses 1404 and 1405, respec¬ tively. A blade of Nitinol or like material treated to have properties as represented by Curve F of Figure IV is inserted in the recesses 1404 and 1405 and expanded to tightly engage the sides of the recesses.

In this configuration the strain must not exceed 10% so that a permanent set is not imparted to the blade. So long as this factor is observed, the elasticity from the 6%-8% strain is employed to maintain tension against the side of the head of the wearer. If the blades are strained between 8% and 10%, the original shape may be recovered by heat. In order to reduce the possibility of excessive strain, the blade should be set at a 45° angle so that the deflection from the set angle in either direction is minimized.

The blades could also be riveted to the frame and temple. The temples may also advantagously employ

Nitinol or like material but in this instance the material is of the shape memory type and would be covered with a soft plastic. Alternatively, a combination type material may be employed in which case the encasing plastic would have to be a high temperature plastic to withstand the memory recovery temperatures.

Referring now specifically to Figure XVIII, temple 1700 is composed of a U-shaped Nitinol or like member 1701 filled with a plastic insert 1702 which contacts the head of the wearer. For extra strength the Nitinol member could be an I beam or could have an outward decorative ridge, such as ridge 1703 illustrated in dashed, lines. If such configuration is employed, the channel could be eliminated and the whole temple covered in plastic. Further, the channel 1701 could have return legs which close about an SST insert to form an elastic member having memory. If maximum shape memory is desired for the temples, the material is martensite which is the weakest state of the material. Thus in Figure XVIII the insert 1702 may be a thin blade of material which adds strength to the structure but which is not strong enough to defeat the memory effect of the memory material.

Other improvements, modifications and embodiments will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of this disclosure. Such improvements, modifications and embodiments are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the following claims. For example, it should, of course, be noted that the rims as disclosed herein may, as an alternative to being an independent rim, be a heat recoverable plastic or metal wire or strip housed in a circular (or annular) member surrounding the rim. And, moreover, various coatings including plastics (of shape memory character or not) and precious metals may be applied to the rims and other elements of the frames as desired.