Field of invention

The invention relates to a spectacle accessory. The invention also relates to a spectacle frame portion. The invention also relates to a spectacle kit. The invention also relates to a method of fixing a spectacle accessory to a spectacle frame portion.

Background of the invention

Spectacles with accessories such as decorative pieces, designs and logos are popular with people seeking to reflect their life-style, establish their uniqueness, individuality and identity through their look. Currently available spectacle accessories tend to require cumbersome modifications to spectacle frames, multi-structural fastening structures, including corresponding fastening structures on the conventional spectacle frames, and/or cumbersome processes for attaching accessories on to a frame. These all detract from the aesthetic value of the spectacle frame, place restrictions on the shape and size of the accessory that may be attached to a spectacle frame, lengthen the production process, and may even add undesirable weight to spectacle frame, which can lead to user discomfort.

Generally speaking, spectacle accessories are either welded, screwed, or pressed on spectacle frames. Each of these processes have their own drawbacks.

For instance, welding of accessories onto spectacle frames results in visible and unsightly welding points. Uneven coloration around the welding affects the aesthetic value of spectacle frames. Further, it may be desirable to accessorize a pair of spectacle frames with a particular accessory, but they cannot be welded together, being of materials which are incompatible for welding together.

A limitation on color positioning causes limitations on designs. Imperfect finishing results in high wastage of material and increases the total cost of production.

Similarly, extensive usage of screws for attaching accessories on spectacle frames may result in visible screws and their corresponding nuts affecting the aesthetic value of the frame. Usage of miniscule screws may not hold accessory effectively or sufficiently securely. Further, use of metal screws may even cause irritation to the user's skin. Pressing of accessories onto spectacle frames may cause undesirable dents or bulging in spectacle frames. Pressed-on accessory may not be removed without causing damage to spectacle frame.

Summary of the Invention

The invention is defined in the independent claims. Some optional features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

Various advantages may be realized with such a spectacle frame, spectacle frame portion, and method of attaching accessory on the spectacle frame. For instance, a wide variety of accessories differing in shape and size may be attached to spectacle frame using a simple method.

Disclosed herein is a spectacle accessory comprising a fixture for fixing the accessory to a spectacle frame portion, the fixture having a longitudinal axis and a rectilinear form and being for passing through an aperture in the spectacle frame portion from a first side to a second side of the spectacle frame portion, the fixture having a deformable portion arranged for a user fixing the spectacle accessory to the spectacle frame portion to bend the deformable portion at an angle away from the longitudinal axis for an abutting portion of the fixture to abut the second side of the spectacle frame portion.

Also disclosed herein is a spectacle frame portion comprising an aperture for a fixture of a spectacle accessory to pass therethrough from a first side of the spectacle frame portion to a second side of the spectacle frame portion, the fixture having a deformable portion and a longitudinal axis; and a recess in the second side of the spectacle frame portion for receiving the deformable portion of the fixture, when the deformable portion has been bent at an angle away from the longitudinal axis.

Also disclosed is a spectacle frame portion comprising a fixture for fixing of a spectacle accessory to the spectacle frame portion, the spectacle accessory comprising an aperture for the fixture to pass therethrough from a first side of the spectacle accessory to a second side of the spectacle accessory, the fixture having a longitudinal axis and a deformable portion for bending at an angle away from the longitudinal axis thereby to abut the second side of the spectacle accessory to fix the spectacle accessory to the spectacle frame portion. Also disclosed herein is a spectacle kit comprising a spectacle frame portion; and a spectacle accessory; a first one of the spectacle frame portion and the spectacle accessory comprising a fixture for fixing the spectacle accessory to the spectacle frame portion, the fixture having a longitudinal axis and a rectilinear form and being for passing through an aperture in a second one of the spectacle frame portion and the spectacle accessory from a first side to a second side of the second one of the spectacle frame portion and the spectacle accessory, the fixture having a deformable portion of rectilinear form arranged for a user fixing the spectacle accessory to the spectacle frame portion to bend the deformable portion at an angle away from the longitudinal axis for an abutting portion of the fixture to abut the second side of the second one of the spectacle frame portion.

Also disclosed herein is a method of fixing a spectacle accessory to a spectacle frame portion, the method comprising passing a fixture of the spectacle accessory through an aperture in the spectacle frame portion, from a first side to a second side of the spectacle frame portion, the fixture having a longitudinal axis and a rectilinear form; and bending a deformable portion of the fixture at an angle away from the longitudinal axis, for an abutting portion of the fixture to abut the second side of the spectacle frame portion, thereby fixing the spectacle accessory to the spectacle frame portion.

As disclosed herein, a spectacle accessory may be fixed to a spectacle frame portion with but for a few structural elements to be handled. The flexibility of attaching multiple accessories using the same structural elements may be achieved. Ease of manufacturing and assembling the individual elements may be realised through implementation of the techniques disclosed herein.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of examples only, and with reference to accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1(a) is an exploded oblique view of a spectacle frame and a spectacle accessory.

Figure 1 (b) is an oblique view of the spectacle frame of Figure 1 (a) with the spectacle accessory of Figure 1(a) attached thereto.

Figure 1(c) is an oblique view of a spectacle frame illustrating possible bending arrangements of fixtures of spectacle frame accessories. Figure 1(d) is an exploded oblique view of the spectacle frame of Figure 1(a) with a second accessory.

Figure 2(a) is an exploded oblique view of a second spectacle frame and second spectacle accessory.

Figure 2(b) is an oblique view of the spectacle frame of Figure 2(a) with the spectacle accessory of Figure 2(a) attached thereto.

Figure 3(a) is an exploded oblique view of a third spectacle frame and third spectacle accessory.

Figure 3(b) is an exploded oblique view of a fourth spectacle frame and fourth spectacle accessory.

Figure 3(c) is an exploded oblique view of the fourth spectacle frame of Figure 3(b) with a second accessory.

Figure 4(a) (A-D) illustrates a series of steps in a method of attaching a spectacle accessory to a spectacle frame portion.

Figure 4(a)(E) is a cross-section of a spectacle frame portion with the spectacle accessory of Figure 4(a) D fixed thereto.

Figure 4(b) (A-D) illustrates a series of steps in a method of attaching a spectacle accessory to a spectacle frame portion.

Figure 4(b)(E) is a cross-section of a spectacle frame portion with the spectacle accessory of Figure 4(b) D fixed thereto.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Figure 1(a) & 1(b) show a spectacle frame and spectacle accessory kit generally referred to by 100. The spectacle frame, or a portion thereof, may be provided separately from the spectacle accessory. Spectacle accessory 202 is, in the example of Figure 1, an elongate bar of generally rectangular shape, but spectacle accessories of other shapes and sizes are contemplated. Spectacle accessory 202 comprises a first fixture 201 for fixing the accessory 202 to spectacle frame portion 20 (a portion - in this instance a leg - of the spectacle frame). Fixture 201 has a longitudinal axis and a rectilinear form. That is, fixture 201 is, in the view of Figure 1 (a), formed of a substantially straight pin. Alternative fixtures are also contemplated, such as staples or staple-type fixtures, which also have a rectilinear form. Fixture 201 is provided for passing through an aperture 30 in the spectacle frame portion 20 from a first side 50 to a second side 60 of the spectacle frame portion 20. At least part of fixture 201 is a deformable portion 203 arranged for a user fixing the spectacle accessory 202 to the spectacle frame portion 20 to bend the deformable portion at an angle away from the longitudinal axis. In the example of Figure 1, substantially all of the fixture 201 is deformable. After bending by the user, an abutting portion (203) of the fixture 201 which extends from the second side 60 of spectacle frame portion 20 after having been passed through aperture 30 is bent back away from the longitudinal axis to abut the second side 60 of the spectacle frame portion 20. The deformable portion may be bent at any angle away from the longitudinal axis as long as part of the deformable portion abuts against the second side to retain the accessory 202 on the spectacle frame portion 20. One such useful bending angle is illustrated in Figure 1(b) where the deformable portion of fixture 201 is bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the longitudinal access for a secure fit, as a large part of fixture 201 extending through the aperture 30 is then bent to lie flat against the second side 60 of spectacle frame portion 20 for secure retention. However, it may be sufficient for the deformable portion to be bent only a few degrees - for example as little as 10 degrees or 20 degrees - from the longitudinal axis for part of the abutting portion to abut the inside of the frame portion. In such configurations, the fixtures 201 will have to have a length such that, if not bent away from the user's head, the fixture is sufficiently short not to rub against the user, thereby causing irritation.

A second accessory 205 may be provided as illustrated in Figure 1(d). In this example, second accessory 205 is provided on an inside (with reference to a user of the spectacles) of the first accessory 202. Second accessory 205 has an aperture 85 for fixture 201 of first accessory 202 to pass therethrough prior to passing through aperture 30 of spectacle frame portion 20 thereby affixing the first accessory 201 and the second accessory 205 to spectacle frame portion 20.

Alternatively, second accessory 205 may be affixed on an outside of first accessory 202, for display. In the example of Figure 3(c), second accessory 205 is provided between first accessory 202 and second side 60 of spectacle frame portion 20.

In the example of Figure 1(a), spectacle accessory 202 is provided with a second fixture similar to first fixture 201 for additional security. Attachment of accessories 201 is not limited to fixing of accessories to spectacle leg 20, but the accessories 202 may be attached to other spectacle frame portions such as the rims 70 retaining the lenses 72, side extensions (not shown), and bridge 74 between the rims 72. The fixtures 201 for attaching the accessories 201 may be small, thin, cylindrical, needle like, though preferably not as sharp as needles or small flaps made of lightweight materials, soft or easily bendable. In the example of Figure 1(a), all or substantially all of the fixture 201 is deformable. In alternative arrangements, less than all of the fixture 201 may be deformable. For instance, only that part of fixture 201 at which the bend is to be made need be made of a deformable material. Therefore, the other parts of the fixture 201 - such as the part housed in aperture 30 or the abutting part (the part for abutting against the second side 60 of spectacle frame portion 20 - need not be deformable.

The fixtures may be bent inwardly - that is, towards the centre of spectacle accessory 202 - or outwardly - that is, away from the centre of spectacle accessory 202 - as illustrated in Figure 1(c). In the example of Figure 1(c) fixtures 201 are bent at an angle of approximately 90° from the longitudinal axis for substantially all of the portion of fixture 201 which passes through aperture 30 to lie flat against the inside 60 of spectacle frame portion 20.

The fixtures 201 form a versatile means for attaching accessories 202 to spectacle frames 100.

Accessories are directly mounted on the frame. Use of mounting plate (not shown) to attach accessories on the spectacle frame portion is optional. A coat of epoxy resin or paint 204 (for example, epoxy resin or paint of a commercial grade by BERLAC AG Switzerland) is applied on the abutting portions of fixtures 201 to avoid exposing the bent fixtures rubbing against user's skin and cause damage to it. Further, the paint secures the fixtures 201 in place.

Epoxy paints 204 may add vibrancy to spectacle frames 100 as the paint comes in a variety of aesthetically-pleasing colors. The paint is applied using method of "casting resin". Upon drying the paint 204 forms a raised, smooth, shiny, and hard surface providing a safe enclosure to the fixtures 201 bent within. Optionally, the epoxy paint may be used to decorate the spectacle frame. In this configuration, the accessory 202 cannot be removed from its place.

The spectacle frame 100 and accessory 202 can be manufactured independently of each other.

Ease of manufacturing provides a distinct advantage over prior art. The material used in accessories comprises of one of stainless steel, titanium, monel, nickel-silver, polycarbonate.

Accessories may be designs, logos, decorative patterns, decorative color or other accessories.

Figure 1(c) depicts bending of the fixtures 201 upon insertion into the aperture. The fixtures 201, as shown in broken lines, may be bent outwards facing away from each other or inwards, facing towards each other.

Turning to Figure 2(a) & 2(b), this shows a similar arrangement to that of Figure 1 as discussed above. Thus, Figure 2(a) illustrates a spectacle frame portion generally referred to by 20, comprising an aperture 30 for a fixture 201 of a spectacle accessory 202 to pass therethrough from a first side 50 of the spectacle frame portion to a second side 60 of the spectacle frame portion 20, the fixture 201 having a deformable portion 203 and a longitudinal axis; and a recess 40 in the second side 60 of the spectacle frame portion 20 for receiving the deformable portion 203 of the fixture 201, when the deformable portion 203 has been bent at an angle away from the longitudinal axis. Thus, in the example of Figure 2, one or more recess 40 is provided on second side 60 of spectacle frame portion 20. The or each recess 40 is provided for receiving the abutting portion of the fixture 201. With such an arrangement, fixture 201 may be partially hidden with recess 40 for added user comfort; that is, if fixture 201 does not project above the surface of a second side 60 of the spectacle frame portion 20, it is less likely to rub against a user's temple thereby causing irritation. In one arrangement, the abutting portion of fixture 201 is dimensioned to be received completely within the recess. The surface of fixture 201 intended to be closest to a user may lie, in such an arrangement, at least flush with the surface 60 of spectacle frame portion 20. This provides added comfort in that no part of fixture 201 projects above the surface of the second side 60 of the spectacle frame portion to irritate a user's temple. In the example of Figure 2, two recesses 40 are provided, one for each of fixtures 201 and 203.

Turning now to Figure 2(b), and arrangement providing for the user comfort is now illustrated. In the example of Figure 2(b), a coating of epoxy resin is applied to a surface of each abutting portion 204 of the fixtures 201.

Turning now to Figure 3(a), the figure shows a spectacle frame portion 20 comprising a fixture 201 for fixing of a spectacle accessory 202 to the spectacle frame portion 20, the spectacle accessory 202 comprising an aperture 80 for the fixture 201 to pass therethrough from a first side 50 of the spectacle accessory to a second side 60 of the spectacle accessory 201 , the fixture 201 having a longitudinal axis and a deformable portion 203 for bending at an angle away from the longitudinal axis thereby to abut the second side of the spectacle accessory 202 to fix the spectacle accessory 201 to the spectacle frame portion 20. Thus, the arrangement of Figure 3(a) can be considered the converse of the arrangements of Figures 1 and 2 in that the fixture 201 is provided on spectacle frame portion 20, and not on spectacle accessory 202. Other than that, the principle of operation is fairly similar in that spectacle accessory 202 is positioned for fixtures 201 to pass through apertures 80 and, thereafter, deformable portions (not shown) of fixtures 201 may be deformed away from the longitudinal axis for fixing of the spectacle accessory 202 to spectacle frame portion 20. The deformable portions (not shown) of the fixtures 201 may also be applied with epoxy resin (not shown) as will be discussed in greater detail below. In the example of Figure 3, spectacle frame portion 20 also has a portion 206 which is at least partially transparent, portion 206 may act as a "window" 206 for showcasing, either fully or partially, the accessory 202. Some users may prefer to keep their accessory 202 on the inside 60 of the spectacle frame portion 20, yet display it in a more discreet fashion through transparent portion 206. Figure 3(b) shows a similar arrangement to that of Figure 3(a) but having a spectacle frame portion not having a transparent portion. Thus, a user of the spectacle and spectacle accessory assembly may wear the assembly having the accessory 202 on and inside 60 of spectacle frame portion 20, should the user so wish to.

In an alternative expression, Figures 1 , 2 and 3 disclose a spectacle kit comprising a spectacle frame portion 20; and a spectacle accessory 202; a first one of the spectacle frame portion 20 and the spectacle accessory 202 comprising a fixture 201 for fixing the spectacle accessory 202 to the spectacle frame portion 20, the fixture 201 having a longitudinal axis and a rectilinear form and being for passing through an aperture 30 in a second one of the spectacle frame portion 20 and the spectacle accessory 202 from a first side 50 to a second side 60 of the second one of the spectacle frame portion 60 and the spectacle accessory 202, the fixture having a deformable portion 203 arranged for a user fixing the spectacle accessory 202 to the spectacle frame portion 50 to bend the deformable portion 203 at an angle away from the longitudinal axis for an abutting portion of the fixture 201 to abut the second side 60 of the second one of the spectacle frame portion 50.

Figures 4(a) & 4(b) depict methods of fixing a spectacle accessory 202 to a spectacle frame portion 20, the method comprising passing a fixture of the spectacle accessory 202 through an aperture 30 in the spectacle frame portion 202, from a first side 50 to a second side 60 of the spectacle frame portion 202, the fixture 201 having a longitudinal axis and a rectilinear form; and bending a deformable portion 203 of the fixture 201 at an angle away from the longitudinal axis, for an abutting portion of the fixture to abut the second side 60 of the spectacle frame portion 20, thereby fixing the spectacle accessory 201 to the spectacle frame portion 20. As illustrated in Figure 4(a), step C, the deformable portions 203 of fixtures 201 are bent back against the inside of the 60 of the spectacle frame portion 20 to lay flat thereon. That is, the second surface 60 of spectacle frame portion 20 is a substantially flat surface. As shown in view D - and in larger scale in view E - of Figure 4(a), a surface of the abutting portion is provided with a coating 204 of epoxy resin for additional user comfort. In view E of Figure 4(a), epoxy resin is applied to retain the abutting portion of the fixture against the spectacle frame. Alternatively, epoxy paint may be provided for this purpose instead of epoxy resin.

Referring now to Figure 4(b), the method of fixing a spectacle accessory to a spectacle frame portion having a recess for receiving the fixtures when bent is illustrated. Essentially, the steps of this figure at the same as those of Figure 4(a) except the deformable portions 203 of fixtures 201 are bent to be received within recesses 40 on an inside surface 60 of spectacle frame portion 20.

The examples disclose an easy and fast method for assembling accessory on the frame. The accessory may be attached to the frame in just a few seconds and that too without any special tools. This feature provides a distinct advantage over the prior art methods of installing an accessory. Persons skilled in the art would know that multiple accessories, ie more than two, may be inserted in a spectacle frame.

It will be appreciated that the invention has been described by way of examples only and various modifications may be made to the techniques described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.