The present invention relates to a spectacle frame , comprising a support frame for at least one , preferably two lenses and provided with nose support elements called nose pads , to which glasses are connected respectively a temple on each side of the face which temples are each formed by at least one possibly more flexible elements , such as ropes , chains , wires or the like , the free end of which opposite the lens support frame has a length such as to terminate behind the corresponding ear with a hanging terminal section to which a counterweight element is connected .

Spectacle frames of this type are known from GB1158457 .

In this document the functional technical aspect of the temples is preferred and therefore they are formed by chains or similar elements and the counterweights are not very decorative elements .

The use of this type of temples , on the other hand, allows for an easy conformation of the same according to shapes and combinations of colors and materials that are much more attractive from an aesthetic point of view than can be done with traditional temples .

This possibility of conferring highly refined and pleasing aesthetic aspects is not reflected by the structure illustrated in the aforementioned document , which appears inflexible as regards a possible variability of the aesthetics of the eyewear and an adaptation to different conditions and needs of use .

The purpose of the present invention is to improve an eyeglass frame of the type described at the beginning , in such a way as to ensure maximum aesthetic flexibility and maximum adaptability to different usage needs , all in an economical way and ensuring safe functionality .

The invention achieves the above aims with an eyeglass frame of the type described at the beginning , in which each temple or each flexible element forming said temple is removably fixed by means of removable coupling to the corresponding part of the lens holding f r ame .

In the present invention , the term spectacles refers to all possible types of spectacles , such as for example eyeglasses , sunglasses or for other purposes and other functions .

The term flexible elements here means any type of longitudinal filiform elements , ribbon-like elements or elements consisting of individual members connected to each other by means of joints that allow reciprocal oscillation , such as , for example , chains , necklaces , wires , cables , ropes , ribbons , elements in fabric or knits from natural or synthetic fibers in the form of size-shaped pieces grouped in a direction transversal to a longitudinal direction , for example handkerchiefs , scarves or the like , possibly also at least partially elastically extensible .

Thanks to this arrangement , the present invention makes it possible to make the choice of eyewear easier . In fact , the most difficult thing when buying eyewear is to find a shape that one likes , that agrees with the features of the face , and above all that fits well on the face , that is , that adapts to our morphology .

When one finds glasses that finally have these shape requirements it is possible that some additional characteristics such as the color of the frame may not be appreciated . So choosing a frame is a complex activity . Thanks to the present invention , once the suitable frame has been found, it is possible to keep the part of the "mask" that one like and replace the "temples" according to the colors that match the clothes of the day and the mood of the wearer as well as the possible more disparate further needs .

The quick coupling and release means can consist of closure elements used in jewelry or costume jewelry such as for example teardrop or annular carabiners , snap-fit fasteners of two elements , screw coupling and buckles , or of another type such as for example a slot having two zones with different widths and in which an element engages having a dimension in the direction corresponding to the widths of the slot which is less than the maximum width in the corresponding part of the slot and less than the minimum width of the slot or a coupling element with two dimensions according to two different directions and intended to cooperate with a coupling slot whose width and length are greater than those of the elongated element when this is oriented with the corresponding dimensions parallel to the slot while in a rotated condition remains engaged with said buttonhole .

It is also possible to provide removable magnetic coupling means .

An element of the closing elements is stably fixed to the lens holder frame , while the removable coupling element is fixed to each temple or to each flexible element that forms the temple or to a part of said elements .

According to an improvement , it is possible to provide temples made of two or more segments of predetermined length which segments can be coupled and decoupled from each other also thanks to removable coupling and release means .

These means can be identical to those provided for fixing the temples to the lens holder frame or even partially different .

Still according to a further embodiment , the counterweight or the terminal counterweights are also fixed to the corresponding end of the temples by means of removable fixing means .

Also in this case , these means can be identical to those provided for fixing the temples to the lens holder frame and/or to those for the removable fixing of the at least two temple segments to each other or even partially different .

Still according to at least one preferred embodiment , the at least two temple segments are made of different lengths and calculated on an average of the distance differences from the front side of the face to the rear side of the ear , so as to possibly adapt the temple at different anatomical , cranial sizes .

When the temples have a predetermined shape and structure of a jewel or bijoux , the removable coupling elements to the lens-holding frame and/or of the at least two temple segments to each other and/or of the counterweight (s) at the free end of the temple may directly form part of the combination of lines and materials of the aesthetic shape of the temple or they can constitute the supporting elements of decorative parts that fits with the combination of shapes and colors provided, hiding the mechanical part of said removable fastening means .

According to an embodiment , each flexible temple element is made in at least three consecutive segments , each of which segments has a diameter different from that of the other segments or in which only one segment has a diameter different from that of the other segments which are substantially of identical diameter .

In particular , in this embodiment the segment of the flexible element intended to surround the ear has a smaller diameter than the previous and subsequent segments between which it is respectively interposed .

Thanks to this feature , the flexible element is anatomically adapted to the ear area and gives greater wearing comfort and above all completely stabilizes the whole ensemble , adhering better to the ear part and transferring more weight to the segment that is intended to hang freely towards the bottom and therefore to favor the positioning and the maintenance in position of the glasses .

As regards the segment of the flexible element intended to surround the ear , this can be advantageously realized, alternatively or in combination , with the smaller dimensions in relation to the diameter relative to at least the longitudinal axis of said segment , also in soft material and/or elastically compressible material to improve anatomical adaptation to the ear and also the wearing comfort . An embodiment may provide that the flexible element segment intended to surround the ear is in the form of an element with a mantle and ear contact wall free of ridges or protrusions , or tapered or rounded so as to adhere continuously to the user ’ s skin .

It should be noted that the aforementioned features relating to the subdivision into three segments and to the fact that a segment intended to surround the ear is anatomically adapted or adaptable can be provided, as well as all the other previous features in combination or even independently, with the means for fixing in a removable way to the corresponding part of the lens-holder frame .

Therefore , the invention also refers to a spectacle frame , comprising a support frame for at least one , preferably two lenses and provided with nose support elements called nose pads , to which glasses are connected respectively a temple on each side of the face , which temples are each formed by at least one possibly more flexible elements , such as ropes , chains , wires or the like , whose free end opposite the lens support frame has a length such as to terminate behind the corresponding ear with a leaning terminal portion to which a counterweight element is connected and in which each flexible temple element is made in at least two , preferably three consecutive segments , each of which segments has a diameter different from that of the other segments or in which only one segment has a diameter different from that of the other segments which are substantially identical in diameter .

As explained above , the said at least second segment of element intended to be covered by the auricular area and to be anatomically shaped or to be adaptable with respect to the anatomy of the part of the ear with which it cooperates , at least in the area of contact between said segment and the said part of the ear , is provided with one of the characteristics of the following list or a combination of at least two or all of said characteristics :

- a diameter or thickness corresponding to or less than the distance of the auricle from the head;

- a soft material deformable and/or elastically compressible at least in the area of contact with the skin ;

- a rounded and/or blunt shape of the surface of the mantle and of contact with the skin that generates a continuous contact surface without protrusions with the skin .

In combination with these features , said frame can be provided with one or more of the features described above and this in any combination or sub-combination .

According to one more features , at least the segment having the smaller diameter and which is intended to be positioned around the ear has a length between 4 and 10 cm, preferably between 5 and 7cm, in particular on average a length of about 6cm.

The visible segment that precedes it and that connects the said segment that surrounds the ear to the frame of the lens holding frame can also have a length between 4 and 10 cm, preferably between 5 and 7cm, in particular a length of about 6cm on average .

When there is a third visible segment that connects to the segment surrounding the ear at the opposite end to that of connection to the frame of the lens holding frame , said third segment is also made with a diameter greater than the segment surrounding the ear , which is identical or different from that of the connection to the frame of the lens holding frame .

In this case , said third segment can have any length compatible with the ease of use and the desired aesthetics .

According to an embodiment , the said third segment may also have a length between 4 and 10 cm, preferably between 5 and 7cm, in particular on average a length of about 6cm.

With reference to yet another embodiment which can be provided separately or in combination with one or more of the features and embodiments described above , the total length including the removable fastening means of the flexible element to the frame of the lens holding frame can be approximately 20 and about 30 cm preferably of the order of magnitude of about 25 or 26 cm including the terminal pendant at the end of the flexible member .

Still according to an embodiment , the total weight of the flexible elements including the terminal pendant and the fastening means to the frame of the lens holding mount is greater than 20 , preferably greater than 25 gr .

In one embodiment , the flexible element with the terminal pendant and the removable fastening means to the frame of the lens holding mount have an overall weight from 30 to 80gr , preferably of about 50 or 60gr .

These features relating to the weight can also be correlated with the dimensions in length and with respect to the diameter of the two , three or more segments of the flexible element or completely independent from the dimensions in length and diameter of said segments of the flexible element , but this depends on the type of material used for each segment .

In fact , according to one embodiment , the segments of the flexible element can be made at least in part with materials that are different from each other and therefore presenting a different weight .

It is therefore possible to vary the material or dimensions of the pieces that form the various segments at will , to change the overall weight of the flexible element .

This obviously also applies to the terminal pendant .

Still according to an advantageous embodiment , in combination with the frame of the lens holding frame and with the flexible elements that form the temples , it is possible to provide further elements that form a kit that allows to make it more flexible and to use the elements of the frame also for the realization of further decoration accessories .

Thus , according to an embodiment , a kit for making decorative accessories comprises , in combination with the frame of the lens holding frame and with the flexible elements that form the temples according to one or more of the embodiments and variants described above , an element for mutual connection of the flexible elements to each other at the ends intended to connect to the frame of the lens holding frame and/or to any one or more intermediate points of said flexible elements .

Thanks to this feature , in the aforementioned kit for personal decoration accessories , the flexible elements that are part of the frame , i . e . the temples as well as the pendants can also be used to form a necklace and/or a sautoir or other decorative accessories for the person .

Preferably the said connecting element has at least at its ends respectively a terminal attachment designed to cooperate with the respective removable fastening means of a corresponding flexible element with which the said flexible element can be fixed to the frame of the lens holding frame .

This connection element can have a predetermined length and one or more further terminals for attachment to the removable fastening means of the flexible elements which are each provided respectively in a different intermediate position along the longitudinal extension of said connection element .

Still according to an embodiment , the connection element can be either rigid, one-piece or made up of several rigid sectors having a certain length or also flexible or a ribbon in leather or fabric , a lace in silk , leather , a rope also in the form of a lace slip , a ribbon , a piece of fabric or a mesh gathered on itself , a strap of synthetic or natural material or combinations of these materials , a strap in leather or the like to form a flexible longitudinal element .

Thanks to the combination with this connecting element , the flexible temple elements can be separated from the frame of the lens holding frame and used in combination with the connecting element to form a necklace or choker type jewel or the like .

According to the embodiment which provides for several hooking terminals of the means for the removable fastening of the flexible elements to the connection element distributed along the length of said connection element itself , it is possible to adjust the total length of the assembly consisting of the flexible temple elements and the connecting element for adapting to the user ’ s anatomy and/or for transforming the said set into a choker or necklace .

According to a still further embodiment , the aforementioned combination of connecting element and flexible temple elements can further provide inserts for connecting the flexible temple elements in correspondence with an intermediate point of their length , preferably in correspondence with an end portion thereof having a predetermined distance from the end that carries the terminal pendant or alternatively in correspondence with the connection areas of the terminal pendants of the flexible elements to the same , thus forming an annular flexible element closed on itself which is constituted by the combination of flexible temple elements , an element of connection and connection insert .

The connection inserts can be of any type in the form of hooks , additional decorative elements , openable rings and/or so-called billiards which have the precise function of keeping the two pendant parts of the necklace or sautoir connected and firmly connected to each other , depending on the length that will be chosen and with a touch of greater elegance .

The connection inserts can be in the form of third parts independent from the flexible temples or said inserts , for example in the form of traditional bails , are stably integrated in one or both of the hanging terminals of the flexible temples and are intended to be hooked in a removable way by joining the ends of the flexible temples in the area of the terminal pendants or near said area . Alternatively, the length of the combination of the connecting element and the flexible temple elements and their configuration can be such as to allow the ends of the flexible temple elements associated with the terminal pendant to be joined together by means of a weave or a knot .

It therefore appears evident that the kit consisting of the aforementioned combinations of the frame according to one or more of the previous embodiments described above with a connecting element of the ends of the flexible temple elements intended for removable fixing to the frame of the lens holding frame and which replaces the latter , and optionally also with an insert for connecting the flexible temple elements at the opposite end or in a terminal section of these opposite ends linked to the connecting element , allow to have a KIT comprising an eyewear frame that can be alternatively transformed into a necklace , choker or the like .

This kit is especially advantageous when the materials of the aforementioned parts are made up of precious and expensive metals and expensive stones or the said parts are the result of expensive and particular processes .

From the features listed above , it results evident the extreme flexibility from the aesthetic point of view of the frame according to the present invention , which allows to form a kit , in which a series of different temples made as jewels can be associated with a substantially rigid and hardly modifiable lens holder frame or a bijoux and adapted each time to the circumstances and sensitivity of the user . In particular , it should be noted that once the lens holder frame has been purchased, it is possible to purchase and mount on it at a later time one or more further kinds of temples according to the needs and aesthetic tastes of the moment or for fitting with other accessories and/or clothing .

The invention therefore also relates to an eyeglass frame which comprises at least a substantially rigid lens holder frame , and at least two pairs of temples that can be removably fixed to said frame and which have different aesthetic characteristics between each pair .

Still according to a variant , it is possible to combine , with the temples according to one or more of the previously described features or with the kit consisting of a lens holder frame and at least two pairs of temples , a lens holder frame provided with removable fastening means for external elements of decoration , for example in the form of snap-fit holes or by forcing or by shape coupling of removable fixing pins of decoration elements or in the form of elements of the velcro or adhesive type that allow detachment .

Fig . 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a frame according to the invention in which two flexible temples are associated with a lens holder frame , each of a different type from an aesthetic point of view .

Figures 2 and 3 show two variants of the means for removable coupling of the flexible temples to the mounting part .

Figures 4a and 4b show a variant of the aforementioned two solutions according to Figures 2 and 3 in which the flexible element is made in the form of two parts that can be separated from each other .

Figures 5a , 5b and 5c show possible variants of the removable fixing means .

Figures 6a and 6b schematically show a further variant of the removable fixing means .

Figures 7a and 7b s show a further variant of the removable fixing means .

Figure 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a flexible temple element which has segments having different diametral dimensions .

Fig . 9 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a KIT according to the present invention which comprises a lens holder frame not shown , an alternative connection element to the frame and which connects the two flexible temple elements to each other instead of the lens holder frame .

Fig . 10 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of a KIT according to the present invention which comprises a lens holder frame not shown , an alternative connection element to the frame and which connects the two flexible temple elements together instead of the lens holder frame , which kit further comprises an insert for connecting the two flexible temple elements at the opposite end to that connected to the connecting element or at a terminal portion associated with said end .

Figures 11a , lib and 11c show a variant embodiment of the embodiments according to Figures 9 and 10 respectively in an unworn condition , and in a worn condition with the two flexible temple elements separated from each other and in a worn condition with the two elements flexible temples knotted together . Fig . 12 schematically shows an alternative embodiment in which the two flexible temple elements are connected asymmetrically to each other by means of a pool .

With reference to the figures , the term flexible element defines any element in the form of ribbon , thread, chain , rope , cable , piece of fabric or knit or other oblong element which can be given any curved shape so that in order to obtain the deformation , not large forces are necessary and such as to be supported by the ears without any effort in the immediate and long term.

Figures 7a and 7b illustrate yet another example of removable coupling means in the form of coupling means and especially for flexible elements consisting of a row of shaped three-dimensional elements , such as spheres or the like .

It should also be noted that all the constructive elements illustrated are only non-limiting examples and that they can be configured in any way whatsoever without abandoning the technical teaching of the present invention .

The above concerns not only the temples , but also the removable coupling means of the same ones to the frame and also the frame itself and this with reference to construction and design , combination of materials and/or colors and anything else that can modify the appearance and aesthetic of the described object .

With reference to Figure 1 , the same illustrates a frame of any material comprising a substantially rigid, but not necessarily rigid, frame in which the lenses are mounted . These can be both optical and simply tinted to protect from the sun . The frame 1 can have any shape and common in the two opposite extreme lateral areas has hooking means for two temples 2 , 2 ’ . These two temples are intended to connect the frame 1 to the user ’ s ears in order to hold the frame in position which , by means of nose pads 101 , rests on the user ’ s nose .

The temples are made of flexible elements in the sense of the definition given above and in figure 1 the said temples are made different from each other to give an example of the principle to the fact that their aesthetic shape can vary at will . However , nothing prohibits and indeed it is foreseen in the present description that they are also equal to each other .

The temples are designed to pass over the ear and then , thanks to a terminal that has a counterweight and aesthetic function , to form a vertical section that keeps the temples taut by transferring the force acting on the counterweight to the corresponding fixing area to the frame 1 . In in this way the frame is kept pushed against the nose and face of the user and therefore remains firmly in position .

When the temples 2 , 2 ’ are sufficiently long , the counterweights 3 can also have the function of decorative elements similar to those of earrings , but at the same time also act as counterweights .

It is also possible to provide complex shapes of the counterweights 3 or more counterweights .

Figure 2 shows a side view on an eyewear according to the present invention , in which the removable fixing element of the temple 2 appears clearly . This is indicated with 4 and is in the form of a small carabiner which is fixed with an integral end ring 401 to the snap hook 4 itself to the flexible element 2 , constituting its terminal element . The carabiner 4 is hooked to an eyelet or other hooking slot 102 provided stably fixed to the frame 1 of the eyeglass lens holder .

The variant of figure 3 instead provides that the carabiner 4 is stably fixed to the frame 1 thanks to a terminal eyelet 401 integral with the carabiner 4 which terminal eyelet is stably engaged, in the form of a chain link , to a fastening ring 5 stably secured to the lens holder frame 1 .

The carabiner 4 is hooked here in a removable way to a terminal ring , a terminal link , a terminal slot or other terminal attachment means of the flexible element 2 which forms the temple .

It should be noted that the configuration of the removable coupling element can also be such , so that this element is not integral with either of the two parts , i . e . with the flexible element 2 , 2 ’ and with the coupling seat 5 integral with the lens holder frame 1 , but acts as a removable joining element of these , having both the frame 1 and the flexible element 2 facing coupling terminals provided with engagement seats for the said removable coupling element 4 or the said snap-hook .

For example , the flexible element can be provided with a terminal ring and the frame 1 can also have a hooking ring , while the carabiner is hooked to both said rings thus forming a separate and removable connecting element of the two parts .

Similarly to the above and as shown in the figures , the counterweight 3 can also be removably coupled to the terminal of the flexible element 2 opposite to the one coupled to the lens holder frame 1 . In this case the same removable coupling element , for example the same carabiner 4 can be used to fix the counterweight 3 to a link , to a slot , or to another terminal coupling element 202 of the flexible element 2 .

This feature also allows one to provide two or more counterweights having the same or different weights and which can be coupled to the extent of one or more of them to the flexible element , directly to the coupling terminal 202 or for example to coupling terminals carried by a main counterweight 3 to which further one or more terminals can be removably coupled .

Thanks to this feature , it is possible to calibrate the action exerted by the counterweight according to the weight or to the features of the frame and the final position that this must assume for the project in relation to the user ’ s face .

Still according to a further feature , the removable coupling means 4 can also be used to connect in series two or more sections 20 , 21 of the flexible element to modify the length of the flexible element in relation to the needs of the anatomical of size .

Of course , all the variants described so far offer the possibility of removably coupling different parts with different aesthetic aspects together and therefore of modifying the aesthetic combination of shapes , and/or colors and/or dimensions and/or materials that make up both the flexible element and the counterweight .

It is also possible to provide at least for part of the length of the flexible element two different types of flexible element with functions , one predominantly aesthetic and the other predominantly functional . If we consider the example of figures 3 and 4 , it is possible to foresee a flexible element that can be sectioned into three segments , two of which have visible ends and therefore shaped in such a way as to express at most a certain aesthetic effect and an intermediate one which instead remains covered to the viewed from the auricle , it can be made both in terms of shape and type of materials in such a way as to maximize the comfort and stability of the temple on the part on which the mechanical effect of retaining the lens holder frame 1 in position is discharged .

A further variant which for example is applied to the embodiment referring to Figures 3 and 4 or to the variant described above can provide at least for the segment 20 that it can be provided together with a further segment 20 provided in parallel so as to generate an aesthetic effect multi -wire or similar .

Figures 5a to 5c show various variants for which identical reference numbers are used for identical parts or for parts having the same functions .

These are non-limiting examples since it is possible to provide any type of removable coupling element capable of performing the necessary functions .

Figures 6a and 6b show yet another variant embodiment of the removable fixing means .

With 1 the lens-carrying frame part is indicated, a slotted element 10 is stably fixed to said frame . The slot has a predetermined shape and size having a dimension in length greater than a dimension in width . The illustrated form is not limiting and is kept simple for clarity of description . In the particular case , the shape of the slot is elliptical without being limited to this shape . An element 11 having a plan shape such that , with a predetermined orientation it passes through the slot but with a relatively different orientation relatively to the said slot it does not pass through it , is provided as a coupling terminal at the end of the flexible element 2 or 20 .

In the example , this coupling element 11 has an elliptical shape which can be either flat or two- dimensional or three-dimensional or in the shape of an ellipsoid .

When the major axis and the minor axis are parallel to those of the slot then the element passes through it . In the rotated position of the major and minor axes of the coupling element with respect to the axes of the slot , the element obviously remains attached to it .

A variant not illustrated may provide that the slot has a non-symmetrical shape and presents , for example , two different widths in two halves of the same along the length of the said slot . In this case , the hooking element can have smaller dimensions than the widest part and such as to allow it to pass through it and larger dimensions than the part of the slot having a smaller width , so that once said element has been passed hooking through the opening in the part of the slot with greater width , the translation of the element in the area of smaller width of the slot determines its hooking .

A further alternative provides for coupling means of the magnetic type which can have any shapes adapted to aesthetic requirements .

It should be noted that , like the other solutions described, these too can be provided for each of the functions indicated in the previous description and in particular to connect two temple segments 20 , 21 to each other and/or to connect in a removable way a counterweight element to the end of the temple .

With reference to Figures 7a and 7b , a still further variant of the removable coupling means is shown . In this case , these are hooking means of the type used to close chains formed by spherical elements 15 which are separated and connected in a row by means of bridges of material with a smaller diameter 16.

The example refers to the connection of two flexible segments 20 , 21 , but similarly to the other embodiments of the coupling means it can be applied to connect in a removable way also the flexible element 2 or a segment 20 to the frame of the eyewear 1 and/or to connect a counterweight element to the flexible element , it being possible to vary at will whether or not the hooking element to the terminal ball is provided on the flexible element or on the frame 1 or on the counterweight 3 .

In the example shown , the two segments are made up , by way of example but not limited, to each of a piece of ball chain .

The terminal spheres of the two segments can be connected to each other by a coupling element 18 which is in the form of a hollow shell with two opposite ends 118 and with a part of the shell , in which an opening 218 is provided for accessing the internal compartment delimited by said shell . From said insertion opening 218 two notches branch off towards said two opposite ends , ending in an opening 318 of a coupling seat . The notch 418 and the opening of the coupling seat have a size such as to allow passage only of the jumpers 16 between the individual balls 15 , while the insertion opening 218 and also the section of the hollow shell perpendicular to the directions of the notches 418 have a size such as to allow the passage of the terminal sphere of the corresponding segment of chain .

Figure 7a shows by way of example the segment 21 in a condition already attached to the shell , while the segment 20 is in the position of insertion of the terminal sphere through the insertion opening 218 .

In Figure 7b , the two segments 20 and 21 are both in the coupled condition .

It is clear that once the terminal sphere of the segment 20 has been inserted inside the shell through the cutout 218 , by pulling towards the coupling end, the jumper connecting to the next sphere can engage in the notch 318 and slide up at the head opening 318 of the coupling seat , through which it passes outside the hollow shell , while the terminal ball remains engaged inside the hollow shell and retained by the delimiting walls of the coupling seat around the opening 318 .

For releasing , the steps has to be carried out exactly in the opposite direction to that described above .

There are many possible variations both in the shape of the elements that do not necessarily have to be spherical , and in the shape of the hollow shell , only the presence and dimensions of the insertion opening 218 , of the notches 418 and of the opening in the coupling seat being relevant , as well as their relative positions .

According to a still further improvement , the invention provides for a combination of at least one frame and at least two pairs of flexible elements , which pairs are aesthetically different from each other and each comprise flexible elements which are intended to form the right and left temples , as well as at least one pair of counterweights being provided at least one pair of removable coupling elements .

The combination can comprise in a variable number and quantity both pairs of flexible elements and single flexible elements , both a predetermined number of counterweights at least partially different from each other , and a predetermined number of removable coupling elements , at least partially different from each other . The combination can optionally include at least one pair , preferably several pairs of terminal and/or intermediate flexible element sections , i . e . respectively intended to appear visible or to be covered by the auricle .

The above constitutes an eyewear kit that offers the possibility of maximum aesthetic and functional adaptability to different conditions of use .

All the aforementioned elements can have removable coupling elements stably connected to them and/or hooked or engageable to them according to one or more any one of all the different construction variants described above . These then apply whenever possible alternatively to any part of the glasses or flexible elements or counterweights even if they are described only in combination with one of these parts .

It should be noted that in combination with what has been described above , also the lens holder frame 1 can be made configurable in shape and/or aspect . Thus , for example , it is possible that interlocking seats are provided such as holes or other for the removable fixing of supports provided with pins or interlocking appendages in said holes and which supports are intended to carry decorative elements of different appearance .

A variant can provide elements which can be coupled magnetically . This can also be provided for peripheral extensions of the frame 1 which change its shape in plan and which can be fixed in a removable way thanks to peripheral joints such as a peripheral interlocking groove in the thickness of the frame in which said elements engage with ribs interlocking with coupling by forcing or the like .

With reference to figure 8 , this illustrates an embodiment of a flexible temple element which can be provided in any combination or sub-combination with the embodiments and with the variants described above .

In Figure 8 identical parts or parts having the same functions as in the previous embodiments are indicated by reference numbers identical to those of the previous figures .

The example illustrated does not constitute a limitation to the possible variants with respect to what is illustrated and which have already been discussed and described above , but has the sole purpose of illustrating an embodiment of the more general concepts expressed above .

As it is evident from the figure , the flexible element which is illustrated, by way of non-limiting example , in the form of perforated spheres threaded onto a thread, but which can be formed by any element of chain , link , ribbon , piece of fabric or mesh , rope or cable or other that has the characteristics of flexibility necessary for the function of the flexible temple as described above , is divided into three segments indicated with 201 , 201 , 203 each having a different diameter . In particular , the segment 202 which is the one intended to surround the ear is made with a smaller diameter than the previous 201 segment and the following 203 segment .

The two preceding and following segments 201 and 203 have an identical diameter , but this is not to be considered as limiting as said segments can also have different diameters .

An executive variant can also provide only two segments being at least one of said two segments in such a position on the total length of the flexible element 2 and having such a length with respect to the total length of the flexible element 2 so that it also extends around the ear and having a smaller diameter than that of the other segment .

Each segment has a length LI , L2 , L3 . These lengths can be different from each other . The length LI of the segment 201 whose end is intended to be fixed in a removable way to the lens holder frame 1 thanks to the removable fixing means 4 must necessarily be at least such as to cover the distance between the worn lens holder frame and the user ’ s ear . The length L2 of the segment 202 intended to go around the ear must be at least such as to cover the entire length around the ear and to be positioned with its free end below the ear . The length L3 of segment 203 can be any and is determined both by ergonomic criteria of wearing comfort and by aesthetic criteria in relation to the specific aesthetic effect sought by a particular design .

According to one embodiment , at least the central segment 202 of smaller diameter which is intended to be positioned around the ear has a length L2 between 4 and 10 cm, preferably between 5 and 7cm, in particular on average a length of about 6cm.

The visible segment 201 which precedes the segment 202 and which connects the said segment 202 which surrounds the ear to the frame of the lens holding frame , can also have a length LI comprised between 4 and 10 cm, preferably between 5 and 7 cm, in particular in average a length of about 6cm.

The third visible segment 203 that connects to the segment 202 that surrounds the ear at the opposite end to that of connection to the frame of the lens holding frame , can also have a length between 4 and 10 cm, preferably between 5 and 7cm, in particular on average a length of about 6cm.

With reference to one more embodiments , the length L4 of said terminal segment 203 including a pendantlike terminal 3 can have a length comprised between 10 and 20 cm, preferably between 13 and 15 cm.

Still according to an embodiment , the sum of the lengths LI , L2 , L3 and of the pendant 3 can be expected to be about 20 to about 30 cm, preferably of the order of magnitude of about 25 or 26 cm.

Obviously, the aforementioned lengths are indicative and refer to the anatomical sizes of a person of medium size . However , the aforesaid lengths can be modified and adapted to the typical dimensions and sizes for the populations of different regions and/or of different ethnic groups .

Alternatively or in combination with the aforementioned features , in order to ensure a safe positioning of the glasses and a stable maintenance of the worn position , it was found that in addition to the geometric dimensional features , the weight and possibly the distribution of the same are also relevant .

According to an embodiment that can be provided in any combination or sub-combination with one or more of the features described above with reference to the different embodiments , the overall weight of the flexible elements including the terminal pendant and the fastening means to the frame of the mount is greater than 20 , preferably greater than 25 gr .

In one embodiment , the flexible element with the terminal pendant and the removable fastening means to the frame of the mount have an overall weight from 30 to 80g , preferably of about 50 or 60g .

These features relating to the weight can also be correlated with the dimensions in length and relatively to the diameter of the two or three segments of flexible element or completely independent of the dimensions in length and diameter of said segments of the flexible element , but this depends on the type of material used for each segment .

In fact , according to one embodiment , the segments of the flexible element can be made at least in part with materials that are different from each other and therefore presenting a different weight .

It is therefore possible to vary the material or dimensions of the pieces that form the various segments at will in order to change the overall weight of the flexible element .

This obviously also applies to the terminal pendant .

Also as regards the weights , the indications refer similarly to what is foreseen for the lengths of a person of average size and adult age , while the measures in length and weight can be adapted to the body shapes and sizes of different ethnic groups and to the sizes of different stages of growth .

In relation to the features of the segment of the flexible element intended to surround the ear and to come into contact with the skin of the same , it is possible to provide this segment with features of adaptation and/or adaptability to the specific anatomy of the ear .

An embodiment described above provides for specific reduced dimensions in diameter or thickness transversely to the longitudinal direction of the said segment that surrounds the ear .

Alternatively or in combination , the said segment surrounding the ear can be made of soft and/or elastically compressible and/or adaptable material in order to conform accordingly to the morphology of the part of the ear with which it comes into contact .

Still according to an embodiment which can be provided alternatively or in combination , the said flexible element segment intended to come into contact with the ear has a shape with a continuous outer mantle surface , i . e . without protrusions which may cut or generate areas of greater compression of the skin around the ear , but on the contrary in order to generate continuous contact surfaces .

Figure 9 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a kit of wearable accessory parts consisting of the combination of a frame according to one or more of the previous embodiments and variants with a connecting element of the two flexible temple elements 2 which is intended to replace the lens holder frame 1 (not illustrated) in order to form a jewel in the form of a necklace , choker or similar .

In the illustrated embodiment , the lens holder frame 1 has been omitted but such an embodiment can be obtained according to one or more any of the embodiments described above .

The connecting element 30 is shown in the form of a flexible chain but can be made of any other material and with any other design . It can also be made up of a non-flexible , but rigid element or a succession of rigid elements having a certain length either by a leather or fabric strap , a silk strap , or leather or rope , also in the form of a slip lace .

Since , as it appears from the example of figures 11a to 11c , the connecting element is intended to remain hidden from view for most of its length , it is generally appropriate that it has a simple and only functional design . However , this concept should not be construed as limiting .

At its ends , the connection element 30 has terminals 230 for the attachment of the removable fastening elements 4 provided at the ends of the flexible elements of the temple 2 intended to be connected to the lens holder frame 1 . Said members 4 can be made in any way and according to one or more of the variants described above for them.

As shown , further coupling terminals 230 are provided distributed along the length of the connection element in one or more intermediate points of the same .

The distribution on the length and the number of said terminals 230 can be of any kind .

In the illustrated embodiment , the terminals 230 are provided at regular distances , i . e . substantially identical to each other along the length of the connecting element 30 . Therefore , the segments 130 are of identical length .

However , this choice is only by way of example and the distances can also be different from each other and therefore the segments 130 can have different lengths from each other .

Figure 10 shows a second exemplary ebodiment of the kit according to Figure 9 in which the combination of the parts is integrated thanks to an insert 40 for connecting the free ends of the two flexible elements to each other . This insert , which can have any shape and design , can be fixed in a removable way thanks to a removable fixing member , for example members 4 of the type according to one or more of the variants described above for fixing the flexible temple elements 2 to the lens holding frame 1 .

Any kind of design configuration is possible , which possibility to vary the design is represented by two extremes in Figure 10 .

Reference 40 indicates a connecting insert which is an element having a complex design of an independent jewel , for example also usable as a broche or brooch . The decoration part 140 has at its terminal ends 4 removable fixing means to terminals 204 provided in a predetermined position on the terminal portions of the flexible temple elements 2 .

The alternative element indicated with 41 consists of an openable ring 4 of the type described above which has no aesthetic functions but which performs the sole function of connecting the two terminals 204 to each other on the terminal sections of the two flexible temple elements 2 . This solution consisting of the opening ring 41 can also be modified by providing a so-called bails in place of the opening ring as shown in the figure . This is a type of openable ring widely used in goldsmiths and sold by various manufacturers of construction parts for the construction of jewelry and/or bijoux . Examples of billiards are visible for example from the site https : //www . preciouscomponents . com/it/shop/componenti /biglierine in a plurality of configurations among which the expert in the field can select those that he deems most suitable mechanically and aesthetically without however having to exercise inventive step .

The two solutions are not to be considered as limiting and represent two extremes of the embodiments of this connection insert which are intended to explain to the skilled in the art the entire spectrum of possible variant embodiments between said two extremes .

The terminals 204 of the two flexible temple elements 2 are provided at a certain distance from the ends carrying the pendants 3. The position of these can be identical or different for the two flexible temple elements 2 and can be constituted by the fixing terminal of the pendant 3 so that the connection point of the two flexible elements 2 is in this case substantially at the free terminal end of these .

Figures 11a to 11c show an intermediate shape between that of figure 9 and that of figure 10 . In addition to making clear the wearing condition which is substantially common to all three embodiments , in the example of figure 11 the ring closure of the connection element assembly 30 and of the two flexible temple elements 2 takes place in the absence of a connection insert , but thanks to a knot or intertwining of or between the two flexible temple elements 2 .

In relation to the executive examples of figures 9 to 11 , it should also be noted that it is possible to provide particularly large lengths of the flexible temple elements and such as to avoid the connecting element . In this case , the two flexible temple elements can be hooked directly to each other thanks to the two removable fastening means 4 at their ends .

The greater length with respect to what is provided above therefore allows the free ends to be joined in correspondence with the pendants or the corresponding terminal sections of the two flexible temple elements 2 , forming a closed ring with dimensions compatible with a necklace , a choker , a collier and/or a sautier , or the like .

Figure 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of connection to the free ends of the two flexible elements 2 just above the pendant 3 and with a modality, purely by way of non-limiting example , in which the two flexible temple elements 2 are asymmetrically connected, i . e . one longer than the other . The connection takes place with a bail 41 of the type used and known in the field of jewelry .

In Figure 12 , the same elements or elements having a function common to parts described in the previous embodiment examples have the same reference numbers .