Foldable spectacle frame

• US 5,231,429 A
• Filed: 04/16/1992
• Issued: 07/27/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kanda Optical Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Kanda Optical Company Limited
• Inventors: Kanda, Koji
• Primary Examiner(s): Bovernick, Rodney B.
• Application Number:
  US07/869,800
• Time in Patent Office: 467 Days
• Field of Search: 351/63, 351/121, 351/153, 351/113, 351/118, 351/111, 351/119, 351/128, 2/450, 16/228
• US Class Current: 351/63
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 5/006 Collapsible frames
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 5/20 adjustable, e.g. telescopic
• CPC Class Codes: G02C 5/2263 Composite hinges, e.g. for varying the inclination of the lenses

Abstract

A foldable spectacle frame having temples which are foldable to a thin form in the same plane as its lens frames without lapping over the lens frames. Each of the temples comprises an auxiliary temple member having a length corresponding to the vertical width of the lens frame and supported by an outer portion of upper side of the lens frame pivotally movably in a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane of the lens frame, and a main temple member pivoted to the auxiliary temple member rotatably in a plane orthogonal to the plane of pivotal movement of the auxiliary temple member. The spectacle frame further comprises a slide member slidably provided on the auxiliary temple member and having a length permitting a base end thereof to project from the auxiliary member, means for moving the slide member away from the lens frame when the main member is folded, and means for engaging the slide member with the lens frame by cooperation of the slide member and the lens frame. The slide member engages with the lens frame when the main member is brought into an unfolded state and disengages from the lens frame when the main member is folded.

Claims

1. A foldable spectacle frame comprising a lens frame, an auxiliary temple member having a length corresponding to the vertical width of the lens frame and supported by an outer portion of upper side of the lens frame pivotally movably in a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane of the lens frame, and a main temple member pivoted to the auxiliary temple member rotatably in a plane orthogonal to the plane of pivotal movement of the auxiliary temple member, the spectacle frame being characterized in that the spectable frame comprises:

a slide member slidable on the auxiliary temple member and having a length permitting a base end thereof to project from the auxiliary temple member,

means for moving the slide member in a direction away from the lens frame when the main temple member is folded, and

means for engaging the slide member with the lens frame by cooperation of the slide member and the lens frame,

the slide member being engageable with the lens frame when the main temple member is brought into an unfolded state and disengageable from the lens frame when the main temple member is folded.

2. A spectacle frame as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for moving the slide member comprises an engageable portion inwardly bent from the base end of the slide member, and a claw projecting from the main temple member in the vicinity of its pivoted portion, and the claw of the main temple member comes into contact with the engageable portion of the slide member to withdraw the slide member in the direction away from the lens frame when the main temple member is folded.

3. A spectacle frame as defined in claim 1 wherein the auxiliary temple member is in the form of a hollow tube, and the means for moving the slide member is a spring disposed within the auxiliary temple member for biasing the slide member in the direction away from the lens frame.

4. A spectacle frame as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for engaging the slide member with the lens frame comprises a projection formed on a forward end of the slide member, and a recessed portion formed in the lens frame and engageable with the projection.

5. A spectacle frame as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for engaging the slide member with the lens frame comprises a recessed portion formed in a forward end of the slide member, and a projection formed on the lens frame and engageable with the recessed portion.

6. A spectacle frame as defined in claim 2 wherein the auxiliary temple member is formed with a slot close to a base end thereof, and the slide member is provided on a side portion thereof with a member for restraining the slide movement of the slide member, the restraining member being slidably fitted in the slot and slidable over a distance corresponding to the length of the slot, the main temple member being foldable through an angle determined by the restraining member coming into contact with an outer end of the slotted portion of the auxiliary temple member.

7. A spectacle frame as defined in claim 2 wherein the main temple member has a stopper at its pivoted portion and is foldable through an angle determined by the stopper.

8. A spectacle frame as defined in claim 3 wherein the main temple member has a stopper at its pivoted portion and is foldable through an angle determined by the stopper.