GB2159974A - Spectacle frame - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a spectacle frame 10, wherein the front surface 16 of the lens carrying member 11 is provided with an elongate recess 19 and a flexible, elongate decorative component 20 is inserted into the recess 19. The transverse cross section of the recess 19 tapers outwardly from the surface 16 of the frame and the component 20 is deformed on being inserted into the recess 19. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Spectacle frame This invention relates to spectacle frames and, more particularly, to a method of manufacturing a spectacle frame having a decorative component and to a spectacle frame manufactured in accordance with the method.

It is known to provide a spectacle frame with a removable decorative component. It is also known to provide a selection of different decorative components each adapted to co-operate with a spectacle frame so that any selected one of such components may be removably attached to the frame and subsequently substituted, if required, by any other of the components.

If a decoration to be removably applied to a spectacle frame comprises a shape formed from a thin elongate configuration having one or more curves, the shape generally is applied to a carrier which is adapted to be removably connected with the spectacle frame. A disadvantage of such a carrier is that the dimension of the carrier generally prohits application of slim or fine shapes as removable components.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a spectacle frame having a decorative component including the steps of forming a substrate with an elongate conduit and locating in the conduit an elongate flexible component such that the component extends longitudinally of and is retained in the conduit.

Also according to the present invention, there is provided a spectacle frame manufactured in accordance with the method.

Following is a description, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of one method of carrying the invention into effect.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a spectacle frame manufactured in accordance with the method of the present invention, Figure 2 is a side elevation of a portion of the frame shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a front elevation of part of another spectacle frame manufactured in accordance with the method of the present invention.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a spectacle frame 10 comprising a lens carrying member 11 and a pair of side members 12, 13 an end portion of each of which is pivotally connected to a corresponding end portion of the lens carrying member 11.

The lens carrying member 11 comprises a pair of apertures 14, 15 each for receiving one of a pair of corresponding lenses (not shown). The member 11 comprises a substrate having a front surface 16, a rear surface 17 and a circumferential surface 18.

The front surface 16 is provided with an elongate recess 19 extending longitudinally of the member 11 above the apertures 14, 15 in a contour which extends parallel to the configuration of upper surfaces of the apertures 14, 15. The recess 19 is substantially "U" shaped in transverse cross section.

The recess 19 has inserted therein a tubular component 20 of resilient material, the component 20 extending longitudinally of the recess 19. The external diameter of the tubular component 20 is slightly in excess of the dimension of the recess 19 in a direction parallel to the plane of the front surface 16. In consequence, the tubular component 20 on being inserted radially in the recess 19 will be slightly deformed and the resilient characteristics of the component will ensure that the component is retained within the recess.

The recess 19, in transverse cross section, may be undercut such that the dimension of the recess in a direction parallel to the plane of the front surface 16 increases progressively in a direction inwardly of the recess 19 from the front surface 16.

The undercut assists in effecting retention of the component 20 in the recess 19 since, subsequent to being deformed so as to be inserted in the recess 19, the component 20 expands towards its former un-deformed configuration when in the recess.

The depth of the recess 19 in a direction inwardly of the lens carrying member 11 from the front surface 16 thereof may be smaller than the diameter of the tubular component 20 such that, when the component 20 is located in the recess 19, a portion of the circumferential surface of the tubular component 20 extends outwardly from the plane of the surface 16.

In order to cover the ends of the tubular component 20 when located in the recess 19 and cover the ends of the recess 19, a pair of caps (not shown) may be provided each adapted to co-operate with a corresponding end portion of the tubular component 20 by means of a press fit.

Alternatively, the lens carrying member 11 may have connected thereon a pair of hood members (not shown) each located at a corresponding end of the recess 19.

It will be appreciated that the tubular component 20 may be of a colour different from the colour of the lens carrying member 11 or, at least, the front surface 16 thereof.

It will also be appreciated that the longitudinal configuration of the recess 19 (and in consequence the configuration of the decorative component 20 located therein) may be different from, and of longer or shorter longitudinal dimension than, the configuration shown in Figure 1. In Figure 3, for example, the recess 19 extends only partially above the aperture 15 of the lens carrying member 11 but also extends adjacent a downwardly curved portion of the aperture.

It will be appreciated that, although the tubular component 20 easily can be inserted in the recess 19 and, due to the resilient characteristics of the component, will be maintained in the recess 19, the component may easily be removed from the recess 19. In consequence, a plurality of tubular components 20, each of a different colour from any other of the components, may be provided so that a selected one of the components may be inserted in the recess 19 and subsequently removed therefrom and replaced by another of the components.

The resilient tubular component 20 need not necessarily be provided for ease of removal and substitution. The provision of an elongate flexible component in a conduit of the lens carrying member 11 may be a convenient method of providing such a member with a decorative feature and it may be desirable to effect permanent retention of the flexible component in the conduit, such as by adhesive bonding.

It will be appreciated that the elongate flexible component need not necessarily comprise a tube and may, for example, comprise a filament.

It will also be appreciated that location of an elongate conduit and a co-operating elongate flexible component may be on a surface of the lens carrying member 11 other than, or in addition to, the front surface 16 thereof and may, for example, be on the upper portion of the circumferential surface 18. Each of the side members 12, 13 may be provided with an elongate conduit and a co-operating elongate flexible component.

Claims (9)

1. A method of manufacturing a spectacle frame having a decorative component including the steps of forming a substrate with an elongate conduit and locating in the conduit an elongate flexible component such that the conduit extends longitudinally of and is retained in the conduit.

2. A method as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the component is deformed on being inserted in the conduit.

3. A method as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the conduit comprises a recess.

4. A method as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the recess increases in transverse cross section inwardly from an opening thereof.

5. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a further step of locating end caps adjacent corresponding ends of the conduit.

6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the component is a tube.

7. A spectacle frame manufactured in accordance with the method claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

8. A method of manufacturing a spectacle frame substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. A spectacle frame substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 or Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.