Abstract:
Eyewear includes a compression-hinge apparatus having first and second hinge elements pivotally joined together to connect respective side pieces to a central part of the eyewear. The compression-hinge apparatus includes a compressible foam body received in a cavity defined in the central part or in a corresponding one of the side pieces. The first hinge element abuts the compressible foam body and is displaceable with respect to the central part or the corresponding side piece which defines the cavity, thereby allowing an over flexed position of the side piece with respect to the central part.
Abstract:
A method of making an eyewear frame having substantially rigid sections joined with a soft and/or flexible nose bridge. The substantially rigid sections and soft and/or flexible nose bridge are made in separate molding processes. The cured substantially rigid sections and cured soft and/or flexible nose bridge are then joined together in a further molding process by injecting a bonding material into interfaces between the soft and/or flexible nose bridge and the respective substantially rigid sections. The eyewear frame may be painted. A pre-painting surface treatment may be applied to the soft and/or flexible nose bridge before it is joined with the substantially rigid right and left sections.