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Spine Optics' Forthcoming Metal Injection Molded Self-Closing Eyeglass Hinges

By Rain Noe - January 15, 2015

in Object Culture

Italian design engineer Guido Medana has invented eyeglasses with a new type of hinge called Spine. Created through metal injection molding (although the website, perhaps erroneously, lists the definition of MIM as "micro injection metal,") a series of small "vertebrae" interlock to create a housing for a spun wire cable threaded through springs. The result is a resilient, self-closing hinge.

Inspired by vertebrae these micro injection metal (MiM) hinges flex to fit any face shape, they constantly grip with the lightest of touch and when lifted from the face temples shut automatically.

There are no screws loose here—because there are no screws used in SPINE working mechanics. Accidental impacts are glanced off as SPINE moves in all directions, absorbing and dissipating shocks thus greatly reducing breakage.

I was ready to write this off as a pie-in-the-sky concept, but Medana's not playing around: He's lined up global distribution through companies in Canada, the U.K. and the U.S., and though release dates haven't yet been announced, Medana is said to already be working on the second generation.

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eurichs07

9 years ago

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"There are no screws loose hereâ€”because there are no screws used in SPINE working mechanics."

Why do I see screws in the ghosted views then?

I do like the concept though!
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8mismo

9 years ago

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Nice work. This is my kind of ID.
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Aaskov

9 years ago

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So let me get this straight - as you remove this piece of eyewear from your face, the temples are going to automatically spring into the closed position, thus poking you simultaneously in the side of both eyes.

Disegno meraviglioso, signor Medana!
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