Patent Application
20110289662
The present invention relates to the field of goggles, including protective goggles such as for sports such as skiing and snowboarding, which conform to the user's face.
Protective goggles are well known and useful for protecting the user's eyes during work or activities such as sports, including skiing and snowboarding. Because users of protective goggles often wear the goggles for extended periods, and sometimes all day, comfort is a significant factor.
Additionally, many environments in which goggle are used require a secure fit to keep out the elements. For example, when skiing or snowboarding in a generally cold environment, it is necessary to keep wind out of the user's eyes and to create a controlled environment across the area of the user's eyes.
In keeping, there is needed a goggle that provides comfort, a sure fit creating a controlled environment and protection for the eyes of the user.
The present invention is directed to goggles comprising a protective lens, a frame member and a viscous foam layer comprising a viscous foam layer. Preferably, the goggles further comprise a fleece covering on the viscous foam layer formed of a wicking material.
The viscous foam layer is preferably permanently attached to the frame member. Any suitable attachment can be used, including adhesives, heat bonding, or any known means or material to provide an attachment that will not release without destroying the material of the viscous foam layer.
Similarly, when the fleece covering is used, it is also preferred that the fleece material be permanently attached to material of the viscous foam layer and/or the frame member. As such, the fleece covering material can be attached by any known means, including adhesives, heat bonding, etc., such that the fleece covering cannot be removed without destroying the fleece covering and/or the material of the viscous foam layer.
Of course, the fleece covering need not be used if the material of the viscous foam layer has a combed finish that provides a comfortable surface for resting against the user's face. However, the fleece covering is a preferred embodiment since it is considered an improvement that provides wicking action to remove perspiration that may build up in the area of the goggles.
The viscous foam layer can be formed as a laminate of the viscous foam material with another material, such as a foamed rubber material. In such an embodiment, the viscous foam material can be placed in close relation to the frame, with the foamed rubber material toward the user's face, or with the foam rubber material in close relation to the frame with the viscous foam material toward the user's face. In any such variation, the use of a fleece covering is optional.
When a fleece covering is used, the fleece is preferably formed of a polyester, polyethylene or similar material that covers at least the area of the viscous foam layer that comes into contact with the user's skin. Preferably, however, the fleece covers the entire exposed surface of the viscous foam layer, from one side of the frame member to the other.
The present invention will be better understood when considered in view of the attached drawings, in which like reference characters indicate like parts. The drawings, however, are presented merely to illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention without limiting the invention in any manner whatsoever.
In the first embodiment, shown in the accompanying
In this embodiment, where the viscous foam layer 10 is formed entirely of a viscous foam portion 12, the viscous foam material of the viscous foam portion 12 rests directly against the user's skin. To ensure user comfort, at least the area of the viscous foam layer 10 that rests directly against the user's face has a combed surface that feels soft against the user's skin.
In the second embodiment, shown in
The preferred structure of this embodiment, shown in
In the third embodiment shown in
Additionally, it is preferred that when the viscous foam layer 10 includes a viscous foam portion 12 and a secondary sublayer 18, the viscous foam portion 12 comprises a stratum about the entire viscous foam layer 10.
In the preferred embodiment, the viscous foam material is a flexible polyurethane material having a density of from about 0.4 to about 1.0 PCF (pounds per cubic foot). Preferably, the viscous foam material is from about 0.35 to about 0.7 inches thick about the entire perimeter of the frame member that contacts the user's face.
The viscous foam layer 10 can be attached to the frame member 4 by any known means or method, such that viscous foam layer 10 is preferably permanently attached to the frame member. Suitable means and methods include, but are not limited to adhesives, heat bonding, or the like to provide an attachment that will not release without destroying the material of the viscous foam layer 10.
Similarly, when the fleece covering 14 and/or laminate structure including a secondary sublayer 18 is used, it is also preferred that the fleece covering 14 be permanently attached to viscous foam 12, secondary sublayer 18 and/or the frame member. As such, the fleece covering 14 can be attached by any known means or method, including but not limited to adhesives, heat bonding, etc., such that the fleece covering cannot be removed without destroying the fleece covering and/or the viscous foam layer 10.
The present invention provides that when the user places the goggles on his/her face, the viscous foam layer will conform to the user's face and provide a more comfortable environment. Although the use of such viscous foam material in climates that require ski or snowboard goggles has not been considered due to the fact that viscous foam is generally hard and uncomfortable in cold conditions, the present invention overcomes the concerns and surprisingly provides a comfortable environment for the user.
Variations, modifications and alterations to the preferred embodiment of the present invention described above will make themselves apparent to those skilled in the art. All such changes are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention, limited solely by the appended claims.
