Abstract:
A swimming goggle has improved to snugly fit around a user&#39;s eyes for comfort wearing. An air channel is adopted to remove an ocular pain due to a pressure in an inner space where the user&#39;s eyes are placed when the swimming goggles are worn. The swimming goggle comprises a pair of glasses disposed at a predetermined distance in front of the user&#39;s eyes, a set of looped cushions surrounding the glasses for directly contacting around the user&#39;s eyes, and a vent hole interconnecting an outer surface with an inner surface of the glasses or penetrating the looped cushions.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a swimming goggle having air channels for comfort wearing. More particularly, the air channels for vent air and a pair of looped cushions around the glasses have adopted to snugly fit around the user&#39;s eyes to comfort wear by removing ocular pain due to the negative pressure in an area where the user&#39;s eyes are placed. 
         [0003]    2. Related Prior Art 
         [0004]    The swimming goggles are used to ensure a clear field of view and protect a user&#39;s eyes during swimming. 
         [0005]    The swimming goggles include a lens part which is bent forming a predetermined inner space in front of the user&#39;s eyes. 
         [0006]    Hereinafter, the conventional swimming goggles will be described with reference to  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  shows conventional swimming goggles  10  in use. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the conventional swimming goggles  10  comprise a lens part  20 , and a cushion member  12  disposed between a user&#39;s face and the lens part  20  in connection to the lens part  20 . 
         [0007]    To wear the swimming goggles  10 , the user pushes the lens part  20  toward the face so that pressure of an inner space  14  becomes lower than the outer pressure, thereby generating a negative pressure in the inner space  14 . Here, the cushion member  12  can also serve as a gasket that prevents passage of air through a gap between the inner space  14  and the outside. 
         [0008]    The negative pressure of the inner space  14  usually causes pain to the user by drawing the user&#39;s eyes and the facial skin surrounding the eye pits to the swimming goggles  10 . If the user wears the swimming goggles loosely so that the pressure of the inner space  14  does not drop much to relieve such pain, air-tightness of the swimming goggles  10  deteriorates and water may infiltrate the swimming goggles  10 . 
         [0009]    In addition, the negative pressure generated inside the conventional swimming goggles  10  thickens the eye lens slightly, thereby disturbing eyesight. Especially, professional swimming goggles for players are omitted with the cushion member  12  such as a silicon pad in order to reduce resistance. Therefore, when wearing the professional swimming goggles, the user would compress the lens part  10  more tightly. Accordingly, the negative pressure in the swimming goggles  10  increases, aggravating the disturbance of eyesight and even hindering a swimming competition. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide swimming goggles capable of preventing ocular pain caused by negative pressure of an inner space between the swimming goggles and a user&#39;s eyes. 
         [0011]    It is another object of the present invention to provide swimming goggles capable of removing disturbance of the user&#39;s eyesight caused by the eye lens thickened due to pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the swimming goggles, so that the user can maintain normal eyesight while wearing the swimming goggles. 
         [0012]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided swimming goggles including a lens part disposed at a predetermined distance in front of a user&#39;s eyes and a cushion part surrounding the periphery of the lens part and directly contacting with the user&#39;s face, wherein a vent hole is formed to interconnect an outer surface with an inner surface of the lens part or penetrate the cushion part, thereby forming an air tunnel so that wearing comfort is enhanced. 
         [0013]    The vent hole is formed on at least one position among one sides of an upper portion, a side portion, and a lower portion of the lens part, and one side of the cushion part. 
         [0014]    In swimming goggles comprising a lens part disposed at a predetermined distance in front of a user&#39;s eyes and a cushion part surrounding the periphery of the lens part and directly contacting with the user&#39;s face, a vent hole may be formed interconnecting an outer surface with an inner surface of the lens part. 
         [0015]    The vent hole may be formed at a lower portion of the lens part. In addition, the vent hole may be bent in the zigzag form. 
         [0016]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the vent hole comprises an inner vent hole formed on an inner surface at one side of the lens part; an extension hole extended from the inner vent hole and formed along an inside of the periphery of the lens part; and an outer vent hole extended from the extension hole and formed on an outer surface of the other side of the lens part. 
         [0017]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the vent hole comprises a first outer hole formed on an upper outer surface of the lens part; a first extension hole extended from the first outer hole up to the middle of the lens part, along an inside of the periphery of the lens part; a first inner hole extended from the first extension hole and formed on an inner surface of the lens part; a first valve connected between the first extension hole and the first inner hole and capable of opening toward the first inner hole; a second outer hole formed on a lower outer surface of the lens part; a second extension hole extended from the second outer hole up to the middle of the lens part, along an inside of the periphery of the lens part; a second inner hole extended from the second extension hole and formed on an inner surface of the lens part; and a second valve connected between the second extension hole and the second inner hole and capable of opening toward the second inner hole. 
         [0018]    The cushion part includes a concave part formed along the middle of a surface thereof to improve close contact between the surface and the user&#39;s face. The vent hole has diameter not greater than 3 mm to prevent infiltration of a water drop. The vent hole has diameter not greater than 1 mm not to allow infiltration of a water drop. 
         [0019]    As described above, swimming goggles according to the present invention are provided with vent holes connecting an outer surface and an inner surface of a lens part or penetrating a cushion part, so that pressure of an inner space of the swimming goggles is maintained equal to atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, wearing comfort can be enhanced. In addition, infiltration of water can be effectively prevented by the vent holes disposed at random positions such as upper, side and lower portions of the lens part or the cushion part, as long as not disturbing a user&#39;s eyesight. 
         [0020]    When forming the vent holes in a zigzag form, infiltration of water can be prevented more effectively. 
         [0021]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, an inner vent hole, an extension hole extended from the inner vent hole, and an outer vent hole extended from the extension hole are provided so that an air tunnel is elongated. Consequently, wearing comfort can be enhanced while preventing infiltration of water more effectively. 
         [0022]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, inner pressure of the swimming goggles can be maintained equally to the outer pressure even during a short time of entering and exiting the water, by a multiple valve structure comprising first and second outer holes, first and second extension holes, first and second inner holes, and first and second valves. 
         [0023]    Additionally, the cushion part having a concave part formed in the middle of a surface thereof directly contacting with the user&#39;s face can enhance close contact between the swimming goggles and the user&#39;s face. 
         [0024]    The vent holes have diameter not greater than 3 mm to prevent infiltration of a water drop. 
         [0025]    When the vent holes are not greater than 1 mm in diameter, even a micro water drop can be prevented from infiltrating. 
         [0026]    In the swimming goggles having a valve form, diameter of the vent holes and diameter of a valve mounting part may be different from each other. When the valve mounting part has greater diameter than the vent hole, mounting of the valve becomes easier. 
         [0027]    Moreover, according to the present invention, disturbance of eyesight caused when the eye lens are thickened by pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the conventional swimming goggles can be solved. Therefore, the user can swim with normal eyesight. 
         [0028]    Especially, professional swimmers can improve their swimming record by maintaining the normal eyesight during competition. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a sectional view showing main elements of swimming goggles according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  shows the swimming goggles according to the first embodiment, in use; 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view showing main elements of swimming goggles according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a front view of swimming goggles according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a front sectional view of swimming goggles according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with a first valve closed; 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a front sectional view of the swimming goggles according to the fourth embodiment, with a second valve closed; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view of swimming goggles according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  shows conventional swimming goggles in use. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    Description will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0038]    Well-known functions and constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail. Terms described herein are determined in consideration of functions in this invention, and definition of the terms may vary according to a producer&#39;s intention or custom. Also, the definition of the terms is determined based on the contents throughout the specifications. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0039]    Swimming goggles having enhanced wearing comfort according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 1  is a sectional view showing the main elements of the swimming goggles according to the first embodiment, and  FIG. 2  is a view showing the swimming goggles according to the first embodiment in use. 
         [0040]    Hereinafter, the swimming goggles having enhanced wearing comfort will be referred to simply as ‘swimming goggles’ without particular explanation. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the swimming goggles  100  include a vent hole  112  formed at a lower portion of a lens part  110  and interconnecting an inner surface  114  and an outer surface  116  of the lens part  110 . A cushion part  120  is formed to fit the swimming goggles  100  on a user&#39;s facial skin curve and protect the user from impacts. The cushion part  120  can be made of silicon or foamed synthetic resin. 
         [0041]    Although the vent hole  112  is formed at a lower part of the lens part  110  according to the drawings, the present invention is not limited so. As long as not interfering with the user&#39;s visual field, the vent hole  112  can be disposed at any positions such as an upper portion and a side portion. 
         [0042]    Although the vent hole  112  is formed at the lens part  110  in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited so. The vent hole  112  may be formed through the cushion part  120  of the swimming goggles  100 . 
         [0043]    The vent hole  112  of the cushion part  120  can be disposed on any position of the cushion part  120 . More specifically, the vent hole  112  may be formed at only the lens part  110 , only the cushion part  120 , or both the lens part  110  and the cushion part  120 . As necessitated, one or more vent holes  112  can be formed in predetermined arrangement. 
         [0044]    According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, diameter of the vent hole  112  is not greater than 3 mm. As generally known, a water drop is equal to or greater than 1 mm in diameter. Especially, a water drop splashed in a swimming pool is usually larger than a sprayed water drop, that is, not less than 3 mm in diameter. Therefore, diameter of the vent hole  112  can be set equal to or less than 3 mm. 
         [0045]    Considering that certain water drops have diameter not greater than 1 mm, the vent hole  112  preferably has diameter not greater than 1 mm in order to prevent water infiltration more effectively. 
         [0046]    Accordingly, the vent hole  112  according to the embodiment of the present invention has smaller diameter than a water drop, so as not to allow a water drop to pass therethrough while allowing steam particulates having diameter of several to tens of micrometers. Therefore, while water cannot infiltrate from the outside to an inner space between the user&#39;s eye and the lens part  110 , air and steam particulates of the inner space can pass freely through the vent hole  112 . 
         [0047]    Even when water surges in through the vent hole  112 , infiltration of the water can be prevented by the air in the swimming goggles  100 . This is the same principle in that water does not infiltrate an opening of a bottle which is put into water upside down. 
         [0000]    When wearing the swimming goggles  100  according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 2 , ocular pain by pressure difference can be overcome since the air can freely pass between the inner space and the outside through the vent hole  112 . 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0048]    Swimming goggles according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view showing main elements of the swimming goggles according to the second embodiment. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , swimming goggles  200  according to the second embodiment of the present invention is structured substantially in the same manner as the swimming goggles  100  of the first embodiment, except that a vent hole  212  of the swimming goggles  200  has a zigzag form. 
         [0051]    When the vent hole  212  is in the zigzag form, as shown in the second embodiment, water infiltration can be more effectively prevented while the air can still smoothly pass. 
         [0052]    As well as in the first embodiment, although the vent hole  212  is disposed at a lower portion of a lens part  210  in the second embodiment, the vent hole  212  can be disposed on any other positions such as upper and side portions of the lens part  210 . It will be sure understood that the vent hole  212  can be disposed on any position of a cushion part  220 . 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0053]    Hereinafter, swimming goggles according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 4  is a front view of swimming goggles  300  according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the swimming goggles  300  of the third embodiment have an inner vent hole  312 , an extension hole  313 , and an outer vent hole  314 . Except this, the third embodiment has substantially the same structure as the first embodiment. 
         [0056]    The inner vent hole  312  is disposed on an upper inner surface of a lens part  310 . However, position of the inner vent hole  312  is not limited to the upper portion of the lens part  310 , but can be a side portion or a lower portion. 
         [0057]    The extension hole  313  is formed along an inside of the periphery of the lens part  310 , being extended from the inner vent hole  312 . 
         [0058]    The outer vent hole  314  can be disposed on any position of an outer side of the lens part  310 . However, in order to effectively prevent infiltration of water, the outer vent hole  314  is preferred to be disposed at the lower portion. 
         [0059]    According to the above configuration, the swimming goggles  300  according to the third embodiment of the present invention are capable of preventing infiltration of water almost completely. 
         [0060]    The vent holes  312 ,  313  and  314  in the third embodiment can also be formed at a cushion part. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0061]    Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 5  is a front sectional view of swimming goggles according to the fourth embodiment, with a first valve closed.  FIG. 6  is a front sectional view of swimming goggles according to the fourth embodiment, with a second valve closed. 
         [0063]    As shown in the drawings, in swimming goggles  400  according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, vent holes are divided into first and second outer holes  412  and  419 , first and second extension holes  413  and  418 , first and second inner holes  415  and  416 , and first and second valves  414  and  417 . 
         [0064]    The first outer hole  412  is formed on an upper outer surface of a lens part  410 . The first extension hole  413  is formed along an inside of the periphery of the lens part  410 , being extended from the first outer hole  412  up to the middle of the lens part  410 . 
         [0065]    The inner hole  415  is formed on an inner surface of the lens part  410 , being extended from the first extension hole  412 . 
         [0066]    The first valve  414  is connected between the first extension hole  413  and the first inner hole  412 . Additionally, the first valve  414  can open toward the first inner hole  415 . 
         [0067]    The second outer hole  419  is formed on a lower outer surface of the lens part  410 . 
         [0068]    The second extension hole  418  is formed along an inside of the periphery of the lens part  410 , being extended from the second outer hole  419 . 
         [0069]    The second inner hole  416  is formed on an inner surface of the lens part  410 , being extended from the second extension hole  418 . 
         [0070]    The second valve  417  is connected between the second extension hole  418  and the second inner hole  416 , and capable of opening toward the second inner hole  416 . 
         [0071]    The operation of the vent hole according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described. As the user enters water wearing the swimming goggles  400 , the water surges to the second outer hole  419  and accordingly, the second valve  417  is opened. The first valve  414  is closed simultaneously. As a result, constant pressure can be maintained in an inner space of the swimming goggles  400 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0072]    When the user exits from the water wearing the swimming goggles  400 , the water surges to the first outer hole  412  and the first valve  414  is opened. Simultaneously, the second valve  417  is closed. As a result, constant pressure can be maintained in the inner space of the swimming goggles  400 . This state is shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0073]    As described above, inner pressure of the swimming goggles  400  can be constantly maintained by the first and the second valve  414  and  417  being selectively opened and closed, thereby improving the wearing comfort. 
         [0074]    The vent holes in the embodiments of the present invention may have approximately 1 mm diameter. Diameter of a valve mounting part may be approximately 3 mm for smooth mounting of the valve. 
         [0075]    However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Therefore, for example, both the vent holes and the valve mounting parts can be equal to or less than 3 mm in diameter. Furthermore, for more complete prevention of water infiltration, both the vent holes and the valve mounting parts may be equal to or less than 1 mm in diameter for more complete prevention of water infiltration. 
       Fifth Embodiment 
       [0076]    Swimming goggles according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter, with reference to  FIG. 7 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view showing main elements of swimming goggles  500  according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , in comparison with the swimming goggles  100  of the first embodiment, the swimming goggles  500  of the fifth embodiment further comprise a concave part  522  formed on a cushion part  520  along the middle of a surface of the cushion part  520 , directly contacting with the user&#39;s face. The other structures of the fifth embodiment are substantially the same as in the first embodiment. 
         [0079]    The above-structured cushion part  520  of the swimming goggles  500  according to the fifth embodiment can enhance the wearing comfort since the concave part  522  is transformed and closely contacted with the user&#39;s face when the user wears the swimming goggles  500 . 
         [0080]    While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.