Abstract:
A multi-purpose goggle for protecting the eyes of the wearer in industrial and sporting environments and against glare when the wearer is viewing a computer screen for extended periods of time, for housing a virtual reality display and for use by pilots engaged in training for their instrument flight rating. The goggle housing is comprised of a downwardly extending upper surface with a first end and a second end, a viewing area operatively configured in some embodiments for receiving an insert, a centrally disposed nose bridge and a first and second lower panel disposed opposite the nose bridge and a securing means comprised of rearward extensions of the upper surface and lower panels.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/691,189, filed Oct. 23, 2003, which claims benefit of U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 60/420,822, filed Oct. 24, 2002, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to a multi-purpose goggle that can be utilized as a safety goggle suitable for a wide range of activities including: industrial and sporting use as well as a goggle to minimize or eliminate computer vision syndrome resulting from the prolonged use of a computer display terminal, as a platform for a virtual reality visor and for a limited viewing goggle for pilots undergoing instrument flight rating (“IFR”) qualifications. The goggles are configured such that they can be easily manufactured and utilized.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART  
       [0003]     Virtually all industrial and sports injuries to the eye are avoidable if suitable eye protection such as goggles are provided. Eye trauma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is estimated that each day two thousand individuals in the United States suffer eye injuries on the job or while playing sports. These injuries incur more than $924 million annually in worker&#39;s compensation, and nearly $4 billion in wage and productivity losses according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nearly 90 percent of all workplace and sports related injuries are preventable with the proper eyewear and safety measures according to statistics from the organization Prevent Blindness America.  
         [0004]     It is evident from the eye injury statistics that large numbers of individuals are not wearing eye protection while in the vicinity of activities that present dangers to the eye. Also, injuries are still occurring despite the use of protective eyewear. Those individuals being injured often wear inappropriate or ill-fitting eyewear for the task being undertaken or do not wear protective eyewear at all times while undertaking the task. The literature suggests that the main reasons individuals do not wear protective eyewear relate to issues of comfort, style, restricted vision, and safety equipment not provided by employers.  
         [0005]     OSHA standards require that employers provide, and workers wear, suitable eye protection. To be effective, the eyewear must be the appropriate type and properly fitted. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics survey revealed that 94 percent of injuries to workers wearing eye protection resulted from objects or caustics going around or under the protector. But less than six percent of the injuries happened to workers wearing goggles, which generally offer a tighter fit around the eyes.  
         [0006]     Wearing protective eyewear can prevent 90% of sports-related injuries. Eyeglasses and contact lenses do not provide protection and can even place an athlete at an increased risk for such injuries. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has instituted a campaign for mandatory eyewear for children participating in school-related or community-sponsored athletic events. The Academy recommends that young athletes wear shatterproof goggles, constructed of 3 mm polycarbonate, that are fitted by an eye care professional.  
         [0007]     In general, those individuals that are injured often wear inappropriate safety or ill-fitting eyewear for the task being undertaken, or do not wear protective eyewear at all times while undertaking the task. The finding that safety glasses may not provide adequate protection against small, off-center particles needs to be addressed, and the use of goggles promoted. According to OSHA, eye protection must, protect against the specific hazard(s) encountered in the workplace, be reasonably comfortable to wear, not restrict vision or movement, be durable and easy to clean and disinfect and not interfere with the function of other required personal protection equipment.  
         [0008]     The reasons people give for not wearing safety goggles include, the safety goggles cause headaches, the eye protection is too hot to wear, the goggles are constantly dirty, the eye protection fogs over, the safety glasses never fit correctly, the goggles do not fit over prescription eyeglasses, the goggles lack style or comfort, and cause distortion and limit the field of vision.  
         [0009]     Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,966,746, 5,519,896, 6,357,053, 5,771,499 and 6,178,561. However, each of these references suffers from one or more of the following disadvantages: inability to use existing prescription glasses while wearing the goggles, excessive goggle weight, limitations on range of vision such as obstruction of peripheral vision, uncomfortable to wear because of pressure applied to the head by bands and straps and internal fogging of the lenses brought about by perspiration, and at times respiration, of the wearer.  
         [0010]     In addition to the ability of the multi-purpose goggles to protect against injury to the eye in sporting as well as industrial settings, the present invention is also well adapted to protect the eyes against computer vision syndrome. This condition most commonly occurs when the viewing demand of the task exceeds the visual abilities of the display terminal user. The symptoms of computer vision syndrome can be diminished, or eliminated, if proper equipment is employed. The American Optometric Association defines computer vision syndrome as that complex of eye and vision problems related to near work which are experienced during or related to computer use. The symptoms can vary, but they include eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision (distance, near, or both), dry and irritated eyes, slowed refocusing, neck ache, backache, sensitivity to light, and double vision.  
         [0011]     Discomfort from glare is caused primarily by great disparities in brightness in the field of view. It is much more desirable to eliminate bright sources of light from the field of view and to strive to obtain a relatively even distribution of luminaries. A person is at great risk of experiencing discomfort from glare when the source of light is brighter and closer to the point of attention. For example, seventy five percent of the people who suffer from computer vision syndrome are those who wear eyeglasses. One of the primary reasons that discomfort glare is a problem for computer users is that light often leaves the overhead fluorescent fixture in a wide angle, resulting in light directly entering the worker&#39;s eyes. This is particularly a problem for computer workers because they are generally looking horizontally into the screen. A secondary cause of discomfort glare is the reflection of light by the lenses of the eyeglasses in proximity to the eye of the wearer.  
         [0012]     The opaque embodiment of the present invention attempts to utilize the compact geometry of the goggle and its various surfaces such as the upper surface and the lower panels to protect the eyes of the wearer and to minimize the transmission of light rays that ultimately reach the eyes other then through the centrally disposed viewing area.  
         [0013]     In addition to the above objectives, the multi-purpose goggle is well suited for use as a virtual reality visor. A virtual reality system generally comprises a display/sensor apparatus that is worn by a viewer and connected to a computer system capable of manipulating the position and perspective of the image viewed in the display to correspond with the position from which it is being viewed. The present invention will eliminate glare from around the screen of the virtual reality visor while providing the wearer with a comfortable goggle.  
         [0014]     It is a problem in complex computer controlled systems that deal with real world phenomena to present a representation of the phenomena in a manner that is both informative to the user and in a simple presentation format. Computer generated graphics are ubiquitous and are typically used to present an accurate representation of an object in a multidimensional space and the interactions therebetween. Computer generated graphics are also used extensively in simulation systems to present an image of a real world situation or a hypothetical situation to a user for training, analysis or other purposes. Computer generated graphics have become extremely sophisticated and can represent extremely complex and fanciful situations in a manner that is virtually lifelike.  
         [0015]     One area in which computer graphics is making a significant impact is the area of real time display of complex real world phenomena. Goggle mounted display devices (GMD&#39;s) are increasingly being utilized for virtual reality and “Telepresence” applications. Such devices generally consist of one or more compact image displaying devices mounted on a goggle type frame that the viewer wears on their head. The said image displaying devices project images into the viewer&#39;s eyes via a series of lenses or mirrors so that the viewer perceives the image or images to originate from a source outside of the goggle. In the case of stereoscopic GMD&#39;s a separate image is presented to each of the viewer&#39;s eyes so that a three dimensional (3D) image can be formed. This 3D image has the additional reality of 3D depth cues such as stereo parallax (the differential shifting of objects within the image due to varying distance from the camera or other imaging source).  
         [0016]     Lastly, the multi-purpose goggle can be used in training by instructors to teach student and experienced pilots to recover from unusual situations. The goggles mimic instrument conditions—generally those in which visibility is less than three miles—by placing over the student&#39;s head a goggle that acts like a blinder, allowing for a view of the cockpit instruments but not of the scene that fills the window.  
         [0017]     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improvement in the structure of multi-purpose goggles which can obviate or substantially lessen the potential for physical objects impacting the eyes, protecting the eyes from glare that can induce computer vision syndrome, serving as a virtual reality goggle or a partial blinder in a training session for a pilot pursuing her instrument flight rating qualifications or seeking to refresh them.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0018]     The present invention is directed to multi-purpose goggles that satisfy the demand for maximizing wearing comfort through ergonomic construction, maximizing field of view, minimizing distortion, minimizing fogging, reduces or eliminates computer vision syndrome, provides an ideal platform for a virtual reality display system and functions superbly in the training of pilots seeking their instrument flight rating wherein it can serve to allow viewing of the cockpit instruments but not of the scene that fills the window.  
         [0019]     A goggle having features of the present invention comprises a downwardly extending upper surface with a first end and a second end, a centrally disposed viewing area, a centrally disposed nose bridge and a first and second lower panel disposed opposite one another from the nose bridge. The first and second lower panel join the upper surface proximate the upper surface first end and second ends while the posterior edge of the upper surface is contoured to conform to the topography of the wearer&#39;s face.  
         [0020]     Vents are optionally disposed in the goggle and means for supporting the goggle on the head of the wearer are also incorporated. When needed for eye protection in industrial and sporting situations the centrally disposed viewing area is operatively configured for receiving a translucent insert that protects against objects impacting the eyes of a wearer. The translucent insert is preferably constructed of a shatterproof polycarbonate; however, other materials possessing similar characteristics may also be utilized.  
         [0021]     The goggle is preferably constructed in one of several embodiments of either a translucent material or an opaque material. Specifically, with an opaque goggle, the centrally disposed viewing area can be configured to remain open as in the case of a goggle to protect against computer vision syndrome. Another embodiment would utilize a translucent goggle and receive a translucent shatter resistant insert that fills the entire open frontal area as in the case of a goggle that is used in an industrial or sports setting. Another embodiment would utilize an opaque goggle and an opaque insert that partially fills the centrally disposed viewing area and can be utilized, for example, for protecting against the onset of computer vision syndrome or in the training of pilots seeking instrument flight rating qualifications. The opaque insert would fill only a portion of the centrally disposed viewing area allowing the pilot-in-training a view of the cockpit instruments but not of the scene that fills the window of the airplane.  
         [0022]     Another embodiment of the present invention would utilize a virtual reality viewing system to be received into the centrally disposed viewing area of an opaque goggle thereby allowing the eyes of the wearer to be positioned in close proximity to the display system. The lightweight ergonomic goggle coupled with a compact virtual reality viewing system would create an ideal combination that minimizes wearer fatigue and maximizes viewing comfort. Moreover, the goggle eliminates glare from around the screen area. Also, the rearward extension of the upper surface and lower panels will conceal the wires leading to the virtual reality display device from the central processing unit and can provide space for additional componentry as required.  
         [0023]     As mentioned above, translucent goggles are utilized in industrial and sports related settings where maximum observability in all directions is critical to the wearer. The ability to view objects overhead, peripherally and beneath the wearer are critical in certain settings and vision cannot be obstructed without threatening the safety of the wearer.  
         [0024]     The present invention is preferably constructed with the centrally disposed viewing area substantially open; however, an alternative embodiment would have the centrally disposed viewing area of the translucent goggle filled with the same translucent material as the remainder of the goggle. This embodiment would negate the need for an insert as the shielding effect of the closed frontal area would thereby be accomplished.  
         [0025]     The upper surface conforms to the head of the wearer and is configured to accommodate the glasses of a wearer and also preserve the ability of the wearer to see superiorly, laterally and inferiorly to increase the field of vision or view when translucent materials are utilized.  
         [0026]     Because of the ergonomic design, the goggle is capable of accommodating a large range of facial topographies and can also accommodate a substantial variety of glasses without the goggle being excessively heavy or producing the sensation that the goggle is attempting to fall from the face of the wearer. The goggle of the present invention is scalable and can be produced in a variety of sizes. The radius of the upper surface can be adjusted during the manufacturing process to produce goggles for children and adults alike by varying the radius dimension associated with the upper surface and other critical dimensions.  
         [0027]     The preferred embodiment has an upper surface, a centrally disposed viewing area through which the wearer is able to see through or into which can be placed a virtual reality viewing display device, a centrally disposed nose bridge and two lower panels disposed opposite the nose bridge from each other and joining the upper surface at the opposite ends of the upper surface. The posterior edges of the upper surface and lower panels are contoured to conform to the topography of the individual&#39;s face and can utilize vents that are optimally located to facilitate movement of air that prevents fogging of the interior surfaces particularly of the inserts that may be received within the viewing area to protect the eyes of the wearer. The goggle upper surface and lower panels extend rearwardly from the face of and toward the ears of the wearer. The goggle preferably employs a head band apparatus that encircles the head of the wearer and supports the goggle on the head of the wearer.  
         [0028]     This multi-purpose goggle has a unique ergonomic design, fashionable, sleek and futuristic looking and is contoured to conform to the topography of the individual&#39;s face therefore requiring a minimum amount of tension with a head band to hold it in position on the head of the wearer. The sleek ergonomic design is light in weight and evenly distributes a force across the posterior edges of the upper surface and lower panels thereby maximizing user comfort.  
         [0029]     Usually, goggles pinch the eyeglasses at the nose bridge area or at the temple arms. Goggles are typically made to accommodate eyeglasses by making them oversized. Over sizing adds to the weight and interferes with their cosmetic appearance and comfort, thus resulting in non-use and subsequent eye injuries. The multi-purpose goggle of the present invention is uniquely designed to accommodate eyeglass frames and temple arms. The goggle&#39;s design provides a large open frontal area that facilitates viewing. Also, the securing apparatus exhibits a wedge shaped space to accommodate the temple arms of the eyeglasses and the goggle design accommodates a wide range of eyeglass frames.  
         [0030]     Because this goggle conforms to the face of the wearer and has support means that consist of rearward extension of the upper surface and the lower panels, the head-encompassing member maintains the position of the goggle against the face of the wearer with the least amount of pressure. The head-encompassing member and the padding facilitate the formation of a seal between the posterior edges of the upper surface and lower panels and the face of the user that limits the entry of debris, chemicals or light to the eye.  
         [0031]     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
       [0032]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose goggle constructed of translucent material in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention and positioned on the face of a wearer;  
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose goggle constructed of opaque material in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention and positioned on the face of a wearer;  
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose goggle constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, positioned on the face of a wearer and configured for pilot instrument flight rating training or for use in preventing or minimizing computer vision syndrome;  
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose goggle constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, positioned on the face of a wearer and configured for receiving a virtual reality display;  
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view of the front of a multi-purpose goggle of the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is an elevation view of the interior of a multi-purpose goggle of the present invention with eye glasses disposed therein;  
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a multi-purpose goggle of the present invention with an eyeglasses frame and lenses disposed therein;  
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is an side elevation view of a multi-purpose goggle of the present invention positioned on the face of a wearer;  
         [0040]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the open frontal area of a multi-purpose goggle of the present invention showing a translucent insert being received into the centrally disposed viewing area; and  
         [0041]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a multi-purpose goggle of the present invention with the centrally disposed viewing area enclosed. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0042]     The preferred embodiment and best mode of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 . At  FIG. 1 , a multi-purpose goggle  10  constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is shown generally at  10 . A first translucent embodiment of the present invention is principally directed to use by individuals engaged in sporting events or at industrial work settings that may potentially be harmful to the eyes if the wearer lacks protection. Examples of sporting events for which these goggles would be appropriate are racquetball, skiing, basketball and baseball among many others activities. All of which incorporate a ball moving at a high rate of speed or the potential for eye injury through impact with other individuals or inanimate objects.  
         [0043]     In industrial settings, for example, flying debris or splashing chemicals present a persistent threat to the safety of the eye and must be guarded against. In these settings a goggle of translucent material such as clear polycarbonate is required to enable the wearer to clearly and fully observe her surroundings.  
         [0044]     In situations where the wearer is engaged in viewing a computer monitor, a second embodiment of the present invention comprises an opaque goggle.  FIG. 2  reveals a goggle embodiment similar to that in  FIG. 1  except utilizing an opaque upper surface  14  and lower panels  28 ,  30  that prevent the transmission of undesirable light to the eyes of the wearer from sources other than the computer monitor  99  through the centrally disposed viewing area  24  thereby reducing or even potentially eliminating computer vision syndrome in some users.  
         [0045]     As seen in  FIG. 3 a  third embodiment with an opaque upper surface  14  and lower panels  28 ,  30  can also be utilized in settings where a student pilot or an experienced pilot undergoing a refresher course of instrument flight rating training has their field of vision restricted to just the cockpit instruments. The use of a detachable insert  110  or a goggle embodiment containing a centrally disposed viewing area  24  that has been reduced in size to facilitate this type of training will be discussed more fully below.  
         [0046]      FIG. 4  depicts a fourth embodiment of the multi-purpose goggle  10  that serves as a platform for a virtual reality display. The virtual reality display device  130  is preferably detachably secured to the goggle. The lightweight, ergonomic design and construction of the multi-purpose goggle  10  creates a superb platform for mounting of the virtual reality display device  130  in the centrally disposed viewing area  24 .  
         [0047]     When viewed from the front of the goggle  10 , as seen in  FIG. 5 , the upper surface  14  can be clearly seen merging with the first and second lower panels  28 ,  30 . The viewing area  24  is preferably centrally disposed and comprised of a single viewing area; however, alternative embodiments may employ more than one viewing area  24  that is divided, for example, equally in half at the center of the nose bridge  26 .  
         [0048]     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , the protective goggle  10  includes an upper surface  14  that extends downwardly from the face  46  of the wearer. The upper surface  14 , as measured from the center point  15  of the upper surface adjacent the posterior edge  20 , extends downwardly from the face  46  of the wearer in the range of 10 to 40 degrees, and preferably between 20 and 30 degrees, from the horizontal. Additionally, as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 5  the upper surface  14  traverses from one side of the face  46  of the wearer to the other side commencing in a first end  16  and terminating at a second end  18 . The upper surface  14  further comprises a posterior edge  20  and an anterior edge  22 .  
         [0049]     The goggle  10  further includes a centrally disposed viewing area  24 , a centrally disposed nose bridge  26  and a first and second lower panel  28 ,  30  disposed opposite one another from the nose bridge  26 . The upper edges  184 ,  186  of the first and second lower panels  28 ,  30  join the upper surface  14  at the first end  16  and second end  18 . The upper edges  184 ,  186  are not constrained to be linear but may be curvilinear in configuration. As seen in  FIG. 6 , the lower panels  28 ,  30  also include edges  42 ,  44  contoured to conform to the topography of the face  46  of the wearer. The upper surface  14  is contoured to conform to the topography of the wearer&#39;s face  46  along a posterior edge  20  and preferably incorporates foam padding  47  to improve wearing comfort.  
         [0050]     A preferred embodiment incorporates the placement of vents  48 ,  50  adjacent the nose bridge  26  to allow the discharge of moisture laden air out of the goggle minimizing fogging when an insert  110 , as seen in  FIG. 9 , is positioned within the centrally disposed viewing area  24 . If a full insert  110  were received into the viewing area  24  and vents  48 ,  50  were not utilized, perspiration from the face of the wearer  46  could potentially cause fogging of the insert  110  and obstruct the vision of the wearer.  
         [0051]     Embodiments one through four can incorporate a translucent full insert  110  that is configured for insertion into and removal from the centrally disposed viewing area  24  depending upon the needs of the user. The full insert  110  can be placed into the centrally disposed viewing area  24  and held in position by a series of clips  32  attached to the upper surface  14  and the lower panels  28 ,  30 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are a variety of means for attachment of the clips  32 . It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the clips  32  must be appropriately positioned on the goggle  10  to securely maintain the full insert  110  in position. The full insert  110  is preferably comprised of a translucent shatterproof polycarbonate; however, other materials with similar translucent and shatterproof characteristics may be substituted for polycarbonate.  
         [0052]     As seen in  FIG. 9 , the goggle  10  is capable of receiving inserts of varying sizes depending upon the particular needs of the goggle wearer. For example, a full transparent insert  110  is used principally in industrial and sports settings to protect the eyes of the wearer from contact with high speed objects, high temperature materials or caustic chemicals. In another situation, an opaque partial insert  114  is typically utilized with an opaque goggle  10  when a student is training for their instrument flight rating qualification and must have their field of vision limited to the controls within the cockpit. Alternatively, as seen in  FIG. 4 , a virtual reality display device  130  can be received into the centrally disposed viewing area  24  of an opaque goggle  10 .  
         [0053]     As seen in  FIG. 10 , a fifth embodiment of the goggle  10  can be injection molded with the viewing area  24  enclosed by translucent material to provide maximum protection to the eyes of the wearer against, for example, intrusion by foreign objects or caustic chemicals. In this fifth embodiment, the first and second lower panels  28 ,  30  would, in effect, extend across the centrally disposed viewing area  24  thereby negating the need for an insert to protect the wearer against eye injury.  
         [0054]     The upper surface  14  extends into support arms  52 ,  54  that traverse rearwardly towards the user&#39;s ears approximately 3 to 5 inches from the centrally disposed viewing area  24 . As seen in  FIG. 7 , the support arms  52 ,  54  are sufficiently robust in their wedge shaped dimensions in order to accommodate the passage of the arms  56 ,  58  of a pair of glasses  60  back to the ears of the wearer. At the same time, the support arm  52 ,  54  dimensions are preferably minimized to reduce weight and to increase wearing comfort. The goggles  10 , as best seen in  FIGS. 1, 8  and  9  also utilize a strap  62  or other appropriate securing device to support the goggle  10  on the head  64  of the wearer.  
         [0055]     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the preferred embodiment of the goggle  10  is sufficiently offset from the face  46  of the wearer to accommodate a wide range of eye glasses  60 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , a preferred embodiment of the goggle  10  is sufficiently spacious to accommodate a pair of glasses  60  without interference between the lenses  70  and frame  72  with the interior  74  of the goggle.  
         [0056]     The goggle  10  upper surface  14  and lower panels  28 ,  30  are preferably formed of a shatter resistant material 1-5 mm in thickness; however, other dimensions may be employed based upon the need of the individual wearer. Examples of the shatter resistant materials include, but are not limited to polycarbonates. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper surface  14  and lower panels  28 ,  30  are preferably formed as a single unified component and can be produced using standard injection molding techniques. Additionally, in a preferred translucent embodiment, the joining of the first and second ends  16 ,  18  of the upper surface  14  to the first and second lower panels  28 ,  30  is performed in such a fashion to avoid the formation of a joint or seam that could detract from the ability of the wearer to see out through the ends  16 ,  18 .  
         [0057]     The multi-purpose goggles are manufactured in a fashion that produces a downwardly extending upper surface  14  with a first end  16  and a second end  18 , a centrally disposed open frontal area  24 , a centrally disposed nose bridge  26 , a first and second lower panel  48 ,  50  disposed opposite the nose bridge, the first and second lower panels  48 ,  50  connecting with the upper surface first and second ends  16 ,  18 . The multi-purpose goggle is further provided with a securing apparatus comprising support arms  52 ,  54  and a headband  62  for securing the goggle  10  onto the head of the wearer  64 .  
         [0058]     While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only preferred embodiments of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so described, and the scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.