Magnetic goggle lens changing system

A goggle lens is configured for use with a goggle frame having a frame body and a pair of frame engagement members positioned at respective lateral end portions of the frame body. The goggle lens includes a lens rim, and a lens element that is transparent to allow a user to view through the lens element. A pair of lens engagement members are coupled to respective lateral end portions of the lens rim. The pair of lens engagement members are selectively engageable with respective ones of the pair of frame engagement members. The pair of lens engagement members include a locking lens engagement member comprising a first element coupled to the lens rim, and a second element moveably coupled to the first element for facilitating selective engagement and disengagement with the respective one of the pair of frame engagement members.

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a goggle, and more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a goggle having a goggle lens sized and configured to be detachably connectable to a goggle frame in an easy and rapid fashion.

2. Description of the Related Art

In order to protect one's eyes during many sports or outdoor activities such as snowboarding, skiing, skydiving, paragliding, and so on, a person may wear goggles. Typically, goggles are constructed of a frame, lenses which are fixedly mounted on the forward face of the frame, padding for comfort and absorbing sweat which is attached to the rear face of the frame, and a band for fixing the goggles to a user's head. The goggles may be positioned over the user's eyes, such that the user looks through the lens, with the band extending around the user's head.

While generally all goggles share this basic design, it has been found that the experience of wearing goggles during certain sports or outdoor activities may be enhanced by wearing specialized or preferred lenses for that sport or activity. For example, variation in the colors of lenses may affect a wearer's perception of the brightness and contrast of their environment, as well as a wearer's depth perception and ability to perceive certain colors. Furthermore, the lens may be colored or have other attributes which enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the goggle.

Lenses which are fixed to the goggle frame may limit the overall use of the goggle. For instance, the functional attributes of a given lens may be adapted for use in certain environmental conditions. For instance, darkly tinted lenses may be useful in very bright conditions, but not useful in darker conditions. Conversely, lightly tinted lenses may be useful in darker conditions, and not as useful in lighter conditions. Furthermore, the aesthetic attributes of a given lens may fall out of favor with a user as that user's aesthetic appeal changes. Additionally, during certain sports or outdoor activities, it is common that the lenses on a pair of goggles may become damaged, such as by becoming cracked, scratched, or crazed.

Thus, a wearer who owns a pair of conventional goggles with integrated lenses, but desires to wear different lenses on their goggles, or to replace damaged lenses on their goggles, may be required to purchase and adjust to an entirely new pair of goggles, or take the goggles to the manufacturer or a specialist for replacement of lenses.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a goggle lens which can accommodate quick and easy engagement with a corresponding goggle frame. Various aspects of the present disclosure address this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward a goggle for use in snow sports (e.g., snowboarding, snow skiing, etc.), which may include detachable lens. The lens may be detachably connected to a goggle frame via a magnetic connection, as well as through a mechanical slide lock mechanism. The magnetic connection may allow the lens to be easily registered or aligned relative to the goggle frame, while the slide lock mechanism may provide a more secure attachment between the goggle frame and the lens. The combination of the magnetic attachment and mechanical attachment may allow for attachment or detachment of the lens relative to the goggle frame while a user is wearing gloves, as is often the case when participating in snow sports.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a goggle comprising a goggle frame extending around a goggle frame opening. At least one magnetically attractable frame connector coupled to the goggle frame. A lens is positionable adjacent the goggle frame, with the lens being sized and configured to extend over the goggle frame opening when the lens is positioned adjacent the goggle frame opening. At least one magnetically attractable lens connector is coupled to the lens and magnetically connectable to the at least one frame connector to magnetically connect the lens to the goggle frame. A pair of attachment bodies are connected to the lens. A pair of locking tabs are slidably connected to the goggle frame, with each locking tab being transitional between an unlocked position and a locked position and engaging a respective one of the pair of attachment bodies when the locking tab is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position.

The lens connector may be a magnet. The lens connector may be a metallic material. The frame connector may be a magnet. The frame connector may be a metallic material.

The frame may include a pair of channels, with each locking tab being translatable within a respective one of the pair channels. Each locking tab may include a finger gripping body and a locking body, with the finger gripping body extending outside of the goggle frame opening, and the locking body extending within the goggle frame opening. Each locking body may include a U-shaped recess. Each attachment body may include a ramp at least partially defining an attachment body channel, and each attachment body may be received in the U-shaped recess of a respective one of the pair of locking tabs. Each locking tab may be received in the attachment body channel when the lens connector is magnetically coupled to the goggle frame connector and the locking tab is moved to the locked position.

Each attachment body may include a shaft and a head, with the shaft being positioned between the head and the lens. Each shaft may include a first edge extending from the head and a second edge extending from the first edge, with the first and second edges defining an angle greater than 90 degrees.

The lens may include a convex outer surface and an opposing concave inner surface. Each attachment body may extend away from the concave inner surface.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a lens assembly for use with a goggle frame defining a goggle frame opening and having at least one magnetically attractable frame connector coupled to the goggle frame and a pair of locking tabs slidably connected to the goggle frame. The lens assembly includes a lens positionable adjacent the goggle frame. The lens is sized and configured to extend over the goggle frame opening when the lens is positioned adjacent the goggle frame opening. The lens assembly additionally includes at least one magnetically attractable lens connector coupled to the lens and magnetically connectable to the at least one frame connector to magnetically connect the lens to the goggle frame. A pair of attachment bodies are connected to the lens. Each attachment body is engageable with a respective one of the locking tabs for mechanically connecting the lens to the frame.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a goggle frame assembly for use with a lens, at least one magnetically attractable lens connector coupled to the lens, and a pair of attachment bodies connected to the lens. The goggle frame assembly includes a goggle frame extending around a goggle frame opening sized to be complementary to the lens. At least one magnetically attractable frame connector is coupled to the goggle frame and is magnetically connectable to the at least one magnetically attractable lens connector. A pair of locking tabs are slidably connected to the goggle frame. Each locking tab is transitional between an unlocked position and a locked position and engages a respective one of the pair of attachment bodies when the lens is positioned adjacent the goggle frame and the locking tab is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position.

The present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a magnetic goggle lens assembly and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various structure and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structure and/or functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and are not for purposes of limiting the same, there is depicted a goggle10having a goggle lens assembly12specifically configured and adapted to be detachably engageable with a goggle frame assembly14. The goggle lens assembly12may be engageable with the goggle frame assembly14via magnetic attraction as well as mechanical interconnection. The magnetic attraction may register or align the lens assembly12relative to the goggle frame assembly14, while also providing an audible and tactile feel to the user when the lens assembly12becomes magnetically engaged to the goggle frame assembly14. The mechanical interconnection may provide for a more secure attachment between the lens assembly12and the goggle frame assembly14. Furthermore, the configuration of the lens assembly12and the goggle frame assembly14may allow for attachment or detachment of the lens assembly12relative to the goggle frame assembly14while the user is wearing gloves, as may often be the case during use of the goggle10while participating in snow sports.

The ability to quickly and easily detach the goggle lens assembly12from the goggle frame assembly14allows a user to utilize a goggle lens assembly12that is suitable for the expected environmental conditions. For instance, a dark goggle lens may be used in bright conditions, and alternatively, a lightly tinted lens may be used in dark lighting conditions. Furthermore, one goggle lens assembly12may be interchanged with another goggle lens assembly12to give the overall goggle10a different appearance or look. As such, interchangeable goggle lenses enhance the overall commercial appeal of the goggle assembly10. Furthermore, interchangeable lenses allow a user to replace a broken lens assembly12with a new lens assembly12, and thus, the user is not required to purchase an entirely new goggle10.

According to one embodiment, the goggle frame assembly14includes a main body16which circumnavigates a central frame opening18and defines a curvature which allows the goggle frame assembly14to comfortably fit on a user's face. The main body16may include an upper portion20extending between a pair of lateral portions22, and a lower portion24having a centrally located bridge section26adapted to extend over a user's nose. At least a portion of the main body16may be formed from a flexible material to enhance the fit and comfort of the goggle10when worn by the wearer. Exemplary flexible materials include plastic (e.g., polyurethane), rubber, or other materials known in the art.

According to one embodiment, the main body16includes a pair of channels28formed therein, which accommodate a corresponding pair of locking tabs30slidably connected to the main body16via the channels28. Each channel28may be located in a respective lateral portion22. According to one embodiment, each lateral portion22includes a pair of plates32that are connected to each other and which collectively define the channel28. Each pair of plates32may include projections, contours, recesses, etc., which may interface with the locking tabs30and may be associated with various positions of the locking tab30relative to the main body16. For instance, the positions of the locking tab30may include an unlocked position, a locked position, and an intermediate position, as will be described in more detail below.

The main body16may further include a pair of engagement slots34formed in the main body16and in communication with respective channels28. The engagement slots34are configured to receive attachment bodies included on the lens assembly12for securing the lens assembly12to the goggle frame assembly14, as will be described in more detail below. Each engagement slot34extends from a forward surface of the main body16and into the main body16toward the respective channel. In one embodiment, the engagement slot34may extend generally perpendicularly to the corresponding channel.

As noted above, the goggle frame assembly14may include a pair of locking tabs30coupled to the main body16. Each locking tab30may be translatable within a respective channel28between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the locking tab30is positioned to allow the lens assembly12to be attached or removed from the main body16. In this regard, when the locking tab30is in the unlocked position, the locking tab30does not inhibit mechanical attachment or detachment of the lens assembly12relative to the goggle frame assembly14. In the locked position, the locking tab30is positioned to engage with a portion of the lens assembly12to secure the lens assembly12to the main body16, as will be described in more detail below.

According to one embodiment, each locking tab30includes a finger gripping body36and a locking body38. The finger gripping body36is configured to extend outside of the central frame opening18and is sized to provide a structure which a user may apply a force with a finger. In this regard, the finger gripping body36may include a series of ridges40to enhance engagement with the user's finger. Given that various embodiments of the goggle10may be used when participating in snow sports or other activities where a user may be wearing a glove, the finger gripping body36may be particularly sized and configured to allow a user to engage with the finger gripping body36while wearing a glove and transition the finger gripping body36between the unlocked and locking positions.

Each locking tab30may additionally include a locking body38extending within a respective channel in the main body16. In this regard, while the finger gripping body36is configured to be exposed on the outside of the main body16, the locking tab30may be generally concealed by residing in the channel28. Each locking body38may include a U-shaped recess42which engages a portion of the lens assembly12when the lens assembly12is engaged with the goggle frame assembly14. The locking body38may additionally include one or more projections44which may interface with structural elements on the main body16to provide frictional stops as the locking tab30moves relative to the main body16.

The goggle10may additionally include at least one magnetically attractable frame connector46coupled to the main body16. In the exemplary embodiment, the goggle10includes a pair of frame connectors46, with one frame connector46being coupled to the main body16a central region of the upper portion20, and another frame connector46may be coupled to a middle region of the bridge section26. The frame connectors46may be aligned along a generally central axis. It is contemplated that additional frame connectors46may be coupled to the main body16at other locations thereof. The frame connector46may be a magnet, or alternatively, the frame connector46may be formed from a non-magnetic metallic material that is magnetically attractable to a magnet.

The goggle frame assembly14may additionally include a compressible liner48may extend over an inner surface of the main body16(i.e., that portion of the main body16facing the user during use) and may be positioned to interface with the user when the goggle10is worn. The compressible liner48may be formed from foam or other materials known in the art, and may be sized and positioned to form a barrier between the main body16and the user to prevent precipitation, ice, mud, or other debris from entering the space between the goggle10and the user. An elastic strap50may be connected to the main body16at the lateral portions22thereof, with the strap50being adapted to extend around the user's head for securing the goggle10to the user.

Referring now toFIG. 2, the goggle lens assembly12generally includes an outer lens52, an outer adhesive54, a lens frame56, an inner adhesive58, and an inner lens60. According to one embodiment, the lens frame56defines a lens opening62, with the lens frame56circumnavigating the lens opening62. The lens opening62is substantially similar in size and shape to the central frame opening18defined by the main body16, such that when the goggle lens12is attached to the main body16, the lens opening62is aligned with the central frame opening18to allow the user to look through the goggle10. The lens frame56includes an upper portion64, a pair of lateral portions66, and a lower portion68having a bridge section shaped to extend over a user's nose during use. The lens frame56provides a structure upon which the outer lens52and inner lens60may be secured.

The outer adhesive54is used to secure the outer lens52to the lens frame56, and inner adhesive58is used to secure the inner lens60to the lens frame56. According to one embodiment, the outer lens52and inner lens60are coupled to opposing surfaces of the lens frame56. Both the outer lens52and inner lens60may be transparent bodies adapted to allow the user to view therethrough. As used herein, the term “transparent” simply refers to the ability of a user to at least partially look through the lens52,60. In this regard, it is understood that although the outer lens52and inner lens60are transparent, one or both of the outer lens52and the inner lens60may have tint, polarization, film, or other aesthetic enhancements (e.g., color, reflectance, etc.) or functional enhancements (e.g., reducing glare) made thereto. The tint, polarization, or color enhancements may be functional in nature, such as reducing glare or brightness, or may be intended to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the goggle10. The outer lens52and inner lens60may be formed of polycarbonate, TRIVEX, or other lens materials known in the art.

Although the exemplary embodiment shows the goggle lens12as having the outer lens52and the separate inner lens60, it is understood that other embodiments may only include a single lens, such as the outer lens52.

The goggle lens assembly12may additionally include one or more magnetic lens connectors70and one or more attachment bodies72to facilitate magnetic and mechanical connection to the main body16. The exemplary lens assembly12includes a pair of magnetic lens connectors70coupled thereto. The magnetic lens connectors70are sized and configured to magnetically connect with the magnetic frame connectors46located on the main body16. In this regard, one magnetic lens connector70being attached to a top portion of the lens frame56and may be magnetically connectable to the magnetic frame connector46located on the top of the main body16. Another magnetic lens connector70may be attached to a bridge portion of the lens frame56and may be magnetically connectable to the magnetic frame connector46located on the bridge portion of the main body16. The lens connectors70may be aligned along a generally central axis. It is contemplated that additional lens connectors70may be coupled to the lens frame56at other locations thereof. The lens connector70may be a magnet, or alternatively, the lens connector70may be formed from a non-magnetic metallic material that is magnetically attractable to a magnet. In this regard, in one embodiment, both the lens connector70and the frame connector46may be magnets, while in another embodiment, the lens connector70is a magnet, while the frame connector46is not a magnet, and is simply a metallic material that is magnetically attractable to the lens connector. In yet another embodiment, the frame connector46is a magnet, while the lens connector70is not a magnet, and is simply a metallic material that is magnetically attractable to the frame connector.

The exemplary lens assembly12further includes a pair of attachment bodies72coupled to the lens frame56. Each attachment body72may include a shaft74and a head76, with the shaft74being positioned between the head76and the inner lens60. As is apparent fromFIG. 7, the head76may be in a distal position relative to the shaft74, and thus, may be referred to as a distal head. Furthermore, the head76may be enlarged relative to at least a portion of the shaft74. Each shaft74may include a first edge78extending from the head76and a second edge80extending from the first edge78, with the first and second edges78,80defining an angle greater than 90 degrees.

Each attachment body72may include a ramp defined by the second edge78at least partially defining an attachment body channel82, and each attachment body72may be received in the U-shaped recess42of a respective one of the pair of locking tabs30. Each locking tab30may be received in the attachment body channel82when the lens connector70is magnetically coupled to the goggle frame connector46and the locking tab30is moved to the locked position.

With the basic structural features of the goggle10described above, and with reference specifically toFIGS. 8-10, a discussion of an exemplary use of the goggle10will now be provided. A user may have several goggle lenses12available for use with a goggle frame assembly14. When a user selects a particular goggle lens12, the user aligns the goggle lens12with the goggle frame assembly14and ensures the locking tabs30on the frame assembly14are in their respective unlocked positions. In particular, the goggle lens12is positioned with the inner lens60facing toward the goggle frame assembly14, and the outer lens52facing away from the goggle frame assembly14. Furthermore, the magnetic lens connectors70are aligned with the corresponding magnetic frame connectors, and the lens attachment bodies72are aligned with respective engagement slots34on the main body16.

The lens assembly12is moved closer to the main body16until the magnetic attraction between the magnetic lens connectors70and the magnetic frame connectors46is sufficient to independently couple the lens assembly12to the frame assembly14. In this regard, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic lens connectors70and magnetic frame connectors46may allow the lens assembly12to be properly aligned and registered relative to the frame assembly14, with the attachment bodies72of the lens assembly12received within the respective engagement slots34on the main body16.

The locking tabs30are then moved from their respective unlocked configurations toward their locked configurations. More specifically, each locking tab30translates relative to the main body16, and the locking body38on the locking tab30engages the ramp on the attachment body72. As the locking tab30continues toward the locked position, the locking body38moves along the ramp until the locking body38is received in the attachment body channel82of the attachment body72, and the attachment body72is received in the U-shaped recess42of the locking body38. When the locking tabs30are in their respective locked positions, the lens assembly12is securely fastened to the goggle frame assembly14. In particular, the lens assembly12is coupled to the goggle frame assembly14through magnetic attraction via the magnetic lens connector70and frame connector46, as well as being connected through mechanical engagement between the locking tabs30and the attachment bodies72.

To release the lens assembly12from the main body16, the locking tabs30are moved from their locked positions toward their unlocked positions by translating relative to the main body16. As the locking tabs30translate, the locking body38is moved out of the attachment body channel82to disengage the locking body38of the locking tab30from the corresponding attachment body72. In this regard, the mechanical interconnection between the lens assembly12and the goggle frame assembly14is disconnected. However, the magnetic attraction may remain. Thus, the user may pull the lens assembly12away from the main body16with sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction between the lens assembly12and the goggle frame assembly14.

The detachable engagement between the lens assembly12and the goggle frame assembly14may allow a user to quickly and easily swap one goggle lens12for another goggle lens12. The lenses may be swapped for functional reasons, such as to attach a lens having a preferred tint, or replace a broken lens; or the lenses may be swapped for aesthetic reasons. As such, the ability to easily interchange one lens for another results in a highly versatile goggle10. Furthermore, the use of the magnetic attraction and the mechanical interconnection achieved via the locking tabs30may allow a user to attach or detach the lens assembly12relative to the main body16while the user wears gloves.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes of illustrative discussion, and are not presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show any more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the different features of the various embodiments, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how these may be implemented in practice.