Abstract:
Goggles for protecting the eyes of a wearer in ultra-hazardous conditions. The goggles comprise a frame that seals to the face of the wearer so that the wearer&#39;s eyes are enveloped. An adjustable strap is attached to the goggles and goes around the head of the wearer in order to secure the goggles over the wearer&#39;s face. Indirect ventilation is utilized to eliminate fogging, and drains are used in the frame to evacuate trapped moisture, A curvilinear lens with multiple optical zones is secured within the frame of the goggles and angled for increased lower peripheral vision. The materials with which the goggles are constructed are capable of withstanding a temperature of at least about 550° F. for a minimum of five minutes without oozing or dripping or otherwise deforming.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/998,517, filed Dec. 26, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,177, issued Aug. 22, 2000. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to protective eye wear and more particularly, for example, to goggles that protect the eyes of a firefighter from ultra-hazardous conditions. 
     2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
     When it is necessary to work in high temperature hazardous conditions such as those encountered by a firefighter, precautions to protect the firefighter&#39;s eyes become a necessity. Many different designs for eye protection under such severe high temperature conditions have been proposed. The eye protection previously known generally seeks to protect an individuals entire face against the hazardous conditions by using a heat-resistant face shield. 
     Little attention has been given to specifically protecting a user&#39;s eyes from high temperature hazardous conditions by using a pair of goggles. To date, no goggles exist which are designed for the purpose of meeting these high temperature hazardous conditions. This is important because goggles, as opposed to a face shield, are quicker and easier to use, can easily be adapted for use with a filter or respirator device, and provide enhanced eye protection. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need, especially for firefighters, for goggles that offer superior eye protection, overcome the shortcomings of currently available goggles, and enhance visibility. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Broadly speaking, the present invention is directed to an apparatus that satisfies the need for high temperature-resistant goggles that protect the wearer&#39;s eyes from ultra hazardous conditions, including extremely high temperatures and foreign materials which might otherwise impair the wearer&#39;s vision. 
     The goggles of this invention primarily comprise an assembly of four main elements: a frame, a lens, a bezel, and a strap. The frame is used in conjunction with the bezel and the lens to protect the eyes of the wearer, and the strap is used to secure the goggles in place. These goggles are: designed to form a comfortable fit and seal against the wearer&#39;s nose and face; configured to prevent moisture from accumulating on the inside of the goggles; configured to prevent foreign materials from entering from outside the goggles, and; designed to allow the goggles wearer to easily fit the goggles to his face while easily accommodating spectacles, when necessary, normally worn close to the user&#39;s face. The unique frame design allows the goggles to collapse flat, with the exception of the lens, for easy storage in a small space, such as a pocket, when not in use. 
     In one embodiment, the lens used in the goggles is curved and provides multiple optical zones integral therewith for enhanced undistorted vision. The frame securely holds the lens in place over the wearer&#39;s eyes. A bezel is attached to the frame. Opening covers are coupled to the bezel and cooperate with dams formed around the openings in order to prevent water or other undesirable matter from entering the interior of the goggles when they are on the wearer&#39;s face. The bezel includes an attachment which cooperates with the strap to adjustably secure the goggles in place on the wearer&#39;s face. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and appended claims, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of goggles constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2A depicts a plan view of the frame of the goggles of FIG. 1 as viewed from above; 
     FIG. 2B shows a lens-side view of the frame of the goggles of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 2C illustrates a plan view of the frame of the goggles of FIG. 1 as viewed from below; 
     FIG. 2D is a plan view of a first strap end of the frame of the goggles of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 2E depicts a T-shaped lens section and a T-shaped goggle frame section; 
     FIG. 3A depicts the front of the bezel of the goggles including a nose guard used in another, and preferred, embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a first strap end of the bezel used with the goggles of FIG. 3A; 
     FIG. 3C is a plan view of the bezel of FIG. 3A as viewed from above; 
     FIG. 3D is a plan view of the bezel of FIG. 3A as viewed from below; 
     FIG. 4A is a front view of the lens of the goggles of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4B is a view of the lens of FIG. 4A as viewed from above; 
     FIG. 5A is a perspective exploded view of the elements which, when assembled, constitute a preferred embodiment of an attachment device portion of the invention for the strap of the goggles of the invention; 
     FIG. 5B is a perspective inside view of the assembled elements of the attachment n device of FIG. 5A; 
     FIG. 5C is a perspective outside view of the assembled elements of the attachment device of FIG. 5A; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of an alternative embodiment of attachment device portion of the invention for the strap of the goggles of the invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the strap used in conjunction with the attachment device of FIG. 6; and 
     FIG. 7A is a detail of a retainer clip employed with the strap of FIG.  7 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference now to the drawing, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the assembled goggles of the present invention. Generally, the goggles fit completely over the eyes and surrounding facial area of the wearer and a strap is placed around the wearer&#39;s head or safety hat to secure the goggles to the wearer&#39;s face. The goggles shown in FIG. 1 utilize a flexible frame  202  which is used to disconnectably house a curvilinear lens  400 . A semi-rigid bezel  302  is removably affixed to he flexible frame  202 . A strap  700  is coupled to the bezel, allowing the goggles to be removably and adjustably secured to the face of the wearer when the strap is passed around the back side of the wearer&#39;s head. A strap retainer means  704  is used in conjunction with the strap in order to retain any loose ends of the strap. 
     In one embodiment, the frame  202 , shown in detail in FIGS. 2A through 2D, has six sides integral thereto: a lens side  206  opposite to a flange side  204 ; an upper side  208  opposite to a lower side  222 ; and a first strap end  212  opposite to a second strap end  214 . The frame  202  is made of a flexible material to allow the frame to be comfortably fitted to the face of the wearer, and to allow the frame to be selectively, substantially collapsed for storage. 
     The lens side  206  of the frame  202  incorporates a lens surround area  228  as shown in FIG.  2 C. The lens surround area incorporates lens surround slots  229  through which lens tabs  405 , discussed below, extend. The tabs and a lens retention channel  230  capture the lens  400  by its perimeter  406  (shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) and secures the lens to the frame  202 . However, the lens could also be secured to the lens surround area  228  by other suitable means such as snaps, adhesives, or by molding the lens directly into the frame. 
     Located opposite to the lens side  206  is the flange side  204  as shown in FIG. 2D. A face flange  218  is integrated with the flange side  204  in order to assure proper sealing of the goggles to the wearer&#39;s face. For cold weather applications, a foam seal (not shown) may be used and secured by adhesive or many types of fasteners, including hook-and-loop snaps or friction, to the face flange  218  to enhance the seal. The lens side  206  and the flange side  204  are separated by the upper side  208  shown in FIG. 2A, the lower side  222  shown in FIG. 2C, the first strap end  212 , and the second strap end  214 , both shown in FIG.  2 A. 
     In one version of the present invention as shown in FIG. 2C, the lower side  222  of the frame  202  has second openings  226  which are surrounded by dams  215 . A nose section  216  (shown in FIG. 2B) is formed in the lower side  222  in order to accommodate the nose of the wearer and to assure that the goggles seal properly atop the wearer&#39;s nose. The nose section  216  cooperates with the face flange  218  to complete a proper seal to the wearer&#39;s face. At least one nose release  224  is integral to the nose section and allows for a more comfortable fit by allowing greater flex in the nose section while maintaining a tight seal. A first gutter  234  is formed into the frame  202  and is juxtaposed to the face flange  218 . The gutter channels liquid and debris that strike the frame away from the face flange 
     The upper side  208  as shown in FIG. 2A has first opening  217  in one version of the invention which are surrounded by the same kind of dams  215 . A second gutter  232  is integral to the frame and juxtaposed to the lens surround area  228 . The upper side  208  is separated from the lower side  222  by the first strap end  212  and the second strap end  214 . 
     Completing the frame in one embodiment are first and second strap ends  212  and  214 , respectively, each accommodating a first and second channel  220  and  221 , respectively, shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, both channels extend from the second gutter  232  toward the flange side  204 , bisecting the first gutter  234  and the face flange  218 . In the preferred embodiment, the channels  220  and  221  are designed such that the frame  202  can easily be slid over the eyeglasses of a wearer without the wearer having to remove the eyeglasses before fitting the goggles. 
     As indicated above and as shown in FIG. 2D, the curvilinear lens  400  is captured about its lens perimeter  406  shown in FIG. 4A in one embodiment by the lens retention channel  230 . Preferably, the lens perimeter and the lens retention channel are both “T” shaped, thereby allowing the lens perimeter to be securely cradled by the lens retention channel so that the lens  400  will not separate from the frame  202  if impacted. As shown in FIG. 2E, sections of the lens retention channel  230  are T-shaped to slidably receive the T-shape sections of the lens perimeter  406 . This “cradling” allows the lens to seal to the frame and prevents any foreign substance from passing between the lens  400  and the frame. Furthermore, the lens perimeter  406  preferably has tabs  405  extending substantially perpendicular therefrom and away from an outer surface  401  of the lens  400 , the outer surface and the tabs  405  being shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Although four such tabs are shown, several tabs may be spaced around the periphery. 
     In one version of the invention shown in FIG. 4B, the curvilinear lens  400  has an inner surface  403  and an outer surface  401 . The inner surface and the outer surface may be substantially parallel, or may converge or diverge. In one embodiment, the distance between the inner and outer surface may vary between approximately 0.08 inches and 0.100 inches. Preferably, the inner surface  403  is treated with an anti-fog substance and the outer surface  401  is treated with an abrasion-resistant substance. The shape of the lens  400  allows a unique shape for the goggles to be achieved, thereby substantially reducing and preferably eliminating distortion between the multiple optical zones of the lens and allowing the goggles to be placed on the face of the wearer without the wearer having to first remove his spectacles which, for goggles wearers with corrected vision, may be a necessity. For example, a firefighter may have to quickly put the goggles on over his glasses while threatened by flames in zero-visibility situations. 
     Generally, the lens  400  may have five curvilinear optical zones each distinguished by broken lines in FIGS. 4A and 4B. These optical zones comprise: a curvilinear central optical zone  402  on either side of center line  404 ; a first and a second curvilinear side optical zone  408  and  412 , respectively; and a first and a second curvilinear rear optical zone  410  and  414 , respectively. The lens  400  extends vertically between the lower side  222  and the upper side  208  of the frame  202 , and horizontally between the first and second strap ends  212  and  214 . In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 2D, the lens  400  is canted within the frame  202  in order to increase the lower peripheral vision of the wearer and allow the wearer to see the ground immediately before him. 
     When properly positioned in the frame  202 , the central optical zone  402  of lens  400  is substantially centered within the lens surround area  228 . As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first side optical zone  408  is contiguous to the central optical zone  402  and is positioned between the central optical zone and the first rear optical zone  410 . Preferably, the two side optical zones  408  and  412  are hyperbolically curved in a direction substantially perpendicular to a vertical centerline  404 . The first side optical zone  408  is also contiguous to the first rear optical zone  410 . The first rear optical zone is positioned between the first side optical zone  408  and, when mounted in the frame, the first strap end of the frame. The second side optical zone  412  is also contiguous to the central optical zone and is positioned between the central optical zone and the second rear optical zone  414 . The second side optical zone is contiguous to the second rear optical zone which is positioned between the second side optical zone and, when mounted in the frame, the second strap end of the frame 
     The radius of curvature for each curvilinear zone discussed—at the point of contiguity to the respective abutting zone—is equal to the radius of curvature of the abutting zone. This equal radius of curvature at the point of contiguity substantially eliminates optical distortion that might otherwise be perceived by the wearer due to the transition from one zone to another. Although the use of only one lens is discussed in conjunction with the preferred embodiment, multiple lenses could be used in an alternative embodiment. Similarly, any number of curvilinear optical zones could be integral to the lens  400 . 
     One method of making the curvilinear lens is by injection molding using an optically transparent material. A preferred method uses a mold having a tool die capable of being parted. The tool die has walls that define a hollow that is shaped to generally reflect a negative embodiment of the curvilinear lens. When the optically transparent material reaches a stable, substantially non-fluid state, the lens is removed from the die. Another molding method assists the optically transparent material in reaching the stable, substantially non-fluid state. 
     The detail of the bezel  302  of a second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 3A though  3 D. In this embodiment, the bezel  302  is two-piece and semi-rigid, and cooperates with the lens retention channel  230  to further secure the lens  400  in the frame  202 . In the preferred embodiment, a bezel attachment channel  312  is formed into the bezel  302  and tightly cradles the lens surround area  228 , which includes lens retention channel  230 , which in turn tightly cradles the perimeter  406  of the lens  400 . Slots  307  are included in the bezel as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and engage tabs  405  extending from lens  400 . This preferred attachment arrangement allows the bezel  302  to be removably attached to the lens surround area  228  of the frame  202  while preventing separation between the frame and the lens  400 . Alternatively, the bezel  302  may be attached to the frame by adhesive, snaps, or molded fitting, for example. The two-pieces of the bezel are coupled together by a bezel clip  504  being slid over a two-piece center projection  503  of a bezel clip receiver as shown in FIG.  5 . 
     The bezel  302  has a first end  304  and a second end  306  that cooperate with the strap  700  (FIG. 7) and an attachment means used to hold the two-piece bezel together and secure the goggles to the face of the wearer. In one embodiment, opening covers  310  having set-off tabs are coupled to the bezel  302  and are positioned in such a way that these opening covers extend over first openings  217  and second openings  226  when the bezel  302  is attached to the frame  202 . The set-off tabs keep the openings clear by preventing sealed contact with the opening covers. The opening covers also cooperate with dams  215  which surround the first and second openings  217  and  226 , respectively, to prevent foreign matter from contacting the eyes of the wearer. To prevent a gap from opening up between the frame  202  and the opening covers  310  which cover first openings  217 , barbed fasteners  311  shown in FIG.  3 C and integral to the opening covers  310  button to holes  203  shown in FIG.  2 A. This arrangement allows the bezel  302  to be removed from the frame  202  to facilitate replacement of the lens  400 , if necessary. Although barbed fasteners  311  are preferred, any detachable fastening arrangement may be used, such as snaps, integral molding, tabs, or the like. Optionally, a nose cover  308  as shown in FIG. 3A can be integrated with the bezel  302  in a position to cover the nose of the wearer when the goggles are positioned over the eyes of the wearer. 
     Preferably, the goggles are secured to the face of the wearer by placing a strap around the head of the goggles wearer. However, the strap may be placed around a hat worn by the goggle wearer. In either case, the strap, shown in FIG. 7, is attached to the bezel  302  of the goggles. However, removably or permanently attaching the strap directly to the frame  202  would also be acceptable. The strap may be flat or cylindrical, and is preferably molded from liquid silicone elastomers in the embodiment, but could also be constructed from rubber, plastic, fiber, or like materials. One end of the strap  700  cooperates with an attachment means, such as that shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, coupled to the first end  304  of the bezel  302 . The other end of the strap cooperates with another attachment means which is attached to the second end  306  of the bezel. 
     A preferred attachment means for use with the strap in securing it to bezel  302  uses two attachment devices  500  shown in FIG.  5 A. One strap attachment device  500  couples to the first end  304  of the bezel  302  and another such device couples to the second end  306  of the bezel. 
     To fully appreciate integral attachment device  500 , reference is made to FIGS. 5A-5C. FIG. 5A illustrates the elements of the attachment device connected to the bezel clip receiver  501  and including a bezel clip  504 . The bezel clip receiver  501  has a plurality of receiver bores  502  which are substantially coaxial. The bezel clip  504  is removably snapped onto the bezel clip receiver  501  which is integral to the bezel as opening  504   a  receives the center projection  503 . A ratchet pawl  506  having mounting protrusions  507  is also shown, as is a strap hanger  508  having first reliefs  509  and a second relief  511 . 
     FIG. 5A also shows a pivot axle  512  having an axle bore  514 . A pivot axle plug  510 , having ridges  513 , is inserted into the axle bore  514 . The plug  510  may be a flexible elastomer plug that allows both compressive and tensile movement of the plug. The pivot axle plug  510  is sized and positioned so that the ridges  513  are removably held within the axle bore. A protruding portion  517  (shown in FIG. 5A) of the pivot axle plug  510  may protrude beyond one end of the pivot axle  512  when the pivot axle plug is fully inserted into the pivot axle. 
     The pivot axle  512  is rotatably coupled within the second relief  511  of the strap hanger  508 , and the protruding portion  517  of the pivot axle plug  510  rotatably engages locking arms  515  (shown in FIG. 5A) of the ratchet pawl  506 . The interlocking of locking arms  515  with the pivot axle  512  causes the mounting protrusions  507  to be securely held within the first reliefs  509  of the strap hanger  508 . Mounting the ratchet pawl  506  it thing fashion allows it to be cantilevered when a pressure is applied to ribs  505  (shown in FIG. 5B) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface from which the ribs extend, compressing the pivot axle plug  510 . 
     FIG. 5B shows the assembled relationship of the pivot axle  512 , the strap hanger  508 , and the ratchet pawl  506 . A pivot plate  522  is rotatably coupled with the pivot axle  512 . This rotatable coupling occurs when plate relief  523  shown in FIG. 5A is slid into place around the pivot axle  512 . Ridges  513  are used on the pivot axle plug  510  which is inserted into the axle bore  514  of the pivot axle  512 , and the pivot axle allows the pivot plate  522  to be “snapped” into place around the pivot axle. The pivot plate  522  is rotatably coupled to the bezel clip receiver  501  by placing pivot plate bores  524  (shown in FIG. 5A) in axial alignment with the receiver bores  502 . 
     A hinge pin  516  is used to rotatably couple the bezel clip receiver  501  with the pivot plate  522 . Note that in FIG. 5B the ratchet pawl  506  is securely held within the strap hanger  508  by the interlocking cooperation of the protruding portion  517  of the pivot axle plug  510  and the locking arms  515  of the ratchet pawl. The pivot axle  512  serves to rotatably secure the strap hanger  508  to the pivot plate  522 . In turn, the pivot plate  522  is rotatably coupled to the bezel clip receiver  501 . The bezel clip  504  cradles the hinge pin  516 . FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of the assembled device, further illustrating the relationship of the cooperating elements as shown in this embodiment. 
     An alternate embodiment  600  of the strap attachment device is shown in FIG. 6. A bezel clip receiver  601  having a plurality of receiver bores  602  is integral to one end of the bezel  302 . Opening  604   a  of bezel clip  604  slides over protrusion  603  of the bezel clip receiver. A pivot mount  608  having a pivot bore  610  interlaces with the bezel clip  604  and the bezel clip receiver  601  so that receiver bores  602 , the bezel clip bores  606 , and the pivot bore  610  are all substantially coaxial when assembled. A hinge pin  614  engages receiver bores  602  of receiver  601 , the bezel clip bores  606 , and the pivot bores  610  so that the hinge pin and bores cooperate and allow for rotational displacement of the pivot mount  608 . The pivot mount has a mounting bore  612  which cooperates with a strap hanger bore  618 , which is integral to a strap hanger  616 , and a ratchet pawl bore  622  which is integral to a ratchet pawl  620 , to allow the strap to be adjusted when the goggles are fitted to the head of the wearer. The pivot mount mounting bore  612 , strap hanger bore  618  and ratchet pawl bore  622  are interconnected by a removable pivot pin  624  which cooperates with a pivot retainer  626  which is removably connected thereto. Winged ribs  619  are formed on one side of the ratchet pawl  620  to allow easier displacement of the ratchet pawl. 
     A perspective view of one end of the strap  700  engaged by the attachment device  500 , as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, is illustrated in FIG.  7 . As discussed above, each end of the strap engages a respective attachment device  500 . However, FIG. 7 only shows one end of the strap engaging one version of an attachment device for clarity purposes. Ribs  706  are integral to the strap in one preferred embodiment and assist the strap  700  in being captured by the attachment device and in preventing unwanted adjustment of the goggles when they are worn by the user. The ratchet pawl  506  is shown in its resting position after engagement of the strap. Compression of the pivot axle plug  510  (FIG. 5A) provides the force to keep the ratchet pawl  506  in contact with the strap  700 . A bar  708 , integral to the strap  700 , is shown in its preferred position relative to one end of the strap. This bar is intended to prevent the end of the strap from inadvertently disengaging from the attachment device  500  when the goggles are adjusted for fit by the wearer. A bar  708  is placed similarly to that shown at each end of the strap. Although it is preferred that the bar  708  be integral to the strap, the bar may be a separate device which is coupled to the strap and performs the same anti-disengagement function. 
     The typical retainer clip  704  which is used in conjunction with the strap is shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A. This retainer clip has a first side element  710  and a second side element  712 . These side elements are interconnected in such a way that the strap  700  is permitted to pass between them, and allows for any loose end of the strap to be captured by the retainer clip. A side connector such as bars  714  would suffice for this interconnection as would any other suitably configured side connecting element. 
     In one embodiment, the invention described above is designed to meet the needs of a person who requires eye protection in ultra-hazardous conditions, and is specifically designed to meet the needs of a firefighter. The goggles are placed over the eyes of the firefighter, preferably prior to entering a hazardous condition. The frame  202  is specifically designed to fit over the spectacles, if any, of a firefighter without necessitating the removal of the spectacles when the goggles are either placed over the eyes or are removed from over the eyes of the firefighter. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the frame is also designed so that the goggle may be used in conjunction with a breathing device such as a respirator. In another embodiment, the nose cover  308  of the bezel  302  can be used to protect the nose of the wearer. 
     The goggles described above, in the preferred embodiment, are constructed of heat-resistant materials which may withstand minimum temperatures of about 550° F. for a minimum of five minutes without deforming. The first and second openings  217  and  226  allow indirect venting of the goggles and prevent fogging of the lens while allowing drainage of perspiration that might otherwise be trapped between the face of the wearer and the lens. Dams  215  which surround the openings  217  and  226  cooperate with opening covers  310  in order to prevent external materials from contacting the eyes of the wearer. 
     The unique design of the goggles frame eliminates interference with spectacles and allows the goggles to be placed over the eyes of the wearer and to be removed without the removal of the spectacles. The lens  400 , as shown in one embodiment is canted within the frame in order to increase the lower peripheral vision of the wearer and allow the wearer to see the ground immediately before him. The cant referred to can be easily seen by referencing the side view of the frame  220  shown in FIG.  2 D. Because the preferred embodiment is designed for firefighters, and because firefighters are customarily in areas where the footing is unstable and hazardous, increased lower peripheral vision is important. Preferably, the lens is injection molded and optically corrected to eliminate distortion at the inner face of the multiple optical zones. 
     Although the goggles have been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example, in an alternate embodiment, the frame  202  may be strapped around or attached to the head gear of the goggles wearer. By attaching the goggles to the headgear of the wearer, the goggles may be securely held over the eyes of the wearer and removed by removing the helmet. Because other versions are anticipated, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to description of the preferred versions contained herein. It is likely that improvements and modifications will occur to those who are skilled in this art which are within the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.