Patent Publication Number: US-2022214567-A1

Title: Goggle with anti-fog lens

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention relates generally to a goggle and, in particular, to a google with an anti-fog lens. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Goggles are used in a variety of settings including many outdoor sports and recreational activities. Goggles provide a lens which protects a user&#39;s eyes from debris, moisture, and air. Goggles can be used in a variety of lighting conditions and, therefore, a single lens may not be suitable for all lighting conditions. For example, a tinted lens may be preferred under bright lighting conditions, whereas a yellow or orange lens may be preferred under low light conditions. If activities occur throughout a day or over several days with varying lighting conditions, it may be burdensome to change goggles, especially when in the field and when environmental conditions may change rapidly. 
     Interchangeable lenses can be used to adapt to the various lighting conditions. However, interchanging lenses can be burdensome, difficult, or leave the lens insecurely coupled to the goggle frame. This is especially true when a quick change may be desirable based on timing of the change (e.g., during a competition), because of the weather conditions (e.g., exposure of hands in sub-zero temperatures), or because of use in high-impact sports (e.g., lenses can be lost on impact when landing). 
     Another common problem with goggles is that under many circumstances the lens of the goggle can fog, thus obscuring the vision of a user. This can be inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst. Passive defogging features of goggles may be effective under certain circumstances (e.g., ventilation is effective while a user is moving and air is able to flow through the goggle), however, may not be effective in all circumstances. Active defogging features can be used but may limit or complicate the ability to interchange lenses. Furthermore, active defogging features can be inefficient or ineffective for providing the ability to defog the lens of a goggle over an extended period of time. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A goggle with an anti-fogging lens is provided. Interchanging the anti-fogging lens is requires only attaching the interchangeable lens to a goggle body, wherein the electrical connection for powering an anti-fogging feature of the lens is automatically electrically coupled to a power source. 
     The goggle also may be operable to actively regulate the conditions to reduce fogging of the lens. The goggle may include sensors that are capable of sensing predetermined conditions such that the anti-fogging feature(s) may be automatically actuated based on sensed conditions. 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a goggle with an anti-fogging lens, is provided, the google including a body portion operable to interface with a face of a user, the body portion including a body magnet electrically coupled to the power source; a power source; and a lens portion removably coupled to the body portion, the lens portion including a lens, a resistive element coupled to the lens, operable to be in electrical contact with the power source, and operable to heat the lens, and a lens magnet being in electrical connection with the resistive element, and the body magnet and the lens magnet forming complementary magnetic fields operable to hold the lens portion to the body portion, and the lens magnet operable to conduct electricity from the power source to the resistive element. 
     Further to some embodiments, the body portion forms a recess operable to receive the body magnet, and wherein the body magnet includes a trapezoidal profile with a first surface having a first width and a second, opposite surface having a second width that is narrower than the first width, and the first surface is positioned in the recess with the first surface facing into the body portion and the second surface facing away from the body portion. 
     Further to some embodiments, the body portion includes a body portion electrical conductor positioned in the recess between the body magnet and the body portion, and the electrical conductor is positioned between the power source and the body magnet within an electrical circuit. 
     Further to some embodiments, the lens portion includes an lens portion electrical conductor electrically coupled to the resistive element, and the lens portion electrical conductor is positioned between the lens magnet and the body magnet when the lens portion is coupled to the body portion. 
     Further to some embodiments, the body portion further includes a fan electrically coupled to the power source. 
     Further to some embodiments, the body portion further includes a temperature sensor, and the fan and the resistive element are operable to be activated when a predetermined temperature is sensed by the temperature sensor. 
     Further to some embodiments, the body portion further includes a humidity sensor, and the fan and the resistive element operable to be activated when a predetermined humidity is sensed by the temperature sensor. 
     Further to some embodiments, the goggle further includes a wireless transceiver operable to receive instructions for activating and deactivating the fan and the resistive element. 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an anti-fogging goggle is provided, the anti-fogging goggle including a body portion operable to interface with a face of a user, the body portion including a power source; a lens portion operable to couple with the body portion, the lens portion and the body portion forming a goggle airspace; a sensor array operable to detect environmental conditions within the goggle airspace, the environmental conditions including at least one of temperature and humidity; and an active anti-fogging component electrically coupled to the power source and operable to actively modify the environmental conditions, the active anti-fogging component operable to be activated when a predetermined environmental condition is detected by the sensor array. 
     Further to some embodiments, the active anti-fogging component includes a fan. 
     Further to some embodiments, the sensor array is further operable to detect environmental conditions outside of the goggle airspace. 
     Further to some embodiments, the active anti-fogging component includes a resistive element applied to the lens portion. 
     Further to some embodiments, the anti-fogging goggle further includes a wireless transceiver operable to receive instructions for activating and deactivating the fan and the resistive element. 
     Further to some embodiments, the wireless transceiver is operable to receive instructions for altering the predetermined environmental condition. 
     Further to some embodiments, the body portion includes a body magnet and the lens portion includes a lens magnet, and the lens magnet and the body magnet forming magnetic fields operable to interact with each other to retain the lens portion with the body portion when the body magnet and the lens magnet are positioned proximate each other. 
     Further to some embodiments, the active anti-fogging component is electrically coupled to the power source via at least one of the body magnet and the lens magnet. 
     Further to some embodiments, the active anti-fogging component includes a resistive element coupled to the lens portion and a fan in fluid communication with the goggle air space, wherein the resistive element and the fan are operated independently. 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an anti-fogging goggle lens for coupling to a goggle body is provided, the anti-fogging goggle lens including a transparent lens including a first side and a second side; a resistive element coupled to one of the first side and the second side; a coupling member comprising one of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material, and the coupling member being coupled to one of the first side and the second side; and an electrical lead extending from the resistive element and positioned abutting the coupling member. 
     Further to some embodiments, the electrical lead is in electrical contact with the coupling member and the coupling member is electrically conductive. 
     Further to some embodiments, the electrical lead is operable to be positioned between the coupling member and a corresponding coupling member on a goggle body when the anti-fogging goggle is coupled to a goggle body. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above mentioned and other features of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an anti-fogging goggle with an interchangeable lens and active anti-fogging features, according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a body portion and a lens portion of the anti-fogging goggle of  FIG. 1 , where the lens portion is decoupled from the body portion; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an attachment or coupling mechanism for coupling the lens portion to the body portion; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the attachment or coupling mechanism of the google of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the body portion of the goggle of  FIG. 1 , the body portion including a power source for powering the anti-fogging features of the goggle; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of a power source coupled to anti-fogging features and a sensor array; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate removal of the lens portion; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the goggle of  FIG. 1  implementing an integrated fan for fog management within the goggle; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the body portion and a wire clip for a wiring harness for electrically coupling anti-fogging features with the power source; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the wire clip of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of the lens portion of the goggle of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Unless stated otherwise the drawings are proportional. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. While the present disclosure is primarily directed to a google with an anti-fog lens, it should be understood that the features disclosed herein may have application to other types of systems using a lens for a user&#39;s eye, including helmets and visors. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a goggle  10  includes a body portion  12  and a lens portion  14 . Body portion  12  of goggle  10  is operable to secure goggle  10  to the user (not shown) and to maintain lens portion  14  with respect to the user and the user&#39;s eyes. Body portion  12  includes a frame  16  for interfacing with the face of a user and a strap  18  that can be used to couple goggle  10  to a user or a user&#39;s accessory (e.g., a user&#39;s helmet, not shown). In some embodiments, alternative systems may be used to couple goggle  10  to the user or user&#39;s accessories (e.g., a clip in system, not shown). Frame  16  may include a semi-rigid portion  20  that supports various components of goggle  10  and an interfacing member  22 . Interfacing member  22  is operable to interface with the user&#39;s face and may include a compressible material such as a foam. Body portion  12  of goggle  10  further includes a power source  24 , such as a battery pack. Power source  24  is operable to provide power to the various systems of goggle  10  and is described in more detail herein. Power source  24  can be mounted to strap  18  or may be mounted on frame  16 . In some embodiments, power source  24  is integral with other components of goggle  10  (e.g., frame  16  or strap  18 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , lens portion  14  is removable from body portion  12  of goggle  10 . Lens portion  14  includes a transparent or semi-transparent lens  15  through which a user may see, and which is operable to block or protect the user&#39;s eyes from debris, moisture, and sunlight, and to deflect air flow when travelling at high speeds. Lens portion  14  and body portion  12  interface with each other such that a substantial seal is formed between lens portion  14  and body portion  12 . Lens portion  14  and body portion  12  include complimentary features that facilitate seating of lens portion  14  on body portion  12 . For example, body portion  12  may include a guide member  26 . Guide member  26  can protrude from a surface of body portion  12 . Lens portion  14  can include a cutout or a notch  25  configured to interact with guide member  26  of body portion  12  to guide lens portion  14  into an engaged and coupled or seated position against the body portion  12 . 
     Goggle  10  includes a lens-to-body coupling system  100 . Coupling system  100  allows for lens portion  14  to be removably and selectively coupled to body portion  12 . This allows for lens portion  14  to be removed and interchanged with another lens, if desired by the user. For example, lenses may be replaced due to wear of the lens, altered lighting conditions, or for changing the aesthetics of the goggle  10 . Coupling system  100  includes a body interface  102  and a lens interface  104  (see  FIG. 11 ). Body interface  102  ( FIG. 2 ) and lens interface  104  ( FIG. 11 ) cooperate with each other to hold lens portion  14  to body portion  12  of goggle  10 . In some embodiments, coupling system  100  is a magnetic coupling system. Illustratively, body interface  102  includes at least one body permanent magnet  106  and lens interface  104  includes at least one lens permanent magnet  108  (see  FIG. 11 ). Body permanent magnet  106  and lens permanent magnet  108  are oriented such that the corresponding permanent magnets  106 ,  108  on body portion  12  and lens portion  104  form interacting magnetic fields that apply an attractive magnetic force and accordingly hold lens portion  14  with body portion  12 . In some embodiments, only one of body portion  12  or lens portion  14  includes a permanent magnet  106  or  108 , whereas the other includes a ferromagnetic material which is attracted by the magnetic field formed by permanent magnet  106  or  108 . Lens portion  14  may be manually disengaged from body portion  12  by applying sufficient force to lens portion  14  to overcome the attractive force applied by the magnetic field formed by permanent magnets  106  and/or  108 . The strength of the magnetic fields may be varied for different purposes. For example, in some embodiments, a stronger magnetic field may be implemented in which the user is involved in higher impact activities, whereas a weaker magnetic field may be implemented for low-impact activities. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , magnets  106 ,  108  may be shaped to be received into a respective magnet receiver  110  on each of body portion  12  and lens portion  14 . Magnet receiver  110  may be defined as a recess or component configured to receive magnets  106 ,  108  and which has a complementary shape to the shape of magnets  106 ,  108 . For example, in some embodiments, magnets  106 ,  108  may be in the shape of a wedge or trapezoid. Thus, a first surface  112  may have a greater width than a second surface  114 . When magnets  106 ,  108  are installed into the corresponding magnet receivers  110  of body portion  12  and lens portion  14 , first surface  112  is positioned interior to second surface  114 . This shape can increase the security of magnets  106 ,  108  within receivers  110  because the wider first surface  112  has a greater width than the width of the opening of receivers  110  adjacent second surface  114 . 
     Goggle  10  may include active anti-fogging features, passive anti-fogging features, or both. Furthermore, goggle  10  may include a plurality of each passive and active anti-fogging features in any combination. The features discussed herein are therefore not limited to any specific embodiment, but may be used in isolation or in combination with any of the other anti-fogging features. 
     Some of the active anti-fogging features can include a resistive element  30  and a fan  32  ( FIG. 6 ). Resistive element  30  is operable to modify the temperature of lens portion  14  within predetermined parameters which reduce or prevent condensation on a surface of lens portion  14 . Referring to  FIG. 8 , fan  32  can be incorporated into body portion  12  of goggle  10 . For example, fan  32  may be embedded in semi-rigid portion  20  of body portion  12 . In some embodiments, fan  32  is operable to actively move air within a goggle space formed within goggle body  12  and goggle lens  14  (e.g., between goggle  10  and the user when engaged on a user&#39;s head) and thus reduces fogging by increasing air movement and modulating humidity around lens portion  14 . Body portion  12  includes fan ventilation channels  33  ( FIG. 8 ) that allow fan  32  to pull in or exhaust from the goggle space. 
     Resistive element  30  may be a film or a wire that is applied to a surface or incorporated into lens portion  10 . For example, in some embodiments, resistive element  30  is an indium tin oxide (“ITO”) film that is heated when a current is supplied thereto. Resistive element  30  can be applied to a first or inner surface, a second or outer surface, or to both the first surface and second surface of lens  15 . Resistive element  30  is operable to be in electrical connection with power source  24  when lens portion  14  is coupled to or engaged with body portion  12 . 
     The electrical connection between lens portion  14  and body portion  12  can be accomplished via coupling system  100 . In this way, coupling system  100  may provide both the physical connection or coupling between lens portion  14  and body portion  12  and also may provide the election connection or coupling between power source  24  and the various components disclosed herein. For example, in those embodiments where coupling system  100  includes magnets  106  and/or  108  and possibly ferromagnetic materials which magnets  106  or  108  attract, the electrical current can flow through at least a portion of magnets  106  and/or  108  and the ferromagnetic materials. For example, with reference to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, receiver  110  includes sufficient space to contain magnet  106  or  108  and an electrical conductor  116  (e.g., a metal or metalized plate or tab or an electrical lead) that is held in contact with magnet  106  or  108  by receiver  110 . Electrical conductor  116  may be further secured to magnets  106 ,  108 , for example, via a weld, adhesive, bracket, or so forth. In some embodiments, magnets  106 ,  108  are coated or treated with a conductive material (e.g., nickel plated). A wire  118  leads to and is in contact with electrical conductor  116 . Wire  118  is in electrical contact with power source  24  (e.g., for body magnets  106 ) and/or resistive element  30  (e.g., for lens magnets  108 ). 
     Thus, in some embodiments, an electrical current is provided to resistive element  30  from power source  24  by supplying power to wire  118  which flows to electrical conductor  116  and is supplied to body magnet  106  via the physical contact between electrical conductor  116  and magnet  106 . Additionally, because electrical conductor  116  also is in contact with resistive element  30 , power also is supplied thereto. Stated otherwise, magnets  106 ,  108  are operable to complete the electrical circuit between power source  24  and resistive element  30 . It is understood that body magnet  106  or lens magnet  108  may be interchangeable with a ferromagnetic material while maintaining the principle of operation described. Furthermore, in some embodiments, wire(s)  118  may be in direct contact with magnets  106 ,  108 , thus one or both of electrical conductors  116  may not be implemented. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, electrical conductor  116  is provided on lens portion  14  such that electrical conductor  116  is positioned between body magnet  106  and lens magnet  108  when lens portion  14  is coupled to and engaged with body portion  12 . For example, electrical conductor  116  may include a blade  117  that extends from the resistive element  30  such that a first end of the blade  117  is positioned adjacent to lens magnet  108 . This allows the electrical conductor  116  to remain in plane with the resistive element  30 , thus simplifying manufacture of goggle  10  and helps ensure electrical conductance between power source  24  and resistive element  30 . For example, electrical conductor  116  may be riveted to lens portion  14  such that electrical conductor  116  is positioned or laid across lens magnet  108 , e.g., parallel to the surface of lens magnet  106 . Electrical conductor  116  is positioned between body magnet  106  and lens permanent magnet  108  when lens portion  14  is coupled to body portion  12 . 
     Goggle  10  may also include passive anti-fogging features. For example, and with further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , lens portion  14  and body portion  12  may each include corresponding ventilation apertures  28  through which air may flow. Lens portion  14  includes lens ventilation apertures  28   a  that align with body ventilation apertures  28   b  such that air may flow through ventilation apertures  28  and reduce fogging of lens portion  14  of goggle  10 . Ventilation apertures  28  are a passive anti-fogging feature. Other passive anti-fogging features include but are not limited to films, membranes, or treatment applied to or incorporated into lens portion  14  to reduce fogging of lens portion  14  (e.g., materials with hydrophobic properties). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , body portion  12  is shown without lens portion  14 . In some embodiments, power source  24  (e.g., a battery pack), is coupled to strap  18 . Power source  24  can be rechargeable and/or interchangeable. Power source  24  includes a wiring harness  27  that is operable to provide power to the various components of goggle  10  that require power. For example, and with reference to  FIG. 6 , power source  24  may be electrically coupled to resistive element  30 , fan  32 , and a sensor array  120 . Sensor array  120  can include a humidity sensor  122  and/or a temperature sensor  124 . Sensor array  120  can be coupled to or mounted to goggle  10  at various positions. Furthermore, separate sensors of sensor array  120  can be located at different locations on goggle  10 . For example, sensor array  120  may be mounted on body portion  12  of goggle  10 . Humidity sensor  122  may be mounted at a position to detect the humidity conditions of the goggle space formed between goggle  10  and the user. Temperature sensor  124  can be mounted similarly, or in other embodiments, can be mounted to detect the environmental temperature outside of the goggle space, or the temperature of lens portion  14 , and therefore may be mounted on lens portion  14 . Various other sensors may be included, for example, GPS sensors (not shown), accelerometers (not shown), and so forth. 
     In some embodiments, power source  24  includes a processor  126 . Processor  126  is operable to control each of active anti-fogging features (e.g., resistive element  30  and fan  32 ) and sensor array  130  (e.g., humidity sensor  122  and temperature sensor  124 ). Processor  126  is further operable to receive data from the sensor array representing the readings taken by sensor array  120  and provide instructions to the active anti-fogging features and/or power source  24  when predetermined conditions are sensed. For example, the predetermined conditions for activating the active anti-fogging features may include a threshold or predetermined humidity percentage within the goggle space or a threshold or predetermined temperature within the goggle space, environmental temperature, lens temperature, and/or temperature differential between lens  15 , the goggle space, and/or the environmental temperature. 
     In some embodiments, goggle  10  further includes a wireless transceiver  128  operable to send and receive information wirelessly. Wireless transceiver  128  is further operable to communicate with processor  126 . In some embodiments, wireless transceiver  128  is operable to receive instructions from a remote source (e.g., a cellular device) for controlling the active anti-fogging features (e.g., resistive element  30  and/or fan  32 ) and sensor array  120 . The instructions can include algorithms for controlling the power output and activation of the components. Thus, the features can be tuned for high efficiency modes, performance modes, timed modes, and so forth. This allows the user to select appropriate settings for the activity, for example, the user may desire a high performance mode where goggles  10  are running the anti-fogging components consistently for a shorter period of time, in contrast to a mode that requires efficiency to preserve the charge of power source  24  for long durations without having to recharge or replace power source  24 . Any updates to the system can be received via the wireless transceiver. It is recognized that the wireless transceiver can operate under a variety of wireless protocols, including cellular, Bluetooth™ Wi-Fi™, and so forth. Thus, the goggles  10  may be wirelessly connected to a cellular phone, a vehicle, or otherwise. It is understood that the active anti-fogging components may be activated in any matter, including but not limited to, timed, cycled, triggered, and so forth. For example, the goggle  10  may use a predetermined power level consistently. The various antifogging components may draw specific amounts of power to remain at a consistent power draw either by alternating activation, running contemporaneously at reduced power levels, or so forth. The specific settings may be varied in response to temperature and/or humidity conditions. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , goggle body  12  includes a recess  140  to provide access to lens portion  14  when lens portion  14  is coupled to body portion  12 . A user can position an object (e.g. a finger) under lens portion  14  via recess  140  to pivot or translate lens portion  14  away from body portion  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a wiring harness  27  and a clip  160  is illustrated. Wiring harness  27  is operable to conduct electricity from power source  24  to the various components described herein. When resistive element  30  is coupled to lens portion  14 , wiring harness  27  may be configured such that resistive element  30  is wired in parallel with the other components, such that if lens portion  14  is interchanged with another lens portion that does not include a resistive element, the various other components still can operate to provide anti-fogging features. Wiring harness  27  can also permit interchangeability of components (e.g., replacement of defective components or upgrades of systems or sensor arrays). Clip  160  is provided to permit selective access to wiring harness  27  and/or other components of goggles  10  while also optionally providing protection to wiring harness  27  (e.g., against moisture intrusion). 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , an illustrative embodiment of lens portion  14  is illustrated in greater detail. Lens portion  14  includes a frame member  200  to which lens  15  is mounted. Frame member  200  includes a plurality of recesses (not shown) operable to receive lens magnets  108  as previously described. Lens magnets  108  may be spaced around the periphery of frame member  200 , providing various coupling positions around lens portion  14 . As illustrated, some of lens magnets  108  may have an electrical conductor  116  positioned proximate or abutting lens permanent  108 . Electrical conductor  116  is in electrical contact with body magnet  106  when lens portion  14  is coupled to body portion  12 , in some embodiments because electrical conductor  116  is positioned between body magnet  106  and lens magnet  108 . Electrical conductor  116  is also in electrical contact with resistive element  30 . This allows power to be conducted from power source  24  to resistive element  30 . Resistive element  30  can be applied to lens  15  in various patterns. For example, in those embodiments in which resistive element  30  is a wire, resistive element  30  is positioned near the periphery of lens  15 . In those embodiments implementing a film (e.g., ITO film), resistive element  30  may be applied across the surface of lens  15 . 
     While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, the principles described in this application could be applied to a helmet and visor system, and so forth. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as are within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.