Patent Publication Number: US-2021161715-A1

Title: Protective eyewear

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES 
     The following applications and materials are incorporated herein, in their entireties, for all purposes: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/048,253, filed Sep. 9, 2014 and entitled “Protective Eyewear Systems and Methods;” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/548,217, filed Nov. 19, 2014 and entitled “Protective Eyewear Systems and Methods;” U.S. Design patent application No. 29/501,895, filed Sep. 9, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. D727,400, issued Apr. 21, 2015 entitled “Sunglasses;” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/750,093, filed Jan. 25, 2013 and entitled “Air Cooled Goggle.” 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to systems and methods for eyewear. More specifically, disclosed embodiments relate to protective eyewear including glasses and goggles. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     Protective eyewear (e.g., goggles, sunglasses, and/or other eye protection devices) are used for a wide range of activities including motorcycle racing, snowboarding, skiing, BMX, road bicycling, and other activities where eye protection is critical while maintaining good visibility in a wide range of weather conditions. Increasingly complex frames have been developed to create improved fit and flex characteristics and to allow the eyewear to be used with a variety of different types of helmets. Attempts have also been made to manage airflow to prevent fogging by providing smooth, laminar airflow across the back surface of the lens. However, while protective eyewear may be used in a wide range of weather conditions, one drawback to the use of conventional eyewear is the prevention of natural air cooling. Moreover, conventional frame designs often detrimentally restrict the user&#39;s view, which can be particularly hazardous during training and sporting events. Thus, there is a need for an improved methodology for eye protection devices that provide increased viewing areas and disburse fresh air across areas where the eyewear otherwise prevents effective cooling without introducing dust or other irritants into the eyes. 
     SUMMARY 
     Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide an eye protection device with an extended vertical view, among other features. An eye protection device of the present disclosure may include a frame having an outer surface that is oriented away from a user&#39;s face and an inner surface that is oriented towards the user&#39;s face. The frame may include left and right temples configured to secure the eye protection device to the user and a central raised portion disposed between a left portion and a right portion of a top portion of the frame. The central raised portion may extend vertically above a substantially continuous profile of the left and right portions to provide an extended vertical view. 
     In some embodiments, protective eyewear may include: an eyewear frame including a left segment extending from a left pivotable temple and a right segment extending from a right pivotable temple; and a lens coupled directly to lower edges of the left and right segments, the lens being unitary from a left side to a right side of a nose bridge of the eyewear, such that the lens is configured to cover both eyes of a user when worn; wherein an uppermost profile of the eyewear includes a discrete central raised portion extending upward from the left and right segments of the frame. 
     In some embodiments, protective eyewear may include: a frame and a lens collectively forming a topmost edge of the eyewear extending from a left pivotable temple to a right pivotable temple; wherein the lens is unitary from a left side to a right side of a nose bridge of the eyewear, such that the lens is configured to cover both eyes of a user when worn; and wherein the topmost edge of the eyewear includes a left segment, a right segment, and a middle segment, each of which is oriented mediolaterally, the left segment and the right segment being aligned with each other at a first height and the middle segment being disposed at a higher second height to define a central raised portion. 
     Features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure, or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a front view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram showing a top view of an embodiment of the present disclosure showing the air pathways through the frame of the goggle. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram showing a bottom view of an embodiment of the present disclosure showing the air pathways through the frame of the goggle. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a section of the frame of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing the same section of the frame of an embodiment of the present disclosure with foam positioned on the inner surface of the frame. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a front view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a rear view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram showing a top view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram showing a bottom view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram showing an orthographic view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram showing an orthographic view of an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects and examples of protective eyewear, as well as related methods, are described below and illustrated in the associated drawings. Unless otherwise specified, protective eyewear in accordance with the present teachings, and/or its various components, may contain at least one of the structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein. Furthermore, unless specifically excluded, the process steps, structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein in connection with the present teachings may be included in other similar devices and methods, including being interchangeable between disclosed embodiments. The following description of various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. Additionally, the advantages provided by the examples and embodiments described below are illustrative in nature and not all examples and embodiments provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantages. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 5 , various exemplary embodiments are depicted comprising an eye protection device (e.g., goggle)  100  generally comprising a lens  102 , mounted in a frame  104  and a strap  106  to hold the frame  104  and lens  102  securely against the user&#39;s face. Frame  104  is commonly made of a flexible polymer and includes an inner surface  108  that is shaped to conform to the user&#39;s face. This inner surface  108  is covered by a liner  110  such as a sheet of face foam to provide a comfortable seal against the user&#39;s face and help to absorb moisture such as perspiration. 
     The top area of inner surface  108  presses against the user&#39;s forehead area, the bottom area of inner surface  108  presses against the user&#39;s cheeks and across the user&#39;s nose, and the side areas of inner surface  108  press against the user&#39;s temples. Since the inner surface  108  is typically positioned behind the lens  102  and outer surface  118  of frame  104 , inner surface  108  and liner  110  do not receive consistent airflow and thus may become a hot spot during exertion or in hot weather conditions that can cause discomfort and fogging issues. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, one or more cooling vents are provided to manage airflow through the frame  104  so that it can be disbursed into the liner  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling vents comprise first apertures  120  through the outer surface  118  of frame  104  that connect to channels  122  through the frame  104 . These channels  122  connect to second apertures  124  through the inner surface  108 . Thus, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , air flowing in through the first apertures  120  will pass along the channels  122  and through the second apertures  124 , where it will be disbursed through the liner  110 , cooling the liner  110  and the user&#39;s skin. Screens or other filters can be placed in the first apertures  120 , channels  122 , or second apertures  124  as appropriate. 
     Because these cooling vents provide a direct channel to the liner  110 , the incoming airflow is not disbursed into the space between the lens  102  and the user&#39;s eyes and portion of their face that is within the areas circumscribed by inner surface  108 . Venting into that space is typically managed by various types of direct vents  128  that allow air to flow in and out through the frame  104 . 
     It will be readily understood that the size, shape, configuration, and orientation of the cooling vents disclosed herein can be varied while still practicing the disclosed principles. For example, goggles designed for use in dusty environments such as motocross racing may have first apertures of a relatively small size to reduce the risk of taking in large quantities of dust and dirt. Goggles designed for uses such as snowboarding or skiing may have larger apertures and channels, as dust is not a concern, but may utilize some type of closure mechanism to prevent cooling when the outside air is particularly cold. The shape and contours of the channels may also be varied to manage airflow through the frame. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 through 13 , various exemplary embodiments are depicted comprising an eye protection device (e.g., sunglasses)  200  generally comprising a lens  202 , mounted in a frame  204  and temples  206  to hold the frame  204  and lens  202  securely near and/or against a user&#39;s face. Frame  204  may be made of a rigid or flexible polymer and may include an inner surface  208  that is generally shaped to conform to the user&#39;s face. In some embodiments, portions of inner surface  208  may be covered by a liner (e.g., similar to liner  110  in  FIGS. 2-3 and 5 ) such as a sheet of foam to provide a comfortable seal against the users face and help to absorb moisture such as perspiration. For example, such a liner may cover the inner surface of a top portion of frame  204  and press against the user&#39;s forehead area to prevent sweat from entering the space between lens  202  and the user&#39;s face. In various embodiments, inner surface  208  may include side areas  272  configured to conform generally to the shape of a user&#39;s temples. Corresponding side portions  274  of frame  202  may be configured to join temples  206  to the rest of frame  202 , and/or to couple to lens  202 , for example, and may be implemented as fixed, hinged, and/or curved joints and/or engagement devices, as described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , frame  204  may in some embodiments include a central raised portion  230  disposed between left portion  232  and right portion  234  of a top portion of frame  202  (e.g., the portion of frame  204  substantially above lens  202 ). For example, central raised portion  230  may extend vertically a distance  236  above a substantially continuous profile (e.g., indicated by dashed line  238 ) corresponding to the left and right portions  232  and  234  of frame  204 . In some embodiments, distance  236  may be equal to or greater than 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, and/or other distances between 3 mm and 10 mm, for example, to allow for an extended vertical view for a user through central mesa portion  240  of lens  202 . In various embodiments, central raised portion  230  may be coupled or joined to left and right portions  232  and  234  by corresponding left and right angled joints  242  and  244  formed from frame  204 . In such embodiments, left and/or right angled joints  242  and/or  244  may be formed large enough to support apertures and/or channels to conduct airflow from an outer surface  205  of frame  204  to an inner surface  208  of frame  204  (e.g., see  FIG. 9 ). 
     In  FIG. 6 , distance  246  illustrates the half width of central raised portion  230  roughly measuring the distance from the center line of central raised portion  230  (e.g., and frame  204 ) to a point where angled joint  244  deviates from profile  238 . In some embodiments, distance  246  may be between approximately 20 mm and 60 mm, between approximately 30 mm and 60 mm, between approximately 40 mm and 60 mm, and/or other distances between approximately 20 mm and 80 mm, for example, to allow for a relatively wide extended vertical view for a user through central mesa portion  240  of lens  202 . In further embodiments, distances  236  and/or  246 , and/or a rake or angle of angled joints  242  and/or  244  may be adjusted to provide an increased or tailored extended vertical view for a particular eye spacing for a user, for example, yet still provide some protection from sunlight impinging upon left and/or right portions  232  and  234  of frame  204 . Further, in some embodiments, frame  204  may include a relatively wide top surface  280  (e.g., see  FIG. 10 ) to help block sunlight that would otherwise reach a user&#39;s eyes between a space between the top portion of frame  204  and a user&#39;s forehead. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 6  are various features to provide adjustable airflow to a user wearing sunglasses  200 , such as lens air scoops  250  disposed on either side of bridge  252  along a lower edge  254  of lens  202 . Lens air scoops  250  may be formed from a relatively rigid or flexible polymer, for example, and/or from the same material utilized to form frame  204 . In some embodiments, lens air scoops  250  may be glued or otherwise permanently fixed to lens  202 , for example, and/or may include a hinged portion that may be utilized to open, close, or meter airflow through lens air scoops  250 . In some embodiments, lens air scoops  250  may be removably coupled to lens  202 , for example, and/or may be formed in conjunction with corresponding apertures formed through lens  202  and displaced away from lower edge  254  of lens  202 . 
     Lens  202  may in some embodiments be a cylindrically or otherwise cut lens approximately 2 mm thick and including various coatings, fixed appendages, and/or other structures facilitating its use as a lens for sunglasses  200 . In some embodiments, lens  202  may be between 1 mm and 3 mm thick to decrease weight, for example, or increase protection against ballistic and/or other objects that would otherwise harm the user. In addition to lower edge  254 , lens  202  may include top edge  256 , side edges  258 , outer surface  260 , and inner surface  262  (e.g., see  FIG. 9 ). Edges  254 ,  256 , and  258  may be configured to mate with channels, notches, adhesives, and/or other engagement devices associated with frame  204 , lens air scoops  250 , and/or nose pad  264 , for example, so as to be removable and/or interchangeable with other lenses. In some embodiments, lens  202  may be selected from a range of profiles (e.g., height of lens  202 ) to reduce weight or increase airflow (e.g., with or without lens air scoops  250 ). As shown in  FIG. 6 , portions of lower edge  254  and side edges  258  may be free from any engagement device so as to reduce weight and provide for customized sizing to a user&#39;s cheek area, for example. Surfaces  260  and/or  262  may include one or more antireflective coatings, color coatings, filter coatings, hydrophobic coatings, anti-fog coatings, and/or other coatings to facilitate use of lens  202  in sunglasses  200 . In some embodiments, surface  260  may support laser etching for product marketing and/or other optical features, and the material used to form lens  202  may be tinted or otherwise selected for a particular desired color. More generally, lens  202  may be made of one or more materials that are partially or totally absorptive or reflective of one or more types of ultraviolet radiation, for example, and lens  202  may be configured (e.g., through choice of materials, formation methods, polishing methods, coating application methods, and/or other configuration choices) to provide clarity of view for a user in any of a variety of different environmental conditions (e.g., desert, sea, mountain, summer, winter, and/or other environmental conditions). 
     Additionally shown in  FIG. 6  is nose pad  264 , which in some embodiments may include grip portion  266 , that is configured to help secure sunglasses  200  to a user&#39;s face. For example, nose pad  264  may be configured to be positioned between bridge  252  of the eye protection device and the user&#39;s nose. Nose pad and/or grip portion may be implemented from a relatively rigid or flexible polymer or material, for example, and in some specific embodiments, grip portion  266  may be formed from and/or coated with Megol® rubber or other relatively flexible and soft material to help comfortably secure sunglasses  200  to the user&#39;s face. In some embodiments, nose pad  264  may be glued or otherwise permanently fixed to bridge  252  and/or lower edge  254  of lens  202 , for example. In some embodiments, nose pad  264  may be removably coupled to lens  202  so as to be interchangeable with other nose pads, such as nose pads designed to fit a particular user&#39;s nose or comfort level, or to provide additional protection against objects that would otherwise strike a user&#39;s face or nose. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, temples  206  of sunglasses  200  may include one or more temple air scoops  268  formed within temples  206 . Temple air scoops  268  may be formed as scoop-like apertures and channels extending from an outer surface of temple  206  to an inner surface of temple  206  that is typically close to or in contact with a user&#39;s temple area. As shown, temple air scoops  268  may be configured to scoop air traveling from the front of sunglasses  200  toward the rear of sunglasses  200  generally horizontally along temple  206 , for example, and deliver it to the user&#39;s temple area so as to increase airflow and decrease discomfort due to heat and/or sweat buildup between frame  204  and the user&#39;s head. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the general wraparound design of sunglasses  200  (e.g., and/or of lens  202  and/or frame  204 ) facilitates securing sunglasses  200  to a user&#39;s face while providing protection from almost all angles of sunlight and/or objects that might otherwise harm a user&#39;s eyes and/or face. For example, temples  206  may include temple grip portions  270  to help comfortably secure sunglasses  200  to a user, such as without interfering with a helmet. In some embodiments, temple grip portions  270  may be formed in the same manner and/or using the same material used to form nose pad grip portions  266 . Moreover, the wraparound design may be configured to provide ample space between lens  202  and a user&#39;s face, which can help increase airflow and reduce a chance of fogging/condensation. In particular, the horizontal and/or vertical curvature (e.g., or absence of curvature) of lens  202  (e.g., and/or frame  204 ), as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , may provide configurable/selectable space between lens  202  and a user&#39;s face, for example, through use of the interchangeable nature of lens  202 . 
     A typical method of use may include steps of assembly of sunglasses  200  from component parts, such as before or after testing a particular assembly for fit, adequate cooling, adequate view, and/or selecting particular components for a specific expected use, such as motocross, fishing, running, and/or other uses. For example, a first step may include inspecting frame  204  for a particular size and shape of central raised portion  230 , for example, and narrowing a selection of lenses to only those that will fit frame  204 . Next, a particular lens  202  may be selected according to a desired level of tint, a particular coating, a particular profile (e.g., size and/or coverage), a particular curvature, and/or other characteristics disclosed herein. Then, the selected lens may be attached to frame  204  (e.g., to top portion  205  and side portions  274  of frame  204 ) through use of channels and/or other engagement devices or structures of frame  204  and/or lens  202 . In some embodiments, a particular lens  202  may come with attached lens air scoops  250 . In some embodiments, specific lens air scoops may be selected and attached to lens  202 . Next, a particular nose pad  264  may be selected for comfort, fit, and/or other desire characteristics described herein. Then, the selected nose pad  264  may be attached to lens  202  at bridge  252  and/or along lower edge  254 , as shown in  FIGS. 6-13 . Once assembly is complete sunglasses  200  may be placed around a user&#39;s face, temple, and/or head to secure sunglasses  200  to the user. A user wearing sunglasses  200  may then participate in an activity and sunglasses  200  may provide an extended vertical view with which to see, for example, a road or vertical periphery while riding a bicycle or motorcycle and/or otherwise engaging in a sport. 
     CONCLUSION 
     In this disclosure, one or more publications, patents, and/or patent applications may be incorporated by reference. However, such material is only incorporated to the extent that no conflict exists between the incorporated material and the statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of any such conflict, including any conflict in terminology, the present disclosure is controlling. 
     The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct examples with independent utility. Although each of these has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. To the extent that section headings are used within this disclosure, such headings are for organizational purposes only. The subject matter of the disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.