Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a lens for protection of one or more eyes of a user.

<CIT> discloses a lens for eyeglasses in which plurality of lenses formed of curved surface are coupled integrally.

<CIT> discloses aspheric/atoric wide field sunglasses and safety eyewear.

<CIT> discloses a flexible temple endpiece.

Newer goggle are designed with the goal of providing a large unobstructed view to the user, which has been largely achieved in existing goggles by the introduction of rimless or substantially rimless frame designs. However shortcomings still remain in the field of goggle design and for these reasons or other reasons, improvements in goggles with removable lenses may be desired.

The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures in which components may not be drawn to scale, which are presented as various embodiments of the eyewear and eyewear components described herein and should not be construed as a complete depiction of the scope of the present disclosure. The invention is defined in the claims.

As used herein, the terms "front" and "forward" are used to refer to edges, surfaces, or other elements of a goggle that are generally distal to a user's face when the goggle is worn by the user. The terms "back" and "rear" are used to refer to edges, surfaces, or other elements of the goggle that are generally proximal to the user's face when the goggle is worn. The terms "top" and "upper" are used to refer to edges, surfaces, or other elements of the goggle that are generally proximal a forehead of the user when the goggle is worn. The terms "bottom" and "lower" are used to refer to edges, surfaces, or other elements of the goggle that are generally proximal a nose, cheek, and/or chin of the user when the goggle is worn. The term "medial" implies locations or elements closer to the midline, or dividing line, between right and left halves of the goggle, and the term "lateral" implies locations or elements that are farther away from the midline.

Examples of goggles with removable lenses are described. In some examples, the goggle may include a first retention feature (e.g., magnetic elements) that couple a lens assembly to a goggle frame. To limit inadvertent decoupling of the lens assembly from the goggle frame, the goggle may include a second retention feature (e.g., a latch mechanism) for securing the lens assembly to the goggle frame. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism may include a latch component coupled to the goggle frame and a latch component coupled to the lens assembly. In some embodiments, the latch components of the goggle frame and the lens assembly may mechanically engage to secure the lens assembly to the goggle frame. In some embodiments, the latch components of the goggle frame and the lens assembly may magnetically as well as mechanically engage to secure the lens assembly to the goggle frame. In some embodiments, one of the latch components may include a key and the other latch component may include a keyway to engage the key to latch the lens assembly to the goggle frame. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism may include magnetic elements to retain the key in the keyway for latching the lens assembly to the goggle frame. In some embodiments, the latch mechanism may include an actuator configured for manipulation by a user to release and/or engage the latch components. The actuator may be arranged such that it is accessible to the user when the goggle is worn. In some embodiments, the actuator may be included on the goggle frame. In other embodiments, the actuator may be on the lens assembly.

As shown in <FIG>, an example goggle <NUM> includes a goggle frame <NUM> removably coupled to a lens assembly <NUM>. The goggle <NUM> may define a nose recess <NUM> in a lower portion <NUM> of the goggle <NUM> (e.g., along a bottom periphery of the lens assembly <NUM>), which may be configured to accommodate the nose of the wearer when the goggle <NUM> is worn. The goggle <NUM> may include first and second (e.g., left and right) end portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> located on opposite lateral sides of the goggle <NUM>. The goggle <NUM> may include outriggers <NUM> at each end portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the outriggers <NUM> may be operatively associated with the goggle frame <NUM> for coupling a strap <NUM> (see <FIG>) to the goggle. For example, the outriggers <NUM> may each include a slot <NUM> for coupling a strap (not shown in <FIG>), such as an elastic headband. The outriggers <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the goggle frame <NUM>, which implies that one or more components of an outrigger may be designed to pivot with respect to the goggle frame <NUM> such as about a vertical axis. In some embodiments, one or both of the outriggers <NUM> may be fixed to the goggle frame <NUM>, meaning that they are not intended to be movable (e.g., pivotable) to the goggle frame <NUM> in normal use. In some embodiments, the strap of the goggle may be fixed to the goggle frame <NUM> without the use of outriggers, for example by fixing the strap directly to the goggle frame, the lens, the lens assembly, or any suitable combination depending on whether the lens is removable or not. In general, the goggle <NUM> may have an arcuate shape to conform to a user's face.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the goggle <NUM> may be of a shield-type design including one or more (e.g., inner and outer lenses) unitary lenses. The term "unitary lens" implies that a single lens extends in the field of view of both the left and right eyes of a user (see e.g., user <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>) when worn. Each individual lens may be formed from a single lens blank and may thus be devoid of any seams or other discontinuities in the lens. The one or more lenses (e.g., outer lens <NUM>) may be made from polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, or other materials, which can provide suitable optical qualities (e.g., optical clarity) to the optical portion of the eyewear. The lens, or individual ones of the lenses such as in the case of a dual-lens design, may be coated and/or produced from lens materials (e.g., PC, acrylic, etc.) which are enhanced with a tint, polarization, mirror coating, antireflection, antifogging, impact or shatter resistance, or other treatments which may enhance the performance of the lens. The term "dual-lens" design implies that the lens assembly includes a pair of (i.e. inner and outer) unitary lenses, which are spaced apart from one another to reduce fogging. The lens assembly may be rimless or frameless in that a perimeter of the outer lens <NUM> is not substantially enclosed by a frame as illustrated in <FIG>. The rimless design, in combination with the complex or compound curvature of the lens(es) according to the present disclosure, may provide substantially unobstructed view in a larger field of view for the user <NUM> (see <FIG>) , including in a downward direction (toward the ground), which is often obscured in existing goggles with conventional goggle lens and frame designs. In particular, the complex curvature of a goggle lens(es) combined with a unique cooperating shape of a goggle frame that supports the goggle lens(es), as described herein, may provide an enhanced (or enlarged) downward field of view as compared to conventional goggles.

To facilitate understanding of the compound curvature of the lens, a vertical or meridian line Y and a horizontal or longitudinal line X are shown with respect to outer lens <NUM>. While this description is provided with reference to the outer lens, in dual-lens embodiments, the inner lens may have similar configuration. Typical goggle lenses are either cylindrical or spherical (e.g., made from a cylindrical or spherical lens blank, respectively). A cylindrical lens has a substantially constant curvature in the longitudinal direction and substantially no curvature in the vertical direction. In other words, the curvature of the lens along any X line (between the top and bottom edges of the lens) is substantially the same and all vertical Y lines (between the two lateral edges of the lens) have substantially no curvature. A spherical lens, on the other hand, has substantially the same curvature in both the longitudinal and vertical directions. In contrast, the goggle lens of the present disclosure cannot be described as being either cylindrical or spherical. That is, while one portion (e.g., an upper portion) of the goggle lens may be characterized as either cylindrical or spherical, at least one other portion (e.g., a lower portion) of the goggle lens cannot be characterized as cylindrical or spherical.

As illustrated, the curvature of the goggle lens (e.g., outer lens <NUM>) may vary at least along a portion of one or more of the vertical (or meridian) lines, e.g., with the medial meridian indicated by line Y. For example, the lens (e.g., outer lens <NUM>) may have a first radius of curvature, when measured along a meridian, in one portion of the lens, such as the upper portion of the lens, and it may have a second radius of curvature different from the first radius of curvature along the same meridian in a different portion of the lens, such as the lower portion of the lens. Moreover, the curvature of the lens along a particular meridian or the way the curvature varies along that meridian may differ from meridian to meridian. In some examples, the curvature of the lens measured along a given meridian may be substantially constant in a first portion, such as the upper portion, of the lens while the curvature of the lens, measure along the same meridian, may be variable in a second portion, such as the lower portion. The curvature of the lens in the first portion may be substantially constant along all meridians, while the curvature of the lens in the second portion may vary from meridian to meridian. In other words, different curvature profiles of the lens may be defined at different meridian sections through the second (e.g., lower) portion of the lens. The goggle lens may thus be referred to as having a complex or compound curvature. In other words, the term complex or compound, when describing the curvature of the goggle lens, may be understood to imply that the lens cannot be characterized as having either substantially spherical or substantially cylindrical surface across the full surface (e.g., the front or rear surface) of the lens. Configuring the goggle lens(es) to have a compound curvature as described herein may provide certain advantages, such as enabling a given portion of the lens (e.g., the lower portion of the lens) to be brought closer to the user's face (e.g., to the user's cheeks) to provide an enlarged field of view in the downward direction without substantially impacting the optical performance of the lens in the forward direction. Another technique for bringing the lower portion of a lens towards the user's face is configuring the goggle frame to hold the lens such that, when worn, the lens is tilted in the downward direction. However, tilting a conventional lens such as a cylindrical or spherical lens, downward may misalign the optical axis (e.g., the axis normal to the optical surface) of the lens from the forward line of sight, which may negatively impact the optical performance of the lens in the straight-ahead (or forward) viewing direction. Thus, a "tilting" technique may scarify performance in the forward viewing direction to potentially gain some additional field of view in a downward direction. In contrast, despite potential complexities in manufacturing a compound curvature lens of the kind described herein, the compound curvature lenses of the present disclosure may provide the advantage of enhanced downward field of view without the disadvantage of misaligning the optical axis of the main (or upper) portion of the lens from the forward viewing direction.

Referring to the specific illustrated example in <FIG>, the outer lens <NUM> may have varying degrees of curvature along the vertical (or meridian) direction, e.g., as indicated by the exemplary medial meridian line Y. For example, an upper portion of outer lens <NUM> above line X may have a first radius of curvature. In some examples, the lens may have a substantially constant curvature along the upper portion (above line X) of each meridian. For example, the upper portion of the lens may correspond to a portion of a substantially cylindrical or spherical lens. A lower portion of outer lens <NUM> below line X may have a different radius of curvature from that of the upper portion. The curvature of the lower portion of the lens may be greater than that of the upper portion. In some examples, the lower curvature may be substantially constant in the region below line X or it may vary (e.g., increasing from line X toward the lower edge of the lens). In some embodiments, the curvature at the lower portion may correspond to a freeform curve (or spline) rather than being definable using a standard curve form (e.g., a quadratic curve form). In some embodiments, the maximum point of curvature of the lens is located below the optical center of the lens. Such configuration may allow the lower portion of the lens to wrap more tightly under the frontal portion of the lens and towards the user's cheeks thereby providing a larger unobstructed downward field of view as compared to conventional spherical or cylindrical lenses. In one example, the upper portion of the lens may have a radium of curvature of about <NUM> (or <NUM> base curve), while the lower portion, at the location of maximum curvature may have a radium of curvature of about <NUM> (or about <NUM> base curve). Different combinations of upper and lower curvatures may be used in other examples, such as an upper base curve of about <NUM> or up to <NUM> in some examples. As described, the radius of curvature of the lower portion may vary along the lower portion of the meridian line and/or between different meridians (e.g., the lower portion near the nose area may exhibit a larger radius of curvature and thus a smaller base curve as compared to the location of maximum curvature, which may be located near the side edges of the lens). The radius of curvature of the lower portion of the outer lens <NUM> may vary along a direction parallel to line X and/or in a direction parallel to line Y. The varying degree of curvature of outer lens <NUM> along line Y may provide a user with a greater field of view when the user is looking in a downward direction when wearing the goggle <NUM>. The varying degree of curvature of outer lens <NUM> along line Y may provide aesthetic functions, for example, the appearance of the outer lens <NUM> may appeal to a user. In some examples, the radius of curvature along line X may be substantially constant.

An example of such variations in curvature may be more easily perceived with reference to the curvature "color map" shown in two exemplary different views <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively. The color map is overlaid on the surface of an exemplary lens, such as outer lens <NUM>, to illustrate, in the form of a grayscale gradient, the radius of curvature at any given location along the convex outer surface of the lens. The inner surface of the same lens (e.g., outer lens <NUM>) may have a substantially similar but concave shape. In some embodiments, the lens body may have a substantially constant thickness or be slightly tapered, with the thickness of the lens decreasing from the geometric center of the lens body to the outer periphery of the lens. In the color map in <FIG> and <FIG>, which show a front bottom isometric view <NUM> and a side view <NUM>, respectively, of the outer lens <NUM>, the darker grays correspond to greater degrees of curvature (i.e., a smaller radii of curvature), as indicated by the color bar <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the radius of curvature (R) of the upper portion <NUM>-<NUM> of outer lens <NUM>, measured at any location along a meridian (e.g., Y<NUM>, Y<NUM>, Yn), is substantially constant and is larger than the radius of curvature of the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the lens <NUM>, measured at locations along the same meridian. The radius of curvature measured at any location along a longitudinal line (e.g., X<NUM>, X<NUM>, Xn) in the upper portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the lens <NUM> is substantially constant, and in this case is also the same as the radius of curvature along the meridians in the upper portion <NUM>-<NUM>, whereby the upper portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the lens <NUM> of this example can be described as spherical. In contrast, the horizontal radius of curvature in the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> may not be substantially constant nor substantially the same as the horizontal radius of curvature in the upper portion <NUM>-<NUM>, thus the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> cannot be described as spherical nor cylindrical While the upper portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the outer lens <NUM> in this example is generally spherical, in other examples, the upper portion <NUM>-<NUM> may have a different regular shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape, which would imply that the meridian lines are substantially straight lines rather than curved lines).

The radius of curvature in the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> may vary in one or both the horizontal and meridian directions, as indicated by the different shades of gray of the color map. As shown in <FIG> and <NUM>, the curvature of the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the lens in a direction parallel to line X (e.g., different longitudinal lines) may vary. For example, darker shades of gray, which indicate greater amount of curvature (i.e., smaller radius of curvature) may be seen near the side or lateral edges of the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> compared to the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> near the nose recess <NUM>, which are shown in lighter shades of gray thus indicated smaller amount of curvature (i.e., larger radius of curvature). In addition to defining a curve with varying curvature, the curves defined by different longitudinal lines may differ. That is, a longitudinal curvature in the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the lens closer to the bottom edge may be the same (e.g., characterizable by the same mathematical form) as a longitudinal curve in the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the lens closer to the upper portion <NUM>-<NUM>. It will be understood that while some longitudinal curves in the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> may define a varying radius of curvature of the lens, it is not necessary that all longitudinal curves in the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> define a varying radius of curvature of the lens.

The curvature in a direction parallel to line Y (e.g., along a same meridian) may also vary in the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM> of the lens <NUM>. For example, darker shades of gray may be seen near the bottom edge of outer lens <NUM> compared to a portion of the outer lens <NUM> near line X<NUM>, which may delineate the upper portion <NUM>-<NUM> from the lower portion <NUM>-<NUM>. As can be perceived, the region which includes the greatest degree of curvature may be located in the lower portion and in some cases towards the lateral edges of the lens, and thus outside of the main field of view (e.g., when the user is looking straight ahead and/or straight down). Any perceivable distortion as may results from large radii of curvature may thus be contained only in or limited to the peripheral region of the lens. The curvature maps shows in <FIG> and <FIG> are provided only to illustrate an example of complex curvature, which may be used in embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure without limiting the present scope. In other embodiments, the location(s) of maximum curvature may be located elsewhere in the lower portion of the lens, or elsewhere altogether.

In some embodiments, the lens assembly <NUM> may include a dual-lens structure. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lens assembly <NUM> may include outer lens <NUM> and inner lens <NUM>. In some embodiments, the shape and thus the curvature of the inner lens <NUM> may be substantially similar to the curvature of the outer lens <NUM>. The lenses <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise one or more compounds and/or coatings configured to impart light transmittance characteristics as may be desired or suitable for a particular application. For example, the lenses <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more compounds or coatings, which configure the lenses <NUM> and <NUM> into a tinted lens, a polarized lens, a scratch resistant lens, or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the lenses <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed from a projectile- or shatter-resistant material selected to meet one or more ballistic safety standards. The lenses <NUM> and <NUM> may have a front or outward-facing surface (i.e. the side of the lenses, which is farthest away from the user's face when the eyewear is worn) and a rear or inward-facing surface (i.e. the side of the lens, which is closest to the user's face when the eyewear is worn). Compounds and/or coatings, such as for tinting the lenses <NUM> and <NUM>, may be laminated in the body of the lenses <NUM> and <NUM> and/or applied to either of the rear or front sides of the lenses <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, inner lens <NUM> may be formed of a different material than the outer lens <NUM>. For example, the inner lens <NUM> may be designed to be hydrophilic to inhibit fogging. In some embodiments, for example, as seen in <FIG>, the inner lens <NUM> may be smaller in size (e.g., height and/or thickness) than the outer lens <NUM>. In an example manufacturing process, the lenses may be produced by forming custom-shaped blanks (e.g., for each of the inner and outer lens) from which the lens, in its final shape may be cut (e.g., to define the nose recess, and the side edge geometry including the lens tabs in examples which include lens tabs). Other suitable manufacturing processes may be used, such as forming the lens to its final shape and outline with minimal cutting/removal of material involved.

Returning to <FIG>, the lens assembly <NUM> may include lens frame <NUM>. In some examples, the lens frame may be formed from a flexible material (e.g., an elastomer such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)). That is, the lens frame <NUM> may be resilient and relatively softer than conventional lens frames made out of relatively rigid materials such as nylon. An elastomer lens frame <NUM> may allow the lens assembly <NUM> to form a better seal with goggle frame <NUM>. An elastomer lens frame <NUM> may improve conformity of the lens assembly <NUM> to a user's face. Additionally, as further described below, at least one of the lenses (e.g., outer lens <NUM>) may be assembled to the lens frame by a portion of the lens frame wrapping around an edge of the lens. Thus, a lens frame made of a resiliently flexible material such as an elastomer may facilitate the assembly process of the lens to the lens frame. The lens frame <NUM> may attach the outer lens <NUM> and inner lens <NUM> together (e.g., functioning also as a spacer). In the example in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outer lens <NUM> is positioned on one side of the lens frame <NUM> and the inner lens <NUM> is positioned on the opposite side of the lens frame <NUM>, the lens frame <NUM> extending along a peripheral portion of the outer lens <NUM> and inner lens <NUM> so as to provide a large unobstructed field of view through the outer lens <NUM> and inner lens <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens frame <NUM> is coupled to the outer lens <NUM> and inner lens <NUM> such that no separate spacer is used. In other embodiments, a separate spacer may alternatively or additionally be used to provide the two lenses in the spaced apart configuration to define an interstitial space between the two lenses. In some such examples, the lens frame may be coupled to the outer lens only or the inner lens only, while the two lenses may be coupled to one another using a spacer.

Referring to <FIG>, the lens frame <NUM> may include upper portion <NUM>, lower portion <NUM> and side portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, one or both of the lenses may be fixed (e.g., adhered) to the lens frame <NUM> along only a portion of the perimeter of the respective lens. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the outer lens <NUM> may be fixed (e.g., adhered for example using tape adhesive 121a and 121b) along only the upper and lower portions <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, of the frame. The lens <NUM> may not be fixed to the lens frame <NUM> along the side portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. Instead, each of the left and right lateral edges of lens <NUM> may be received in a corresponding one of the slits <NUM> located at each side portion <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the lens frame <NUM>. No adhesive may be applied between the side portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the lens frame <NUM> and the lateral peripheral edges of the lens <NUM>. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be a tape that has an adhesive on both sides of the tape. An example of an adhesive tape that may be used is VHB Tape manufactured by <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the inner lens <NUM> may be fixed to the lens frame <NUM> along substantially the full perimeter of the lens, for example using tape adhesive <NUM>, which may be of the type described above, or other suitable means. In other embodiments, the outer lens <NUM> may also be fixed to the lens frame <NUM> along substantially its full perimeter.

As shown in <FIG>, outer lens <NUM> may include one or more lens tabs <NUM> at a periphery of the outer lens <NUM>, for example at a lateral edge of the lens <NUM>. The lens tabs <NUM> may be received in corresponding slits <NUM> of the lens frame <NUM> such that the engagement between the lens tabs <NUM> and slits <NUM> secure the outer lens <NUM> to the side portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the lens frame <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the lens frame <NUM> may include a channel <NUM> along each end portion <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. The channel <NUM> may be defined by a pair of spaced apart ridges <NUM>, which may extend along some or substantially the full length of the end portions <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (see also <FIG>). In the example in <FIG>, each of the ridges <NUM> in a pair extends substantially continuously from the upper portion to the lower portion of the lens frame to provide a raised contact surface (raised above surface <NUM>) for contacting the rear surface of the outer lens <NUM>. As such, the rear or inner surface of outer lens <NUM> may rest, along its lateral edges, on the raised surfaces provided by the ridges <NUM> rather than on the front surface <NUM> to which the adhesive 121a and 121b is applied. In some embodiments, the ridges <NUM> may help form a seal between the outer lens <NUM> and the lens frame <NUM> along the side portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, the ridges <NUM> may apply a force on the outer lens <NUM> that improves the retention of the lens tabs <NUM> in the slits <NUM>.

Because goggles are often used during exertion by the users (e.g., snow sports, or other sport or strenuous activity), fogging of the goggle lens may occur. Dual-lens structures are often used to reduce fogging. Dual-lens structures are often equipped with a pressure equalization port that opens the interstitial space between the lenses to ambiance. In some existing goggles, to prevent the ingress of moisture in the interstitial space, which can increase the risk of fogging, a specifically designed port may be provided in the outer lens itself, which may be made more complex by the inclusion of a filter or other porous membrane that allows air to pass without the passage of moisture. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a multi-functional vent port may be provided by a pair of misaligned holes <NUM>, each formed in a respective one of the ridges <NUM> in one of the pair of ridges. In some embodiments, a vent port may be formed in both pairs of ridges at each of the side portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the lens frame <NUM>. As shown in the example in <FIG>, one of the ridges <NUM>, for example the medial ridge of a given pair, may include a vent hole <NUM> near the upper portion <NUM> of lens frame <NUM> and the other ridge, for example the lateral ridge of the same pair, may include a vent hole <NUM> near the bottom portion <NUM> of outer lens <NUM>. The specific vertical locations of the vent holes <NUM> are illustrative only and vent holes <NUM> may be positioned differently in other examples, such as with different spacing (or amount of vertical misalignment) and/or the location of the upper and lower vent holes may be switched as between the medial and lateral ridges <NUM>. The pair of vent holes <NUM> may couple the interstitial space between outer lens <NUM> and inner lens <NUM> to allow air to pass into and out of the interstitial space between the two lenses. The vent port may provide an opening for pressure equalization and may also facilitation the circulation or exchange of air, which may reduce fogging between the outer lens <NUM> and inner lens <NUM>. Arranging the vent holes at locations that are vertically misaligned may reduce the risk of ingress of moisture into the interstitial space between the outer lens <NUM> and inner lens <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ridges <NUM> and vent holes <NUM> may be provided on a different surface of the lens frame <NUM> such that the ridges contact a surface of inner lens <NUM>. While conventional goggle lenses typically have only a single vent hole that primarily functions for pressure equalization, using multiple vent holes <NUM>, as in the present embodiment, may allow for air circulation or exchange.

Referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lens frame <NUM> may include a ledge <NUM> on the rear side <NUM> for accepting the inner lens <NUM> when goggle <NUM> includes a dual lens structure. An adhesive may be applied along the ledge <NUM> to couple the inner lens <NUM> to the lens frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the adhesive may couple the inner lens <NUM> to the lens frame <NUM> along an entire periphery of the inner lens <NUM>. In some embodiments, the adhesive used to couple the inner lens <NUM> to the lens frame <NUM> may be the same type of adhesive used to couple the outer lens <NUM> to the lens frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ledge <NUM> may be configured such that the inner lens <NUM> may be press-fit into the lens frame <NUM> such that the lens <NUM> rests on the ledge <NUM> and the lens frame "grips" a periphery of the inner lens <NUM>. The press-fit may further couple the inner lens <NUM> to the lens frame <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the goggle frame <NUM> may include a face gasket <NUM>. The face gasket <NUM> may be provided by one or more resiliently deformable components, which are configured to be placed conformally to a user's face. The face gasket <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or other suitable elastomer for conformally interfacing with the user's face. In some examples, foam (not shown here) may additionally be used to line portions (e.g., the web portion or simply web <NUM>) of the face gasket, for example to substantially fill the space between the lens interfacing portion <NUM> of the face gasket <NUM> (e.g., along a front surface <NUM>) and the user-facing side <NUM> of flange <NUM>), which defines the top vent <NUM> of goggle <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a lower portion of a flange of the face gasket <NUM> may include a nose rest <NUM> configured to conform to a user's nose for a comfortable fit. Although not shown in the figures, the nose rest <NUM> may optionally be coupled to a nose pad on a surface adjacent to a user's nose when the goggle <NUM> is worn. The nose pad may be formed from a soft for flexible polymeric material (e.g., foam) which may conform to the user's nose for a comfortable fit. The nose pad may optionally include one or more bendable portions for improved adjustability. In some examples, the nose pad may be removably attached to the nose rest <NUM> so that the nose pad can be replaced when desired by the user. As illustrated in <FIG>, due to the compound curvature of the lens, which wraps closer to the user's face, the lower portion of the face gasket extends forward of the flange to a smaller extent than the upper portion thus essentially being devoid of a web portion in that region. In the lower portion, the flange <NUM>, is substantially adjacent to and connected to the lens interfacing portion <NUM> of the face gasket, while in the upper portion of the face gasket, the flange <NUM> and lens interfacing portion <NUM> are spaced apart by the web <NUM>. The web may, as in the illustrated example, include a plurality of cutouts (e.g., vent apertures of top vent <NUM> and/or side vents <NUM>) allowing the flange portion to flex and conform to different face shapes and sizes without impacting the lens to frame interface, and which may also improve venting of the space between the inner lens and the user's face as described further below.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the face gasket <NUM> may include one or more vent apertures that allows air to circulate between the face gasket <NUM> and a user's face when the goggle <NUM> is worn. Allowing air to circulate may prevent the portion of the user's face covered by the goggle <NUM> from becoming overheated, thus improving the comfort of goggle <NUM>. Face gasket <NUM> may include side vents <NUM> at the end portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the goggle <NUM>. Face gasket <NUM> may further include a top vent <NUM> along an upper portion <NUM> of goggle <NUM>. The top vent <NUM> may include one more apertures that extend through the thickness of the web <NUM>, and which may extend, at least partially, between the flange <NUM> and the lens interfacing portion <NUM>. Although not shown in the figures, side vents <NUM> and top vents <NUM> may be covered or partially covered by a porous and/or breathable polymeric material (e.g., foam). Covering the vents may still allow air to circulate between the goggle <NUM> and the user's face, but may protect the user's face from drafts and/or cold air temperatures (e.g., when skiing). Although not shown, some or all of rear surface <NUM> may be covered with a soft polymeric material (e.g., foam). This may improve comfort of the goggle <NUM> when worn on the user's face.

As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the face gasket <NUM> may include outrigger coupling holes <NUM> at end portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of the upper portion <NUM> of the goggle <NUM>. The outrigger coupling holes <NUM> may be configured to accept hooks <NUM> (visible in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the outriggers <NUM>. In some examples, the outriggers <NUM> may be fixedly attached to the face gasket <NUM>. The flexibility of the face gasket <NUM> may allow the goggle <NUM> to still be worn comfortably by a user without pivotal outriggers. In some examples, the flexibility of the face gasket <NUM> and the lens frame <NUM> may allow the goggle <NUM> to be worn comfortably by a user without pivotal outriggers.

The goggle frame <NUM> may be magnetically coupled to the lens assembly <NUM>. The lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM> may include magnetic materials (e.g., a permanent magnet such as a rare earth magnet, or ferromagnetic material such as iron or steel) for removably coupling the lens assembly <NUM> to the goggle frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the magnetic materials may have one or more surfaces exposed (e.g., the facing surfaces of the magnets). The magnetic materials may be substantially enclosed (e.g., except for one side of the magnetic material being at least partially exposed) in pockets formed within the lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM>. The magnetic materials may be attached to opposing (e.g., facing) sides of the lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM> to urge the lens assembly <NUM> towards the goggle frame <NUM>. The magnetic attraction between the magnetic materials on the lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM> may provide a centering function (e.g., resulting from the magnetic materials natural tendency to axially align their respective fields to one another), which may facilitate alignment of the lens assembly <NUM> to the goggle frame <NUM>. In some examples, the face gasket <NUM> and lens frame <NUM> may include corresponding magnetic elements for magnetically coupling the goggle frame <NUM> to the lens assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the face gasket <NUM> may include magnetic elements <NUM> for magnetic coupling with corresponding magnetic elements <NUM> included with lens frame <NUM>. For example, the face gasket <NUM> may include magnetic elements <NUM> exposed along front surface <NUM>. The magnetic elements <NUM> may be arranged along a lower portion <NUM> of the goggle <NUM> (such as generally beneath a wearer's eyes and adjacent the wearer's nose) and along an upper portion <NUM> of the goggle <NUM> (such as adjacent a wearer's forehead). Several magnetic elements <NUM> may be arranged adjacent the nose rest <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the face gasket <NUM> includes six magnetic elements <NUM>, but in other embodiments the face gasket <NUM> may include more or less than six magnetic elements <NUM>. The magnetic elements <NUM> may include an exposed surface that is substantially flush with the front surface <NUM>, which in some embodiments, may be angled inward and rearward toward a center of the goggle frame <NUM> to facilitate alignment of the lens assembly <NUM> with the goggle frame <NUM>. In other embodiments, different arrangement (e.g., orientation) of the magnets with respect to the front surface <NUM> may be used.

In some embodiments, the magnetic elements <NUM> are inserted into pockets <NUM> defined in the face gasket <NUM> along front surface <NUM>. In some examples, the pockets <NUM> may have a generally trapezoidal shape oriented such that the openings of the pockets <NUM> at the front surface <NUM> are smaller than the bottoms of the pockets <NUM>. The shape of the magnetic elements <NUM> may generally be trapezoidal shaped to correspond to the shape of the pockets <NUM> such that the magnetic elements <NUM> are retained in the pockets <NUM> with at least a portion of a surface of the magnetic elements <NUM> exposed along the front surface <NUM>. In other embodiments, the pockets and magnetic elements may have different suitable cooperating shapes, such as begin substantially rectangular prisms or other regular or irregular shapes. In some embodiments, the magnetic elements <NUM> may be molded in place with the face gasket <NUM>. That is, the magnetic elements <NUM> may be placed in a mold (e.g. a mold suitable for injection molding) for forming the face gasket <NUM>, and the elastomeric material (e.g., TPU), may be injected into the mold such that it at least partially surrounds the magnetic elements <NUM> and forms pockets <NUM>. In some embodiments, the magnetic elements <NUM> are inserted into the pockets <NUM> after the face gasket <NUM> is formed. For example, the face gasket <NUM> may be temporarily deformed (e.g., bent) such that the opening to the pockets <NUM> are widened. The magnetic elements <NUM> may be placed inside the pockets <NUM> during deformation and once the face gasket <NUM> is returned to its original shape, the magnetic elements <NUM> may be retained within the pockets <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example as shown in <FIG>, the pockets <NUM> may be provided in respective stiffened portions <NUM> of the face gasket <NUM>. The portions <NUM> may be formed by the same material (e.g., TPU or other elastomer) as the rest of the face gasket but may be thicker and/or otherwise stiffened to reduce deformation of the face gasket at the locations of pockets <NUM>, for example as compared to other regions along the lens interacting portion <NUM> or the web <NUM> of the face gasket <NUM>, which may reduce the risk of the magnetic elements <NUM> being dislodged from the pockets <NUM>. In some embodiments, the magnetic elements <NUM> may additionally be bonded (e.g., adhered) to the pockets <NUM>. In some examples, other features may additionally or alternatively be used to reduce the risk of accidental decoupling of a magnetic element from its pocket. Referring to the example in <FIG>, which shows a partial view of the goggle frame <NUM>, isolation features (e.g., slits <NUM>) may be formed in one or more portions of the face gasket surrounding one or more of the pockets <NUM>, for example one or more of the pockets <NUM> along the lower portion of the face gasket <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a first pair <NUM>-<NUM> of spaced apart slits <NUM> may be associated with a pocket <NUM>. Each slit <NUM> of the pair <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed in a first portion of the face gasket, here just above the pocket <NUM>. Each of the slits <NUM> of the pair <NUM>-<NUM> may be located on an opposite side of the pocket <NUM> such that if the face gasket <NUM> is deformed in a first direction (e.g., bending of the face gasket toward the rear or user-facing side), deformation at the pocket <NUM> may be reduced by virtue of the modification of the load path caused by the slits <NUM>. In some embodiments, a second pair <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed in a different portion of the face gasket, e.g., on a portion just below the pocket <NUM>, such that deformation at the pocket <NUM> due to deformation of the face gasket in another direction (e.g., bending the face gasket generally upward) may be reduced.

Referring to <FIG>, the lens frame <NUM> may include magnetic materials for magnetic coupling with corresponding magnetic materials on the face gasket <NUM>. For example, the lens frame <NUM> may include magnetic elements <NUM> on the rear side <NUM> of the lens frame <NUM> on surface <NUM>. The magnetic elements <NUM> may be recessed into surface <NUM> and exposed to the rear side <NUM> (e.g., flush with or below the surface <NUM>) or they may be embedded just below surface <NUM> such that they are still capable of exerting sufficient magnetic force to attract the magnetic elements on the goggle frame <NUM>. The magnetic elements <NUM> may be arranged at corresponding locations to the magnetic elements <NUM> of the face gasket <NUM>, and may include opposing polarities to the magnetic elements <NUM> such that the magnetic elements <NUM>, <NUM> are attracted to each other. The magnetic elements <NUM> may include an exposed surface that is substantially flush with the surface <NUM>. In some examples, surface <NUM> may be angled at a corresponding angle to an angle of front surface <NUM> of the face gasket <NUM> to facilitate alignment of the lens assembly <NUM> with the goggle frame <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the magnetic elements <NUM> may be received in pockets <NUM> defined in the lens frame <NUM>. In some examples, the pockets <NUM> may have a generally trapezoidal shape oriented such that the openings of the pockets <NUM> at the surface <NUM> are smaller than the bottoms of the pockets <NUM>. The shape of the magnetic elements <NUM> may generally be trapezoidal shaped to correspond to the shape of the pockets <NUM> such that the magnetic elements <NUM> are retained in the pockets <NUM> with at least a portion of a surface of the magnetic elements <NUM> exposed along the rear side <NUM>. In some embodiments, the magnetic elements <NUM> may be molded in place with the lens frame <NUM> in a similar manner as described for magnetic elements <NUM> in face gasket <NUM>. In some embodiments, the magnetic elements <NUM> are inserted into the pockets <NUM> after the lens frame <NUM> is formed in a similar manner to magnetic elements <NUM> in face gasket <NUM>. In some embodiments, an adhesive may be applied inside the pockets <NUM> to provide additional retention of the magnetic elements <NUM> in the pockets <NUM>.

Positioning and/or alignment of the lens assembly <NUM> relative to the goggle frame <NUM> may be achieved at least in part by the shape and/or contours of the corresponding contact surfaces of the lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM>, which in the illustrated embodiment is defined in part by the shape and wall contours of the peripheral rims of the lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, positioning and/or alignment of the lens assembly <NUM> with respect to the goggle frame <NUM> may be aided by the automatic centering of the magnetic interaction between the lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM> may include corresponding alignment features to facilitate alignment of the lens assembly <NUM> to the goggle frame <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the lens frame <NUM> and the face gasket <NUM> may include corresponding extensions or protrusions and recesses or grooves to facilitate alignment of the lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM>. That is, the extensions and recesses of the lens frame <NUM> may be configured to mate with corresponding recesses and extensions of the face gasket <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the face gasket <NUM> may include one or more goggle frame alignment features such as one or more alignment recesses <NUM> and/or one or more alignment protrusions <NUM>. The goggle frame alignment features may be provided at suitable locations on the face gasket <NUM> such as around the perimeter of the face gasket <NUM>. The alignment features (e.g., recesses <NUM> and protrusion <NUM>) may be arranged among the upper magnetic elements <NUM> and/or to the lower magnetic elements <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the lens frame <NUM> may include corresponding lens frame alignment features (e.g., one or more protrusions <NUM> and/or one or more recesses <NUM>), which may be provided on the rear side of the lens frame, such as on the surface <NUM>. The locations of the alignment features on the lens frame <NUM> may correspond to the locations of the alignment features on the face gasket <NUM>. An alignment extension may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to be received in the alignment recesses which may facilitate alignment of the lens assembly to the goggle frame. The cooperating fit between the goggle frame and lens frame alignment features may also prevent relative sliding movement between the lens assembly <NUM> and goggle frame <NUM>, such as preventing any substantial up-down movement of the lens assembly <NUM> relative to the goggle frame <NUM> in the examples illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, the locations of the protrusions and recesses may be switched between the lens frame <NUM> and the face gasket <NUM>, or the respective one of the lens frame <NUM> and face gasket <NUM> may instead be provided only with recesses or protrusions. In some embodiments, one or more of the alignment features on either the lens frame or face gasket may be a combination of a protrusion and a recess and the corresponding alignment features on the lens frame or face gasket may also be a combination of a protrusion and recess configured for a cooperating fit with its corresponding alignment feature. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, some of the lens frame alignment features, such as the upper alignment features, may be a combination of a protrusion <NUM> and a recess <NUM>, which in this example is located just below the protrusion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, corresponding ones of the goggle frame alignment features, here the upper alignment features, may be a combination of a recess <NUM> and a protrusion <NUM>, in this case located just below the recess <NUM>, such that the upper protrusions <NUM> on the face gasket <NUM> are received in the upper recesses <NUM> of the lens assembly <NUM> when the upper protrusions <NUM> of the lens assembly <NUM> mate (e.g., are received in) the upper recesses <NUM> of the face gasket <NUM>.

Magnetic force acting between magnetic materials positioned on opposing faces of the lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM> may resist separation of the lens assembly <NUM> and goggle frame <NUM>. In some examples, the lens assembly <NUM> may additionally or alternatively be mechanically coupled to the goggle frame <NUM>. For example, the goggle <NUM> may include one or more latch mechanisms for mechanically interlocking the lens assembly <NUM> to the goggle frame <NUM>. In some examples, the latch mechanisms may include interlocking latch components located on the lens assembly <NUM> and goggle frame <NUM> to resist separation of the lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM>. In some examples, the latch components may further include magnetic materials that may be configured to magnetically couple the latch components. In some examples, the latch components may mechanically and magnetically engage with each other to secure the lens assembly <NUM> to the goggle frame <NUM>. The combination of mechanical and magnetic coupling of the latch components may further secure the latch mechanism (e.g., resist inadvertent decoupling of the latch components).

Referring to <FIG>, the goggle <NUM> may include one or more latch mechanisms <NUM> to secure the lens assembly <NUM> to goggle frame <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the goggle <NUM> may include first and second latch mechanisms <NUM> at end portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. The latch mechanisms <NUM> may comprise latch components included with the lens assembly <NUM> and the goggle frame <NUM>. For example, a first latch component <NUM> may be included with the lens assembly <NUM> and a second latch component <NUM> may be included with the goggle frame <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the latch mechanisms <NUM> may be at least partially concealed by the outriggers <NUM> and/or face gasket <NUM> when the lens assembly <NUM> is coupled to the goggle frame <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first latch component of a latch mechanism may be included with the lens frame <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a first latch component <NUM> may protrude from a side portion <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the first latch component <NUM> may comprise a tab <NUM>. The tab <NUM> may include a keyway <NUM>. In some embodiments, the keyway <NUM> may pass through tab <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, or keyway <NUM> may form an indent in the outer surface of tab <NUM>. In some embodiments, tab <NUM> may include a seat <NUM> configured to accept a first magnetic latch element <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the seat <NUM> may be located at a distal end of the tab <NUM>. In some embodiments, the seat <NUM> may have a generally trapezoidal shape oriented such that the opening of the seat <NUM> is smaller than the bottoms of the seat <NUM>. The shape of the first magnetic latch element <NUM> may generally be trapezoidal shaped to correspond to the shape of the seat <NUM> such that the first magnetic latch element <NUM> is retained in the seat <NUM> with at least a portion of a surface of the first magnetic latch element <NUM> exposed along a surface of tab <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first magnetic latch element <NUM> may be molded in place with the lens frame <NUM> in a similar manner as described for magnetic elements <NUM> in the lens frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first magnetic latch element <NUM> is inserted into the seat <NUM> after the lens frame <NUM> is formed in a similar manner to magnetic elements <NUM> in lens frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, an adhesive may be applied inside the seat <NUM> to provide additional retention of the first magnetic latch element <NUM> in the seat <NUM>.

Tab <NUM> may include a stop <NUM> adjacent to the keyway <NUM> and/or between the keyway and the seat <NUM>. The stop <NUM> may protrude from the outer surface of tab <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the stop <NUM> may protrude at an angle, forming a substantially wedge-shaped structure. Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the tab <NUM> may extend from the lens frame <NUM> at a non-perpendicular angle that more closely follows the general arcuate shape of the lens frame <NUM>. Angling the tab <NUM> to more closely follow the arc of the lens frame <NUM> may reduce the risk of the tab <NUM> getting caught on other components and/or removed from the lens frame <NUM>. The elements of the first latch component <NUM> of the lens frame <NUM> may be configured to engage with one or more elements of a second latch component <NUM> of the goggle frame <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second latch component <NUM> may be included with a rod <NUM> having a bottom end <NUM> and a top end <NUM>. The rod <NUM> may include a key <NUM> that protrudes from an outer surface of the rod <NUM> between the bottom end <NUM> and top end <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the key <NUM> may extend from the rod <NUM> with a substantially crook-like shape in some examples. The key <NUM> may be configured to engage the keyway <NUM> of tab <NUM>. The rod <NUM> may include a cavity <NUM> adjacent to the key <NUM>, the cavity <NUM> configured to accept a second magnetic latch element <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> may extend through the rod <NUM>, as shown in the example in <FIG>. The cavity <NUM> may have a generally trapezoidal shape such that an opening of the cavity <NUM> adjacent to the key <NUM> is smaller than an opening of the cavity <NUM> on a side of the rod <NUM> opposite the key <NUM>. The second magnetic latch element <NUM> may have a generally trapezoidal shape that may correspond to the trapezoidal shape off the cavity <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second magnetic latch element <NUM> may be inserted into the cavity <NUM> from the side of the rod <NUM> opposite the key <NUM> such that at least a portion of a surface of the second magnetic latch element <NUM> is exposed at the opening of the cavity <NUM> adjacent to the key <NUM>. In some embodiments, a tab may be included along a periphery of an opening of the cavity <NUM> on a side of the rod opposite the key <NUM>. The tab may be temporarily deformed as the second magnetic latch element <NUM> is inserted into the cavity <NUM>. After the second magnetic latch element <NUM> has been inserted into the cavity <NUM>, the tab may retain the second magnetic latch element <NUM> in the cavity <NUM>. In other words, in some embodiments, the second magnetic latch element <NUM> may be snap-fit into the cavity <NUM>. In some embodiments, an adhesive may be used to provide retention or additional retention of the second magnetic latch element <NUM> in cavity <NUM>. The second magnetic latch element <NUM> may have a polarity opposite the polarity of the first magnetic latch element <NUM>. The position of cavity <NUM> and second magnetic latch element <NUM> may correspond to the location of the seat <NUM> and first magnetic latch element <NUM>.

The rod <NUM> may be coupled to an actuator <NUM> at the bottom end <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> may include a post <NUM> with one or more prongs <NUM>. The post <NUM> may be configured to engage an interior of the rod <NUM> and the one or more prongs <NUM> may engage prong holes <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) in the rod <NUM> to fixedly attach the actuator <NUM> to the rod <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may be used to rotate the rod <NUM> about an axis along a length of the rod <NUM>. In some embodiments, the actuator <NUM> may include a grip feature <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the grip feature <NUM> includes a depression. In other embodiments, the grip feature <NUM> may include a raised pattern and/or a non-slip coating. The grip feature <NUM> may facilitate the user actuating the actuator <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are horizontal sectional views of the latch mechanism <NUM>. <FIG> shows the first latch component <NUM> and the second latch component <NUM> of the latch mechanism <NUM> in an engaged position (e.g., latched position) to secure the lens assembly <NUM> to the goggle frame <NUM>. In the engaged position, at least a portion of key <NUM> is surrounded by keyway <NUM>. At least another portion of the key <NUM> abuts stop <NUM>. The stop <NUM> may restrict the pivotal rotation of the rod <NUM> when the first latch component <NUM> and second latch component <NUM> are engaged. Although key <NUM> is shown having a substantially crook-shape and stop <NUM> is shown having a wedge-shape, it is understood that key <NUM> and stop <NUM> may take other suitable complementary shapes that allow key <NUM> to engage keyway <NUM> (e.g., key <NUM> may be substantially arc-shaped and stop <NUM> may be a halfcylinder). Still referring to <FIG>, at least a portion of a surface of first magnetic latch element <NUM> may be adjacent to at least a portion of a surface of the second magnetic latch element <NUM> in the engaged position. The magnetic latch elements <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled by magnetic force. The mechanical engagement of the key <NUM> with keyway <NUM> and the magnetic coupling between magnetic latch elements <NUM>, <NUM> may secure the latch mechanism <NUM> in the engaged position.

<FIG> shows the first latch component <NUM> and the second latch component <NUM> of the latch mechanism <NUM> in a disengaged position (e.g., unlatched position). A user may pivotally rotate rod <NUM> about an axis along the length of rod <NUM> to disengage the latch mechanism <NUM>. The user may rotate rod <NUM> by actuating the actuator <NUM> as indicated by arrow <NUM>. Pivoting rod <NUM> may cause key <NUM> to disengage from keyway <NUM> and decouple the magnetic attraction between magnetic latch elements <NUM>, <NUM>.

Once the latch mechanism <NUM> is in the disengaged position, a user may move (e.g., translate) the lens assembly <NUM> laterally from the goggle frame <NUM> to remove the lens assembly <NUM>. The lateral movement may decouple the magnetic elements <NUM> from magnetic elements <NUM> and disengage alignment extensions <NUM>, <NUM> from alignment recesses <NUM>, <NUM>. To reattach the lens assembly <NUM> (or attach a new lens assembly <NUM>), the user may move the lens assembly <NUM> laterally to couple magnetic elements <NUM>, <NUM> and engage alignment extensions <NUM>, <NUM> with alignment recesses <NUM>, <NUM>. The user may then rotate the actuator <NUM> in a direction opposite arrow <NUM> to move the latch mechanism <NUM> into an engaged position to secure the lens assembly <NUM> to the goggle frame <NUM>.

To facilitate the rotation of the second latch component <NUM> by the actuator <NUM>, the rod <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the goggle frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rod <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the face gasket <NUM> and outrigger <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, face gasket <NUM> may include rod accepting holes <NUM> at top portion <NUM> and bottom portion <NUM> of goggle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, outrigger <NUM> may include opening <NUM> at the bottom portion <NUM> of goggle <NUM> and a socket <NUM> at the top portion <NUM> of goggle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, portions of ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the rod <NUM> may pass through the rod accepting holes <NUM> of the face gasket <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the top end <NUM> of the rod <NUM> may be pivotally accepted in socket <NUM> of outrigger <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, post <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> may pass through the opening <NUM> of the outrigger <NUM> and rod accepting hole <NUM> in bottom portion <NUM> to engage the interior of rod <NUM>. At least a portion of the actuator <NUM> may be exposed by the outrigger <NUM>. Rod <NUM> may be pivoted within the face gasket <NUM> and outrigger <NUM>.

<FIG> show a "side by side" comparison of an enlarged downward field of view of a goggle having a goggle lens with compound curvature according to the present disclosure (e.g., goggle <NUM>), shown in <FIG>, and the more limited (or smaller) downward field of a conventional goggle <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. As seen in <FIG>, the shape of the goggle lens(es) of goggle <NUM>, in combination with the unique cooperating shape of the frame, allows the lens(es) to be brought closer to the user's cheeks <NUM>, providing additional unobstructed region in the downward viewing direction as compared to that of a conventional goggle <NUM>, in which the lower part of the goggle frame <NUM> must extend farther out from the user's face (e.g., form the cheeks <NUM>) to meet the lens <NUM>, thereby obstructing most of the downward viewing direction.

<FIG>, show another "side by side" illustration of the enlarged downward field of view of a goggle (e.g., goggle <NUM>) having a compound curvature goggle lens according to the present disclosure as compared to a more limited downward field of view of an existing goggle <NUM>. The views in <FIG> are longitudinal section views, looking down (as indicated by line 22A-22A in <FIG>) of the respective goggle. As shown in <FIG>, the face gasket of a goggle, such as goggle <NUM>, typically has a user-facing side and the lens facing sides connected by webbing, which in conventional goggles, such as goggle <NUM> extends along most of the upper and most of the lower portion of the goggle, excepting the nose region, to position the lens in a location spaced from the user's face. Like existing goggles, goggle <NUM> has a similar configuration along the upper portion of the face gasket. However, unlike existing goggles, the goggle <NUM> may lack substantially any webbing or have significantly narrower webbing, as indicated by D along the lower portion of the goggle frame, which cooperates with the unique shape of lens <NUM> to bring the lens <NUM> closer to the user's face at the lower portion of the goggle, enhancing the downward field of view of the goggle <NUM>. In contrast, the existing goggle <NUM> has a wider webbing in the lower portion of the frame <NUM>, as indicated by DC, thereby resulting in a larger amount of the downward field of view being obstructed by the frame <NUM>.

While lens assembly and more specifically the lens (e.g., inner and outer lenses <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively) are described with reference to a goggle designed for quick interchange, it will be understood that the features and benefits provided by the compoundly curved lenses herein may be used with a goggle having a fixed (i.e., non-removably) coupled lens. Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure associated with removably coupling a lens assembly to a goggle frame may be optional and in some embodiments, the lens, or inner and outer lenses in the case of a dual-lens design, may be fixed to the goggle frame and not intended for removal by the user. In yet other examples, a goggle lens with a compound curvature as described herein may be removably coupled to the goggle frame using any suitable conventional techniques such as by inserting and retaining the lens directly to the goggle frame (e.g., via tabs or other lens features configured to cooperate directly with retention features of the goggle frame). In some such examples, a compoundly curved lens, or dual-lens assembly in which at least one lens has a compound curvature as described herein, may be coupled to the goggle frame without utilizing a lens frame.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, illustrate views of a goggle in accordance with further examples of the present disclosure. Like goggles in other examples herein, the goggle <NUM> may include a lens assembly <NUM>, which is removably coupled to a goggle frame <NUM> to facilitate quick and easy (e.g., in the field and without use of any additional tools) lens interchange. To that end the lens assembly <NUM> and goggle frame <NUM> may be provided with one or multiple types of attachment mechanisms or features for removable retaining the lens assembly <NUM> on the goggle frame <NUM>. The goggle <NUM> may include a first type of (e.g., magnetic) attachment or retention mechanism and a second type of attachment or retention mechanism, at least a part of which may rely on mechanical interference for retaining the lens, which may reduce the risk of inadvertent (i.e., unintentional) separation of the lens from the goggle. In some examples, the second type of retention mechanism may be a latch, which may optionally and additionally include magnetic retention as part of the mechanical latching effected by the latch. The latch mechanism <NUM> of the goggle <NUM> may similarly include an actuator <NUM> for engaging and disengaging the latch.

The lens assembly <NUM> may include at least one unitary lens <NUM>, which is coupled to and thus supported by a lens frame or bracket <NUM>. Like the lens frame <NUM>, the lens frame <NUM> may be configured for quick lens interchange. The lens frame <NUM> may be configured to be attached to and detached from the goggle frame any number of times (e.g., hundreds, thousands) as may be desired by a user. The lens frame <NUM> may thus include some or all of the features of the lens frame <NUM>. For example, the lens frame <NUM> may include a plurality of magnetic elements.

The lens assembly <NUM> may be a dual-lens assembly including an outer lens 415a and an inner lens 415b. The outer lens 415a and an inner lens 415b may be spaced apart ant attached to one another via a lens spacer <NUM> (e.g., a foam adhesive) forming a dual-lens structure <NUM>. The dual-lens structure <NUM> may be coupled to the lens frame <NUM> via any suitable means. In some examples, the dual-lens structure <NUM> may be fixedly coupled to the lens frame <NUM>, which implies that the dual-lens structure <NUM> is not intended to be removed from the lens frame <NUM> by the user during normal use of the goggle <NUM>. For example, the dual-lens structure <NUM> may be adhered by a surface adhesive applied between the dual-lens structure <NUM> and the lens frame <NUM> or otherwise bonded thereto. In other embodiment, the dual-lens structure <NUM> may be removably coupled such that the user may be able to replace or exchange one dual-lens structure <NUM> with another.

In the present example, the dual-lens structure <NUM> is coupled to the lens frame <NUM> via mechanical interlocking of the tabs <NUM> extending from lateral ends of the outer lens 415a and the slots <NUM> formed in the lateral portions of the lens frame <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the dual-lens structure <NUM> may include interlocking features at other peripheral locations, for example along the upper and/or lower edges of one or both of the lenses <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, at least one of the lenses <NUM> may be provided with tabs along the upper and/or lower edges of the lens <NUM>, which may be received in corresponding recesses or slots in the upper portion <NUM> and/or the lower portion <NUM> of the lens frame <NUM>. To provide a substantially rimless design, only a portion of the lens frame <NUM>, such as the upper portion <NUM> and/or lower portion <NUM>, or suitable segments thereof, may protrude in front of the outer lens 415a. As described, the dual-lens structure <NUM> may be removably coupled to the lens frame <NUM>, or it may be fixed to the lens frame <NUM>, for example by bonding the rear (user-facing) side of the lens <NUM> (e.g., inner lens 415b) to the forwardfacing surface of the lens frame <NUM>.

In this example, the strap <NUM> is coupled (e.g., adhered via an adhesive <NUM>, mechanically fastened and/or otherwise suitably attached) directly to the goggle frame <NUM>, such as by being received and adhered into the slot <NUM>. The face gasket <NUM> may include a strap support, which may be provided by a separate component, permanently fixed to the face gasket or by a stiffened portion (e.g., by an increase in thickness and/or use of a stiffer material than the remainder) of the face gasket, which may reduce deformation of the face gasket responsive to forces applied by the strap.

The goggle <NUM> may include alignment features, which may facilitate the alignment of the lens assembly <NUM> to the goggle frame <NUM>. In some embodiments such as the present embodiment, the alignment features may be integrated with the pockets that house the magnetic elements, also referred to as magnet housings. For example, the magnetic elements <NUM> of the lens assembly <NUM> may be provided in individual pockets <NUM> that protrude from the rear (user-facing) side of the lens assembly <NUM>. The magnetic elements <NUM> of the goggle frame <NUM> may be provided in pockets <NUM>, the forward-most faces of which are recessed from the lens-facing side of the goggle <NUM>. As such, the cooperating fit between the protruding pockets <NUM> and the recessed pockets <NUM> may facilitate alignment and/or prevent lateral movement of the lens assembly <NUM> relative to goggle frame <NUM>.

Similar to goggle <NUM>, the goggle <NUM> may include a latch mechanism <NUM> at each of the lateral ends of the goggle <NUM> for more securely coupling the lens assembly <NUM> to the goggle frame <NUM>. The latch mechanism <NUM> may include some or all of the features of latch mechanism <NUM>. For example, the latch mechanism <NUM> may include a first latch component <NUM>, e.g., a tab <NUM> with a keyway <NUM>, on the lens assembly <NUM>, which is configured to couple to a second latch component <NUM>, e.g., a pivoting rod <NUM> with a key <NUM> protruding from the rod <NUM> and configured to operatively engage the keyway <NUM> to latch the lens assembly <NUM> to the goggle frame <NUM>. The latch mechanism <NUM> may but need not include magnetic elements. The operation of the latch mechanism <NUM> may be similar to that of the latch mechanism of goggle <NUM>, which for conciseness will not be repeated.

It will be further appreciated that although certain advantages or benefits are discussed with reference to some of the embodiments herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure may not provide all or any of these advantages or benefits.

All relative and directional references (including: upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, side, above, below, front, middle, back, vertical, horizontal, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the particular embodiments described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.

Claim 1:
A goggle (<NUM>) comprising:
a goggle frame (<NUM>) configured to be worn conformally on a user's face, the goggle frame comprising a flexible face gasket (<NUM>) that defines an opening configured to encircle the user's eyes when the goggle is worn; and
a lens assembly (<NUM>) coupled to the goggle frame and comprising a lens bracket supporting at least one unitary lens (<NUM>, <NUM>) that covers the opening such that an enclosed space is defined between the lens, the goggle frame, and the user's face, when the goggle is worn, characterized in that;
an upper portion (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the lens has a substantially constant radius of curvature along a vertical direction (y), a horizontal direction (x), or both, and a lower portion (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the lens has a variable radius of curvature which varies at least along the vertical direction.