Abstract: The invention is directed to a reinforced nose bridge structure, eyeglasses employing the reinforced nose bridge structure, and methods of making reinforced nose bridge structures and eyeglasses. A reinforced nose bridge structure includes an elongated body and a wire extending along the body for most of its length. The ends of the wire project from the body to form a pair of spaced-apart nose pad supports. Respective nose pads are mounted at the ends of the wire forming the nose pad supports. The nose bridge may be attached directly to eyeglass lenses or to complete or partial frames for the lenses.

Abstract: Lens structures are disclosed. The lens structures include a first lens spaced apart from a second lens and a spacer disposed therebetween comprising an extruded adhesive. Goggles utilizing the lens structures are disclosed. Methods of forming lens structures and goggles are also disclosed. The methods of forming the lens structures include providing a first lens, selectively applying adhesive to a surface of the first lens, contacting the adhesive applied to the first lens with a second lens to form a lens structure, and at least partially curing the adhesive. Lens structures so formed may be attached to a goggle frame. Programmable machines for implementing such inventive methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A goggle having at least one side arm. The arms may be used to support the goggle on a wearer's head, and may be pivotally mounted to the goggle frame inward of an outermost portion of the goggle lens(es) or frame. The arms may reinforce the frame, in some cases, to help better retain a lens in the goggle frame. The arms may nest within a groove, cut out or other feature in the goggle frame, e.g., to enhance the aerodynamic performance or aesthetic appearance of the goggle. The arms may closely follow and/or continue a smooth natural contour of the goggle frame, e.g., to make the arms less obtrusive.

Abstract: A goggle having at least one side arm. The arms may be used to support the goggle on a wearer's head, and may be pivotally mounted to the goggle frame inward of an outermost portion of the goggle lens(es) or frame. The arms may reinforce the frame, in some cases, to help better retain a lens in the goggle frame. The arms may nest within a groove, cut out or other feature in the goggle frame, e.g., to enhance the aerodynamic performance or aesthetic appearance of the goggle. The arms may closely follow and/or continue a smooth natural contour of the goggle frame, e.g., to make the arms less obtrusive.

Abstract: An adjustable length sport pole and coupling mechanism is shown and described. In one embodiment, the sport pole has a first pole assembly having a first pole and a sleeve, a second pole slidably received within the first pole assembly and a locking assembly. The second pole may have an outer surface with detents at defined locations along the pole axis. The locking assembly has a resilient locking element configured to contact and extend around an exterior portion of the second pole, and a collar movably coupled to the first pole assembly to move between a lock position and a release position. The resilient locking element extends around the second pole, and the locking element is configured so that it expands when it is attached to the second pole. The resilient locking element accordingly presses against the second pole.

Abstract: A corrective lens system and apparatus for use in protective eyewear devices such as ski goggles and sports shields is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a corrective lens assembly releasably snaps into place in multiple protective eyewear devices, allowing a user to own a single pair of corrective lenses for use with multiple devices. In preferred embodiments, the protective eyewear devices include a bridge support positioned behind the device lens for receiving and holding the corrective lens assembly. A nose clip embodiment is provided for use with ski goggles.

Abstract: This invention provides a stack of tear-off lenses for rapid and easy mounting over a main goggle lens. The invention overcomes the previously discussed disadvantages of excessive mounting time and effort. A method of manufacturing the stack is also provided. In addition, a goggle incorporating the stack of tear-off lenses, as well as a kit for adapting a goggle for tear-off lenses, including the tear-off lens stack and a retaining post member, are disclosed.

Abstract: An anti-fog goggle is provided having a foam frame with a method of manufacturing the goggle. The goggle is composed of generally planar individual members, yet the goggle has a desired degree of self-supporting curvature. The anti-fog goggle has a semi-rigid support member for supporting the goggle's lens, the support member being stamped out of a planar sheet of foam. The foam support member has air channels depressed therein through which air enters and exits the interior of the goggle to prevent condensation from forming on the viewing surface of the lens' interior. The lens is stamped from a planar sheet of transparent plastic which is deformable into a simple curve. The lens is formed with a plurality of apertures therein which are aligned with air channels in the support member when the lends is secured thereto. The lens' apertures form ports through which air may flow into the air channels, the air channels directing the air downward across the inner surface of the lens.

Abstract: A releasably attachable face mask that forms a contiguous channel with an attached goggle to improve goggle ventilation. An elongated pocket or duct formed between two surfaces on the face mask mates with the goggle ventilation system to form the contiguous channel.The channel forms a venturi to draw air out from the goggle interior to the atmosphere through the contiguous channel.

Abstract: A frameless goggle construction including an elongated lens structure having opposed ends formed of a generally planar, semi-rigid, transparent sheet of plastic deformed about its minor dimension to be configured as a simple curve with convex and concave sides. The sheet rigidity is such that the lens structure may flex to move the ends closer to or further from each other and the periphery of the concave side mounts a layer of soft resilient cushioning material of substantial thickness adapted for cushioned contact with and conformance to the face of a wearer of a goggle. An elongated strap is connected to the ends of the lens structure to secure the goggle to the head of the wearer and to provide a face conforming force to the lens. The lens structure is antifogging and formed of a non-rigid spacer sandwiched between inner and outer lenses with air flow passages formed in the spacer and inner lens.

Abstract: A high coefficient of performance heat pump which extracts heat from or inputs heat into a liquid comprises a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant, a plurality of refrigerant-fluid heat exchangers, two refrigerant expanders, two refrigerant check valves, a three way valve, refrigerant conduits, and liquid conduits connected in fluid tight communication. The apparatus can be employed to extract heat from or input heat into the earth, while heating or cooling air and/or water. An improved evaporator, refrigerant-liquid heat exchanger, component hook-up, and valve design are preferred embodiments.