Goggles Patents (Class 2/426)
  • Patent number: 6718560
    Abstract: Swimming goggles comprising a rigid frame (2) for supporting a pair of glass-shaped transparent members (1), each formed by a flat lens (1a) and a flanged bush (1b) for the connection to the frame, the bush being made of a mouldable thermoplastic material. The flat lenses are made of a plastic material different from that of the bushes and having a softening temperature higher than that of the material of the bushes and no-mist and/or no-scratch properties. The lenses are perimetrically fixed to the bushes within grooves (6) formed on the respective bushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Cressi-Sub S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlos Alberto Godoy
  • Patent number: 6715157
    Abstract: A pair of sports goggles is disclosed. The sports goggles include: a lens a flexible frame housing the lens, and a headband. The goggles also include rotatable headband mounting members and/or a removable/replaceable moisture wicking system affixed to the inner surface of the frame. The lens is configured to be positioned over a wearer's eyes. The flexible frame housing houses the lens and is defined by a frame top, a frame bottom, a frame right side and a frame left side. The frame has an inner surface that is worn towards the wearer's face. The headband has a headband left end and a headband right end. The first and second rotatable headband mounting members are attached to the headband left end and the headband right end respectively and the first and second rotatable headband mounting members are attached to the frame left side and the frame right side respectively for providing rotatable engagement of the headband with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Spy Optic, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome Jacques Marie Mage
  • Publication number: 20040060101
    Abstract: A dive mask designed as a compromise of frameless and framed designs. It employs a single frame member or support frame that is smaller and lighter than conventional frame assemblies. The support frame provides a rigid platform for the buckle assembly to be installed. Also because of the support frame, a double lens design is possible. This allows the lenses to be tilted to be closer to the eyes, increasing the field of view. The tilt of each lens is 10-20 degrees from traditional masks. The lenses are thus between 160-140 degrees apart. This improvement in lens placement yields an additional 20-40 degrees of peripheral view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Chih Cheng Shiue
  • Patent number: 6708349
    Abstract: A diving and swimming mask, comprising a mask body made of a soft material which has at least one front opening around the eye region, which opening is closed by a transparent member, particularly a lens and there being provided, at each lateral side of the mask, attachment points for attaching an end of a strap and/or a buckle element for engagement of an end of a strap for fastening the mask against the user's face. According to the invention, when worn by the user the transparent member is positioned inclined or may be positioned inclined against the face of the user at the lower edge of the said transparent member, i.e. at the edge nearest to the user's mouth so that the upper edge of the transparent element is nearer to the user's face at the said lower edge, than at the opposite upper edge of the said transparent element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Scubapro Europe S.r.l.
    Inventor: Roberto Semeia
  • Patent number: 6698033
    Abstract: A diving face mask 1 has a skirt 3 of which a part forms a nose cover 9. The nose cover 9 has a bottom wall 12 configured so that the inner surface of the bottom wall 12 facing nares of a wearer of the mask curves along transversely middle portion 13 of the inner surface so as to protrude inwardly of the nose cover 9 with respect to the portions of the inner surface extending on both sides of the middle portion 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taro Fujima
  • Publication number: 20030172445
    Abstract: A face mask has a lens frame, buckles mounted on transversely opposite extremities of the lens frame, a headband having its longitudinally opposite end portions adjustably held by the respective buckles and a pair of band guides which the headband passes through. The headband is provided on its longitudinally opposite end portions with a plurality of engagement teeth. Each of the band guides has a first guide opening and a second guide opening. The first guide opening is formed with a first guide area and a second guide areas. The first guide area is adapted to guide zones of the end portion extending along its transversely opposite side edges 8 and the second guide area is adapted to guide the engagement teeth. The second guide opening has a height corresponding to or slightly larger than a thickness t of the end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Haruo Kawashima
  • Patent number: 6602102
    Abstract: A buoyant silicone rubber compound—and process for preparing same—is disclosed wherein hollow micro spheres are incorporated into the formulation in order to decrease the specific gravity of the compound to less than 1.0. The disclosed compound is prepared by admixing from about 85 to 99 weight percent polydimethyl siloxane with from about 1 to 15 weight percent hollow micro spheres. The micro spheres are selected to have a mean particle diameter of from about 10 to 500 microns. Aquatic gear comprised of the afore-mentioned buoyant silicone rubber exhibiting positive buoyancy/flotation such as ear plugs, swim goggles, dive masks, fins and sun glasses are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: South Valley Specialties
    Inventors: Brent Gines, Rique Ford
  • Publication number: 20030110552
    Abstract: A goggle has a replaceable plastic lens mounted in a flexible frame containing several air vents for passing external air through the goggle interior. The lens is formed of thermoplastic materials to provide spherical and cylindrical versions of the lens. The thermoplastic resins incorporate dyes which tint the lens to create a transmission curve with a broad flattened peak above a 50% transmission level and steep slopes to couple with the response characteristics of the rods of the human eye retina so as to improve contrast in very low light conditions such as night skiing under artificial light. Inlet and outlet air vents are covered by porous foam to reduce fogging in an outdoor environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Youmans, David T. Robrahn
  • Publication number: 20030106139
    Abstract: The invention is for swimming goggles 400 with a nose-bridge 420 which can be simply adjusted to lengthen or shorten the space between lenses of the goggles and which is safe for the user even when the swimming goggles are stripped inadvertently. The novel nose-bridge 420 comprises a flexible connecting band 422 having first through-holes 422a towards lateral ends and second throughholes 422b spaced towards the midline from the first through-holes 422a, and supporting members 421 on each of the lenses to connect the two lenses with the flexible connecting band 422. The supporting members 421 on each lens are adapted to have a knob 421a extending towards the midline and each have a supporting hook member 421b having a blunt end 421b′ and a hook end 421b″. This arrangement in combination with the flexible nature, allows for easy adjustment of the nose bridge 420 and avoids injury to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Bom Kyu Lee
  • Publication number: 20030101507
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen P. Cleary, Scott Oliver, Joseph R. McNeal, Christopher G. Miller, Michael J. Roestel
  • Publication number: 20030093854
    Abstract: Goggles have a goggle body and a headband which are attached together on both of respective end portions thereof through respective connecting members. Each end portion of the goggle body has fitting apertures open upwardly and downwardly, and an insertion path connecting to the fitting apertures and open to a lateral end side. Furthermore each connecting member has resilient insertion pieces with protruded portions, and the protruded portions fit in the fitting apertures and come out upwardly and downwardly. At the time of detaching the connecting member from the goggle body, a wearer can easily and reliably manipulate the connecting means with his or her thumb and index finger, not only his or her thumb. And a reliable connection between the goggle body and the connecting member is obtained, and, even an outer force coming from front does not cause an inadvertent separation of them in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiko Nishida
  • Publication number: 20030056280
    Abstract: A diving and swimming mask, comprising a mask body (1) made of a soft material which has at least one front opening around the eye region, which opening is closed by a transparent member, particularly a lens (2) and there being provided, at each lateral side of the mask, means for attaching an end of a strap and/or a buckle element for engagement of an end of a strap for fastening the mask against the user's face. According to the invention, when worn by the user the transparent member is positioned inclined or may be positioned inclined against the face of the user at the lower edge of the said transparent member, i.e. at the edge nearest to the user's mouth so that the upper edge of the transparent element is nearer to the user's face at the said lower edge, that at the opposite upper edge of the said transparent element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Roberto Semeia
  • Publication number: 20030046751
    Abstract: A pair of swimming goggles comprises a first and a second single-eye modules, each of which includes a lens frame that has lens units mounted thereon, a module nose bridge which is mounted on the side of the lens frame, a module strap which is mounted on opposition the module nose bridge, wherein the module nose bridge include at least a first connection set which is disposed on the lens frame, the first connection set have a first position portion and a nose body which can be connected to the first position portion. The module strap including a matching mean which is mounted on the lens frame, a join mean which can be engaged to the matching mean, a strap element which is assembled on the join mean, and a fastener having a first and a second jacket set which are mounted on the free end of the strap element, such that the user can chose the dual single-eye module which are respectively conformity with own each eye's diopter and can be easily assembled into a pair of swimming goggles when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 6381749
    Abstract: A protective mask adapted to be worn by persons engaging in physical games comprises a body consisting of a lens receiving portion, a nose portion, a chin portion, a brow portion, opposite cheek portions and opposite side temple portions; the lens receiving portion displays an opening which is covered by a removable flexible transparent lens having its opposite extremities configured with engagement portions that mount the lens to the body. A pair of anchor clamps are inserted at each opposite end of the lens to further secure the engagement of the lens to the mask body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Leader Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Cyr
  • Patent number: 6374407
    Abstract: A counterweight attached to the back of a ballistic helmet to balance the load of a night vision goggle which night vision goggle is secured to the front edge of a ballistic helmet. The counterweight includes a back plate having fingers extending inward to engage the helmet. The fingers space the back plate apart from the surface of the helmet to define a slot with the helmet. A pair of arms are joined to the back plate and extend laterally outward from the back plate and define a recess on the inner surface of the back plate. Hooks are secured to and extend inwardly from guide surfaces on the arms. These hooks engage the rear edge of the helmet. The back plate has a recess defined in its outer surface which recess is partially in registration with the recess on the inner surface of the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Frank A. Howell
  • Patent number: 6375865
    Abstract: Substantially transparent compositions that block electric-arc energy. A process of making the compositions comprise blending an IR/optical dye with a substrate material and subjecting the blend to curing conditions. Products manufactured from the composition ablate upon impact of electric-arc energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Paulson Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Victor Paulson, Elihu Hoagland, IV
  • Publication number: 20020029408
    Abstract: Eyewear member includes a structure for fitting peripherally on or around or behind lens and structure of conventional eyewear. Interfitting structure ranges from sealing segments to eyewear members which may attachably engage or simply interfit behind conventional eyewear. The eyewear members enables conventional eyewear to form a closer fit with the face of the user to protect the person's eyes from wind, water and foreign material. All embodiments contemplate selectable removabilty, replace ability and interchangeability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Arthur Charles Lindahl
  • Patent number: 6350030
    Abstract: A face mask is provided with buckles, each of the buckles including a first support member and a second support member. A head strap is guided and folded back by the first support member. A spring extending in a width direction of the head strap is inserted from the front or the lateral side of the face mask into a space defined between distal ends of the first and second support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Tabato Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taro Fujima
  • Patent number: 6343386
    Abstract: A padding member is made from soft material and comprises a main ring portion, a connecting portion extending from an outer side of the main ring portion for engaging with a main frame of a pair of swimming goggles, and an annular contact flange extending from an inner side of the main ring portion for intimate contact with a wearer's eye socket. The connecting portion includes an engaging piece extending radially inward from an inner periphery thereof, the engaging piece including an engaging edge. An engaging portion extends radially inward from the annular contact flange, thereby defining a cushioning space between the engaging piece and the engaging portion. The engaging edge of the engaging piece and the engaging portion are bonded together to seal the cushioning space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Terry Chou
  • Patent number: 6276794
    Abstract: A pair of swimming goggles, comprising a lens frame main unit, a protective pad, two lenses and a headband device, characterized in that: the lenses and protective pad of the swimming goggles are compressed tight to the lens frame main unit, the lens frame main unit has a frame with a central connector, and at least two openings on the frame, and an accommodating groove on the inside rim of the frame. The protective pad has a face contact part and a lens accommodating part, the face contact part serving to cover the upper part of the user's eyebrows and the lower part of the user's eye sockets, encompassing two eyes within a same single space, thereby providing a protective pad with the function of a face mask, so that the swimming goggles can resist water, and will not cause tight pressure on the user's eyeballs, and will provide wearing comfort and a wide field of vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 6219935
    Abstract: A hair drying method that includes the steps of providing and installing a face shield including shielding elements for shielding the eye and ear canal areas prior to blowing hot air onto the hair to be dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Maybell B. Daunoy
  • Patent number: 6138286
    Abstract: A goggle has a replaceable plastic lens mounted in a flexible frame containing several air vents for passing external air through the goggle interior. The lens is formed of thermoplastic materials to provide spherical and cylindrical versions of the lens. The thermoplastic resins incorporate dyes which tint the lens to create transmission curves having peaks and valleys which approximate or enhance certain response characteristics of the retina of the human eye. Inlet air vents are covered by porous foam located in an upper air channel to disperse downwardly the external air into the interior space behind the lens. Outlet vents located in the bottom of the frame are covered with a porous foam to exit air from the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignees: Scott USA, Inc., Christian Dalloz Sunoptics
    Inventors: David T. Robrahn, Robert Youmans, Etienne Billard, Christine Bejannin
  • Patent number: 6131209
    Abstract: An eyewear cleaning apparatus utilizes a flexible retaining band which has ends which engage and retain eyewear such as eyeglasses, sunglasses, goggles and the like to allow the eyewear to be carried about the neck of the user. A selectively closeable compartment is positioned on the band intermediate the ends and contains a specialized lens cleaning cloth which is moveable between an extended cleaning position confronting the lenses of the eyewear and a rolled or folded storage position within the compartment where the cloth can be effectively carried, stored and protected from contamination yet always be available for lens cleaning when needed. When in the stored position, the cloth is substantially undetectable to the casual eye, and the band retains its aesthetically attractive appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: Timothy R. Thayer, Brett W. Frey
  • Patent number: 6098204
    Abstract: Goggles for use in cold weather, high speed outdoor sports, in conjunction with an insulating hood having a facial opening, are configured to receive the hood around the facial opening, to prevent the hood from obstructing the wearer's vision. The goggles are preferably configured with an outer frame incorporating a lens, an inner frame bearing against the wearer's face, with the outer and inner frames spaced apart to receive the hood at least partially around the facial opening. With the present invention it is possible to remove the insulating hood without displacing the goggles from the wearer's face. In the prior art, it was necessary to remove or otherwise displace the goggles, to allow removal or adjustment of the insulating hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Arnette Optical Illusions, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory F. Arnette
  • Patent number: 6092243
    Abstract: A pair of sports goggles includes a strap made of plastic material. The strap includes two rings in a mediate portion thereof. A padding member of soft material is mounted to an inner side of each ring. Each padding member includes a receiving compartment for receiving a lens. Each padding member further includes at least one positioning pin projecting outward from a side thereof that faces the lens. Each lens includes at least one positioning hole through which a stem of the positioning pin on an associated padding member extends. An enlarged distal end of the positioning pin has a diameter slightly greater than that of the positioning hole of the associated lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventors: Ching-Ying Wu, Ming-Tien Fang
  • Patent number: 6052834
    Abstract: A padding device is provided for a pair of swimming goggles. The padding device includes a connecting portion connected to a lens of the pair of the swimming goggles. An elastic annular extension extends inwardly from an inner wall of the connecting portion. A flange extends from the elastic annular extension to thereby define an annular groove between the inner wall of the connecting portion, the annular extension, and the flange. The flange provides a close contact with an eye socket of a user. A plastic protective ring is received in the annular groove for preventing the flange from being contacted with a rigid portion of the pair of swimming goggles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Terry Chou
  • Patent number: 6047410
    Abstract: An improved goggle system includes a goggle housing surroundably supporting one or two lenses, and further includes a hinged strap attachment member which is pivotally engaged to the goggle housing forward of the rearward most extent of the side lens or lenses. The hinged strap attachment member has a small shield member disposed generally toward the axis of pivot to protect the space between the hinge and the goggle, and also to provide a smooth interfit with the goggle when the hinge is displaced back toward the head of the wearer, as when the goggle is used without a helmet or other structure which would tend to pull outwardly rather than back against the head of the user. The hinges have sufficient flexibility matched with respect to sufficient pin length to enable the hinges to be rapidly and easily removed from the goggle, so that the goggle could be removed from the helmet or other support system when the goggles are needed elsewhere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Eye Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Dondero
  • Patent number: 6038706
    Abstract: A case for a mask includes a first panel secured to a second panel to form a pouch into which the mask may be inserted and removed. The second panel may include a pair of overlapping panel sections defining an opening for insertion of the mask. Apertures on either side of the case accommodate passage of a strap attached to the mask. Alternatively, straps may be permanently secured to the case. Closure elements on either side of the opening maintain the case in a closed position. The case may be positioned behind the user's head when the mask is being used, cushioning the strap, and may be inverted into a storage configuration to cover at least the mask lens. The closure elements are oriented in mutually facing relation in both configurations to maintain the case closed. Panels of the case may be made of floatable synthetic materials or may include light-weight or net materials to promote drying of the case and mask following use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Douglas A. Seiler
  • Patent number: 6019103
    Abstract: A disposable sanitary eye protector device that includes a molded, flexible plastic, face shield portion having two eye protector openings and nose receiving cut-out; two domed shaped clear plastic eye protectors, one installed through each of the eye protector openings of the face shield portion; and an elastic securing cord having the cord ends thereof secured to the face shield portion to form a head encircling loop. The molded, flexible plastic, face shield portion is molded to the general contours of the eye and nose area of a wearer. Each of the two domed shaped, clear plastic eye protectors includes a transparent domed portion having an eye receiving cavity formed therein that is accessible through an eye insertion opening defined by an attachment ridge formed around the entire perimeter of the eye protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Lynnette Carroll
  • Patent number: 5950248
    Abstract: Each lens member 1 of swimming goggles includes an annular peripheral wall 12 extending rearward from a peripheral edge of a front lens portion of the lens member 1 and a flange 13 formed on a rear end of the peripheral wall 12. The peripheral wall 12 is partially formed with a wall surface portion 14 spaced from a front surface of the flange 13 to define a second groove 16 therebetween and the front surface of the flange 13 is formed with a first groove 19. Each of pad members 2 presents an annular configuration and is formed with a first wall 22 and a first projection 26 adapted to be received by the second groove 16 and the first groove 19 respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Tabata Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruo Kawashima, Shunji Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 5940891
    Abstract: A goggle mounting system for retaining a pair of goggles to the lower edge of a helmet or the like. The goggle retention system comprises a plurality of clips, each clip having a base mounted to a helmet, and a removable eyelet shaped to receive and retain the goggles. Each base has an oblong slot extending therethrough and is shaped to receive and retain an associated eyelet. Each base further includes a pair of transverse locking notches and a helical camming surface extending between the slot and the notches. Each eyelet includes a generally circular ring to retain the goggle strap, and a pair of spaced, parallel legs extending from the ring. Each eyelet further includes a pair of opposed, spaced feet at the ends of the legs. The feet are shaped to pass through the slot when the feet are oriented lengthwise of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Firequip Helmets, Inc.
    Inventor: Abbott Atwood Lane
  • Patent number: 5926855
    Abstract: An adjustable elastic protective eyewear strap for swimwear goggles and the like includes an elongated elastic cord having an elastic core encased in a stretchable cover. The goggle strap uses a releasable lock providing quick and convenient length adjustment for the goggle strap. The goggle strap is used in conjunction with a pair of goggles to provide a dependable and durable method for securing the goggles to the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Ralph Brodbeck
  • Patent number: 5927281
    Abstract: The invention presents goggles for preventing a patient from developing exposure keratitis. The goggles include first and second concave eyepieces which form chambers over the patient's eyes. The goggles also include an adjustable nose strap connecting the eyepieces and an adjustable head strap for securing the goggles to the patient. The first and second eyepieces have first and second holes, respectively. A first valve assembly is attached to the first eyepiece for regulating fluid flow through the first hole, and a second valve assembly is attached to the second eyepiece for regulating fluid flow through the second hole. Liquids such as artificial tears are instilled in each chamber through the valve assemblies to keep the patient's eyes moist. The goggles further include first and second cushioning members, preferably air bladders, attached to the rims of the eyepieces. The cushioning members seal the goggles to the patient's face while preventing the patient from developing skin damage or pressure sores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Tamela A. Monteleone, Michael N. Monteleone
  • Patent number: 5921890
    Abstract: A programmable pacing device for helping a user to achieve a desired pace or tempo. The device is capable of emitting a plurality of different audible signals, each signal conveying selected pacing information to the user, and may be used by athletes to help in training or race pacing. The device may comprise a single unit or two separate units; an input unit and a signaling unit and as a single unit the device may form part of a pair of swimming goggles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Patrick Gerard Miley
  • Patent number: 5894606
    Abstract: A swimming goggle structure includes two lens frames each having a lens fixed thereon, a nose bridge connecting between inner sides of the lens frames and a head strap connecting between outer sides of the lens frames. Each of the lens frames has a cushion pad provided on a wearer facing side thereof and the cushion pad includes a connection portion at is attached to the respective lens frames of the swimming goggle structure and a cushion body which is a hollow sealed member with air filled therein to provide compressibility and collapsibility. The cushion body has a face engaging surface which is capable to very comfortably engage with the wearer's face due to the collapsibility thereof and to very compliantly follow the wearer's face contour for an excellent water leakage proofness due to the compressibility thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 5878443
    Abstract: A case for a mask includes a first panel secured to a second panel to form a pouch into which the mask may be inserted and removed. The second panel may include a pair of overlapping panel sections defining an opening for insertion of the mask. Apertures on either side of the case accommodate passage of a strap attached to the mask. Alternatively, straps may be permanently secured to the case. Closure elements on either side of the opening maintain the case in a closed position. The case may be positioned behind the user's head when the mask is being used, cushioning the strap, and may be inverted into a storage configuration to cover at least the mask lens. The closure elements are oriented in mutually facing relation in both configurations to maintain the case closed. Panels of the case may be made of floatable synthetic materials or may include light-weight or net materials to promote drying of the case and mask following use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Douglas A. Seiler
  • Patent number: 5813990
    Abstract: A projected display sport goggle that is used to provide continuous and uninterrupted feedback of information to the athlete. The goggle will permit the athlete to adjust their performance based on real time information. This information includes speed, distance traveled, temperature, heart rate, time of day, elapsed time, cadence, and a time based alarm. The informational display presented by the goggle is easy to read and understand. Similar in size and shape to a pair of eyeglasses, it will not significantly interfere with or restrict the movement of the athlete. It is capable of withstanding the impacts and shocks associated with athletic activities. It is easy to use and operate, and is inexpensive to manufacture. The goggle provides a safe, economic, and highly reliable method for monitoring an athlete's performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: David Lloyd Ryll
  • Patent number: 5809580
    Abstract: A multi-sport goggle having a tear-away lens system includes a pair of strap brackets which pivotally and removably attach a goggle strap to the goggle frame. One of the strap brackets includes a third post to removably secure the lateral pull-strap of the tear-away lenses, the other two posts (for securing the panes of the tear-away lenses over the permanent lens) being carried on a pair of lens brackets which are removably secured to either side extent of the goggle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Gregory F. Arnette
  • Patent number: 5765223
    Abstract: A face shield is disclosed that includes a headband with an inner and outer surface, first and second ends and a visor between a portion of the inner and outer surfaces that tapers from a maximum width at the midpoint between the first and second ends to a minimum at a first point spaced a distance from the first end and at a second point spaced a distance from the second end, a flexible fluid impervious transparent cover removably attached to the outer edge of said headband, and means for adjustably securing the shield to a wearer's head. This face shield permits a wearer to comfortably wear eye glasses and/or breathing apparatus under the shield. Also, the flexible cover can be readily removed and replaced if damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Mary L. McCausland
  • Patent number: 5732415
    Abstract: The present invention is an eye protection device adapted to be worn by a canine. The device comprises an eye enclosure element such as a transparent plastic goggle which is adapted to rest snugly against the face of a canine. A pair of side straps extend from opposing sides of the eye enclosure element to connect to a collar adapted to be worn about the neck of the canine. The side straps are length adjustable as by hook and loop attachments, snaps or pawl mechanism and couple to the collar along a selected length of the collar thereby allowing two-dimensional adjustment of the side straps. A preferred embodiment of the invention further includes a pivot element for easily rotating the eye enclosure element away from the eyes of the canine when the invention is not needed. Alternately, the invention can include anti-lift and anti-loss straps for maintaining use of the invention when the wearing animal is using the invention in inclement conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: David J. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5711036
    Abstract: Goggles enabling fine adjustments of eyecups and providing an increased degree of fitting freedom onto wearer's face are provided including a pair of right and left eyecups, a nasal belt interconnecting respective opposing inner end portions of the eyecups, and an elastic band connecting to respective outer end portions of the eyecups, each of the outer end portions of the eyecups defining a band insertion hole vertically extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Kita, Tomoyuki Yashiro
  • Patent number: 5652963
    Abstract: A camouflage and protective headgear which may be worn by a human. The headgear comprises an upper fabric portion which will encircle a portion of the head and forehead of a person wearing it. The top edge of the upper fabric portion falls along a line lying at approximately the hairline of the wearer and the bottom edge falls along a line lying at approximately the eyebrows of such a person. The upper fabric portion has an upwardly extending fringe along at least a portion of the top edge thereof. The upper fabric portion may also have a downwardly extending fringe along at least a portion of the bottom edge thereof. Preferably the headgear has a lower fabric portion encircling a portion of the nose and face of the person wearing it and having a top edge which falls along a line lying approximately at the bottom of the eyes of such person and a bottom edge which falls along a line lying at approximately at the bottom of the jaws and chin of such person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: George M. Davison
  • Patent number: 5642178
    Abstract: A pair of sports eyeglasses having a substantially hard, rigid frame, a pair of soft, resilient strap connector pads, and a headband assembly coupled to the rigid frame by the soft resilient strap connector pads. The soft connector pads provide cushioning at the junction between the rigid frame and the straps to provide a comfortable fit to the user. The frame front is shortened at its ends for use with helmets used in sporting activities or the like. The headband assembly includes a first elastic strap extending between the soft, resilient connector pads, a second strap coupled at its ends to the first strap and extending over the top of the user's head, and a third strap extending between the first and second straps along a rear portion of the wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventors: Peter F. Leonardi, Carmine S. Di Chiara
  • Patent number: 5631716
    Abstract: A pair of goggles includes two shields each having an opening and a peripheral recess formed in the center portion for receiving a pair of rings and prescription lenses. The shields each includes a front peripheral flange and a rear peripheral flange for defining the peripheral recess. The rear peripheral flange includes a height greater than that of the front peripheral flange so as to prevent the prescription lens from moving beyond the peripheral flange. The side portions of the shields will not be occluded by the prescription lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: David Y. Chao
  • Patent number: 5546611
    Abstract: Swim goggles wherein each eyepiece includes a lens and a wall portion for spacing the lens apart from the wearer's eye. Each eyepiece is received within an inner and outer resilient sleeve for reducing discomfort and for sealing against the wearer's face. An adjustable nose strap is connected to each eyepiece by being connected to a lug extending outwardly from the eyepiece lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Kim N. Lathrop
  • Patent number: 5438710
    Abstract: A thermal nose protector for use in subfreezing climates, e.g. by an alpine skier with ski goggles. The thermal nose protector consists of a flexible shield sheet material sized to conformingly fit over the skier's nose and having at least a first and a second layer. The first layer is made from a soft, thermally insulating material for direct engagement with the skin of the skier's nose. The second layer is of the multiple-hook type for separable gripping engagement with a corresponding portion of the foam-like, peripheral, interior strip of the ski goggles. The flexible shield sheet extends beyond the tip of the skier's nose whereby a substantially open air pocket is defined by the nose-covering the shield sheet beneath the skier's nose and ahead of the skier's mouth, wherein an air breathing channel is formed coextensively of the open air pocket for promoting air breathing from the nose of the skier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Kathleen McDonald
    Inventors: Neil McDonald, Kathleen McDonald, Sharon McDonald
  • Patent number: 5404385
    Abstract: Swimming goggles include an AM/FM radio assembly as well as a lap counter. The radio assembly includes earphones that also include foam for plugging the swimmer's ear to prevent water from entering that ear. The goggles also include plastic temple pieces that serve a dual function of securely supporting the goggles on the swimmer and supporting the radio and lap counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Niv Ben-Haim
  • Patent number: 5402188
    Abstract: Pacing goggles are provided which include a pacing device that conveys a rhythmic or periodic visual signal to the swimmer. The intermittent signal provides a metronome-like reference for use in pacing the swimmer's strokes. The frequency of the intermittent signal can be adjusted to correspond with the swimmer's preferred pace. In a preferred embodiment, the pacing device is contained in a waterproof hydrodynamic housing that is mounted to the corner contour of the eye shield of swim goggles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas R. Wayne
  • Patent number: 5331473
    Abstract: An improved double-lensed viewing system having a first lens or shield formed of shatterproof glass or plastic and mounted at an angle of at least 05.degree. from the vertical, together with a second lens or shield formed of partially opaque material mounted in optical alignment with the first lens or shield and extending parallel to the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: T. Douglas Petersen
  • Patent number: D428620
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Thawatchai Maturaporn