AU2012101914A4

AU2012101914A4 - Improved Safety Equipment

Info

Publication number: AU2012101914A4
Application number: AU2012101914A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jorge Miguel Pereira
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-11-21
Filing date: 2012-11-21
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2020-11-21
Also published as: AU2012343324A1; WO2013075166A1

Abstract

Personal safety goggles for the face of a wearer, comprising a skeleton goggle frame to which one or more facial protection components may be removably secured, and one or more facial protection components securable to the frame. The facial protection components are selected from among: eye protective, ear protective, breathing protective or general face protective, components. The skeleton frame has two side arms arranged at opposite sides of the goggle frame and substantially perpendicularly to the goggle frame. The wearer can select suitable components which are attached to the frame, to suit each task. Some examples of the protective components include spectacle lenses, goggle lenses; ear-muffs, ear-phones; breathing assistance apparatus, dust filters; and face shield, face mask, or welding protection. WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 Fig. 1

Description

WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 1 IMPROVED SAFETY EQUIPMENT TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to personal safety equipment and in particular, equipment to protect the face of a user. The invention comprises an apparatus able to be adapted to provide improvements in relation to conventional personal safety equipment. Particular embodiments of the invention may be configured to provide protection for the eyes, ears or face of a user by allowing interchangeable components to be removably secured to the equipment. BACKGROUND ART It is important for safety equipment to be worn in situations where activities could result in injury. Many types of safety equipment are well known, for example, commonly used equipment to protect the head of a wearer includes ear protection such as ear plugs or ear muffs, various forms of safety glasses or goggles, face shields or masks and helmets. In general, these forms of safety equipment are designed to provide protection during a particular application or activity. For example, a welding mask will protect a wearer's eyes during welding operations however is too bulky and awkward to be used to protect a wearer's eyes in other roles. Other safety glasses which may be appropriate or useful when working with wood saws may not provide adequate shielding when used during metal grinding activities. As each piece of equipment is generally meant for a single task, a user who needs to perform a range of tasks will inevitably be required to purchase and transport multiple pieces of safety equipment, often proving inconvenient and expensive. It would therefore be preferable to provide wearable safety equipment which could be reconfigured with various components to provide suitable protection depending on the activity in which the safety apparatus is to be used and which may also provide a multi-functional benefit to the wearer when required. Due to the nature of personal safety equipment it is unavoidable that items such as safety glasses will become scratched or cracked during use. In such instances WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 2 a user would typically purchase a new unit of equipment to replace the damaged item. Accordingly, it would also be useful to provide personal safety equipment with modular components, such as lenses, which may be replaced when damaged or worn, limiting the cost to the user and reducing waste caused by the disposal of the damaged product. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In one broad form, the invention concerns personal safety goggles suitable for the face of a wearer, comprising a skeleton goggle frame to which one or more facial protection components may be removably secured, and one or more facial protection components securable to the frame, the facial protection components selected from among: eye protective, ear protective, breathing protective, or general face protective, components, and wherein the skeleton frame has two side arms arranged at opposite sides of the goggle frame and substantially perpendicularly to the goggle frame. Preferably, the eye protective components are selected from: spectacle lenses, goggle lenses; the ear protective components are selected from: ear-muffs, ear phones; the breathing protective components are selected from: breathing assistance apparatus, dust filters; and the general face protective components are selected from: face shield, face mask, or welding protection. In one preferred form, the facial protective components comprise at least an eye protective component, and one or more of an ear protective component, a breathing protective component or an general face protective component. In another preferred form, the facial protective components comprise any two or more of an eye protective component, an ear protective component, a breathing protective component, or an general face protective component. In one preferred from, the skeleton frame is a unitary moulded plastic part. As another alternative, the two side arms may be formed separately from the skeleton frame. It is preferred that the side arms and skeleton frame are a single, resilient part.

WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 3 In this situation, each side arm may have a curved portion configured to direct the end portion of each side arm towards an end portion of an opposite side arm. Also, possibly each side arm may be adapted to connect to an ear protective component, having at least one aperture arranged along a portion of each side arm to form a track along which an ear protective component is secured. In a preferred embodiment, at least one recess may be arranged within a front surface of the skeleton frame and an eye protective component is provided having at least one section adapted to fit within and be retained in the recess. In another preferred embodiment, a portion of each side arm may form a jaw adjacent to each side of the goggle frame and a cavity is provided between each jaw and the goggle frame, the cavity being adapted to retain a section of an eye protective component, wherein each jaw is actuated by rotating its associated side arm towards an opposite side arm. Also, the frame may have one or more projections or recesses arranged in an external peripheral region, each being adapted to connect within a complimentary cavity or to a complimentary projection arranged in an internal peripheral region of an eye protective component. It is preferred that the skeleton goggle frame may have at least one resilient and deformable region located around a perimeter of a rear surface of the skeleton frame. If so, the deformable region may be formed from an elastomer or a foam pad. In another embodiment, the skeleton frame may have a plurality of vents arranged within an external peripheral region to allow the passage of air through the cavity formed between an interior surface of an attached eye protective component and a wearer's face. Another preferred embodiment may have a stiffening member adapted to removably attach to the skeleton frame between a first region of the frame adapted to fit over a wearer's nose and a second region arranged substantially opposite the first. Also, preferably there may be an end portion of each side arm configured to connect to a removable strap to retain the goggles to the face of a user. As another version on the invention, the personal safety goggles as described above may be in the form of a kit of parts, comprising a skeleton goggle frame and one or more facial protection components securable to the frame, the facial WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 4 protection components selected from among: eye protective, ear protective, breathing protective, or general face protective, components. Another form of the invention involves a skeleton goggle frame to which one or more facial protection components may be removably secured to provide personal safety googles as described above, the frame being adapted to allow for one or more facial protection components to be securable to the frame, these facial protection components selected from among: eye protective, ear protective, breathing protective, or general face protective, components, and wherein the skeleton frame has two side arms arranged at opposite sides of the goggle frame and substantially perpendicularly to the goggle frame. Yet another form of the invention concerns facial protection a component that may be removably secured to a goggle protective frame to provide personal safety goggles as described above, wherein the facial protection components are selected from among: eye protective, ear protective, breathing protective, or general face protective, components. As one option, the skeleton frame also may have a plurality of vents arranged along the exterior peripheral region of the frame to allow the passage of air through the cavity formed between the interior surface of an attached lens component and a wearer's face, reducing the amount of condensation upon the interior surface of the lens. As another variation, the side arm parts may define at least one receiving channel adapted to receive a strengthening beam and to orientate the strengthening beam along the length of the side arm. The strengthening beam may be formed from a thin strip of metal, preferably being steel. In yet a further embodiment the strengthening beam may be formed from a strip of plastic or another suitably rigid material. Otherwise, the strengthening rib may be formed as an integral feature of the side arm part. As another alternative, the strengthening beam may be placed within an injection moulding tool and over moulded so that the beam is integral with the skeleton frame. In a further alternative, a strengthening beam may be inserted into a receiving channel defined within the frame after the frame has been moulded.

WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 5 Preferably, a tip of a side-arm adjacent to the lens frame may be adapted to flex away from the lens frame to release and expose at least one lens connector. The lens connector may also be arranged to locate and secure a safety lens element within the lens frame when a portion of said lens is sandwiched between the lens frame and the side-arm. The lens connector may be located at the tip of a side arm of the lens frame. Alternatively, a lens connector may be positioned on the portion of the lens frame that is exposed when the tip of a side arm is flexed away from the lens frame. Generally, when worn, it urges the tip of a side-arm, which defines the lens connector, into contact with the portion of the lens sandwiched between the lens frame and the side-arm. Otherwise, a lens connector may be formed by a projection arranged to connect to a complimentary shaped aperture or recess defined within the portion of a lens which the lens connector is to engage with. However, alternatively, a lens connector may be formed from or by a shaped recess or aperture with a complimentary shape to a projection defined on the portion of the lens to which the lens connector is to engage with. It should also understood that in some embodiments the lens frame may also include additional lens connection systems to the lens connectors described above associated with the side-arms. For example in one embodiment an additional connection clip system may be provided in the front centre section of the frame to engage with a complimentary structure on the lens. Such a clip system may preferably be automatically engaged simply by the lens being urged against the frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a skeleton goggle frame; Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view the skeleton frame shown in the previous figure having ear muffs secured to the side arms and a lens component set apart from the frame; WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 6 Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the safety equipment shown in the previous figure with the lens removed; Figure 4 shows the same view as the previous figure with a lens attached to the skeleton frame; Figure 5 is a bottom view of the apparatus as shown in the previous figure; Figure 6 is a top view of the apparatus as shown in the previous two figures; Figure 7 shows a top exploded view of the apparatus shown in the previous figures having the lens component set apart from the frame; Figure 8 is a cross-section, detail view of the joint between the side arm and the front portion of the skeleton frame, having the lens component set apart from the frame; Figures 9 and 10 are also cross-section detail views of the same region, showing a lens component secured to the frame and a side arm being roated to allow removal of the lens component from the frame; Figure 11 is a perspective, exploded view of an alternative frame and lens arrangement, having the lens component set apart from the frame; Figure 12 is a side, cross-section view of the embodiment shown in the previous figure having a lens secured to the frame; Figures 13A-13B are front views of the embodiment shown in the previous figure; Figure 14 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a head strap secured to the side arms of the skeleton frame; Figures 15-16 show perspective views of further alternative embodiments of the invention having a protective face mask and breathing apparatus secured to the previously illustrated components; WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 7 Figure 17-18 show a front and cross-section view of an alternative aspect of the invention being a recessed nipple feature to secure an ear muff to the skeleton frame. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention relates to adaptable safety equipment, generally in the form of goggles, worn by a user to protect various facial features during potentially dangerous tasks. In particular, the present invention provides a modular safety equipment system, having a skeleton goggle frame which may be connected to one or more items of other, potentially task specific, articles of safety apparatus to provide apparatus that is capable of providing protection for the face of a user during a wide range of activities. The facial protection components are selected from among: eye protective, ear protective, breathing protective, or general face protective, components. Such components are indicative, and the general face protective components will also include any other components that serve to protect a wearer's face or features, and which can be adapted to be fixable to the skeleton goggle frame. The eye protective components are selected from: spectacle lenses, goggle lenses or the like, including those with sun or light protection, for instance. The ear protective components are selected from: ear-muffs, ear-phones, and the like, including ear cups, ear sound blocking means, and communication means like radio reception. Ear muffs that include ear buds, to play music, or magnify or muffle exterior sounds may also be used. The breathing protective components are selected from: breathing assistance apparatus, or dust filters and the like, including those that provide a flow of air or filter existing air, or that provide masking scents. The general face protective components are selected from: face shield, face mask, or welding protection, and similar devices, as well as any other facial protection not mentioned already. The invention generally comprises a skeleton goggle frame, arranged to define a goggle or lens aperture, and two side arm portions arranged at either side of the goggle frame. The skeleton frame is preferably a unitary part which provides a WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 8 resilient structure to which other articles of safety equipment may be connected according to the safety requirements of a user or a particular purpose. For example, if a user is working in a noisy warehouse, the skeleton frame may have only ear muff components secured to each side arm to protect the user's ears from exposure to excessive noise volume over a prolonged period. Alternatively, if a user is using an industrial orbital sander on a wooden floor, a protective lens and breathing apparatus may also be connected to the skeleton frame to protect the eyes, nose and mouth of the user from abrasive dust, in addition to the protecting its ears from excessive noise levels. The invention provides an easily adaptable, modular system which may be quickly configured according to its usage environment and purpose, in addition to allowing worn or broken components to be removed and replaced. The apparatus also provides an affordable system for workers to purchase individual components over time, as funds become available, in order to construct a comprehensive safety equipment kit. The facial protective components may include at least an eye protective component, and one or more of an ear protective component, a breathing protective component or an general face protective component, for instance, or may include variations of these. Special combinations of components may be provided together to suit particular jobs or tasks, of example. Or the components may be provided individually, allowing the purchaser or wearer to select among them as desired. The same component may be provided in different sizes, to suit the different shapes and sizes of the wearer's faces. Different sizes may be colour coded or otherwise marked, to highlight this distinction. Special kits for children may be provided, also. Different styles and colours may be provided of the same component. Groups of components, representing specific tasks, may be colour coded or otherwise linked together, to aid the wearer to select the right components. The skeleton goggle frame, or the components may be provided and sold separately, or provided and sold as a kit. Due to the arrangement of each item of safety equipment connecting to a skeleton goggle frame, the invention also provides a substantially more comfortable safety apparatus system that is also more convenient and efficient WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 9 to fit to the face of a user. For example, when using prior art approaches, safety glasses may be worn in addition and separately to protective ear muffs, often resulting in the arms of such glasses becoming tangled or otherwise interfering with the fit of the ear muffs. The present invention provides an ergonomic, integral system which allows a potentially comprehensive safety apparatus which provides protection for the eyes, ears and face of a user to be fitted to a user in a single step, proving significantly more convenient, particularly when removed and re-fitted a number of times throughout a working day. Turning to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention being a skeleton goggle frame 1 that is adapted to be removably connected to one or more other safety equipment components. Whilst the invention will normally be sold as an assembly or kit having at least one other safety equipment component able to be attached to the frame, it is also imagined that there will be instances where the skeleton frame is sold alone, for example, to replace a broken frame. The skeleton goggle frame 1 has a goggle frame portion 2 that defines a goggle or spectacle lens aperture and two side arms 3 arranged at either side of the goggle frame and substantially perpendicular to the goggle frame. It is preferable that the goggle frame is formed from a semi-flexible, resilient material however other rigid or fully flexible versions are within the scope of the invention. Each side arm can be seen to have a curved portion 4 approximately halfway along its length, preferably curving in two directions along the length of the side arm, the first direction being away from the opposite side arm and the second, and end portion, being towards the opposite side arm, such that the end portion 5 of each side arm is directed towards the opposite side arm. However, side arms also having a single curved portion or being entirely curved to achieve the same result of the end portion of each side arm being positioned facing towards the opposing side arm are within the scope of the invention. Each side arm also has a groove or aperture arranged at least partially along its length to form a track 6 into which an ear protection component is affixed. On the inside of the curved portion, a plurality of ribs 7 are provided to increase the stiffness of the side arm in that region, assisting the side arm to maintain force against the sides of a WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 10 wearers head when being worn and improve the resistance of the side arm from plastic deformation throughout cycle of repetitive use. At either side of the front surface of the goggle frame 1, a recess can be seen arranged between the portion of each side arm 3 joined to the frame and the goggle frame, providing a side lens connector 8 to retain the side portions of a lens to the frame. The side lens connector is formed by the portions of each side arm adjacent to the frame providing a jaw wherein the inside surface of each jaw facing the frame is configured to receive and connect to a lens component. The goggle portion also has one or more projections arranged around an external peripheral region, such as the top lens connector 9 shown configured as a hooked boss, which are adapted to connect within or be retained by complimentary cavities or grooves in a lens component. In this region (not shown) a plurality of vents may also be provided to allow the passage of air through the volume enclosed between the inside of a lens component fitted to the frame and the face of a wearer, to decrease fogging of the lens. Figure 2 shows an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention having the skeleton goggle frame 1 shown in the previous figure connected to other components of the safety equipment. The frame 1 is shown having an ear muff 10, or ear cup, attached to each side arm, each ear muff having a rotatable connector 11 arranged on a rear surface configured to fit through the track 6 opening when rotate to a first position and subsequently be rotated to a second position when the ear muff is in a desired position to fit comfortably to a user, securing the ear muff firmly to the side arm by a frictional interference fit between the components. Each ear muff also has resilient, deformable pads 12 formed on a front surface to provide a comfortable fit to the contours of a user's head proximal to its ears and increase the seal between the ear muff and the head, assisting the reduction in noise levels provided by each ear muff. Similarly, it is preferable that the goggle frame 1 also has a resilient, deformable pad 13 arranged on a rear surface of the frame adjacent to the lens aperture to improve the fit of the frame to the local contours of a user's face and provide an improved seal between the frame and the face. These regions are formed from a soft elastomer, such as a rubber compound, foam padding or other similar WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 11 arrangement to provide a comfortable, and potentially breathable, fit to the head of a wearer. The ear muffs may also include speakers and other electronics (not shown) to provide playback of music recordings or radio communication to other workers. In these instances batteries may be provided in each ear muff or in an integral casing on each side arm and radio signal receiving means, that comply with WiFi or Bluetooth signal transmission standards may be included. Furthermore, one or other of the ear muff components may include cables to connect to a conventional 3.5mm headphone jack, to provide audio connection to a personal music player or mobile telephone. Rechargeable batteries may be used, in which case a jack to allow power to be supplied to such batteries may also be included. In such embodiments, it is preferable that there is a channel across the top portion of the goggle frame 2 into which cables, such as a headphone cable, are secured to communicate a cable from one ear muff to another and over which a deformable resilient pad 13 is secured. Shown offset from the frame is a lens component 14 having a complimentary shape to the goggle frame 1 to provide a seal between the peripheral region of the lens and the frame. The lens has one or more projections or cavities arranged in an external or internal peripheral region, such as the top lens connector cavity 15, adapted to enclose and connect to the top lens connector 9 and lens attachment rails 16, adapted to connect within and be retained by the jaws of the side lens connector recesses 8. Within this region, similarly to the frame, a plurality of vents (not shown) may be provided to allow the passage of air from the enclosed space between the lens and the face of a wearer to the surrounding environment, to reduce condensation forming in this space. Figures 3-4 show two perspective views of the invention as shown in the previous figure, Figure 3 having a lens component 14 removed from the skeleton goggle frame 1 and Figure 4 having the lens component attached to the frame. In Figure 4, the lens attachment rails 16 are shown as dashed lines, being held within the jaws of the lens connectors 8 arranged at either side of the goggle frame. This relationship is discussed in more detail with reference to the following four figures.

WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 12 Figures 5-8 illustrate the embodiment of the invention as shown in the previous figures during the process of fitting a lens 14 to the skeleton goggle frame 1. Figure 5 shows a top view of a skeleton goggle frame 1 spaced apart from a lens component 14, the goggle frame having a cavity arranged at either side of the frame, providing a side lens connector feature 8. Each cavity 8 is preferably formed as a recess through the entire frame and is open at both ends, to receive the insertion of the side portions of a lens. The lens 14 can be seen to have a boss on either side of the lens, providing a lens attachment rail feature 16. Figure 6 is a detailed view of a cross-section of the embodiment shown in Figure 5. In this figure, the features of the goggle frame 1 and lens 14 that allow one to be removably connected to another are clearly shown. The front portion of each side arm 3 that is adjacent to the goggle frame portion 2 can be seen to form a jaw to provide the side lens connector 8, each jaw having a retaining lip 17 at least partially running along the length of the jaw. As the frame is preferably constructed from a single resilient piece, the jaw is configured to have a default position as shown in the figure, being in a closed position with the front portion of the side arm substantially perpendicular to the goggle frame. The lens component 14 is shown spaced apart from the frame, having a lens attachment rail 16, also being a lip at least partially running along the length of the side of the lens and adapted to fit within the side lens connector 8. Figure 7 shows the same detailed, cross-section view as shown in the previous figure however in this instance, having the lens component 14 fitted to the front of the skeleton goggle frame 1. To fit the lens to the frame, the lens is placed in contact with the front surface of the goggle frame and forced rearwards, wherein preferably the geometry of the lens attachment rails 16 forces the jaws of the side lens connectors 8 apart and allows the rails 16 to fit within the recess and be retained by the lip 17 of each jaw in a 'snap fit'. Figure 8 is the same detailed, cross-section view of the previous two figures, illustrating a side arm 3 being rotated towards an opposing side arm to facilitate the removal, or in the case of a lens 14 not being configured to 'snap fit' with the goggle frame 1, also the attachment of the lens component to the goggle frame. As the frame is preferably a resilient part, each side arm may be forced towards WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 13 the opposite side of the frame to which it is connected, actuating the jaw formed at its front portion and increasing the width of the opening of the side lens connector recess 8. As can be seen in the figure, this increase in width moves the retaining lip 17 away from lens attachment rails 16 and allows a lens to be removed (or attached) to the frame. Whilst it is preferable that the skeleton frame is a resilient part and this relationship is provided by simply flexing the side arms, it is also within the scope of the invention that each side arm is attached to the frame by conventional hinge mechanisms to allow the rotation of each side arm towards the opposite side arm and release the lens from the frame. Figure 9 shows an exploded view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, having a skeleton goggle frame 1 spaced apart from a lens component 14 and a stiffening spar 18. In this embodiment, the spar is inserted within a channel arranged in the goggle frame above the nose bridge portion and the area of the frame directly opposite after the lens has been fitted to the frame, forcing these two regions of the frame apart and increasing the force between the top and bottom lens connectors to decrease the likelihood of the lens component accidentally being removed from the frame. Figure 10 is a side cross-section view of the invention as shown in the previous figure, with the spar component removed, and where the lens 14 is attached and in which the function of the various lens connector parts may be more clearly viewed. To attach the lens 14 to the frame 1 in this embodiment, the lens is initially secured by inserting the bottom lens connector hook 19 into the complimentary recess 20 in the nose bridge portion of the frame. Once attached, the lens is rotated upwards, towards the frame until the internal peripheral surface of the lens is in contact with the external peripheral surface of the frame, deforming the frame inwards slightly and allowing the top lens connector boss 9 to be retained within the top lens connector recess 15. Simultaneous to this action, as the lens is rotated upwards, the side regions of the lens are forced into the side lens connector recesses 8 to secure the lens attachment rails 16 within each recess. Figure 11 is a front view of the embodiment shown in the previous figure where the spar 18 has been inserted into its associated channels in the internal WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 14 peripheral region of the goggle frame 1 to force the central portions of the goggle frame apart and ensure the connection between the top and bottom lens connectors and recesses 9, 15, 19, 20 is maintained throughout, potentially rigorous, use. Figure 12 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment having a deformable and preferably elastic strap 21 attached to each side arm 3 through a rail aperture 6, to firmly secure the skeleton frame to a user's head or helmet. Figures 13-14 show other preferred embodiments of the invention having a number of other safety equipment components connected to the skeleton goggle frame 1, illustrating the flexibility of the system to be adapted for use in various work environments. In Figure 13, the invention is shown having a goggle frame 1 removably secured to a lens 14, ear muffs 19 and a face shield 22 to protect the wearer from stone chips or other debris contacting its face. In Figure 14, the invention is shown having a goggle frame 1 removably secured to a lens 14, ear muffs 19 and an alternative face mask 23 having breathing apparatus 24 connected to the mask, in this case being dust filters. Figure 15 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative aspect of the invention, showing an ear muff component 10 having an alternative connector to secure the ear muff to a side arm 3 of a skeleton goggle frame 1. The alternative connector comprises a recessed nipple 25, fixed entirely inset from the external surface of the ear muff and a grommet 26 which is rotatable around the nipple to secure the ear muff to a side arm. This arrangement therefore decreases the depth of the ear muff component, decreasing the distance between the side arm affixed to the grommet and a wearers head and providing a more 'slim line' and less bulky appearance to the equipment. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The goggles of the invention are intended for a variety of industries and situations where personal safety equipment may be used. They are suited for home handymen, as well as for industrial situations, in the building, mining, WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 15 construction, and similar industries. People in noisy or dangerous environments may utilise this invention, in particular. In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "comprising" has the non-exclusive meaning of the word, in the sense of "including at least" rather than the exclusive meaning in the sense of "consisting only of". The same applies with corresponding grammatical changes to other forms of the word such as "comprise", "comprises" and so on. It will be apparent that obvious variations or modifications may be made which are in accordance with the spirit of the invention and which are intended to be part of the invention, and any such obvious variations or modifications are therefore within the scope of the invention. Although the invention is described above with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments and may be created in other forms.

Claims

1. Personal safety goggles for the face of a wearer, comprising a skeleton goggle frame to which one or more facial protection components may be removably secured, and one or more facial protection components securable to the frame, the facial protection components selected from among: eye protective, ear protective, breathing protective, or general face protective, components, and wherein the skeleton frame has two side arms arranged at opposite sides of the goggle frame and substantially perpendicularly to the goggle frame.

2. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1, wherein the eye protective components are selected from: spectacle lenses, goggle lenses; the ear protective components are selected from: ear-muffs, ear-phones; the breathing protective components are selected from: breathing assistance apparatus, dust filters; and the general face protective components are selected from: face shield, face mask, or welding protection.

3. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1, wherein the facial protective components comprise at least an eye protective component, and one or more of an ear protective component, a breathing protective component or an general face protective component.

4. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1, wherein the facial protective components comprise any two or more of an eye protective component, an ear protective component, a breathing protective component, or an general face protective component.

5. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1 wherein the skeleton frame is a unitary moulded plastic part.

6. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1 wherein the two side arms are formed separately from the skeleton frame.

7. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1 wherein the side arms and skeleton frame are a single, resilient part. WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 17

8. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 6 or 7 wherein each side arm has a curved portion configured to direct the end portion of each side arm towards an end portion of an opposite side arm.

9. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 6 or 7 wherein each side arm is adapted to connect to an ear protective component, having at least one aperture arranged along a portion of each side arm to form a track along which an ear protective component is secured.

10. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one recess is arranged within a front surface of the skeleton frame and an eye protective component is provided having at least one section adapted to fit within and be retained in the recess.

11. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1 wherein a portion of each side arm forms a jaw adjacent to each side of the goggle frame and a cavity is provided between each jaw and the goggle frame, the cavity being adapted to retain a section of an eye protective component, wherein each jaw is actuated by rotating its associated side arm towards an opposite side arm.

12. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 6 or 7 wherein the frame has one or more projections or recesses arranged in an external peripheral region, each being adapted to connect within a complimentary cavity or to a complimentary projection arranged in an internal peripheral region of an eye protective component.

13. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1 wherein the skeleton goggle frame has at least one resilient and deformable region located around a perimeter of a rear surface of the skeleton frame.

14. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 13 wherein the deformable region is formed from an elastomer or a foam pad.

15. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1 wherein the skeleton frame has a plurality of vents arranged within an external peripheral region to allow the passage of air through the cavity formed WO 2013/075166 PCT/AU2012/001433 18 between an interior surface of an attached eye protective component and a wearer's face.

16. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 6 or 7 which has a stiffening member adapted to removably attach to the skeleton frame between a first region of the frame adapted to fit over a wearer's nose and a second region arranged substantially opposite the first.

17. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1, wherein an end portion of each side arm is configured to connect to a removable strap to retain the goggles to the face of a user.

18. The personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1, which is in the form of a kit of parts, comprising a skeleton goggle frame and one or more facial protection components securable to the frame, the facial protection components selected from among: eye protective, ear protective, breathing protective, or general face protective, components.

19. A skeleton goggle frame to which one or more facial protection components may be removably secured to provide personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1, the frame being adapted to allow for one or more facial protection components to be securable to the frame, these facial protection components selected from among: eye protective, ear protective, breathing protective, or general face protective, components, and wherein the skeleton frame has two side arms arranged at opposite sides of the goggle frame and substantially perpendicularly to the goggle frame.

20. A facial protection component that may be removably secured to a goggle protective frame to provide personal safety goggles in accordance with claim 1, wherein the facial protection components are selected from among: eye protective, ear protective, breathing protective, or general face protective, components.