DE102015000816B3 - Diving and swimming goggles - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a diving and swimming goggles with a device for automatic pressure compensation of the air space of the glasses. For this purpose, a diving and swimming goggles is provided, which comprises an elastic membrane and an opening, wherein the elastic membrane forms a compressible air space and the opening is adapted to pass water, which moves the elastic membrane and compresses the air space.

Description

field of use

The invention relates to a diving and swimming goggles with a device for automatic pressure compensation of the air space in the glasses. For this purpose, a diving and swimming goggles according to claim 1 is provided.

Background of the invention

When a swimmer or diver dives into the depth and the hydrostatic pressure increases, the diving and swimming goggles create a negative pressure on the environment. If this negative pressure is not compensated, it causes redness and bleeding of the conjunctiva of the eyes (barotrauma of the eyes).

Goggles are worn to protect the eyes from chlorine and bacteria and for better underwater visibility. Disadvantage of them is that they can not be compensated and it comes often with pure swimming to lower barotraumata. Increasingly, this is true when used improperly for diving. From a depth of about 3-5 m it comes regularly to a barotrauma of the eyes. The DLRG therefore only permits short-term diving at depths of up to 2 m with swimming goggles. The British Standard for Swimming Goggles (BS 5883: 1996) states the following for the operating instructions: "FOR SURFACE USE ONLY".

When equipment or Apnoetauchen the compensation of the diving goggles can either be done through the nose opening (conventional diving goggles with integrated nose) or by the fact that the goggles over an additional compressible air volume compensates itself (eg US 2,182,104 A ). Disadvantage of conventional diving goggles is that an apnea diver consumes valuable air from his lungs, which he needs for pressure equalization of the ears and whose oxygen would allow him a longer duration of the dive. The use of diving or swimming goggles with an additional compressible volume as in US 2,182,104 A has the disadvantage that a relatively large additional volume of air must be carried to dive into greater depths. To illustrate the problem, the following example is given: at the current diving depths of more than 120 m (ie an ambient pressure of approx. 13 bar) in the Discipline Constant Weight (CWT) discipline, a small mask (air volume approx. 140 ml), resp 80 ml) according to the law of Boyle-Mariotte (pressure and volume of gases behave inversely proportional to each other) a total of 140 ml × 13 = 1820 ml; or 80 ml × 13 = 1040 ml additionally entrained air necessary to generate a corresponding, unwanted buoyancy or it must be exhaled in a conventional mask the missing air from the lungs into the glasses to compensate for them. Existing approaches thus lead either to lower depths or impractical solutions, because the air volume is too large and unwieldy and also produces too much buoyancy. The first solution is practicable even for a very experienced freediver only up to depths of about 50 m and also requires above these depths an additional tension, as the freediver must constantly compensate for the glasses. Therefore today, freediving divers either dive entirely without goggles or use so-called fluid goggles (liquid-filled swimming goggles with an integrated highly convex lens), which however do not offer good visibility and poor wearing comfort because the eyes are in contact with a liquid. The second existing approach with additional compressible volume has not led to practical application because of the problem of buoyancy, poor hydrodynamics, and instability in swimming.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a diving and swimming goggles, which does not require pressure compensation, should be comfortable to wear and offers a good over- and underwater view at a wide field of view. It should have a good hydrodynamic shape and remain dimensionally stable at floating speeds of up to 4 m / s. The occurrence of barotrauma of the eyes should be excluded when using the glasses. Last but not least, the diving and swimming goggles should not present any danger due to malfunction or improper use.

Solution of the task

It has been found that the present diving and swimming goggles according to claim 1 meets the above requirements. A pair of diving and swimming goggles have been provided comprising: an elastic membrane; and an opening; characterized in that the elastic membrane at least partially forms a compressible air space and that the opening is adapted to pass water, which moves the elastic membrane and compresses the air space.

Preferably, the opening is adapted to pass water as the hydrostatic pressure increases.

It is clear that the air space can be partially formed by non-movable and / or stretchable material. It is also clear that only a portion of the membrane can move or stretch, leaving the other portion unmoved or unstretched. Thus, the elastic membrane at least partially forms a compressible air space.

The term moving the elastic membrane includes moving and stretching the elastic membrane. This movement may involve exclusively moving the elastic membrane, i. H. without stretching, such as, for example, a folding process or an everting include. An exclusive elastic stretching of the elastic membrane may also be present. Preferably, both moving and stretching of the elastic membrane is present.

A diving and swimming goggles in the sense of the present invention provides at least one airspace in front of the eyes of the user and can in this case a viewing window; a dimensionally stable shell; a contact surface; an optional nose connection; an optional fastening system; an elastic membrane; to include an opening. The viewing window can consist of a disc, as in the case of conventional diving goggles, or of separate discs, as in the case of swimming goggles. The nostril is either integrated into the air system of the goggles or not integrated. A diving and swimming goggles in the context of the invention may be intended either for swimming, diving only, or for swimming and diving. With increasing hydrostatic pressure can penetrate through an opening of the diving and swimming goggles in the sense of the present invention, water in the region of the membrane and thus compress the air space in front of the eyes. The invention accordingly has - in contrast to the previous approaches - no remaining rigid residual space that may oppose the ambient pressure, and thus generated during diving and swimming within its intended use no dangerous to the eyes negative pressure. There remains only a small residual amount of air at the same pressure that the environment has. An advantage of the invention over conventional diving goggles is that the diver no longer has to remember to compensate for the goggles and therefore can perform his dive more relaxed. Another advantage over the prior art is that the air chamber can be protected by a dimensionally stable shell and so allows floating speeds of up to 3.0 m / s and more. Furthermore, compared with the prior art, a lower initial and final volume can be achieved and as a result a good hydrodynamic shape can be obtained without appreciable buoyancy. In addition, the diver can perform the pressure equalization of the ears with the help of a nose clip, without having to lead a hand to the nose, which greatly improves the hydrodynamics, especially when using a Monofinne. Another advantage is the ease of use and the high wearing comfort, since no liquids come into contact with the eye. Further advantages over existing approaches are the excellent underwater view and the enlarged field of view due to the small distance between the lens and the eyes. For the pure swimmer, the invention has the advantage that it can come to any barotrauma eyes, without having to give up the usual good underwater view and the protection of the eyes from chlorine and bacteria. Last but not least, the simplicity of operation ensures a safe application with virtually absolute reliability within the intended depth of use. In addition, a safety valve (eg a small gap in the membrane) that allows small amounts of water to enter the goggles after a certain negative pressure increases the safety as well as the reach of the goggles. A diving and swimming goggles according to the present invention is a device for use in water, which provides an air space in front of the user's eyes and usually consists of a viewing window, a contact surface to the user's face and optionally of a dimensionally stable shell, a nose joint and a fastening system. Swimming in the sense of this invention is any swimming in which the head of the swimmer is submerged under water and thus exposed to the water pressure. When swimming is usually dipped unintentionally. After the start jump and the turn is z. B. a competition swimmer usually in about 2 m depth. Diving according to the present invention includes diving deeper than 1 m, such as, for example, diving. B. when freediving or scuba diving. An elastic membrane or element according to the present invention may for example be made of plastic. In particular, silicone rubber is suitable and preferred. The elastic membrane is adapted to move and / or stretch under hydrostatic pressure. Stretching as used herein includes the property of the plastic material to reversibly expand at least 1% in a first and / or a second spatial direction. The first and the second spatial direction together form an area of the elastic membrane. Preferably, the elastic membrane may be at least 5% in a first and / or a second spatial direction, more preferably at least 10% in a first and / or a second spatial direction, by at least 30% in a first and / or a second spatial direction, by at least 50% in a first and / or a second spatial direction, by at least 80% in a first and / or a second spatial direction at least 100% in a first and / or a second spatial direction, be reversibly stretched by at least 200% in a first and / or a second spatial direction, or by at least 300% in a first and / or a second spatial direction.

Dimensionally stable, as used herein, even under rapid water travel, preferably at speeds of ≥0.5 m / s, ≥1 m / s, ≥2 m / s, or ≥3 m / s, the property is essentially unchanged maintain. Substantially unchanged as used herein preferably includes a deformation of less than 10 mm, more preferably ≦ 5 mm, ≦ 4 mm, ≦ 3 mm, ≦ 2 mm, ≦ 1 mm, most preferably less than 0.5 mm. Deformation, as used herein, involves moving a point of a body from its original position in any direction due to an external force.

The painting

The drawings illustrating the invention show, without being limited thereto, in which:

1 a perspective view of an embodiment of the diving and swimming goggles according to the invention;

2 a view of an embodiment of the invention of the diving and swimming goggles;

3 a sectional view of an embodiment of the diving and swimming goggles according to the invention; uncompressed condition;

4 a horizontal section through an inventive embodiment of the diving and swimming goggles; uncompressed / compressed state;

5 a vertical section through an embodiment of the diving and swimming goggles according to the invention; uncompressed / compressed state;

Detailed description of the invention

According to a preferred embodiment, diving and swimming goggles are provided. The diving and swimming goggles can be a viewing window; a dimensionally stable outer shell; a contact surface; a nose connection; a fastening system; an elastic membrane and an opening, wherein the elastic membrane forms a compressible air space and the opening is adapted to pass with increasing hydrostatic pressure water, which moves the elastic membrane and compresses the air space. Preferably, the membrane is made of an elastic material having an elongation at break of more than 30%, more preferably ≥50%, ≥100%, ≥150%, ≥200%, ≥300%, ≥400%, ≥500%, ≥600 %, ≥ 700%, ≥ 800%, most preferably ≥ 900%. The elongation at break can be determined, for example, according to DIN 53504-S1. The thickness and geometry of the membrane and the elasticity of the material is preferably chosen such that within the determination depth preferably no negative pressure of more than 50 mbar can arise, more preferably not more than 40 mbar, not more than 30 mbar, not more than 20 mbar , most preferably not more than 10 mBar. The skilled person is able to make corresponding calculations and assessments. The skilled person is further clear that the opening is preferably formed at least so large that, taking into account the intended depth and pressure change the corresponding amount of water per unit time is allowed to pass so that the above-mentioned negative pressure is not exceeded. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that the opening for water entry may be made in other ways (eg, many small holes, water-permeable membrane, etc.). When choosing the design of the opening preferably the dimensional stability of the glasses when swimming up to 3 m / s and more should be considered. The viewing window and the dimensionally stable shell of the diving and swimming goggles according to the invention can be made in one or more parts of any suitable material. Preference is given to transparent plastic. Corresponding plastic materials are well known to the person skilled in the art.

Further, one or two lenses can be used. Two slices are preferred because of the smaller internal volume. The viewing window should come as close as possible to the eye of the user. The distance between the eye and the viewing window is preferably ≦ 30 mm, more preferably ≦ 20 mm, ≦ 10 mm, ≦ 9 mm, ≦ 8 mm, ≦ 7 mm, ≦ 6 mm, ≦ 5 mm, ≦ 4 mm, ≦ 3 mm, ≤ 2 mm, most preferably ≤ 1 mm. Replaceable, different thickness lens inserts are possible to adjust the glasses to different facial and eye shapes. The contact surface represents the support surface of the diving and swimming goggles according to the invention on the face of the user. It lies sealingly on the skin and prevents the ingress of water into the air space. The contact surface is preferably made of elastic plastic. Suitable plastic materials are well known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, a non-flexible contact surface as in the so-called Schwedenbrille is possible. Optionally, an adjustable nose connection allows adaptation to the individual eye relief of the user. Alternatively, other systems, for example, different size, interchangeable nose compounds or others in swimming goggles usual systems are used. Those skilled in such systems are known.

According to a further embodiment, a dimensionally stable shell comprises the elastic membrane in whole or in part.

According to yet another embodiment, the opening is arranged in the dimensionally stable shell.

According to a further embodiment, the diving and swimming goggles comprises at least a second compressible air space, which is housed outside the dimensionally stable shell and is connected to the air space of the eyes.

According to a further embodiment, the diving and swimming goggles comprises a viewing window.

According to a further embodiment, the viewing window is not flat, but adapted to the geometry of the eye space to leave the smallest possible residual air space around the eyes. Thus, the lens on its inside, in principle, the negative impression of the eye socket and can approach the eyes so positively. The water-facing outer surface of the lens can either be flat with variable cross-section or at constant thickness also follow the shape of the eye socket. The lens can also be made to measure for an individual face.

According to one embodiment, the viewing window of the spectacles according to the invention is equipped with an eye correction factor for spectacle wearers. It can be used to correct all ametropia and positional errors of the eyes, which are corrected with correction glasses over water. The lens may be, for example, biconvex, plano-convex, concavo-convex, biconcave, plano-concave, or convex-concave in various strengths.

According to another embodiment, the diving and swimming goggles comprise two viewing panes, which are planar and parallel to each other to allow a distortion-free view under water, which is especially but not exclusively for spearfishers important.

According to yet another embodiment, the lens is designed with anti-fog protection and / or scratch protection and / or UV protection and / or mirroring and / or staining. The anti-fog protection prevents the condensation of air on the inside of the usually cooler lens. The scratch protection prevents scratching the lens both on the inside and on the side facing the water. Suitable materials for use known in the art. Further types of coatings or material modifications known to the person skilled in the art are possible.

According to yet another embodiment, the diving and swimming goggles comprises a device that leaves small amounts of water in the glasses from a threshold of about 30 mbar vacuum until the vacuum is below this threshold again. Preferably, the threshold is 529 mBar, more preferably 528 mBar, 527 mBar, 526 mBar, 525 mBar, 524 mBar, 523 mBar, 522 mBar or 521 mBar. Most preferred is a threshold of 520 mbar. A slot in the wall of the air space is shaped so that it opens automatically from the threshold value by the higher external pressure. Other known valve solutions are also possible. Those skilled in such valve solutions are known. The threshold value is advantageously chosen such that no barotrauma can occur.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are intended to be specifically intended for swimming. The elastic membrane can form the air space only partially, so that the appropriate determination depth can be achieved without negative pressure. Preferred proportion of the surface of the air space formed by the membrane (without face) is between 5% -80%. Preferred determination depths of the floating embodiments are 0 to 1 m, 0 to 2 m, 0 to 3 m, 0 to 4 m, and 0 to 5 m.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention are intended for swimming or diving at different depths. Preferred determination depths are 0 to 1 m, 0 to 2 m, 0 to 3 m, 0 to 4 m, 0 to 5 m, 0 to 7 m, 0 to 10 m, 0 to 20 m, 0 to 30 m, 0 to 40 m, 0 to 50 m, 0 to 75 m, 0 to 100 m and 0 to more than 100 m.

According to a further embodiment, the spectacles according to the invention is intended for use as diving and swimming goggles.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention, which represents a non-limiting example, will be described in more detail below. The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a dimensionally stable outer shell 5 with integrated transparent lens 2 and an opening for water entry 4 preferably made in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a compressible air space 9 formed by an elastic membrane 6 and soft contact surfaces 3 to the face, preferably made of platinum catalyzing silicone rubber. Furthermore, the preferred embodiment includes an adjustable nose connection 1 and an elastic fastening system around the head 7 , 4 shows a horizontal section through the eye space, 5 a vertical section in the region of the dimensionally stable outer shell. Through the lens 2 , the elastic membrane 6 and the contact area 3 becomes the compressible airspace 9 educated. When diving into the depths, water penetrates through one or more openings 4 in the area between dimensionally stable shell 5 and elastic membrane 6 , The membrane 6 This can affect the position 8th moving, which is dangerous for the eyes dangerous negative pressure in the airspace 9 prevented.

In the following, a possible manufacturing route of the spectacles according to the invention is further described. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the spectacles according to the invention can also be obtained via other production methods. The lens 2 and the dimensionally stable shell 5 can be produced in one piece by injection molding from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). A simple mold consisting of an upper and a lower part is suitable for this purpose. The contact surface 3 and the elastic membrane 6 can be made in one piece from platinum catalyzing silicone rubber by injection molding. The material in this case preferably has an elongation at break of at least 300% and a hardness between 10-80 Shore (A), preferably 40 Shore (A). The connection between the window and the membrane should be watertight, for example via a clamp connection. For the adjustable nose connection 1 a normal nylon monofilament can be used. Alternatively come adjustable and non-adjustable nose compounds as in commercial swimming goggles into consideration. As with standard swimming goggles, the fastening system can be manufactured as a simple rectangular profile (1.5 mm × 8 mm) of platinum-catalyzing silicone rubber. This can be knotted by the user in the correct length.

Claims (10)

Diving and swimming goggles comprising: an elastic membrane ( 6 ); and an opening ( 4 ); characterized in that the elastic membrane ( 6 ) at least partially a compressible air space ( 9 ) and that the opening ( 4 ) is adapted to pass water, which the elastic membrane ( 6 ) and the airspace ( 9 ) compressed. Diving and swimming goggles according to claim 1, comprising a dimensionally stable shell ( 5 ), the elastic membrane ( 6 ) in whole or in part. Diving and swimming goggles according to claim 2, wherein the opening ( 4 ) in the dimensionally stable shell ( 5 ) is arranged. Diving and swimming goggles according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a second compressible air space outside the dimensionally stable shell ( 5 ) and with the airspace ( 9 ) connected is. Diving and swimming goggles according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a viewing window. Diving and swimming goggles according to claim 5, wherein the viewing window is adapted to the geometry of the eye space. Diving and swimming goggles according to one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the viewing window is equipped with an eye correction factor for spectacle wearers. Diving and swimming goggles according to one of claims 5-7, wherein the viewing window is designed with an anti-fog protection and / or a scratch protection and / or UV protection and / or other known coatings or material modifications. Diving and swimming goggles according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a pressure compensation device. Use of the diving and swimming goggles according to one of the preceding claims.

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