GB2474265A

GB2474265A - Goggles with integral battery powered fans

Info

Publication number: GB2474265A
Application number: GB0917631A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clive Parker-Sharp
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-08
Filing date: 2009-10-08
Publication date: 2011-04-13
Also published as: GB0917631D0

Abstract

A battery operated anti-fog protective safety goggle with micro-fans A, integrated into the goggle frame, which blow air over the lens preventing misting and fogging of the lens C. The air blown by the fans is directed by baffles G, onto the lens, and away from the user's eyes. The goggle frame B may also house the battery E which powers the fans. A filter D may be fitted to the inlet of the fans. The wiring I and on-off switch F may be integrated into the goggle frame moulding which may be polycarbonate. A standard elastic strap H, attached with an adjustable non-slip mechanism K, secures the goggles to the user. Small holes J may be provided to drain surplus liquid.

Description

Page 1

ANTI FOG GOGGLES

Background

This invention relates to a Fan Assisted Anti Fog Protective Safety Goggle for use in the Building Trade, DIY, Construction and Engineering environments.

When current protective goggles are worn, they quickly become obscured by misting and fogging as soon as activity is started. This problem is caused by heat, steam and sweat and impedes work. The problem is exacerbated by dusty environments, where a dust mask must be additionally worn (hot air inside the mask escapes into the goggles creating more misting).

Current protective goggles which have tiny vents, have insufficient air running across the lens to stop misting-up.

The problem reduces sightline in working situations and the user has to remove goggles frequently to wipe goggles clear.

Goggles are often discarded due to this problem, when they should be utilised as part of Health & Safety requirements. For example, when power tools and hire equipment are used or contract work undertaken.

Current fan assisted goggles have a separate battery pack, which is cumbersome.

Statement of Invention

In order to overcome the misting and fogging problem of Protective Safety Goggle lens, the present invention integrates micro fan(s) in the goggle frame which blow air over the lens allowing prolonged and safer working conditions for the user. The fan(s) are powered with a battery which is integrated into the frame moulding, eliminating the battery pack.

Advantages The flow of air created by the fan(s) will ensure goggles are kept clear and so allow the user clear vision for long periods, without constant removal to wipe off obscured goggle lens.

Preferably the goggle frame will be made from soft moulded polycarbonate, and preferably solid polycarbonate lenses, with micro-fan(s) preferably mounted at the side of each lens.

Preferably, the fan(s) will be powered by a standard 9v battery.

Preferably, the fan(s) will be controlled by an integral on-off switch.

Preferably, the airflow from the fan(s) will be directed by simple baffle(s) (so air is not directed at the eyes), continuously demisting the lens.

Preferably, the air pulled in to the fan(s) will be filtered by an air filter(s), preferably fitted at the fan(s) inlet, for use in dusty environments.

Preferably there are small holes at the bottom of the goggle to allow any surplus liquids to drain out.

Preferably, the battery is integral to the goggles, mounted within the construction of the goggle, allowing accessibility for replacement or re-charging.

Page 2 An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows a overall view of the anti fog fan assisted protective safety goggles according to the invention (all parts) Figure 2 shows the right hand side exterior view of the invention (close up of battery and fan) Figure 3 shows the left side exterior view of the invention (close up of fan) Figure 4 shows the internal view of the invention (back of goggles) Figure 5 shows the interior left hand side view of the invention (close up of baffle)

Detailed Description

Figure 1 A battery is mounted (E) onto the side of the Protective Safety Goggles and it is contained in a soft polycarbonate mould, which is integral to the goggle frame (B).

Goggles seal up against the user's head, using a standard elastic strap (H) attached at each side of the goggles by a integral non-slip lock mechanism (K), surrounding the eyes with an integral hard polycarbonate clear lens [C).

The battery (E), connected with electrical wiring (I) through an on off switch (F), powers two micro fans (A) to produce airflow to de-mist the goggle lens. Air pulled in through the fans via their own filters (D) is directed by integral plastic baffles (G).

Figure 2, Figure 3 The fans (A) are mounted on each side of the lens (C]. They blow air over the lens sucking it in through a filter material (0). The fans are currently 15 mm square, and 6 mm deep, and produce an airflow (each) of 0.22 cubic feet per metre.

The two fans are wired directly with standard (positive & negative) 1 mm copper electrical circuit wire (I) which is moulded directly into the polycarbonate frame (B) at manufacture (eliminating snagging or exposed materials).

The fans are currently DC 5V, 0.9 Amp and have a life of up to 50,000 hours, and the battery will power the micro-fans continuously for 5 hours, after which it can be changed or re-charged.

The battery pack (E) houses a standard 9V PP3 battery (or re-chargeable equivalent). The batteries are currently connected with a standard insulated battery snap clip. The current size of the battery pack is 50mm x 15mm x 25mm.

Smaller and re-chargeable batteries are also an option.

Page 3 Figure 4, Figure 5 Currently, rigid plastic clear baffles (G), direct the airflow over the lens (C]. They are mounted between the fan and the user's eyes, stopping air being blown onto the eyes. The baffle does not obscure sight as it is out of sight line, and is slightly larger than the fan so that air can not escape around the baffle (25 mm x 25 mm square).

Currently 2 small holes (J), at the base of the frame allow any surplus liquids to escape. Air is not drawn in though these holes as the fan airflow prevents this.

Goggles are currently 150 mm wide, and 70 mm at the full height of the lens, with a depth of mm at the sides, reducing to a depth of 25 mm above the eyes, and a standard nose piece shaped to sit around the nose.

Goggles can be manufactured with colour, size and material variants being permissible for different applications, but the invention of integral fan and integral power supply remain the same.

A prototype has been made and tested, working successfully for 5 hours of continuous labour from 1 battery (which can of course be re-charged and/or changed).