RELATED APPLICATIONS
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This application claims priority to two provisional patent applications, U.S. 61/733,323 and U.S. Pat. No. 61/810,329, filed on Dec. 4, 2012 and Apr. 20, 2013 respectively. The aforementioned applications share the same inventor as the present application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
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The present invention pertains to goggles worn by a user to protect his/her eyes and more specifically to covers used to protect the optical surfaces of goggles when not in use.
BACKGROUND
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Goggles are often worn by people when participating in certain activities that would otherwise expose the eyes to wind, dust, rain or other debris. For instance, goggle wearers include skiers, snowboarders, and motorcyclists.
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The transparent or translucent optical lens of most goggles are comprised of plastic and as such are susceptible to scratching or other damage when placed on a surface or thrown unprotected into a bag or back of a vehicle. Over time scratches and other damage can compromise the optical properties of the lens requiring replacement of the lens and more typically the goggles.
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To reduce the risk of scratching, goggles are often sold with pouches in which they can be placed when not in use. These pouches often made of a soft relatively non-abrasive fabric, such as microfiber, and are very effective in preventing incidental scratching. Unfortunately, pouches are often lost or misplaced and are often not used more than a couple or few times after purchasing the goggles.
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Ski goggles are often used in conjunction with ski helmets. Connectors are often provided on the back side of a helmet to secure the goggles to the helmet at the midpoint of the goggles' strap. For sake of convenience, skiers often leave the goggles connected to the helmet even when not in use. With the goggles secured to the helmet it is difficult if not impossible to place them in the provided protective pouch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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FIG. 1 is a top view of the goggle cover assembly as received on goggles with the cover deployed over the goggles' lens according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 4 is a top view of the pouch of the goggle cover assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 5 is a front view of the pouch of the goggle cover assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 6 is a back view of the pouch of the goggle cover assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 7 is a side view of the pouch of the goggle cover assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 8 is a cut away view of the pouch of the goggle cover assembly taken along line B-B of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 9 is a cut away view of the pouch of the goggle cover assembly taken along line A-A of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 10 is a top view of the fabric goggle cover of goggle cover assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 11 is a side view of the fabric goggle cover of goggle cover assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 12 is a front view of the fabric goggle cover of goggle cover assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 13 illustrates a method of installing the pouch 110 on the strap15 of a goggle according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 14 shows a pouch installed on a strap looking at the back side of the pouch according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIGS. 15 a-d illustrate a method of installing the fabric cover over the lens of the goggle according to one embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 16 is a front view of a goggle cover assembly with two cut away sections according to another embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 17 is a front view of a pouch for a goggle cover assembly of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 18 is a side view of a pouch for a goggle cover assembly of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 19 is a back view of a pouch for a goggle cover assembly of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 20 is a front view of a pouch for a goggle cover assembly with a cover door in an open position of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a pouch for a goggle cover assembly with a cover door in an open position of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 22 illustrates a method of install a pouch having flexible straps with hook and loop fasteners as an attachment mechanism to secure the pouch to a goggle strap according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 23 illustrates the back side of the fourth embodiment pouch of FIG. 22 as installed on a goggle strap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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Embodiments of the present invention comprise a fabric goggle cover typically having an elastic parameter configured to be placed and held in place over the goggles' lens. The cover is coupled to a small pouch by way of a cord. The pouch includes an attachment mechanism to permit its securement to the strap of the goggles. When the goggles are in use, the cover is stored in the pouch, which keeps it substantially dry and clean, but most importantly attached to the goggles. When the user is no longer using the goggles, he/she pulls the cover from the pouch without removing the pouch from the strap and places the cover over the lens. The configuration permits use of the cover while the goggles are retained on a helmet.
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In some variations, the fabric comprises a stretch material, such as spandex. In other variations it can comprise a microfiber material. It can comprise several sections sewn or otherwise joined together to give the cover form more securely be received over the lens. The fabric may be imprinted with various designs and indicia. An elastic band or piping can be provided around the perimeter of the cover that acts to grip and hold the cover in place on the goggles over the lens.
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A cord is typically attached to the one end of the cover. The cord can comprise an elastic material. In at least one variation, the cord comprises a loop wherein the looped end of the cord is wrapped through an opening on the pouch to secure it thereto. In yet other variations, the cords can be sewn, mechanically fastened, tied or otherwise secured to both the cover and the pouch on opposing ends.
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The pouch can be made of any suitable materials. In some variations the pouch is comprised of fabric with snap, hook and loop and/or buttons in association with fabric straps that wrap around a goggles' strap to secure the pouch in place. The pouches may also include closures to close the open end of the pouch and better protect the cover when contained therein.
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In yet another variation, the pouch can comprise a rigid or semi-rigid back piece that may be slightly curved in some variations to better fit against either or both the curved surface of a helmet or head of a user. Opposing tangs can be attached or integrally formed in the back through which the strap can be passed to hold the pouch in place. The front portion of the pouch comprises a deformable elastomeric material that retains the interior shape of the integral cavity but can further withstand external impact without damaging the pouch. A mechanism for closing the end may also be provided, such as but not limited to a magnetic closure.
Terminology
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The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.
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The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both.
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References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.
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The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.
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The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled.
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The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.
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The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.
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The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part.
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The terms “removable”, “removably coupled”, “removably installed,” “readily removable”, “readily detachable”, “detachably coupled”, “separable,” “separably coupled,” and similar terms, as used in this specification and appended claims, refer to structures that can be uncoupled, detached, uninstalled, or removed from an adjoining structure with relative ease (i.e., non-destructively, and without a complicated or time-consuming process), and that can also be readily reinstalled, reattached, or coupled to the previously adjoining structure.
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Directional or relational terms such as “top,” bottom,” “front,” “back,” “above,” “beneath,” and “below,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refer to relative positions of identified elements, components, or objects, where the components or objects are oriented in an upright position as normally installed or used.
A First Embodiment of a Goggle Cover Assembly
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FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of a goggle cover assembly 100 installed on goggles 10. The assembly comprises (i) a soft fabric cover 105 typically comprised of a microfiber or spandex material, (ii) a storage container or pouch 110 that is secured to the goggles' strap 15, and (iii) a cord or string 115 attaching the fabric cover to the pouch. In the illustrated configuration the fabric cover is deployed and received over the lens of the goggles (not shown).
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Various views of the pouch 110 are illustrated in FIGS. 4-9. This embodiment of the pouch is comprised of an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane that easily deforms when pressed but resiliently returns to its original shape. The front body portion 120 has sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape under normal conditions. The entire pouch can be molded as a single piece or in other variations the pouch's back portion 125 directly coupling to the goggles' strap can comprise a separately formed piece of a more rigid material, such as a polyurethane or polyethylene having a higher durometer hardness.
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Along one or both the left and right ends of the front body portion 120 slits or openings 130 can be provided to permit access to the interior volume 135 of the pouch whereby a user stuffs the cover 105 into the pouch when the cover is not in use. Due to the resilient nature of the front body portion, the openings 130 close naturally when not being manipulated by the user. Also on the front body portion several holes are provided through which the cord 115 is thread to join the pouch with the cover 105.
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In some variations, the back portion 125 is slightly curved as best shown in FIG. 9 to accommodate the curvature of a head or helmet on which the goggles 10 are worn; however, in other variations the back portion is substantially flat when formed but because of its resiliency conforms to the shape of an underlying helmet. Where the back portion is separately formed from the front body portion 120, it is typically secured to the front body portion by way of adhesive bonding. In another variation, the front body portion is over-molded on to the back portion.
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To secure the pouch to the goggle strap 15 a pair of opposing tangs 140 are provided on the back surface of the back portion 125. A first tang 140 a extends upwardly towards a downwardly extending second tang 140 b. The tangs are generally parallel to the back surface and spaced a distance therefrom that is generally similar to the thickness of a typical goggle strap 15. A space between the ends of the opposing tangs allows the user to slide the goggle strap therebetween. As can be appreciated the tangs being comprised of a resilient material can be bent and otherwise deformed to permit a user to position the pouch on the goggle strap.
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FIGS. 10-12 illustrate the fabric cover 105 from top, side and front views respectively. The cover can be made of any suitable fabric materials but soft fabrics that will not easily scratch the plastic lens are preferred. In one variation the cover comprises spandex. In another variation the cover comprises a microfiber material wherein the cover can double as a cleaning cloth. In yet another variation the outside portion of the cover is spandex and a second interior ply is provided that comprises a microfiber fabric. In the illustrated cover as best shown in FIGS. 2 & 3, a passage way for the cord 115 is sewn along the perimeter of the cover wherein cinching or tightening the cord can more firmly secure the cover to the goggles in use. In yet other variations, elastic piping or banding 145 is provided on part or along the entire perimeter to elastically secure the cover to the goggles.
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The cover is typically comprised of several pieces or sections of fabric that are sewn or otherwise joined at seam lines 150 to give the cover a three dimensional shape that better attaches to goggles. To further enhance the fit of the cover on goggles, a cutout 155 for the nose bridge may also be provided.
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FIG. 14 is a backside view of the first embodiment pouch installed on a goggle strap. FIG. 13 illustrates the steps involved in installing the pouch 110 on the goggle strap. In the first step 505, the back portion 125 and goggle strap 15 are placed next to each other. In the second step 510, the top tang 140 b (or tab) is pulled to open the gap between the top and bottom tangs 140 b & 140 a and the top edge of the strap is inserted therein. In the third step 515, the strap is folded to place the bottom edge of the strap near the gap between the top and bottom tangs. In the fourth step 520 the bottom tang 140 a is pulled to again open the gap between the tangs and the bottom edge of the strap is inserted therein. As shown in the final step 525, the strap is manoeuvred and positioned such that is fully and flatly received in the space defined.
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FIGS. 15 a-d illustrate a method of deploying the fabric goggle cover 105 from its stowed configuration in the pouch 110 to its deployed position covering the lens of the goggles to which the assembly 100 is attached. In the first step 530, the pouch is opened at opening 130. In the second step 535, the fabric cover 105 is pulled out of the pouch 110. In step 540, the fabric cover 105 is pulled over the front of the goggles and more specifically the goggles' lens. In step 545, the cover is secured around the lens and sides of the goggles. In the illustrated embodiment, the cord 115 is pulled to cinch the cover in place, but in variations elastic banding or piping 145 will act to secure the cover in place.
A Second Embodiment of a Goggle Cover Assembly
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A second embodiment goggle cover assembly is illustrated in FIG. 16. The assembly is substantially similar to the first embodiment assembly having a pouch 210, a fabric goggle cover 205 and a cord 215 joining the pouch and cover except for the differences and distinctions described herein.
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The cord 215 used to join the pouch and cover includes a looped end and a free end. At the free end the ends of the looped cord are sewn or otherwise mechanically fastened to an edge of the fabric cover 205 as shown in the first cut away. To secure the cord to the pouch 210, a pair of parallel slots 255 is provided in the back portion 225. The looped end is placed through the innermost slot around the bridge between the slots and back through the outermost slot. The fabric cover and the rest of the cord are then fed through the looped end in order to secure the cord to the pouch around the bridge in the manner illustrated. It is to be appreciated in this embodiment that the perimeter of the fabric cover typically includes elastic piping or banding to help secure the cover to the goggles when deployed to cover the lens.
A Pouch for a Third Embodiment of a Goggle Cover Assembly
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FIGS. 17-20 illustrate different views of yet another pouch 310 for use in a goggle cover assembly. The cover and cord used with this pouch are substantially similar to the cover and cord described above in relation to both the first and second embodiments.
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The cover comprises a front portion 320 made of a flexible resilient material and a back portion 325 can be integrally molded with the front portion or separately formed. The pouch also includes a front lid portion 365 that acts to cover an opening and internal volume defined by the front and back portions.
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The back portion 325 includes upwardly and downwardly extending tangs 340 b & a that function substantially similarly to the tangs described above in relation to the first embodiment. The back portion also includes a pair of parallel slots 355 that define a bridge and are used in substantially the same manner as the slots in the second embodiment to secure a cord to the pouch.
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As can best be seen in FIGS. 20 & 21, the front lid portion 365 is shown in an open configuration. The lid portion is co-molded with either the front portion or back portion and joined thereto by way of a living hinge 370. A magnetic closure 375 a&b comprising two magnets or a magnet and a metal piece are provided respectively on the front and lid portions to normally hold the lid in a closed position.
A Pouch for a Fourth Embodiment of a Goggle Cover Assembly and a Method of Attaching the Pouch to a Goggle Strap
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The fourth embodiment pouch as shown in FIGS. 22 & 23 is generally similar to the pouch assemblies of the other embodiments except instead of using tangs to secure the pouch 410 to a goggle strap 15, flexible pouch straps 440 with hook and loop material attached to their surfaces are used. The flexible straps can be integrally molded with the front portion 420, or as shown otherwise secured to the back portion 425. FIG. 22 illustrates the manner in which the straps are wrapped around the goggle strap and secured in place by respective mating sections of hook and loop material that have been adhesively or otherwise secured to the appropriate surfaces of the pouch straps.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
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The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.
