SWIM GOGGLES

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to goggles, and more particularly, to swim goggles.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Swim goggles are used to isolate a swimmer's eyes from the surrounding water. Conventional swim goggles typically include a pair of spaced-apart eyepieces that are worn over the eyes, a nose band that extends over the nose and connects the eyepieces to one another, and an elastic strap that extends around the rear of the head. Such goggles typically surround the wearer's orbit (eye socket) to protect the eye and improve underwater vision by providing a corneal/air interface instead of exposing the cornea directly to an aqueous environment.

Two important design considerations that drive the design of swim goggles are minimizing hydrodynamic drag and minimizing water entry within the goggle. Hydrodynamic drag creates resistance to the swimmer's forward movement through the water, thereby reducing the swimmer's velocity through the water. Therefore, in order to maximize their velocity when racing or otherwise moving through the water, swimmers desire to reduce water resistance or hydrodynamic drag as much as possible. Reducing hydrodynamic drag is of particular importance in sprinting events, such as the 100-meter freestyle, where time differences between swimmers are frequently measured in fractions of a second. Additionally, during swimming, water may enter a frame of the goggles should the goggles not be sufficiently sealed.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for new and improved swim goggles, and especially for goggles that minimize hydrodynamic drag and/or minimize water entry within the goggles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pair of goggles;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the goggles shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlargement of the area 2-2 of the goggles shown in FIG. 2 from a top perspective view;

FIG. 4 is an enlargement of the area 2-2 of the goggles shown in FIG. 2 from a bottom perspective view;

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of an adjustment mechanism;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an alternative adjustment mechanism;

FIG. 7A is an enlargement of the area 6-6 of the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

“A,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If any imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range. All references referred to are incorporated herein in their entirety.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” the referenced items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any one of” the referenced claims.

Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., are used descriptively relative to the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

In the discussion that follows, terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and the like, when used in describing a numerical value, denote a variation of +/−10% of that value, unless specified otherwise.

Additionally, the goggles are discussed with reference to the orientation when worn by a user of the goggles.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a set of goggles 100 (commonly referred to as “swim goggles”), according to an example, which includes a first (e.g., right) eyepiece 120 and a second (e.g., left) eyepiece 140, configured to isolate a user's eyes from the surrounding environment. Each eyepiece 120 and 140 comprises a body having a transparent lens portion 160 for covering an eye, and a curved peripheral frame portion or gasket 180 surrounding and supporting the lens portion 160. The curve of the gasket 180 substantially conforms to the contour of a human face from the nose to the orbital rims. The gaskets 180 have respective posterior surfaces or cupped portions that are configured to be placed adjacent the skin of the user.

The gaskets 180 may be formed of an overmolded thermoplastic rubber (TPR). In some examples, the gaskets 180 are formed of a silicone or any other suitable molded plastic which is flexible. Each eyepiece 120 and 140 is constructed from a relatively stiff and hard transparent plastic, with good scratch resistance and optical qualities. A suitable plastic includes an impact-resistant polycarbonate material, although various other materials which are scratch resistant and provide good optical quality may be used.

The eyepieces 120 and 140 can have any of various configurations. In an example, a nose piece 106 interconnects adjacent ends of the eyepieces 120 and 140. In the example, a strap 108 is connected to end portions 170 of respective eyepieces 120 and 140. The end portions 170 include an opening 172. The strap 108 is routed through the opening 172 of the respective end portions 170. When worn, strap 108 extends around the rear of the head of the user. Other configurations also can be implemented in the goggles. For example, eyepieces 120 and 140 may be formed as unitary and separate components without nose piece 106 and strap 108.

In another example, each lens portion 160 can be formed with a curved, convex anterior surface. In addition, the lens portions 160 can have various tints or coatings (e.g., an anti-reflection coating). Dimensions of the frame that can be retained by the orbicularis oculi muscles may be determined using many different approaches. For example, the goggles can be custom designed and fitted to a particular individual. Alternatively, the dimensions can be determined by reference to a standard head form that has been designed according to statistical norms from the population, or from published texts and descriptions of such norms.

In an example, each eyepiece 120 and 140 has a one-piece or unitary construction. In an alternative example, the lens portions 160 and the gaskets 180 are separately formed and then subsequently joined together to form the eyepieces 120 and 140. The lens portions 160 can be either permanently attached to the gaskets 180 or connected to the gaskets 180 in a removable manner. In this alternative embodiment, the gaskets 180 need not be constructed from the same material as the lens portions 160.

The set of goggles 100 includes an adjustment mechanism 150. The adjustment mechanism 150 includes a body 200 and a fastener 202. The body 200 forms an outer casing of the adjustment mechanism 150. In some examples, the fastener 202 is a button that can be depressed by a user of the goggles 100. In other examples, the fastener 202 may be any device suitable for use in the adjustment mechanism to control tightening and loosening of the goggles 100. The strap 108 is routed through portions of the adjustment mechanism 150 to engage with interior portions of the adjustment mechanism 150 to tighten and loosen the set of goggles 100, as will be described in greater detail below. The strap 108 is coupled with the adjustment mechanism 150 opposite the eyepieces 120 and 140. In some examples, the strap 108 may include a plurality of teeth or a plurality of slots to engage portions of the adjustment mechanism 150 depending on the method of attachment and/or adjustment desired between the strap 108 and the portions of the adjustment mechanism 150. In other examples, the strap 108 may be substantially smooth depending on the method of attachment and/or adjustment desired between the strap 108 and the portions of the adjustment mechanism 150.

The adjustment mechanism 150 is a substantially rounded rectangular shape. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism 150 may be substantially ovular, circular, square, or any other suitable shape as desired to provide a desired amount of tension in adjusting the goggles 100. The adjustment mechanism 150 is configured to transition between a first (free) configuration and a second (locked) configuration. In an example, when the strap 108 is prevented from being adjusted when adjusting the goggles 100, the adjustment mechanism 150 is in the locked configuration. In an example, when the strap 108 is free to be adjusted when adjusting the goggles 100, the adjustment mechanism 150 is in the free configuration. The body 200 includes a first surface 200a and a second surface 200b (shown in FIG. 4) disposed opposite the first surface 200a. The first surface 200a is an exterior portion of the body 200. The second surface 200b is an interior portion of the body 200 configured to receive the strap 108. The body 200 includes a first (top) end 200c and a second (bottom) end 200d. The first end 200c includes an opening 201 configured to receive the fastener 202. The opening 201 forms a cavity within the body 200. The fastener 202 extends through the opening 201 such that a first surface 202a of the fastener 202 is disposed in a plane that is offset from a plane of the first end 200c.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the adjustment mechanism 150 is shown in the first configuration. The body 200 of the adjustment mechanism 150 includes one or more openings. The one or more openings include a first opening 204a and a second opening 204b. The first opening 204a and the second opening 204b are disposed such that the window 206 separates the first opening 204a from the second opening 204b. A second surface 202b of the fastener 202 is exposed through one or more of the first opening 204a and the second opening 204b. Each of the first opening 204a and the second opening 204b extend through the first surface 200a and the second surface 200b for passage of the strap 108 there through. Each of the first opening 204a and the second opening 204b are substantially circular in shape. In some examples, each of the first opening 204a and the second opening 204b are ovular, diamond shaped, or any other shape suitable for passage of the strap 108 there through.

The adjustment mechanism 150 further includes a window 206, a lever 208, a first tooth 210a, and a second tooth 210b. In an example, the window 206 may have a shape of an elongate rectangle. In other examples, the window 206 may be ovular, square, or any other shape suitable for receiving the lever 208. In an example, the first tooth 210a is disposed on the second surface 202b within the first opening 204a. In an example, the second tooth 210b is disposed on the second surface 202b within the second opening 204b. Each of the first tooth 210a and the second tooth 210b are positioned along the second surface 202b within the respective openings 204a, 204b such that the first tooth 210a and the second tooth 210b are disposed nearer the second end 200d of the body 200 than the first end 200c of the body 200. In some examples, the first tooth 210a and the second tooth 210b are substantially similar in shape, size, etc. In other examples, the first tooth 210a and the second tooth 210b may be differently shaped, sized, etc.

Referring to FIG. 5B, a cross-section of the adjustment mechanism 150 is shown with the first tooth 210a extending from the second surface 202b. The following description is of the first tooth 210a. In the example, the first tooth 210a and the second tooth 210b are substantially similar, and thus the second tooth 210b may be similarly described. The first tooth 210a is substantially conically shaped. The first tooth 210a includes a first end 502a and a second end 502b. In an example, the first end 502a is attached or otherwise coupled to the second surface 202b. The first end 502a may be curved corresponding to the geometry of the second surface 202b. The second end 502b may have a substantially flat surface to reduce friction against the strap 108 when the adjustment mechanism 150 is engaged in the second configuration. The first tooth 210a tapers inward from the first end 502a to the second end 502b. The second end 502b of the first tooth 210a extends towards a center of the first opening 204a. In an example, a height 504_H of the first tooth 210a is measured from a lowest point of the first end 502a to the second end 502b. In an example, the height 504_H is between about 0.025 mm to about 15 mm. In an example, the height 504_H is between about 0.1 mm to about 7 mm. In an example, the height 504_H is between about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm. In an example, the height 504_H is 1 mm.

In some examples, the lever 208 may be a portion of the fastener 202 extending through the window 206. The fastener 202 is configured to be depressed by a user of the set of goggles 100. In an example, the fastener 202 includes a spring configured to bias the fastener 202 to return to an original position of the fastener 202 after the user depresses the fastener 202. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism 150 may have an ovular shape, square shape, or any other suitable shape for receiving the strap 108 therein and tightening or loosening the goggles 100.

Referring to FIG. 6, an alternate adjustment mechanism 650 is shown. Adjustment mechanism 650 is similar to adjustment mechanism 150 except as indicated below. Like reference numerals are used where similar. The adjustment mechanism 650 includes a first set of teeth 602 and a second set of teeth 604. The first set of teeth 602 is disposed on the second surface 202b within the opening 204a. The second set of teeth 604 is disposed on the second surface 202b within the opening 204b. Each of the first set of teeth 602 and the second set of teeth 602 are shaped like a trapezoidal prism. In other words, the first set of teeth 602 and the second set of teeth 604 have two substantially trapezoidal faces with four substantially rectangular faces. In some examples, each of the first set of teeth 602 and the second set of teeth 604 are cuboid, conical, spherical, cylindrical, or any other suitable shape for a desired form of locking the strap 108 within the adjustment mechanism 150. In an example, the first set of teeth 602 includes three teeth. In an example, the second set of teeth 604 includes three teeth. In some examples, the first set of teeth 602 and the second set of teeth 604 each include more than three teeth. In some examples, the first set of teeth 602 and the second set of teeth 604 include the same number of teeth. In some examples, the first set of teeth 602 and the second set of teeth 604 include a different number of teeth.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the first set of teeth 602 include a first tooth 602a, a second tooth 602b, and a third tooth 602c. For ease of discussion, the following description only refers to the first set of teeth 602. The second set of teeth 604 may be similarly formed as the first set of teeth 602. In an example, the second tooth 602b is disposed between the first tooth 602a and the third tooth 602c. The first tooth 602a is spaced apart from the second tooth 602b via a first gap 606a. The second tooth 602b is spaced apart from the third tooth 602c via a second gap 606b.

The first tooth 602a includes a face 605a. The face 605a is a surface of the first tooth 602a which is curved to accommodate the strap 108 and reduce friction between the strap 108 and the first tooth 602a. The first tooth 602a extends from a first end 608a attached to or otherwise coupled with the second surface 202b to a second end 608b. The first tooth 602a extends toward a center of the first opening 204a. The second tooth 602b includes a face 605b. The face 605b is a surface of the second tooth 602b which is curved to accommodate the strap 108 and reduce friction between the strap 108 and the second tooth 602b. The second tooth 602b extends from a first end 610a attached to or otherwise coupled with the second surface 202b to a second end 610b. The second tooth 602b extends toward a center of the first opening 204a. The third tooth 602c includes a face 605c. The face 605c is a surface of the third tooth 602c which is curved to accommodate the strap 108 and reduce friction between the strap 108 and the third tooth 602c. The third tooth 602c extends from a first end 612a attached to or otherwise coupled with the second surface 202b to a second end 612b. The third tooth 602c extends toward a center of the first opening 204a.

In an example, the first tooth 602a is angled toward the third tooth 602c. In an example, the third tooth 602c is angled toward the first tooth 602a. In an example, each of the first tooth 602a, the second tooth 602b, and the third tooth 602c are disposed along the second surface 202b such that respective planes extending from each of the first tooth 602a and the third tooth 602c intersect a respective plane extending from the second tooth 602b.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-section of the second tooth 602b. The second tooth 602b tapers inward from the second end 610b to the first end 610a. In other words, the second end 610b extends further longitudinally toward a respective edge of the opening 204a than does the first end 610a. In other examples, the second tooth 602b may taper outward from the second end 610b to the first end 610a.

In the first configuration, the fastener 202 is depressed and the lever 208 is configured to move (e.g., translate) within the window 206 to indicate transitioning of the adjustment mechanism 150 between the configurations. As the fastener 202 is depressed, portions of the fastener 202 moves (e.g., translates) vertically to compress or release the strap 108. Put another way, as the fastener 202 is depressed, second surface 202b and each of the first tooth 210a and the second tooth 210b are configured to reveal more of the respective openings 204a and 204b to enable movement of the strap 108. In the second configuration, the fastener 202 is released such that the second surface 202b and each of the first tooth 210a and the second tooth 210b are configured to conceal more of the respective openings 204a and 204b to prevent movement of the strap 108. In an example, each of the teeth 210a, 210b engage with the strap 108 to prevent movement of the strap 108. The adjustment mechanism 650 similar engages the strap 108 as the adjustment mechanism 150.

The present adjustment mechanism 150 includes teeth which are configured to engage the strap 108 to prevent movement of the strap 108 during use of the goggles 100. This provides securement of the strap 108 and reduces the need to readjust the goggles 100 during use. Additionally, the teeth of the adjustment mechanism 150 may be configured to reduce the friction between the teeth and the strap 108.

The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the present teachings, but the scope of the present teachings is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the present teachings defined in the appended claims.

While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claims.

The following clauses provide an exemplary configuration for an article of footwear and sole structure described above.

Clause 1. Swim goggles comprising: a strap; and an adjustment mechanism including a body and a fastener, the body forming an outer casing of the adjustment mechanism, the body including a first opening configured to receive the fastener and the body including one or more openings, different from the first opening, configured to receive the strap.

Clause 2. The goggles of Clause 1, wherein the fastener is configured to be depressed to transition the adjustment mechanism between a first configuration and a second configuration, the first configuration allowing the strap to move within the adjustment mechanism, and the second configuration preventing the strap from moving within the adjustment mechanism.

Clause 3. The goggles of Clause 2, wherein the body includes a window and a lever disposed within the window, wherein the lever indicates the adjustment mechanism being in the first configuration or the second configuration.

Clause 4. The goggles of Clause 1, wherein the one or more openings includes a second opening configured to receive a portion of the strap and a third opening configured to receive a portion of the strap, each of the second opening and the third opening extending through a first surface of the body and a first surface of the fastener.

Clause 5. The goggles of Clause 4, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes one or more teeth disposed on the first surface of the fastener within one or more of the second opening and the third opening.

Clause 6. The goggles of Clause 5, wherein the one or more teeth are conically shaped.

Clause 7. The goggles of Clause 5, wherein the one or more teeth extend from a first end attached to the first surface of the fastener to a second end extending towards a center of the respective second opening or third opening.

Clause 8. The goggles of Clause 7, wherein the one or more teeth tapers inward from the first end to the second end.

Clause 9. The goggles of Clause 5, wherein the one or more teeth include a height between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

Clause 10. The goggles of Clause 5, wherein the one or more teeth are configured to engage the strap.

Clause 11. Swim goggles comprising: a strap; and an adjustment mechanism including a body and a fastener, the body extending from a first end to a second and including a first surface and a second surface, wherein a first opening disposed at the first end receives the fastener, and the body including one or more openings, different from the first opening, extending through the first surface and the second surface of the body, the one or more openings configured to receive the strap, wherein the fastener includes a first surface exposed through the first opening of the body and a second surface exposed through the one or more openings of the body.

Clause 12. The goggles of Clause 11, wherein the fastener includes at least one tooth extending from the second surface toward a center of the one or more openings.

Clause 13. The goggles of Clause 12, wherein the at least one tooth is conically shaped and is configured to engage the strap.

Clause 14. The goggles of Clause 12, wherein the at least one tooth is shaped like a trapezoidal prism and is configured to engage the strap.

Clause 15. The goggles of Clause 12, wherein the at least one tooth has a height of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

Clause 16. The goggles of Clause 12, wherein the at least one tooth includes a first tooth, a second tooth, and a third tooth, each of the first tooth, the second tooth, and the third tooth being spaced apart from one another via a gap.

Clause 17. The goggles of Clause 16, wherein each of the first tooth, the second tooth, and the third tooth includes a curved face to accommodate passage of the strap.

Clause 18. An adjustment mechanism including: a body extending from a first end to a second end and including a first surface and a second surface, the body including a first opening disposed adjacent the first end, a second opening extending through the first surface and the second surface, and a third opening extending through the first surface and the second surface; and a fastener disposed within the first opening of the body, the fastener including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface disposed in a plane that is offset from a plane of the first end of the body, the fastener including: one or more teeth extending from the second surface of the fastener, the one or more teeth being exposed via one or more of the first opening of the body and the second opening of the body.

Clause 19. The adjustment mechanism of Clause 18, wherein the one or more teeth include at least one tooth, the at least one tooth having a conical shape.

Clause 20. The adjustment mechanism of Clause 18, wherein the one or more teeth include three or more teeth, the three or more teeth each having a trapezoidal prism shape.

Clause 21. Swim goggles including the adjustment mechanism of Clause 18.