US20110296574A1 - Protective Eyewear Including Auxiliary Lenses - Google Patents

Abstract

A protective goggle is provided including a frame having a first lens opening and a second lens opening. The lens openings are separated by a bridge and the frame is configured to be located in front of a user's face. Two protective lenses are held within the respective lens openings. A flexible skirt is connected to the frame. The flexible skirt has a face engaging portion opposite the frame and configured to contact the user's face about the user's eyes. The flexible skirt has a vent portion including a plurality of vent holes.

Description

• This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/634,443 filed on Dec. 9, 2009, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/435,546 filed on May 17, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. Nos. 60/681,610 filed May 17, 2005 and 60/722,575 filed Oct. 1, 2005.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to eyewear, particularly to ballistic protective eyewear, provisions provided by the protective eyewear to mount inner lenses, and ventilation and structure of protective eyewear frames.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Specially adapted, protective eyewear is used today by soldiers and law enforcement officers. The use of such eyewear is particularly advantageous in harsh environments where sunlight, wind, dust and debris can be hazardous to eyesight. Additionally, such eyewear can be designed to protect the eyes against some level of impact of fragments and projectiles during battle. Such eyewear includes the Sawfly™ shield, Bullet Ant™ goggles or Desert Locust™ goggles available from Revision Military of Montreal, Canada, or Revision Eyewear, Ltd. of Williston, Vt., USA.
• Provisions have been made in protective eyewear for adapting the eyewear to accept a prescription lens assembly behind the outer protective lens of the eyewear. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,790,230; 5,412,438 and 4,810,080 describe such provisions.
• The present inventors have recognized that such systems can be improved to achieve additional benefits. The present inventors have recognized that it would be advantageous to provide an inner lens sub-assembly, such as for prescription lenses, for fitment to protective eyewear wherein the inner lens subassembly is shatter resistant, prevents scratching of the protective eyewear lens by the inner lens sub-assembly, ensures an air passage between the inner and outer lenses, and is more easily finger manipulated by the user.
• The present inventors have recognized that it would be desirable to provide a protective eyewear, such as goggles, that improved ventilation through the eyewear to prevent fogging of the protective eyewear lens. The present inventors have recognized that it would be desirable to provide protective eyewear that is easily assembled, cost effectively manufactured, reliable, and conforms comfortably to the user's face, and is easily manipulated and handled by the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a protective eyewear assembly that includes an inner lens sub-assembly for fitment to protective eyewear that is shatter resistant, that prevents scratching of the outer protective eyewear lens by the inner lens sub-assembly, and that is more easily finger manipulated by the user. The present invention provides at least two types of outer protective eyewear that are configured to receive and mount the same, inner lens sub-assembly.
• According to one embodiment an outer protective lens is incorporated into a shield-type eyewear. According to another embodiment the outer protective lens is incorporated into a pair of goggles. An inner lens sub-assembly, including frame and lens, is configured to be fit and mounted into either embodiment. The inner leis sub-assembly is thus a universal part, compatible with either embodiment. A cost and convenience advantage is achieved for the manufacturer and the user.
• According to another aspect of the invention, protective goggles are provided that include a multi-component frame comprising a soft frame which holds a protective lens and which conforms to a user's face, and two relatively rigid strap anchor portions mounted on either side of the frame. The strap anchor portions include a mechanism for engaging a strap for mounting the protective goggles to the user's face and inwardly directed louvers for directing air toward side ventilation openings of the frame.
• According to another aspect of the invention, protective goggles are provided that include a frame surrounding a protective lens, the frame having a central vent opening in a top region wherein the central vent opening allows air to pass through the frame to an open region above top ventilation openings through the frame. The goggles further include louvers on opposite sides thereof, the louvers directing air toward side ventilation openings for the frame.
• According to another aspect of the don, the protective goggles include grip warts or bumps that assist in gripping and manipulation of the goggles by a user. The grip warts can be extensions of the soft goggle frame material that are exposed through openings provided in the strap anchor portions. The grip warts can serve the dual purpose of providing a user gripping function and assisting in the securement of the strap anchor portions to the rest of the goggle frame.
• Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will be become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, the claims and from the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a nosepiece taken fromFIG. 1;
• FIG. 1B is a side view of the nosepiece ofFIG. 1A as assembled;
• FIG. 1C is an exploded perspective view of an alternate nosepiece;
• FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the alternate nosepiece ofFIG. 1C, as assembled;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of embodiment shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a front view of a prescription lens frame taken fromFIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is a sec. tonal view taken generally along line4-4 ofFIG. 3;
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken generally along 5-5 ofFIG. 3;
• FIG. 6A is an exploded front perspective view of the lens frame ofFIG. 3;
• FIG. 6B is an exploded rear perspective of the lens frame ofFIG. 3;
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of second embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 7 with auxiliary frame not shown;
• FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken generally along line8-8 ofFIG. 7;
• FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken generally along line9-9 ofFIG. 7;
• FIG. 10 is a front view of a pair of goggles according to another aspect of the invention;
• FIG. 10A is a front view of a lens taken from the embodiment shown inFIG. 10;
• FIG. 10B is a sectional view taken generally along line10B-10B ofFIG. 10;
• FIG. 10C is a sectional view taken generally along line10C-10C ofFIG. 10;
• FIG. 11 is a rear view of the goggles ofFIG. 10;
• FIG. 12 is a top view of the goggles ofFIG. 10;
• FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the goggles ofFIG. 10;
• FIG. 14 is a right side view of the goggles ofFIG. 10;
• FIG. 15 is a top view of a portion of the goggles shown inFIG. 10;
• FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the portion shown inFIG. 15;
• FIG. 17 is a right side view of the portion shown inFIG. 15;
• FIG. 18A is a front view of a strap anchor taken fromFIG. 10;
• FIG. 18B is a rear view of the strap anchor taken fromFIG. 18A;
• FIG. 18C is a slight perspective view of the strap anchor taken fromFIG. 18A;
• FIG. 18D is a right side perspective view of the strap anchor taken fromFIG. 18A, tipped upward;
• FIG. 18E is a right side perspective view of the strap anchor taken fromFIG. 18A, tipped downward;
• FIG. 19 is a front view of an auxiliary frame taken fromFIG. 10;
• FIG. 20 is a rear view of the auxiliary shown inFIG. 19;
• FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the auxiliary shownFIG. 19;
• FIG. 22 is a fragmentary front view of the auxiliary frame mounted to an adapter taken fromFIG. 10;
• FIG. 23 is a fragmentary rear view of the prescription lens frame mounted to an adapter shown inFIG. 22;
• FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the adapter shown inFIG. 22;
• FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention;
• FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of an auxiliary frame and an alternate nosepiece taken fromFIG. 25;
• FIG. 27 is a right side view of the alternate nosepiece taken fromFIG. 25;
• FIG. 28 is a fragmentary perspective view of an alternate embodiment auxiliary frame and nose piece;
• FIG. 29 is a front view of a thither alternate embodiment auxiliary frame and goggle adapter;
• FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a nosepiece for use with the auxiliary frame ofFIG. 29;
• FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the auxiliary frame shown inFIG. 29;
• FIG. 32 is a front view of an alternate embodiment auxiliary frame;
• FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an alternate goggle adapter; and
• FIG. 34 is a front view of the goggle adapter ofFIG. 33.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
• This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 11/435,546 filed May 17, 2006 which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. Nos. 60/681,610 filed May 17, 2005 and 60/722,575 filed Oct. 1, 2005, the disclosures of all three applications are herein incorporated by reference.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a first assembly10 that incorporates the present invention. The assembly10 includes a military-type protective shield14 such as the Sawfly™ shield available from Revision Military of Montreal, Canada, or Revision Eyewear, Ltd. of Williston, Vt., USA. The shield14 includes a frame20 which releasably holds alens22. Thelens22 can be a projectile impact resistant lens. In this regard thelens22 can be composed of optical grade polycarbonate having a thickness of about 2.4 mm in a central location and a decreasing thickness to about 1.8 mm at its edges. The frame20 includes a frame bar or bridge26 and a pair of side temples28. The temples28 are pivotally attached to the bridge26 by hinges32. Provisions can be made along the temples for adjusting the length of the temples.
• Anosepiece36 is fit onto thelens22 along a notched area38. Provisions in the form of tabs, hooks or claws42 are provided in the notched area38 to underlie bottom edges36aof the nosepiece to hold the nosepiece to thelens22. Thenosepiece36 is snapped up into thelens22 until the hooks42 underlie the edges36a.
• As illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B thenosepiece36 comprises a two-part assembly. Afront base part46 locks to a rear cushion part48 via locking pins52 that are secured into apertures53. Preferably, adhesive is applied to the pins52 before assembly into the apertures53 for a secure adhesive fixation of the two-part assembly. The rear cushion part can be a soft rubber part. Thefront base part46 includes a groove56 for receiving the notched area38 of thelens22, the groove in part defined by a front wall57 and a rear58. A rearward directedabutment62 extends from the rear wall58 which serves to vertically support aninner lens sub-assembly65 as described below. A retaining tab66 extends vertically from theabutment62. The retaining tab66 includes a rearward directed locking nub67.
• Thefront base part46 is preferably composed of a polycarbonate material and the rear cushion part48 is preferably composed of a relatively soft PVC material.
• FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate an alternate embodiment nosepiece39 having a front base part39aand a rear cushion part39b. The front base part39aincludes tabular flanges68 that are configured to be closely fit into rectangular holes69 that are formed in the rear cushion part39b. Preferably, adhesive is applied to the tabular flanges68 before insertion into the holes69 to ensure a tight fixation of the two parts39a/39b.
• As illustrated inFIG. 2, theinner lens sub-assembly65 is fit onto theabutment62 behind the rear wall58 of the groove and onto the retaining tab66. Theinner lens sub-assembly65 includes an aperture described below which captures the tab66 to lockassembly65 to thebase part46.
• As illustrated inFIGS. 3-6B, theinner lens sub-assembly65 comprises a frame72 that holds left andright lenses76,78. The frame72 comprises a base frame part82 that includes left and rightapertured parts84,85 that respectively surround and hold thelenses78, and abridge part86 that connects theapertured parts84,85. The base frame part82 is preferably composed of a relatively hard polycarbonate material. The base frame part82 provides a rigid skeletal structure for supporting and orienting thelenses76,78. Thelenses76,78 are preferably vision-correcting, prescription lenses or other type of vision enhancing or protecting lenses. Thelenses76,78 can advantageously be composed of a polycarbonate prescription lens material or a CR39 plastic polymer prescription lens material.
• A second frame part is102 is applied onto the base frame part82. The second frame part102 includesend extending portions106,108 that are located at the opposite lateral extremes of the frame72. When assembled, theportions106,108 extend forwardly of theadjacent regions84,85 and act as soft bumpers between the frame72 and thelens22. The second frame part102 also extends behind the frame72 with asurface backing portion112 substantially laterally co-extensive with theapertured parts84,85 andbridge86 and continuous with extendingportions106,108.
• The second frame part102 is preferably composed of a PVC material or a urethane material that is softer than the material of the first frame part82. The material of the second frame part is resilient and more grippable than the material of the first frame art82. Being softer than the first frame part82, the material of the second frame part102 is more shatter resistant from projectiles and force contact and would tend to retain together pieces of an otherwise shattered frame part82.
• The softer material of the frame part102 also prevents scratching of thelens22 by the frame72 during incidental contact during assembly of theinner lens sub-assembly65 to the shield14. The extendingportions106,108 also act as spacers between the frame72 and thelens22 to ensure air flow between thelens22 and thelenses76,78 to reduce fogging.
• Preferably, the second frame part102 is “overmolded” onto the first frame part82. According to this method, after the first frame part82 is molded, it is placed into a second mold, or the first mold can be made adjustable to increase in size and change in shape, and the second frame part102 is then molded onto the first frame part82. Example of overmolding methods for other articles are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,601,272 B2; 5,182,0321 and 5,934,762 all herein incorporated by reference.
• FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate that thebridge86 includes anoval aperture114 intersected by a lock aperture115 at approximately a right angle. When theinner lens sub-assembly65 is fit onto theabutment62 the tab66 fits into the oval aperture115 until the nub67 snaps into the lock aperture115, to releasably lock theassembly65 to thenosepiece36.
• FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the frame72 comprising the first frame portion82 and the overmolded second frame portion102 as separated components to illustrate more clearly the relative shapes of these two components. The frame portion82 includes indented lateral regions82a,82baround which theportions106,108 are molded. As shown inFIG. 6B, thebridge portion86 includes a series of curved grooves86ainto which a series of curved ribs102aof the second frame portion102 are molded. The ribs102aprovide a frictional gripping region for the user to grasp the frame72 to fit theassembly65 onto the shield14. As illustrated inFIG. 6A, the first frame portion has a thickness t1, preferably about 4 mm. The second frame portion102 has a thickness t2 throughout theportion112, preferably about 1 mm. Theend portions106,108 have a thickness t3, preferably about 5 mm.
• FIGS. 7-9 illustrate an alternate embodiment190 wherein the previously describedinner lens sub-assembly65 can be fit into goggles200 that enclose the user's eyes on the user's face. The goggles offer sunlight, grind, dust and debris protection. The goggles can be Bullet Ant™ military-type goggles available from Revision Military of Montreal, Canada, or Revision Eyewear, Ltd. of Williston, Vt., USA. The goggles200 can include left and right lenses201a,201bthat can be projective impact resistant. In this regard the lens201a,201bcan be composed of optical grade polycarbonate having a thickness of about 2.2 mm in a center of the lens and about 1.8 to 1.9 mm at the edge. In this regard,FIG. 9 illustrates that the goggles200 include a support202 that includes an abutment203, atab204 extending perpendicularly from the abutment with a nub206 extending perpendicularly from thetab204. The support202 includes an anchor portion210 that is locked into surrounding portions of the goggle200. Theparts203,204 and206 function identically to theparts62,66 and67 of the previously described embodiment. The support is preferably composed of a polyamide or Nylon material.
• As with the previously described embodiment, the frame part102 provided on the frame part82 events scratching of lenses201a,201bof the goggles200 and will space the frame72 andlenses76,78 from a rear surface of the lenses201a,201bto ensure an air space therebetween to reduce fogging. The previously stated handling and shatter resistance advantageous of the sub-assembly65 is applicable to the second embodiment as well.
• Thesubassembly65 can be used with either the shield14 or the goggles200, providing a universal part.
• FIG. 7A illustrates some features of the goggles200, with the auxiliary frame not shown. The goggles200 include a surrounding flexible skirt214 that includes a plurality of hexagonal vent holes216 through the top and bottom, air permeable filter material ring218 is fit into the skirt214 and substantially covers the inside of the holes214. The front frame222 of the goggles includes a plurality of frontal vent holes226 that alloy outside air to enter into the goggles through a front face of the ring218.
• FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment protective eyewear in the form ofgoggles300. The goggles offer sunlight, wind, dust and debris protection. The goggles can be Desert Locust™ goggles available from Revision Military of Montreal, Canada, or Revision Eyewear, Ltd. of Williston, Vt., USA.
• Thegoggles300 are mirror image identical across acenterline350, so that a description of one side is sufficient to describe both sides. Thegoggles300 include a front protective lens302 (FIG. 10A) that is removably held within aframe306. The protective lens can be clear or a light treating or blocking lens, or other type of lens. The lens can be a projectile impact resistant lens. The lens can be composed of optical grade polycarbonate having thickness of about 3 mm in a center of the lens and about 2.1 mm at the edge. Theframe306 includes a concave nose conforming region310,bottom wall regions312,316,sidewall regions322,326, an upperfront region330, a lowerfront region332, and atop wall region334. The upperfront region330 includes twovent openings342,344 that straddle acenterline350 of theframe106, close to thecenterline350.
• Onestrap anchor356,358 is mounted on each side of theframe306. Eachstrap anchor356,358 is removably mounted to theframe306 as described below. Thetop wall region334, the bottom wall regions,312,316 and thesidewalls regions322,326 all include ventilation openings generally indicated as357. An filter material358 (shown only andFIGS. 10B and 10C) is applied over the ventilation openings.
• Thegoggles300 include anadapter360 that snap engages to an inside of the nose conforming region310, Alens subassembly365 is provided, held behind theprotective lens302. The subassembly includes at least one, and preferably twoauxiliary lenses366,368, carried by anauxiliary frame370. The lenses can be prescription lenses, protective lenses, light treating lenses, or any other type of known lenses. Theauxiliary frame370 snap engages to theadapter360.
• FIG. 11 illustrates that thegoggles300 include a rear skirt or surroundingflexible flange366 that is formed continuously with theportions310,312,316,322,326,334. Theflange366 conforms comfortably to the user's face as the goggles are worn.
• The strap anchors356,358 each include an outer strap-engagingbar372 and anair louver376. Theair louver376 is angled toward therespective sidewall region322,326 to direct air toward the ventilation openings through sidewall regions and into the interior of the goggle.
• Referring toFIGS. 15-18E, the strap anchors356,358 are mounted to theframe306 by two top, downwardly extended rectangular tabs382a,382b, extending from a top flange383 of the strap anchor, that fit tightly into oblong or rectangular holes386a,386bin thetop wall region334, and bottom, upwardly extended rectangular tabs392a,392bextending from a bottom flange393 of the strap anchor, that fits tightly into oblong or rectangular holes396a,396bin the respectivebottom wall region312,316. Additionally, the bottom flange393 of the anchor includes a plurality, such as two, openings396,396bthat register with grip tabs, or grip bumps orgrip warts398a,398bthat have a height greater than the thickness of the bottom flange393 such that the grip warts are exposed outwardly of the bottom flange393 of the strap anchor. Thegrip warts398a,398bprovide an increased gripping or friction between the goggles and the user's fingers for manipulating the goggle on the user's face. This is advantageous particularly if the user is wearing gloves.
• Preferably, theframe306 is composed of a relatively soft urethane material, and the strap anchors356,358 are composed of a harder nylon material forming rigid parts.
• When the strap anchors356,358 are assembled to theframe306, preferably thelens302 is not yet fit into theframe306. The tabs382a,382band392a,392bare fit into their respective holes386a,386band396a,396bin theframe306. When the lens is installed, it rigidifies theframe306 and thus helps to ensure the reliable engagement of the tabs and holes to secure the strap anchors356,358 to theframe306.
• Referring toFIG. 10B, air can be inducted or pass through thefilter material358 that covers the ventilation openings357 of the sidewall regions,322,326 directed by thelouvers376 that are angled a inwardly.
• Referring toFIG. 10C, thefront vents342,344 provide an air flow path from in front of the goggles to an open area above the ventilation openings through thetop wall region334. Air can be inducted or pass through thevents342,344 to above the filter material of358 that covers the ventilation openings357 of thetop wall region334.
• Theauxiliary frame370 is illustrated inFIGS. 19-21. Theauxiliary frame370 includes a hardbase frame part402 that is over molded completely on a backside face by asecond frame part404 that extends around thehard frame402 to the front side inregions406a,406b,406c,406d,406e,406fand406g. Thehard frame art402 and the soft over moldedsecond frame part404 are substantially similar in structure, method of manufacturing, materials of construction, thickness, function and advantages as the configuration described above with respect toFIG. 6A andFIG. 6B, regarding the frame parts82,102. For example, thesoft regions406a,406b,406c,406d,406e,406fand406gextend slightly forwardly of thehard frame part402 and help to prevent scratching of the protective lens by thehard frame part402, and also help separate the protective lens from the auxiliary lens to alloy, air flay, therebetween to help prevent fogging of the protective lens.
• FIGS. 6A,6B and21 illustrate two embodiments of the auxiliary frame15 in exploded fashion, with the hard base frame part and the soft second frame part shown as separate elements for clarity of description. In practice, the two parts are not necessarily separable since preferably the soft layer component is molded onto the hard frame component.
• A downwardly extendedtab410 is used to secure theauxiliary frame370 to theadapter360. Thetab410 includes a locking tang, ledge or pin416 that extends horizontally. Theadapter360 includes aslot420 for receiving thetab410 and a recess ledge422 for receiving the beltingtang416. When theauxiliary frame370 is pressed down onto the concave, nose conforming region310, inside thegoggle frame306, thetab410 slides within theslot420 and thetang416 snap engages beneath the recess ledge422 and removably secures theauxiliary frame370 to theprotective frame306. To assist in installing theauxiliary frame370 onto theconcave region410, guideportions432,434 could be provided on theadapter360.
• Theadapter360 includes a mounting flange520 that includes threeresilient snap slots522a,522b,522c. Each snap slot engages a corresponding pin532 formed inside and as part of the protective frame306 (only two pins shown inFIG. 17). This forms a three-point, removable attachment of theadapter360 to theprotective frame306.
• FIG. 25 shows aprotective shield600 similar to the protective shield shown inFIG. 1. However, theauxiliary frame370 described inFIGS. 19-21 snap fits into an alternate nosepiece606 (FIGS. 26,27). Thealternate nosepiece606 installs onto thelens22 in the same fashion as described with respect toFIG. 1, however thealternate nosepiece606 includes a slot610 (shown with hidden line inFIG. 27) having a recess ledge612. Thetab410 slides into the slot610 and thetang416 snap beneath the recess ledge612 to removably retain theauxiliary lens370 onto thealternate nosepiece606.
• FIG. 28 shows an alternate embodimentauxiliary frame670 that is substantially identical to theauxiliary frame370 except that raisedribs686,688 are formed onside walls672,674 of lens frames678,680 below the bridge684. Theribs686,688 extend substantially vertically from a position near thetab410 to a position near a bottom of the lens frames678,680. Theribs686,688 are mirror image identical across a vertical centerline of theframe670.
• An alternate nosepiece700 for fitment to a protective shield, such as shown InFIG. 25, includesgrooves706,708 (708 not visible) that receive theribs686,688 as theframe670 is slid down onto the nosepiece700, until thetab410 and the tang416 (not shown) engage the nosepiece as previously described.
• Although a nosepiece700 is described and shown inFIG. 28, thegrooves706,708 could also be provided in an adapter for fitment to a goggle such as shown in FIGS.14 and22-24.
• FIGS. 29 and 31 illustrate a further embodiment auxiliary frame770 identical to theauxiliary frame370 except for the addition ofprotrusions772,774 arranged on theinside walls782,784 of the lens frames785,786, below the bridge788.
• Theprotrusions772,774 fit within a modifiedadapter792 for mounting the auxiliary frame770 to a goggle such as shown in FIGS.14 and22-24. The modifiedadapter792 includesindentations802,804 for receiving theprotrusions772,774. The interaction of theprotrusions772,774 with theindentations802,804 can be a snap fit engagement or merely a guided arrangement. The indentations can be open in the fore and aft direction, or can be closed in the fore and aft direction. In the latter case, the indentations would guide the frame770 in the fore and aft direction and the left and tight direction. In either case, the indentations could restrain the auxiliary frame in the vertical direction as well if the interaction between theprotrusions772,774 and theindentations802,804 is a snap fit engagement.
• FIG. 30 illustrates a modified nosepiece810 for fitment to the auxiliary frame770 and installation onto a protective shield such as shown inFIG. 25. Thenosepiece410 includesopenings812,814 for receiving theprotrusions772,774, and a top slot816 for receiving thetab410 andtang416.
• FIG. 32 illustrates anauxiliary frame900 that is substantially identical to theframe370 shown inFIGS. 19 and 20 except that the bridge area904 has a somewhat different shape.
• FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate analternate adapter920 that is similar to theadapter360 except that theguides432,434 are not used and sides924,926 of theadapter920 are substantially linear. Theauxiliary frame900 is mounted and secured to theadapter920 using thetab410 combined with a close fitting or frictional arrangement between thesides930,932 of the auxiliary frame900 (FIG. 32) and the sides924,926 of the adapter. The adapter is mounted to the goggles in the same manner as is theadapter360.
• It can be recognized that for any of the eyewear embodiments described in this specification, the outer protective shield or goggle can be worn without the auxiliary lens or lenses, for example, if prescription eyewear is not needed. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10, for example, if no auxiliary lens is desired, theadapter360 need not be installed.
• From the foregoing, it will be observed chat numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the don. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.

Claims (20)

1. A goggle comprising:

a frame, having a first lens opening and second lens opening, the lens openings separated by a bridge and the frame configured to be located in front of a user's face;

two protective lenses held within the respective lens openings;

a flexible skirt connected to the frame, the flexible skirt having a face engaging portion and a spacing portion; the spacing; portion comprising a vent portion;

the face engaging; portion is opposite the frame and configured to contact the user's face about the user's eyes;

the vent portion comprises a plurality of vent holes.

2. The goggle ofclaim 1, comprising a filter; the filter positioned over the plurality of vent holes to prevent debris from passing through the plurality of vent holes.

3. The goggle ofclaim 1, comprising a filter; the filter positioned on an inside surface of the flexible skirt and over the plurality of vent holes.

4. The goggle ofclaim 1, wherein the face engaging portion adjacent the first and second lateral sides of the frame is located a greater distance from the frame than a distance between the frame and the face engaging portion at the bridge.

5. The goggle ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible skirt extends about a back side of the frame and includes a top portion, opposite lateral side portions, and a bottom portion; the plurality of vent holes are located in the top portion.

6. The goggle ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible skirt extends about a back side of the frame and includes a top portion, opposite lateral side portions and a bottom portion; the bottom portion has a nose sup port recess for supporting the frame about the user's nose.

7. The goggle ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible skirt extends about a back side of the frame and includes a top portion, opposite lateral side portions and a bottom portion; the bottom portion has a nose support portion for supporting the frame about the user's nose; the nose support portion comprises a right side, a left side, and a top peak between the right side and left side; the nose support portion comprises at least one right slit and at least one left slit in the respective right side and left side about the top peak; the right and left slits each extend from an end of the flexible skirt opposite the frame inward toward the frame.

8. The goggle ofclaim 1, comprising an element for holding a second frame within an area surrounded the flexible skirt and behind the two lenses.

9. The goggle ofclaim 1, wherein the top of the frame at a vertical center line of the bridge is located below the top of the flexible skirt at the vertical center line of the bridge.

10. The goggle ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible skirt extends about a rear side of the frame and includes a vented top portion, opposite non-vented lateral side portions, and a vented bottom portion; the plurality of vent holes are located in the vented top portion and the vented bottom portion.

11. A goggle comprising:

a frame having two lens openings separated by a bridge and the frame configured to be located in front of a user's face and about the user's eyes;

two ballistically resistant lenses held within the respective two lens openings;

the frame having an attachment mechanism configured to hold the frame to the user's face with at least one strap;

a flexible skirt connected to the frame to provide an enclosed interior space between the frame and the user's face when the goggle is worn by the user; the flexible skirt has a face engaging portion; the flexible skirt has a plurality of vent holes configured to allow air to pass in and out of the enclosed interior space;

the face engaging portion is opposite the frame and configured to contact the user's face about the user's eyes.

12. The goggle ofclaim 11, wherein the bridge has an element configured to hold a second frame in the enclosed interior space behind the two lenses and in front of the user's eyes.

13. The goggle ofclaim 11, comprising an air permeable filter positioned to prevent debris from passing into the enclosed interior space through the plurality of vent holes.

14. The goggle ofclaim 11, wherein the face engaging portion adjacent a first lateral side ant a second lateral side of the frame is located a greater distance from the frame than a distance between the frame and the face engaging portion at the bridge.

15. The goggle ofclaim 11, wherein the flexible skirt extends about a back side of the frame and includes a top portion, opposite lateral side portions, and a bottom portion; the plurality of vent holes are located in the bottom portion.

16. The goggle ofclaim 11, wherein the flexible skirt extends about a back side of the frame and includes a top portion, opposite lateral side portions and a bottom portion; the bottom portion has a nose support portion for supporting the frame about the user's nose; the nose support portion comprises a right side, a left side, and a top peak between the right side and left side; the nose support portion comprises at least one right slit and at least one left slit in the respective right side and left side about the top peak; the right and left slits each extend from an end of the flexible skirt opposite the frame inward toward the frame.

17. The goggle ofclaim 11, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a first strap slot and a second strap slot; the first strap slot located at a first lateral side of the frame adjacent the one of the two lenses and the second strap slot located at an opposite second lateral side of the frame adjacent the other of the two lenses.

18. The goggle ofclaim 11, wherein the flexible skirt extends about a rear side of the frame and includes a vented top portion, opposite non-vented lateral side portions, and a vented bottom portion; the plurality of vent holes are located in the vented top portion and the vented bottom portion.

19. A projectile impact resistant protective goggle comprising:

a front frame having a first lens opening and a second lens opening, the lens openings separated by an intervening bridge and the front frame positioned to be located in front of a user's face and about the user's eyes;

two separate projectile impact resistant lenses held within the respective lens openings;

the frame having a first strap slot and a second strap slot configured to secure the frame to the user's face by at least one strap; the first strap slot located at a first lateral side of the frame adjacent the first lens opening and the second strap slot located at an opposite second lateral side of the frame adjacent the second lens opening;

a flexible skirt connected to the front frame configured to provide an enclosed interior space between the front frame and the user's face when the goggle is worn by the user; the flexible skirt has a face engaging portion; the flexible skirt has a plurality of vent holes configured to allow air to pass in and out of the enclosed interior space;

the face engaging portion is opposite the front frame and configured to contact the user's face about the users eyes.

20. The goggle ofclaim 19, comprising a filter positioned to prevent debris from passing into the enclosed interior space through the plurality of vent holes.

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