U.S. patent number RE41,834 [Application Number 11/863,161] was granted by the patent office on 2010-10-19 for lens assembly parts and assemblies therefrom.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Dye Precision, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gerald R. Parks.
United States Patent |
RE41,834 |
Parks |
October 19, 2010 |
Lens assembly parts and assemblies therefrom
Abstract
A set of lens assembly parts which contains a base and a frame
and at least one or more of a lens, fasteners for securing the lens
between the base and the frame, a mask, and a strap. Lens
assemblies formed from the set of lens assembly parts.
Inventors: |
Parks; Gerald R. (Chula Vista,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Dye Precision, Inc. (San Diego,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
32712694 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/863,161 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
10349274 |
Jan 21, 2003 |
06948813 |
Sep 27, 2005 |
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
351/158; 351/154;
351/62; 2/436 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
9/025 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G02C
1/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;351/41,44,62,83-86,140,141,149,154,158
;2/9,12,15,426-437,442,443,452,453 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Mai; Huy K
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A set of lens-assembly parts comprising: (a) a base .[.shaped to
fit over the eyes, the base.]. having a lens-receiving portion, one
or more first slots situated around the periphery of the lens
receiving portion, and opposite temple portions, each temple
portion having a first opening; (b) a frame having an inner surface
and an outer surface, the frame comprising one or more second slots
and opposite temple portions, each of the temple portions having a
second opening, .[.the frame being shaped for registration with the
base,.]. wherein the first and second openings are in matching
positions to jointly define a registration opening; (c) a lens
.[.shaped.]. for positioning between the base and the frame, the
lens having a plurality of tabs extending from the .[.lens in
direction substantially perpendicular to the.]. outer and inner
surfaces of the lens and cooperating with the first slots and
second slots; and (d) one or more fasteners for tensioning the base
against the frame, each of the fasteners engaging one registration
opening.
2. The set of claim 1, further comprising a mask attached to the
base, the mask being shaped for covering at least a portion of
.[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.face, the mask being secured to the base
and comprising a plurality of ventilation vanes.
3. The set of claim 2, wherein one or more fasteners comprise
couplers, each of the couplers comprising: (a) a cap positioned
against one end of the registration opening formed in said frame
and said base; (b) a retention element positioned against the
opposite end of the registration opening, and (c) a protruding
element extending through the registration opening and connecting
the cap and the retention element.
4. The set of claim 3, further comprising a strap for attachment to
each of said couplers.
5. The set of claim 3, wherein the retention element is a twist
lock cam of elongated shape, wherein the registration opening has a
matching elongated shape, and wherein the twist lock cam is secured
in position by a one-quarter turn around the longitudinal axis of
the protruding element.
6. The set of claim 5, wherein the twist lock cam is secured in
position within a groove defined at the matching end of the
registration opening.
7. The set of claim 3, wherein the cap comprises a depression
suited for lodging a disk carrying a decorative design.
8. The set of claim 3, wherein the at least one of the couplers
comprises a slot for attaching a strap, and a depression for
lodging a portion of the strap.
9. The set of claim 2, wherein the mask is secured to the base by a
plurality of pins extending from the base into matching opening in
the mask, and by a plurality of pins extending from the mask into
matching openings in the base.
10. The set of claim 2, wherein the ventilation vanes are grouped
in clusters.
11. The set of claim 10, wherein the mask is of molded plastic, and
wherein the ventilation clusters are molded from a plastic of
different hardness than the remainder of the mask.
12. The set of claim 2, wherein the base comprises one or more
ventilation channels, wherein some of the plurality of mask
ventilation vanes are in matching positions to the ventilation
channels, and wherein the ventilation channels comprise one or more
baffles to deflect a liquid impacting the ventilation vanes away
from the face of the user while enabling the passage of air from
the ventilation vanes to the face of the user across the
ventilation channels and under the lens.
13. The set of claim 1, wherein said one or more fasteners comprise
hook and loop fabric.
.[.14. A lens assembly formed from the set of lens-assembly parts
of any of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 13..].
15. The set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the second slots
extends through the entire thickness of the frame, the at least one
of the second slots enabling the corresponding lens tab to be
visible on the outer surface of the frame and to display a
decorative design situated on the corresponding lens tab.
16. The set of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a pin extending
from the nose area of the frame and mating with a corresponding
opening in the base.
17. The set of claim 1, further comprising a battery-powered fan
having a housing, the fan being secured to the base and activated
by an on/off switch.
18. The set of claim 17, wherein the on/off switch is positioned
within a depression in the housing, and wherein a button of
matching size is positioned within the depression, the button
enabling the activation of the on/off switch and being suitable for
displaying a decorative design.
19. The set of claim 17, wherein the housing comprises a retention
clip and one or more slots, wherein the retention clip flexes
during the positioning of the fan on the housing and then engages
with a matching opening on the base when the fan reaches its
operative position, and wherein the one or more slots on the
housing engage with matching retention tabs on the base when the
fan reaches its operative position.
20. The set of claim 1, further comprising one or more foam layers
attached substantially around the lens receiving portion of the
base, the one or more foam layers being attached to the side of the
base opposite to the lens.
.[.21. A lens assembly formed from the set of lens-assembly parts
of any of claims 5-20..].
.Iadd.22. A set of goggle components comprising: at least one first
member being configured to be positioned against the temples of a
user and having a first opening; a second member having a second
opening and being disposed so that the first and second openings
are in substantially matching positions to jointly define a
registration opening; and a fastener configured to rotate relative
to the registration opening and between a first position and a
second position, a portion of the fastener being sized and shaped
to pass through the registration opening at least when the fastener
is in the first position, the fastener compressing the at least one
first member toward the second member at least when the fastener is
in the second position. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The set of goggle components of claim 22, wherein the
fastener comprises: a cap disposed against one end of the
registration opening; a retention element disposed against the
opposite end of the registration opening; and a protruding element
extending through the registration opening and connecting the cap
and the retention element. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The set of goggle components of claim 23, wherein the
retention element is a twist lock cam having an elongated shape,
and wherein the registration opening has a generally matching
elongated shape. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. A set of goggle components for use with a removable lens,
the goggle components comprising: a base having a first opening; a
frame having a second opening, at least a portion of the second
opening being aligned with at least a portion of the first opening;
and a removable fastener rotatable relative to the first and second
openings and between a first position and a second position, a
portion of the fastener being configured to pass through the first
and second openings at least when the fastener is in the first
position, the fastener being rotatable to the second position so as
compress the base toward the frame at least when the lens is
disposed between at least a portion of the base and at least a
portion of the frame. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The set of goggle components of claim 25, wherein the
fastener rotates approximately one-quarter turn between the first
position and the second position, and wherein the fastener is
removable from the base at least when the fastener is in the first
position. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The set of goggle components of claim 25, wherein the
fastener rotates about a longitudinal axis of the fastener.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The set of goggle components of claim 25, wherein the
fastener comprises a twist lock cam. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The set of goggle components of claim 25 further
comprising a strap, the strap being removable from the base at
least when the fastener is in the first position and removed from
the first and second openings, the strap being attached to the base
at least when the fastener is disposed in the first and second
openings and rotated to the second position. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The set of goggle components of claim 29, wherein the
fastener includes a slot, at least a portion of the strap passing
through the slot. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The set of goggle components of claim 25, wherein each
fastener comprises a slot for receiving a head strap. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The set of goggle components of claim 25, wherein the
first and second openings define a passage and the fastener
comprises: a cap disposed against one end of the passage; a
retention element disposed against the opposite end of the passage;
and a protruding element extending through the passage and
connecting the cap and the retention element. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The set of goggle components of claim 32, wherein the
retention element is a twist lock cam having an elongated shape,
and wherein the passage has a generally matching elongated shape.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The set of goggle components of claim 32, wherein the
fastener rotates about around a longitudinal axis of the protruding
element. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. A goggle for use with a removable lens, the goggle
comprising: a base having a first opening; a frame having a second
opening; a fastener rotatable when in the first and second openings
and between a first position and a second position, the fastener
compressing the frame towards the base at least when the fastener
is in the second position and the removable lens is disposed
between at least a portion of the base and at least a portion of
the frame; and a strap secured to the fastener. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The goggle of claim 35, wherein the fastener comprises a
slot, and wherein the strap is secured to the slot. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The goggle of claim 35, wherein the strap is releasable
from the base and frame at least when the fastener is rotated to
the first position and removed from the first and second openings,
and wherein the strap is secured relative to the base and the frame
at least when the fastener is disposed in the first and second
openings and rotated to the second position. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The goggle of claim 35, wherein the fastener rotates
approximately one-quarter turn between the first position and the
second position. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. A goggle for use with a removable lens, the goggle
comprising: a base having a lens-receiving portion and two first
openings; a frame having two second openings disposed so as to
align with the first openings; a head strap; a first attachment
member having a first receiver for receiving an end portion of the
head strap, the first attachment member being configured to rotate
when disposed within one of the aligned first and second openings
and between a first position and a second position, the first
attachment member being removable from the base and frame at least
when in the first position, the first attachment member tensioning
the base against the frame at least when a portion of the removable
lens is disposed within the lens-receiving portion and the first
attachment member is in the second position; and a second
attachment member having a second receiver for receiving an end
portion of the head strap, the second attachment member being
configured to rotate when disposed within one of the aligned first
and second openings and between a first position and a second
position, the second attachment member being removable from the
base and frame at least when in the first position, the second
attachment member tensioning the base against the frame at least
when a portion of the removable lens is disposed within the
lens-receiving portion and the second attachment member is in the
second position. .Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a set of lens-assembly parts for a
protective goggle and to lens assemblies formed therefrom.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Eye protection in sports, industry, military and police activities
typically involves use of a goggle or lens assembly, often in
association with a face mask in order to fully cover the face and
the sides of the user's head. To prevent eye injury from impact by
projectiles, splashed or projected liquids, and other flying
objects, the lens is securely mounted in such assemblies to prevent
dislodgement or disengagement from the assembly. Goggles or
goggle-mask systems combinations are difficult to disassemble for
changing lenses or for cleaning. The present invention addresses
this problem, and provides a set of lens assembly parts and of
assemblies therefrom for easy assembly/disassembly for replacing
and/or cleaning the lens, for the replacement of other portions of
the assembly, and for cleaning the assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to sets of lens assembly parts and lens
assemblies formed from the sets. In one aspect, a set of lens
assembly parts comprises a base which is shaped to fit over the
eyes and which has a lens receiving portion and a frame shaped for
registration with the base. The base as well as the frame each
comprise opposite temple portions. A lens, which is shaped to be
positioned and secured between the base and the frame, may be
included in the set. The opposite temple portions of the frame and
the base comprise fasteners for tensioning the base against the
frame and for securing the lens. The fasteners are inserted in
registration openings which are formed in the frame and the base,
and in which openings protrusion-retention elements (e.g. twist
locks) are positioned. A version of the set of assembly parts
contains a mask, which after assembly, is attached to the base. The
set may contain a strap sized for fitting a lens assembly, which is
made from the set of parts, to the head of the user.
Subjects of the invention further include lens assemblies formed
from various combinations of lens-assembly parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front view of a base.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the base of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lens, and FIG. 3B-3C illustrate
alternative placements of a logo tab of the lens in a corresponding
slot.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a frame.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a lens assembly formed from a set of
lens-assembly parts without a lens.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a lens assembly formed from a set of
lens assembly parts including a lens.
FIGS. 7A-7E shows an exploded assembly of a twist lock cam fastener
with a strap, and various views of a twist lock cam fastener.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mask.
FIG. 9 is a front view of a lens assembly which includes a
mask.
FIG. 10 is a side view of a lens assembly which includes a
mask.
FIG. 11 is a first exploded view of a lens assembly including a
mask and related elements.
FIG. 12 is a second exploded view of a lens assembly including a
mask.
FIGS. 13A-13B shows holes in the mask and channels formed in the
base to form a ventilation system and the related air flow.
FIGS. 14A-14B show a fan housing which is included in one set of
lens assembly parts, and a cross-section of the logo disk housed in
the fan housing.
FIGS. 15A-15B show side views of the air flow pattern under the
lens, and of the channels formed in the base.
FIG. 16A discloses an exploded view of the base and fan housing;
FIG. 16B shows an exploded view of the fan and the fan retention
tabs on the mask; and FIG. 16C shows the flexing movement of the
fan retention clip.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the subject invention involves a set of parts for
forming a lens-assembly. Included in the invention are different
lens-assemblies formed from the set of parts.
The set of lens-assembly parts of the invention involves a base 15
which is formed of rigid or flexible plastic (FIGS. 1 and 2). The
base is shaped to fit over the eyes. Formed in the base is a lens
receiving portion 30 which is configured for receiving a lens 20
(FIG. 3). This lens receiving portion 30 defines a lens opening 35.
Opposite temple portions 40 of the base extend rearward from the
lens opening, and terminate in base terminal sections 45. A frame
25 (FIG. 4), also formed from rigid or flexible plastic material,
is configured for mating alignment or engagement with the lens 20
to be positioned in the lens receiving portion 30 of the base. An
opening 50 in the frame 25 registers with the lens opening 35 in
the base 15. Opposite temple portions 55 of the frame extend
rearward from the frame opening and terminate in frame terminal
sections 60. In the lens assembly 10 (FIG. 5) formed therefrom, the
opposite temple portions of the base and frame, respectively 40 and
55, are configured to be in juxtaposition in a lens assembly formed
therefrom, forming opposite terminal regions 62 of the lens
assembly of the invention.
When the set of lens-assembly parts is in operation, lens 20 is
positioned or sandwiched between the base 15 and the frame 25 (FIG.
6). The lens 20 has a configuration which fits the lens receiving
portion 30. The inner side 51 of the frame 25 is engaged with
sections of the outer side 67 of the periphery 65 of the lens 20,
namely, respective opposite brow 70, temple 75 and cheek 80, and
nose 85 sections.
In a version of the set of lens-assembly parts, the opposite
terminal regions 62 include fasteners 100. When releasably
tightened or locked, the fasteners tension the lens receiving
portion 30 of the base 15 and the inner surface 51 of the frame 25
against the inner and outer surfaces of the lens periphery 65,
thereby fixing or clamping or otherwise securing lens 20 between
the base 15 and the frame 25.
In one set of embodiments, the fastener 100 cooperates with
registration openings 90 formed in the terminal section 45 and 60
of the frame and in the base. A coupler 105 extends into and about
the registration openings 90 (FIG. 7A). Typically coupler 105
includes a protruding element 110 and a retention element that
engages with registration openings 90. Examples of couplers
include, but are not limited to, twist lock cams 97 (a cam inserted
through registration opening 90 and fitting into a cam channel
formed about the side of registration opening 90 that is situated
on the inner side of base 15, (FIG. 6)). Other protruding elements
110 can be selected from bolts, rods, dowels, lugs, pins, rivets,
and screws, while a retention element is selected for mating
engagement with the protruding element. Retention elements are well
known to those in the art, and include, without limitation,
tightenable collars, annular members for frictional and/or snapping
engagement with protrusion elements, and threaded openings. The
fastener may also be formed in whole or in part from hook and loop
materials positioned on or about the fastener in the terminal
regions.
Preferred versions of the set of lens-assembly parts involve
fasteners which the user can easily unfasten. Easy and quick
unfastening results in easy, quick, and convenient disassembly of a
lens assembly of the invention and removal of the lens 20 for
cleaning or replacement, which is advantageous to the user. The
base and frame can be easily cleaned and adjusted. In particular,
quick and easy disassembly of the lens assembly allows the user to
clean the peripheral portions of the lens 20, the lens receiving
area of the base 15, and the inner surface 51 of the frame 25.
These areas collect solid or liquid debris that tend to corrode,
craze, crack or otherwise weaken a lens, frame or base, and which
are difficult to access for cleaning in conventional lens
assemblies. Additionally, quick and easy disassembly allows
replacement of the frame 25 with frames of other shape, size,
color, design or ornamental design provided that a replacement
frame is structured for registration with the base unit as
described herein.
When fastener 100 comprises a twist lock cam 97, slots of matching
size to twist lock cam 97 are formed on surfaces of the frame 25
and base 15, the slots being in juxtaposition to define
registration opening 90 and to secure lens 20 between the frame 25
and the base 15. Twist lock cams 97 and registration openings 90
are sized and positioned to correspondingly mate into sufficiently
tight engagement (snapping engagement) to secure the lens,
typically with a 1/4 turn of protuding element 110, yet be subject
to easy unsnapping by the user with a reverse 1/4 turn. Fastener
100 and registration openings 90 may be positioned in the terminal
region or in the regions or in the region of the base 15 and frame
25 which fit over the user's brow, cheeks, nose or any combination
of those regions or sections of the base 15 and frame 25 so long as
they arranged and sized for snapping engagement and easy
unsnapping. Continuous or discrete areas of hook and loop fabrics
can be positioned on surfaces of the frame 25 and base 15 which
will be in juxtaposition for securing lens 20 between the frame 25
and the base 15. Interengagement of the hook and loop surfaces
achieves securing of the lens 20 between the frame 25 and the base
15.
Another embodiment of the set of lens-assembly parts involves a
fastener which is a clamp or sliding clip which fits about the
terminal portions of the opposite temple portions of the base 15
and 25. A fastener takes the form of a flexible band which wraps
about the opposite temple portions and tighteningly engages,
securing the lens 20 between the base 15 and the frame 25. Hook and
loop material disposed on a band provides surfaces on the band for
interengagement and tightening. It is preferred to use a wrapping
fastener that is easily untightened.
Another version of the set of lens assembly parts further comprises
a strap 120 (FIGS. 5, 6, 7A, and 11) which is attached to couplers
105. The strap 120 is sized for the head of the user and fits the
lens assembly to the head.
It is understood that fastening the frame 25 to the base 15, which
sandwiches the lens 20 into a secure position, is achieved by one
or a combination of the above-enumerated structures and devices,
and that the invention is not limited to embodiments which do not
comprise more than one of the above so enumerated structures and
devices.
Another embodiment of the set of lens-assembly parts further
comprises a mask 125 (FIG. 8) for engagement with the base 15, to
provide for a mask system 160 (FIG. 12). The mask 125 is shaped or
configured to cover at least a portion of the face. As shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10, the mask section is configured to cover the user's
nose, chin, lateral and temple regions of the forehead, and cheeks.
The mask is formed from plastic which can have a durometer rating
varying from soft to hard, depending on the requirements of the
user for impact protection. A preferred version of the mask is
formed from semi-soft plastic having two hardness levels, and which
are co-molded as one piece. As shown in FIG. 8, the mask may
comprise an upper portion 188 made of a semi-soft plastic material,
and a lower portion 190 having different degree of softness. For
instance, ventilation vanes 192 may be grouped in clusters and made
of a plastic material softer than the remainder of lower portion
190.
Methods of molding plastics are well known in the art. One method
of making a mask comprises the use of materials having more than
one hardness and shaped by using a two-shot injection molding
process, wherein both the harder and softer materials are
sequentially injected in the same mold. Two-shot injection molding
processes are known in the art, and thus will not be described in
detail. During the hardening of the rigid plastic and rubbery
materials in the two-shot molding process, a chemical bond is
formed at the junction of the two materials, thereby permanently
bonding the two materials together. This type of molding process
provides for ease of manufacture, and further provides a long
lasting construction. The manufacture of the set of lens-assembly
part or lens assembly of the invention is not limited to the
molding procedure described above.
The base 15, frame 25 and lens 20 are advantageously inter-engaged
through a series of tabs 130 and slots 135 formed therein, and
which are sized and positioned to correspondingly mate into
engagement (FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 11 and 12). FIG. 1 discloses a base 15
which contains lens one or more lens retention slots 135. FIG. 4
illustrates a frame in which slots 135 are formed on the periphery.
FIG. 3 illustrates a lens 20 in which tabs 130 are formed in the
periphery. The tabs 130 and slots 135 of the base 15, lens 20, and
frame 25 are positioned in registration so that, as shown in FIG.
11, tabs 130 of the lens 20 fit in registered slots of the base 15
and slots of the frame 25 (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. one
nose tab extends rearwards and one tab in each cheek region extends
forward). Further, a logo tab 194 extends to fit in logo slot 196,
and may be visible to an outside observer (FIG. 3B) or hidden (FIG.
3C). Such a tab-slot combination prevents a vertical movement of
lens 20, yet provides for an easy assembly and disassembly of lens
20 between base 15 and frame 25. such easy assembly and disassembly
is further expedited by the use of fasteners 100 that can be locked
in position with only a 1/4 turn, as explained above.
FIGS. 6 and 11, which are exploded view of the lens assembly 160,
illustrate registration openings 90 formed in opposite terminal
sections of the frame 25 and the base 15. Inserted through each
registration opening 90 is a coupler 105, such as a coupler
comprising twist lock cam 97 (FIG. 7A). Lock cam 97 fits in a cam
chamber 115 formed on the inner surface 116 of the base 15 and
located about the registration opening 90. The lock cam 97 travels
into the cam chamber 115; upon twisting lock cam 97 by a 1/4 turn,
lens 20 is secured in place between the frame 25 and the base 15.
Merely twisting in another direction by a reverse 1/4 turn unlocks
lens 20, releasing the pressure which kept the lens 20 secured
between the frame 25 and the base 15. Unfastening one or both
fasteners 100 leads to rapid, easy disassembly of the lens
assembly.
FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 illustrate a version of the invention in which
the set of lens-assembly parts, and the mask system 160 formed
therefrom, includes mask 125 attached to the base 15. Although FIG.
2 illustrates that the mask 125 is attached to the base 15 vis a
vis a system of registered pins 162 and slots 164 (for instance, a
total of twelve slots 164 along the upper and lower central
portions of base 15, and a total of eight pins 162 along the sides
of base 15), the attachment of the mask 125 to base 15 is not
limited to the embodiment illustrated here. The mask 125 may be
permanently attached to the base 15, for example without
limitation, by adhesives, co-molding, staples, screws.
Alternatively, the mask 125 may be clipped, latched or otherwise
removably secured with the base 15.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a base 15 in which mask-attaching holes
164 and pins 162 are formed and located in registration with mating
holes and pins formed in the mask 125 (FIG. 8). FIG. 11 illustrates
assembly of mask system 160. The registration holes and pins of the
base 15 and mask 125 are aligned and mated, thereby attaching the
mask 125 to the base 15. The lens 20 and frame 25 are assembled by
aligning and mating the registration tabs 130 of the lens 20 with
slots 135 on base 15 and frame 25. The nose areas of the lens-frame
assembly and the base-mask assembly are aligned. The nose pin 53 on
the frame 25 is inserted through an aligned nose pin hole 54 on the
base 15, which achieves placement of the lens 20 into the
lens-receiving portion 30 of the base. The openings in the opposite
terminal sections 45 and 60 are aligned providing registration
openings 90 and a coupler 105 is inserted through the registration
opening 90. The user twists twist lock cam 97 by 1/4 turn, thereby
locking the lens 20 between the base 15 and the frame 25.
FIG. 11 schematically shows the alignment of the frame 25, lens 20,
mask 125, base 15, and coupler 105, as well as the strap 120. The
strap 120 is attached to the coupler 105 (See FIGS. 7A-7E). A strap
slot 140 formed in coupler 105 retains or attaches the strap 120 to
the coupler 105, which when inserted and locked into the
registration openings 90, achieving attachment of the strap 120 to
the lens assembly. A strap depression 166, adjacent to strap slot
140, provides stability to strap 120. Further, a logo depression
198 provides a suitable area for positioning a promotional logo. In
any case, strap receiving elements, such as slots, fingers, frames
may be formed on the base, or on the frame; and/or clips or
clipping mechanisms, hinged clipping mechanisms, buckles, rivets,
screws, adhesives for attaching a strap to the lens assembly may be
positioned in the terminal regions of the lens assembly, and are
preferably integral with the fastener 100, or in some instances,
the strap may be molded directly into a terminal region of the lens
assembly.
As shown in FIGS. 13A-13B and 15A-15B, the base 15 is provided with
a series of gutters or concavities which form channels 145 to
provide ventilation to the user's face. Each of channels 145 may
comprise one or more segments. In the version of the lens assembly
which comprises a mask 125, the mask 125 is preferably provided
with a series of holes 146 in a position corresponding to channels
145, so to provide air flow 147 over the user's face. The operation
of channels 145 may be better understood with reference to FIG.
13B. A baffle 168 delimits one end of channel 145, Air flow 147 is
free to enter hole 146, flow over baffle 168 and reach the user's
face. Instead, liquid substances impacting mask 125 (for instance,
paintball during paintball games) are prevented from reaching the
user's face by baffle 168, which deviates the liquid substance 170
in the direction of frame 25. Air flow through the recessed areas
of channel 145 and under lens 20.
FIGS. 11, 14, and 16A-16B depict a lens assembly in which a
battery-powered fan 172 is mounted on the central brow or forehead
of the base 15. Fan 172 comprises a housing 151, on which there are
side slots 149, bottom slots 174, and a retention clip 150. On base
15 there are instead side retention tabs 147, in position matching
side slots 149, and bottom retention tabs 176, in positions
matching bottom slots 174. The side and bottom retention tabs 147
and 176 hold the fan housing 151 tight against the back of the
forehead area. As the fan housing is slid down between the side
tabs 147, the fan retention clip 150 contacts the top center edge
of the base. While inserting the fan housing 151, the retention
clip 150 flexes back and snaps into the retention hole 178 (FIG.
16C). Fan 172 is activated by an on/off button switch 180, which is
situated inside a depression 182 on housing 151. A logo disk 184
may optionally be positioned over on/off button switch 180, logo
disk 184 being in a position that is essentially flush with housing
151. Logo disk 184 serves the double function of providing an
aesthetically pleasing finish to housing 151 (displaying a logo if
desired), and also of serving as an on/off button switch within
easy reach of the user.
The set of lens assembly parts may further include a layer of
material 186, for instance, foam, for cushioning and/or absorbing
sweat, the layer being mounted on the inner side of the base 15
(FIG. 10).
* * * * *