Goggle contoured for helmet engagement

Abstract

A goggle (12), shaped to conform to a human face includes a body defining a top wall (19) and sidewalls (21) dimensioned to form a continuous contour which closely matches the shape and size of a facial aperture (41) formed in a helmet (38), thereby to form a smooth, contoured combined goggle and helmet exterior surface. At least one air intake aperture (24, 25, 26) communicates through the goggle lens (16) or goggle body to an eye cavity (18). At least one venting aperture (30) communicates through the sidewalls (12) of the goggle body with the eye cavity (18).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 538,911, filed Jan. 23, 2004. The present application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 695,055, filed Oct. 27, 2003, which in turn is the continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 098,980, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,038, on Oct. 28, 2003, both incorporated herein by reference. The present application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29 / 198,078, filed Jan. 23, 2004, incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to protective helmets and eyewear. More particularly it relates to goggles having an aerodynamic design to encourage airflow through the eye cavity to prevent fogging and which have an exterior body contour adapted for engagement with the top and side edges of a protective helmet. Wh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The device herein disclosed features goggles which may be worn on the head of the user and which have aerodynamic surfaces that work to maximize air flow through the eye cavity behind the goggle lens and minimize or eliminate fogging of the lens. The goggles are additionally adapted for cooperative engagement with a helmet to yield an especially aerodynamic combined helmet and goggle surface, yet still maximize airflow through the eye cavity behind the lens. This is accomplished by forming the exterior contour of the side edges and top edge of the goggle substantially similar to the side edges and top edge of the facial cut-out of the helmet. When engaged in the facial cut-out, the top and sides of the goggle mate with the top and side edges of the facial cut-out, to form an especially aerodynamic structure that minimizes wind turbulence on the goggles and helmet. The engaged goggle however still has a unique low pressure exhaust aperture which helps pull air from the eye cavity behind the lens to minimize fogging.

[0010] An object of this invention is to provide goggles which are aerodynamically dimensioned to maximize airflow through the eye cavity to minimize fogging.

[0013] An additional object of this invention is the provision of such a goggle and helmet combination which forms a very smooth combined goggle and helmet surface to minimize wind turbulence which might dismount other goggles and helmets worn concurrently.

Problems solved by technology

Commonly, however, the goggles are designed to be worn over the eyes, and the helmet is designed for wearing over the head, but the goggles and helmet are not designed for easy concurrent use on the head of the wearer.

Further, even if the user is able to fit both the helmet and goggle on their head, frequently the two components are subject to wind interference due to the gaps and air pockets between the goggles and helmet.

Additional areas of concern are from the ever-present danger of fogging of the goggles, especially when the goggle sides and top, which might be used to vent the goggle, are blocked by the helmet.

Further, a need for goggles which may be worn concurrently with the helmet and which minimize wind resistance as well as maximize anti-fogging remains unmet.

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