`
`PATENT
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`GOGGLE
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`BACKGROUND
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`Field of the Inventions
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`[0001]
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`The present inventions relate generally to eyewear and morespecifically to
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`goggle frames, having improved comfortandfit.
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`Description of the Related Art
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`[0002]
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`A wide variety of improvements have been made in recent years in the
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`eyewearfield, particularly with respect to eyewear intended for use in active sports, including
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`goggles and sunglasses. These improvements have been incorporated into eyewear having
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`both dual and unitary lens designs. As a result, modern active sport eyewear is functionally
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`superior to its predecessor eyewear in numerous ways, such as by maximizing interception of
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`peripheral light, reducing optical distortion, and increasing the wearer’s comfort level.
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`[0003]
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`For example, lens designs for both dual and unitary eyewear designs can
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`provide full side-to-side range of vision and good lateral eye protection while providing
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`superior optical performance. More particularly,
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`in a unitary lens system,
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`the angle of
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`incidence from the wearer’s eye to the posterior lens surface changes as the wearer’s line of
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`sight turns in either the vertical or the horizontal planes. This results in disparate refraction
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`between light entering closer to the front of the lens and peripheral light entering at the side
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`portions. To address this source of prismatic distortion, U.S. Patent No. 4,859,048 discloses
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`tapering the thickness of the lens from the central portion toward the side edge, the entirety of
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`the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
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`[0004]
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`Further, various improvements have also been made in goggle lens frame
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`technology that allow mounted lenses to retain their superior optical characteristics provided
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`by their as-molded geometry. For example, the “SPLICE” snow goggle manufactured by
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`Oakley, Inc., incorporates a frame design that mitigates bending stresses along the bridge of
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`the goggle in order to allow the lens to retain its as-molded geometry and maximize the
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`comfort for the wearer.
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`Such systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No.
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`
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`12/359,175, titled Controlled Deflection Goggle, filed January 23, 2009, the entire disclosure
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`of whichis incorporated herein by reference.
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`[0005]
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`Finally, numerous modifications have been made to eyeglass and goggle
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`products in an effort to make these products more comfortable for the wearer. For example,
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`different materials have been used in the manufacture of frames and lenses in order to
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`decrease the weight and improve the comfort of these products.
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`These technological
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`improvements can be incorporated into any variety of dual or unitary lens designs, whether
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`for eyeglass or goggle products, in order to provide a wearer with a comfortable, optically
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`superior eyewear product.
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`[0006]
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`Further features and advantages of the present invention will become
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`apparent
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`to those of skill
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`in the art
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`in view of the detailed description of preferred
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`embodiments which follows, when considered together with the attached drawings and
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`claims.
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`SUMMARY
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`[0007]
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`A goggle is a semi-customizable eyewear product that can be adjusted to
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`fit a wearer’s head by adjusting a strap of the goggle. Goggle applications include skiing,
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`snowboarding, motocross, aquatics, and a variety of industrial safety applications. Typically,
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`goggles offer sealed protection to the eyes and adjacent areas of the wearer’s face against
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`particulate matter or water. Generally,
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`the goggle and/or lens conforms closely to the
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`wearer’s face and intercepts light, wind, dust, etc. from directly in front of the wearer and
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`peripherally along the sides. Thus, a wearer can adjust the elastic strap of the goggle to
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`conform closely to the face of the wearer during use.
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`[0008]
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`A goggle usually comprises an arcuate unitary lens which extends across
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`both of the wearer’s right and left eye fields of view. The lens can be supported by a frame,
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`which typically surrounds the lens. The lens and the frame are both configured with a
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`downwardly concave indent or nosepiece opening for receiving the nose. The rear surface of
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`the frame, normally covered with a foam component or other compressible material,
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`is
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`adapted to contact the wearer’s face. Further, the elastic strap is connected to the opposing
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`sides or ends of the frame so that the wearer can fit and wear the goggle on their head.
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`-2-
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`
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`[0009]
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`When worn,
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`the surface of the foam component or other compressible
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`material disposed at the rear of the goggle makes contact with the wearer’s face. This
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`wearer-contacting surface has a radius of curvature in the horizontal plane that is adapted to
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`conform from side to side of the wearer’s face. However, some embodiments reflect the
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`realization that when the goggle is placed on a wearer with a “narrow” head, the tension from
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`the straps extending around the back of the wearer’s head can causethe sides of the goggle to
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`bend inwardly toward a center thereof, thereby wrapping the goggle into a tighter radius of
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`curvature to fit the wearer and distorting the optics of the goggle. Further, the central portion
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`of the goggle can becomesubstantially compressed against the wearer’s forehead while a gap
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`is formed between the sides of the goggle and the wearer’s temples. Other poor fit or
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`discomfort problems can occur when a goggle is placed on a wearer with a “wide” head.
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`[0010]
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`Thus, some embodimentsreflect the realization that the lens of a goggle
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`can sometimes experience undesirable distortion when the goggle is fitted to a wearer’s
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`unique headprofile. This distortion can sometimes cause discomfort for the wearer as well
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`as inferior optical performance of the eyewear product. Various embodiments enable the
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`eyewear product to exhibit enhanced structural properties in order to prevent discomfort and
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`to maintain preferred optical characteristics of the eyewear product.
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`[0011]
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`Further, some embodiments reflect the realization that a customizable
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`goggle system can be far more effective and useful to a wearer than prior art goggles because
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`a wearer’s needs and preferences may change from time to time.
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`Thus,
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`in some
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`embodiments,
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`the goggle can comprise an interchangeable goggle and goggle system in
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`which a lens support or anterior module can be interchangeably coupled with a faceplate or
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`posterior module.
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`In some embodiments, the goggle and goggle system can also comprise at
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`least one connector that couples the anterior module to the posterior module.
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`The
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`components of such a goggle and system can be interchanged in order to create a goggle
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`having desired optical and physical characteristics. For example, the wearer can interchange
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`one or more components of the goggle in order vary the rake,
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`internal air volume,
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`articulation,
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`lens
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`configuration,
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`fit,
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`comfort,
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`and other
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`such optical and physical
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`characteristics of the goggle.
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`
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`[0012]
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`Further, some of the embodiments reflect the realization that prior art
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`goggles tend to create uneven pressure distribution across a variety of wearers’ heads. Thus,
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`in some embodiments, the goggle can be configured such that the posterior module of the
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`goggle can articulate relative to the anterior module in orderto self-adjust over a variety of
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`unique facial contours and head sizes in order to provide a customized fit to the wearer.
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`In
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`some embodiments,
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`the goggle can comprise an isostatic mechanism or suspension
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`mechanism in which one or more connectors allow the posterior module to articulate with
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`respect to the anterior module. For example, the posterior module can be coupled to the
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`anterior module using any of a variety of connectors, such as wishbone connectors, straight
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`links, expandable cells, pivotable couplings, rigid couplings, and thelike.
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`[0013]
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`Additionally, some of the embodiments reflect the realization that prior art
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`goggles generally caused deflection of the lens when the goggle is fitted onto the head of the
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`wearer. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the goggle can be configured such that the
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`anterior module comprises a generally rigid componentor portion such that bending stresses
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`exerted on the anterior module are withstood whenthe goggle is being worn. Thus, the lens
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`of the goggle can be maintained in its as-molded configuration when in use,
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`thereby
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`preserving the optical quality of the lens.
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`In some embodiments, prismatic shift or other
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`optical distortions are minimized whenin use.
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`[0014]
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`Furthermore, some of the embodimentsreflect the realization that prior art
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`goggles do not facilitate interchangeability of lenses absent a significant stress or force to
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`remove or replace the lens. Thus,
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`in some embodiments,
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`the goggle can comprise an
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`interchangeable lens mechanism that allows a lens to be interchanged with and retained by
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`the goggle. For example,
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`the anterior module of the goggle can comprise one or more
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`pockets or clips that can operate to retain one or more of the edges or sides of the lens. The
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`lens can be retained by the interchangeable lens mechanism such that the lens “floats” or is
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`secured to the anterior module without being bended from its as-molded configuration. Thus,
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`the optical qualities of the lens can be preserved.
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`[0015]
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`One or more of the features discussed herein can be incorporated into
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`embodiments of the goggles. As such, any variety of combinations of these features can be
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`provided as will be apparentto one ofskill in theart.
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`-4-
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`
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`[0016]
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`Moreover, in some embodiments, a goggle is provided that can comprise a
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`lens support or anterior module and a faceplate or posterior module. The lens support can be
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`adapted to support at least one lens in a wearer’s field of view. The faceplate can be flexible
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`and adapted to conform to the contours of a wearer’s face.
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`In some embodiments, the lens
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`support or anterior module can be interchangeably connectable with the faceplate or posterior
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`module to modify at least one physical characteristic of the goggle.
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`[0017]
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`In some embodiments, the faceplate can be coupled to the lens support
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`such that when the goggle is worn by the wearer, opposing ends of the flexible faceplate
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`move in a direction opposite to a direction in which a central portion of the faceplate moves
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`when a force is exerted on one of the opposing portions and the central portion of the
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`faceplate. Further, in some embodiments, in response to a force, the opposing ends of the
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`flexible faceplate can move away from the opposing ends of the lens support while a central
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`portion of the faceplate moves toward a central portion of the lens support. Further, the side
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`portions of the faceplate can move generally independently of each other.
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`[0018]
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`Some embodiments can comprise a
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`suspension assembly that can
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`comprise one or more suspension members or connectors that interconnect the flexible
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`faceplate with the lens support at respective suspension points.
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`In some embodiments, the at
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`least one connector can be interchangeable with the lens support and the faceplate.
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`[0019]
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`For example, the suspension members can enable pivotable movement of
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`the faceplate relative to the lens support at the respective suspension points to modify a
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`contour of the faceplate relative to the contour of the wearer’s face. The suspension members
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`can be substantially incompressible. The suspension members can comprise one of a
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`wishbone connector, a curved or straight link connector, and expandable cell connector, and
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`other such components. The goggle can optionally comprise at least one elongate link
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`member coupled to the faceplate adjacent to each of the respective suspension points. The
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`link members can be coupled to the respective suspension members and to the faceplate for
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`imparting rotation at a first part of the goggle to a second part of the goggle for moving the
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`opposing endsof the faceplate in an opposite direction of the central portion thereof.
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`[0020]
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`Further, the goggle can be optionally configured such that the suspension
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`members comprise a pair of upper suspension members interconnecting an upper portion of
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`
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`the flexible faceplate with an upper portion of the lens support. The suspension members can
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`also comprise a pair of lower suspension members interconnecting a lower portion of the
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`flexible faceplate with a lower portion of the lens support.
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`In such embodiments, the upper
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`suspension members can be coupled to the faceplate and the lens support at side portions
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`thereof. Further, the lower suspension members can be coupled to the faceplate and the lens
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`supportat side portions thereof.
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`[0021]
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`Further in some embodiments, the goggle can optionally comprise at least
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`one elongate link member coupled to the faceplate adjacent
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`to each of the respective
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`suspension points. The link members can be coupled to the respective suspension members
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`and to the faceplate for imparting rotation at a first part of the goggle to a second part of the
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`goggle for moving opposing ends of the faceplate in an opposite direction of the central
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`portion thereof.
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`[0022]
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`In embodiments comprising the suspension assembly,
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`the goggle can
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`optionally be configured with the suspension assembly coupling the flexible faceplate to the
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`lens support such that movementof the central portion of the flexible faceplate toward the
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`central portion of the lens support causes separation of the opposing portions of the faceplate
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`from opposing portions of the lens support when the goggle is worn by the wearer.
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`In such
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`embodiments, the suspension assembly can comprise one or more suspension members.
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`[0023]
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`Moreover, some embodiments of the goggle can be configured to comprise
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`a generally rigid faceplate or anterior module. The generally rigid lens support or anterior
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`module can support a lens in the wearer’s field of view while preventing substantial bending
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`or optical distortion of the lens.
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`[0024]
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`Additionally, the goggle can optionally comprise an interchangeable lens
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`mechanism that facilitates removal and retention of a lens relative to the lens support or
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`anterior module of the goggle. The interchangeable lens mechanism can comprise one or
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`more pockets and/or clips that can engage with a portion of the lens for retaining the lens
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`relative to the goggle.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0025]
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`The above-mentioned and other features of the inventions disclosed herein
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`are described below with reference to the drawings of the preferred embodiments. The
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`-6-
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`
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`illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the inventions. The
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`drawingscontain the following figures:
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`[0026]
`
`[0027]
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`[0028]
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`Figure 2.
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`Figure | is a perspective view ofa prior art goggle.
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`Figure 2 is a front view of the goggle shownin Figure 1.
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`Figure 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the lines 3-3 of
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`[0029]
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`Figure 4 is a top view of the goggle of Figure 1 being worn on the head of
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`a wearer wherein bending forces F, F are exerted on the goggle.
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`[0030]
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`Figure 5 is a top view of the goggle of Figure 1 being worn on a narrow
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`head.
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`head.
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`[0031]
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`Figure 6 is a top view of the goggle of Figure 1 being worn on a wide
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`[0032]
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`Figure
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`7
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`is
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`an exploded perspective view of
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`a goggle having
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`interchangeable anterior and posterior components, according to an embodiment.
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`[0033]
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`[0034]
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`Figure 8 is a top view of the goggle shownin Figure 7.
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`Figure 9 is a perspective view of a goggle having interchangeable anterior
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`and posterior components shown in an assembledstate, according to an embodiment.
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`[0035]
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`[0036]
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`Figure 10 is a top view of the goggle shownin Figure 9.
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`Figure 11 is a perspective view of another goggle having interchangeable
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`anterior and posterior components shown in an assembled state, according to another
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`embodiment.
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`[0037]
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`[0038]
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`Figure 12 is a top view of the goggle shownin Figure 11.
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`Figure 13 is a top perspective view of a goggle having an isostatic
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`faceplate with flexible connectors, according to an embodiment.
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`[0039]
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`[0040]
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`Figure 14 is a bottom perspective view of the goggle shownin Figure 13.
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`Figure 15 is a top view of the goggle shown in Figure 13, wherein the
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`faceplate is in an undeflected position, according to an embodiment.
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`[0041]
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`Figure 16A is a top view of the goggle shown in Figure 13, wherein the
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`faceplate is in a narroweddeflected position, according to an embodiment.
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`-7-
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`
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`[0042]
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`Figure 16B is a top view of the goggle shown in Figure 13, wherein the
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`faceplate is in a widened deflected position, according to an embodiment.
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`[0043]
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`Figure 17 is a top perspective view of another goggle having an isostatic
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`faceplate with pivotable connectors, according to another embodiment.
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`[0044]
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`[0045]
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`Figure 18 is a bottom perspective view of the goggle shownin Figure 17.
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`Figure 19 is a top view of the goggle shown in Figure 17, wherein the
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`faceplate is in an undeflected position, according to an embodiment.
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`[0046]
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`Figure 20A is a top view of the goggle shown in Figure 17, wherein the
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`faceplate is in a narroweddeflected position, according to an embodiment.
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`[0047]
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`Figure 20B is a top view of the goggle shown in Figure 17, wherein the
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`faceplate is in a widened deflected position, according to an embodiment.
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`[0048]
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`Figure 21A is a partial top view schematic diagram ofa partially pivotable
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`straight connector for an isostatic faceplate wherein the connectoris pivotedto a first position
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`to accommodate a wide head, according to an embodiment.
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`[0049]
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`Figure 21B is a partial top view schematic diagram of the connector shown
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`in Figure 21A wherein the connector is pivoted to a second position to accommodate a
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`narrow head, according to an embodiment.
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`[0050]
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`Figure 22A is a partial top view schematic diagram of a dual pivotable
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`straight connector for an isostatic faceplate wherein the connectoris pivotedto a first position
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`to accommodate a small head, according to another embodiment.
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`[0051]
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`Figure 22B is a partial top view schematic diagram of the connector shown
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`in Figure 22A wherein the connector is pivoted to a second position to accommodate a large
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`head, according to another embodiment.
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`[0052]
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`Figure 23A is a partial
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`top view schematic diagram of a wishbone
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`connector for an isostatic faceplate wherein the connector is in an undeflected position,
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`according to an embodiment.
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`[0053]
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`Figure 23B is a partial top view schematic diagram of the connector shown
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`in Figure 23A wherein the connector is pivoted to a first position, according to an
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`embodiment.
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`
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`[0054]
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`Figure 23C is a partial top view schematic diagram of the connector shown
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`in Figure 23A wherein the connectoris pivoted and translated to a second position, according
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`to an embodiment.
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`[0055]
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`Figure 23D is a partial top view schematic diagram of the connector
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`shown in Figure 23A wherein the connector is pivoted to a third position, according to an
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`embodiment.
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`[0056]
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`Figure 23E is a partial top view schematic diagram of the connector shown
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`in Figure 23A wherein the connector is pivoted and translated to a fourth position, according
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`to an embodiment.
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`[0057]
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`Figure 24A is a top view of a wishbone connector according to an
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`embodiment.
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`[0058]
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`Figure 24B is a top view of a wishbone connector according to another
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`embodiment.
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`[0059]
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`Figure 25A is a top view of a wishbone connector according to yet another
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`embodiment.
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`[0060]
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`Figure 25B is a top view of a wishbone connector according to yet another
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`embodiment.
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`[0061]
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`Figure 26 is a top view of an expandable cell connector according to yet
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`another embodiment.
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`[0062]
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`Figure 27 is a top view schematic diagram of a pair of wishbone
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`connectorsillustrating movementof the connectors, according to an embodiment.
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`[0063]
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`Figure 28 is a perspective view of a goggle having an interchangeable lens
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`mechanism, according to an embodiment.
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`[0064]
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`[0065]
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`Figure 29 is a front view of the goggle shown in Figure 28.
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`Figure 30 is a perspective view of a lens for use with the goggle shown in
`
`Figure 28, according to an embodiment.
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`[0066]
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`Figure 31A is a perspective view of the goggle shown in Figure 28
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`wherein the lens is being interchanged into the goggle, according to an embodiment.
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`
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`[0067]
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`Figure 31B is a side perspective view of the goggle shown in Figure 28
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`wherein a first side of the lens is inserted into a receptacle of the interchangeable lens
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`mechanism, according to an embodiment.
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`[0068]
`
`Figure 31C is a side perspective view of the goggle shown in Figure 28
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`wherein the first side of the lens is inserted into the receptacle of the interchangeable lens
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`mechanism and a secondsideofthe lensis fitted against the goggle.
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`[0069]
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`Figure 31D is a perspective view of the goggle shown in Figure 28
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`illustrating the second side of the lens being fitted against the goggle and a pivotable securing
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`memberin a disengaged position, according to an embodiment.
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`[0070]
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`Figure 31E is a perspective view of the goggle shown in Figure 28
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`illustrating the second side of the lens being fitted against the goggle and the pivotable
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`securing memberin an engagedposition, according to an embodiment.
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`[0071]
`
`Figure 32 is a top cross-sectional view of the goggle shown in Figure 28
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`illustrating engagement of the first side of the lens in the receptacle of the interchangeable
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`lens mechanism, according to an embodiment.
`
`[0072]
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`Figure 32A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the goggle
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`shownin Figure 32.
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`[0073]
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`Figure 32B is another enlarged cross-sectional view of another portion of
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`the goggle shown in Figure 32.
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`[0074]
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`Figure 33 is a perspective view of a goggle having an interchangeable lens
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`mechanism and an isostatic faceplate wherein the lens is separated from the goggle,
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`according to another embodiment.
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`[0075]
`
`Figure 34Ais a partial perspective view of the goggle shownin Figure 33
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`illustrating a second side of the lens is being fitted against the goggle, according to an
`
`embodiment.
`
`[0076]
`
`Figure 34Bis a partial perspective view of the goggle shown in Figure 33
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`illustrating first and second securing members in disengaged positions, according to an
`
`embodiment.
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`-10-
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`
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`[0077]
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`Figure 34C is a partial perspective view of the goggle shown in Figure 33
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`illustrating the first and second securing members in engaged positions, according to an
`
`embodiment.
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`[0078]
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`Figure 35 is a top view schematic diagram of a rigid anterior frame of a
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`goggle, according to an embodiment.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0079]
`
`While the present description sets
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`forth specific details of various
`
`embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be
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`construed in any way as limiting. Additionally, although particular embodiments of the
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`present inventions may be disclosed or shown in the context of unitary or dual lens eyewear
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`systems, such embodiments can be used in both unitary and dual lens eyewear systems.
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`Further, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may
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`occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts
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`described herein.
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`Furthermore, although various embodiments are shown in use with
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`goggles, embodiments can also be used with eyeglasses and other forms of eyewear.
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`[0080]
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`Some goggle embodiments are provided that overcome many of the
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`disadvantages of the prior art, such as preferential bending, poor comfort, and optical
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`distortion of the lens. Various embodiments are provided that can improve the overall
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`comfort and fit of the goggle on a wide range of head geometries. Some embodiments are
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`configured such that the goggle can actively self-adjust to the head geometry of a given
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`wearer using an isostatic suspension mechanism. Some embodiments are configured with a
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`rigid lens support such that the goggle can prevent bending of the lens and thereby prevent
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`optical distortion. Further, some embodiments can comprise a lens retention mechanism that
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`enables a lens to be quickly removed and replaced with another given lens. Various
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`mechanisms and features for providing one or more of these advantages can be incorporated
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`into various embodimentsof the goggle.
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`Prior Art Goggle Design and Use
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`-]1-
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`
`
`[0081]
`
`Figures 1-5 illustrate a commonprior art goggle design and its use. Figure
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`1 illustrates a goggle 10 that comprises a goggle frame 12, an elastic strap 14, and a foam
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`component 16 attached to a posterior portion of the goggle frame 12. The goggle frame 12
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`also comprises an indent or nosepiece 18.
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`In use, the wearer can position the goggle frame
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`12 onto her face and adjust the elastic strap 14 around the back of her head in order to firmly,
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`but comfortably secure the goggle frame in place. Figure 5 illustrate a top view of a wearer’s
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`head 40 onto which the goggle 10 has been placed.
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`[0082]
`
`The foam component16 is intended to contact the wearer’s face and allow
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`the goggle 10 to conform to the surface of the wearer’s face. However, gaps frequently form
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`between the foam component16 and the surface of the wearer’s face due to the preferential
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`bending of the goggle 10. Furthermore, certain portions of the foam component 16 can often
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`be highly compressed while other portions are not compressedatall. In this regard, the foam
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`component 16 will fail to properly distribute stresses along the surface of the wearer’s face
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`resulting in stress concentrations along the front or side of the wearer’s head, such as along
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`the forehead, temples, and cheekbones. Some embodimentsreflect the realization that such
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`stress concentrations are created due to the preferential bending of the goggle frame 12 and
`
`the poor adaptability of the goggle frame 12 to various headsizes.
`
`[0083]
`
`Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional top view of the goggle 10. As shown,
`
`a lens 20 of the goggle 10 is mounted in the goggle frame 12. Figure 3 illustrates the goggle
`
`frame 12 andthe lens 20 in an unloadedposition. In some embodiments, the goggle frame 12
`
`and the lens 20 are not bent from their as-molded configuration. As such, at least side
`
`portions 22, 24 of the lens 20 can be configured to define a common center of curvature A in
`
`this example.
`
`In the as-molded configuration, a central section 26 of the lens 20 defines a
`
`preferred geometry that can provide desirable optical characteristics for the goggle 10.
`
`However, these desirable optical characteristics are not maintained when the goggle 10 is
`
`worn bythe user in a loaded position.
`
`[0084]
`
`Figure 4 showsthe lens 20 of the goggle 10 in the loaded position. The
`
`loaded position is generally assumed when the goggle 10 is positioned on the head of the
`
`wearer. As illustrated in Figure 4, bending forces F, F can be exerted on the sides of the
`
`-]2-
`
`
`
`frame 12 and cause bending of the frame 12 and the lens 20. These forces F, F can be caused
`
`by the elastic strap 14 during use of the goggle 10 by the wearer.
`
`[0085]
`
`When the goggle frame 12 and the lens 20 are bended to the loaded
`
`position, the goggles 10 generally exhibit preferential bending at a midpoint 28 of the lens 20.
`
`Some embodimentsreflect the realization that a disadvantage of such preferential bending at
`
`the midpoint 28 of the lens 20 creates bending of the frame 12 at the nosepiece 18. As shown
`
`in Figure 2,
`
`the nosepiece 18 has an unloaded geometry that defines a given width.
`
`Generally, the nosepiece 18 allows the wearer to comfortably position the goggle 10 on the
`
`bridge of the wearer’s nose. However, preferential bending of the frame 12 will generally
`
`cause the width of the nosepiece 18 to decrease. As a result, the wearer’s nose may be
`
`pinched andcreate discomfort for the wearer.
`
`[0086]
`
`Additionally, the preferential bending also causes the centers of curvature
`
`of the side portions 22, 24 of the lens 20 to be significantly displaced from the common
`
`center of curvature A to the displaced centers of curvature B, C. The central section 26 of the
`
`lens 20 is also significantly deformed from its unloaded position. This deformation of the
`
`lens 20 substantially worsens the original or as-moldedoptical characteristics of the lens 20.
`
`[0087]
`
`For example, the lens 20 can exhibit substantial prismatic shift and other
`
`optical distortions that tend to tire the eyes of the wearer and reduce the wearer’s ability to
`
`accurately perceive the position of objects. These disadvantages may not only make use of
`
`the goggle 10 uncomfortable, but can potentially affect the wearer’s performance of a given
`
`activity.
`
`In fast-paced activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, motocross and the
`
`like, where goggles are commonly used, the disadvantages caused by preferential bending of
`
`the lens 20 and the frame 12 can be exacerbated.
`
`[0088]
`
`Figures 5-6 illustrate yet other disadvantages of such a prior art goggle 10.
`
`The top view of Figure 5 shows a goggle 10 fitted onto a narrow head 40, and Figure 6 shows
`
`the goggle 10 fitted onto a wide head 42. Whenfitted on a narrow head 40,the goggle 10 can
`
`bend about a central section thereof, thus resulting in deformation of the lens and various
`
`significant disadvantages, such as those noted above with regard to Figure 3.
`
`Further,
`
`centralized portions 62 of the foam component 16 can experience greater compression 44
`
`than side portions 60, which may be generally uncompressed as indicated at 46. Because the
`
`-13-
`
`
`
`wearer has a narrow head, a gap may be created between the sides of the wearer’s head and
`
`side portions 60 of the goggle 10 as the goggle 10 is fitted against the wearer’s head. This
`
`uneven fit can reduce the air volume within the goggle in the central section, which may
`
`reduce the anti-fogging effectiveness of the goggle 10. The uneven fit may also cause uneven
`
`pressure and discomfort against the head 40 of the wearer.
`
`[0089]
`
`With regard to Figure 6, when fitted on a wide head 42, the goggle may
`
`again experience bending of the lens 20 (albeit toward a larger radius of curvature, whichstill
`
`results in optical distortion). Further, due to the preferential bending of the goggle 10, the
`
`foam component 16 can often experience excessive compression 48 along side portions 60 of
`
`the foam component 16. Additionally, centralized portions 62 of the foam component 16
`
`may actually be separated from the wearer’s forehead 64 by a gap 66. Although the gap 66
`
`may be minor, such gapping can be problematic in inclement weather or water-related
`
`applications, as may be present in skiing and scuba diving.
`
`In such applications, gapping can
`
`cause impaired vision. Further, the uneven compression of the foam component 16 can
`
`create uneven pressure and discomfort against the head 42 of the wearer. As a result, the
`
`wearer can generally experience greater discomfort and fatigue.
`
`Interchangeable Component Goggle Embodiments
`
`[0090]
`
`Some embodiments reflect the realization that in many situations,
`
`the
`
`goggle 10 may bendasit is fitted onto a wearer’s head, thus resulting in deformation of the
`
`lens 20, a poor fit that creates uneven pressure and discomfort across the wearer’s head,
`
`and/or reduced anti-fogging capabilities. Additionally, some embodiments reflect
`
`the
`
`realization that the orientation of the goggle 10 with respect to the wearer’s line of sight may
`
`be difficult to precisely adjust. Thus, the wearer may be at a disadvantage in performing
`
`activities in which vision could be enhanced by precisely adjusting the orientation of the lens
`
`(such as the “rake” of the lens).
`
`[0091]
`
`Accordingly, some embodiments provide a manner for improving the
`
`comfort, fit, optical quality, anti-fogging, and/or customization and interchangeability of
`
`components of a goggle. Some embodiments can provide a goggle that includes an anterior
`
`module or lens support that can be interchanged with a posterior module. For example, one
`
`-14-
`
`
`
`or more anterior modules (or lens supports) can be interchangeable with one or more
`
`posterior modules (or faceplates, which can befitted against the face of a wearer).
`
`[0092]
`
`Some embodiments can provide a goggle that
`
`includes an isostatic
`
`faceplate configured to provide uniform pressure distribution of the face-contacting portion
`
`of the goggle against the face of the wearer across a range of head sizes. Such embodiments
`
`can mitigate uneven pressure distribution by allowing differential adjustability of a posterior
`
`modulerelative to an anterior module of the goggle.
`
`[0093]
`
`Some embodiments can also provide a goggle in which the anterior
`
`module or lens support is operative to support the lens of the goggle in an undeflected or
`
`optically preferred orientation to optimize the optical qualities of the lens. For example, at
`
`least a portion of the

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