OAKLY1.338PR2
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`PATENT
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`EYEWEAR
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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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`eyeglass and goggle frames, having improved comfort andfit.
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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 and
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`goggles having both dual and unitary lens designs. As a result, modern active sport eyewear
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`is functionally superior to its predecessor eyewear in numerous ways, such as by maximizing
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`interception of peripheral
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`light, reducing optical distortion, and increasing the wearer’s
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`comfortlevel.
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`[0003]
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`For example, lens designs for both dual and unitary eyewear and goggle
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`designs can provide full side-to-side range of vision and good lateral eye protection while
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`providing superior optical performance. More particularly, in a unitary lens system, the angle
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`of incidence from the wearer’s eye to the posterior lens surface changes as the wearer’s line
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`of sight
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`turns in either the vertical or the horizontal planes. This results in disparate
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`refraction between light entering closer to the front of the lens and peripheral light entering at
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`the side portions. To address this source of prismatic distortion, U.S. Patent No. 4,859,048
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`discloses tapering the thickness of the lens from the central portion toward the side edge, the
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`entirety of 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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`

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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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`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. Further, an eyeglass can also be
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`customized to the wearer through adjusting the fit and/or components of the eyeglass for
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`achieving a desired function.
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`Goggle
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`and eyeglass
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`applications
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`include
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`skiing,
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`snowboarding, motocross, aquatics, and a variety of industrial safety applications, among
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`others. Typically, goggles offer sealed protection to the eyes and adjacent areas of the
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`wearer’s face against particulate matter or water. Generally, the goggle and/or lens conforms
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`closely to the wearer’s face and intercepts light, wind, dust, etc. from directly in front of the
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`wearer and peripherally along the sides. 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. Various features and structures of
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`eyewear are disclosed herein. Some of these features and structures are disclosed in the
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`context of goggles. For sake of brevity, the embodiments and discussion will not generally
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`be repeated with respect to eyeglasses. However, the discussion of a given feature of a
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`goggle herein is contemplated as being applicable to eyeglasses as well.
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`-2-
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`

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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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`[0009]
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`When worn, 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 or
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`when the goggle is worn over a helmet.
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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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`

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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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`[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 order to 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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`-4-
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`

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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 oneofskill in theart.
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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, an expandable cell connector, and
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`

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`other such components. One or more suspension members may also be positioned in a
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`mannerthat allowsrolling or a “seesaw” effect as it responds to pressure on the frame. The
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`goggle can optionally comprise at least one elongate link member coupled to the faceplate
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`adjacent to each of the respective suspension points. The link members can be coupledto the
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`respective suspension membersandto the faceplate for imparting rotation at a first part of the
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`goggle to a second part of the goggle for moving the opposing ends of the faceplate in an
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`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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`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 lens support or anterior module. The generally rigid lens support or anterior
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`

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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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`[0025]
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`In some embodiments, the goggle can comprise a pair of outriggers that
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`each outrigger comprises a pair of fastening portions configured to interconnect the anterior
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`module with the posterior module. The fastening portions can be attachable to the anterior
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`and posterior modules at coupling regions thereof. The anterior and posterior modules of the
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`goggle can be coupled together by the outriggers and without the use of specialized tools,
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`single-use fasteners or permanentfasteners.
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`[0026]
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`Further, the outriggers can each further comprise a pin memberextending
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`from a body thereof.
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`In such an embodiment, the anterior module can comprise a pair of
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`apertures that are configured to receive the pin membersofthe respective outriggers when the
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`outriggers are coupled to the anterior and posterior modules. The combined interconnections
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`of the pin members and the fastening portions of the outriggers can thus provide a fixed
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`rotational position of each outrigger relative to the anterior module. Additionally,
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`the
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`posterior module can comprise apertures configured to receive the pin member when the
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`outriggers are coupled to the anterior and posterior modules.
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`In some embodiments, the
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`coupling regions of the anterior module comprise a recess. For example, the recess can be
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`configured to receive the fastening portions of the outriggers.
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`[0027]
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`Some embodiments of the goggle can comprise a latch memberthat is
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`coupled to the anterior module. The latch membercan be rotatable between an open position
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`in which a lens can be inserted or removed from the lens support and a closed position in
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`which the lens is secured to the lens support. The goggle can also further comprise a biasing
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`member coupled to the latch member. The biasing member can provide a biasing force
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`tending to urge the latch member toward the closed position. The biasing member can be
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`rotatably coupled to the latch member, and in some embodiments, the biasing member can
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`-7-
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`

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`also be rotatably coupled to the anterior module. Thus, in some embodiments, an outrigger
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`can comprises a pin member extending through corresponding apertures in the biasing
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`member and the latch member, and the pin member can provide an axis of rotation for the
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`biasing memberand the latch member.
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`[0028]
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`In accordance with some embodiments, the goggle can comprise at least
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`one port disposed along the periphery of the lens support. The port can provide an airflow
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`passage for introducing air over an interconnecting portion of the goggle for improving
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`ventilation and reducing fogging of the goggle. For example, the port can exhibit Venturi
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`airflow characteristics.
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`In some embodiments,
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`the goggle can comprise a pair of ports
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`disposedat the central portion of the lens support abovethe lens of the goggle.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`[0029]
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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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`illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the inventions. The
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`drawings contain the following figures:
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`[0030]
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`[0031]
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`[0032]
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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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`[0033]
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`Figure 4 is a top view of the goggle of Figure 1 wherein bending forcesF,
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`F are exerted on the goggle.
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`[0034]
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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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`[0035]
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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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`[0036]
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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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`[0037]
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`Figure 8 is a top view of the goggle shownin Figure 7.
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`

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`[0038]
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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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`[0039]
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`Figure 10 is a top view of the goggle shownin Figure 9.
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`[0040]
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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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`[0041]
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`Figure 12 is a top view of the goggle shownin Figure 11.
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`[0042]
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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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`[0043]
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`[0044]
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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.
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`[0045]
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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 narrowed deflected position.
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`[0046]
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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.
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`[0047]
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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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`[0048]
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`[0049]
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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.
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`[0050]
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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 narrowed deflected position.
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`[0051]
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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.
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`[0052]
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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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`

`

`[0053]
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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.
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`[0054]
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`Figure 22A is a partial
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`top view schematic diagram of the connector
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`shown in Figure 22A wherein the connector is pivoted to a first position to accommodate a
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`large head.
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`[0055]
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`Figure 22B is a partial top view schematic diagram of a dual pivotable
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`straight connector for an isostatic faceplate wherein the connector is pivoted to a second
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`position to accommodate a small head, according to another embodiment.
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`[0056]
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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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`[0057]
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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 connectoris pivoted to a first position.
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`[0058]
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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 to a second position.
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`[0059]
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`Figure 23D is a partial
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`top view schematic diagram of the connector
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`shownin Figure 23A wherein the connectoris pivoted to a third position.
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`[0060]
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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 connectoris pivoted to a fourth position.
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`[0061]
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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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`[0062]
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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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`[0063]
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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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`[0064]
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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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`[0065]
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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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`-10-
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`[0066]
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`Figure 27 is a top view schematic diagram of a pair of wishbone
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`connectors illustrating movement of the connectors, according to an embodiment.
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`[0067]
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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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`[0068]
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`[0069]
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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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`[0070]
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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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`[0071]
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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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`[0072]
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`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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`[0073]
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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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`[0074]
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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 engaged position, according to an embodiment.
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`[0075]
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`Figure 32 is a top cross-sectional view of the goggle shown in Figure 28
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`illustrating engagement ofthe first side of the lens in the receptacle of the interchangeable
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`lens mechanism, according to an embodiment.
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`[0076]
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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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`[0077]
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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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`-]1-
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`

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`[0078]
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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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`[0079]
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`Figure 34A is 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
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`embodiment.
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`[0080]
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`Figure 34B is 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
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`embodiment.
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`[0081]
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`Figure 34C is a partial perspective view of the goggle shown in Figure 33
`
`illustrating the first and second securing members in engaged positions, according to an
`
`embodiment.
`
`[0082]
`
`Figure 35 is a top view schematic diagram of a rigid anterior frame of a
`
`goggle, according to an embodiment.
`
`[0083]
`
`[0084]
`
`Figure 36 is a perspective of a goggle, according to another embodiment.
`
`Figure 37 is a side perspective view of the goggle shown in Figure 36,
`
`wherein an engagement mechanism of the goggle is in a closed position.
`
`[0085]
`
`Figure 38 is a side perspective view of the goggle shown in Figure 36,
`
`wherein the engagement mechanism ofthe goggle is in an open position.
`
`[0086]
`
`Figure 39 is a perspective view of the goggle shownin Figure 36, wherein
`
`the engagement mechanism is in the open position and a lens assembly of the goggle is
`
`separated from the goggle.
`
`[0087]
`
`Figure 40A is a side view of a biasing mechanism of the goggle shownin
`
`Figure 36, according to an embodiment.
`
`[0088]
`
`[0089]
`
`Figure 40A.
`
`Figure 40B is an end view ofthe biasing mechanism shownin Figure 40A.
`
`Figure 40C is a perspective view of the biasing mechanism shown in
`
`[0090]
`
`Figure 41A is a rear perspective view of a latch mechanism of the goggle
`
`shown in Figure 36, according to an embodiment.
`
`-12-
`
`

`

`[0091]
`
`Figure 41B is a front perspective view of the latch mechanism shown in
`
`Figure 41A.
`
`[0092]
`
`Figure 42 is a perspective view of the lens assembly of the goggle shown
`
`in Figure 36, according to an embodiment.
`
`[0093]
`
`Figure 43 is a cross-sectional side view of the lens assembly shown in
`
`Figure 42.
`
`[0094]
`
`Figure 44 is a top view of the goggle shown in Figure 36, according to an
`
`embodiment.
`
`[0095]
`
`Figure 45 is a cross-sectional side view of the goggle taken along section
`
`lines 45-45 of Figure 44.
`
`[0096]
`
`Figure 46A is a front perspective view of the outrigger of the goggle
`
`shown in Figure 44, according to an embodiment.
`
`[0097]
`
`Figure 46B is a rear perspective view of the outrigger shown in Figure
`
`46A.
`
`[0098]
`
`Figure 47 is a top perspective view of the goggle shown in Figure 44,
`
`wherein an outrigger is shown in a detached position.
`
`[0099]
`
`Figure 48 is a side view of the goggle shown in Figure 44, wherein the
`
`outrigger is being attached to the goggle, according to an embodiment.
`
`[0100]
`
`Figure 49 is a perspective across-sectional view of the goggle taken along
`
`section lines 49-49 of Figure 44.
`
`[0101]
`
`Figure 50 is a perspective view of an eyeglass, according to another
`
`embodiment.
`
`[0102]
`
`Figure 51 is a perspective view of the eyeglass shown in Figure 50,
`
`wherein an engagement mechanism is in the open position and a lens of the eyeglass is
`
`separated from the eyeglass.
`
`[0103]
`
`Figure 52 is a side perspective view of the eyeglass shown in Figure 50,
`
`wherein the engagement mechanism ofthe eyeglass is in an open position.
`
`[0104]
`
`Figure 53 is a rear perspective view of the eyeglass shown in Figure 50,
`
`wherein the engagement mechanism of the eyeglass is in an open state and a latch memberis
`
`in a disengaged position.
`
`-13-
`
`

`

`[0105]
`
`Figure 54 is a rear perspective view of the eyeglass shown in Figure 50,
`
`wherein the engagement mechanism of the eyeglass is in a closed state and the latch member
`
`is in the disengagedposition.
`
`[0106]
`
`Figure 55 is a rear perspective view of the eyeglass shown in Figure 50,
`
`wherein the engagement mechanism of the eyeglass is in the closed state and the latch
`
`memberis in an engagedposition.
`
`[0107]
`
`Figure 56 is a top cross sectional view taken along lines 56-56 of Figure
`
`53, illustrating pivoting clearance of the engagement mechanism and the latch memberin the
`
`disengaged position.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0108]
`
`While the present description sets
`
`forth specific details of various
`
`embodiments, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be
`
`construed in any way as limiting. Additionally, although particular embodiments of the
`
`present inventions may be disclosed or shown in the context of unitary or dual lens eyewear
`
`systems, such embodiments can be used in both unitary and dual lens eyewear systems.
`
`Further, various applications of such embodiments and modifications thereto, which may
`
`occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts
`
`described herein.
`
`Furthermore, although various embodiments are shown in use with
`
`goggles, embodiments can also be used with eyeglasses and other forms of eyewear.
`
`[0109]
`
`Some goggle embodiments are provided that overcome many of the
`
`disadvantages of the prior art, such as preferential bending, poor comfort, and optical
`
`distortion of the lens. Various embodiments are provided that can improve the overall
`
`comfort and fit of the goggle on a wide range of head geometries. Some embodiments are
`
`configured such that the goggle can actively self-adjust to the head geometry of a given
`
`wearer using an isostatic suspension mechanism. Some embodiments are configured with a
`
`rigid lens support such that the goggle can prevent bending of the lens and thereby prevent
`
`optical distortion. Further, some embodiments can comprise a lens retention mechanism that
`
`enables a lens to be quickly removed and replaced with another given lens. Various
`
`-14-
`
`

`

`mechanisms and features for providing one or more of these advantages can be incorporated
`
`into various embodimentsof the goggle.
`
`Prior Art Goggle Design and Use
`
`[0110]
`
`Figures 1-5 illustrate a commonprior art goggle design and its use. Figure
`
`1 illustrates a goggle 10 that comprises a goggle frame 12, an elastic strap 14, and a foam
`
`component 16 attached to a posterior portion of the goggle frame 12. The goggle frame 12
`
`also comprises an indent or nosepiece 18.
`
`In use, the wearer can position the goggle frame
`
`12 onto her face and adjust the elastic strap 14 around the back of her head in order to firmly,
`
`but comfortably secure the goggle frame in place. Figure 5 illustrate a top view of a wearer’s
`
`head 40 onto which the goggle 10 has been placed.
`
`[0111]
`
`The foam component16 is intended to contact the wearer’s face and allow
`
`the goggle 10 to conform to the surface of the wearer’s face. However, gaps frequently form
`
`between the foam component16 and the surface of the wearer’s face due to the preferential
`
`bending of the goggle 10. Furthermore, certain portions of the foam component 16 can often
`
`be highly compressed while other portions are not compressedatall. In this regard, the foam
`
`component 16 will fail to properly distribute stresses along the surface of the wearer’s face
`
`resulting in stress concentrations along the front or side of the wearer’s head, such as along
`
`the forehead, temples, and cheekbones. Some embodimentsreflect the realization that such
`
`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.
`
`[0112]
`
`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 d