US2877463A - Safety goggle having guarded vents - Google Patents

Description

March 1959 w. T. WATKINS SAFETY GOGGLE HAVING GUARDED VENTS Filed Jan. 25, 1957 Z7 4 W INVENTOR.

//////$ T Wai /h5 A FOR/V5 United States Patent Oflice 2,877,463. Patented Mar. 17, 1959 2,877,463 SAFETY GOGGLE HAVING GUARDED VENTS Application January 25, 1957, Serial No. 636,264 11 Claims. (Cl. 214) This invention relates to improvements in goggles and more particularly to that class of eye-protecting devices having at least one vent opening therein for preventing clouding of the transparent shield forming a part thereof, the primary object being to provide a guard capable of protecting the eyes of the wearer by preventing entrance through the vent opening of foreign matter while at the same time not appreciably preventing free flow of air into the goggle through the vent opening.

It is an important object of the instant invention to provide a guard for a goggle assembly of the kind disclosed in copending application Serial No. 521,212, filed July 11, 1955, in the name of William C. Moeller, and owned by the assignee of the instant invention.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a guard that is flexible in-- its entirety and, therefore, capable of being wrapped around the frame of the goggle to conform to the configuration thereof and thereby properly engage the same in embracing relationship to the vent opening or a row of vent openings such as disclosed in said copending application.

A further object of the instant invention is the provision of a wrap-around guard that is quickly and easily mounted on the frame of the goggle and removed therefrom by virtue of snap-action fastening means forming an integral part of the guard.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of a goggle and guard for the vent opening of the goggle that will prevent entrance of foreign matter, particularly liquids including acids, by virtue of the fact that the guard includes an imperforate panel overlying the row of vent openings, together with relatively offset, spaced-apart lugs at the longitudinal edges thereof channeling the incoming air along a circuitous path of travel whereby such foreign matter entrained in the air is deflected by the lugs.

In the drawing:

Figure l is a perspective view of a safety goggle having guarded vents made pursuant to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, bottom view of the guard entirely removed from the goggle.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional View taken on line IIIIlI of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, taken on line 1V-IV of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 4 showing a modified form of the present invention.

Goggle 19 shown in the drawings and chosen for illustration of the principles of Figs. 1-4 of the instant invention, is disclosed and claimed in its entirety by the aforementioned copending application and, except in combination with guard 12, forms no part of the instant invention.

It is sufiice to point out that the goggle It) includes a frame 14 having an outermost edge 16 and an innermost edge 18, the latter of which is of irregular contour to conform to the shape of the face of the wearer around the eyes, across the forehead, and across the bridge of cross-sectional View the nose by virtue of the fact that it includes as an integral part thereof, a nose-engaging, inwardly-extending bridge 20.

The frame 14 supports a transparent shield 22 adjacent the edge 16 thereof through the medium of a chan nel 24 that receives the peripheral edge of the shield '22. Fastening means 26 between frame 14 and shield 22 (see Fig. 3) may be the same as that disclosed in Patent No. 2,706,815, owned by the assignee of the instant in vention.

Frame 14 of goggle 10 as illustrated in the drawing and as more fully disclosed in said copending application,'is of the so-called wrap-around type by virtue of its flexible nature, made from a blank of initially flat material and having the ends thereof in abutting relation ship as at 28 adjacent bridge 20 and within the nose receiving notch of shield 22. Further, as disclosed in said copending application, frame 14 is provided with a row of elongated vent openings 30 between the edges 16 and 18 thereof, covered by foraminous means 32 such as wire screen embedded within the material from which frame 14 is made and serving not only to keep out foreign matter, but to reinforce the frame 14 so that the same will maintain the shape illustrated in Fig. 1, notwithstanding the highly flexible nature of the material from which the frame 14 is made.

The guard 12 is adapted for use in connection with the goggle 10 above described, whether or not the screen 32 is employed and while the latter effectively deflects relatively large particles which are incapable of passing through the fine mesh screen 32, it is necessary and desirable to provide additional protection when the goggle 10 is used in more hazardous industries so far as injury to the eyes is concerned. I

Guard 12 is particularly adapted to keep out liquids including injurious acids and alkalies, and to this end, the same includes an elongated, imperforate panel 34 that overlaps the vent openings 30; and inasmuch as the guard 12 is preferably mounted on the outer face of frame 14, it is, therefore, in overlying relationship to the openings 30.

The guard 12 is transversely U-shaped, panel 34 forming the bight thereof, and its legs consisting of a pair of outermost, longitudinally extending flanges 36 and 38 adjacent the longitudinal edges of the panel 3 1. An additional pair of legs or longitudinal flanges 40 and 42 adjacent flanges 36 and38 respectively,

stantially semi-circular, downturned flanges 46 integral with the lower face 44 of panel 34. Manifestly, the dis tance between the flanges 40 and 42 is as great as the width of the openings 30 to the end that when the guard 12 is mounted on the frame 14 in the manner shown by Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the openings 30 are embraced by the flanges 40 and 42.

It is to be preferred that the guard 12 also be of the wrap-around type so that the same conforms accurately with the contour of the frame 14 and, to this end, the

advantageously molded or otherwise formed from any suitable modern-day plastic substances readily available on the open market. The conformity of configuration is important so that the lowermost longitudinal edges of the flanges 36, 38, 40 and 42 all bear directly and flatly against the outer face of the frame 14, as best seen in Figs. 3 and 4.

Flanges or legs 36, 38, 40 and 42 are all made 'up of a plurality of rectangular lugs 48, all in parallel relation ship and spaced-apart to present passages 50 for flow of air to the vent openings 30,

, inner flanges 40 and 42, each .sage 50 of an adjacent flange,

flatly engage the outer face of frame 14 as aforementioned, but the lengths ofilugs 48 are greater than the lengths of the passages 50 therebetween. Consequently, since the lugs 48 of the outer flanges 36 and 38 are in 'staggered'or offset relationship to the lugs 48 of the lug overlapping the pasthe air must take a circuitous path in its flow to the openings 30. The distance between flanges 36 and 40 and between flanges 38 and 42, is appreciably less than the distance between flanges 4i) .and 42 and also less than the lengths of the passages 50 whereby the aforementioned deleterious foreign matter is effectively deflected and not carried into the goggle 10 through the openings 30 with the flow of fresh air. The lugs 48 of the flanges 40 and 42 effectively act as baffles to protect the eyes of the wearer of goggles 10.

It is to be preferred that the guard 12 be releasably attached to the frame 14 and, to this end, there is provided a plurality of snap fasteners in the nature of studs 52 integral with the face 44 of panel 34 and depending therefrom. Each stud 52 passes through a hole 54 in the frame 14 and is held in place by a stud fastening head or enlargement 56 on the terminal end of stud 52 .remote from face 44. By virtue of the resilient nature ,of the material from which frame 14 is made, and further, by virtue of the resilient material from which the guard 12 is made, the heads 56 will readily snap into place when forced through the holes 54 and, conversely, may be snapped therefrom when it is desirable that the ,guard 12 be removed. Since the openings 30 are in spaced-apart relationship, there is provided means therebetween within the frame 14 for receiving the holes 54. 'Fig. of the drawing illustrates an embodiment of a modified form of construction including the guard 112 for goggle 110 each of which is like corresponding parts shown in Fig. 1. A pair of integral ribs 152 and 154 extending outwardly from the exterior face 114 of the goggle 110 lie between two rows of flanges 136 respectively. Screened opening 132 is disposed between ribs 152 and 154. The outer faces of the ribs 152 and 154 are spaced from the inner face 144 of guard 112 to leave unobstructed a portion of the spaces between the flanges 136 of the rows thereof.

This structure permits the ventilation afforded by the assembly of Figs. 1 to 4 inclusive with the additional advantage of providing more positive assurance that guard 112 will not move laterally out of position between elements 54 and 56 (Fig. l) as these elements perform their function. The ribs 152 and 154 are coextensive with guard 112 and thereby prevent seepage of liquids such as acids into the screened opening 132 while ventilation is unimpaired.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: 1. In a goggle of the kind having a frame provided with an outermost edge and an innermost, face-engaging edge, and having an elongated vent opening between said edges, the combination with said frame of a U-shaped guard secured to the outermost face of the frame and having an imperforate bight longitudinally aligned with and overlapping the opening, said guard being provided with a pair of legs engaging said face of the frame and straddling said opening, at least one of the legs having a passage for flow of air to the opening; and a baflie joined to the undersurface of said bight and interposed between the bight and the frame in overlapping relationship to said passage and spaced from said one leg between the latterand said opening for channeling said air along a circuitous path of travel.

2. In a goggle of the kind having a frame provided with an outermost edge and an innermost, face-engaging edge, and having an elongated vent opening between said edges, the combination with said frame of a guard on the outermost face of the frame and having an imperforate panel longitudinally alignedwith and overlapping said opening, said guard being provided with a passage for flow of air to the opening and having a baffle joined to the undersurface of said panel and interposed between the panel and said frame in overlapping relationship to said passage for channeling said air along a circuitous path of travel; and releasable, snap-fastener means securing the guard to the frame, and including an elongated stud integral with the guard, the frame having a stud-receiving hole and the stud having a head for retaining the same within the hole.

3. In a goggle of the kind having aframe provided with an outermost edge and an innermost, face-engaging edge, and having an elongated vent opening between said edges, the combination with said frame of an elongated, transversely U-shaped guard secured to the outermost face of the frame and having an imperforate bright longitudinally aligned with and overlying the opening, said guard being provided with a pair of spaced, longitudinal legs extending laterally from the bight in engagement with said outermost face of the frame, at least one of the legs having a plurality of passages for flow of air to the opening, said bight having a third longitudinal leg engaging the frame between the opening and said one leg and provided with a plurality of air passages, the passages of the third leg being offset relative to the passages of said one leg.

4. In a goggle of the kind having a frame provided with an outermost edge and an innermost, face-engaging edge, and having an elongated vent opening between said edges, the combination with said frame of a guard including an elongated panel longitudinally aligned with and overlying the opening and having an inner and an outer, longitudinal flange integral therewith adjacent each longitudinal edge thereof respectively, engaging the outermost face of the frame and holding the panel spaced from said face, said opening being disposed between proximal, inner, opposed flanges and each flange being provided with a plurality of spaced air passages throughout the length thereof, the passages of each of said innermost flanges being offset relative to the passages of the proximal outermost flange; and means attaching the guard to the frame.

5. In a goggle of the kind having a frame provided with an outermost edge and an innermost, face-engaging edge, and having an elongated vent opening between said edges, the combination with said frame of an elongated, molded, flexible guard wrapped over the outermost face of said frame and including an imperforate panel in longitudinal alignment with and overlying said opening and having an inner and an outer longitudinal flange integral therewith adjacent each longitudinal edge thereof respectively, said flanges engaging the outermost face of the frame and holding the panel spaced from said face, said opening being disposed between proximal, inner, opposed flanges and each flange being provided with a plurality of spaced air passages throughout the length thereof, the passages of each of said innermost flanges being offset relative to the passages of the proximal outermost flange; and means on the panel attaching the guard to the frame.

6. In a goggle of the kind having a frame provided with an outermost edge and an innermost, face-engaging edge, and having a row of spaced, elongated vent openings between said edges, the combination with said frame of an elongated, molded, flexible guard wrapped over the outermost face thereof and including an imperforate panel overlying said openings and having an inner and an outer longitudinal flange integral therewith adjacent each longitudinal edge thereof respectively, said flanges engaging the outermost face of the frame and holding the panel spaced from said face, said openings being disposed between proximal, inner, opposed flanges and each flange being provided with a plurality of spaced air passages throughout the length thereof, the passages of each of said innermost flanges being ofiset relative to the passages of the proximal outermost flange; and means on the panel attaching the guard to the frame between said openmgs.

7. As an article of manufacture, a guard adapted to be positioned over the vent opening of a goggle and comprising an elongated panel having an innermost and an outermost row of spaced-apart lugs extending laterally from one face thereof and located adjacent each longitudinal edge thereof respectively, the lugs of each outermost row being offset relative to the lugs of the proximal innermost row.

8. As an article of manufacture, a guard adapted to be positioned over the vent opening of a goggle and comprising an elongated, imperforate, flexible panel having a innermost and an outermost, longitudinally extending row of spaced-apart lugs extending laterally from one face thereof and located adjacent each longitudinal edge thereof respectively, the lugs of each outermost row being offset relative to the lugs of the proximal innermost row, the distance between each outermost row and the proximal innermost row being appreciably less than the distance between the innermost rows and said innermost rows being adapted to straddle said opening.

9. As an article of manufacture, a guard adapted to be positioned over the vent opening of a goggle and comprising an elongated panel having an innermost and an outermost row of spaced-apart rectangular lugs extending laterally from one face thereof and located adjacent each longitudinal edge thereof respectively, the lugs of each outermost row being offset relative to the lugs of the proximal innermost row, the widths of all the lugs being the same, and the lengths of the lugs being greater than the distance between proximal lugs of each row.

10. As an article of manufacture, a guard adapted to be positioned over the vent opening of a goggle comprising an elongated panel having an innermost and an outermost row of spaced-apart lugs on one face thereof and located adjacent each longitudinal edge thereof respectively, the lugs of each outermost row being offset relative to the lugs of the proximal innermost row; and a plurality of spaced fastening studs on said face of the panel, each provided with a head on the outermost free end thereof.

11. In a goggle of the kind having a frame provided with an outermost edge and an innermost, face-engaging edge, and having an elongated vent opening between said edges, the combination with said frame of a guard including an elongated panel overlying the opening and having an inner and an outer longitudinal flange adjacent each longitudinal edge thereof respectively, engaging the outermost face of the frame and holding the panel spaced from said face, said opening being disposed between proximal, inner, opposed flanges and each flange being provided with a plurality of spaced air passages throughout the length thereof, the passages of each of said innermost flanges being offset relative to the passages of the proximal outermost flange; means attaching the guard to the frame; and a rib on the frame between each outermost flange and its corresponding, proximal innermost flange, said ribs being spaced from said panel, coextensive with the guard and formed to prevent flow of fluid along the outer surface of the frame toward the vent opening therein through the said air passages.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,351,358 Miner June 13, 1944 2,573,722 Maurer Nov. 6, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 10,690 Great Britain of 1899 365,848 France July 9, 1906

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