WO1994002087A1

WO1994002087A1 - Swim goggle

Info

Publication number: WO1994002087A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/005131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ned Hoffman; Enrique Goldenberg
Original assignee: Omnilock Incorporated
Priority date: 1992-07-15
Filing date: 1993-05-28
Publication date: 1994-02-03
Also published as: CA2140334A1

Abstract

A swim goggle (2) having a bladder construction (30, 32) forming all or part of the perimeter seal between the goggle and the user. In one embodiment of the invention, the goggle includes a finger actuated pump mechanism (38) and an exhaust assembly connected to the bladder. In an alternative embodiment, the bladder is sealed to a reservoir (142) of medium which can be displaced with a finger actuated cam assembly (152). In both embodiments, when the bladder volume is changed the dimension of the goggle seal increases thereby displacing the goggle lenses away from the user's face and increasing the air space in the cavity formed between the goggle and the user's eyes. This increased air space causes a partial vacuum enhancing the integrity of the goggle seal against the user's eye sockets.

Description

SWTM GOGGLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention generally relates to athletic goggles, more specifically to swim goggles having a periphery bladder construction on each eyepiece for creating a secure watertight seal, producing enhanced fit and increasing user comfort.

Swimming is continuing to increase in popularity as a preferred physical fitness activity for adults. Swimming accessories have evolved to enhance comfort and safety for occasional swimmers as well as competitive swimmers. One accessory, swim goggles, have long been used to provide enhanced visibility in water and to protect the swimmer's eyes from irritation due to prolonged exposure to salty or chlorinated water. The protection afforded by the goggle is directly related to the integrity of the seal against the user's face. Even small leaks can cause discomfort. One possible solution is to increase the tension on the goggle strap. If the tension is too great, however, pain or headaches may develop. As a result, various goggle designs and materials have been employed in an effort to increase the integrity of the seal between the goggle and the user while limiting the strap tension necessary to accomplish the seal.

Conventional swim goggles employ a foam rubber cushion or gasket surrounding the perimeter of each goggle lens to provide a water tight seal. An elastic strap is used to provide tension against the user's eye sockets. It has long been known that providing a small vacuum in the air space between the goggle eyepiece and the user's eye enhances the integrity of the goggle seal against the user's head. The vacuum creates a force drawing the goggle against the skin. This force increases the effectiveness of the seal without reguiring increased strap tension.

In order to achieve a vacuum in conventional swim goggles, each goggle lens must be pushed inward towards the user's face to reduce the volume of the cavity between the goggle lens and the user's eye. This motion pressurizes the air in the cavity above equilibrium pressure. While maintaining the inwardly directed pressure, each lens must then be shifted in such a way as to breach the integrity of the goggle seal and thereby allow the pressurized air to escape. Upon release of the inwardly directed pressure, the resilient cushion biases the lens away from the user's face creating a small vacuum in eyepiece cavity. Usually, each goggle eyepiece must be independently manipulated to manually create such a vacuum while maintaining a comfortable eyepiece position. Occasionally, the procedure must be repeated several times before a comfortable seal is achieved. This procedure is disadvantageous and inconvenient because of the many steps involved.

The resiliency of conventional foam rubber seals also diminishes over time as the foam breaks down due to exposure to ozone, chlorine or other influences. Deceased resiliency impacts the amount of vacuum that can be created in the goggle eyepiece air cavities using the procedure described above. Additionally, voids or rips can form in the foam seal or in the bond between the foam seal and the rigid lens due to repeated manipulation.

Thus, it is desireable to have a goggle which can be used to create a vacuum seal without a cumbersome procedure which causes undue wear and discomfort. It is also desireable to create a goggle seal which is not prone to loss in resilient displacement in the seal due to wear. Further, it is desireable to have a goggle that can be easily adjusted and which provides enhanced comfort. These and other features and advantages are achieved by the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A swim goggle is provided having first and second eyepieces, each eyepiece including a flexible bladder portion shaped to substantially circumscribe the users eye socket. In the preferred embodiment, each eyepiece includes a lens connected to a perimeter rim and is coupled to a variable volume air bladder. The variable volume air bladder has a first portion coupled to a first eyepiece and a second portion coupled to a second eyepiece. The first and second portions are connected by a conduit, which may be adjustable in length, and form all or a part of the seal between the goggle and the user's eye sockets. Thus, the first and second bladder portions together with the connecting conduit combine to form one linked variable volume bladder cavity. In this embodiment, the goggle includes means for pumping ambient air in the variable volume bladder and means for venting the bladder to thus allow the bladder to be inflated and deflated. Once the user positions the swim goggles in the appropriate position about the face with the bladder in the exhausted state, the bladder is inflated using the pumping means thereby displacing the goggle lenses away from the user's eye and increasing the dimensional volume of the cavity between the goggle lens and the user's eye. This displacement is sufficient to create an effective vacuum in each eyepiece thus increasing the integrity of the seal between the goggle and the user. The venting means can be activated by the user to vent the bladder as desired. The pumping means and the venting means can be separate assemblies or combined into an integral assembly.

In an alternative embodiment, each bladder portion is sealed to create a separate air bladder for each eyepiece. Each eyepiece in this embodiment includes it's own pumping means and venting means to provide individual eyepiece bladder control. The pumping means and venting means can be separate assemblies or integrated into a single assembly for each eyepiece.

In another alternative embodiment of the invention, each eyepiece includes a separate variable volume bladder and a reservoir containing a medium in said bladder. The medium can be a gas, a fluid or a gel. The reservoir for each eyepiece includes one displaceable wall moveable to vary the volume of the reservoir. Movement of the displaceable wall, and therefore control of the reservoir volume, is controlled by a control means activated by the user. In one embodiment, the control means includes a rotatable eccentric cam positioned adjacent the displaceable wall and made pivotable to thereby drive the displaceable wall into the reservoir with a cam surface causing the medium to purge out of the reservoir and into the bladder. As the medium is displaced into the bladder, the bladder swells thereby displacing the eyepiece lens away from the users eye and creating an effective vacuum in the cavity of the eyepiece. Alternatively, the bladder can be constructed to extend across both eyepieces and thereby require only a single reservoir and control means for the goggle. In still another alternative embodiment of the invention, each eyepiece is constructed to include a separate, sealed bladder having a fixed but malleable volume. Each bladder contains a medium such as a gas or fluid to provide an enhanced seal and increased durability relative to conventional goggles with increased comfort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention having a pumping means and a venting means coupled to a variable volume bladder;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view shown partially in section of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view shown partially in section of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a detailed sectional view along lines 4-4 of the device in fig. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view shown partially in sections of the bladder exhaust assembly of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2;

FIG. 6A is a top plan view shown partially in section of the bladder pump assembly of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2;

FIG. 6B is a side plan view of the pump body;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a cam actuated bladder adjustment mechanism;

FIG. 8 is a partial top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view along plane 7- 7 of the device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a alternative bladder construction used in the invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further alternative bladder construction; FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of still another alternative bladder construction used in the invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of still another alternative bladder construction used in the invention;

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of another alternative bladder construction used in the invention; FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of an alternative venting means having a finger actuated valve, the valve shown activated to release air;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of the venting means of FIG. 15 in the sealed condition; FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention having a sliding adjustable nose bridge with integral conduit;

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 15 shown assembled; and

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of another alternative embodiment of an integral node bridge and conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention incorporating a pump bladder system. Goggle 2 includes first eyepiece 4, second eyepiece 6, nose bridge 8 and head strap 10. First eyepiece 4 includes lens 12 and eyepiece seal 14. Similarly, second eyepiece 6 includes lens 16 and eyepiece seal 18. Lenses 12, 16 are made of impact resistant plastic and can be tinted in various hues or made clear. Various lens shapes can be used as are suited for the particular purpose or fitting requirement. In the embodiment illustrated, each lens 12, 16 is made integral with a rigid perimeter rim 20, 22 respectively such that each lens is off-set from it's respective perimeter rim in the direction away from the user's face. Perimeter rims 20, 22 are made integral with side portions 24, 26, both constructed of plastic or suitable material preferably the same as used in lenses 12, 16.

Each eyepiece seal 14, 18 is secured to the respective perimeter rim 20, 22 using friction or suitable bonding techniques to provide a water tight seal between the goggle and the user. The preferred constructions for connecting eyepiece seals to the perimeter rims is described more fully below. Eyepiece seals 14, 18 include a flexible bladder positioned to substantially circumscribe each eye socket of the user. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3, the flexible bladder is formed having first bladder portion 30 and second bladder portion 32 connected by conduit 34. Conduit 34 is fabricated from an elastic tubing material to provide a sealed passageway between first and second bladder portions 30, 32. Bridge 8 is made of flexible plastic and connects fist and second eyepieces 4, 6 together while allowing flexible adjustment of the distance between the eyepieces and protecting the integrity of conduit 34. Alternatively, bridge 8 and conduit 34 can be made integral as more fully described below. First bladder portion 30, second bladder portion 32 and conduit 34 together form a sealable bladder cavity having a variable volume controlled by the user with pump assembly 38 and exhaust assembly 40. Generally, pump assembly 38 is constructed to facilitate user actuated pumping of ambient air into the bladder cavity. Exhaust assembly 40, in turn,, is used to allow ventilation or exhaust of the bladder cavity. As such, the volume of the total bladder cavity, and therefore the relative dimensional thickness of eyepiece seals 14, 18, can be regulated by increasing or decreasing the amount of air contained in the bladder cavity. The variable volume bladder cavity provides adjustable displacement of lenses 12, 18 in a direction away from the user's eye when goggle 2 is properly positioned on the user's head for use. In each eyepiece 4, 6 a sealed air space is defined in the cavity formed between the respective lens and eye of the user for each eyepiece. In swim goggles, the integrity of the water tight seal between the goggle and the user's eye sockets can be increased by providing a vacuum in each eyepiece cavity. With such a vacuum, each eyepiece is more securely sealed around the user's respective eye sockets. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, this vacuum is created by using pump assembly 38 to increase the internal volume of the bladder cavity thereby increasing the dimensional thickness of eyepiece seals 14, 18 and displacing lenses 12, 16 away from the user's eye. This displacement, produced by the single motion of activating pump assembly 38 with a finger, increases the volume of the sealed cavity between the user's eye and lenses 12, 16 thereby creating an effective and intensified vacuum therein. The invention is therefore superior to conventional swim goggles that require cumbersome, multiple step manipulation and positioning to create a sealing vacuum.

Referring now to Figs. 2-3, a more detailed illustration of seals 14, 18 is provided. First bladder portion 30 and second bladder portion 32 indicated are embedded in eyepiece seal according to the preferred construction shown in Fig. 4 and described below. Conduit 34 is connected and sealed with both first bladder portion 30 and second bladder portion 32 to channel and proportionally distribute contained air across the entire bladder cavity defined by both bladder portions. Fig. 3 illustrates eyepieces 4, 6 without bridge 8 and the rigid material forming lenses 12, 16, perimeter rims 20, 22 and side portions 24, 26 for clarity.

First bladder portion 30 and second bladder portion 32 are configured to substantially circumscribe the user's eye socket when goggle 2 is worn. As best seen from Fig. 4, the preferred construction of eyepiece seals 14, 18 employs a sandwich construction having two plies of vinyl 44, 46 sealed together at seams 48, 50 using appropriate heat sealing techniques or other suitable construction method to provide an air impermeable connection construction. The use of two plies allows the bladder cavity to lie substantially flat when completely deflated. Each ply 44, 46 is constructed of polyvinyl or suitable alternative and is bonded to outer layers of foam 52, 54. Foam layers 52, 54 are preferably closed cell neoprene rubber or other suitable hypoallergenic materials selected for comfort and durability. It should be noted that foam layers 52, 54 could be replaced with a single piece of foam. The construction illustrated is advantageous, however, because of low cost and ease of manufacture. It is intended that alternative constructions can be used.

Fig. 4 illustrates second portion 32 of the bladder cavity slightly inflated for clarity. When completely deflated, plies 44, 46 would lie flat and adjacent each other. As ambient air is introduced into the bladder cavity via pump assembly 38, the thickness of eyepiece seals 14, 18 increase proportionally. Bladder portions 30, 32 are preferably sandwiched between foam layers 52, 54 to form seals 14, 18 as above described in conjunction with Fig. 4. The outer most layer of foam 54 is bonded to perimeter rim 22 using suitable adhesive.

Alternatively, one or more of the foam layers 52, 54 could be eliminated if desired. For example, ply 46 could be bonded directly to perimeter rim 22. It is intended, however, that both eyepiece seals 14, 18 be constructed similarly in whatever construction ultimately employed for symmetry.

Seals 14, 18 generally include oval portions 60, 62 with openings 64, 66 configured to dimensionally correspond to perimeter rims 20, 22 of the respective eyepieces 4, 6. Preferably, seals

14, 18 also include tapered sides 68, 70, generally terminating with a connection to strap 10, to provide increased surface area for sufficient seal at the end of the user's eye socket near each temple. The size and length of tapered sides 68, 70 is selected to fit the particular purpose. Although not necessary to practice the invention, tapered sides 68, 70 preferably include cut-outs 72, 74 to provide the necessary clearance for pump assembly 38, exhaust assembly 40 and appropriate strap attachment means.

First bladder portion 30 extends into tapered side 68 to connector 76. Connector 76 includes rigid female receptacle 78 configured to mate with male plug 80 of pump assembly 38.

Likewise, second bladder portion 32 extends into tapered side 70 and terminates at connector 82.

Referring now to Fig. 6A, a detailed view shown in cross-section of pump assembly 38 is shown. Pump assembly 38 includes flexible dome 88 and pump body 90. Pump body 90 is fabricated from rigid plastic material for durability and includes elongated channel 92 housing one-way valves 94, 96 and dome channel 98. Dome channel 98 extends through mounting post 100. Mounting post 100 includes outwardly extending flange 102 which circumferentially extends outwardly around the perimeter of mounting post 100. Flexible dome 88 includes base 104, having inner groove 106 configured to receive flange 102 and provide an air and water tight seal between flexible dome 88 and mounting post 100. Flexible dome 88 also includes outer groove 86 to mate with and connect to side portion 24. Preferably, flexible dome 88 is made generally circular, thus, this mating connection is continuous about the perimeter of base 104. Rigid pump body 90 includes inlet 108 and outlet 110. Outlet 110 is made integral with male plug 80 which secures to connector 76 of first bladder portion 30 as shown in Fig. 2. One-way valve 94, shown in a preferred configuration, is aligned to allow air flow from inlet 108 to dome channel 98 in the direction of arrow 112 and block air flow in the opposite direction. Similarly, one¬ way valve 96, also shown in a preferred configuration, provides air flow from dome channel 98 to outlet 110 in the direction of arrow 114. One¬ way valves 94, 96 can be configured other than as illustrated, of course, using one of many know one¬ way valve constructions as desired. Flexible dome defines pump cavity 116 in sealed communication with dome channel 98. Thus, in equilibrium, any air in the bladder cavity is sealed by pump assembly 38 via one-way valve 96.

As the user exerts force against flexible dome 88 air in dome cavity 116 is forced through dome channel 98 and directed through one-way valve 96 into first bladder portion 30 of the bladder cavity. Force on flexible dome 88 is preferably exerted by the user's finger in a successive pumping motion as necessary to inflate the bladder cavity to the desired volume. During each pump stroke, as flexible dome 88 returns to its unbiased position illustrated in Fig. 6A a vacuum is formed in pump cavity 116 drawing ambient air through one-way valve 94 until equilibrium pressure is reached in pump cavity 116. A new pump stroke forces this air into the bladder cavity. Referring now to Fig. 5, a detailed illustration of a preferred configuration of exhaust assembly 40 is shown. Exhaust assembly 40 is affixed to goggle 2 at side portion 26 and functions as a purge valve for the bladder cavity. It is preferred that exhaust assembly 40 be disposed on a separate goggle eyepiece relative to pump assembly 38 to make the overall goggle profile as streamlined and symmetrical as possible. Alternatively, however, pump assembly 38 and exhaust assembly 40 could be disposed adjacent each other.

Additionally, pump assembly 38 and exhaust assembly 40, or their functional equivalents, can be constructed into an integral assembly if desired employing any suitable construction. Exhaust assembly 40 includes rigid dome

118 having textured surface 120, lock pin 122 and threaded receptacle 124. Gasket 126 is secured to the closed end of threaded receptacle 124. Exhaust body 128 includes male connector 130 which mates with a corresponding female connector to form connector 82 in second bladder portion 32. Exhaust body 128 also includes threaded aperture post 132 which threadably mates with threaded receptacle 124. When rigid dome 118 is completely threaded onto threaded post 132, gasket 126 seals exhaust outlet

134 and prohibits air from escaping from the bladder, cavity through exhaust assembly 40. When the user wishes to decrease air volume within the bladder cavity, rigid dome 118 is threaded away from threaded post 132 such that gasket 126 is elevated removing the seal from exhaust outlet 134 and air in the bladder cavity is then free to exit through exhaust outlet into the ambient environment.

Exhaust assembly 40 can be constructed in alternative configurations than that illustrated in Fig. 5. For example, any suitable venting means such as known push button valves, spring valves, or other valve configurations can be employed at various locations on goggle 2. Regardless of the configuration of exhaust assembly 40, the assembly is intended to provide uncomplicated exhaust of the bladder cavity preferably using a construction which can be activated by the user's finger or fingers. Thus, rigid dome 118 could be fixed and include a spring valve having a release, such as a button, protruding up from the surface of the dome. Such an embodiment is described below in conjunction with FIGS. 15-16. Once the release is depressed or otherwise activated by the user's finger, the sealed volume of the bladder cavity is breached to allow ventilation of the bladder cavity. It should be noted that the preferred embodiment of the invention above described is best utilized when the bladder cavity contains air. Thus, the user would place goggle 2 in the appropriate position about the face, with exhaust valve 40 open, assuring that first and second eyepieces 4, 6 are comfortably positioned about the user's eye sockets. Exhaust valve 40 is then closed. With exhaust assembly 40 in the closed condition, pump assembly 38 is then activated to inflate the bladder cavity while the users head is above water. As the bladder cavity expands with air, first bladder portion 30 and second bladder portion 32 inflate displacing lenses 12, 16 away from the user's eye and creating an increased vacuum in the cavity formed between the goggle and the user's eyes. Once inflated, goggle 2 can simply be removed without deflation of bladder cavity, however, to assure proper vacuum fit, it is intended that the bladder cavity be vacated using exhaust assembly 40 before the goggle are reintroduced onto the user's face. It should also be noted that although air is the preferred medium in the bladder cavity, water could be used as the expanding medium by activating the pump mechanism while submerged. Thus, water would be drawn into the bladder cavity through pump assembly 38 providing the same displacement and vacuum as would air. To exhaust water, however, the user would have to tip the goggles such that exhaust assembly is in a position lower than the remaining the bladder cavity to allow gravity to force water from the goggle to the external environment.

In one embodiment of the invention, each eyepiece includes an independent, sealed bladder cavity with no pump means or venting means. In such a construction, the bladders can be fabricated in a variety of ways but it is preferred that each bladder contain a medium such as gel to best benefit from the contour forming and durability aspects of such a substance. Gels, liquid or other media could alternatively be used. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, each eyepiece 4, 6 may be constructed having it's own independent bladder, pumping means and venting means. Preferably, this is accomplished by eliminating conduit 34 thereby making first bladder portion 30 and second bladder portion 32 independent bladder cavities each having pump assembly 38 and exhaust assembly 40, although suitable alternative pumping means and venting means could be used. In this embodiment, therefore, each eyepiece vacuum seal is independently controlled.

In an additional alternative embodiment of the invention, a sealed bladder system is used having a reservoir, containing a medium such as a fluid or gel, and a reservoir control means configured to allow the user to purge the contents of the reservoir into the bladder cavity and thus expand the bladder. Figs. 5-6 illustrate such an embodiment where the control means is a finger actuated cam. In this embodiment, goggle 140 is constructed similarly to the preferred embodiment above with the exception that pump assembly 38 and exhaust assembly 40 are not used. The bladder cavity may extend across both goggle eyepieces as previously described but is sealed and connected to a reservoir 142. Alternatively, a separate reservoir is included in each eyepiece when each eyepiece is constructed to have sealed, independent bladders not connected to each other. Reservoir 142 is constructed to substantially fill side portion 144 and includes reservoir cavity 146. Reservoir cavity 146 is constructed of polyvinyl or similar material in a fashion similar to that of the bladder cavity previously described.

Side portion 44 is formed to have housing 148 in which reservoir cavity 146 is disposed. Displacement wall 150 is disposed above reservoir cavity 146 adjacent eccentric cam 152. Eccentric cam 152 is pivotally mounted to side housing 148 and includes activation arm 154. As best shown in Fig.6, eccentric cam 152 is configured such that rotation of activation arm 154 from the position shown in broken lines to the position illustrated in solid lines causes eccentric cam 152 to force displacement wall 150 into housing 148 compressing reservoir cavity 146 and reducing volume capacity in reservoir cavity 146. Thus, medium in reservoir cavity 146 is displaced into the bladder cavity of goggle 140 surrounding the user's eye socket. Similar to the embodiments previously described, displacement of the medium from the reservoir into the bladder cavity increases the dimensional thickness of the bladder cavity, displacing the goggle lens 156 away from the eyes and increasing the volume of the cavity between the goggle lens and the user's eye. This dimensional increase of the cavity creates an increased vacuum enhancing the goggle seal to the face.

It is preferred that in the cam embodiment of the invention, the medium used in the sealed bladder is a fluid substance. The fluid can be a gel. If a gel is used, the gel should be hypoallergenic and non-toxic, such as silicone gel or suitable alternative. Alternatively, a fluid such as water could be used. Although this embodiment is described having only one reservoir for the entire bladder cavity extending across both eyepieces, it is also intended that the reservoir construction could alternatively be employed independently for each eyepiece. Thus, each eyepiece 136, 138 has an independent, sealed bladder with corresponding reservoir and reservoir control means. Fig. 7 is illustrated to show such a device having the above cam mechanism and reservoir for each eyepiece.

Figs. 10 through 14 illustrate alternative bladder constructions which can be used in either the pump embodiment or cam embodiment previously described. Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate a cross- section of bladder 160 formed to include bladder cavity 162 and mounting groove 164. Rigid perimeter rim 166 of the goggle includes flange 168 which is received into bladder groove 164 and bonded thereto using a suitable adhesive or other wise suitably affixed. Bladder 160 is thereby securely affixed to perimeter rim 166 of the goggle 158. Bladder 160 can be formed of polyvinyl formed by suitable shush casting techniques or with other suitable material and construction methods. This construction would be used as an alternative to the bladder construction illustrated in Fig. 4. If desired, bladder 160 could have foam rubber bonded to its external surface to increase comfort for the user. Fig. 13 illustrates another alternative bladder construction where bladder 170 includes bladder cavity 172 and bladder groove 174. Perimeter rim 176 is configured having a "T"-shaped flange 178 which is retained in bladder groove 174 and frictionally secured or bonded thereto. In the alternative embodiment of bladder 180 shown in Fig. 14, bladder 180 is constructed similar to a tubeless tire having bead flanges 182, 184 which secure into rim 186 of the goggle eyepiece. Bead flanges 182, 184 may be bonded to rim 186 to create a fluid and air tight seal. The bladder embodiment shown in Figs. 13 and 14 can also incorporate a neoprene rubber outer surface to increase comfort and enhance the seal about the user's face.

FIGS. 15-16 illustrate an alternative venting means construction which can be used with the bladder embodiments previously described. Generally, the venting means includes exhaust assembly 212 having rigid dome 214, affixed to bladder cavity 216. Dome 214 includes seal 218 configured to seal against tapered valve post 220 at shoulder 222. Valve post 220 is seated against resilient cushion 224 secured to the bottom of dome 214. Cushion is shaped and sized to naturally bias valve post 220 upwardly in post guide aperture 226 so that shoulder 218 snugly abuts seal 218 sealing bladder cavity 216. To release the seal, head 230 of valve post 220 is pushed towards cushion 224 thereby separating shoulder 222 and seal 218. Gas in bladder cavity 216 is allowed to escape through post guide aperture 226 as indicated by arrows 228. This embodiment is illustrated to provide an example of alternative venting means. Other suitable configurations can alternatively be employed. Referring now to FIGS. 17-18, an alternative construction of the invention is shown using a sliding nose bridge with integral conduit. This construction can be used for an embodiment of the invention where the bladder cavity extends across both eyepieces by using a conduit to connect the bladder portions in each eyepiece. Bridge 188 is formed having hollow male portion 190 configured to εlidably seal to hollow female portion 192. The sliding connection is sealed with suitable O-rings 194, 195 disposed between the sliding surfaces. 0- ring 194 is affixed to male portion 190 and O-ring 195 is affixed to female portion 192. Thus, a double seal is provided. A single O-ring could be used if desired. Male portion 190 includes slot 196 configured to receive and retain protrusion 198. The mating of protrusion 198 in slot 196 limits the available sliding travel between male portion 190 and female portion 192 while allowing sliding width adjustment of bridge 188 to fit goggle 2 to a wide range of users. FIG. 18 illustrated the sliding relationship and seal provided by O-rings 194, 195.

Another alternative construction of an adjustable nose bridge with integral conduit is illustrated in FIG. 19. In this embodiment, male portion 200 is threadably connected to female - portion 202. Female portion 202 includes rotatable ring 204 sealed to female body 206 with O-ring 208 or suitable alternative. the amount of threaded engagement between ring 204 and male portion 200 adjusts the width of nose bridge 210. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed or illustrated, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments described are selected to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular purposes contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A goggle assembly adapted to be placed about a users head, comprising: a first eyepiece having a first lens coupled to a first perimeter rim, a flexible first bladder portion coupled to the first perimeter rim and shaped to substantially circumscribe a first eye socket of the user when worn by the user; and a second eyepiece having a second lens coupled to a second perimeter rim, a flexible second bladder portion coupled to the second perimeter rim and shaped to substantially circumscribe a second eye socket of the user when worn by the user.

2. The goggle of claim 1 further comprising: a nose bridge connecting the first and second eyepieces together; and means for retaining the first and second eyepieces about the users head under tension, wherein the first bladder portion is a sealed chamber enclosing a first medium and the second bladder portion is a sealed chamber independent of said first bladder portion and enclosing a second medium.

3. The goggle of claim 2 wherein the first and second medium is a gas.

4. The goggle of claim 2 wherein the first and second medium is a fluid.

5. The goggle of claim 1 wherein the first and second bladder portions each include a first and second ply of flexible material sealed together along their edges to form a generally tubular chamber.

6. The goggle of claim 5 further comprising a first layer of resilient foam material affixed to the first ply of flexible material.

7. The goggle of claim 6 further comprising and a second layer of resilient foam material affixed to the second ply in a sandwich construction.

8. The goggle of claim 1 wherein the first and second bladder portions are constructed of flexible material having a generally tubular shape, the first bladder portion including a slot configured to receive a portion of the first perimeter rim and having means providing a watertight seal between said first bladder portion and said first perimeter rim.

9. The goggle of claim 1 wherein the first and second bladder portions are constructed of flexible material having a generally tubular body, the first bladder portion including a protrusion extending away from said tubular body, the first rim including a receptacle adapted to receive said protrusion, the goggle further comprising means for providing a watertight seal between said first bladder portion and said first perimeter rim.

10. The goggle of claim 1 further comprising conduit connecting said first bladder portion to said and second bladder portion wherein medium contained in said first and second bladder portions is displaceable between the first and second bladder portions across said conduit.

11. The goggle of claim 1 wherein the medium is air, the goggle further comprising: means for pumping ambient air in said bladder, said pumping means coupled to the bladder; and means for venting the bladder, said venting means coupled to the bladder, wherein the pumping means can be actuated by the user to pump ambient air into the bladder and thereby expand said bladder between a first volume and a second volume.

12. The goggle of claim 10 wherein the conduit includes mating female and male portions, a sealing means therebetween, and means for connecting the male portion and female portion together whereby the male and female portions are movable relative to each other between a first position and a second position to thereby adjust a distance between the first and second eyepieces.

13. The goggle of claim 12 wherein the connecting means includes a threaded surface.

14. The goggle of claim 12 wherein the connecting means includes a sliding surface.

15. A goggle assembly adapted to be placed about a users head, the users head having first and second eye sockets, the assembly comprising: a first eyepiece having a first lens coupled to a first perimeter rim, the first perimeter rim shaped to circumscribe the first eye socket; a second eyepiece having a second lens coupled to a second perimeter rim, the second perimeter rim shaped to circumscribe the second eye socket; a variable volume bladder, said bladder including a first portion coupled to the first perimeter rim, a second portion coupled to the second perimeter rim and a conduit connecting the first and second portions together; and a medium disposed in said first portion and said second portion, wherein said medium can flow between the first and second portions through said conduit.

16. The goggle of claim 15 further comprising means for adjusting the volume of said medium contained in the first and second bladder portions.

17. The goggle of claim 16 wherein the adjusting means includes a finger actuated pump.

18. The goggle of claim 16 wherein the adjusting means includes a finger actuated eccentric cam.

19. The goggle assembly of claim 15 further comprising: means for pumping ambient air in said bladder, said pumping means coupled to the bladder; and means for venting the bladder, said venting means coupled to the bladder, wherein the pumping means can be actuated by the user to pump ambient air into the bladder and thereby expand said bladder between a first volume and a second volume.

20. The goggle of claim 19 wherein the pumping means is disposed on the first eyepiece and the venting means is disposed on the second eyepiece.

21. The goggle of claim 15 wherein the conduit is positioned between the first and second portions forming a bridge across the users nose.

22. The goggle of claim 15 further comprising a strap connected to the first and second eyepieces and configured to retain the goggle about the users head with tension, the conduit is positioned between the first and second portions adjacent said strap.

23. The goggle of claim 15 wherein the pumping means includes a first one way valve, a second one way valve and a resilient member forming a variable volume cavity therebetween, wherein air contained within the cavity is displaced through the first valve into the variable volume bladder upon application of a force on the resilient member and release of said force causes a vacuum to be formed within the cavity drawing ambient air into said cavity through the second valve.

24. The goggle of claim 15 wherein the venting means includes an outlet coupled to the bladder and a releasable seal on said outlet.

25. The goggle of claim 24 wherein the outlet includes a threaded post and the releasable seal includes a mating threaded receptacle having a gasket, wherein the receptacle can be threaded upon said post to seal the outlet.

26. The goggle of claim 1 further comprising: a reservoir containing a medium and coupled to the first portion, the reservoir including a displaceable wall movable between a first position and a second position to vary the volume of the reservoir between a first volume and a second volume; and means for controlling the volume of the reservoir.

27. The goggle assembly of claim 26 wherein the reservoir controlling means includes an eccentric cam member communicating with said movable wall along a cam surface wherein rotation of said cam drives the moveable wall between the first and second positions.

28. A goggle assembly adapted to be placed about a users head, having first and second eye sockets, the assembly comprising: a first eyepiece having a first lens coupled to a first perimeter rim, the first perimeter rim shaped to circumscribe the first eye socket; a second eyepiece having a second lens coupled to a second perimeter rim, the second perimeter rim shaped to circumscribe the second eye socket; a first variable volume bladder portion coupled to the first perimeter rim; a second variable volume bladder portion coupled to the second portion coupled to the second perimeter rim; a bridge connecting the first and second portions together; a first reservoir containing a medium and coupled to the first portion, the first reservoir including a displaceable wall movable between a first position and a second position to vary the volume of the first reservoir between a first volume and a second volume; and means for controlling the volume of the first reservoir, wherein the contents of the first reservoir are displaceable into said first portion.12

29. The goggle assembly of claim 28 wherein the reservoir control means includes an eccentric cam member communicating with said movable wall along a cam surface wherein rotation of said cam drives the moveable wall between the first and second positions thereby displacing medium in the reservoir into the first bladder portion.

30. The goggle assembly of claim 28 wherein the bridge includes a conduit connecting said first bladder portion to said second bladder portion together defining a sealable bladder cavity containing a medium, the medium in said bladder displaceable between the first and second bladders across said conduit.

31. The goggle of claim 28 wherein the medium is a gas.

32. The goggle of claim 28 wherein the medium is a viscous fluid.

33. The goggle assembly of claim 28 further comprising: a second reservoir containing a medium and coupled to the second portion, the second reservoir including a displaceable wall movable between a first position and a second position to vary the volume of the second reservoir between a first volume and a second volume; and means for controlling the volume of the second reservoir, wherein the contents of the first reservoir are displaceable into said second portion.

34. The goggle of claim 1 further comprising: means for pumping ambient air in said first bladder portion, wherein the first bladder portion pumping means can be actuated by the user to pump ambient air into the first bladder portion and thereby expand said first bladder portion between a first volume and a second volume. means for venting the first bladder portion; means for pumping ambient air in said second bladder portion, wherein the second bladder portion pumping means can be actuated by the user to pump ambient air into the second bladder portion and thereby expand said second bladder portion between a first volume and a second volume; and means for venting the second bladder portion.

34. The google of claim 33 wherein the first bladder portion pumping means and the first bladder portion venting means are .connected to the first eyepiece and the second bladder portion pumping means and the second bladder portion venting means are connected to the second eyepiece.