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Title:
PHOTOCHROMIC SWIM GOGGLES STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2013/149338
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention describes swim goggles having a structure that include at least one photochromic material adapted to reversibly change appearance in proportion to intensity and duration of exposure to UV radiation, and to methods of manufacturing such swim goggles and photochromic swim goggle structures.

Inventors:
SHELDON BRENT (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/CA2013/050257
Publication Date:
October 10, 2013
Filing Date:
March 28, 2013
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
SHELDON BRENT (CA)
International Classes:
A63B33/00; B29D11/00
Foreign References:
US20100024098A12010-02-04
US20030214080A12003-11-20
US20070052922A12007-03-08
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT CANADA LLP/S.E.N.C.R.L., S.R.L. (1 place Ville-MarieMontreal, Québec H3B 1R1, CA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAI MS:

1. An elastomeric swim goggle structure comprising: a base having sealing areas connected to two base members joined together by a bridge portion, each of the base members having side end portions opposite the bridge portion and each of the base members is adapted for sealably mounting a lens, the structure being composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material reversibly changing appearance in proportion to intensity and duration of exposure to UV radiation, the at least one photochromic material is at least one of within the elastomeric material or coated onto an outer surface of the structure.

2. The elastomeric swim goggle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the two base members and the bridge portion are integrally formed.

3. The elastomeric swim goggle structure according to claim 1 , wherein each base members having a nose portion opposite the side end portion, the base members are joined by the nose bridge which is a nose strap interconnecting the nose portion of each base members.

4. The elastomeric swim goggle structure according to claim 3, wherein the nose strap is substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic materials.

5. The elastomeric swim goggle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one photochromic material is selected from the group consisting of a hexa-diyneoic acid, hepta- diyneoic acid; N-ethanol-hexa- diynamide, N-ethanol-hepta diynamide; hexa-diyn-ethylene diamide, hepta- diyn-ethylene diamide or combinations thereof.

6. The elastomeric swim goggle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of: styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends (TPOs), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), thermoplastic elastomers or thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic copolyesters and thermoplastic polyamides.

7. The elastomeric swim goggle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric material is at least one of silicon elastomer, neoprene and fluorosilicon elastomer.

8. The elastomeric swim goggle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of rubber, nitrile/butadiene rubber, silicon, fluorosilicon, polyvinylchloride, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) or combinations thereof.

9. Swim goggles comprising: an elastomeric structure including sealing areas connected to two base members joined together by a bridge portion, each base members having side end portions opposite the bridge portion and are adapted for sealably mounting a lens, the structure is composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material reversibly changing appearance in proportion to intensity and duration of exposure to UV radiation, the at least one photochromic material is at least one of within the elastomeric material or coated onto an outer surface of the structure; a lens sealably mounted in each base members; and a head strap interconnecting the side ends of the base members for securing the swim goggles to a wearer's face.

10. The swim goggles according to claim 9, wherein the two base members and the bridge portion are integrally formed.

11. The swim goggles according to claim 9, wherein each base members having a nose portion opposite the side end portion, the base members are joined by the nose bridge which is a nose strap interconnecting the nose portion of each base members.

12. The swim goggles according to claim 11 , wherein the nose strap is substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic materials.

13. The swim goggles according to claim 9, wherein the head strap is substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic materials.

14. The swim goggles according to claim 9, wherein the lens comprises the at least one photochromic material.

15. The elastomeric swim goggle structure according to claim 9, wherein the at least one photochromic material is selected from the group consisting of a hexa-diyneoic acid, hepta- diyneoic acid; N-ethanol-hexa- diynamide, N-ethanol-hepta diynamide; hexa-diyn-ethylene diamide, hepta- diyn-ethylene diamide or combinations thereof.

16. The elastomeric swim goggle structure according to claim 9, wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of: styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends (TPOs), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), thermoplastic elastomers or thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic copolyesters and thermoplastic polyamides.

17. The elastomeric swim goggle structure according to claim 9, wherein the elastomeric material is at least one of silicon elastomer, neoprene and fluorosilicon elastomer.

18. The elastomeric swim goggle structure according to claim 9, wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of rubber, nitrile/butadiene rubber, silicon, fluorosilicon, polyvinylchloride, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) or combinations thereof.

19. A method for manufacturing swim goggles, the swim goggles comprising an elastomeric structure including sealing areas connected to two base members joined together by a bridge portion, each base members having side end portions opposite the bridge portion and are adapted for sealably mounting a lens, the method comprising the steps of: providing a molding device for molding the swim goggles; preparing an elastomeric composition comprising an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material; placing a pair of lens in the molding device; integrally forming the two base members joined together by a bridge portion of the elastomeric composition in a molding process using the molding device such that each base members are sealably mounted to one of the pair of lens; curing the two base members joined together by a bridge portion in the molding device to form the elastomeric structure with the base members and the bridge portion being substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material; forming a head strap; and interconnecting the head strap to the side ends of the base members for securing the swim goggles to a wearer's face.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of integrally forming the two base members joined together by a bridge portion of the elastomeric composition further comprises the sealing areas connected to each of the two base members.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of forming the sealing areas; and connecting the sealing areas to each of the two base members.

22. A method for manufacturing swim goggles, the swim goggles comprising an elastomeric structure including sealing areas connected to two base members joined together by a bridge portion, each base members having a side end portion and a nose portion opposite the side end portion and are adapted for sealably mounting a lens, the method comprising the steps of: providing a molding device for molding the swim goggles; preparing an elastomeric composition comprising an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material; placing a pair of lens in the molding device; forming the two base members of the elastomeric composition in a molding process using the molding device such that each base members are sealably mounted to one of the pair of lens; curing the two base members in the molding device to form the elastomeric structure with the base members being substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material; forming a nose strap; interconnecting the nose strap to the nose portion of each base members; forming a head strap; and interconnecting the head strap to the side ends of the base members for securing the swim goggles to a wearer's face.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of forming the two base members of the elastomeric composition further comprises the sealing areas connected to each of the two base members.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of forming the sealing areas; and connecting the sealing areas to each of the two base members.

Description:
PHOTOCHROM IC SWI M GOGGLES STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

Field of the Invention

The present relates to swim goggles having a structure that include a photochromic material and to methods of manufacturing such swim goggles and photochromic swim goggle structures.

Background

There is an increasing concern over excessive skin exposure to UV radiation. There is a need for a means by which an individual can monitor their UV exposure, or for a parent to monitor the exposure of UV of their child.

Many methods of UV detection are available. However, in most known swim goggles, regardless of their material, none combines a photochromic material with the elastomeric materials of swim goggles for UV detection.

SUM MARY

It is therefore an object to provide a photochromic swim goggle structure which is particularly adapted to reversibly change appearance in proportion to intensity and duration of exposure to UV radiation.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elastomeric swim goggle structure comprising a base having sealing areas connected to two base members joined together by a bridge portion, each of the base members having side end portions opposite the bridge portion and each of the base members is adapted for sealably mounting a lens, the structure being composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material reversibly changing appearance in proportion to intensity and duration of exposure to UV radiation, the at least one photochromic material is at least one of within the elastomeric material or coated onto an outer surface of the structure.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided swim goggles comprising: an elastomeric structure including sealing areas connected to two base members joined together by a bridge portion, each base members having side end portions opposite the bridge portion and are adapted for sealably mounting a lens, the structure is composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material reversibly changing appearance in proportion to intensity and duration of exposure to UV radiation, the at least one photochromic material is at least one of within the elastomeric material or coated onto an outer surface of the structure; a lens sealably mounted in each base members; and a head strap interconnecting the side ends of the base members for securing the swim goggles to a wearer's face.

In accordance with still an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elastomeric swim goggle structure comprising a sealing area connected to a base, the base having opposite side end portions and the base member is adapted for sealably mounting a lens, the structure being composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material reversibly changing appearance in proportion to intensity and duration of exposure to UV radiation, the at least one photochromic material is at least one of within the elastomeric material or coated onto an outer surface of the base.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided swim goggles comprising an elastomeric structure including a sealing area connected to a base member, the base member having opposite side end portions and is adapted for sealably mounting a lens, the structure is composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material reversibly changing appearance in proportion to intensity and duration of exposure to UV radiation, the at least one photochromic material is at least one of within the elastomeric material or coated onto an outer surface of the structure; a lens sealably mounted in the base member; and a head strap interconnecting the side ends of the base for securing the swim goggles to a wearer's face.

In accordance with still an aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggle described herein, the sealing areas are removable.

In accordance with yet an aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggle described herein, the base and the sealing areas are substantially composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material adapted for reversibly altering its color upon exposure to ultraviolet radiations.

In accordance with yet an aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggle described herein, the base is substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the sealing areas are substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material as defined above.

In accordance with another aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggles described herein, the two base members and the bridge portion are integrally formed.

In accordance with yet another aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggles described herein, each base members having a nose portion opposite the side end portion, the base members are joined by the nose bridge which is a nose strap interconnecting the nose portion of each base members.

In accordance with still another aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggles described herein, the nose strap is substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic materials.

In accordance with yet still another aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggles described herein, the at least one photochromic material is selected from the group consisting of a hexa-diyneoic acid, hepta-diyneoic acid; N-ethanol-hexa-diynamide, N-ethanol- hepta diynamide; hexa-diyn-ethylene diamide, hepta-diyn-ethylene diamide or combinations thereof.

In accordance with a further aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggles described herein, the elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of: styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends (TPOs), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), thermoplastic elastomers or thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic copolyesters and thermoplastic polyamides.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggles described herein, the elastomeric material is at least one of silicon elastomer, neoprene and fluorosilicon elastomer.

In accordance with still a further aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggles described herein, the elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of rubber, nitrile/butadiene rubber, silicon, fluorosilicon, polyvinylchloride, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) or combinations thereof.

In accordance with another aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggles described herein, two or more photochromic materials may be further combined with a non-photochromic material to impart color to the swim goggle structure under light conditions which would not activate any of the photochromic materials or to tint or modify one or more of the colors imparted by one or more activated photochromic material.

In accordance with yet another aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggles described herein, a UV absorber masking layer may be applied over the swim goggle structure.

In accordance with still yet another aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggles described herein, the UV absorber masking layer may have separate portions, each of which may have a different concentration of a UV absorber than the others. In accordance with a further aspect of each of the swim goggle structure and the swim goggles described herein, a known amount of UV absorber in a portion of the UV absorber masking layer corresponds to a known amount of UV radiation absorbed.

In accordance with yet an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing swim goggles, the swim goggles comprising an elastomeric structure including sealing areas connected to two base members joined together by a bridge portion, each base members having side end portions opposite the bridge portion and are adapted for sealably mounting a lens, the method comprising the steps of: providing a molding device for molding the swim goggles; preparing an elastomeric composition comprising an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material; placing a pair of lens in the molding device; integrally forming the two base members joined together by a bridge portion of the elastomeric composition in a molding process using the molding device such that each base members are sealably mounted to one of the pair of lens; curing the two base members joined together by a bridge portion in the molding device to form the elastomeric structure with the base members and the bridge portion being substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material; forming a head strap; and interconnecting the head strap to the side ends of the base members for securing the swim goggles to a wearer's face.

In accordance with still aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing swim goggles, the swim goggles comprising an elastomeric structure including sealing areas connected to two base members joined together by a bridge portion, each base members having a side end portion and a nose portion opposite the side end portion and are adapted for sealably mounting a lens, the method comprising the steps of: providing a molding device for molding the swim goggles; preparing an elastomeric composition comprising an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material; placing a pair of lens in the molding device; forming the two base members of the elastomeric composition in a molding process using the molding device such that each base members are sealably mounted to one of the pair of lens; curing the two base members in the molding device to form the elastomeric structure with the base members being substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material; forming a nose strap; interconnecting the nose strap to the nose portion of each base members; forming a head strap; and interconnecting the head strap to the side ends of the base members for securing the swim goggles to a wearer's face.

In accordance with an aspect of each of the methods for manufacturing swim goggles described herein, the step of forming the two base members of the elastomeric composition further comprises the sealing areas connected to each of the two base members. In accordance with still another aspect of each of the methods for manufacturing swim goggles described herein, the methods further comprising the step of forming the sealing areas; and connecting the sealing areas to each of the two base members.

In accordance with a further aspect of each of the methods for manufacturing swim goggles, the elastomeric composition is entirely composed of the elastomeric material thereby forming a swim goggle structure entirely composed of the elastomeric material. The methods further comprises the steps of applying a layer of polymeric film having at least one photochromic material dissolved or suspended therein to a surface of the swim goggle structure and then heating the film near to but below the melting point of the at least one photochromic material for a time sufficient to incorporate the photochromic material into the surface layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by way of illustration particular embodiments of the present invention and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a pair of goggles according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a pair of goggles according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view across line 2-2 of the goggles of Fig. 1 and 2;

Fig.4 is a block diagram of a method for manufacturing the swim goggle of Fig. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure; and

Fig.5 is a block diagram of a method for manufacturing the swim goggle of Fig. 2 in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Fig. 1 , swim goggles 20 of the present disclosure includes a swim goggle structure 30 substantially composed of an elastomeric material, where "substantially" means that at least a majority (i.e. at least 50% by weight) of swim goggle structure 30 is composed of the elastomeric material. The term "elastomeric material" as used herein is understood to refer to any suitable elastomeric material which may be used for the purposes of a swim goggle structure. The elastomeric material as defined herein includes thermoplastic elastomers or thermoplastic rubbers (TPR) which are a class of copolymers or a physical mix of polymers (usually a plastic and a rubber) which consist of materials with both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. Suitable elastomeric material will be further described below.

Referring back to Fig. 1 , the swim goggles structure 30 comprises a base 32. More particularly, the base 32 includes two base members 34,36 joined together by a bridge portion 38, each base members 34,36 having side end portions 40,42 opposite the bridge portion 38 and are adapted for sealably mounting a lens 44,46. The expression "sealably mounting" as used herein is understood to refer to the base members 34,36 defining slots respectively for mounting the lenses 44,46 and the members 34,36 are formed integrally around a periphery of the lenses 44,46 and thereby sealing the goggles to the wearer's face and/or sealing the lenses 44,46 so as to protect the wearer's eyes from water, thus the sealing resists water entry. The base members comprises sealing areas 70 connected to each of the base members 34, 36 for sealing the goggles 20 to the person wearing the goggles 20. It is understood that the each of the sealing areas 70 may be connected to the base by any suitable means known in the art with respect to swim goggles. Alternatively, each of the sealing areas 70 may be removable (i.e. detachable from each of the base members 34,36) to permit, for example, their replacement or to access the lens 44,46 for maintenance purpose or their replacement if needed. The base 32 and the sealing areas 70 are substantially composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material. The term "photochromic material" as used herein is understood to refer to any suitable material adapted for reversibly altering its color upon exposure to ultraviolet radiations. In an alternate embodiment, the base 32 is substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the sealing areas 70 are substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material as defined above.

The expression " reversibly alter its color" or "reversibly change appearance" means that the photochromic material reversibly changing color is transiting, for example, from a first possibly color state to a second possibly color state upon exposition to UV radiation and back to the first possibly color state upon reversed.

However, in an alternate embodiment which will be further discussed below, the structure 30 may be entirely composed of the elastomeric material and a surface thereof may be coated in part or in its entirety with a coating composition comprising at least one photochromic material.

As shown in Figure 1 , the two base members 34,36, the sealing areas 70 and the bridge portion 38 are integrally formed. The term "integrally formed" as used herein is understood to refer to the sealing areas and the bridge portion being formed with material common to the base members, and the connection having no mechanical joints. The swim goggles 20 also includes a head strap 48 interconnecting the side ends portions 40,42 of the base members 34, 36 for securing the swim goggles 20 to a wearer's face. The strap 48 is substantially composed of the elastomeric material. The head strap 48 may also be made of any other suitable material for the purposes of a swim goggle structure. It is understood that the head strap 48 may interconnect the side ends portions 40,42 by any suitable means known in the art. As shown in Figure 1 , the head strap 48 is looped in channels 60,62 of the side ends portions 40,42, respectively. The head strap 48 has a fastener 63 to allow the tightness of the head strap 48 to be adjusted about the person's head. In at least one embodiment not shown, the head strap 48 may be attached to a fastener at the side ends portions 40,42, respectively.

In at least on embodiment, the head strap 48 may be also composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material. In at least another embodiment, structure 30 and the head strap 48 may be integrally formed. Turning now to Figure 2, the swim goggle structure 130 of the swim goggles 120 comprises two base members 134, 136. Each base members 134, 136 has a nose portion 152, 154 and a side end portion 140, 142 opposite the nose portion 152, 154. The base members 134, 136 are joined by a nose strap 150 interconnecting the nose portion 152, 154 of each base member 134, 136. It is understood that the nose strap 150 may interconnect the nose portion 152, 154 by any suitable means known in the art. In at least one embodiment, each of the nose portions 152, 154 provide releasable anchor means engageable with one of the opposite end portions 156, 158 of the nose strap 150 respectively.

Each base member 134, 136 is sealably mounting a lens 144, 146. Each of the base member 134, 136 comprises sealing areas 170 connected to each of the base members 134, 136 for sealing the goggles 120 to the person wearing the goggles 120. In at least an embodiment, each of the sealing areas 170 may be removable (i.e. detachable from each of the base members 134, 136) to permit, for example, their replacement or to access the lens 144, 146 for maintenance purpose or their replacement if needed.

The base members 134, 136 and the sealing areas 170 are substantially composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material. In an alternate embodiment, the base members 134, 136 are substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the sealing areas 170 are substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material as defined above.

In at least one embodiment which will be further discussed below, the structure 130 may be entirely composed of the elastomeric material and a surface thereof may be coated in part or in its entirety with a coating composition comprising at least one photochromic material.

In at least another embodiment, the nose strap 150 is substantially composed of the same elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic materials. In an alternate embodiment, the nose strap 150 may be made of any other suitable material for the purposes of a swim goggle structure. Preferably, the nose strap may be made of a rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone or fluorosilicone elastomer. In at least an embodiment, the nose strap is made of synthetic rubber, such as, for example neoprene.

The swim goggles 120 also includes a head strap 148 interconnecting the side ends portions 140, 142 of the base members 134, 136 for securing the swim goggles 120 to a wearer's face as in Figure 1. Accordingly, it is understood that the head strap 148 may interconnect the side ends portions 140, 142 by any suitable means known in the art. The head strap 148 may be attached to openings 160, 162 at the side ends portions 140, 142, respectively as shown in Figure 1.

In at least on embodiment, the head strap 148 may be composed of the elastomeric material and optionally the at least one photochromic material. The head strap 48 may also be made of any other suitable material for the purposes of a swim goggle structure. In at least another embodiment, structure 130 and the head strap 148 may be integrally formed.

In at least an embodiment not shown, the swim goggles of the present disclosure may comprises a base having opposite side end portions and is adapted for sealably mounting a lens. The expression "sealably mounting" as used herein as the same meaning as defined previously. The base comprises a sealing area connected to the base for sealing the goggles to the person wearing the goggles. It is understood that the sealing area may be connected to the base by any suitable means known in the art with respect to swim goggles. The swim goggles also includes a head strap interconnecting the opposite side ends portions of the base for securing the swim goggles to a wearer's face.

In another embodiment, the sealing area may be removable as described previously. The base and the sealing area are substantially composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material adapted for reversibly altering its color upon exposure to ultraviolet radiations. In an alternate embodiment, the base is substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the sealing area is substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material as defined above.

In at least one embodiment, the elastomeric material are selected from the group consisting of: styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends (TPOs), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), thermoplastic elastomers or thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic copolyesters and thermoplastic polyamides. In a preferred embodiment, the base or base members is/are produced of silicon elastomer or fluorosilicon elastomer. Other possible materials for the base or base members are rubber, nitrile/butadiene rubber, silicon, fluorosilicon, polyvinylchloride, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) or combinations thereof. In at least another embodiment, the preferred elastomeric material may be combined with one of a variety of photochromic materials that has previously not been compounded due to believed incompatibility with the referenced elastomers. Suitable photochromic materials include those selected from the group consisting of anthraquinones, naphtopyrans, phhalocyanines, spiro-oxazines, chromenes, pyrans including spiro-pyrans and fulgides. Suitable photochromic molecules also include but are not limited to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5, 882,556 Mar. 16, 1999 to Perrott et al. which is specifically incorporated by reference herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the photochromic materials of the present invention are selected from the group consisting of conjugate amide, acid, alcohol diacetylenes, or diynes of less than 8 carbons or less than 10 carbons in length, however longer carbon chains can also be used. Preferably the conjugated diacetylenes are between 6 and 7 carbons in length.

In a preferred embodiment the photochromic material combined with the elastomeric resin to produce a swim goggle structure 30, 130 are selected from the group consisting of a hexa- or hepta- diyneoic acid; N-ethanol-hexa- or N-ethanol-hepta diynamide; and hexa- or hepta- diyn- ethylene diamide or combinations thereof. The length of these photochromic agents is such that they combine unexpectedly with the preferred elastomeric resin of the base described above and overcome the problem of mixing/compounding of elastomeric resin and photochromic material or die of the prior art. The step of preparing the elastomeric composition is understood herein as mixing or/and blending/compounding the elastomer/photochromic formulations typically in a molten state. In a preferred embodiment the formulation includes less than or equal to 5 weight% photochromic material as a % weight of the formulation. In a more preferred embodiment the formulation includes 2 weight% or less photochromic material as a % weight of the formulation. In a particularly preferred embodiment the formulation is made of 1 weight% or less photochromic material as a % weight of the formulation.

In a preferred embodiment the photochromic material is a hexa- or hepta- diyneoic acid and combined with at least one of silicon and fluorosilicon. I n another preferred embodiment the photochromic material is selected from N-ethanol-hexa- or N-ethanol-hepta diynamide; and hexa- or hepta- diyn-ethylene diamide or combinations thereof combined with nitrile/butadiene rubber, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) or combinations thereof, where EPDM is particularly preferred.

In a preferred embodiment, the photochromic material of the coating composition to be coated on the surface of the structure 30, 130 in part or in its entirety are as defined above. In a particularly preferred embodiment that reduces the amount of photochromic material only the side end portions 40,42 opposite the bridge portion include the photochromic material. Each lens 44,46, 144, 146 is anchored or embedded into the base members 34,36, 134, 136. The lens 44,46, 144, 146 is sealed in the hermetically so that water does not enter between the lens 44,46, 144, 146 and the base members 34,36, 134, 136. To minimize water enter in the sealing area 70, 170 between the base members 34,36, 134, 136 and the person wearing the goggles 20, 120. As shown in Figure 3, the sealing area 70, 170 is made with a gap 72, 172 that compresses to better seal the goggles 20, 120 to the person wearing the goggles 20, 120. In at least one embodiment, the lens 44,46, 144, 146 may also include a photochromic material that alter its color when exposed to UV radiation. Forming of the lens 44,46, 144, 146 comprising a photochromic material may be done by a variety of different ways familiar to those in the arts.

Figure 3 illustrates a possible orientation for the sealing area 70, 170 and the gap 72, 172 in a generally parabolic shape that compresses to the wearer sealing the goggles 20, 120 at two point on the outer and inner surfaces of the lens 44,46, 144, 146.

In at least one embodiment, the structure 30, 130 may be entirely composed of the elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material can be infused or permeated into the entire swim goggle structure 30, 130 or into a surface layer portion of the swim goggle structure 30, 130. The photochromic material can be brought into contact with a surface or surfaces of the elastomeric swim goggle structure 30, 130 to accomplish its permeation therein by various methods including, but not limited to, coating a solution containing at least one photochromic material onto the surface of the elastomeric swim goggle structure 30, 130, applying a layer of polymeric film having the photochromic material dissolved or suspended therein to the surface of the swim goggle structure 30, 130 and then heating the film near to but below the melting point of the photochromic material for a time sufficient to incorporate the photochromic material into the surface layer.

Other ingredients may be included in the coating composition such as the at least one photochromic material includes ultraviolet light stabilizers and anti-oxidants to prolong the life of the photochromic material.

In at least a further embodiment, two or more photochromic materials may be used in order to achieve two or more colored effects. For example, one photochromic material may be selected to reversibly alter its color under certain light conditions while another photochromic material may also be added to reversibly alter its color under different light conditions. Thus, the swim goggle structure 30, 130 would have one color under the first light conditions and another, different color under different light conditions. The two or more photochromic materials may be further combined with a non-photochromic material to impart color to the swim goggle structure 30, 130 under light conditions which would not activate any of the photochromic materials or to tint or modify one or more of the colors imparted by one or more activated photochromic material. In at least another embodiment not shown, a UV absorber masking layer may be applied over the swim goggle structure 30, 130 coated with at least one photochromic material. In an alternate embodiment, the UV absorber masking layer may also be applied over the swim goggle structure 30, 130 composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material. The UV absorber masking layer may have separate portions, each of which may have a different concentration of a UV absorber than the others. As will be appreciated by the skilled practitioner, regions of the photochromic material coating or region of the swim goggle structure 30, 130 composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material that are covered by portions of the UV absorber masking layer that have a greater concentration of the UV absorber will take longer to reversibly alter its color upon exposure to ultraviolet.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the separate portions of the UV absorber masking layer is a gradient analog portion wherein the UV absorber is present in progressively greater concentration. Remaining portions of the UV absorber masking layer have a uniform density of UV absorber. Each of the remaining portions of the UV absorber masking layer has a higher concentration of UV absorber than in the gradient portion with the one of the remaining portions of the masking layer having a higher concentration than the other remaining portions of the UV absorber masking layer. The UV absorbent gradient and remaining portions of the UV absorber masking layers may each be calibrated to a specific UV index range. The remaining portions of the masking layers would be indicators of caution and danger respectively.

As may be appreciated, the respective concentrations of UV absorber in the UV absorber masking layer function selectively to adjust the response time of the photochromic material. So, for example, a UV absorber may absorb UV radiation, thereby decreasing the amount of radiation reaching the photochromic material. The more UV radiation absorbed by a portion of the UV absorber masking layer, the more sunlight necessary to cause the photochromic material to reversibly alter its color. Therefore, the more UV absorber a portion of the UV absorber masking layer contains, the greater the exposure to sunlight required to produce a color change in the swim goggle structure 30, 130.

As used herein, the term UV absorber refers to a substance that absorbs radiation having a wavelength of from about 230 nanometers (nm) to about 365 nm. For example, ethyl cellulose is a UV absorber. A UV absorber masking layer 2 mils thick, comprising ethylcellulose, transmits only about 40% of light having a wavelength of 260 nm. The amount of UV absorber present in a portion of the UV absorber masking layer affects the response time of a region of the swim goggle structure 30, 130 covered by that portion of the UV absorber masking layer. The more UV absorber present in a portion of the UV absorber masking layer, the more exposure to sunlight necessary to reach the swim goggle structure 30, 130 and cause the photochromic material to reversibly change color. A known amount of UV absorber in a portion of the UV absorber masking layer corresponds to a known amount of UV radiation absorbed. Because the photochromic material reversibly changes color only after exposure to a known amount of sunlight, the amount of exposure required for a color change in a specific region of the swim goggle structure 30, 130 can be manipulated by selecting the amount of UV absorber in a corresponding portion of the masking layer.

For example, where a first portion of the masking layer comprises a first amount of the UV absorber, the photochromic material in a corresponding first region of the swim goggle structure 30, 130 could be made to change color after an exposure of about 25 mvV/m 2 In contrast, where a second portion of the masking layer comprises a second, higher amount of the UV absorber, the photochromic material in a corresponding second region of the swim goggle structure 30, 130 could be made to change color after an exposure of about 70 mvV/m 2 The following table 1 shows the possible threshold levels of UV radiation that are indicated by the swim goggle structure 30, 130 of the invention.

Table 1

Adjustments in the amount of radiation absorbed in select portions of the UV absorber masking layer can be made by adjusting the thickness of those portions of the UV absorber masking layer or by adding additional UV absorber to those portions of the UV absorber masking layer. Examples of suitable UV absorber that absorb UV radiation include light stabilizers such as benzophenones, benzotriazoles, and triazines. The mixture used to form the masking layer may further comprise solvents, binders, surfactants, viscosity control agents, polymers, and the like.

Referring now to Fig. 4, a block diagram of a method 80 for manufacturing the swim goggle structure 30 of Fig. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. In the method 80, a swim goggle structure 30 being substantially composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material adapted for reversibly changing appearance in proportion to intensity and duration of exposure to UV radiation is manufactured. The swim goggle structure 30 of the swim goggle 20 is as described above. In step 82 of the manufacturing method 80, a molding device for molding the swim goggles structure 30 is provided;

In step 84, an elastomeric composition comprising an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material is being prepared;

In step 86, a pair of lens 44,46 is placed in the molding device;

In step 88, at least the sealing areas 70 connected to each of the base members 34,36 joined together by a bridge portion 38 are formed of the elastomeric composition in a molding process using the molding device such that each base members 34,36 are sealably mounted to one of the pair of lens 44,46;

In step 90, the sealing areas 70 connected to each of the base members 34,36 joined together by a bridge portion 38 formed in the molding device are cured to form the elastomeric structure with the sealing areas 70 connected to each of the base members 34, 36 and the bridge portion 38 being substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material;

In step 92, at least forming a head strap 48; and

In step 94, the head strap 48 is interconnected to the side ends 40,42 of the base members 34,36 for securing the swim goggles 20 to a wearer's face.

In an alternate embodiment not shown, the sealing areas 70 may be formed separately and connected to each of the base members 34,36 in a subsequent step;

In another embodiment of the method 80, the step 88 may also included the head strap

48.

Referring now to Fig. 5, a block diagram of a method 100 for manufacturing the swim goggle structure 130 of Fig. 2 in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. In the method 100, a swim goggle structure 130 being substantially composed of an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material adapted for reversibly changing appearance in proportion to intensity and duration of exposure to UV radiation is manufactured. The swim goggle structure 130 of the swim goggle 120 is as described above.

In step 102 of the manufacturing method 100, a molding device for molding the swim goggles structure 130 is provided;

In step 104, an elastomeric composition comprising an elastomeric material and at least one photochromic material is being prepared; In step 106, a pair of lens 144, 146 is placed in the molding device;

In step 108, at least the sealing areas 170 connected to each of the two base members 134, 136 are formed of the elastomeric composition in a molding process using the molding device such that each base members 134, 136 are sealably mounted to one of the pair of lens 144, 146;

In step 1 10, the sealing areas 170 connected to each of the two base members 134, 136 formed in the molding device are cured to form the elastomeric structure with the sealing areas 170 connected to each of the base members 134, 136 being substantially composed of the elastomeric material and the at least one photochromic material;

In step 1 12, a nose strap 150 is formed;

In step 1 14, the nose strap 150 is interconnected to the nose portion 152, 154 of each base members 134, 136;

In step 1 16, a head strap 148 is formed; and

In step 1 18, the head strap 148 is interconnected to the side ends 140, 142 of the base members 134, 136 for securing the swim goggles 120 to a wearer's face.

In an alternate embodiment not shown, the sealing areas 170 may be formed separately and connected to each of the two base members 134, 136 in a subsequent step;

In another embodiment of the method 100, the step 108 may also included the head strap

148.

In an alternate method, the swim goggle structure 30, 130 may be manufactured by extrusion by adding at least one photochromic material to an extrudable elastomer material which combination is then extruded into a plastic sheet which is then formed into the swim goggle structure 30, 130. The head strap 48, 148 may also similarly be manufactured by extrusion.

In an alternate embodiment not shown, the elastomeric composition of method 80, 100 may be entirely composed of the elastomeric material thereby forming a swim goggle structure 30, 130 entirely composed of the elastomeric material. The alternate embodiment further comprises a step of applying a layer of polymeric film having the at least one photochromic material dissolved or suspended therein to a surface of the swim goggle structure 30, 130 in part or in its entirety and then heating the film near to but below the melting point of the at least one photochromic material for a time sufficient to incorporate the photochromic material into the surface layer. Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that the scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.