FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a swimming cap and goggles. In particular the present application relates to a swimming cap and goggles which facilitate their correct and secure fitting on the wearer's head.

BACKGROUND

The correct fitting of swimming caps is essential to ensure both the comfort of the wearer and optimum performance of the cap. Incorrectly fitted swimming caps can be uncomfortable, allow ingress of water and increase water resistance all of which are highly undesirable especially for competitive swimmers. Swimming caps are typically tight fitting and formed of plastic material having a high modulus of elasticity (e.g. silicone rubber) which makes them difficult to manoeuvre into the correct fitting position. Once the cap is in place on the wearer's head, it is often difficult for the wearer to check that the cap is correctly fitted without looking in a mirror.

Similarly, the correct fitting of swimming goggles is essential for comfort and to prevent ingress of water into the goggles which would impair the wearer's vision and thus compromise their performance. Correct positioning of the goggles over the eye sockets is reasonably easy to achieve as the shape of the goggles seals which fit around the eye and the shape of the nose bridge tend to bias the goggles into the correct position and a wearer can easily assess comfort and fit and make the necessary adjustments. What is more difficult to assess is the correct positioning of the head strap and an incorrect positioning can lead to discomfort and an insecure fitting. A secure fitting of the goggles is essential since an insecure fitting can lead to movement or even displacement of the goggles which is obviously highly undesirable.

It is therefore desirable to provide cap/goggles which can facilitate correct fitting of the cap and/or goggles on the wearer's head. It is also desirable to provide some way in which a secure fitting of the goggles can be achieved. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a combination of a swimming cap and swimming goggles wherein each of the cap and goggles comprises at least one respective tactile and/or visual position marker such that, in use, the cap and goggles position markers are aligned to ensure a correct wearing position of the cap and/or goggles on the wearer's head without there being any engagement between the cap and goggles.

By providing position markers which are aligned (e.g. vertically aligned with each other or aligned by overlaying one another) by the wearer, the wearer can ensure that the cap goggles is are fitted correctly. Preferably, the position markers are tactile position markers so that the wearer can ensure the cap/goggles is/are correctly fitted without the need for looking in a mirror. The wearer can use their hands to feel the tactile position markers and by ensuring that the markers are aligned, the wearer can be reassured that the cap/goggles is/are correctly positioned. No engagement connection is formed between the cap and goggles during the alignment of the position markers i.e. the goggles and cap are not secured to one another in any way. The term "engagement" encompasses both temporary engagement or connection e.g. by hook and loop connectors, and permanent connection or engagement e.g. as in the case of structurally integrated cap and goggles. Such connection or engagement is forbidden by FINA, the international governing body of swimming and other water sports.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a swimming cap comprising at least one tactile and/or visual position marker which, in use, is aligned with a respective at least one tactile and/or visual position marker on swimming goggles to ensure a correct wearing position of the swimming cap/goggles on a wearer's head without there being any engagement between the cap and goggles.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides swimming goggles comprising at least one tactile and/or visual position marker which, in use, is aligned with a respective at least one tactile and/or visual position marker on a swimming cap to ensure a correct wearing position of the swim cap/goggles on the wearer's head without there being any engagement between the cap and goggles.

The swimming cap and swimming goggles of the second and third aspect can be used in the combination of the first aspect. The following general description refers to all of the first to third aspects.

The position markers may have any geometric shape. The markers may be elongated (e.g. linear) or arrow-shaped (with the apex designating the point for alignment) since this facilitates vertical alignment of respective markers. Alternatively, when the markers are provided in locations presenting a limited space, e.g. on the goggles nose bridge or head strap, a more compact shape may be used such as a circular dot. Preferably, the or each position marker is a tactile position marker, preferably comprising a raised element or recessed element formed or provided on the surface of the cap/goggle. The raised element may be, for example, a bump or an elongated (e.g. linear) element ridge. It may be an arrow-head shape with the apex of the arrow-head designating the point to be aligned with the corresponding tactile position marker. Providing at least one of the tactile position markers as an elongated element/ridge or arrowhead assists with vertical alignment since it is easier for the wearer to feel that the elongated ridge/arrowhead is vertical when the cap/goggles is on place on the wearer's head.

In especially preferred embodiments, the cap tactile position marker is an arrow head or an elongated (e.g. linear) marker. Tactile position markers which are bumps or mounds e.g. circular bumps are useful in positions where space is minimal e.g. on the nose bridge of the swimming goggles. The cap position marker is preferably located on or extends to the forward edge of the swimming cap i.e. the edge which sits on the wearer's forehead in use. It is preferably located at or extends to the centre point of the forward edge such that in use. it is aligned with a position marker provided on the nose bridge of the goggles which is aligned with the centre line of the wearer's forehead. Alternatively or additionally, there may be position markers located to one side or both sides of the centre point of the forward edge e.g. for alignment with a one or two markers provided on a respective peripheral wall of a pair of lens portions, each peripheral wall extending to a peripheral edge which, in use, is in contact with the wearer's face (around a respective eye). A cap position marker may additionally or alternatively be located on or extend to the side edges of the swim cap i.e. the edges which sit adjacent the wearer's ears in use. Preferably, this position marker is provided such that, in use, it is aligned or overlaid with a position marker on the goggle head strap or strap support in the vicinity of the wearer's ears.

As explained above, the goggles position marker may be provided on one or more locations selected from the goggles nose bridge, head strap, head strap support and lens peripheral wall(s). A particularly preferred swimming cap and swimming goggle combination includes tactile position marker (e.g. a circular bump-shaped position marker) on the swimming goggle nose bridge and an tactile or visual position marker (e.g. an arrow-head shaped or linear position marker) on the centre point of the forward edge of the swimming cap in a position which sits on the centre line of the wearer's forehead. More than one position marker may be provided on each of the cap and goggle. For example, position markers could be provided at a plurality of positions selected from on the nose bridge, on one or both of the peripheral wall portions on the swimming goggle, and on the head strap or head strap support with corresponding position markers being provided at a plurality of positions selected from the centre point of the forward edge of the swimming cap, one or both skte(s) of the forward edge of the swimming cap (adjacent the centre point) and one or both sides of the side edges of the swim cap. The centre point of the forward edge is, in use, aligned with the centre line of the wearer's forehead.

Preferably, the surface of the swimming cap is free from projections and recesses other than that provided as the cap tactile position marker(s). The or each tactile position marker is preferably integral with the material forming the cap/goggle i.e. the tactile position marker is formed of the same material as the surface of the cap goggle on which it is located. For example, the swimming cap may be moulded from plastics material and the cap tactile position marker(s) can be formed of the same plastics material at the time of moulding. Similarly, the swimming goggle nose bridge or peripheral wall may also be formed of moulded plastic material and the goggle tactile position marker(s) can be formed of the same plastics material at the time of moulding. Preferably, in these cases, the tactile position markers will not be visually distinguishable from the surface of the cap/goggle other than by the visual impression given by the raised or recessed nature of the marker.

By forming the tactile position markers of the same material as the surface of the cap/goggle on which the marker is positioned, manufacture of the cap/goggle is facilitated. By providing a tactile position marker which is not visually distinguishable from the surface of the cap/goggle (other than as a result of its raised or recessed nature), the design of the cap/goggle can be kept neat and simple i.e. the tactile position markers do not detract from the design elements of the cap/goggle. In other embodiments, the tactile or visual position marker is not formed of the same material as the cap goggle. For example, the position marker may be painted on or affixed e.g. glued on or applied as a sticker. The paint or sticker may or may not form raised (i.e. tactile) markers. In some embodiments, the swimming cap may be formed at least partly of textile material and, if the position marker is provided on the fabric portion, the position marker may be formed as a line of stitching which may be raised (for tactile position markers) e.g. by using a bar tack stitch and which may be coloured to be visually prominent over the colour of the cap (for visual position markers) and which may be both raised and coloured. Alternatively, the position marker may be provided by printing onto the fabric e.g. using a Piastisol print

Preferably, the or each position marker is distinct from a constructional element of the cap/goggle i.e. the position marker is not inadvertently formed during the cap/goggle construction process e.g. the position markers are not a seam or join formed as part of the construction of the cap/goggle. Seams included in a textile material cap are preferably provided with additional stitching which contrasts with the colour of the textile material so that the stitching can be used as a visual position marker.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides swimming goggles comprising a pair of lens portions each having a peripheral wall extending to a peripheral edge which, in use, is in contact with the wearer's face (around the respective eye). Extending from or proximal to each peripheral edge is a respective upwardly extending tab which, in use, is overlaid by a forward edge of a swimming cap. Use of the term "upwardly'' is intended to define a direction which, in use, extends from the peripheral edge over the wearer's brow.

Preferably, the upwardly extending tabs are adapted such that, in use, they are flush with the wearer's brow. This allows the swimming cap to completely overlay the upwardly extending tabs with minimal protuberances caused by the tabs. Preferably, each peripheral wall comprises an inner and outer peripheral wail, the outer peripheral wall at least partially surrounding the inner peripheral wall. This provides an inner and outer peripheral edge and the upwardly extending tab extends from or proximal to the outer peripheral edge.

These tabs are provided such that, in use, they may be overlaid (preferably completely overlaid) by the forward edge of the swimming cap. This overlaying of the goggles tabs by the swimming cap helps secure the goggles against the wearer's face so that forces generated, for example, upon diving into the water, do not dislodge the goggles.

The extended tabs which are provided on the goggles also facilitate correct alignment between goggles and cap as the tabs may be dimensioned such that they are completely covered by the cap when the cap/goggles are correctly fitted. Preferably, the forward edge of the cap matches the contour of the peripheral edges from which the tabs extend such that there is a maximum overlaying of the extended tabs by the forward edge of the cap.

Preferably, the goggles of the fourth aspect include at least one visual or tactile position marker as described in relation to the first and third aspects.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the use of at least one tactile or visual position marker on one of a swim cap or swimming goggles for alignment with a respective at least one tactile or visual position marker on the other of the swimming cap or swimming goggles to ensure a correct fitting of the cap/goggles on the wearer's head without there being any engagement between the cap and goggles.

Preferably the swimming cap and swimming goggles is as described in relation to the second and third/fourth aspects.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method of ensuring a correct fit of a swimming cap/goggles on a wearer's head by providing each of the swimming cap and goggle with at least one respective tactile or visual position marker, positioning the cap and goggle on the wearer's head and aligning the tactile or visual position markers with each other without there being any engagement between the cap and goggles.

Preferably the swimming cap and swimming goggles are as described in relation to the second and third/fourth aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a swimming cap forming a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the tactile position marker of the first embodiment;

Figure 3 shows swimming goggles forming a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a rear view of one side of swimming goggles according to the second preferred embodiment; and Figure 5 shows an advantageous combination of the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a swimming cap 5 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The swim cap 5 comprises a cap body 6 and a forward edge 7 wNch, in use, sits on the wearer's forehead. The centre point of the forward edge 7 is provided with a tactile position marker 8 which takes the form of a raised arrow head. This is shown more clearly in Figure 2.

The cap body 6, forward edge 7 and the tactile position marker 8 are formed of the same material, in this case, silicone rubber. Accordingly the tactile position marker 7 is visually indistinct from the cap body/forward edge other than by virtue of its raised nature.

When the wearer fits the cap 5, the high modulus of elasticity makes it difficult to correctly position the cap. An incorrectly positioned cap can be uncomfortable and may even come off the wearer's head during swimming. An incorrectly fitted cap may wrinkle and increase water resistance as the swimmer moves through the water.

The tactile position marker 8 allows the wearer to ensure a correct fitting position by aligning the marker 8 with a corresponding goggles tactile position marker 8' of the wearer's swimming goggles 10 (shown in Figure 3). The wearer cannot see the position marker when the cap is on their head and hence has to feel its position with their hands. The apex 9 of the arrow head clearly identifies the point which should be aligned with the corresponding goggle tactile position marker 8'.

Figure 3 shows swimming goggles 10 according a second embodiment of the present invention. The swimming goggles 10 comprises a pair of lens portions 11 Joined by a nose bridge 12. The nose bridge includes a tactile position marker 8' which takes the form of a raised circular bump.

Both the nose bridge 12 and the tactile position marker 8' are formed of the same material, in this case, thermoplastic rubber (TPR). Accordingly the tactile position marker 8' is visually indistinct from the nose bridge 12 other than by virtue of its raised nature.

The tactile position marker 8' allows the wearer to ensure a correct fitting position of a swimming cap as shown in Figures 1 and 2 by aligning the marker 8' with the tactile position marker 8 on the swimming cap forward edge 7. The wearer cannot see the position markers when wearing the cap/goggles and hence has to feel their position with their hands. Each lens portion has an inner peripheral wall 13 extending to an Inner peripheral edge (shown in Figure 4) which, in use, forms a seal around a wearer's eye. Each inner peripheral wall is surrounded by an outer peripheral wall 14 which extends to a respective outer peripheral edge 15 which, in use, contacts the wearer's face just outside the eye sockets. Each outer peripheral edge 15 has an upwardly extending tab 16 which, in use, is overlaid by a forward edge of the swimming cap. The upwardly extending tabs 16 are formed at the outer side of the outer peripheral edge (i.e. on the area which, in use, is proximal the wearer's ears) but they could alternatively be provided on the inner side (i.e. the area which, in use, is proximal the wearer's nose). The upwardly extending tabs 16 extend such that, in use, they rest against the wearer's brows i.e. the term "upwards'' is used to designate a direction which, in use, extends from the peripheral edge over the wearer's brows.

These tabs are provided such that in use, they may be overlaid (preferably completely overlaid) by the forward edge of a swimming cap. This helps secure the goggles against the wearer's face so that forces generated, for example, upon diving into the water, do not dislodge the goggles.

Figure 5 shows an advantageous combination of the cap of the first embodiment and the goggles of the second embodiment of the present invention To obtain the correct positioning of the swimming cap 5, the wearer can ensure that the tactile position marker 8 on the cap forward edge 7 is vertically aligned with the tactile position marker 8' on the goggles nose bridge 12. The forward edge 7 of the cap 5 is formed to match the profile of the portion of the (outer) peripheral edge from which the upwardly extending tabs extend so that it can overlay completely the extended tabs 16 (as shown in 5). This provides maximum goggle security as the cap forward edge 7 helps to maintain the goggle in position even when they are subjected to considerable force such as when the wearer dives into water.

The skilled person will appreciate that the caps/goggle illustrated in the Figures and described above are examples embodying inventive concepts described herein and that many and various modifications can be made without departing from the invention.