US4776045A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Swimming goggles including a timing device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1987-10-09
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Granted: 1988-10-11
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Expires: 2007-10-09
Abstract
Abstract A pair of swim goggles is provided which incorporates a timing device with a visual display in the swimmer's field of vision and automatic actuation upon contact with water. A lens allows the wearer to read the display located near the eye. A preferred embodiment incorporates this lens into the corner contour of the eye shield. Other embodiments provide the lens, timing device, display, power and related circuitry in a module insertable in an opening in one eye covering. The timing device can assist a swimmer in pacing and measuring elapsed time, in both recreational and competitive swimming.
Inventors
- 👤 Jo Mysliwiec
- 👤 Ted J. Ellis, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 13:51
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/01; G02B27/017; A; A63; A63B; A63B33/00; A63B33/002; A63B33/004; G02B27/0172; G02B27/0176; A63B71/00; A63B71/06; A63B71/0619; A63B2071/0658; A63B2071/0661; A63B2071/0666; A63B71/0622; A63B71/0686; G02B2027/0178; G02B27/0179; G02B2027/0181
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 30
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
A pair of goggles for use by a swimmer comprising: an eye covering; visual display means for indicating elapsed time mounted on said eye covering in the swimmer's field of vision out of the swimmer's usual line of sight; a lens means for creating a readable image of said display means; and an autostart means for actuating said visual display means in response to environmental conditions common to swimming.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
A pair of goggles for use by a swimmer comprising: an eye covering; visual display means for indicating elapsed time mounted on said eye covering in the swimmer's field of vision out of the swimmer's usual line of sight; a lens means for creating a readable image of said display means; and an autostart means for actuating said visual display means in response to environmental conditions common to swimming.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The goggles of claim 1 wherein said autostart means is actuated by contact with water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The goggles of claim 2 wherein said visual display means includes a timing device incorporated as a modular unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The goggles of claim 2 wherein said autostart means and said visual display means are incorporated into a timing module including a retrigger prevention means for continued operation and a power source for said timing module.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The goggles of claim 1 wherein said autostart means includes a conductivity-type sensor, associated electronic circuitry, a retrigger prevention means allowing the timing device to continue operation when the swimmer's head comes out of the water, and power means for the display.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The goggles of claim 1 wherein said lens means includes a lens which creates a virtual image of said display means, making said display means appear to be at wearer's near point or beyond the near point.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The goggles of claim 6 wherein said lens means is integrally formed in said eye shield.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The goggles of claim 7 wherein said visual display means is detachable from said goggles.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The goggles of claim 7 wherein said autostart means includes a plurality of metal contacts separated by an insulator and started upon contact with water.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The goggles of claim 9 wherein said autostart device is incorporated on a surface of said timing module.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The goggles of claim 10 wherein a power source is made as part of said visual display means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The goggles of claim 10 wherein a power source is attached to said goggles distant from said eye shield.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
66 words
Swim goggles comprising: an eye covering; a timing means for measuring elapsed time combined with a lens as a module; said eye covering including an opening in said eye covering out of wearer's usual line of sight, in wearer's field of vision; and said module constructed to be insertable into said opening and including sealing means about said module for preventing water from entering the goggles.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
66 words
Swim goggles comprising: an eye covering; a timing means for measuring elapsed time combined with a lens as a module; said eye covering including an opening in said eye covering out of wearer's usual line of sight, in wearer's field of vision; and said module constructed to be insertable into said opening and including sealing means about said module for preventing water from entering the goggles.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The goggles of claim 13 wherein said module includes: a display means for displaying elapsed time; a lens means for assistance in reading said display means; and an actuation means for starting said timing means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The goggles of claim 14 wherein said actuation means is activated by contact with water.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The goggles of claim 13 wherein said module is adjustable for variations in the swimmer's eye capabilities.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The goggles of claim 15 wherein a retrigger prevention circuit allows the timing device to continue to operate when the actuation means moves out of the water.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The goggles of claim 15 wherein said module is mounted at an outside corner of the eye covering of the goggles.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
76 words
Swim goggles used to keep water away from a swimmer's eyes comprising: an eye shield; a display means with digital numerals located near said lens; an optic lens means for creating a virtual image of said display means at the wearer's "near point" or beyond the near point; a timing device for sending elapsed time readings for display on said display means; and a water-actuated starting means for actuating said timing device upon contact with water.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
76 words
Swim goggles used to keep water away from a swimmer's eyes comprising: an eye shield; a display means with digital numerals located near said lens; an optic lens means for creating a virtual image of said display means at the wearer's "near point" or beyond the near point; a timing device for sending elapsed time readings for display on said display means; and a water-actuated starting means for actuating said timing device upon contact with water.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The goggles of claim 19 wherein said display means includes flash means for sending color-coded signals at predetermined periods to assist a swimmer in pacing.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
43 words
The swim goggles of claim 19 wherein said goggles include: two individual eye shields; a connecting strap across the nose; a sealing means between a wearer's face and the eye shields; and a securing means to hold said goggles on the wearer's face.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
63 words
A timing device attachable to swimming goggles comprising: a time measuring means for measuring time intervals; a visual display means for displaying time within wearer's field of vision; an optical lens means for assistance in reading said display means; and an autostart device for said timing device, including a sensor for activating said time-measuring means which detects environmental conditions common to swimming events.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
63 words
A timing device attachable to swimming goggles comprising: a time measuring means for measuring time intervals; a visual display means for displaying time within wearer's field of vision; an optical lens means for assistance in reading said display means; and an autostart device for said timing device, including a sensor for activating said time-measuring means which detects environmental conditions common to swimming events.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
The timing device of claim 22 wherein said time-measuring means, visual display means, optical lens means, and autostart device are encompassed in a modular unit.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The timing device according to claim 22 wherein said sensor of said autostart device is activated by contact with water.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
64 words
A pair of goggles for use in competitive or recreational events comprising: an eye shield; a visual display means for indicating elapsed time mounted on said goggles in a wearer's field of vision and out of the wearer's usual line of sight; an optical lens means for assisting reading said display means; and a starting means for actuating said timing device by external stimulation.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
64 words
A pair of goggles for use in competitive or recreational events comprising: an eye shield; a visual display means for indicating elapsed time mounted on said goggles in a wearer's field of vision and out of the wearer's usual line of sight; an optical lens means for assisting reading said display means; and a starting means for actuating said timing device by external stimulation.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-10-11 | 1992-04-11 | 1992-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-10-11 | 1996-04-11 | 1996-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-10-11 | 2000-04-11 | 2000-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |