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Publication Number
US-12433791-B2
Publication Date
2025-10-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
An eye shield for protecting a user's eye has a shield that includes an aperture. The aperture has a first central axis, a medial side, and a lateral side, and a gasket that is coupled to the shield and disposed within the aperture. The gasket has a second central axis. The first central axis is at an oblique angle relative to the second central axis.
Core Innovation
The disclosure provides an eye shield having a shield with an aperture and a gasket compression fit within the aperture. The aperture defines a first central axis and includes a medial side and a lateral side, while the gasket defines a second central axis and has a rear medial end and a front lateral end, with the first central axis at an oblique angle relative to the second central axis.
The gasket includes a groove at least partially circumferentially disposed around the gasket and extending from the front lateral end of the gasket to the rear medial end of the gasket. The medial side and the lateral side of the aperture are disposed within the groove so the front lateral end is closer to the lateral side of the aperture than to the medial side of the aperture, and the rear medial end is closer to the medial side of the aperture than to the lateral side of the aperture.
The eye shield further specifies gasket structural features that enable retention and removal, including one or more radially projecting and longitudinally extending ribs on a surface of the gasket. In some embodiments, the gasket includes a tab extending radially from the gasket with ridges on a surface of the tab, and the tab is disposed proximate to the medial side of the aperture, including configurations where the tab is on a rear end of the gasket.
The disclosure describes materials and form factors for the eye shield, including a resilient plastic shield and an elastomeric gasket, and describes shield geometry including optical transparency and curvature/taper. The oblique axis orientation and gasket groove arrangement relate to improved mechanical retention on an eyepiece while enabling removal.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes three independent claims, each directed to an eye shield with a shield aperture and a compression-fit gasket disposed within the aperture, where the aperture first central axis is obliquely oriented relative to the gasket second central axis.
Oblique central axes for gasket retention
A shield including an aperture with a first central axis, medial side, and lateral side, and a gasket coupled to the shield and compression fit within the aperture with a second central axis, a rear medial end, and a front lateral end, wherein the first central axis is at an oblique angle relative to the second central axis.
Circumferential groove receiving medial and lateral aperture sides
The gasket includes a groove at least partially circumferentially disposed around the gasket and extending from the front lateral end of the gasket to the rear medial end of the gasket, wherein the medial side and the lateral side of the aperture are disposed within the groove such that the front lateral end is closer to the lateral side of the aperture than to the medial side of the aperture and the rear medial end is closer to the medial side of the aperture than to the lateral side of the aperture.
Radially projecting longitudinal ribs on the gasket surface
The gasket includes one or more radially projecting and longitudinally extending ribs disposed on a surface of the gasket.
Radial tab with ridges proximate to the medial side
The gasket includes a tab extending radially from the gasket, the tab disposed proximate to the medial side of the aperture and including a plurality of ridges disposed on a surface of the tab.
Radial tab on rear end proximate to the medial side
The gasket includes a tab extending radially from the gasket, the tab disposed on a rear end of the gasket and proximate to the medial side of the aperture.
Each independent claim requires an eye shield where the aperture axis and gasket axis are obliquely oriented, and where a circumferentially disposed groove on the gasket positions the aperture medial and lateral sides relative to the gasket’s front lateral and rear medial ends. Dependent refinements within the independent-claim language further add gasket surface ribs and/or a radially extending tab with ridges, or a radially extending tab on the rear end, to support retention and removal.
Stated Advantages
Improved mechanical retention of the shield to an eyepiece while enabling removal.
Easier detachment via tab manipulation.
Improved hold during activity/ballistics.
Protection functionality is described, including protection related to ballistics/debris/light/laser.
Documented Applications
Use with optical devices, including night vision goggles (NVG), via an eyepiece coupled with the eye shield.
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