Lens protection systems

Abstract

The present disclosure features lens protection systems that comprise multi-layer film laminates that include an optically clear protective film, which remains on the lens during use and carrier layers that are used to assist the user with applying the protective film to the lens. These systems are suitable for use with a wide variety of eyewear, including but not limited to ski goggles, tactical goggles, diving goggles, protective eyewear such as safety glasses, sun glasses, helmet visors (e.g., for football, hockey, or motorcycle helmets), and paintball masks.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A lens protection system comprising:
 a transparent protective film, shaped to cover at least a portion of a lens of a goggle or visor,   the protective film comprising a sheet material carrying, on an adhesive side, a layer of a transparent pressure sensitive adhesive having a composition selected to allow the protective film to be temporarily adhered to the lens and later removed therefrom without leaving a visible residue, and   a base layer, adhered to the adhesive side of the protective film,   wherein the base layer comprises a flexible sheet material configured to be removable from the protective film, the base layer is adhesive-free on both of its broad surfaces, and the base layer is of a different thickness than the protective film.   
     
     
         2 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the protective film comprises two or more layers of sheet material adhered to each other by a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     
     
         3 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the protective film includes a printed graphic. 
     
     
         4 . The lens protection system of  claim 1 , further comprising an application layer that is adhered to the protective film by a pressure sensitive adhesive carried by the application layer. 
     
     
         5 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the adhesive carried by the protective film comprises a silicone. 
     
     
         6 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the adhesive carried by the protective film provides a watertight seal against the lens surface. 
     
     
         7 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the layer of adhesive carried by the protective film has a thickness of from about 10 to 30 μm. 
     
     
         8 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the protective film has a thickness of from about 0.1 to 0.3 mm. 
     
     
         9 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the protective film has a thickness of from about 0.01 to 1.0 mm. 
     
     
         10 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the protective film comprises polyethylene terephthalate. 
     
     
         11 . The lens protection system of  claim 10  wherein the protective film comprises a thermoplastic urethane. 
     
     
         12 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the protective film carries a scratch resistant coating layer on a surface opposite the surface on which the adhesive is carried. 
     
     
         13 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  further comprising an application tab extending from the base layer. 
     
     
         14 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the application layer comprises polyethylene terephthalate. 
     
     
         15 . The lens protection system of  claim 2  wherein the protective film comprises five or more layers of sheet material adhered to each other by a pressure sensitive adhesive. 
     
     
         16 . The lens protection system of  claim 2  wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive adhering the layers of sheet material together has an adhesion strength less than or equal to that of the adhesive adhering the protective film to the lens. 
     
     
         17 . The lens protection system of  claim 4  wherein the application layer includes a graphic or branding information printed on a surface of the application layer. 
     
     
         18 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the protective film includes a graphic or branding information printed on a surface of the protective film. 
     
     
         19 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the protective film flexibly conforms to a curved outer surface of the visor. 
     
     
         20 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the base layer is configured to be stripped from the protective layer prior to use of the system. 
     
     
         21 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the base layer comprises polyethylene terephthalate. 
     
     
         22 . The lens protection system of  claim 21  wherein the polyethylene terephthalate of the base layer has a durometer of from about 30 to 90 Shore D. 
     
     
         23 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the protective film is formed of a material selected to allow a lens with the protective film in place to meet the MIL-PRF-32432 Optical Distortion specification. 
     
     
         24 . The lens protection system of  claim 1  wherein the protective film is shaped to fit a visor of a helmet.