Optical: systems and elements – Barrel end eye guard
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-16
2001-01-30
Nguyen, Thong (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Barrel end eye guard
C359S511000, C359S407000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179427
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an eyepiece cover for binoculars which has two saucer-shaped cover parts connected by a joint and adapted to be adjusted to the distance between the eyepieces by rotation around the joint and then mounted on one and the other eyepiece.
2. Discussion of the Related Technology
Such a cover is known. The joint is formed by an elastic connection between the two cover parts. Before mounting, however, the user must spend a certain amount of time bending the elastic connection into shape so that the distance between the cover parts corresponds to the distance between the eyepieces.
It is known from German patent no. 460 717 to adjust the cover to the eyepiece distance using a cross member on which two sealing washers are adapted to be -displaced and fixed. To permit the washers to be pressed against the eyepieces the cross member is fastened to the binoculars with a rubber band. According to German patent no. 428 456 the cross member is hinged to the binoculars.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The problem of the invention is to provide an eyepiece cover for binoculars which fits without additional operations on the eyepieces adjusted to a distance necessary for the particular user.
This is attained according to the invention in that the angular position of the two cover parts is adapted to be fixed by frictional engagement once it is adjusted with the joint.
The joint is preferably formed by a hinge joint with a cylindrical joint head on one cover part and a joint sleeve pivotally mounted on the joint head on the other cover part.
In order to form the frictional engagement, the joint sleeve and/or the joint head have a joint surface with a high coefficient of friction.
The high coefficient of friction can be obtained by a suitable material on the sliding surface and/or a suitable surface quality. A preferred surface is a knurl, i.e. axis-parallel grooves and ribs on the inside of the joint sleeve and the outside of the joint head.
It is especially preferred to provide a catch on the joint surface. For this purpose, the inside of the joint sleeve and the outside of the joint head can each be provided with a knurl, the ribs and grooves of the knurls being coordinated with each other such that they can lock. It is further necessary for this purpose that the joint sleeve and the link pin are spring-loaded radially toward each other.
For this purpose the joint head can be formed by cylindrical segments which are spring-loaded at least partly against the joint sleeve.
To permit the two cover parts to be fixed axially relative to each other, a snap connection is preferably provided. For this purpose at least part of the cylindrical segments of the joint head can be provided with outwardly protruding detents which grasp behind the joint sleeve slipped on the joint head.
In the inventive eyepiece cover the two cover parts are adjusted to the necessary distance between the eyepieces once by the user. The adjusted distance is fixed by the friction in the joint or the catch built into the joint. That is, the cover fits onto the binoculars at any eyepiece distance without additional operations having to be performed. In addition, free sliding of the cover on the strap is ensured since the strap eyelets on the cover parts are flush with the strap at any eyepiece distance. Also, the inventive eyepiece cover is characterized by a lightweight construction.
REFERENCES:
patent: 849409 (1907-04-01), Martin
patent: 1808642 (1931-06-01), Duffy
patent: 4641932 (1987-02-01), Harms
patent: 5640271 (1997-06-01), Nishitani et al.
patent: 460717 (1928-05-01), None
patent: 1151 (1907-03-01), None
patent: 132033 (1919-09-01), None
Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
Nguyen Thong
Swarovski Optik KG
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