CA2719446A1 - Lens covering and cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Lens covering and cleaning apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2719446A1
CA2719446A1 CA2719446A CA2719446A CA2719446A1 CA 2719446 A1 CA2719446 A1 CA 2719446A1 CA 2719446 A CA2719446 A CA 2719446A CA 2719446 A CA2719446 A CA 2719446A CA 2719446 A1 CA2719446 A1 CA 2719446A1
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Canada
Prior art keywords
cap
lens
viewing device
scope
holding structure
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
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CA2719446A
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French (fr)
Inventor
Brian Strawderman
Cindy Strawderman
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US13/083,967 priority Critical patent/US8556435B2/en
Publication of CA2719446A1 publication Critical patent/CA2719446A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41WEAPONS
    • F41GWEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G1/00Sighting devices
    • F41G1/38Telescopic sights specially adapted for smallarms or ordnance; Supports or mountings therefor
    • F41G1/383Protection means therefor

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Lens Barrels (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus including a cap is provided for covering, protecting and cleaning a lens of a device such as a scope of a firearm. The cap may be manipulated to clean the lens, such that when the cap is opened, the lens is clean, with the scope ready for use.

Description

LENS COVERING AND CLEANING APPARATUS
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority from and is related to commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/322,530, entitled:
Lens Covering and Cleaning Apparatus, filed April 9, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosed subject matter is directed to covers for lenses.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Scopes are commonly used on firearms, such as rifles, pistols, and other guns, for example, in the field, while hunting or sport shooting, or on a rifle range or the like, to allow greater accuracy of the shots. During such use, it may become desirable or necessary to clean the lens of the scope, for example, if the lens became dirty from moisture, dust, particles or any combinations thereof. This typically involves the user having to get a lens cloth, handkerchief, tissue or the like, from their pocket or other external source, to do the wiping. In some cases, this may be difficult or not possible, as the user's hands may be occupied, wet or dirty, or the user does not have a wiping cloth or the like.
[0004] Even where the user has a wiping cloth, it may be dirty or soiled.
Should the user desire to wipe the lens with a shirt tail or other part of their clothing or outerwear, it may be dirty as well. Moreover, moving the rifle or firearm to be cleaned by the shirt tail or other clothing or outerwear portion may place the rife or firearm in a potentially unsafe position, As a result of the aforementioned situations, scopes are used with unclean or inadequately cleaned lenses, limiting their effectiveness. As a result, the scope is used with an unclean lens, which limits its effectiveness.

SUMMARY
[0005] The disclosed subject matter includes an apparatus that protects scopes for firearms, such as rifles, pistols and guns, binoculars, telescopes, cameras, or any other instruments with exposed lenses, and allows for their lenses to be cleaned while the scope (on the rifle, gun, pistol, firearm, or the like) is in use, for example, in the field, while hunting or sport shooting, or sighting and shooting on a rifle range or during the viewing use of binoculars, telescopes, cameras or the like. The aforementioned use in the field is commonly referred to as "field use." The apparatus includes a removable cover for the end of the scope, including the lens, and includes a cap member for covering and protecting the lens as well as drying and cleaning the lens, eliminating the need for the user to carry additional lens cleaning mechanisms, such as lens cloths, handkerchiefs, tissues, cleaning fluids and solids, or the like. The apparatus may remain on the scope when it is not in use.
[0006] The lens cap or cap is of an absorbent material, which covers the lens on one side, and depending on the position of the lens in the scope, the lens cap is forced into contact with the lens, or in close proximity to the lens, when the lens cap is closed and secured over the lens. The apparatus, including the lens cap, is such that it is slid over the end of the scope, to cover and engage the scope in a frictionally snug manner, such that the apparatus remains securely attached to the scope. The lens cap is movable between closed and open positions, and when in the open position, remains held in the open position, such that the scope may be utilized with the cover apparatus remaining on the scope end. When returned to the closed and secured position, the lens cap is held snugly, such that it either contacts the lens, or is in close proximity thereto, depending on the position of the lens in the scope, for absorbing moisture, debris and particles from the lens.
[0007] An embodiment is directed to an apparatus including a cap, for covering, protecting, drying and/or cleaning a lens of a device such as a scope of a firearm. The cap may be manipulated to dry and/or clean the lens, such that when the cap is opened, the lens is dry and clean, with the scope ready for use.

[00081 Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus for removal of matter from a lens. The matter may be moisture, dust, particulate debris, or combinations thereof The apparatus includes a tubular member including a body for fitting over the lens, and a cap, securable to the body in an open and a closed position, the cap being dimensioned to be extendable into the body, such that the cap can be placed into contact with the lens. The cap includes a portion of material for moisture absorbance when in contact with the lens.
[00091 Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus for removing matter from the lens of a viewing device. The apparatus includes a tubular body operatively coupled with a cap, for example, the cap is attached to the body in a hinged manner, allowing for pivotal movement of the cap. The tubular body is configured for positioning and retention over an end of the viewing device proximate to the lens. The cap is dimensioned to be movable with respect to the body, and the cap is configured for moving between positions including a position where the cap covers the lens, and a position where the cap is maintained at least substantially clear of the lens, such that the apparatus remains on the viewing device while the viewing device is in use.
The cap is securable to the body in the aforementioned positions. The viewing device includes, for example, a scope for a rifle, gun, pistol, and firearm, and the like. The viewing device may also include binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and the like.
[00101 Another embodiment is directed to a method for removing matter from the lens of a viewing device. The method includes providing an apparatus comprising a tubular body coupled to a cap. The tubular body is configured for positioning and retention over an end of the viewing device proximate to the lens. The cap is dimensioned to be movable with respect to the body, and the cap configured for moving between positions including a position where the cap covers the lens, and a position where the cap is maintained at least substantially clear of the lens, such that the apparatus remains on the viewing device while the viewing device is in use. The viewing device includes, for example, a scope for a rifle, gun, pistol, and firearm, and the like. The viewing device may also include binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Attention is now directed to the drawing figures, where like or corresponding numerals indicate like or corresponding components. In the drawings:
[0012] Fig. 1 is a side view showing the apparatus in use on both ends of a rifle scope;
[0013] Fig. 2 is a side view of the apparatus on the scope ends with the lens caps open from each of the bodies of each apparatus;
[0014] Figs. 3A and 3B are side views showing the apparatus on a scope end with the lens cap open;
[0015] Fig. 3C is a top view showing the apparatus with the lens cap open and secured to the body;
[0016] Figs. 4 and 5 are perspective views of the apparatus with the lens cap secured to the apparatus body in the closed position;
[0017] Fig. 6A is a side view of the apparatus with the cap closed and secured, with a partial cross-sectional portion taken along line 6-6 of Fig.
5;
[0018] Fig. 6B is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 6A, with the cap closed and secured, with a partial cross-sectional portion taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5, in an exemplary cleaning operation;
[0019] Fig. 7 is a front view of the apparatus during the manufacturing process;
[0020] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of an alternate apparatus with the cap in the closed position;
[0021] Fig. 8B is a side view of an alternate apparatus of Fig. 8A with the cap open;
[0022] Fig 8C is a side view of the resilient member of Figs. 8A and 8B;
[0023] Fig. 8D is a side view of an the apparatus of Figs. 8A and 8B with the cap secured in an open position;
[0024] Figs. 9A is a side view of an alternate apparatus with the cap open;

[00251 Fig. 9B is a front view of the alternate apparatus of Fig. 9A;
[00261 Fig. 9C is a side view of the alternate apparatus of Fig. 9A with the cap held and secured in the closed position [00271 Fig. 9D is a side view of the alternate apparatus of Fig. 9A with the cap held and secured in the open position;
[00281 Fig. I OA is a side view of another alternate apparatus with a body that is rolled onto a scope for use thereon, including a partially cut away cross-sectional portion;
[00291 Fig. IOB is a side view of another alternate apparatus with a body that is folded onto a scope for use thereon, including a partially cut away cross-sectional portion;
[00301 FIG. 11A is a side view of another alternate apparatus with the cap in a closed position, including a partially out away cross-sectional portion;
f00311 FIG. 11B is a side view of the alternate apparatus of Fig. 11A with the cap secured in a closed position, including a partially cut away cross-sectional portion;
and 10032] Fig. 11C is a side view of the apparatus of Figs. 1IA and 1 IB with the cap in an open position, including a partially cut away cross-sectional portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] Fig. 1 shows the apparatus 20 in use with the scope 22 on a rifle 24.
The apparatus 20, for example, includes a body 25, for example, in the shape of a cylindrical sleeve, which is dimensioned to fit over, cover, and, remain on the scope body 22a. A cap 26 attaches to the body 25 at the distal end 28 of the body 25. The attachment is such that the cap 26 is movable with respect to the body 25. For example, the cap 26 is attached to the body 25 in a hinged manner. This hinged attachment is, for example, by a flange 27 connected to the body 25 and the cap 26 and/or the edge 25e of the body 25e attached to the edge 26e of the cap 26 (Figs. 3A and 3B). The edge 25e, 26e are joined to the flange 27 by stitching, adhesives and the like. Alternately, the respective edges 25e, 26e may be joined directly to form an attachment, The cap 26 covers the lens 22b, as shown, for example in Figs. 4, 6A and 6B.
[00341 The apparatus 20 is operable at one or both of the respective ends 22x, 22y of the scope 22. The apparatus 20 may be dimensioned to accommodate each end 22x, 22y of the scope 22, and in accordance with the disclosure herein, the apparatus 20 may also be dimensioned for other scopes and lens holding devices. The apparatus 20 is such that proximal end 29 of the body 25 is open, so as to receive the scope end 22x, 22y, and be slid thereover, for placement of the apparatus 20 on the scope body 22a, when use of the apparatus 20 is desired. Both the distal 28 and proximal 29 ends of the body 25 of the apparatus 20 are flexible, and are, for example, elasticized, typically at their edges (e.g., circumferentially), the elastic being, for example, neoprene or other rubber bands (shown in detail in Fig. 2). These elasticized ends (edges) allow the apparatus 20 (the body 25) to fit snugly over the respective ends 22x, 22y of the scope body 22a, whereby the apparatus 20 is securely retained on the scope body 22a (at the respective ends 22x, 22y). The cap 26 is held secured in a closed position over the lens 22b in Fig, 1.
[00351 Fig. 2 shows the apparatus 20 with the cap 26 extended from body 25, the apparatus in use at both ends 22x, 22y of the scope 22. The cap 26 includes an outer portion 30 and an inner portion 32. The outer portion 30 serves as a cover for the lens 22b while the inner portion 32 contacts the lens 22b, or is in close proximity thereto (depending on the position of the lens 22b in the scope 22). The inner portion 32, when contacted with the lens 22b or wiped against it, allows for removal of matter (e.g., moisture, dust, particulate debris, or combinations thereof) from the lens 22b. This results in the lens 22b being dried and/or cleaned, for maximal viewing from the scope 22. The inner portion 32 is, for example, of a moisture absorbent material, with properties such as water absorbing, moisture wicking, and/or debris attracting material, which when placed into contact with the lens 22b or wiped against the lens 22b, will not scratch or cause other damage to the lens 22b. This material is, for example, shami cloth, natural or synthetic and the like.

[00361 The cap 26 is bendable. A tab 34 extends from the cap 26. The tab 34 includes one or more magnet(s) 36, enclosed in a pocket 37 or holder. The magnet(s) 36 is for engaging corresponding magnet(s) 38, 39, enclosed in pockets 40, 41 or holders, in the sides of the body 25. The pockets 40, 41 are oriented, for example, approximately 180 degrees from each other. The body 25 is made of material such as fabric, for example, a waterproof fabric, and the outer portion 30 of the cap 26 is typically, for example, of the same material as the body 25. The length of the body 25 of the apparatus 20, from the distal end 28 to the proximal end 29, may be any length desired, and, for example, is slightly longer than the respective scope end 22x, 22y, as the elasticized ends of the apparatus 20 maintain the engagement of the apparatus 20 over the scope body 22a.
[00371 Figs. 3A and 3B show the apparatus 20 with the cap 26 in the open position. In Figs. 3A and 3B, as well as Figs. 3C, 4, 5 and 6, the apparatus 20 is shown on one end (end 22x) of the scope 22, and is exemplary of the apparatus disclosed herein.
The cap 26 is movable in the direction of the double headed arrow 44. The cap 26 is held (secured) in the open position, with the magnets 36 (of the tab 34), 39 (of the body 25) in magnetic contact (as the magnets 36, 39 have opposite polarities), as shown in Fig. 3C.
In the positions shown in Figs. 3A-3C, the cap 26 is clear of the lens 22b of the scope 22, and does not obstruct the view of the scope 22.
[0038] Figs. 4 and 5 show the cap 26 held in the closed position (i.e., closure), where moisture and debris are blocked from contacting the lens 22b. The tab 34 is held in place along the side of the body 25, as the magnets 36 (of the tab 34), 38 (of the body 25) are in magnetic contact (as the magnets 36, 38 have opposite polarities). The magnetic contact, for example, secures the cap 26 in the closed position, with this magnetic contact pulling the cap 26 toward the body 25, with the cap 26 in close proximity to the lens 22b, as also shown in Fig. 6A (as the lens 22a is recessed in the scope 22).
Alternately, if the lens 22b is at the edge of the scope 22 (not recessed in the scope 22, and flush with the edge of the scope 22), the cap 26 is in contact with the lens 22b.
[00391 When the material of the inner portion 32 of the cap 26 contacts the lens 22b, moisture may be wicked from the lens 22b, drying the lens 22b.
Additionally, for example, the cap 26 is of a diameter larger than that of the distal end 28 of the body 25. This allows a user to apply manual pressure to the cap 26, and use a wiping action on the cap 26 to clean and/or dry the lens 22b. For example, by pressing the cap 26 into contact with the lens 22b, as represented by the finger 48 pressing the cap 26 into contact with the lens 22b, the lens 22b is manually dried and/or cleaned, as shown in Fig. 6B.
This would also be true where the cap 26 contacts the lens 22b, as the lens 22b is at the edge of the scope 22.
[0040] The cap 26 is such that there is sufficient material of the cap 26 to accommodate the aforementioned wiping action, for drying and/or cleaning the lens 22b, without stretching or otherwise compromising the material of the body 25, without causing the body 25 to move significantly on the scope end 22x (such that the apparatus needs to be repositioned on the scope end upon cleaning the lens 22b), or without causing the body 25 to move off of the scope end 22x. Moisture and debris may also be wiped from the lens 22b by manually manipulating the cap 26 into contact with the lens 22b, for example, in a wiping action, when the cap 26 is disengaged from the closure (formed by the tab 34, tab magnet 36, and body magnet 38), or disengaged from the holder (formed by the tab 34, tab magnet 36, and body magnet 39).
[00411 Alternately, the cap 26 can be held in the aforementioned open and closed positions by hook and loop materials (e.g., Velcro ), or any other fasteners, mechanical or chemical (e.g., adhesives) that secure the cap 26 to the body 25, that also allow for manual release when scope 22 use is desired. The apparatus 20 may be modified for a variety of scope sizes, scope end sizes, and instruments having lenses, such as camera lenses and cameras, telescopes, binoculars, opera glasses, and the like. In other alternatives, the elasticized material at the distal end 28 can be replaced with a metal or plastic ring of a diameter smaller than that of the scope 22, so as to maintain the apparatus 20 on the scope 22 (scope ends 22x, 22y).
[0042[ Fig. 7 shows a manufacturing process for the apparatus 20. Initially, the apparatus 20 is a sheet of material 100 with ends 102, 103 (forming the respective distal 28 and proximal 29 ends of the body 25/apparatus 20, as shown in Figs 1-6B).
8 Each end 102, 103 is folded over an elastic band and joined to the sheet 100 so as to enclose the elastic bands, by techniques such as sewing and the like, the folded over and joined ends defining the distal 28 and proximal 29 ends of the body 25/apparatus 20.
Alternately, a metal ring may be used at either or both of the distal 28 and proximal 29 ends of the body 25 to maintain the apparatus 20 on the scope 22.
[0043] The cap 26 includes an inner portion 32 joined to an outer portion 30, and a tab 34. A pocket 37 within the tab 34 encloses a magnet 36. Magnets 38, 39 are enclosed in pockets 40, 41 on the sheet 100. The aforementioned pockets 37, 40, 41 are formed by conventional techniques, with the magnets 36, 38, 39, secured in the pockets 37, 40, 41 by sewing, adhesives, and the pockets 37, 40, 41, closed by sewing, adhesives or the like.
[0044] The ends 104, 105 of the sheet 100 are fastened together, forming the tubular body 25, for example, by sewing or the like, with the magnets 38, 39 (and their respective pockets 40, 41 or holders), oriented approximately 180 degrees from each other (on the completed body 25/apparatus 20). The cap 26 is attached to the sheet 100 (that forms the body 25), when the sheet 100 is flat or already formed into the tubular body, at the end 102/distal end 28, for example, via a flange 27, by techniques such as sewing, adhesives, welding, and the like.
[0045] Figs. 8A and 8B show an alternate apparatus 220, with components similar to that for the apparatus 20 described above, numbered correspondingly in the 200s. The cap 226 attaches to the body 225, for example in a hinged manner, by one or more resilient members, represented by the resilient member 250. The resilient member 250 is constructed to behave in a spring-like manner, and for, example is biased outward, such that the apparatus 220 is in the open position of Fig. 8B.
[0046] As shown in Fig. 8C, the resilient member 250 is, for example, a single piece, formed of two sections 250a, 250b, separated by an indent 250c or other weakened portion (V-shaped, as shown, rounded, or the like). The indent 250c allows for bending of the resilient member 250. The resilient member 250 is formed of a resilient material, such as plastic or the like, which provides it with spring-like behavior. One
9 section 250a is attached to the cap 226, while the other section 250b is attached to the body 225. The resilient member 250 allows for cap 226 movement between the closed position of Fig. 8A (where magnets 236, 238 of the tab 234 and body 225 engage for securement), and the open position of Fig. 8B, with movement between these positions indicated by the double headed arrow 244. The resilient member 250 biases the cap 226 outward in an open position, where the resilient member 250 is in a planar orientation (Fig. 8B).
[00471 The cap 226 may also be attached to the body 225 by stitching and other joining methods (e.g., at the respective ends of the cap 226e and body 225e) for additional security. In accordance with the cap 26, body 25 and apparatus 20 detailed above, the resiliency of the member(s) 250 allows the cap 226 to cover the lens 22b as detailed above, when in the closed position (with the tab 234 secured to the body 225 by cooperating magnets 236, 238), as shown in Fig. 8A, and be clear of the scope 22, unobstructing to the lens 22b, when the cap 226 is in the open position, as shown in Fig.
8B. The body 225 may also include magnets 239, similar to magnets 39 of the body 25 for holding the cap 226, via the tab 234, in an open position in a secured manner (the cap 226 having been moved in accordance with the double headed arrow 244 from the position of Fig. 8B), as shown in Fig. 8D.
[00481 Figs. 9A-9D show an alternate apparatus 320, with components similar to that for the apparatus 20 as described above, numbered correspondingly in the 300s.
The apparatus 320 is formed of a body 325, for example, a tubular sleeve, of a flexible material such as polymers, rubbers, and the like, formed for example, by techniques such as molding. The body 325, for example, is of sufficient rigidity, such that it slides over the scope 20 (Fig. 1, for example, over the scope end 22x) when the apparatus 320, i.e., the body 325 is placed on the scope 22, and is maintained on the scope 22 in a frictional engagement, for example, during field use.
(00491 The apparatus 320 is shown in an open position in Fig. 9A, prior to the cap 326 being held in a fixed position. As shown in Fig. 9B, a receiver 325', formed of oppositely disposed members 325a, 325b, extends from the body 325 and receives an arm 326a of the cap 326. A pin 327 provides a movable attachment of the arm 326a to the body members 325a, 325b. The body 325 includes one or more magnets 338, 339 mounted directly thereon in protruding shoulder holders 340, 341, respectively (by molding adhesives, or combinations thereof), as shown, or in pockets or other retaining structures.
[00501 Magnets (one or more) 336 are in a tab 334 (in a pocket 337) extending from the cap 326. The cap 326 also includes an outer surface 330 of a rubber or polymeric sheet, which is flexible and allows for wiping and other cleaning of the tens of the scope or other vision apparatus. The inner surface 332 of the cap 226 is similar in all aspects, including, construction, materials, and dimensioning to the cap 26 detailed above, and shown in Figs. 1-7. Alternately, the outer surface of the cap may be in accordance with the outer surface 30 of the cap 26 detailed and shown in Figs, 1-7 above.
The magnets 336 of the tab 334 engage magnets 338 of the body 325, when the cap 326 is in the closed position (Fig. 9C), and engage the magnets 339 in the side of the body 325 when that cap 326 is in the open position (Fig. 9D).
[00511 Fig. l0A shows the apparatus 420, which is similar to the apparatus 320 of Figs. 9A-9D, in construction and components, except where indicated.
The apparatus 420 is of a body 425r made of a flexible material, e.g., polymer, rubber, or the like, which can be unrolled/rolled on the scope 22, for example at the scope end 22x, for use (e.g., field use). The magnets 438, 439 are, for example, flush with the outer surface of the body 425r and are flexible. The magnets 438,439 are held in the respective pockets 440, 441 by friction, and typically also by adhesives. The magnets 438, 439 may also be formed into the body 425r during molding of the body 425r. The flexibility of the magnets 438, 439 facilitates the unrolling and rolling of the body 425r.
[00521 Unrolling is in the direction of the arrow 460 (with unrolling in the opposite direction of arrow 460 when removal and/or storage is desired).
Similarly, when disengagement of the apparatus 420 is desired, the body 425r can be rolled offof the scope 22 and stored in this rolled position, minimizing storage space, so as to be easily stored in pockets of clothing and outerwear, gun cases, and the like.

[0053] Fig. IOB shows an apparatus 420' with a body 425f similar to that of the body 425r of apparatus 420, except that the body 425f is foldable. All other components of the apparatus 420' are in accordance with those for apparatus described above and shown in Fig, 1OA. In Fig. IOB, the body 425f is in a folded orientation, immediately prior to its placement on the scope 22, at the end 22x.
[0054] Figs. 11A-1 IC show an apparatus 520, which is similar to the apparatus 320, 420, 420' of Figs. 9A-9D and, 10A and l OB, respectively, in construction and components, except where indicated. The apparatus 520 is of a body 525, similar to bodies 425r or 425f, detailed above, and a cap 526, attached to the body in accordance with apparatus 320 and 420 detailed above. The cap 526 attachment additionally includes a spring 527' around the pin 527. The spring 527' biases the cap 526 in the open position, clear of the lens 22b (of the scope 22, for example, at scope end 22x) as shown in Fig. I I C. The cap 526 is held securely in this open position by the biasing force of the spring 527'. This spring 527' biasing eliminates the need for magnets on the corresponding side of the body 525, as the spring 527' firmly (and securely) maintains the cap 526 at an orientation represented by the are 0, for example the arc 0 being approximately 280 , from the orientation of the cap 526 in the closed position (Fig. 11A-tab 534 unengaged, and Fig. 11B, tab 534 engaged (magnets 536, 538 in magnetic contact)). However, magnets in the body 525, similar to the magnets 439 in the body 425r or holder 441 are permissible.
[0055] The cap 526 is similar to the caps 326 and 426, except that the inner portion 532' protrudes with a support or support layer 532a, and is, for example, bulged or convex, to create contact between the inner material layer 532b (which covers the support 532a) and the lens 22b, depending on the positioning of the lens 22b in the end 22x of the scope 22. The support 532' is compressible, and is coved by a material layer 532b. The material layer 532b is, for example, the moisture absorbent, and moisture wicking material described for the cap inner portion 32 and 432 above. The inner portion 532' depending on the lens 22b position in the scope 22, may be in at least partial abutment with the lens 22b. As the cap 526 outer portion 530 may be of a resilient material, such as a plastic, polymer, rubber or the like, the tab 534 may include an indentation 534', permitting it to bend easily, for engagement of the cap 526 in the closed (and secured) position of Fig. 11B.
[00561 While preferred embodiments have been described, so as to enable one of skill in the art to practice the disclosed subject matter, the preceding description is intended to be exemplary only. It should not be used to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter, which should be determined by reference to the following claims.

Claims (25)

1. An apparatus for removal of matter from a lens comprising:
a tubular member including a body for fitting over the lens; and a cap, securable to the body in an open and a closed position, the cap being dimensioned to be extendable into the body, such that the cap can be placed into contact with the lens.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a portion of material for moisture absorbance when in contact with the lens.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cap is secured to the body to allow for movement of the cap such that the cap movably contacts the lens.
4. An apparatus for removing matter from the lens of a viewing device comprising:

a tubular body configured for positioning and retention over an end of the viewing device proximate to the lens; and, a cap in communication with the body, the cap dimensioned to be movable with respect to the body, and the cap configured for moving between positions including a position where the cap covers the lens, and a position where the cap is maintained at least substantially clear of the lens, such that the apparatus remains on the viewing device while the viewing device is in use.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cap is attached to the body by a hinged attachment.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the hinged attachment includes a resilient material which exhibits spring-like behavior.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the hinged attachment includes a first cooperating member on the cap and a second cooperating member on the body.
8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the body includes oppositely disposed first and second holding structures, and the cap includes a cooperating holding structure for engaging: i) the first holding structure on the body when the cap covers the lens, and ii) the second holding structure on the body when is maintained at least substantially clear of the lens.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first holding structure, the second holding structure and the cooperating holding structure are each magnetic.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the magnetic first and second holding structures and magnetic cooperating holding structure each include at least one magnet.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one magnet of the first and second holding structures are of the same polarity and the at least one magnet of the cooperating holding structure is of a polarity opposite the polarity of the at least one magnet of each of the first and second holding structures.
12. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the viewing device includes a scope for at least one of a rifle, gun, pistol, and firearm.
13. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the viewing device includes at least one of binoculars, telescopes, and cameras.
14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cap includes a tab, the tab including the cooperating holding structure.
15. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cap includes a moisture absorbent material.
16. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cap includes an inner member for contacting lenses and an outer member.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the inner member includes a convex support.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the outer member includes a resilient material.
19. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the tubular body is configured to be foldable.
20. A method for removing matter from the lens of a viewing device comprising:

providing an apparatus comprising:

a tubular body for configured for positioning and retention over an end of the viewing device proximate to the lens; and, a cap in communication with the body, the cap dimensioned to be movable with respect to the body, and the cap configured for moving between positions including a position where the cap covers the lens, and a position where the cap is maintained at least substantially clear of the lens, such that the apparatus remains on the viewing device while the viewing device is in use;

placing the apparatus over the viewing device; and, moving the cap into contact with the lens to remove matter from the lens.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein moving the cap into contact with the lens includes moving the cap from i) the position where the cap covers the lens, or ii) the position where the cap is maintained at least substantially clear of the lens.
22. The method of claim 20, additionally comprising:

moving the cap to: i) the position where the cap covers the lens, or ii) the position where the cap is maintained at least substantially clear of the lens after matter has been removed from the lens.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein moving the cap to: i) the position where the cap covers the lens, or ii) the position where the cap is maintained at least substantially clear of the lens, includes securing the cap to the body.
24. The method of claim 20, wherein the viewing device includes a scope for at least one of a rifle, gun, pistol, and firearm.
25. The method of claim 20, wherein the viewing device includes at least one of binoculars, telescopes, and cameras.
CA2719446A 2010-04-09 2010-10-14 Lens covering and cleaning apparatus Abandoned CA2719446A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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US13/083,967 US8556435B2 (en) 2010-04-09 2011-04-11 Lens covering and cleaning apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

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US32253010P 2010-04-09 2010-04-09
US61/322,530 2010-04-09
US38375610P 2010-09-17 2010-09-17
US61/383,756 2010-09-17

Publications (1)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9602703B1 (en) 2015-11-25 2017-03-21 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Camera system

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9602703B1 (en) 2015-11-25 2017-03-21 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Camera system

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