GB2488852A

GB2488852A - Lens cap

Info

Publication number: GB2488852A
Application number: GB1114940.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chung Jen Chang
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-08-31
Filing date: 2011-08-31
Publication date: 2012-09-12
Anticipated expiration: 2031-08-31
Also published as: GB201114940D0; GB2488852B

Abstract

A lens cap includes a main ring 10 having two tongues 11 extending from a front side thereof and diametrically corresponding to each other. A first cover and a second cover 30,31 are pivotally mounted to selectively close the main ring, wherein the main ring is used as a lens cap when the first cover and the second cover close the main ring and used as a lens hood when the main ring is opened. Two levers 20 are laterally mounted to a rear side of the main ring for selectively positioning the first cover and the second cover when closing the main ring. A connecting ring 60 is mounted to the rear side of the main ring for preventing the two levers from detaching from the main ring, wherein the connecting ring is adapted to be mounted onto a lens of a camera.

Description

LENS CAP

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lens cap, and more particularly to a lens cap that further includes a function of a lens hood when being opened.

2. Description of Related Art

A lens is the most important element of an optical apparatus, such as a projector or a camera such that the lens needs to be well protected from being scraped and polluted.

The conventional way to protect the lens provides a lens cap to cover the lens after use. A conventional lens cap, US Pat. 7,775,67i, is provided to cover the lens and taken off from the lens before using the lens. The taken lens cap is stored in user's pocket or connected to the optical apparatus by a rope. However, the operator often forgets to take off the lens cap before operating. It is an inconvenient design.

Another lens cap is marketed, JP Pub. No. 2009-25 8600. The lens cap includes multiple plates pivotally mounted on a casing of a camera. Each plate has a resilient element mounted thereon.

Consequently, the plates is outwardly pushed by the extending lens before using and the plates automatically close for covering the lens due to the restitution force of the resilient elements when the lens is nTioved back into the camera after being used.

However, the conventional lens caps have only one function of covering the lens. As a result, the operator needs to additionally prepare a lens hood for concealing the lens from unnecessary light ray and taking good works.

The present invention has arisen to mitigate and/or obviate the disadvantages of the conventional lens caps.

SUMMARY OF THE iNVENTION

The main objective of the present invention is to provide an improved lens cap that further includes a function of a lens hood when being opened.

To achieve the objective, the lens cap in accordance with the present invention comprises a main ring having two tongues extending from a front side thereof and diametrically corresponding to each other.

A first cover and a second cover are respectively pivotally mounted to selectively close the main ring, wherein the main ring is used as a lens cap when the first cover and the second cover close the main ring and used as a lens hood when the main ring is opened. Two levers are laterally mounted to a rear side of the main ring for selectively positioning the first cover and the second cover when closing the main ring. A connecting ring is mounted to the rear side of the main ring for preventing the two levers from detaching from the main ring, wherein the connecting ring is adapted to be mounted onto a lens of a camera.

Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a partial exploded perspective view of a lens cap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a pivot device of the lens cap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a main ring of the present invention pivot for showing the pivot device; Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main ring for showing the connection between the main ring and the first cover when being closed; Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the main ring for showing the connection between the main ring and the first cover when being opened; Fig. 6 is a complete exploded perspective view of the lens cap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the lens cap when being opened; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the lens cap when being opened; Fig. 9 is a partial rear cross-sectional view of the lens cap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 10 is a partial top cross-sectional view of the lens cap in Fig. 7 when being closed; Fig. 11 is a rear operational view of the lens cap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 12 is a top operational view of the lens cap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of the connecting ring of the lens cap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 14 is a partial rear cross-sectional view of the connecting ring of the lens cap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 15 is a first operational view of the connecting ring of the lens cap in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 16 is a second operational view of the connecting ring of the lens cap in accordance with the present invention; and Fig. 17 is a third operational view of the connecting ring of the lens cap in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 and 6, a lens cap in accordance with the present invention comprises a main ring (10) and a connecting ring (60) mounted to a rear side of the main ring (10), wherein the main ring (10) includes a first cover (30) and the second cover (31) respectively pivotally mounted to the main ring (10) for selectively closing the main ring (10), and the connecting ring (60) is adapted to be longitudinally mounted onto a lens (A) of a camera, as shown in Fig. 8, wherein the lens (A) has a threaded portion (B) formed on a free end thereof The main ring (10) has two tongues (11) outwardly extending from a front side thereof, wherein the two tongues (11) diametrically correspond to each otheii Two levers (20) are laterally mounted to the rear side of the main ring (10). Each lever (20) aligns with a corresponding one of the two tongues (11) for controlling the first cover (30) and the second cover (31). Two side plates (14) respectively inwardly extends from a rear side of the main ring (10), wherein the two side plates (14) diametrically correspond to each other and each side plate (14) has a block (15) formed thereon.

Each block (15) is provided to be pivotally connected to a pivot portion (32) that is formed on each of the first cover (30) and the second cover (31). Each block (15) has a chamber (16) defined therein and extending to the rear side of the main ring (10) to define an opening (17). Two pivot assemblies (40) are respectively mounted into a corresponding one of the two chambers (16) via the opening (17). A first hole (18) and a second hole (19) are respectively defined in two opposite ends of a corresponding one of the two chambers (16) and extend through two opposite ends of a corresponding one of the two blocks (15). Each pivot assembly (40) has two opposite ends respectively extending through the first hole (18) and the second hole (19), and inserted into the pivot portion (32) of each of the first cover (30) and the second cover (31) for respectively and pivotally mounting the two covers (30, 31) to the two blocks (15). The pivot portion (32) has an cavity (320) laterally defined therein. A bore (33) and a slot (34) respectively defined in two opposite ends of the cavity (320), and align with each other Further with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, the pivot assembly (40) includes a pivot (43) extending through the second hole (19), and partially and rotatably received in the bore (33). The pivot (43) has a through hole (44) centrally defined therein and a flange (46) radially extending therefrom. The flange (46) abuts against the inner periphery of the corresponding chamber (16) to prevent the pivot (43) from overly extending through the block (15). An axle (41) has an enlarged head (42) formed on one end thereof and movably received in the through hole (44). A washer (45) is sleeved on the axle (41) and securely abuts the pivot (43) to prevent the enlarged head from detaching from the pivot (43). A torsion spring (50) is sleeved on the axle (41) and an end-piece (53) securely and longitudinally mounted onto the axle (41) opposite to the pivot (43) to prevent the torsion spring (50) from detaching from the axle (41). The end-piece (53) has a stopper (56) laterally extending therefrom and a flat protrusion (55) longitudinally extending therefrom, wherein the flat protrusion (55) extends through the first hole (18) and is inserted into the slot (34) in the first/second cover (30131) such that the axle (41)is rotated when the first/second cover (30/31) is wrenched. The torsion spring (50) has a first end engaged to an inner periphery of chamber (16) and a second end abutting against the stopper (56).

With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, the end-piece (53) is rotated to turn the torsion spring (50) when the first/second cover (30/31) is turned to close the main ring (10) and positioned by the two levers (20).

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the free end of the first cover (30) overlapped to that of the second cover (31) and the first cover (30) is positioned by the two levers (20). Consequently, the first cover (30) and the second cover (31) are timely opened and used as a lens hood with the two tongues (Ii) due to the restitution force of the two torsion springs (50) when the two levers (20) are simultaneously operated and the first cover (30) is disengaged from the two levers (20).

With reference to Figs. 6-12, the connecting ring (60) is mounted to the rear side of the main ring (10) to prevent the two levers (20) from detaching from the main ring (10). The main ring (10) has two first indentations (133) laterally defined in the rear side thereof and diametrically corresponding to each other, and two second indentation (132) defined in the rear side of the main ring (10), wherein each second indentation (132) is adjacent to a corresponding one of the two first indentation (133) such that a protrusion (13) is formed between the corresponded first indentation (133) and the second indentation (132).

A first pivot hole (131) is defined in a distal end of the protrusion (13) and a rib (101) is formed on the rear side of the main ring (10).

Each lever (20) is laterally and pivotally mounted to a corresponding one of the two protrusions (13). The lever (20) include a connecting rod (23), a hook (22) and a button (21) respectively formed on two opposite ends of the connecting rod (23), wherein the rod (23) has a first side and a second side respectively facing the main ring (10) and the connecting ring (60). The hook (22) is provided to position the first cover (30) with the second cover (31) after closing the main ring (10). A pivot axle (24) laterally extends through the rod (23) and has a first section rotatably received in the first pivot hole (131). The lever (20) includes an engager (25) laterally extending from the second side of the rod (23) near the button (21) and a hole (26) laterally defined in the second side of the rod (23). A torsion spring (27) sleeved on a second section of the pivot axle (24), and has a first end inserted into the hole (26) and a second end engaged to the connecting ring (60) for providing a restitution force to the lever (20) after pressing the button (21) to make the hook (22) releasing the first cover (30) and the second cover (31). The engager (25) is engaged to the connecting ring (60) to prevent the button (21) overly extending through the second indentation (132).

The connecting ring (60) has a curved groove (61) defined in a first side (601) thereof for receiving the rib (101) such that the connecting ring (60) is co-axially mounted to the rear side of the main ring (10). Two cavities (62) are laterally defined in the first side thereof for partially receiving a corresponding one of the two levers (20). A first bore (63) is laterally defined in a bottom of the cavity (62) for pivotally receiving the second section of the pivot axle (24) and a second bore (64) is laterally defined in the bottom of the cavity (62) for receiving the second end of the torsion spring (27). A receiving space (65) is laterally defined in the first side (601) of the connecting ring (60), wherein the receiving space (65) has a T-shaped cross-section and extending to an outer periphery (602) of the connecting ring (60). A first notch (67) and a second notch (68) are respectively defined in a bottom of the receiving space (65) and parallel to each other. A tunnel (66) is laterally defined in the first side (601) of the connecting ring (60) and communicates with the receiving space (65).

With reference to Figs. 13-17, a switch (70) is slidably received in the receiving space (65) and extends out of the outer periphery (602) of the connecting ring (60). The switch (70) has multiple hooks (71) extending from a bottom thereof and engaged to two opposite edges of the receiving space (65) to prevent the switch (70) from detaching from the connecting ring (60). A raised portion (72) is formed on the bottom of the switch (70), wherein the raised portion (72) is selectively engaged to the first/second notch (67/68). A guide block (73) is formed on the bottom of the switch (70) and a slanted face (74) is formed on one side of the guide block (73). A pusher (80) is moveably received in the tunnel (66) and selectively extending into an inner periphery of the connecting ring (60). The pusher (80) has a protrusion (81) formed thereon and abutting against the slanted face (74) such that the switch can inwardly drive the pusher (80) when being moved in the receiving space (65).

Further with reference to Fig. 8, the raised portion (72) is engaged into the first notch (67), as shown in Fig. 14, when the connecting ring (60) with the main ring (10) is detached from the lens (A). The switch (70) is operated and the raised portion (72) is moved to engage to the second notch (68) such that the pusher (80) is inwardly moved to force the lens (a) after the connecting ring (60) with the main ring (10) is screwed onto the threaded portion (B) of the lens of the camera.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A lens cap comprising: a main ring having two tongues extending from a front side thereof and diametrically cone sponding to each other, a first cover and a second cover respectively pivotally mounted to selectively close the main ring, wherein the main ring is used as a lens cap when the first cover and the second cover close the main ring and used as a lens hood when the main ring is opened, two levers laterally mounted to a rear side of the main ring for selectively positioning the first cover and the second cover when closing the main ring; and a connecting ring mounted to the rear side of the main ring for preventing the two levers from detaching from the main ring, wherein the connecting ring is adapted to be mounted onto a lens of a camera.
2. The lens cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main ring includes two side plates respectively inwardly extend from a rear side of the main ring, wherein the tow side plates diametrically correspond to each other and each side plate has a block formed thereon, each block having a chamber defined therein and extending to the rear side of the main ring to define an opening, a first hole and a second hole respectively defined in two opposite ends of a corresponding one of the two chambers and extend through two opposite ends of a corresponding one of the two blocks, two pivot assemblies respectively mounted into a corresponding one of the two chambers via the opening for pivotally mounted the first cover and the second cover to the two blocks.
3. The lens cap as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first cover and the second cover respectively has a pivot portion formed thereon and each pivot portion has a cavity defined therein for pivotally receiving a corresponding one of the two blocks, a bore and a slot respectively defined in two opposite ends of each of the two cavities and aligning with beach othet
4. The lens cap as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pivot assembly includes: a pivot extending through the second hole, and partially and rotatably received in the bore, the pivot having a through hole centrally defined therein and a flange radially extending therefrom, wherein the flange abuts against the inner periphery of the cone sponding chamber to prevent the pivot from overly extending through the block; an axle having an enlarged head formed on one end thereof and movably received in the through hole in the pivot; a washer sleeved on the axle and securely abuts the pivot to prevent the enlarged head from detaching from the pivot; and a torsion spring sleeved on the axle and an end-piece securely and longitudinally mounted onto the axle opposite to the pivot to prevent the torsion spring from detaching from the axle, the end-piece having a stopper laterally extending therefrom and a flat protrusion longitudinally extending therefrom, wherein the flat protrusion extends through the first hole and is inserted into the slot in the first/second cover such that the axle is rotated when the first/second cover is wrenched, the torsion spring having a first end engaged to an inner periphery of chamber and a second end abutting against the stopper.
5. The lens cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main ring has two first indentations laterally defined in the rear side thereof and diametrically corresponding to each other, and two second indentation defined in the rear side of the main ring, wherein each second indentation is adjacent to a corresponding one of the two first indentation such that a protrusion is formed between the corresponded first indentation and the second indentation, a first pivot hole laterally defined in a distal end of the protrusion.
6. The lens cap as claimed in claim 5, wherein each lever is laterally and pivotally mounted to a corresponding one of the two protrusions, the lever including a connecting rod, a hook and a button respectively formed on two opposite ends of the connecting rod, wherein the rod has a first side and a second side respectively facing the main ring and the connecting ring, the hook provided to position the first cover with the second cover after closing the main ring, a pivot axle laterally extending through the rod and having a first section rotatably received in the first pivot hole, the lever including an engager laterally extending from the second side of the rod near the button and a hole laterally defined in the second side of the rod, a torsion spring sleeved on a second section of the pivot axle, and having a first end inserted into the hole in the rod and a second end engaged to the connecting ring for providing a restitution force to the lever after pressing the button to make the hook releasing the first cover and the second cover, the engager engaged to the connecting ring to prevent the button overly extending through the second indentation.
7. The lens cap as claimed in claim 6, wherein the connecting ring includes two cavities laterally defined in a first side thereof for partially receiving a corresponding one of the two levers, a first bore laterally defined in a bottom of the cavity for pivotally receiving the second section of the pivot axle and a second bore laterally defined in the bottom of the cavity for receiving the second end of the torsion spring of the lever, a receiving space laterally defined in the first side of the connecting ring, wherein the receiving space has a T-shaped cross-section and extending to an outer periphery of the connecting ring, a first notch and a second notch respectively defined in a bottom of the receiving space and parallel to each other, a tunnel laterally defined in the first side of the connecting ring and communicates with the receiving space.
8. The lens cap as claimed in claim 7, wherein the connecting ring includes a switch slidably received in the receiving space and extending out of the outer periphery of the connecting ring, the switch having multiple hooks extending from a bottom thereof and engaged to two opposite edges of the receiving space to prevent the switch from detaching from the connecting ring, a raised portion formed on the bottom of the switch, wherein the raised portion is selectively engaged to the first/second notch, a guide block formed on the bottom of the switch and a slanted face formed on one side of the guide block, a pusher moveably received in the tunnel and selectively extending into an inner periphery of the connecting ring, the pusher having a protrusion formed thereon and abutting against the slanted face such that the switch can inwardly drive the pusher when being moved in the receiving space.
9. A lens cap substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: I. A lens cap comprising: a main ring having two tongues extending from a front side thereof and diametrically corresponding to each other, a first cover and a second cover respectively pivotally mounted to selectively close the main ring, wherein the main ring is used as a lens cap when the first cover and the second cover close the main ring and used as a lens hood when the main ring is opened, two levers laterally mounted to a rear side of the main ring for selectively positioning the first cover and the second cover when closing the main ring; and a connecting ring mounted to the rear side of the main ring for preventing the two levers from detaching from the main ring, wherein the connecting ring is adapted to be mounted onto a lens of a camera.2. The lens cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main ring includes two side plates respectively inwardly extend from a rear side * *.*** of the main ring, wherein the two side plates diametrically correspond * S.. SI to each other and each side plate has a block formed thereon, each * block having a chamber defined therein and extending to the rear side *4. I.S" : 20 of the main ring to define an opening, a first hole and a second hole respectively defined in two opposite ends of a corresponding one of the two chambers and extend through two opposite ends of a corresponding one of the two blocks, two pivot assemblies respectively mounted into a corresponding one of the two chambers via the opening for pivotally mounted the first cover and the second cover to the two blocks.3. The lens cap as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first cover and the second cover respectively has a pivot portion formed thereon and each pivot portion has a cavity defined therein for pivotally receiving a corresponding one of the two blocks, a bore and a slot respectively defined in two opposite ends of each of the two cavities and aligning with beach othet 4. The lens cap as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pivot assembly includes: a pivot extending through the second hole, and partially and rotatably received in the bore, the pivot having a through hole centrally defined therein and a flange radially extending therefrom, wherein the flange abuts against the inner periphery of the cone sponding chamber to prevent the pivot from overly extending through the block; an axle having an enlarged head formed on one end thereof and movably received in the through hole in the pivot; a washer sleeved on the axle and securely abuts the pivot to prevent the enlarged head from detaching from the pivot; and a torsion spring sleeved on the axle and an end-piece securely and longitudinally mounted onto the axle opposite to the pivot to prevent the torsion spring from detaching from the axle, the end-piece having a stopper laterally extending therefrom and a flat protrusion longitudinally extending therefrom, wherein the flat protrusion extends through the first hole and is inserted into the slot in the first/second cover such that the axle is rotated when the first/second cover is wrenched, the torsion spring having a first end engaged to an inner periphery of chamber and a second end abutting against the stopper.5. The lens cap as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main ring has two first indentations laterally defined in the rear side thereof and diametrically corresponding to each other, and two second indentation defined in the rear side of the main ring, wherein each second indentation is adjacent to a corresponding one of the two first indentation such that a protrusion is formed between the corresponded first indentation and the second indentation, a first pivot hole laterally defined in a distal end of the protrusion.6. The lens cap as claimed in claim 5, wherein each lever is laterally and pivotally mounted to a corresponding one of the two protrusions, the lever including a connecting rod, a hook and a button respectively formed on two opposite ends of the connecting rod, wherein the rod has a first side and a second side respectively facing the main ring and the connecting ring, the hook provided to position the first cover with the second cover after closing the main ring, a pivot axle laterally extending through the rod and having a first section rotatably received in the first pivot hole, the lever including an engager laterally extending from the second side of the rod near the button and a hole laterally defined in the second side of the rod, a torsion spring sleeved on a second section of the pivot axle, and having a first end inserted into the hole in the rod and a second end engaged to the connecting ring for providing a restitution force to the lever after pressing the button to make the hook releasing the first cover and the second cover, the engager engaged to the connecting ring to prevent the button overly extending through the second indentation.7. The lens cap as claimed in claim 6, wherein the connecting ring includes two cavities laterally defined in a first side thereof for partially receiving a corresponding one of the two levers, a first bore laterally defined in a bottom of the cavity for pivotally receiving the second section of the pivot axle and a second bore laterally defined in the bottom of the cavity for receiving the second end of the torsion spring of the lever, a receiving space laterally defined in the first side of the connecting ring, wherein the receiving space has a T-shaped cross-section and extending to an outer periphery of the connecting ring, a first notch and a second notch respectively defined in a bottom of the receiving space and parallel to each other, a tunnel laterally defined in the first side of the connecting ring and communicates with the receiving space.8. The lens cap as claimed in claim 7, wherein the connecting ring includes a switch slidably received in the receiving space and extending out of the outer periphery of the connecting ring, the switch having multiple hooks extending from a bottom thereof and engaged to two opposite edges of the receiving space to prevent the switch from detaching from the connecting ring, a raised portion formed on the bottom of the switch, wherein the raised portion is selectively engaged to the first/second notch, a guide block formed on the bottom of the switch and a slanted face formed on one side of the guide block, a pusher moveably received in the tunnel and selectively extending into an inner periphery of the connecting ring, the pusher having a protrusion formed thereon and abutting against the slanted face such that the switch can inwardly drive the pusher when being moved in the receiving space.9. A lens cap substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.