GB2522223A

GB2522223A - Self-Closing eyeguard

Info

Publication number: GB2522223A
Application number: GB1400765.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Douglas Osborne
Original assignee: Thales Holdings UK PLC
Current assignee: Thales Holdings UK PLC
Priority date: 2014-01-16
Filing date: 2014-01-16
Publication date: 2015-07-22
Also published as: GB201400765D0

Abstract

An eyeshield 10 may be attaching to an optical device and in use be positioned against the periocular region of a users face. The eyecup 10 has a first annular component 16 supporting a diaphragm 14, a second annular component 12 having an actuating member (36, fig 8), and with the first and second components 12, 16 being contiguous. Movement of the second component 12 relative to the first component 16 causes the actuating member (36, fig 8) to interact with the diaphragm 14, moving it from a closed to open state. The diaphragm 14 may be positioned to allow a user to see through the eyeguard 10. This movement into an open position may be actuated simply by the pressure exerted by the users face on the eyeguard 10. Upon removal of the users eye from the eyeguard 10, the eyecup 10 may return to a closed state. Another invention relates to an eyeshield having the diaphragm being of a resilient material, operable to urge the eye-ring into the closed position.

Description

Self-closing Eyeguard

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate to an eyeguard. More particularly, described embodiments relate to a self-closing eyeguard suitable for use with a variety of optical devices.

BACKGROUND

Eyeguards are used in conjunction with a wide range of optical devices to optimise the effectiveness of the device and increase the comfort of use. They are traditionally installed adjacent a user lens or window (collectively referred to herein as a lens) on the optical device into which the user looks, thus acting as an interface between the user and the optical device.

Eyeguards are employed for two main reasons: to increase comfort and to optimise device performance. The use of an eyeguard increases the comfort of using the device as the eyeguard, or a part thereof, is generally made of a soft material and/or is shaped for comfortable interaction with the periocular portion of a user's face. The effectiveness of the optical device can be optimised by using the eyeguard to ensure the user's eye is kept an optimal distance from the user lens -this distance may be selected to coincide with a point of convergence, such as the focal length, or to maximise the user's field of view through the device. Additionally, eyeguards are often shaped to form a continuous contact around the user's eye, thus preventing ambient light or background movement from leducing the effectiveness of the device or distracting the user.

It is desirable to be able to cover the optical device's user lens when the device is not in use; firstly, to prevent the environment from damaging the lens and, secondly, to prevent the lens alerting a third party to the device. With respect to the first reason -the lenses and windows of some optical devices are made to a high degree of precision. This makes the accuracy and clarity of the image susceptible to degradation due to scratches from grit or oily residue from contact with the user or surroundings. It is, therefore, desirable to have the lens covered -and hence protected -from the environment when the user is not using the device, minimising the lens' exposure to the environment.

Concerning the second reason for covering the optical device's lens -when used in a monitoring or combat situation, it is often crucial that the user of the optical device is undetected. Uncovered lenses may pose a number of risks in this regard -they are susceptible to reflecting ambient light, alerting the third party to the optical device's presence; additionally, optical devices such as night vision goggles which comprise an internal light source may project a light from within the optical device onto the user's face as the device is removed from use, thus illuminating the user.

Eyeguards such as the one described herein can be used on a variety of devices including binoculars, telescopic sights, thermal imaging devices and night vision devices. It is desirable to be able to dismantle the eyeguard to conduct cleaning or maintenance. For example, it is easily foreseeable that during use in the rain, the ingress of water into areas of the eyeguard will be unavoidable. In a multi-part design, a single component can be removed either to clean or to allow the removal of water or dirt and then expediently replaced, with minimal disturbance to the use of the device.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an eyeguard according to a described embodiment; Figure 2 is an end view of the eyeguard of figure 1, in a closed position; Figure 3 is an end view of the eyeguard of figure 1, in an open position; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the eyeguard of figure 1; Figure 5 is a side view of the eyeguard of figure 1, in a closed position; Figure 6 is a side section view of the eyeguard of figure 1, in a closed position; Figure 7 is a side view of the eyeguard of figure 1, in an open position; Figure 8 is a side section view of the eyeguard of figure 1, in an open position; and Figure 9 is a detail view of figure 8.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment described herein provides an eyeguard comprising: a first component; a diaphragm, restrained by the first component; and a second component, comprising an actuating member located adjacent the diaphragm; wherein upon movement of the second component or a portion thereof relative to the first component, the actuating member interacts with the diaphragm, moving the diaphragm from a closed to an open state.

An embodiment described herein comprises an eyeguard suitable for use with an optical device, the eyeguard comprising: an annular first component, defining a first axis; a diaphragm, supported by the first component; and an annular second component, defining a second axis, the second component being contiguous with the first component and comprising an actuating member located adjacent the diaphragm; wherein upon movement of the second component or a portion thereof relative to the first component, the actuating member interacts with the diaphragm, moving the diaphragm from a closed state to an open state.

The first axis extends through the centre of the first component, about which the first component is annular. The first component may be axisymmetric. The second axis extends through the centre of the second component, about which the second component is annular. The second component may be axisymmetric.

The first component and second component may be contiguous, and may be removeably attached to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second component may be substantially concentric.

In embodiments described herein, the eyeguard may be substantially cylindrical or prismatic.

During use, one of the first and second components may be attached to the optical device, and the other of the first and second components may thus accommodate the user's eye. In use, the user looks through the eyeguard, into the optical device. As such, the eyeguard may be substantially tubular. Therefore, the first and second components may be substantially tubular. The first and second components may be of virtually any cross-section.

In described embodiments, a diaphragm is present and acts to open and close the line of sight through the eyeguard. When in a closed state, the diaphragm is intended to seal off an optical device lens or window from the environment. This ensures that the environment cannot damage the lens, and that light cannot reflect off of, or be emitted from, the lens to the environment.

The diaphragm may be a light shield.

The diaphragm may be supported by the first component. Alternatively or additionally, the diaphragm may be restrained by the first component. The diaphragm, or a portion thereof, may be prevented from movement, or have limited movement, in any one axis or in multiple axes.

In a described embodiment, the diaphragm is bonded to the first component. The diaphragm may be chemically bonded to the first component by way of adhesive or other bonding agents.

The first component may be an eye-component and thus may be placed adjacent a user's eye during use and the second component may be a device-component and is thus adjacent an optical device during use.

The first component may be an eye cup. The eye-component may be an eye cup. The eye-component may be an eye ring.

The second component may be an attachment ring. The device component may be an attachment ring. The device component may be a barrel. The attachment ring may be a barrel.

Alternatively, the first component may be a device-component and thus may be adjacent an optical device during use and the second component may be an eye-component and is thus placed adjacent a user's eye during use.

Accordingly, the first component may be an attachment ring and/or the second component may be an eye cup.

Any use of the terms first component, second component, eye component, device component, eye cup, attachment ring, barrel and eye ring may be used substantially interchangeably as defined above, except where it is obvious from the context that such a definition is not applicable.

The eye-component is that which, in use, is adjacent the periocular part of a user's face. While it is generally stated that the eyeguard is located adjacent a periocular part of a user's face, it is to be understood that, used herein, this language incorporates any part of a user's face which could reasonably be expected to come into contact with an eyeguard during use. As such, this covers, among other things, a user's cheekbones, brow and nose-bridge.

In a described embodiment, the eye-component comprises a periocular portion. This periocular portion may come into direct contact with the user. As such, the periocular portion may comprise a soft section, or an ergonomically shaped section which accommodates the periocular part of the user's face.

The periocular portion may be an eye cup. The periocular portion may be an eye cup in place of, or in addition to, any of the first component, second component or eye component being an eye cup. Again, it is to be understood that the term eye cup may be used in place of periocular portion throughout the present disclosure unless it is evident from the context that this is not applicable.

This periocular portion may be designed so as to maximise comfort, but also to ensure the optical device is used effectively. This may be achieved by ensuring a complete contact is present between the periocular portion of the user's face and the eyeguard.

Additionally, the size of the periocular portion of the eyeguard may be designed so as to ensure the user's eye is maintained at an optimal distance from the device lens.

The device-component is the part of the device which is optionally adjacent the optical device and is attached thereto. The device-component may be shaped so as to accommodate (and not impinge upon) a window or lens on the optical device, into which a user will look.

In a described embodiment, the device-component comprises an attachment means or attachment device by which the device-component, and eyeguard as a whole when assembled, is fixed to the optical device. The required aftachment means or attachment device may vary depending upon the optical device. As such, an eyeguard as described herein comprising any attachment means or attachment device is seen as within the scope of the present disclosure. Example attachment means or attachment devices may include, but are not limited to, a threaded section, a slot and protrusion snap fit, clips or an interference fit.

An actuating member may be located on either the device-component or the eye-component. The diaphragm is normally located on the other of the device-component or the eye-component.

The actuating member may be an actuator.

A central axis may extend through both the first component and the second component along which the user looks during use of the optical device.

As stated above, the eyeguard as a whole and/or each of the first and second components may be prismatic or cylindrical. As such, in use, the user looks through the eyeguard into the optical device. Therefore, as such, the central axis extends through the centre of the eyeguard and represents the user's line of sight, through the eyeguard, into the optical device.

The first axis may be coaxial with the second axis, defining a central axis along which the user looks during use of the optical device. The first and second components may be substantially axisymmetric about the first and second axes respectively. The diaphragm may be arranged perpendicularly to the first axis when in a closed position.

The first and second components may be substantially axisymmetric about the central axis.

As this central axis represents the user's line of sight, this central axis may be obstruction free when the eyeguard is in an open position. The central axis may be obstructed when the eyeguard is in a closed position. In a described embodiment, the central axis is obstructed by the diaphragm when the eyeguard is in a closed position.

In a described embodiment, the diaphragm is arranged perpendicularly to the central axis when in a closed position.

The diaphragm may be disc-shaped.

In one embodiment, the diaphragm may be made of an opaque material. Alternatively, the diaphragm may be made of a translucent material. The diaphragm may be flexible.

In one embodiment, the diaphragm comprises at least one radial or diametric cut extending from the centre of the diaphragm part way to the circumference of the diaphragm.

The diaphragm may comprise 2 diametric cuts, forming 4 sectors; 3 cuts, forming 6 sectors, 4 cuts, forming 8 sectors or more cuts. The more cuts, the greater the number, but smaller the size, of the sectors.

The diaphragm may be a light shield, and the diaphragm-sectors may be light-shield fingers.

The diaphragm may be movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. In the closed position the diaphragm may obstruct the central axis and/or the user's line of sight through the eyeguard. In the open position the diaphragm does not obstruct the central axis and/or the user's line of sight through the eyeguard.

In certain embodiments, it is foreseen that the entire diaphragm may rotate, fold or translate to move from a closed position to an open position.

As such, in some embodiments, the diaphragm may be partially restrained within the eyeguard. A disc-shaped diaphragm split in to a number of sectors may be restrained around its perimeter. Each sector may, therefore, bend about a line substantially parallel to, but offset from, the diaphragm circumference upon a force being applied by the actuator.

In a described embodiment, the diaphragm comprises a plurality of interlinked sectors.

The sectors may be substantially triangular sections, interconnected by two vertices.

These sectors may be substantially individually rotatable about their interconnected vertices to move the diaphragm from a closed to an open position.

In a closed position, the sectors may all lie in the same plane, abutting their neighbouring sector. In a closed position, the sectors may form a disc.

In an open position, each sector may be rotationally displaced by substantially 90 degrees with respect to their position in the closed position, and so each sector no longer lies perpendicular to the central axis and/or the user's line of sight. As such, each sector may lie in a plane substantially parallel to the central axis and/or the user's line of sight through the eyeguard. Each triangular sector may be oriented such that the vertices thereof not connected to other sectors are directed in the same direction, parallel with the central axis. Thus, in general terms, an embodiment of, the diaphragm,is formed of a plurality of sectors, wherein each sector is of the shape of an isosceles triangle, with two base vertices bounding a base, and a non-base vertex, the sectors being conjoined at their base vertices. In a closed position, the sectors of the diaphragm interlock to form a generally disc-shaped closure, while in an open position the sectors are displaced substantially through a right angle with respect to the closed position, thereby defining a cylindrical envelope with the non-base vertices all oriented in a direction substantially parallel with the central axis.

The diaphragm may be located substantially between the first component and the second component.

In a described embodiment the diaphragm is contained within an outer housing of the eyeguard.

The first component or the second component may comprise the outer housing. In a described embodiment, the outer housing comprises a hollow cylinder.

The outer housing may contain the other components of the eyeguard when in an assembled and in-use arrangement. The outer housing may be suitable for use in a variety of harsh environments.

The outer housing can have a diameter of substantially equal to, or larger than, the diaphragm. The diaphragm may be entirely located within the outer housing.

The first component may comprise a substantially cylindrical tube.

The cylindrical tube may extend from a part of the first component, or the first component may be a cylindrical tube.

The cylindrical tube may be the outer housing. However, the cylindrical tube may alternatively be located within, and concentric with, the outer housing.

The cylindrical tube may protrude from an attachment facility of the first component, if present. Alternatively, the cylindrical tube may protrude from the periocular portion of the first component, if present.

In an embodiment described herein, the cylindrical tube has a longitudinal axis which is coaxial with the central axis of the eyeguard. The cylindrical tube may be axisymmetric about the axis through the centre of the diaphragm. The cylindrical tube may have a diameter equal to, or larger than, the diaphragm.

The diaphragm may be located within a recess on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube.

The recess may be a circumferential slot to a predetermined depth in the inner surface of the cylindrical tube, suitable for locating the outer surface of diaphragm.

Alternatively, the diaphragm may be located within a recess on an end face of the cylindrical tube. A recess on an end face of the cylindrical tube may prevent the diaphragm from moving radially and in one direction along the axis of the cylindrical tube.

In one embodiment, a longitudinal force is exerted on the diaphragm in a direction parallel to the central axis. As such, depending on the specific embodiment, it may be advantageous for the outside edge, or circumference, of the diaphragm to be restrained from moving in this longitudinal direction.

The diaphragm may be bonded to the first component. The diaphragm may be bonded to the cylindrical tube. The diaphragm may be chemically bonded to the first component. The diaphragm may be chemically bonded to the cylindrical tube.

In a described embodiment, a disc-shaped diaphragm is bonded to a cylindrical tube around its curved outer circumference and an outer ring of one of its flat circular sides.

In other embodiments the disc-shaped diaphragm may be bonded by just one of the curved outer circumference or an outer ring of one of its flat circular sides.

The substantially disc-shaped diaphragm may comprise a series of wedges connected at either end of their curved side. The diaphragm may be bonded to the first component or to the cylindrical tube so as to allow the wedges to bend, thus putting the diaphragm in an open configuration.

In a described embodiment each wedge may be bonded to the first component or the cylindrical tube by its curved outer surface. Alternatively, or additionally, a portion of the flat surface of the wedge may be bonded to the first component or the cylindrical tube. A thin arc adjacent the curved side of the wedge may be bonded to the first component or the cylindrical tube.

Optionally, the cylindrical tube may be tapered, to form a frusto-conical tube, or cup.

Further, the first component may be the device-component and the large diametered side of the frusto-conical tube is attached, or optionally integral with, an attachment means or attachment device.

In a described embodiment, part of the second component is fixed relative to the first component.

The person skilled in the art would be aware of suitable ways in which the first and second component may be connected. One of the first component and the second component may comprise a protrusion and the other of the first component and the second component may comprise a corresponding recess, the protrusion and recess optionally mating when the eyeguard is in an assembled state.

In certain embodiments, the first component may comprise the substantially cylindrical tube and the second component may comprise the outer housing. In a further potential embodiment, the cylindrical tube may be located within the housing during use.

Additionally or alternatively, the housing and cylindrical tube may interlock, to fix at least a part of the second component relative to the first component.

Optionally, the inner surface of the housing may comprise a radial protrusion.

Alternatively, or additionally, the outer surface of the cylindrical tube may comprise a circumferential recess. In a described embodiment, the radial protrusion and circumferential recess mate, effectively locking the housing and cylindrical tube together.

It is possible that the first and second component are removably engageable, and so may be connected to fix at least part of the second component relative to the first component, but then disconnected.

In certain embodiments, the first and second component can be disconnected by a user without undue effort. It may be advantageous if the diaphragm may be removed from the device once the first and second component are disconnected.

Being able to remove the diaphragm from the eyeguard will allow a damaged diaphragm to be replaced, potentially without removal of the device-component from the device. Additionally, separating the first and second components will allow the eyeguard to be cleaned easily. Such an arrangement may be beneficial as it will allow individual pads of the eyeguard to be replaced, without requiring the entire eyeguard to be disposed of. Additionally, cleaning and maintenance operations can more easily be carried out in the field, thus ensuring prolonged efficiency of the eyeguard.

In a described embodiment, the second component comprises a flexible portion.

A flexible portion allows part of the second component to move relative to a further part of the second component.

In the present disclosure the term "flexible" can be used to describe a portion of the second component which is less rigid than the rest of the second component. As such, this portion will undergo a comparatively large amount of deformation when a relevant load is applied.

The flexible portion may deform in any manner. The flexible portion may bend, stretch, compress or twist, or may be suitable to undergo a combination of any of the above deformations.

In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the flexible portion is thinner than the average thickness of the rest of the second component. This allows the second component to be made as a single integral component, yet still comprise a flexible component. Alternatively, the flexible portion has an average wall thickness of less than two-thirds the average thickness of the rest of the second component; or, the flexible portion may have an average thickness of less than half the average thickness of the rest of the second component. Alternatively, the flexible portion may have an average thickness of equal to, or less than, one-third the average thickness of the rest of the second component.

The flexible portion need not be integral with the rest of the second component. As such, the second component may comprise a portion adhered thereto which is made from a more flexible material and forms the flexible portion. Alternatively, a series of notches in one side of a portion of the second component may form the flexible portion.

The flexible portion may deform during use due to the force of the user holding the optical device to their face.

It may be advantageous if, as the eyeguard comes into contact with the user's face and as the user moves the optical device into a position to look into, the eyeguard is compressed between the optical device and the user. The compression forces may manifest themselves in a deformation of the flexible portion of the eyeguard. This may then result in the second component, or a part thereof, moving relative to the first component.

Although a described embodiment comprises a flexible portion, it is also foreseen that the relative movement between the first and second component may be achieved by a sliding interface. Such a sliding interface may utilise a series of runners. It should be understood that where the present disclosure relates to a flexible portion, the discussed features and limitations may apply mutatis mutandis to a portion comprising a sliding interface. Other features, immediately apparent to the skilled reader as being suitable to facilitate relative movement between the first and second component, may also be considered as substitutable with the term flexible portion in the present disclosure.

In the described embodiment, the actuating member is separated from the fixed part of the second component by the flexible portion. This allows the actuating member to move relative to the fixed part of the second component, the first component and the device.

More importantly, this allows the actuating member to move relative to the diaphragm.

The relative movement between the diaphragm and the actuating member may be used to actuate the diaphragm between an open and a closed position. The relative movement between the diaphragm and the actuating member may directly or indirectly cause the diaphragm to move between an open and closed state.

In the described embodiment, the actuating member abuts the diaphragm as the actuating member starts to move. The actuating member then continues to move as the user continues to move the optical device towards their face, thus further deforming the flexible portion. As the actuating member continues to move relative to the diaphragm, the diaphragm is displaced to a position or configuration where the user's view is no longer obstructed.

In some embodiments the diaphragm effectively comprises a rubber disc with a plurality of fingers. These fingers are can be moved when the user presses against a periocular portion of the eyeguard. The user pressing against the periocular portion of the eyeguard generates a force which causes a deformation of a flexible portion of the eyeguard, which in turn results in an actuating member pushing the fingers out of the way.

It is possible that the diaphragm is directly deformed by a contact force from the actuating member. The diaphragm may be in an unstressed, relaxed, state when in a closed configuration, and a stressed, deformed, non-equilibrium state when in an open configuration. Optionally, the diaphragm may be in an open position or configuration only while the actuator applies a force to the diaphragm, thus maintaining it in a non-equilibrium configuration. In this manner the diaphragm may require an external force to stay in an open configuration. This external force may be provided by the actuating member, which in turn is maintained in its open' position due to the application of a force on the eyeguard from periocular region of the user's face. In a described embodiment the diaphragm returns to an unstressed, relaxed, state once the actuating member no longer exerts a force on the diaphragm (i.e. when the user removes the eyeguard from their face).

The diaphragm may be displaced or reconfigured in a number of ways, all of which are within the scope of the present disclosure. Ways in which the diaphragm may be moved, folded or rotated to move between an open and a closed state will be immediately apparent to a skilled reader. In going from an open to a closed position, the diaphragm may be translated, rotated, folded, twisted or any combination of these.

In a described embodiment, as described above, the diaphragm comprises a number of interconnected wedges. When in a closed configuration the diaphragm forms a disk, perpendicular to the user's line of sight. The user's line of sight may correspond to a central axis of the eyeguard. When in an open configuration each wedge has rotated by 90 degrees about the outer circumference of the disc. As such, each wedge may lie in a plane parallel to the user's line of sight. The user is thus able to see through the central section of the diaphragm.

The actuating member may move along the central axis towards the first component.

In a described embodiment, the central axis is the user's line of sight. The eyeguard, and/or the first and second components may be axisymmetric about the central axis.

In a described embodiment, the user holds the eyeguard to the periocular area of their face, the user then moves the optical device towards their face. The movement of the device towards the user's face may apply a force in the direction of the central axis, and hence along the user's line of sight. This force manifests itself in a deformation of the flexible section of the second component. As such, the entire, or a portion of, the second component (comprising the actuating member) may move relative to the first component, along the central axis.

Optionally, the actuating member may comprise a substantially cylindrical tube.

In a described embodiment, the outer radius of the actuating member cylindrical tube is equal to or less than the length of the radial cut in the diaphragm.

A user, during use, may look through the actuating member into the optical device.

It may be advantageous if the actuating member comprises a cylindrical tube.

Optionally, the actuating member is rigid. A cylindrical tube-shaped actuating member, upon movement in a direction towards a diaphragm of a described embodiment, contacts the diaphragm in a circle of diameter slightly less than the length of a diaphragm cut or cuts. The diaphragm-cuts form a number of triangular sectors, connected around the circumference of the diaphragm. As the actuating member exerts a force on each of the diaphragm sectors, the sector, or wedge, rotates about the outer circumference of the diaphragm to lie in a plane parallel to the line of sight of the user. Hence the sector no longer inhibits the user's line of sight. This direction may also correspond to the central axis of the eyeguard. This direction further may correspond to the central longitudinal axis of the actuating member.

In a fully open state, where the face of the user has fully compressed the eyeguard, the diaphragm-sectors, in the arrangement described above, may rest against the outer curved surface of the cylindrical actuating member.

Once moved to an open configuration, less force in the longitudinal direction may be required to maintain the diaphragm in an open configuration than to move the diaphragm from a closed to an open configuration. This might advantageously mean that there is less pressure exerted on the user's periocular region during use, than is required in the initial phases to move the eyeguard into an open configuration.

Further according to a described embodiment is a first component, substantially as described anywhere above, the first component being suitable for use as part of an eyeguard substantially as described herein.

A further possible embodiment comprises a second component, substantially as described anywhere above, the second component being suitable for use as part of an eyeguard substantially as described herein.

It should be known that as well as an assembled eyeguard, each individual component as described herein, is within the scope of the present disclosure.

Further according to embodiments described herein is an assembly of a first component, a second component and a diaphragm, substantially as described herein.

Certain embodiments described herein can, advantageously, be made reliably and cheaply. This is largely down to the use of a number of parts, which are then assembled to make the eyeguard as described herein. As discussed above, the majority of existing designs rely upon complicated designs, requiring complex manufacturing processes.

The components of embodiments described herein may be made of rubber and be moulded. Suitable options for manufacturing processes would be apparent to the skilled reader. Injection moulding may be a suitable manufacturing method.

In a described embodiment, the separate components are individually manufactured, and then assembled. Assembly of the components to form the eyeguard may be done by chemical or mechanical bonding. Advantageously, the components may be chemically bonded together with adhesive. Alternatively, the parts may be designed so as to allow a clip fit arrangement.

Additionally according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is the use of an eyeguard, substantially as described herein, attached to an optical device.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure is an eyeguard for an optical device, the eyepiece comprising: a barrel, a first end of the barrel being suitable for engagement with an optical device; an eye-ring having a first end suitable for presentation to a user's eye, and a second end engaged with a second end of the barrel, the eye-ring being capable of axial movement relative to the barrel between a first position and a second position, the eye-ring being closer to the first end of the barrel in the second position than in the first position; and a diaphragm interposed between the barrel and the eye-ring, the diaphragm being of a resilient material, the diaphragm being operable to urge the eye-ring into the first position; wherein the diaphragm is formed with a plurality of segments which, in the first position of the eye-ring, meet to form an occlusion within the eyepiece and wherein, in moving the eye-ring from the first position to the second position, a camming surface at the first end of the eye-ring is caused to move over a portion of the diaphragm to result in deflection of the segments to allow passage of light through the eyepiece.

The barrel and eye-ring may be captively engaged.

The barrel may be generally cylindrical, and the second end of the eye-ring may present an annular lip for engagement within a corresponding formation in the second end of the barrel.

The camming surface may be formed on the second end of the eye-ring and may be defined to enable deflection of the segments of the diaphragm.

A camming surface may be formed on the actuating member. The actuating member may be a camming surface. The camming surface may be formed to deflect sectors of the diaphragm.

The camming surface may comprise a frusto-conical surface converging on the second end of the eye-ring. The camming surface may comprise a frusto-conical surface converging on the end closest to the device. The camming surface may comprise a frusto-conical surface converging on the end closest to the user's eye when in use.

The eye-ring and diaphragm may be capable of disengagement.

Figure 1 depicts an assembled eyeguard 10 according to a described embodiment.

The eyeguard of this embodiment is substantially cylindrical with a longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A represents the line of sight of a user when using the optical device (not depicted) to which the eyeguard 10 is attached.

This assembled eyeguard 10 comprises an eye-component 12, a diaphragm 14 (not visible in figure 1) and a device-component 16. During use the eye-component 12 is located adjacent the user's eye and the a device-component 16 is located adjacent the optical device. During use, a periocular part of the user's face can be pushed against a periocular portion 20 of the eye-component 12 and the user looks along the axis A, through the eyeguard 10, and into the optical device.

Figure 2 is an end view of the eyeguard 10 of figure 1, along the longitudinal axis A, when the eyeguard 10 is in a closed position. In some embodiments, the depicted configuration (closed) is active when there is no force applied to the periocular portion of the eye-component 12. As can be seen in this embodiment, a circular diaphragm 14 is visible, located perpendicular to and centred on the longitudinal axis A. This diaphragm 14 comprises a number of internal cuts which extend diametrically.

These cuts do not reach the circumferential edge of the diaphragm 14. As such, in the present embodiment, the diaphragm 14 comprises a plurality of sectors 26, interconnected by a thin circumferential section of the diaphragm 14. In figure 2 the diaphragm 14 is in a closed position. In a closed position, the diaphragm is unstressed and the plurality of diaphragm sectors 26 are arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A, abutting their neighbouring sector, forming a disc. As such, when in a closed position, the passage between the user and the device is closed by the diaphragm 14.

Figure 3 is an end view of the eyeguard of figure 1, along the longitudinal axis A, when the eyeguard 10 is in an open position. The depicted configuration (open) is active when there is a force applied to the periocular portion 20 of the eye-component 12.

The diaphragm 14 is no longer clearly visible. Instead, a user is able to look along the longitudinal axis A, through the eyeguard 10, into the optical device. This configuration will be discussed further, below.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the eyeguard 10 of figure 1. Figure 4 illustrates the three components which make up the eyeguard 10 of the present embodiment: the eye-component 12, the diaphragm 14 and the device-component 16.

All three components of the present embodiment are substantially axially symmetric about A, although it will be appreciated that this is nota requirement.

The eye-component 12 of a described embodiment comprises a periocular portion 20, a flexible portion 22 and a housing portion 24. In the current, the periocular portion 20 is a shallow cone made out of a soft, flexible rubber. Suitable rubbers would be apparent to the skilled reader, and will not be discussed further here. The periocular portion 20 is designed to be comfortable and provide a complete contact with the periocular part of a user's face. In the present embodiment, the periocular portion is designed to contact the user's face around the circumference of the eye socket, forming a complete contact, thus preventing ambient light from entering the periphery of the user's vision. It will be understood, however, that the periocular portion 20 may be formed from a more rigid material. It may also be shaped to much more closely mimic the contours of the user's face.

Additionally, while the present embodiment is to an eyeguard for use with a single-eye optical device, it is clear that embodiments for two-eye optical devices (such as binoculars) are within the scope of the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, the eye-component 12 and periocular portion 20 thereof will be suitably designed to accommodate a pair of eyes.

The eye-component 12 and the periocular portion 20 in particular, is critical in ensuring that the user's eye is located a correct distance from the optical device for optimal image quality. In order to facilitate this, the rigidity as well as shape (e.g. depth of cone) of the periocular portion 20 should be carefully designed.

The flexible portion 22 of the eye-component 12 of the present embodiment is integral with the periocular portion 20 and the housing portion 24 and is located therebetween.

This flexible portion 22 is made of rubber, although is of a thinner cross section than the periocular portion 20 or housing portion 24. This ensures the flexible portion 22 is much less rigid. In a described embodiment the flexible portion 22 flexes under relatively little force while the housing portion 24 remains rigid.

Alternatively the flexible portion 22 may have the same average cross section as the rest of the eye-component 12, but comprise a series of notches to facilitate flexing, or be made out of a less rigid material than the rest of the eye-component 12. It is the flexible portion 22 that deforms under pressure from the user. This will be discussed further, below.

The housing portion 24 of the present embodiment is hollow and is substantially cylindrical with a central axis corresponding to longitudinal axis A. This housing portion 24 is connected to the flexible portion 22 and extends away from the periocular portion 20. In the present embodiment, on the inside of the distal end of the housing portion 24 -that which is furthest from the periocular portion 20 -is a radially extending circumferential flange 28 (not visible in figure 4). In a particular arrangement, this flange 28 engages a circumferential slot 34 at the base of a cup portion 30 of the device-component 16 and holds the separate components together as a single unit.

In this embodiment, the diaphragm 14 is a thin disc of a flexible and opaque material.

The material is optionally elastic and tough. As described above, the diaphragm 14 of this embodiment is split into a plurality of sectors 26. The number of sectors may vary depending on the size and material of the diaphragm; the present embodiment uses 8 sectors 26. When the eyeguard is moved to an open position, these sectors 26 rotate to extend substantially parallel to A; this is described further, below.

The diaphragm 14 of the present embodiment is located between the eye-component 12 and the device-component 16. The diameter of this diaphragm 14 is advantageously chosen to correspond to a circumferential recess in the end face 32 of the cup 30 of the device-component 16. This allows the diaphragm 14 of the present embodiment to be located within this recess, and thus partially restrained by the device-component 16. Once the eyeguard 10 is assembled, the diaphragm 14 of the present embodiment is located within the housing portion 24.

The device-component 16 of the present embodiment comprises two main portions: an attachment portion 18 and a cup portion 30. The attachment portion 18 is at the distal end of the device-component 16, and hence of the eyeguard 10 when assembled.

The attachment portion 18 secures the eyeguard 10 to the optical device. In the present embodiment the attachment portion 18 is an externally ridged cylinder.

However, the attachment portion may take substantially any form necessary to allow the eyeguard 10 to be attached to the optical device. Typical examples of such attachments may include, but are not limited to: a cylindrical fitting with clips, a threaded attachment, a flange and recess clip-fit and an interference fit.

The cup 30 of the present embodiment is integral with the attachment portion 18 and extends away from the attachment portion 18, proximally, towards the eye-component 12. The cup 30 of the present embodiment is substantially a hollow truncated cone, with the attachment portion at the diametrically-larger end. The diameter of the diametrically-smaller end is slightly larger than the diameter of the diaphragm 14.

The thickness of this cup's walls are larger than those of the eye-component 12. As described above, the end face 32 of this cup 30 comprises a circumferential recess around its inner edge, suitable for receiving the diaphragm 14.

At its distal end, the cup 30 of the present embodiment comprises a circumferential slot 34 around its outer surface which is suitable for receiving the flange 28 on the inside of the housing portion 24 of the eye-component 12.

Figure 5 is a side view of the assembled eyeguard of figure 1 displaying the profile of the eyeguard 10 and, in particular, the eye-component 12.

Figure 6 is a view of a section along plane Z-Z of figure 5. It can be seen that in the present embodiment, the housing portion 24 of the eye-component 12 engages the cup of the device-component 16, fixing their relative locations.

The cup 30 of device-component 16 can extend into the housing portion 24 of the eye-component 12, and in this embodiment the cup extends substantially to the plane at which the housing potion 24 joins the flexible portion 22. The distance the cup 30 extends along the longitudinal axis A may vary.

The diaphragm 14 is located in the recess on the end face 32 of the cup 30. The diaphragm 14 of the present embodiment is bonded to the end face 32 of the cup 30 and the recess therein. In the described embodiment, the diaphragm 14 is bonded in the recess of the cup 30.

The diaphragm 14 is bonded on both the horizontal and vertical (as viewed in figure 9) sides of the recess in the end face 32 of the cup 30. As such, the diaphragm 14 is bonded on the outer, curved surface perpendicular to the disc's radius, and is also bonded over a circumferential ring around the outer circumference on the upper (as viewed in figure 9) flat surface of the diaphragm 14. The width of the circumferential ring over which the upper surface of the diaphragm 14 is bonded may be equal to the horizontal (as viewed in figure 9) width of the recess in the end face 32 of the cup 30.

As in figure 6 the eyeguard 10 is in a closed position, the diaphragm 14 extends across the longitudinal axis A, preventing a user from seeing through the eyeguard 10, but also preventing light from leaving the device through the eyeguard 10 and dirt and debris from entering the device-side of the eyeguard 10.

The eye-component 12 of the present embodiment additionally comprises an actuating member 36. In other embodiments, the actuating member 36 may be on the device-component 16.

In the present embodiment the actuating member 36 is a short, cylindrical tube of diameter slightly smaller than the diaphragm 14. More specifically, this actuating member is of a diameter which is no larger than the length of the sector-forming, diametric cuts in the diaphragm 14.

In the present embodiment, the actuating member is axisymmetric about A. The actuating member 36 may extend from the plane in which the periocular portion 20 meets the flexible portion 22, substantially to the plane in which the diaphragm 14 is located.

The actuating member 36 is formed of a stiff rubber in the present embodiment, although other materials will be suitable. The actuating member 36 has a sufficient wall thickness to avoid deformation during use. The actuating member 36 may be rigid during use.

Figure 7 is a further side view of the eyeguard 10 of figure 1; in this figure the eyeguard is in an open position. The eyeguard 10 enters, and is maintained in, an open position through the application of a force "F" on the periocular portion 20 of the eyeguard 10 in a direction towards the optical device (i.e. along longitudinal axis A towards the distal end of the eyeguard 10). This force F is usually provided by the pressure of the user holding the optical device, and hence the eyeguard 10, against the periocular region of the user's face.

In going from a closed to an open position the eyeguard 10 is compressed by a distance x. The compression may be caused by the deformation of the flexible portion 22, which results in the periocular portion 20 being a distance x closer to the housing portion 24 when the eyeguard is in an open position than when the eyeguard 10 is in a closed position.

During this deformation, in the depicted embodiment, the housing portion 24 of the device-component 16, which in turn is connected to the optical device. As such, the housing portion 24 and device-component 16 of the present embodiment remain stationary during the deformation.

The periocular portion 20 and the actuating member 36 of a present embodiment, therefore, move relative to the housing portion 25, device-component 16 and optical device. During this compression, the actuating member 36 interacts with the diaphragm 14.

Figure 8 is a view of a section along plane Z-Z of figure 7.

Figure 9 is a detail view of figure 8. Figure 9 illustrates the interaction between the actuating member 36 and the diaphragm 14 of the present embodiment when the eyeguard 10 is in an open position.

In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the actuating member 36 is smaller than both the inner diameter of the end face 32 of the cup 30, and the length of the diametric cuts which form the sectors 26 of the diaphragm 14.

As the actuating member 36 may extend substantially up to the plane in which the diaphragm 14 lies when the eyeguard 10 is in a closed position, as soon as the flexible portion 22 deforms -allowing the periocular portion 20 to approach the housing portion 24 -the actuating member 36 abuts the diaphragm 14.

In the present embodiment, the contact region between the diaphragm 14 and the actuating member 36 is a circular ring, centred on the centre of the diaphragm 14 and of diameter slightly less than the diametric cuts in the diaphragm 14.

The end face 32 of the cup 30 prevents the diaphragm 14 from moving as a whole.

Therefore, as the actuating member 36 engages the diaphragm 14, each sector 26 behaves substantially as an independent triangle, hinged at the outer circumference of the diaphragm 14 where each sector 26 is connected to the neighbouring sector 26.

As such, as this actuating member 36 is actuated along A towards the optical device, each sector 26 rotates about 90 degrees about its outer edge, to lie substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A, thus opening the diaphragm 26 and allowing the user to look through the eyeguard, into the optical device.

The diaphragm 14 of the present embodiment is bonded to the end face 32 of the cup and the recess therein.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the novel methods, devices and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An eyeguard suitable for use with an optical device, the eyeguard comprising: an annular first component, defining a first axis; a diaphragm, supported by the first component; and an annular second component, defining a second axis, the second component being contiguous with the first component and comprising an actuating member located adjacent the diaphragm; wherein upon movement of the second component or a portion thereof relative to the first component, the actuating member interacts with the diaphragm, moving the diaphragm from a closed state to an open state.
2. An eyeguard according to claim 1, wherein the first component is an eye-component and is thus placed adjacent a user's eye during use, and the second component is a device-component and is thus adjacent an optical device during use.
3. An eyeguard according to claim 1, wherein the first component is a device-component and is thus adjacent an optical device during use and the second component is an eye-component and is thus placed adjacent a user's eye during use.
4. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first axis is coaxial with the second axis defining a central axis along which the user looks during use of the optical device.
5. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second components are substantially axisymmetric about the first and second axes respectively.
6. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm is arranged perpendicularly to the first axis when in a closed position.
7. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm is disc-shaped.
8. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm comprises at least one radial or diametric cut extending from the centre of the diaphragm part way to the circumference of the diaphragm.
9. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm is located substantially between the first component and the second component.
10. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first component comprises a substantially cylindrical tube.
11. An eyeguard according to claim 10, wherein the diaphragm is located within a recess on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube.
12. An eyeguard according to claim 10, wherein the diaphragm is located within a recess on an end face of the cylindrical tube.
13. An eyeguard according to any of claims 10 to 12 when dependent upon claim 10, wherein the cylindrical tube is tapered, to form a frusto-conical tube.
14. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm is bonded to the first component.
15. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm is chemically bonded to the first component.
16. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein part of the second component is fixed relative to the first component.
17. An eyeguard according to claim 16, wherein one of the first component and the second component comprises a protrusion and the other of the first component and the second component comprises a corresponding recess, the protrusion and recess mating when the eyeguard is in an assembled state.
18. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second component comprises a flexible portion.
19. An eyeguard according to claim 18, wherein the wall thickness of the flexible portion is thinner than the average thickness of the rest of the second component.
20. An eyeguard according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the flexible portion deforms during use due to the force of the user holding the optical device to their face.
21. An eyeguard according to any of claims 18 to 20 when dependent upon claim 14, wherein the actuating member is separated from the fixed part of the second component by the flexible portion.
22. An eyeguard according to any of claims 4 to 21, wherein upon movement of the second component or a portion thereof relative to the first component, the actuating member moves along the central axis towards the first component.
23. An eyeguard according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating member comprises a substantially cylindrical tube.
24. An eyeguard according to claim 23 when dependent upon claim 8, wherein the outer radius of the actuating member cylindrical tube is equal to or less than the length of the radial cut in the diaphragm.
25. An eyeguard according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein a user, during use, looks through the actuating member into the optical device.
26. An eyeguard for an optical device, the eyepiece comprising: a barrel, a first end of the barrel being suitable for engagement with an optical device; an eye-ring having a first end suitable for presentation to a user's eye, and a second end engaged with a second end of the barrel, the eye-ring being capable of axial movement relative to the barrel between a first position and a second position, the eye-ring being closer to the first end of the barrel in the second position than in the first position; and a diaphragm interposed between the barrel and the eye-ring, the diaphragm being of a resilient material, the diaphragm being operable to urge the eye-ring into the first position; wherein the diaphragm is formed with a plurality of segments which, in the first position of the eye-ring, meet to form an occlusion within the eyepiece and wherein, in moving the eye-ring from the first position to the second position, a camming surface at the first end of the eye-ring is caused to move over a portion of the diaphragm to result in deflection of the segments to allow passage of light through the eyepiece.
27. An eyeguard in accordance with claim 26 wherein the barrel and eye-ring are captively engaged.
28. An eyeguard in accordance with claim 27 wherein the barrel is generally cylindrical, and wherein the second end of the eye-ring presents an annular lip for engagement within a corresponding formation in the second end of the barrel.
29. An eyeguard in accordance with any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein the camming surface formed on the second end of the eye-ring is defined to enable deflection of the segments of the diaphragm.
30. An eyeguard in accordance with claim 29 wherein the camming surface comprises a frusto-conical surface converging on the second end of the eye-ring.
31. An eyeguard in accordance with any one of claims 26 to 30 wherein the eye-ring and diaphragm are capable of disengagement.