WO2002003117A1

WO2002003117A1 - Rest for an optical instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2002003117A1
Application number: PCT/BY2000/000003
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oleg M. Dolnikov; Elena B. Olshevskaya; Alexandr V. Seljugitsky
Original assignee: Dolnikov Oleg M; Olshevskaya Elena B; Seljugitsky Alexandr V
Priority date: 2000-06-30
Filing date: 2000-06-30
Publication date: 2002-01-10
Also published as: AU2000256658A1

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of optical technique, namely to accessories and tools for the optical instruments, which can facility the use of the latter and it is primary designed for the use with binoculars. A rest (1) for an optical instrument, particularly binoculars (11), comprises a rest pad (3), fixed to the first end of the length-adjustable bar (2) with the other end of said bar (2) being hingedly secured to a bracket (5) for coupling to an optical instrument, said rest (1) is additionally provided with device, preferably in the shape of two flat open brackets (7) for gripping a strap (12) of the instrument. The shaking of the image being viewed is completely eliminated while the hands of the User virtually unburdened.

Description

Rest for an Optical Instrument

Field of Utility Model

The utility model relates to the field of optical technique, namely to accessories and tools for the optical instruments, which can facility the use of the latter and it is primarily designed for the use with binoculars.

Prior Art

The User can make viewing with the help of an optical instrument either by installing the instrument on a stationary tripod or by holding it in his/her hands, the latter often resulting in shaking of the image visible in the viewing field of the instrument. This effect can be eliminated by use of special rests for the optical instruments.

Several models of the rests are known, for example the shoulder rest (see Leopold catalog of 1999 p.22) provided with a bracket for securing to an optical instrument, this bracket being further hingedly secured to a dual tube bar with a rest pad permanently connected thereto. This device is designed for the use with a monocular. The viewing is provided by holding the instrument with at least one hand (or both hands) with the weight of the instrument being distributed to one hand (or both hands) of the viewer and the rest.

It is a common practice in retailing to provide all optical instruments, particularly binoculars, with a neck strap, with the housing of the binocular, being made with the means for securing the strap thereto. The strap is thrown over the neck of the User, and the binoculars are hanging on the User's neck thus relieving his/her hands when the binoculars are not in use Summary of the Utility Model

It is the object of the utility model filed to design a rest particularly for the binoculars which provides the possibility to eliminate shaking of the image being viewed as well as to additionally relieve the hands of the User during viewing.

The object set forth is achieved by a rest for an optical instrument, particularly binoculars, comprising a rest pad, fixed to the first end of the bar with the other end of said bar being hingedly secured to a bracket for coupling to an optical instrument, said rest being additionally provided with device for gripping a strap of the instrument.

A strap gripping device is made to provide gripping in two positions and can be positioned closely adjoining the first end of the bar.

A strap gripping device is made preferably in the form of two grippers positioned symmetrically in relation to the bar. Said grippers are positioned on the outer surface of the rest pad and are made in the form of flat open brackets being an integral part of a rest pad.

The bar can be made length-adjustable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 represents front and side views of an example of the rest filed, and fig. 2 illustrates an example of the rest when in use.

Detailed Description of the Utility Model

A rest 1 shown in fig 1. includes a length-adjustable bar 2, with the rest pad 3 secured to one end of the bar 2. The other end of the bar 2 is coupled by means of a hinge 4 to a bracket 5 used for coupling to the optical instrument. In this example the rest pad 3 is made in the form of a horizontally extending box- shaped housing with the bottom part of said housing serving for contact with a body of the User and a socket 6 made in the middle of an upper plane of the first end of the bar 2. Two grippers having the shape of two flat open brackets 7 are positioned at the edges of the upper plane of the rest pad 2, these brackets 7 being an integral part of the rest pad 2. The bar 2 in this example is made telescopic and consists of the base joint 8, and a telescopic joint 9 designed for positioning inside the base joint 8. The bottom end of the base joint 8 is secured in the socket 6, while the upper part of the base joint 8 includes a tightening ring 10 for fixation of the mutual positioning of the joints.

A method of using the rest filed, possibly with the binoculars, is shown in fig. 2

When binocular 11 are being prepared for use, the ends of a strap 12 are connect with to means 13 provided thereon. Then a User 14 throws a strap 12 over his/her neck. A bracket 5 of a rest 1 is secured to the binoculars 11 which are provided with an appropriate coupling element. The User 14 presses the rest pad 3 to his/her chest, while the left and the right portions of the strap 12 between the neck of the User 14 and the corresponding means 13 of the binoculars 11 are being positioned respectively in left and right brackets 7. The User adjusts the most comfortable length of the bar 2 by moving out the telescopic joint 9 from the base joint 8. The desired position is fixed by tightening the ring 10. The User 14 may change the tilt of the binoculars 11 by means the hinge 4 to provide for necessary tightening of the strap and the required viewing field.

During the use (viewing) the weight of the binoculars' 11 front part is balanced by its tension between the left and the right portions of the strap 12, located between the corresponding elements 13 and the brackets 7 in relation to the point of rest, i.e. the bar 2. The pressure is distributed along the strap 12 and is transferred to the neck of the User 14. The binoculars 11 during viewing can be directed as desired while the hands remain virtually unburdened. The shaking of the image being viewed is completely eliminated. Viewing completed, the User 14 turns the whole structure down and away in relation to the chest point of rest and leaves it hanging freely on the neck strap 12.

When needed, the User 14 can lift the structure as assembled by positioning the rest pad 3 on his/her chest on the area of breastbone and lifting the binoculars 11 to a viewing position. The rest 1 is ready for use without additional adjustments.

Claims

1. A rest for an optical instrument, possibly the binoculars, comprising a rest pad, connected to the first end of the bar with the other end of said bar being hingedly secured to a bracket for coupling to optical instrument wherein the rest is additionally provided with a device for gripping a strap of the optical instrument.

2. A rest as in claim 1 wherein a device for gripping a strap, is made to provide gripping in two positions.

3. A rest as in claim 2 wherein a device for gripping a strap is closely adjoining the first end of the bar.

4. A rest as in claim 3 wherein a device for gripping a strap is made in the form of two grippers positioned symmetrically in relation to the bar.

5. A rest as in claim 4 wherein said grippers are positioned on the outer surface of the rest pad.

6. A rest as in claim 4 wherein said grippers are made in the form of flat open brackets being an integral part of a rest pad.

7. A rest as in claim 4 wherein a bar is made length-adjustable.