Cross-polarization using two polarized lenses

• US 5,561,563 A
• Filed: 06/05/1995
• Issued: 10/01/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC (Vista Outdoor Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Blount Incorporated (Oregon Tool Incorporated)
• Inventors: Watson, James B., Chesnut, M. Gaines, Sweet, Dennis D., Ulasik, Marc A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Epps, Georgia Y.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MACK, RICKY LEVERN
• Application Number:
  US08/462,072
• Time in Patent Office: 484 Days
• Field of Search: 359/823, 359/493, 359/822, 359/825, 359/826, 33/242, 33/243, 351/47
• US Class Current: 359/823
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 1/383 Protection means therefor

Abstract

A lens apparatus is disclosed for use with a firearm scope. The lens apparatus includes first and second polarized lenses that move relative to each other. When differently colored lens materials are used and when moved relative to each other, the color seen through the two polarized lenses changes. In affixing the first and second polarized lenses to the firearm scope, first and second connection assemblies are utilized. The two connection assemblies have first and second latch release members, respectively. The two latch release members are located on the right and left sides of a scope when a user is in the normal shooting position. Upon actuation of the latch release member, pivotal movement of the polarized lenses, relative to the firearm scope lenses occurs. Each of the two connection assemblies includes a sleeve member and a cap lid. The sleeve member is flexible to surround portions of the firearm scope and is made of a material different from the cap lid material. Each of the two connection assemblies also have a spring positioned in a lid hinge member. Each of the springs biases a polarized lens away from a firearm scope lens.

Claims

1. An apparatus for viewing, comprising:

a body having first end portions and second end portions with remaining portions of said body disposed therebetween;

a first lens connected to said first end portions;

a second lens connected to said second end portions;

a first lens cover assembly connected to said first end portions for protecting said first lens, said lens cover assembly including a first polarized lens having a first color;

a second lens cover assembly connected to said second end portions for protecting said second lens, said second lens cover assembly including a second polarized lens having a second color;

wherein at least said first polarized lens is rotatable about an axis through a center of said first polarized lens;

wherein, when said first polarized lens is rotated relative to said second polarized lens in a first direction, the same degree of connection is maintained between said first polarized lens and said first end portions during the time a user is viewing through said first and second polarized lenses and in which a cross-polarization effect is created in which light, that is allowed to pass through said first and second polarized lenses, changes; and

wherein, when said first polarized lens is rotated in a second direction, opposite said first direction, relative to said second polarized lens, the same degree of connection is maintained between said first polarized lens and said first end portions during the time the user is viewing through said first and second polarized lenses and in which a cross-polarization effect is created in which light, that is allowed to pass through said first and second polarized lenses, changes.

2. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said first and second polarized lenses are spaced from each other a distance greater than the distance between said first polarized lens and said first lens.

3. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said first and second colors are the same color.

4. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said first color includes one of a yellowish color, a reddish color, and a grayish color.

5. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said body includes a firearm scope and said first and second lenses are first and second firearm scope lenses, respectively.

6. An apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said second polarized lens is rotatable about an axis through a center of said second polarized lens.

7. A method for viewing through an apparatus to achieve a cross-polarization effect, comprising:

providing a body having first end portions and second end portions with remaining portions of said body disposed therebetween;

providing a first lens connected to said first end portions;

providing a second lens connected to said second end portions;

providing a first lens cover assembly connected to said first end portions for protecting said first lens, said lens cover assembly including a first polarized lens;

providing a second lens cover assembly connected to said second end portions for protecting said second lens, said second lens cover assembly including a second polarized lens and in which at least said first polarized lens is rotatable about an axis through the center of said first polarized lens;

viewing through said first and second polarized lenses by a user;

rotating said first polarized lens relative to said second polarized lens in a first direction while maintaining the same degree of connection between said first polarized lens and said first end portions during the time the user is viewing through said first and second polarized lenses wherein a cross-polarization effect is created in which light, that is allowed to pass through said first and second polarized lenses, changes; and

rotating said first polarized lens in a second direction, opposite said first direction, relative to said second polarized lens while maintaining the same degree of connection between said first polarized lens and said first end portions during the time the user is viewing through said first and second polarized lenses wherein a cross-polarization effect is created in which light, that is allowed to pass through said first and second polarized lenses, changes.

8. A method, as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

said providing step includes positioning said first and second polarized lenses at a distance from each other that is greater than the distance between said first lens and said first polarized lens.

9. A method, as claimed in claim 7, wherein:

said body includes a firearm scope and said step of providing said first lens cover assembly includes holding said first polarized lens in place using said firearm scope.

10. A method, as claimed in claim 7, further comprising:

rotating said second polarized lens relative to said first polarized lens in selectable first and second directions.