Binocular Bracket With Swivel Interlock for Secure One-Handed Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brackets for holding binoculars are cumbersome to use, prone to causing adjustments in eye distance and orientation, and do not securely prevent binoculars from falling, especially when used in an oblique position or on a raised blind.

Innovation Solution

A cylinder-shaped bracket with a stop collar and aperture system that securely holds binoculars by swiveling the protrusion into the aperture, providing a positive interlock and allowing for one-handed operation, and can be attached to a stand for stable use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a belt fixing system is used to attach binoculars to an L-shaped receptacle, then the binoculars can be fixed to the stand, but the operation becomes cumbersome requiring two hands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidoperation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the complex belt fixing mechanism and replaces it with a simple protrusion-aperture interlocking system. The protrusion on the binoculars directly engages with the aperture in the cylinder wall, eliminating the need for belts and multi-hand operation while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket design enables self-service operation where the user can easily insert and secure the binoculars with one hand. The protrusion automatically aligns with and engages the aperture, allowing the user to complete the fixation without requiring assistance or complex manual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a clamping device reaches around both barrels to fix binoculars to a plate, then the binoculars can be held securely, but adjusting eye distance requires loosening the clamping device which may change orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding securityVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the fixation function from the adjustment function. The cylinder-shaped receptacle with aperture provides secure holding, while the protrusion-aperture mechanism allows easy insertion and removal for adjustment without requiring loosening of a clamping device that could alter orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is pre-configured with the aperture positioned and oriented to receive the protrusion. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the binoculars are inserted, they automatically assume the correct orientation and position, eliminating the risk of orientation changes during adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If binoculars are placed on the floor or protruding parts of a raised blind, then they can be set down easily, but they may tip over or fall down causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement easeVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the bracket with the raised blind structure by providing mounting options that integrate with the blind's framework. This combination creates a stable, dedicated holding position that prevents tipping and falling while maintaining easy one-handed placement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket provides a dedicated, purpose-built solution for holding binoculars on raised blinds. Rather than relying on improvised placements on the floor or protruding parts, the bracket offers a reliable, permanent mounting solution that prevents damage while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If a screw connection is used to attach brackets to binoculars, then the connection is secure, but the weight of the binoculars increases and operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidbinoculars weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the heavy screw connection system and replaces it with a lightweight protrusion-aperture interlocking mechanism. This eliminates the need for threaded receptacles and screws, significantly reducing the added weight while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the connection parameter from mechanical threading (screws) to geometric interlocking (protrusion and aperture). This parameter change reduces the weight and complexity of the connection system while maintaining the security and reliability of the attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11852801B2Bracket for binoculars
Publication Date: 2023.12.26 LEICA CAMERA AG
  • US11852801B2 patent drawing
  • US11852801B2 patent drawing
  • US11852801B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bracket for holding binoculars, the bracket having a cylinder shaped receptacle with a cylinder wall with an opening that extends between a first rim and a second rim of the cylinder wall. The first rim of the cylinder wall has a stop collar extending in an inward direction. An aperture is formed between the first rim and the second rim that is configured to receive a protrusion of an object to be held by swiveling the protrusion into the aperture for positively interlocking therewith. The bracket may be mounted on a tripod or on some wall of a hunter's raised blind for holding binoculars.