Domed Protective Cap for Camera Lenses and Other Tubular Shaped Objects

Abstract

A removable and flexible protective cap that is configured and dimensioned to stretch and slip over fixed camera lenses, detachable camera lenses and other tubular-shaped objects. The protective cap fits on objects having different diameters. The protective cap further includes integrated bumpers to provide improved protection against impacts. The protective cap has a memory such that when it is removed from a lens, it returns to its original shape. The protective cap may include a lint-resistant feature to prevent lint and dust from adhering to the cap. The protective cap is particularly suited for lenses used in photography, videography, hunting, military, and astronomy. The protective cap is also suited for use on non-optical devices, including gun barrels. In addition, the protective cap is suitable for use on other tubular-shaped objects.

1 . An apparatus installable onto a camera lens comprising:
 an annular sidewall having an orifice for receiving the camera lens;   the annular sidewall having a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions;   the plurality of first regions each having a first thickness;   the plurality of second regions each having a second thickness;   wherein a difference between the second thickness and the first thickness is between 0.3 and 2.0 millimeters.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of first regions is interposed between two of the plurality of second regions. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of second regions is interposed between two of the plurality of the first regions. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a difference between the second thickness and the first thickness is about 0.5 millimeters. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first thickness is between 0.3 and 3.0 millimeters. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second thickness is between 1.5 and 3.5 millimeters. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first thickness is between 0.3 and 3.0 millimeters and the second thickness is between 1.5 and 3.5 millimeters. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first thickness is between 1.0 and 3.0 millimeters and wherein the second thickness is between 1.5 and 3.5 millimeters. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first thickness is between 50% and 95% of the thickness of the second region. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the annular sidewall comprises a flexible material. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , where in the flexible material is silicone. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a base member, wherein the annular sidewall extends rearwardly from the base member. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the base member has a generally annular, disk shape. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , where the base member has a dome shape. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the annular sidewall extends between a first end and a second end. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a terminal end of the annular sidewall comprises an annular rim. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first regions are parallel to each other. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the annular sidewall expands radially outward to accommodate a wide range of diameters of camera lenses. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the annular sidewall comprises a plurality of bumpers. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the annular sidewall comprises a plurality of stretch channels.