BINOCULARS COVERS

Abstract

A binoculars cover can include a fabric shell, a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell that can secure the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars. An area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell can minimize or eliminate scratching of the objected lenses of the binoculars. Method of securing a cover to binoculars and a method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of binoculars are also described.

Description

PRIORITY DATA

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/378,149, filed on Aug. 22, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Binoculars include a pair of telescopes that are mounted side-by-side and aligned in the same direction to allow a viewer to look through the pair of telescopes with both eyes. Binoculars can provide the viewer with a three-dimensional image. Thus, as compared to a monocular telescope, binoculars offer enhanced depth perception to a viewer. As such, binoculars can be powerful optical tools in a variety of endeavors, such as hunting, bird watching, military operations, and the like.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides binoculars covers that can include a flexible fabric shell having an interior surface defining an interior cavity and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface. The flexible fabric shell can be adapted for placement of binoculars within the interior cavity via an expandable and contractible opening in the flexible fabric shell. A strap can be coupled to the flexible fabric shell, which can be configured to secure the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars. An area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell can minimize or eliminate scratching of the eyepieces and/or objective lenses of the binoculars. In some examples, the binoculars cover can include a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell and extending from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to a lens side of the flexible fabric shell.

A method of securing a cover to binoculars is also described herein. The method can include coupling a strap to a flexible fabric shell. The strap can extend from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to a lens side of the flexible fabric shell. The method can also include securing the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars via the strap.

A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of binoculars is also described herein. The method can include inserting the binoculars into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via an expandable and contractible opening, said interior cavity being defined by an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell. The interior surface can include an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention so that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of an exterior surface of a binoculars cover, in accordance with examples of the current disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of an interior surface of a binoculars cover, in accordance with examples of the current disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an exterior surface of a closable storage pouch for a binoculars cover, in accordance with examples of the current disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of an interior surface of a closable storage pouch for a binoculars cover, in accordance with examples of the current disclosure.

These drawings are provided to illustrate various aspects of the invention and are not intended to be limiting of the scope in terms of dimensions, materials, configurations, arrangements or proportions unless otherwise limited by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe the features and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth the best mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims.

Definitions

In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a particle” includes reference to one or more of such materials and reference to “subjecting” refers to one or more such steps.

As used herein with respect to an identified property or circumstance, “substantially” refers to a degree of deviation that is sufficiently small so as to not measurably detract from the identified property or circumstance. The exact degree of deviation allowable may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent” may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near or close to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a numerical range of about 1 to about 4.5 should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits of 1 to about 4.5, but also to include individual numerals such as 2, 3, 4, and sub-ranges such as 1 to 3, 2 to 4, etc. The same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value, such as “less than about 4.5,” which should be interpreted to include all of the above-recited values and ranges. Further, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristic being described.

Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given herein.

In this disclosure, “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing” and “having” and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent law and can mean “includes,” “including,” and the like, and are generally interpreted to be open ended terms. The terms “consisting of” or “consists of” are closed terms, and include only the components, structures, steps, or the like specifically listed in conjunction with such terms, as well as that which is in accordance with U.S. Patent law. “Consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” have the meaning generally ascribed to them by U.S. Patent law. In particular, such terms are generally closed terms, with the exception of allowing inclusion of additional items, materials, components, steps, or elements, that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics or function of the item(s) used in connection therewith. For example, trace elements present in a composition, but not affecting the compositions nature or characteristics would be permissible if present under the “consisting essentially of” language, even though not expressly recited in a list of items following such terminology. When using an open ended term, like “comprising” or “including,” it is understood that direct support should be afforded also to “consisting essentially of” language as well as “consisting of” language as if stated explicitly and vice versa.

Binoculars Cover

An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below and specific technology embodiments are then described in further detail. This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding the technology more quickly, but is not intended to identify key or essential features of the technology, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A binoculars cover can include a flexible fabric shell having an interior surface defining an interior cavity and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface. The flexible fabric shell can be adapted for placement of binoculars within the interior cavity via an expandable and contractible opening in the flexible fabric shell. A strap can be coupled to the flexible fabric shell, which can be configured to secure the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars. An area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell can minimize or eliminate scratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars. In some examples, the binoculars cover can include a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell and extending from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to a lens side of the flexible fabric shell.

A method of securing a cover to binoculars is also described herein. The method can include coupling a strap to a flexible fabric shell. The strap can extend from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to a lens side of the flexible fabric shell. The method can also include securing the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars via the strap.

A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of binoculars is also described herein. The method can include inserting the binoculars into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via an expandable and contractible opening, said interior cavity being defined by an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell. The interior surface can include an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface.

It is noted that when discussing a binoculars cover, a method of securing a cover to binoculars, or a method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of binoculars, each of these discussions can be considered applicable to each of these examples, whether or not they are explicitly discussed in the context of that particular example. Thus, for example, in discussing a binoculars cover, features related to the binoculars cover can also be applicable to any of the methods described herein, and vice versa.

With this initial overview in mind, the binoculars covers of the current disclosure will be described in more detail. One example of a binoculars cover 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The binoculars cover 100 can include a flexible fabric shell 110. The flexible fabric shell can be made of a variety of materials. Typically, any soft, flexible material can be used. Non-limiting examples can include neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyester, polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, cotton, silk, wool, or combinations thereof.

The flexible fabric shell 110 can have an interior surface 120 defining an interior cavity 122 and an exterior surface 124 opposite the interior surface 120. The interior surface and the exterior surface can be made of the same material or different materials. In some examples, the interior surface can be made of, include, and/or be lined with a material that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the eyepieces, objective lenses, and/or other surfaces of binoculars. In other examples, at least a portion or an area of the interior surface can be made of, include, and/or be lined with a material that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the eyepieces, objective lenses, and/or other surfaces of binoculars. In some examples, the portion or area of the interior surface that is made of, includes, and/or is lined with the scratch-minimizing material can include an area that is intended or designed to interface with an eyepiece, an objective lens, and/or other scratch-sensitive surface of binoculars.

Generally, the scratch-minimizing material, or the material that minimizes or eliminates scratching, can include any soft, non-abrasive material. Non-limiting examples can include cotton, chamois, polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, polyethylene, polyamide, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the scratch-minimizing material can be a microfiber material. In some examples, the microfiber material can be made of polyester or a blend of polyester and polyamide. In some examples, the microfiber material can be a split microfiber material, such that all or a majority of the individual microfiber filaments are split into multi-stranded filaments.

In some examples, a tab, handle, or other gripping feature can be positioned on or coupled to the exterior surface of the flexible fabric shell opposite an area made of, including, and/or lined with the scratch-minimizing material. Thus, a user can grasp the tab or other gripping feature coupled to the exterior surface of the flexible fabric shell and manipulate the scratch-minimizing material disposed opposite the gripping feature to clean an eyepiece, an objective lens, etc. of binoculars. The tab, handle, or other gripping feature can also be made out of a variety of materials. Non-limiting examples can include, neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyester, polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the flexible fabric shell 110 can be adapted for placement of binoculars, such as binoculars 170, within the interior cavity 122 via an expandable and contractible opening 130 in the flexible fabric shell 110. As there are many different sizes of binoculars, the flexible fabric shell can be made to accommodate a variety of sizes of binoculars. In some examples, the flexible fabric shell can be a universal shell that is adapted to accommodate all or most sizes of binoculars. In other examples, the flexible fabric shell can be made in a variety of sizes to accommodate different ranges of binocular sizes.

The flexible fabric shell can accommodate a plurality of sizes of binoculars for a number of reasons. For example, the flexible fabric shell can be made of a stretchable material. When the flexible fabric shell is made of a stretchable material, it can be stretched to cover larger sized binoculars, while being able to accommodate smaller sized binoculars without significant stretching. Further, whether the flexible fabric shell is stretchable or not, the flexible fabric shell can include an expandable and contractible opening, such as opening 130. Thus, the expandable and contractible opening can be expanded to let out or contracted to draw in the flexible fabric material to adjust a volume of the interior cavity to a greater or lesser volume, as desired. The expandable and contractible opening can include a variety of features to facilitate expansion and/or contraction of the opening. Non-limiting examples can include an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a cinch, a strap, a zipper, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a strap 140 can be coupled to the flexible fabric shell 110. The strap can be configured to secure the flexible fabric shell 110 to binoculars, such as binoculars 170. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in some examples, the strap can be oriented to cross the expandable and contractible opening laterally. In other examples, the strap can be oriented to cross the expandable and contractible opening longitudinally. In yet other examples, the strap, or a pair of straps, can be oriented to cross the expandable and contractible opening both laterally and longitudinally.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the strap 140 includes two strap segments. Each of the strap segments is attached to the flexible fabric shell at opposite lateral sides of the expandable and contractible opening. Additionally, in this example, each of the strap segments is coupled to the flexible fabric shell such that opposite ends of each of the strap segments are coupled at distinct locations (i.e. one end is coupled towards an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell and one end is coupled towards a lens side of the flexible fabric shell). As such, each of the strap segments forms an angular orientation terminating at a connecting feature such that when the two strap segments are connected, a cross-pattern is formed. The cross-pattern can be adjusted from nearly linear to perpendicular, as desired. In yet other examples, separate pairs of straps can also be used to form the same cross patterns. For example, one or more pairs of strap segments can connect across the expandable and contractible opening in a linear manner, either laterally, longitudinally, or diagonally. In other examples, the straps can be parallel, rather than crossing. In yet other examples, one or more straps can be parallel and can be crossed by one or more non-parallel straps. In one specific example, a strap can extend from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell (i.e. the side of the flexible fabric shell intended to be positioned over the eyepieces of the binoculars) to a lens side of the flexible fabric shell (i.e. the side of the flexible fabric shell intended to be positioned over the objective lenses of the binoculars). In another specific example, a strap can extend laterally across the expandable and contractible opening in a linear manner such that the strap does not extend from the eyepiece side to the lens side of the flexible fabric shell. In yet another specific example, the strap can be coupled to flexible fabric shell such that a first end or terminus of the strap or strap segment is coupled to the flexible fabric shell at a position more proximate the eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell than a second end or terminus of the strap of strap segment.

The straps can be made of a variety of materials. Non-limiting examples can include leather, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, ethylene vinyl acetate, rubber, neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof.

A number of connecting features can be used to connect individual strap segments. While the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a buckle, the individual strap segments can be connected via a buckle, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a magnet, the like, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the strap does not include a connecting feature, but is coupled to the flexible fabric shell at substantially opposite sides of the expandable and contractible opening.

In some examples, a closeable storage pouch or container can be attached to the flexible fabric shell to store the flexible fabric shell when not in use. An example of a closeable storage pouch 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The closeable storage pouch 200 can have a body 215 of flexible or rigid material. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the body 215 of the closeable storage pouch 200 is made of a soft, flexible material, such as a material used to make the flexible fabric shell of the binoculars cover. However, in other examples, the closeable storage pouch can be made of a more rigid material, such as leather, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, aluminum, tin, the like, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the closeable storage container can include a rigid material inserted within or lined with a more flexible material. As will be recognized by one skilled in the art, in some examples, the same materials can be made soft and flexible or hard and rigid depending on the molecular weight, coordination, crosslinking, weave, or other features of the particular material.

The closeable storage pouch can also include an attachment feature 250 to facilitate attachment of the closeable storage pouch to a user's clothing, gear, or the like. Such attachment features can include a clip, clasp, clamp, strap, buckle, snap, hook and loop fastener, button, magnet, the like, or combinations thereof.

Additionally, the closeable storage pouch can be closeable via a variety of enclosing features 260. Such enclosing features can include a foldable flap, such as the foldable flap illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, a snap, a button, a clip, a kiss lock, a magnet, the like, or combinations thereof.

In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a soft cleaning material 218 can be attached to an interior surface of the closeable storage pouch 200. The soft cleaning material can be made of a variety of materials, such as cotton, chamois, polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, or a combination thereof, for example. In one specific example, the soft cleaning material can be a microfiber material. In some examples, the microfiber material can be made of polyester or a blend of polyester and polyamide. In some examples, the microfiber material can be a split microfiber material, such that all or a majority of the individual microfiber filaments are split into multi-stranded filaments.

Additionally, in some examples, the closeable storage pouch 200 can include a coupling feature 225 for coupling the closeable storage pouch 200 to the flexible fabric shell of the binoculars cover. In some examples, the coupling feature 225 can be permanently coupled to both the closeable storage pouch 200 and the flexible fabric shell. In other examples, the coupling feature can be removably coupleable to the closeable storage pouch and/or the flexible fabric shell. Where the coupling feature is removably coupleable to the closeable storage pouch and/or the flexible fabric shell, the coupling feature can be removably coupleable via a buckle, a magnet, a clip, a clamp, a snap, a strap, the like, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the coupling feature can be coupled at an exterior surface of the closeable storage container. In other examples, the coupling feature can be coupled at an interior surface of the closeable storage container.

In some examples, where the binoculars cover includes a closeable storage pouch, the closeable storage pouch can be storable against either the interior surface or the exterior surface of the flexible fabric shell. For example, the flexible fabric shell and/or the closeable storage pouch can include a pouch, pocket, clasp, snap, hook and loop fastener, button, clip, clamp, buckle, magnet, the like or combination thereof to store the closeable storage pouch against an exterior or interior surface of the flexible fabric shell when the closeable storage pouch is not in use. Alternatively, as described above, the closeable storage pouch can be removably coupleable to the flexible fabric shell so the it can be removed from the flexible fabric shell when not in use.

The present disclosure also provides a method of securing a cover to a pair of binoculars. The method can include coupling a strap to a flexible fabric shell such that the strap extends from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to a lens side of the flexible fabric shell. The flexible fabric shell can be secured to the binoculars via the strap. As described above, the strap can include a plurality of straps or strap segments. In one specific example, where a plurality of straps is used, the plurality of straps can consist of a pair of straps. In one example, the pair of straps or at least one of the plurality of straps can cross one another. The strap segments can be connectable as described above.

A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of binoculars is also described herein. The method can include inserting binoculars into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via an expandable and contractible opening. The interior cavity can be defined by an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell. The interior surface can include an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching the scratch-sensitive surface. In some examples, the area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface can cover the entire interior surface. In another example, the area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface can cover a portion of the interior surface that is intended, designed, or configured to interface with the scratch-sensitive surface. In some examples, the scratch-sensitive surface of the binoculars can include an objective lens, an eyepiece, or both.

The foregoing detailed description describes the invention with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings are to be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, and all such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.

Claims

1. A binoculars cover, comprising:

a flexible fabric shell having an interior surface defining an interior cavity, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, the flexible fabric shell being adapted for placement of binoculars within the interior cavity via an expandable and contractible opening in the flexible fabric shell;

a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell, said strap being configured to secure the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars; and

an area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars.

2. A binoculars cover, comprising:

a flexible fabric shell having an interior surface defining an interior cavity, and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, the flexible fabric shell being adapted for placement of binoculars within the interior cavity via an expandable and contractible opening in the flexible fabric shell; and

a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell and extending from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to a lens side of the flexible fabric shell, said strap being configured to secure the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars.

3. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the flexible fabric shell comprises a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyesters, polyamides, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof.

4. The binoculars cover of claim 1, further comprising an area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the eyepieces of the binoculars.

5. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cotton, chamois, polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, or a combination thereof.

6. The binoculars cover of claim 5, wherein the material is a microfiber material.

7. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars covers the entire inner surface.

8. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars covers a portion of the interior surface configured to interface with the objective lenses of the binoculars.

9. The binoculars cover of claim 1, further comprising a tab coupled to the exterior surface, said tab being disposed proximate to the objective lenses of the binoculars and opposite the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lenses of the binoculars.

10. The binoculars cover of claim 9, wherein the tab comprises a material selected from the group consisting of neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyesters, polyamides, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof.

11. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the expandable and contractible opening comprises at least one of an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a cinch, a strap, and a zipper.

12. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a plurality of straps.

13. The binoculars cover of claim 12, wherein the plurality of straps consists of a pair of straps.

14. The binoculars cover of claim 13, wherein each of the pair of straps is configured to cross one another.

15. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a material selected from the group consisting of leather, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, ethylene vinyl acetate, rubber, neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof.

16. The binoculars cover of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises two strap segments that are connectable via a buckle, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a magnet, or a combination thereof.

17. The binoculars cover of claim 1, further comprising a closeable storage pouch attached to the flexible fabric shell, said closeable storage pouch comprising a soft cleaning material attached to an interior surface of the closeable storage pouch, and an attachment feature configured to attach the closeable storage pouch to a user's gear.

18. The binoculars cover of claim 17, wherein the closeable storage pouch is storable against either the interior surface or the exterior surface of the flexible fabric shell via at least one of a pouch, a pocket, a clasp, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a clip, a clamp, a buckle, and a magnet.

19. A method of securing a cover to binoculars, comprising:

coupling a strap to a flexible fabric shell, said strap extending from an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell to a lens side of the flexible fabric shell; and

securing the flexible fabric shell to the binoculars via the strap.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the strap comprises a plurality of straps.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the plurality of straps consists of a pair of straps.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein each of the pair of straps crosses one another.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the strap comprises two strap segments that are connectable via a buckle, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a magnet, or a combination thereof.

24. A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of binoculars, comprising:

inserting the binoculars into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via an expandable and contractible opening, said interior cavity being defined by an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell, the interior surface comprising an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface covers the entire interior surface.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the area that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface covers a portion of the interior surface that is configured to interface with the scratch-sensitive surface.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the scratch-sensitive surface comprises at least one of an objective lens of the binoculars and an eyepiece of the binoculars.