Patent ID: 6312168
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: G03B

Abstract:
A camera comprising:a moving barrel incorporating therein an image taking lens, said moving barrel having a predetermined extended position and a predetermined collapsed position representing forward and backward limits of travel along an optical axis, respectively;at least one lens cover movably disposed in front of the image taking lens in said moving barrel so that the lens cover can selectively cover and uncover a front of the image taking lens; anda lens cover switching mechanism comprising a rotatable ring disposed in contact with each said lens cover so that rotation of the rotatable ring in a first direction causes the lens cover to cover the image taking lens, and rotation of the rotatable ring in a second direction causes the lens cover to uncover the image taking lens, the lens cover switching mechanism further comprising a spring in direct contact with the rotatable ring and a fixed point in the camera which urges the rotatable ring in the first direction.