Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080245452 | Weatherproofing Apparatus and Method for Cameras and Video Recorders - This application relates to the improvement to the current state-of-the-art for weatherproofing a camera or video recorder (or a cell phone having those functionalities). That allows an avid photographer to take their camera out into the rain and use all the controls through the skin, without the camera getting wet. (It is not submersion-proof, but for all practical purposes, it is waterproof) It features plug-in covers for gaps, plus any or all of the below: Double layer (with ultra thin layer on inside and/or also outside), Zip Lock features around the holes, Hot shoe drape over top of camera, or Finger Condom. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures. | 10-09-2008 |
20080245453 | Battery Grip Protective Device for Cameras, Video Recorders, and Other Electronic Devices - In one example, we have a rubber skin that fits a range of battery grips. It has a number of cut-outs that allow the material to stretch and accommodate different cameras (or sizes/models), and also, access the different camera control locations, knobs, or buttons. This can apply to video recorders or any electronic devices, in general. This provides protection for device, for impact, scratch, or water, for example. In addition, it provides easy access or change of battery. Thus, convenience, adjustability, and protection are provided at the same time. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures. In addition, the skin can be solid/rigid or soft. Furthermore, using a band or Velcro, with multiple pieces or attached pieces, one can easily adjust the sizes for different cameras or models. | 10-09-2008 |
20080245945 | Modified tripod and "multi-pod" for cameras and other equipment - As one of the examples, one of the main features is that the setup is small enough that it can live with the camera full-time, and carried around by the user. The legs fold into a very compact size that fit within the footprint of the camera, used for any type camera, e.g. compact point-and-shoot camera, camera phone, or SLR camera. The tripod can then live unnoticed on the bottom of the camera, until a shot requiring a tripod is needed. Then, the legs can be deployed to act as a firm stand. Another one of the main features of this tripod is that all the legs do not share a common end-point or pivot-point. This allows the legs to form a very wide stable platform, even when they are short. In general, for N legs, some legs may have common end-points or pivot-points, but not for all N legs. (N is a positive integer, greater or equal to 3.) This invention can be applied to any camera (e.g. compact camera) and any measurement equipment that uses a conventional tripod or similar setup, such as the ones used by civil engineers or surveyors for the survey of the land and construction measurements or calibrations, or the ones used in optical measurements or laser experiments (e.g. for general level measurements and adjustments). Other variations are also discussed. | 10-09-2008 |
20080247746 | Tripod Mounting, Stand, or Support Attachment, Accessory, or Mechanism for Cameras and Similar Devices or Objects - Most cameras have a tripod mounting hole in the bottom with a standard screw thread. All current tripods mount use a threaded fastener that screws into this hole and tightens the camera to a tripod or other auxiliary devices. Often, the tripod will mount a small intermediary part that can remain with the camera, but which allows the camera to be quickly removed from the tripod. This disclosure obviates the need for the intermediary part. Here are some of the main features and embodiments: “Expanding Rubber Bung”: A flexible elastomeric part or other material, that when tightened, expands in girth. “Pivoting metal Christmas tree”: Similar to the above concept, except that a hard material pivots out, to clamp the sides of the hole, once it has been easily inserted in its collapsed state. The following are some of the applications and examples of the current disclosure: cameras, video recorders, civil engineering equipment for leveling measurement or surveying, laser equipment for tracking, leveling calibration, or marking, optical equipment, astronomical equipment, telescopes, binoculars, lab equipment, or calibration equipment are some examples of tripod usage or similar setups, e.g. setups with more legs, different shapes, stands, supports, or foldable/mobile setups. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures. | 10-09-2008 |
20080247750 | Skin Cover for Cameras - As an example, we are introducing an elastomeric molded skin, that covers the camera and provides rigorous protection against drop, dirt, and general wear-and-tear on the camera. The skin covers most, many, or all possible surfaces and replicates the existing camera buttons with elastomeric/rubber buttons, which the user can press on, to activate all the existing functions of the camera, without exposing the buttons to any dirt or moisture. The skin has both open and “open-able” areas, to allow the user access to functional areas on the camera (in this example), e.g. to replace the battery or memory card. This is particularly useful for all SLR cameras, and compact cameras with one or more LCDs. | 10-09-2008 |
20090002823 | Permanently-Affixed Lens Cap - A permanently-affixed lens cap is presented here. This is a lens cap which one does not have to separate from the camera, to use the camera. Unlike the existing lens caps which clip on the front, and are then removed, these caps remain on the front of the lens practically at all the times. Thus, they do not get lost, and the camera/lens is much safer because of it. Some of the features are: Crystal Clear: a Lens cover which looks like a filter, in that it screws into the filter thread at the end of the lens. This protects the expensive lens from impact and scratches. As an option, the user never has to remove it. Nano-Technology coating: Two separate layers of fine silica particles prevent scratches, and fluorine-containing resins in each layer repel ink marks. This has been used for DVD protection in the industry. Bullet-Proof: Layers of glass and (clear) plastic sandwiched to give great optical clarity, but an incredibly impact resistant front. Non-clear lens, which is permanently attached. The lens cap has a mechanism to flip out of the way. Press a button and the lens cap expands to become a shade, and exposes the front of the lens. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures. | 01-01-2009 |
20090003820 | Strap for Cameras and Video Recorders - As one example, it features: “Gel Strap”: It is a removable strap, whose position or length can be adjusted at the gel pads, by the user, to provide an optimal and personalized comfort solution. It also features: “Male-female plug strap”, for connectivity for electricity, data, Internet, network, computer, wired or wireless, transfer of data, printing, provisioning, upgrading, uploading, downloading, synchronization, automatic backup, security, tel., or text messaging. Another example is: Adjusting the strap length and size from the body section of the strap: Straps generally have a padded (fatter) section and then smaller straps at the 2 ends, which attach to the camera. Previously, the length of the strap was adjusted at the ends of the smaller straps, near the camera. However, here, in this disclosure, in one of the examples, the adjustment is done in the body of the center-padded section. This allows the ends of the strap to be clean and uncluttered, and the adjustment is hidden in the fat padded area of the strap, for a better look and more security. These can apply to other devices, as well. More examples are given in the specification. | 01-01-2009 |
20090206077 | Protective Camera Enclosure - The invention relates generally to a protective enclosure for electronic devices, for example, optical devices such as cameras. More specifically, the present invention is a protective enclosure featuring a customized hard or semi-hard front and rear shells for the camera body. The two components are attached at one end by a hinge and secured at the other end by a latch. An elastomeric skin, which can cover some or all of the camera body, serves a gasket between the front and rear shell. The lens is protected by customized enclosures made of elastomeric, and hard or semi-hard materials. | 08-20-2009 |
20090250362 | Protective Transport Bag - The invention relates generally to bags and cases for storage of cameras or other objects. More specifically, the system integrates a waterproof dry bag component optimized for storage of cameras and camera accessories, with a bag component of substantially the same size and shape of the dry bag into a single unit. When separated, the two components can perform as individual units. | 10-08-2009 |
20120132682 | Duty belt system - One example of the invention describes a belt that is to be used by uniformed professional field personnel (e.g. law enforcement, fire, park department, search and rescue, private security, utilities personnel, military, etc.). Some examples of the invention introduce many new features which allow for improved access, comfort, reliability, ruggedness and cosmetics. In one embodiment, the description describes a metal rail on a belt, to which accessories attach. The other items of the inventions are the details of the buckle and its various designs. Other attachments and accessories, plus various setups and arrangements for the belts and buckles, are also presented here. For example, the elastomeric belt variation helps the user, when sitting, with the belt on. | 05-31-2012 |
20120181318 | Radio Holster with Antenna Lanyard - A method and apparatus for securely carrying a radio device. A radio device is placed in a holster which is attached to a belt worn around the waist of the user. The holster employs a lanyard assembly having a first attachment member which attaches to the antenna of the radio device and a second attachment member which attaches to the holster. The distance between the first attachment member and second attachment member of the lanyard assembly can be adjusted. enabling the holster to accommodate a multitude of radio device sizes. | 07-19-2012 |
20120198602 | Duty Belt System - One example of the invention describes a belt that is to be used by uniformed professional field personnel (e.g. law enforcement, fire, park department, search and rescue, private security, utilities personnel, military, etc.). Some examples of the invention introduce many new features which allow for improved access, comfort, reliability, ruggedness and cosmetics. In one embodiment, the description describes a metal rail on a belt, to which accessories attach. The other items of the inventions are the details of the buckle and its various designs. Other attachments and accessories, plus various setups and arrangements for the belts and buckles, are also presented here. | 08-09-2012 |
20140191094 | MOUNTING DEVICE - A mounting device typically used for mounting line-of-site equipment, the mounting device including leg members that can fold into a trough like body of the mounting device, and further including a strap spool connected to an end portion of the mounting device. A strap on the strap spool can be unspooled and used to attach the mounting device to a surface. | 07-10-2014 |
20140261598 | TENT STAKE WITH ILLUMINATION - A tent stake has a lighting component. A portion of the lighting component can be disposed between walls of the tent stake, and slidably attached thereto. The lighting component can have a lens attached to a flexible housing of the lighting component. A light source of the lighting component can be actuated by manually depressing the lens, with the lens floating on the housing. Also, in some embodiments, the lens can be pressed multiple times to select different lighting modes. | 09-18-2014 |
20140318172 | COOLING ASSEMBLY FOR CHILLING OR FREEZING LIQUID INGREDIENTS - Cooling assemblies having a sealable cooling chamber formed as the interior volume of a curved or spherical outer container and a sealable inner canister are disclosed. The outer container may be provided as a multi-layer container having an external elastomeric shell. The external elastomeric shell may have an inner framework including a plurality of longitudinal ribs and a reinforcing wall. A movable flap adjustable between a projecting condition in which the flap extends from the exterior surface of the outer container and a closed position in which the flap doesn't project may be provided for supporting the cooling assembly in a stationary condition and the flap may be used as a handle for opening a lid. | 10-30-2014 |