ENHANCED CAMERA TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND METHOD
As discussed herein, an enhanced camera transport system and method includes a strap and coupler. The coupler is configured to engage with an attachment point on a camera otherwise reserved by engagement with a camera stand such as a tripod, monopod, or the like. Following general camera construction, the attachment point is found on the bottom of the camera. In some implementations, the coupler is slideably attached to the strap to assist with repositioning of the camera from a transport position to a picture taking position. Other implementations include an enclosure for storage of the camera while not being used.
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This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/105,222 filed Apr. 17, 2008 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/912,382 filed Apr. 17, 2007, the contents of which are both incorporated in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is generally related to camera equipment.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional camera storage and carrying systems help to store and transport cameras when not in use. Unfortunately, they include aspects that can hinder retrieval of a camera being stored or transported so that photographic opportunities can be missed.
As discussed herein, an enhanced camera transport system and method includes a strap 201 and coupler 300. The strap is worn by a user 10, typically over the user's shoulder. The coupler is configured to engage with an attachment point on a camera 102 otherwise reserved by engagement with a camera stand such as a tripod, monopod, or the like. Following general camera construction, the attachment point is found on the bottom of the camera. In some implementations, the coupler is slideably attached to the strap to assist with repositioning of the camera from a transport position to a picture taking position by sliding the camera along the strap. Other implementations include an enclosure 400 for storage of the camera while it is not being used.
The strap 201 can be used for retention, support, and/or suspension of the coupler 300, camera 102, and enclosure 400. In some implementations holders, receptacles, pouches, or other containers can be Integrated within the strap to storing items, such as a phone, flashlight, memory, film, batteries, keys, business cards, or other items. The strap can be worn, by the user, diagonally across the torso like a bandolier, or worn vertically from a shoulder. The strap can further include a variety of adjusters for adjusting its length, tension and fit. Further included can be a variety of release mechanisms and fasteners. Still further included in the strap can be a variety of pads or materials to promote comfort for the user, and to further maintain the strap in a proper location for use.
In implementations the coupler 300 can be used to couple the strap 201 to a camera, video camera, or image capture device, and thus further secure the device to a user. The coupler can include a first portion 301a that has a threadable element that engages with a conventional threadable stand socket (such for a tripod or a monopod) of a camera or lens. Further included can be a lock nut or resilient material residing between the coupler and the camera, or lens, to help promote a secure engagement of the coupler to the camera or lens.
The coupler can include a second portion 301b, like a threaded coupler, that slideably engages with the strap 201 that allows the camera 102 to be moved along the length of the strap, from a storage or transport location, to a resting position, and further to a shooting position and back again into the resting position or storage location. Further included in the first portion of the coupler can be additional components to allow for quick engagement and disengagement of the coupler with the strap. The coupler can include a tether to locate the camera a distance away from the strap, and thus a distance from the user. The coupler can by configured to components with a multitude of various rotational axes to promote proper placement of the camera on the user, as well as prevention of binding or tangling of the system.
Compartments can be included in the enclosure 400 for stowing camera components, such as a camera, lens, flash, or other auxiliary camera components in a protected location when not in use, while leaving the components readily accessible for use. The compartments of the enclosure can include closures to envelope the camera gear in a safe environment. To promote a safe environment for the camera components, the storage compartments can be made, in part or in whole, of resilient materials, padded materials, and/or water or chemical resistant materials. Further included in the enclosure can be one or more support straps, such as used on a backpack, handbag, or bandolier style bag. The support straps can also include a variety of adjusters and/or release mechanisms. Further included on the support straps can exist receptacles for holding and permitting access to various items, such as a phone, flashlight, memory, film, batteries, keys, business cards, or other items.
As shown in
The system 100 is depicted in
Shown in
A second implementation 302 with a first portion 302a and a second portion 302b of the coupler 300 is shown in
The second implementation 302 of the coupler 300 is shown in
A cross sectional view of
A further alternate implementation of the coupler 300 is represented in
Shown in
Shown in
From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific implementations of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.
Claims
1. For a camera having at least one engagement portion each configured to receive an engagement portion of a stand, a system for coupling with the engagement portion of the camera, the system comprising:
- a first strap; and
- a coupler having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engage with the engagement portion of camera, the second portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engage with the first strap.
2. The system of claim 1, further including:
- an enclosure having an interior area with an aperture and an exterior; and
- a shoulder strap with a first end portion and a second end portion attached to the exterior of the enclosure, the first end portion of the shoulder strap attached closer to the aperture and the second end of the shoulder strap attached farther from the aperture, the first strap having a first end portion attached to the enclosure inside the interior area.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the coupler in configured to slideably engage with the first strap.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first strap has a second end portion attached to the shoulder strap adjacent to the second end of the shoulder strap.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the enclosure further includes a covering to cover the aperture.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the coupler is rotatably couplable to the first portion of the coupler.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first strap is sized to fit over a human torso.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first strap is formed into a loop.
9. The system of claim 1 further includes a second strap and a strap coupler, the first strap being engaged with the second strap via the first strap coupler.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the coupler includes a loop to receive the first strap inserted therethrough.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first portion of the coupler includes a loop and the second portion of the coupler includes a hook, the hook of the second portion shaped to engage the loop of the first portion.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the loop and the hook of the second portion of the coupler are rotatably engaged.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the hook of the second portion of the coupler includes a safety clasp.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the first strap has a flat shape and the loop has an elongated shape.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the second portion of the coupler includes a base rotatably couplable to the first portion of the coupler and the loop is pivotally coupled to the base.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the second portion of the coupler includes a ball lock pin and the first portion of the coupler includes a ball lock socket, the ball lock pin being releasably couplable with the ball lock socket.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the second portion of the coupler is releasably couplable with the first portion of the coupler.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the engagement portion of the camera is a stand socket, the first portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engage with the stand socket of the camera.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the stand socket is threaded and the first portion of the coupler is threaded to threadably engage with the stand socket.
20. For a camera having a body with a bottom having an engagement portion, a system comprising:
- a first strap; and
- a coupler having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engage with the engagement portion of camera, the second portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engage with the first strap.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein second portion of the coupler is configured to slideably engage with the first strap.
22. A system comprising:
- a camera having an engagement portion configured to receive an engagement portion of a stand:
- a first strap; and
- a coupler having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the coupler configured to engage with the engagement portion of camera, the second portion of the coupler configured to engage with the first strap.
23. The system of claim 22, further including:
- an enclosure having an interior area with an aperture and an exterior; and
- a shoulder strap with a first end portion and a second end portion attached to the exterior of the enclosure, the first end portion of the shoulder strap attached closer to the aperture and the second end of the shoulder strap attached farther from the aperture, the first strap having a first end portion attached to the enclosure inside the interior area.
24. The system of claim 22, wherein the second portion of the coupler is configured to slideably engage with the first strap.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the first strap has a second end portion attached to the shoulder strap adjacent to the second end of the shoulder strap.
26. The system of claim 24, wherein the enclosure further includes a covering to cover the aperture.
27. The system of claim 22, wherein the second portion of the coupler is rotatably couplable to the first portion of the coupler.
28. The system of claim 22, wherein the first strap is sized to fit over a human torso.
29. The system of claim 22, wherein the first strap is formed into a loop.
30. The system of claim 22, further includes a second strap and a strap coupler, the first strap being engaged with the second strap via the first strap coupler.
31. The system of claim 22, wherein the second portion of the coupler includes a loop to receive the first strap inserted therethrough.
32. The system of claim 30, wherein the first portion of the coupler includes a loop and the second portion of the coupler includes a hook, the hook of the second portion shaped to engage the loop of the first portion.
33. The system of claim 31, wherein the loop and the hook of the second portion of the coupler are rotatably engaged.
34. The system of claim 31, wherein the hook of the second portion of the coupler includes a safety clasp.
35. The system of claim 30, wherein the first strap has a flat shape and the loop has an elongated shape.
36. The system of claim 30, wherein the second portion of the coupler includes a base rotatably couplable to the first portion of the coupler and the loop is pivotally coupled to the base.
37. The system of claim 30, wherein the second portion of the coupler includes a ball lock pin and the first portion of the coupler includes a ball lock socket, the ball lock pin being releasably couplable with the ball lock socket.
38. The system of claim 30, wherein the second portion of the coupler is releasably couplable with the first portion of the coupler.
39. The system of claim 22, wherein the engagement portion of the camera is a stand socket, the first portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engage with the stand socket of the camera.
40. The system of claim 30, wherein the stand socket is threaded and the first portion of the coupler is threaded to threadably engage with the stand socket.
41. A system comprising:
- a camera having a body with a bottom having an engagement portion;
- a first strap; and
- a coupler having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the coupler configured to engage with the engagement portion of camera, the second portion of the coupler configured to engage with the first strap.
42. The system of claim 41, wherein the second portion of the coupler is configured to slideably engage with the first strap.
43. A system comprising:
- a camera having an attachment point to engage with a stand; and
- a strap coupled with the camera at the attachment point.
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the camera is slideably attached to the strap.
45. A method comprising:
- providing a camera with an attachment point for a stand;
- attaching a coupler to the attachment point; and
- attaching a strap to the coupler.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein attaching a strap includes slideably attaching the strap to the coupler.
47. A method comprising:
- providing a camera having a bottom and a top, the camera having an attachment point at the bottom of the camera;
- hanging the camera top-side down from a shoulder of a human body by a strap coupled to the attachment point;
- grabbing the camera with at least one hand of the human body; and
- positioning the camera right-side up.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein positioning the camera includes sliding the camera along the strap.
49. A method comprising:
- reaching behind a human torso to grab a camera;
- pulling the camera out of an enclosure located behind a human torso; and
- sliding the camera along a strap attached to the enclosure to aim the camera.
50. For a camera having one engagement portion configured to receive an engagement portion of a stand, a system comprising:
- a first strap;
- a coupler having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engage with the engagement portion of camera, the second portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engage with the first strap;
- an enclosure having an interior area with an aperture and an exterior; and
- a shoulder strap with a first end portion and a second end portion attached to the exterior of the enclosure, the first end portion of the shoulder strap attached closer to the aperture and the second end of the shoulder strap attached farther from the aperture, the first strap having a first end portion attached to the enclosure inside the interior area.
51. The system of claim 50, wherein the second portion of the coupler is configured to slideably engage with the first strap.
52. The system of claim 51, wherein the first strap has a second end portion attached to the shoulder strap adjacent to the second end of the shoulder strap.
53. The system of claim 50, wherein the enclosure further includes a covering to cover the aperture.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 22, 2010
Publication Date: Nov 11, 2010
Applicant: Black Rapid, Inc. (Seattle, WA)
Inventors: Tyler R.M. Kope (Seattle, WA), Ronald D. Henry (Seattle, WA)
Application Number: 12/841,499