Camera Patents (Class 206/316.2)
  • Patent number: 11312314
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle camera. A vehicle camera according to one aspect comprises: a front case; a rear case having a space portion formed therein and coupled to the front case; a substrate module disposed in the space portion; and a terminal electrically connected to the substrate module and extending backward from the substrate module, wherein the rear case comprises a connector coupling portion and a bracket coupling portion which are formed on a rear surface thereof, wherein the connector coupling portion comprises a terminal hole for exposing the terminal to the outside, and the bracket coupling portion is disposed adjacent to the connector coupling portion and protrudes from the rear surface of the rear case so as to cover at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the connector coupling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gyu Cheol Sim, Min Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 11310399
    Abstract: A portable video and imaging system includes a camera for capturing video of an event, and a video recording device for recording the captured video of the event. The camera is housed in a first housing, the recording device is housed in a second housing, and the first and second housings are physically separate. Various embodiments provide for the system to be mounted to a user's body, an article of clothing, such as a shirt or a hat, to a vehicle, or to an ancillary component carried by the user, such as a firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Digital Ally, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Phillips, Jason R. Troxel
  • Patent number: 10694082
    Abstract: The present invention provides a board mountable system for filming underwater video. The inventive board mountable system can be mounted to the underside of water vehicles for incorporating a camera for filming from an underwater perspective. The inventive board mountable system is shaped to minimize drag as a result of the mounted camera or camera system. Embodiments of the inventive system includes a fin shaped housing for holding a camera or camera system. In certain embodiments, the fin is removably attached to the water vehicle, such as a surf board, where the fin housing can be swapped with other fins being used with the water vehicle for controlling the direction of a watersports board in motion. These embodiments of the inventive system further include a connection means for connecting the fin to the underside of a water vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: John Immel
  • Patent number: 10515528
    Abstract: The present invention provides a camera apparatus, comprising: a housing having an interior space; a camera lens disposed in the interior space of the housing; and a breathing light disposed between the housing and the camera lens and encircling the camera lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Umbo CV Inc.
    Inventors: Chao-Yi Chen, Chih-Wen Ko
  • Patent number: 10331019
    Abstract: A spherical camera is disclosed. The camera includes an imaging unit. A base of the camera includes a track. A spherical housing includes a first housing part for containing the imaging unit. A second housing part includes a dove tail shaped to be slidably received within the track of the base. A loop is positionable around a periphery surface of the base, the loop being tightenable from a first position wherein the spherical housing is tiltable along the track to a second position wherein the spherical housing is locked in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: AVIGILON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Luke William Bingleman, Thomas W. Holbrook, Colin Paul Janssen, Eric Little, Sudeep Mohan, Nigel Geoffrey Taylor
  • Patent number: 10306115
    Abstract: A square camera housing accommodates a square camera with a substantially square profile. The square camera housing includes a latching mechanism to secure the camera in the housing, a mounting mechanism to secure the housing to a mounting device, and multiple openings in the housing body to accommodate the camera interface. These features allow the square camera to be inserted and secured in the square camera housing in one of a plurality of orientations relative to the square camera housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy Lucas Samuels, Evan L. Coons, Joshua P. Davies, William H. Tolbert, Nicholas Streets
  • Patent number: 10223342
    Abstract: A network-accessible toolbox permits collaborative annotation, facilitating interaction and communication among users. In an implementation, content on a Web page, or other page or document accessible through a network or the Internet, can be annotated. A user can view the page and with the toolbox, select content on the page and make an annotation or suggestion. Multiple users can view and make annotations to the same page at the same time. After annotations are made, users can view the page with annotations made by other users. The author or owner of the page can accept or reject the annotations or suggestions made to the page. If the owner accepts a particular suggestion, the selected content is replaced with the suggestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Pearson Education, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Neff, Raymond Galang, Sundararajan Parasuraman
  • Patent number: 10175563
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a shaft having an axis and mounted to a boom structure, a support structure configured to be coupled to the shaft, wherein the support structure is configured to rotate about the axis. In addition, a method is provided comprising translating a cradle along a vertical axis, and rotating, in response to the translating, a support structure about a shaft, wherein the cradle is supported by the support structure, wherein the cradle remains stationary with regard to pitch rotation during the translating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: CHIPS UNLIMITED, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Matt
  • Patent number: 10139706
    Abstract: A bayonet mounting system includes an interchangeable component. The system also includes a housing having a cylindrical opening with a sealing surface on a radially inward facing surface and a frustoconical surface that tappers radially outwardly from the radially inward facing surface at the cylindrical opening. The frustoconical surface is configured to radially compress at least a portion of a resilient member during attachment of the interchangeable component to the housing. The housing also has a groove extending radially outward of at least a portion of the frustoconical surface configured to retain the interchangeable component to the housing in a bayonet latching fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Dmitry Zhilinsky
  • Patent number: 10108072
    Abstract: To make it possible to control an image capturing position and its direction in water easily and flexibly through the use of a miniature unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a plurality of rotors. This is solved by an underwater image capturing apparatus including a miniature unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a plurality of rotors, a winding machine capable of delivering and winding a string-like member, and an underwater camera capable of capturing images in water, wherein the winding machine is fixed to the miniature unmanned aerial vehicle and the string-like member is connected to the underwater camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: PRODRONE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Sugaki, Kazuo Ichihara
  • Patent number: 10101637
    Abstract: The present invention is a supplemental waterproof housing that completely surrounds a camera device, and it encloses an integrated and removable supplemental external battery and supplemental memory storage inside the external housing, and provides for a mounting point for lenses, filters or adaptors and handles attached to outside to the external housing. The internal compartment of the housing encloses an inner housing that holds the camera, and allows easy connections to the removable memory chips and removable battery packs through coupling adapters, connectors and bridges, which is all integrated into and enclosed by the external housing. The present invention also allows access to the internal compartment with one side of the inner housing providing a seal on one side of the waterproof housing, which is secured through waterproof seals, couplings and latches on the outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Avant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Peddecord, Justin M. Goodwin, Paul M. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 10021285
    Abstract: A supplemental flash system that may be included in a waterproof, protective case for a camera. The supplemental flash system is designed to illuminate the scene just prior to capturing the image with the camera. The supplemental flash system may be triggered by user actuation of a control on the case, by user actuation of a control on an external trigger, or through an app on a smart phone. Optionally, the case may include a mechanical interface on the bottom surface thereof for connection to a variety of types of mounts. Optionally, the flash system may provide for the ability to change the illumination spectrum. Optionally, the flash system may be controllable to place it into one of a plurality of different types of signaling modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventors: Tark Abed, Manu Pillai
  • Patent number: 9993918
    Abstract: A tool container assembly comprises a body, an extension portion, and a fastening member. The body has a bottom, a side, and a top providing access to a cavity formed by the bottom and the side. The extension portion is operatively connected to the top, and the extension portion has a distal end portion. The fastening member is operatively connected to the distal end portion, and the fastening member has an open position and a closed position. The open position forms an opening allowing access to the cavity, and the closed position closes the opening thereby preventing access to the cavity. The closed position includes an easy opening position and a difficult opening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: D B INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Mathews, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9930231
    Abstract: A camera housing includes a frame having sides configured to secure a camera along an outer perimeter of the camera, one of the sides of the frame including a split within the frame. The camera housing also includes a latch mechanism extending along the frame from a first side of the split to a second side of the split, the latch mechanism operable in a closed configuration and an open configuration. A first distance between the first side of the split and the second side of the split when the latch mechanism is in the closed configuration is less than a second distance between the first side of the split and the second side of the split when the latch mechanism is in the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Aaron Clearman, Rudy Lucas Samuels, Richard Gioscia
  • Patent number: 9864257
    Abstract: A camera housing includes four walls configured to enclose and secure a camera: a top wall, a bottom wall, a right wall, and a left wall. The bottom wall includes a first segment and a segment coupled by a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism comprises a tongue component coupled to the second segment and a groove component coupled to the first segment. The tongue and groove components are configured such that the tongue component securely couples the second segment to the first segment when the camera frame is in the closed configuration. In the open configuration, the first and second segment can decouple and the left wall and second segment rotates upwards relative to the top wall such that a camera can be inserted or removed from the camera system. The camera housing also includes a button interface, an input/output interface, and a mounting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Wroblewski, Kielan Crow, Himay Rashmikant Shukla, Ryan Harrison
  • Patent number: 9774767
    Abstract: An Internet protocol (IP) camera includes a housing having a capturing window, a capturing unit received in the housing for capturing images as data sets through the capturing window, and a card window arrangement which includes a card slot unit for replaceably receiving a digital memory card to store the data sets therein and a concealing cover detachably coupled at the housing to conceal the card slot unit in a waterproof and dustproof manner without disassembling the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Jianhua Cao
  • Patent number: 9756227
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a camera system that can be used to capture outdoor images. The camera system is easy to manufactured, operated, and maintained. The camera system includes an internal structure and an external structure. The internal structure includes multiple components such as an image component, a storage component, a communication component, a power supply component, and a processor. The external structure is configured to cover and/or protect the internal structure and the components therein. The external structure can be a housing structure with a front housing and a back housing. The external structure can include multiple patterns positioned thereon so as to form a gripping area that facilitates a user to properly hold the camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Chengdu CK Technology CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-cai Xu
  • Patent number: 9696755
    Abstract: There is provided an opening and closing device including a base; a movable member that is moved between a retracted position and a forward position by making linear movement and rotational movement with respect to the base; and a locking system for locking the movable member at the retracted position, wherein locking of the movable member by the locking system is released by rotationally moving the movable member, and thereby the linear movement of the movable member is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI STEEL MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Mitsui
  • Patent number: 9632396
    Abstract: A camera lens storage and exchange device according to the present invention includes a body having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, where both ends are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the body. The device further includes a coupling mount disposed at each of the first and second ends, where each of the coupling mounts may be configured to, with respect to the body, receive thereto, retain therein, and release therefrom, a camera lens. The device further includes a rotational member connected at a mid-point of the body, where the rotational member may be configured to freely rotate the body about a rotational axis of the rotational member. The longitudinal axis of the body may be disposed orthogonal to and intersecting with the rotational axis of the rotational member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: GoWing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 9635226
    Abstract: A square camera housing accommodates a square camera with a substantially square profile. The square camera housing includes a latching mechanism to secure the camera in the housing, a mounting mechanism to secure the housing to a mounting device, and multiple openings in the housing body to accommodate the camera interface. These features allow the square camera to be inserted and secured in the square camera housing in one of a plurality of orientations relative to the square camera housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy Lucas Samuels, Evan L. Coons, Joshua P. Davies, William H. Tolbert, Nicholas Streets
  • Patent number: 9572409
    Abstract: A carrying case (500) and handle (504) for accommodating a portable topical negative pressure therapy apparatus (200) comprising a device (202) and a waste canister (204) separable therefrom, the waste canister having an aspiration conduit (274) emerging therefrom is described, the carrying bag comprising an apparatus receiving pouch (502), said pouch having opening and closing means (522, 524) at a lower portion thereof and said handle (504) being directly attached to said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SMITH & NEPHEW PLC
    Inventors: Andrew Pidgeon, Richard Mann
  • Patent number: 9503146
    Abstract: A waterproof device for cellphones comprises a lower case and an upper case pivotally fitted at the lower case. The lower case has a grip section protruding from the underside, an accommodating space inside the lower case for loading of a smart phone device, and a transparent material region located at the underside and corresponding to the lens of the smart phone device wherein the accommodating space is designed to accommodate a power supply module at another side for charging the smart phone device. Moreover, the upper case is penetrated by at least a pressing component which faces the accommodating space in the lower case and has one end above the upper case and the other end over the touch panel of the smart phone device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: C J HOUSING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ying-Fong Chen
  • Patent number: 9462865
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a low cost customizable case for electronic devices. The low cost customizable case may have a preassembled form and a post assembled form. In the preassembled form, the low cost customizable case may be planar and include a first plurality of regions and a second plurality of regions. A plurality of protrusions may be formed on the first plurality of regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: LOGITECH EUROPE S.A.
    Inventors: Steven Ryutaro Takayama, Branko Lukic, Bach Nguyen, Denis O'Keeffe, Kevin McLintock, Andreas Oliver Connellan
  • Patent number: 9444983
    Abstract: A photographing device comprises an assembling component, an image capturing component, a first annular fastener, a first stopping part and a second annular fastener. The assembling component comprises a hollow case, a protruding part, a first fastening part and a second fastening part. The hollow case has an inner surface, a first end and a second end. The protruding part is located at inner surface to form a supporting space together. The first fastening part and second fastening part are located at first end and second end, respectively. The image capturing component is located in supporting space. The first annular fastener has a third fastening part fastened to first fastening part and an annular abutting part. The first stopping part is connected to first annular fastener or first end. The second annular fastener has a fourth fastening part fastened to second fastening part and a second stopping part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: VIVOTEK INC.
    Inventors: Yui-Juin Liu, Chih-Chieh Chan
  • Patent number: 9408447
    Abstract: A game controller travel case including a base and a lid; interior and internal padding continuously disposed in the respective base and lid; and a padded recess disposed within the interior padding. The recess has first and second portions. The first portion has a cavity within the interior padding and a biconcave center section with mirror image kidney-shaped side sections on each side thereof. The second portion has two rectangular parallel first sides and second sides perpendicular thereto. A third portion of the recess is disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The first and second portions are configured to securely retain a home video game controller and wireless port, respectively, therein. A slot configured to retain a memory card therein is also disposed in the base. Steel corners are on the base and the lid. A latch mechanism, handle, and footing members are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventors: Lewis J. Divinity, De Andre Divinity
  • Patent number: 9361868
    Abstract: A cymbal storage and transport container which permits cymbals to be stored so they do not contact one another. The cymbals are stored with their centrally located mounting hardware attached which is used to mount each cymbal on a mounting stand. Each mounting hardware is located in the container to not be in contact with any other mounting hardware or cymbal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel John Spriggel
  • Patent number: 9238534
    Abstract: A waterproof closure system 1 including a plate 20 having a periphery 21 and at least one closure member 30 which can be fitted around the periphery of the plate so that when they are joined the closure member forms a border around the periphery of the plate. The closure member has at least two elements 30a,30b separated by a split 41 with there being a locking means, for example having a male part 42 provided on a first element on one side of said split and a female part 44 provided on a second element on the other side of said split that can lock the two elements together o closing the split and tightening the closure member around the periphery of the plate thereby locking a mouth of a bag placed around the plate between the plate periphery and closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: AQUAPAC INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Sean MacAuley
  • Patent number: 9025948
    Abstract: A mobile device case defining an aperture and a camera protection module within the aperture. The camera protection module may be a separate element from the case shell or may be formed as an integral part of shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: A.G. Findings & Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando Tages, Daniel Acero
  • Patent number: 9019431
    Abstract: A portable video and imaging system includes a camera for capturing video of an event, and a video recording device for recording the captured video of the event. The camera is housed in a first housing, the recording device is housed in a second housing, and the first and second housings are physically separate. Various embodiments provide for the system to be mounted to a user's body, an article of clothing, such as a shirt or a hat, to a vehicle, or to an ancillary component carried by the user, such as a firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Digital Ally, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Phillips, Jason R. Troxel
  • Patent number: 8973752
    Abstract: A cover for a camera device with a flash may incorporate a light absorbing isolation mechanism in areas near the flash and camera. In some cases, the isolation mechanism may be conformable to press against the camera device, or may come in partial contact or no contact with the device in the area of the flash and camera. The isolation mechanism may be formed as part of a cover, or may be a second component that may be added to a cover in various designs. The isolation mechanism may operate with devices that have a glass or other translucent outer case, as well as those devices without such an outer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie Johnson, Stephen Willes, William Travis Smith, Alan Morine
  • Patent number: 8973751
    Abstract: A protective case that resists fractures, punctures, deformations, and other failures for use with a wildlife surveillance system is provided. The protective case includes a cooperating base and cover. The base and cover define a cavity therebetween, which houses the wildlife surveillance system. The base and cover interlock with each other, providing multi-dimensional stability of the entire assemblage. In addition, the protective case is made from a material that can endure manipulations, handling, or attacks from various wildlife animals, including, e.g., bears and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Non Typical Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Cuddeback
  • Publication number: 20150053580
    Abstract: A divider for a bag includes a generally planar panel, a first attachment mechanism coupled to the panel offset from a first edge of the panel, and a second attachment mechanism offset from a second edge of the panel. The first and second attachment mechanisms each includes a first configuration wherein it extends from the respective first and second edges towards the other of the first and second attachment mechanism, and a second configuration wherein the respective attachment mechanism is rotated to be generally perpendicular to the panel and configured to attach to opposing first and second walls of a bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: DAYMEN CANADA ACQUISITION ULC
    Inventor: Kevin Duane Crandall
  • Patent number: 8844689
    Abstract: The invention provides a carry-on wheeled luggage (1) for photographic equipment that has an interior compartment (80) deep enough to accommodate a large article of photographic equipment such as at least a 400 mm 2.8 f-stop aperture telephoto lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Think Tank Photo, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Harland Murdoch, Michael Sturm
  • Patent number: 8837928
    Abstract: A camera housing comprises a four-sided frame. A first side of the four-sided frame includes a first segment, a second segment, and a latch mechanism with a first latch component and a second latch component. The first latch component and the second latch component are pivotally coupled such that in a closed position, the frame securely encloses a camera and in an open position, the first segment and the second segment are separable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Aaron Clearman, Rudy Lucas Samuels, Richard Gioscia
  • Publication number: 20130292280
    Abstract: A carrier has a variable-length compartment for receiving a device of variable length, such as a lens with a hood that may be alternated between a reversed and an extended or operative position. The carrier has an expansion gusset region that allows expansion of the carrier along one dimension when the device is elongated, whereby the carrier is able to securely accommodate the elongated device within the compartment, and contraction of the carrier when the device is less elongated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Douglas Harland Murdoch, Michael Sturm
  • Patent number: 8544643
    Abstract: A waterproof camera case includes first and second case members and a lock mechanism for locking the first and second case members together. The lock mechanism includes a side flip hingedly connected to a side of the rear case member and moveable between a flip open position and a flip closed position where an inner surface of the side flip abuts against a side of the front case member. A press member is pivotable about a first shaft mounted on the inner surface of the side flip and moveable between a non-pressing position and a pressing position. A free distal side of the press member is configured to press against a ledge projected from the side of the front case member on a surface oppositely facing the rear case member. A lock member is slidable along a second shaft mounted on the inner surface of the side flip and moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Zear Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Wai Lam William Yim
  • Patent number: 8474613
    Abstract: A carrier has a variable-length compartment for receiving a device of variable length, such as a lens with a hood that may be alternated between a reversed and an extended or operative position. The carrier has an expansion gusset region that allows expansion of the carrier along one dimension when the device is elongated, whereby the carrier is able to securely accommodate the elongated device within the compartment, and contraction of the carrier when the device is less elongated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Think Tank Photo, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Harland Murdoch, Michael Sturm
  • Patent number: 8453835
    Abstract: A water-proof container for holding a mobile device includes a base adapted to support a mobile device, a cover, a hinge for interconnecting the base and cover to one another, and a locking mechanism for locking the cover to the base. A groove is formed in an interior wall of the cover in circumscribing relation to the cover. A thin, transparent sheet of plastic has a bead formed in its peripheral edge and the bead is press fit into the groove so that the thin sheet of plastic closely overlies the operative face of the mobile device when the cover is latched to the base. A hollow lock housing is pivotally mounted about a pivot pin. A one hundred eighty degree (180°) rotation of the lock housing positions the opening on an opposite side of the container 10, capturing the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Kar Ming So
  • Patent number: 8430239
    Abstract: A carrying case for camera equipment comprising a base portion having a hard outer surface, the outer surface having a convex contour, and an inner surface, the inner surface being lined with a shock-absorbing material, and a cavity defined within the base portion, terminating in an opening, for receiving a camera and at least one camera lens; a lid portion having a hard outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being lined with a shock-absorbing material, the lid portion hingedly attached to the base portion; and a sealing member framing the opening to form a seal when the lid portion and the base portion are mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Steven B. Shpiner
  • Patent number: 8424680
    Abstract: A camera storage case is provided that includes a camera support system. The camera support system may be made of EVA foam and made to conform to the exterior perimeter surface of the camera. The camera support system may also include a tube to protect the camera's interconnected lens. The storage case can be configured as a backpack, messenger bag, or holster. Flexible lens holders are included in the storage case to facilitate easy access to stored lenses. Furthermore, the storage case provides dividing walls to allow the user to selectively configure the interior storage compartment of the camera case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Thule Organization Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Fair, Josh Buller
  • Patent number: 8411199
    Abstract: The transport device for an instrument (2) for photo, video, audio recording or the like comprises a body (10), connection means (3) accommodated in the body (10) and intended for fixing the instrument (2) to the device (1), supporting means (4) fixed to the body (10) and intended for anchoring the device (1) to the user's body, and a sustaining element (5) one extremity of which is restrained to the body (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Andrea Corticelli
  • Patent number: 8378210
    Abstract: A waterproof case for an electronic device includes a case portion configured to house an electronic device including a touch panel display, and an operation mechanism provided to the case portion and configured to operate the touch panel display of the electronic device, which is housed in the case portion, from an outside of the case portion. In the waterproof case, the operation mechanism includes a push button, a return spring configured to energize the push button toward the outside of the case portion, a moving lever configured to move in a pressing direction when the push button is pressed toward an inside of the case portion, and an operation lever configured to rotate in a direction approximately orthogonal to the pressing direction so as to bring a contact portion into contact with a predetermined region of the touch panel display when being pressed by the moving lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Maki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 8302749
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Daymen Canada Acquisition ULC
    Inventors: Bradley S. Melmon, Ryan H. Mongan, David J. Law, Parker T. Chou, Graeme Esarey
  • Patent number: 8281923
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and protecting interchangeable camera lenses which includes a cylindrical body shell, having an outer rigid casing with inner and outer diameters, and having an inner soft-lined receptacle within the inner diameter of the body shell for receiving the camera lens; a base end cap; a ringed shaped mouth member having inner and outer diameters; a lid cap assembly; a first visco-elastic material bonded to the lid cap assembly; a second visco-elastic material bonded to the base end cap; and, the first and second visco-elastic materials conform to the shape of the lens when the lid cap assembly is engaged with the mouth member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Luis Elenes
  • Patent number: 8256611
    Abstract: A camera cover comprising a surrounding sidewall that has an interior sized and configured for receiving and housing a camera. The sidewall defines opposed first and second openings through which the camera may be operated. A camera mount is connected to the surrounding sidewall and is operative to secure the camera within the interior with the camera's lens directed to one of the first and second openings. The camera cover preferably includes a strap with opposed first and second end portions that are each removably fastened to the surrounding sidewall. The end portions of the strap may each include an extension strap securable to the camera. The camera cover includes a first closure associated with the first opening and a second closure associated with the second opening. The first closure comprises a first flap and a magnetic latch and the second closure comprises a second flap and a zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Frederick Merrill, Timothy Mitchell Winfree
  • Patent number: 8260128
    Abstract: A water-resistant connector for use with fabric and sheet-like material comprises two plates stitched to each other on either side of and through the fabric or sheet-like material with at least one gasket made of an elastomeric material such as neoprene being placed between one of the plates and the fabric or sheet-like material. The gasket is stitched through and compressed between the plates so as to press against the stitching for water resistance. A suitable elastomeric material is a sheet of elastomeric compound adhered to either side of a reinforcing scrim. A rain cover for a camera and lens includes a water-resistant connector attached on the outside to a neck strap and on the inside to a strap system secured to the camera and lens whereby the camera and lens can be supported by the neck strap when the rain cover is protecting the camera and lens. A gasket may be provided encircling an eyepiece of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Think Tank Photo, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Sturm, Douglas Harland Murdoch
  • Patent number: 8181760
    Abstract: Herein is described an equipment container with an integrated stand comprising a bag with a lid and a base, retractable legs, and a movable post attached to the lid, wherein the retractable legs can be enclosed into the base of the bag, and the movable post is adapted to be stowed for transport or deployed to support a piece of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Nam Tim Trieu
  • Patent number: 8123007
    Abstract: The invention provides a carry-on wheeled luggage (1) for photographic equipment that has an interior compartment (80) deep enough to accommodate a large article of photographic equipment such as at least a 400 mm 2.8 f-stop aperture telephoto lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Think Tank Photo, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Harland Murdoch, Michael Sturm
  • Publication number: 20110315579
    Abstract: To provide the case for an electronic device where the device is equipped with the camera and the flash that are adjacent to each other. The case has at least one hole in the case body to expose the camera and the flash. The camera hole has a depth and is formed by a cylindrical wall, and the shading area is provided on the hole wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: POWER SUPPORT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryoichi Mase
  • Patent number: 8056710
    Abstract: This invention relates to a kit and methods adapted for use in a vehicle glove compartment box, which provides assistance in various vehicular scenarios related to traffic tickets, DWIs, car wrecks, avoiding repossessions, and using lemon laws. The kit includes a container, camera, and booklet and is small enough to fit conveniently inside a vehicle glove box. The booklet contains sequential step-by-step instructions to assist the user with the vehicular scenarios and is written in a simple and easy-to-read format that does not require a legal dictionary to decipher. In simpler terms, the present invention provides common sense tips to help protect one's legal rights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Schneider, Garland Keith Grady