CAMERA CARRYING APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD

Abstract

An object support apparatus for supporting an object on a person's body includes a first strap and a shoulder support fixedly coupled to the first strap. The apparatus also includes a second strap that is fixedly coupled to the shoulder support. The first strap, shoulder support, and second strap are positionable about a person's body and have a low friction surface. An end portion of one of the first and second straps is securable to an object. An adjustment mechanism of the apparatus adjustably couples the first strap and the second strap to form a loop defined by the shoulder support and portions of the first and second strap. The adjustment mechanism is configured to maintain the loop tight against the person's body. The loop is easily slidable about the person's body while tight against the person's body to position the object between an in-use position and a non-use position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/382,639, filed Sep. 14, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The subject matter of this application relates to strap-based devices for carrying objects, and more particularly to a strap-based apparatus, system, and method for carrying an object on a person's body.

BACKGROUND

Various apparatus, systems, and methods for carrying a camera on a person's body are widely known in the art. Some conventional camera carrying systems are designed to be worn about a person's shoulder(s) and/or neck with the camera hanging therefrom. One type of conventional camera carrying system includes a strap that wraps around a person's neck and supports the camera in a position along a front portion of the person. Such a system often results in the camera uncomfortably bouncing off of a front of the person during walking and other movements taken during non-use of the camera.

Other conventional camera carrying systems include a strap that wraps around a person's shoulder with the camera supported along the same side of the person as the shoulder. In yet other conventional camera carrying systems, a strap is wrapped around a person's shoulder in a sling-like manner with the camera supported along a side of the person opposite the shoulder. Shoulder strap systems such as these often result in the camera annoyingly and/or uncomfortably swinging away from the person in wide arching motions during walking and other movements taken during non-use of the camera. In some instances, the camera may impact the person's side as it swings, which may result in further annoyances and discomfort. Accordingly, while many conventional shoulder strap systems provide some support for carrying a camera on a person's body, such systems often fail to limit the motion of the camera relative to the person during non-use of the camera.

Commonly, conventional camera carrying systems with straps include a shoulder or neck pad that is adjustably positionable along the strap. The shoulder or neck pad is placed on the shoulder or neck, respectively, to reduce the strain placed on the person during use of the strap. Generally, the shoulder or neck pad is designed to move relative to the strap such that as the camera and strap move, the pad remains in place relative to a person's shoulder or neck. To keep the pad on the person's shoulder or neck, the pad often is lined with a friction enhancing surface, such as a leather, rubber, or textured lining. Often, however, after repeated lifting and lowering of the camera and strap, the pad can move out of position, which can undesirably necessitate a manual readjustment of the pad relative to the strap to reposition the pad over the person's shoulders or neck.

To alleviate adjustment and readjustment of shoulder pads, some conventional camera carrying systems are designed to allow the camera to slide along the straps when raised before and lowered after operation of the camera. Such systems may reduce the likelihood of the shoulder pads moving off of the shoulders. However, to accommodate the movement of the camera between raised and lowered positions (e.g., between in-use and non-use positions), the strap must be relatively loose relative to the person's body, which introduces the swinging and bodily impact issues discussed above.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available camera carrying devices. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide a camera carrying apparatus, system, and method that overcomes at least some, if not all, of the shortcomings of the prior art.

According to one embodiment, an object support apparatus for supporting an object on a person's body includes a first strap and a shoulder support fixedly coupled to the first strap. The apparatus also includes a second strap that is fixedly coupled to the shoulder support. The first strap, shoulder support, and second strap are positionable about a person's body. Further, the first strap, shoulder support, and second strap have a low friction surface. An end portion of one of the first and second straps is securable to an object. The apparatus additionally includes an adjustment mechanism that adjustably couples the first strap and the second strap to form a loop defined by the shoulder support and portions of the first and second strap. The adjustment mechanism is configured to maintain the loop tight against the person's body. The loop is easily slidable about the person's body while tight against the person's body to position the object between an in-use position and a non-use position.

In certain implementations of the apparatus, the end portion of the one of the first and second straps includes a portion of one of the first and second straps not forming the loop. The end portion of one of the first and second straps can be freely movable relative to the loop while the loop is tight against the person's body in both the in-use and non-use positions.

According to some implementations of the apparatus, the loop is tightenable against the person's body by pulling one of the first and second straps through the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism can be actuatable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the adjustment mechanism allows movement through the adjustment mechanism of the first strap relative to the second strap in a first direction and prevents movement through the adjustment mechanism of the first strap relative to the second strap in a second direction opposite the first direction. In contrast, in the open position, the adjustment mechanism allows movement through the adjustment mechanism of the first strap relative to the second strap in the first and second directions. The adjustment mechanism can be biased in the closed position. The end portion of one of the first and second straps can be pullable relative to the adjustment mechanism to tighten the loop about the person's body.

In certain implementations of the apparatus, the shoulder support includes a pad encapsulated by a covering having the low friction surface. The position of the couplings between the shoulder strap and the first and second straps can be fixed.

According to some implementations, the apparatus also includes an object attachment mechanism coupled to the end portion of one of the first and second straps. The object attachment mechanism can be removably coupleable to the object. The object attachment mechanism can include a first coupling removably coupleable to a first portion of the object and a second coupling removably couplable to a second portion of the object. In certain implementations, the object is a camera and the first portion comprises a body and the second portion comprises a lens. In such implementations, the first coupling is of a different type than the second coupling. In yet some implementations, the object attachment mechanism includes an object coupling removably securable to the object and a strap coupling securable to the end portion of one of the first and second straps. The strap coupling in such implementations can be removably securable to the object coupling to couple the object to the end portion of one of the first and second straps. In one specific implementation, the strap coupling includes a plug and the camera coupling includes an aperture, such that the plug is removably insertable within the aperture to couple the object to the end of one of the first and second straps.

Another embodiment described herein is directed to a method for supporting an object about a person's body. The method includes providing an object carrier that has a first strap, second strap, and shoulder pad coupled to each other to form an adjustable loop. The first strap, second strap, and shoulder pad include a low friction outer surface. The position of the shoulder pad along the first and second straps is fixed. A portion of the first strap extends outside of the adjustable loop and is removably coupleable to an object. The method further includes positioning the loop of the object carrier about a shoulder region of the person's body on a first side of the person's body and a second side of the person's body in a sling-like manner. While tight against shoulder region of the person's body on the first side and the upper torso of the person's body on the second side, the method includes sliding the adjustable loop about the shoulder region of the person's body on the first side and the upper torso of the person's body on the second side to move the portion of the first strap extending outside of the adjustable loop and an object removably coupled thereto between an object in-use position proximate a front of the person's body and an object non-use position proximate the second side of the person's body.

In some implementations of the method, a portion of the second strap extends outside of the adjustable loop and includes a free end. The method can further include pulling the free end of the second strap to tighten the adjustable loop about the shoulder region of the person's body on the first side and an upper torso of the person's body on the second side. Sliding the adjustable loop can include slidably moving the shoulder pad along the person's body between the shoulder region of the person's body and a back of the person's body. In certain implementations, sliding the adjustable loop includes simultaneously moving the shoulder pad from the shoulder region of the person's body to the back of the person's body and the portion of the first strap extending outside of the adjustable loop and an object removably coupled thereto from the object non-use position to the object in-use position.

According to yet another embodiment, a camera carrier for supporting a camera on a person's body includes a first strap, a second strap, and a shoulder pad fixedly coupled to and between the first and second straps to form an adjustable loop with first portions of the first and second straps. Each of the first strap, second strap, and shoulder pad include a low friction outer surface. Respective second portions of the first and second straps do not form part of the adjustable loop. The second portion of the first strap is removably coupleable to a camera and the second portion of the second strap includes a free end. The camera carrier includes a coupling mechanism that couples the first and second straps together to form the adjustable loop. The coupling mechanism is configured to facilitate adjustment of the length of the adjustable loop. The adjustable loop is tightenable against a person's body in a sling-like manner by pulling the free end of the second portion of the second strap relative to the coupling mechanism. The low friction outer surfaces of the first strap, second strap, and shoulder pad facilitate low-friction sliding engagement between the first strap, second strap, and shoulder pad of the adjustable loop and the person's body while the adjustable loop is tight against the person's body in the sling-like manner and while the camera is moved between an in-use position proximate a front of the person's body and a non-use position proximate a side of the person's body.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the subject matter of the present disclosure should be or are in any single embodiment or implementation of the subject matter. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment or implementation.

The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a camera carrying apparatus according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a user wearing a camera carrying apparatus according to one embodiment with the camera positioned in a non-use position;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the user of FIG. 2 wearing the camera carrying apparatus of FIG. 2 with the camera positioned in a use position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment a camera carrying system having a coupling for supporting a camera having a large lens and monopod assembly;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a camera carrying apparatus having an alternative camera attachment mechanism according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an adaptor for coupling to a camera according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the adaptor of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the adaptor of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the adaptor of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are various embodiments of a camera carrier for carrying a camera device on a person's body that increases comfort and usability. In some embodiments, the camera carrier is a sling-like device that is positionable about a person's shoulder and secures the camera device on a side of the person opposite the shoulder. The camera carrier is adjustable to wrap relatively tightly about the person's body compared to traditional camera carrying devices. The camera carrier remains relatively tight against the person's body even as the person raises the camera to an in-use position and lowers the camera to a non-use position. To maintain tightness of the carrier and facilitate movement of the camera, the carrier includes a low-friction or friction-reducing strap and shoulder pad that move (e.g., slide) along the person's body as the camera is raised and lowered. Because the carrier remains relatively tight against the body during non-use of the camera, movement of the camera relative to the person's body during walking or other bodily movements is significantly reduced compared to conventional camera carrier devices. Also, the carrier is configured to ensure the position of the shoulder pad is positioned on the shoulder of the user when the camera is in the non-use position.

One particular embodiment of a camera carrier 10 for carrying a camera 12 on a person's body is shown in FIG. 1. The camera carrier 10 includes first and second straps 20, 30, and a shoulder support 40 arranged to be worn on a person in a sling-like manner (see, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second straps 20, 30 are separate and distinct straps coupled together via the shoulder support 40. In certain implementations, the first and second straps 20, 30 each include a length of flexible, high-strength, and low-friction webbing, such as polyester webbing. Preferably, the first and second straps 20, 30 are non-elastic. However, in some implementations, the first and second straps 20, 30 can be at least partially elastic. Each strap 20, 30 extends from a fixed end portion 22, 32 to a free end portion 24, 34, respectively. The fixed end portions 22, 32 are coupled to a respective end portion 42, 44 of the shoulder support 40 via any of various coupling techniques, such as stitching, adhesion, fastening, bonding, and the like.

The shoulder support 40 includes a pad (e.g., cushion) at least partially covered by a friction resistant material 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the friction resistant material 46 is a layer of synthetic polymer, such as polyethylene and Nylon®, having a low coefficient of friction. As illustrated, the layer of synthetic polymer can envelope the entire pad. However, in other embodiments, the layer of synthetic polymer can cover only a portion of the pad, such as along a single surface of the pad. The fixed end portions 22, 32 of the first and seconds straps 20, 30 can be secured to the layer of synthetic polymer. In certain embodiments, the friction resistant material 46 can include any of various low-friction coatings, such as Teflon® and molybdenum disulphide coatings, applied to all or only a portion of the pad. The shoulder support 40 can have any of various lengths as desired. In certain implementations, the straps 20, 30 and shoulder support 40 are made from at least partially buoyant materials such that the carrier 10 at least partially floats in water.

The first strap 20 is adjustable relative to the second strap 30 by an adjustment mechanism 50. The adjustment mechanism 50 is actuatable between an open position (e.g., strap non-engaging position) and a closed position (e.g., strap engaging position) as shown by directional arrows 51. Generally, the adjustment mechanism 50 allows the first strap 20 to be moved through the adjustment mechanism relative to the second strap 30 in the directions indicated by directional arrow 52 when in the open position and prevents movement between the first and second straps when in the closed position. The adjustment mechanism 50 includes a base 54 and a gripper 56 pivotable relative to the base about a pivot pin 58. The base 54 captures and movably retains the second strap 30 by passing the second strap through slots 82 formed in the base. The first strap 20 passes between the gripper 56 and the base 54. The adjustment mechanism 50 includes an internal biasing element, such as a spring, that biases the gripper 56 in the closed position. In the closed position, the gripper 56 is forced against the first strap 20 by a restoring force of the biasing element to effectively clamp the first strap against the base. Desirably, the restoring force of the biasing element is sufficient to significantly restrict movement of the first strap 20 relative to the base 54 in a loosening direction when the gripper 56 is in the closed position.

To aid in restricting movement of the first strap 20 relative to the base 54 in the loosening direction when the adjustment mechanism 50 is closed, the gripper 56 may include grip-enhancing features 80, such as teeth, protrusions, ridges, and the like. The grip-enhancing features 80 at least partially penetrate the first strap 20 when the gripper 56 is in the closed position. In certain implementations, the grip-enhancing features 80 are designed to restrict only motion in the loosing direction, but allow motion in a tightening direction. In this manner, the first strap 20 can be tightened relative to the second strap 30 with the adjustment mechanism in the closed position, but not loosened. Accordingly, the gripper 56 acts as a one-way locking device.

The adjustment mechanism 50 is actuatable from the closed position to the open position by manually pulling or pushing the gripper 56 away from the first strap 20 with a force greater than the restoring force of the biasing element. As the gripper 56 is moved away from the first strap 20, the gripper rotates about the pivot pin 58 and the grip-enhancing features 80 release the first strap 20. In the open position, the first strap 20 can be freely moved relative to the base 54. To aid in manually pulling the gripper 56, a pull cord 84 may be coupled to the gripper 56. A user can grip and pull the pull cord 84 to move the gripper 56 away from the first strap 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 50 is movable (e.g., slidable) along the second strap 30. To restrict movement of the adjustment mechanism 50 along the second strap 30, the adjustment mechanism 50 can be positioned between first and second strap adjustment members 70, 72 coupled to the second strap. The first and second strap adjustment members 70, 72 act as buckles to significantly restrict movement of the members along the second strap 30. The adjustment members 70, 72 can be moved along the second strap 30 by rethreading the second strap through the adjustment members. In this manner the adjustment members 70, 72 act as stops on the second strap 30 to contain the adjustment mechanism 50 therebetween. The position of the adjustment mechanism 50 on the second strap 30 can be adjusted by adjusting the relative position of the strap adjustment members 70, 72.

The position of the first strap 20 relative to the second strap 30 is adjusted via the adjustment mechanism 50 to adjust a length of a shoulder loop of the camera carrier 10. The shoulder loop of the camera carrier 10 is defined as the loop created by the shoulder support 40 and the portions of the first and second straps 20, 30 between the shoulder support and adjustment mechanism 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera carrier 10 is worn by a person 2 such that the shoulder loop wraps about the person's shoulder region 4, upper chest/back region 6, and side region 8. The side region 8 is defined as a side of the person 2 opposite the side aligned with the shoulder region 4. In this manner, the camera carrier 10 is worn in a sling-like fashion with the shoulder loop crossing the body of the person 2. Adjustment of the first strap 20 via the adjustment mechanism 50 allows the camera carrier 10 to be tightened to or loosened from the person's body. For example, with the shoulder loop hanging loosely about the person 2, the free end portion 24 of the first strap 20 can be pulled to decrease the length of the shoulder loop and tighten the shoulder loop against the person as shown in FIG. 2. When tightened, the shoulder loop can wrap around the person 2 at a relatively higher location (e.g., at or near the person's armpit) than with relatively loose-fitting conventional straps or slings. When the person 2 desires to remove the camera carrier 10 and/or loosen the shoulder loop, the person can pull the pull cord 84 to release the gripper 58 and increase the length of the shoulder loop.

A camera attachment mechanism 60 is coupled to the second strap 30. The position of the camera attachment mechanism 60 relative to the adjustment mechanism 50 is adjustable via operation of the first strap adjustment member 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the camera attachment mechanism 60 is coupled to the second strap 30 by threading the free end portion 34 of the second strap 30 through the first strap adjustment member 70, then through a D-link 64 of the camera attachment mechanism 60, and back through the first strap adjustment member. As shown, the camera attachment mechanism 60 includes a clip 62 that is swivelable about a pivot pin 66. The clip 62 can be a trigger snap clip with an internal biasing member configured to bias the clip in a closed position. The clip 62 is releasably coupled to a portion of the camera 12, such as a loop of a tripod or monopod mount.

Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the camera carrier 10 can include a camera attachment mechanism 200 different than camera attachment mechanism 60. The camera attachment mechanism 200 includes a link 202 (e.g., a D-link, ovular link, or similar link) that couples a plug element 204 to the second strap 30. The plug element 204 includes a series of aligned ball-bearings 206 that engage a channel 208 formed in an opening of a camera coupling 210. The engagement between the ball-bearings 206 and channel 208 allows the camera 12 to swivel relative to the plug element 204. The camera coupling 210 can be removably engageable with the camera 12, such as via a threadable engagement with the camera. The ball-bearings 206 are retractable via actuation of a button 212 on the plug element 204 when inserting the plug element into and pulling the plug element out of the camera coupling 210. When retracted, the ball-bearings 206 do not inhibit the insertion of the plug element 204 into the coupling 210. Once inserted, the button 212 can be released to allow the ball-bearings 206 to engage the channel 208. When desired, the plug element 204 can be disengaged from the camera 12 by retracting the ball-bearings 206 out of engagement with the channel 208 and removing the plug element from the camera coupling.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, in some embodiments, the camera coupling 210 is an adaptor 300 configured to couple a tripod, monopod, or other device to the camera 12. The adaptor 300 can be removably engageable with the camera 12, such as via a threadable engagement with the camera. For example, a threaded fastener (not shown) can be secured to a first opening 302 of the adaptor 300. The fastener can be threadably engaged with an internally threaded receptacle in the camera 12 to removably secure the adaptor 300 to the camera. The adaptor 300 also includes an external device mating portion 304 configured to mate with a corresponding mating portion of an external device, such as a tripod, monopod, or otherwise. On a surface of the adaptor 300 opposing the first opening 302, the adaptor includes a second opening 306 that includes a channel 308 similar to the channel 208 of the camera coupling 210.

The plug element 204 is removably coupleable to the adaptor 300 in a manner similar to that of the camera coupling 210. For example, the series of aligned ball-bearings 206 of the plug element 204 engage the channel 308 formed in the second opening 306 of the adaptor 300. The engagement between the ball-bearings 206 and channel 308 allows the camera 12 to swivel relative to the plug element 204. The ball-bearings 206 are retractable via actuation of a button 212 on the plug element 204 when inserting the plug element into and pulling the plug element out of the adaptor 300. When retracted, the ball-bearings 206 do not inhibit the insertion of the plug element 204 into the adaptor 300. Once inserted, the button 212 can be released to allow the ball-bearings 206 to engage the channel 308. When desired, the plug element 204 can be disengaged from the camera 12 by retracting the ball-bearings 206 out of engagement with the channel 308 and removing the plug element from the camera coupling.

In certain implementations, the adaptor 300 facilitates removable engagement with the plug element 204 and carrier 10, as well as removable engagement with an external device without requiring an additional step of replacing a camera coupling with a separate tripod or monopod adaptor in order to secure the camera to a tripod or monopod. In other words, the camera 12 with adaptor 300 is easily switchable between engagement with the plug element 204 and engagement with an external device because the adaptor is configured for use with both the plug element and an external device. Although one type of adaptor 300 is shown, other types of adaptors with an opening and channel similar to opening 306 and channel 308 can be used for securing the camera to various types of external devices as desired.

Although the illustrated embodiment includes an adjustment mechanism of a first type, in other embodiments, other types of adjustment mechanisms that facilitate adjustable fixation of the first strap 20 relative to the second strap 30 (e.g., buckles, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.) can be used without departing from the essence of the present subject matter. Additionally, in some embodiments, a camera attachment mechanism of a type other than that shown in the illustrated embodiment can be used. For example, any of various attachment mechanisms for securing one object to another object can be used without departing from the essence of the present subject matter.

Often, large and heavy lenses are equipped with a mount for coupling to a lens support device, such as a monopod or a tripod. When taking pictures with the camera, the lens support device can be placed on a stable surface (e.g., the ground) to support the weight of the lens. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the camera 100 includes a large lens 102 with a monopod mount 104 coupled to a monopod 106. Between uses of the camera 100 and large lens 102, the monopod 104 desirably remains coupled to the lens via the mount 104 such that a person can quickly and easily take pictures without the added burden of attaching and detaching the monopod 104 for each use. When not in use, a person may desire to use a camera carrier, such as camera carrier 10, to support the camera on the person's body when not in use. However, because of the added bulk of the large lens 102 and monopod 104, a single attachment point may be insufficient for reliably securing and stabilizing the camera, large lens, and monopod assembly.

Referring again to FIG. 4, a lens coupling 120 is configured to provide two attachment points for increased reliability and stability when supporting a camera with a large lens compared to carriers with a single attachment point. The lens coupling 120 includes a camera coupling portion 130 and a lens coupling portion 140. The camera and lens coupling portions 130, 140 are coupled together by a central coupling member, such as ring 122. The ring 122 is couplable to a portion of a camera carrier, such as the camera attachment mechanism 60 of camera carrier 10. More specifically, the clip 62 can be actuated to retainably receive the ring 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens coupling 120 acts as a separate attachment or accessory that can be coupled to the camera carrier 10 to support cameras with larger lenses.

The camera coupling portion 130 includes a strap 132 coupled to a camera attachment mechanism 160 similar to the camera attachment mechanism 60 of camera carrier 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end portion of the strap 132 wraps about the ring 122 and is secured to itself, and the second end portion of the strap wraps about a D-link 136 of the attachment mechanism 160 and is secured to itself. Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second end portions can be permanently secured to themselves via threading, adhesion, bonding, or other substantially permanent coupling techniques. The camera attachment mechanism 160 includes a clip 134 swivelably coupled to the D-link 136 Like clip 62, the clip 134 can be a trigger snap clip with an internal biasing member configured to bias the clip in a closed position. The clip 134 also is releasably coupled to a portion of the camera 100, such as a loop 108. Although not shown, in some embodiments, one or more of the attachment mechanisms 60, 160 can be covered by a sleeve made of a fabric or other material to prevent the mechanisms from snagging on a person's clothing.

The lens coupling portion 140 includes a strap 142 with a first end portion wrapping about the ring 122 and securing to itself, and a second end portion wrapping about the monopod mount 104 and securing to itself. Preferably, although not necessarily, the first end portion is permanently secured to itself via substantially permanent coupling technique, such as described above, and the second end portion is removably secured to itself via a non-permanent coupling technique, such as a hook-and-loop coupling. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second end portion of the strap 142 is lined with a plurality of hooks 144 and a plurality of loops (not shown). The hooks 144 removably engage the loops when pressed against the loops to removably secure the second end portion of the strap 142 to itself.

The camera carrier 10 promotes easy and efficient positioning of a supported camera between a non-use position (see FIG. 2) and an in-use position (see FIG. 3) while maintaining the carrier relatively tight against a person's body. Referring to FIG. 2, in the non-use position, camera 12 is located at the side 8 of the person 2 with the shoulder support 40 of the carrier 10 traversing the shoulder region 4 of the person opposite the side 8. In the non-use position, the shoulder support 40 relieves the strain placed on the person's shoulder region 4 while the camera 12 is supported at the person's side 8. With the shoulder loop of the carrier 10 secured relatively tightly against the person 2 as desired, the camera 12 is moved by the person from the non-use position to the in-use position.

As shown in FIG. 3, the camera 12 is positioned in front of the person 12 to place the camera in the in-use position. Often, the camera 12 is held by two hands proximate the face of the person to take a picture with the camera or proximate the chest region of the person in anticipation of using the camera to take a picture. In the in-use position, the shoulder loop of the carrier 10 is slidably rotated about the person's body indicated by direction arrow 92 such that the shoulder support 40 is positioned across a back portion 7 of the person. In other words, the shoulder support 40 does not move relative to the first and second straps 20, 30 as with conventional straps, but is fixed to the first and second straps to move with the straps. Also, because the shoulder support 40 is fixed relative to the first and second straps 20, 30, as the camera 12 is moved into the non-use position at the side of the person, the shoulder support slides in a direction opposite the directional arrow 92 and rests over the shoulder region 4 of the person. In this manner, positioning of the shoulder support 40 over the shoulder region 4 of the person when the camera is in the non-use position is ensured. Slidable movement of the loop is easy because the low friction surface of the loop facilitates a relatively non-obstructive movement of the loop across the person (e.g., the low friction surface prevents snagging on the person's clothing or bunching of the person's clothing while the loop is moved).

Throughout the transition between the non-use position and the in-use position, the shoulder loop remains relatively tight against the person's body. The friction reducing surfaces of the first and second straps 20, 30 and the shoulder support 40 promote ease in sliding the shoulder loop of the camera carrier 10 about the person's body between the non-use and in-use positions in the directions indicated by directional arrows 90. The friction reducing surfaces facilitates smooth sliding about the person whether the camera carrier 10 is worn under or over clothing items. For example, in certain implementations, all surfaces of the first and second straps 20, 30 and the shoulder support 40 are friction reducing to reduce the friction against clothes under and over the straps and shoulder support.

Although the carrier in the illustrated embodiments has been shown and described as a camera carrier, it is recognized that the carrier can carry or support any of various objects other than cameras, such as, but not limited to, electronic devices, firearms, sporting equipment, and storage containers.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present subject matter. Appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation” means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more particular embodiments of the present subject matter. However, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation also may be associated with one or more other embodiments of the present subject matter.

The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosed subject matter is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An object support apparatus for supporting an object on a person's body, comprising:

a first strap;

a shoulder support fixedly coupled to the first strap;

a second strap fixedly coupled to the shoulder support, the first strap, shoulder support, and second strap being positionable about a person's body, wherein the first strap, shoulder support, and second strap comprise a low friction surface, and wherein an end portion of one of the first and second straps is securable to an object; and

an adjustment mechanism adjustably coupling the first strap and the second strap to form a loop defined by the shoulder support and portions of the first and second strap, wherein the adjustment mechanism maintains the loop tight against the person's body;

wherein the loop is easily slidable about the person's body while tight against the person's body to position the object between an in-use position and a non-use position.

2. The object support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end portion of the one of the first and second straps comprises a portion of one of the first and second straps not forming the loop.

3. The object support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the end portion of one of the first and second straps is freely movable relative to the loop while the loop is tight against the person's body in both the in-use and non-use positions.

4. The object support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the loop is tightenable against the person's body by pulling one of the first and second straps through the adjustment mechanism.

5. The object support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is actuatable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the adjustment mechanism allows movement through the adjustment mechanism of the first strap relative to the second strap in a first direction and prevents movement through the adjustment mechanism of the first strap relative to the second strap in a second direction opposite the first direction.

6. The object support apparatus of claim 5, wherein in the open position the adjustment mechanism allows movement through the adjustment mechanism of the first strap relative to the second strap in the first and second directions.

7. The object support apparatus of claim 5, wherein the adjustment mechanism is biased in the closed position.

8. The object support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shoulder support comprises a pad encapsulated by a covering having the low friction surface.

9. The object support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the position of the couplings between the shoulder strap and the first and second straps is fixed.

10. The object support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an object attachment mechanism coupled to the end portion of one of the first and second straps, the object attachment mechanism being removably coupleable to the object.

11. The object support apparatus of claim 10, wherein the object attachment mechanism comprises a first coupling removably coupleable to a first portion of the object and a second coupling removably couplable to a second portion of the object.

12. The object support apparatus of claim 11, wherein the object is a camera and the first portion comprises a body and the second portion comprises a lens, and wherein the first coupling is of a different type than the second coupling.

13. The object support apparatus of claim 10, wherein the object attachment mechanism comprises an object coupling removably securable to the object and a strap coupling securable to the end portion of one of the first and second straps, and wherein the strap coupling is removably securable to the object coupling to couple the object to the end portion of one of the first and second straps.

14. The object support apparatus of claim 13, wherein the strap coupling comprises a plug and the camera coupling comprises an aperture, wherein the plug is removably insertable within the aperture to couple the object to the end of one of the first and second straps.

15. The object support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the end portion of the other of the first and second straps being pullable relative to the adjustment mechanism to tighten the loop about the person's body.

16. A method for supporting an object about a person's body, comprising:

providing an object carrier comprising a first strap, second strap, and shoulder pad coupled to each other to form an adjustable loop, the first strap, second strap, and shoulder pad comprising a low friction outer surface, wherein the position of the shoulder pad along the first and second straps is fixed, and wherein a portion of the first strap extends outside of the adjustable loop, the portion of the first strap extending outside of the adjustable loop being removably coupleable to an object;

positioning the loop of the object carrier about a shoulder region of the person's body on a first side of the person's body and a second side of the person's body in a sling-like manner; and

while tight against shoulder region of the person's body on the first side and the upper torso of the person's body on the second side, sliding the adjustable loop about the shoulder region of the person's body on the first side and the upper torso of the person's body on the second side to move the portion of the first strap extending outside of the adjustable loop and an object removably coupled thereto between an object in-use position proximate a front of the person's body and an object non-use position proximate the second side of the person's body.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein a portion of the second strap extends outside of the adjustable loop, the portion of the second strap comprising a free end, and the method further comprising pulling the free end of the second strap to tighten the adjustable loop about the shoulder region of the person's body on the first side and an upper torso of the person's body on the second side.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein sliding the adjustable loop comprises slidably moving the shoulder pad along the person's body between the shoulder region of the person's body and a back of the person's body.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein sliding the adjustable loop comprises simultaneously moving the shoulder pad from the shoulder region of the person's body to the back of the person's body and the portion of the first strap extending outside of the adjustable loop and an object removably coupled thereto from the object non-use position to the object in-use position.

20. A camera carrier for supporting a camera on a person's body, comprising:

a first strap;

a second strap;

a shoulder pad fixedly coupled to and between the first and second straps to form an adjustable loop with first portions of the first and second straps, each of the first strap, second strap, and shoulder pad comprising a low friction outer surface, wherein respective second portions of the first and second straps do not form part of the adjustable loop, the second portion of the first strap being removably coupleable to a camera and the second portion of the second strap comprising a free end; and

a coupling mechanism coupling the first and second straps together to form the adjustable loop, the coupling mechanism configured to facilitate adjustment of the length of the adjustable loop, wherein the adjustable loop is tightenable against a person's body in a sling-like manner by pulling the free end of the second portion of the second strap relative to the coupling mechanism;

wherein the low friction outer surfaces of the first strap, second strap, and shoulder pad facilitate low-friction sliding engagement between the first strap, second strap, and shoulder pad of the adjustable loop and the person's body while the adjustable loop is tight against the person's body in the sling-like manner and while the camera is moved between an in-use position proximate a front of the person's body and a non-use position proximate a side of the person's body.