U.S. patent application number 11/716171 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for camera cover.
Invention is credited to Daniel Cohen.
Application Number | 20070193901 11/716171 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38427070 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070193901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cohen; Daniel |
August 23, 2007 |
Camera cover
Abstract
The invention is directed to protective and/or decorative
removable camera cases and lens covers. In certain embodiments the
camera cases and lens covers comprise a deformable lens covering
portion through which an extended telescoping lens housing may
protrude. In other embodiments, the cases may comprise an opening
providing access to the battery chamber of a camera without
removing the case from the camera. In yet further embodiments, the
camera case comprise a pocket to retain photographic memory
chips.
Inventors: |
Cohen; Daniel; (Dana Point,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STOUT, UXA, BUYAN & MULLINS LLP
4 VENTURE, SUITE 300
IRVINE
CA
92618
US
|
Family ID: |
38427070 |
Appl. No.: |
11/716171 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/316.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/38 20130101;
B65D 85/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/316.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/38 20060101
B65D085/38 |
Claims
1. An article comprising a removable case for a camera having a
telescoping lens, which removable case comprises a displaceable
lens assembly covering portion substantially protecting a lens
assembly from cosmetic and/or structural damage when the
telescoping lens is in the contracted position and wherein at least
part of said lens assembly covering portion is automatically
displaced when the telescoping lens is extended, thereby permitting
the camera to be used without removing said removable case.
2. The article of claim 1 wherein said case comprises a flexible
material fitted to and substantially covering the exterior contours
of said camera.
3. The article of claim 1 wherein the removable case comprises
leather.
4. The article of claim 1 wherein the removable case comprises a
fabric.
5. The article of claim 1 wherein the removable case comprises an
elastomeric material.
6. The article of claim 5 wherein the elastomeric material
comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: natural
rubber; a polyisoprene, a polybutadiene, a chloroprene rubber, an
ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, an
epichlorohydrin rubber, a polyacrylic rubber, a silicone rubber, a
halosilicone rubber, a fluoroelastomer, a perfluoroelastomer, a
tetrafluoro ethylene/propylene rubber, a chlorosulfonated
polyethylene, an ethylene-vinyl acetate, a thermoplastic elastomer,
a thermoplastic vulcanizate, a polyurethane rubber, resilin,
elastin, and a polysulfide rubber.
7. The article of claim 6 wherein the elastomeric material
comprises a silicone rubber.
8. The article of claim 1 wherein the displaceable lens covering
portion includes one or more incision permitting the extended lens
assembly to extend therethrough.
9. The article of claim 1 wherein the displaceable lens covering
portion comprises at least one substantially circular region
through which the lens housing protrudes when in an extended
position.
10. The article of claim 1 wherein the displaceable lens covering
portion comprises at least one substantially oval region through
which the lens housing protrudes when in an extended position.
11. The article of claim 1 wherein the displaceable lens covering
portion comprises a substantially rectangular region through which
the lens housing protrudes when in an extended position.
12. The article of claim 1 wherein said removable case comprises a
front panel.
13. The article of claim 12 wherein said front panel comprises a
single displaceable lens covering portion.
14. The article of claim 12 wherein said front panel comprises a
plurality of displacable lens covering portions.
15. The article of claim 1 wherein the displacable lens assembly
covering portion contains at least one incision selected from the
group consisting of: an arcuate incision, a radial incision, a
bisectional incision a horizontal incision and a vertical
incision.
16. The article of claim 15 wherein the displacable lens assembly
covering portion contains at least two incisions, each incision
being independently selected from the group consisting of: an
arcuate incision, a radial incision, a bisectional incision a
horizontal incision and a vertical incision.
17. The article of claim 16 wherein the displacable lens assembly
covering portion contains at least three incisions, each incision
being independently selected from the group consisting of: an
arcuate incision, a radial incision, a bisectional incision a
horizontal incision and a vertical incision.
18. The article of claim 16 wherein the displacable lens assembly
covering portion contains at least four incisions, each incision
being independently selected from the group consisting of: an
arcuate incision, a radial incision, a bisectional incision a
horizontal incision and a vertical incision.
19. The article of claim 1 wherein at least two radial or
bisectional incisions in the lens covering portion meet at a single
central vertex.
20. The article of claim 1 wherein at least three radial or
bisectional incisions in the lens covering portion meet at a single
central vertex.
21. The article of claim 1 wherein at least four radial or
bisectional incisions in the lens covering portion meet at a single
central vertex.
22. The article of claim 1 wherein the removable case further
comprises a pocket sized to hold one or more digital image
chip.
23. The article of claim 22 wherein the removable case further
comprises a lens covering portion comprising at least one incision
selected from the group consisting of: an arcuate incision, a
radial incision, a bisectional incision a horizontal incision and a
vertical incision.
24. The article of claim 23 wherein the lens covering portion
comprises at least two radial of bisecting incisions in the
displaceable lens covering portion which meet at a single central
vertex.
25. An article comprising a removable case for a camera comprising
a molded elastomeric material fitted to and substantially covering
the exterior contours of said camera, which removable covering
comprises an integrated pocket sized to hold one or more digital
image chip.
26. The article of claim 25 wherein said removable covering further
comprises at least one raised element which, when the covering is
placed on the camera, indicates the position of an operating
control of the camera.
27. The article of claim 25 wherein said removable case further
comprises a displaceable lens covering portion substantially
protecting a lens assembly from cosmetic and/or structural damage
when the telescoping lens is in the contracted position and wherein
said lens assembly covering portion is automatically displaced when
the telescoping lens is extended, thereby permitting the camera to
be used without removing said removable case.
28. The article of claim 27 wherein the displaceable lens covering
portion includes at least two approximately radial or bisectional
incisions which meet at a single central point.
29. The article of claim 28 wherein the displaceable lens covering
portion includes at least two approximately radial or bisectional
incisions which meet at a single central point.
30. The article of claim 29 wherein the displaceable lens covering
portion includes at least two approximately radial or bisectional
incisions which meet at a single central point.
31. The article of claim 25 wherein the elastomeric material
comprises a silicone polymer.
32. The article of claim 27 wherein the elastomeric material
comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: natural
rubber; a polyisoprene, a polybutadiene, a chloroprene rubber, an
ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, an
epichlorohydrin rubber, a polyacrylic rubber, a silicone rubber, a
halosilicone rubber, a fluoroelastomer, a perfluoroelastomer, a
tetrafluoro ethylene/propylene rubber, a chlorosulfonated
polyethylene, an ethylene-vinyl acetate, a thermoplastic elastomer,
a thermoplastic vulcanizate, a polyurethane rubber, resilin,
elastin, and a polysulfide rubber.
33. The article of claim 27 wherein the elastomeric material
comprises a silicone rubber.
34. An article comprising a removable case for a camera having a
telescoping lens, which removable case comprises a molded
elastomeric material fitted to and substantially covering the
exterior contours of said camera, said case including a
displaceable lens assembly covering portion substantially
protecting a camera lens assembly from cosmetic and/or structural
damage when the telescoping lens is in the contracted position and
wherein at least part of said lens assembly covering portion is
automatically displaced when the telescoping lens is extended,
thereby permitting the camera to be used without removing said
removable case.
35. An article comprising a removable case for a camera having a
telescoping lens, which removable case comprises a molded
elastomeric material fitted to and substantially covering the
exterior contours of said camera, said case including a
displaceable lens assembly covering portion comprises at least one
substantially circular elastomeric region comprising one or more
incision through which a camera lens housing protrudes when in an
extended position, and which region substantially protects a camera
lens assembly from cosmetic and/or structural damage when the
telescoping lens is in the contracted position, thereby permitting
the camera to be used without removing said removable case.
36. The article of claim 35 wherein at least two radial or
bisectional incisions in the elastomeric lens covering portion meet
at a single central vertex.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related to the field of protective
cases, particularly protective and/or decorative camera cases.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Protective cases for cameras are known in the art. For
example, Uchin et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,973 discloses a
"universal" soft camera case in which the case is suspended by a
carrying strap and will adapt to and protect cameras of different
shape and size. U.S. Pat. No. 4,549,589, to Nguyen, discloses a
case in at least three parts for holding an interchangeable lens
camera, with a first part arranged to fit over the camera and the
second and third parts being cylinders that fit over a first and
second camera lens. Spruyt et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,835,905
discloses a camera case for a pocket camera formed from top and
bottom vinyl covers connected with an elastic band so that a pocket
camera may slide into the case. Kobayashi, et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,554,497 discloses a camera case for a compact camera that covers
more than half of a camera body in a resting position, and a flash
projector and a lens barrel are projected from the camera case when
it is placed in a working position.
[0003] Additionally, "skins" designed to partially cover the body
of a compact camera, such as a digital camera, are known, and have
been advertised for sale on the internet. For example, SKINIT.TM.
(skinit.com) skins comprise a thin protective vinyl membrane back
with adhesive which may be digitally printed with photographs or
other designs to provide customized decoration, and are made to fit
various devices, such as computers, MP3 players, cameras, personal
digital assistants, and the like. GGI Star makes a flexible
silicone case made specifically to fit each of various compact
digital cameras; for models with telescoping lens a protective
plastic cylinder is attached to the case, thereby permitting the
lens housing to elongate within the cylinder when the camera is
activated or the "zoom" function is employed. Pentax manufactures a
protective "skintight" case made to fit its compact digital
cameras; this case appears to comprise a flexible elestomeric case
with openings placed therein to permit the lens, viewfinder, flash
and various buttons and controls to operate without restriction
and/or protrude therefrom.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to removable camera
covers. In one preferred embodiment the invention is directed to
decorative or protective camera covers for cameras having
extendable and/or telescopic lenses. The camera cover may comprise
a cover at least partially protecting or otherwise covering the
lens or lens housing when the lens housing is in the retracted
position. In a preferred embodiment the invention is directed to a
camera cover comprising a displaceable lens assembly covering
portion (hereinafter a "lens covering portion") substantially
protecting a lens or lens housing assembly from minor cosmetic
and/or structural damage when the telescoping lens is in the
contracted position, wherein said lens assembly covering portion is
automatically displaced when the telescoping lens is extended,
thereby permitting the camera to be used without removing said
removable camera case. In a particularly preferred aspect, the
displaceable lens cover comprises one or more slit, cut, or
bisection aligned with the lens housing in a manner permitting the
lens housing to project through the lens covering portion of the
camera case when the telescoping lens housing is in the extended
position without removing the lens covering. When the lens housing
is retracted, the lens covering portion returns to its former
closed position protecting the lens and/or lens housing when the
same is retracted.
[0005] In one particularly preferred embodiment, the displaceable
lens cover comprises a plurality of radial or bisectional cuts or
incisions across the displaceable lens cover so as to create a
plurality of flaps that are displaced or move away from the
extending lens covering portion of the camera case when the
telescoping lens housing is in a partially or wholly extended
position. For example, the lens-covering portion of the camera case
may be substantially circular or oval, and the bisectional cuts
comprise diametrical cuts that meet at a central point, thereby
creating twice the number of flaps as cuts. In this embodiment, the
flaps are approximately triangular.
[0006] In alternative embodiments, the displaceable lens covering
portion may comprise one or more horizontal cut or incision, and
one or more longitudinal or vertical cut or incision to make a
plurality of rectangular flaps, as one specific embodiment shows in
FIG. 7.
[0007] When the lens covering portion of the camera case is made
from a flexible material, such as, without limitation, an
elastomeric material or a harld leather and/or a polymeric foam,
the resiliency of the material tends to urge the flaps back into
place, and when the lens housing is retracted the flaps may again
cover and protect the lens and/or lens housing. This "memory"
effect may increase as the thickness of elastomeric material
comprising the flaps of the lens-covering portion is increased.
[0008] In another embodiment the lens covering portion may comprise
one or more rigid components, such as a rigid or semi-rigid plastic
or metal components, comprising a "gate". The gate is maintained in
a closed position when the telescoping lens is in a retracted
position; for example, through the use of a spring system applying
a tension force against the rigid or semi-rigid component(s) to
maintain them in a closed position. When the lens housing is
extended, the force exerted by the motorized telescoping lens
housing overcomes the tension springs and permits the rigid or
semi-rigid component or components comprising the gate to open. A
feature such as a small wheel or skid surface may be formed or
otherwise present on the interior surface of one or more of the
rigid or semi-rigid components to enable the gate to open and close
smoothly without interfering with the extension or retraction of
the telescoping lens mechanism.
[0009] In this embodiment, the gate may comprise a single rigid or
semi-rigid component which is hinged to the surrounding, stationary
support structure using any type of hinging means, such as, without
limitation, metal or plastic hinges, fabric hinges, elastomeric
hinges, tape hinges and the like. The gate is typically
approximately in the shape of the lens housing, for example,
approximately circular, and slightly larger in outline, for
example, circumference, than the lens housing. The gate may be
hinged or otherwise connected to the surrounding support structure
in such as way that the rigid or semi-rigid component opens when
the telescoping lens housing is extended and closes, by virtue of
the tensioning force (such as a spring), when the telescoping lens
housing is retracted.
[0010] In variations of this embodiment, the gate may comprise two
or more rigid or semi-rigid components, each of which is hinged or
movably connected to the surrounding support structure and subject
to a tensioning force tending to maintain the rigid or semi-rigid
components in a closed position. For example, two rigid or
semi-rigid components may each comprise semicircular plates hinged
to the lens covering portion and maintained in a closed position
with a tensioning spring. When the semicircular plates are in a
closed position they protect the surface of the retracted lens
housing. In this embodiment, when the telescoping lens housing is
extended, the two semicircular plates swing open by virtue of the
force exerted upon them by the extending telescoping lens housing,
thereby permitting the lens to operate. When the telescoping lens
housing is retracted, the gate (comprising the semicircular plates)
closes by virtue of the force imposed upon then by the tensioning
springs.
[0011] Of course, the person of ordinary skill in the art
appreciates that more than one or two rigid or semi-rigid
components may be used in the deformable lens covering portion of
this general embodiment of the invention without departing from its
spirit. Accordingly, this invention includes and contemplates a
plurality of such rigid or semi-rigid components.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention is directed to
decorative or protective camera covers for cameras, in which the
camera case includes one or more pocket for holding at least one
memory card or chip, written or printed matter, and the like. An
exemplary pocket is shown in FIG. 9 of this application. The
printed material may comprise, for example, summary instructions
for using the camera. The written material may comprise, for
example, notes concerning the camera, camera settings, or
photographs taken. Very preferably in this latter embodiment, the
pocket is comprised of a flexible material, such as an elastic or
elastomeric material. In certain embodiments, the pocket is
comprised in a camera case made from a flexible material, such as
an elastomeric or elastomeric material. Particularly preferably,
the pocket is made as an integral part of the camera case, although
in other embodiments it may be separately attached, such as by
stitching, heat sealing and other means of affixing the pocket to
the body of the case. The pocket may be made of the same material
as at least part of the camera case itself, or may be made of a
different material. For example, in one embodiment the body of the
camera case is at least partly comprised of an inflexible, or
substantially inflexible material, such as leather, fabric and the
like, while the pocket is constructed from a flexible, elastic or
elastomeric material. In less preferred embodiments (which are
nevertheless included within the scope of the present invention
unless expressly excluded from the claims), the pocket may comprise
leather, fabric or another inflexible or substantially inflexible
material.
[0013] The camera covers of the present invention may be
decorative. For example, the camera covers may be substantially
uncolored, translucent or clear, thereby permitting the camera to
be at least somewhat visible while the camera cover is in place.
Alternatively, the camera cover may be made in one or more color,
either as a solid color such as, for example, solid black or solid
red, or in a design or photographic or other image comprising a
plurality of colors. Additionally, the covers may be textured to
facilitate handling or for decorative purposes.
[0014] In those embodiments in which the camera covers comprise a
flexible material, any suitable material may be used. In this
embodiment it is preferable that at least the major part of the
camera cover is made in one piece, thereby permitting the camera
cover to be stretched to permit the camera to be inserted within
the cover. In such a case it is necessary that the camera cover
contain at least one opening, such as an opening permitting the
digital LCD screen to be clearly seen, whereby the camera may be
inserted through the opening and the flexible cover then made to
fit around it.
[0015] In certain embodiments the camera cover may comprise a
non-flexible material such as, without limitation, leather or
fabric. In these embodiments the camera cover may be substantially
comprised of more than one piece, or may be substantially comprised
of a single piece; in either case utilizing one or more fastener
component, for example, snaps, zippers, hook and loop-type
fasteners (such as VELCRO.RTM. brand hook and loop fasteners)
and/or other fasteners to permit the cover to receive the camera
and then be fastened, thereby securing the camera within the
cover.
[0016] In certain embodiments the camera case may comprise more
than one material of construction. For example, a camera cover may
comprise a substantially non-flexible material, such as, without
limitation, fabric, polymeric (e.g., vinyl-based) or leather,
combined with one or more elastic material. For example, as an
illustration and not to limit the scope of the present invention, a
case may have a substantially inflexible front section, a
substantially inflexible back section, and substantially inflexible
first and second side sections, a substantially inflexible bottom
section and a substantially inflexible top section. The side
sections may, for example, make an angel, such as approximately a
90.degree. angle, with either or both the front and back section
and/or at least one of said top and bottom sections. In such event,
the area in which one or more of the top, bottom, front, back,
first, and/or second side sections meet another section may
comprise a flexible material such as, without limitation an elastic
fabric band. In this manner, the camera case may receive and retain
the camera. Other embodiments of the invention having more than one
material of construction will be apparent to the person of ordinary
skill in the art in light of the present disclosure.
[0017] In other embodiments a combination of fasteners and flexible
or elastic elements, for example at locations where one or more of
top, bottom, front, back, first, and/or second side sections of the
cover meet another section, can be comprised in a camera case also
containing substantially inflexible material elements.
[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the camera cover is
wholly or substantially comprised of a flexible, or elastomeric
material. For example, the camera case may be substantially
comprised of an elastic fabric such as a SPANDEX.RTM.-type elastic
fabric, or in foam material such as neoprene, similar to that used
to make wet suits. In an even more preferred embodiment the camera
case is wholly or substantially comprised of an elastomeric
material. The elastomeric material may comprise an elastomeric
polymer. A non-exhaustive list of elastomeric polymers
includes:
Unsaturated Rubbers That Can Be Cured By Sulfur Vulcanization:
[0019] a) Natural Rubber (e.g., Latex); [0020] b) Polyisoprenes
(such as Butyl rubber (copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene),
Halogenated butyl rubbers (such as chloro butyl rubber and bromo
butyl rubber); [0021] c) Polybutadienes (such as styrene-butadiene
rubber (copolymer of polystyrene and polybutadiene), Nitrile rubber
(copolymer of polybutadiene and acrylonitrile, also called buna N
rubbers), Hydrated Nitrile Rubbers (such as those sold under the
trademarks THERBAN.RTM. AND ZETPOL.RTM.); [0022] d) Chloroprene
Rubbers (such as polychloroprene, Neoprene, Baypren etc.)
Saturated Rubbers That Cannot Be Cured By Sulfur Vulcanization:
[0022] [0023] a) EPM (ethylene propylene rubber, a copolymer of
polyethylene and polypropylene) and EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene
diene rubber, a terpolymer of polyethylene, polypropylene and a
diene-component) [0024] b) Epichlorohydrin rubber [0025] c)
Polyacrylic rubber [0026] d) Silicone rubber [0027] e)
Fluorosilicone Rubber [0028] f) Fluoroelastomers (such as
VITON.RTM., TECNOFLON.RTM., FLUOREL.RTM. and DAI-EL.RTM.) [0029] g)
Perfluoroelastomers KALREZ.RTM. [0030] h) Tetrafluoro
ethylene/propylene rubbers [0031] i) Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene,
(HYPALON.RTM.) [0032] j) Ethylene-vinyl acetate
Other Types Of Elastomers:
[0032] [0033] a) Thermoplastic Elastomers, for example,
HYTREL.RTM., etc. [0034] b) Thermoplastic Vulcanizates, for
example, SANTOPRENE.RTM. [0035] c) Polyurethane rubber [0036] d)
Resilin, Elastin [0037] e) Polysulfide Rubber
[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment the camera cover of
the present invention comprises an elastomeric material comprising
a silicone rubber polymer.
[0039] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a
displaceable lens assembly covering for a camera, such as a compact
digital camera (hereinafter a "lens covering" or "LC")
substantially protecting a telescoping camera lens assembly from
minor cosmetic and/or structural damage when the telescoping lens
is in the contracted position. The LC may be fitted to existing
camera cases in which, for example, the camera case has a simple
opening for the telescoping lens; alternatively, the LC may be
simply made to fit over the lens housing assembly of a camera in
the absence of a camera case. In either case the LC may be made to
fit by various means, including an adhesive backing which enables
the LC to be affixed to an area of the camera body or camera case
proximal and circumscribing the lens housing assembly, a hook and
loop fastener, snaps and the like.
[0040] In this embodiment, similar to the embodiment in which the
LC is integral to the camera cover, the displaceable elements of
the LC are automatically displaced when the telescoping lens is
extended, thereby permitting the camera to be used without removing
the protective LC. In a particularly preferred aspect, the
displaceable lens cover comprises one or more slit, cut, or
bisection aligned with the lens housing in a manner permitting the
lens housing to project through the lens covering portion when the
telescoping lens housing is in the extended position without
removing the lens covering component.
[0041] In one particularly preferred embodiment, the displaceable
lens covering comprises a plurality of bisectional or radial cuts
across the displaceable lens cover so as to create a plurality of
flaps that are displaced move away from the center of the lens
covering portion of the camera cover when the telescoping lens
housing is in a partially or wholly extended position. For example,
the lens-covering portion of the camera case may be substantially
circular or oval, and the bisectional or radial cuts meet at a
central point, thereby creating twice the number of flaps as cuts.
In this embodiment, the flaps are sectional (i.e., define a
spherical triangle) in shape.
[0042] Alternatively, as above, the lens covering may comprise a
gate having one or more rigid or semi-rigid component, which opens
when the telescoping lens housing is extended and which closes, by
means of a tensioning force, such as a spring mounted on the rigid
or semi-rigid component or components, tending to maintain the gate
in a closed position unless overcome by the motorized extension of
the camera's telescoping lens housing.
[0043] Various methods of manufacture well-known to those of skill
in the art may be used to make the camera cases and/or LC of the
present invention. For example, if the camera case is made
substantially of leather, fabric or the like, the camera case may
be wholly or partly stitched or sewn. Alternatively, and
particularly with synthetic materials and fabrics, the camera case
may be wholly or partly joined by heat sealing.
[0044] Alternatively, if the camera case is made substantially of
an elastomeric polymer, the camera case may be molded, for example,
by generally conventional compression molding, injection molding or
other molding techniques. In any such manufacturing process
involving molding, the molds or "tools" must first be made. The
present camera covers are preferably made to be quite thin,
preferably about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm in average thickness, while
texture and raised area on the exterior of the camera case may be
included and may increase the thickness of the case at such a
feature to about 3 mm to about 7 mm in thickness. These are only
preferred ranges of thickness, and the camera case may, in a
particular instance be thicker or thinner than this without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0045] Thus, the molds will generally comprise an inner casting to
define the inner surface of the camera case, and an outer
impression to define the outer surface of the camera case. When the
mold is assembled (often in two halves), a space or gap is formed
between the inner casting and outer impression that will
accommodate a liquid or molten elastomeric component, such as a
resin. This space or gap is designed, after allowing for expansion
or shrinkage of the elastomeric component after cooling or
polymerization, to match the desired thickness of the camera cover,
with the preferred range of optimal thicknesses being as indicated
above; about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm in average thickness.
[0046] In its final form the camera case will preferably have holes
or openings to permit the user to utilize camera features such,
without limitation, as the viewfinder, LCD screen, flash and
various control knobs and/or buttons (such as those controlling
lens aperture, focus and/or exposure time), straps and the like.
Such holes or openings can be made part of the molding process by
making the inner casting and/or outer impression with projections
at the appropriate location(s), with the result when the mold is
assembled, that the mold lacks a "gap" between the inner casting
and outer impression at the particular desired location(s) in the
camera case, thereby creating an opening in the molded camera case
at such location(s). Alternatively, the openings may be placed in
the camera case by cutting or trimming the camera case after it has
been cast, or a combination of these two techniques may be
used.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the mold
corresponding to the lens covering portion of the camera case is
left with a layer of elastomeric material over it, preferably, but
not exclusively, of approximately the same or similar thickness as
the rest of the camera case. Preferably, within the lens covering
portion, this layer is then cut after the camera case has been
cast, although in other embodiments the mold may be made with the
incisions present in the camera case following casting. In
preferred embodiments the lens covering portion is approximately
circular in shape, and slightly larger than the lens housing
itself. In these embodiments, after casting, the layer of
elastomeric material is preferably bisected with a knife or scissor
at least twice, with each bisection passing through the approximate
center of the lens covering portion, to permit the lens housing to
extend therethrough when the lens housing is in the extended state,
and with the flaps of elastomeric material created by the at least
two bisecting or sectional cuts being pushed outwards to permit the
extension of the lens housing. The circumference of the lens
covering portion is preferably made large enough to permit the lens
housing to extend through the lens covering portion catching on the
camera case when it is moving from a retracted to an extended
position or vice versa.
[0048] While a number of molding techniques may be used to make the
present camera cases, including, without limitation, injection
molding liquid molding and transfer molding, compression molding is
a currently preferred molding method. In this well known molding
methodology, the molding material, such as the elastomeric
component, is first placed in an open mold cavity, the mold closed,
and then pressure applied by use of a top or plug force which
forces the plug material into all the cavities, spaces and gaps of
the mold. The process often involves the use of thermosetting
resins in a partially cured state, such as a granular, gum, putty,
or preformed state; the putty or gum and/or mold may be preheated
and/or the elastomeric polymer may be combined with a curing
catalyst just prior to, or during, the molding process. With other
molding materials, such as rubber, a piece of uncured rubber is
placed in the open mold and held under pressure and heat while the
rubber cures. In both cases, pressure is generally maintained until
the molding material is cured. The mold, which is generally treated
with a releasing compound, is then opened and the cast camera case
removed.
[0049] When the camera cover comprises an elastomeric polymer, a
presently preferred polymer is a silicone rubber. Most silicone
rubbers for compression molding are gum based compounds, in
contrast to the 2-part liquid silicone rubber compounds that are
usually used for liquid injection molding processes. Often
compression molding silicone compounds are methyl vinyl based,
which can be formulated for high elongation, flex, tensile and tear
properties for mechanically demanding applications and withstand
temperatures from -100.degree. F. to 500.degree.. Phenyl based
silicones are also available, and may be more appropriate for
injection molding.
[0050] Generally following the molding and release of the molded
camera case from the mold, small pieces of silicone remain stuck to
the product. At this point the molded camera cases may be trimmed
(for example using scissors or a knife edge) in order to remove
extraneous elastomeric polymer from the case, and quality control
may be conducted, before the molded products are released before
passing the product on to packaging and shipment.
[0051] It is understood that the present invention may encompass a
variety of camera cases, each designed to fit a different camera
model. Thus, different molds will be required for each camera model
for which a camera case of the present invention is desired.
[0052] In another embodiment of the invention, each mold may be
made to comprise one or more pocket, preferably located on the
inside of the camera case, sized to conveniently retain camera
memory chips, written materials, and the like such as instructions
for use of the camera or notes made by the user.
[0053] In other embodiments of the invention, the invention
comprises a "universal" camera case which can fit various camera
models without substantial modification. In this embodiment of the
invention, the case will generally be a looser fit than the molded
elastomeric camera cases described above. In this embodiment, for
example and without limitation, the case may comprise leather, such
as a hard leather, and may also comprise clear or substantially
transparent portions (for example, an elastomeric or
non-elastomeric polymer), such as, without limitation, at the top
of the case, in order to view the controls including the shutter.
The substantially transparent portion may comprise one or more
opening through which the shutter button or other controls
protrude.
[0054] In the universal camera case, the lens covering portion may
be comprised in a panel or section positioned on the face of the
camera, such as an elastomeric, hard leather, and/or polymeric foam
panel or section. In some embodiments, the panel may comprise two
or more substantially identical lens covering portions. For
example, FIG. 6 shows a specific embodiment in which two
substantially identical lens covering portions comprising bisected
(or radially slit) circular lens covering portions are present, one
on the left side of the face of the camera case, and one on the
right side of the camera case. In this way cameras having a
telescoping lens housing positioned on one or the other side of the
camera body may be used with the same camera case. Another specific
embodiment of a universal camera case is shown in FIG. 7, in which
the entire front panel comprises the lens covering portion. In this
embodiment, the entire front panel is comprised of for example, an
elastomeric material, and is slit both horizontally and vertically
so as to make a series of rectangular flaps; these flaps are
displaced when the telescoping lens housing is extended, thereby
allowing the lens housing to protrude from the camera case and be
used without removing the camera case.
[0055] When the invention comprises a deformable lens covering that
is not integral to a camera case, then methods of making the lens
covering, such as by injection and compression molding, may be
similar to those discussed above for the camera case itself.
However, in those embodiments of the invention that involve a lens
covering mechanism comprising a gate that includes one or more
rigid or semi-rigid component or components, as described above,
the gate assembly is made or manufactured according to generally
known mechanical manufacturing principles. Thus, in this embodiment
the gate component(s) are, for example, machined or otherwise cut
to be approximately the size and shape of the underlying retracted
lens housing when in the closed position, provided with hinging
(such as metal, fabric, tape or other hinges hinging at least one
and preferably all said components to the surrounding support
structure) and means for a tensioning force, such as a spring, to
urge the component to close after the extended lens housing is
retracted.
[0056] In embodiments of the invention, such as those shown in FIG.
3-3A, the LCD screen opening may permit the screen to be scratched
or otherwise damaged without protection. As shown in these figures,
a transparent window (for example, a window, preferably
scratch-resistant, made of plastic or impact-resistant glass,) may
be used in conjunction with the camera case. FIG. 3A shows an
embodiment of this aspect of the invention in which a transparent
window having a rabbeted edge is fitted to the camera case by way
of a molded flexible U shaped groove bordering the LCD screen
opening. Of course, the person of ordinary skill in the art will
easily be able to envision other ways in which the window may be
affixed to the camera case or the camera itself, such as by using a
substantially residue free adhesive backing wherein the window is
affixed directly to the LCD screen.
[0057] The following examples and embodiments merely illustrate the
invention, and are not intended to limit it in any way. The
invention and its scope are defined solely by the claims that
conclude this specification. All patents, patent applications, and
other references are hereby expressly incorporated by reference as
part of this patent application in their entirety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the camera
case of the present invention, wherein the camera lens housing is
in a retracted position.
[0059] FIG. 2 shows a front view of embodiment of the camera case
of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, wherein the camera lens
housing is in an extended position.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows a back view of embodiment of the camera case of
the present invention shown in FIG. 1, with the optional LCD window
present.
[0061] FIG. 3A shows a magnified cross sectional view of the
portion of the camera case indicated by axis A-A' of FIG. 3.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of embodiment of the camera case
of the present invention shown in FIG. 1.
[0063] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of embodiment of the camera case
of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, wherein the battery
chamber door is open.
[0064] FIG. 6 shows a front view of a second embodiment of the
camera case of the present invention, made from leather and
designed to be a universal camera case.
[0065] FIG. 7 shows a front view of a third embodiment of the
camera case of the present invention, made from leather and
designed to be a universal camera case.
[0066] FIG. 8 shows a front view of an alternate design of the
deformable lens cover portion of the present invention, wherein the
lens housing is in a retracted position.
[0067] FIG. 8A shows a front view of an alternative camera case of
the present invention, wherein the lens housing is in an extended
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0068] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a particular
camera case of the invention, made to fit a particular camera,
wherein the telescoping lens housing is in a retracted position.
The camera case 100 is made from silicone rubber in a single unit
and comprises a flash lamp opening 102, autofocus opening 103,
microphone opening 142 and opening for the front portion of the
optical viewfinder 104. The case also contains raised features 105,
108 and indented features 107, 109, that fit the contour of the
camera body. Raised feature 108 is designed to identify and fit
over the on/off button of the camera. An opening 106 on the side of
the camera permits the camera carrying strap to protrude
therefrom.
[0069] On the top surface of the camera case 100 a shutter opening
111 permits the shutter and feature/exposure selector on the body
of the camera to protrude from the camera case and be accessible to
operation by the user.
[0070] In this embodiment of the invention, the lens cover portion
of the case 113 generally comprises a circular region of the same
shape (and slightly larger than) the underlying lens housing. In
this embodiment, when the lens housing is in the retracted
position, the circular portion directly overlying the lens housing
is bisected by four cuts 112, with each cut passing through a point
directly anterior to and adjacent the center of the underlying
telescoping lens housing. The 4 bisections create eight flaps 114
which remain substantially in the plane of the retracted lens
absent a countervailing force.
[0071] FIG. 2 is a front view of the same embodiment of the camera
case 100 of the invention, in which the telescoping lens housing
117 is in an extended position. In this case, the extended
telescoping lens displaces the flaps 114 of the lens cover portion
outward from the body of the camera, thereby permitting the lens to
protrude from the camera case when the camera is being used.
[0072] FIG. 3 is a back view of the same embodiment of the camera
case 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A back optical viewfinder opening
120 permits use of the optical viewfinder while using the camera.
Additionally, raised button elements 118, comprising a region of
greater thickness in the silicone camera case material directly
overlying buttons and controls in the camera, are provided for
greater user convenience in finding and accessing the features of
the camera without removing the camera case. Further, a larger
raised selector button element 116 is provided for access to the
camera's underlying selector button for navigation of various
features displayed on the cameras' LCD screen 130.
[0073] The camera case 100 comprises a large LCD screen opening 130
permitting direct access to and viewing of the LCD screen and
digital viewfinder of the camera. This opening is framed by a
surrounding element 124, which comprises a flexible "U"-shaped
feature seen in greater detail in FIG. 3A, and described in more
detail below. An opening 128 is made for access to the camera's
mode dial.
[0074] Optionally, as shown in both FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A, the LCD
screen can be protected by a substantially clear covering. FIG. 3,
in this embodiment a window 122 of glass or polymer (e.g.,
preferably a scratch-resistant polystyrene or polycarbonate) may be
made to be placed over and protect the LCD screen and digital
viewfinder visible through the LCD screen opening 130.
[0075] FIG. 3A is a magnified cross section through the plane A-A'
shown in FIG. 3. In this figure the window 122 has a bordering
rabbet or shelf cut into it; this rabbet is sized to fit into the
groove 132 in the bordering flexible "U" shaped feature 124 around
the perimeter of the LCD screen opening 130, thereby detachably
securing the window to the camera case.
[0076] FIG. 4 shows a bottom front perspective view of the same
embodiment of the camera case as shown in FIG. 1-3. In this figure
an elongated battery access opening 134 in the camera case permits
the camera batteries to be changed without removing the camera
case. The elongated groove creates two flexible strips or flaps
136, one at the front edge of the camera and one at the rear edge
of the camera.
[0077] FIG. 5 shows the same perspective of the same camera case as
is shown in FIG. 4, now with the flexible strips 136 displaced, and
the battery chamber door 138 opened to permit the battery chamber
140 to be accessed and the batteries installed or changed without
removing the camera case. Feature 148 is an opening permitting
attachment of a DC power adaptor; feature 146 is a multi-connector,
such as a digital connector, and feature 144 is an opening for
tripod mounting.
[0078] FIG. 6 shows a front view of another embodiment of the
present invention, in which a "universal" camera case permits the
extension of a lens housing positioned on either the left or the
right side of the front body of the camera. While a universal
camera case of the present invention may be made from any of the
materials mentioned above (including, without limitation, fabric,
or elastomeric materials), FIG. 6 contemplates a leather camera
case comprising a panel 218 which may be constructed of, for
example, hard leather, rubber or polymeric foam and/or an
elastomeric polymer. The panel comprises two circular deformable
lens cover portions 213 which comprise radial or bisectional cuts
212, leaving sectional flaps 214 through which an extended lens
housing may protrude; and which will tend to return to the closed
position when the telescoping lens housing retracts. Since the
camera case of this embodiment of the invention may contain a
camera having a lens housing on either the right or left side of
the camera face, the camera case can accommodate and protect the
lens and/or lens housing of either type of camera. In addition, the
top of this embodiment of the camera case may comprise a
substantially clear elastomeric or non-elastomeric polymer through
which the controls for the camera may be viewed and at least one
opening 211 through which the shutter mechanism may be extended and
controlled by the user.
[0079] FIG. 7 is yet another embodiment of a "universal" camera
case comprising a lens cover portion. Again, while the case may be
made from any material, in this case a hard leather camera case is
contemplated. This case is similar to the case described in
conjunction with FIG. 6, except that the case comprises a large
opening around which a backing panel 218 is affixed. The backing
panel is preferably made from elastomeric material (but which may
also be made from, for example, hard leather, and/or a rubber or
polymeric foam). In this embodiment the backing panel contains a
single horizontal cut 220 and three vertical cuts 222, to create
eight displaceable flaps 214. Those of skill in the art recognize
that any number of vertical cuts may be used, preferably the camera
case of this embodiment has two or more such cuts. An advantage of
this embodiment of the claimed camera is that regardless wherein
the lens housing is located on the face of the camera body, it will
be both protected while it remains in the retracted position and
able to be extended for use without removing the camera from the
camera case or vice versa. As in the embodiment of the invention
disclosed in the description of FIG. 6, the top of this embodiment
of the camera case may comprise a substantially clear elastomeric
or non-elastomeric polymer through which the controls for the
camera may be viewed and at least one opening 211 through which the
shutter mechanism may be extended and controlled by the user.
[0080] FIG. 8 is a front view of another embodiment of the camera
case wherein the lens covering portion of the camera case 313 is
shown in the closed position. In this embodiment, the camera case
is again fashioned from an elastomeric material and the lens
covering portion is again circular in shape. The displaceable lens
covering is formed from a single bisection 304 through the center
of the lens covering portion lying directly over the lens housing,
and from two arcuate cuts 302 and 308 positioned at each end of the
bisection, creating two flexible, deformable flaps 306.
[0081] FIG. 8A is a front view of the same embodiment of the camera
case shown in FIG. 8, wherein the lens covering portion of the
camera case 313 is shown in the open position. The lens housing 317
is shown in an extended position, protruding through the lens
covering portion, whereby the flaps 306 created from the bisection
304 and arcuate cuts 302 and 308 shown in FIG. 7 are displaced by
the extended lens housing.
[0082] FIG. 9 is a view of the inside surface 402 of an elastomeric
camera case similar to that of FIG. 1. In this embodiment of the
invention, a pocket 404 is formed of the elastomeric polymer during
the casting process. The pocket is preferably flexible and sized to
fit digital storage media, such as digital chips, for example, SD
chips, designed for the storage of digital photographs and
photographic information.
[0083] The foregoing examples merely illustrate, and do not limit
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *