GB2489689A

GB2489689A - Releasable camera mount

Info

Publication number: GB2489689A
Application number: GB201105593A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sioned Helen Owen; Michael Sheppard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-01
Filing date: 2011-04-01
Publication date: 2012-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-01
Also published as: GB201105593D0; GB2489689B

Abstract

A camera mount has two portions, the first 1,3 attachable to a camera and the second 4 attachable to surface, in particular a helmet, bike of snowboard. One of the portions has a resiliently deflectable section 10 which is configured to engage with a retaining means 14 on the other portion. When the two portions are slid together, the resilient deflectable part deflects into a pre-locking state to pass the retaining means, until the locking position. The user maybe depress the deflectable part to release the portions for one another.

Description

Universal Filming Mount for Activities

Field of Invention

This invention relates to a mount for a filming device such as a compact camera (digital or otherwise) or mobile phone, more specifically a universal, detachable, adjustable mount.

Background of Invention

This invention was conceived when wanting to film friends snowboarding with a small compact digital camera. Holding the digital camera whilst snowboarding produced very instable films and also added risk of injury in the case of falling whilst doing so.

An easily attachable and detachable, hands free mount for various filming devices was needed.

Unable to source a product that would allow the user to quickly mount and demount a camera, into order to review something filmed moments ago, the invention was designed.

The filming mount clips apart into two portions. Leaving an affixed section (the base or Lower Clip Body) and a detachable part (adjustable mount or Upper Clip Body). The base is small and unobtrusive, meaning the owner can have many base parts, for example affixed to a helmet, a bike or a snowboard etc. The detachable section of the filming mount can then be plugged in to the base and is securely fastened using the unique quick release clip mechanism.

The advantages of being able to use one's own filming device with the mount are:- * The user can detach the Filming Device and get instant playback of what they have just recoded to be able to review and make on the spot adjustments.

* The price of the product is very low, because the user does not need to invest in a secondary Filming Device designed to work with a specific mount as available on the current market.

* No additional wires are needed, like other market solutions. Where by the user would need a small Filming Device plugged into a recording device connected by wires.

Discussion of Related Art Many patents exist within the realm of clips and mounting devices. Following are examples to outline the uniqueness of the universal filming mount.

The patent US 2008/0131106 references a detachable tripod mounting systems, wherein fiddly arm springs are embodied. The inventive advantage of the Universal Filming Mount is that the clip is easy to use and fit using only a single hand, and in locations where the mount is not visible. The Universal Filming Mount engages the clip mechanism by simply sliding the parts together.

The patent U52010006 1711 references attaching a camera to a sports board with a detachable element embodying a plug and pin. The Universal Filming mount utilises a clip, making the filming device easy and fast to attach and detach, to be able to review the subject that was filmed.

The patent US2O 10200715 embodies a detachable bracket to attach a light to the handle bars of a bike. In this embodiment the light is rotated in order to engage the mechanism. The locking mechanism engages a spring. The Universal Filming Mount engages and locks into place when urged together in a single direction, and embodies fewer components.

The patent US20031 96302 embodies a buckle with two flexing arms. The Universal Filming Mount embodies a single flexing part passing through an open channel. The very uniqueness of the Universal Filming Mount, enables the clip to be engaged, in two directions along an axis.

As discussed, prior art exists, where a detachable mount, is designed to attach a filming device, to a sports product. None work so well in a sporting application, where the desire to easily attach and dismount apparatus to a helmet or snowboard, whilst wearing gloves or where the mount is out of sight of the user, multiple times during a day is answered. This invention solves the problem easily with the unique quick release catch.

Some cited patents embody mounting devices for cameras. The cameras they utilise are unique to that particular mount. For example, a bullet camera, solely designed to be mounted on a helmet, with a custom mount, specifically designed for that individual camera. This invention is designed to fit every camera that has a camera tripod insert fitting making it completely universal.

Summary of Invention

The present invention provides: a mount, for mounting a filming device to a surface, the mount comprising: a first portion configured to be attachable to the surface; and a second portion configured to be attachable to the filming device, wherein one portion comprises a resiliently deflectable section and the other portion comprises a retaining means; wherein the first and second portions are configured to engage with each other and wherein urging the first and second portions together causes the resiliently deflectable section to be deflected into a pre-locking state in which it may pass the retaining means, and subsequent urging allows the deflectable section to transition into a locked state in which it is retained by the retaining means, thereby retaining the filming device with respect to the surface.

In certain embodiments, the deflectable section can be urged from the locked state into the pre-locking state to allow disengagement of the first and second portions, thereby allowing removal of the filming device from the surface.

In certain embodiments, the deflectable section comprises an exterior surface that remains exposed during disengagement of the first and second portions.

In certain embodiments, the application of force to the exterior surface of the deflectable section causes the deflectable section to be urged from the locked state into the pre-locking state to allow removal of the filming device from the surface.

In certain embodiments, the further application of force to the exterior surface of the deflectable section causes the first portion and second portion to be urged apart, thereby allowing removal of the filming device from the surface.

In certain embodiments, the first and second portions are configured to slidably engage with each other.

In certain embodiments, the surface is the surface of a helmet or a snowboard.

In certain embodiments, the first portion comprises an adhesive pad for attaching the first portion to the surface.

In certain embodiments, the filming device is a digital camera which is capable of recording video.

In certain embodiments, the filming device comprises a recess for receiving a screw, and the second portion comprises a screw configured to engage with the recess of the filming device.

In certain embodiments, the second portion includes at least one elongated track configured to engage with the screw, the screw being adjustably positionable along the elongate track such that the position of the filming device can be adjusted with respect to the mount.

In certain embodiments, the second portion comprises a first part configured to be attachable to the filming device, and a second part configured to engage with the first portion, the first and second parts being connected by a hinge which allows rotational adjustment of the first part about the hinge in relation to the second part.

In certain embodiments, the mount further comprises a means for securing the hinge to prevent rotational movement of the first part about the hinge in relation to the second part.

In certain embodiments, the first and second portions are configured so as to allow engagement either along a first engagement axis or along a second engagement axis.

In certain embodiments, the first and second portions can be urged together in a first orientation along a first engagement axis, or in a second orientation along a second engagement axis.

In certain embodiments, the first and second engagement axes form a common axis, wherein in the first orientation the first and second portions are urged together in one direction along the common axis, and in the second orientation the first and second portions are urged together in the opposite direction along the common axis.

In certain embodiments, the deflectable member comprises one or more surfaces configured, in the locked state, to abut one or more surfaces on the retaining means, such that further urging of the portions together does not cause movement of the deflectable member with respect to the retaining means.

In certain embodiments, the first portion has a base and two opposing side walls, the side walls each having at least one protrusion, the base walls and protrusions defining a partially covered channel; wherein the protrusions define the retaining means; wherein the second portion has a body portion, configured to be slidably received in the partially covered channel, and a resiliently deflectable section; and wherein urging the body portion into the partially covered channel causes the resiliently deflectable section to be deflected by the one or more protrusions into a pre-locking state in which it may pass the protrusions, and subsequent urging allows the deflectable section to transition into a locked state in which it is retained by the protrusions, thereby retaining the filming device with respect to the surface.

In certain embodiments, the first and second portions are made from an injection-mouldable plastic material.

Brief Description of Drawings

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows the invention in one embodiment supporting a camera and attached to a helmet.

Figure 2 shows the invention Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the invention Figure 4 shows a side view of the Lower Clip Body Figure 5 shows section AA of the Lower Clip Body as defined in figure 4 Figure 6 shows the direction of movement of components in the invention Figure 7 shows a side view of the Upper Clip Body Figure 8 shows section BB of the Upper Clip Body as defined in figure 7

Detailed Description-

The embodiments may be further described by the following paragraphs:-An attachable and adjustable mount, for the purpose of mounting a device to film or video a subject. An example of the filming device could be, but not limited to a digital camera or mobile phone. The mount is designed to enable a person to connect their device to any article they wish, in order to video, film or take pictures without the need to hold the filming device manually.

One embodiment of the mount comprises of two main clip portions, allowing the user to frequently and easily, attach and detach a filming device from a surface.

One embodiment of the invention comprises of five parts. A detachable and adjustable mount, comprising:- * Support Bracket 1 -comprising of a main body, hinge and slots which stabilise, support and secures the device; * Angle Adjustment Body 2 -that provides a means to adjust and secure a rotational angle between the support bracket I and upper clip body 3; * Upper Clip Body 3 -comprising of a main body with retaining means 10, a hinge 8 and an integrated springing latch (resiliently deflectable section) 11; * Lower Clip Body 4-comprising of a base 13, opposing walls 12 and partially covered channel 14, wherein it is detachably connected to the upper clip body 3; * Retaining Mechanism 5 -A suitable bonding adhesive, such as an adhesive pad or retaining mechanism, connecting the lower clip body 4 to the user's choice of surface.

In another embodiment of the mount, the support bracket 1 secures and stabilises the filming device. It comprises of a main body 6 with connection to the upper clip body 3 and elongated track 7 to allow a 20 1⁄4" UNC standard tripod thread to be inserted through at an end. The support bracket 1 has at least one long thin elongated track 7 so that a filming device can be attached. The slot width is smaller than the thread diameter to prevent the threaded pin from falling through. Similar to the upper clip body 3 and lower clip body 4, the support bracket 1 is made of durable plastic. The support bracket 1 is moulded utilising hinges 8 such that when pinned to the upper clip body 3 using the angle adjustment body 2, it allows for X-Y angle adjustment 15 along the Z axis.

In another embodiment of the mount, the angle adjustment body 2 secures together, and provides a means to adjust and secure a rotational angle 15 between the support bracket I and upper clip body 3. It secures the angle through friction between the mating plates in the hinge 9 of the support bracket 1 and the upper clip body 3. This occurs due to a compressive pressure applied along the adjustment axis 15 by the angle adjustment body 2.

In another embodiment of the mount, the upper clip body 3 comprises of a main body 8 with a retaining means 10, a hinge 9 and an integrated springing latch (resiliently deflectable section) 11, to allow it to detachably connect to the lower clip body 4. The retaining means 10 locate along the inner surfaces 12 of the partially covered channel 14. These act as an alignment guide for the retaining means 10 during transitional and in a locked state. The retaining means 10 secure Y and Z direction movement when the components are urged into, and held in a locked state. The springing latch (resiliently deflectable section) 11 prevents movement in the X direction after the components are urged together into a locking state.

In another embodiment of the mount, the upper clip body 3 is made from a suitable flexible and strong material such that the integrated springing latch (resiliently deflectable section) 11 flexes enough to slide under the partially covered channel 14 of the lower clip body 4. Where the lower clip body 4 partially covered channel 14 terminates, the integrated springing latch (resiliently deflectable section) 11 has urged through the retaining means, flexing from a pre locking state to form a locked state between the upper clip body 3 and lower clip body 4.

In another embodiment of the mount, the upper clip body 3 can be detached by reversing this process. By pushing down 17 in the Y direction and forward 16 on the integrated springing latch (resiliently deflectable section) 11 until the integrated springing latch (resiliently deflectable section) 11 slides under the lower clip body 4 partially covered channel 14 and is free from the lower clip body 4. The design allows the clip to secure in both directions along the X sliding axis, and to form a locked and un-locked state easily.

In another embodiment of the mount, the unique clip mechanism has been specifically designed to allow the user to attach and detach the upper clip body 3 from the lower clip body 4, by use of a single hand/finger, to provide unique advantages to the user, enabling ease of use with a gloved or covered hand, and also enabling attachment and detachment of the mount while out of the sight of the user i.e. while still on the users helmet. The exterior surface of the upper clip body 3, which remains exposed whilst transitioning between locked and unlocked states aides, in the ease of use of the clip.

In another embodiment of the mount, the lower clip body 4 comprises of a base 13, opposing side walls 12 and a partly covered channel 14. It is designed bi-directionally so that the upper clip body 3 can slidably engage with the lower clip body 4 in either direction into a locking state. The lower clip body 4 has a partially covered channel 14 which the upper clip body 3 mutually engages with. The Lower Clip Body 4 is designed to remain statically placed after the user has secured it to the surface using a suitable retaining mechanism 5 such as an adhesive pad.

Example surfaces, including but not limited to, include plastic helmets, plastic/wooden snowboard/skis, metal bonnet of a car, wooden skateboard, plastic dashboard of a vehicle.

In another embodiment of the mount, the retaining mechanism 5 is typically a very high bond adhesive pad, but may vary depending upon the article the invention is connected to.

In another embodiment of the mount, the portions are made from an injection mouldable plastic material.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mount, for mounting a filming device to a surface, the mount comprising: a first portion configured to be attachable to the surface; and a second portion configured to be attachable to the filming device, wherein one portion comprises a resiliently deflectable section and the other portion comprises a retaining means; wherein the first and second portions are configured to engage with each other and wherein urging the first and second portions together causes the resiliently deflectable section to be deflected into a pre-locking state in which it may pass the retaining means, and subsequent urging allows the deflectable section to transition into a locked state in which it is retained by the retaining means, thereby retaining the filming device with respect to the surface.
2. A mount according to claim 1, wherein the deflectable section can be urged from the locked state into the pre-locking state to allow disengagement of the first and second portions, thereby allowing removal of the filming device from the surface.
3. A mount according to claim 2, wherein the deflectable section comprises an exterior surface that remains exposed during disengagement of the first and second portions.
4. A mount according to claim 3, wherein application of force to the exterior surface of the deflectable section causes the deflectable section to be urged from the locked state into the pre-locking state to allow removal of the filming device from the surface.
5. A mount according to claim 4, wherein further application of force to the exterior surface of the deflectable section causes the first portion and second portion to be urged apart, thereby allowing removal of the filming device from the surface.
6. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second portions are configured to slidably engage with each other.
7. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface is the surface of a helmet or a snowboard.
8. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion comprises an adhesive pad for attaching the first portion to the surface.
9. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the filming device is a digital camera which is capable of recording video.
10. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the filming device comprises a recess for receiving a screw, and the second portion comprises a screw configured to engage with the recess of the filming device.
11. A mount according to claim 10, wherein the second portion includes at least one elongated track configured to engage with the screw, the screw being adjustably positionable along the elongate track such that the position of the filming device can be adjusted with respect to the mount.
12. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the second portion comprises a first part configured to be attachable to the filming device, and a second part configured to engage with the first portion, the first and second parts being connected by a hinge which allows rotational adjustment of the first part about the hinge in relation to the second part.
13. A mount according to claim 12, further comprising a means for securing the hinge to prevent rotational movement of the first part about the hinge in relation to the second part.
14. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second portions are configured so as to allow engagement either along a first engagement axis or along a second engagement axis.
15. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second portions can be urged together in a first orientation along a first engagement axis, or in a second orientation along a second engagement axis.
16. The mount of claim 15, wherein the first and second engagement axes form a common axis, wherein in the first orientation the first and second portions are urged together in one direction along the common axis, and in the second orientation the first and second portions are urged together in the opposite direction along the common axis.
17. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the deflectable member comprises one or more surfaces configured, in the locked state, to abut one or more surfaces on the retaining means, such that further urging of the portions together does not cause movement of the deflectable member with respect to the retaining means.
18. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion has a base and two opposing side walls, the side walls each having at least one protrusion, the base walls and protrusions defining a partially covered channel; wherein the protrusions define the retaining means; wherein the second portion has a body portion, configured to be slidably received in the partially covered channel, and a resiliently deflectable section; and wherein urging the body portion into the partially covered channel causes the resiliently deflectable section to be deflected by the one or more protrusions into a pre-locking state in which it may pass the protrusions, and subsequent urging allows the deflectable section to transition into a locked state in which it is retained by the protrusions, thereby retaining the filming device with respect to the surface.
19. A mount according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second portions are made from an injection-mouldable plastic material.
20. A mount substantially as herein before described with reference to the figures.