GB2640872A

GB2640872A - Camera accessory

Info

Publication number: GB2640872A
Application number: GB2406365.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Stone Alexander
Original assignee: Minifab Ltd
Current assignee: Minifab Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-07
Filing date: 2024-05-07
Publication date: 2025-11-12
Also published as: GB202406365D0; WO2025233603A1

Abstract

A camera adaptor system 100 comprises a primary (first) adaptor 102 (e.g. battery plate or interface) and at least one (second, further) function adaptor 104. The primary adaptor comprises plural function connection faces, each comprising a function adaptor connector 124 of the same type. The or each function adaptor 104 comprises a primary adaptor connection face (126, Figures 5B-C) having a primary adaptor connector (130, Figure 5C) operable to connect with any of the function adaptor connectors 124 on the primary adaptor 102 to thereby connect the function adaptor with the primary adaptor on any of the function connection faces. The respective adaptor connectors may comprise mechanical and electrical connectors, including cooperating male and female formations with friction-fitting, threaded fixings, and a spring-loaded connector. Function adaptor connection faces may be in opposite or perpendicular directions to the primary adaptor connection face. The function adaptor may comprise camera mounting means, e.g. camera mounting rod receivers (apertures) or rod clamps 154, 156. The adaptors provide compatibility and interoperability between cameras, accessories, and ancillary equipment, for example allowing a battery plate accessory to be agnostic to camera type, preventing useable equipment becoming obsolete.

Description

CAMERA ACCESSORY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to camera accessories and particularly to camera accessories associated with camera adaptors or battery plates.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to any type of camera with which accessories and auxiliary equipment are utilised. For example, types of cameras may include still cameras, video cameras and movie/cinema cameras. There are many different types of cameras available on the market at any one time. For example, there are currently about seventy different types of cinema film cameras in use within the film-making industry which are produced by about seven different manufacturers. A particular problem for filmmakers is the very limited inter-compatibility between different types of known cameras, particularly in relation to essential camera accessories and ancillary equipment. Most cameras require dedicated ancillary equipment and accessories which are operable only with a specific camera. Filmmakers may have many different cameras, each camera requiring its own dedicated ancillary equipment and accessories.

[0003] Ancillary equipment may include, for example, support hardware, batteries and battery plates. For the purposes of this Application, the terms accessory and ancillary equipment and any associated terms are considered to have the same meaning and to be interchangeable, in that they refer to connectable devices to a camera system to provide a desired or required function.

[0004] Camera battery plates serve as an interface between a camera or accessory and an external power source, or directly between accessories. The primary function of a battery plate is to supply power to a camera or accessory. Known battery plate solutions typically fall into two types, namely: universal and specific. For the purposes of this Application the terms battery plate and battery interface are interchangeable.

[0005] Known universal battery plates and accessories are reliant on other standardised third-party hardware such as support rods to mount the accessory onto different cameras. Without the additional standardised third-party hardware, it is not possible to attach an accessory or battery plate to any camera system. However, the shape, size, orientation, or arrangement of existing universal solutions are also not fixed, may be sub-optimal or incompatible with some camera designs and layouts, and increase the overall size of the camera system layout.

[0006] Known specific battery plates are generally more considered and streamlined with regard to their integration. However, the specific nature of these battery plates inevitably results in earlier obsolescence and a higher overall replacement cost for the user.

[0007] The functionality of both universal and specific battery plates is undesirable in that the mechanical mounting and electrical functionality is fixed and integrated into existing products. They are generally only designed to be mounted in a single position or orientation. Furthermore, if the user desires or requires different functionality, for example, different power distribution capabilities, a completely new product is the only solution. Moreover, the new product is likely to be similar to the replaced product except for a change to, for example, a different type or number of power outputs.

[0008] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, a battery plate 10, according to the prior art, typically comprises a cuboid-like shaped body 12 having a battery connection face 14 and an opposing face 16, facing in an opposite direction to the battery connection face. Between the battery connection face 14 and the opposing face 16 there are first and second long side faces, 18 and 20, and first and second short side faces, 22 and 24.

[0009] The battery connection face 14 has a battery mount connector 26. The drawings show a battery mount connector 26 having a V-mount battery mount 28 and an electrical connector 30. A suitable battery is sized and formed to mount onto the V-mount battery mount 28 to connect to the electrical connector 30 and provide power to the battery plate 10 for distribution. Other types of battery mount/electrical connector are available, including but not limited to, for example, B-mount, Gold mount, NP-F and BP-U.

[0010] An accessory-specific electrical power outlet connector 32 is housed in the body 12, on the first long side face 18 in the prior art battery plate 10 of Figures 1A and 1B. However, other known battery plates, produced by different manufacturers, have an accessory-specific electrical power outlet connector on a different face of the body. The accessory-specific electrical power outlet connector 32 is in a fixed position on the battery plate and is of a specified shape, connection-type, and connection-orientation. A specific accessory cable (not shown) having a specific connector terminal is connected to the outlet connector 32 and power is provided through the accessory cable to a specified corresponding accessory (not shown).

[0011] The accessory-specific electrical power outlet connector 32 is permanently fixed in its position on the battery plate 10. Accordingly, the accessory-specific electrical power outlet connector 32 is permanently fixed and technically specific in relation to the connector-type, position, and orientation or direction to which it can connect with an accessory. The accessory-specific electrical power outlet connector 32 is permanently fixed in this manner to connect and function with a specific camera, with regard to orientation, overall size and arrangement of the camera system layout, and the accessory to which power is to be provided.

[0012] The battery plate 10, according to the prior art, is mountable on a camera 34.

Again, the battery plate 10 is designed for mounting on a camera 34 in a specific manner.

[0013] For example, referring to Figure 1A, the battery plate 10 is specifically designed to be mounted on a camera 34 using a mounting rod accessory 36. Alternatively, referring to Figure 1B, the battery plate 10 is specifically designed to be mounted directly onto the body 38 of the camera 34. Accordingly, the orientation and position of the mounted battery plate 10 is fixed relative to the camera 34.

[0014] Technological advancement in the camera industry allows camera manufacturers to continuously innovate and frequently introduce more advanced cameras to the market. Consequently, a camera's lifespan is often only five years or less before it is superseded.

[0015] Because of the very limited inter-compatibility between different types of cameras, existing accessories and ancillary equipment are likely to be incompatible with a newly purchased camera. Consequently, to use and maximise the functionality of a newly purchased camera, it is also necessary to purchase new accessories and ancillary equipment compatible with the new camera. Moreover, this needs to be done each time a new camera is purchased. This is undesirable, as it increases the cost of equipment.

[0016] The incompatible nature of cameras, accessories, and ancillary equipment, also results in potentially usable electronic equipment becoming obsolete, unused and discarded before its potentially useable lifetime has expired. Therefore, this is also undesirable from an environmental stance.

[0017] Accordingly, it is desirable in the photographic and filmmaking industries for there to be camera accessories providing functionality, such as a battery plate, which are agnostic to camera type, manufacturer and brand, and which is adaptable to the functional and spatial needs, requirements and desires of the user.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0018] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera adaptor system comprising: a primary adaptor and at least one function adaptor; the primary adaptor comprising a plurality of function connection faces, each function connection face comprising a function adaptor connector of the same type; and the or each function adaptor comprising a primary adaptor connection face having a primary adaptor connector operable to connect with any of the function adaptor connectors disposed on the primary adaptor to thereby connect the function adaptor with the primary adaptor on any of the function connection faces.

[0019] The function adaptor connector and primary adaptor connectors each advantageously comprise at least one of a mechanical connector and electrical connector.

[0020] The mechanical connector, of the function adaptor connectors and primary adaptor connector, advantageously comprise cooperating male and female formations suitably positioned and sized relative to each other and operable to cooperatively locate the function adaptor relative to the primary adaptor and thereby align the function adaptor connector with a selected primary adaptor connector for connection therebetween.

[0021] The male and female formations are advantageously suitably sized and positioned to provide a friction-fit mechanical connection between the function adaptor and primary adaptor.

[0022] The mechanical connector may comprise threaded holes and corresponding threaded fixings for securing the function adaptor and primary adaptor relative to each other.

[0023] The electrical connector, of the function adaptor connector and primary adaptor connector, is operable to provide at least one of electrical power and data between the primary adaptor and the function adaptor.

[0024] Two or more of the plurality of function adaptor connectors are advantageously communicatively connected to each other such as to enable data communication therebetween through the primary adaptor.

[0025] At least one of the function adaptor connector and primary adaptor connector advantageously comprises a spring-loaded connector.

[0026] The function adaptor advantageously comprises at least one function face, the function face comprising a function facility.

[0027] The function facility advantageously comprises at least one of a mechanical, electrical and data connector.

[0028] The function face is advantageously disposed to face in an opposite direction relative to the direction of the primary adaptor connection face.

[0029] The function face is advantageously disposed to face in a direction perpendicular relative to the direction of the primary adaptor connection face.

[0030] The function adaptor advantageously comprises a power distribution module.

The power distribution module may comprise at least one of power input and power output.

[0031] The function adaptor advantageously comprises camera mounting means operable to mount the function adaptor with a camera.

[0032] The camera mounting means may comprise mounting rod receivers.

[0033] The camera mounting means may comprise rod clamps.

[0034] The primary adaptor advantageously comprises a battery interface.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a primary adaptor for use with a camera adaptor system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a function adaptor for use with a camera accessory according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera comprising a camera adaptor system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0038] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a camera for use with a camera adaptor system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0039] The camera advantageously comprises at least one primary adaptor connector face having a primary adaptor connector operable to connect with any of the function adaptor connectors disposed on the primary adaptor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0041] Figures 1A and 1B are schematic drawings of a camera battery plate, according to the prior art, mounted on a camera; [0042] Figures 2A-2E are schematic drawings of a camera adaptor system according to a first aspect of the present invention; [0043] Figures 3A-3C are schematic drawings of the camera adaptor system of Figures 2A-2E, shown from a different point of view; [0044] Figures 4A-4D are schematic drawings of a primary adaptor, according to a second aspect of the present invention, for use with the camera adaptor system of Figures 2A-2E; [0045] Figures 5A-5D are schematic drawings of a function adaptor, according to a third aspect of the present invention; for use with the camera adaptor system of Figures 2A-2E, [0046] Figures 6A-6D are schematic drawings of a camera having the camera adaptor system of Figures 2A-2E, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention; and, [0047] Figures 7A and 7B are schematic drawings of a camera according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, for use with the camera adaptor system of Figures 2A-2E.

[0048] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] While this present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the present disclosure and not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings.

[0050] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0051] Reference throughout this document to "one embodiment", "certain embodiments", "an embodiment" or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

[0052] The term "or" as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" means "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

[0053] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the embodiments described herein. The embodiments may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments described. The description is not to be considered as limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0054] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and parts thereof, are not necessarily to scale and the parts may be merely representative of components or other described entities.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Referring to Figures 2A-2E, 3A-3C, and 4A-4D, according to the present 25 invention, a camera adaptor system 100 has a primary adaptor 102 and one or more function adaptors 104 (1041, 1042, 1043, 1045, 1046, 1047).

[0056] The primary adaptor 102, as shown in the drawings, is operable as a battery plate or battery interface. However, in other embodiments, the primary adaptor may be operable solely as an adaptor and not operable as a battery plate or battery interface. The primary adaptor 102 preferably has a cuboid-like shaped body with a plurality of faces disposed to face in different directions. In alternative embodiments, according to the present invention, the primary adaptor 102 may have an alternatively shaped body (not shown).

[0057] The primary adaptor 102, operable as a battery interface, has a battery connection face 106, an opposing function connector face 108 (facing in an opposite direction to the battery connection face). Between the battery connection face 106 and the opposing function connector face 108 there are first and second long side connection faces, 110 and 112, respectively, and first and second short side connection faces, 114 and 116, respectively.

[0058] The battery connection face 106 has a battery mount connector 118. The drawings show a battery mount connector 118 having a V-mount battery mount 120 and an electrical connector 122. Alternative embodiments of the primary adaptor 102, according to the present invention, may have alternative types of known battery mount/electrical connectors, such as, for example, Gold mount, NP-F and BP-U.

[0059] Referring also to Figures 4A-4E, each of the opposing function connector face 108, first and second long side function connection faces, 110 and 112, and the second short side function connection face 116, have a function adaptor connector 124. A particularly important feature of the present invention is that every function adaptor connector 124, disposed on each of the function connection faces 108, 110, 112, and 116, is the same type of connector and is not specifically selected nor designed for connecting with or providing power to any specific accessory or ancillary equipment.

[0060] In alternative embodiments, the primary adaptor 102 may have an alternatively shaped body (not shown) which may provide greater or fewer function connection faces disposed to face in different directions and orientations. An important feature of the present invention is that a plurality of function connection faces are disposed to face in different directions or orientations and that each function connection face has one or more function adaptor connectors which are of the same type of connector.

Also, although exemplary embodiments of the primary adaptor 102 are illustrated and described herein having one or more faces not having a function adaptor connector, the camera adaptor system 100 and primary adaptor 102, according to the present invention, may have at least two function connection faces and any number of function connection faces including all faces of the primary adaptor being function connection faces.

[0061] The exemplary embodiment of primary adaptor 102, described and illustrated herein, has a first short side connection face 114 which does not have a function adaptor connector 124. Similarly, the described and illustrated exemplary embodiment of primary adaptor 102 has an opposing function connector face 108 (facing in an opposite direction to the battery connection face 106) comprising two function adaptor connectors 124. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments of primary adaptor 102, according to the present invention, may comprise one or more function adaptor connectors 124 on all function connection faces or may have one or more function adaptor connectors 124 on at least two function connection faces, to suit particular requirements and for different applications of the present invention.

[0062] Referring also to Figures 5A-5D, the function adaptor 104 is of a cuboid-like shape having a primary adaptor connection face 126 and one or more function face 128. The, or each, function face 128 is disposed to face in a direction which is substantially opposite to the direction in which the primary adaptor connection face 126 faces (see, for example, Figs. 2A, 2B, 3B and 5A), or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the primary adaptor connection face 126 faces (see, for example, Figs. 2C, 2D and 2E). In alternative embodiments (not shown), a function adaptor 104, according to the present invention, may have a plurality of function faces 128. One or more of the plurality of function faces 128 may be disposed to face in a direction between a direction opposite to the direction in which the primary adaptor connection face 126 faces and a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the primary adaptor connection face 126 faces.

[0063] The primary adaptor connection face 126 has a primary adaptor connector 130.

The primary adaptor connector 130 preferably comprises a male-type of connector and all the function adaptor connectors 124 comprise female-type connectors. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the primary adaptor connector 130 may be a female-type of connector and all the function adaptor connectors 124 male-type connectors. An important feature of the present invention is that the primary adaptor connector 130 is operable to connect with any of the function adaptor connectors 124, disposed on any of the function connection faces 108, 110, 112, and 116, to provide at least one of an electrical power, data, and mechanical connection between the function adaptor 104 and the primary adaptor 102.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the function adaptor connectors 124 are female-type connectors. Each of the function adaptor connectors 124 has an elongate receiving recess 132 formed into the respective function connection face 108, 110, 112, and 116. The length, width and depth of each receiving recess 132 are of predetermined dimensions. Disposed in the base of each receiving recess 132 is a female electrical and/or data connector terminal 134. A pair of threaded holes 1361 and 1362 are disposed a predetermined dimension apart in the respective function connection face 108, 110, 112, and 116, one threaded hole (1361,1362) each side of the respective elongate receiving recess 132.

[0065] Referring to the function adapter 104, the primary adaptor connector 130 is a male-type connector having an elongate protrusion 138 formed on the primary adaptor connection face 126. The elongate protrusion 138 provides a raised surface 140 on which is disposed a male electrical connector terminal 142, which may also be a data connector terminal. The male electrical and/or data connector terminal 142 is operable to mate with the female electrical and/or data connector terminal 134 of any of the function adaptor connectors 124.

[0066] A pair of apertures, 1441 and 1442, are disposed in the primary adaptor connection face 126 and extend through the opposite face of the function adapter 104, relative to the primary adaptor connection face 126, as shown in Figure 5C in dashed lines. The pair of apertures, 1441 and 1442, are disposed adjacent the elongate protrusion 138, one aperture (1441,1442) each side of the elongate protrusion 138. The pair of apertures, 1441 and 1442, are disposed a predetermined dimension apart corresponding to the predetermined dimension which the pair of threaded holes 1361 and 1362 are disposed apart in the function adaptor connectors 124.

[0067] A pair of threaded fixings 1461 and 1462, such as, for example, threaded screws, are dimensioned to extend through the respective pair of apertures, 1441 and 1442, and into the respective pair of threaded holes 1361 and 1362 to engage therewith to provide a mechanical connection between the function adaptor 104 and primary adaptor 102.

[0068] The elongate protrusion 138 is dimensioned to correspond with the predetermined dimensions of the elongate receiving recess 132 formed into the respective function connection faces 108, 110, 112, and 116, of the primary adapter 102, such that, upon connecting the function adaptor 104 with the primary adaptor 102, the elongate protrusion 138 is receivable in the elongate receiving recess 132 to spatially locate and orientate the function adaptor 104 relative to the primary adaptor 102. The cooperative locating function of the elongate protrusion 138 and the elongate receiving recess 132 is an important feature of the present invention as it provides for easier, quicker, and improved mechanical connection between the function adaptor 104 and the primary adaptor 102.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined dimensions of the elongate protrusion 138 and the elongate receiving recess 132 correspond relative to each other to provide a detachable friction-interface-fit or push-fit between the mated elongate protrusion 138 and the elongate receiving recess 132. This is an important feature of the present invention as it provides a stronger, more resilient. and improved mechanical connection between the function adaptor 104 and the primary adaptor 102.

[0070] Upon connecting the function adaptor 104 to the primary adaptor 102, the cooperative locating function of the elongate protrusion 138 and the elongate receiving recess 132 also aligns the male electrical and/or data connector terminal 142 with the female electrical and/or data connector terminals 134 of any of the function adaptor connectors 124, disposed on the primary adaptor 102. This is an important feature of the present invention as it provides an easier, quicker, and improved electrical and/or data connection between the function adaptor 104 and the primary adaptor 102.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the function adaptor connectors 124 (including the elongate receiving recess 132, the female electrical and/or data connector terminals 134, and the pair of threaded holes 1361 and 1362) and the primary adaptor connector 130 (including the elongate protrusion 138, the male electrical and/or data connector terminal 142, and the pair of apertures, 1441 and 1442) are symmetric, wherein the male and female electrical and/or data connector terminals, 134 and 142, are polarity agnostic. This is an important feature of an embodiment of the present invention as it enables a user to connect the function adaptor 104 to the primary adaptor 102 in different orientations. For example, this would be particularly advantageous in a scenario in which a right-angled cable is plugged into a function adaptor 104. The symmetric and polarity agnostic function adaptor connectors 124 and primary adaptor connector 130 allows a user to connect the function adaptor 104 to the primary adaptor 102 to provide the optimum and most appropriate routing which may be directed either left or right or up or down.

[0072] As can be seen in Figures 2A-2E, 3A-3C, 5A, 6C and 6D, the function face 128, of the, or each, function adaptor 104, comprises a function facility 148 (1481, 1482, 1483, 1484,1485, 1486 1487) which may include, for example, one or more electrical connector terminals of a specified type or types, one or more data connector terminals of a specified type or types, or one or more mechanical connectors or attachments, or any combination of the aforementioned.

[0073] The drawings show examples of different embodiments of function facility 148 and different orientations of function adaptors 104 connected to the primary adaptor 102. For example: a first function adaptor 1041 has a three A-type connector function facility 1481; a second function adaptor 1042 has a three B-type connector function facility 1482; a third function adaptor 1043 has a single B-type connector function facility 1483 disposed to receive a cable terminal connector in a direction perpendicular relative to the primary adaptor connection face 110.

[0074] Referring to Figures 2D and 2E, the common connectability and symmetric design of the primary adaptor connector 130 relative to each, and any, of the function adaptor connectors 124, enables any function adaptor 104 to be connected in different orientations. For example, referring to Figures 2D and 2E, the fourth function adaptor 1044 is connected to the function connection face 112 in a first orientation in Figure 2D and in a second orientation (function adaptor 1045) in Figure 2E, the first and second orientations being 180° relative to each other. Although the alternative orientation function is described herein with reference to the fourth function adaptor (1044 and 1045), it is also applicable for any function adaptor 104, and within the scope the function adaptor, primary adaptor and camera adaptor system invention of the present Application.

[0075] Referring to Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4D, the primary adaptor 102 has two function adaptor connectors 124A and 124B disposed on the opposing function connector face 108. A function adaptor 1046, operable as an electrically passive function plate, has two primary adaptor connectors 130 dimensioned and positioned to simultaneously mate with the respective two function adaptor connectors 124, to provide a mechanical connection between the function adaptor 1046 and the primary adaptor 102. Having two function adaptor connectors, 124A and 124B, and two primary adaptor connectors,130A and 130B, operable to simultaneously mate and mechanically connect provides a stronger and more robust mechanical connection, and also doubles the current that can be passed through the dual connector array or a single connector current can be shared across the two connectors, thereby doubling efficiency.

[0076] Referring also to Figure 6D, the stronger and more robust mechanical connection enables the two-connector function adaptor 1046 having a function facility 1486 which functions as camera mount 150 for mounting the primary adaptor 102 (battery interface) and camera adaptor system 100 on a camera body 152, either directly or indirectly.

[0077] Referring also to Figures 6A-6C, an alternative camera mount function adaptor 1047 comprises mounting rod receivers, 1541 and 1542, which are preferably in the form of apertures, and more preferably comprise rod clamps. The mounting rod receivers, 1541 and 1542, extend through function adaptor 1047 and are each operable to receive mounting rods 1561 and 1562, which extend from a camera body mount 158, attached to the camera body 152. The camera mount function adaptor 1047 has a primary adaptor connector 130 as previously described and is connectable to any of the function adaptor connectors 124 disposed on the primary adaptor 102, such that the primary adaptor 102 (battery interface) can be mounted in different positions and orientations relative to the camera body 152. Referring particularly to Figures 2C, 6A, 6B and 6C, function adaptor 1043 (Figure 2C) and function adaptor 1047 (Figures 6A, 6B and 6C) are the same function adaptor mounted on different connection faces of the primary adaptor in different orientations. This illustrates how the camera adaptor system 100, according to the present invention, provides accessory connectability and compatibility which is agnostic to camera type, manufacturer and brand, and which is adaptable to the functional and spatial needs, requirements and desires of the user.

[0078] The camera adaptor system 100, primary adaptor 102, and the one or more function adaptors 104, according to the different aspects present invention, enable a user to mechanically and/or electrically connect any appropriate function adaptor 104 onto any of the function connection faces 108, 110, 112, and 116, of the primary adapter 102, and in any orientation.

[0079] Accordingly, the function adaptors 104 (1041, 1042, 1043, 1045, 1046, 1047), each have a different specific function facility 148. For example, the function facility 148, of each function adaptor 104, may be any one or more of electrical and/or data connections through different types of connections, distributing and providing power, data communication, and mechanical connection or attachment to and between different accessories and ancillary equipment through the primary adaptor 102, which acts as a common battery interface.

[0080] The camera adaptor system 100 may also provide power distribution and/or data communication between two or more connected function adapters 104, or between one or more connected function adapter 104 and a connected camera, accessory, or auxiliary equipment.

[0081] In use, the primary adaptor 102 is mounted on a camera body 152 using, for example, either camera mount function adaptor 1046 or camera mount function adaptor 1047, as shown in Figures 6A-6D. The relative connectability and symmetry between the primary adaptor connector 130, on the camera mount function adaptor 104s (or 1047), and any and all the function adaptor connections 124, enables the primary adaptor 102 to be mounted onto the camera mount function adaptor 1046 (or 1047) using any one of the function adaptor connections 124, thereby enabling a user to select the optimum orientation and position of the primary adaptor 102, relative to the camera body 152, from a plurality of alternative possible orientations and positions.

[0082] With the primary adaptor 102 mounted on the camera body 152, a battery (not shown) is mounted on the battery mount connector 118. The mounted battery (not shown) provides electric power to each of the function adaptor connections 124 on which a function adaptor 104 is connected. Additionally, or alternatively, a connected function adaptor 104 may function as an electric power source, or as an electric power source connector, to provide electric power to one or more other connected function adaptors 104.

[0083] A user selects one or more function adaptors 104, to provide desired or required functionality and/or connectability and connects each of the selected function adaptors 104 to an appropriate function connection face 108, 110, 112, and 116, of the primary adapter 102, as previously described, to provide desired or required camera system layout.

[0084] With the one or more selected function adaptors 104 connected to the primary adaptor 102, a user connects the desired or required accessories and auxiliary equipment through the appropriate function facility 148 on the selected function adaptor 104.

[0085] The camera adaptor system 100 functions as a power distributor wherein power is provided from the battery (not shown), mounted on the battery mount connector 118, or from a connected function adapter 104 functioning as a power source or as an electric power connector, through the primary adaptor 102 to the one or more connected function adaptors 104. Power is then supplied from the connected one or more connected function adaptors 104 to the camera or connected accessories and auxiliary equipment (not shown) using a cable (not shown) or directly such as, for example, using function adaptor 1046.

[0086] Referring to the drawings in general, the relative connectability and symmetry between the primary adaptor connector 130 and any and all the function adaptor connections 124 enable a user to mechanically and/or electrically connect any appropriate function adaptor 104 onto any of the function connection faces 108, 110, 112, and 116, of the primary adapter 102, and in alternative orientations.

[0087] Each of the function adaptors 104 (1041, 1042, 1043, 1045, 1046, 1047) has been described herein having a different function facility 148. However, each function facility 148 described herein is exemplary only, and various other alternatives, adaptations and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, there is, potentially, a large range of different function facilities 148 to enable a user to select from a large number of different electrical and/ or data connection types, thereby increasing the inter-connectability and functionality between a larger range of cameras, accessories and auxiliary equipment. The camera adaptor system 100, primary adaptor 102 and function adaptor 104, according to the present Application, address the problem in the prior art of lack of inter-connectability, inter-functionality and incompatibility between cameras, accessories and auxiliary equipment.

[0088] Therefore, the relative connectability and symmetry between the primary adaptor connector 130 and any and all the function adaptor connectors 124, and the wide range of utility, function and spatial adaptability provided by different function adaptors 104, provide for a single modular camera adaptor system 100 and battery interface which is mountable relative to a camera body 152 for optimum interconnectability, inter-functionality, compatibility, specification and personalisation of the camera system and layout, with third-party accessory or auxiliary equipment.

[0089] The present invention also provides for a camera for use with a camera adaptor system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0090] Referring also to Figures 7A and 7B, an embodiment of the camera adaptor system 100 and camera 152, according to the present invention, comprises at least one camera primary adaptor connector face 160. The, or each, camera primary adaptor connector face 160 comprises one or more camera primary adaptor connectors 162 operable to mate and connect with any function adaptor connectors 124 disposed on the primary adaptor 102.

[0091] As an example, Figures 7A and 7B show a camera 152 having one camera primary adaptor connector face 160. The adaptor connector face 160 has two camera primary adaptor connectors 162A and 162B. The two camera primary adaptor connectors 162A and 162B are the same type of connectors as the two primary adaptor connectors,130A and 130B, as described above and shown in Figure 3B.

[0092] The two camera primary adaptor connectors 162A and 162B are connectable with the two function adaptor connectors,124A and 124B, disposed on the opposing function connector face 108 of the primary adaptor 102 (see Figure 4D).

[0093] Figure 7B shows the camera 152 and the primary adaptor 102 attached to each other through the two camera primary adaptor connectors 162A and 162B and the two function adaptor connectors,124A and 124B, respectively. With the camera primary adaptor connectors 162A and 162B and function adaptor connectors,124A and 124B, mated with each other, power and/or electrical signals and/or data can be transferred between the camera 152 and the primary adaptor 102.

[0094] Having two function adaptor connectors, 124A and 124B, and two primary adaptor connectors,162A and 162B, operable to simultaneously mate and mechanically connect, provides a stronger and more robust mechanical connection, and also doubles the current that can be passed through the dual connector array or a single connector current can be shared across the two connectors, thereby doubling efficiency.

[0095] Also as described above, the relative connectability and symmetry between the camera primary adaptor connector, 162 (162A/162B) and any function adaptor connector 124 (124A/124B), enables a user to mechanically and/or electrically connect the camera 152 and the primary adaptor 102 in different and alternative orientations and configurations relative to each other.

[0096] Having described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited by the above-described embodiments but is only limited by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A camera adaptor system comprising: a primary adaptor and at least one function adaptor; the primary adaptor comprising a plurality of function connection faces, each function connection face comprising a function adaptor connector of the same type; and the or each function adaptor comprising a primary adaptor connection face having a primary adaptor connector operable to connect with any of the function adaptor connectors disposed on the primary adaptor to thereby connect the function adaptor with the primary adaptor on any of the function connection faces.
2. A camera adaptor system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the function adaptor connector and primary adaptor connectors each comprise at least one of a mechanical connector and an electrical connector.
3. A camera adaptor system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mechanical connector, of the function adaptor connectors and primary adaptor connector, comprise cooperating male and female formations suitably positioned and sized relative to each other and operable to cooperatively locate the function adaptor relative to the primary adaptor and thereby align the function adaptor connector with a selected primary adaptor connector for connection therebetween.
4. A camera adaptor system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the male and female formations are suitably sized and positioned to provide a friction-fit mechanical connection between the function adaptor and primary adaptor.
5. A camera adaptor system as claimed in claims 2 to 4, wherein the mechanical connector comprises threaded holes and corresponding threaded fixings for securing the function adaptor and primary adaptor relative to each other.
6. A camera adaptor system as claimed in claims 2 to 5, wherein the electrical connector, of the function adaptor connector and primary adaptor connector, is operable to provide at least one of electrical power and data between the primary adaptor and the function adaptor.
7. A camera adaptor system as claimed in claim 6, wherein two or more of the plurality of function adaptor connectors are communicatively connected to each other such as to enable data communication therebetween through the primary adaptor.
8. A camera adaptor system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the function adaptor connector and primary adaptor connector comprises a spring-loaded connector.
9. A camera adaptor system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the function adaptor comprises at least one function face, the function face comprising a function facility.
10.A camera adaptor system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the function facility comprises at least one of a mechanical, electrical and data connector.
11.A camera adaptor system as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the function face is disposed to face in an opposite direction relative to the direction of the primary adaptor connection face.
12.A camera adaptor system as claimed in claims 9 to 11, wherein the function face is disposed to face in a direction perpendicular relative to the direction of the primary adaptor connection face.
13.A camera adaptor system as claimed in claims 2 to 12, wherein the function adaptor comprises a power distribution module.
14.A camera adaptor system as claimed in claims 2 to 13, wherein the function adaptor comprises camera mounting means operable to mount the function adaptor with a camera.
15.A camera adaptor system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the camera mounting means comprises mounting rod receivers.
16.A camera adaptor system as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the camera mounting means comprises rod clamps.
17.A camera adaptor system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the primary adaptor comprises a battery plate.
18.A primary adaptor for use with a camera adaptor system as claimed in claims 1 to 17.
19. A function adaptor for use with a camera adaptor system as claimed in claims 1 to 17.
20.A camera comprising a camera adaptor system as claimed in claims 1 to 17.
21.A camera for use with a camera adaptor system as claimed in claims 1 to 17.
22.A camera as claimed in claim 21, comprising at least one primary adaptor connector face having a primary adaptor connector operable to connect with any of the function adaptor connectors disposed on the primary adaptor.