Patent Application
20150264225
The present invention is generally related to the combination of various devices or elements and cameras. It is more specifically related to a camera grip with one or more removable expansion modules.
There have been reports regarding the development of camera grips. For instance U.S. Pat. No. 8,628,257, entitled “Image-Pickup Apparatus Camera Grip, And Image-Pickup System” is allegedly directed to the following: “An image-pickup system includes an image-pickup apparatus having a first connection member and a camera grip having a second connection member capable of being attached to and removed from the first connection member. The first connection member includes a first screw member having a male screw and a first engagement member disposed inside the first screw member having a first concavo-convex shape. The second connection member includes a second screw member having a female screw part capable of engaging with the male screw part of the image-pickup apparatus and a second engagement member disposed inside the second screw member and having a second concavo-concave shape capable of engaging with the first concavo-concave shape of the image-pickup apparatus. The male screw part screws into the female screw part in a state where the first engagement member and the second engagement member engage with each other.” Abstract.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,280,151, entitled “Video Camera With A Rotatable Grip Unit” is allegedly directed to the following: “A video camera is disclosed which can make photographing without any compulsion. A rotary grip is provided on a side face of a camera body so as to be rotatable relative to the camera body, the camera body having an image pickup device, a camera lens and a circuit board of various circuits. A hand strap is attached to the rotary grip. For carrying the video camera, the fingers other than the thumb of one hand are inserted between the rotary grip and the hand strap so that the tips thereof are caught on a peripheral surface of the rotary grip. A liquid crystal display monitor and an operating unit are integral with the peripheral surface of the rotary grip, and when the rotary grip is rotated relative to the camera body unit, the hand strap, as well as the liquid crystal display monitor and the operating unit, also rotate. Thus, the direction of the liquid crystal display monitor and that of the operating unit can be changed with respect to a photographing direction, and it is also possible to change the way of carrying the video camera.” Abstract.
Despite the various reports, there is still a need in the art for new camera grips and various modifications.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a camera module. The module includes a camera module back, a rail, and a camera mount. The back and rail are capable of holding a camera add-on within the module. Camera attachment tabs allowing connection of the module to a camera grip are attached to the back.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of increasing the effective screen size of a camera. The method comprises attaching a camera to a module that includes a second screen that is larger than the one on the camera itself. The module includes a camera module back, a rail, and a camera mount. The back and rail are capable of holding a camera add-on within the module. Camera attachment tabs allowing connection of the module to a camera grip are attached to the back.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of extending the battery life of a camera. The method comprises attaching a camera to a module that includes a battery pack and/or rechargeable battery. The module includes a camera module back, a rail, and a camera mount. The back and rail are capable of holding a camera add-on within the module. Camera attachment tabs allowing connection of the module to a camera grip are attached to the back.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of connecting remote control capability to a camera. The method comprises attaching a camera to a module that includes a remote control that can operate the camera. The module includes a camera module back, a rail, and a camera mount. The back and rail are capable of holding a camera add-on within the module. Camera attachment tabs allowing connection of the module to a camera grip are attached to the back.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of adding lighting capability to a camera. The method comprises attaching a camera to a module that includes one or more lights. The module includes a camera module back, a rail, and a camera mount. The back and rail are capable of holding a camera add-on within the module. Camera attachment tabs allowing connection of the module to a camera grip are attached to the back.
The present invention is generally related to the combination of various devices or elements and cameras. It is more specifically related to a camera grip with one or more removable expansion modules. The subject camera grips with removable expansion modules are discussed in detail in relation to the various figures below.
Camera attachment module 108 allows inclusion of various add-ons, such as screens, lights, remote controls, LCD screens, battery modules, etc. (not shown) that can aid one in the operation of a camera. The add-ons, are typically held by module 108 between camera module back 114 and rail 116.
Module 108 permits a camera user, typically a sports action camera user, to enhance the capability of his camera. For instance, where a camera either has no screen or a small screen for viewing images before or after they are captured, an LCD screen (e.g., GoPro LCD Touch BacPac) can be housed in the module. Where a camera could use extended battery life, a battery pack or rechargeable battery can be housed in the module. Where one desires to connect remote control capability with a camera, a camera remote can be housed in the module. Where one wishes to combine lighting capability with a camera, a light can be housed in the module.
The foregoing accordingly give rise to at least the following methods:
A method of increasing the effective screen size of a camera, where the method involves attaching a camera to a module that includes a second screen (typically removable) that is larger than the one on the camera itself. The module comprises a camera mount, a rail and a back, where the back includes a mechanism to connect and/or lock the module to a camera grip. The camera mount may be of any suitable configuration, but it is typically one of the following: one, two or three tabs having a through-hole through which a pin-type mechanism can be used to connect a camera to the module; a tripod screw camera mount.
A method of extending the battery life of a camera, where the method involves attaching a camera to a module that includes a battery pack and/or rechargeable battery (which are typically removable). The module comprises a camera mount, a rail and a back, where the back includes a mechanism to connect and/or lock the module to a camera grip. The camera mount may be of any suitable configuration, but it is typically one of the following: one, two or three tabs having a through-hole through which a pin-type mechanism can be used to connect a camera to the module; a tripod screw camera mount.
A method of connecting remote control capability to a camera, where the method involves attaching a camera to a module that includes a remote control (typically removable) that can operate the camera. The module comprises a camera mount, a rail and a back, where the back includes a mechanism to connect and/or lock the module to a camera grip. The camera mount may be of any suitable configuration, but it is typically one of the following: one, two or three tabs having a through-hole through which a pin-type mechanism can be used to connect a camera to the module; a tripod screw camera mount.
A method of adding lighting capability to a camera, where the method involves attaching a camera to a module that includes one or more lights (typically removable). The module comprises a camera mount, a rail and a back, where the back includes a mechanism to connect and/or lock the module to a camera grip. The camera mount may be of any suitable configuration, but it is typically one of the following: one, two or three tabs having a through-hole through which a pin-type mechanism can be used to connect a camera to the module; a tripod screw camera mount.
102—Grip
104—Receptacle for camera module
106—Grooves for locking camera module
108—Camera module
110—Camera mount
112—Camera attachment tabs
114—Camera module back
116—Rail
118—Pin
120—Camera
122—Camera attachment tabs
124—Quick-release plate
126—Through-hole
128—Platform for camera mount
130—Tripod screw camera mount
132—Extension unit
