The strap for cameras or video recorders is a very important feature, which can utilize other functionalities, as well, as explained below in this invention. For example, it features: “Gel Strap”: It is a removable strap, whose position or length can be adjusted at the gel pads, by the user, to provide an optimal and personalized comfort solution.
Some of the related prior art are listed here:
However, none of the above teaches the features of the current application and invention, as described below.
As one example/embodiment, it features: “Gel Strap”: It is a removable strap, whose position or length can be adjusted at the gel pads, by the user, to provide an optimal and personalized comfort solution.
It also features: “Male-female plug strap”, for connectivity for electricity, data, Internet, network, computer, wired or wireless, transfer of data, printing, provisioning, upgrading, uploading, downloading, synchronization, automatic backup, security, tel., or text messaging.
Another embodiment is: Adjusting the strap length and size from the body section of the strap: Straps generally have a padded (fatter) section and then smaller straps at the 2 ends, which attach to the camera. In the prior art, the length of the strap is adjusted at the ends of the smaller straps, near the camera. However, here, in this invention, in one of the embodiments, the adjustment is done in the body of the center-padded section. This allows the ends of the strap to be clean and uncluttered, and the adjustment is hidden in the fat padded area of the strap, for a better look and more security. Another advantage is that the adjustment has to be done only once from center, rather than twice from the two ends, which is the conventional method.
The same concept can be applied to the video recorder, other electronics, or other objects, which may need a strap, for hanging, for example, from the neck, hand, backpack, briefcase, suitcase, hook, coat hanger, or for similar situations.
It could apply to phone, PDA, and GPS systems or devices.
To customize for one model and one person, all of the parameters are predetermined. However, in another embodiment, to apply this to 2 or more people or models, we need to have an adjustable and flexible strap. For example, the length can be adjusted using: a string, chain, rubber, elastic band, cable, ribbon, tether, adjustable belt, flexible material, stretchable material, strip (e.g. using nylon, metal, or cotton material), wrapped around a small pulley, Velcro, hook and loop, or a wheel with a groove, sometimes hidden, sometimes visible to the eye, sometimes using an anchor or hook, sometimes with a spring action, either pulling it some of the times or all of the times, sometimes with a lock or latch, to stop or secure the band (and its length constant), once it gets adjusted by the user.
In another embodiment, the spring action is free to move in one direction, but stopped with a latch on the opposite direction. For example, stretching or increasing the length is doable with no effort, but shortening the length of the strap requires the release of the latch or lock by the user, so that the pulley can move in the other direction, as well.
In one embodiment, the design is the same as the step motors or an elevator, in which the motor can move in one direction, in discrete steps or angles, but has a brake on the opposite direction.
To attach to a new camera or device, one can use a hook, chain, band, loop, tie, knot, join, bind, tether, magnet, electromagnet, or similar attaching means (as a general or universal method of connection).
In one embodiment, the strap has multiple layers. In one embodiment, the strap is embedded with a wire, cable, net, metal mesh, chain, or string, for stronger strap, for better security, longevity, or safety of the camera. For example, it cannot be readily cut by a thief. In one embodiment, it can have a GPS for tracking the thief or lost purse or camera (or the like). In one embodiment, it is embedded with the soft and flexible material.
In one embodiment, it is embedded in multiple pieces such that pieces can move to some extent and range with respect to each other, but still connected to each other, making the length of the strap still flexible (despite the metal or chain embedded in them, for strength purposes). That is, each piece connected to another piece like a chain, but each piece can move to left or right within the constraint of the neighboring pieces, limiting the range of the motion of each piece. In one embodiment, the pieces are folded together to reduce the length to minimum size, or pulled out to maximize the length. In one embodiment, the pieces are stored circular, like a pulley. In one embodiment, the pieces are stored overlapping each other, on top of another, like a stack of paper on top of each other.
In one embodiment, it is waterproof. In one embodiment, it is weather proof. In one embodiment, one can add different designs, text, and patterns inside or outside of the strap, for decoration, advertisement, instructions, or convenience of the user. In one embodiment, it has one piece. In one embodiment, it has multiple pieces.
In one embodiment, the strap is made of one or more of the following materials or structures: plastic, elastic material, nylon, bubble-protection material, layered material, soft material, synthetic material, shock absorbent material, hard material, solid material, liquid-containing material, gas-containing material, pressurized-gas-containing material, balloon-type material, inflatable material, gel-type material, natural material, leather, water-proof material, oil-protected surface, paper, cardboard, stretchable material, elastic band network, net-shape material, magnetic material, metallic material, metallic chain, array of metallic rings, multi-dimensional structure, folded structure, hinges, hinged plates, hinged micro-plates, connected tiles, Lego-shaped material, brick-shaped material, ceramic tiles, stone tiles, artificial material tiles, glass tiles, transparent material, translucent material, reflective material, fluorescent material, metal-plated material, painted material, rug, woven material, bamboo, carpet material, wooden material, sticks, insulation material, water-cooling jacket, air-cooling jacket, heating-element jacket, insulation jacket, or any similar, compound, chemical, or composite material.
In one embodiment, the strap includes (in, attached to, or on it) one or more of the following items: a picture frame, clock, notebook, calculator, solar cell array, battery, pen holder, pen, pencil, magnetic plate, magnetic decoration, light, LED, LCD, display, small TV, small radio, thermometer, pressure gauge, biometric sensor, thumb/fingerprint recognition module, combination lock, lock, Velcro, hook-and-loop, password entry input, small keyboard, input device, mouse, stylus, or sensitive screen, pointing device, speaker, microphone, small telephone set, keychain ring, hook (for hanging the unit), small video game, music player, downloading unit (from Internet or satellite), wireless unit, communication unit, antenna, small computer, small web browser, recorder, or any other electronic or mechanical device, apparatus, system, toy, decoration, or equipment.
In one embodiment, the strap comprises multiple layers. In one embodiment, the strap is inflatable. In one embodiment, the strap cover is inflated using one or more of the following, or combination or mixture of the following: gas, liquid, solid, dust, gel-type, liquidated-solid, pressurized fluid, water-absorbent sponge, sponge-type material, or any expandable solid, liquid, fluid, chemical, gas, or material, caused by chemical reaction, heat, temperature variation, catalyst, chain reaction, exceeding critical mass, seed material, mixing, or pressure.
In one embodiment, the size or shape of said strap cover is adjusted based on the size, model, or type of the camera. In one embodiment, the inflation is adjusted based on the size, model, or type of the camera, or user's preference.
Any other variation of the above teaching is also meant to be protected by the current patent.
This application is related to the following co-pending applications, with some common inventors, and same exact assignee: (The teaching of all the applications below are incorporated herein by reference). U.S. applic. Ser. No. 11/695,625, filed Apr. 3, 2007. U.S. applic. Ser. No. 11/696,740, filed Apr. 5, 2007. U.S. applic. Ser. No. 11/695,624, filed Apr. 3, 2007.