CA2365134A1 - Photographic product tent - Google Patents

Abstract

When photographing products of a highly reflective nature, it is difficult to eliminate unwanted reflections. It is also common to diffuse light falling on it, through a translucent material in an attempt to soften light and shadows. This invention allows the photographer to set up the product, i.e.: a chrome teakettle or toaster, inside a conical tent with one opening located along the side for the camera lens, minimizing unwanted reflections, highlights and shadows.

The only solid support needed in the structure is in the base of the cone. The support is tubular and rigid in form, though, still light and flexible for ease of handling and connected at the two ends to form a hoop with the use of brass garden hose couplings permanently placed. The material used for the support may be anything able to meet the criteria stated. The support hoop is then fed through a 2 inch diameter casing stitched at the base of the cone.
Once in the base of the cone and fastened together with the couplings, a working diameter (approximately 50 inch diameter) is formed.

The conical shape allows for the lack of defined edges, i.e.: square, rectangular or cylindrical shapes, which normally cast shadows on the product. The cone has one seem stitched approximately halfway down the opening from the point. The remainder of the opening is closed with white Velcro so as to blend in with colour of the fabric used and to fasten snugly around the camera lens. The conical shape is then suspended by the use of a suspension strap stitched to the point of the cone with a metal D-ring at the other end. When the strap is fed through this D-ring, a loop is formed to enable the strap to hook to a support arm, usually connected to a support device such as a light stand or tripod. The material used must be a translucent white fabric as white is typically used and easiest to work with.

Description

Specification The General Character:
This invention is a photographic tool designed to aid in the photography of highly reflective objects.
The Nature:
It is necessary when photographing objects of high reflectance to eliminate any unwanted reflections and shadows. 'This is virtually impossible when photographing objects such as chrome plated balls or teakettles, though, the majority of reflections may be minimized to an acceptable level. Product tents allow the photographer to achieve this.
Some photographers prefer to construct their own temporary devise. However, these quickly rigged devises often suffer from the nature of their design which may eliminate hard reflections but cause uneven lighting due possibly to the more commonly employed cube or cylindrical shape. As well, they may be too cumbersome for transport and storage.
The Inventive Idea:
In this new devise, it is possible to eliminate virtually all unwanted reflections and uneven lighting due to its conical shape. The conical structure eliminates any hard edges necessary in most other shapes, which are often responsible for undesired shading. Portability and storage are another innovative feature designed into this product tent allowing for more usable studio space when not in use and transport for location work.

A Full Description The structure may be secured if desired, by use of spring clamps holding the (#1) formed hoop which is closed by use of, a mail and female (#1-1) brass garden hose couplings, to a product table or any other table. Once placed and secured to the table, the (#2) cone structure needs to be erected. This is done by use of the (#3) suspension strap stitched at the tip of the cone and on the other end of the strap, a (#3-1) D-ring. The strap is fed through the D-ring to form a loop allowing a pole or rod to keep it in place. Once the structure is secured and erected, the user may customize the opening needed with the (#2-1) white Velcro closure.
1. Formed Hoop: A hoop shaped device constructed of Low Density Poly Ethylene (LDPE), and secured at its two ends by the use of brass garden hose barb couplings.
Specif:canons: 0.5 inch inside diameter by 0.75 inch outside diameter by the necessary length, in this case resulting in a 50 inch diameter. Barb connections on garden hose couplings are 0.5 inches diameter.
1-1; Brass Garden Hose Couplings: Standard purchased couplings with a 0.5 inch diameter barb to be press fit into the tube used.

2. Cone Structure: A cone formed by use of a white shower curtain liner measuring the same height as its width and held firm at the base by use of a formed hoop and suspended at the tip by use of a suspension strap.
Specifications: Approximately a 50 inch diameter by approximately 50 inches high with a casing of a 2 inch diameter stitched at the base to allow the formed hoop to pass through. A single seem opening stitched closed for 18 inches at the front from the tip of the cone down and the remainder secured with white Velcro to customize the opening needed and blend in with the fabric. The cone has a 5 inch long by 0.75 inch strap stitched to the tip to allow for its suspension.
2-1; White Velcro Closure: A white 1 inch by lmeter long piece of Velcro intended for the customized opening desired and the blending in colour with the cone.

3. Suspension Strap: A piece of the same fabric as the cone used to hold the cone erect in order to have its defined shape.
Specifications: 'The strap measures 0.75 inches wide by 5 inches long.
3-1; The D-ring: A metal rod measuring 0.125 inch diameter forming a "D" shape ring measuring 0.75 inch inside by 0.75 inch inside.

Claims (4)

1. A portable cone shaped devise used for the purpose of still life photography, especially in the areas of highly reflective objects, i.e.: teakettles, ball bearings etc.
Comprising of a cone shaped translucent textile used to soften light and reduce hard reflections, as well omit any unusual shadows by use of a cone shape. With out any supporting or defining edges to create any visual anomalies, i.e.: four corner posts or a wall, the cone is suspended by use of a suspension strap located at the tip of the cone. To further reduce any light and shadow anomalies, the device has one opening to allow for a camera lens. The base is held firm and at its appropriate diameter by use of a rigid tube allowing the tent to be secured to a tabletop.

2. Defined in claim one, the suspension strap comprises of the same textile and a "D"
shaped metal ring stitched to the available end to allow the strap to form a loop, which is then supported by any available device.

3. Defined in claim one, the opening is stitched closed approximately 18 inches down from the tip of the cone and the remainder is closed with the use of white Velcro.

4. Defined in claim one, the conical structure is held firm and maintained at its specific diameter by use of a rigid and flexible tube passed through a casing in the tent and connected at its two ends located at the Velcro opening to form a hoop.