CA3072631A1 - Powder basket action camera mount - Google Patents

Description

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GROWLER SKI INC.
PATENT APPLICATION: POWDER BASKET ACTION CAMERA MOUNT

Section 1 1.1 This is hear by an application for a patent of the design for a ski pole powder basket action camera mount, whereby an action camera can be mounted using industry standardized hardware to create ease of use for footage of one's self while skiing, hiking, or other outdoors related industry where a 'basket' is attached to a skiing or hiking pole.
Applicant: BROUGH, Ben John, Growler Ski Inc, 8272 Valley Drive, Whistler, British Columbia VON
1131, +1 250 814 7828, CANADA
Section 2 1.2 Not applicable.
Section 3 1.3 I (Ben John Brough) am the sole inventor, and hold all rights and correspondence to this claim and invention.
Section 4 1.4 Not applicable.
Section 5 1.5 No Patent Agent appointed.
Section 6 1.6 Growler Ski Inc is a small entity, and only has fewer than 50 employees as of date of filing. Signed small entity declaration is attached and signed.
Section 7 1.7 Drawing Figure 6 is the preferred drawing to attach with the abstract.

2 ABSTRACT
2.1 The invention is a powder basket for skiing/ hiking poles that also acts as an action camera mount. It comprises of an attachable 'basket' that threads or press-fits onto a standard skiing/hiking pole, and an integral mounting mechanism designed to be used in conjunction with industry standard mounting systems built into many action cameras.

3 POWDER BASKET ACTION CAMERA MOUNT
3.1 This invention provides an improved system for capturing video of one's self or a third party while skiing and filming with an action camera, and simplifies the system required to mount such cameras on a ski or hiking pole.

4 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field and prior art of the invention 4.1 Ski poles are used by skiers and split-boarders to assist with balance while skiing or walking. With the growing accessibility of high-quality action cameras, ski poles have begun to be used to assist in capturing footage with such cameras.
4.2 Considered broadly, a ski pole typically comprises of an elongated hollow pole with one grip 'end' or handle and which tapers towards a conic end that has a metal tip often referred to as a ferrule. The pole tapers sharply towards the conic end, which typically has a threaded section that allows a powder basket to be attached.
4.3 The powder basket is a device used to limit the sinking of the pole into surfaces such as soft snow or mud (being the surfaces that ski poles are typically used on).
The threaded section is standardised, allowing the attachment of a wide range of powder baskets to almost any pole.
4.4 Some of the current market offerings mount action cameras on the 'grip' end of the ski pole resulting in the user holding the other end of the pole (the end where the powder basket is fitted) when filming one's self or others. An example of this would be patent US13860355 where there is a threaded mount for camera attachment on the 'grip' end of the pole, requiring the use of a screw/ bolt to attach the camera and the user to hold the proximal end of the pole to successfully film one's self. This is an encumbrance as the pole is awkward to grip, and the pointed end of the ski pole faces the user -creating safety concerns.
4.5 Other market offerings use a clamping system where a device clamps onto the ski pole to connect the standard mounting hardware for an action camera. This system is complex, prone to breaking and is an encumbrance to use. An example of such a system and a correlating patent would be the pole mount designed & patented by GoPro Inc.
under the patent number D798940. This pole mount requires an attachment that is developed ideally for handlebars of a bike, a roll cage of a car or other typically larger diameter tubing than a ski pole. Even if this connection were to be easy, it requires a secondary piece of equipment that is prone to breaking, and awkward to have attached whilst using the pole for standard skiing activities.
4.6 Further to the offerings outlined above, a thorough search of prior art and related patents has been undertaken by a patent agent. Relevant search results that attempt to provide a similar solution, or are relevant to the invention include:
(a) DE102015003793A1 - A ski pole basket that has an attachment to film one's self with a mobile phone.
(b) 3PH0882852A - A system using threaded metallic connectors to turn a ski pole into a simplified single pod, targeted at standard cameras and large video cameras.
(c) FR1170738A - A ski pole that is targeted at providing a monopod platform for a telephoto camera and long lens shots that require stability and for the ski pole to remain above the snow once stationary. Portability when not in use is this patent's point of difference.
(d) US3810647 - A ski pole of conventional type which a camera mount is fixed atop of the hand grip for detachable mounting and use while skiing.
(e) U59772542 - is a multiuse ski pole with no relevance to camera mounting specifically, but has a proximal end which is multipurpose and has a tool assembly located within the hand grip.
(f) U513860355 - A multifunctioning ski pole that has a camera mount atop of the hand grip, a tool system integrated into the hand grip and a bottle opener attached to the powder basket. This is a versatile ski pole that has many functions but one that still requires the user to hold the pointed end of the ski pole to self-film.
How THIS INVENTION IS DIFFERENT TO EARLIER INVENTIONS

5.1 All above inventions/ patents found during the patent search attempt to mount some form of camera, or accessory to a ski pole, ranging from a basket that a mobile phone can attach to through to a ski pole that turns into a monopod. However, no patented inventions relate directly to the mounting and use of an 'action camera' to the powder basket nor do they provide a solution that is easily used during regular skiing activity and held from the correct and intended 'grip' end of the ski pole during use for both self-footage and footage of a subject.
5.2 There is a need and opportunity for a ski pole that can be easily and quickly integrate with a camera system to allow footage to be captured of one's self or of peers when skiing/
CA 3072631 2020-02-15 Page snowboarding, and which enables the user to continue to hold only the grip end of the pole whilst using the camera.
5.3 This invention is wholly different to the others, in that the camera mounting rails are an integral part of the powder basket - which remains fixed to the pole at all times. This means that the only action required by the user, when they wish to mount the camera, is to slide the camera mounting into the mounting rails on the powder basket.
There is no need for any additional piece of equipment, that in not integrated into the ski pole.
5.4 The camera mount does not hinder the use of the ski pole for primary skiing use, nor pose a risk of breaking due to the impacts encountered during standard skiing activity 5.5 The powder basket camera mount is designed to integrate with camera mounting systems such as the US patent 9772542 (June 13 2016) wherein A camera mount is configured to securely couple a camera to an object. The camera mount includes a rail mount component and a sliding mount component which can be securely coupled, resulting in a low profile, easy to use camera mount. The rail mount component includes a rail base and two rail wings. "The sliding mount component is configured to be inserted into the rail mount component. The sliding mount component further includes two levers and a sliding base with a plurality of protrusions for coupling to a reciprocal mount component.
Each lever of the sliding mount component includes a pin and wedge that abut the inside of the rail base to secure the sliding mount component to the rail mount component. (US patent 9772542)".
5.6 The powder basket camera mount includes the rail mount component of a full camera mount system, allowing for integration with sliding mount component that is an integral part of most action cameras. This creates ease of use and reliability with currently available camera mounting systems.

6 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
6.1 The invention is a powder basket for skiing/ hiking poles that also acts as an action camera mount. It is designed to fit to most standardized ski pole basket fixtures and action camera mounting systems and eliminates the need for other mounting hardware to be attached to the ski or hiking pole. It addresses three key shortcomings of existing pole-based camera mounts - it is quick and easy to use, it requires no additional equipment, and it allows the user to continue to hold the grip of the ski/hiking pole when filming.
6.2 The action camera powder basket comprises of a disk-like shape that prevents the pole from sinking into ground surfaces (the powder basket), a threaded or locking system to attach the basket to the ski pole's conic end, and a fixture that attaches a camera to the upper surface of the powder basket using standardized 'rails' (the rail mount component of a camera mount).
6.3 Attached to this application are figures 1 -9, comprising of the following:
Figure 1 depicts the bird's eye view of the powder basket action camera mount showing all key components;
Figure 2 depicts the front elevation of the action camera basket showing all key components;
Figure 3 depicts the sectional side view of the powder basket showing the threading system and slide rails;
Figure 4 depicts an elevated side view of the integration of stated action camera system with the ski pole, the camera mounting system, and an example of a corresponding action camera;
Figure 5 depicts an exploded view of all articles depicted in figure 5, with correlating instructional symbols to indicate mechanical correlation and function of assembly/
disassembly between parts;
Figure 6 depicts an isometric view of the ski pole powder basket action camera mount by itself;
Figure 7 Depicts an isometric view of the ski pole powder basket integrating with an action camera system for self-footage;
Figure 7 depicts the ski pole powder basket integrating with different camera hardware to allow for a 3rd person perspective/ footage of a subject other than the direct user;
Figure 8 depicts the powder basket being used with a camera facing away from the subject, for footage from a high point perspective - ideal for following a subject that is further down the hill than the primary user; and Figure 9 depicts the camera in the same position, with the pole rotated for a low angle perspective of subject other than the primary user;
Figure 10 depicts the camera attached to the powder basket using an alternative mounting attachment, where the camera is facing the user;
Figure 11 depicts a side view of the camera attached to powder basket showing the alternative mounting attachment, where the camera is facing the user;
Figure 12 depicts a view of the camera using the same mounting system in figures 10 & 11, but where the camera has been rotated to face away from the user to film a subject, without any disassembly of hardware undertaken to commence the repositioning of the camera angle by 180 degrees.

7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Fundamental design principles 7.1 The powder basket action camera mount is a powder basket for skiing/
hiking poles that also acts as an action camera mount. The invention acts as a regular powder basket (see figure 1) but integrated into the design are action camera mounting rails (see figure 2).
The powder basket has been designed with a threaded system (see figure 3) to enable it to be attached using standard threads found on the conical end of most poles (see figure 4).
7.2 The action camera mounting rails (see figure 2) are located on the upper face of the powder basket (see figure 1) so that when the pole is held by the grip, the camera points back towards the user (see Figure 3). The mounting rails are in a position that allows for the action camera to be turned 180 degrees to face the opposite way, in order to film a subject other than the actual pole and camera user. The angle and location of the rails in relation to outer diameter of the basket, and their distance from the centre of the basket (i.e. from the centrally-located, inner circular pole-housing hole) allow for the pole to be out of the frame when filming a subject other than the initial user, creating high quality footage (see figure 8).
7.3 The design includes a supporting structure underneath the basket to keep the weight low (6), whilst increasing its strength. It is important to have a strong basket to prevent it from flexing past an acceptable range when pushed against ground surfaces or into snow, and from flexing when the camera is attached. The basket will be made from injection moulded 60D TPU or similar, to ensure that it is durable, not brittle, is able to withstand sub-zero temperatures, and will be fit for purpose during regular skiing activities.
Potential variants based on fundamental design principles 7.4 The invention could have several variants and embodiments that are based on the same fundamental design pattern and principles that are described as part of the invention.
These embodiments could all take rather different visual appearance, yet remain fit for purpose and use the same underlying design principles and innovative idea for camera mounting.
7.5 In the design variant that is described herein, the integrated mounting system (1) and mounting rails (2) are protruding outward from the axis of the ski pole, running at an angle to, and away from the pole (and threaded hole) towards the outer edge of the basket. The rails and mounting system could run at right angles to the ski pole or run across the basket face, rather than from the centre outwards. The rails could also be built onto the underside of the basket, and still provide the same functionality based off the underlying design principles, which make this innovation fit for purpose. These would represent a different embodiment of the design; the camera can face both ways (as described above), and the location of the camera mounting system onto the powder basket could therefore be on either (upper or lower) face.
7.6 The detailing of this design has been made specifically for manufacturing purposes, but other embodiments of key elements could be produced to create the same or very similar outcomes using and upon the same principles.
7.7 There are many differing camera mounting systems that attach to the standardized sliding rails. Depicted in figures 3, 5 & 7 is one of a variety of mounting attachments (7) that the powder basket action camera mount is designed to integrate with. Depicted in figures 8 and 9 is a basket using a differing camera mounting attachment than in previous figures (fig. 3, 5 & 7), and the camera is positioned forward to film a subject rather than the primary user. Depicted in figures 10, 11 & 12 is another mounting attachment that integrates with the powder basket, and allows for the user to transition between filming one's self and filming a subject without having to remove hardware or fixtures. This allows for transition while skiing without the user having to stop. This has vast and important practical implications during use of the invention.
7.8 The powder basket is not limited to the specific embodiment depicted in the attached figures. There are many action cameras that can integrate with the powder basket. The depicted embodiment of an action camera frame (5) is not the only camera that the powder basket is limited to working with. Many cameras may integrate with the sliding rail mounting system, and all such embodiments of cameras can therefor interact with the powder basket mounting system.
7.9 The powder basket attachment could integrate with 360-degree video systems to eliminate the need to rotate the camera, as the position of the basket mounting system and overall design principles would allow for 360 degree video to be taken and both the primary user and a subject be filmed concurrently. This is an example of the many potential scenarios and integrations that this innovation facilitates.
7.10 One can easily comprehend that alternative embodiments of the powder basket ¨ such as but not limited to the change of basket shape or size, the placement or alignment of the mounting rails in relation to the threaded hole, the camera system that the basket is tailored towards, or the attachment system for the powder basket to the pole itself, would be based off the same design principles and idea.
7.11 The innovative, unique, and distinctive element of this invention is the integration of standardized mounting fixtures to a 'powder basket' that can be easily retrofitted/ installed onto a standard ski pole, promoting easy action camera use without hindering use of the ski pole its self.
7.12 One skilled in the arts, or design of such product could easily conclude that alternative embodiments of this invention could be employed without departing from the key principles of the invention and what is claimed. A differing or updated embodiment of both camera and attachment system can also be utilized with the attachment rails, using the same attachment principles as the provided drawings, while still falling under the same stated claims regarding the distinctive inventive elements of the design.

8 CLAIMS:
8.1 What is claimed is:
1 A ski pole component comprising of:

A ski pole powder basket that is a single piece with an integrated camera mounting system;
Using mounting rails to integrate with standardized mounting systems allowing for direct attachment of action camera systems to the powder basket and therefore the ski pole With a threaded attachment system to retrofit to all standardized ski poles, securing the powder basket to the pole, while preventing the basket from spinning during use, due to the weight of the camera or other external forces.
With the ability to attach a camera that can face both towards the user, or away from the user while the user is holding the proximal/ 'grip' end of the pole.
2 The ski pole component of claim 1 where the camera mount is injection moulded as a singular piece, for durability and resistance against damage during regular skiing use.
3 Ski pole component of claim 1 where the mounting rail system runs outwards from the axis of the ski pole, allowing for self-footage of the user and footage of a subject in the opposite direction, while the user holds the proximal/ 'grip' end of the ski pole.
4 The ski pole component of claim 1 where the integrated mounting system is positioned in such a way that the camera can be positioned to face both the primary user and away from the primary user to film a subject.