FR2864642A1 - Watertight case for protecting disposable digital camera, has rigid shell for enclosing cameras, flexible membrane for actuating release button of each camera, and rotating system for actuating roller of each camera - Google Patents

Abstract

The case (7) has a rigid shell (8) with front and rear semi-shells (8a, 8b) that are tightly closed by a closure unit (9) after insertion of one of digital cameras. The shell encloses the cameras. Optically transparent zones (22, 23) are provided opposite to a lens and/or observation window of each camera. A flexible membrane system (17) actuates a release button of each camera. A rotating system actuates a roller of each camera.

Description

SEALED AND VERSATILE HOUSING FOR

  PARTICULARLY DISPOSABLE PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS

  The present invention relates to the field of photography and more particularly to a waterproof case for a particularly disposable camera, such a waterproof case being used for the protection of said apparatus during use either underwater or under difficult atmospheric conditions.

  The protection of a camera with a waterproof case for scuba diving is already known. Conventionally, a camera has externally the following main organs: a lens, a viewing window, a trigger button. A disposable apparatus further comprises a winding wheel of the film. The sealed housing comprises a rigid shell formed of two half-plates equipped with sealing assembly means. Said shell has at least one optically transparent zone for the objective and the viewing window. In addition, the housing comprises a first actuating means of the trigger button and optionally a second means for actuating the winding wheel.

  For the user, the purchase of a waterproof case is an additional cost that must be relativized relative to the purchase price of the camera to protect. As regards more particularly a disposable camera, the additional cost incurred by the purchase of the waterproof case represents a very large share of the purchase price of the device itself, which can be unacceptable.

  The object of the present invention is to overcome this drawback.

  Characteristically, according to the invention, the sealed housing is versatile, being able to accommodate any camera selected from a given group of n cameras of different types.

  For this purpose: a) the rigid shell is dimensioned to enclose internally each of the n devices of the group, b) and / or the transparent zone is sized to be opposite the objective and the sighting window of each of the n devices of the group.

  c) and / or the first actuating means is able to actuate the trigger button of each of the n devices of the group, d) and / or possibly the second actuating means is able to actuate the winding wheel of each of the n group devices.

  Thus, according to the feature of the present invention, the sealed housing can be implemented for a plurality of cameras, possibly disposable, which allows the user not to be limited in his choice. Moreover and above all it is possible to produce this case in larger series given its versatility, which correspondingly reduces the cost of production.

  In an alternative embodiment, the shell internally comprises wedging means. These means are adapted to achieve blocking in position of each of the n devices of the group.

  For example, the wedging means comprise at least one shoulder, formed on the inner face of the shell, said shoulder forming a positioning stop.

  In another embodiment, the wedging means are independent means which are reported in the interior of the shell. It may in particular be a deformable wedge in several configurations, each configuration corresponding to the setting of at least one device in the group.

  According to an alternative embodiment, the first actuating means is a flexible membrane system, the flexible membrane system comprising a pin capable of sliding in a hole formed in the shell and to be applied to the trigger button, the base of the nipple possibly being oversized. Oversizing is determined by the relative location of the various trigger buttons of the n devices in the group, once the devices placed inside the rigid shell.

  According to an alternative embodiment, the second actuating means is a rotary system comprising a compressible drive element of the winding wheel, in particular an elastomer sleeve.

  Preferably, the compression of the compressible driving element is obtained during the closing of the two half-shells.

  The sealed assembly of the two half-shells is generally obtained through a seal, this compression of the compressible driving element is obtained during the compression of the seal disposed between the two half-shells.

  It is possible to limit or even eliminate the oversizing of the flexible diaphragm actuating the trigger button by taking as a reference axis for the wedging means and / or for the optically transparent zone the axis of the triggering button of the n devices of the group . Thus, it is the location of the wedging means and the dimensioning of the transparent zone that will vary according to the conformation of each apparatus of the group, relative to the theoretical positioning of the axis of the trigger button inside the shell.

  For the user, it may be important to be able to verify that its housing is perfectly sealed, especially when this housing is used for underwater use of the camera.

  Specific means for verifying the tightness of such a sealed housing have already been proposed, these means being of two types, namely means of putting the box inside under pressure and secondly visual means of overpressure control. For example in the document W0.00 / 48O41, the overpressure is obtained through the implementation of a hand pump. In addition, the pressure sensor, which detects any leakage due to the pressure difference between the inside of the housing and the atmospheric pressure, comprises an elastic membrane which is visible through a transparent portion of the housing. More particularly, this portion comprises a scale of scale which makes it possible to measure the deformation of the membrane under the effect of the pressure.

  In an alternative embodiment of the waterproof and versatile housing for a camera, according to the invention, this housing comprises, as a means of putting the inner volume of the rigid shell under pressure, a piston element disposed in a housing formed on the housing. outside of the rear half-shell. Preferably, in the case of a casing for a disposable apparatus, the housing of the piston is in the extension of the housing of the compressible element driving the winding wheel.

  In an alternative embodiment, the visual means of the overpressure comprise, on the one hand, in the shell, an area with a magnifying effect and, on the other hand, inside the shell, a membrane surmounted by a pin of which the colored end is at a determined distance from the magnifying area so that when the membrane is in the rest position, said colored end is not visible from the outside of the shell while it is visible when the membrane is deformed under the action of an internal overpressure.

  The present invention will be better understood on reading the description which will be given of an exemplary embodiment of a waterproof and versatile case for a disposable camera, illustrated by the appended drawing in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation in FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation in plan view of the rear of the housing, FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation in section along the axis III-III of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the positioning of three disposable devices inside the housing, Figures 5 and 6 are partial schematic representations of the visual pressure indicator, the housing being at atmospheric pressure (Figure 5) and overpressure (Figure 6), Figures 7 and 8 schematically illustrate the two extreme positions of the compression piston. FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic plan views of a piston Conventional disposable photographic camera, front view (Figure 9) and rear view (Figure 10).

  The present invention relates to a waterproof and versatile housing for a plurality of disposable cameras having different configurations, including but not limited to disposable cameras.

  A disposable camera 1, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, has a main body 2 having generally the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. On the front face 2a of the main body 2 is the objective 3 and the front portion 4a of the viewing window 4. On the rear face 2b of the main body 2 is the rear portion 4b of the sighting window 4. On the upper face 2c of the main body 2 is the trigger button 5. A winding wheel 6 of the film is generally housed in a recessed portion formed in the main body 2, generally towards the rear of the trigger button 5.

  Most of the disposable cameras currently on the market, offered by the different suppliers, all have the same overall appearance but differ in the dimensions of the main body 2 and the positioning of the main organs on said main body 2, namely the objective 3, the viewing window 4, the trigger button 5 and the winding wheel 6.

  The casing 7 of the present invention is designed to accommodate and operate with several types of disposable cameras, which differ in the dimensions of the main body and / or by the positioning of one and / or the other of said main organs. .

  This housing 7 comprises a rigid shell 8 which is formed of two semi-plates, namely a front half-shell 8a and a rear half-shell 8b. The two half-shells 8a, 8b are pivotally mounted around a hinge, have closure means 9 and are fitted with a peripheral seal, allowing the two half-shells to be sealed after insertion of the disposable camera.

  The inner recess of the rigid shell 8 is dimensioned so that each of the disposable cameras of a given group can be placed therein. The interior dimensions of the hull will therefore correspond to the largest dimensions found on all devices in the group. In addition each of said apparatus of the group must be able to be held in place when it is disposed inside the hull 8.

  When all the devices of the group have strictly the same dimensions and differ only in the positioning of the main organs, the inner recess is strictly determined to fitly receive a main body whose configuration is the same for all devices in the group.

  On the other hand, when the dimensions of the main body of the different apparatuses of the group differ, the clasping of a given apparatus inside the hull is obtained thanks to the implementation of wedging means either integrated in the hull 8 or independent of it.

  In the example which is illustrated in Figure 4, the wedging means consist of shoulders 10 which are formed on the inner face of the shell and which are intended to constitute positioning stops for each of the cameras in the group. In FIG. 4 are represented by way of non-exhaustive examples four shoulders 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d projecting on the lower inner face 11 of the shell 8 for two of them 10a, 10b and on each of the inner faces. 12, 12 'for the other two 10c, 10d. Three types of cameras 13, 14, 15 shown in Figure 4 can be enclosed in the shell 8 by the presence of the shoulders 10a to 10d. The first camera 13 is locked between the two shoulders 10a, 10b. Its height is strictly that of the inner recess of the shell 8. The second device 14 is less high and narrower than the inner recess. It is supported on the four shoulders 10a to 10d. The third apparatus 15 has the same width as the inner recess of the shell but is lower than this one. It is supported on the two lateral shoulders 1Oc, 1Od.

  It will be understood from the examination of these three exemplary embodiments that it is possible, depending on the configuration differences of the cameras of the same group, to determine the location and the height of the shoulders making it possible to obtain the setting of each of the devices in the inner recess of the same hull.

  Furthermore, preferably, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the axis 16 of symmetry of the triggering button 5 is taken as a reference axis for the positioning of the different wedging shoulders. This particular arrangement has the advantage of having substantially the same location for the actuating means of the trigger button regardless of the type of camera.

  In the exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in FIG. 3, the actuating means of the trigger button is a flexible membrane system 17, which is deformable under the pressure of the user's finger.

  Under the membrane 18 itself is provided a pin 19 passing through an orifice 20 formed in the shell 8. In the example illustrated, the diaphragm and the stud are a single piece. When the user exerts a vertical pressure on the membrane 18, the pin 19 slides in the orifice and is applied to the trigger button 5 which is opposite said orifice 20. The sealing of this flexible membrane system 17 is obtained by compression of the peripheral edge 18a of said membrane between the upper face 8c of the shell and an interlocking piece 21 provided for this purpose. The base 19a of the pin 19 may be oversized compared to the usual dimension of a trigger button 5 to take into account the positioning variations of said button 5 according to the type of device present in the housing.

  The front face 8d of the shell 8 comprises a zone 22 which is optically transparent, possibly having undergone a glazing treatment for this purpose. It is in front of this transparent zone 22 that the lenses 3 of all the disposable devices of the group dedicated to the housing 7 will be positioned.

  Other optically transparent zones 23 24 on the front face 8d and on the rear face 8e are also provided for the front portion 4a and the rear portion 4b of the sighting window 4. It will however be noted that the treatment of the latter two zones 23, 24 may be less precise than in the case of zone 22 insofar as these zones have no influence on the quality of the shooting.

  On the right and upper part of FIG. 3 is illustrated the means for actuating the winding wheel 25. This actuating means comprises an elastomeric sleeve 26 which is fitted on an axis, not shown in FIG. 3. said spindle being provided at its upper end with a winding knob 27. The elastomer sleeve 26 is positioned and dimensioned such that, when the housing 7 is closed, said sleeve 26 is necessarily compressed against the spur wheel. Thus, the rotation of the winding knob 27 causes that of the compressible sleeve 26 and correlatively that of the winding wheel 25. It is the compressive capacity of the elastomer sleeve 26 which makes it possible to compensate for the differences in positioning of the the wheel 25 depending on the type of disposable device.

  In the illustrated example, the elastomer sleeve 26 and its axis of rotation are arranged in a housing 28 which projects on the rear face 8e of the shell 8.

  The description that will now be made relates more particularly to a housing 7 in which is integrated a sealing control system. This system comprises means for pressurizing the inner recess of the shell 8 as well as visual means for controlling the overpressure.

  In the example illustrated, the means for pressurizing the internal volume of the rigid shell is constituted by a piston 29 adapted to move in a compression chamber 30, which chamber communicating with the internal recess of the shell 8. As in FIG. this appears in the figures in particular 2 and 7, the compression chamber 30 is in the extension of the housing 28 of the sleeve 26 of compressible elastomer constituting the actuating means of the winding wheel. This arrangement improves the aesthetics while preserving the functionality of the housing 7.

  In Figure 7 is shown the piston 29 in its rear position, that is to say that it is largely out of the chamber 30. In this position, the housing 7 is still at atmospheric pressure, after opening of the two half-shells, placement of the disposable camera and closure of the two half-shells. The casing 7 is pressurized by vertical displacement of the piston 29 whose head 29b supports a seal 31. The air contained in the chamber 30 is discharged by the piston head 29 into the internal recess of the piston. the shell 8, thanks to an orifice 32 pierced in the bottom 30a of the chamber 30 and by another communication orifice pierced in the shell 8.

  The piston 29 may preferably be provided at its lower portion 29b with a lug 33 which is resiliently clipped into a groove 34 formed in the lower part of the compression chamber 30, as is clearly evident from FIG. FIG. 2. This temporary locking lug 33 allows the piston 29 to be locked in position despite the overpressure existing in the internal recess of the shell 8.

  Although this embodiment with piston integrated in the housing is particularly advantageous, this is not exclusive of the present invention. Other pressurizing means could be envisaged, for example a system comprising a pre-inflated air chamber and a device, in particular with a slide, for crushing said air chamber so as to expel the air contained in said chamber towards the recess inside the shell.

  It should be noted that it is already possible to obtain some pressurization of the internal recess of the shell only when closing the two half-shells due to the crushing of the peripheral seal, provided that this one has a certain section.

  Figures 2,5 and 6 is illustrated a particular embodiment of a visual pressure indicator. This lamp is intended to allow the user, by simply examining this indicator to know if the housing is under pressure or at atmospheric pressure. More specifically, in this example, the user knows that the housing is under pressure if he sees a colored stain that appears on the control. Thus, after a pressurization of the housing, the disappearance of the task means that the housing is not sealed and there is an air leak.

  The visual indicator 35 comprises externally a portion of shell forming a dome 36 and having a magnifying effect and, inside the shell and disposed facing this dome 36, a membrane 37 which supports, in its central part, a nipple 38 whose head 38a is colored. In Figure 5 is illustrated the positioning of the membrane 37 and the pin 38 in the unactivated position that is to say in the normal position of rest when the housing is at atmospheric pressure. In this case, the distance between the colored head 38a of the pin 38 and the inner face 36a of the dome 36 is such that said colored head 38a is not visible to the user.

  The space delimited between the membrane 37 and the inner face 36a of the dome 36 constitutes a hermetically sealed chamber 39.

  When pressurizing the inner recess of the shell, the membrane 37 deforms and is pushed back until there is a pressure balance between the inner recess of the shell and the chamber 39. displacement of the membrane 37 correlatively causes the displacement of the pin 38 and the approximation of the colored head 38a of the inner face 36a of the dome 36 (Figure 6). By magnifying effect the colored head 38a is then visible from the outside of the housing by the user.

  Optionally, if necessary, during the establishment of the membrane 37, it is pushed slightly before crimping to reduce the internal volume of the chamber 39. This creates a slight depression in this chamber, which subsequently makes the membrane 37 is even more reactive.

  The embodiment which has just been described is particularly interesting since it implements only purely mechanical means.

  However this embodiment is not exclusive. It would be possible to integrate in the case of the present invention an electric visual indicator, implementing a lamp of the LED or diode type.

  The lighting of this lamp could be obtained through the passage of a current under the effect of the pressure exerted on a liquid filling the chamber 39 or possibly contained in a flexible envelope that would be compressed during the overpressure.

  On the other hand, the waterproof and versatile housing of the present invention is not limited to disposable devices only.

  In particular, it can be implemented with digital type cameras that do not have film winding means.

  In the latter case, the electrical visual indicator referred to above may advantageously use the battery integrated in the apparatus.

Claims (12)

  A waterproof case for a photographic camera, in particular a disposable camera, comprising externally a lens (3), a viewing window (4), a triggering button (5) and possibly a winding wheel (6) of the film, said box comprising a rigid shell (8) formed of two halves (8a, 8b) equipped with sealing assembly means, at least one optically transparent zone (22) for the objective (3) and the sighting window (4), a first means for actuating the trigger button and possibly a second means for actuating the winding wheel, characterized in that it is versatile, being able to accommodate any photographic camera selected from a given group of n cameras of different types, and in that: a) the rigid shell (8) is sized to internally grip each of the n devices of the group, b) and / or at least one transparent zone (22,23,24) is sized to be in view of the objective (3) and / or of the sighting window (4) of each of the n devices of the group, c) and / or the first actuation means is able to actuate the triggering button (5) of each of the n devices of the group, d) and / or the second actuating means is capable of actuating the winding wheel (25) of each of the n appliances of the group.   2. Housing according to claim 1 characterized in that the shell (8) internally comprises wedging means (10), adapted to achieve the locking in position of each of the n devices of the group. 3. Housing according to claim 2 characterized in that the wedging means comprise at least one shoulder (10a to 10d), formed on the inner face of the shell, said shoulder forming a positioning stop.   4.Case according to claim 2 characterized in that the wedging means (10) are independent means which are reported in the interior of the shell (8), in particular a deformable wedging piece according to several configurations, each configuration corresponding to the stalling of at least one apparatus of the group.   5.Case according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the first actuating means is a flexible diaphragm system (17).   6.Case according to claim 5 characterized in that the flexible membrane system comprises a pin (19), able to slide in a hole (20) formed in the shell (8) and to be applied to the trigger button (5). ), the base (19a) of the pin (19) being optionally oversized.   7.Case according to one of claims 1 to 6, for disposable roll film winding device, characterized in that the second actuating means is a rotary system comprising a compressible drive element of the wheel of winding (25), in particular an elastomeric sleeve (26).   8. Housing according to claim 7, characterized in that the compression of the compressible driving element (26) is obtained during the closure of the two half-shells (8a, 8b).   9.Case according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the reference axis determining the location of the wedging means and / or the optically transparent zone is the axis (16) of the trigger button n group appliances.   10.Case according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises means for putting the box inside and the visual means for controlling the overpressure.   11.Case according to claim 10, characterized in that the means for placing the overpressure of the interior volume of the rigid shell comprises a piston member (29) sliding in a compression chamber (30) communicating with the interior volume of the hull. (8), which chamber is arranged in a housing (28) formed on the outside of the rear half-shell (8b), preferably in the extension of the housing of the compressible element driving the winding wheel .   12.Case according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the visual means of the positive pressure comprise on the one hand in the shell (8) a zone (35) magnifying effect and on the other hand interior of the shell a membrane (37) surmounted by a pin (38) whose colored end (38a) is at a determined distance from the magnifying area (35) so that when the membrane (37) is in the rest position, said colored end (38a) is not visible from outside the shell (8) while it is visible when the membrane (37) is deformed under the action of an internal overpressure.