GB2037150A

GB2037150A - Camera holster

Info

Publication number: GB2037150A
Application number: GB7848042A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1978-12-12
Filing date: 1978-12-12
Publication date: 1980-07-09

Abstract

A camera holster for use with 35-mm single-lens reflex cameras can be carried by two different methods: (a) By passing a belt through a loop on the back of the holster and carrying it, supported by the belt, at the waist. (b) By carrying it on a strap round the neck, supplemented by another strap round the waist which prevents the case from swinging when the user is in motion. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Camera holster The camera holster is a case intended primarily for 35-mm single-lens reflex cameras and can be manufactured from leather or a suitable plastic substitute. It does not attempt to provide total protection as do most camera cases - but is intended to provide a safer and easier means of carrying the camera while having it ready for instant use.

Whereas all other camera cases must be carried by a strap which can be slung round the neck, shoulder or body, the camera holster can be carried by two different means: (a) By passing a belt through the loop and carrying it supported by the belt at the waist.

(b) By carrying it on a strap round the neck, but supplemented by a quick-release strap round the waist which prevents the case from swinging when the owner is in motion.

Both these methods are intended to allow the camera to be carried safely without needing both or one hand to steady it while in motion. Fairly strenuous physical activities can be carried out without any need to hold the camera in place, and thus both hands are free for other uses. This should be useful for outdoor photographers, and tests with a model camera holster have proved that it can be carried for long periods in difficult, active conditions, without any danger or inconvenience, but ready for instant use.

The camera holster consists of a case, somewhat deeper than the overall height of the camera, with a cut-out at the front to allow for the lens. A wide loop is formed at the rear, for passing a belt through. At the front, a strap with press-studs passes across the cut-out and is fitted above the camera lens, as a retaining strap. This can be undone, when needed, and the camera quickly lifted out. The case is constructed of sufficiently thick material to retain its shape, so it holds the camera adequately and gives some protection from damage. If protection is requiredforthe lens, a lens cover could be made and fitted in such a way as to be easily and quickly removed, although this has not been done with the trial model.

The camera holster has rings fitted at the sides for attaching straps. An adjustable length neck strap can be clipped on, when needed, as can an adjustable waist strap. The latter has quick-release fittings at the ends so that it can be quickly and easily removed when necessary. This waist strap prevents the camera from swinging when being carried and also prevents it from banging uncomfortably against the body.

The camera holster is lined with a suitable material, such as felt, to protect the camera and can be made in a wide range of sizes to fit most single-lens reflex cameras. Alternatively, it would be possible to make one size which would accommodate most cameras within a certain size range.

The waist strap could be used on normal camera cases for the same purpose as on the camera holster and in the same way. Therefore, it could be manufactured and sold on its own for that purpose, and could be used on camera cases other than those for single-lens reflex cameras.

The camera holster could be manufactured for cameras other than single-lens reflex cameras; if tailored to individual makes and models, itwould stili function in the same way and serve the same purpose. For example, it could be made to fit 35-mm coupled rangefinder cameras.

1. The camera holster is a case designed to carry a single-lens reflex camera by one of two methods: (a) it has a built-in loop through which a belt can be passed to enable the camera to be carried at waist level; (b) it has two straps, both adjustable in length and equipped with quick-release hooks at both ends.

These straps can be hooked onto rings at both ends of the camera holster - one strap passes round the user's neck and this supports the weight of the camera, while the other passes round the waist and prevents the camera from swinging about when the user is moving. The camera can be removed from the camera holster when required for use and replaced after use, being held in place by a strap passing across the front, above the lens, which is itself held on by press-fasteners.

I therefore claim that the invention consists of a case with two alternative methods of carrying it: (a) the belt loop; (b) the neck and waist straps.

Any device which can be used as a form of loop or clip to attach a camera case to a waist belt would be considered to be an infringement of patent; this device could be attached permanently to the camera case, or temporarily, or be an integral part of the case; it could be formed of metal, plastic, leather or cloth or any combination of those.

Any device which can be used as an extra retaining strap from the camera case or from the neck strap passing round the waist and back to the case or neck strap, whether formed from metal, plastic, leather or cloth, whether in the form of a chain, or string, or cord, or strap, or tape, would be considered as an infringement of this patent, if it is attached or manufactured in such a way that the intention is to prevent undue movement of the camera and its case whilst being carried.

The strap which passes round the user's neck to support the weight of the camera and case is not part of this claim.

The design of the camera holster apart from the belt loop attachment is not a part of this claim, nor is the camera retaining strap which passes above the lens.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

SPECIFICATION Camera holster The camera holster is a case intended primarily for 35-mm single-lens reflex cameras and can be manufactured from leather or a suitable plastic substitute. It does not attempt to provide total protection as do most camera cases - but is intended to provide a safer and easier means of carrying the camera while having it ready for instant use.

Whereas all other camera cases must be carried by a strap which can be slung round the neck, shoulder or body, the camera holster can be carried by two different means: (a) By passing a belt through the loop and carrying it supported by the belt at the waist.

(b) By carrying it on a strap round the neck, but supplemented by a quick-release strap round the waist which prevents the case from swinging when the owner is in motion.

Both these methods are intended to allow the camera to be carried safely without needing both or one hand to steady it while in motion. Fairly strenuous physical activities can be carried out without any need to hold the camera in place, and thus both hands are free for other uses. This should be useful for outdoor photographers, and tests with a model camera holster have proved that it can be carried for long periods in difficult, active conditions, without any danger or inconvenience, but ready for instant use.

The camera holster consists of a case, somewhat deeper than the overall height of the camera, with a cut-out at the front to allow for the lens. A wide loop is formed at the rear, for passing a belt through. At the front, a strap with press-studs passes across the cut-out and is fitted above the camera lens, as a retaining strap. This can be undone, when needed, and the camera quickly lifted out. The case is constructed of sufficiently thick material to retain its shape, so it holds the camera adequately and gives some protection from damage. If protection is requiredforthe lens, a lens cover could be made and fitted in such a way as to be easily and quickly removed, although this has not been done with the trial model.

The camera holster has rings fitted at the sides for attaching straps. An adjustable length neck strap can be clipped on, when needed, as can an adjustable waist strap. The latter has quick-release fittings at the ends so that it can be quickly and easily removed when necessary. This waist strap prevents the camera from swinging when being carried and also prevents it from banging uncomfortably against the body.

The camera holster is lined with a suitable material, such as felt, to protect the camera and can be made in a wide range of sizes to fit most single-lens reflex cameras. Alternatively, it would be possible to make one size which would accommodate most cameras within a certain size range.

The waist strap could be used on normal camera cases for the same purpose as on the camera holster and in the same way. Therefore, it could be manufactured and sold on its own for that purpose, and could be used on camera cases other than those for single-lens reflex cameras.

The camera holster could be manufactured for cameras other than single-lens reflex cameras; if tailored to individual makes and models, itwould stili function in the same way and serve the same purpose. For example, it could be made to fit 35-mm coupled rangefinder cameras.

1. The camera holster is a case designed to carry a single-lens reflex camera by one of two methods: (a) it has a built-in loop through which a belt can be passed to enable the camera to be carried at waist level; (b) it has two straps, both adjustable in length and equipped with quick-release hooks at both ends.

These straps can be hooked onto rings at both ends of the camera holster - one strap passes round the user's neck and this supports the weight of the camera, while the other passes round the waist and prevents the camera from swinging about when the user is moving. The camera can be removed from the camera holster when required for use and replaced after use, being held in place by a strap passing across the front, above the lens, which is itself held on by press-fasteners.

I therefore claim that the invention consists of a case with two alternative methods of carrying it: (a) the belt loop; (b) the neck and waist straps.

Any device which can be used as a form of loop or clip to attach a camera case to a waist belt would be considered to be an infringement of patent; this device could be attached permanently to the camera case, or temporarily, or be an integral part of the case; it could be formed of metal, plastic, leather or cloth or any combination of those.

Any device which can be used as an extra retaining strap from the camera case or from the neck strap passing round the waist and back to the case or neck strap, whether formed from metal, plastic, leather or cloth, whether in the form of a chain, or string, or cord, or strap, or tape, would be considered as an infringement of this patent, if it is attached or manufactured in such a way that the intention is to prevent undue movement of the camera and its case whilst being carried.

The strap which passes round the user's neck to support the weight of the camera and case is not part of this claim.

The design of the camera holster apart from the belt loop attachment is not a part of this claim, nor is the camera retaining strap which passes above the lens.