GB2454889A

GB2454889A - Apparatus for receiving and protecting a camcorder

Info

Publication number: GB2454889A
Application number: GB0722844A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jon Lucas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-22
Filing date: 2007-11-22
Publication date: 2009-05-27
Also published as: GB0722844D0

Abstract

Apparatus for receiving and protecting a camcorder is provided. The apparatus comprises an exoskeletal framework and mounting means attached to the framework. The framework is configured to receive a camcorder, and describes an external boundary, the boundary being so dimensioned as to extend beyond a corresponding external boundary of the camcorder to be mounted therewithin. The mounting means is configured to secure a camcorder thereto in use.

Description

Apparatus for receiving and protecting a camcorder The present invention relates to the field of video cameras and camcorders, in particular enhancement of stability during use of a video recorder and protection of the video recorder in operation and transport.

As technology proceeds many items of electronic gadgetry are reduced in size as their internal componentry becomes more sophisticated and, inevitability, more compact.

This improved compactness also generally reduces the weight of the device. In many circumstances this improves the device as it becomes more portable and easy to transport whilst quality is maintained.

In the field of filming, this reduction in size and weight results in a number of disadvantages.

As the compact device, by definition, has less bulk, it is more difficult to hold the camera steady as IL is less suitable for resting on part of the user's body. In resting the device on the user's body, say for example his shoulder, stability is conferred to the device and a smoother shot is taken. In particular, reduction in size of the camera often tends to a single handed use thereof which confers less stability than a two-handed grip of the device.

Stability enhancing apparatus is known, for example Steadicam� and PAG Limited each provide a complicated framework connected to a harness that is worn by a user of the camcorder. This apparatus is rather cumbersome to wear and may restrict the mobility of the user.

An alternative device for addressing the stability issue is shown in Figure 1 [Fig rig from Manfrotto]. Figure 1 illustrates a toroidal shaped frame 1 having a cross member 2 upon which the camera 3 is mounted. The toroidal frame 1 serves to effectively increase an external envelope of the camera 3 so that the combined apparatus, camera 3 and frame 1, can be held by the user using two hands in a similar manner to a steering wheel of a car. Thus the stability of the camera and, consequently, the quality of any shots being taken by the camera are improved. However, this toroidal design is disadvantageous in that there are a limited number of ways in which the combined device can be held by the user in order to acquire different shots. Furthermore, the combined device cannot readily be placed on the ground without further support (ie hands-free) when the camera is not in use. Consequently, between shots the apparatus must be disassembled and reassembled before subsequent use. In the time taken to reassemble the apparatus a particular shot may have been missed.

It is the aim of the present invention to provide apparatus to enhance the stability of shots being taken by a camcorder whilst providing the flexibility in operation to enable the user to achieve a multitude of different shots and images/film each position having additional enhanced stability conferred thereon by the configuration of the apparatus.

According to a first aspect the present invention provides Apparatus for receiving and protecting a camcorder, the apparatus comprising: an exoskeletal framework configured to receive a camcorder, the framework describing an external boundary, the boundary being so dimensioned as to extend beyond a corresponding external boundary of the camcorder to be mounted therewithin; and mounting means attached to the framework and being configured to secure a camcorder thereto in use.

By providing the exoskeletal framework, an enlarged envelope for the camcorder is provided which enables a user to achieve a more secure grip on the camcorder improving stability of the use thereof. Further, the framework provides protection to the camcorder should the combined apparatus be dropped or otherwise experience some collision or impact.

The framework may comprise a plurality of structural members. Some of these structural members, located at a lateral extremity of the framework, may form a substantially coplanar ring so that the apparatus may be configured to be rested against and supported by a substantially vertical surface to thereby assume a steady position for acquiring a smooth level shot.

Some of the structural members, located at a lowermost portion of the apparatus may be substantially coplanar so that the apparatus may be configured to be supported by a substantially horizontal surface to thereby assume a steady position for acquiring a smooth level shot.

Some of the structural members, located at a rearmost portion of the apparatus, may be configured to conform to a part of a user's body such as his chest or thighs.

Structural members defining the corners of the framework may be smoothly curved to thereby enable a user to rock or tilt the frame in use whilst maintaining support of the weight of the combined unit in order to acquire smoothly tilting shots.

The apparatus may comprise a shield component, affixed to the framework, to further inhibit impact damage.

The framework may comprise tubular members and the tubular members may be configured to deform under dynamic loading, thereby absorbing energy in an impact and consequently protecting the camcorder from damage. At least some of the structural members may be configured to fit comfortably and securely in a user's hand.

Preferred aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a conventional camera stability device; Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a camera cage; Figures 3a and 3b illustrate the camera cage in a first mode of operation; Figures 4a and 4b illustrate the camera cage in a second mode of operation; Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the camera cage in a third mode of operation; Figures 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate the camera cage in a fourth mode of operation; Figure 7 illustrates the camera cage in a fifth mode of operation; and Figure 8 illustrates a camera cage having an integral shield.

Figure 2 illustrates a support framework comprising a number of structural members assembled together to define a cage or framework having an external bonding described by the outermost structural members.

In this example, two substantially coplanar ring components 10, 10' are provided. Each ring component 10, 10' comprises a first horizontal portion 12 and a second horizontal portion 14 spaced from the first horizontal portion 12. The two horizontal portions are connected to one another by a substantially vertical portion 16 and an inclined portion 18. Interconnecting portions 22, 24, 26 and 28 are provided respectively between first horizontal portion 12 and inclined portion 18, first horizontal portion 12 and substantially vertical portion 16, second horizontal portion 14 and substantially vertical portion 1 6 and second horizontal portion 14 and inclined portion 18.

The second coplanar ring component 10' is similarly configured to the first coplanar ring component 1 0 and laterally spaced therefrom. The first and second substantially coplanar ring components 10,10' are connected to one another by a number, in this example four, lateral struts 50, 52, 54 and 56. Each of these lateral struts 50, 52, 54, 56 are of approximately identical lengths such that when the first ring component 10 is connected to the second ring component 10 the ring components are substantially parallel to one another.

Mounting means, in this example, a mounting plate 60, is located within the boundaries formed by first and second ring components 10, 10' and the lateral struts 50, 52, 54, 56.

The mounting plate 60 is attached to two of the lateral struts 54 and 56 in a lower region of the framework. Using a number of bolts however other fixing means could be used as an alternative. An additional lateral strut 58 can be introduced as illustrated in Figure 2 to confer additional strength to the framework.

Each of the structural members comprises a tubular member preferably made from aluminium, steel or carbon fibre.

In operation, a camcorder is connected to the framework by attaching the camcorder to the mounting plate 60. Once connected thereto, the camcorder is fully surrounded by the framework, in other words, the camcorder sits within an external boundary described by geometrical extremities of the framework. In particular, irrespective of the orientation of the framework and camera combination, the camcorder does not protrude beyond the external boundary of the framework. Consequently the framework can be placed on any surface, or even dropped thereon, and the camcorder will not come into direct contact with the surface.

The tubular configuration of the framework is particularly desirable in this configuration as the cross-section may deform if a particularly severe impact is experienced, thus protecting the camcorder from some of the impulse imparted by the impact as the tubular frame deforms and thus absorbs some of the energy of the impact.

The tubular frame is further desirable as it is particularly dimensioned so as to be ergonomic and easier to hold for the user.

Different modes of operation of the framework will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to 7 in order to illustrate how versatile the camera cage is and how it significantly improves the use of the camcorder.

Figures 3 illustrate how the camera cage can be used to support the camcorder at chest height. The inclined portions 18 of each respective ring component 1 0, 10' are held against a body of the user, in this example the user's chest, the view finder of the camcorder can readily be observed by the user as it is positioned just a few inches from the user's face. As illustrated, the user can readily hold vertical portion 16 and/or curved portions 24 and effectively pull the camera cage into his chest, thus providing a very stable position in which to hold the camcorder. The user can then easily hold the camera very steady either in a static position or, the user may rotate on the spot in order to produce a very steady panning type shot. By bending forwards or backwards from the waist, the user may attain tilting shots.

In Figures 4 the user lowers the cage and rests curved portions 28, adjacent the inclined portions 1 8, on his upper thighs whilst positioning the camera cage by holding onto second horizontal portions 14 at arms length. Once again, the viewfinder is readily visible by the user from above. This position allows for steady, static shots at a lower level as the camera cage is held at approximately arms length with a component of the weight of the cage being supported by the upper thighs. Figure 4b illustrates how the 1 0 camera cage can be rolled back using the upper thighs as a steady support interacting with curved portion 28. This position allows for a smooth rotation shot as the camera is tilted upwards and backwards.

Figures 5 illustrate how the first horizontal portions 12, in the lower most region of the camera cage can be used as a direct support on a level piece of ground or table. In particular, the camera cage can be positioned on the floor in order to achieve very low level shots. As illustrated in Figure 5b the camera cage can be rotated on the smoothly curved section 22 to achieve smooth rotation shots backwards and upwards whilst being continuously supported by the floor.

Figures 6 illustrate how a user might hold the camcorder within the camera cage above his head for high shots. The user can readily hold onto first horizontal portions 12 in the lower most region of the camera cage and re-orientate the viewfinder so that he can observe the shots from his vantage point below. The spacing of the substantially coplanar ring components 10, 10' means that he can hold the camcorder above his head with his hands spaced at a greater distance than would be the case if he was just holding the camcorder. Indeed, if he were holding the camcorder alone above his head, he maybe inclined to hold it with a single hand which may, in turn, lead to shaking.

Consequently, by providing a secure two handed grip the stability of the shot is significantly improved as shake is reduced.

Figure 7 illustrates how a user might take advantage of the substantially coplanar ring component 10 in order to rest the camera cage against a vertical surface such as a wall.

In this way, the static properties of the wall can be used to further enhance the stability oftheshot.

As the camcorder sits wholly within an external boundary described by the camera cage, the camera cage also acts as a protection device, functioning as an exo skeleton for the camcorder. As the external boundary of the camera cage extends beyond the camcorder in all directions, if the camera cage, having a camcorder contained therewithin, is dropped or otherwise impacts a surface then the frame will contact the surface first, thus protecting the camcorder from the collision. Furthermore, the camera cage is particularly robust and can be used to store the camcorder therewithin to permit the camcorder from being damaged in transport. By the nature of camcorders they are typically used on location and therefore problems associated with travel and transportation are particularly pertinent. The dimensions of the camera cage are preferably chosen such that the overall size of the camera cage fits within a hand baggage allowance so that the camcorder can be transported within the camera cage directly into a cabin of a plane.

The camera cage can be stacked with a number of other items of luggage such as bags and cases and the camcorder will be protected by the exo skeleton provided by the camera cage. As the camcorder is readily accessible within the camera cage, the camcorder can be ready for use at short notice. No assembly or unpacking is required prior to use.

The various structural members of the camera cage provide many natural positions for the camera cage to be carried safely and in a balanced position. Thus enhancing the safety of the camcorder but also minimising the burden on the person carrying the camcorder.

A shroud or cover can be affixed to an outer periphery of the camera cage to enhance the protection given to the camcorder. In particular, in the mode depicted in Figure 5, this additional protection may prove useful where a camcorder is used in a hazardous environments, for example, adjacent to a racetrack when stone chips or other flying debris may be of concern. The shroud may comprise metal and or a plastics material.

The shroud may be configured to act as a lens hood for the camera located within the camera cage. Additionally the shroud may provide a waterproof or otherwise serve as a means of protecting the camera from the weather.

Claims

1. Apparatus for receiving and protecting a camcorder, the apparatus comprising: an exoskeletal framework configured to receive a camcorder, the framework describing an external boundary, the boundary being so dimensioned as to extend beyond a corresponding external boundary of the camcorder to be mounted therewithin; and mounting means attached to the framework and being configured to secure a camcorder thereto in use.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the framework comprises a plurality of 1 0 structural members.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein some of the structural members, located at a lateral extremity of the framework form a substantially coplanar ring so that the apparatus is configured to be rested against and supported by a substantially vertical surface.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the structural members located at a lowermost portion of the apparatus are substantially coplanar so that the apparatus is configured to be supported by a substantially horizontal surface.

5. Apparatus according to any Claims 2 to 4, wherein the structural members located at a rearmost portion of the apparatus are configured to conform to a part of a user's body such as his chest or thighs.

6. Apparatus according to any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein structural members defining corners of the framework are smoothly curved to thereby enable a user to rock or tilt the frame in use whilst maintaining support of the weight of the combined unit.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a shield component, affixed to the framework, to inhibit impact damage to a camcorder received by the framework or to protect said camcorder from exposure to weather.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the framework comprises tubular members.

9. Apparatus according to Claim 8, wherein the tubular members are configured to deformthereby absorbing energy in an impact.

10. Apparatus according to any of Claims 2 to 9, wherein at least some of the structural members are configured to fit comfortably and securely in a user's hand.