WO2011072604A1 - System for removably mounting photographic accessory to portable photographic apparatus - Google Patents

System for removably mounting photographic accessory to portable photographic apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2011072604A1
WO2011072604A1 PCT/CN2010/079807 CN2010079807W WO2011072604A1 WO 2011072604 A1 WO2011072604 A1 WO 2011072604A1 CN 2010079807 W CN2010079807 W CN 2010079807W WO 2011072604 A1 WO2011072604 A1 WO 2011072604A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
attachment member
housing
photographic
portable
attachment
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2010/079807
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Justin Wright
Original Assignee
Cty International Limited (Hk)
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2009906084A external-priority patent/AU2009906084A0/en
Application filed by Cty International Limited (Hk) filed Critical Cty International Limited (Hk)
Publication of WO2011072604A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011072604A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
    • G03B17/02—Bodies
    • G03B17/12—Bodies with means for supporting objectives, supplementary lenses, filters, masks, or turrets
    • G03B17/14—Bodies with means for supporting objectives, supplementary lenses, filters, masks, or turrets interchangeably
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
    • G03B17/56—Accessories
    • G03B17/565—Optical accessories, e.g. converters for close-up photography, tele-convertors, wide-angle convertors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
    • G03B17/56—Accessories
    • G03B17/566—Accessory clips, holders, shoes to attach accessories to camera

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for removably mounting a photographic accessory to a portable photograph apparatus.
  • the present invention relates to the mounting of accessories such as lens, filers and the like to portable photographic apparatus.
  • Portable and reduced size photographic apparatus typically sacrifice image quality in exchange for smaller imaging components enabling the reduced size.
  • One such example is the lens used by the photographic apparatus to capture an image.
  • reusable, portable lenses are provided so that a photographer may replace lens as desired in order to enact a desired shot.
  • the reusable, portable lenses have typically been limited to larger, less portable photographic equipment. It is therefore desirable to provide a system whereby portable photographic accessories may be attached to compact photographic equipment.
  • portable photographic accessories such as lenses are usually attached to portable photographic equipments through mounting ring mechanism.
  • lenses are mounted to camera via a lens mounting ring.
  • Both the portable photographic equipments and portable photographic accessories however have to be built with the mounting ring in order to allow attachment of the portable photographic accessories and hence undesirably increase the complexity of the products and manufacturing costs.
  • the mounting rings are not standardized and hence the portable photographic accessories are not transferrable between different portable photographic equipments. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system whereby portable photographic accessories may be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments.
  • any accessory such as lens, filter or the like, may be accurately and reliably located permanently or temporarily to portable photographic apparatus such as a camera phone or a digital camera.
  • an attachment device for removably mounting at least one photographic accessory to a portable photographic apparatus, comprising an attachment member adapted for respectively attaching to the portable photographic apparatus and a housing including the photographic accessory.
  • the attachment device further allows portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. The transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings.
  • the attachment device can be removed from the photographic apparatus without causing any damage to or leaving any residue upon the photographic apparatus.
  • the attachment member is preferably configured and shaped to accommodate the features of the contact surface of the portable photographic apparatus for providing effective attachment.
  • the attachment member may further comprises: an apparatus attachment member adapted for removably attaching to the portable photographic apparatus; and a housing attachment member adapted for removably attaching to the housing, the housing attachment member being removably engaged with the apparatus attachment member upon a planar contact surface.
  • the attachment member may be configured and shaped to accommodate the variances of the contact surface on the portable photographic apparatus which is non-uniform in shape.
  • the attachment member is at least partly composed of a gel type adhesive material.
  • the housing attachment member may be attached to the housing by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups, such that the housing attachment member can be re-adhered to the housing after removal.
  • attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups, such that the housing attachment member can be re-adhered to the housing after removal.
  • the housing attachment member may be engaged with the apparatus attachment member by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups.
  • attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups.
  • the mechanical locking means may be lugs or flanges.
  • the photographic accessory may be one or a combination of the following optical accessories such as lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, light intensifier or diffuser.
  • a photographic system comprising: a portable photographic apparatus; at least one photographic accessory; an attachment member adapted for respectively attaching to the portable photographic apparatus and a housing including the photographic accessory; wherein the attachment member can be removed from the photographic apparatus without causing any damage to or leaving any residue upon the photographic apparatus; and wherein the attachment member is configured and shaped to accommodate the features of the contact surface of the portable photographic apparatus for providing effective attachment.
  • the attachment member may further include an apparatus attachment member adapted for removably attaching to the portable photographic apparatus; and a housing attachment member adapted for removably attaching to the housing, the housing attachment member being removably engaged with the apparatus attachment member upon a planar contact surface.
  • the attachment member may be configured and shaped to accommodate the variances of the contact surface on the portable photographic apparatus which is non-uniform in shape.
  • the attachment member may be at least partly composed of a gel type adhesive material.
  • the housing attachment member may be attached to the housing by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups, such that the housing attachment member can be re-adhered to the housing after removal.
  • attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups, such that the housing attachment member can be re-adhered to the housing after removal.
  • the housing attachment member may be engaged with the apparatus attachment member by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups.
  • attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups.
  • the mechanical locking means may be lugs or flanges.
  • the photographic accessory may be one or a combination of the following optical accessories such as lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, light intensifier or diffuser.
  • a method of removably mounting photographic accessories to a portable photographic apparatus comprising the steps of: attaching an attachment member to the portable photographic apparatus; coupling the attachment member to a housing including the photographic accessory; wherein the apparatus can be removed from the photographic apparatus without causing any damage to or leaving any residue upon the photographic apparatus; and wherein the attachment member is configured and shaped to accommodate the features of the contact surface of the portable photographic apparatus for providing effective attachment.
  • the step of attaching further may further comprise the steps of: connecting an apparatus attachment member to the portable photographic apparatus; linking a housing attachment member to the housing; and engaging the housing attachment member with the apparatus attachment member upon a planar contact surface.
  • the attachment member may be configured and shaped to accommodate the variances of the contact surface on the portable photographic apparatus which is non-uniform in shape.
  • the attachment member may be at least partly composed of a gel type adhesive material.
  • the housing attachment member may be linked to the housing by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups, such that the housing attachment member can be re-adhered to the housing after removal.
  • the housing attachment member may be engaged with the apparatus attachment member by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups.
  • attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups.
  • the mechanical locking means may be lugs or flanges.
  • the photographic accessory may be one or a combination of the following optical accessories such as lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, light intensifier or diffuser.
  • Figure 1 is a simple plan view of a photographic accessory attachment system accordingly to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of an attachment member according to the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a reverse exploded view of the attachment member of Figure 2.
  • Figure 4 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of an attachment member according to the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a reverse exploded view of the attachment member of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a housing according to the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of the housing of Figure 6.
  • Figure 8 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a housing according to the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of the housing of Figure 8.
  • Figure 10 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a housing according to the present invention.
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of the housing of Figure 10.
  • Figure 12 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of a housing according to the present invention.
  • Figure 13 is a perspective view of the housing of Figure 12.
  • FIG. 1 shows a simplified plan of a photographic accessory attachment system 10.
  • the photographic accessory attachment system 10 comprises an attachment member 12 and a housing 100 adapted to removably engage with the attachment member 12.
  • the housing 100 contains at least one photographic accessory such as a lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, a light intensifier, diffuser or the like.
  • the attachment member 12 is adapted to engage with a portable photographic apparatus (not shown) such as a camera, a camera phone, or the like.
  • the portable photographic apparatus will comprise at least an imaging aperture (not shown through which an image may be captured.
  • the imaging aperture may be in any form such as a circle, rectangle or square and may contain a clear cover.
  • the attachment member 12 locates around at least a portion of the periphery of the imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus.
  • the housing 100 engages with attachment member 12 in a manner whereby the housing 100 may be engaged or disengaged at will. Due to the location of the photographic accessory attachment system 10 when attached to a portable photographic apparatus, any usage of the apparatus to capture an image via the imaging aperture will result in the image passing through the photographic accessory of the housing 100. The functionality of the portable photographic apparatus may thus be altered when the apparatus is utilized to capture an image.
  • the attachment member 12 will now be described according to a first embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figure 2 to Figure 5 specifically.
  • the attachment member 12 comprises an apparatus attachment member 14 and a housing attachment member 20.
  • the apparatus attachment member 14 can be configured and shaped to accommodate the variances of the contact surface on the portable photographic apparatus which may be non-uniform in shape.
  • the housing attachment member is engaged with the apparatus attachment member upon a planar contact surface such that different photographic accessories mounted with housing attachment members can be interchanged conveniently on to the portable photographic apparatus.
  • the apparatus attachment member 14 is substantially circular to fit with attachment member 20, but may be any appropriate shape to fit the imaging device, and comprises an outer ring 15 surrounding a raised inner ring 16.
  • the raised inner ring 16 has a lug 18 which protrudes outwardly from the raised inner ring 16.
  • the outer side 15a of the apparatus attachment member 14 is adapted to engage with a portable photographic apparatus, this engagement will be described further below.
  • the housing attachment member 20 is substantially circular and comprises an outer ring 21 and an inner ring 22 depressed within the outer ring 21.
  • the outer ring 21 contains a lug receiving portion 24 which receives the lug 18.
  • the apparatus attachment member 14 is received within the housing attachment member 20 to form the attachment member 12, the lug 18 locates within the lug receiving portion 24, the housing attachment member 20 is then rotated relative to the apparatus attachment member 14 so that the lug 18 fixes inside the inner ring 22 to present disengagement of the apparatus attachment member 14 from the housing attachment member 20.
  • the housing attachment member 20 may be constructed of a magnetic material in order to engage with the apparatus attachment member 14 to supplement or replace the lug 18 engagement.
  • the apparatus attachment member 14 engages with a portable photographic apparatus via the outer ring 15.
  • the outer surface 15a of the outer ring engages with a surface of a portable photographic apparatus.
  • the outer surface 15a engages around an imaging aperture through which an image is captured by the portable photographic apparatus.
  • the engagement may be facilitated by, for example, an adhesive such as glue or gel type adhesive. Since the engagement is adhesive and removable, it allows portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. Additionally, the transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings.
  • the apparatus attachment member 14 may be constructed of a magnetic material such as ferrous-metal, the apparatus attachment member 14 may then be magnetically attached to a magnetized surface on the portable photographic apparatus.
  • Figures 2 and 3 demonstrate an embodiment whereby the outer ring 15 is substantially uniform in shape, this is designed such that the outer ring 15 may engage with any portable photographic apparatus having a flat surface.
  • Figures 4 and 5 demonstrate an embodiment where the outer ring 15 is of varying shape to facilitate moulded engagement with specific predetermined types of portable photographic apparatus. This facilitates engagement with portable photographic apparatus whereby the area around the imaging aperture is of varying texture, size and/or shape etc.
  • the outer ring 15 may be specifically shaped to accommodate these variances and achieve effective engagement.
  • the combination of the apparatus attachment member 14 to the housing attachment member 20 via the lug 18 or the like limits or prevents movement of the apparatus attachment member 14 relative to the housing attachment member 20 and movement of the attachment member 12 relative to the portable photographic apparatus.
  • the apparatus attachment member 14 and the housing attachment member 20 may also comprise further fitting features such as flanges or the like which may connect with each other or features on the portable photographic apparatus to prevent movement of the attachment member 12 relative to the portable photographic apparatus.
  • the photographic accessory attachment system 10 will now be described with specific reference to desirable forms of the housing.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 demonstrate one embodiment of the housing of the photographic accessory attachment system 10 according to the present invention.
  • the housing 100 comprises a gel type member 102, a bottom casing 104, a lens 106, a top casing 108, a filter casing 110, a metal member 112 and a cap 114.
  • the element all locate to one another in the order listed to form the housing 100.
  • the housing 100 attaches to the attachment member 12 through the housing attachment member 20.
  • a first surface of the housing attachment member 20 locates to the apparatus attachment member 14 which may be attached to a portable photographic apparatus.
  • a second surface of the housing attachment member 20 attaches to the bottom casing 104 of the housing 100.
  • the gel type member 102 is formed of a flexible removable gel type adhesive material and may be located between the housing attachment member 20 and the bottom casing 104.
  • the gel type adhesive material may be in the form of a thin coating or a gelled solid plate, and may be selected from various known gel type materials such as those disclosed in US Patent No. US3, 920,600 entitled “Adhesive Compositions" or US Patent No. US4,644,026, entitled "Re-adhering and Removable Adhesive".
  • the gel type member 102 advantageously allows the re-adhering the housing attachment member 20 to the bottom casing 104 after it is removed. Since the portable photograph apparatuses usually have small apertures, the corresponding photographic accessories are small in size and light in weight, hence particularly suitable to be adhered by re-adhering and removable adhesive materials which generally offer smaller adhesive force comparing to permanent adhesive materials. Since the gel type member 102 is adhesive and removable, it advantageously allows the housing attachment member 20 and hence the portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. Additionally, the transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings.
  • the gel type member 102 When the housing 100 is combined, the gel type member 102 is located within the bottom casing 104. In an alternative, the gel type member may also surround a rim of the bottom casing 104. In a situation whereby the attachment member 12 is not present, the gel type member 102 may function in its place by facilitating attachment of the housing 100 to a portable photographic apparatus. In this manner the gel type member 102 would attach to a surface on the portable photograph apparatus, preferably the surface around an imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus, and also attach to the housing 100. As the gel type member 102 is removable without leaving residue or adversely affecting the portable photographic apparatus, the housing 100 may be attached or removed at will. Additionally, due to its elasticity nature, the gel type member 102 is capable of providing flexibility to accommodate non-uniform surfaces on the portable photographic apparatus.
  • the housing 100 is combined in the following manner.
  • the housing attachment member 20 and the gel type member 102 locate within a bottom half of the bottom casing 104.
  • the lens 106 locates within a top half of the bottom casing 104, supported by a dividing member 105 which separates the bottom half of the bottom casing 104 from the top half.
  • the top casing 108 locates over the outside of the top half of the bottom casing 104 securing the lens 106 firmly therein.
  • the top casing 108 then locates within the bottom portion of the filter casing 110.
  • the metal ring 112 is a holder for a photographic accessory such as a lens, which may fit on or within the metal ring 112.
  • the metal ring 1 12 locates within a top portion of the filter casing 110, a dividing lip 111 located towards the top portion of the filter casing 110 divides the top portion of the filter casing 111 from the bottom portion.
  • the cap 114 seals the top of the housing 100 and is removable in order to allow for operation of the lens 106 when attached to a portable photographic apparatus.
  • FIG. 7 shows the housing 100 in its combined form when combined according to the procedure previously described. As can be seen the housing 100 is quite compact when combined and elements such as the lens 106 are well protected within the housing elements 104 and 110.
  • the cap 114 provides protection for the top of the housing 100.
  • the attachment member 12 Located at one end of the housing 100 is the attachment member 12, which is joined via the housing attachment member 20.
  • FIGS 8 and 9 demonstrate a second embodiment of the housing of the photographic accessory attachment system 10 according to the present invention.
  • the housing 200 comprises a gel type member 202, bottom casing 204, a lens 206, a top casing 208, a filter 210 and a movable filter casing 214.
  • the elements all locate to one another in the order listed to form the housing 200.
  • the housing 200 attaches to the attachment member 12 through the housing attachment member 20.
  • the housing attachment member 20 locates to both the apparatus attachment member 14 which may be attached to a portable photographic apparatus and to the bottom casing 204 of the housing 200.
  • the gel type member 202 is formed of a flexible removable gel type adhesive material and may be located between the housing attachment member 20 and the bottom casing 204. When the housing 200 is combined, the gel type member 202 is located within the bottom casing 204. In an alternative, the gel type member 202 may also surround a rim of the bottom casing 204. In a situation where the attachment member 12 is not present, the gel type member 202 may function in its place by facilitating attachment of the housing 200 to a portable photographic apparatus.
  • the gel type member 202 would attach to a surface on the portable photographic apparatus, preferably the surface around an imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus, and also attach to the housing 200.
  • the housing 200 may be attached or removed at will.
  • the gel type member 202 advantageously allows the housing 200 and hence the portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. Additionally, the transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings.
  • the housing 200 is combined in the following manner.
  • the housing attachment member 20 adheres to the gel type member 202 via the adhesive nature of the gel type member 202.
  • the gel type member 202 then adheres to a bottom surface of the bottom casing 204.
  • the bottom casing comprises a hole 205 which is raised upon the bottom surface, the raised portion of the hole 205 is not shown in Figure 8.
  • the lens 206 locates within the bottom casing 204, the hole 205 allows light to pass to the lens 206.
  • the top casing 208 locates upon the rim 207 of the bottom casing 204.
  • the movable filter casing 214 comprises a lower portion 212 and an upper portion 213.
  • the lower portion 212 is adapted to accommodate the filter 210 within a gap 212a, the lower portion 212 is capable of being rotated or pushed into the top casing 208. In this manner the filter 210 is held securely in position.
  • the filter 210 is of a shape similar to the shape of the gap 212a to ensure secure engagement.
  • the filter 210 comprises an extended portion at one end with a hole 211. When the filter 210 is engaged with the lower portion 212 of the movable filter casing 214, the hole 211 lines up with a similar hole 215 provided in a portion extended from the top portion 213 of the movable filter casing 214.
  • the holes 211 and 215 allow a strap (not shown) to be passed through, which may be utilized to carry the housing 200 when it is combined.
  • the filter 210 may be provided on top of the top portion 213 of the movable filter casing 214.
  • the filter 210 is then attached to the housing 200 via the strap through the holes 211 and 215.
  • the filter 210 is movable relative to the housing 200 around the strap.
  • the movable filter casing 214 may be pushed or rotated into the top casing 208, such that the lower portion 212 is exposed or hidden from view.
  • the filter 210 may be removed from the strap and placed into the gap 212a of the movable filter casing 214, when the movable filter casing 214 is in a raised state such that the lower portion 212 is exposed.
  • Figure 9 shows the housing 200 in its combined form when combined according to the procedure previously described. As can be seen the housing 200 is combined such that the hole 205 is within the gel type member 202 and the movable filter casing 214 is raised such that the gap 212a is exposed.
  • the filter 210 is not shown in this figure, however it may be located according to one of the methods previously described.
  • FIGS 10 and 11 demonstrate a third embodiment of the housing of the photographic accessory attachment system 10 according to the present invention.
  • the housing 300 comprises a gel type member 302, a bottom casing 304, a lens 306, a top casing 308, a filter 310, a filter casing 312 and a cap 314.
  • the elements all locate to one another in the order listed to form the housing 300.
  • the housing 300 attaches to the attachment member 12 through the housing attachment member 20.
  • the housing attachment member 20 locates to both the apparatus attachment member 14 which may be attached to a portable photographic apparatus and to the bottom casing 304 of the housing 300.
  • the gel type member 302 is formed of a flexible removable gel type adhesive material and may be located between the housing attachment member 20 and the bottom casing 304.
  • the gel type adhesive material may be in the form of a thin coating or a gelled solid plate, and may be selected from various known gel type materials such as those disclosed in US Patent No. US3, 920,600 entitled "Adhesive Compositions" or US Patent No.
  • the gel type member 302 advantageously allows the re-adhering the housing attachment member 20 to the bottom casing 304 after it is removed.
  • the gel type member 302 is located within the bottom casing 304.
  • the gel type member 302 may also surround a rim of the bottom casing 304.
  • the gel type member 302 may function in its place by facilitating attachment of the housing 300 to a portable photographic apparatus. In this manner the gel type member 302 would attach to a surface on the portable photographic apparatus, preferably the surface around an imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus, and also attach to the housing 300.
  • the housing 300 may be attached or removed at will. Accordingly, the gel type member 302 advantageously allows the housing 300 and hence the portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. Additionally, the transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings.
  • the housing 300 is combined in the following manner.
  • the housing attachment member 20 adheres to the gel type member 302 via the adhesive nature of the gel type member 302.
  • the gel type member 302 then adheres to a bottom surface of the bottom casing 304.
  • the bottom casing comprises a hole 305 which is raised upon the bottom surface, the raised portion of the hole 305 is not shown in Figure 10.
  • the lens 306 locates within the bottom casing 304, the hole 305 allows light to pass to the lens 306.
  • the top casing 308 locates upon the rim 307 of the bottom casing 304.
  • the top casing 308 comprises a recessed portion 308a in the shape similar to the letter 'L'.
  • the filter 310 sits flush with the top surface 309 of the top casing 308.
  • the filter casing 312 locates around the top casing 308 and comprises a raised member 311 which protrudes inwardly from the filter casing 312. When the filter casing 312 locates around the top casing 308, the raised member 311 locates within the recessed portion 308a of the top casing 308. By rotating the filter casing 312, the raised member 311 is secured within the recessed portion 308a.
  • the cap 314 locates within the top of the filter casing 312, resting upon an inner rim 313.
  • the cap 314 comprises two apertures 315 within its centre. The apertures 315 may receive a strap or cord by which the housing 300 may be carried.
  • FIG 11 shows the housing 300 in its combined form when combined according to the procedure previously described.
  • the housing 300 is combined such that the hole 305 is within the gel type member 302.
  • the cap 314 is raised above the filter casing 312 which sits upon the bottom casing 304.
  • Figures 12 and 13 demonstrate a fourth embodiment of the housing of the photographic accessory attachment system 10 according to the present invention.
  • the housing 400 comprises a gel type member 402, a bottom casing 404, a lens 406, a filter 408, a top casing 410 and a screw cap 412. The elements all locate to one another in the order listed to form the housing 400.
  • the housing 400 attaches to the attachment member 12 through the housing attachment member 20.
  • the housing attachment member 20 locates to both the apparatus attachment member 14 which may be attached to a portable photographic apparatus and to the bottom casing 404 of the housing 400.
  • the gel type member 402 is formed of a flexible removable gel type adhesive material and may be located between the housing attachment member 20 and the bottom casing 404.
  • the gel type adhesive material may be in the form of a thin coating or a gelled solid plate, and may be selected from various known gel type materials such as those disclosed in US Patent No. US3, 920,600 entitled “Adhesive Compositions" or US Patent No. US4,644,026, entitled "Re-adhering and Removable Adhesive".
  • the gel type member 402 advantageously allows the re-adhering the housing attachment member 20 to the bottom casing 404 after it is removed.
  • the gel type member 402 When the housing 400 is combined, the gel type member 402 is located within the bottom casing 404. In an alternative, the gel type member 402 may also surround a rim of the bottom casing 404. In a situation where the attachment member 12 is not present, the gel type member 402 may function in its place by facilitating attachment of the housing 400 to a portable photographic apparatus. In this manner the gel type member 402 would attach to a surface on the portable photographic apparatus, preferably the surface around an imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus, and also attach to the housing 400.
  • the housing 400 may be attached or removed at will. Accordingly, the gel type member 402 advantageously allows the housing 400 and hence the portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. Additionally, the transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings.
  • the housing 400 is combined in the following manner.
  • the housing attachment member 20 adheres to the gel type member 402 via the adhesive nature of the gel type member 402.
  • the gel type member 402 then adheres to a bottom surface of the bottom casing 404.
  • the bottom casing comprises a hole 405 which is raised upon the bottom surface, the raised portion of the hole 405 is not shown in Figure 12.
  • the lens 406 locates within the bottom casing 404, the hole 405 allows light to pass to the lens 406.
  • the top casing 410 locates to a raised rim 407 provided at one end of the bottom casing 404.
  • the filter 408 rests upon the top rim 409 of the bottom casing 404.
  • the filter 408 rests securely upon the top rim 409 secured at its edges by the inside of the top casing 410.
  • the screw cap 412 screws into a hole 411 provided in the top casing 410, the screwing motion of the screw cap 412 provides pressure upon the other elements of the housing 400, thereby locating them securely to one another.
  • the housing 400 may then be easily disassembled by the screw cap 412 being unscrewed and relieve said pressure.
  • the screw cap 412 comprises an aperture 413 through which a cord or strap may be passed, by which the housing 400 may be carried.
  • Figure 13 shows the housing 400 in its combined form when combined according to the procedure previously described. As can be seen the housing 300 is combined such that the hole 305 is within the gel type member 302. The cap 314 is raised above the filter casing 312 which sits upon the bottom casing 304.
  • the photographic accessory attachment system 10 will now be described with reference to its intended use.
  • the apparatus attachment member 14 is attached to a portable photographic apparatus as previously described, preferably around at least a portion of the periphery of an imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus.
  • the housing attachment member 20 may be formed as part of the housing 100 or attachable to the housing 100, the housing attachment member 20 connects to the apparatus attachment member 14 in a manner previously described. This connection between the apparatus attachment member 14 and the housing attachment member 20 effectively connects the entire housing 100 to the portable photographic apparatus.
  • the housing 100 is now located directly in front of the imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus. Any use of the portable photographic apparatus to capture an image through the imaging aperture will now cause that image to be captured through the housing 100.
  • the housing 100 may be removed from the apparatus attachment member 14 by disengaging the housing attachment member 20 from the apparatus attachment member 14.
  • the apparatus attachment member 14 may be removed from the portable photographic apparatus without causing any damage or leaving any residue to or upon the portable photographic apparatus.
  • the gel type ring 102 may function in place of the apparatus attachment member 14 and the housing attachment member 20.
  • Any form of attachment suitable may be utilized to attach: the apparatus attachment member 14 to the portable photographic apparatus and the apparatus attachment member 14 to the housing attachment member 20. This includes attachment via adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups.
  • a form of attachment is suitable if it fulfills the requirement of leaving no damage or residue upon disengagement.
  • any reference to a specific photographic accessory such as a lens, filter or the like may be interpreted as being equivalent to any combination of photographic accessories in the named accessories place.
  • photographic accessories may be one of the following, by way of example only: a lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, light intensifier, diffuser or the like. In this manner, any number of photographic accessories may be provided in any of the housing embodiments described above.
  • housings All forms of previously described housings are able to be disassembled easily and photographic accessories replaced with equivalent or different photographic accessories. In this manner for example, a user may disassemble a housing and replace a lens with a filter, filter with a diffuser etc.
  • attachment location, engagement and the like it is intended that any known form of attachment is suitable. Specifically, it is considered that adhesive, removable adhesive or magnetic attraction are particularly suitable forms of attachment. These are particularly suitable where the present invention is attached to a portable photographic apparatus, or where the housing attached to the attachment member.
  • a gel type adhesive is a form of adhesive which is removable without losing all of its adhesive properties. Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Accessories Of Cameras (AREA)

Abstract

An attachment device for removably mounting at least one photographic accessory to a portable photographic apparatus comprises an attachment member (12) adapted for respectively attaching to the portable photographic apparatus and a housing (100,200,300,400) including the photographic accessory. The attachment device can be removed from the photographic apparatus without causing any damage to or leaving any residue upon the photographic apparatus. The attachment member (12) is preferably configured and shaped to accommodate the features of the contact surface of the portable photographic apparatus for providing effective attachment.

Description

SYSTEM FOR REMOVABLY MOUNTING PHOTOGRAPHIC ACCESSORY TO PORTABLE
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for removably mounting a photographic accessory to a portable photograph apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to the mounting of accessories such as lens, filers and the like to portable photographic apparatus.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
The field of photography and photographic accessories is varied and recently has had an emphasis on reduction of size. With the advent of compact digital cameras and mobile telephones incorporating image capturing functionality, the ability to capture images using small devices has increased.
With the increased use of portable photographic apparatus, it is desirable to provide image quality equivalent to the image quality obtained using larger, more traditional photographic equipment such as a Single Lens Reflex camera.
Portable and reduced size photographic apparatus typically sacrifice image quality in exchange for smaller imaging components enabling the reduced size. One such example is the lens used by the photographic apparatus to capture an image. In traditional photographic equipment, reusable, portable lenses are provided so that a photographer may replace lens as desired in order to enact a desired shot.
The reusable, portable lenses have typically been limited to larger, less portable photographic equipment. It is therefore desirable to provide a system whereby portable photographic accessories may be attached to compact photographic equipment.
In conventional art, portable photographic accessories such as lenses are usually attached to portable photographic equipments through mounting ring mechanism. For example, lenses are mounted to camera via a lens mounting ring. Both the portable photographic equipments and portable photographic accessories however have to be built with the mounting ring in order to allow attachment of the portable photographic accessories and hence undesirably increase the complexity of the products and manufacturing costs. Further, the mounting rings are not standardized and hence the portable photographic accessories are not transferrable between different portable photographic equipments. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system whereby portable photographic accessories may be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments.
Previous attempts at providing portable photographic equipment with reusable accessories have resulted in systems whereby any attachment of the portable photographic accessories to a portable photographic apparatus has left the portable photographic apparatus with damage or residue. This is due to the accessory being not shaped to fit the portable photographic apparatus, or due to the method attachment used.
Another problem with previously provided portable lens equipment and the like for portable photographic equipment is that each piece of equipment only contains one photographic accessory. There is a need for photographers and the like to be able to efficiently combine various lens, filters, diffusers etc into one convenient housing, at their discretion. The present invention seeks to satisfy this need.
It is also desirable to provide a system whereby any accessory, such as lens, filter or the like, may be accurately and reliably located permanently or temporarily to portable photographic apparatus such as a camera phone or a digital camera.
It is intention of the present invention to overcome problems in previous systems for attaching photographic accessories to portable photographic apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment device for removably mounting at least one photographic accessory to a portable photographic apparatus, comprising an attachment member adapted for respectively attaching to the portable photographic apparatus and a housing including the photographic accessory. The attachment device further allows portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. The transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings. The attachment device can be removed from the photographic apparatus without causing any damage to or leaving any residue upon the photographic apparatus. The attachment member is preferably configured and shaped to accommodate the features of the contact surface of the portable photographic apparatus for providing effective attachment.
The attachment member may further comprises: an apparatus attachment member adapted for removably attaching to the portable photographic apparatus; and a housing attachment member adapted for removably attaching to the housing, the housing attachment member being removably engaged with the apparatus attachment member upon a planar contact surface.
The attachment member may be configured and shaped to accommodate the variances of the contact surface on the portable photographic apparatus which is non-uniform in shape. Advantageously, the attachment member is at least partly composed of a gel type adhesive material.
The housing attachment member may be attached to the housing by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups, such that the housing attachment member can be re-adhered to the housing after removal.
The housing attachment member may be engaged with the apparatus attachment member by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups. The mechanical locking means may be lugs or flanges.
The photographic accessory may be one or a combination of the following optical accessories such as lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, light intensifier or diffuser.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographic system comprising: a portable photographic apparatus; at least one photographic accessory; an attachment member adapted for respectively attaching to the portable photographic apparatus and a housing including the photographic accessory; wherein the attachment member can be removed from the photographic apparatus without causing any damage to or leaving any residue upon the photographic apparatus; and wherein the attachment member is configured and shaped to accommodate the features of the contact surface of the portable photographic apparatus for providing effective attachment. The attachment member may further include an apparatus attachment member adapted for removably attaching to the portable photographic apparatus; and a housing attachment member adapted for removably attaching to the housing, the housing attachment member being removably engaged with the apparatus attachment member upon a planar contact surface.
The attachment member may be configured and shaped to accommodate the variances of the contact surface on the portable photographic apparatus which is non-uniform in shape. The attachment member may be at least partly composed of a gel type adhesive material.
The housing attachment member may be attached to the housing by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups, such that the housing attachment member can be re-adhered to the housing after removal.
The housing attachment member may be engaged with the apparatus attachment member by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups. The mechanical locking means may be lugs or flanges.
The photographic accessory may be one or a combination of the following optical accessories such as lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, light intensifier or diffuser.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of removably mounting photographic accessories to a portable photographic apparatus, comprising the steps of: attaching an attachment member to the portable photographic apparatus; coupling the attachment member to a housing including the photographic accessory; wherein the apparatus can be removed from the photographic apparatus without causing any damage to or leaving any residue upon the photographic apparatus; and wherein the attachment member is configured and shaped to accommodate the features of the contact surface of the portable photographic apparatus for providing effective attachment.
The step of attaching further may further comprise the steps of: connecting an apparatus attachment member to the portable photographic apparatus; linking a housing attachment member to the housing; and engaging the housing attachment member with the apparatus attachment member upon a planar contact surface. The attachment member may be configured and shaped to accommodate the variances of the contact surface on the portable photographic apparatus which is non-uniform in shape. The attachment member may be at least partly composed of a gel type adhesive material.
The housing attachment member may be linked to the housing by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups, such that the housing attachment member can be re-adhered to the housing after removal.
The housing attachment member may be engaged with the apparatus attachment member by attaching means such as adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups. The mechanical locking means may be lugs or flanges.
The photographic accessory may be one or a combination of the following optical accessories such as lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, light intensifier or diffuser.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a simple plan view of a photographic accessory attachment system accordingly to the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of an attachment member according to the present invention.
Figure 3 is a reverse exploded view of the attachment member of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of an attachment member according to the present invention.
Figure 5 is a reverse exploded view of the attachment member of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a housing according to the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the housing of Figure 6. Figure 8 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a housing according to the present invention.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the housing of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a housing according to the present invention.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the housing of Figure 10.
Figure 12 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of a housing according to the present invention.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the housing of Figure 12.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Referring to the accompanying figures, Figure 1 shows a simplified plan of a photographic accessory attachment system 10. The photographic accessory attachment system 10 comprises an attachment member 12 and a housing 100 adapted to removably engage with the attachment member 12. The housing 100 contains at least one photographic accessory such as a lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, a light intensifier, diffuser or the like. The attachment member 12 is adapted to engage with a portable photographic apparatus (not shown) such as a camera, a camera phone, or the like. The portable photographic apparatus will comprise at least an imaging aperture (not shown through which an image may be captured. The imaging aperture may be in any form such as a circle, rectangle or square and may contain a clear cover.
Preferably, the attachment member 12 locates around at least a portion of the periphery of the imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus. Once engaged, the housing 100 engages with attachment member 12 in a manner whereby the housing 100 may be engaged or disengaged at will. Due to the location of the photographic accessory attachment system 10 when attached to a portable photographic apparatus, any usage of the apparatus to capture an image via the imaging aperture will result in the image passing through the photographic accessory of the housing 100. The functionality of the portable photographic apparatus may thus be altered when the apparatus is utilized to capture an image.
The attachment member 12 will now be described according to a first embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figure 2 to Figure 5 specifically. The attachment member 12 comprises an apparatus attachment member 14 and a housing attachment member 20. The apparatus attachment member 14 can be configured and shaped to accommodate the variances of the contact surface on the portable photographic apparatus which may be non-uniform in shape. The housing attachment member, on the other hand, is engaged with the apparatus attachment member upon a planar contact surface such that different photographic accessories mounted with housing attachment members can be interchanged conveniently on to the portable photographic apparatus.
The apparatus attachment member 14 is substantially circular to fit with attachment member 20, but may be any appropriate shape to fit the imaging device, and comprises an outer ring 15 surrounding a raised inner ring 16. The raised inner ring 16 has a lug 18 which protrudes outwardly from the raised inner ring 16. The outer side 15a of the apparatus attachment member 14 is adapted to engage with a portable photographic apparatus, this engagement will be described further below.
The housing attachment member 20 is substantially circular and comprises an outer ring 21 and an inner ring 22 depressed within the outer ring 21. The outer ring 21 contains a lug receiving portion 24 which receives the lug 18. In use, the apparatus attachment member 14 is received within the housing attachment member 20 to form the attachment member 12, the lug 18 locates within the lug receiving portion 24, the housing attachment member 20 is then rotated relative to the apparatus attachment member 14 so that the lug 18 fixes inside the inner ring 22 to present disengagement of the apparatus attachment member 14 from the housing attachment member 20. The housing attachment member 20 may be constructed of a magnetic material in order to engage with the apparatus attachment member 14 to supplement or replace the lug 18 engagement.
The apparatus attachment member 14 engages with a portable photographic apparatus via the outer ring 15. the outer surface 15a of the outer ring engages with a surface of a portable photographic apparatus. Preferably the outer surface 15a engages around an imaging aperture through which an image is captured by the portable photographic apparatus. The engagement may be facilitated by, for example, an adhesive such as glue or gel type adhesive. Since the engagement is adhesive and removable, it allows portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. Additionally, the transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings. Alternatively, the apparatus attachment member 14 may be constructed of a magnetic material such as ferrous-metal, the apparatus attachment member 14 may then be magnetically attached to a magnetized surface on the portable photographic apparatus. Figures 2 and 3 demonstrate an embodiment whereby the outer ring 15 is substantially uniform in shape, this is designed such that the outer ring 15 may engage with any portable photographic apparatus having a flat surface. Figures 4 and 5 demonstrate an embodiment where the outer ring 15 is of varying shape to facilitate moulded engagement with specific predetermined types of portable photographic apparatus. This facilitates engagement with portable photographic apparatus whereby the area around the imaging aperture is of varying texture, size and/or shape etc. The outer ring 15 may be specifically shaped to accommodate these variances and achieve effective engagement.
The combination of the apparatus attachment member 14 to the housing attachment member 20 via the lug 18 or the like limits or prevents movement of the apparatus attachment member 14 relative to the housing attachment member 20 and movement of the attachment member 12 relative to the portable photographic apparatus.
The apparatus attachment member 14 and the housing attachment member 20 may also comprise further fitting features such as flanges or the like which may connect with each other or features on the portable photographic apparatus to prevent movement of the attachment member 12 relative to the portable photographic apparatus.
The photographic accessory attachment system 10 will now be described with specific reference to desirable forms of the housing.
Figures 6 and 7 demonstrate one embodiment of the housing of the photographic accessory attachment system 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment the housing 100 comprises a gel type member 102, a bottom casing 104, a lens 106, a top casing 108, a filter casing 110, a metal member 112 and a cap 114. The element all locate to one another in the order listed to form the housing 100.
The housing 100 attaches to the attachment member 12 through the housing attachment member 20. A first surface of the housing attachment member 20 locates to the apparatus attachment member 14 which may be attached to a portable photographic apparatus. A second surface of the housing attachment member 20 attaches to the bottom casing 104 of the housing 100. The gel type member 102 is formed of a flexible removable gel type adhesive material and may be located between the housing attachment member 20 and the bottom casing 104. The gel type adhesive material may be in the form of a thin coating or a gelled solid plate, and may be selected from various known gel type materials such as those disclosed in US Patent No. US3, 920,600 entitled "Adhesive Compositions" or US Patent No. US4,644,026, entitled "Re-adhering and Removable Adhesive". The gel type member 102 advantageously allows the re-adhering the housing attachment member 20 to the bottom casing 104 after it is removed. Since the portable photograph apparatuses usually have small apertures, the corresponding photographic accessories are small in size and light in weight, hence particularly suitable to be adhered by re-adhering and removable adhesive materials which generally offer smaller adhesive force comparing to permanent adhesive materials. Since the gel type member 102 is adhesive and removable, it advantageously allows the housing attachment member 20 and hence the portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. Additionally, the transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings. When the housing 100 is combined, the gel type member 102 is located within the bottom casing 104. In an alternative, the gel type member may also surround a rim of the bottom casing 104. In a situation whereby the attachment member 12 is not present, the gel type member 102 may function in its place by facilitating attachment of the housing 100 to a portable photographic apparatus. In this manner the gel type member 102 would attach to a surface on the portable photograph apparatus, preferably the surface around an imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus, and also attach to the housing 100. As the gel type member 102 is removable without leaving residue or adversely affecting the portable photographic apparatus, the housing 100 may be attached or removed at will. Additionally, due to its elasticity nature, the gel type member 102 is capable of providing flexibility to accommodate non-uniform surfaces on the portable photographic apparatus.
The housing 100 is combined in the following manner. The housing attachment member 20 and the gel type member 102 locate within a bottom half of the bottom casing 104. The lens 106 locates within a top half of the bottom casing 104, supported by a dividing member 105 which separates the bottom half of the bottom casing 104 from the top half. The top casing 108 locates over the outside of the top half of the bottom casing 104 securing the lens 106 firmly therein. The top casing 108 then locates within the bottom portion of the filter casing 110. The metal ring 112 is a holder for a photographic accessory such as a lens, which may fit on or within the metal ring 112. The metal ring 1 12 locates within a top portion of the filter casing 110, a dividing lip 111 located towards the top portion of the filter casing 110 divides the top portion of the filter casing 111 from the bottom portion. The cap 114 seals the top of the housing 100 and is removable in order to allow for operation of the lens 106 when attached to a portable photographic apparatus.
Figure 7 shows the housing 100 in its combined form when combined according to the procedure previously described. As can be seen the housing 100 is quite compact when combined and elements such as the lens 106 are well protected within the housing elements 104 and 110. The cap 114 provides protection for the top of the housing 100. Located at one end of the housing 100 is the attachment member 12, which is joined via the housing attachment member 20.
Figures 8 and 9 demonstrate a second embodiment of the housing of the photographic accessory attachment system 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment the housing 200 comprises a gel type member 202, bottom casing 204, a lens 206, a top casing 208, a filter 210 and a movable filter casing 214. The elements all locate to one another in the order listed to form the housing 200.
The housing 200 attaches to the attachment member 12 through the housing attachment member 20. The housing attachment member 20 locates to both the apparatus attachment member 14 which may be attached to a portable photographic apparatus and to the bottom casing 204 of the housing 200. The gel type member 202 is formed of a flexible removable gel type adhesive material and may be located between the housing attachment member 20 and the bottom casing 204. When the housing 200 is combined, the gel type member 202 is located within the bottom casing 204. In an alternative, the gel type member 202 may also surround a rim of the bottom casing 204. In a situation where the attachment member 12 is not present, the gel type member 202 may function in its place by facilitating attachment of the housing 200 to a portable photographic apparatus. In this manner the gel type member 202 would attach to a surface on the portable photographic apparatus, preferably the surface around an imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus, and also attach to the housing 200. As the gel type member 202 is removable without leaving any residue or adversely affecting the portable photographic apparatus, the housing 200 may be attached or removed at will. Accordingly, the gel type member 202 advantageously allows the housing 200 and hence the portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. Additionally, the transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings.
The housing 200 is combined in the following manner. The housing attachment member 20 adheres to the gel type member 202 via the adhesive nature of the gel type member 202. The gel type member 202 then adheres to a bottom surface of the bottom casing 204. The bottom casing comprises a hole 205 which is raised upon the bottom surface, the raised portion of the hole 205 is not shown in Figure 8. The lens 206 locates within the bottom casing 204, the hole 205 allows light to pass to the lens 206. The top casing 208 locates upon the rim 207 of the bottom casing 204.
The movable filter casing 214 comprises a lower portion 212 and an upper portion 213. The lower portion 212 is adapted to accommodate the filter 210 within a gap 212a, the lower portion 212 is capable of being rotated or pushed into the top casing 208. In this manner the filter 210 is held securely in position. The filter 210 is of a shape similar to the shape of the gap 212a to ensure secure engagement. The filter 210 comprises an extended portion at one end with a hole 211. When the filter 210 is engaged with the lower portion 212 of the movable filter casing 214, the hole 211 lines up with a similar hole 215 provided in a portion extended from the top portion 213 of the movable filter casing 214. The holes 211 and 215 allow a strap (not shown) to be passed through, which may be utilized to carry the housing 200 when it is combined. In an alternative the filter 210 may be provided on top of the top portion 213 of the movable filter casing 214. The filter 210 is then attached to the housing 200 via the strap through the holes 211 and 215. The filter 210 is movable relative to the housing 200 around the strap. The movable filter casing 214 may be pushed or rotated into the top casing 208, such that the lower portion 212 is exposed or hidden from view. The filter 210 may be removed from the strap and placed into the gap 212a of the movable filter casing 214, when the movable filter casing 214 is in a raised state such that the lower portion 212 is exposed.
Figure 9 shows the housing 200 in its combined form when combined according to the procedure previously described. As can be seen the housing 200 is combined such that the hole 205 is within the gel type member 202 and the movable filter casing 214 is raised such that the gap 212a is exposed. The filter 210 is not shown in this figure, however it may be located according to one of the methods previously described.
Figures 10 and 11 demonstrate a third embodiment of the housing of the photographic accessory attachment system 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment the housing 300 comprises a gel type member 302, a bottom casing 304, a lens 306, a top casing 308, a filter 310, a filter casing 312 and a cap 314. The elements all locate to one another in the order listed to form the housing 300.
The housing 300 attaches to the attachment member 12 through the housing attachment member 20. The housing attachment member 20 locates to both the apparatus attachment member 14 which may be attached to a portable photographic apparatus and to the bottom casing 304 of the housing 300. The gel type member 302 is formed of a flexible removable gel type adhesive material and may be located between the housing attachment member 20 and the bottom casing 304. The gel type adhesive material may be in the form of a thin coating or a gelled solid plate, and may be selected from various known gel type materials such as those disclosed in US Patent No. US3, 920,600 entitled "Adhesive Compositions" or US Patent No.
US4,644,026, entitled "Re-adhering and Removable Adhesive". The gel type member 302 advantageously allows the re-adhering the housing attachment member 20 to the bottom casing 304 after it is removed. When the housing 300 is combined, the gel type member 302 is located within the bottom casing 304. In an alternative, the gel type member 302 may also surround a rim of the bottom casing 304. In a situation where the attachment member 12 is not present, the gel type member 302 may function in its place by facilitating attachment of the housing 300 to a portable photographic apparatus. In this manner the gel type member 302 would attach to a surface on the portable photographic apparatus, preferably the surface around an imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus, and also attach to the housing 300. As the gel type member 302 is removable without leaving any residue or adversely affecting the portable photographic apparatus, the housing 300 may be attached or removed at will. Accordingly, the gel type member 302 advantageously allows the housing 300 and hence the portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. Additionally, the transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings.
The housing 300 is combined in the following manner. The housing attachment member 20 adheres to the gel type member 302 via the adhesive nature of the gel type member 302. The gel type member 302 then adheres to a bottom surface of the bottom casing 304. The bottom casing comprises a hole 305 which is raised upon the bottom surface, the raised portion of the hole 305 is not shown in Figure 10. The lens 306 locates within the bottom casing 304, the hole 305 allows light to pass to the lens 306.
The top casing 308 locates upon the rim 307 of the bottom casing 304. The top casing 308 comprises a recessed portion 308a in the shape similar to the letter 'L'. The filter 310 sits flush with the top surface 309 of the top casing 308. The filter casing 312 locates around the top casing 308 and comprises a raised member 311 which protrudes inwardly from the filter casing 312. When the filter casing 312 locates around the top casing 308, the raised member 311 locates within the recessed portion 308a of the top casing 308. By rotating the filter casing 312, the raised member 311 is secured within the recessed portion 308a. The cap 314 locates within the top of the filter casing 312, resting upon an inner rim 313. The cap 314 comprises two apertures 315 within its centre. The apertures 315 may receive a strap or cord by which the housing 300 may be carried.
Figure 11 shows the housing 300 in its combined form when combined according to the procedure previously described. As can be seen the housing 300 is combined such that the hole 305 is within the gel type member 302. The cap 314 is raised above the filter casing 312 which sits upon the bottom casing 304. Figures 12 and 13 demonstrate a fourth embodiment of the housing of the photographic accessory attachment system 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment the housing 400 comprises a gel type member 402, a bottom casing 404, a lens 406, a filter 408, a top casing 410 and a screw cap 412. The elements all locate to one another in the order listed to form the housing 400.
The housing 400 attaches to the attachment member 12 through the housing attachment member 20. The housing attachment member 20 locates to both the apparatus attachment member 14 which may be attached to a portable photographic apparatus and to the bottom casing 404 of the housing 400. The gel type member 402 is formed of a flexible removable gel type adhesive material and may be located between the housing attachment member 20 and the bottom casing 404. The gel type adhesive material may be in the form of a thin coating or a gelled solid plate, and may be selected from various known gel type materials such as those disclosed in US Patent No. US3, 920,600 entitled "Adhesive Compositions" or US Patent No. US4,644,026, entitled "Re-adhering and Removable Adhesive". The gel type member 402 advantageously allows the re-adhering the housing attachment member 20 to the bottom casing 404 after it is removed. When the housing 400 is combined, the gel type member 402 is located within the bottom casing 404. In an alternative, the gel type member 402 may also surround a rim of the bottom casing 404. In a situation where the attachment member 12 is not present, the gel type member 402 may function in its place by facilitating attachment of the housing 400 to a portable photographic apparatus. In this manner the gel type member 402 would attach to a surface on the portable photographic apparatus, preferably the surface around an imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus, and also attach to the housing 400. As the gel type member 402 is removable without leaving any residue or adversely affecting the portable photographic apparatus, the housing 400 may be attached or removed at will. Accordingly, the gel type member 402 advantageously allows the housing 400 and hence the portable photographic accessories to be transferrably used between different portable photographic equipments conveniently and cost efficiently without the need of mounting rings being built into the portable photographic equipments. Additionally, the transferability of the portable photographic accessories can be provided without the need of standardized mounting rings.
The housing 400 is combined in the following manner. The housing attachment member 20 adheres to the gel type member 402 via the adhesive nature of the gel type member 402. The gel type member 402 then adheres to a bottom surface of the bottom casing 404. The bottom casing comprises a hole 405 which is raised upon the bottom surface, the raised portion of the hole 405 is not shown in Figure 12. The lens 406 locates within the bottom casing 404, the hole 405 allows light to pass to the lens 406.
The top casing 410 locates to a raised rim 407 provided at one end of the bottom casing 404. The filter 408 rests upon the top rim 409 of the bottom casing 404. When the top casing 410 locates over the bottom casing 404 to the raised rim 407, the filter 408 rests securely upon the top rim 409 secured at its edges by the inside of the top casing 410. The screw cap 412 screws into a hole 411 provided in the top casing 410, the screwing motion of the screw cap 412 provides pressure upon the other elements of the housing 400, thereby locating them securely to one another. The housing 400 may then be easily disassembled by the screw cap 412 being unscrewed and relieve said pressure. The screw cap 412 comprises an aperture 413 through which a cord or strap may be passed, by which the housing 400 may be carried.
Figure 13 shows the housing 400 in its combined form when combined according to the procedure previously described. As can be seen the housing 300 is combined such that the hole 305 is within the gel type member 302. The cap 314 is raised above the filter casing 312 which sits upon the bottom casing 304.
Intended Use
The photographic accessory attachment system 10 will now be described with reference to its intended use. The apparatus attachment member 14 is attached to a portable photographic apparatus as previously described, preferably around at least a portion of the periphery of an imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus. The housing attachment member 20 may be formed as part of the housing 100 or attachable to the housing 100, the housing attachment member 20 connects to the apparatus attachment member 14 in a manner previously described. This connection between the apparatus attachment member 14 and the housing attachment member 20 effectively connects the entire housing 100 to the portable photographic apparatus. Preferably, the housing 100 is now located directly in front of the imaging aperture of the portable photographic apparatus. Any use of the portable photographic apparatus to capture an image through the imaging aperture will now cause that image to be captured through the housing 100. Any photographic accessories such as the lens 106 will therefore affect the captured image due to the photographic accessory's location. The housing 100 may be removed from the apparatus attachment member 14 by disengaging the housing attachment member 20 from the apparatus attachment member 14. The apparatus attachment member 14 may be removed from the portable photographic apparatus without causing any damage or leaving any residue to or upon the portable photographic apparatus.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the gel type ring 102 may function in place of the apparatus attachment member 14 and the housing attachment member 20.
Any form of attachment suitable may be utilized to attach: the apparatus attachment member 14 to the portable photographic apparatus and the apparatus attachment member 14 to the housing attachment member 20. This includes attachment via adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking or suction cups. A form of attachment is suitable if it fulfills the requirement of leaving no damage or residue upon disengagement.
In the description of the present invention above it is intended that any reference to a specific photographic accessory such as a lens, filter or the like may be interpreted as being equivalent to any combination of photographic accessories in the named accessories place. These photographic accessories may be one of the following, by way of example only: a lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, light intensifier, diffuser or the like. In this manner, any number of photographic accessories may be provided in any of the housing embodiments described above.
All forms of previously described housings are able to be disassembled easily and photographic accessories replaced with equivalent or different photographic accessories. In this manner for example, a user may disassemble a housing and replace a lens with a filter, filter with a diffuser etc.
Where the description above refers to attachment, location, engagement and the like it is intended that any known form of attachment is suitable. Specifically, it is considered that adhesive, removable adhesive or magnetic attraction are particularly suitable forms of attachment. These are particularly suitable where the present invention is attached to a portable photographic apparatus, or where the housing attached to the attachment member. A gel type adhesive is a form of adhesive which is removable without losing all of its adhesive properties. Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

We claim:
1. An attachment device for removably mounting at least one photographic accessory to a portable photographic apparatus, comprising an attachment member adapted for respectively attaching to said portable photographic apparatus and a housing including said photographic accessory; wherein said attachment device can be removed from said photographic apparatus without causing any damage to or leaving any residue upon said photographic apparatus; and wherein said attachment member is configured and shaped to accommodate the features of the contact surface of said portable photographic apparatus for providing effective attachment.
2. The attachment device according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member further comprises: an apparatus attachment member adapted for removably attaching to said portable photographic apparatus; and a housing attachment member adapted for removably attaching to said housing, said housing attachment member being removably engaged with said apparatus attachment member upon a planar contact surface.
3. The attachment device according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member is configured and shaped to accommodate the variances of the contact surface saidsurface on said portable photographic apparatus which is non-uniform in shape.
4. The attachment device according to claim 1, wherein said attachment member is at least partly composed of a gel type adhesive material.
5. The attachment device according to claim 2, wherein said housing attachment member is attached to said housing by attaching means selected from the group comprising adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking and suction cups, such that said housing attachment member can be re-adhered to said housing after removal.
6. The attachment device according to claim 2, wherein said housing attachment member is engaged with said apparatus attachment member by attaching means selected from the group comprising adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking, and suction cups.
7. The attachment device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said mechanical locking means is selected from the group comprising lugs and flanges.
8. The attachment device according to any of preceding claims, wherein said photographic accessory is selected from the group of optical accessories comprising: lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, light intensifier, and diffuser.
9. A photographic system for removably mounting photographic accessories to a portable photographic apparatus, the system comprising: a portable photographic apparatus; at least one photographic accessory; an attachment member adapted for respectively attaching to said portable photographic apparatus and a housing including said photographic accessory; wherein said attachment member can be removed from said photographic apparatus without causing any damage to or leaving any residue upon said photographic apparatus; and wherein said attachment member is configured and shaped to accommodate the features of the contact surface of said portable photographic apparatus for providing effective attachment.
10. The photographic system according to claim 9, wherein said attachment member further comprises: an apparatus attachment member adapted for removably attaching to said portable photographic apparatus; and a housing attachment member adapted for removably attaching to said housing, said housing attachment member being removably engaged with said apparatus attachment member upon a planar contact surface.
11. The photographic system according to claim 9, wherein said attachment member is configured and shaped to accommodate the variances of the contact surface said surface on said portable photographic apparatus which is non-uniform in shape.
12. The photographic system according to claim 9, wherein said attachment member is at least partly composed of a gel type adhesive material.
13. The photographic system according to claim 10, wherein said housing attachment member is attached to said housing by attaching means selected from the group comprising adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking and suction cups, such that said housing attachment member can be re-adhered to said housing after removal.
14. The photographic system according to claim 10, wherein said housing attachment member is engaged with said apparatus attachment member by attaching means selected from the group comprising adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking, and suction cups.
15. The photographic system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said mechanical locking means is selected from the group comprising lugs and flanges.
16. The photographic system according to any of claims 9 to 16, wherein said photographic accessory is selected from the group of optical accessories comprising: lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, light intensifier, and diffuser.
17. A method of removably mounting photographic accessories to a portable photographic apparatus, comprising the steps of: attaching an attachment member to said portable photographic apparatus; coupling said attachment member to a housing including said photographic accessory; wherein said apparatus can be removed from said photographic apparatus without causing any damage to or leaving any residue upon said photographic apparatus; and wherein said attachment member is configured and shaped to accommodate the features of the contact surface of said portable photographic apparatus for providing effective attachment.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said step of attaching further comprises the steps of: connecting an apparatus attachment member to said portable photographic apparatus; linking a housing attachment member to said housing; and engaging said housing attachment member with said apparatus attachment member upon a planar contact surface.
19. The method according to claim 17, wherein said attachment member is configured and shaped to accommodate the variances of the contact surface saidsurface on said portable photographic apparatus which is non-uniform in shape.
20. The method according to claim 17, wherein said attachment member is at least partly composed of a gel type adhesive material.
21. The method according to claim 18, wherein said housing attachment member is linked to said housing by attaching means selected from the group comprising adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking and suction cups, such that said housing attachment member can be re-adhered to said housing after removal.
22. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said housing attachment member is engaged with said apparatus attachment member by attaching means selected from the group comprising adhesive, gel type adhesive, magnetic attraction, mechanical locking, and suction cups.
23. The apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, wherein said mechanical locking means is selected from the group comprising lugs and flanges.
24. The apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 23, wherein said photographic accessory is selected from the group of optical accessories comprising: lens, filter, light shaping device, shading device, diopter, light intensifier, and diffuser.
PCT/CN2010/079807 2009-12-15 2010-12-15 System for removably mounting photographic accessory to portable photographic apparatus WO2011072604A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2009906084A AU2009906084A0 (en) 2009-12-15 A system for removable mounting a photographic accessory to a portable photographic apparatus
AU2009906084 2009-12-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011072604A1 true WO2011072604A1 (en) 2011-06-23

Family

ID=44166753

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CN2010/079807 WO2011072604A1 (en) 2009-12-15 2010-12-15 System for removably mounting photographic accessory to portable photographic apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2011072604A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08227096A (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-09-03 Minolta Co Ltd Lens attaching/detaching mechanism for lens interchangeable camera
CN1997108A (en) * 2006-01-06 2007-07-11 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 A portable electronic device with the digital camera function
JP2008076917A (en) * 2006-09-25 2008-04-03 Olympus Corp Lens unit and accessory unit for camera

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08227096A (en) * 1995-02-21 1996-09-03 Minolta Co Ltd Lens attaching/detaching mechanism for lens interchangeable camera
CN1997108A (en) * 2006-01-06 2007-07-11 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 A portable electronic device with the digital camera function
JP2008076917A (en) * 2006-09-25 2008-04-03 Olympus Corp Lens unit and accessory unit for camera

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7830628B2 (en) Lens and display accessory for portable imaging device
US6889006B2 (en) Auxiliary lens for camera and the like
KR101149925B1 (en) Camera lens module for mobile phone
US8385004B2 (en) Accessory for portable imaging device
US8014666B2 (en) Apparatus and method for removably mounting filters to a photographic lens
US9823552B2 (en) Lens and sensor attachment for a digital camera and related retrofit kit and retrofit method
JP5344655B2 (en) Conversion adapter device and interchangeable lens system
JP2007163855A (en) Digital camera
JP2011053437A (en) Conversion adapter apparatus and interchangeable lens system
JP2017532585A5 (en)
JP3370445B2 (en) Mounting device
US8620152B1 (en) Auxiliary lens positioning system for portable cameras
US10712635B2 (en) Interchangeable lens mount insert
US8817395B2 (en) Portable high-power microscope magnification lens structure
US20210200069A1 (en) Mobile device camera filter
WO2011072604A1 (en) System for removably mounting photographic accessory to portable photographic apparatus
EP2182409A1 (en) Camera cap with a white balance insert
TW200915849A (en) Portable electronic device with camera module
KR101661659B1 (en) Hood unit for small camera module and device having hood unit
US20160139495A1 (en) Adapters for attaching accessories to mobile electronic devices
JP4409493B2 (en) Camera waterproof equipment
JP3093588U (en) Auxiliary lens equipment for mobile phones and digital cameras with camera function
CN218675637U (en) Formula cell-phone filter assembly is inhaled to magnetism
JP3096603U (en) Conversion lens device for mobile terminal with camera
KR100896310B1 (en) Reflector intercept apparatus for camera

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 10837041

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 10837041

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1