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
  • G03B17/08—Waterproof bodies or housings

Definitions

• the present invention pertains to waterproof housings for digital devices having video and photograph capturing capabilities, and more particularly to improvements in such waterproof housings for operating the video and photograph capturing capabilities.
• waterproof housings including, for example, LIFEPROOF cases available from Treefrog Developments, Inc. of Fort Collins, CO.
• conventional waterproof housings for such devices do reasonably well for protecting such devices from water infiltration, but do little to take advantage of the advanced video and photograph capturing capabilities of such modern digital devices or enable the convenient use of a device's touch-screen for use of such advanced capabilities in challenging conditions such as underwater or in wet conditions.
• U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0082963 directed to a waterproof housing for digital devices having basic push buttons disposed for contacting specific areas of a devices touch-screen or overtly simple and limited swing arm actuators for performing swipe operations on the touchscreen.
• waterproof housings for single-lens reflex (“SLR") cameras are known but use camera specific controls that are not typically useable for controlling touch-screens. See, for example, the multi-directional pad for an underwater camera housing described in U.S. Patent No. 8,787,745 that utilizes a complex level system to achieve control of camera dial pads, which are not readily analogous to touch-screen controls.
• waterproof housings prove to be very limited in enabling a user to take advantage of the advanced video and photograph capturing capabilities of modern digital devices, particularly with regard providing interchangeable lens or light filters required by avid photographers and videographers, or in enabling convenient use of a device's touch-screen to utilize of such advanced capabilities systems in adverse conditions.
• such waterproof housings further fail to provide any teachings with regard to advantageous and cost-effect systems for providing interchangeable lens or light filters required by avid photographers and videographers.
• aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a waterproof housing for a digital device.
• the housing incorporates many features, individually or in combination, that enable a user to take advantage of the advanced video and photograph capabilities of such devices, including operating a device's touch-screen using an advantageous multi-touch swing arm actuator; low-cost interchangeable lens systems with light blocking masks, systems for switching light filters without the need for opening the housing; and an improved latching mechanism for closing and sealing the housing.
• aspects of the present disclosure are directed to the multi-touch swing arm actuator of the water proof housing.
• a shaft of the actuator is disposed within an aperture formed within the housing.
• the housing further includes at least one recess formed therein for positioning proximate a touch screen of a digital device when said digital device is positioned within the housing.
• the actuator comprises the shaft, a control member connected to an outer end of the shaft, a stop member affixed to one of the shaft or the control member for contacting the housing or engaging said recess, an extension member connected to an inner end of the shaft, and first and second probes affixed directly or proximate to the extension member.
• the first probe is positioned proximate the shaft and the second probe is compressible and located at an off-center position relative to a center axis defined by the shaft.
• Outer surfaces of the first and second probes respectively terminate at first and second positions along a direction of the center axis of the shaft; with the second position along the center axis being distally further from the control member than the first position.
• the control member is operable to rotate the extension member about the center axis of the shaft along an arcuate path defining a first radial segment and to urge the second probe to contact the touch screen to carry out a screen touch or "touch-swipe" motion across the touch screen.
• the stop member is operable to engage an outer surface of the housing and prevent the first probe from contacting the touch screen.
• the stop member is operable to engage the recess of the housing, thereby permitting the control member to urge the first probe member to contact the touch screen.
• a corresponding exemplary method in accordance with this aspect of the invention comprises (i) positioning a shaft of the actuator to extend through an aperture in the housing with the housing having at least one recess formed therein proximate a touch screen of the digital device when said digital device is positioned within the housing; (ii) configuring the actuator to comprise the shaft; a control member connected to an outer end of the shaft, a stop member affixed to one of the shaft or the control member for contacting said housing or engaging said recess, an extension member connected to an inner end of the shaft, a first probe affixed to the extension member proximate said shaft, and a second probe affixed to the extension member at an off-center position relative to a center axis defined by the shaft; (iii) disposing the first and second probes in the housing such that outer surfaces of the first and second probes in the housing such that outer surfaces of the first and second probes in the housing such that outer surfaces of the first and second probes in the housing such that outer surfaces of the first and
• a lens mount system for the waterproof housing for the digital device includes a threaded aperture provided on the housing, a lens arrangement including an optical lens coupled to a threaded collar, and a positioning assembly for fixedly locating the lens arrangement to the housing at a predetermined rotational engagement position of the threaded collar to the threaded aperture.
• the positioning assembly includes a surface having a receiving recess that engages with a biased releasable feature. The biased releasable feature and surface having the receiving recess are each provided in one of the waterproof housing or the threaded collar of the lens arrangement.
• the biased releasable feature is provided to the housing.
• the biased releasable feature engages the receiving recess to fix the lens arrangement at the predetermined rotational engagement position, such that optical feature of the lens arrangement is located at a predetermined desired distance from an optical plane of a camera of a digital device positioned within the housing.
• this thread-based system in a preferred embodiment enables the lens arrangement to be rotationally positioned at the predetermined engagement position and desired distance from the optical plane of the camera by rotating the lens arrangement no more than 180 degrees. This is facilitated in the preferred embodiment by providing the threads in the aperture and on the lens arrangement as multiple start threads, coupled with the positioning assembly and receiving recess that fixedly locate the lens assembly at the predetermined engagement position.
• This SUMMARY is provided to briefly identify some aspects of the present disclosure that are further described below in the DESCRIPTION. This SUMMARY is not intended to identify key or essential features of the present disclosure nor is it intended to limit the scope of any claims.
• FIGs. 1 and 2 respectively provide front and rear perspective views of an exemplary waterproof housing according to aspects of the present disclosure
• FIGs. 3 - 8 respectively provide front, top, rear, right side, left side and bottom views of the waterproof housing of FIGs. 1 and 2;
• FIG. 9 provides an exploded rear perspective view of the waterproof housing of FIGs. 1 and 2;
• FIGs. 10 and 11 respectively provide an exploded rear perspective view and magnified exploded rear perspective view that illustrates an exemplary swing arm actuator assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure
• FIGs. 12 - 16 each provide paired exploded rear perspective and magnified exploded rear perspective views that illustrate an operational sequence for the swing arm actuator assembly of FIGs. 10 and 11 ;
• FIGs. 17 and 18 respectively provide a front view and magnified front view of the waterproof housing of FIGs. 1 and 2 that illustrate a lens mount for a lens apparatus;
• FIGs. 19 and 20 respectively provide left side and rear views of the waterproof housing of FIGs. 1 and 2 that illustrates a mount for a lens apparatus a lens apparatus mounted on the lens mount of FIGs. 17 and 18;
• FIGs. 21 and 22 respectively provide a top sectional view and a magnified top sectional view taken along line AR— AR of FIG. 17;
• FIGs. 23 and 24 provides a perspective views of a lens apparatus according to aspects of the present invention
• FIGs. 25 - 28 respectively provide top, bottom, front/rear and left/right side, views of the lens apparatus of FIGs. 23 and 24;
• FIGs. 29 and 30 respectively provide front and rear views of the waterproof housing of FIGs. 1 and 2, illustrating a selectable filter arrangement
• FIGs. 31 and 32 respectively provide a sectional view and magnified sectional view taken along line AX— AX of FIG. 29;
• FIG. 33 provides an exploded perspective view of the waterproof housing of FIGs. 29 and 30;
• FIG. 34 provides a partial perspective view of the waterproof housing of FIGs. 29 and 30 that is cut along the line AX-AX of FIG. 29;
• FIG. 35 provides an open rear view of the waterproof housing of FIGs. 1 and 2 that illustrates retention members used to retain a digital device within the housing;
• FIG. 36 provides an exploded perspective view of the housing and retention members of FIG. 35;
• FIGs. 37 and 38 respectively provide a perspective and magnified perspective view of the housing and one retention member of FIG. 35;
• FIG. 39 provides a perspective view of a digital device retention member according to aspects of the present invention.
• FIGs. 40 - 45 respectively provide top, rear, left side, front, right side and bottom views of the digital device retention member of FIG. 39;
• FIG. 46 provides a rear view of the waterproof housing of FIGs. 1 and 2;
• FIGs. 47 and 48 respectively provide a perspective and magnified perspective view of the housing of FIG. 46 that illustrates a rear camera dome and selection button assembly of the housing;
• FIG. 49 provides a rear perspective view of a waterproof camera housing including a light shade component;
• FIG. 50 provides a right side view of the waterproof camera housing of FIG. 49 with the light shade component shown in a disengaged position;
• FIG. 51 provides a rear perspective view of a waterproof camera housing of FIG. 49 including a light shade component and a grip component, where the light shade component is shown as a cut-a-way;
• FIG. 52 provides a right side view of the waterproof camera housing of FIG. 49 with the light shade component shown in an engaged position;
• FIG. 53 provides a rear view of the waterproof camera housing of FIG. 49 with the light shade component shown in a disengaged position;
• FIGs. 54 and 55 respectively provide a right-side sectional view and magnified right side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 49 that is cut along the line BF— BF of FIG. 53, with the light shade component shown in the disengaged position;
• FIG. 56 provides a rear view of the waterproof camera housing of FIG. 49 with the light shade component shown in an engaged position;
• FIGs. 57 and 58 respectively provide a right-side sectional view and magnified right side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 49 that is cut along the line BH— BH of FIG. 56, with the light shade component shown in the engaged position;
• FIG. 59 provides a rear perspective view of the waterproof camera housing of FIG. 49 with the light shade component shown in the engaged position;
• FIGs. 60 - 65 respectively provide top, front, right side, rear, right side and bottom views of the waterproof camera housing of FIG. 49;
• FIG. 66 provides a rear perspective view of the light shade, rear bulkhead and light mask components of the waterproof camera housing of FIG. 49;
• FIGs. 67 - 72 respectively provide top, front, right side, rear, left side and bottom views of the components of FIG. 66;
• FIGs. 73 and 74 respectively provide rear and front perspective views of the waterproof camera housing of FIG. 49;
• FIGs. 75 and 76 respectively provide a rear perspective view and magnified rear perspective view of the waterproof camera housing of FIG. 49, including a cutaway view of an exemplary latch component of the waterproof camera housing in accordance with as aspect of the disclosure, wherein the latch is in an open position;
• FIGs. 77 and 78 respectively provide a rear perspective view and magnified rear perspective view of the waterproof camera housing of FIGs. 75 and 76, including a cutaway view of a latch component of the waterproof camera housing in a closed position;
• FIGs. 79 and 80 respectively provide rear and left side views of the waterproof camera housing of FIGs. 75 and 76, with the latch component shown in FIGs. 75-78 in cut-a-way along the line BM-BM of FIG. 80;
• FIG. 81 shows a front perspective view of the latch component of FIGs. 75 and 76;
• FIGs. 82 - 87 respectively provide top, front, right side, bottom, rear and left side views of the latch component of FIG. 81 ;
• FIG. 88 provides a front view of an exemplary grip component of the waterproof camera housing of FIG. 51 in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure
• FIGs. 89 and 90 respectively provide a sectional view and magnified sectional view in cut-a-way along the line AU--AU of FIG. 88;
• FIG. 91 provides an exploded front perspective view of the grip component of FIG. 88;
• FIG. 92 provides a front perspective view of the grip component of FIG. 88;
• FIGs. 93 - 98 respectively provide top, front, right side, bottom, rear and left side views of the grip component of FIG. 92;
• FIGs. 99 and 100 respectively provide a rear and front perspective views of a waterproof camera housing according to aspects of the present disclosure.
• FIGs. 101 - 106 respectively provide top, rear, left side, front, left side and bottom views of the housing of FIGs. 99 and 100.
• directional terms as may be used such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “proximal,” “distal,” “front”, “rear”, “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” “interior” and “exterior” relate to an orientation of the disclosed mixing device from the perspective of a typical user, and do not specify permanent, intrinsic features or characteristics of the device.
• FIGs. 1 and 2 respectively provide rear and front perspective views of a waterproof housing 100 for a touch-screen digital device.
• the device includes front and rear bulkhead members 102, 108 that are respectively coupled by hinge members 104, 110 in combination with a latch 500.
• the front and rear bulkhead members 102, 108 may thereby be opened to receive a touch-screen digital device, and then closed in a secure manner to enclose the touch-screen digital device in a waterproof environment.
• the housing 100 further includes an actuator assembly 200, which may be manipulated by an operator to carry out certain touch screen operations for operating camera or video features of the digital device while the digital device is enclosed within the front and rear bulkhead members 102, 108.
• the elements and operation of the actuator assembly 200 are described in further detail infra.
• the housing 100 also features an interchangeable lens assembly 300 for optically communicating with a front- facing camera of the digital device, and a rear- facing camera dome 122 for optically communicating with a rear-facing camera of the digital device. As shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, these features are respectively configured in the housing 100 for the front- facing and rear- facing cameras of a digital device, such an IPHONE 6 smart phone, available from Apple, ie. of Cupertino, CA. The operator may select either of the front-facing and rear-facing cameras for use by means of a camera selection button assembly 124.
• a digital device such an IPHONE 6 smart phone, available from Apple, ie. of Cupertino, CA.
• the operator may select either of the front-facing and rear-facing cameras for use by means of a camera selection button assembly 124.
• An app selection button assembly 126 may also preferably be provided for selection of an associated smart phone application (for example, a still camera or video camera application) that is provided at a designated position on the IPHONE 6 screen.
• an associated smart phone application for example, a still camera or video camera application
• FIGs. 3 - 8 respectively provide front, top, rear, right side, left side and bottom views of the waterproof housing 100 illustrated by FIGs. 1 and 2.
• FIG. 9 provides an exploded rear perspective view of the housing 100 of FIGs. 1 and 2, showing the front bulkhead 102 and rear bulkhead 108 in an open position.
• a digital device 800 (for example, an IPHONE 6 smart phone) is positioned within an interior cavity of the front bulkhead 102, with the touch screen of the digital device 800 facing rearwardly.
• side pads 134 are insertable into holders 135 for providing a cushioned clamping effect to the digital device 800 when the front bulkhead 102 and rear bulkhead 108 are returned to a closed position.
• Side pads 134 may preferably be formed from an elastomeric material such as natural rubber or neoprene.
• the front bulkhead 102 may preferably be formed from a rugged plastic material including but not limited to polypropylene, low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Most preferably, the front bulkhead 102 is formed from an ABS material.
• the rear bulkhead 108 may be preferably formed from a transparent plastic, for example including one or more of polycarbonate, polystyrene or another acrylic plastic. Use of a clear transparent plastic material, for example, enables the rear bulkhead (including the rear- facing camera dome 122 of FIG. 1 to be molded in a single piece.
• the rear bulkhead 108 is formed from a XYLEX polycarbonate and amorphous polyester blended resin, such as is available from SABIC Innovative Plastics of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
• front bulkhead latch seat member 112 and rear bulkhead latch seat member 106 are provided to support components of the latch 500.
• extended latch strike 516 of the latch 500 is insertable into the seat member 106 to be retained by several screws.
• the extended latch strike 516 which is preferably formed from a metal such as stainless or anodized steel, may be attached to the latch seat member 106 by means of metal or plastic rivets, adhesives, and/or frictional fit.
• a latch body 502 of the latch 500 is attached to seat member 112 via retainer screw 508, which may be inserted into a molded threaded feature of the seat member 112 or a screw insert that is pressed or threaded into the seat member 112.
• a top button assembly 114 (preferably including a button member, a spring and an O-ring) is preferably fitted to a top button cylinder 115 for operating a side button of the digital device 800 (for example, the on/off button of an IPHONE 6 smart phone).
• a tripod/grip mount 116 is preferably mounts in proximity to the top button assembly on a top surface of the front bulkhead 102 for receiving a grip, tripod or other accessory to the housing 100.
• a light mask 650 which is optionally fitted into an interior cavity of the rear bulkhead 108.
• the light mask 650 is preferably formed from an opaque (black) plastic, and affixed to the rear bulkhead 108 by screws, plastic or metal rivets, adhesives and/or snap-fit features.
• the light mask 650 is preferably provided when one or more of the front bulkhead 102 and rear bulkhead 108 are formed from a transparent material in order to advantageously shield the touch-screen from stray light that may obscure its visibility to the operator.
• FIGs. 10 and 11 respectively provide an exploded rear perspective view and magnified exploded rear perspective view that further illustrate the actuator assembly 200 of FIG. 1, which is used by an operator to operate features of the touch screen of digital device 800 that are needed to engage one or more of the cameras of the digital device 800.
• actuator assembly 200 is mounted to the rear bulkhead 108 of the housing 100 in an actuator assembly cylinder 162.
• the assembly 200 includes a shaft 204 and a control member 212 connected to an outer end of the shaft 204.
• a stop member 214 is affixed to the control member 212 for engaging an outer surface of the rear bulkhead 108 in order to limit the downward vertical position of the actuator assembly 200 as operated by the operator.
• the stop member may alternatively be incorporated in the actuator assembly 200 in a number of other ways, for example including by direct attachment via a securable collar to the shaft 204.
• control member 212 and stop member 214 are positioned externally to the housing, while the shaft 204 extends externally from the control member 212 through the cylinder 162 into an interior cavity of the rear bulkhead 108.
• a biasing spring 216, O-ring 218 and O-ring retainer washer 202 are fitted in the actuator assembly cylinder 162 and encircling the shaft 204.
• the biasing spring 216 provides a restorative force for returning the actuator assembly 200 upwardly to a rest position when the control member 212 is released by the operator.
• the O-ring 218 is retained in the cylinder 162 by the O-ring retainer washer 202, and provides a waterproof seal between the shaft 204 and the cylinder 162.
• an extension member 206 connected to an inner end of the shaft 204.
• a first probe 206 is affixed to the extension member 210 near the inner end of the shaft 204.
• a second probe 208 is affixed to the extension member 210 at an off-center position relative the shaft 204.
• the first and second probes 206, 208 are each preferably formed from a compressible elastomeric material (for example, such as natural rubber or neoprene) and covered with a fine metallic mesh material, such as is used for example in ARCADIA stylus pens available from New Trent Inc. Fremont CA.
• the extension member 210 is stepped such that the outer surface of second probes 208 terminates at a lower vertical position that the outer surface of the first probe 206.
• control member 212 can be simultaneously operated by an operator to rotate the extension member 206 about the center axis of the shaft 204 along a circular path defining a first radial segment while urging the second probe 208 to contact the touch screen 802 of the digital device 800, thereby carrying out a "touch-swipe" motion across the touch screen 802.
• Such a touch swipe may be used, for example, to select a camera or video mode for a camera application resident on an IPHONE 6 smart phone.
• the stop member 214 of the actuator assembly 200 is configured to engage an outer surface of the rear bulkhead 108 in order to limit the downward vertical position of the actuator assembly 200. More specifically, in this context, the stop member 214 is generally operable when the extension member 210 lies within a first radial segment to engage an outer surface of the rear bulkhead 108 at a vertical height of the shaft 204 that allows the second probe 208 to compressibly contact the touch screen 802 while preventing contact between the first probe 206 and the touch screen when the extension member is within the first radial segment to engage an outer surface of the housing and prevent the first probe to contact the touch screen. As will be further described with reference to FIGs.
• the stop member 214 can be positioned to align with a recess 166 in the outer surface of the rear bulkhead 108 that enables the actuator assembly 200 to travel further downwardly in the vertical direction.
• the second probe 208 is compressible, an operator can operate the control member 212 while the stop member is in the recess position to cause the first probe to contact the touch screen 802 (for example, to activate a shutter button displayed on the touch screen for a camera application resident on an IPHONE 6 smart phone).
• FIGs. 12 - 16 each provide paired exploded rear perspective and magnified exploded rear perspective partial cut-a-way views that further illustrate the operation of the actuator assembly 200 described supra.
• the actuator 200 can be seen within the first radial segment at a rest position, in which the shaft 204 is at its highest vertical extent and the stop member 214 is resting above the outer surface of the rear bulkhead 108.
• the control member 212 has been moved vertically downwardly until the second probe 210 has contacted and been compressed by the touch screen 802 of the digital device 800.
• the control member 212 and stop member 214 have been rotated in a counter-clockwise direction about the shaft 204, thereby generating a touch swiping motion.
• control member 212 and stop member 214 have been rotated in a clockwise direction to position the stop member 214 vertically over a recess 166 in the outer surface of the rear bulkhead 108, such that the first probe 206 is positioned away from active portions of the touch screen 802.
• control member 212 has been pressed to move the shaft 204 vertically downwardly so that the stop member 214 enters the recess 166, thereby enabling the second probe 208 to contact and be compressed against the touch screen 802.
• control member 212 and/or extension member 210 may have different shapes including one or more bends or curves (for example, such as an "s"-shape) according to an alternative configuration.
• Other suitable control member configurations useable for the control member 212 may for example include external gripping features formed integral with or affixed to the shaft including, for example, a knurled region at the outer end of the shaft.
• the operations of the stop member 14 may be separated from the control member 212.
• the stop member 214 may alternatively be disposed on a short extension from or directly attached to the shaft 205 at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the rear bulkhead 108, and the control member 212 may be implemented as a disk or other shaped extension or omitted entirely.
• a slot or recess disposed in the outer surface of the rear bulkhead 108 proximate near the shaft 204 may replaceably perform the functions of the recess 166 .
• the corresponding operation of the camera or video-capture application running on the digital device may dictate an alternate location of the first and second probes 206 and 208.
• the first probe 206 may be disposed on the extension member 210 off-center relative to the shaft 204, or the positions of the first and second probes 206 and 208 may be switched, wherein the second probe 208 is disposed on the extension member 210 closer to the center-axis of the shaft 204.
• the second probe 208 may be operated to activate different features by touching the screen discretely to contact particular icons or displayed buttons in addition to performing a "touch swipe.”
• the extension member 210 may further include one or more additional probes (not shown) similar to probe 208 for performing or emulating with the probe 208 a multi-finger "touch swipe" operation.
• the extension member may include an adjustment mechanism such as, for example, a slot (not shown) to enable re-positioning of either or both of the probes 206 and 208 to accommodate different camera and video capture software and applications with different locations for the activations of particular features or shutter control.
• FIGs. 17 - 22 illustrate elements of a removable lens apparatus 300 that forms a component of the housing 100 in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.
• FIGs. 17, 19 and 20 respectively provide front, left side and rear views of the housing 100 with the lens apparatus 300 mounted to the housing.
• FIG. 18 presents a magnified view of a portion of the lens apparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. 17.
• lens apparatus 300 includes a housing 302 for carrying the dome port lens, which preferably includes a light shade 304 that provides glare protection and a surface which the operator can grab to mount or dismount the lens apparatus 300.
• the lens apparatus may be secured positioned in an aperture through an outer surface of the front bulkhead 102 (for example, by means of mating threads provided on each of the body of the dome port housing 302 and within the aperture through the front bulkhead 102).
• a mask frame 308 is preferably provided on an end surface of the lens apparatus to reduce the amount of light glare presented through the housing 100 to a corresponding front camera in the digital device 800.
• FIG. 18 illustrates a seat 310 that is provided in a flanged surface of the housing 302 that mates with a corresponding surface on the surface of the front bulkhead 102 when the lens apparatus 300 is mounted to the housing 100.
• the seat 310 is configured to receive the tip of a locking pin 144 provided in the front bulkhead 102, which is further described infra.
• FIGs. 21 and 22 respectively provide a top sectional view and a magnified top sectional view of the housing 100 lens apparatus 300 of FIG. 17, taken along line AR— AR of FIG. 17.
• an optical dome 312 is fitted, secured and sealed to the housing 302 by means of an O-ring 314.
• the housing 302, including the light shade 304 and mask frame 308 are preferably formed from an opaque plastic for example such as polypropylene.
• Optical dome 312 is formed from a clear, transparent plastic such as polycarbonate.
• the domed shape of the optical dome 312 is advantageously used in underwater environments in combination with the front camera of the digital device 800 for improved light balance and proportional rendering of images.
• the dome port housing 302 may preferably secured and sealed to the aperture in the surface of the front bulkhead 102 by mating threads on each of the housing 302 and along the aperture in the front bulkhead 102.
• the threads are most preferably provided as double entry Acme threads, which enable the housing 302 to be fitted and sealed to the front bulkhead 102 within a threaded engagement angle of between 30 and 180 degrees, and more preferably within a threaded engagement and in the range of 90 to 120 degrees.
• Sealing of the housing 302 to the front bulkhead 102 is enhanced with the addition of a dome port housing O-ring 306, which is sealably fitted between the housing 302 and the aperture in the front bulkhead 102 when the housing 302 is threadably fitted to the aperture in the front bulkhead 102.
• the housing 302 is further secured by a locking pin assembly 142, which includes a locking pin 144 that is fitted to a locking pin recess 146 in the front bulkhead 102.
• a biasing spring 148 and retaining washer 150 are fitted to the locking pin 144 in a cavity within the locking pin recess 146 in order to secure the pin 144 to the recess 146 and exert an outwardly direct force on the pin 144 toward the flange surface of the housing 302 of the lens assembly 300.
• the threaded fitting is advanced until a retaining end of the pin 144 is positioned over the pin seat 310 of the lens assembly 300. hi this position, the biasing spring 148 urges the retaining end of the pin 144 forward so that it enters and is secured by the seat 310.
• the pin 144 and biasing spring 148 are preferably made from a corrosion resistant metal such as stainless steel.
• the pin 144 includes a grippable head at an opposing end to the retaining end, which can be manipulated by the operator to release the pin 144 from the pin seat 310 for removing the lens assembly 300 from the housing 100.
• the locking pin 144 may alternatively be held within in a pin seat provided in the lens assembly 300, while the seat is provided in the front bulkhead 102.
• the pin assembly may be replaced by another retention mechanism such as a conventional ball detent mechanism.
• FIGs. 23 and 24 provides a perspective views of lens assembly 300 illustrated by FIGs. 17 - 22.
• FIGs. 25 - 28 respectively provide top, bottom, front/rear and left/right side, views of the lens assembly 300 of FIGs. 17 - 22.
• FIGs. 17-28 depict one exemplary configuration of the lens mount for the lens apparatus 300 for illustration purposes only.
• the light mask 308 may be eliminated from the lens apparatus 300 and re-positioned within the aperture and coupled to the front bulkhead 102 to position it preferably closer to the optical sensor of the digital device's front camera 804.
• the locking pin 144 is disposed on the front bulkhead 102 and corresponding pin seat 310 on the dome port housing 302 for relative ease of use.
• FIGs. 29 and 30 respectively provide front and rear views of the waterproof housing 100 of FIGs. 1 and 2, and illustrate a selectable filter assembly 400 that is preferably provided as a component of the housing 100 in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.
• FIGs. 31 and 32 respectively provide a sectional view and magnified sectional view taken along line AX— AX of FIG. 29.
• FIG. 33 provides an exploded perspective view of the waterproof housing of FIGs. 29 and 30, and
• FIG. 34 provides a partial perspective view of the waterproof housing of FIGs. 29 and 30 that is cut along the line AX-AX of FIG. 29.
• the filter assembly 400 illustrated by FIGs. 29 - 34 includes a lever 402 positioned externally on a front- facing outer surface of the front bulkhead 102, which can be manipulated to rotate a filter frame 406 that is positioned within the interior volume of the front bulkhead 102 to selectively place one of the filters 408a and 408b in an optical path between the front-facing camera 804 of the digital device 800 and the lens assembly 300 mounted in the aperture of the front bulkhead 102.
• the lever 402 can be manipulated to rotate each of the filters 408a and 408b out of the optical path between the front- facing camera 804 of the digital device 800 and the lens assembly 300.
• the lever 402 is preferably removably coupled to the filter frame 406 by cylindrical portion for receiving a fastener such as a screw, and the cylindrical portion is positioned through a seat 140 in the front bulkhead 102 for coupling to the filter frame 406.
• the cylindrical portion of the lever 402 includes a seat for holding an O-ring 404 for sealing the interior components of the filter assembly 400 in a waterproof manner.
• the front bulkhead 102 is further preferably provided with stop features 138 in order to limit the travel of the lever 402 and thereby prevent over-rotation of the filter frame 406.
• Filters 4081, 408b may include one or more of a variety of conventional underwater correction filters selected according to the underwater application, and/or one or more effects-oriented filters (for example, diffusion and star filters).
• FIG. 35 provides an open rear view of the waterproof housing 100 of FIG. 1 including retention members 136 used to retain the digital device 800 within the housing 100.
• FIG. 36 provides a partially exploded perspective view of the housing and retention members 136 of FIG. 35
• FIGs. 37 and 38 respectively provide a perspective and magnified perspective view of the housing and one retention member of FIG. 35.
• the retention members 136 have a wishbone configuration and are positioned within the interior volume of the front bulkhead 102 in retention wells 137, where they are preferably retained by a screw fastened to the front bulkhead 102.
• a free end of the wishbone terminates in a lever member 136a, which can be pushed inwardly by the operator to place the digital device 800 in or remove the digital device 800 from the interior volume of the front bulkhead 102.
• the free end of the wishbone also includes a tab 136b, which is configured to extend over a back- facing surface extending outwardly from the touch screen 802 that clamps the digital device 800 within the interior volume of the front bulkhead 102.
• FIG. 39 provides a perspective view of the retention member 136 illustrated by FIGs. 35 - 38.
• FIGs. 40 - 45 respectively provide top, rear, left side, front, right side and bottom views of the retention member depicted by FIG. 39.
• FIG. 46 provides a rear view of the waterproof housing 100 of FIGs. 1 and 2.
• the housing 100 may be provided with a bottom button assembly 118 and bottom tripod/grip mount 116.
• the bottom button assembly may be advantageously used, for example, to operate the "volume up" button of the IPHONE 6 smart phone, which often activates respective operations of cameras and/or video capture applications, such as the camera shutterlike operation.
• FIGs. 47 and 48 respectively provide a perspective and magnified perspective view of the housing of FIG. 46 that illustrates a rear camera dome 122 and camera selection button assembly 124 of the housing 100.
• the camera dome is clear and transparent, and preferably integrally molded together with the rear bulkhead 108 as a single molding from a material such as polycarbonate.
• the domed shape of the dome 122 is advantageously used in underwater environments in combination with the rear camera of the digital device 800 for improved light balance and proportional rendering of images.
• FIGs. 49 and 50 respectively provide rear perspective and right side views of the waterproof camera housing 100, including an optional rear- facing light shade 600 shown in a disengaged position.
• FIG. 51 provides a rear perspective view of the housing 100 and light shade 600, together with an optional grip 700, where the light shade 600 is shown in partial cut-a-way and in an engaged position.
• FIGs. 52 and 53 respectively provide a right side view and a rear view of the housing 100 and light shade 650.
• FIGs. 54 and 55 respectively provide a right-side sectional view and magnified right side sectional view of the housing of FIG. 49 that is cut along the line BF— BF of FIG. 53.
• FIG. 56 provides a rear view of housing 100 and engaged light shade 600.
• the rear-facing light shade 600 is formed as a hollow, rectangular box-like element 604 with a profile that diminishes in area from an open front- facing surface to an open rear- facing surface through which the operator is able to view the touch screen 802 of the digital device.
• the opening at the front- facing surface is configured to sealably fit over an exterior surface of the rear bulkhead 108 in order to substantially reduce the amount of stray light reflecting off the touch screen 802 when viewing the image captured by the light sensor of a camera of the digital device.
• the light shade 600 is releasably secured to the rear bulkhead 108 by means of hinge members 602a, b which are coupled to hinge members 172 that are integral with the rear bulkhead 108, and via a latch 606 that mates with a latch plate 174 that is shown as a molded feature of the rear bulkhead 108.
• the latch plate 174 could be formed as a separate piece that is fastened to the rear bulkhead 108, for example, by means of conventional fasteners.
• This latch and hinge arrangement enables the operator to secure the light shade 600 in an engaged position by fastening the latch (for example, as illustrated by FIGs. 51, 52 and 56 - 57).
• the light shade 600 can be rotated downwardly to a disengaged position (for example, as illustrated by FIGs. 49, 50 and 53 - 55) to enable the operator to have unfettered access to control features of the housing 100 provided in close proximity to the touch screen 802 (for example, including the actuator assembly 200.
• a disengaged position for example, as illustrated by FIGs. 49, 50 and 53 - 55
• the light shade 600 is easily restored to the engaged position by rotating the shade body 604 upwardly and re-fastening the latch 606 to the latch plate 174.
• hinge member 602b is provided on a portion of the hinge body 604 and includes slits 602c positioned on opposing sides and perpendicular to a hinge axis of the hinge member 602b.
• a third side of the hinge member 602b that is parallel to the hinge axis terminates at the front edge of the shade body 604.
• the hinge member 602b can be readily moved by the operator in a direction to disengage the hinge member 602b from its corresponding hinge member 172 that is integral with the rear bulkhead 108. In this manner, the light shade 600 can be completely decoupled from and re-coupled to the housing 100.
• FIG. 59 provides a rear perspective view of the housing 100 provided with an optional light shade element 600 as illustrated by FIGS. 49 - 58, with the light shade component 600 shown in an engaged position relative to the housing 100.
• FIGs. 60 - 65 respectively provide top, front, right side, rear, right side and bottom views of the housing 100 of FIGs. 49 - 58.
• FIGs. 73 and 74 provide additional perspective views of the housing 100 and light shade 600.
• FIG. 66 provides a rear perspective view of the light shade element 600, rear bulkhead 108 and light mask 650 of the housing 100 of FIGs. 49 - 58.
• FIGs. 67 - 72 respectively provide top, front, right side, rear, left side and bottom views of the light shade element 600, rear bulkhead 108 and light mask 650 of the housing 100 of FIGs. 49 - 58.
• the exemplary configuration of the disengageable light shade 600 in FIGs. 49 to 74 is for illustration purpose only. It should be readily understood that alternative light shade configurations are useable in accordance with the invention including for example, a light shade having compressible accordion-style arrangement. Also, although the light shade is depicted comprising four sides, it is possible to implement a light shade having a smaller number of sides (for example, omitting one of bottom side, and/or the left or right sides, for improved access to controls provided on a back surface of the rear bulkhead 108.
• FIGs. 75 and 77 each provide a rear perspective view of the housing 100, including partial cut-a-way views of the latch 500 respectively in open and closed positions.
• FIGs. 76 and 78 respectively provide magnified rear perspective view illustrating elements of the latch 500.
• FIGs. 79 and 80 respectively provide rear and left side views of the housing 100, with the latch 500 shown in FIG. 81 in a cut-a-way view along the line BM-BM of FIG. 80.
• the latch 500 includes a latch body 502 which may be manipulate by the operator to open and close the latch 500.
• the latch body 502 is secured to the front bulkhead 102 by means of a retainer screw 508 and washers 510, 512 and 514, which enable the latch body 502 to be rotatable about an axis defined by the screw 508 after the screw 508 has been securely fastened to the front bulkhead 102.
• a corresponding latch strike 516 is secured to the rear bulkhead 108, for example, by means of conventional screw fasteners.
• the latch strike 516 includes a latch strike pin 516a which mates with a cam slot 502a of the latch body 502.
• an outer wall 502b of the cam slot 502a makes contact with an outer surface of the latch strike pin 516a to draw the pin 516a inwardly towards the axis defined by the retainer screw 508 as a clockwise rotation of the latch body 502 is executed by the operator.
• an inner wall 502c of the cam slot 502a contacts an inner surface of the latch strike pin 516a to push the pin 516a outwardly from the axis defined by the retainer screw 508.
• the slot 502a and strike pin 516a are dimensioned so that the strike pin 516a avoids simultaneous contact the outer wall 502b and the inner wall 502c of the cam slot 502a. This substantially reduces associated frictional forces and difficulty of operation relative to prior art designs.
• the latch 500 includes a guide pin 518 substantially vertically fixed within the latch body 502 at a position distally from the retainer screw 508.
• a spring 520 is fitted over the guide pin 518, and an upper surface of the spring 520 makes compressive contact with an interior spring seat of a latch cover retainer 504, which is preferably snap fitted within an interior cavity of the latch body 502.
• a locking pin 506 is fixed to the latch cover retainer 504, and substantially vertically within the latch body 502 at a position proximal to the retainer screw 508 when the latch cover retainer 504 is fitted to the latch body 502.
• the spring 520 exerts an upwardly-directed force on the latch cover retainer that causes it to toggle and apply a downwardly- directed force on the locking pin 506 that is sufficient for causing a locking end of the locking pin 506 to enter a recess in a surface of the front bulkhead 102 extending below the latch 500.
• the latch is locked in the closed position so that, for example, the housing may not be accidentally opened when in use underwater to expose the smart phone 800 to possible water damage.
• the operator may press downwardly on the latch cover retainer 504 in the area of the guide pin 518 to compress the spring 520 and raise the locking pin 506 so that the locking pin 506 may be withdrawn from the recess in the surface of the front bulkhead 102.
• FIG. 81 shows a front perspective view of the latch component of FIGs. 75 and 76;
• FIGs. 82 - 87 respectively provide top, front, right side, bottom, rear and left side views of the latch component of FIG. 81
• FIG. 88 provides a front view of an optional grip 700 for attachment to the waterproof housing 100.
• FIGs. 89 and 90 respectively provide a sectional view and magnified sectional view in cut-a-way along the line AU--AU of FIG. 88.
• FIG. 91 provides an exploded front perspective view of the grip component of FIG. 88.
• the grip 700 as depicted includes a grip body 702 that is fastened to a support plate 712 by means of a locking screw 716. The support plate may then be attached to the housing 100 (for example, at the tripod/grip mount 116 illustrated by FIG, 9) by means of a one or more locking screws 714.
• the grip body 702 as illustrated by FIGs. 90 and 91 is designed to be gripped by the operator, and has a trigger assembly that includes a trigger 718 and associated spring 724 that are held within an orifice of the grip body 702 by means of a retainer washer 720 and sealed within the orifice by means of an O-ring 722.
• the grip 700 may include an extension 710 that is fastened to the grip body 702 (for example, by a conventional bolt fastener) and extends downwardly from a bottom surface of the grip body 702 to extend the surface area of the grip body 702 that may be gripped by the operator.
• the trigger 718 is positioned to operate an electrical switch provided on a wireless signal transmission circuit board 704.
• Suitable circuit boards may include, for example, those containing or configured to receive Bluetooth wireless transmission integrated circuit devices, such as conventional circuit boards used in smart phone monopod sticks produced by iStablizer of Kamas, Utah.
• the board 704 preferably includes an electrical storage device (capacitor or battery), a display, and a BLUETOOTH transmitter capable, for example, of transmitting the BLUETOOTH signal interpreted by the IPHONE 6 smart phone as comprising a "volume up" command, which is interpreted as a shutter click command by many smart phone camera applications.
• BLUETOOTH signals transmitted under water or in wet conditions are highly attenuated due to the water, Applicants discovered that a typical BLUETOOTH output signal can be transmitted underwater at distances of 6 inches or less, which is sufficient for use in the intended grip 700.
• BLUETOOTH transmitters for transmitting signals is particularly advantageous for conventional digital devices because a large number of digital devices employ BLUETOOTH receivers. Nevertheless, any other wireless transmitter that can be received by a digital device located within a few inches of such transmitter when under water is useable in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, ZIGBEE transmitters.
• the grip 700 is also provided with a display window 728 that is sealed within the a cover piece 706 by means of an O-ring 729.
• the display window 728 provides visual access to the display on the board 704, which may for example preferably include one or more single or multi-color LED devices for signaling and state of electrical capacity, charging status and/or digital device 800 readiness to receive a shutter click via the trigger 718 or to report the execution of a shutter click by the digital device 800.
• the cover piece 732 is sealed within the body 702 by means of an O-ring 732, and is removable from the body 702 in order to gain access to the board 704.
• the grip 700 is also preferably provided with a cap 708 that is sealed to the body 702 by means of an O-ring 726. Cap 708 may be removed from the body 702 to provide access to a charging receptacle (for example, including a micro-USB connector) for re-charging the electrical storage device.
• FIG. 92 provides a front perspective view of the grip 700 of FIGs. 88 - 91.
• FIGs. 93 - 98 respectively provide top, front, right side, bottom, rear and left side views of the grip 700 of FIGs. 88 - 91.
• FIGs. 99 and 100 respectively provide a rear and front perspective views of the housing 100 and optional grip 700 of FIGs. 79 and 80.
• FIGs. 101. - 106 respectively provide top, rear, left side, front, left side and bottom views of the housing 100 and optional grip 700 of FIGs. 79 and 80.
• a housing for holding a digital device having a touch screen comprising:
• a housing element having an aperture and at least one recess formed therein for positioning proximate a touch screen of a digital device when said digital device is positioned within the housing;
• an actuator comprising:
• a stop member affixed to one of the shaft or the control member for contacting said housing element or engaging said recess
• an extension member connected to an inner end of the shaft, and a first probe affixed to the extension member proximate said shaft, and a second probe affixed to the extension member at an off-center position relative to a center axis defined by the shaft, wherein the second probe is compressible and outer surfaces of the first and second probes respectively terminate at first and second positions in a direction of the center axis of the shaft; with the second position along the center axis being distally further from the control member than the first position; wherein the control member is simultaneously operable to rotate the extension member about the center axis of the shaft along a circular path defining a first radial segment and to urge the second probe to contact the touch screen for carrying out a screen touch or "touch-swipe" motion across the touch screen, wherein the stop member is operable when the extension member is within the first radial segment to engage an outer surface of the housing element and prevent the first probe to contact the touch screen, and
• stop member is operable when the extension member is at a
• first and second probes comprise at least one conductive material having a predetermined electrical capacitance characteristic.
• control member is a gripping feature on the outer end of the shaft.
• the housing of paragraph 1 further comprising at least one retention member for securing the digital device within an interior volume of the housing, said at least one retention member being positioned and secured within the interior volume of the housing and having a compressible wishbone structure, at least a portion of the compressible wishbone structure being compressible within the interior volume in a dis-engaged position for releasing the digital device from the interior volume.
• the at least one retention member comprises a retention feature configured to extend outwardly over an edge of the touch screen of the digital device when the at least one retention member is in an engaged position for engaging the digital device.
• the housing of paragraph 13 further comprising a light shade hingedly connected to the housing, said light shade having first and second openings and configured to be selectively rotated to an engaged position at which the first opening in the light shade sealably engages with the housing element in proximity with the touchscreen while the second opening in the light shield is distally positioned from the housing element for viewing the touchscreen, wherein said light shade is configured in the engaged position to reduce the amount of stray light reflecting from the touchscreen.
• said housing further comprises a light mask affixed to housing at a position proximate to a perimeter of the housing, said light mask positioned to shield a portion of the housing positioned to be in proximity with the touchscreen to reduce the amount of stray light reflecting from the touchscreen.
• a method for providing an actuator in a housing for holding a digital device having a touch screen comprising the steps of:
• a shaft of the actuator to extend through an aperture in the housing, said housing having at least one recess formed therein for positioning proximate the touch screen of the digital device when said digital device is positioned within the housing, configuring the actuator to comprise the shaft; a control member connected to an outer end of the shaft, a stop member affixed to one of the shaft or the control member for contacting said housing or engaging said recess, an extension member connected to an inner end of the shaft, a first probe affixed to the extension member proximate said shaft, and a second probe affixed to the extension member at an off- center position relative to a center axis defined by the shaft,
• first and second probes disposing the first and second probes in said housing such that outer surfaces of the first and second probes respectively terminate at first and second positions along a direction of the center axis of the shaft; with the second position along the center axis being distally further from the control member than the first position; forming at least a portion of the second probe proximate its outer surface with a compressible material;
• control member configuring the control member to further enable a user to rotate the control member to simultaneously rotate the extension member about the center axis of the shaft along a circular path defining a first radial segment and to urge the second probe to contact the touch screen for carrying out a screen touch or a "touch-swipe" motion across the touch screen, and configuring the stop member to (a) engage an outer surface of the housing and prevent the first probe to contact the touch screen when the extension member is within the first radial segment; and (b) engage the recess of the housing when the extension member is at a predetermined position outside of the first radial segment to thereby permit the control member to urge the first probe member to contact the touch screen.
• the method of paragraph 16 further comprising the step of positioning the recess such that when said stop member engages the recess the second probe does not contact a touch sensitive portion of the digital device.
• the method of paragraph 19 further comprising the step of disposing interfering features on said housing for contacting the extension member and alerting a user that the stop member is aligned with the recess.
• a lens mount system for a housing for a camera device comprising: a threaded aperture provided on the housing;
• a lens arrangement comprising an optical lens coupled to a threaded collar, said threaded collar for rotationally engaging the threaded aperture to couple the lens arrangement to the housing;
• a positioning assembly for fixedly locating the lens arrangement to the housing at a predetermined rotational engagement position of the threaded collar to the threaded aperture , the assembly comprising a surface having a receiving recess formed therein and a biased releasable feature for engagement with the recess, wherein said surface having the recess is located on one of the housing and lens arrangement and the biased feature is provided in the other one of the housing and lens arrangement, such that when the lens arrangement and the housing are fixedly located at the predetermined engagement position, an optical feature of the lens arrangement is located at a predetermined desired distance from an optical plane of the housing.
• the positioning assembly further includes a release mechanism coupled to the biased releasable locking pin, the release mechanism engageable by a user to withdraw the locking pin from said recess to enable the lens arrangement to be threadably dis-engaged from the housing.
• the lens mount system of paragraph 23 further comprising a light blocking mask having an opening formed therein, said mask positioned within the threaded aperture proximate the image plane of the camera device when the camera device is positioned within the housing.
• a filter frame positioned within the housing, said filter frame comprising at least one filter
• lever is operable to selectively place said at least one filter in an optical path of the lens arrangement.
• a lens arrangement for a housing for a camera device comprising: an optical lens coupled to a threaded collar, said threaded collar for rotationally engaging and coupling the lens arrangement to a corresponding threaded aperture in the housing; and
• a positioning assembly for fixedly locating the lens arrangement in the housing at a predetermined rotational engagement position of the lens arrangement relative to the housing, the assembly comprising a surface having a receiving recess formed therein for engaging with a biased releasable feature of the housing, wherein the threaded collar is configured to enable the lens arrangement to be rotatably mounted and reach the predetermined
• the lens arrangement of paragraph 50 further comprising a light blocking mask positioned rearwardly of the optical lens and integrally with the threaded collar.
• a lens arrangement for a housing for a camera device comprising: an optical lens coupled to a threaded collar, said threaded collar for rotationally engaging and coupling the lens arrangement to a corresponding threaded aperture in the housing; and a positioning assembly for fixedly locating the lens arrangement in the housing at a predetermined rotational engagement position of the lens arrangement relative to the housing, the assembly comprising a biased releasable feature for releasably engaging a receiving recess formed in a surface of the housing, wherein the threaded collar is configured to enable the lens arrangement to be rotatably mounted and reach the predetermined engagement position within a rotational angle in the range of 30 to 180 degrees.
• the lens arrangement of paragraph 53 further comprising a light blocking mask positioned rearwardly of the optical lens and integrally with the threaded collar.
• a housing comprising:
• first and second elements hingedly joined at distal ends, the first and second elements movable to a mated configuration that forms a sealed inner volume
• a latch configured to secure the first and second elements in the mated configuration, the latch comprising:
• a latch body secured to the first element and including an inwardly-facing arcuate cam slot, said cam slot being formed by inner and outer walls;
• a latch strike secured to the second slot and including an outwardly-facing strike pin
• said latch body being rotatable to engage the strike pin within the cam slot, said cam slot configured such that, upon rotating the latch body in a first direction, the cam slot outer wall contacts an outer surface of the strike pin to draw the first and second elements together in a sealed position in the mated configuration
• cam slot is further configured such that such that, upon rotating the latch body in a second direction, the cam slot inner wall contacts an inner surface of the strike pin to push the first and second elements apart from in a sealed position in the mated configuration, and wherein the cam slot and strike pin are further configured so that the strike pin avoids simultaneous contact with each of the cam slot inner wall and outer wall while the latch body is rotated in either of the first or second directions.
• a locking pin configured to engage a recess in the second element to maintain the first and second elements in the sealed position in the mated configuration.
• a housing for holding a digital device having a touch screen comprising:
• a housing element having an aperture and at least one recess formed therein for positioning proximate a touch screen of a digital device when said digital device is positioned within the housing ;
• an actuator comprising:
• a stop member affixed to one of the shaft or the control member for contacting said housing element or engaging said recess
• first probe affixed to the extension member proximate said shaft
• second probe affixed to the extension member at an off-center position relative to a center axis defined by the shaft, wherein the second probe is compressible and outer surfaces of the first and second probes respectively terminate at first and second positions in a direction of the center axis of the shaft; with the second position along the center axis being distally further from the control member than the first position;
• a trigger assembly comprising a grip body including an external trigger for actuating an electrical switch component of a wireless signal transmission circuit board sealably provided within an interior compartment of the grip body;
• a support plate for fixedly attaching the grip body to the housing.
• the wireless signal transmission circuit board comprises a transmitter for transmitting a wireless signal representing a shutter click command of the digital device.
• a housing for holding a digital device having a touch screen comprising:
• a housing element having an aperture and at least one recess formed therein for positioning proximate a touch screen of a digital device when said digital device is positioned within the housing ;
• an actuator comprising:
• a stop member affixed to one of the shaft or the control member for contacting said housing element or engaging said recess
• first probe affixed to the extension member proximate said shaft
• second probe affixed to the extension member at an off-center position relative to a center axis defined by the shaft, wherein the second probe is compressible and outer surfaces of the first and second probes respectively terminate at first and second positions in a direction of the center axis of the shaft; with the second position along the center axis being distally further from the control member than the first position;
• a rear-facing camera dome assembly provided in the housing element proximate to the touch screen, the rear- facing camera dome assembly including a rear-facing lens arrangement and camera button assembly for activating a rear- facing camera of the digital device.

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• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Structure And Mechanism Of Cameras (AREA)
• Studio Devices (AREA)

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• 2016
  • 2016-08-25 WO PCT/CA2016/051001 patent/WO2017035637A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2016-08-25 CA CA3035391A patent/CA3035391A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2016-08-26 TW TW105127569A patent/TWI729998B/zh not_active IP Right Cessation

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