WO2021081623A1

WO2021081623A1 - Apparatus for mounting a camera on an object

Info

Publication number: WO2021081623A1
Application number: PCT/CA2020/050255
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shea Kewin
Original assignee: Shea Kewin
Priority date: 2019-10-31
Filing date: 2020-02-26
Publication date: 2021-05-06

Abstract

An apparatus for mounting a camera comprises a housing, a securing tongue, a mounting bracket, and a locking insert. The mounting bracket is secured to the object and is received in a mount-receiving gap between the housing and the securing tongue. The locking insert is disposed between the back of the housing and the mounting bracket. The insert tab is in a tab-receiving slot of the securing tongue, to thereby mount the camera to the object. The apparatus may comprise a housing, a mounting bracket and a locking coupler. A main tongue portion of the locking coupler engages a tongue-receiving slot in the mounting bracket. A locking mechanism on the main tongue portion engages the mounting bracket to releasable lock with respect to the mounting bracket, to thereby mount the camera to the object.

Description

APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING A CAMERA ON AN OBJECT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatuses for mounting a camera on an object, and more particularly to apparatuses for mounting a camera in removable and replaceable relation on an object, such as a helmet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is common for persons to make video recordings of activities that they are participating in. Such video recordings have become increasingly popular in recent years with the universal popularity of appropriately equipped cellular telephones and computer tablets, and the like. Further, more recently, it has become common to use cameras, which are typically referred to as action cameras or sports cameras, to capture action for persons participating in physical activities. One such company that develops, manufactures and markets such action cameras or sports cameras is GoPro, Inc. of San Mateo, California. The problem of actually mounting or in some way holding a camera device such that it can capture action for persons participating in fast-paced physical activities such as hockey, lacrosse, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, snowsports and so on, has come to the forefront in recent years as a growing number of persons attempt to make video recordings of video action.

[0003] There are various types of ways to mount a camera onto a person directly or onto objects that a person might be wearing or using, such as a helmet, a bicycle, a surfboard, and so on. The most common ways include (1) a base that mounts on the receiving object by an adhesive and either an attachment mechanism that slides into the base and is secured by friction or a click-lock type arrangement, or by threaded engagement, (2) a hook-and-loop fastening system (Velcro™) and, (3) where appropriate, directly and solidly mounting the base of the camera to the object using threaded fasteners.

[0004] Various problems exist with these various ways to mount a camera, including obtrusiveness, safety, universality of mounting to various objects, difficulty in accommodating various sizes and shapes of receiving objects such as helmets, difficulty in having the camera be removably and replaceably mountable, having the mount aesthetically match the shape and features of the helmet, and accommodating various sizes and types of cameras, secureness of mounting, adding significant weight to the object, getting a viewing angle closer to the eyes, and potentially voiding warranties of the receiving object.

[0005] One relevant prior art document is United States Patent No. 5,583,571 issued December 10, 1996 to Friedland, and entitled Hands Free Video Camera System. The Friedland patent discloses a self-contained hands free video recording system having a band that is worn around the waist or the head of the user. A rigid plastic "Z" member is disposed on the belt and supports a camera within an elastic sleeve carried by the belt. Alternatively, the rigid plastic "Z" can be carried by a helmet.

[0006] Another relevant prior art document is United States Patent No. 8,342,758 issued January 1, 2013 to Braithwaite, and entitled Camera Device. The Braithwaite patent discloses a camera head mount comprising a strap for encircling the head and means, such as VelcroTM or a buckle, for securing the strap around the head. A camera holding pocket on the strap substantially encloses a camera and is situated to hold a camera in a forward-facing position against the forehead of the user with the camera lens pointing forwardly.

[0007] Yet another relevant prior art document is United States Patent No.

9,737,104, issued August 22, 2017 to Harris et al, and entitled Motorcycle Helmet

Camera Mount. The Harris et al patent discloses a camera mount designed to mount a camera next to the chin of the user, and upon a helmet. The motorcycle helmet with camera mount comprises a base, a left wing, a right wing, and a plurality of adhesives.

[0008] Yet another relevant prior art document is United States Patent No.

9,572,388, issued February 21, 2017 to Carroll, and entitled Helmet Mount. The Carroll patent discloses a helmet mount for electronics that includes a clamping bracket for affixing to a helmet chin guard, an adjustable arm, a swivel bracket and electronic device. A first end of the arm is rotatably attached to the clamp bracket, and a second end of the arm is rotatably attached to the slider bracket. The electronic device is attached to the slider bracket that allows it to slide in an arcuate manner. The clamp bracket includes a first clamping member and second clamping member which are both movable and rotatable relative to one another.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object.

[00010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, wherein the camera is unobtrusive.

[00011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, wherein the positioning of the camera is safe for the user.

[00012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus permits universality of mounting to various objects. [00013] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, wherein various sizes and shapes of receiving objects, such as helmets, are accommodating.

[00014] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, wherein various sizes and shapes of receiving objects, such as helmets, are accommodated.

[00015] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, wherein the camera is removably and replaceably mountable on the receiving object.

[00016] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, wherein the mount aesthetically matches the shape and features of the receiving object.

[00017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus is robust.

[00018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus is resistant to impact. [00019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus is inexpensive to manufacture.

[00020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus is easy to manufacture.

[00021] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus provides for secure mounting of a camera.

[00022] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus does not add significant weight to the object.

[00023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus does not void warranties of the receiving object.

[00024] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus permits an adjustable viewing angle.

[00025] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus permits the camera to be close to the user’s eyes.

[00026] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus permits the camera to be almost at the surface of the helmet, thereby minimizing protrusion of the camera.

[00027] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus is not bulky.

[00028] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus significantly resists accidental removal of the camera therefrom and readily permits selected removal of the camera therefrom.

[00029] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus is safe.

[00030] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus is durable.

[00031] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus is easy to use.

[00032] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus is reasonably universal.

[00033] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus is aesthetic.

[00034] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, which apparatus allows for performance advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00035] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel apparatus for mounting a camera on an object. The apparatus comprises a housing extending between a left end, a right end, a front, a back, a top and a bottom, and defines a substantially hollow camera-receiving interior and has at least a left-side enclosure portion and a right-side enclosure portion. A securing tongue has a proximal end and a distal end and extends at its proximal end from the housing and along a portion of the back of the housing to define a mount-receiving gap therebetween, and a forwardly extending portion at the distal end of the securing tongue, with a tab-receiving slot in the forwardly extending portion. There is a mounting bracket for securing to the object. A locking insert extends between a left side, a right side, a front, a back, a top and a bottom, and has an insert tab shaped and dimensioned for insertion into the tab receiving slot in the forwardly extending portion of the securing tongue. In use, a camera is retained in the camera-receiving interior of the housing, the mounting bracket is secured to the object and is received in the mount-receiving gap between the housing and the securing tongue, and the locking insert is disposed between the back of the housing and the mounting bracket, with the insert tab inserted into the tab-receiving slot in the forwardly extending portion of the securing tongue, to thereby mount the camera to the object.

[00036] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel apparatus for mounting a camera on an object. The apparatus comprises a housing extending between a left end, a right end, a front, a back, a top and a bottom, and defines a substantially hollow camera-receiving interior and has at least a left-side enclosure portion and a right-side enclosure portion. There is a mounting bracket for securing to the object. The mounting bracket comprises a tongue receiving slot having an open mouth. A locking coupler extends between a left side, a right side, a front, a back, a top and a bottom, and has a connecting plate for securing the locking coupler to the housing, a main tongue portion for removably engaging the tongue-receiving slot in the mounting bracket, and a locking mechanism movable between a locking configuration whereat the locking mechanism engages the mounting bracket such that the locking coupler is releasably locked with respect to the mounting bracket and a release configuration whereat the locking coupler is removed from being locked with respect to the mounting bracket. In use, a camera is retained in the camera-receiving interior of the housing, the mounting bracket is secured to the object, the locking coupler is secured to the housing, and the locking coupler is releasably retained by the mounting bracket, to thereby mount the camera to the object.

[00037] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00038] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the apparatus for mounting a camera on an object according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently known embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[00039] Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a first illustrated embodiment of the apparatus for mounting a camera on an object according to the present invention, with a camera mounted in place on an object, namely a helmet;

[00040] Figure 2 is a perspective view from the rear of the first illustrated embodiment of the apparatus for mounting a camera on an object of Figure 1 ;

[00041] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view from the of the first illustrated embodiment of the apparatus for mounting a camera on an object of Figure 1 ;

[00042] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view from below of the rear of the first illustrated embodiment of the apparatus for mounting a camera on an object of Figure 1 ;

[00043] Figure 5 is a perspective sectional view from the rear of a portion of the first illustrated embodiment of the apparatus for mounting a camera on an object of Figure 1 ; [00044] Figure 6 is a front elevational view of a second illustrated embodiment of the apparatus for mounting a camera on an object according to the present invention, with a camera mounted in place on an object, namely a helmet;

[00045] Figure 7 is a perspective view from the rear of the second illustrated embodiment of the apparatus for mounting a camera on an object of Figure 6;

[00046] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view from the of the second illustrated embodiment of the apparatus for mounting a camera on an object of Figure 6;

[00047] Figure 9 is a partially exploded perspective view from below of the rear of the second illustrated embodiment of the apparatus for mounting a camera on an object of Figure 6, showing the main tongue portion of the locking coupler being inserted into the mounting bracket;

[00048] Figure 10 is a perspective sectional view from the rear of a portion of the second illustrated embodiment of the apparatus for mounting a camera on an object of Figure 6, showing the lock-control lever in a locking configuration;

[00049] Figure 11 is a perspective sectional view similar to Figure 10, but showing the lock-control lever in a release configuration; [00050] Figure 12 is a front elevational view of the housing shown in Figure 10;

[00051] Figure 13 is a top plan view of the housing shown in Figure 10;

[00052] Figure 14 is a bottom plan view of the housing shown in Figure 10;

[00053] Figure 15 is a rear elevational view of the locking coupler shown in Figure 10;

[00054] Figure 16 is a top plan view of the locking coupler shown in Figure 10;

[00055] Figure 17 is a bottom plan view of the locking coupler shown in Figure 10;

[00056] Figure 18 is a sectional side elevational view of the locking coupler shown in Figure 10, taken along section line 18-18 of Figure 15;

[00057] Figure 19 is a rear elevational view of the mounting bracket shown in Figure 10;

[00058] Figure 20 is a top plan view of the mounting bracket shown in Figure 10; and, [00059] Figure 21 is a bottom plan view of the mounting bracket shown in Figure 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATEDED EMBODIMENTS

[00060] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 5, which show a first illustrated embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, for mounting a camera on an object, such as a helmet. In brief, first illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus 100 for mounting a camera 110 on an object 120, a housing 130, a securing tongue 150, a mounting bracket 160, and locking insert 180. In the first illustrated embodiment, the object 120 comprises a helmet 120, but could also comprise any other suitable object 120 on which cameras 110 can be mounted. The helmet 120 as shown is a conventional hockey helmet but could also be a helmet for football, baseball, bicycling, skiing or snowboarding, and so on.

[00061] The apparatus 100 for mounting a camera on an object 120, such as a helmet 120, comprises the housing 130 extending between a left end 131, a right end 132, a front 133, a back 134, a top 135 and a bottom 136. As illustrated, the housing 130 is made from a robust yet resiliently flexible plastic material, or any other suitable material. The housing 130 defines a substantially hollow camera-receiving interior 146 and has at least a left-side enclosure portion 141 and a right-side enclosure portion 142. The left-side enclosure portion 141 and the right-side enclosure portion 142 of the housing 130 are adjoined by an resiliently flexible interconnecting portion 144, as can be best seen in Figures 2 through 5. The housing 130 further comprises an interspace 148 disposed between the left-side enclosure portion 141 and the right-side enclosure portion 142 of the housing 130. The interspace 148 is for receiving a camera into the substantially hollow camera-receiving interior 146 of the housing 130.

[00062] In the first illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 further comprises a securing tongue 150 having a proximal end 151 and a distal end 152. The securing tongue 150 extends at its proximal end 151 from the housing 130 and along a portion of the back 134 of the housing 130 to define a mount-receiving gap 154 therebetween. The securing tongue 150 extends upwardly at its proximal end 151 from the bottom 136 of the housing 130. There is also a forwardly extending portion 156 of the securing tongue 150 at the distal end 152 of the securing tongue 150. A tab-receiving slot 158 is disposed in the forwardly extending portion 156 of the securing tongue 150. A substantial portion of the securing tongue 150 is disposed parallel to the back 134 of the housing 130. The forwardly extending portion 156 of the securing tongue 150 also extends angularly upwardly.

[00063] Preferably, the housing 130 and the securing tongue 150 are integrally formed as a single piece of plastic material, for the sake of ease of manufacture and cost reduction. [00064] There is also a mounting bracket 160 for securing to the object 120, namely the helmet 120. As illustrated, the mounting bracket 160 extends between a left end 161, a right end 162, a front 163, a back 164, a top 165 and a bottom 166, and further has a central portion 172, a left wing portion 174, and a right wing portion 176 each extending outwardly from the central portion 172. The mounting bracket 160 has a central indentation 178 at its back surface 172 for receiving the securing tongue 150 therein. The left wing portion 174 has a horizontally oriented slot 175 therein and the right wing portion 176 has a horizontally oriented slot 177 therein for receiving one or more threaded fasteners (not shown) therethrough. The threaded fasteners securely engage the object 120, namely the helmet 120, to secure the mounting bracket 160 to the helmet 120.

[00065] There is also a locking insert 180 extending between a left side 181, a right side 182, a front 183, a back 184, a top 185 and a bottom 186. The locking insert 180 has an insert tab 187 disposed at the top 185 of the locking insert 180. The insert tab 187 on the locking insert 180 projects forwardly and upwardly as can be best seen in Figures 2, 3 and 5. The insert tab 187 is shaped and dimensioned for insertion into the tab-receiving slot 158 in the forwardly extending portion 156 of the securing tongue 150. The locking insert 180 has an alignment portion 188 that engages a co-operating receiving portion 179 on the mounting bracket 160. The alignment portion 188 of the locking insert 180 comprises a rectangular protrusion and the co-operating receiving portion 179 on the mounting bracket 160 comprises a rectangular depression.

[00066] The locking insert 180 further comprises a plurality of vertically oriented ribs 190 disposed on the back thereof. In use, the vertically oriented ribs abut against the top 165 of the mounting bracket 160 to permit ready vertical alignment of the housing 130, and therefore the camera, with respect to the mounting bracket 160.

[00067] In use, in order to release the camera 110 in the housing 130 onto the helmet 120, the insert tab 187 of the locking insert 180 and the forwardly extending portion 156 of the securing tongue 150 are squeezed together, thereby moving the locking insert 180 rearwardly, to permit the locking insert 180 and the housing 130 and the camera 110 to be lowered from the mounting bracket 160.

[00068] Reference will now be made to Figures 6 through 21, which show a second illustrated embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, for mounting a camera on an object, such as a helmet. In brief, second illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises an apparatus 200 for mounting a camera 210 on an object 220, a housing 230, a mounting bracket 260, and locking coupler 280. In the second illustrated embodiment, the object 220 comprises a helmet 220, but could also comprise any other suitable object 220 on which cameras 210 can be mounted. The helmet 220 as shown is a conventional hockey helmet but could also be a helmet for football, baseball, bicycling, skiing or snowboarding, and so on.

[00069] The apparatus 200 for mounting a camera on an object 220, such as a helmet 220, comprises the housing 230 extending between a left end 231, a right end 232, a front 233, a back 234, a top 235 and a bottom 236. As illustrated, the housing 230 is made from a robust yet resiliently flexible plastic material, or any other suitable material. The housing 230 defines a substantially hollow camera-receiving interior 246 and has at least a left-side enclosure portion 241 and a right-side enclosure portion 242. The left-side enclosure portion 241 and the right-side enclosure portion 242 of the housing 230 are adjoined by an resiliently flexible interconnecting portion 244, as can be best seen in Figures 7 through 10. The housing 230 further comprises an interspace 248 disposed between the left-side enclosure portion 241 and the right-side enclosure portion 242 of the housing 230. The interspace 248 is for receiving a camera into the substantially hollow camera-receiving interior 246 of the housing 230.

[00070] The housing 230 also comprises a plurality of vertically oriented ribs 290 disposed on the back 234 thereof. As can be readily seen in Figures 7, 10 and 11, the mounting bracket 260 further comprises an upwardly facing coupler-receiving abutment surface 278 for receiving the ribs 290 of the mounting bracket 260 in abutting relation thereagainst. In use, the vertically oriented ribs 290 abut against the top 265 of the mounting bracket 260, specifically against the coupler-receiving abutment surface 278, to permit ready vertical alignment of the housing 230, and therefore the camera, with respect to the mounting bracket 260.

[00071] The mounting bracket 260 is for securing to the object 220, namely the helmet 220. As illustrated, the mounting bracket 260 extends between a left end 261 , a right end 262, a front 263, a back 264, a top 265 and a bottom 266, and further has a central portion 267, a left wing portion 268, and a right wing portion 269 each extending outwardly from the central portion 267. The left wing portion 268 has a horizontally oriented slot 271 therein and the right wing portion 269 has a horizontally oriented slot 272 therein for receiving one or more threaded fasteners (not shown) therethrough. The threaded fasteners securely engage the object 220, namely the helmet 220, to secure the mounting bracket 260 to the helmet 220. There is also a central lock receiving slot 274 in the mounting bracket 260.

[00072] The mounting bracket 260 further comprises a tongue-receiving slot 276 having an open mouth 277 at the top end 276t of the tongue-receiving slot 276. The tongue-receiving slot 276 is for receiving a portion of the locking coupler 280 in removable and replaceable relation therein, as will be discussed below. The open mouth 277 of the tongue-receiving slot 276 is preferably upwardly facing, although any suitable orientation could be used. [00073] The locking coupler 280 extends between a left side 281 , a right side 282, a front 283, a back 284, a top 285 and a bottom 286. The locking coupler 280 has a for securing the locking coupler 280 to the housing 230. The connecting plate 287 is rectangularly shaped with rounded corners to fit within a co-operating indentation 238 in the housing 230.

[00074] The locking coupler 280 also comprises a main tongue portion 288 that is shaped and dimensioned for removably engaging the tongue-receiving slot 276 in the mounting bracket 260. In the second illustrated embodiment, the main tongue portion 288 slides downwardly into the open mouth 277 at the top end 276t of the tongue receiving slot 276 so as to be removably engaged in the tongue-receiving slot 276.

[00075] The locking coupler 280 also comprises a locking mechanism 290 movable between a locking configuration, as is best seen in Figure 10, and a release configuration, as is best seen in Figure 11. In the locking configuration, the locking mechanism 290 engages the mounting bracket 260 such that the locking coupler 280 is releasably locked with respect to the mounting bracket 260. In the release configuration, the locking mechanism 290 is removed from engagement with the mounting bracket 260, and accordingly the locking coupler 280 is removed from being locked with respect to the mounting bracket 260. [00076] More specifically, the locking coupler 280 further comprises a lock-control lever 292 and the locking mechanism 290 comprises a locking member 294 disposed on the lock-control lever 292. The lock-control lever 292 is resiliently movable between a rearward position, as is best seen in Figure 10, and a forward position, as is best seen in Figure 11. Correspondingly, the locking member 294 is thereby movable between the same rearward position and the same forward position. The rearward position corresponds to the locking configuration of the locking mechanism 290, and the forward position corresponds to the release position of the locking mechanism 290. More specifically, in the locking configuration of the locking mechanism 290, the locking member 294 is engaged in the lock-receiving slot 274, to thereby lock the locking coupler 280 in place with respect to the mounting bracket 260. In the release configuration of the locking mechanism 290, the locking member 294 is removed from engagement with the lock-receiving slot 274, to thereby release the locking coupler 280 with respect to the mounting bracket 260.

[00077] In use, the camera 210 is inserted into the camera-receiving interior 246 of the housing 230 through the interspace 248, to thereby be retained in the camera receiving interior 246 of the housing 230. The mounting bracket 260 is secured to the object 220, namely the helmet 220, using suitable threaded fasteners, or via any other suitable means. The locking coupler 280 is secured to the housing 230 via the connecting plate 287. The locking coupler 280 is releasably retained by the mounting bracket 260, as discussed above, to thereby mount the camera 210 to the object 220. [00078] As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides an apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, wherein the camera is unobtrusive, wherein the positioning of the camera is safe for the user, which apparatus permits universality of mounting to various objects, wherein various sizes and shapes of receiving objects, such as helmets, are accommodated, wherein various sizes and shapes of receiving objects, such as helmets, are accommodated, wherein the camera is removably and replaceably mountable on the receiving object, wherein the mount aesthetically matches the shape and features of the receiving object, which apparatus is robust, which apparatus is resistant to impact, which apparatus is inexpensive to manufacture, which apparatus is easy to manufacture, which apparatus provides for secure mounting of a camera, which apparatus does not add significant weight to the object, which apparatus does not void warranties of the receiving object, which apparatus permits an adjustable viewing angle, which apparatus permits the camera to be close to the user’s eyes, and which apparatus permits the camera to be almost at the surface of the helmet, thereby minimizing protrusion of the camera, which apparatus is not bulky, and which apparatus significantly resists accidental removal of the camera therefrom and readily permits selected removal of the camera therefrom, which apparatus is safe, which apparatus is durable, which apparatus is easy to use, which apparatus is reasonably universal, which apparatus is aesthetic, which apparatus allows for performance advantages, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

[00079] Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the mounting apparatus, of the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

[00080] Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various* modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[00081] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising”, "having”, "including”, and “containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e. , meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as", “for example”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[00082] Illustrated embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those illustrated embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, said apparatus comprising: a housing extending between a left end, a right end, a front, a back, a top and a bottom, defining a substantially hollow camera-receiving interior and having at least a left-side enclosure portion and a right-side enclosure portion; a securing tongue having a proximal end and a distal end and extending at its proximal end from the housing and along a portion of the back of said housing to define a mount-receiving gap therebetween, and a forwardly extending portion at the distal end of said securing tongue, with a tab-receiving slot in said forwardly extending portion; a mounting bracket for securing to said object; a locking insert extending between a left side, a right side, a front, a back, a top and a bottom, and having an insert tab shaped and dimensioned for insertion into said tab-receiving slot in said forwardly extending portion of said securing tongue; wherein, in use, a camera is retained in said camera-receiving interior of said housing, said mounting bracket is secured to said object and is received in said mount-receiving gap between said housing and said securing tongue, and said locking insert is disposed between the back of said housing and said mounting bracket, with said insert tab inserted into said tab-receiving slot in said forwardly extending portion of said securing tongue, to thereby mount said camera to said object.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said left-side enclosure portion and said right-side enclosure portion of said housing are adjoined by an interconnecting portion.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said interconnecting portion is resiliently flexible.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an interspace disposed between said left-side enclosure portion and said right-side enclosure portion of said housing for receiving a camera into said substantially hollow camera-receiving interior of said housing.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a substantial portion of said securing tongue is disposed parallel to the back of said housing.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said forwardly extending portion of said securing tongue also extends angularly upwardly.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said securing tongue extends upwardly at its proximal end from the bottom of said housing.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said housing and said securing tongue are integrally formed as a single piece of plastic material.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said locking insert has an alignment portion that engages a co-operating receiving portion on said mounting bracket.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said alignment portion of said locking insert comprises a rectangular protrusion and said co-operating receiving portion on said mounting bracket comprises a rectangular depression.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said insert tab is disposed at the top of said locking insert.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said insert tab on said locking insert projects forwardly and upwardly.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said locking insert comprises a plurality of vertically oriented ribs that, in use, abut against the top of said mounting bracket.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mounting bracket has a central indentation at its back surface for receiving said securing tongue therein.

15. An apparatus for mounting a camera on an object, said apparatus comprising: a housing extending between a left end, a right end, a front, a back, a top and a bottom, defining a substantially hollow camera-receiving interior and having at least a left-side enclosure portion and a right-side enclosure portion; a mounting bracket for securing to said object, wherein said mounting bracket comprises a tongue-receiving slot having an open mouth; and, a locking coupler extending between a left side, a right side, a front, a back, a top and a bottom, and having a connecting plate for securing said locking coupler to said housing, a main tongue portion for removably engaging said tongue receiving slot in said mounting bracket, and a locking mechanism movable between a locking configuration whereat said locking mechanism engages said mounting bracket such that said locking coupler is releasably locked with respect to said mounting bracket and a release configuration whereat said locking coupler is removed from being locked with respect to said mounting bracket; wherein, in use, a camera is retained in said camera-receiving interior of said housing, said mounting bracket is secured to said object, said locking coupler is secured to said housing, and said locking coupler is releasably retained by said mounting bracket, to thereby mount said camera to said object.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said left-side enclosure portion and said right-side enclosure portion of said housing are adjoined by an interconnecting portion.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said interconnecting portion is resiliently flexible.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising an interspace disposed between said left-side enclosure portion and said right-side enclosure portion of said housing for receiving a camera into said substantially hollow camera-receiving interior of said housing.

19. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said housing comprises a plurality of vertically oriented ribs that, in use, abut against the top of said mounting bracket.

20. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said locking coupler further comprises a lock-control lever and said locking mechanism comprises a locking member disposed on said lock-control lever, and wherein when said locking mechanism is in said locking configuration said locking member is in engagement with said mounting bracket to thereby lock said housing in position with respect to said mounting bracket, and when said locking mechanism is in said release configuration said locking member is removed from engagement with said mounting bracket to thereby permit removal of said housing from said mounting bracket.

21. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said mounting bracket further comprises a coupler-receiving abutment surface for receiving said mounting bracket in abutting relation thereagainst.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said coupler-receiving abutment surface comprises an upwardly facing coupler-receiving abutment surface.

23. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said open mouth of said tongue-receiving slot is upwardly facing.