Patent ID: 6816675
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: G03B

Abstract:
A timer mechanism for activating a shutter release button of a camera, the mechanism comprising:a base piece including: a bottom portion, an inner hub extending axially upwardly from the bottom portion, the inner hub forming a threaded surface and a central passage; a top piece including: a head portion, an inner post extending axially downwardly from the head portion and forming a central passage and a threaded surface configured to, upon final assembly, threadably engage the threaded surface of the inner hub such that the passages are aligned; a rod disposed within the central passages, the rod being selectively coupled to the top piece; and a spiral spring coaxially disposed about the inner hub, the spiral spring having a leading end connected to the top piece; wherein upon final assembly, the top piece is rotatable relative to the bottom piece in a first direction to a raised position in which energy is stored by the spiral spring, the spiral spring being adapted to rotate the top piece in an opposite direction from the raised position, causing the top piece to move downwardly relative to the bottom piece via interface between the threaded surfaces, the top piece forcing the rod downwardly through the central passages for depressing a camera shutter release button during the downward movement.