Patent ID: 6863454
Filing Date: 2005-03-08
Classification: G03B

Abstract:
1. In combination, a camera body and a photographic film cartridge detachably attachable to the camera body, the combination comprising: the camera body including a light control device for communicating an image to a film in the cartridge in the camera body, and camera operating elements for permitting communication of an image through the light control device to the film; the cartridge comprising an unexposed film spool region, a second spool region spaced from the unexposed film spool region and a bridging portion between the unexposed film spool region and the second spool region such tat the film can be advanced from the unexposed film spool region past the bridging portion to the second spool region, and when the cartridge is in the camera body, the bridging portion is positioned with respect to the lens in the camera body so that an image can be captured on film then at the bridging portion: film operating elements in the camera body and cooperating film operating elements on the cartridge for being operated together for advancing the film in the cartridge from the unexposed film spool region to the second spool region past the bridging portion; the bridging portion being so shaped with respect to the cartridge and the camera body as to define a dark room for film passing between the unexposed film spool region and the second spool region: a light transmission opening in the cartridge at the bridging portion, the opening being positioned such that when the cartridge is in engagement with the camera body, and with the opening open, film at the bridging portion is presented for exposure by light passing the lens and the opening in the film cartridge; a door on the film cartridge, the door is shaped to prevent light from entering through the opening into the darkroom in the cartridge; the door being selectively moveable between a closed position where the door blocks the opening in the cartridge and an open position wherein the door has been moved to open the opening in the cartridge and permit exposure of film at the bridging region in the darkroom; wherein the door is adapted to remain in the closed position until the cartridge is fully engaged in the camera body; cooperating devices on the camera body and at the door on the cartridge for moving the door to the open position upon the cartridge being fully engaged with the camera body.