Abstract:
A camera support assembly including an elongated support, such as a extensible support, which support extends between a base assembly and a handgrip, whereby a user of the camera may secure a camera to the base assembly and, while holding the handgrip, position the camera a distance away, which may be greater than arms length, to capture a still or moving image of the user. The base assembly may be provided with a pair of legs so that the camera support assembly may also be used as a tripod.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of US application Ser. No. 11/125,693, filed May 9, 2005, now abandoned. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to camera supports and more particularly to an assembly including an elongated support, which is preferably an extensible support, such as a telescoping support, which support extends between a base assembly and a handgrip, whereby a user of the camera may secure a camera to the base assembly and, while holding the handgrip, position the camera a distance away, which may be greater than arms length, to capture a still or moving image of the user.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Frequently a person with a camera wants to be included in a photograph. The person who is using a camera with a timer function may position the camera on a stationary surface, set the timer to take a picture in a few seconds, and then run to the position where he or she wants to be when the picture is snapped. Typically, the camera is mounted on a tripod when the timer function of the camera is being used. Timer functions require a secure foundation to support the camera and/or the need to set up a tripod. A prior art table top tripod suitable for this purpose is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,044. Another tripod is the Hakuba Mono-stand  10 , which may be used as a table top tripod and also as a monopod.  
         [0004]     While these prior art tripods are suitable for their intended purposed, it is sometimes difficult to use such tripods. For example, on a beach secure foundations are not readily available. Strangers can be asked to photograph an individual or group, but they may not know how to operate the camera, or may operate it poorly. Alternatively, they may run off and steal the camera. The stranger may damage the camera with hands contaminated with sand, sea salt, and/or suntan lotion.  
         [0005]     Occasionally, a person may hold the camera in front of their face with an extended arm and try to snap their picture. However, this is uncomfortable and may cause distortion due to the body position and camera angle. Also, the camera lens angle may not be sufficiently wide to include the camera user and everything else that he or she would like to be included in the picture.  
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus whereby the user of a camera can readily take an image of him or her self at any time alone, or as part of a group.  
         [0007]     More particularly it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for supporting a camera by hand, the apparatus including a base assembly which may be secured to a camera, a handgrip, and an elongated support which extends between the handgrip and the base assembly whereby the user of the camera may secure a camera to the base assembly and, while holding the handgrip, position the camera a distance away, which may be greater than arms length, to capture a still or moving image of the user.  
         [0008]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of the type set forth above wherein the elongated support is an extensible support, such as a telescoping support, which support may be telescoped between retracted and extended positions.  
         [0009]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of the type set forth above wherein a remote control device can be associated with the apparatus.  
         [0010]     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an extensible support with a motorized function so that a camera carried by the support can be moved towards and away from the user to, in effect, provide the camera with a zoom function.  
         [0011]     The foregoing objects and other objects and advantages of this invention will be more fully understood after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As can be seen from the following drawings, the apparatus of this invention includes a base assembly which may be secured to a camera, a handgrip, and an elongated support. The base assembly in the illustrated embodiments affixes to the bottom tripod mount on a camera, which camera may be provided with a self-timer, remote shutter release, or a remote control device. The user of the camera and the apparatus of the present invention will hold the handgrip and aim the camera with the lens facing them. This allows self-portraits with an extended reach eliminating distortion, discomfort and overexposure due to the close proximity of the flash. The apparatus of this invention has the main feature of the “capture yourself” function, but the apparatus is multi-functional and may be used like a regular monopod, or in some embodiments, as a regular tripod. While many camcorders come with a timer function there are others that do not. While some camcorders come with a remote control device, others do not. Therefore, when using a camcorder without a remote control device, the user will initially hold the camera on the apparatus of this invention with one hand and depress the record button with the other hand. He (or she) will then suitably position the apparatus for recording his or her image, and then bring the camcorder back to the initial position so he or she can stop recording. It is a simple task to eliminate unwanted images during playback or edit mode on the camcorder or on a computer during an optional editing process. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  shows how an embodiment of the apparatus of this invention may be used so that the user of the apparatus, while holding a handgrip of the apparatus, may position the camera a distance away greater than arms length to capture a still or moving image of himself.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a preferred embodiment showing the apparatus in a fully extended position and with short tripod legs disposed so that the apparatus may be partially supported upon a table top.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 , but showing the apparatus mounted as a tripod.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 2  in a fully retracted position with the tripod legs in their stowed position.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 2  in a fully retracted position with the tripod legs in their stowed position.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 2  in a fully extended position.  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged detail view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a view taken generally along the line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a view of an alternative apparatus which may be powered to move a camera mounted on the apparatus towards and away from the user, the apparatus being shown in a partially retracted position.  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 8  without the camera, and in a fully extended position.  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a view of a further embodiment with a digital camcorder being mounted thereon, the user holding a separate remote control device.  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a partial view of yet another embodiment showing an alternative manner for extending and retracting the device.  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a view of a still further embodiment showing how a device of this invention may be used for facilitating close-up pictures.  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 3 , but with a remote control device associated with the device, the remote control device being carried by a lanyard.  
         [0026]      FIGS. 14 and 14 A is a view of the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 2-7  and further illustrates a remote control device carried by a C-shaped clip which can be snapped onto the handgrip.  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is a view of an apparatus similar to that shown in  FIGS. 2-7 , but wherein a remote control device is integrated into the handgrip.  
         [0028]      FIG. 16  is a view of a slimmer version. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0029]     A camera is shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 , and  12 , and a video camera is shown in  FIG. 10 . While the term “camera” is frequently used in this application, it should be appreciated that the term “camera” should be interpreted to include anything capable of capturing an image, such as a film camera, a digital camera, a motion picture camera, a video camera, a picture phone, and/or a video phone. It should also be noted that many of these devices, while designed primarily for either video or still, can be used for the other purpose. In the following description common reference numeral will be applied to common parts in the various embodiments.  
         [0030]     It is a particular feature of this invention that the apparatus of this invention may be used for self portraits and the like as shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, the apparatus is illustrated generally at  10 , the camera at “C”, and the user at “U”.  
         [0031]     With reference now to  FIGS. 2-7 , which illustrate a preferred embodiment of this invention, the apparatus  10  includes as its principal components, a base assembly  12 , a handgrip  14 , and an elongated extensible support  16 . As shown in  FIGS. 2-7  the handgrip  14  has the shape of a rounded rectangle and is provided with a finger grip  17 . However, as will become apparent, the handgrip may be in other forms. The handgrip may be made of plastic, aluminum, titanium, or any other suitable material. In addition, it may be coated with rubber or any other suitable material to improve the user&#39;s grip. A lanyard  42  may be secured to one end of the handgrip as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0032]     The apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 2-7  also includes a pair of tripod legs  18 ,  20  which, together with the extensible support  16  serve as a tripod. When the apparatus of  FIGS. 2-7  is in its retracted position, the tripod legs will be stowed in a pocket (no number) in the handle  14 . However, when in the extended position the legs may be extended to the tripod position as shown in  FIGS. 2, 2A , and  5 .  
         [0033]     In the  FIG. 2-7  embodiment, the elongated support  16  is of a telescoping construction. To this end, as shown in  FIGS. 2, 2A , and  5 , the elongated support includes a first large diameter hollow cylindrical segment  22  which is carried by the handgrip  14 , and a small diameter cylindrical segment  24  carried by the base assembly  12 , and one or more intermediate cylindrical segments  26 , three such segments  26 . 1 ,  26 . 2  and  26 . 3  being illustrated. When the handle  14  is moved away from the base assembly  12  in the direction of the arrow  28 , the segments will be telescoped to their extended position as illustrated. However, if they were moved in the opposite direction the elongated support  16  would be moved into its retracted position, the apparatus having the appearance as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . When the elongated support  16  is in an extended position, the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-7  may be used as a tripod as shown in  FIG. 2A . Alternatively the legs can be used to stabilize the camera when the handle is grasped as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0034]     The base assembly  12  includes a threaded stud  30  carried by a ball  32 . The ball  32  is part of an integral assembly which also includes a cylindrical portion  34  and a circular turning plate  36 . The camera is typically provided with a tripod mount which receives the stud  30 , and it is possible to securely mount the camera by turning the plate  36  until it tightly bears against the bottom of the camera tripod mount. The base assembly  12  further includes a body  38  provided with a ball seat (no number) for closely receiving the ball, and permitting its movement between various positions such as those shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . While a tripod mount is illustrated, it is possible to use other devices to secure the camera to the base assembly. Thus, if the camera is a picture phone, a special adaptor may be required. Other devices may also be provided with special adapters.  
         [0035]     A small convex mirror  39 , which is about the size of the head of a thumb tack, is carried by an abutment  39   a  on the body  38 . This will permit the user to have a view of himself when the apparatus is in a variety of positions, for example the  FIG. 2  position.  
         [0036]     Means are provided for locking the ball  32  is a desired position within the body  38 . To this end, the locking means, which is indicated generally at  40 , includes a winged screw  44  which is received by a threaded portion of the body  38  the nut, the screw bearing against the ball when the parts are tightened to hold the threaded stud assembly  30 - 36  in its desired position.  
         [0037]     As can be seen from  FIGS. 6-7 , the telescoping sections  22 ,  26 . 3  are provided with a tongue and groove arrangement to prevent rotation. Thus, section  22  is provided with tongue  22   t , and section  26 . 3  is provided with groove  26 . 3   g . Similarly, the other end of  26 . 3  may be provided with a tongue to cooperate with a groove in part  26 . 2 . This arrangement will be repeated as necessary to insure that the parts do not rotate about their longitudinal axes. Other forms of telescoping rods may be used. For example, the telescoping rods could be square shaped, triangular, octagonal or any other shape that will not rotate. Alternatively, rods can be used that partially rotate until locked by means of a clockwise/counterclockwise twisting lock/unlock action similar to some extensible tripod legs and walking sticks.  
         [0038]     A second embodiment of this invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 . In this embodiment there are no tripod legs, and the elongated support  16  may be motorized to cause it to be moved between retracted and extended positions. A camera “C” may be mounted on the base assembly  12 . By simply using the rocker switch  29  to operate the motorized extensible and retractable support, the camera can be moved towards and away from the user. This is particularly useful when using camcorders, such as the one illustrated in  FIG. 10  at “VC”, to give a zoom effect. Thus, the user “U” of the camera, can point it himself, and by working the rocker switch  29  zoom in and out. If the camera is provided with a swivel LCD the motorized function can also be used cropping the image before it is taken.  
         [0039]     Motorized mechanisms for moving parts towards and away from each other are well known and are therefore not illustrated. One example is the mechanisms used for zoom lenses in cameras. In this embodiment the elongated support  16  includes a first hollow cylindrical segment  22  of larger diameter which is secured to the grip, a second intermediate cylindrical segment  26 , and a third cylindrical segment  24  of smallest diameter, which third support is secured to the base assembly  12 . While three cylindrical segments are illustrated, the telescoping support can have any number of segments which will be capable of supporting the camera. The handle shown in this embodiment is similar to a screw driver handle. While not shown, it may be covered with a rubbery grip.  
         [0040]     The base assembly  12  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  differs from the based assembly shown in previous figures. Thus, the body  38  is bifurcated, and the screw, which is connected to the nut, is received in a threaded aperture in the bifurcated portion remote from the nut. When tightened, the nut will bear on the immediate adjacent bifurcated portion to cause the bifurcated portions to hold the ball in the selected position.  
         [0041]     With further reference to the third embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , this embodiment is provided with a D-shaped handgrip. The handgrip is in the shape of a D-shaped handle to provide greater support for the user, which type of handle will offer better support if the camera/camcorder is on the heavy side, and may also prevent horizontal slippage. If the apparatus of  FIG. 10  does not have a motorized function, and if the video camera is provided with a remote control device “RC”, the user may use the remote control device to achieve a zoom function. In this regard, it should be noted that is the camera illustrated the swivel LCD view screen may be position so the user can see it.  
         [0042]     While an extensible support has been described which is either motorized or telescoping (similar to that found in compact umbrellas), other forms of extensible supports may be utilized. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , a rack  70  and pinion  72  design may be employed, the pinion being operated by a knurled wheel  74 . This design may be particularly suitable for a child&#39;s version. In addition, the elongated support can be fashioned using components that snap or screw together to increase the length of the device.  
         [0043]      FIG. 12  illustrates how the apparatus of this invention, when provided with tripod legs may be used to facilitate the taking of closeup pictures.  
         [0044]     As many cameras come with remote control devices, as well as most digital recorders, it may be desirable that a remote control device be associated with the apparatus of this invention. Three differing variations are shown in  FIGS. 13-15 . In  FIG. 13 a  remote control device RC is associated with the lanyard  42 . The remote control device in this embodiment is of two parts which clip together about the lanyard. In the  FIG. 14-14A  embodiment the remote control device is incorporated into a C-shaped clip  80  which may be clipped about the handle  14 . In the  FIG. 15  embodiment the remote control device is integrated into the handle. In all of these embodiments the remote control device may have some pre-programmed codes for popular brand camera and camcorders. The remote control may also have a learning function which will allow the user to shine an existing camera remote at it, and the remote control device associated with the apparatus of this invention will memorize the infra red codes for that controller, or any other communication codes existing now, or which may be developed in the future. In this way the user of the apparatus of this invention will be able to hold a camera and activate the zoom, shutter release and playback from the remote control associated with the apparatus. It is also possible to have a website that will allow users to download operational codes. The remote control will be powered by batteries, typically button cell batteries. While the apparatus of this invention may be provided with a mirror  39 , it should be noted that many new digital camera and most camcorder already provide a swivel LCD to allow the user to view the image when the camera lens faces the user. This is particularly useful when the zoom function is utilized.  
         [0045]     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 16  is a slim design. Functionally it is the equivalent of that shown in  FIG. 2 , but has a smaller handle  14  and smaller tripod legs  18  and  20  (one of which is not shown). This also differs from the design of  FIGS. 2-7  in that the body  38  which recieves the ball  32  is split, the ball  32  being clamped within the split body  38  by a winged nut  46  which received a bolt  47  having a hexagonal head which is received in a suitable recess on the body  38 .  
         [0046]     As can be seen from the above, a person using the present invention will attach it to the bottom of a camera, and is then able to take a self-portrait or be included in moving video footage at gatherings. The camera support of the present invention collapses for easy transport. It is lightweight, handy, with comfort support handle. The handgrip may also be used as a footing when used as a monopod or tripod.  
         [0047]     While a preferred form of this invention has been described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that applicant does not intend to be limited to the particular details described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but intends to be limited only to the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. In this regard, the term “means for” as used in the claims is intended to include not only the designs illustrated in the drawings of this application and the equivalent designs discussed in the text, but it is also intended to cover other equivalents now known to those skilled in the art, or those equivalents which may become known to those skilled in the art in the future.