Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to devices for stabilizing and holding devices that record visual images (e.g., cameras, smartphones, etc.), where the devices have integrated power sources (e.g., batteries), and methods related to such devices. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a device for stabilizing a camera, wherein the device comprises: a stabilizer body; a power source (e.g., battery) included within the stabilizer body; a camera mount connected to the stabilizer body; an internal power bridge connecting the battery pack to a power out supply; an exterior power bridge connected to the power out supply; a camera attached to the exterior power bridge, wherein the camera is attached to the camera mount.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to devices for stabilizing and holding visual image recorders. (e.g., cameras, smartphones, etc.), where the devices have integrated power sources (e.g., batteries), and methods related to such devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There has been research and development directed to devices for stabilizing and holding cameras. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,147 is allegedly directed to the following: “In order to provide a compact carrying handle arrangement for a video camera which is not provided with carrying handle connections per se, the lower horizontally extending portion of an essentially C-shaped handle extends along the lower edge of the camera and is secured thereto by a screw which is threaded into the threaded bore provided for connecting the tripod. The vertical portion of the handle has a connection site which can operatively engage with a first battery mounting site provided on the rear of the camera. A second battery site is provided on the handle and is arranged to receive the battery. The second mounting site is electrically connected with the connection site so that power from the battery can be supplied to the camera via the first battery mounting site. The grip portion of the handle extends forward in a space relationship over the top of the camera. Hot shoes are formed at the leading end of the grip portion and operatively connected with the second battery mounting site so as to enable power to be supplied thereto from the battery.” Abstract. 
         [0003]    In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,450 is allegedly directed to the following: “A camera support device for elevating a camera above its operator. The device provides a stable support and allows the operator to manually control the camera&#39;s field of view. The device comprises a support base, a rotatable telescoping pole and a tiltable camera mount at the top of the pole that may be manually controlled. The tilt control of the camera mount is preferably provided by a spring lever which biases the camera platform to rotate forward. A cable is attached to the camera mount and is used to apply resistance to the spring lever and to rotate the camera backwards. The lower end of the cable is attached to a control arm connected to the pole at a location that is accessible by the operator. The camera&#39;s field of view may be manually raised or lowered by lowering or raising the control wire respectively. In addition, the camera may be manually panned left or right by rotating the pole accordingly. The use of manual control over the camera&#39;s field of view is often preferable to the use of motor controls, and particularly, where the camera and support device are to be used to film or record events over a large area, a significant distance from the camera.” Abstract. 
         [0004]    Despite such research and development, there is still a need in the art for new devices, and related methods, for stabilizing and holding cameras. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  shows a general embodiment of a device ( 102 ) according to the present invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  shows three different types of visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mounts— 2 A,  2 B and  2 C. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  shows a device where there are two grips connected to a circular stabilizer body. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  shows a device including a grip connected to a curved stabilizer body. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  shows a different device including a grip connected to a curved stabilizer body. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  shows a device including a grip connected to a “U-shaped” stabilizer body. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7A  shows a device including a grip connected to a stabilizer body, where the grip includes a backup power source (e.g., battery), which is further connected to a visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount, while  FIG. 7B  shows a cutaway image of the device of  7 A. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8A  shows a device including a grip connected to a stabilizer body through a gimbal mount, while  FIG. 8B  shows a cutaway image of the power source case of the device of  8 A. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9A  shows a device including a grip connected to a stabilizer body through a gimbal mount, where a power source (e.g., battery) is included in the grip, while  FIG. 9B  shows a cutaway image of the device shown in  9 A. 
           [0014]      FIG. 10A  shows a device where the stabilizer body includes a tripod.  FIG. 10B  shows a cutaway image of the battery pack of the device of  10 A, while  FIG. 10C  shows a side view of the battery pack and visual image recorder (e.g., camera) of the device of  10 A. 
           [0015]      FIG. 11A  shows a device where the stabilizer body is a pole.  FIG. 10B  shows a cutaway image of the power source pack of the device of  11 A, while  FIG. 11C  shows a side view of the battery pack and visual image recorder (e.g., camera) of the device of  11 A. 
           [0016]      FIG. 12A  shows a device where there are two grips connected to a circular stabilizer body and where there is a power source (e.g., battery) included in a cross bar.  FIG. 12B  shows a cutaway image of the device of  12 A. 
           [0017]      FIG. 13A  shows a device including a grip connected to a “U-shaped” stabilizer body, where a power source (e.g., battery) is included within the grip.  FIG. 13B  shows a cutaway image of the device of  13 A. 
           [0018]      FIG. 14A  shows a device where the stabilizer body includes a tripod and where a power source (e.g., battery) is included in a leg of the tripod.  FIG. 14B  shows a cutaway image of the device of  14 A. 
           [0019]      FIG. 15A  shows a device where the stabilizer body is a pole and where a power source (e.g., battery) is included within the pole.  FIG. 15B  shows a cutaway image of the device of  15 A. 
           [0020]      FIG. 16A  shows a device shows a device where the stabilizer body includes a tripod and where a power source (e.g., battery) is included in a center tube used to raise or lower the visual image recorder on the tripod.  FIG. 16B  shows a cutaway image of the device of  16 A. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a device for stabilizing a visual image recorder (e.g., camera), wherein the device comprises: a stabilizer body; a power source (e.g., battery) included within the stabilizer body; a visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount connected to the stabilizer body; an internal power bridge connecting the battery pack to a power out supply: an exterior power bridge connected to the power out supply; a visual image recorder (e.g., camera) attached to the exterior power bridge, wherein the visual image recorder (e.g., camera) is attached to the camera mount. 
         [0022]    In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a device for stabilizing a visual image recorder (e.g., camera), wherein the device comprises: a stabilizer body; a power source connected to the stabilizer body; a visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount connected to the stabilizer body; an internal power bridge connecting the battery pack to a power out supply; an exterior power bridge connected to the power out supply; a visual image recorder (e.g., camera) attached to the exterior power bridge, wherein the camera is attached to the visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    The present invention generally relates to devices for stabilizing and holding visual image recorders (e.g., cameras), where the devices have integrated power sources (e.g., batteries), and methods related to such devices. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1A  shows a general embodiment of a device ( 102 ) according to the present invention. Grip  104  is connected to a stabilizer body ( 106 ), which is further connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  108 . Power source case  110  (e.g., battery pack case) is also connected to the stabilizer body  106 . An internal power bridge ( 112 ,  FIG. 1B ) connects power pack  114  ( FIG. 1B ) (e.g., battery pack) to a power out supply ( 116 ), which is connected to an exterior power bridge ( 118 ). Exterior power bridge  118  is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  120 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  120  is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  108 . Optional counterweight ( 122 ) is connected to stabilizer body  106 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  shows three different types of visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mounts— 2 A (front view)/ 2 B (side view).  2 C (side view)/ 2 D (top view) and  2 E (side view)/ 2 F (top view). The visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount shown in  2 A/ 2 B ( 202 ) consists of three prongs ( 204 ) which connect to a visual image recorder (e.g., camera) through insertion of a pin-type structure into through-hole  206 . The visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount shown in  2 C/ 2 I) ( 208 ) consists of a snapping mechanism ( 210 ), which allows a visual image recorder (e.g., camera) to be snap-mounted onto a device. The visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount shown in  2 E/ 2 F ( 212 ) consists of a landing ( 214 ), allowing a visual image recorder (e.g., camera) to be screw-mounted onto a device, and screw mount  216 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  shows a device ( 302 ) where there are two grips ( 304 ) connected to a circular stabilizer body ( 306 ), which also includes a cross bar ( 308 ) extending from proximal side ( 310 ) of circular stabilizer body  306  to distal side ( 312 ). Visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  314  is connected to cross bar  308 , typically approximately mid-way between proximal side  310  and distal side  312 . As shown, visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  314  includes three prongs ( 316 ) as shown in more detail in  FIG. 2A , although any suitable mount will due—e.g., mounts shown in FIGS.  2 C/D and  2 E/F. Power pack  318  (e.g., battery pack) is connected to cross bar  308  beneath visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  314 . An internal power bridge ( 320 ) connects power pack  318  to a power out supply ( 322 ), which is connected to an exterior power bridge ( 324 ). Exterior power bridge  324  is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  326 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  326  is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  314 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  shows a device ( 402 ) including a grip ( 404 ) connected to a curved stabilizer body ( 406 ). Curved stabilizer body  406  includes a slot ( 408 ) to which one or more counter weights ( 410 ) can be attached, and through which the position of the counter weight can be manipulated. Power pack case  412  (e.g., battery pack case), in which power pack  414  (e.g., battery pack) is included (not shown), is attached to the top portion of curved stabilizer body  406 , approximately above where grip  404  connects to stabilizer body  406 . Power pack case  412  is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  416 . An internal power bridge ( 420 , not shown) connects power pack  414  (through power pack case  412 ) to a power out supply ( 420 ), which is connected to an exterior power bridge ( 422 ). Exterior power bridge  422  is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  424 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  424  is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  416 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  shows a device ( 502 ) including a grip ( 504 ) connected to a curved stabilizer body ( 506 ). Curved stabilizer body  506  includes a slot ( 508 ) to which a power case ( 510 ) (e.g., battery case), including power pack  512  (e.g., battery pack, not shown), can be attached, and through which the position of power case  510  can be manipulated. Visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  514  is attached to the top of curved stabilizer body  506 , approximately on top of where grip  504  attaches to stabilizer body  506 . An internal power bridge ( 514 , not shown) connects power pack  512  (through power case  510 ), to a power out supply ( 516 ), which is connected to an exterior power bridge ( 518 ). Exterior power bridge  518  passes up along or through the stabilizer body to connect to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  520 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  520  is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  514 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 6  shows a device ( 602 ) including a grip ( 604 ) connected to a “U-shaped” stabilizer body ( 606 ). At an end opposite to grip  604 , a platform ( 608 ) is attached to stabilizer body  606 . The platform has an internal side ( 610 ) and an external side ( 612 ). To internal side  610  is attached a power pack case ( 614 ) (e.g., battery pack case), including power pack  616  (e.g., battery pack, not shown). Power case  614  is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  618 . An internal bridge ( 620 ) connects power pack  616  (through power pack case  614 ) to a power out supply ( 622 ), which is connected to an exterior power bridge ( 624 ). Exterior power bridge  624  is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  626 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  626  is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  618 . Optional feet ( 628 ) may be attached to the external side  612  of platform  608 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 7A  shows a device ( 702 ) including a grip ( 704 ) connected to a stabilizer body ( 706 ), which is further connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  708 . Power pack  710  (e.g., battery pack, not shown) is included in grip  704 . Camera  712  is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  708 . Optional counterweight ( 720 ) is connected to stabilizer body  706 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 7B  shows a cutaway image of device  702 . Power source  710  (e.g., battery) is connected to an internal power bridge ( 714 ), which is connected to a power out supply ( 716 ). Power out supply  716  is connected to exterior power bridge ( 718 ). Exterior power bridge  718  is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  712 , which is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  708 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 8A  shows a device ( 802 ) including a grip ( 804 ) connected to a stabilizer body ( 806 ) through a gimbal mount ( 808 ). A platform ( 810 ) is connected to stabilizer body  806 , to which is connected power pack case  812  (e.g., battery pack case) in which power pack  814  (e.g., battery pack) is included ( FIG. 8B ). Visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  816  is connected to power pack case  812 . An internal power bridge ( 818 ,  FIG. 8B ) connects power pack  814  (through power pack case  812 ,  FIG. 8B ) to a power out supply ( 820 ), which is connected to an exterior power bridge ( 822 ). Exterior power bridge  822  is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  824 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  824  is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  816 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 8B  shows a cutaway image of power pack case  812  of device  802 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 9A  shows a device ( 902 ) including a grip ( 904 ) connected to a stabilizer body ( 906 ) through a gimbal mount ( 908 ). Stabilizer body  906  is further connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  910 . Power pack  912  (e.g., battery pack, not shown) is included in grip  904 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  914  is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  910 . Optional counterweight ( 924 ) is connected to stabilizer body  906 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 9B  shows a cutaway image of device  902 . Power pack  916  is connected to an internal power bridge ( 918 ), which is connected to a power out supply ( 920 ). Power out supply  920  is connected to exterior power bridge  922 . Exterior power bridge  922  is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  914 , which is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  910 . Optional counterweight ( 924 ) is connected to stabilizer body  906 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 10A  shows a tripod device ( 1002 ) including three legs ( 1004 ), which may or may not be adjustable. Legs  1004  are attached to connecting piece ( 1006 ), which optionally includes controller  1008  for movement of platform  1010 . Power case ( 1012 ) (e.g., battery case) sits on top of platform  1110  and is connected to power out supply  1014 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  1016 —three pronged ( 1020 ) as shown, with a pin ( 1018 ) holding visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1022  in place, although any suitable mount will work—is attached to power out supply  1014 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 10B  shows a cut-away view of power case  1012  (e.g., battery case) and power out supply  1014 . Case  1012  contains power pack  1024  (e.g., battery pack). Interior power supply  1026  connects power pack  1024  to power out supply  1014 , and exterior power supply  1028  connects supply  1014  to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1022 . This is shown from a side view in  FIG. 10C . 
         [0038]      FIG. 11A  shows a pole device ( 1102 ). Device  1102  includes a handle ( 1104 ) connected to a pole. As shown the pole consists of three extensible pieces ( 1106 ,  1110  and  1114 ) including twist locks  1108  and  1112  that permit extension of the pole. The pole, however, may also consist of a single non-extensible piece or multiple non-extensible pieces. Extensible piece  1014  is attached to platform  1116 , on which sits power case  1118  (e.g., battery case). Case  1118  is connected to power out supply  1120 , to which visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  1122  is attached (three-prong mount as shown, with pin  1124 , although any suitable mount will work). Visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1126  is connected to mount  1122 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 11B  shows a cut-away view of power case  1118  and power supply  1120 . Case  1118  contains power pack  1128  (e.g., battery pack). Interior power supply  1130  connects pack  1128  to power out supply  1120 , and exterior power supply  1132  connects supply  1120  to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1126 . This is shown from a side view in  FIG. 11C . 
         [0040]      FIG. 12A  shows a device ( 1202 ) where there are two grips ( 1204 ) connected to a circular stabilizer body ( 1206 ), which also includes a cross bar ( 1208 ) extending from proximal side ( 1210 ) of circular stabilizer body  1206  to distal side ( 1212 ). Visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  1214  is connected to cross bar  1208 , typically approximately mid-way between proximal side  1210  and distal side  1212 . As shown, visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  1214  includes three prongs ( 1216 ) as shown, although any suitable mount will due—e.g., mounts shown in FIGS.  2 C/D and  2 E/F. Visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1220  is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  1214 , using pin  1218 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 12B  shows a cut-away view of  FIG. 12A . The various elements shown in  FIG. 12A  are also shown in  FIG. 12B . In addition, a cut-away of cross bar  1208  is shown. A power source ( 1222 ) (e.g., battery) is connected to an interior power bridge ( 1224 ). Interior power bridge  1224  is connected to a power out supply ( 1226 ). Power out supply  1226  is connected to exterior power supply  1228 , which is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1220 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 13A  shows a device ( 1302 ) including a grip ( 1304 ) connected to a “U-shaped” stabilizer body ( 1306 ). At an end opposite to grip  1304 , a platform ( 1308 ) is attached to stabilizer body  1306 . The platform has an internal side ( 1310 ) and an external side ( 1312 ). To internal side  1310  is attached visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  1314 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1316  is attached to visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  1314 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 13B  shows a cut-away view of  FIG. 13A . The various elements shown in  FIG. 13A  are also shown in  FIG. 13B . In addition, a cut-away of stabilizer body  1306  is shown. A power source ( 1320 ) (e.g., battery) is connected to an interior power bridge ( 1322 ). Interior power bridge  1322  is connected to a power out supply ( 1324 ). Power out supply  1324  is connected to exterior power supply  1326 , which is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1316 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 14A  shows a tripod device ( 1402 ) including three legs ( 1404 ), which may or may not be adjustable. Legs  1404  are attached to connecting piece ( 1406 ), which optionally includes controller  1408  for movement of platform  1410 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  1412 —three pronged ( 1416 ) as shown, with a pin ( 1414 )—holds visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1418  in place, although any suitable mount will work. 
         [0045]      FIG. 14B  shows a cut-away view of  FIG. 14A . The various elements shown in  FIG. 14A  are also shown in  FIG. 14B . In addition, a cut-away of tripod leg  1404  is shown. A power source ( 1420 ) (e.g., battery) is connected to an interior power bridge ( 1422 ). Interior power bridge  1422  is connected to a power out supply ( 1424 ). Power out supply  1424  is connected to exterior power supply  1426 , which is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1418 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 15A  shows a pole device ( 1502 ). Device  1502  includes a handle ( 1504 ) connected to a pole. As shown the pole consists of three extensible pieces ( 1506 ,  1510  and  1514 ) including twist locks  1508  and  1512  that permit extension of the pole. The pole, however, may also consist of a single non-extensible piece or multiple non-extensible pieces. Extensible piece  1514  is attached to platform  1516 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  1518  is attached (three-prong ( 1520 ) mount as shown, with pin  1522 , although any suitable mount will work) platform  1516 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1524  is connected to mount  1518 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 15B  shows a cut-away view of  FIG. 15A . The various elements shown in  FIG. 15A  are also shown in  FIG. 15B . In addition, a cut-away of the pole is shown. A power source ( 1526 ) (e.g., battery) is connected to an interior power bridge ( 1528 ). Interior power bridge  1528  is connected to a power out supply ( 1530 ). Power out supply  1530  is connected to exterior power supply  1532 , which is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1524 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 16A  shows a tripod device ( 1602 ) including three legs ( 1604 ), which may or may not be adjustable. Legs  1604  are attached to connecting piece ( 1606 ). A center tube ( 1608 ) used to raise or lower visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1618  is also attached to connecting piece  1606 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  1612  is attached to platform ( 1610 ), which is connected to piece  1606 . Visual image recorder (e.g., camera) mount  1612 —three pronged ( 1616 ) as shown, with a pin ( 1614 )—holds visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1618  in place, although any suitable mount will work. 
         [0049]      FIG. 16B  shows a cut-away view of  FIG. 16A . The various elements shown in  FIG. 16A  are also shown in  FIG. 16B . In addition, a cut-away of center tube  1608  is shown. A power source ( 1620 ) (e.g., battery) is connected to an interior power bridge ( 1622 ). Interior power bridge  1622  is connected to a power out supply ( 1624 ). Power out supply  1624  is connected to exterior power supply  1626 , which is connected to visual image recorder (e.g., camera)  1618 . 
         [0050]    Any suitable power source (e.g., battery or battery pack) can be used in a device of the present invention. In the case of a battery pack, one example is a 3.7V battery such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery from GOPRO®. In the case of a battery, one example is a cylindrical, 3.7V battery such as an  18650  rechargeable lithium ion battery.