Abstract:
The levered mount adapter couples with a camera system to stabilize and enable the camera system to capture high quality images. The levered mount adapter includes a fingered base component, a first lever, and a second lever, which altogether, are designed to couple with extensions of the camera system. A user may decouple the camera system from the levered mount adapter by providing a force input on input structures located on the levered mount adapter. In doing so, the applied force rotates the lever components of the levered mount adapter, thereby eliminating their coupling with extensions of the camera system and enabling the convenient removal of the camera system.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to camera mount adapters, more specifically, to a levered mount adapter including a pivot configuration for coupling with a camera system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Digital cameras are often used to capture pictures or videos in a variety of settings such as in outdoor and sports environments. Camera mount adapters are often coupled to a camera system to stabilize the camera system. Once a camera system is coupled to a mount adapter, it may be difficult to change the orientation of the camera. Therefore, it may be desirable to rapidly decouple the camera system from the camera mount adapter. However, current mount adapters are cumbersome and require significant manual input from a user in order to release the camera system from the mount adapter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features which will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       Figure (FIG.)  1  depicts the levered mount adapter coupled with a camera system, according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of a cross-section of the individual components in the levered mount adapter, according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a cross-section of the levered mount adapter in a resting configuration, according to one example embodiment. 
         FIGS. 3B and 3C  depict a bottom-view of the levered mount adapter in an unlocked and locked configuration, respectively, according to one example embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section of the levered mount adapter in an open configuration after receiving a force input, according to one example embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The figures and the following description relate to preferred embodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of what is claimed. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. 
     Configuration Overview 
     Disclosed is a levered mount adapter that may be configured to stabilize a mounted camera. By way of example, at least a portion of the levered mount adapter couples with an object such as a camera frame that is structured to at least partially enclose a camera. The camera and camera frame are hereafter referred to together as a camera system. The levered mount adapter may be further configured to receive a user provided force input that releases the camera frame from the portion of the levered mount adapter. Thus, a user can rapidly couple and decouple the camera frame from the levered mount adapter. 
     A levered mount adapter may include multiple components that enable the levered mount adapter to couple with a camera frame of a camera system. In various embodiments, the levered mount adapter may include a fingered base component, a first lever, a second lever, and multiple tension elements. The fingered base may have a center raised member, and additionally a first and second member located on either side of the center raised member that are each configured to couple with extensions from a camera frame of a camera system. 
     The first and second lever may each be coupled to the fingered base component via pivot points that enable each lever to rotate around their respective pivot points. The first and second lever may reside in a resting configuration where the first lever and second lever are each coupled with an extension of a camera frame. When a user wishes to decouple the camera system from the levered mount adapter, the user may provide a force input on each end of the first lever and second lever to cause them to rotate around their respective pivot points, thereby decoupling the first and second levers from the extensions of the camera frame. Therefore, a user can easily decide to mount or dismount a camera system from a levered mount adapter at his/her discretion. 
     Example Camera System Coupled to a Levered Mount Adapter 
     Figure (FIG.)  1  and the other figures use like reference numerals to identify like elements. A letter after a reference numeral, such as “134a,” indicates that the text refers specifically to the element having that particular reference numeral. A reference numeral in the text without a following letter, such as “134,” refers to any or all of the elements in the figures bearing that reference numeral (e.g. “134” in the text refers to reference numerals “134a” and/or “134b” in the figures). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , it shows a levered mount adapter  150  coupled with a camera system  100 , according to one example embodiment. In various embodiments, the levered mount adapter  150  may include a fingered base  180  that may further include a center raised member  130 , a first member  115   a , and a second member  115   b , each located at the top of the fingered base  180 . Additionally, the levered mount adapter  150  may include a first lever  110   a  and a second lever  110   b . The camera system  100  may include a camera frame  160 , a camera  170 , a securing structure  132  of the camera frame  160 , and multiple extensions  134   a  and  134   b  of the securing structure  132 . 
     In various embodiments, the camera  170  is substantially enclosed by the camera frame  160 . The camera  170  includes a camera body having a camera lens  185  structured on a front surface of the camera body. The camera  170  may include various other components, for example, a light emitting diode  175  on the front of the surface of the camera body. In one embodiment, the camera frame  160  includes one or more securing structures  132  for securing the camera frame  160  to one of a variety of mounting adapters. For example,  FIG. 1  illustrates the camera frame  160  with multiple extensions  134  configured to couple with individual components of the levered mount adapter  150 . 
     In various embodiments, the first member  115   a , second member  115   b , and center raised member  130  of the fingered base  180  are parallel to one and protrude upward from the fingered base  180 . The first member  115   a  and the center raised member  130  may be separated by a distance. Therefore, the distance between the first member  115   a  and the center raised member  130  forms a first cavity within the fingered base  180 . Additionally, the second member  115   b  and the center raised member  130  may also be separated by a distance. The distance similarly forms a second cavity within the fingered base  180 . 
     In various embodiments, the first member  115   a , the second member  115   b , and the center raised member  130  of the fingered base are configured to couple with the extensions  134  of the camera frame. For example, the first cavity formed between the first member  115   a  and the center raised member  130  may be configured to receive a first extension  134   a  of the camera frame. Similarly, the second cavity formed between the second member  115   b  and the center raised member  130  may be configured to receive a second extension  134   b  of the camera frame. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the first extension  134   a  sits within the first cavity and is in contact with the first member  115   a  and the center raised member  130 . The second extension  134   b  sits within the second cavity and is in contact with the second raised member  115   b  and the center raised member  130 . 
     One skilled in the art may appreciate that although  FIG. 1  depicts a single center raised member  130 , in various embodiments, there may be more or less than one center raised member  130  depending on the design of the extensions  134  of the camera frame  160 . For example, the camera frame  160  may have three extensions  134 . Therefore, the fingered base  180  may have two center raised members  130  to couple with the three extensions  134  of the camera frame  160 . In another embodiment, the camera frame  160  may only have one extension  134 . Therefore, the fingered base  180  may have a first member  115   a  and a second member  115   b  without a center raised member. 
     When coupled with the components of the fingered base  180 , the camera frame  160  (and the camera system  100 ) is withheld from vertical, horizontal, and rotational displacement relative to the levered mount adapter  150 . In various embodiments, the coupling between the components of the fingered base  180  and the extensions  134  of the camera frame  160  is a mechanical coupling that occurs within the fingered base  180 . Coupling of the extensions  134  of the camera frame  160  and the levered mount adapter  150  is further discussed below. 
     Components of the Levered Mount Adapter 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of a cross-section of the individual components of the levered mount adapter  150 , according to one example embodiment. In addition to the aforementioned components of the levered mount adapter  150 , the levered mount adapter  150  may further include multiple tension elements  280   a  and  280   b . Additionally, the fingered base  180  may be further divided into a top fingered base  180   a  component and a bottom fingered base  180   b  component that enables the levered mount adapter  150  to stably sit on a flat surface. 
     The top fingered base  180   a  may include the previously mentioned first member  115   a , second member  115   b , and center raised member  130 , each of which may be located at the top of the top fingered base  180   a . The top fingered base  180   a  may further include a first opening  255   a , a second opening  255   b , a first coupling point  240   a , a second coupling point  240   b , a first protrusion  265   a , and a second protrusion  265   b . The first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  may be designed similarly. For example, each lever may include a first end with a ramp detent  230   a  and  230   b , a second end that includes an input structure  205   a  and  205   b  and a structural extension  215   a  and  215   b , and a pivot point  220   a  and  220   b  located between the first end and second end of the lever. 
     Further reference will also be made in regards to  FIG. 3A  which illustrates a cross-section of the assembled levered mount adapter in a resting configuration, according to one example embodiment.  FIG. 3A  further depicts the first member  115   a  and second member  115   b  of the fingered base component  180  that may each further include a lip  310   a  and  310   b  that interfaces with a portion of the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  respectively. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  may each couple with the top fingered base  180   a  component. In various embodiments, the pivot point  220   a  of the first lever  110   a  is rotatably coupled with the coupling point  240   a  of the top fingered base  180   a . Similarly the pivot point  220   b  of the second lever  110   a  is rotatably coupled with the coupling point  240   b  of the top fingered base  180   a . Therefore, the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  are each able to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise fashion around their respective pivot point  220   a  and  220   b  relative to the top fingered base  180   a  component. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first member  115   a  and the second member  115   b  of the top fingered base  180   a  may each have a first opening  255   a  and a second opening  255   b , respectively. The first opening  255   a  and second opening  255   b  may each be facing towards the center raised member  130  of the top fingered base  180   a . When the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  are each rotatably coupled to the top fingered base  180   a  through their respective pivot point  220   a  and  220   b , the ramp detent  230   a  and  230   b  of each lever enters through the first opening  255   a  and second opening  255   b , respectively. Referring to  FIG. 3A , the ramp detent  230   a  of the first lever  110   a  may couple with a first extension  134   a  of the camera frame and the ramp detent  230   b  of the second lever  110   b  may couple with a second extension  134   b  of the camera frame. In various embodiments, each extension  134  of the camera frame may have a reciprocal cavity that is configured to receive each ramp detent  230   a  and  230   b . In this resting configuration where the levered mount adapter  150  is coupled to the camera frame  160 , the ramp detent  230   a  of the first lever  110   a  and the ramp detent  230   b  of the second lever  110   b  prevent the extensions  134   a  of the camera frame  160  from moving horizontally, vertically, or rotationally relative to the levered mount adapter. 
     In various embodiments, each ramp detent  230   a  and  230   b  may be designed with a surface composed of a substance that increases the coefficient of friction between each ramp detent  230   a  and  230   b  and the extensions  134   a  and  134   b  of the camera frame  160 . This further ensures that the levered mount adapter  150  and the camera frame  160  are firmly coupled to prevent any lateral, vertical, or rotational displacement of the camera frame  160  relative to the levered mount adapter  150 . For example, the substance on the surface of each ramp detent  230   a  and  230   b  may be an elastomer or a different polymeric compound. The substance may be coated on the surface of the ramp detent or each ramp detent may be entirely composed of the sub stance. 
     The position and orientation of the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  relative to the top fingered base  180   a  component in the resting configuration may be determined by the structural extension  215   a  and  215   b  of each lever and a respective tension element  280   a  and  280   b . For example, the structural extension  215   a  and  215   b  may be configured to interface with one end of the first tension element  280   a  and second tension element  280   b , respectively. The other end of each tension element  280   a  and  280   b  is configured to interface with a protrusion  265   a  and  265   b  of the top fingered base  180   a . In various embodiments, the diameter of each structural element  215   a  and  215   b  may be designed to be smaller than the inner diameter of each tension element  280   a  and  280   b  such that the tension element  280   a  and  280   b  may couple with the respective structural extension  215   a  and  215   b . Similarly, the diameter of each protrusion  265   a  and  265   b  may be designed to be smaller than the inner diameter of each tension element  280   a  and  280   b  such that the tension element  280   a  and  280   b  may couple with the respective protrusion  265   a  and  265   b . When in the resting configuration, the tension element  280   a  and  280   b  may be neither in tension nor in compression and may have a resting length. Therefore, the resting configuration of the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  is dependent on the resting length of each tension element  280   a  and  280   b.    
     In other example embodiments, the resting configuration of the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  is dependent on their respective tension elements  280   a  and  280   b  as well as a lip  310   a  and  310   b , as depicted in  FIG. 3A , located on the first member  115   a  and second member  115   b , respectively. For example, the tension element  280   a  may be in compression and may force the first end of the first lever  110   a , including the ramp detent  230   a , through the opening  255   a  of the first member  115   a . The tension element  280   b  may also be in compression and may force the first end of the second lever  110   b , including the ramp detent  230   b , through the opening  255   b  of the second member  115   b . The lip  310   a  on the first member  115   a  and the lip  310   b  on the second member  115   b  may set the maximum rotation of the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b . For example, the lip  310   a  on the first member  115   a  may be in contact with the first lever  110   a  such that the lip  310   a  prevents the first lever  110   a  from further rotation in a clockwise direction around its pivot point  220   a . Similarly, the lip  310   b  on the second member  115   b  may be in contact with the second lever  110   b  such that the lip  310   b  prevents the second lever  110   b  from further rotation in a counter-clockwise direction around its pivot point  220   b.    
     Therefore, in the resting configuration, the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  may each experience a balance of torques. Namely, the first lever  110   a  experiences a clockwise torque around its pivot point  220   a  exerted by the tension element  280   a  as well as an equal, counter-clockwise torque around its pivot point  220   a  exerted by the lip  310   a . Similarly, the second lever  110   b  may experience a counter-clockwise torque around its pivot point  220   b  exerted by the tension element  280   b  as well as an equal, clockwise torque around its pivot point  220   b  exerted by the lip  310   b.    
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the input structure  205   a  of the first lever  110   a  and the input structure  205   b  of the second lever  210   b  may each be designed to receive a user-provided input. In various embodiments, the input structures  205   a  and  205   b  may each have a tactile design that differentiates the input structures  205   a  and  205   b  from other regions of the levered mount adapter  150 . For example, the input structures  205   a  and  205   b  may each have a ribbed design whereas the external surface of the levered mount adapter  150  may be smooth. The ribbed design may provide tactile feedback to a user such that the user can readily recognize the presence of the input structures  205   a  and  205   b  through physical contact. 
     As previously stated, the fingered base component  180  may include a top fingered base component  180   a  and a bottom fingered base component  180   b . The top fingered base component  180   a  may further include a lock  285  that protrudes from the underside of the top fingered base component  180   a . The bottom fingered base component  180   b  may be further designed with recessed cavities  182   a  and  182   b  and elevated lips  184   a  and  184   b . When the bottom  180   b  and top fingered base components  180   a  are assembled together, the bottom fingered base component  180   b  may rotate relative to the top fingered base component  180   a  to enter into a locked or unlocked state. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3B , which depicts a bottom view of the full levered mount adapter  150 , each lock  285  of the top fingered base component  180   a  enters into a path  340  of the bottom fingered base component  180   b . As depicted in  FIG. 3B , the locks  285  may be considered to be in an unlocked position. 
     Returning to  FIG. 3A , when in the unlocked position, the bottom fingered base component  180   b  is aligned with the top fingered base component  180   a  such that the recessed cavities  182   a  and  182   b  of the bottom fingered base component  180   b  allow for the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  to rotate around their respective pivot points  220   a  and  220   b  and enter into each recessed cavity  182   a  and  182   b  of the bottom fingered base component  180   b . In other words, the recessed cavities  182   a  and  182   b  are oriented to allow for the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  to compress the tension elements  280   a  and  280   b  and therefore, enable the release of the camera frame  160  from the levered mount adapter  150 . 
       FIG. 3C  depicts a bottom view of the full levered mount adapter  150  in a locked state. In various embodiments, a user may provide an input to rotate the bottom fingered base component  180   b  relative to the top fingered base component  180   a . Specifically, in transitioning from the unlocked state in  FIG. 3B  to the locked state in  FIG. 3C , the bottom fingered base component  180   b  may be rotated 90 degrees relative to the top fingered base component  180   a . In this configuration, each lock  285  may now be engaged in a locked position. The lock  285  may be held in the locked position by a second lip  355  located along the path  340 . Returning to  FIG. 2 , the first lever  110   a  and the second lever  110   b  may be locked in the resting configuration and are therefore unable to rotate around their respective pivot points  220   a  and  220   b  to decouple from the camera frame  160 . More specifically, when the bottom fingered base component  180   b  is rotated relative to the top fingered base component  180   a  to engage in the locked position, each raised lip  184   a  and  184   b  of the bottom fingered base component  180   b  is oriented such that the first lever  110   a  and the end of the second lever  110   b  may be prevented from rotating around their respective pivot points  220   a  and  220   b . For example, in the locked position the raised lips  184   a  and  184   b  may be in physical contact or in close physical contact to the end of the first lever  110   a  and end of the second lever  110   b . Therefore, when a user input is provided on input structures  205   a  and  205   b , the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  may be unable to rotationally displace to the necessary extent that would allow the ramp detent  230   a  of the first lever  110   a  to retract from the first opening  255   a  and the ramp detent  230   b  of the second lever  110   b  to retract from the second opening  255   b . This enables a user to prevent accidental decoupling of the camera frame  160  from the levered mount adapter  150 . 
     Decoupling the Camera System from a Levered Mount Adapter 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section of the levered mount adapter  150  in an open configuration after receiving a force input  410 , according to one example embodiment. The force input  410  may cause the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  to rotate to a first edge  420   a  and second edge  420   b , respectively on the fingered base  180 . 
     The force input  410  may be applied to the input structures  205   a  and  205   b  on the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b , respectively and may cause the first lever  110   a  to rotate counter-clockwise around its pivot point  220   a  and the second lever  110   b  to rotate clockwise around its pivot point  220   b . Therefore, an end of the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  may each enter into the respective recessed cavity  182   a  and  182   b  on the bottom fingered base component  180   b  (see  FIG. 2 ). Additionally, the force input  410  may cause the tension elements  280   a  and  280   b  to be compressed (e.g., in a state of compression). The maximal rotation of the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  may be limited by the first edge  420   a  and second edge  420   b , respectively, located on the fingered base  180 . For example, the first lever  110   a  and second lever  110   b  may rotate around their respective pivot points  220   a  and  220   b  until they physically contact the first edge  420   a  and second edge  420   b . The various embodiments, the first edge  420   a  and second edge  420   b  are designed such that the maximum rotation of the first lever  110   a  may enable the ramp detent  230   a  of the first lever  110   a  to retract from the first opening  255   a  and the ramp detent  230   b  of the second lever  110   b  to retract from the second opening  255   b . In doing so, the ramp detents  230   a  and  230   b  may decouple from the reciprocal cavity or hole located on the extensions  134   a  and  134   b  of the camera frame  160 , thereby enabling the camera frame  160  to decouple from the levered mount adapter  150 . 
     In various embodiments, if application of the force input  410  is ceased, the levered mount adapter  150  reverts from the open configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , back to the resting configuration, as depicted in  FIG. 3 . The return to the resting configuration may be caused by the forces exerted by the compressed tension elements  280   a  and  280   b  to rotate the first lever  110   a  in a clockwise fashion and to rotate the second lever  110   b  in a counter-clockwise fashion. 
     Additional Configuration Considerations 
     The disclosed embodiments of the levered mount adapter provide advantages over conventional camera mount adapters. The levered mount adapter is configured to enable a user to conveniently couple a camera to the spring mount adapter. Once coupled, the levered mount adapter effectively stabilizes the position of the camera by ensuring that the camera is unable to directionally or rotationally displace relative to the levered mount adapter. Additionally, a user of the levered mount adapter can rapidly decouple the camera from the levered mount adapter by providing a user input. This enables the user to easily gain access to the camera without the levered mount adapter if he/she desires. 
     Throughout this specification, some embodiments have used the expression “coupled” along with its derivatives. The term “coupled” as used herein is not necessarily limited to two or more elements being in direct physical or electrical contact. Rather, the term “coupled” may also encompass two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other, or are structured to provide a thermal conduction path between the elements. 
     Likewise, as used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 
     In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. 
     Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     Upon reading this disclosure, those of skilled in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for smart frames as disclosed from the principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.