Universal adjustable lens adapter

A universal adjustable lens adapter and rig system for smartphones, or similar electronic devices, that is modular in nature. The universal adjustable lens adapter includes a clamp mount assembly, a lens mount assembly, and a handle assembly. The clamp mount assembly provides a means for securing a smartphone, while the lens mount assembly provides a means for securing a camera lens. The clamp mount assembly includes a spring loaded first clamp and a fixed second clamp mounted to a clamp base and between which the smartphone is secured. Both the clamp mount assembly and the lens mount assembly are slidably connected to the handle assembly, such that the camera lens of any smartphone can be properly aligned with the camera lens attached to the lens mount assembly. Additionally, the handle assembly provides a means for manipulating and stabilizing the smartphone while taking pictures.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to smartphone accessories. More specifically, the present invention is a universal adjustable lens adapter and rig system for smartphones. The present invention is modular and allows a user to mount a variety of accessories to a smartphone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The advancement of mobile electronic technology has led to a surge in the popularity of smartphones. Smartphones are favored for their high level of versatility and functionality. Modern smartphones allow users to place calls, send text messages, play games, and access the Internet. Another common use for smartphones is to capture and share media such as photos and videos. Smartphones typically feature one or more cameras that are capable of capturing both still images and videos. However, the majority of smartphones feature a rectangular design, and are relatively thin. This can create difficulties when attempting to hold a smartphone steady during image and video capture. Additionally, despite the advanced capabilities, much of the camera technology of smartphones is limited with regards to the ability to utilize the cameras in conjunction with existing lens and camera accessories. As a result, there is generally no way to improve and enhance captured media through add-on lenses such as macro lenses, fisheye lenses, and wide angle lenses, as well as accessories such as tripods, stabilizers, microphones, and flash units. The present invention seeks to address the aforementioned issues relating to smartphone-integrated camera technology as well as accessories that are commonly used in multimedia capture.

The present invention is a universal adjustable lens adapter and rig system that is adaptable as to accommodate all smartphones. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a lens mount assembly, a handle assembly, and a clamp mount assembly. The clamp mount assembly is adjustable and spring loaded to secure a smartphone in place within the universal adjustable lens adapter and rig system. The clamp mount assembly includes a cold shoe mount that allows a user to mount accessories, such as flash units, to the universal adjustable lens adapter and rig system. The lens mount assembly features a standardized threaded lens mount ring for accommodating add-on lenses. The lens mount assembly is adjustable to align the smartphone camera with the lens mount ring. The handle assembly features a first handle and a second handle that allow a user to hold the universal adjustable lens adapter and rig system with two hands for a high degree of stability. In addition to the previously mentioned accessory mounting points, the universal adjustable lens adapter and rig system features a plurality of additional standardized threaded mount inserts that accommodate accessories such as tripods and other mounting accessories. Furthermore, the components of the present invention are designed in a manner such that the universal adjustable lens adapter and rig system may rest on a flat surface in both a horizontal and vertical orientation. The components of the lens adapter and rig system are lightweight in order to facilitate ease of use and user comfort.

The object of the present invention is to provide a means to utilize multiple existing lens and camera accessories with a smartphone or tablet. It is a further object of the present invention to be modular and universally adaptable to all smartphone or tablet devices and camera accessories.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a universal adjustable lens adapter and rig system for smartphones, or similar electronic devices such as tablets, that is modular in nature. The present invention allows a user to utilize existing lens and camera accessories in conjunction with a smartphone device. In reference toFIG. 1, the present invention comprises a lens mount assembly10, a clamp mount assembly20, and a handle assembly60. The lens mount assembly10provides a means for securing and aligning a camera lens, while the clamp mount assembly20provides a means for securing and aligning the smartphone. The handle assembly60supports both the lens mount assembly10and the clamp mount assembly20.

In further reference toFIG. 1, the handle assembly60comprises a clamp mount support65, a lens mount support64, a first handle61, and a second handle63. The clamp mount support65is adjacently connected to the lens mount support64, while the first handle61is adjacently attached to the clamp mount support65opposite the lens mount support64and the second handle63is adjacently attached to the lens mount support64opposite the clamp mount support65. Together, the clamp mount support65, the lens mount support64, the first handle61, and the second handle63form a frame to support the lens mount assembly10and the clamp mount assembly20. The first handle61and the second handle63provide a means for the user to readily grasp and maneuver the present invention when a smartphone is positioned within the clamp mount assembly20in order to take pictures.

In reference toFIG. 2-3, the lens mount support64comprises a first lens mount standoff shaft642, a second lens mount standoff shaft644, a first arm640, and a second arm641. The first arm640and the second arm641are adjacently attached to the second handle63, wherein the first arm640and the second arm641are positioned opposite each other along the second handle63. The first lens mount standoff shaft642and the second lens mount standoff shaft644are adjacently connected to the first arm640and the second arm641; the first lens mount standoff shaft642and the second lens mount standoff shaft644being positioned in between the first arm640and the second arm641. The first lens mount standoff shaft642is positioned adjacent to the second handle63, while the second lens mount standoff shaft644is positioned adjacent to the clamp mount support65.

In reference toFIG. 1andFIG. 15, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first lens mount standoff shaft642is connected to the first arm640and the second arm641by a first pair of lens mount screws643and the second lens mount standoff is connected to the first arm640and the second arm641by a second pair of lens mount screws645. Each of the first pair of lens mount screws643traverses through the second handle63and either the first arm640or the second arm641and then into opposite ends of the first lens mount standoff shaft642. Each of the second pair of lens mount screws645traverses through either the first arm640or the second arm641and into opposite ends of the second lens mount standoff shaft644.

In reference toFIG. 2, the lens mount assembly10comprises a lens mount base11, a lens mount ring12, and a lens mount thumb screw13. The lens mount base11is slidably connected to the lens mount support64along a first slide axis70. More specifically, the lens mount base11is slidably connected to the first lens mount standoff shaft642and the second lens mount standoff shaft644, wherein the first lens mount standoff shaft642and the second lens mount standoff shaft644traverse through the lens mount base11. The lens mount thumb screw13is positioned into the lens mount base11and is positioned adjacent to either the first lens mount standoff shaft642or the second lens mount standoff shaft644. In this way, the lens mount thumb screw13can be made to engage either the first lens mount standoff shaft642or the second lens mount standoff shaft644, such that the lens mount base11is locked in place along the first lens mount standoff shaft642and the second lens mount standoff shaft644.

In reference toFIG. 1andFIG. 15, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a threaded lens mount insert14is positioned through the lens mount base11adjacent to either the first lens mount standoff shaft642or the second lens mount standoff shaft644. The lens mount thumb screw13is then threaded into the threaded lens mount insert14, wherein the lens mount thumb screw13can be made to engage either the first lens mount standoff shaft642or the second lens mount standoff shaft644. The threaded lens mount insert14reinforces the section of the lens mount base11into which the lens mount thumb screw13traverses and is ideally constructed from metal, however, any other material may also be used.

The lens mount ring12is adjacently connected to the lens mount base11and provides a means for securing a camera lens to the lens mount assembly10. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lens mount ring12has internal threading in order to secure the desired camera lens in place, however, it is possible for the lens mount ring12to provide other means of attachment, such as a snap fit. The lens mount ring12is positioned around an aperture111in the lens mount base11, wherein the aperture111is aligned with the camera lens of the smartphone, as shown inFIG. 10, by positioning the lens mount base11along the first lens mount standoff shaft642and the second lens mount standoff shaft644. In this way, the desired camera lens or additional attachment is aligned with the camera lens of the smartphone.

In reference toFIG. 1, the clamp mount support65comprises a first handle standoff shaft650and a second handle standoff shaft651. The first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle63shaft are adjacently attached to the first handle61, wherein the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651are positioned opposite each other along the first handle61. The first arm640is adjacently connected to the first handle standoff shaft650opposite the first handle61, and the second arm641is adjacently connected to the second handle standoff shaft651opposite the first handle61. The handle assembly60further comprises a handle skin62that is attached to the first handle61opposite the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651. The handle skin62provides a unique, decorative face plate for the first handle61that can be customized for each user.

In reference toFIG. 1andFIG. 15, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first arm640and the second arm641are connected to the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651respectively, by a third pair of lens mount screws646. Each of the third pair of lens mount screws646traverses either through the first arm640and into the first handle standoff shaft650or traverses through the second arm641and into the second handle standoff shaft651. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651are attached to the first handle61by a first pair of handle screws610. Each of the first pair of handle screws610traverses through the handle skin62, through the first handle61, and into either the first handle standoff shaft650or the second handle standoff shaft651. Additionally, a second pair of handle screws611, adjacent to the first pair of handle screws610, traverses through the handle skin62into the first handle61in order to further secure the handle skin62.

In reference toFIG. 14, the clamp mount assembly20comprises a clamp base21, a first clamp22, a second clamp23, a first clamp grip24, a second clamp grip25, a first compression spring30, a second compression spring33, a first thumb screw40, a second thumb screw41, and a clamp mount thumb screw43. In reference toFIG. 2, the clamp base21is slidably attached to the clamp mount support65along a second slide axis80. More specifically, the clamp base21is slidably attached to the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651, wherein the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651traverse through the clamp base21. The second slide axis80is aligned perpendicular to the first slide axis70, such that the clamp mount assembly20may slide horizontally and the lens mount assembly10may slide vertically when the present invention is positioned as shown inFIG. 2.

In reference toFIG. 1, the first thumb screw40and the second thumb screw41are positioned into the clamp base21. The first thumb screw40is positioned adjacent to the first handle standoff shaft650and the second thumb screw41is positioned adjacent to the second handle standoff shaft651. In this way, the first thumb screw40and the second thumb screw41can be made to engage the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651respectively, such that the clamp base21is locked in place along the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651.

In reference toFIG. 13, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pair of threaded inserts42is positioned into the clamp base21adjacent to the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651. The first thumb screw40and the second thumb screw41are then threaded into the pair of threaded inserts42, wherein the first thumb screw40and the second thumb screw41can be made to engage the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651respectively. The pair of threaded inserts42reinforces the section of the clamp base21into which the first thumb screw40and the second thumb screw41traverse and, ideally, each of the pair of threaded inserts42is constructed from metal; however, any other material may also be used.

In reference toFIG. 3andFIG. 8, the first clamp22is slidably connected to the clamp base21and comprises a first clamp mount standoff shaft220and a second clamp mount standoff shaft221. The first clamp mount standoff shaft220and the second clamp mount standoff shaft221are positioned opposite each other along the first clamp22. The first clamp mount standoff shaft220and the second clamp mount standoff shaft221are slidably connected to the clamp base21, wherein the first clamp mount standoff shaft220and the second clamp mount standoff shaft221are positioned into the clamp base21. The first compression spring30and the second compression spring33are positioned within the clamp base21. The first compression spring30is positioned adjacent to the first clamp mount standoff shaft220and the second compression spring33is positioned adjacent to the second clamp mount standoff shaft221.

In reference toFIG. 11-12, the first clamp mount standoff shaft220is mechanically coupled to the first compression spring30through a first washer31and a first screw32. The first compression spring30is positioned into a first cavity210of the clamp base21, wherein the first compression spring30rests on a first ledge211. The first clamp mount standoff shaft220traverses through the first compression spring30and the first washer31is connected to the first clamp mount standoff shaft220by the first screw32. The first washer31is positioned about the end of the first clamp mount standoff shaft220, such that the first compression spring30is positioned in between the first washer31and the first ledge211. In this way, when the first clamp22is pulled away from the second clamp23, the first compression spring30is compressed, wherein when the first clamp22is released the spring force of the first compression spring30acts to restore the original position of the first clamp22.

In further reference toFIG. 11-12, the second clamp mount standoff shaft221is mechanically coupled to the second compression spring33through a second washer34and a second screw35. The second compression spring33is positioned into a second cavity212of the clamp base21, wherein the second compression spring33rests on a second ledge213. The second clamp mount standoff shaft221traverses through the second compression spring33and the second washer34is connected to the second clamp mount standoff shaft221by the second screw35. The second washer34is positioned about the end of the second clamp mount standoff shaft221, such that the second compression spring33is positioned in between the second washer34and the second ledge213. In this way, when the first clamp22is pulled away from the second clamp23, the second compression spring33is compressed, wherein when the first clamp22is released the spring force of the second compression spring33acts to restore the original position of the first clamp22.

In reference toFIG. 1, the clamp mount thumb screw43is positioned into the clamp base21and is positioned adjacent to either the first clamp mount standoff shaft220or the second clamp mount standoff shaft221. In this way, the clamp mount thumb screw43can be made to engage either the first clamp mount standoff shaft220or the second clamp mount standoff shaft221, such that the first clamp22is locked in place about the clamp base21. While the first compression spring30and the second compression spring33act to provide a clamping force between the first clamp22and he second clamp23, the clamp mount thumb screw43ensures that the first clamp22cannot be inadvertently pulled away from the second clamp23.

In reference toFIG. 13, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a threaded clamp mount insert44is positioned into the clamp base21adjacent to either the first clamp mount standoff shaft220or the second clamp mount standoff shaft221. The clamp mount thumb screw43is then threaded into the threaded clamp mount insert44, wherein the clamp mount thumb screw43can be made to engage either the first clamp mount standoff shaft220or the second clamp mount standoff shaft221. The threaded clamp mount insert44reinforces the section of the clamp base21into which the clamp mount thumb screw43traverses and is ideally constructed from metal, however, any other material may also be used.

In reference toFIG. 3, the second clamp23is adjacently attached to the clamp base21, wherein the first clamp22and the second clamp23are positioned opposite each other along the clamp base21. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of threaded inserts46are positioned into the clamp base21, as shown inFIG. 14, wherein the second clamp23is attached to the clamp base21through a pair of clamp screws45. The pair of clamp screws45is positioned through the second clamp23and into the plurality of threaded inserts46. In this way, the position of the second clamp23along the clamp base21can be adjusted. The plurality of threaded inserts46reinforces the section of the clamp base21into which the pair of clamp screws45traverses and, ideally, each of the plurality of threaded inserts46is constructed from metal; however, any other material may also be used.

In reference toFIG. 5, the first clamp grip24is adjacently connected to the first clamp22and the second clamp grip25is adjacently connected to the second clamp23. The first clamp grip24and the second clamp grip25are positioned along the first clamp22and the second clamp23respectively, such that the first clamp grip24and the second clamp grip25make contact with the smarthphone when the smartphone is positioned within the clamp mount assembly20. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first clamp grip24and the second clamp grip25are constructed from rubber in order to provide sufficient grip (without damaging the smartphone) to hold the smartphone in place, such that the smartphone does not inadvertently fall out of the clamp mount assembly20. However, it is also possible for the first clamp grip24and the second clamp grip25to be constructed of other materials providing the same function.

In reference toFIG. 3, the clamp mount assembly20further comprises a cold shoe mount50. The cold shoe mount50is adjacently connected to the first clamp22opposite the clamp base21. More specifically, the cold shoe mount50is connected to the first clamp22opposite the first clamp mount standoff shaft220and the second clamp mount standoff shaft221. The cold shoe mount50allows the user to attach a camera flash or other camera accessories to the present invention in order to be used with the smartphone while taking pictures. In reference toFIG. 6, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cold shoe mount50is secured to the first clamp22by a pair of shoe mount screws51, wherein each of the pair of shoe mount screws51traverses through the cold shoe mount50into the first clamp22.

In reference toFIG. 7, the clamp mount assembly20also further comprises a threaded clamp base insert52. The threaded clamp base insert52is positioned into the clamp base21and is positioned adjacent to the second clamp23. The threaded clamp base insert52allows the present invention to be mounted to a camera tripod, or similar stand, such that the smartphone can be stabilized while taking pictures. The threaded clamp base insert52also allows for the attachment of other various camera accessories in addition to a tripod.

The threaded clamp base insert52also allows the clamp mount assembly20to be used without the lens mount assembly10or the handle assembly60. The first handle61can be removed from the clamp mount support65, wherein the clamp mount assembly20can be slid off of the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft652. The clamp mount assembly20can then be attached to a tripod, stabilizer, slider, etc. through the threaded clamp base insert52, wherein the smartphone can be utilized without the addition of extra lens or accessories.

In reference toFIG. 6-7, the handle assembly60further comprises a plurality of threaded handle inserts. Each of the plurality of threaded handle inserts is positioned into either the first handle61or the second handle63, as shown inFIG. 1. Similar to the threaded clamp mount insert44, the plurality of threaded handle inserts allows for the attachment of various camera accessories to the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of threaded handle inserts comprises a first pair of handle inserts and a second pair of handle inserts. The first pair of handle inserts is positioned into the first handle61, wherein each of the first pair of handle inserts is positioned opposite the other along the first handle61. Similarly, the second pair of handle inserts is positioned into the second handle63, wherein each of the second pair of handle inserts is positioned opposite the other along the second handle63.

In order to use the present invention, a smartphone is first positioned in the clamp mount assembly20against the second clamp23while the first clamp22is pulled away from the clamp base21, as shown inFIG. 8, wherein the first compression spring30and the second compression spring33are compressed within the clamp base21. The first clamp22is then released, wherein the first compression spring30and the second compression spring33are allowed to decompress within the clamp base21, thus pulling the first clamp22towards the clamp base21against the smartphone. In turn, the smartphone is clamped securely in between the first clamp22and the second clamp23, as shown inFIG. 9. The clamp mount thumb screw43is then threaded through the clamp base21until the clamp mount thumb screw43engages either the first clamp mount standoff shaft220or the second clamp mount standoff shaft221in order to ensure that the first clamp22is locked in place and cannot be inadvertently pulled open.

Once the smartphone is positioned in between the first clamp22and the second clamp23, the clamp base21is slid along the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651in order to horizontally align the camera lens with the aperture111of the lens mount base11. When the camera lens has been aligned with the aperture111, the first thumb screw40and the second thumb screw41are threaded through the clamp base21until the first thumb screw40engages the first handle standoff shaft650and the second thumb screw41engages the second handle standoff shaft651. In turn, the clamp base21is locked in position along the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651.

With the camera lens horizontally aligned with the aperture111, the lens mount base11is then slid along the first lens mount standoff shaft642and the second lens mount standoff shaft644in order to vertically align the aperture111with the camera lens. Once the aperture111has been vertically aligned with the camera lens, the lens mount thumb screw13is threaded through the lens mount base11until the lens mount thumb screw13engages either the first lens mount standoff shaft642or the second lens mount standoff shaft644. In turn, the lens mount base11is locked in position along the first lens mount standoff shaft642and the second lens mount standoff shaft644. A lens or accessory, such as a macro lens, fish eye lens, or wide angle lens can then be attached to the lens mount ring12, as shown inFIG. 10. Other camera accessories, such as a flash, tripod, stabilizers, or microphones, can then be attached to the present invention via the cold shoe mount50, the threaded clamp base insert52, or the plurality of threaded handle inserts.

In order to provide a more compact design, it is also possible for the present invention to be used without the first handle61and the second handle63. Along with the removal of the first handle61, the length of the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651may also be shortened. It may also be desirable to provide a stopper or pair of stoppers to attach to the first handle standoff shaft650and the second handle standoff shaft651to prevent the clamp mount assembly20from inadvertently sliding off. The compact design allows for the enhanced portability, maneuverability, and storage of the present invention.

While the present invention has been described in association with a smartphone, it is also possible for the present invention to be designed for use with a tablet. In order to accommodate a tablet as opposed to a smartphone, the components of the present invention remain the same but the specific size of some components may be enlarged or extended. Namely, the first handle standoff shaft650, the second handle standoff shaft651, the first clamp mount standoff shaft220, and the second clamp mount standoff shaft221can be extended in order to accommodate the increased size of the tablet. It is also possible to extend the first lens mount standoff shaft642, the second lens mount standoff shaft644, the first handle61, the second handle63, and the clamp base21in order to form a larger frame for supporting a tablet.