Harness system for attaching camera to user

A configurable wrist or arm worn camera harness (1a) that facilitates convenient carry, access, and secure use of a camera during participation in a physical activity. Camera harness (1a) is comprised of an adjustable strap system for attaching harness (1a) to operator wrist or arm and a coupling system for attaching, one at a time, cameras of various shapes and sizes to aforementioned harness (1a) in a either a manner that allows camera to be moved pivotably while attached to harness (1a) and operator or in a manner that secures camera in a fixed, non-pivoting position. A clasping system is incorporated to harness (1a) to secure camera in a first secure flat carry position on operator wrist or arm. Clasping system can be released by operator to allow camera to be pivotably moved upright into a second secure position for the purpose of taking a photograph. Regardless of pivotal orientation of camera or closure state of clasping system or manner of camera attachment to user, harness (1a) maintains attachment of camera to operator in any event.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to mechanisms for securing devices such as a camera strap, and more specifically, to an improved harness system for attaching a device such as a camera to a human for use during periods of physical activity.

2. Description of the Related Arts

The problem of conveniently carrying, accessing, and using a camera under various operating conditions has existed since the beginning of hand-held photography. It has become even more of a problem in recent years as a growing number of photographers attempt to take action photographs while participating in fast-paced physical activities such as surfing, snorkeling, skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting and so on. Activities such as these often leave a photographer without pockets, purses, or even enough time to fetch a camera from such a place if he or she hopes to get a photo of the action while it is occurring.

Even in the event that a photographer is able to quickly access a camera during such an activity, an accidental fall or change of circumstances could make it difficult for the photographer to hold on to the camera. The camera could be damaged, broken or lost altogether in the event that the photographer might quickly need both of his or her hands free to ensure his or her safety. It is possible that people would take more photographs, and even better photographs, during their favorite physical activities if there was a convenient way for them to carry, quickly access, and then securely use a camera at such a time.

Another problem with taking photographs during fast-paced physical activities is the question of what to do with the camera after a photograph has been taken. For example, a surfing photographer taking a photograph of a breaking wave might quickly need his or her hands free to push their surfboard under the wave after taking the photograph. Perhaps a rafting photographer wants to photograph the harrowing view of the rapids just before entering them, but he or she might immediately thereafter need both hands free to brace themselves or to steer the raft. In either case, the photographer may not have enough time to securely store the camera after taking a photograph.

Additionally, the photographer might just prefer to have the camera immediately out of the way so that he or she can enjoy the given activity without the hassle of stowing their camera. Whatever the circumstance, there is currently no solution that solves the problems associated with conveniently carrying, quickly accessing, securely using and then quickly stowing a camera during periods of physical activity such as surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, rafting, etc.

There have been attempts to provide a solution to these problems. For years, rubber bands and wrist or neck ropes have been included with new cameras in an effort to provide the photographer with a convenient way to carry the camera. While this may suffice for a walk in the park, surfing a wave or rafting the rapids with a camera swinging wildly from one's wrist or neck is a less than ideal or safe way to carry a camera while participating in such an activity. Either the photographer, the camera, or people nearby may be harmed by the swinging camera.

The camera could be easily lost if the photographer is unable to adequately clutch the rubber band or nylon strap draped around their wrist. And while this method of carrying a camera does provide for immediate access to the camera, it unfortunately does not allow the user to have both hands free for participating in the given activity when the camera is not needed. In this way, a simple rubber band or nylon strap solution handicaps the photographer's participation in and enjoyment of the given activity and to a certain extent sacrifices their own safety and the safety of the camera.

Hence, conventional devices or solutions fail to provide adequate means for a photographer to conveniently carry, access, securely hold and use, and then quickly stow away a camera while participating in a physical activity. Therefore, there is a need for a solution that allows for carrying a camera in a further secured position, provides quick access to for holding and using the camera while still remaining secured to the user, and then quickly stowing the camera into the aforementioned further secured position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a harness for attaching a camera to a user's body, for example, an appendage (or portion thereof) such as an arm, wrist, leg, or angle, in a manner that allows for the camera to be moved pivotably into various positions for the purpose of convenient carrying and/or taking a photograph while engaged in a physical activity. Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, as the camera is moved in any pivoted orientation it remains coupled to the harness. Hence, the present invention beneficially allows the camera to remain secured to the appendage of the user even in the event that the user is unable to use a hand to hold the camera.

In accordance with the present invention, the camera harness allows a user to comfortably, conveniently, and securely carry a camera while participating in a physical activity in a manner which does not handicap their participation in the aforementioned activity. The camera harness also allows a user to quickly access a camera for use while participating in a physical activity.

In further embodiments of the present invention, the camera harness may be configured to allow a user to securely hold and pivot a camera into an upright position which allows them to easily and clearly look through the camera's viewfinder or see an LCD screen, while participating in a physical activity. It is noted that the camera harness allows a user to retain possession of a camera even in the event of an accident or change of events which forces the user to let go of the camera, while participating in a physical activity. Moreover, the camera harness allows a user to pivot and quickly re-secure a camera into a further secured flat carry position on his or her wrist after taking a photo. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the camera harness is also configured to be small enough to fit in a user's clothing pocket, purse, or other enclosure when it is not being worn or attached to a camera or camera housing. Hence, the camera harness is beneficially simple to use, carry, and otherwise transport.

In yet another embodiment, the camera harness maybe configured to be adjustable so that it can be comfortably worn by people of all sizes. The camera harness may also be configured to adapt to, fit and secure a wide range of cameras that may range in shape, size, and even type. The present invention may also be configured to have at least a portion of the harness system or element thereof be incorporated into a camera body or camera housing. In yet another embodiment, the camera harness, including any portion or element of the harness system that may be incorporated into a camera body or camera housing, and may be configured to attach a camera to a user in either a fixed flat, fixed upright, or fixed partially-upright, non-pivoting position.

In another embodiment, the camera harness, including any portion or element of the harness system that may be incorporated into a camera body or camera housing, may be configured to attach a camera to a user in a manner that secures the camera in a first secured position flat to their arm or wrist, but also allows the user to stretch or pull the camera into a second secured upright position for the purpose of taking a photograph. Upon the user's release of tension on the camera, the camera returns to the first secured position flat against the arm or wrist of the user.

The present invention may be configured from a variety of materials. In one embodiment the camera harness may be configured from commercially available lightweight structural components including but not limited to, e.g., nylon, plastic, foam, polypropylene, webbing, rubber, neoprene, rubber, elastic cord, elastic fabric, single or double sided tape, laminated adhesive, and/or VELCRO®, that can be configured in a manner that limits the total number of parts needed to construct the harness, while improving reliability, durability, simplicity, and lowering the cost of manufacturing. Thus, the camera advantageously can be used in a wide range of activities and environments. Moreover, the camera harness can be beneficially produced in an economical and rapid mariner. This should allow the present invention to be appealing to all types of consumers, manufacturers and retailers involved in photography. Moreover, the present invention allows photographers to become active participants in the activities or along side the subject matter that they are photographing, rather than having to take photographs from the sidelines or from a distance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a camera harness and improved camera body and improved camera housing to secure a camera in a first secure position to a user while the camera is not in use and allowing for pivotably moving the camera into a picture-taking position to take a picture while remaining secured to the camera harness in a second secure position. Further, the present invention allows for quickly returning the camera to the first secure position once the user completes taking the picture. Further still, the present invention includes and allows for alternative camera harnesses or straps to be attached to the improved camera body and or improved camera housing to secure a camera to a user in a fixed first secure position.

General Structural Configuration

FIG. 1is a perspective view of the harness1ain an open and extended position, revealing all of its parts in full view. The length and main body of harness1ais made up of two lengths of hook and loop material, loop material17and hook material20, that are joined together to form one unified length of hook and loop material. Loop material17and hook material20are joined together at union17b. The hook and loop fastening sides of both loop material17and hook material20are facing up in FIG.1. In a preferred embodiment, union17bis an ultrasonic weld, however, union17bcan be accomplished by any suitable means of fastening two lengths of fabric together, including but not limited to sewing, gluing, stapling, riveting, sealing, tacking, binding, and so on.

It is noted that in an alternative embodiment the loop material17and the hook material20may be configured to incorporate the functionality within a unitary structure and may not need the union17b. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment the material for the length and main body of harness1ais hook and loop material, but any other natural or synthetic material could be used as an alternative, including but not limited to cotton, leather, polypropylene, nylon, rubber, neoprene, plastic and so on.

FIG.1andFIG. 2illustrate a tag or a pull tab21fastened onto the underside and end of hook material20. In a preferred embodiment pull tab21is folded or doubled over onto itself and its ends are then sewn onto hook material20, however, pull tab21need not be folded over onto itself and pull tab21need not be sewn on as any suitable means of fastening two pieces of fabric together, such as welding, gluing, stapling, riveting, sealing, tacking, etc. will work to attach pull tab21to hook material20. In a preferred embodiment, pull tab21is made out of polypropylene, however pull tab21can be made out of any material including but not limited to cotton, rubber, plastic, nylon, neoprene, ribbon, tape, and so on. In one embodiment, pull tab21may be optionally eliminated from the present invention.

FIG. 1illustrates a loop, o-shaped ring, or hook ring18positioned on loop material17. The bottom portion of hook ring18is held in place and sandwiched against the top side of loop material17by a patch170that is attached to the topside of loop material17at union170aand union170bon either side of hook ring18. Hook ring18is free to pivot from left to right and vice versa inFIG. 1due to its unbinding attachment to loop material17provided by patch170. In a preferred embodiment, hook ring18is made of rubber, however, hook ring18can alternately be made of any other type of material including but not limited to neoprene, plastic, metal, fibrous material, fabric, or elastic cord, and so on. In one embodiment, hook ring18need not be free to pivot. Hook ring18may be of any diameter, thickness, resiliency or stretchiness and may be composed of a variety of materials or components to retain desired stretch and or attachment characteristics. Additionally, hook ring18may be of any shape other than that of a ring.

Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, patch170is made of hook and loop material, specifically loop material, however, any material, natural or synthetic, including but not limited to hook material, cotton, polypropylene, nylon, rubber, neoprene, or plastic, etc. could be used as an alternative material for patch170. Additionally, patch170can be omitted and hook ring18can be sewn directly onto loop material17. In a preferred embodiment, hook ring18is an o-shaped ring, however any shape can serve as a substitute shape for hook ring18, including but not limited to a square ring, D-shaped ring, or triangle-shaped ring.

Additionally, a strip or plurality of strips of any material including but not limited to hook and loop material, nylon, rubber, rubber bands, polypropylene, neoprene, plastic and so on can serve as a substitute for hook ring18. In a preferred embodiment, union170aand union170bare ultrasonic welds, however any suitable means of fastening two pieces of fabric together, such as sewing, gluing, stapling, riveting, sealing, tacking, binding, etc. would work as an alternative. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the bottom of hook ring18and patch170are positioned on the topside of hook material17inFIG. 1, but the bottoms of both hook ring18and patch170can be positioned and fastened to loop material17on the bottom side of loop material17as an alternative.

FIG. 1illustrates a cinching loop or square ring14and a base plate or coupling plate10(FIG. 7) attached to the left end of loop material17. This is accomplished by folding the end of loop material17around and through a pivot channel10e(FIG. 7) located on coupling plate10and through square ring14. The end of loop material17is then folded back under and onto itself on the underside of loop material17and is fastened to itself at union17a. The fold created by folding loop material17back under onto itself forms a hinge point or a pivot sleeve15that both attaches square ring14and coupling plate10to loop material17in a manner that allows square ring14and coupling plate10to move pivotably. In one embodiment, square ring14need not be able to move pivotably.

InFIG. 1, square ring14is positioned underneath coupling plate10. In a preferred embodiment, square ring14is made of plastic, however, square ring14can be alternately made, molded, machined, or otherwise manufactured out of any other natural or synthetic material including but not limited to different types of plastic, rubber, metal, fabric, alloy, composite, etc. In a preferred embodiment, coupling plate10is made of rubber, however coupling plate10can be alternately made, molded, machined, or otherwise manufactured out of any other natural or synthetic material including but not limited to different types of plastic, rubber, metal, fabric, alloy, etc. In a preferred embodiment, coupling plate10is molded as one piece, however coupling plate10can alternately be molded, made or otherwise manufactured as a plurality of pieces that are then attached together by any reasonable means to form coupling plate10. Note that the coupling plate10is semi-rigid although alternatively it may also be either rigid or flexible.

In a preferred embodiment, union17ais an ultrasonic weld, however, any suitable means of fastening two pieces of fabric together including but not limited to hook and loop fastening, sewing, gluing, stapling, riveting, sealing, tacking, binding, etc. would work as an alternative. In a preferred embodiment, pivot sleeve15is made from a fold in loop material17, however, pivot sleeve15can be made, machined, molded, or otherwise manufactured from any type of material including but not limited to different types of plastic, rubber, metal, fabric, and so on, whereby the alternate material is then attached to the end of loop material17by any means suitable for attaching two pieces of material together, including but not limited to welding, sewing, gluing, stapling, riveting, sealing, tacking, etc.

FIGS. 1,2,3, and4illustrate rings, bands, or coupling band10aand coupling band10bprotruding from coupling plate10.FIGS. 3 and 4show coupling band10aand coupling band10bstretching around the body of a camera. In a preferred embodiment, coupling band10aand coupling band10bare molded as a part of coupling plate10and are made of rubber, however, coupling plate10, coupling band10a,and coupling band10bcan be alternately made, molded, machined, or otherwise fabricated as a single part or separate parts made of any material including but not limited to cord, neoprene, hook and loop material, any type of rubber, nylon, LYCRA, and so on. Additionally, coupling plate10, coupling band10a,and coupling band10bmay be of any color, thickness, size, durometer, flexibility or rigidity to accommodate cameras of varying type, size and shape.

In one embodiment, coupling band10aand coupling band10bare described as rings with closed loop shapes, whereas as both coupling band10aand coupling band10bcan have alternative shapes including but not limited to square shapes, oval shapes, elliptical shapes, or can be open lengths of any material including but not limited to hook and loop material, rubber, neoprene, nylon adhesive tape, adhesive material, and so on. Further, coupling band10aand coupling band10bmay be fabricated as a single part with coupling plate10, but alternatively coupling bands10aand10bcan be fabricated as a single separate part or as a plurality of separate parts from coupling plate10in which case they can snap to or in any other way attach to coupling plate10.

In a preferred embodiment, coupling band10aand coupling band10bare both present, however, an alternative embodiment can include only a single coupling band10aor a single coupling band10b. Additionally, coupling plate10can be made in a plurality of pieces that sandwich around coupling band10aand coupling band10bduring the assembly of coupling plate10. In a preferred embodiment coupling plate10is made of rubber, but alternatively coupling plate10can be made of any material including but not limited to plastic, fabric, neoprene, a composite, or metal.

FIGS. 1,2, and3illustrate a clasp or catch piece13attached to the top area of coupling band10aand coupling band10b.FIG. 6shows a perspective view of catch piece13. Catch piece13has a recessed cavity or catch cradle13din the front center of its body to receive a hook end19b(FIG. 5) of a mating clasp or hook piece19(FIG.5). The mating of catch piece13and hook piece19keep the camera in a first secured position. As an alternative embodiment, catch cradle13dcan be omitted from catch piece13and a hollow pass-through or channel can serve as a substitute resulting in catch piece13having a hollow pass-through center.

Catch piece13is attached to coupling band10aand coupling band10bby stretching coupling band10aand coupling band10bto first reduce the cross section diameters of coupling band10aand coupling band10bso as to allow coupling band10aand coupling band10bto then be pulled into anchor groove13a(FIG. 6) and anchor groove13b(FIG. 6) via a groove channel13c(FIG. 6) that runs laterally across the underside of catch piece13, as does anchor groove13aand anchor groove13b. Once coupling band10aand coupling band10bare positioned within anchor grooves13aand13band are no longer being stretched, the cross section diameters of coupling band10aand coupling band10bwill expand within anchor grooves13aand13bresulting in coupling band10aand coupling band10bbeing firmly attached to catch piece13.

In one embodiment, catch piece13may be made of a rigid or substantially rigid material, e.g., a plastic. Alternatively, catch piece13may be made, molded, machined, or otherwise manufactured out of any other material including, but not limited to, different types of plastic, rubber, metal, alloy, composites and so on. Additionally, in one embodiment groove channel13c, groove anchor13a, and groove anchor13bare positioned on the underside of catch piece13.

Alternatively, groove channel13c, groove anchor13a, and groove anchor13bcan be positioned either on the front, back or top-side of catch piece13. Additionally, anchor grooves13aand13bcan each have their own individual groove channel13c, creating a plurality of groove channel13c, rather than sharing a single groove channel13c, for example, as illustrated. Alternately, catch piece13can have only anchor groove13aand not include anchor groove13b. Any combination of these alternatives for anchor groove13aand anchor groove13band groove channel13ccan be positioned in any combination either on the top, bottom, side or sides, and or front or back of catch piece13.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, coupling band10aand coupling band10band catch piece13are separate elements that are attached together to function as a single unit, whereas alternatively, coupling band10aand coupling band10band catch piece13can be made, molded, machined, or otherwise fabricated as one single part or element, separate or in combination with coupling plate10, possibly eliminating the need for groove channel13c, groove anchor13a, and groove anchor13b. A further alternative provides that coupling band10aand coupling band10band catch piece13and coupling plate10can be made, molded, machined, or otherwise fabricated as one single part or element. Additionally, catch piece13can be molded or otherwise fabricated as a plurality of separate parts that sandwich around and hold in place coupling band10aand coupling band10bwhen joined.

FIGS. 1,2, and3illustrate a hook piece19attached to the top end of hook ring18.FIG. 3shows hook piece19hooked into, mated, or clasping catch piece13.FIG. 5shows a perspective view of hook piece19. Hook piece19is attached to hook ring18by stretching hook ring18to reduce the cross section diameter of hook ring18and then pulling hook ring18into a cut out channel or anchor groove19alocated on hook piece19. Once hook ring18is positioned within anchor groove19a(FIG. 5) and hook ring18is no longer being stretched, the cross section diameter of hook ring18expands within anchor groove19ato firmly attach hook ring18to hook piece19. In a preferred embodiment, hook piece19is made of molded plastic, however, hook piece19can alternately be made, molded, machined, or otherwise manufactured out of any other material including but not limited to different types of plastic, rubber, fabric, metal, alloy, hook and loop material, and so on.

In a preferred embodiment, hook ring18is attached to hook piece19by being sandwiched inside of anchor groove19a, but an alternative to this is to clamp, glue, melt, weld, stitch, sew, bend, tie, rivet or in any other appropriate way attach hook piece19to hook ring18. Furthermore, anchor groove19ais situated on the underside of hook19whereas an alternate location is to position anchor groove19aon the top side or back end of hook piece19. Additionally, hook piece19and hook ring18are fabricated as separate elements, however hook piece19and hook ring18can be fabricated, molded, machined, fabricated or otherwise made as one single part or element. One embodiment might have hook19, or a part with a similar purpose, attached directly to loop material17without hook ring18.

As another alternative embodiment, hook ring18and hook piece19can be replaced with a single strip or plurality of strips of material including but not limited to hook and loop material, neoprene, rubber, plastic, fabric, or a combination thereof that attaches, connects or otherwise mates with catch piece13, coupling band10aand or coupling band10b, a camera body or camera housing, or hook and loop material that is attached to or otherwise integrated onto or into the body of a camera or a camera housing.

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate a strip of material, padding, or a comfort strip16attached to the underside of loop material17. In a preferred embodiment, comfort strip16is sewn to the underside of loop material17, but as an alternative, comfort strip16can be attached to loop material17by any suitable means of fastening two pieces of material together, such as but not limited to gluing, stapling, riveting, sealing, tacking, laminating, binding, etc.

In one embodiment, the material for comfort strip16is neoprene, but any other material, fabric, textile or rubber could be used as an alternative for neoprene including but not limited to cotton, polypropylene, nylon, rubber, foam, etc. Additionally, comfort strip16is an included element of harness1a,however, as an alternative embodiment of harness1acomfort strip16can be excluded from harness1a.As an additional alternative embodiment, comfort strip16and loop material17can be combined in the form of a piece of VELCRO® laminated neoprene or other VELCRO® laminated material or may be a unitary structure that is configured to provide the functionality of loop material17and comfort strip16. An additional embodiment is to reverse the positioning of ioop material17and hook material20so that loop material17replaces hook material20and vice versa.

FIG. 4illustrates an optional safety cord or safety band22that can be attached to a camera's standard wrist strap attachment point, a feature found on most cameras of all types. Once attached to the camera, safety band22is then attached to harness1aby leading hook material20through safety band22and sandwiching safety band22between hook material20and loop material17when harness1ais cinched and fastened around the wrist or arm of the operator. In a preferred embodiment, safety band22is an optional element that can be included or excluded at the operator's discretion. As an alternative to the preferred embodiment, safety band22can be an integrated element of harness1a. Also in one embodiment, safety band22is a rubber band, although any band or strip of any other material could be used as an alternative.

Operation and Functionality

One embodiment for using harness1ain accordance with the present invention is now described, for example, from a perspective of a user (or operator) attaching a camera to his or her left arm or wrist. It is noted that the process and principle described herein may apply to any other appendage or item to which the camera harness1aattaches.

The operator of harness1afirst stretches coupling band10aand coupling band10baround a camera's body so that catch piece13is positioned on top of the camera, for example, in a position like that shown inFIGS. 3,3a, and3b. Catch cradle13dshould be facing the same direction as the camera lens. The operator positions the camera lens in the middle of coupling band10aand coupling band10bby adjusting, stretching, or moving coupling band1aand coupling band10bto either side of the camera lens, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 3a.

The user can make the same adjustments to the areas of coupling band10aand coupling band10bpositioned on the back of the camera to position the camera's viewfinder in between or to the side of coupling band10aand coupling band10b. The exact positioning of the camera inside coupling band1aand coupling band10b, or rather the positioning of coupling band1aand coupling band10baround the camera body, is variable to allow cameras of various shapes, sizes, and dimensions to fit into a single version of harness1a.

Once the operator has secured the camera within coupling band10aand coupling band10bhe or she then drapes harness1aacross his or her left arm, at or above the wrist, so that the hook and loop fastening side of harness1ais facing up and pull tab21end of harness1ais closest to the operator's body. The operator then feeds pull tab21end of harness1athrough square ring14and cinches pull tab21end of harness1auntil harness1ahas a desired tension around the operator's wrist or arm. The operator then fastens hook material20to loop material17to maintain the desired tension of harness1aaround the operator's wrist or arm. At this point harness1aand the attached camera are fastened to the operator's left wrist or arm.

From this point, the operator may grasp the camera with his or her right hand and raises the camera. The operator may, but is not required, to move his or her left wrist or arm up close to his or her face for the purpose of looking through the camera's viewfinder to take a photograph, as illustrated inFIG. 3a. The operator can easily pivot the camera into an upright position to facilitate looking through the viewfinder, as illustrated inFIG. 3a. The right hand is in position to hold the camera and push the camera's shutter button to take a photograph while the left arm serves as a support to help hold the camera steady for a clear photographic exposure.

One advantage of the present invention is that in the event the user slips, falls, or otherwise needs both hands immediately free, he or she can let go of the camera to do what is necessary to ensure their safety. The camera remains attached to harness1aand the operator (FIG. 3b) by way of the camera-to-harness1acoupling system comprised of coupling band10a, coupling band10b, coupling plate10, catch piece13, and pivot sleeve15.

Once the operator is done taking a photograph and wishes to position the camera in a secure carry position, he or she can quickly secure the camera into a flat and stable position on his or her arm or wrist. To do this, the operator may use his or her right hand to pivot the camera into a flat position on his or her wrist (FIG. 3) and then may use his or her right thumb or thumb and index finger, whichever method is desired, to push or pull hook piece19up and into catch piece13until hook end19bis mated into catch cradle13d. At this point, hook piece19will be securely mated with catch piece13. This will secure the camera in a flat carry position on the operator's arm or wrist.

At this point the operator can freely use their left arm and hand without upsetting, loosening, or otherwise releasing the camera from its secure, flat positioning on his or her arm or wrist. If a tighter, more secure fit is desired, the operator can increase the tension of harness1aaround his or her arm or wrist which will also increase the tension of hook ring18and hook19holding the camera down flat against the arm or wrist of the operator.

To install safety band22(FIG. 4) the operator attaches safety band22to the camera in the same cinching fashion that he or she would attach a standard rubber band to the attachment bar or loop that is a featured element on most cameras. Once safety band22is securely cinched to the camera, the operator unfastens hook material20from loop material17and guides hook material20through the open end of safety band22, pulling safety band22close to square ring14in the process. The operator then refastens hook material20to loop material17, sandwiching safety band22between hook material20and loop material17, thus securing safety band22to harness1a, as illustrated in FIG.4.

It is noted that to remove harness1afrom his or her wrist, the operator simply unfastens hook material20from loop material17and slides harness1aoff of his or her wrist. In addition, to remove the camera from harness1a, the operator simply pulls or stretches coupling band10aand coupling band10boff of the camera. It is also noted that although the example above is discussed with respect to particular right and left hand usage, a vice versa operational usage or a combination of appendages (e.g., attach camera harness to leg) and use right or left hand to take picture) is also within the principles of the present invention.

Additional Alternative Embodiments

The present invention may be designed and operated in a variety of configurations without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. For example, the present invention may be configured in a number of ways in regards to the size, shape, positioning, orientation and materials of the various elements of the invention. More particularly, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 1b, loop material17, hook material20, comfort strip16, square ring14, and pull tab21can be replaced with a single sleeve24of any material including but not limited to neoprene, nylon, cotton, rubber, or polypropylene, whereby single sleeve24is used to attach harness1bto the arm or wrist of a user whereby the user slides his or her hand through single sleeve24and pulls single sleeve24and harness1bonto his or her wrist or arm. Additionally, single sleeve24can have in any way attached to it hook and loop material that serves as a compression strap to increase the tension of single sleeve24around the wrist or arm of the user. This hook and loop compression strap can include a square ring allowing the user to cinch the hook and loop material and single sleeve24tighter around his or her arm or wrist.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 1c, coupling plate10can be replaced with a spring loaded coupling plate25, whereby spring loaded coupling plate25has a spring25athat applies pressure to spring loaded coupling plate25in such a manner that spring loaded coupling plate25holds whichever camera is being used with harness1cin a flat position against the operator's wrist or arm. The operator can then apply rotational pressure against the camera and spring loaded coupling plate25to compress spring25, thus pivoting the camera into an upright position for taking a photograph.

Upon release of such pressure by the operator, spring25would then force the camera back into a flat position on the arm or wrist of the operator, against back plate25c, which is attached to both coupling plate25and loop material17. Additionally, the bottom portion of spring loaded coupling plate25can extend to a length similar to that of back plate25cwhereby coupling band10aand coupling band10battach to the bottom portion of spring loaded coupling plate25in a manner similar to how coupling band10aand coupling band10battach to coupling plate25binFIG. 1f.

In yet another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 1d, coupling plate10can be replaced with a strip or tongue of hook material26that is attached to loop material17and can be looped through an extended bar29or recessed groove and bar30on a camera body28or camera housing32. Tongue of hook material26would then be folded back and mated with loop material17, thus attaching camera body28or camera housing32to harness1din a manner that would allow camera body28or camera housing32to be moved pivotably while attached to harness1d. Additionally, one end of tongue of hook material can be sewn, welded or otherwise attached to pivot sleeve15.

As illustrated inFIG. 1e, coupling plate10can be replaced with a male buckle or male clip27that could be clipped into a mating female clip31integrated into camera body28or camera housing32, thereby attaching camera body28or camera housing32to harness1ein a manner that allows camera body28or camera housing32to be moved pivotably while attached to harness1e. Alternately, male clip27as illustrated inFIG. 1ecan be substituted with female clip31and female clip31on camera body28can be substituted with male clip27. Any type of male or female clip, connector or union can be used as a substitute and the illustration inFIG. 1eis only for example reference. Alternatively, male clip27and female clip31can be substituted with joining parts similar to those used to attach a wristwatch band to a watch piece, for example, a magnetic resistance.

As illustrated inFIG. 1f, coupling plate10can be replaced with a spring loaded coupling plate25bwhereby coupling band10aand coupling band10battach to spring loaded coupling plate25b, as illustrated. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 1g, coupling plate10can be replaced with a spring loaded clip33that can be attached or clipped to a camera body or housing. Additionally, the spring loaded clip can be attached to a recessed groove and bar30(FIG. 8d) or an extended bar29(FIG. 8c) on a camera body or camera housing. As an alternative, spring loaded clip33can be held closed with something other than a spring, for example, a magnetic resistance.

As illustrated inFIG. 1h,coupling plate10can be replaced with a static clip34that can be attached or clipped to a camera body or housing. Additionally, the spring loaded clip can be attached to a recessed groove and bar30(FIG. 8d) or an extended bar29(FIG. 8c) on a camera body or camera housing. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 1i,coupling plate10can be replaced with a tongue of hook material26that is sewn, welded, or otherwise attached to loop material17at or near pivot sleeve15. The hook side of tongue of hook material26is facing down inFIG. 1iand can be pushed through an extended bar29or recessed groove and bar30on a camera body or camera housing and then mated with loop material17to secure a camera or a camera housing to harness1iin a manner that allows the camera body or camera housing to be moved pivotably while attached to harness1i.It is noted that the camera body is rigid or substantially rigid. The camera housing may be rigid, substantially rigid, flexible (e.g., leather, vinyl, neoprene, SPANDEX or the like) or substantially flexible.

In an alternative embodiment, tongue of hook material26can be replaced with a tongue of loop material. Alternatively, tongue of hook material26can have a button attached to it that mates with a mating button that is attached to either a camera body, a camera housing, or loop material17. Alternatively, tongue of hook material26can have one side coated with an adhesive that attaches to a camera body or camera housing.

Additionally, harness le can have an additional tongue of loop material sewn or otherwise attached to loop material17in such a manner that allows it to be folded over tongue of hook material26after tongue of hook material26is mated with loop material17, assuming that tongue of hook material26has hook material or VELCRO® lining both sides of tongue of hook material26. This additional tongue of loop material, once folded over tongue of hook material26, will further secure tongue of hook material26against loop material17and further secure the attached camera body or camera housing to harness1i.

Additionally, tongue of hook material26can have loop material on the side or face that does not mate with loop material17so that hook material20can mate with tongue of hook material26when harness1iis cinched around a user's arm or wrist. Additionally, harness1ican have sewn or otherwise attached to it a length of hook and loop material that folds or doubles over tongue of hook material26, further securing tongue of hook material26to loop material17when mated.

As illustrated inFIG. 1j, coupling plate10can be replaced with a tongue of hook material26that is sewn, welded, mated, or otherwise attached to loop material17. The hook side of tongue of hook material26is facing down inFIG. 1jand can be pushed through an extended bar29or recessed groove and bar30on a camera body or camera housing and then pushed through square ring14and mated with loop material17on the underside of harness1jto secure a camera or a camera housing to harness1jin a manner that allows the camera body or camera housing to be moved pivotably while attached to harness1j. Additionally, loop material17can be extended to attach, by any means suitable for attaching two lengths of fabric together, to the underside of harness1jto serve as a mating surface for tongue of hook material26and likewise provide a comfortable surface for contacting the skin of a user. Patch170can be optionally omitted and hook ring18can be sandwiched between the two layers of loop material17and held in place by union170aand union170b. Additionally, comfort strip16and pull tab21can be optionally omitted in harness1j. Additionally, loop material17can be double sided or double faced loop material.

FIG. 1killustrates an alternative strap or harness1kthat can be used with an improved camera body28or an improved camera housing32to attach a camera to a user in a fixed flat or fixed upright position. For example, harness1kcan be laced or pushed under extended bar29featured on the improved camera housing32illustrated inFIG. 9gand then cinched around the arm or wrist of a user, thus securing the improved camera housing32to the user in a fixed flat position. A view hole36can be variably positioned or cut out of harness1kduring manufacture or through user positioning so as to allow the user to look through harness1kto see through the camera's viewfinder in the event that harness1kwould otherwise block the user's view of the viewfinder, as could be the case if harness1kwere attached to the improved camera housing32as illustrated inFIG. 9i. The view finder may also comprise a transparent material.

Note that in some embodiments, the housing may also include a view area through which a display, e.g., a 2″ LCD screen can be viewed. This view area may be exposed or covered with a transparent material. In addition, this area may also include an exposed or covered (e.g., pliable transparent material) to manipulate the buttons associated with camera functionality, e.g., cycle through captured images viewable on the display. It is also noted that the camera housing can be rigid (or substantially rigid) (e.g., plastic, metal, fiberglass, etc.) or pliable (or substantially, pliable) (e.g., leather, vinyl, neoprene, etc.). Also, the camera housing can be integrated with or separate from the camera (or other device) itself. Moreover, the camera housing may be appropriately configured for use in various elements (e.g., waterproof or atmospheric).

Alternatively, harness1kcan be laced or pushed through an extended bar29located on the bottom of improved camera body28or improved camera housing32, as illustrated inFIG. 9kand then cinched around the arm or wrist of a user thereby attaching the camera to the user in a fixed upright position. Alternatively, harness1kcan be laced or pushed through any combination of extended bar29, extended bar35, and or recessed groove and bar30on improved camera body28or improved camera housing32to secure improved camera body28or improved camera housing32to a user in either a fixed flat or fixed upright position on the arm or wrist of a user. Harness1kcan alternatively be configured from various materials including but not limited to e.g., nylon, plastic, metal, foam, polypropylene, webbing, rubber, neoprene, single or double sided tape, laminated adhesive, and/or VELCRO®. Additionally, view hole36can be alternatively omitted from harness1k.

FIG. 11illustrates an alternative harness1lthat incorporates an attachment pad37that can be sewn, glued, taped, stapled, stamped, or otherwise attached or made part of harness1l.Attachment pad37can be made of a variety of different materials, including but not limited to neoprene, plastic, metal, rubber, webbing, nylon, double sided tape, foam, VELCRO®, etc. One side of attachment pad37can have an adhesive layer or laminate applied to it allowing a user or manufacturer to adhere attachment pad37and thus harness1lto a side of a camera or camera housing in order to then attach harness1land a camera or camera housing to themselves in a fixed flat or fixed upright position. Harness1lcan include view window37that can be variably positioned by user or at time of manufacture or view window37can be omitted from harness1l.

FIG. 1millustrates an alternative embodiment harness1mof the invention whereby hook piece19replaces catch piece13and is attached to coupling band10aand coupling band10bby stretching and pulling coupling band10aand coupling band10bfirmly into anchor groove19a. This allows hook ring18to be pulled onto hook piece19and rest in hook end19b, securing a camera in a first secure flat carry position when a camera is attached to harness1mand harness1mis attached to a user. This embodiment advantageously allows the user to pull or push the camera into a second secured upright position for the purpose of taking a photograph, stretching hook ring18in the process.

To return the camera to the first secure flat carry position the user releases pressure on the camera and the tension of hook ring18will pull the camera back down into the first secure flat position. Hook piece19can be removed from hook ring18in any of the embodiments of the invention to allow for hook ring18to attach to hook piece18or hook piece38(FIG. 8n) in this alternative fashion to accomplish this embodiment of the invention. Additionally, hook piece19can be fabricated, molded, or otherwise created as one piece combined with coupling band10aand coupling band10band or with any of their embodiments. Additionally, hook piece19can be fabricated, molded, or otherwise created in separate pieces or halves that are sandwiched around coupling band10aand coupling10bor their embodiments when assembled.

FIG. 8nillustrates an embodiment of camera body28that has a hook piece38, serving the same purpose as hook piece19on harness1m, integrated onto the top of camera body28. Alternatively, hook piece38can be molded, made, fastened, glued, taped, or otherwise attached to the top, back, front, bottom, or side, including corner edges, of camera body28. Hook piece38can be made of plastic, metal, rubber, or any other material suitable for attaching to a camera or camera housing.

FIG. 9nillustrates an embodiment of camera body that has a hook piece38, serving the same purpose as hook piece19on harness1m, integrated onto the top of camera housing32. Alternatively, hook piece38can be molded, made, fastened, glued, taped, or otherwise attached to the top, back, front, bottom, or side, including corner edges, of camera housing32. As an alternative, hook ring18can attach to camera body28or camera housing32in any manner suitable for firmly attaching hook ring18or any of its alternative embodiments to camera body28or camera housing32in order to hold a camera in a first secured flat position and then allowing for hook ring18or any of its embodiments to be stretched as the user raises a camera into a second secure upright position when being worn by a user using a harness of the invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 8a,the invention can include camera body28that has catch piece13integrated on top of camera body28. Alternatively, catch piece13can be integrated onto the back of camera body28. Additionally, catch piece13can be integrated onto a corner edge of camera body28. Additionally, catch piece13can have an adhesive coated side that attaches it to camera body28. Additionally, camera body28can have an adhesive area that allows catch piece13to be attached to it. Additionally, camera body28can have hook or loop material, or VELCRO® attached to or embedded into camera body28on any side of camera body28. Additionally, camera body28can have hook or loop material, or VELCRO® attached to or embedded into camera body28on any side of camera body28, replacing catch piece13or included with catch piece13.

As illustrated inFIG. 8b, the invention can include camera body28that has catch piece13integrated into or within the top of camera body28. Alternatively, catch piece13can be integrated into or within the back of camera body28. Alternatively, catch piece13can be integrated into or within a corner edge of camera body28.

As illustrated inFIG. 8c, the invention can include camera body28that has an extended bar29integrated onto the back of camera body28. Alternatively, extended bar29can be integrated onto the bottom, top or corner edge of camera body28. As illustrated inFIG. 8g, extended bar29can be of any width or height and can be integrated into or onto camera body28in any location on the back, front, top, or bottom of camera body28, again including corner edges. Alternatively to extended bar29being manufactured as an integrated element of camera body28, extended bar29can be manufactured as a separate piece and can be glued, taped, welded, fastened, clipped, screwed, riveted, attached with hook and loop material, or otherwise attached to camera body28. As illustrated inFIG. 8i, a plurality of extended bar29can be integrated onto or into camera body28and again can be integrated in any location on the back, front, top, or bottom of camera body28, including corner edges.

Extended bar29can serve alternate functions in the invention, for example, functioning as a mating piece for hook19, thus acting as substitute for catch piece13or extended bar35, when positioned on or near the top or top back area of camera body28, or alternately serving as an attachment point for a harness strap of the invention when positioned in the same location or anywhere else on the top, back, bottom or corner edge of camera body28. In this way extended bar29can serve multiple functions in the same embodiment, allowing a single embodiment of the invention to be used in a variety of configurations depending on user or manufacturer preference. For example, by serving as weave-through attachment points for harness1kto be woven through, both extended bars29inFIG. 8ifunction in a manner that attaches camera body28to a user in a fixed flat position.

Alternatively, by substituting harness1jas the harness strap of choice and attaching it via tongue of hook material26to the lower extended bar29inFIG. 8i, the upper extended bar29can now function as a mating point for hook19of harness1j, allowing the camera to be moved pivotably from either a secured flat position whereby hook19is mated with upper extended bar29, or released and pivoted into a second secure upright position for taking a photo. In sum, it should be noted that that the present invention beneficially allows for a camera body or housing to accept any variety of strap that allows the camera to attach to a user, e.g., an appendage of the user, in either a fixed or pivoting manner as disclosed herein.

Additionally, variable placement of extended bar29in conjunction with straps such as harness1kallow for camera body28to be attached to a user in a fixed-angle or semi-upright position. For example,FIG. 8millustrates camera body28with extended bars29positioned on the back and bottom sides of camera body28. By weaving harness1kthrough both the back and bottom extended bars29and cinching harness1karound the wrist or arm of a user, camera body28can be attached to the user in a fixed-angle or semi-upright position. Alternatively, harness1kcan be woven through both the back and bottom extended bars29and also extended bar35positioned on the top back corner of camera body28(FIG. 8m) in order to attach camera body28to a user in a fixed flat manner. Alternatively, harness1jcan be attached via tongue of hook material26to the bottom extended bar29and hook19of harness1jcan mate with extended bar35, thereby allowing camera body28(FIG. 8m) be attached to a user in a manner that allows camera body28to be secured flat in a first secure position and then released and pivoted upright into a second secured position.

The aforementioned and following examples of variable configurations of the invention are but examples of the potential variations and in no way should the invention be limited to the aforementioned or following examples of variable configurations of the invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 8d, the invention can include camera body28that has a recessed groove and bar30on the back of camera body28. Alternatively, recessed groove and bar30can be positioned on the bottom and or top of camera body28or into or within a corner edge of camera body28.FIG. 8hillustrates that recessed groove and bar30can be of any width or depth, and the bar portion of recessed groove and bar30can be either flush with or recessed below the outer surface of camera body28. Additionally,FIG. 8hillustrates that recessed groove and bar30can be located anywhere on the top, back, or bottom of camera body28, including corner edges of camera body28.FIG. 8jillustrates a plurality of recessed groove and bar30integrated into camera body28.

Recessed groove and bar30, extended bar29, and extended bar35can be used in any combination with or in any substitution of one another.FIG. 8kandFIG. 8lillustrate examples of this. Additionally, recessed groove and bar30, extended bar29, and extended bar35can be used interchangeably to achieve similar functionality. For example,FIG. 8lshows extended bar29positioned on the top back corner of camera body28whereby it can substitute for extended bar35as a mating bar for hook19of harness1j, or it can serve as an weave-through attachment point for a substitute harness1kto be woven through in order to attach camera body28to a user in a fixed flat position when harness1kis also woven through recessed groove and bar30in this example. Additionally, recessed groove and bar30can alternately be used as a mating bar for hook19and extended bar35can be alternately used as an attachment point for alternative strap embodiments of the invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 8e, the invention can include a camera body28that has a female clip31integrated on the bottom of camera body28. Alternatively, female clip31can be integrated onto the back of camera body28. Alternatively, female clip31can be substituted with male clip27. Any type of male or female clip, connector or union can be used as a substitute for female clip31and male clip27and the illustration inFIG. 8eis intended only for reference. Alternatively, male clip27and female clip31can be substituted with joining parts similar to those used to attach a wristwatch band to a watch piece.

As illustrated inFIG. 8f, the present invention can include camera body28that has an extended bar35integrated on top of camera body28to mate with hook piece19. Alternatively, extended bar35can be integrated onto the back of camera body28. Additionally, extended bar35can be integrated onto a corner edge of camera body28. Further, extended bar35and extended bar29can be partially or entirely of any shape, including but not limited to curved, rounded, indented, semi-circular, circular, semi-oval, oval, semi-elliptical, elliptical, semi-square, square, semi-rectangular, rectangular, semi-triangular, triangular, or angular shape. Also, extended bar35and extended bar29can be of any width or height and can be variably positioned on the top, back or corner of camera body28. Alternatively, extended bar35can function as an attachment point for a strap portion of the-invention, similar in function to either recessed groove and bar30and or extended bar29. Again, extended bar35, recessed groove and bar30, and extended bar29can be used interchangeably in the invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 9a,the invention can include camera housing32that has catch piece13integrated on top of camera housing32. Alternatively, catch piece13can be integrated onto the back of camera housing32. Additionally, catch piece13can be integrated onto a corner edge of camera housing32. Additionally, catch piece13can have an adhesive coated side that attaches it to camera housing32. Additionally, camera housing32can have an adhesive area that allows catch piece13to be attached to it. Additionally, camera housing32can have hook or loop material, or VELCRO® attached to or embedded into camera housing32on any side of camera housing32. Additionally, camera housing32can have hook or ioop material, or VELCRO® attached to or embedded into camera housing32on any side of camera housing32, replacing catch piece13or included with catch piece13.

As illustrated inFIG. 9b, the invention can include camera housing32that has catch piece13integrated into or within the top of camera housing32. Alternatively, catch piece13can be integrated into or with the back of camera housing32. Alternatively, catch piece13can be integrated into or within a corner edge of camera housing32.

As illustrated inFIG. 9c, the invention can include camera housing32that has an extended bar29integrated onto the back of camera housing32. Alternatively, extended bar29can be integrated onto the bottom, top or comer edge of camera housing32. As illustrated inFIG. 9g, extended bar29can be of any width, height or thickness and can be integrated into or onto camera housing32in any location on the back, front, top, or bottom of camera housing32, again including corner edges.

As an alternative to extended bar29being manufactured as an integrated element of camera housing32, extended bar29can be manufactured as a separate piece and can be glued, taped, welded, fastened, clipped, screwed, riveted, attached with hook and loop material, or otherwise attached to camera housing32. As illustrated inFIG. 9i, a plurality of extended bar29can be integrated onto or into camera housing32and again can be integrated in any location on the back, front, top, or bottom of camera housing32, including corner edges.

Extended bar29can serve alternate functions in the invention, for example, functioning as a mating piece for hook19, thus acting as substitute for catch piece13or extended bar35, when positioned on or near the top or top back area of camera housing32, or alternately serving as an attachment point for a strap portion of the invention when positioned in the same location or anywhere else on the top, back, bottom or corner edge of camera housing32. In this way extended bar29can serve multiple functions in the same embodiment, allowing a single embodiment of the invention to be used in a variety of configurations depending on user or manufacturer preference. For example, by serving as weave-through attachment points for harness1kto be woven through, both extended bars29inFIG. 9ifunction in a manner that attaches camera housing32to a user in a fixed flat position.

Alternatively, by substituting harness1jas the harness strap of choice and attaching it to the lower extended bar29inFIG. 9i, the upper extended bar29can now function as a mating point for hook19of harness1j, allowing the camera to be moved pivotably from either a secured flat position with hook19mated with upper extended bar29or released and pivoted into a second secure upright position for taking a photo. Again, it is noted that the present invention is also applicable to other viewing configurations, for example, video or long-distance viewers (monocular or binoculars).

Additionally, variable placement of extended bar29in conjunction with straps such as harness1kallow for camera housing32to be attached to a user in a fixed-angle or semi-upright position. For example,FIG. 9millustrates camera housing32with extended bars29positioned on the back and bottom sides of camera housing32. By weaving harness1kthrough both the back and bottom extended bars29and cinching harness1karound the wrist or arm of a user camera housing32can be attached to the user in a fixed-angle or semi-upright position.

Alternatively, harness1kcan be woven through both the back and bottom extended bars29and also extended bar35positioned on the top back corner of camera housing32(FIG. 9m) in order to attach camera housing32to a user in a fixed flat manner. Alternatively, harness1jcan be attached via tongue of hook material26to the bottom extended bar29and hook19of harness1jcan mate with extended bar35, thereby allowing camera housing32(FIG. 9m) be attached to a user in a manner that allows camera housing32to be secured flat in a first secure position and then released and pivoted upright into a second secured position.

As illustrated inFIG. 9d, the invention can include camera housing32that has a recessed groove and bar30on the back of camera housing32. Alternatively, recessed groove and bar30can be positioned into the bottom and or top of camera housing32or into the bottom corner edge of camera housing32.FIG. 9hillustrates that recessed groove and bar30can be of any width or depth, and the bar portion of recessed groove and bar30can be either flush with or recessed below the outer surface of camera housing32. Additionally,FIG. 9hillustrates that recessed groove and bar30can be located anywhere on the top, back, or bottom of camera housing32, including corner edges of camera housing32.FIG. 9jillustrates a plurality of recessed groove and bar30integrated into camera housing32.

Recessed groove and bar30, extended bar29, and extended bar35can be used in any combination with or in any substitution of one another.FIG. 9kandFIG. 9lillustrate examples of this. Additionally, recessed groove and bar30, extended bar29, and extended bar35can be used interchangeably to achieve similar functionality. For example,FIG. 9lshows extended bar35positioned on the top back corner of camera housing32whereby it can be substituted with extended bar29as a mating bar for hook19of harness1j, or it can serve as an weave-through attachment point for a substitute harness1kto be woven through in order to attach camera housing32to a user in a fixed flat position when harness1kis also woven through recessed groove and bar30in this example. Additionally, recessed groove and bar30can alternately be used as a mating bar for hook19and extended bar35can be alternately used as an attachment point for a strap portion of the invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 9e, the invention can include a camera housing32that has a female clip31integrated on the bottom of camera housing32. Alternatively, female clip31can be integrated onto the back of camera housing32. Alternatively, female clip31can be substituted with male clip27. Any type of male or female clip, connector or union can be used as a substitute for female clip31and male clip27and the illustration inFIG. 9eis intended only for reference. Alternatively, male clip27and female clip31can be substituted with joining parts similar to those used to attach a wristwatch band to a watch piece.

As illustrated inFIG. 9f, the present invention can include camera housing32that has an extended bar35integrated on top of camera housing32to mate with hook piece19. Alternatively, extended bar35can be integrated onto the back of camera housing32. Additionally, extended bar35can be integrated onto a corner edge of camera housing32. Additionally, extended bar35and extended bar29can be partially or entirely of any shape, including but not limited to curved, rounded, indented, semi-circular, circular, semi-oval, oval, semi-elliptical, elliptical, semi-square, square, semi-rectangular, rectangular, semi-triangular, triangular, or angular shape. Additionally, extended bar35and extended bar29can be of any width or height and can be variably positioned on the top, back or corner of camera housing32. Alternatively, extended bar35can function as an attachment point for a strap portion of the invention, similar in function to either recessed groove and bar30and or extended bar29. Again, extended bar35, recessed groove and bar30, and extended bar29can be used interchangeably in the invention.

It will be noted that any of the stated embodiments of the invention, or elements thereof, can be combined or otherwise incorporated with one another to achieve a desired embodiment of the invention that is still within the scope of the invention.

In addition to the aforementioned methods for attaching my invention to the wrist or arm of a user, it is understood that any reasonable means for attaching, securing, or otherwise fastening a device to the wrist or arm of a user can be substituted for any of the above mentioned methods of attaching my invention to the wrist or arm of a user. In addition to the aforementioned methods for attaching a camera to my invention, it is understood that any reasonable means for attaching, securing, or otherwise fastening a camera to a harness or strap can be substituted for any of the above mentioned methods of attaching a camera to my invention.

Further Considerations for Additional Embodiments

Those of skill in the art will understand the wide range of structural configurations for one or more elements of the present invention. For example, certain elements may have square or rounded edges to give it a particular look. Further, particular elements of the present invention that are joined or attached to one another in the assembly process can be made, molded, machined, or otherwise fabricated as a single element or part. In addition, certain elements of the present invention that are fabricated as a single element or part can be fabricated as separate elements or in a plurality of parts that are then joined or otherwise attached to one another in the assembly process. Certain elements of the present invention that are made of a particular material can be made of a different material to give the device a different appearance, style, weight, flexibility, rigidity, reliability, longevity, ease of use, cost of manufacture, etc.

Certain elements of the present invention may be configured to be bigger or smaller to work with cameras of different sizes. Further, certain elements of the present invention can me made bigger or smaller to better fit or adjust to people of different sizes or better fit over various articles of clothing. Elements of the present invention can be sewn or otherwise attached to the sleeve of a jacket, shirt, sweater, pullover, wetsuit, glove or other form of apparel, thus integrating the function of my invention into the given article of apparel.

As further examples, the present invention or elements thereof could be built into or otherwise permanently affixed to a camera body or camera housing in a manner that permanently attaches the present invention to the camera body or camera housing. In addition, a base plate, clip, or other part in place of coupling plate10could snap, bolt, clip, or otherwise attach the present invention to a camera body or a camera housing, thus attaching that camera body or camera housing to the present invention with or without the use of coupling bands10aand10b.Further, a base plate or other part in place of or in conjunction with coupling plate10, or coupling plate10itself can have one or more sides coated with an adhesive or adhesive tape for securing itself to a camera body or camera housing, thus attaching a camera body or camera housing to the present invention. Additionally, coupling plate10can have hook or loop material, VELCRO, or a similar material glued to, laminated to, or otherwise attached to it.

As still additional examples, certain elements of the present invention can be made any color to give the present invention a specific appearance to match clothing, uniforms, camera color schemes, corporate logos, etc. Certain elements of the present invention can be redesigned for a different look, theme or to address a different consumer market.

In another example, certain elements of the present invention can be redesigned to attach or join with other elements of my invention in a different manner than described in the embodiments while providing a similar function to those manners of attachment described in the embodiments. Coupling plate10and square ring14can be fabricated as a single hinged part or element. Coupling plate10itself can be a hinged part or element that is fastened or attached to loop material17. Coupling plate10can be omitted from my invention and coupling bands10aand10bare attached to square ring14or are molded or fabricated as one part with square ring14. Coupling plate10can be omitted from my invention and coupling bands10aand10bare attached to loop material17.

Another example includes, using a different clasping mechanism than hook piece19and catch piece13, including but not limited to an example where hook end19bis shaped like a ball and catch piece13and catch cradle13dare shaped like a cupped receptacle for the aforementioned ball shape. Further, instead of being shaped like dual bands surrounding the camera, coupling bands10aand10b, or coupling band10aalone, thus omitting coupling band10b, can be shaped like one single wide or narrow band of material surrounding the camera. Also, instead of being shaped like dual bands surrounding the camera, coupling bands10aand10b, or coupling band10aalone, thus omitting coupling band10b, can be shaped like one single wide or narrow band of material surrounding the camera with a hole or space omitted from a portion of the band of material for the camera lens to protrude from.

In addition, instead of using coupling bands10aand10b, my invention can include a sleeve of material such as neoprene, rubber, nylon, hook and loop material or any other material to grip, house or otherwise contain a camera and secure it to coupling plate10. This sleeve of material can additionally have a hole or space omitted from it to allow for the lens of a camera to protrude from it. Instead of using coupling bands10aand10band coupling plate10, the present invention uses a sleeve of material such as neoprene, rubber, nylon, hook and loop material or any other material to grip, house or otherwise contain a camera which is attached directly to my invention without coupling plate10. This sleeve of material can additionally have a hole or space omitted from it to allow for the lens of a camera to protrude from it.

As another example, hook ring18can be any shape, including but not limited to a D-ring shape, triangle, oval, square, or can also be substituted with a single band or strip of any material including but not limited to hook and loop material. Loop material17, hook material20, comfort strip16, square ring14, and pull tab21can be replaced with single sleeve24whereby single sleeve24is used to attach harness1bto the arm or wrist of a user whereby the user slides his or her hand through single sleeve24and pulls single sleeve24and harness1bonto his or her wrist or arm and single sleeve24has an integrated drawstring or a plurality of drawstrings that allow user to tighten single sleeve24around his or her wrist or arm. Additionally, comfort strip16can be of any shape, single or varying width, or length.

In yet another example, as a substitute to comfort strip16in the present invention, single sleeve24is attached to underside of loop material17whereby single sleeve24is used to attach the present invention to the arm or wrist of a user whereby the user slides his or her hand through single sleeve24and pulls single sleeve24and harness1bonto his or her wrist or arm and then cinches hook material20through square ring14and tightens the present invention onto his or her arm or wrist in the same manner as described in one embodiment of the present invention.

Also, loop material17, hook material20, comfort strip16, square ring14, and pull tab21can be replaced with a strap of any material with standard adjustable backpack type buckles at either end of the strap, allowing the user to buckle and tighten the present invention around their arm or wrist. Loop material17, hook material20, comfort strip16, square ring14, and pull tab21can be replaced with a standard wrist watch type strap and closure system that allows the user to adjust and fasten the present invention around his or her arm or wrist.

In another example, the present invention can be mounted on or otherwise integrated with a glove (or other article of clothing such as a coat sleeve or diver wetsuit sleeve) for the purpose of attaching a camera to the glove in a manner that allows the camera to be moved pivotably whilst being attached to the glove. The present invention can have a button attached to it that mates with a mating button piece located on a camera body. Also, the present invention can have a button attached to it. Also the present invention can have a magnet or a portion thereof attached to it to serve as a coupling mechanism.

In yet another example, a camera (or a housing for a camera) used as a part of the invention could have either hook and or loop material attached, integrated, or otherwise a part of the camera body for the purpose of securing the camera against my invention or to an element thereof. The present invention can incorporate a one way or two way or stage detent mechanism that holds an attached camera either in a closed-flat position against the wrist or arm of a user or in an open-vertical position for the purpose of taking a photograph, or alternately in both positions depending on the user's preference. Any aspect or element of any one or more of the embodiments of my invention can be combined with any one or more aspects or elements of another embodiment of the present invention to achieve a desired combined embodiment of the present invention.

As previously noted, the present invention includes a number of benefits and advantages. For example, the present invention may be configured from a lesser number of parts, and therefore, is more reliable due to fewer potential failure points and may be less expensive to manufacture. Further, the present invention may be configured using lightweight material and may also be configured for attaching to a wide range of user extremities or appendages, for example, an arm, a wrist, a leg or an ankle, or even a non-appendages such as bicycle handlebars, hang glider control bars, a windsurfer boom, and so on. Hence, the present invention is advantageous for a wide range of potential users.

The present invention may also be adapted for a wider range of devices of varying shapes, sizes and dimensions, and therefore, is suitable for use with a wide range of devices that a user may carry, for example, cameras, binoculars, monoculars, video cameras cell phones, and the like. Further, the present invention may be beneficially secured in a first secured position (e.g., secured at two ends to the harness) and a second secured position (e.g., pivotably secured at one end of the harness), and therefore, is also suitable for use in a wide range of activities.

Moreover, the present invention is advantageously secured while providing quick access for the user to the device attached to the harness so that the user can, for example, move a camera from the first secured position to the second secured position, take a photograph, and then re-secure the camera in the first secured position. In addition, the present invention is advantageously configured so that the device, e.g., camera, remains secured to the harness even if the user is unable to return the device from the first secured position to the second secured position.

Accordingly, one of skill in the art can appreciate that the camera harness of this invention can easily be used by a photographer to carry, access, and securely hold and use a camera even while participating in fast-paced activities such as surfing, kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, skiing, and so on. Additionally, the camera harness of this invention will keep a camera attached to the wrist or arm of a user even if the user falls or encounters some circumstance that forces him or her to let go of the camera while taking a photograph. The camera harness of the present invention can be easily used with a wide range of camera types, sizes, and dimensions and can likewise be adjusted to fit a wide range of users. Moreover, the camera harness of the present invention may also be adapted for use with other devices, for example, video cameras, binoculars, monoculars, cell phones, personal digital assistants, music players (e.g., Mp3 players or radio devices), game devices, and the like. Further still, the camera harness of the present invention will allow its user to take photographs while participating in such activities that might otherwise have prohibited or made difficult the act of photography. While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiments thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.