Floating action camera mount

Devices and methods disclosed here can include a floating action camera mount. The floating action camera mount can include a vessel having an exterior surface. The vessel can be floatable in a liquid. A camera mount can be coupled to the exterior surface of the vessel for attaching an action camera to the floating action camera mount. At least one positioning weight can be coupled along the vessel. For instance, the positioning weight can be adjustably positionable along the exterior surface of the vessel between a first weight location and a second weight location. In the first weight location, the vessel, and correspondingly the camera mount, can be positioned in a first orientation with respect to a surface of the liquid. In the second weight location, the vessel, and correspondingly the camera mount, can be positioned in a second orientation with respect to the surface of the liquid.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to camera mounts, such as floating action camera mounts.

BACKGROUND

Floating camera mounts can be used by filmmakers, divers, athletes, or the like to record still images and/or video for later viewing. Many existing floating camera mounts include at least one buoy for flotation. A camera can be attached to the buoy, such as an upper portion of the buoy. For example, the camera can be coupled to the buoy by an arm. In some existing floating camera mounts, the arm can be positionable to adjust the height, or angle of view of the camera, and the camera is attached or suspended underneath the one or more buoys to capture underwater images.

For many existing floating camera mounts, the buoy is configured to maintain a generally upright position in the water. In other words, many buoys are not designed to flip over or tip over during operation. The camera is coupled at a location at the top of the buoy, away from the center of buoyancy of the buoy, in many existing examples. Floating camera mounts can include anchors to hold a location or a generally upright position of the floating camera mount as it floats in a body of water. For example, the anchors can be coupled to cleats that are fixably attached to the buoy. Such buoys can include a flat surface or elongate shape along the lower portion of the buoy. To counter any sway of the buoy resulting from wave swells, some floating camera mounts include a gimbal for maintaining the viewpoint of the camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application relates to devices and techniques for a floating camera mount, such as a floating action camera mount. The following detailed description and examples are illustrative of the subject matter disclosed herein; however, the subject matter disclosed is not limited to the following description and examples provided. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in, or substituted for, those of other embodiments. Embodiments set forth in the claims encompass all available equivalents of those claims.

The present disclosure is directed to an action camera that is attachable to a floating mount that can be lightweight, easy to transport, and repositionable in the water to orient the action camera in any direction. The present subject matter can provide a solution to this problem, such as by coupling an action camera to a vessel having repositionable weights for rotating the vessel to orient the viewpoint of the action camera toward a point of interest.

For instance a vessel can include an exterior surface and an internal volume. The exterior surface can be of sufficient area so the vessel is floatable in a liquid (e.g., water). A camera mount can be coupled to the exterior surface of the vessel to construct a floating action camera mount. At least one positioning weight can be coupled along the vessel, such as the exterior surface of the vessel. The positioning weight can be adjustably positionable along the exterior surface of the vessel to rotate the vessel and accordingly the orient the viewpoint of the action camera toward the point of interest. In an example, the positioning weight can be adjustably positionable between a first weight location and a second weight location including. In the first weight location, the vessel, and correspondingly the camera mount, can be positioned in a first orientation with respect to a surface of the liquid. In the second weight location, the vessel, and correspondingly the camera mount, can be positioned in a second orientation with respect to the surface of the liquid.

In an example, the size and weight of the floating action camera mount can be decreased by attaching the action camera to an inflatable vessel. For instance, the vessel can include an inflatable bladder that can include an inflatable configuration where the floating action camera mount is in use and a deflated configuration for transporting or storing the floating action camera mount. Accordingly, the size and/or the weight of the floating action camera mount can be decreased, for example, when the vessel is deflated.

In an example, the vessel can include a scalable port. Ballast, such as water, sand, or the like can be added to the inner volume (e.g., cavity) of the vessel through the sealable port. Accordingly, the stability of the floating action camera mount can be increased and correspondingly the images captured by the action camera can be improved.

FIG. 1is a cross section view of an exemplary floating action camera mount100. The floating action camera mount100can include a vessel102, a camera mount104, and at least one positioning weight106. The camera mount104can be coupled to the vessel102, for instance, along an exterior surface108of the vessel102for attaching an action camera116to the vessel102. The action camera116can include, but is not limited to, a digital camera, a GoPro®, smart phone, weatherproof camera, or the like. The positioning weight106can be adjustably coupled along the exterior surface108of the vessel102. The exterior surface108of the vessel102can include an inside and an outside. In an example, the positioning weight106can be positioned along the inside or the outside of the exterior surface108.

As shown in the example ofFIG. 1, the vessel102can include a spherical shape. In other examples, the vessel102can include rectangular, triangular, oval or other shapes. The vessel102can be constructed from a material including, but not limited to, plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyoxymethylene), rubber, foam, or the like. In an example, the vessel102can include an internal volume110. For instance, the vessel102can include a cavity. In other words, the vessel102can include a hollow shell of material, for example, the exterior surface108being the shell. The exterior surface108can seal the cavity to improve the buoyancy of the vessel102. In an example, the cavity can be filled with air, water, foam, or the like as shown inFIG. 4and described herein. In the example ofFIG. 9, the vessel102can constructed from a rubber or polymer and can be inflatable as described further herein. A size of the vessel102can include a length, width, height, or diameter including, but not limited to, six-inches, twelve-inches, twenty-four inches, thirty-six inches, or other dimensions.

The camera mount104can include an adapter118for coupling the action camera116to the camera mount104and accordingly to the vessel102. The adapter118can include a fastener for coupling the action camera116to the camera mount104. For instance, the fastener can include, but is not limited to a thumb screw, bolt, snap fit, rivet, ball and socket joint, or other fastener. In an example the fastener can be articulated. For example, the adapter118can be adjustable to swivel or tilt the action camera116with respect to the vessel102. The camera mount104and/or the adapter118can be constructed from a material including, but not limited to plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polyamide, Polyoxymethylene), or the like. A thumb screw can couple one or more hinge surfaces of the action camera116to one or more hinge surfaces of the adapter118. In another example, the adapter can include threaded boss and socket, for instance, a tripod connection per ISO 1222:2010, such as ¼-20 UNC or ⅜-16 UNC treaded connection.

In an example, the camera mount104can include a camera mount interface120for coupling the camera mount104to the vessel102. The camera mount interface120can include, but is not limited to, a latch, guide, rail, snap, fastener, or the like. For instance, the camera mount104can include mating features122that are engagable with the camera mount interface120. In an example, the camera mount interface120can include a pair of retention members124. The mating features122of the camera mount104can latch on to the retention members124to couple the camera mount104to the vessel102. In an example, the camera mount interface120can include a universal action camera mount geometry. For instance, the retention members124of the camera mount interface120can include geometry used by one or more action camera producers. In an example, the camera mount interface120or the mating features124can be interchangeable. For instance, the vessel102can include features for coupling two or more camera mount interfaces120to the vessel102, such as a first camera mount interface120for coupling a first action camera116and a second camera mount interface120for coupling a second action camera116. The first and second camera mount interfaces120can be interchangeable for mounting either the first or the second action camera116.

The vessel102can include a socket114for positioning an action camera116closer to a center of gravity of the vessel102. For instance, the socket114can include a depression or dimple along the exterior surface108of the vessel102. In an example, the socket114can be a separate component that can be attached to the vessel102. The socket114can be constructed from materials including, but not limited to plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyoxymethylene), rubber, foam, or the like. The camera mount104can be located in or near the socket114. The action camera116can be at least partially located within the socket114. For instance, the socket114can at least partially surround a back and multiple sides of an action camera116. Accordingly, the action camera116can be located closer to the center of gravity of the vessel102by at least partially locating the action camera116within the socket114.

As shown in the examples ofFIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 6, the vessel102can include a positioning track112. The positioning track112can couple the positioning weight106to the vessel102. The positioning weight106can be adjustably positioned along the positioning track112. In an example, the positioning track112can extend around the exterior surface108. For instance, the positioning track112can be located along a plane bisecting the vessel102, for example along a circumference or perimeter of the vessel102. In some examples, the positioning track112can extend from a first side of the socket114to a second side of the socket114, along three-quarters of the perimeter of the exterior surface108of the vessel102, along half of the perimeter of the vessel102, or the like. In an example, the vessel102can include two or more positioning tracks112. Each positioning track112can include a positioning weight106adjustably positionable along the positioning track112. Accordingly, the orientation of the vessel102and correspondingly the camera mount104can be adjusted along two or more axis simultaneously.

A location of the positioning weight106can orient the vessel, and correspondingly the action camera116, by adjusting the center of gravity of the vessel102. For instance, the center of gravity of the vessel102can be adjusted to a location between a center of buoyancy and the positioning weight106. Accordingly, the vessel102can be oriented (or re-oriented) with the positioning weight106located underneath the vessel102.

The positioning weight106can be constructed from a material including, but not limed to metal (e.g., cast iron or stainless steel), sand, cement, polymer, or other. For instance, the positioning weight106can include a polymer casing filled with sand. In an example, the casing can be openable for a user to add weight to the casing, for example, sand, stones, or the like. The openable casing can reduce the weight of the floating action camera mount100during transport and the user can add mass to the positioning weights106as needed. In an example, metal positioning weight106can be coated, painted, or enameled for corrosion resistance or improved cosmetics. A mass of the positioning weight106can orient or stabilize the floating action camera mount100. For instance, the mass of the positioning weight106can exceed the combined mass of the action camera116and the camera mount104and accordingly orient the floating action camera mount100in a position where the positing weight106is located below the center of gravity of the vessel102. The positioning weight106can have a mass including, but not limited to, between one and ten pounds-mass.

The positioning weight106can be adjustably positionable along the exterior surface of the vessel between at least a first weight location and a second weight location as shown inFIG. 2and described further herein. In the example ofFIG. 1, the positioning weight106can be coupled along the positioning track112. In an example, the positioning weight106can be securable at a plurality of respective weight locations along the positioning track112between the first weight location and the second weight location. The location of the positioning weight106can adjust the orientation of the vessel102and correspondingly the camera mount104. For instance, in the first weight location, the vessel102, and correspondingly the camera mount104, can be positioned in a first orientation with respect to a surface of the liquid126. In the second weight location, the vessel102, and correspondingly the camera mount104, can be positioned in a second orientation with respect to the surface of the liquid126. In the examples ofFIGS. 1, 3, 4, and 6the positioning weight106can be coupled along a positioning track112.

In an example, the exterior surface108of the vessel102can include a plurality of positioning weight couplings. The positioning weight couplings can be located along one or more surfaces or sides of the vessel102. For example, the positioning weight couplings can be distributed around the exterior surface108of the vessel102. Accordingly, the vessel102, and correspondingly the view point of the action camera116, can be oriented toward a wide variety of directions.

FIGS. 2-4depict examples of the floating action camera mount100including two positioning weights106. The floating action camera mount100can be oriented towards almost any direction according to the location of the at least one positioning weight106. In the example ofFIG. 2, the two positioning weights106can be positioned in a location opposite of the socket114or the camera mount104. Accordingly, the vessel102, and correspondingly the camera mount104, can be positioned to orient a viewpoint of the action camera116in an upward direction with respect to the surface of the liquid126. For instance, the action camera116can capture images above the floating action camera mount100.

In the example ofFIG. 3, a first positioning weight106can be positioned near a first side of the socket114or the camera mount104. A second positioning weight106can be positioned near a second location near the socket114or the camera mount104. Accordingly, the vessel102, and correspondingly the camera mount104, can be positioned to orient the viewpoint of the action camera116in a downward direction with respect to the surface of the liquid126. For instance, the action camera116can capture images underwater (e.g., under the surface of the liquid126).

In the example ofFIG. 4, the two positioning weights106can be positioned in a location lateral to the socket114or the camera mount104. Accordingly, the vessel102, and correspondingly the camera mount104, can be positioned to orient the viewpoint of the action camera116in a substantially horizontal direction (e.g., within thirty-degrees above or below the surface of the liquid). For instance, the viewpoint of the action camera116can be oriented out across the surface of the liquid126. For instance, the action camera116can capture images above the floating action camera mount100.

FIGS. 5 and 6Aillustrate a cross section view along a longitudinal direction of a positioning track including of an example of the floating action camera mount100with a positioning weight106having a grip member502. The grip member502can be movably coupled to the positioning weight106. For instance, the grip member502can include a moveable configuration (FIGS. 6A and 6B) and a clamped configuration (FIG. 5). As previously described, the exterior surface108of the vessel102can include the positioning track112, an outside surface504, and an inside surface506. For instance, the positioning track112can include a groove or channel located along or through the exterior surface108. In an example, the grip member502can be disposed through the positioning track112to couple the positioning weight106to the positioning track112. The grip member502can translate with respect to the positioning weight106between the movable configuration and the clamped configuration.

In the example ofFIG. 5, the positioning weight106is shown in the clamped configuration. The grip member502can be positioned in contact with the inside surface506. Friction or mechanical features (e.g., teeth508) can secure the positioning weight106to the vessel102. The positioning weight106can include a biasing element510for providing a clamping force between the grip member502and the exterior surface108(e.g., the inside surface506as shown inFIG. 5). For instance, the biasing element510can be positioned between an actuator510and the outside surface504. In an example, the teeth508can be disposed from the external surface108, such as the inside surface506.FIG. 6Billustrates a cross section along a transverse direction to the positioning track112that shows an example of the teeth508in the moveable configuration. The grip member502can include teeth508that can interlock with the teeth508of the exterior surface108. When the teeth508are interlocked, the teeth508can increase a mechanical hold between the positioning weight106and the external surface108.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bshow an example, of the positioning weight106and the grip member502in the movable configuration. The actuator512can be coupled to the grip member502. In one example, the actuator512can be configured to move the grip member502from the clamped configuration to the movable configuration. For instance, the actuator512can be a push rod on the outside of the positioning weight106that can be depressed by the user in order to move the grip member502out of contact with the inside surface506. When the actuator512is depressed, the biasing element510can be compressed between the actuator512and the outside surface504or the positioning weight106. In the movable configuration, the positioning weight106can be adjustably positioned along the exterior surface108of the vessel102, such as along the positioning track112. When the user releases the actuator512, the biasing element510can expand and reposition the grip member502in the clamped configuration.

FIG. 7is an exemplary floating action camera mount100including a sealable port702. The sealable port702can include a channel extending through the exterior surface108from the outside surface504to the inside surface506. Ballast704can be added to the vessel102(e.g., to the internal volume110or cavity) through the sealable port702. For instance, ballast704can include, but is not limited to, sand, water, rocks, soil, or the like. The ballast704can increase the mass of the vessel102, lower the center of gravity of the vessel102with respect to the center of buoyancy, or both. Accordingly, the stability of the vessel102can be increased by adding the ballast704to the vessel102. In an example, the weight of the vessel102can be minimized for transportation by transporting the floating action camera mount100with reduced ballast704. The sealable port702can be sized and shaped to accommodate a variety of types of ballast704. For instance, the sealable port702can include a diameter or width including, but not limited to, between one-half inch and six-inches. In an example, the ballast704can include materials or objects sourced from the natural settings of a user's destination.

The sealable port702can seal the internal volume110of the vessel102. In an example, the sealable port702can include a plug706adapted to seal the internal volume110of the vessel102. For instance, the plug706can be threaded or press fit into the sealable port702to form a seal between the sealable port702and the plug706. Accordingly, the sealable port702and the plug706can increase the retention of ballast704added to the internal volume110of the vessel102and minimize unintended entry of additional ballast704(such as water).

FIG. 8depicts an example of the floating action camera mount100including a securing device802. The securing device802can include, but is not limited to, a tether806, an anchor808, a drift sock, or the like. An eyelet804can be coupled to the vessel102. For instance, the eyelet804can be coupled to the sealable port702, the exterior surface108, the positioning weight106, the socket114, or other part of the floating action camera mount100. In an example, the eyelet802can be integral with the sealable port702, the exterior surface108, the positioning weight106, the socket114, or other part of the floating action camera mount100. For instance the eyelet802can be molded into the exterior surface108or sealable port702. The securing device802can be attached to the eyelet804. For instance, the securing device802can be located through the eyelet804and be tied, crimped, fastened, or otherwise attached to the eyelet804.

In the example ofFIG. 8, the securing device802includes the tether806. The tether806can be coupled to one or more of a dock, boat, a user, or the like. The tether806can include, but is not limited to, a segment of rope, cable, chain, or other. As shown in the example ofFIG. 8, the tether806can couple one or more of the anchor808, drift sock, or other item to the floating action camera mount100individually or in combination. The anchor808can minimize movement of the floating action camera mount100along the surface of the liquid126.

FIG. 9shows an exemplary floating action camera mount100including an inflatable vessel902(e.g., an inflatable bladder). For example, the inflatable vessel902can be inflated for buoyancy or can be deflated for transport or storage. In other words, the size of the inflatable vessel902can be reduced (e.g., flattened) in a deflated state. The inflatable vessel902can include a pliable exterior surface904. For instance, the pliable exterior surface904can be constructed from a material, including, but not limited to, a polymer (e.g., low density polyethylene, vinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, or polychloroprene), rubber, or other material. In the example ofFIG. 9, the pliable exterior surface904is indicated by a dashed line.

In an example, the socket114, camera mount104, and positioning weight106can be constructed as previously described herein. In the example ofFIG. 9, the positioning track112can include a frame to support a shape of the positioning track112. For instance, the frame can include a cross section profile forming the positioning track112along the length of the frame. The frame can include, but is not limited to, a circular, arcuate, rectangular, or other shape. The camera mount104, socket114, and positing track112can be constructed from materials including, but not limited to, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyoxymethylene, or the like. Accordingly, the pliable exterior surface904of the inflatable vessel902can be inflatable and other components of the floating action camera mount100, such as the socket114, camera mount104, and positing track112, can be structural for supporting the action camera116, positioning weight106, eyelet804, or other component.

The inflatable vessel902can be inflated through the sealable port702. For instance, the user can inflate the inflatable vessel902with the user's breath. In an example, the inflatable vessel902can be inflated through an inflation port906. The inflation port906can include a needle valve body adapted to accept an inflation needle. In an example, the inflation port906can be similar to those found on a basketball, volleyball football, beach ball, or the like. Accordingly, the floating action camera mount100can be inflatable to provide buoyancy where the floating action camera mount100can be in use and deflatable for transportation or storage.

FIG. 10is a block diagram of an example of a method1000making a floating camera mount, such as a floating action camera mount100as previously described in the examples herein and shown for instance inFIGS. 1-9. In describing the method1000, reference is made to one or more components, features, functions, and steps previously described herein. Where convenient, reference is made to the components, features, steps and the like with reference numerals. Reference numerals provided are exemplary and are nonexclusive. For instance, features, components, functions, steps, and the like described in the method1000include, but are not limited to, the corresponding numbered elements provided herein. Other corresponding features described herein (both numbered and unnumbered) as well as their equivalents are also considered.

At1002, the camera mount104can be coupled (e.g., mounted) to the vessel102. In an example, the vessel102can include a substantially spherical shape. The vessel102can include the exterior surface108and the internal volume110. In an example, the internal volume110can include the cavity. For instance, the cavity can be molded, cut, or otherwise formed within the vessel102. In an example, the sealable port702can be coupled between the external surface108and the cavity (e.g., internal volume110) as previously described herein. The sealable port702can be adapted to include the sealed configuration and the open configuration. For instance, the sealable port702can include the plug706. The plug706can be threaded or press fit into the sealable port702to seal the cavity.

In an example, the eyelet804can be coupled to the exterior surface108of the vessel102. The securing device802can be attachable to the eyelet804as previously described herein. The securing device802can include, but is not limited to a tether806, an anchor808, or any combination thereof.

In an example, the socket114can be coupled to the vessel102or the socket114can be integrated into the vessel102(e.g., the socket114can be molded or formed within the vessel102). The camera mount104can be coupled to the socket114or the exterior surface108. Accordingly, the action camera116can be coupled to the vessel102by the camera mount104. The socket114can be shaped to at least partially surround the back and sides of the action camera116that is at least partially locatable therein.

In an example, the camera mount104can be coupled to the inflatable vessel902. For instance, the inflatable vessel902can be inflatable and deflatable between an inflated configuration and a deflated configuration. The socket114, camera mount104, and positioning weight106, and positioning track112, can be constructed as previously described herein.

At1004, the positioning track112can be coupled (e.g., fixably coupled) to the vessel102as previously shown inFIGS. 1-9and described herein. For instance, the positioning track112can be located along a plane bisecting the vessel102, for example along the circumference or perimeter of the vessel102. In some examples, the positioning track112can extend from the first side of the socket114to the second side of the socket114, along three-quarters of the perimeter of the exterior surface108vessel102, along half of the perimeter of the vessel102, or the like.

At1006, at least one positioning weight106can be adjustably coupled along the positioning track112. The positioning weight106can be secured at the first weight location, the second weight location, or any location therebetween. In the first weight location, the vessel102, and correspondingly the camera mount104, can be positioned in a first orientation with respect to a surface of the liquid126. In the second weight location, the vessel102, and correspondingly the camera mount104, can be positioned in a second orientation with respect to the surface of the liquid126. As previously described herein and shown in the examples ofFIGS. 5 and 6, the positioning weight106can be coupled to the grip member502. For instance, the grip member502can be movably coupled to the positioning weight106. The grip member502can be adjustable between a moveable configuration and a clamped configuration. For instance, in the movable configuration, the positioning weight106is adjustably positionable along the positioning track112. In the clamped configuration, the vessel102is clamped between the grip member502and the positioning weight106. Accordingly, the location of the positioning weight106can be secured along the positioning track112. In an example, the plurality of teeth508can be attached to the exterior surface108(e.g., the inside surface506). The teeth508can be located adjacent to the positioning track112. The teeth508can be adapted to engage a plurality of teeth508located on the positioning weight106and/or the grip member502. Accordingly, the positioning weight106can be secured to the vessel102, for instance, along the positioning track112.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.