Abstract:
The invention is a camera holder extension that includes a telescoping extension to allow a user to take photos at a distance beyond the reach of the user. The invention includes an actuator switch, located in the handle of the extension, which is wired to be in communication with a digital camera integrated device. The actuator switch operates the exposure function of the camera at the distance beyond the reach of the user via a wired digital connection to the device. The invention also includes a lockable two part ball joint that enables articulation of the camera into various positions.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application of, claims priority from, and incorporates by reference co-pending, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/879,344 filed on Sep. 18, 2013. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of auxiliary camera equipment, and, more particularly, to the field of camera support devices. Even more particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of telescopic monopod digital camera supports. 
         [0003]    The field of telescopic monopod camera supports includes devices designed to support a camera at a distance from a photographer. Current extension handle products such as the “Quickpod” brand of telescopic monopods are designed to be used with the camera device&#39;s self-timer function or an additional remote control device. Such existing monopod extension technology does not allow the user to take photos or start and stop video at will without an external trigger device or drawing the unit back to the user and resetting the timer for each photo. Such units are dependent on a self-timer which may not take a picture or video that will capture the image at the correct moment. Also, users desire the ability to take multiple photos at will during random intervals, which is impossible with existing hand held monopods. Additionally, most current devices are built to be used with stand-alone camera and do not have the ability to be used with an iPhone, iPod, or similar camera integrated digital device. The few devices that do contemplate use with an iPhone, iPod, or similar camera integrated digital device do not include a wired shutter actuator and rely on remote control such as via a Bluetooth connection. 
         [0004]    Further, frequently people are using digital devices with integrated cameras and current monopod products have not kept pace with the available features of these devices. Users of these products become frustrated with the inability to trigger the camera at will because current extension products do not have the capability of triggering the camera directly through the hand held extension apparatus. They must retract the camera and manually reset the timer or start and stop video recording each time they wish to record an image. Or, in case of a Bluetooth equipped connection, must establish a radio connection between the camera device and any compatible actuator. 
         [0005]    Thus, there is a need in the art for a camera extension device that provides an integrated manually activated direct wired switch that triggers the digital camera from the handle of a telescopic monopod. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a camera extension device that provides an integrated manually activated direct wired switch that triggers the digital camera from the handle of a telescopic monopod. 
         [0007]    It is an object of the invention to provide a camera extension that allows the user to take pictures at a greater distance from the user than their physical limitations allow, while retaining the ability to take the picture at will rather than relying on the self-timer function of the camera or external remote control device. This enables the user to capture unique self-portraits or unobstructed views or views that would not normally be available due to physical limitations, while giving the user complete control of timing without the use of external components to actuate the camera. 
         [0008]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a telescopic monopod device with the capability of holding an iPhone, iPod, or other digital camera device that will allow the user to trigger the camera or video function of the device directly from the hand grip of the monopod. 
         [0009]    These and other objects and advantages of the invention are achieved by providing a telescoping camera extension apparatus that may be actuated by a user at a distance from the camera via a wired connection to the camera. The camera extension apparatus includes a two part handle housing a momentary actuator switch operably connected to a single circuit board. The apparatus includes a telescoping extension, attached to the two part handle and partially housed within the two part handle, extending from a collapsed position mostly within the two part handle to a fully extended position. The apparatus also includes a camera holder, having a plurality of holder edges sufficient to secure the digital camera integrated device at its edges and a multi-position ball joint connecting the camera holder to the telescoping extension and comprising a male portion of the ball joint attached to the camera holder and a female portion of the ball joint attached to the telescoping extension. The apparatus also includes a wire extending from the circuit board through a hollow portion of the telescoping extension, through a hollow portion of the female portion of the ball joint, and terminating in a plug which serves as a male port for connection to the camera. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect of the invention, the male portion of the ball joint may include a single or multiple projection(s) extending therefrom and the female portion of the ball joint includes a plurality of indentations, the single or multiple projection(s) fitting within any one or more of a desired one or more of the plurality of indentations in order to position the male portion of the ball joint and its attached camera holder at a desired position relative to the user. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the invention, the camera extension apparatus may include a switch cover for covering the momentary actuator switch. The two part housing nay include an anterior handle portion and a posterior handle portion such that the switch cover extends through an opening in the anterior portion, and wherein the anterior and the posterior portions are fixedly attached to one another to secure and encapsulate the circuit board and wire. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect of the invention, the camera extension apparatus may include a mounting bracket attached to the two part housing and to the circuit board for protecting and securing the circuit board and the momentary actuator switch. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the invention, the wire may include a first wire segment and a second wire segment connected together by a joint, such that the first wire segment is connected to the circuit board and has a thinner insulation than the second wire segment which is connected to the port. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the invention, the camera integrated digital device may have a female port accepting a 3.5 mm 4 pole male headphone jack plug. The plug for connection to the camera may be a 3.5 mm 4 pole male headphone jack. The first and second wire segments are of sufficient conductivity and gage to operatively relay data from the circuit board to the camera integrated digital device when the plug for connection to the camera is inserted into the female port of the camera integrated digital device. 
         [0015]    According to another aspect of the invention, the anterior and posterior portions of the two part handle may be connected together via a mechanical fastening mechanism and the mounting bracket may be attached to the posterior portion of the two part handle via a mechanical fastening mechanism. 
         [0016]    According to another aspect of the invention the anterior and posterior portions of the two part handle may be connected together via a chemical adhesive and the mounting bracket may be attached to the posterior portion of the two part handle via a chemical adhesive. 
         [0017]    According to another aspect of the invention, the joint connecting the first wire segment and the second wire segment may also function to secure the wire within the female portion of the ball joint. 
         [0018]    According to another aspect of the invention, the first wire segment is of sufficient length to extend from the circuit board to the joint when the apparatus is in the fully extended position. 
         [0019]    According to another aspect of the invention, when the apparatus is in the collapsed position, excess wire of the first wire segment is stored inside of the telescoping extension. 
         [0020]    According to another embodiment of the invention, the excess wire may be coiled around a retracting wire spool housed in the two part handle. 
         [0021]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the camera extension apparatus may include a two part ball joint attached to a camera holder at the terminal end of the telescopic monopod device. 
         [0022]    According to another aspect of the invention, the ball joint may be created as a two part system that allows the user to manually adjust the angle of the camera quickly and easily, without fasteners or any tightening mechanism. 
         [0023]    According to another aspect of the invention, the ball joint may be molded in such a way that multiple angles can be achieved and remain intact by virtue of an indent and projection system, or multiple indents and projections, molded into the corresponding Female and Male Ball Joint components. 
         [0024]    According to a method of operating the apparatus of the invention, one of the initial steps may include providing a digital camera integrated device having a female port accepting a 3.5 mm 4 pole male headphone jack, a plurality of edges, and a camera function. Another of the initial steps may include providing a camera extension apparatus. A next step may include placing the digital camera integrated device into the camera holder of the camera extension apparatus. A next step may include aligning the corners of the digital camera integrated device under the plurality of holder edges of the camera holder of the camera extension apparatus. A next step may include inserting the plug of the camera extension apparatus into the female port of the digital camera integrated device. A next step may include actuating a power switch on the digital camera integrated device and actuating the camera function of the digital camera integrated device. A next step may include adjusting the angle of the multiple position ball joint to a desired angle and extending the telescoping extension of the camera extension apparatus to a desired distance from the handle of the camera extension apparatus. A next step may include actuating the momentary switch of the camera extension device to operate a shutter of the camera function of the digital camera integrated device. A final step may include capturing and storing a photo image in the digital camera integrated device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    The present invention is best understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the apparatus in the collapsed position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus in a partially extended position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the female portion of the ball joint showing the recessed indents; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the female portion of the ball joint; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a is a side view of the female portion of the ball joint showing the recessed indents; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the female portion of the ball joint; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the female portion of the ball joint showing the recessed indents; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a top view of the female portion of the ball joint showing the recessed indents; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the female portion of the ball joint; 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the female portion of the ball joint showing the recessed indents and the wire channel; 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the female portion of the ball joint showing the wire channel; 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the female portion of the ball joint showing the recessed indents and the wire channel; 
           [0040]      FIG. 15A  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0041]      FIG. 15  B is a perspective view of the male portion of the ball joint showing a plurality of raised tabs; 
           [0042]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0043]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0044]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0045]      FIG. 19A  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0046]      FIG. 19B  is a perspective view of the male portion of the ball joint showing a single raised tab; 
           [0047]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0048]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0049]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0050]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0051]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0052]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0053]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0054]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0055]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; 
           [0056]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus; and 
           [0057]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the camera holder portion of the camera extension apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0058]    Referring now specifically to the drawings, a Camera Extension Apparatus is shown generally at reference numeral  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the invention includes of an anterior handle portion  22  and posterior handle portion  20  of a handle assembly. The handle assembly could be made from any number or materials such as metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, or other composite materials. Likewise, the handle may be made in one or more sections. The anterior  22  and posterior  20  portions mate together by virtue of a screw  24 , as best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , or any other chemical or mechanical fastening means. Also, the sections  22 ,  20  may mate together using corresponding posts, indentations or tabs either molded or fastened into each portion of the complete handle assembly. 
         [0059]    The two part handle assembly further includes a momentary contact actuator switch  44  and a button cover  26  which seats inside a molded or stamped opening within the anterior portion of the handle assembly  22 . The momentary contact actuator switch  44  is fixedly attached to a small circuit board as shown in  FIG. 3 . The switch  44  and circuit board are ideally located so that the user can hold the handle with one hand and depress the switch  44  via the cover  26  using their thumb. The switch and circuit board could also be located on the posterior  20  of the handle allowing the user to use his fingers or by using a squeeze trigger or the like. The circuit board is held in place by a mounting bracket seat  47 . The handle portions  22 ,  20  is represented in the current embodiment to be straight in line with the telescoping support  28 , but could be created at any angle to increase ergonomic or visual appeal. The telescoping support  28  may have as many sections of various lengths as is necessary to provide the desired distance from the user. The proximal or outermost section of the telescoping support  28  is partially housed inside the complete handle assembly  22 ,  20  and is adhered in position by a chemical adhesive or other mechanical means. 
         [0060]    As best shown in  FIG. 4 , in an alternate embodiment, a second circuit board  48  is connected to the switch  44  by a two conductor cable  46 . Such an embodiment may also include a spring loaded retracting wire spool  42 . This wire spool  42  is housed in between the distal portion of the two halves of the handle assembly  22 ,  20  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The spool  42  stores the wire  40 . As the user extends or retracts the telescoping support  28 , the conductor cable  40  on the distal end of a jack  41 , such as a 15 mm 4 pole male headphone jack, automatically unwinds and rewinds the wire  40  on the spool  42 . The distal end of the wires  40  are soldered or affixed mechanically or in some other way to contact points on the exterior of the spool  42 . The circuit board  48  may also be hard wired directly to the camera from either the interior or the exterior of a fixed or extension support. The spool  42  contains two contact points on its exterior. These make contact with two circular metal rings which are integrated on the circuit board  48  which also attach to the headphone jack  41  by two of its 4 conductors thus completing the circuit to the terminal end. The other two conductors are not used and can be clipped off or taped back. The terminal end of the wire  40 , the jack  41 , is plugged into the camera device such as an iPhone or iPod or similar integrated camera digital device via its headphone or auxiliary port in order to actuate the camera via the switch  44  and switch cover  26 . 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , rather than incorporating the spool, in the preferred embodiment, the 2 conductor cable  46  is directly routed from the small circuit board and switch  44  through the telescoping support  28 . The wire is then routed through the hollow channel  37  of the female ball joint  32  and terminating at the jack  41 . See  FIGS. 5-14 . Rather than storage on the spool as in  FIG. 4 , sufficient length of 2 conductor cable  46  is stored within the support  28  to allow for full extension as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0062]    The female portion of the ball joint  32 , as best seen in  FIGS. 5-14 , is molded with a post that fits snugly into the distal end of the telescoping support  28  and can be held in place with a chemical adhesive or other mechanical fastening means. The female ball joint  32  can be made of various materials, and is hollow in structure so as to create a channel  37  for the wire  40  to travel down the telescoping support  28 . The female ball joint  32  mates with the male ball joint  34 , as seen in  FIGS. 15B and 19B , by manually forcing the male portion  34  into the female portion  32 . Corresponding indentations  39  on the female portion  32  and a single or multiple projection(s)  38  on the male portion  34  allow the user to adjust the camera holder  30  to a particular angle while maintaining the desired angle without undesired rotation due to the weight of the camera device or through unintended physical shock or vibration. The camera holding device  30  is molded directly onto the anterior portion of male ball joint  34 , but could be separate and connected by a variety of chemical or mechanical fastening means. 
         [0063]    According to one method of constructing the device as shown in  FIG. 4 , a manufacturer would design a handle assembly in two parts  20 ,  22  and have it molded in plastic or another comparable material. They would then mount a manufactured circuit board  48  to the distal end of the anterior portion  22  of the handle with chemical adhesive or mechanical fastening mechanism. They would also adhere the momentary switch  44  in its desired position in like manner. Wiring  46  would be soldered to the switch  44  and run the length of the anterior handle  22  in a groove and then be soldered to the circuit board  48 . A button cover  26  would be placed between the momentary switch  44  and the anterior portion  22  of the handle to cover and protect the switch  44  while creating a more ergonomic and appealing feel. The segmented telescoping support  28  would then be mounted to the interior of the posterior  20  portion of the handle assembly  20 ,  22  using chemical adhesive. The female  32  and male  34  portions of the ball joint would be manually forced together and the female  32  portion would be adhered to the end of the support with adhesive via its integrated post. The headphone jack  41  conductor cable  40 , such as a 3.5 mm 4 pole male headphone jack  41  conductor cable, would be fed through a hole  37  in female ball joint post and down through the support terminating at the spring loaded retracting wire spool  42 . The wire lead from the headphone jack  41  would be soldered to the spool  42 , the spool  42  would be wound and placed in position at the distal end of the handle  20 ,  22  assembly. The handle assembly sections  20 ,  22  would be pressed together and secured with a screw  24  at the distal end. Chemical adhesive could also be-used for this purpose. 
         [0064]    According to one method of manufacturing the device shown in  FIG. 2 , a manufacturer would design a handle assembly in two parts  20 ,  22  and have it molded in plastic or another comparable material. They would then mount a circuit board with a momentary switch  44  within a mounting bracket  47  and adhered at the desired location within the anterior portion  22  of the handle with chemical adhesive or mechanical fastening mechanism. A two conductor Wire  46  would be soldered to the circuit board  44  and run the length of the anterior handle  22  in a groove and then routed through the hollow support  28 . A button cover  26  would be placed between the momentary switch  44  and the anterior portion  22  of the handle to cover and protect the switch  44  while creating a more ergonomic and appealing feel. The segmented telescoping support  28  would then be mounted to the interior of the posterior  20  portion of the handle assembly  20 ,  22  using chemical adhesive. The female  32  and male  34  portions of the ball joint would be manually forced together and the female  32  portion would be adhered to the end of the support with adhesive via its integrated post. The headphone jack  41  conductor cable  40 , such as a 3.5 mm 4 pole male headphone jack  41  conductor cable, would be fed through a hole  37  in the female ball joint post and down through the support and being joined to the two conductor wire  46  by soldering or other mechanical means  43 . The handle assembly sections  20 ,  22  would be pressed together and secured with a screw  24  at the distal end. Chemical adhesive could also be-used for this purpose as could ultrasonic welding. 
         [0065]    The momentary contact switch  44  can be moved to any part of the handle  20 ,  22  or it could be extended away from the handle with a cable that would allow the user to trigger the mechanism with their opposite hand or it would allow another person to trigger the device. Also, the segmented telescoping support  28  can come in various lengths and segments thus allowing additional distances of reach for the user. In an alternate embodiment, the support  28 , rather than telescoping, could also be a fixed length, thus eliminating the use of the spring loaded retracting wire spool  42  as in  FIG. 4  or the storage area inside the telescoping support  28  as in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0066]    A user of this invention would place their camera integrated digital device into the device holder  30 , secured with holder edges  36 , and plug in the headphone jack  41 . Because the holder edges  36  fit closely around the camera, there is no need for a mounting screw or other attachment of the camera to the extension device. Following securing the holder  30  to the camera, a user would then extend the segmented telescoping support  28  to the desired distance to allow for unobstructed photos or video to be taken. 
         [0067]    This invention allows the user to take photos or video from an elevated or decreased height at will. It would allow a person to record events over a crowd or peer into spaces that they cannot reach due to physical constraints such as height of stature and arm length. It would also be helpful for self-portraits or pictures of large groups or when background is desired in the shot. The function of having an integrated push button in the handle allows the user to specify timing of a picture or video rather than to rely on the camera&#39;s self-timer or remote control device, or audio controls which would not behave ideally in noisy conditions. There are no additional power inputs required, so there are advantages over a remote control device that may require batteries to operate. Similarly, the device has advantages over a device that requires a blue-tooth connection or other radio connection to the camera device. 
         [0068]    A method and apparatus for extending a camera integrated digital device a distance away from a user  10  is described above with reference to specific embodiments and examples. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.