Abstract:
A portable photo booth is disclosed which emphasizes reduced size and increased portability by utilizing a two-piece case which can be quickly assembled and disassembled. When assembled, the case will expose a camera and touch screen for taking photos in series, which can then be printed using a photo printer. When disassembled, the case will provide a very secure and robust environment, protecting the internal components from the elements.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of, and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/612,823, filed on Sep. 12, 2012, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/533,748, filed on Sep. 12, 2011, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This invention relates generally to portable photography, and more particularly, to a portable all in one photography device that can be assembled and disassembled quickly. 
       DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
       [0004]    A camera is a device that captures, records, and stores images. A camera operates with a lens positioned in front of the camera&#39;s opening to gather the incoming light and onto a recording surface. In low light situations, a flash is used to provide a burst of light immediately before a photo is captured. Today, most cameras utilize an electronic image sensor to capture images, which provides immediate viewing and printing of captured images. 
         [0005]    A photo printer is a peripheral device which can print digital images or photos in high resolution quickly and effortlessly. Typically, a photo printer will communicate with a computer, although newer models can interface directly with digital cameras and their storage media. Photo printers may print images using solid ink, liquid inkjet or toner. 
         [0006]    A photo booth is a machine or device that combines a camera, flash, and photo printer to create photos quickly. A photo booth is typically coin-operated and has an automated camera and film processor. Normally, photo booths contain a seat or bench designed to accommodate the users as they are being photographed. An enclosed area is typically provided by curtain or walled structure to allow privacy for those users being photographed. Photos are taken and printed out once payment is received by the booth or the operator. 
         [0007]    Photo booths will normally take multiple photo shots, with an indicator to notify users to prepare for their next pose. Once the last photo from the series is taken, the photo booth begins to develop the film or print the digital images. The dimensions of the printed photos vary, as well as the time it takes for the photos to be printed. More advanced technology allows for photos to be printed within seconds, whereas the less advanced technology may take a few minutes. The printing of the photos can be in either black and white or in color. 
         [0008]    While photo booths exist in the prior art, they are often fixed and bulky devices that cannot be quickly assembled and disassembled. Although newer technology has reduced the size of cameras, computers, monitors, and printers, photo booths have largely remained the same size. Therefore, a need exists for a photo booth that takes advantage of newer technology by reducing its size and providing portability with a quick assembly and disassembly process. The present invention accomplishes these objectives. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention will provide a photo booth which takes advantage of newer technology by reducing its size and providing portability with a quick assembly and disassembly process. Furthermore, the present invention will be very secure and robust when packaged in its closed state. This is accomplished by utilizing a two-piece case, providing an enclosure to secure all critical parts of the photo booth in a closed position, while providing the structure of the photo booth in an open position. 
         [0010]    The portable photo booth will be ideal for transit when in the closed position. Having the shape of a rectangular prism with durable walls, reinforced aluminum edges, several handles, several recessed latches, four trap doors, and 2 recessed wheels, all components will be well protected. When in the open position, the portable photo booth will expose all internal peripheral devices, including the camera, flash, and touch screen. The user will operate the portable photo booth using a processor-implemented system. 
         [0011]    These and other objectives of the present invention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the portable photo booth in a closed position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the portable photo booth in a closed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the portable photo booth in a closed position; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the portable photo booth in a closed position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a top cross-sectional view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a top view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a side cross-sectional view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a perspective exploded view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a front view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a front view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a rear view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the portable photo booth in a closed position; 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a front view of the portable photo booth in a closed position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the portable photo booth in a closed position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a rear view of the portable photo booth in a closed position; 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a top view of the portable photo booth in a closed position; 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  is a side view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  is a rear view of the portable photo booth in an open position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  is a side cross-sectional view of the portable photo booth in an open position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0040]    Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. 
         [0041]    Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. 
         [0042]    The present invention comprises a portable photo booth. In the preferred embodiment, the portable photo booth will be self-contained in a two-piece case  62 , the two pieces defined as the top section  20  and the bottom section  21 . The top section  20  is hollow and generally rectangular, having first top  23 , bottom  22 , front  24 , rear  25 , and opposing side surfaces  26 . A top door  27  is positioned within the first front surface  24 , while a camera aperture  31 , flash diffuser  32 , and display aperture are positioned within the first rear surface  25 . A plurality of top locking mechanisms  34  are positioned between the first top  23  and side surfaces  26  and a cable aperture  35  is positioned within the first top surface  23 . Although a plurality elements, such as locking mechanisms, handles, or wheels, may shown in the figures, unless required, having only one of these elements may accomplish the same object of the invention. 
         [0043]    The bottom section  21  is also hollow and generally rectangular, also having second top  40 , bottom  41 , front  43 , rear  42 , and opposing side surfaces  44 . A bottom door  46  is positioned within the second front surface  43 , while a bottom cable aperture  47  is positioned within the second top surface  40 . Computer and printer compartments  37  are defined within the bottom section  21  and a plurality of bottom locking mechanisms  45  are positioned between the second top surface  40  and side surfaces  44 . The top  20  and bottom sections  21  are hingably attached with the bottom locking mechanisms  45  adapted to lockably engage the top locking mechanisms  34 . 
         [0044]    The portable photo booth further comprises a camera aligned with the camera aperture  31 , a display  33  aligned with the display aperture, a computer system enclosed within the computer compartment  37 , and a printer positioned within the printer compartment. In the preferred embodiment, the display  33  is a touchscreen display and the camera is attached and aligned using a swivel base  55 . The camera, display  33 , and flash diffuser  32  are accessible through the top door  27  and the computer compartment and printer are accessible through the bottom door  46 . 
         [0045]    When in use, the portable photo booth  62  will have a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the sections will secure all internal parts of the portable photo booth  62  and protect them from outside elements when in transit. In this position, the shape of the portable photo booth is generally a square prism, where the first and second top surfaces  23 ,  40  are adjoining and the first and second bottom  27 ,  41  and side surfaces  26 ,  44  are adjacent. Lifting handles  48  are located on both top surfaces  23 ,  40  and all side surfaces  26 ,  44 . 
         [0046]    In the open position, the portable photo booth  62  will expand to expose the flash diffuser  32 , camera, and display  33 . In this position, the shape of the portable photo booth  62  is generally an elongated rectangular prism, where the first and second top surfaces  23 ,  40  are facing and the first and second front  24 ,  43 , rear  25 ,  42 , and side surfaces  26 ,  44  are adjacent. The top and bottom locking mechanisms  34 ,  45  may be engaged therewith to retain the device in the open position, with the wires for the peripheral devices fed through the top and bottom cable apertures  35 ,  47  to provide a cleaner look for the device when in operation. 
         [0047]    A processor-implemented software system will be utilized to operate the camera, flash, touch screen  33 , and printer. The system will receive input from the user through the touch screen  33 , provide a timer for a pose, take a series of photos in series, and display the photos for the user. If the user approves, the processor-implemented software system will print the images using the printer. The preferred embodiment is not coin or money operated, although the processor-implemented system can be modified to accept payments. 
         [0048]    In the closed position, the portable photo booth  62  will be approximately 39 inches tall, 23 inches wide, and 29 inches deep. In the open position, the portable photo booth  62  will be approximately 76 inches tall, 23 inches wide, with the top section being 13 inches deep and the bottom section being 16 inches deep, although the sizes may vary by +/−5 inches. The walls will be made of a rigid and durable material capable of resisting impact, such as ABS plastic. 
         [0049]    Each edge will be protected with a corner guard made of stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or other durable material, and each corner will be further reinforced with the same materials. Two wheels  57  are located on the two back corners of the bottom section of the portable photo booth  62 . Furthermore, two rubber glides  58  are positioned opposite the wheels  57  on the bottom surface  41  of the bottom section  21  to ensure the portable photo booth  62  is level when in the open position. 
         [0050]    In an alternative embodiment, a canopy will be provided for the photo booth  62 . The canopy will provide drapes and a means to support them, providing the user(s) with an enclosed private area when using the portable photo booth. When not in use, the canopy will fold into the size of a slim briefcase or may be stored within the bottom section  21 . 
         [0051]    In a further alternative embodiment, the portable photo booth will be self-contained in a three-piece case  100  having top  120 , middle  121 , and bottom sections  122 . The top section  120  will comprise a plurality of top locking mechanisms  123 , a top door  124 , a camera aperture  125 , a top cable aperture, and a display aperture. The a middle section  121  will comprise a middle door  128 , a middle cable aperture, and a plurality of middle locking mechanisms adapted to lockably engage the plurality of top locking mechanisms  130 . The bottom section  122  will comprise a bottom door  131 , a bottom cable aperture, and a plurality of bottom locking mechanisms adapted to lockably engage the plurality of middle locking mechanisms. 
         [0052]    In this embodiment, a camera is aligned with the camera aperture  125  and a touchscreen display is aligned with the display aperture. A printer and computer system are positioned within the middle section  121 , with the bottom section used to prop the middle  121  and top sections  120  up and for additional storage. Again, the camera, touchscreen display, printer, and computer system are operably connected such that a series of photos are taken using the camera and flash diffuser and printed using said printer when said computer system is initiated by the touchscreen device. 
         [0053]    This device will also attach differently. When in the closed position, the top  120 , middle  121 , and bottom sections  122  are stacked horizontally such that the camera and touchscreen display are not exposed. The locking mechanisms  123 ,  130  may be engaged to retain the device in the closed position. When in the open position, the top, middle, and bottom sections are positioned vertically such that the camera and touchscreen display are exposed. Again, the locking mechanisms may be engaged to retain the device in the open position. 
         [0054]    The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
         [0055]    Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “Detailed Description.” While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. 
         [0056]    While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.