Abstract:
A stabilizing platform for attachment to the bottom of the camcorder to steady the filming of subjects with the use of fiber optics positioned along the body of the camcorder to transmit remote control infrared signals to an infrared receiving port on the camcorder. The platform includes a two piece bar that is held together with a locking bolt and includes a mounting screw which attaches the camcorder to the top of the platform and also attaches a handle below the platform. The handle has a locking pin to prevent the handle from rotating with respect to the platform. A remote control is attached to the handle. The remote control also can be imbedded into the handle so that the infrared signal can go from the handle directly into the fiber optics thus giving the user instant control of the signal, and improve the quality of the picture. The fiber optic fibers can be attached along a surface of the platform or along the surface of the camcorder by tape or an adhesive.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 10/607,694, filed Jun. 27, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 10/434,755, filed May 9, 2003. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a stabilizing platform support for a camcorder which rests on the shoulder of a camera operator to video subjects thereby eliminating up and down motion normally incurred while filming. The platform has a handle which includes a locking pin for locking the handle into position on the platform. 
     It is common knowledge that camcorders on the market today due to their small size have an inherent problem of producing a poor quality picture due to hand movement of the user which is not stable thus producing a shaky, unsteady and jittery picture. Even with the stabilizing chip that is present in the camcorder body today does not remedy the jittery movements since a user will video for long periods of time and tire while doing so or walk or run while videoing thus magnifying the problem. Another problem with video camcorders is that the remote control that is typically provided with the purchase of a camcorder, for use with the camera, only operates while the user is directly in front of the camcorder. Operating the camcorder from in front with the remote control is not always practical as the user may be to the side of the camcorder or behind the camera videoing an event without wanting to interject his own presence into the subject. Secondly, if you wish to use a tripod, again, you must be in front of the camcorder to send remote infrared control signals. 
     Prior attempts have been made to eliminate the unwanted up and down motions typical in amateur videoing or photography through a stabilization mechanism which is either supported by the user&#39;s shoulder or by a body harness. None of the prior stabilization mechanisms has a provision for instant, infrared signal control for smooth transition of on and off, power and other functions through a handle that holds the infrared remote control unit. The current camcorder controls require manual manipulation to operate which will create a jittery motion to the image that is being videotaped. The current infrared remote control units that are provided as an accessory to the camcorders on the market today operate only when in front of the camcorder. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,370,611 to Du Mais is a bulky and complicated apparatus with interlocking members which hold a still camera and requires a strap around the arm. This is not practical or helpful for use with the camcorders of today. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,966 to Knaudt is a shoulder and hand support for photographic equipment which is supported by an arm connection for rapid picture sequence for a still camera. This support uncomfortably hangs over the shoulder like an arch and comes down to the rib cage and includes many locking mechanisms. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,090 to Sasaki et al is a grip that can be mounted underneath a camera. Once mounted and electronically connected there is a power switch of a trigger type that will video only when the trigger is depressed. This is not suitable for long-term video taping. The user must hold this camera with one or both hands and there is no stabilizing attachment reaching to the shoulder which can provide stabilization and comfort and ease in the use of the camera especially for long-term video taping. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,160 to Schumacher et al is a camera support apparatus which slides into a compact position. The bar is wider at the front and narrows at the back where it rests on the shoulder. This presents a heavier load in the front causing imbalance and discomfort and is not practical in use. The use of slider plates introduces a potential for pinching or injury to the user. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,788 to Lingwall is a cumbersome camera apparatus which requires the use of hinges, straps, fasteners and a body harness to attach to the user for still photography. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,478 to Hayashida et al is a tool which attaches to the camera for holding or for carrying purposes which tucks under the camera for compact storage or use as a tripod. In certain instances this device cannot be stored compactly or thinly in the camera bottom portion and it cannot be used as a carrying handle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,182 to Brown is a complicated and cumbersome support system used to stabilize camera equipment for unwanted motions. There are two “struts” which extend from the base support making the device difficult to hold or balance, especially due to the counterbalancing by a secondary view finding device and batteries at the bottom of the first strut. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,701 to Hampton is a device having a platform to hold a small video camcorder which provides stabilization for photography by extending the platform to the shoulder. There is no handle to steady the device, only finger grips on each side with which to hold the device causing the user&#39;s fingers to be cramped in a bent position to support and steady the camera. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,859 to Acker is a support device for stabilizing a camera, particularly a video camera. It has many attachments, struts, pivoting joints with upper yoke, lower yoke, straps for use which make it cumbersome and complicated, especially when the extension pole is introduced for lifting and tilting the camera over and above the user&#39;s shoulders or as use of a monopod. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,011 to Nicolaci is a stabilizing rod to attach to the bottom of a video camera to steady the picture image. This device would be uncomfortable for use especially for long periods of video taping as well as having inherent personal protection flaws for designing and suggesting this device can be placed against the face and neck. 
     UK Pat. No. 2,103,379 is a device designed for use of two cameras which are of the still type for simultaneous use. The advantage would be that the user could use two types of film, e.g., black and white for one with color for the other, or slow film for one and fast for the other. The other advantage of this device is that twice the number of exposures can be made per second in an action sequence thus describing the still, 35 mm type camera and is not practical for video cameras. 
     Japan Pat No. JP403132632 is a device which attaches itself to a video camera serving as a handle with an electronically connected remote control at the bottom of the handle which can also be attached to a tripod. This device will do nothing for stabilization of the picture as one would not have differing results by holding the camera with his hand. The hand is still doing the holding for the only support with the resulting jitter and unwanted movements of the hand. 
     Consequently a need exists for a camcorder stabilizing platform and camcorder design which addresses the problems of previous designs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To address the problems of prior stabilizing mechanisms, the present invention includes a stabilizing platform which attaches to the bottom of a small hand held digital or DVD camcorder with still camera capabilities to steady the filming of subjects. The platform includes a two piece bar that is held together with a locking bolt and includes a mounting screw which attaches the camera to the top of the platform. A handle is attached below the platform. The handle has a locking pin to firmly lock the handle in position on the platform. Fiber optics are incorporated into the body of the platform which are used to send infrared remote control signals to the infrared receiving port in the front of the camcorder. Alternatively a fiber optic tape is applied to the camcorder to direct the infrared signal from the handle to the infrared receiving port on the front of the camera. Further alternatively a secondary infrared port is positioned on the bottom, side or the back of the camera so that the user may be behind or to the side of the camera and able to operate the on, off, stop, zoom in, zoom out, record, pause as well as other functions of the camera. Fiber optic control allows for smooth transitions of the operations of the camera eliminating the jittery motions when manually performing these functions. 
     It is an objective of this invention to provide a steady and stable support for a camcorder, hand held camcorder, digital hand held camcorder with still camera features or DVD digital hand held camcorder with still camera features. The support facilitates steady recording and then viewing from either the viewfinder or the liquid crystal display screen of the subject thus eliminating the up and down or jittery motion commonly encountered during video recording. 
     It is also an objective of this invention to provide steady operation and control of the functions of the camcorder with the use of fiber optics. The invention includes fiber optics either imbedded in the platform or in a tape applied directly to a surface of the camcorder for sending signals from the handle to the receiving port in front of camcorder, thereby allowing the use of the infrared remote control from below the camcorder when the user is videoing from behind the camera. The infrared remote control operations eliminates the manual operations such as on, off, zooming in and out, record, pause operations which cause the unsteadiness and up and down motion by manual use. The remote control device is an accessory to all camcorders on the market today, however, the user must be in front of the camera in order to use the infrared remote control which means the user must interject himself into the picture when using the infrared remote control. Consequently the present invention eliminates this problem. 
     The objectives of the present invention are accomplished by a stabilizing platform which attaches to the underside of the camcorder body and extends to the shoulder of the user for support. The platform includes a two piece bar that is held together with a locking bolt and includes a mounting screw which attaches the camera to the top of the platform and also attaches the handle below the platform. The handle extends from the bottom of the platform and allows the user to hold the handle keeping the unit steady. Within the handle there is a location to attach an infrared remote control device with a double sided Velcro strip. The handle can accommodate all remote control units. The handle also has a locking pin which allows the handle to be firmly locked into position on the platform. Firmly locking the handle in place prevents the handle from moving and assuring that the remote control can direct the infrared signal into the fiber optics through the fiber optic port on the platform. 
     It is a further objective of this invention to incorporate the infrared remote control unit into the interior of the handle. Another feature of this invention is the elimination of camera operation delay caused by manual operation of the control buttons. 
     It is a further objective of this invention to provide fiber optics imbedded in the stabilizing platform to send infrared remote control signals from the handle directly into the body of the camera situated above through a secondary infrared receiving port which would be located on the bottom of the camera, just below the handle. 
     It is a further objective of this invention to provide a fiber optic tape to be applied directly on a surface of the camcorder to direct the infrared signals from the remote control to the infrared signals from the remote control to the infrared receiving port located on the front of the camcorder. 
     It is another objective of the stabilizing platform to be flexible as it may be adjusted to the user&#39;s close up vision as needed. After use, it may be folded into a compact position by loosening the locking knob, removing the handle (with attached remote control) and placing both items into a camera carrying case. 
     It is further an objective of this invention to provide a lightweight support, easily manufactured with minimal cost to be produced on a mass production basis. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objectives, advantages and features will be apparent from the following detailed illustrations wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the stabilizer platform of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the platform of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the platform of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the platform of FIG. 1 in a collapsed position; 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of a second embodiment stabilizer platform of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5A is a detail perspective view of the handle of the stabilizer platform; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a video camera for use with the platform of FIG. 5; and 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a video camera and fiber optic tape. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, a stabilizer platform  10  of the present invention is shown. The stabilizer platform  10  is for use with a handheld camcorder and comprises a bar  12  and a handle  14 . The bar  12  preferably comprises a first section  16  and a second section  18  rotatably connected together by a locking screw  20 , which passes through holes  22  and  24  extending through first section  16  and second section  18 , respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, hole  24  can be one of a number of holes positioned in second section  18  so that the overall length of bar  12  in the extended position can vary, depending upon the specific user utilizing the invention. A foam pad  26  is positioned on an end  28  of second section  18  opposite from holes  24 . Preferably end  28  is bent slightly downwardly and includes pad  26  to rest comfortably on the shoulder of the camera user. 
     Preferably hole  22  has a square geometry extending at least part way through the width of first section  16  to accommodate the square section  30  on locking screw  20  beneath head  32 . Locking screw  20 , as previously indicated, passes through holes  22  and  24  and into locking knob  34 , which threads onto locking screw  20  and rigidly locks first and second section in its fully extended position. Locking knob  34  is shown as having three flanges  36 a,  36 b and  36 c, which facilitate tightening the locking knob onto locking screw  20  by rotation with the fingers of the user. Although shown with three flanges, locking knob  34  can be other types of knobs commercially available, such circular knobs or any other type of fastening means. As will be discussed in more detail herein, locking screw  20  and locking knob  34  also secure first section  16  and second section of the stabilizer bar  12  in a stowed position. 
     Positioned on the upper surface of the first section  16  of the stabilizer bar are camera pads  38   a  and  38   b , which preferably are made of foam rubber and include a pressure-sensitive adhesive to keep the camera pads in position on the upper surface of the first section. Camera pads  38   a  and  38   b  provide a cushion and friction attachment point for the video camera on the upper surface of the first section. First section  16  further includes a fiber optics port  40 , which essentially is a hole extending through the first section. First section  16  also includes a camera hole  42  extending through the section for receipt of a camera screw  44 , which is used to attach the handle  14  below the first section, as well as the video camera  46  to the upper surface of the first section. The camera screw  44  includes a circular body section  48  and a threaded pin  50 . The body section  48  includes a threaded bore for threaded engagement of a threaded pin  52  positioned on the end of the handle  14 . As seen best in FIG. 2, camera screw has the pin  52  of the handle threaded into the bore and the camera screw threaded pin  50  is inserted through hole  42  in the first section. A retaining ring  54  is then positioned over pin  50  and into recess  56  on the upper surface of the first section to hold the camera screw firmly in place on the first section. The threaded pin  50  then extends up above the upper surface of the first section  16  and is threaded into a threaded tripod hole positioned on the bottom of the camcorder  46 . 
     A fiber optic cable  58  extends through fiber optic port  40  and around bore  42  to the front of first section  16 . The cable then extends upwardly and rearwardly so that fiber optic signals can be transmitted from below the first section  16  to an infrared receiving port  60  typically located in the front of the camcorder  46 . The fiber optic cable  58  transmits infrared signals from a remote control  62  attached to handle  14  and positioned below the first section  16 . Handle  14  includes a flat surface  64  containing hook and loop fastener  66 , one-half positioned on flat surface  64  and the opposite half positioned on the bottom of the remote control. It is to be understood that other forms of fastening of the remote control to the handle are possible, such as adhesives, double-sided tape, etc. Fiber optic port  40  is positioned along the first section  16  such that, when the remote control  62  is attached to handle  14 , infrared signals can be transmitted to the infrared receiving port  60  by fiber optic cable  58 . Fiber optic cable  58  is of sufficient rigidity that it can be bent into the necessary position to transmit the signal, or it can be a more flexible cable, which would then be positioned within a housing or shield  68  attached to the front of the first section  16 . 
     As shown best in FIG. 2, during operation, the user operates the video camera  46  through the controls  70  on the remote control  62 , which sends an infrared signal through fiber optic cable  58  to receiving port  60 . The activity being recorded by camcorder  46  can be seen in the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) view screen  72 . Shoulder pad  26  rests on the shoulder of the user, and handle  14  includes finger grips  74  to be grasped by the hand of the user. The combination of the hand of the user, by holding onto the handle, and the second section  18  resting on the shoulder of the user, both stabilizes and operates the camcorder while recording. 
     As seen best in FIG. 4, the stabilizer platform  10  of the present invention can be easily disassembled and stowed in a compact position. The handle  14  is unscrewed from the camera screw  44 , and the remote control  62  can remain attached to the handle or removed. The locking knob  34  and locking screw  20  can be loosened so that the first section  16  and second section  18  can be rotated to a collapsed position. The length of the invention is then half the size and can be conveniently stored in a video camera bag. The first and second sections  16  and  18  of the invention may be constructed from any type of material ranging from lightweight aluminum, carbon fiber or plastics, depending upon economic factors, use factors or manufacturing limitations. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment stabilizer platform  80  of the present invention for use with camcorder  82  shown in FIG.  6 . In this embodiment, stabilizer platform  80  is nearly identical to platform  10  shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, however, no fiber optic cable is necessary. In this embodiment, first section  84  includes an infrared port  86  positioned so that infrared signals transmitted from remote control  88  attached to handle  90  would be received by an infrared receiving port  92  positioned on a bottom surface  94  of camcorder  82 . Alternatively, although not necessary, a short piece of fiber optic cable  96  can be positioned in infrared port  86  to assist in transmitting the infrared signals to receiving port  92 . For this embodiment, camcorder  82  could have an infrared receiving port  92  on a bottom surface as well as a receiving port  96  positioned on the front of the camera, as traditionally done. In this embodiment, the camera screw  98  would secure the video camera  82  on top of first section  84  by threading into the threaded tripod bore  100  also positioned on the bottom of the camcorder. 
     FIGS. 5 and 5A also illustrate the handle locking feature. Handle  90  has a locking pin  91  to lock the handle in position on the first section  84  of platform  80 . Pin  91  is positioned in a vertical bore  93  located in handle  90  and is biased upwardly by a spring  95  positioned in the vertical bore below pin  91 . The spring pushes the pin into a bore  97  located on a lower surface of the first section  84  to prevent the handle from rotating. Locking the handle to the platform assures the remote control signal will pass through infrared port  86 . To release the handle from the first section, the pin is biased downwardly out of bore  97  by pushing down on a knob  99  extending horizontally from pin  91 . Knob  99  extends out of the side of the handle through a horizontal bore  101  which extends into vertical bore  93 . The locking mechanism can also be used in connection with the platform of FIG.  1 . Although a pin and bore locking mechanism is shown it should also be understood that other mechanical locking mechanisms are contemplated by this invention to prevent the handle from rotating with respect to the platform. 
     As shown FIG. 7 a fiber optic tape  102  can be used in conjunction with camcorder  104  having an infrared receiving port  106  located on the front of the camcorder and not on the bottom of the camcorder. The combination of fiber optic tape  102  and camcorder  104  would be suitable for use with platform  80  as shown in FIG. 5 or a tripod (not shown). The fiber optic tape  102  has a backing layer or film  108 . The backing layer or film has an adhesive coating  110  applied thereon and at least one optical fiber  112  is routed and bonded to the adhesive layer providing a continuous optical signal path from one end to the other of the tape. A releasable liner  114  is releasably attached to the adhesive layer and positioned to cover the backing layer including the optical fibers. The releasable layer  114  is removed so that the fiber optic tape can be positioned on the bottom surface  116  of camcorder  104  so that it can extend from a location adjacent the infrared port  86  in the stabilizer platform to the infrared receiving port  106  positioned on the front of camcorder  104 . Therefore, fiber optic signals can be transmitted from the remote control  88  through infrared port  86  to the infrared receiving port  106 . The fiber optic tape can have a port cutout  116  positioned at one end of the tape and a sending port area  118  at an opposite end of the tape. When the fiber optic tape is applied to the camcorder the sending port area  118  would be adjacent infrared receiving port  106  and port cutout  116  would be adjacent the infrared port  86  in the stabilizer platform  80 . 
     The type of materials used for the fiber optic tape can vary depending upon the application. For instance, if a high durability is desired a polyester-type backing would be used. Considering the tape can be applied to curved surfaces of the camcorder, a flexible backing material would be chosen such as vinyl, polyurethane, polyamide, and polyester. Preferably the adhesive is any temporarily repositional adhesive. Temporarily repositional is meant such that the bond between the adhesive and the surface of the camcorder is such that the tape may be removed from the camera without damaging the camcorder either for a period of time or until the occurrence of a specified event which then could permanently adhere the tape to the camera. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive known in the industry as a standard class of materials. There are adhesives, which in dry form are aggressively and permanently tacky at room temperature and firmly adhere to a variety of similar surfaces upon mere contact without the need for more than manual pressure. The adhesive requires no activation by water, solvent or heat in order to exert a strong adhesive holding force towards such materials as paper, cellophane, glass, plastic, wood and metals. The adhesive has a sufficiently cohesive holding and elastic nature such that, despite its aggressive tackiness, can be handled with fingers and removed from smooth surfaces without leaving a substantial residue. 
     The optical fibers  112  can be any infrared transmitting material, such as silica or flexible glass or plastic FIG. 7 illustrates a plurality of fiber optic fibers embedded within the adhesive, the number will depend upon the size and shape of the individual fibers. It should be understood that depending upon the particular material, and its size, only one fiber optic fiber may be necessary to transmit the infrared signals to the infrared receiving port on the camcorder. Likewise, the fiber optic fiber can be constructed in the shape of a ribbon wherein adhesive can be applied directly to the ribbon thereby eliminating the need for the backing sheet or film. The fiber optic fiber then would be directly applied to the surface of the camcorder via the adhesive. 
     The stabilizing platform of the present invention allows the user to form a three-point support system wherein the platform rests on the user&#39;s shoulder, one hand holds the handle, while the upper arm is resting by the user&#39;s body. The stabilizer provides for relatively no movement of the camcorder because of the additional support provided and ease of operation through the remote control attached to the handle. Although the present invention has been described with respect to two embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the intended scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. For example, the handle can be manufactured so that the remote control is integral therewith, or the stabilizing bar can be folding or telescoped.