Patent Publication Number: US-2016227080-A1

Title: Apparatus for different sized mobile devices that perform image capture

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/895,349, filed on May 15, 2013, entitled RECEPTACLE FOR AN IMAGE CAPTURE COMPUTING DEVICE, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/768,751, filed on Feb. 25, 2013, entitled A PLASTIC CASE FOR THE IPAD MINI AND IPAD. IT HAS HANDLES ON THE SIDES, 3 ACCESSORY SHOE AREAS, A TRIPOD MOUNT, AND THE ABILITY TO SCREW ON 37 MM LENSES., which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     This disclosure generally relates to the field of image capture. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a configuration that receives different sized mobile computing devices that performs image capture. 
     2. General Background 
     Standard cameras typically allow for utilization of a tripod. For example, a photographer can place a standard camera on a tripod so that movement of the camera during image capture is minimized. The tripod allows a photographer using a standard camera to take pictures without using both hands to stabilize the camera. 
     Current mobile computing devices, e.g., tablet devices, smartphones, etc., provide image capture capabilities, e.g., still or motion, that are comparable with standard image capture devices such as standard cameras. Yet the picture quality from such mobile computing devices is often of a lesser quality than that of standard cameras as standard cameras provide users with firmer stabilization abilities than a mobile computing device. Users often have difficulty keeping the mobile computing device stable during image capture. The mobile computing device often wobbles during the image capture, which then results in pictures or videos that are often of a less than ideal quality. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a first member, a second member, and a third member that couples the first member and the second member such that the second member is parallel to the first member. The third member is perpendicular to the first member and the second member. Further, the third member is in between the first member and the second member. The apparatus also has a receptacle connection device positioned on the third member that connects a receptacle to the apparatus. The receptacle is configured to receive an image capture computing device without an intervening member between an external perimeter of the image capture computing device and an external perimeter of the receptacle. The receptacle is configured to have an aperture positioned on a side of the third member between the first member and the second member. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a first member, a second member, and a third member that couples the first member and the second member such that the second member is parallel to the first member. The third member is perpendicular to the first member and the second member. Further, the third member is in between the first member and the second member. The apparatus also has a receptacle connection device positioned on the third member that is capable of connecting a first receptacle or a second receptacle to the apparatus. The first receptacle is configured to receive a first image capture computing device without an intervening member between an external perimeter of the first image capture computing device and an external perimeter of the first receptacle. Further, the first receptacle is configured to have an aperture positioned on a side of the third member between the first member and the second member. In addition, the second receptacle is configured to receive a second image capture computing device without an intervening member between an external perimeter of the second image capture computing device and an external perimeter of the second receptacle. The second receptacle is configured to have an aperture positioned on a side of the third member between the first member and the second member. Further, the first receptacle has a first set of dimensions. In addition, the second receptacle has a second set of dimensions. The first set of dimensions is distinct from the second set of dimensions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an image capture computing device receptacle. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a back view of the image capture computing device receptacle. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the receiving means. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the image capture computing device receptacle with a mobile computing device secured to the image capture computing device receptacle. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the image capture computing device receptacle  100  with the mobile computing device secured to the image capture computing device receptacle and the image capture computing device receptacle having a bottom handle. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of the image capture computing device receptacle with the mobile computing device secured to the image capture computing device receptacle and the image capture computing device receptacle only having the right handle for a handle. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a front view of an image capture computing device receptacle that is configured to receive a smartphone. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a back view of the image capture computing device receptacle illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a front perspective view of the flat handle configuration of the image capture computing device receptacle. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a front view of the flat handle configuration of the image capture computing device receptacle illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9C  illustrates a side view of the flat handle configuration of the image capture computing device receptacle illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 9D  illustrates another side view of the flat handle configuration of the image capture computing device receptacle illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates a front perspective view of an example of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates a rear perspective view of the example of the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11A  illustrates a front perspective view of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 11B  illustrates a side view of the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a receptacle receiver that receives the receptacle connection device. 
         FIG. 13A  illustrates the receptacle receiver being positioned above the receptacle connection device so that the receptacle receiver may slide in a downward motion on to the receptacle connection device. 
         FIG. 13B  illustrates the receptacle being attached to the apparatus as a result of the receptacle receiver being slid on to the receptacle connection device. 
         FIG. 14A  illustrates a front perspective view of a handle configuration in which a right handle and a left handle are integrated into the apparatus. 
         FIG. 14B  illustrates a rear perspective view of the handle configuration illustrated in  FIG. 14A . 
         FIG. 15A  illustrates a front perspective view of the image capture device and a front perspective view of the receptacle. 
         FIG. 15B  illustrates a rear perspective view of the image capture device and a front perspective view of the receptacle. 
         FIG. 16A  illustrates an example of an image capture computing device that is a smartphone having different dimensions than the image computing device illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B . 
         FIG. 16B  illustrates an example of an image capture computing device that is a tablet device having different dimensions than the image computing device illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A receptacle for a computing device that performs image capture is provided. The image capture computing device is received by the receptacle. A user then grasps the receptacle and motions the receptacle to a position for image capture. The receptacle has handles that provide for stabilization of the receptacle and the image capture computing device. As a result, users performing image capture have the ability to capture still images and/or video images with stabilization. In contrast with heavy receptacles that do not have handles, the receptacle for the image capture computing device provides a lightweight configuration that provides stabilization for an image capture computing device. 
     Further, the receptacle is configured to provide optimal accessibility to various ports of the mobile computing device. In contrast with a configuration in which wires have to be bent in a manner that may damage the wires and be cumbersome for a user, the receptacle is configured to maximize accessibility to the mobile computing device and minimize interference from the wires. 
     In addition, the receptacle may have additional components that allow the user performing image capture to vary image capture conditions. For example, the receptacle may receive a variety of lenses that may be utilized to vary viewing conditions. Further, various lighting and/or audio equipment may be positioned on the receptacle to vary lighting and/or audio conditions. The receptacle may also have a tripod component so that the receptacle may be stabilized with a tripod to minimize motion of the image capture computing device during image capture. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an image capture computing device receptacle  100 . In one embodiment, the image capture computing device receptacle  100  includes a plurality of handles, e.g., a right handle  102  and a left handle  104 . The front of the image capture computing device receptacle  100  is illustrated from the perspective of what another user views if in front of the image capture computing device  100  when an image is captured by a user such as a photographer. The right handle  102  and the left handle  104  allow the user to perform image capture with minimal wobbling. As a result, the photographer is able to perform image capture with more stabilization and accuracy than without the image capture computing device receptacle  100 . Although the right handle  102  and the left handle  104  are illustrated, the handles may be in other locations, e.g., a top handle and a bottom handle. Further, a single handle or more than two handles may be utilized. The right handle  102  and the left handle  104  are provided merely for illustrative purposes. 
     The image capture computing device receptacle  100  also has an aperture  106 . The aperture  106  is configured so that an image capture component, e.g., a lens of a mobile image capture computing device, may be positioned to capture images through the aperture  106 . In one embodiment, the aperture  106  is configured to be in substantial proximity to the image capture component. For example, the aperture may be narrow enough to only be positioned over the lens to minimize reflection. 
     In another embodiment, the image capture computing device receptacle  100  has a plurality of accessory receiving means. As an example, the image capture computing device receptacle  100  has a receiving means  108 , a receiving means  110 , a receiving means  112 , and a receiving means  114 . The various receiving means may be utilized to receive accessories such as lighting devices, e.g., lamps, audio devices, e.g., microphones, additional lenses, e.g., wide angle lenses, tripods, and/or the like. For example, the receiving means  114  may receive a tripod mount to provide further stabilization for the image capture computing device receptacle  100  with a tripod. A single or different quantity of receiving means may be utilized from that illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     In one embodiment, the right handle  102  and the left handle  104  are integrated within the same frame as the image capture computing device receptacle  100 . In other words, a single molding may be utilized for the frame and the handles. In an alternative embodiment, the right handle  102  and the left handle are detachable from the frame. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a back view of the image capture computing device receptacle  100 . The back view is from the perspective of the photographer that is placing the mobile computing device in the image capture computing device receptacle  100 . In one embodiment, the image capture computing device receptacle  100  has a receiving means for receiving the image capture computing device receptacle  100 . An example of the receiving means is the lip  202 . The lip  202  may be positioned throughout all of the frame or at least a portion of the frame. A photographer may then snap the mobile computing device within the lip to secure the mobile computing device in the image capture computing device receptacle  100 . As a result, the photographer may easily snap the mobile computing device into position. The lip is only an example of the receiving means. The receiving means may also be a fastening means such as a screw, bolt, nail, clip, and/or the like. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the receiving means  202 . The receiving means  202  is illustrated as a lip only for illustrative purposes as various other receiving means may be utilized. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of the image capture computing device receptacle  100  with a mobile computing device  402  secured to the image capture computing device receptacle  100 . The mobile computing device  402  may be a tablet device, smartphone, or any other mobile device. Further, the mobile computing device  402  may have an image capture component, e.g., a built in camera, for still or motion image capture. Various accessories  404 ,  406 , and  408  may be connected to the receiving means  108 ,  110 , and  112 . The receiving means  108 ,  110 , and  112  may be a lip, screw, bolt, nail, clip, and/or the like. Further, a lens accessory  412  is positioned over the aperture  106 . 
     Although a frame single frame is illustrated in  FIG. 4 , multiple frames may alternatively be utilized to secure the mobile computing device  402 . In other words, the image capture computing device receptacle  100  may comprise multiple parts such as a front portion and a back portion to secure the mobile computing device  402  to the image capture computing device receptacle  100 . Accordingly, the image capture computing device receptacle  100  is not limited to a single frame as multiple frames may alternatively be utilized. 
     Although  FIGS. 1-4  illustrated two handles, a single handle or more than two handles may be utilized.  FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of the image capture computing device receptacle  100  with the mobile computing device  402  secured to the image capture computing device receptacle  100  and the image capture computing device receptacle  100  having a bottom handle  502 . Alternatively, the right handle  102 , the left handle  104 , and the bottom handle  502  may be considered a single handle. Further,  FIG. 6  illustrates a front view of the image capture computing device receptacle  100  with the mobile computing device  402  secured to the image capture computing device receptacle  100  and the image capture computing device receptacle  100  only having the left handle  104  for a handle. 
     Although  FIGS. 4-6  illustrate the mobile computing device  402  as a tablet device, a smartphone may alternatively be utilized. Accordingly,  FIG. 7  illustrates a front view of an image capture computing device receptacle  700  that is configured to receive a smartphone. The image capture computing device receptacle  700  has a right handle  702  and a left handle  704 . The image capture computing device receptacle  700  also has an aperture  706 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a back view of the image capture computing device receptacle  700  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate various views of a flat handle configuration of the image capture computing device receptacle  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The flat handle configuration has handles that are in vertical alignment with the vertical plane that goes through the image capture computing device receptacle  100 . As a result various wires that are plugged into the mobile computing device  402  of  FIG. 4  have to be bent, twisted, etc. to have accessibility to receiving ports of the mobile computing device  402  of  FIG. 4 . Such wires may be utilized to connect the image capture computing device  100  to various accessories, other devices, etc. The ports may be based on various technologies such as USB, Ethernet, etc. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates a front perspective view of the flat handle configuration of the image capture computing device receptacle  100 . The right handle  102  and the left handle  104  are in vertical alignment with the image capture computing device receptacle  100 . As a result, a lighting cable  901  and a headphone cable  902  do not have direct accessibility to receiving ports of the mobile computing device  402 . Therefore, the cables  901  and  902  have to be significantly bent, e.g., at approximate ninety degree angles, to obtain access to the receiving ports of the mobile computing device  402  of  FIG. 4 . 
     Such awkward bending may lead to significant damage or wear and tear of the cables  901  and  902 . Further, the cables  901  and  902  may easily become unplugged from the receiving ports of the mobile computing device  402  of  FIG. 4  as such bending does not allow for secure plugging of the cables  901  and  902 . Such unplugging may lead to significant disruptions during filming, image capture, etc. 
     Further, the bending of the cables  901  and  902  interferes with a user&#39;s ability to comfortably grip the handles  102  and  104 . For example, the bends of the cables  901  and  902  may occupy significant amounts of gripping space between the handles  102  and  104  and the portion of the image capture computing device receptacle  100  that encapsulates the mobile computing device  402 . As a result, the bends of the cables  901  and  902  may block certain portions of the handles  102  and  104  from being gripped by the user. 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates a front view of the flat handle configuration of the image capture computing device receptacle  100  illustrated in  FIG. 9A . Further,  FIG. 9C  illustrates a side view of the flat handle configuration of the image capture computing device receptacle  100  illustrated in  FIG. 9A . The cables  901  and  902  are illustrated as being significantly bent at almost ninety degree angles. In addition,  FIG. 9D  illustrates another side view of the flat handle configuration of the image capture computing device receptacle  100  illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
     The lighting cable  901  and the headphone cable  902  are only provided as examples of cables that may be utilized with the receiving ports of the mobile computing device  402 . Other types of cables may also be utilized. Further, devices other than cables that may be received by the mobile computing device  402 , e.g., USB devices, etc., may also be received by the receiving ports of the mobile computing device  402 . 
     In yet another implementation, an apparatus is able to connect to a receptacle for the mobile computing device  402 . The apparatus allows for connection of various sized receptacles that each fit a particular mobile computing device  402 . In other words, the same apparatus may be utilized to connect to various receptacles of different sizes so that the same apparatus may be utilized to perform image capture for different sized mobile computing devices  402 . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate various views of an apparatus  1000  that may receive different sized receptacles for mobile computing devices  402 .  FIG. 10A  illustrates a front perspective view of an example of the apparatus  1000 . The apparatus  1000  receives a first member  1001  and a second member  1002  that are parallel to each other. Further, the apparatus  1000  has a third member  1003  that couples the first member and the second member. For example, the third member  1003  may be positioned in between and perpendicular to the first member  1001  and the second member  1002 . 
     Further, a receptacle  1004  is connected to the third member  1003 . The receptacle  1004  is configured to receive the mobile computing device  402  without an intervening member between an external perimeter of the mobile computing device  402  and an external perimeter of the receptacle  1004 . In other words, the receptacle  1004  conforms to the shape of the mobile computing device  402 . As an example, the receptacle  1004  may be configured so that no space is present between the external perimeter of the mobile computing device  402  and the external perimeter of the receptacle  1004 . 
     The receptacle  1004  may be detached from the apparatus  1000 . As a result, different sized receptacles  1004  that accommodate different sized mobile computing devices  402  may be detached and connected to the same apparatus  1000 . For example, a user may attach a first receptacle  1004  to accommodate a particular smartphone and then detach that first receptacle  1004  so that a second receptacle  1004  may be attached to accommodate a different sized smartphone. Further, different types of devices with different sizes may be accommodated via the apparatus  1000 . For instance, a user may attach a first receptacle  1004  to accommodate a particular smartphone and then detach that first receptacle  1004  so that a second receptacle  1004  may be attached to accommodate a tablet device. 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates a rear perspective view of the example of the apparatus  1000  illustrated in  FIG. 10A . The receptacle  1004  has an aperture  1005  next to which a lens of the mobile computing device  402  is positioned. The aperture  1005  is positioned on a side of the third member  1003  so that the aperture  1005  has an unobstructed view for image capture. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate various view of the apparatus  1000  illustrated in  FIG. 10  without the receptacle  1004  being connected to the third member  1003 .  FIG. 11A  illustrates a front perspective view of the apparatus  1000 . The apparatus  1000  has a receptacle connection device  1101  that connects the receptacle  1004  to the apparatus. For instance, the receptacle connection device  1101  may be a clip.  FIG. 11B  illustrates a side view of the apparatus  1000  illustrated in  FIG. 11A . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a receptacle receiver  1201  that receives the receptacle connection device  1101 . In other words, the receptacle receiver  1201  is positioned to connect the receptacle  1004  to the receptacle connection device  1101  of the apparatus  1000 . 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrates a partial perspective view of the receptacle  1004  being connected to the apparatus  1000 .  FIG. 13A  illustrates the receptacle receiver  1201  being positioned above the receptacle connection device  1101  so that the receptacle receiver  1201  may slide in a downward motion on to the receptacle connection device  1101 .  FIG. 13B  illustrates the receptacle  1004  being attached to the apparatus  1000  as a result of the receptacle receiver being slid on to the receptacle connection device  1101 . 
     In an alternative implementation, the receptacle connection device  1101  may be positioned on the receptacle  1004 , and the receptacle receiver  1201  may be positioned on the third member  1003  of the apparatus. In another alternative implementation, the receptacle connection device  1101  or the receptacle receiver  1201  may be positioned on the first member  1001  or the second member  1002 . 
     In yet another alternative implementation, handles may be either attached to or integrated into the apparatus  1000  illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B .  FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate various views of a handle configuration that may be utilized with the apparatus  1000 .  FIG. 14A  illustrates a front perspective view of a handle configuration in which a right handle  1401  and a left handle  1402  are integrated into the apparatus  1000 . The handles  1401  and  1402  may extend outward in the same perimeter of the apparatus  1000 . Alternatively, the handles  1401  and  1402  may be directed toward a user gripping the handles  1401  and  1402 . For example, the handles  1401  and  1402  may be curved toward the user. As yet another alternative, the handles  1401  and  1402  may be directed away from a user gripping the handles  1401  and  1402 . For example, the handles  1401  and  1402  may be curved away from the user.  FIG. 14B  illustrates a rear perspective view of the handle configuration illustrated in  FIG. 14A . 
     Various quantities and types of handles may be utilized with the apparatus  1000 . For example, less than two or more than two handles may be utilized. As another example, ribbed handles may be utilized. 
     Further,  FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate various views of the image capture device  402  and the receptacle  1004 .  FIG. 15A  illustrates a front perspective view of the image capture device  402  and a front perspective view of the receptacle  1004 . Further,  FIG. 15B  illustrates a rear perspective view of the image capture device  402  and a front perspective view of the receptacle  1004 . 
     In addition,  FIGS. 16A and 16B  illustrate different sized image capture computing devices  1601  and  1604  that may be utilized with the apparatus  1000  illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  or any of the other described configurations instead of the mobile computing device  402 .  FIG. 16A  illustrates an example of an image capture computing device  1601  that is a smartphone having different dimensions than the image computing device  402  illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B . As a result, a receptacle  1602  also has different dimensions than the receptacle  1004  illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  to conform to the shape of the different sized image capture computing device  1601 . Further, a lens accessory  1603  may be attached to or integrated into the receptacle  1602  for the image capture device  1601  to utilize for image capture. 
       FIG. 16B  illustrates an example of an image capture computing device  1604  that is a tablet device having different dimensions than the image computing device  402  illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B . As a result, a receptacle  1605  also has different dimensions than the receptacle  1004  illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  to conform to the shape of the different sized image capture computing device  1604 . Further, a lens accessory  1606  may be attached to or integrated into the receptacle  1605  for the image capture device  1601  to utilize for image capture. 
     A variety of types of materials may be utilized for the image capture computing device receptacles. For example, plastic, carbonite, metal, or the like may be utilized. 
     It is understood that the apparatuses described herein may also be applied in other types of apparatuses. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various adaptations and modifications of the embodiments of the apparatuses described herein may be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the apparatuses. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the present apparatuses may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.