Patent Publication Number: US-11029584-B2

Title: Camera mount

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/678,701, filed Aug. 16, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/180,535, filed Jun. 13, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,772,542, issued on Sep. 26, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/883,431, filed on Oct. 14, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,395,031, issued on Jul. 19, 2016 the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates camera mounts, and more specifically, to camera mount for use in coupling a camera to an object. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Digital cameras are increasingly used in outdoors and sports environments. Cameras can be secured to sports equipment, vehicles, a user, and other objects using various camera mounts. Camera mounts can be bulky and obtrusive, and can be difficult to move/maneuver, diminishing a user&#39;s experience with and ability to use a camera coupled to the mount. A low-profile mount that enables one component of the mount to easily move relative to another component can beneficially increase the flexibility of a user to use the mount and configure the capture angle of the camera without the need for a bulky/obtrusive mount. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features which will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       Figure (or “FIG.”)  1   a  illustrates a perspective view of a camera system, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 1 b    illustrates a perspective view of a rear of the camera system, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 1 c    illustrates a lower mount component uncoupled to a base mount component, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 1 d    illustrates a lower mount component coupled to a base mount component, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2 a    illustrates a perspective view of a camera for use with the camera system, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2 b    illustrates a perspective view of a rear of a camera for use with the camera system, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3 a    illustrates a bottom perspective view of a camera mount, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3 b    illustrates a top perspective view of a camera mount, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4 a    illustrates a bottom view of a sliding mount component, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4 b    illustrates a top view of a sliding mount component, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4 c    illustrates a side view of a sliding mount component, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5 a    illustrates a top view of a rail mount component, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5 b    illustrates a bottom view of a rail mount component, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5 c    illustrates a side view of a rail mount component, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6 a    illustrates a perspective view of a rail mount component locking mechanism, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6 b    illustrates a perspective view of a sliding mount component with a stopper component, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7 a    illustrates a perspective view of the camera mount in a locked configuration, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7 b    illustrates a perspective view of the camera mount in an unlocked configuration, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8 a    illustrates a top view of a sliding mount component with levers flipped up, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8 b    illustrates a bottom view of a rail mount component, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 8 c    illustrates a perspective view of a rail mount with a ball and socket component, according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The figures and the following description relate to preferred embodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of what is claimed. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. 
     Overview Configuration 
     A camera mount is configured to securely couple a camera to an object. The camera mount includes a rail mount component and a sliding mount component which can be securely coupled, resulting in a low profile, easy to use camera mount. In one embodiment, the rail mount component is screwed or otherwise coupled flush to the bottom of a camera or a camera housing component. The rail mount component includes a rail base and two symmetrical rail wings protruding outward from and towards the rail base. The rail base can further include two tolerance cuts, a stopper, and two locking holes. The sliding mount component is configured to be inserted into the rail mount component. The sliding amount component includes a sliding base with a plurality of protrusions for coupling to a reciprocal mount component and two levers pivotally coupled to the sliding base on opposite sides of the sliding base. Each lever includes a pin and wedge that interface with the inside of the rail base to secure the sliding mount component to the rail mount component. Each wedge exerts a force towards the rail base when an associated lever is pivoted into a locking configuration, causing a reciprocal force to act on the sliding mount component such that the sliding mount component abuts an inside surface of each rail wing. The resulting friction between the sliding mount component and the inside surface of each rail wing secures the sliding mount component within the rail mount component. Each pin is inserted into a reciprocal locking hole in the rail base, which further secures the sliding mount component within the rail mount component. The stopper forcibly prevents the sliding mount component from moving past the stopper within the rail mount component. 
     Example Camera System Configuration 
     A camera system includes a camera and a camera housing structured to at least partially enclose the camera. The camera comprises a camera body having a camera lens structured on a front surface of the camera body, various indicators on the front of the surface of the camera body (such as LEDs, displays, and the like), various input mechanisms (such as buttons, switches, and touch-screen mechanisms), and electronics (e.g., imaging electronics, power electronics, etc.) internal to the camera body for capturing images via the camera lens and/or performing other functions. The camera housing includes a lens window structured on the front surface of the camera housing and configured to substantially align with the camera lens, and one or more indicator windows structured on the front surface of the camera housing and configured to substantially align with the camera indicators. 
       FIG. 1 a    illustrates a perspective view of a camera system, according to one embodiment. The camera system includes, among other components, a camera housing  100 . In one embodiment, a first housing portion  101  includes a front face with four sides (i.e., a top side, bottom side, left side, and right side) structured to form a cavity that receives a camera (e.g. a still camera or video camera) and to couple to a second housing portion  102  via a coupling mechanism  103 . In other embodiments, the camera housing  100  may not include one or more sides or faces. For instance, the camera housing  100  may not include a front or back face, allowing the front face and rear face of the camera to be exposed when partially enclosed by the top side, bottom side, left side, and right side of the camera housing  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the camera housing  100  has a small form factor (e.g., a height of approximately 4 to 6 centimeters, a width of approximately 5 to 7 centimeters, and a depth of approximately 1 to 4 centimeters), and is lightweight (e.g., approximately 50 to 150 grams). The camera housing  100  can be rigid (or substantially rigid) (e.g., plastic, metal, fiberglass, etc.) or pliable (or substantially pliable) (e.g., leather, vinyl, neoprene, etc.). In one embodiment, the camera housing  100  may be appropriately configured for use in various elements. For example, the camera housing  100  may comprise a waterproof enclosure that protects a camera from water when used, for example, while surfing or scuba diving. 
     Portions of the camera housing  100  may include exposed areas to allow a user to manipulate buttons on the camera that are associated with the camera functionality. Alternatively, such areas may be covered with a pliable material to allow the user to manipulate the buttons through the camera housing  100 . For example, in one embodiment the top face of the camera housing  100  includes an outer shutter button  112  structured so that a shutter button  112  of the camera is substantially aligned with the outer shutter button  112  when the camera is secured within the camera housing  100 . The shutter button  112  of the camera is operationally coupled to the outer shutter button  112  so that pressing the outer shutter button  112  allows the user to operate the camera shutter button. 
     In one embodiment, the front face of the camera housing  100  includes a lens window  104  structured so that a lens of the camera is substantially aligned with the lens windows  104  when the camera is secured within the camera housing  100 . The lens window  104  can be adapted for use with a conventional lens, a wide angle lens, a flat lens, or any other specialized camera lens. In this embodiment, the lens window  104  comprises a waterproof seal so as to maintain the waterproof aspect of the housing  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the camera housing  100  includes one or more securing structures  120  for securing the camera housing  100  to one of a variety of mounting devices. For example,  FIG. 1 a    illustrates the camera housing with a first plurality of protrusions  124  configured to interlock with a second plurality of protrusions of a lower mount component (as described in conjunction with  FIG. 1 c   ) such that the first and second pluralities of protrusions can interlock in such a way that the protrusion holes substantially align. Continuing with this example, a turnable handscrew can be inserted through the aligned holes, coupling the camera housing  100  to the lower mount component such that the camera housing can pivotally rotate relative to the lower mount component when the turnable handscrew is in a first unlocked position, and such that the camera housing is fixed in position relative to the lower mount component when the turnable handscrew is in a second locked position. In other embodiments, the camera housing  100  can be secured to a different type of mounting structure, and can be secured to a mounting structure via a different type of coupling mechanism. 
     In one embodiment, the camera housing  100  includes an indicator window  106  structured so that one or more camera indicators are substantially aligned with the indicator window  106  when the camera is secured within the camera housing  100 . The indicator window  106  can be any shape or size, and can be made of the same material as the remainder of the camera housing  100 , or can be made of any other material, for instance a transparent or translucent material and/or a non-reflective material. 
     The described housing  100  may also be adapted for a wider range of devices of varying shapes, sizes and dimensions besides cameras. For example, an expansion module may be attached to housing  100  to add expanded features to electronic devices such as cell phones, music players, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), global positioning system (“GPS”) units, or other portable electronic devices. 
       FIG. 1 b    illustrates a perspective view of a rear of the camera system, according to one embodiment. The second housing portion  102  detachably couples with the first housing portion  101  opposite the front face of the first housing portion. The first housing portion  101  and second housing portion  102  are collectively structured to enclose a camera within the cavity when the second housing portion  102  is secured to the first housing portion  101  in a closed position. 
     In one embodiment, the second housing portion  102  comprises a door that allows the camera to be removed from the housing  100 . The door pivots around a hinge  130  that allows the door  130  to be opened or shut. In one embodiment, a coupling mechanism  103  located on the top face of the camera housing  100  detachably couples to a ridge on the second housing portion  102 . The coupling mechanism  103  can be pressed downwards to secure the coupling mechanism  103  into place, thereby securing the second housing portion  102  against the first housing portion  101 . Likewise, the coupling mechanism  103  can be lifted upwards to release the second housing portion  102  from the first housing portion  101 , thereby allowing for the removal of a camera from the camera housing  100  or the insertion of a camera into the camera housing. In different embodiments, the coupling mechanism  103  can include, for example, a button assembly, a buckle assembly, a clip assembly, a hook and loop assembly, a magnet assembly, a ball and catch assembly, a latch assembly, and an adhesive assembly, or any other type of securing mechanism. In one embodiment, the housing  100  includes a watertight seal so that the housing  100  is waterproof when the second housing portion  102  is securely compressed against the first housing portion  101 . 
       FIG. 1 c    illustrates a lower mount component uncoupled from a base mount component, according to one embodiment. The lower mount component  160  includes a plurality of protrusions  170 . In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions  170  are configured to interlock with the plurality of protrusions  124  of the camera housing  100  of  FIG. 1 a    such that the holes in each protrusion in the sets of protrusions align. When a screw or pin is inserted into the aligned holes, the camera housing  100  can be rotatably secured to the lower mount component  160 . 
     The lower mount component  160  also includes two prongs  180   a  and  180   b  that can be flexibly compressed inward when squeezed. The prongs  180   a  and  180   b  include side securing surfaces  182   a  and  182   b  (not shown), top securing surfaces  184   a  and  184   b , and securing lips  186   a  and  186   b  (not shown), respectively. The base mount component  188  includes securing arms  190   a  and  190   b , each with side securing surfaces  192   a  and  192   b , top securing surfaces  194   a  and  194   b , and back securing surfaces  196   a  and  196   b , respectively. The base mount component additionally includes spine  198 . 
     When the prongs  180   a  and  180   b  of the lower mount component  160  are squeezed together, the width of the prong-side of the lower mount component is reduced to less than the width between the securing arms  190   a  and  190   b , such that the lower mount component can be slid onto the base mount component  188 . When the lower mount component is slid onto the base mount component  188 , the side securing surfaces  182   a  and  182   b  make contact with and slide along the side securing surfaces  192   a  and  192   b , respectively. Similarly, the top securing surfaces  184   a  and  184   b  make contact with and slide along the top securing surfaces  194   a  and  194   b , respectively. When the lower mount component is completely slid into the base mount component  188 , the securing arms decompress outward when the securing lips  186   a  and  186   b  are slid past the back securing surfaces  196   a  and  196   b . The securing arms flexibly exert force outward such that the securing lips extend outwards and make contact with the back securing surfaces or overlap at least partially with the back securing surfaces, preventing the lower mount component from sliding backwards and securely coupling the lower mount component to the base mount component as illustrated in  FIG. 1 d   . The lower mount component can be uncoupled from the base mount component by compressing the securing arms of the lower mount component such that the width of the prong-side of the lower mount component is again reduced to less than the width between the securing arms of the base mount component, and sliding the lower mount component backwards past the base mount component. 
     The lower mount component  160  can include a spine groove on the bottom side of the lower mount component to allow for the reciprocal sliding and insertion of the spine  198  of the base mount component  188  into the spine groove when the lower mount component is slid onto and secured to the base mount component. The spine of the base mount component exerts a force upwards on the lower mount component, forcing the lower mount component upward such that the top securing surfaces  184   a  and  184   b  are forced upward into the top securing surfaces  194   a  and  194   b.    
     The upward force of the lower mount component  160  into the top securing surfaces  194   a  and  194   b  of the securing arms  190   a  and  190   b  result in the vertical securement of the lower mount component onto the base mount component. In other words, by forcing the lower mount component upwards, the spine  198  prevents any up or down motion by the lower mount component relative to the base mount component. In addition, the upwards force exerted by the spine  198  into the lower mount component (the force exerted by the top securing surfaces  182   a  and  182   b  into the top securing surfaces  192   a  and  192   b , respectively), in combination with the coefficient of friction between both the top securing surfaces  182   a  and  192   a  and the top securing surfaces  182   b  and  192   b , results in a friction force between the lower mount component and the base mount component. The friction force prevents any horizontal movement of the lower mount component relative to the base mount component resulting from horizontal forces on the lower mount component less than the friction force. Thus, the spine  198  secures the lower mount component onto the base mount component by preventing both the vertical and the horizontal movement of the lower mount component relative to the base mount component. 
     It should be noted in alternative embodiments, the lower mount component  160  is configured to securely couple to the base mount component  188  using other means than those described with regards to  FIGS. 1 c  and 1 d   . For example, the lower mount component can include a securing protrusion on the bottom side of the lower mount component configured for insertion into a reciprocal opening within the base mount component, and secured using, for example, a securing pin or other locking mechanism. Similarly, the securing arms  190   a  and  190   b  of the base mount component can be compressible or flexible such that the arms can be squeezed apart, the lower mount component can be slid onto the base mount component, and the arms can be released, securely coupling the lower mount component to the base mount component. The lower mount component can be securely coupled to the base mount component using adhesives, buttons, ties, latches, springs, or any combination of the mechanisms described herein. Any other suitable securing mechanism can be used to secure the lower mount component to the base mount component. In addition, as will be described below in greater detail, the lower mount component, the base mount component, or both can be configured to detach such that a camera housing can decouple to the lower mount component or such that the lower mount component can decouple from a base mount component in response to a force exerted on the camera housing, the lower mount component, the base mount component, or any combination thereof. 
       FIG. 2 a    illustrates a camera  200  for use with the camera systems described herein, according to one example embodiment. The camera  200  is configured to capture images and video, and to store captured images and video for subsequent display or playback. The camera  200  is adapted to fit within a camera housing, such as the housing  100  discussed above or any other housing described herein. As illustrated, the camera  200  includes a lens  202  configured to receive light incident upon the lens and to direct received light onto an image sensor internal to the lens. The lens  202  is enclosed by a lens ring  204 . 
     The camera  200  can include various indicators, including the LED lights  206  and the LED display  208  shown in  FIG. 2 a   . When the camera  200  is enclosed within the housing  100 , the LED display  208  is configured to substantially align with the indicator window  106 , and the LED lights  206  are configured to be visible through the housing  100 . The camera  200  can also include buttons  210  configured to allow a user of the camera to interact with the camera, to turn the camera on, and to otherwise configure the operating mode of the camera. The camera  200  can also include one or more microphones  212  configured to receive and record audio signals in conjunction with recording video. The side of the camera  200  includes an I/O interface  214 . Though the embodiment of  FIG. 2 a    illustrates the I/O interface  214  enclosed by a protective door, the I/O interface can include any type or number of I/O ports or mechanisms, such as USC ports, HDMI ports, memory card slots, and the like. 
       FIG. 2 b    illustrates a perspective view of a rear of a camera  200  for use with the camera system, according to one embodiment. The camera  200  includes a display  218  configured to display camera information or image information (such as captured images or viewfinder images). The camera also includes an expansion pack interface  220  configured to receive a removable expansion pack, such as a display module, an extra battery module, a wireless module, and the like. Removable expansion packs, when coupled to the camera  200 , provide additional functionality to the camera via the expansion pack interface  220 . 
     Camera Mount Embodiments 
       FIG. 3 a    illustrates a bottom perspective view of a camera mount, according to one embodiment. The camera mount  300  includes a rail mount component  310  and a sliding mount component  320 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 a   , the sliding mount component  320  is inserted within the rail mount component  310  in a locked configuration such that the sliding mount component is securely coupled to the rail mount component. In other embodiments, the sliding mount component  320  can be configured in an unlocked configuration, allowing the sliding mount component  320  to be inserted into or removed from the rail mount component  310 . 
       FIG. 3 b    illustrates a top perspective view of a camera mount, according to one embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 b   , a top surface of the rail mount component  310  is shown. In some embodiments, the camera mount  300  is securely coupled to a camera or camera housing via the top surface of the rail mount component  310 , for instance using screws, an adhesive, a latch or buckle mechanism, and the like. The camera mount  300  can also be coupled to a reciprocal mount component via the sliding mount component  320 , which in turn can be coupled to an object, a vehicle, sports equipment, or a user, thereby coupling the camera to the object, vehicle, sports equipment or user. 
       FIG. 4 a    illustrates a bottom view of a sliding mount component, according to one embodiment. The sliding mount component  320  includes a sliding base with a tapered sliding edge  404  on each side of the sliding base and a plurality of protrusions  421  protruding outward from the bottom surface of the sliding base. The plurality of protrusions are configured to couple to a reciprocal mount component. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions, for example, can interlock with the plurality of protrusions of a reciprocal mount component as described above such that the holes in each protrusion in the sets of protrusions align. When a screw or pin is inserted into the aligned holes, the camera mount  300  can be rotatably secured to the reciprocal mount component. 
     The sliding mount component  320  also includes two levers  422  pivotally coupled to the sliding base on opposite sides of the sliding base. Each lever  422  pivots around a corresponding hinge located at an end of the sliding base. In one embodiment, each lever  422  is configured to rotate around the corresponding hinge towards the protrusions  421 , configuring the camera mount  300  in an unlocked configuration and allowing the sliding mount component  320  to be inserted into or removed from the rail mount component  310 . In another embodiment, each lever  422  is configured to rotate around the hinge away from the protrusions  421  and substantially co-planar with the sliding base when the sliding mount component  320  is inserted into the rail mount component  310 , configuring the camera mount  300  in a locked configuration and securely coupling the sliding mount component to the rail mount component. 
       FIG. 4 b    illustrates a top view of a sliding mount component, according to one embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 b   , a top surface  400  of the sliding mount component  320  is shown. Each lever  422  includes a corresponding pin  402 , a corresponding wedge  401 , and a corresponding divot  403  on the top surface of the lever. The pin  402  and wedge  401  are configured to forcibly abut the inside surface of the rail mount component  310  to secure the sliding mount component  320  to the rail mount component when each lever  422  is rotated away from the protrusions  421  and substantially co-planar with the sliding base (when the camera mount  300  is configured in the locked configuration). It should be noted that when each lever  422  is rotated away from the protrusions  421  and is substantially co-planar with the sliding base, each wedge  401  protrudes outward from the top surface  400  of the sliding mount component  320 . Further, when each lever  422  is rotated towards the protrusions  421 , each wedge  401  protrudes outward from the corresponding lever, but not from the top surface  400 , beneficially enabling a user to easily insert and remove the sliding mount component  320  into and from the rail mount component  310 . Each divot  403  located at an end of the corresponding lever  422  is configured to make it easy for users to rotate the lever towards the protrusions  421  (or “flip up” the lever) to allow for the removal of the sliding mount component  320  from the rail mount component  310  when the sliding mount is inserted within the rail mount component when the camera mount  300  is in the locked configuration. 
       FIG. 4 c    illustrates a side view of a sliding mount component, according to one embodiment. A tapered sliding edge  404 , a pin  402 , and a divot  403  of the sliding mount component  320  are shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 4 c   . The tapered sliding edge  404  is tapered at an angle configured to allow the sliding mount component  320  to be freely inserted into or removed from the rail mount component  310 . In some embodiments, each tapered sliding edge  404  is angled at the same angle as a corresponding reciprocal rail wing  502  of the rail mount component  310  (as described below) such that friction is generated between each sliding edge and the inside surface of the corresponding reciprocal rail wing when the camera mount  300  is configured in the locked configuration, thus securing the sliding mount component  320  to the rail mount component. 
       FIG. 5 a    illustrates a top view of a rail mount component, according to one embodiment. As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 a   , the rail mount component  310  includes a rail base  501 . The rail mount component  310  also includes two symmetrical rail wings  502  (though only one rail wing is visible in  FIG. 5 a   ). In one embodiment, one of the two opposite ends of the rail base  501  is configured to be a dovetail end  506  with tapered rail wings  502 , beneficially allowing for easy insertion and removal of the sliding mount component  320  into and from the rail mount component  310 . 
     The rail base  501  further includes two tolerance cuts  504  and two locking holes in opposite sides of the rail base. The tolerance cuts  504  are configured to accommodate manufacturing tolerances within the sliding mount component  320  and the rail mount component  310 . The locking holes  505  are configured to allow the sliding mount component  320  to securely couple within the rail mount component  310 , as described below. The rail base also includes a stopper component  503  in an end of the rail base opposite to the dovetail end  506 . The stopper component  503  is a portion of the rail base  501  protruding inward from the rail base such that the stopper component securely abuts the sliding mount component  320  when the sliding mount component is fully inserted into the rail mount component  310 . 
       FIG. 5 b    illustrates a bottom view of a rail mount component, according to one embodiment. The tolerance cuts  504  are configured to flex outward and away from the inside surface of the rail base  501  when the camera mount  300  is in the locked configuration to accommodate the wedges  401  which protrude outward from the top surface of the levers  422  and towards the inside surface of the rail base when the levers of the sliding mount component  320  are rotated away from the protrusions  421  (or “flipped down”), coupling the sliding mount component to the rail mount component  310 . 
       FIG. 5 c    illustrates a side view of a rail mount component from the perspective of the dovetail end  506 , according to one embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 c   , the rail wings  502  and the protruding stopper component  503  are illustrated. Each of the rail wings  502  is configured to protrude outward from and towards the rail base  501  at a tapered angle. When the camera mount  300  is configured in the locked configuration, the sliding mount component  320  is inserted within the rail mount component  310 , and each wedge  401  exerts a force towards the inside surface of the rail base  501  when the corresponding lever  422  is rotated to be substantially co-planar with the sliding base of the sliding mount component  320 , causing a reciprocal force to act on the sliding mount component such that each tapered sliding edge  404  abuts an inside surface of a corresponding rail wing  502 . The resulting friction between the tapered sliding edge  404  and the inside surface of the corresponding rail wing  502  forcibly secures the sliding mount component  320  within the rail mount component  310 . As noted above, the angle of each tapered sliding edge  404  is the same or similar to the angle of the inside surface of the corresponding rail wing  502 . 
       FIG. 6 a    illustrates a perspective view of a rail mount component locking mechanism, according to one embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 a   , the lever  422  of the sliding mount component  320  is flipped up, illustrating the pin  402  and the reciprocal locking hole  505  located in the rail base. The pin  402  aligns with the locking hole  505  such that when the lever  422  is rotated towards the rail base  501 , the pin  402  is inserted into the locking hole  505 , thus further securing the sliding mount component  320  within the rail mount component  310 . 
       FIG. 6 b    illustrates a perspective view of a sliding mount component stopper component, according to one embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 b   , the sliding mount component  320  is inserted within the rail mount component  310  from the dovetail end  506  of the rail mount component. In one embodiment, the bottom end  405  of the sliding base abuts the protruding stopper component  503  such that the stopper component forcibly prevents the sliding mount component  320  from moving past the stopper within the rail mount component  310 . The stopper component  503  is also configured to allow users, when the sliding mount component  320  is fully inserted into the rail mount component  310  (such that the bottom end  405  of the sliding base abuts the stopper component  503 ), to quickly and easily align the pins  402  with the reciprocal locking holes  505 . 
       FIG. 7 a    illustrates a perspective view of the camera mount in a locked configuration, according to one embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 a   , the levers are flipped down, configuring the camera mount  300  into a locked configuration, securely coupling the sliding mount component to the rail mount component. 
       FIG. 7 b    illustrates a perspective view of in the camera mount in an unlocked configuration, according to one embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 b   , the sliding mount component is slid within the rail mount component with the levers flipped up, the bottom end abutting the stopper component in the rail base. 
       FIG. 8 a    illustrates a top view of a sliding mount component  320  with levers flipped up, according to one embodiment.  FIG. 8 b    illustrates a bottom view of a rail mount component  310 , according to one embodiment.  FIG. 8 c    illustrates a perspective view of a camera mount with a ball and socket component, according to one embodiment. In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 c   , the sliding mount component is slid within the rail mount component in a locked configuration. The sliding mount component includes a socket component  801  on the bottom surface of the sliding mount component, configured to couple to a reciprocal ball mount component, which in turn can be coupled to an object, a vehicle, sports equipment, or a user, thereby coupling the camera to the object, vehicle, sports equipment or user. It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the sliding mount component of  FIG. 8 c    and throughout the application herein can also include a ball mount component, a buckle component, an adhesive component, a magnetic component, or any other suitable component configured to couple to a reciprocal mount component. 
     Additional Configuration Considerations 
     Throughout this specification, some embodiments have used the expression “coupled” along with its derivatives. The term “coupled” as used herein is not necessarily limited to two or more elements being in direct physical or electrical contact. Rather, the term “coupled” may also encompass two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other, or are structured to provide a thermal conduction path between the elements. 
     Likewise, as used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 
     In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise. 
     Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     Upon reading this disclosure, those of skilled in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for detachable camera mounts as disclosed from the principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.