Patent Publication Number: US-2013233902-A1

Title: Dual camera strap

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to camera equipment, and more particularly, to straps for carrying camera equipment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional straps help users store and transport various objects when not in use. Such objects may include cameras, camera bags, video recording devices, laptop bags, purses, and the like. Typically, a user will position a strap over one of his shoulders such that the object rests comfortably by his side. Conventional camera storage and carrying systems help to store and transport cameras when not in use. Unfortunately, they include aspects that can hinder retrieval of a camera being stored or transported so that photographic opportunities can be missed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of an embodiment of a camera transport system, shown with a primary camera and a secondary camera in resting positions and a primary strap being worn diagonally across the torso of a user. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of the system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the system depicted in  FIG. 1 , shown with the primary camera in a shooting position. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the system depicted in  FIG. 1 , shown with the secondary camera in a shooting position. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an assembly of an embodiment of a coupler secured to the primary camera, and further showing the primary strap routed through the coupler. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view the camera transport system shown in  FIG. 1  shown removed from the user. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of the camera transport system shown in  FIG. 1  shown removed from the user. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of a second embodiment of a camera transport system, shown with a primary camera and a secondary camera in resting positions and a primary strap being worn diagonally across the torso of a user. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of the camera transport system shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of a third embodiment of a camera transport system, shown with a primary camera and a secondary camera in resting positions and a primary strap being worn diagonally across the torso of a user. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear view of the camera transport system shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the system depicted in  FIG. 1 , shown with a strap bag releasably attached to the primary strap. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a rear view of the strap bag shown in  FIG. 12  after a first installation step wherein a top flap and a bottom flap of an attachment portion are in an open position and a coupler is attached to a loop portion of the attachment portion. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a rear view of the strap bag shown in  FIG. 12  after a second installation step wherein the top flap is in the open position and the bottom flap is in a closed position. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a rear view of the strap bag shown in  FIG. 12  after a final installation step wherein the top flap and the bottom flap are both in the closed position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to camera transport systems that permit users to easily carry and transport two cameras simultaneously. Often, photographers carry two cameras with them for a variety of reasons, including the need for cameras with different types of lenses, the need for a backup camera in case of malfunction or damage to a primary camera, etc. However, carrying two cameras simultaneously can be difficult and tiresome due to the weight of the cameras, tangling of multiple camera straps, multiple cameras swinging during user movement, and the like. Embodiments of the present invention solve one or more of these and other issues and provide a comfortable and convenient system for allowing users to carry two cameras or two pieces of camera equipment simultaneously. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an enhanced camera transport system  12  includes a first or primary strap  14 , a selectively removable second or secondary strap  16 , primary and secondary couplers  20 , and a shoulder pad  18  coupled to the primary and secondary straps. The primary strap  14  is worn by a user  10 , typically with the shoulder pad  18  over the user&#39;s shoulder.  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate front and rear views, respectively, of the camera transport system  12  when removed from the user  10 . 
     The primary and secondary couplers  20  are configured to engage with an attachment point on respective primary and secondary cameras  24 A and  24 B otherwise reserved for engagement with a camera stand such as a tripod, monopod, or the like. Following general camera construction, the attachment point is found on the bottom of the cameras  24 A and  24 B or on the camera&#39;s lens. In some embodiments, the couplers  20  are slidably attached to the straps  14  and  16  to assist with repositioning of the cameras  24 A and  24 B from a transport position to a picture taking or “shooting” position by sliding the cameras along the straps. Other embodiments include utilizing the couplers  20  to engage one more enclosures for storage of the cameras  24 A and  24 B, rather than the cameras themselves. 
     The straps  14  and  16  can be used for retention, support, and/or suspension of the couplers  20  and cameras  24 A and  24 B, respectively. The front portion  32  of the shoulder pad  18  includes an accessory loop  44  configured to facilitate selective coupling of one or more accessories (not shown) that the user  10  may wish to transport. In some embodiments, holders, receptacles, pouches, or other containers can be integrated within or coupled with the straps  14  and  16  or shoulder pad  18  to store items, such as a phone, flashlight, memory, film, batteries, keys, business cards, or other items. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the primary strap  14  can be worn, by the user  10 , diagonally across the torso. When used, the secondary strap  16  can extend from the shoulder pad  18  downward on the side of the user  10  on which the shoulder pad  18  is positioned. The straps  14  and  16  can further include a variety of adjusters for adjusting their length, tension, and fit. Further included can be a variety of release mechanisms and fasteners. As depicted in  FIGS. 1-2  and  6 - 7 , the straps  14  and  16  each include a plurality of camera movement limiting devices in the form of cam buckles  30  configured to limit the movement of the couplers  20  on the straps. This allows the user  10  to selectively restrict the positioning of the cameras  24 A and  24 B relative to the straps  14  and  16 , respectively. Further, the straps  14  and  16  also include slotted loops  52  for adjusting the length of the straps, and slip rings  56  (e.g., Quick-Slip Keepers® available from DURAFLEX®) that allow for securing loose lengths of the straps. 
     The cameras  24 A and  24 B may be one or more of slidably, rotatably, pivotally, and releasably coupled to the strap  14  and  16 , respectively, via the couplers  20 . The cameras  24 A and  24 B can rest near the lower end portions of the respective straps  14  and  16  in various positions as desired by the user, when not in use. Such resting positions for the cameras  24 A and  24 B can include hanging topside-down. 
     The camera transport system  12  is depicted in  FIG. 3  with the primary camera  24 A topside-up in a shooting position and being held by the user  10  for facilitating use of the camera to take a picture. Similarly, the system  12  is depicted in  FIG. 4  with the secondary camera  24 B topside-up in a shooting position and being held by the user  10  for facilitating use of the camera to take a picture. As shown, the user  10  can conveniently grasp either of the cameras  24 A and  24 B and raise them into shooting position to take a photo. 
     In some embodiments, the straps  14  and  16  have a flat sectional profile as shown and in other embodiments, the straps can have other sectional profiles such as including oblong and round profiles. Any suitable material may be used to form the straps  14  and  16 . One suitable material is nylon webbing. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged view of the coupler  20  attached to the primary camera  24 A. It will be appreciated that the coupler  20  attached to the secondary camera  24 B may be substantially identical or of a different design. The coupler  20  can include a fastener portion  22  that has a threadable element that engages with a conventional threadable stand socket (such for a tripod or a monopod) of a camera or lens. The coupler  20  can also include a strap engagement portion  20 B in the form of a loop that slidably engages with the strap  14  and allows the camera  24 A to be moved along the length of the strap, from a resting or transport location (see  FIG. 1 ) to a shooting position (see  FIG. 3 ) and back again into the resting location. The coupler  20  can also include a latch portion  20 A to allow for quick engagement and disengagement with the fastener portion of the coupler  20  and hence allow separation of the camera  24 A from the strap  14  worn by the user. In some embodiments, the latch portion  20 A is of the clip or hook type or carabineer type, and has a gate style mechanism to permit connecting and disconnecting of it from a loop portion of the fastener portion  22  of the coupler  20 , which facilitates removal of the camera  24 A from the user  10  without removing the strap  14  from the user. The coupler  20  has the latch portion  20 A pivotally coupled to the strap engagement portion  20 B for rotation about a rotational axes  70  and  74  to promote proper placement of the camera on the user  10 , as well as prevention of binding or tangling of the strap  14 . 
     As shown best in  FIGS. 6-7 , a front end portion  14 A of the primary strap  14  is fixedly attached (e.g., via stitching) to a front portion  32  of the shoulder pad  18  at a front primary strap attachment end portion  34 . A back end portion  14 B of the primary strap  14  is coupled to a first coupling or mating component  58 A of a side release buckle  58 . A second mating component  58 B of the buckle  58  is coupled to a rear primary strap attachment end loop  60 . Using the buckle  58 , the user  10  can selectively detach the back end portion  14 B of the primary strap  14  from the shoulder pad  18  as desired. 
     To facilitate coupling of the secondary strap  16 , a front end portion  16 A of the secondary strap  16  is attached to a first mating component  40 A of a front swivel buckle  40  operative to rotatably and releasably couple with a second mating component  40 B of the front swivel buckle that is fixedly attached to the front portion  32  of the shoulder pad  18  via a front secondary strap attachment loop  36 . The back end portion  16 B of the secondary strap  16  is attached to a first mating component  50 A of a rear swivel buckle  50  operative to rotatably and releasably couple with a second mating component  50 B of the rear swivel buckle that is fixedly attached to the rear portion  48  of the shoulder pad  18  via a rear secondary strap attachment loop  62 . Thus, the secondary strap  16  can be selectively attached to the shoulder pad  18  by connecting the first and second mating components  40 A and  40 B of the front swivel buckle  40  together, and connecting the first and second mating components  50 A and  50 B of the rear swivel buckle  50  together. In some embodiments, the front swivel buckle  40  and the rear swivel buckle  50  are identical such that either the front end portion  16 A or the back end portion  16 B of the secondary strap  16  may be coupled to either the front portion  32  or the rear portion  48  of the shoulder pad  18 . One type of suitable swivel buckle is the Swivi Lockster® made by DURAFLEX®, which allows its mating components to swivel approximately 120 degrees relative to each other (see buckle  40  shown in  FIG. 4 ), and provides for ease of use when engaging and disengaging the buckle. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate front and back views, respectively, of a second embodiment of a camera transport system  80 . The system  80  is similar to the system  12  described above in many respects, so only the differences in this embodiment are described herein. The camera transport system  80  comprises a “sport” shaped shoulder pad  82  having a front portion  84  that is slanted toward the opposite side of the torso of the user  10  when worn by the user. The shoulder pad  82  also includes a rear portion  86  that is substantially wider than the rest of the shoulder pad  82 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate front and back views, respectively, of a third embodiment of a camera transport system  90 . The system  90  is similar to the systems  12  and  80  described above, except the system  90  includes a shoulder pad  92  having an enlarged front portion  94  and an enlarged rear portion  96 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a strap bag  100  that may be releasably attached to the strap  14  (or to the strap  16 ). The strap bag  100  may be various shapes and sizes as desired, and may be used to carry camera accessories, phones, wallets, keys, and the like. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the strap bag  100  comprises a zipper  130  for allowing a user to selectively open and close the bag. 
       FIGS. 13-15  illustrate a progression of steps for attaching the strap bag  100  to the strap  14 . The strap bag  100  includes an outwardly facing front portion  104  (see  FIG. 12 ) disposed opposite an inwardly facing rear portion  108  (see  FIG. 13 ). An attachment portion  111  is fixedly coupled (e.g., sewn) to the rear portion  108  of the strap bag  100 . The attachment portion  111  includes a center portion or body  112 , a top flap  120 , and a bottom flap  116 . The top flap  120  includes an inside surface  120 A and an outside surface  120 B. Similarly, the bottom flap  116  includes an inside surface  116 A and an outside surface  1168 . The width of the center body  112  is configured to be larger than width of the strap  14  so that the strap may be sandwiched between the center body  112  on one side and the bottom and top flaps  116  and  120  on the other side. In the embodiment shown, the width of the center body  112  is substantially the same as the width of the rear portion  108  of the strap bag  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the inside surface  120 A of the top flap  120  includes a hook tape piece  121 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the outside surface  1168  of the bottom flap  116  includes a corresponding loop tape piece  117  positioned to releasably engage the hook tape piece  121  when the flaps  116  and  120  are folded from the open position (shown in  FIG. 13 ) into the closed position (shown in  FIG. 15 ). The hook tape piece  121  and the loop tape piece  117  may be coupled to the top flap  120  and the bottom flap  116 , respectively, by any suitable manner (e.g., sewn together). It will be appreciated that, in addition to such Velcro® type fasteners, other types of fasteners may be used to selectively releasably attach the top flap  120  and the bottom flap  116  together, including snaps, buttons, magnets, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the center body  111  of the attachment portion  110  also comprises a loop portion  110  configured to selectively couple with a coupler  20 . The coupler  20  includes a strap engagement portion  20 B in the form of a loop that slidably engages with the strap  14 . The coupler  20  also includes a latch portion  20 A to allow for quick engagement and disengagement with the loop portion  110  and hence to allow separation of the strap bag  100  from the strap  14  worn by the user. 
     An upper end portion  112 A of the center body  112  includes a c-shaped slotted loop  124  that is secured to the center body by small flap portion  126  stitched to the center body (see  FIG. 13 ). The slotted loop  124  is configured to receive and engage the strap  14  to help prevent the strap bag  100  from sliding along or otherwise moving relative to the strap during use. 
     During use, a user may first connect the coupler  20  (which is coupled to the strap  14 ) to the loop portion  110  of the attachment portion and thread the strap  14  through the c-shaped slotted loop  124 , when the top flap  120  and the bottom flap  116  of the attachment portion  111  are in the open position, so that the strap bag  100  is securely attached to the strap. This step is shown in  FIG. 13 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the user may then fold the bottom flap  116  over the strap  114  such that the inside surface  116 A of the bottom flap  116  is adjacent the strap and the outside surface  116 B is facing outward. In this position, the loop tape piece  117  is also facing outward. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the user may then fold the top flap  120  over the outside surface  116 B of the bottom flap  116  so that the hook tape piece  121  on the inside surface  120 A of the top flap engages the loop tape piece  117 . Thus, the strap bag  100  is secured to the strap  14  by the loop portion  110  (attached to the coupler  20 ), the c-shaped slotted loop  124 , and the closed flaps  116  and  120 . Once secured to the strap  14 , the user may carry the strap bag  100  securely as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     The foregoing described embodiments depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). 
     It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). 
     Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.