Patent Abstract:
The disclosure concerns a camera mouth mount including a mouth piece coupled to a camera mount and configured for holding the camera mount with the mouth of a user. The mouth piece includes a pair of opposing bite supports extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the bite supports being connected at a junction disposed at the distal end. The camera mount is coupled to the junction of the bite supports. Various embodiments are described wherein a mouth piece is coupled to a camera mount. The camera mouth piece is used to hold a camera in ones mouth for the purpose of obtaining media while performing an activity such as surfing or another action sport.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/639,040, filed Mar. 4, 2015, which further claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/948,308, filed Mar. 5, 2014; the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to camera mounts; and more particularly, to a camera mount for action sports and related photography and videography wherein the mount is configured to be held with the mouth of a user. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Modern versatile cameras, such as the GoPro® camera, are becoming widely popular among action sports enthusiasts. The GoPro® camera includes a unique housing as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,837,928, issued Sep. 16, 2014; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The GoPro camera housing, as reproduced in  FIG. 18  hereof, labeled as “prior art”, includes one or more securing structures for securing the camera housing  100  to one of a variety of mounting devices. The camera housing  100  includes a second plurality of protrusions (protrusions  124  as shown in  FIG. 17 ), and the mount includes a first plurality of protrusions. Each protrusion includes a hole (hole  126  as shown in  FIG. 17 ) at a similar location within the protrusion 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 is inserted through the aligned holes, coupling the camera housing  100  to the mount such that the camera housing can pivotally rotate relative to the mount when the turnable handscrew is in a first unlocked position, and such that the camera housing is fixed in position relative to the mount when the turnable handscrew is in a second locked position. 
         [0006]    With the advent of modern versatile cameras designed for use within a multitude of activities, such cameras including the GoPro® camera and other similar devices, there is a need for specialized camera mounts adapted to bring these devices into unique environments. 
         [0007]    Of particular relevance is the environment of the ocean and other bodies of water, herein referred to as an “aquatic environment”, wherein conventional means provide for mounting the camera housing to a structure, such as a surfboard, boat or similar structure. With these conventional camera mounts, the camera remains fixed to the structure and is incapable of adjustment such as panning, tilting and the like. 
         [0008]    While participating in an aquatic activity, such as surfing, a user is introduced to a dynamic environment. In the example of surfing, the wave is constantly changing as it forms a crest and breaks, while the surfer is generally moving relative to the wave as well as shifting positions relative to the surf board. With a conventional static camera mount, much of this dynamic environment is not captured by the camera, resulting in substantially limited media. 
         [0009]    There is a need for a camera mount for use in aquatic and other environments, wherein the mount is capable of providing the possibility of adjustments such as: tilt, pan, pedestal, dolly, trucking, or a combination thereof. With the hands often required of a user during many action sports activities, novel methods for integrating the camera mount with the body must be explored. 
         [0010]    Moreover, with aquatic sports there is a need to ensure that vision and breathing are not obstructed. Accordingly, care needs to be taken to ensure that the mount would not impede or restrict breathing or vision. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    These and other limitations in the art are overcome with the introduction of the camera mouth mount as shown and described. 
         [0012]    In various embodiments, the camera mouth mount includes a mouth piece coupled to a camera mount, such that video is obtained while holding the camera mouth mount in one&#39;s mouth, the mouth mount being coupled to a camera. 
         [0013]    Various features of the camera mouth mount are further described in the appended detailed description of the preferred embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a camera mouth mount in accordance with an embodiment including a pliable mouth guard engaged with a rigid mouth mount structure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  shows a rear view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  shows a left-side view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  shows a right-side view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  shows a front view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  shows an exploded bottom view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  shows a bottom view of the assembled camera mouth mount of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a rigid mouth mount structure in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  shows a rear perspective view of a pliable mouth guard in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  shows a right-side view of the rigid mouth mount structure of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  shows a left-side view of the rigid mouth mount structure of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  shows a top view of the rigid mouth mount structure of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  shows a front view of the rigid mouth mount structure of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  shows a rear view of the rigid mouth mount structure of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  shows a top perspective view of a pliable mouth guard in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  shows a front perspective view of a pliable mouth guard in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  shows a conventional camera housing in accordance with the prior art. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    For purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions of certain preferred embodiments are hereinafter provided such that one having ordinary skill in the art may be enabled to make and use the invention. These details and descriptions are representative only of certain preferred embodiments, however, and a myriad of other embodiments which will not be expressly described will be readily obvious to those of skill in the art upon a thorough review hereof. Accordingly, any reviewer of the instant disclosure should interpret the scope of the invention by the claims, and such scope shall not be limited by the embodiments disclosed herein. 
         [0033]    For purposes of this disclosure, the term “mouthpiece” is herein defined as a part of an instrument that goes in the mouth or to which the mouth is applied. 
         [0034]    The term “mouth guard” is herein defined as a soft, plastic, intraoral appliance that covers all the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. For purposes herein, a mouth guard is a subspecies of a mouth piece. That is, a mouth guard is a mouth piece, but a mouth piece is not necessarily a mouth guard. A mouth guard is pliable whereas a mouth piece may be rigid. In certain embodiments herein, a mouthpiece is covered with a pliable mouth guard for ergonomic comfort and increased gripping leverage. 
         [0035]    The term “air channel” is herein defined as a structural path configured to direct the communication of air flow. 
         [0036]    The term “bite support” is herein defined as a portion of a mouthpiece including a longitudinal portion of material configured to rest between a left or a right side of a user&#39;s bite when the mouthpiece is held in the user&#39;s mouth. 
         [0037]    The term “bite tab” is herein defined as a portion of a mouth guard including a longitudinal portion of material configured to rest between a left or right side of a user&#39;s teeth when the mouth guard is held in the user&#39;s mouth. Note that as used herein a “bite tab” is a subspecies of a “bite support” such that a bite tab of a mouth guard is a type of bite support; whereas a bite support is not necessarily a bite tab except where it forms part of a mouth guard, which is pliable. 
         [0038]    In a general embodiment, a camera mouth mount includes: a mouthpiece having a pair of bite supports extending from a proximal end to a distal end wherein the bite supports are connected at the distal end, and a camera mount coupled to the mouthpiece. 
         [0039]    In a preferred embodiment, the camera mount comprises: one or more first protrusions, each of the first protrusions having a hole extending therethrough, wherein the first protrusions are configured to interlock with one or more second protrusions of a camera housing. Each of said second protrusions of the camera housing also having a hole extending therethrough. In this regard, the holes of the first protrusions are configured to align with the holes of the second protrusions, wherein the aligned holes of the first and second protrusions are configured to receive a turnable handscrew extending therethrough for securing the camera housing to the camera mount. 
         [0040]    In certain embodiments, a vertical support can be implemented between the base and the camera mount such that the camera mount is coupled to the base via the vertical support extending therebetween. 
         [0041]    Now turning to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a camera mouth mount in accordance with an embodiment including a pliable mouth guard  20  engaged with a rigid mouth mount structure  10 . The pliable mouth guard comprises a first bite tab  21   a  and a second bite tab  21   b  collectively defining a pair of opposing bite tabs. The rigid mouth mount structure comprises a base  11 , a vertical support  12  extending downwardly from the base, and one or more protrusions  13  formed at a terminal end of the vertical support, each of the protrusions configured with a hole extending therethrough. The camera mouth mount is shown with an air channel  25  extending through the mouth guard and underneath the base and vertical support of the rigid mouth mount structure. The air channel is configured to facilitate breathing during use, wherein the air channel is adapted for communication of air therein. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  shows a rear view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 . The pliable mouth guard is shown with each of the first and second bite tabs  21   a;    21   b,  respectively. The rigid mouth mount support  10  is shown with the vertical support  12  extending downwardly from the mouth guard. An aperture  16  extends through the vertical support  12  and can be used to attach an accessory such as a lanyard. Three protrusions  13  are shown extending from the vertical support. With this example, the protrusions  13  form the camera mount portion that is coupled to the mouthpiece. The air channel  25  is further illustrated as extending through the mouth guard and underneath the base and further along the vertical support along a rear side thereof. Note that the vertical support is sealed at a front side thereof to prevent water from entering the air channel with use of the camera mouth mount in an aquatic environment. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows a left-side view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 , including a pliable mouth guard  20  engaged with a rigid mouth mount structure  10 . The pliable mouth guard is shown with a sleeve groove  22  adapted to mate or nest with the rigid mouth mount structure. A zip-tie or band can be used to further secure the mouth guard to the rigid mouth mount structure; however, with a pliable mouth guard having sufficient elasticity a zip-tie or band may not be required assuming there is sufficient friction provided by the elasticity of the mouth guard. A side view of the vertical support  12  and protrusion  13  is shown. The protrusion is shown having a hole  14  extending therethrough. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows a right-side view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 , which is substantially similar to the left-side view but in opposite configuration, however, a nut  12  is shown being disposed on the right-side of the rigid mouth mount structure at the aperture  12 . The nut  12  can be positioned on either side. The nut is used to receive a portion of a threaded handscrew used to tighten the interlocked first protrusions of the camera mount portion and second protrusions of the camera housing. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows a front view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 . The pliable mouth guard  20  is shown being engaged with the rigid mouth mount structure. The vertical support  12  is shown extending downwardly from the mouth guard. An aperture  16  is shown extending through the vertical support  12 . The camera mount comprises a first protrusion  13   a,  a second protrusion  13   b,  and a third protrusion  13   c.  The nut is shown as being disposed at the third protrusion; however, as indicated above the nut can be disposed on either side or no nut can be provided, for example where the holes are threaded or in other similar variations. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 . The camera mouth mount includes a pliable mouth guard  20  having a sleeve groove  22  disposed at a distal end (front side) thereof. The camera mouth mount further includes a rigid mouth mount structure  10  having a vertical support extending downward about a front side thereof. An air channel  25  is shown extending through the mouth guard. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  shows an exploded bottom view of the camera mouth mount of  FIG. 1 . As depicted, a portion of the rigid mouth mount structure  10  is inserted into the pliable mouth guard  20 . The rigid mouth mount structure is shown comprising a first bite support  15   a  and a second bite support  15   b,  collectively referred to as a pair of opposing bite supports, each extending from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the first and second bite supports are joined at a junction  19  disposed at the distal end. The rigid mouth mount structure further comprises a vertical support  12  and one or more protrusions  13  extending from the vertical support. The pliable mouth guard  20  is shown comprising a first bite tab  21   a  and a second bite tab  21   b,  collectively referred to as a pair of bite tabs, and a sleeve portion  23 . The pliable mouth guard comprises a pair of slotted channels extending within a volume of each bite tab, wherein a bite support is inserted into the slotted channel volume of the bite tab portion of the mouth guard. 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  shows a bottom view of the assembled camera mouth mount of  FIG. 7 . Assembly of the camera mouth mount is completed upon inserting the rigid mouth mount structure  10  into the pliable mouth guard  20  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a rigid mouth mount structure in accordance with an embodiment. The rigid mouth mount structure  10  comprises a first bite support  15   a  and a second bite support  15   b,  collectively referred to as a pair of opposing bite supports, each of the bite supports extending from a proximal end to a distal end within a common horizontal plane, wherein the first and second bite supports are connected at a junction disposed at the distal end. The junction extends further to form a base  11 , and a vertical support  12  is shown extending downwardly from the base  11 . Each of the bite supports is coupled to the base and reinforced structurally by a chamfer  32  extending therebetween. A support rail  31  is shown extending along at least a portion of the base  11  and further along a portion of the respective bite support  15   a.  For additional structural support, a plurality of support ribs  33  are provided each extending between the respective bite support  15   a;    15   b  and chamfer  32 . The ribs are shown as being oriented perpendicular to the chamfers; however, a diagonal alignment or other orientation of the ribs with respect to the chamfers can be similarly implemented. Protrusions  13   a;    13   b;    13   c  are shown extending from the vertical support  12 . Each protrusion  13  is configured with a hole  14  extending therethrough. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  shows a rear perspective view of a pliable mouth guard in accordance with an embodiment. The pliable mouth guard  20  is shown with a first bite tab  21   a  and a second bite tab  21   b  extending from a sleeve portion  23 . A circumferential sleeve groove  22  is provided, wherein a zip-tie, band, or other similar element can be received for tightening the pliable mouth guard against the rigid mouth mount support. The pliable mouth guard  20  is shown with an optional logo  24  disposed on a top surface thereof. 
         [0051]      FIG. 11  shows a right-side view of the rigid mouth mount structure of  FIG. 9 . The rigid mouth mount support  10  comprises a base  11  having a vertical support  12  extending downwardly therefrom toward a terminal end, wherein one or more protrusions  13  are disposed at the terminal end of the vertical support. A nut  17  is shown optionally fixed to the protrusion  13  on the right side. The rigid mouth mount support further comprises a sleeve channel  35  and a first and second circumferential rim  34   a;    34   b,  respectively, each disposed on either side of the sleeve channel. The sleeve portion of the pliable mouth mount is configured to nest about the sleeve channel and circumferential rims. As discussed above, a zip-tie, band or other means can be utilized to secure the pliable mouth guard about the sleeve channel of the rigid mouth mount structure. Also shown is the first bite support  15   a  extending from the base of the rigid mouth mount structure, and a first chamfer  32   a  disposed between the base  11  and a top surface of the first bite support  15   a.  Furthermore, a second chamfer  32   b  is shown disposed between the base  11  and a bottom surface of the first bite support  15   a.    
         [0052]      FIG. 12  shows a left-side view of the rigid mouth mount structure of  FIG. 9 . The left-side view of the rigid mouth mount structure  10  is substantially similar to the right-side as discussed above. No nut is shown on the left-side at the hole  14 ; however the nut can be configured on either side or not at all depending on the manufacturer preferences. Now, as seen in  FIGS. 11-12 , the rigid mouth mount structure  10 , in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, includes: a base  11 , the base including a circumferential rim  34  extending radially outward from the base, a pair of opposing bite supports  15   a;    15   b,  each of the bite supports extending longitudinally from the base in a direction perpendicular with respect to the circumferential rim, each of the opposing bite supports having a tapered volume  29  with a first height H 1  at a connection with the circumferential rim and a second height H 2  at a proximal end opposite said base, wherein the first height is greater than the second height, and one or more protrusions  13  coupled to the base, wherein the one or more protrusions are configured to interlock with one or more features of a camera housing. 
         [0053]      FIG. 13  shows a top view of the rigid mouth mount structure of  FIG. 9 . The rigid mouth mount structure  10  is shown comprising a base  11  and a pair of bite supports  15   a;    15   b  extending from the base. Each bite support is structurally reinforced with the addition of an optional support rail  31 , one or more chamfers  32 , and up to a plurality of support ribs  33 . The support rail extends along at least a portion of the base and further along at least a portion of the bite support. The chamfers extend between the base and the bite support, generally at an angle therebetween. The ribs are shown being oriented perpendicular with respect to each chamfer; however, an alternative orientation may be similarly implemented. 
         [0054]      FIG. 14  shows a front view of the rigid mouth mount structure of  FIG. 9 . The rigid mouth mount support comprises a pair of bite supports  15   a;    15   b  extending from the base  11 . A vertical support extends downwardly from the base toward a terminal end thereof. One or more protrusions  13   a;    13   b;    13   c  are disposed at the terminal end of the vertical support  12 . An aperture  16  is shown extending through the vertical support  12 . The front side of the vertical support is sealed in front of the air channel for preventing communication of materials therein. 
         [0055]      FIG. 15  shows a rear view of the rigid mouth mount structure of  FIG. 9 . Here, the first and second bite supports  15   a;    15   b  are shown extending from the base  11  forming a mouthpiece  40 . An air channel  25  is shown extending along an underside of the base and behind the vertical support  12 . The vertical support extends downwardly from the base  11  toward a terminal end. Protrusions  13   a  and  13   c  form a camera mount  50  disposed at the terminal end. In this regard, the rigid mouth mount structure includes a mouthpiece coupled to a camera mount. The pliable mouth guard is not required to be attached to the rigid mouth mount structure; however, ergonomics and stability are greatly enhanced with the inclusion of a pliable mouth guard as illustrated above. 
         [0056]      FIG. 16  shows a top perspective view of a pliable mouth guard  20  in accordance with an embodiment. The pliable mouth guard comprises a first bite tab  21   a  and a second bite tab  21   b,  each extending from a sleeve portion  23 . The mouth guard further comprises a sleeve groove  22  disposed at a front side of the mouth guard. 
         [0057]      FIG. 17  shows a front perspective view of a pliable mouth guard in accordance with an embodiment. The pliable mouth guard is shown from a perspective illustrating the sleeve portion  23  and slotted volume  26 . Each of the bite tabs comprises a hollow slotted volume extending therein, the slotted volume  26 , wherein a respective bite support of the rigid mouth mount structure is received within the slotted volume upon mating the mouth guard and the rigid mouth mount structure. 
         [0058]    In certain embodiments, a lanyard made of a loop of string, rope, cord or other filament is provided. The lanyard can be attached by tying a portion thereof through an aperture extending through the vertical support of the camera mouth mount. 
         [0059]    A float, made of foam or similar material configured to float in water, is optionally provided with the camera mouth mount kit. The float can be attached to either the mount or the camera housing. 
         [0060]    The rigid mouth mount support can be carved, molded or cast from a variety of materials including wood, metal and plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid mouth mount structure is molded using a rigid plastic such as polyurethane, polycarbonate or other plastic material. In this regard, it is preferable to manufacture the rigid mouth mount structure as a monolithic unitary piece of material for maximum structural integrity. 
         [0061]    The mouth guard is preferably molded from a pliable plastic material, although a myriad of pliable and non-pliable materials may be used. 
         [0062]    The bite supports can be optionally designed for added structural enhancement by including one or more of the optional support rails, chamfers, and support ribs. Although certain examples are illustrated, those with skill in the art will recognize that a multitude of variations can be similarly implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0063]    Although the illustrated embodiments show the use of a pliable mouth guard configured to receive rigid bite supports within a slotted volume of the bite tabs, other embodiments can utilize a similar pliable mouth guard, with a sleeve portion thereof being coupled to the base, without such rigid extended bite support tabs. Accordingly, in certain embodiments a mouth piece may simply be attached to a base via a sleeve portion nested thereon without the use of rigid bite supports enclosed within the a slotted volume of the bite tabs of the mouth guard. 
         [0064]    Other configurations, variations, and other embodiments will be understood by those having skill in the art. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 (10) 
                 rigid mouth mount structure 
               
               
                 (11) 
                 base 
               
               
                 (12) 
                 vertical Support 
               
               
                 (13) 
                 mount protrusions (first protrusions) 
               
               
                 (14) 
                 hole 
               
               
                 (15) 
                 bite support 
               
               
                 (16) 
                 aperture 
               
               
                 (17) 
                 nut 
               
               
                 (19) 
                 junction 
               
               
                 (20) 
                 pliable mouth guard 
               
               
                 (21) 
                 bite tab 
               
               
                 (22) 
                 sleeve groove 
               
               
                 (23) 
                 sleeve portion 
               
               
                 (24) 
                 logo 
               
               
                 (25) 
                 air channel 
               
               
                 (26) 
                 slotted volume 
               
               
                 (31) 
                 support rail 
               
               
                 (32) 
                 chamfer 
               
               
                 (33) 
                 support ribs 
               
               
                 (34) 
                 circumferential rim 
               
               
                 (35) 
                 sleeve channel 
               
               
                 (40) 
                 mouthpiece 
               
               
                 (50) 
                 camera mount 
               
               
                 (100) 
                 camera housing 
               
               
                 (102) 
                 first housing portion 
               
               
                 (104) 
                 lens window 
               
               
                 (106) 
                 indicator window 
               
               
                 (112) 
                 outer shutter button 
               
               
                 (124) 
                 housing protrusions (second protrusions) 
               
               
                 (126) 
                 hole

Technology Classification (CPC): 6