Patent Abstract:
Various camera mounts used to attach a camera to a helmet, vehicle, user, or other object are described. In one embodiment, a flexible camera mount deforms under impact, allowing an attached camera to detach without fracturing the mount. In a second embodiment, a non-flexible camera mount fractures under impact, allowing an attached camera to detach. In a third embodiment, a camera mount comprising a ring base and a floating base separates under impact, allowing a camera attached to the floating base to detach. In a fourth embodiment, a non-flexible camera mount including two rigid sections joined in a “V” shape fractures under impact, allowing the camera to detach. In a fifth embodiment, a flexible camera mount comprising two sections connected in a “V” shape separate under impact, allowing the camera to detach.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates camera mounts, and more specifically, to camera mounts configured to detach in response to force. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     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. When the object to which the camera is secured is in motion, it is beneficial for the camera to detach from the object in the event of a force being exerted on the camera. Such detachment can beneficially protect the camera, the mount, and/or the object to which the camera is secured from potential damaged caused by the exerted force. 
    
    
     
       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: 
         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  illustrates a flexible camera mount, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4 a    illustrates a top view of a non-flexible camera mount, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4 b    illustrates a bottom view of a non-flexible camera mount, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5 a    illustrates a top view of a non-flexible camera mount, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5 b    illustrates a bottom view of a non-flexible camera mount, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a non-flexible camera mount, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7 a    illustrates a flexible camera mount, according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 7 b    illustrates separately each piece of a flexible camera mount, 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. 
     Configuration Overview 
     Various camera mount embodiments for securing a camera to a mounting surface, such as a helmet or vehicle exterior, are described. The mounts are designed to allow the camera to detach from its mounting surface upon impact with an object. Some embodiments are reusable and allow for the mount to be re-assembled and reused. Other embodiments detach permanently in order to release a camera from its mounting surface, and as such are not reusable. All embodiments described are designed to accommodate a base mount component which is connectively coupled to a camera housing containing a camera. 
     Embodiments designed for re-use are typically made out of a flexible material such as polycarbonate. These embodiments temporarily deform under impact, allowing the mounted camera assembly to detach. Some reusable embodiments feature two pieces that separate on impact but can be reassembled for repeated use. Embodiments designed for one-time use are made out of a brittle material such as acrylic. These embodiments fracture under impact, allowing the mounted camera assembly to detach. 
     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 . 
     Detachable Camera Mount Embodiments 
     In a first embodiment, a camera mount allows for a camera assembly to detach from the camera mount upon impact, while the mount remains attached to a mounting surface, allowing the camera assembly to be re-attached to the camera mount for subsequent use. The camera assembly can include one or more of a camera housing, a camera, and a lower mount component coupled to a base mount component. The base mount component fits into and is secured by the camera mount, which is in turn attached to a mounting surface. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a camera mount, according to one embodiment. The camera mount  300  includes flexible retaining walls  310   a  and  310   b  at opposite ends of a flexible substrate  360 . The camera mount  300  features four retaining edges,  340   a ,  340   b ,  340   c , and  340   d , two on each retaining wall. At the bottom of the retaining walls are divots  330   a  and  330   b  that allow for increased flexibility. The mount  300  also features two retaining lips  350   a  and  350   b , one at the top of each retaining wall. Along the centerline of the substrate  360 , the camera mount  300  also includes a contact base  320 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 c   , 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 retaining walls  310   a  and  310   b , such that the lower mount component can be slid onto the flexible mount  300 . When the lower mount component is slid onto the camera mount  300 , the side securing surfaces  182   a  and  182   b  make contact with and slide along the retaining walls  310   a  and  310   b , respectively. Similarly, the top securing surfaces  184   a  and  184   b  make contact with and slide along the underside of the retaining lips  350   a  and  350   b , respectively. When the lower mount component is completely slid into the camera mount  300 , the securing arms decompress outward when the securing lips  186   a  and  186   b  are slid past the retaining edges  340   a  and  340   b  respectively. The securing arms flexibly exert force outward such that the securing lips extend outwards and make contact with retaining edges or overlap at least partially with the retaining edges, preventing the lower mount component  160  from sliding backwards and securely coupling the lower mount component to the camera mount. The lower mount component  160  can be uncoupled from flexible mount  300  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 retaining walls  310   a  and  310   b  of the flexible mount  300 , and sliding the lower mount component  160  backwards out between the retaining walls  310   a  and  310   b.    
     As described in previous embodiments, 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 contact base  320  of flexible mount  300  into the spine groove when the lower mount component is slid onto and secured to the camera mount  300 . The contact base  320  of the mount  300  exerts a force upwards on the lower mount component  160 , forcing the lower mount component upward such that the top securing surfaces  184   a  and  184   b  are forced upward into the underside of the retaining lips  350   a  and  350   b  on the flexible retaining walls  310   a  and  310   b  respectively. 
     In a typical embodiment, the camera housing  100  of  FIG. 1 a    is coupled to the lower mount component  160 , which is then fitted into the flexible camera mount  300  as described previously. The entire assembly may be attached by an adhesive to a mounting surface, such as the outer surface of a helmet. In the course of normal sports or recreation activity, an impact may occur between the helmet and another object such that a normal force is exerted onto the camera housing  100 . This normal force will act on the assembly, resulting in a normal force exerted on the camera mount  300  by the lower mount component  160 . In this situation, the normal force exerted on the mount  300  will act on one of the flexible retaining walls  310   a  and  310   b , causing one or both of the retaining walls  310   a  and  310   b  to flex outward and away from the center of the mount  300 . In response, a corresponding retaining lip  350  will no longer abut a corresponding top securing surface  184 , causing the lower mount component  160  to become uncoupled from the reusable camera mount  300 . The flexible retaining wall will return to its original position and the reusable camera mount  300 , now empty, will remain intact and attached to its mounting surface. 
     In some embodiments, on either side of the contact base  320 , elevated surfaces  325   a ,  325   b  protrude upward from a top surface  305  of the mount  300 . In such embodiments, a bottom surface of the lower mount component  160 , when the lower mount component  160  is coupled to the mount  300 , abuts the elevated surfaces  325   a ,  325   b  such that gaps are formed between portions of the bottom surface of the lower mount component  160  and the top surface  305 . Such gaps beneficially allow the lower mount component  160  to tilt, in response to a force exerted upon the lower mount component, into the gaps relative to the mount  300 , causing one or more of the walls  310   a ,  310   b  to flex away from the center of the mount  300 , in turn causing the lower mount component  160  to become uncoupled from the mount  300 . 
     In another embodiment, a non-flexible mount made out of a brittle material, such as acrylic, allows for the camera assembly described in previous embodiments to detach upon impact. When subjected to a force of sufficient magnitude, the mount can fracture, and beneficially causing a coupled camera to become uncoupled from the mount. 
       FIG. 4 a    illustrates a top view of a non-flexible camera mount, according to one embodiment. The camera mount  400  is composed of a brittle, non-flexible material (such as an acrylic or plastic material). The mount  400  includes a substrate  455 . The lower surface of the substrate may be attached to a surface. Two detachable retaining walls  430   a  and  430   b  protrude from the upper surface of the substrate  455 . The mount  400  includes the four retaining edges  445   a ,  445   b ,  445   c , and  445   d , as in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . Additionally, two retaining lips  440   a  and  440   b  protrude from the top of the detachable retaining walls  430   a  and  430   b . Two elevated shelves  410   a  and  410   b  protrude from the bases of the retaining walls  430   a  and  430   b  at a higher elevation from the top surface of the substrate  455 . Two divots  415   a  and  415   b  surround the shelves  410   a  and  410   b . An elevated detachable contact base  420  runs down the middle of the substrate. A cavity  450  is located along both sides and below the contact base  420 . 
       FIG. 4 b    illustrates a bottom view of the camera mount  400  of  FIG. 4 a   . Below each detachable retaining walls  430   a  and  430   b  is a cavity  470   a  and  470   b , respectively. 
     As described above, when the prongs  180   a  and  180   b  of the lower mount component  160  of  FIG. 1 c    are squeezed together, the width of the prong-side of the lower mount component is reduced to less than the width between the detachable retaining walls  430   a  and  430   b , such that the lower mount component can be slid onto the mount  400 . When the lower mount component is slid onto the mount  400 , the side securing surfaces  182   a  and  182   b  make contact with and slide along the detachable retaining walls  430   a  and  430   b , respectively. Similarly, the top securing surfaces  184   a  and  184   b  make contact with and slide along the underside of the retaining lips  440   a  and  440   b , respectively. When the lower mount component is completely slid into the camera mount  400 , the securing arms decompress outward when the lips  186   a  and  186   b  are slid past the retaining edges  445   a  and  445   b  respectively. The securing arms flexibly exert force outward such that the securing lips extend outwards and make contact with retaining edges or overlap at least partially with the retaining edges, preventing the lower mount component  160  from sliding backwards and securely coupling the lower mount component to the camera mount. The lower mount component  160  can be uncoupled from the mount  400  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 detachable retaining walls  430   a  and  430   b  of the mount  400 , and sliding the lower mount component  160  backwards out between the retaining walls. 
     As described above, the lower mount component  160  of  FIG. 1 c    can include a spine groove on the bottom side of the lower mount component to allow for the reciprocal sliding and insertion of the elevated detachable contact base  420  of the mount  400  into the spine groove when the lower mount component is slid onto and secured to the camera mount  400 . The elevated detachable contact base  420  of the mount  400  exerts a force upwards on the lower mount component  160 , forcing the lower mount component upward such that the top securing surfaces  184   a  and  184   b  are forced upward into the underside of the retaining lips  440   a  and  440   b  on the detachable retaining walls  430  and  430   b  respectively. 
     In a typical embodiment, the camera housing  100  of  FIG. 1 a    is coupled to the lower mount component  160 , which is then fitted into the camera mount  400  as described previously. The entire assembly may be attached by an adhesive to a mounting surface, such as the outer surface of a helmet. In the course of normal sports or recreation activity, an impact may occur between the helmet and another object such that a normal force is exerted onto the camera housing  100 . This normal force will act on the assembly, resulting in a normal force exerted on the camera mount  400  by the lower mount component  160 . If the exerted force is of sufficient magnitude, the detachable elevated contact base  420  may fracture and fall into the cavity  450 , and one or both of the detachable retaining walls  430   a  and  430   b  will also fracture and move into the cavities  470   a  and  470   b  depicted in  FIG. 4 b   . The detachment of each of these components will cause the lower mount component  160  to detach from the mount  400 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   , the detachable retaining walls  430   a  and  430   b  are coupled to the substrate  455  by two points of contact on either side of the base of the retaining walls. Similarly, the contact base  420  is coupled to the substrate  455  by two points of contact on either side of the base of the retaining walls. The divots  415   a  and  415   b , and the cavity  450  surround portions of the base of the retaining walls  430   a  and  430   b  and the base  420 , beneficially enabling the walls  430   a  and  430   b  and the base  420  to detach from the substrate  455  in response to a force exerted on the walls  430   a  and  430   b  and the base  420 , as described above. In some embodiments, each point of contact associated with the retaining walls  430   a  and  430   b  and the base  420  have a smaller width or depth than the walls  430   a  and  430   b  and the base  420 , respectively. In such embodiments, when a force is exerted on a wall  430   a  or  430   b  or the base  420 , the wall  430   a  or  430   b  or the base  420  will detach from the substrate  455  at the point of contact. 
     In another embodiment, a mount consists of a rectangular ring base, attached to a mounting surface, and a floating base designed to couple to a camera assembly as described previously. The floating base is coupled to the ring base by a plurality of connecting tabs. In response to a force exerted on the camera assembly, one or more connecting tabs may fracture or detach from the ring base. In response, the floating base and the camera assembly detach from the ring base. 
       FIG. 5 a    illustrates a top view of a non-flexible camera mount, according to another embodiment. The camera mount  500  includes a four-sided rectangular ring base  550 , which may be coupled to a mounting surface, such as the outside of a helmet. Inside the ring base, the mount  500  includes a four-sided rectangular floating base  530 . The floating base features a contact base  520  and retaining walls  510   a  and  510   b  as described above. The floating base  530  is coupled to the ring base  550  by six detachable tabs  540   a ,  540   b ,  540   c ,  540   d ,  540   e , and  540   f . Both the ring base  550  and floating base  530  are rectangular as previously described; therefore, the sides of the floating base  530  on which the retaining walls are attached each include two detachable tabs; the other two sides each include only one detachable tab. It should be noted that in some embodiments, other numbers and arrangements of detachable tabs couple the floating base  530  to the ring base  550 , for example one detachable tab for each side of the floating base  530 , two detachable tabs for each side of the floating base  530 , and one or more detachable tabs on two sides of the floating base  530  with zero tabs on the remaining two sides. 
       FIG. 5 b    features a bottom view of the camera mount  500  depicted in  FIG. 5 a   . The underside of the mount  500  includes two trapezoidal divots  535   a  and  535   b , one underneath each of the retaining walls  510   a  and  510   b . It should be noted that in some embodiments, one or more of the ring base  550  and the floating base  530  can be shapes other than a rectangle, for instance a circle, and in some embodiments, the divots can be any shape, such as rectangular. In addition, alternative embodiments can include different numbers, arrangements, and locations of detachable tabs. 
     In some embodiments, a camera assembly (such as the camera housing  100  of  FIG. 1 a   ) is coupled to a lower mount component  160 , which is then coupled to the floating base  530  via the contact base  520  and retaining walls  510   a  and  510   b , as described above. The mount  500  can in turn be coupled to an object or surface, such as the outer surface of a helmet. When a force is exerted on the camera assembly, a reciprocal force is exerted on one or more of the detachable tabs  540   a ,  540   b ,  540   c ,  540   d ,  540   e , and  540   f  by the floating base  530 , cause one or more of the detachable tabs to detach, fracture, or shear, decoupling the floating base (and thereby the coupled camera assembly) from the ring base  550 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an additional embodiment of a non-flexible mount, according to one embodiment. The mount  600  includes a lower portion  610 , which may be coupled to a surface or object, for instance with an adhesive. The lower portion  610  is adjoined to a detachable upper portion  630  via a rigid joint  620 . The upper portion includes a contact base  625  and retaining walls  635   a  and  635   b , designed to couple with the base mount component  160  as described above. 
     As described above, a camera assembly is coupled to a lower mount component  160 , which is coupled to the detachable upper portion  630  of the mount  600 . In response to a force exerted on the camera assembly, a reciprocal force is exerted on detachable upper portion  630 , causing the upper portion  630  to bend towards the lower portion  610  and in turn on the rigid joint  620 . Due to the decrease in lateral separation between the detachable upper portion  630  and the lower portion  610 , a torque is exerted on the rigid joint  620 . If the torque is of sufficient magnitude, the rigid joint  620  will detach, fracture, or separate, causing the detachable upper portion  630  to become decoupled from the lower portion  610 . Accordingly, the detachable upper portion  630 , lower mount component  160 , and camera assembly will separate from the lower portion  610 . 
       FIG. 7 a    illustrates an alternative embodiment of the camera mount  600  of  FIG. 6 a   , according to one embodiment. The re-usable mount  700  includes a lower portion  710  and an upper portion  720 , designed to detach without breaking in response to a force exerted on a camera assembly coupled to the upper portion  720 . The lower portion  710  may be attached to an object or surface as described in previous embodiments. 
       FIG. 7 b    illustrates the lower portion  710  and upper portion  720  separately. The lower portion  710  includes a rectangular snap-in cavity  730  designed to accommodate the upper portion  720 . Four snap-in arms  750   a ,  750   b ,  750   c , and  750   d  protrude from the underside of the upper portion  720  and are configured for insertion into the snap-in cavity  730 . Two of the snap-in arms  750   a  and  750   c  are configured to fit into the snap-in sockets  740   a  and  740   b  on the outer side of the snap-in cavity  730  when the snap-in arms  750   a ,  750   b ,  750   c , and  750   d  are inserted into the snap-in cavity  730 . Likewise, the snap-in arms  750   b  and  750   d  are configured to fit into snap-in sockets (not illustrated) opposite the snap-in sockets  740   a  and  740   b . The upper portion  720  also includes four alignment pins  760   a ,  760   b ,  760   c , and  760   d  protruding from the underside of the upper portion  720 , which facilitates alignment between the upper portion  720  and lower portion  710  by fitting into the corners of the snap-in cavity  730 . 
     The upper portion  720  also includes a contact base and retaining walls designed to couple to the lower mount component  160  of  FIG. 1 c   , similar to previous embodiments. In a typical embodiment, the camera housing  100  of  FIG. 1 a    is coupled to the lower mount component  160 , which is then coupled to the detachable upper portion  720  of the mount  700 . In response to a force exerted on the camera assembly, a reciprocal force is exerted on detachable upper portion  720 . Due to the decrease in lateral separation between the detachable upper portion  720  and the lower portion  710 , a torque is exerted on the snap-in cavity  730 . If the torque is of sufficient magnitude, the upper portion  720  and the lower portion  710  will separate, causing the upper portion  720 , and with it the camera housing  100  and base mount component  160 , to become decoupled from the lower portion  710 . The lower portion  710  will remain attached to the mounting surface. The camera housing  100 , base mount component  160 , and upper portion  720  may be retrieved and re-attached to the lower portion  710 . 
     The non-flexible components described herein—including rigid joints, breakable tabs, retaining walls, and contact bases—can be made out of a variety of materials. Examples include acrylic, brittle plastics, certain types of epoxies, and so on. The flexible components described herein can also be made out of a variety of materials. Examples include certain classes of polycarbonate, flexible types of polyurethane, and other plastics. 
     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 skill 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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0