Abstract:
The invention relates generally to mounts, stands and support attachments for cameras and similar devices. More specifically, a suitcase optimized for cameras and camera accessories is integrated with a handle adapted for use as a camera mount.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is related to the following co-pending applications, with some common inventors, and the same assignee. The teaching of the following applications listed below are herein incorporated by reference: 
         [0002]    U.S. application Ser. No.: not yet assigned, filed Sep. 22, 2008, entitled “Suitcase with Integrated Pull-Out Backpack.” 
         [0003]    U.S. application Ser. No.: not yet assigned, filed Sep. 22, 2008, entitled “Suspension Divider Insert.” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The invention relates generally to mounts, stands and support attachments for cameras and similar devices. 
         [0006]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0007]    The following list provides examples of devices capable of utilizing a tripod or stabilizing mount: camera, flashes, video recorders, civil engineering equipment for leveling and surveying, laser equipment for tracking, optical equipment, astronomical equipment, telescopes, binocular, lab equipment, calibration equipment, lighting equipment, reflective devices, shading devices, and monitoring equipment. It should be noted that the list of devices above is not an exhaustive list of devices that can be utilized with the invention. The invention described herein can apply to usage with each of the above, and the teaching is the same for each application, but for the sake of simplicity, the invention is further described in detail for usage with cameras, camera equipment and accessories. 
         [0008]    Many professional photographers find that a tripod is a useful accessory in their daily work. With sports photographers, a tripod or monopod is necessary to support the weight of large lenses, for example, 500 and 600 mm lenses. With night photography, for example, well lit night-time shots are extremely difficult to achieve without the use of a tripod or other stabilizing mount. In other instances, it provides a photographer with hands-free or remote usage of the mounted equipment, for example with flashes, lighting, or calibration equipment. The tripod or mount is a useful, if not essential piece of equipment for the professional and serious amateur photographers. 
         [0009]    The camera bag or camera suitcase is also a useful piece of equipment for photographers. A suitcase, for example, is used to store, protect, and organize a photographer&#39;s camera equipment and accessories, and as such, is also an essential component to the professional or avid amateur photographer. Therefore, a combination of the two, a suitcase with an integrated camera mount provides two pieces of useful equipment in a single unit. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a suitcase optimized for cameras and camera accessories is integrated with a handle adapted for use as a camera mount. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a suitcase is integrated with a retractable handle adapted for use as a camera mount in combination with a set of wheels to facilitate mobility. 
         [0012]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a suitcase is integrated with a handle adapted for use as a camera mount in combination with an attached telescoping foot to provide additional stability for the mounted camera. 
         [0013]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a suitcase handle is integrated with a photographer&#39;s tripod. In this embodiment, the handle is fixed to a tripod, with the tripod positioned as to replace the suitcase trolley system. The tripod is therefore removable from the main suitcase, enabling its independent usage. In this way, the user is able to utilize a weight and space savings by eliminating the excess trolley system. 
         [0014]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the handle mount mechanism detaches and contains the mechanical members of a small fold-out travel tripod. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The drawings illustrate the design and utility of embodiments of the invention, in which similar elements are referred to by common reference numerals and in which: 
           [0016]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrates a suitcase handle with threaded mounting hole and a camera mounting accessory in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a suitcase handle mount with a mounted camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates a suitcase with retractable handle mount with a mounted camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrates a suitcase with pivoting and telescoping prop foot in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5A-D  provides examples of different embodiments of the suitcase handle mount within the scope of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Various embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of specific embodiments of the invention. The embodiments are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an aspect described in conjunction with a particular embodiment of the invention is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiment of the invention. 
         [0022]    Turning to the drawings,  FIG. 1A  illustrates a suitcase handle  100  with a mount hole  105  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The mount hole  105  is built into the handle in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The mount hole  105  utilizes universal threading in a one-quarter inch screw (¼-20 mount screw), common in the industry for use with cameras, camera accessories, and other devices featuring universal mounting members. Alternatively, the mount hole  105  may feature engaging means other than a threaded hole, including but not limited to the following: magnetic mechanism, buckles, clips, snaps, latches, hooks, vacuum mechanism, adhesive mechanisms, locks, and cable ties. 
         [0023]    The suitcase handle  100  is typical of suitcase handles well known in the travel bag industry, and can be molded or manufactured from a variety of materials to any desired shape and size. Although a suitcase handle  100  is shown, the handle can be adapted for use with any bag or case with a handle, including but not limited to the following: bags, satchels, purses, suitcases, hard cases, soft cases, backpacks, side packs, messenger bags, rolling duffle bags, and rolling backpacks. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the mount hole  105  can be optionally covered with a mount hole port cover to conceal the hole as desired for design and aesthetic purposes. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a suitcase handle  100  with threaded mount hole  105  and a mounting adapter  110  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, mounting adapter  110  features universal one-quarter inch screw and threading at both ends for attachment to mount hole  105 , as well as to camera mounts and other devices featuring universal mounting members. As is the case with mount hole  105 , although universal one-quarter inch screw and threading is illustrated for mounting adapter  110 , mounting adapter  110  can be adapted to feature other engaging means, including but not limited to the following: magnetic mechanism, buckles, clips, snaps, latches, hooks, vacuum mechanism, adhesive mechanisms, locks, cable ties, and different sized and threaded screws. 
         [0025]    It should be noted that while mount hole  105  and mount adapter  110  are shown as two separate components, it is contemplated the two elements can be combined into a single unit, adapted to be directly attached to camera mounts and other device mounts. This variation and others is described below as additional embodiments of the invention, and is within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  illustrates a suitcase handle mount  100  with a mounted camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. One embodiment of the present invention is shown in use with a mounted single lens reflex (SLR) camera. Mounting adapter  110  is screwed into mount hole  105 . The mounting adapter  110  is also screwed into the SLR camera mount hole. The in-use example of the present invention in  FIG. 2  demonstrates various uses for the mount, including but not limited to, remote shooting, hands-free shooting, and long exposure shooting. While the mounting adapter  110  shown provides a single position for the mounted device, mounting adapter  110  can be adapted for use with a variety of mount heads, including but not limited to the following: pan and tilt heads with one or more levers, ball and socket heads, grip action ball and socket heads, panoramic heads, and gimbal heads. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates a suitcase with retractable handle mount with a mounted camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. One embodiment of the present invention is shown in use with a mounted SLR camera. As shown, the suitcase  115  features suitcase handle  100  affixed to retracting mechanism  120  capable of being quickly and easily stored within a concealed compartment in suitcase  115 . Additionally,  FIG. 3  illustrates one end of mounting adapter  110  screwed into mount hole  105 , and the opposite end of mounting adapter  110  screwed into the SLR camera mount hole. One advantage of the present invention is that it eliminates the need for a photographer to carry a tripod with his camera gear. The present invention stores and protects the photographer&#39;s gear in a mobile case while also serving as a universal mount. 
         [0028]    It should be noted that while retracting mechanism  120  is shown as a single unit at a fixed height, it is contemplated retracting mechanism  120  can be moved to different levels or may be modified as a telescoping mechanism, capable of achieving heights at levels greater than twice the height of the suitcase or bag. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrates a suitcase with pivoting and telescoping prop foot in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , suitcase  115  features prop foot  125  affixed the backside. Prop foot  125  rests in a first position flush against suitcase  115  for storage when not in use. For use, prop foot  125  pivots and rotates away from suitcase  115 , and telescoping foot member  130  pulls out and elongates to provide additional stability when oversized and/or heavy equipment is mounted on the suitcase handle. Although a single prop foot  125  is shown affixed to suitcase  115 , multiple prop feet may be attached to provide the desired aesthetics or functionality. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a suitcase with prop foot  125  in an open position with a mounted camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in use with a mounted SLR camera. The suitcase  115  features suitcase handle  100  affixed to retracting mechanism  120 . Additionally, one end of mounting adapter  110  is screwed into mount hole  105 , and the opposite end of mounting adapter  110  is screwed into a camera mount hole of a SLR camera with a large telephoto lens. Suitcase  115  also features prop foot  120 . When in use, as shown, prop foot  120  is pivoted away from suitcase  115  and telescoping foot member  130  is fully extended to provide further stability for the mounted SLR camera. 
         [0031]      FIG. 5A-D  provides examples of different embodiments of the suitcase handle mount within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a suitcase handle with a built-in mounting adapter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5A , mounting adapter  155  is built into suitcase handle  150 . Mounting adapter  155  features an integrated threaded mount screw  156  and integrated dial  157  for rotating the threaded mount screw. Additionally, mounting adapter  165  can be swiveled around to conceal the threaded mount screw when not in use. 
         [0033]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a suitcase handle with a built-in mounting adapter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5B , mounting adapter  165  is built into suitcase handle  160 . Mounting adapter  165  is molded specifically to fit and lock into an oppositely molded suitcase handle  160 . Mounting adapter  165  also features an integrated threaded mount screw  166 . The design allows mounting adapter  166  to be fixedly mounted to a camera or camera accessory, and yet, quickly and easily attached or detached from suitcase handle  160 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 5C  illustrates a suitcase handle with a built-in mounting adapter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5C , mounting adapter  175  is built into suitcase handle  170 . Mounting adapter  175  features an integrated threaded mount screw  166 . Additionally, mounting adapter  175  can be swiveled around to conceal the threaded mount screw when not in use. Mounting adapter  175  includes swivel button  177  that, when depressed, releases a lock that allows mounting adapter  175  to swivel. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5D  illustrates a suitcase handle with a built-in mounting adapter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 5D , mounting adapter  185  is built into suitcase handle  180 . Mounting adapter  185  is a flip-out member that sits flush with suitcase handle  180  in a substantially vertical position when stored, and also, rotates away from the side of suitcase handle  180  to a substantially horizontal position when in use. Mounting adapter  185  features an integrated threaded mount screw  186 .