Patent Description:
Disclosed herein are implementations of electronic devices and mounts thereof.

In one implementation, an electronic device includes a body, electronic components contained in the body, and two finger members. The two finger members movable relative to the body between an extended state and a collapsed state. In the extended state, the two finger members extend outward from the body for receipt by a mount of an external support, in the collapsed state, the two finger members are collapsed toward the body. In the extended state, the two finger members may extend parallel with each other for receipt in parallel slots of the mount of the external support.

In one implementation, a mount for an electronic device includes a base and two finger members. The base is configured to couple to the electronic device. The two finger members are movable relative to the base between an extended state and a collapsed state. In the extended state, the two finger members extend parallel with each other to be insertable into parallel slots a support mount of an external support. In the collapsed state, the two finger members are biased away from each other.

In one implementation, a mount for a camera includes two protrusions and a base. The two protrusions each include opposed planar surfaces that define a thickness of the protrusion, which is less than a width and a length of the protrusion. The protrusions are rotatably coupled to the base. The two protrusions are movable relative to the base between respective extended positions and collapsed positions. When the two protrusions are in the extended positions, the two protrusions extend parallel with each other in a common direction to define a slot therebetween.

In an implementation, a camera mount includes two finger members that are coupleable to a camera. Each of the two finger members includes opposed planar surfaces that are parallel with and define a thickness of thereof and an aperture extending through the thickness. The two finger members are rotatable relative to the camera about different respective axes of rotation between respective extended positions and respective collapsed positions. When the finger members are in the respective extended positions, the camera mount is in an extended state with the finger members extending parallel with each other in a common direction and the apertures being coaxial with each other. When the finger members are in the respective collapsed positions, the camera mount is in a collapsed state. A camera may include a body, a lens coupled to the body, and the mount coupled to the body.

In an implementation, a camera includes a body, electronic components contained in the body and including an image sensor, and two finger members coupled to and movable relative to the body between an extended state and a non-extended state. In the extended state, the two finger members extend away from the body for receipt by a mount of an external support. In the non-extended state, the two finger members are biased toward the body relative to the extended state.

The camera may further include a mount assembly that includes a base and the two finger members rotatably coupled to the base. The base may be removably coupled to the body with the two finger members being coupled to the body of the camera by the base of the mount assembly. The two finger members may each include opposed planar surfaces that define a thickness thereof with the thickness being less than a width and a length thereof. The two finger members may be rotatable relative to the body about different axes to move between the extended state and the non-extended state. The two finger members may rotate toward each other when moving from the non-extended state to the extended state. In the extended state, the finger members may be parallel parallel and extend in a common direction away from the body. In the non-extended state, the finger members may be parallel and extend in opposite directions. The two finger members may be retainable in each of the extended state and the non-extended state. In the non-extended state, each of the finger members may be contained substantially within a recess of the body. In the extended state, each of the finger members may protrude outward from the recess.

In an implementation, a mount for a camera includes a base configured to couple to the camera, and two fingers that are movable relative to the base between an extended state and a non-extended state. In the extended state, the two fingers extend parallel with each other to be insertable into parallel slots of a support mount of an external support. In the non-extended state, the two fingers are biased away from each other as compared to the extended state. The two fingers may be rotatable relative to the base about parallel axes independent of each other. The mount may retain the fingers frictionally in the extended state and magnetically in the non-extended state. The two fingers may each include opposed planar surfaces that define a thickness thereof and an aperture extending through the thickness with the thickness being less than a width and a length thereof.

In an implementation, a mount for a camera includes two protrusions and a base. Each of the protrusions includes opposed planar surfaces that define a thickness of the protrusion and an aperture extending through the thickness with thickness being less than a width and a length of the protrusion. The protrusions are coupled to the base and rotatable between respective first positions and respective second positions. When the two protrusions are in the respective first positions, the two protrusions extend parallel with each other in a common direction to define a slot therebetween.

In an implementation, a camera mount includes a finger member that is coupleable to a camera. The finger member includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, an axis of rotation, and an aperture. The distal portion extends from the proximal portion and includes opposed planar surfaces that are parallel with each other and define a thickness thereof. The axis of rotation extends through the proximal portion and about which the finger member is rotatable relative to the camera when coupled thereto. The aperture extends through the distal portion. An end of the distal portion is rounded about the aperture and includes a finger pick for a user to rotate the finger member about the axis of rotation.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of electronic devices (e.g., cameras) and mounts therefor, which are configured to connect to an external mount for supporting the electronic device. <FIG> are perspective views of an example of an image capture device <NUM>. The image capture device <NUM> may include a body <NUM> having a lens <NUM> structured on a front surface of the body <NUM>, various indicators on the front of the surface of the body <NUM> (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 body <NUM> for capturing images via the lens <NUM> and/or performing other functions. The image capture device <NUM> may be configured to capture images and video and to store captured images and video for subsequent display or playback.

The image capture device <NUM> may include various indicators, including LED lights <NUM> and LCD display <NUM>. The image capture device <NUM> may also include buttons <NUM> configured to allow a user of the image capture device <NUM> to interact with the image capture device <NUM>, to turn the image capture device <NUM> on, to operate latches or hinges associated with doors of the image capture device <NUM>, and/or to otherwise configure the operating mode of the image capture device <NUM>. The image capture device <NUM> may also include a microphone <NUM> configured to receive and record audio signals in conjunction with recording video.

The image capture device <NUM> may include an I/O interface <NUM> (e.g., hidden as indicated using dotted lines). As best shown in <FIG>, the I/O interface <NUM> can be covered and sealed by a removable door <NUM> of the image capture device <NUM>. The removable door <NUM> can be secured, for example, using a latch mechanism 115a (e.g., hidden as indicated using dotted lines) that is opened by engaging the associated button <NUM> as shown.

The removable door <NUM> can also be secured to the image capture device <NUM> using a hinge mechanism 115b, allowing the removable door <NUM> to pivot between an open position allowing access to the I/O interface <NUM> and a closed position blocking access to the I/O interface <NUM>. The removable door <NUM> can also have a removed position (not shown) where the entire removable door <NUM> is separated from the image capture device <NUM>, that is, where both the latch mechanism 115a and the hinge mechanism 115b allow the removable door <NUM> to be removed from the image capture device <NUM>.

The image capture device <NUM> may also include another microphone integrated into the body <NUM> or housing. The front surface of the image capture device <NUM> may include two drainage ports as part of a drainage channel. The image capture device <NUM> may include an interactive display <NUM> that allows for interaction with the image capture device <NUM> while simultaneously displaying information on a surface of the image capture device <NUM>. As illustrated, the image capture device <NUM> may include the lens <NUM> that is configured to receive light incident upon the lens <NUM> and to direct received light onto an image sensor internal to the lens <NUM>.

The image capture device <NUM> of <FIG> includes an exterior that encompasses and protects internal electronics. In the present example, the exterior includes six surfaces (i.e. a front face, a left face, a right face, a back face, a top face, and a bottom face) that form a rectangular cuboid. Furthermore, both the front and rear surfaces of the image capture device <NUM> are rectangular. In other embodiments, the exterior may have a different shape. The image capture device <NUM> may be made of a rigid material such as plastic, aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. The image capture device <NUM> may include features other than those described here. For example, the image capture device <NUM> may include additional buttons or different interface features, such as interchangeable lenses, cold shoes and hot shoes that can add functional features to the image capture device <NUM>, etc..

The image capture device <NUM> may include various types of image sensors, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors, active pixel sensors (APS), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) sensors, and/or any other image sensor or combination of image sensors.

Although not illustrated, in various embodiments, the image capture device <NUM> may include other additional electrical components (e.g., an image processor, camera SoC (system-on-chip), etc.), which may be included on one or more circuit boards within the body <NUM> of the image capture device <NUM>.

The image capture device <NUM> may interface with or communicate with an external device, such as an external user interface device, via a wired or wireless computing communication link (e.g., the I/O interface <NUM>). The user interface device may, for example, be the personal computing device <NUM> described below with respect to <FIG>. Any number of computing communication links may be used. The computing communication link may be a direct computing communication link or an indirect computing communication link, such as a link including another device or a network, such as the internet, may be used.

In some implementations, the computing communication link may be a Wi-Fi link, an infrared link, a Bluetooth (BT) link, a cellular link, a ZigBee link, a near field communications (NFC) link, such as an ISO/IEC <NUM> protocol link, an Advanced Network Technology interoperability (ANT+) link, and/or any other wireless communications link or combination of links.

In some implementations, the computing communication link may be an HDMI link, a USB link, a digital video interface link, a display port interface link, such as a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) digital display interface link, an Ethernet link, a Thunderbolt link, and/or other wired computing communication link.

The image capture device <NUM> may transmit images, such as panoramic images, or portions thereof, to the user interface device (not shown) via the computing communication link, and the user interface device may store, process, display, or a combination thereof the panoramic images.

The user interface device may be a computing device, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a phablet, a smart watch, a portable computer, and/or another device or combination of devices configured to receive user input, communicate information with the image capture device <NUM> via the computing communication link, or receive user input and communicate information with the image capture device <NUM> via the computing communication link.

The user interface device may display, or otherwise present, content, such as images or video, acquired by the image capture device <NUM>. For example, a display of the user interface device may be a viewport into the three-dimensional space represented by the panoramic images or video captured or created by the image capture device <NUM>.

The user interface device may communicate information, such as metadata, to the image capture device <NUM>. For example, the user interface device may send orientation information of the user interface device with respect to a defined coordinate system to the image capture device <NUM>, such that the image capture device <NUM> may determine an orientation of the user interface device relative to the image capture device <NUM>.

Based on the determined orientation, the image capture device <NUM> may identify a portion of the panoramic images or video captured by the image capture device <NUM> for the image capture device <NUM> to send to the user interface device for presentation as the viewport. In some implementations, based on the determined orientation, the image capture device <NUM> may determine the location of the user interface device and/or the dimensions for viewing of a portion of the panoramic images or video.

The user interface device may implement or execute one or more applications to manage or control the image capture device <NUM>. For example, the user interface device may include an application for controlling camera configuration, video acquisition, video display, or any other configurable or controllable aspect of the image capture device <NUM>.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may generate and share, such as via a cloud-based or social media service, one or more images, or short video clips, such as in response to user input. In some implementations, the user interface device, such as via an application, may remotely control the image capture device <NUM> such as in response to user input.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may display unprocessed or minimally processed images or video captured by the image capture device <NUM> contemporaneously with capturing the images or video by the image capture device <NUM>, such as for shot framing, which may be referred to herein as a live preview, and which may be performed in response to user input. In some implementations, the user interface device, such as via an application, may mark one or more key moments contemporaneously with capturing the images or video by the image capture device <NUM>, such as with a tag, such as in response to user input.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may display, or otherwise present, marks or tags associated with images or video, such as in response to user input. For example, marks may be presented in a camera roll application for location review and/or playback of video highlights.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may wirelessly control camera software, hardware, or both. For example, the user interface device may include a web-based graphical interface accessible by a user for selecting a live or previously recorded video stream from the image capture device <NUM> for display on the user interface device.

The user interface device may receive information indicating a user setting, such as an image resolution setting (e.g., <NUM> pixels by <NUM> pixels), a frame rate setting (e.g., <NUM> frames per second (fps)), a location setting, and/or a context setting, which may indicate an activity, such as mountain biking, in response to user input, and may communicate the settings, or related information, to the image capture device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another example of an image capture device <NUM>. The image capture device <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and two camera lenses <NUM>, <NUM> disposed on opposing surfaces of the body <NUM>, for example, in a back-to-back or Janus configuration.

The image capture device may include electronics (e.g., imaging electronics, power electronics, etc.) internal to the body <NUM> for capturing images via the lenses <NUM>, <NUM> and/or performing other functions. The image capture device may include various indicators such as an LED light <NUM> and an LCD display <NUM>.

The image capture device <NUM> may include various input mechanisms such as buttons, switches, and touchscreen mechanisms. For example, the image capture device <NUM> may include buttons <NUM> configured to allow a user of the image capture device <NUM> to interact with the image capture device <NUM>, to turn the image capture device <NUM> on, and to otherwise configure the operating mode of the image capture device <NUM>. In an implementation, the image capture device <NUM> includes a shutter button and a mode button. It should be appreciated, however, that, in alternate embodiments, the image capture device <NUM> may include additional buttons to support and/or control additional functionality.

The image capture device <NUM> may also include one or more microphones <NUM> configured to receive and record audio signals (e.g., voice or other audio commands) in conjunction with recording video.

The image capture device <NUM> may include an I/O interface <NUM> and an interactive display <NUM> that allows for interaction with the image capture device <NUM> while simultaneously displaying information on a surface of the image capture device <NUM>.

The image capture device <NUM> may be made of a rigid material such as plastic, aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. In some embodiments, the image capture device <NUM> described herein includes features other than those described. For example, instead of the I/O interface <NUM> and the interactive display <NUM>, the image capture device <NUM> may include additional interfaces or different interface features. For example, the image capture device <NUM> may include additional buttons or different interface features, such as interchangeable lenses, cold shoes and hot shoes that can add functional features to the image capture device <NUM>, etc..

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the image capture device <NUM> of <FIG>. The image capture device <NUM> is configured to capture spherical images, and accordingly, includes a first image capture device <NUM> and a second image capture device <NUM>. The first image capture device <NUM> defines a first field-of-view <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and includes the lens <NUM> that receives and directs light onto a first image sensor <NUM>.

Similarly, the second image capture device <NUM> defines a second field-of-view <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and includes the lens <NUM> that receives and directs light onto a second image sensor <NUM>. To facilitate the capture of spherical images, the image capture devices <NUM>, <NUM> (and related components) may be arranged in a back-to-back (Janus) configuration such that the lenses <NUM>, <NUM> face in generally opposite directions.

The fields-of-view <NUM>, <NUM> of the lenses <NUM>, <NUM> are shown above and below boundaries <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Behind the first lens <NUM>, the first image sensor <NUM> may capture a first hyper-hemispherical image plane from light entering the first lens <NUM>, and behind the second lens <NUM>, the second image sensor <NUM> may capture a second hyper-hemispherical image plane from light entering the second lens <NUM>.

One or more areas, such as blind spots <NUM>, <NUM> may be outside of the fields-of-view <NUM>, <NUM> of the lenses <NUM>, <NUM> so as to define a "dead zone. " In the dead zone, light may be obscured from the lenses <NUM>, <NUM> and the corresponding image sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, and content in the blind spots <NUM>, <NUM> may be omitted from capture. In some implementations, the image capture devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to minimize the blind spots <NUM>, <NUM>.

The fields-of-view <NUM>, <NUM> may overlap. Stitch points <NUM>, <NUM>, proximal to the image capture device <NUM>, at which the fields-of-view <NUM>, <NUM> overlap may be referred to herein as overlap points or stitch points. Content captured by the respective lenses <NUM>, <NUM>, distal to the stitch points <NUM>, <NUM>, may overlap.

Images contemporaneously captured by the respective image sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be combined to form a combined image. Combining the respective images may include correlating the overlapping regions captured by the respective image sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, aligning the captured fields-of-view <NUM>, <NUM>, and stitching the images together to form a cohesive combined image.

A slight change in the alignment, such as position and/or tilt, of the lenses <NUM>, <NUM>, the image sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, or both, may change the relative positions of their respective fields-of-view <NUM>, <NUM> and the locations of the stitch points <NUM>, <NUM>. A change in alignment may affect the size of the blind spots <NUM>, <NUM>, which may include changing the size of the blind spots <NUM>, <NUM> unequally.

Incomplete or inaccurate information indicating the alignment of the image capture devices <NUM>, <NUM>, such as the locations of the stitch points <NUM>, <NUM>, may decrease the accuracy, efficiency, or both of generating a combined image. In some implementations, the image capture device <NUM> may maintain information indicating the location and orientation of the lenses <NUM>, <NUM> and the image sensors <NUM>, <NUM> such that the fields-of-view <NUM>, <NUM>, stitch points <NUM>, <NUM>, or both may be accurately determined, which may improve the accuracy, efficiency, or both of generating a combined image.

The lenses <NUM>, <NUM> may be laterally offset from each other, may be off-center from a central axis of the image capture device <NUM>, or may be laterally offset and off-center from the central axis. As compared to image capture devices with back-to-back lenses, such as lenses aligned along the same axis, image capture devices including laterally offset lenses may include substantially reduced thickness relative to the lengths of the lens barrels securing the lenses. For example, the overall thickness of the image capture device <NUM> may be close to the length of a single lens barrel as opposed to twice the length of a single lens barrel as in a back-to-back configuration. Reducing the lateral distance between the lenses <NUM>, <NUM> may improve the overlap in the fields-of-view <NUM>, <NUM>.

Images or frames captured by the image capture devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be combined, merged, or stitched together to produce a combined image, such as a spherical or panoramic image, which may be an equirectangular planar image. In some implementations, generating a combined image may include three-dimensional, or spatiotemporal, noise reduction (3DNR). In some implementations, pixels along the stitch boundary may be matched accurately to minimize boundary discontinuities.

<FIG> are block diagrams of examples of image capture systems.

Referring first to <FIG>, an image capture system <NUM> is shown. The image capture system <NUM> includes an image capture device <NUM> (e.g., a camera or a drone), which may, for example, be the image capture device <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The image capture device <NUM> includes a processing apparatus <NUM> that is configured to receive a first image from a first image sensor <NUM> and receive a second image from a second image sensor <NUM>. The image capture device <NUM> includes a communications interface <NUM> for transferring images to other devices. The image capture device <NUM> includes a user interface <NUM> to allow a user to control image capture functions and/or view images. The image capture device <NUM> includes a battery <NUM> for powering the image capture device <NUM>. The components of the image capture device <NUM> may communicate with each other via the bus <NUM>.

The processing apparatus <NUM> may be configured to perform image signal processing (e.g., filtering, tone mapping, stitching, and/or encoding) to generate output images based on image data from the image sensors <NUM> and <NUM>. The processing apparatus <NUM> may include one or more processors having single or multiple processing cores. The processing apparatus <NUM> may include memory, such as a random-access memory device (RAM), flash memory, or another suitable type of storage device such as a non-transitory computer-readable memory. The memory of the processing apparatus <NUM> may include executable instructions and data that can be accessed by one or more processors of the processing apparatus <NUM>.

For example, the processing apparatus <NUM> may include one or more dynamic random access memory (DRAM) modules, such as double data rate synchronous dynamic random-access memory (DDR SDRAM). In some implementations, the processing apparatus <NUM> may include a digital signal processor (DSP). In some implementations, the processing apparatus <NUM> may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). For example, the processing apparatus <NUM> may include a custom image signal processor.

The first image sensor <NUM> and the second image sensor <NUM> may be configured to detect light of a certain spectrum (e.g., the visible spectrum or the infrared spectrum) and convey information constituting an image as electrical signals (e.g., analog or digital signals). For example, the image sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may include CCDs or active pixel sensors in a CMOS. The image sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may detect light incident through a respective lens (e.g., a fisheye lens). In some implementations, the image sensors <NUM> and <NUM> include digital-to-analog converters. In some implementations, the image sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are held in a fixed orientation with respective fields of view that overlap.

The communications interface <NUM> may enable communications with a personal computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer). For example, the communications interface <NUM> may be used to receive commands controlling image capture and processing in the image capture device <NUM>. For example, the communications interface <NUM> may be used to transfer image data to a personal computing device. For example, the communications interface <NUM> may include a wired interface, such as a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, or a FireWire interface. For example, the communications interface <NUM> may include a wireless interface, such as a Bluetooth interface, a ZigBee interface, and/or a Wi-Fi interface.

The user interface <NUM> may include an LCD display for presenting images and/or messages to a user. For example, the user interface <NUM> may include a button or switch enabling a person to manually turn the image capture device <NUM> on and off. For example, the user interface <NUM> may include a shutter button for snapping pictures.

The battery <NUM> may power the image capture device <NUM> and/or its peripherals. For example, the battery <NUM> may be charged wirelessly or through a micro-USB interface.

Referring to <FIG>, another image capture system <NUM> is shown. The image capture system <NUM> includes an image capture device <NUM> and a personal computing device <NUM> that communicate via a communications link <NUM>. The image capture device <NUM> may, for example, be the image capture device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The personal computing device <NUM> may, for example, be the user interface device described with respect to <FIG>.

The image capture device <NUM> includes an image sensor <NUM> that is configured to capture images. The image capture device <NUM> includes a communications interface <NUM> configured to transfer images via the communication link <NUM> to the personal computing device <NUM>.

The personal computing device <NUM> includes a processing apparatus <NUM> that is configured to receive, using a communications interface <NUM>, images from the image sensor <NUM>. The processing apparatus <NUM> may be configured to perform image signal processing (e.g., filtering, tone mapping, stitching, and/or encoding) to generate output images based on image data from the image sensor <NUM>.

The image sensor <NUM> is configured to detect light of a certain spectrum (e.g., the visible spectrum or the infrared spectrum) and convey information constituting an image as electrical signals (e.g., analog or digital signals). For example, the image sensor <NUM> may include CCDs or active pixel sensors in a CMOS. The image sensor <NUM> may detect light incident through a respective lens (e.g., a fisheye lens). In some implementations, the image sensor <NUM> includes digital-to-analog converters. Image signals from the image sensor <NUM> may be passed to other components of the image capture device <NUM> via a bus <NUM>.

The communications link <NUM> may be a wired communications link or a wireless communications link. The communications interface <NUM> and the communications interface <NUM> may enable communications over the communications link <NUM>. For example, the communications interface <NUM> and the communications interface <NUM> may include an HDMI port or other interface, a USB port or other interface, a FireWire interface, a Bluetooth interface, a ZigBee interface, and/or a Wi-Fi interface. For example, the communications interface <NUM> and the communications interface <NUM> may be used to transfer image data from the image capture device <NUM> to the personal computing device <NUM> for image signal processing (e.g., filtering, tone mapping, stitching, and/or encoding) to generate output images based on image data from the image sensor <NUM>.

The processing apparatus <NUM> may include one or more processors having single or multiple processing cores. The processing apparatus <NUM> may include memory, such as RAM, flash memory, or another suitable type of storage device such as a non-transitory computer-readable memory. The memory of the processing apparatus <NUM> may include executable instructions and data that can be accessed by one or more processors of the processing apparatus <NUM>. For example, the processing apparatus <NUM> may include one or more DRAM modules, such as DDR SDRAM.

In some implementations, the processing apparatus <NUM> may include a DSP. In some implementations, the processing apparatus <NUM> may include an integrated circuit, for example, an ASIC. For example, the processing apparatus <NUM> may include a custom image signal processor. The processing apparatus <NUM> may exchange data (e.g., image data) with other components of the personal computing device <NUM> via a bus <NUM>.

The personal computing device <NUM> may include a user interface <NUM>. For example, the user interface <NUM> may include a touchscreen display for presenting images and/or messages to a user and receiving commands from a user. For example, the user interface <NUM> may include a button or switch enabling a person to manually turn the personal computing device <NUM> on and off. In some implementations, commands (e.g., start recording video, stop recording video, or capture photo) received via the user interface <NUM> may be passed on to the image capture device <NUM> via the communications link <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a camera <NUM>, such as one of the image capture device <NUM>, the image capture device <NUM>, or a variation thereof, includes a body <NUM> and a mount <NUM> by which the camera <NUM> is coupled to another mount <NUM> of an external support <NUM>. The mount <NUM> of the camera <NUM> is referred to herein as the device mount <NUM>, but may also be referred to as a camera mount when used with a camera. The other mount <NUM> of the external support <NUM> is referred to herein as the support mount <NUM>. Cooperatively, the device mount <NUM> and the support mount <NUM> may be referred to as a mounting system. Instead of a camera <NUM>, another type of electronic device may be similarly configured with the device mount <NUM> described herein, such an output device (e.g., an electronic display, or speaker), an input device (e.g., a microphone), a control device (e.g., a remote control), a peripheral device (e.g., a battery, or communications interface, hub, or dock with which other devices are in communication), which may or may not be associate with the camera <NUM> or another image capture device. The external support <NUM> may be a tripod (as shown), or another type of mounting device, such as a bar mount (e.g., for handle bars of a bicycle), an elongated arm (e.g., a "selfie stick"), or a helmet mount. The device mount <NUM> may also be referred to as a mount assembly.

The camera <NUM> includes one or more lenses <NUM> facing outward from the body <NUM> and electronic components suitable for capturing images contained therein (e.g., image sensor, image processor, memory, and/or power storage, such as a battery). The body <NUM> may, for example, be a housing that contains the electronic components therein and may be waterproof. The body <NUM> may, as shown, have a rectilinear shape having a bottom side 410a, an upper side opposite the bottom side 410a (not labeled in <FIG>), a front side 410b, a rear side opposite the front side 410b (not labeled in <FIG>), a right side 410c, and a left side opposite the right side 410c (not labeled in <FIG>). The one or more lenses <NUM> face outward, for example, from the front side 410b and the rear side. The body <NUM> may have any other suitable shape, such as having a rounded or irregular shape.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, the device mount <NUM> and the support mount <NUM> include interlocking fingers by which the device mount <NUM> and the support mount <NUM> couple to each other. The support mount <NUM> includes three finger members <NUM> that define two parallel slots <NUM> therebetween, which receive finger members <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> corresponding thereto. The support mount <NUM> may also be referred to as a three-finger mount, while the device mount <NUM> may also be referred to as a two-finger mount. As discussed in further detail below, the finger members <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> are thin, flat planar structures having opposed planar faces that define a thickness thereof that is less than a width and a length thereof (e.g., less than one quarter of the width and/or the length). The finger members <NUM> of the support mount <NUM> define the parallel slots <NUM> with corresponding dimensions for interfitment (e.g., receipt) therein of the finger members <NUM> of the device mount <NUM>. The finger members <NUM>, <NUM> may also be referred to as fingers, arms, protrusions, planar protrusions, or members.

Referring first to the support mount <NUM> of the external support <NUM>, the three finger members <NUM> include a first outer finger member 444a, a second outer finger member 444b, and a central finger member 444c that is positioned between the first outer finger member 444a and the second outer finger member 444b. The central finger member 444c includes two planar surfaces 444c' that are parallel with and face away from each other and which may be referred to as opposed planar surfaces. The central finger member 444c has a thickness that is measured between and perpendicular to the two planar surfaces 444c' thereof.

The first outer finger member 444a includes a planar surface 444a' that faces and is parallel with one of the two planar surfaces 444c' of the central finger member 444c. A first of the slots <NUM> is defined between the planar surface 444a' of the first outer finger member 444a and a first of the planar surfaces 444c' of the central finger member 444c. The first slot <NUM> has a width that is measured between and perpendicular to the planar surface 444a' of the first outer finger member 444a and the first planar surface 444c' of the central finger member 444c.

The second outer finger member 444b includes a planar surface 444b' that faces and is parallel with a second of the two planar surfaces 444c' of the central finger member 444c. The planar surface 444b of the second outer finger member 444b is also parallel with the first of the two planar surfaces 444c' of the central finger member 444c and the planar surface 444a' of the first outer finger member 444a. A second of the slots <NUM> is defined between the planar surface 444b' of the second outer finger member 444b and the second of the planar surfaces 444c' of the central finger member 444c. The second slot <NUM> has a width that is measured between and perpendicular to the planar surface 444b' of the second outer finger member 444b and the second planar surface 444c' of the central finger member 444c. The widths of the two slots <NUM> are the same. The three finger members <NUM> may be an integrally formed structure, such as being an injection molded plastic structure or a machined metal structure. The finger members <NUM> may also terminate at a common height (e.g., having rounded ends) and/or have a common width.

The support mount <NUM> also includes a shaft <NUM>, which functions to retain the device mount <NUM> of the camera <NUM> to the support mount <NUM>. The three finger members <NUM> include apertures (not labeled) that are aligned with each other and through which the shaft <NUM> is positioned. The shaft <NUM> extends perpendicular to the finger members <NUM> and the slots <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is removable from the support mount <NUM>, for example, being a threaded shaft (e.g., a thumb screw) having a threaded end that is received by a nut <NUM> of the support mount <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the device mount <NUM> is reconfigurable (e.g., is collapsible, movable, or foldable) between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration (shown in <FIG>), the device mount <NUM> is arranged for being coupled to the support mount <NUM> of the external support <NUM> and, in particular, extends away from the body <NUM> for receipt by the support mount <NUM>. The first configuration may also be referred to as an extended, protruding, unfolded, deployed, or mounting state or configuration. In the second configuration (shown in <FIG>), the device mount <NUM> is collapsed toward the body <NUM>, for example, to use the camera <NUM> without the external support <NUM>. In the second configuration, the device mount <NUM> is collapsed toward the body <NUM>, such that the camera <NUM> is more compact than in the extended state, for example, such that the camera <NUM> has a lesser height when the device mount <NUM> is collapsed than when extended. In the collapsed state, the device mount may be configured to not be receivable (e.g., not be fully receivable) by the support mount <NUM> of the external support <NUM> for retention thereto (e.g., with the shaft <NUM>). The second configuration may also be referred to as a collapsed, recessed, folded, non-deployed, non-extended, or non-mounting state or configuration. The device mount <NUM> is also removable from the body <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), or may alternatively be permanently coupled thereto.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, the device mount <NUM> generally includes the two finger members <NUM>, referenced above, and a base <NUM>. The two finger members <NUM> correspond to the two slots <NUM> of the support mount <NUM> and, when the device mount <NUM> is in the extended state, are insertable into the slots <NUM> of the support mount <NUM>.

The finger members <NUM> are coupled to and movable relative to the base <NUM>. As shown, the finger members <NUM> rotate relative to the base <NUM> between respective extended positions (shown in <FIG>; see also <FIG>) and collapsed positions (shown in <FIG>; see also <FIG>). For example, the finger members <NUM> may rotate substantially <NUM> degrees between the extended and collapsed positions and/or in opposite directions from each other (e.g., as indicated by the arrows in <FIG>). The finger members <NUM> may rotate independent of each other, for example, such that one of the finger members <NUM> may be in the extended position, while the other of the finger members <NUM> may simultaneously be in the collapsed position. The base <NUM> is in turn coupled to the camera <NUM> along the bottom side 410a of the body <NUM>, such that the finger members <NUM> are also rotatable relative to the body <NUM>. When the finger members <NUM> are in the respective extended positions, the device mount <NUM> is in the first or extended state, and when finger members <NUM> are in the respective collapsed positions, the device mount <NUM> is in the second or collapsed state. In the extended positions, the finger members <NUM> extend parallel with each other in a common direction, for example, with the planar surfaces 422a of the two finger members <NUM> being parallel with each other. In the extended state, the finger members <NUM> are simultaneously receivable in the slots <NUM> (i.e., between the finger members <NUM>) of the support mount. In the collapsed positions, the finger members <NUM> extend away from each other. For example, the finger members <NUM> may extend away from each other in parallel, for example, with the planar surfaces 422a of the two finger members <NUM> being parallel with each other and/or in a common plane (e.g., with the one of the planar surfaces 422a of each of the two finger members <NUM> being coplanar). When either of the finger members <NUM> is in the collapsed position, the finger members <NUM> are not simultaneously receivable in the slots <NUM> of the support mount. In other embodiments, the base <NUM> may be omitted with the finger members <NUM> being coupled directly to the body <NUM> of the camera <NUM>. As compared to the extended state or positions, the finger members <NUM> are biased away from each other and/or toward (e.g., are closer to) the body <NUM> of the camera <NUM> when in the collapsed state or positions.

The two finger members <NUM> are flat, elongated members configured to be received in one of the slots <NUM> of the support mount <NUM> of the external support <NUM>. Each finger member <NUM> includes a proximal portion 422b and a distal portion 422c having two planar surfaces 422a (e.g., opposed planar surfaces). The proximal portion 422b is proximal to and rotatably coupled to the base <NUM>. The distal portion 422c extends from the proximal portion 422b and is configured to be inserted into one of the slots <NUM> of the external support <NUM>. As each finger member <NUM> is rotated from the extended position to the collapsed position, the distal portion 422c is moved toward the body <NUM>. As the two finger members <NUM> are rotated from the respective extended positions to the collapsed positions, the distal portions 422c of the two finger members are moved away from each other. The distal portion 422c may have an end shape that is rounded (e.g., semi-circular) to facilitate pivoting of the finger members <NUM> when coupled to the support mount <NUM> (e.g., about the shaft <NUM>).

The two planar surfaces 422a of the distal portion 422c of each finger member <NUM> are parallel with and face away from each other. The distal portion 422c of the finger member <NUM> has a thickness that is measured between and perpendicular to the two planar surfaces 422a thereof. The thickness of distal portion 422c of each finger member <NUM> is approximately equal to the width of each slot <NUM> of the external support <NUM> into which the finger member <NUM> is received. As a result, the planar surfaces 422a of the finger members <NUM> engage the planar surfaces 444a', 444b', and 444c' of the finger members <NUM>, which may create friction therebetween to hinder movement of the device mount <NUM> of the camera <NUM> relative to the external support <NUM>. The thicknesses of the distal portions 422c of the two finger members <NUM> are the same as each other, for example, such that either finger member <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> may be inserted into either of the slots <NUM> of the support mount <NUM>.

When the finger members <NUM> are in the respective extended positions, one of the planar surfaces 422a of each of the finger members <NUM> (i.e., those of the planar surfaces 422a that face away from the body <NUM> in the collapsed positions) are parallel with each other and spaced apart facing each other to define a slot <NUM> in which the central finger member 444c of the external support <NUM> is receivable. A width of the slot <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> is measured between and perpendicular to the two planar surfaces 422a of the two finger members <NUM> facing each other in the extended states. The width of the slot <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> is approximately equal to the thickness of the central finger member 444c of the external support <NUM> for receipt thereof. The width of the slot <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> may, as shown, also be approximately equal to the thickness of the two finger members <NUM> (e.g., within <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the thickness thereof).

The finger members <NUM> additionally include apertures <NUM> extending therethrough (e.g., through the planar surfaces 422a thereof), which are configured to receive the shaft <NUM> of the support mount <NUM> therethrough. When the device mount <NUM> is inserted into the support mount <NUM> (i.e., with the finger members <NUM> inserted into the slots <NUM>), the shaft <NUM> may be inserted through the apertures <NUM> of the finger members <NUM> and the apertures (not shown) of the support mount <NUM>, so as to retain the device mount <NUM> to the support mount <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may, thereby, be coupled and retained to the external support <NUM>. Furthermore, the shaft <NUM> may be tightened (e.g., into the nut <NUM>), so as to press the finger members <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> and the finger members <NUM> of the support mount <NUM> against each other to increase friction therebetween.

The finger members <NUM> may, for example, be made of a metal material (e.g., aluminum, steel) according to any suitable manufacturing process or combination of processes (e.g., casting and/or machining). Alternatively, the finger members <NUM> may be made of a polymer (e.g., injection molded plastic), composite (e.g., glass-filled nylon), or combination of metal and polymer materials (e.g., a metal inner structure hingedly coupled to the base <NUM> and overmolded or otherwise covered with a polymer (e.g., plastic or elastomer)). In some examples, the finger members <NUM> are formed of a metal material (e.g., machine aluminum) that is coated with one or more additional layers (e.g., metal plating, polymer coatings, phobic coatings, paint or color, anodizing, among others). When using a polymer, composite, or combination of materials, the polymer material may insulate the planar surfaces 422a from heat conducted from the body <NUM> to the base <NUM>.

As referenced above, the two finger members <NUM> are rotatably coupled to the base <NUM>, which is in turn coupled to the camera <NUM> along the bottom side 410a of the body <NUM>. For example, referring to <FIG>, the base <NUM> may generally include a central portion 424a that is rotatably coupled to the two finger members <NUM>, and two outer portions 424b that extend outward from the central portion 424a and are coupled to or otherwise interface with the body <NUM> of the camera <NUM>. The central portion 424a and the outer portions 424b may form a unitary structure, for example, formed of metal (e.g., aluminum), polymer (e.g., injection molded plastic), composite, or combination of metal and polymer materials. , or may be formed of multiple components that are coupled together.

The finger members <NUM> are rotatable relative to the base <NUM>, for example, about different axes of rotation that may, for example, be parallel (as shown), intersection, or skew. To distinguish between the different axes of rotation of the finger members <NUM>, the axes of rotation may be referred to, for example, as respective axes, different respective axes, parallel axes, or first and second axes. Each of the finger members <NUM> is coupled to the base <NUM>, such as with a hinge pin <NUM>. The hinge pin <NUM> extends through the proximal portion 422b of the finger member <NUM> (e.g., through a bore thereof) and the central portion 424a of the base <NUM>. The proximal portion 422b of the finger member <NUM> may, for example, receive therein part of the central portion 424a of the base <NUM>. For example, the proximal portion 422b of the finger member <NUM> may include end segments 422b' that are spaced apart to form a recess (e.g., a slot or gap) in which is received an outwardly-extending segment 424a' of the central portion 424a of the base <NUM> and through which the axes of rotation extend. As shown the hinge pin <NUM> and, thereby, the axis of rotation of each finger member <NUM> is generally perpendicular to the direction that the apertures <NUM> extend through the finger member <NUM>. The proximal portion 422b (e.g., the end segments 422b') may be rounded about the hinge pin <NUM> (e.g., the axis thereof). The end of the distal portion 422c may be rounded about the aperture <NUM> (e.g., an axis thereof). As a result, the end of the proximal portion 422b may be rounded about an axis that is perpendicular to the aperture <NUM> and/or the end of the distal portion 422c may be rounded about an axis that is perpendicular to the hinge pin <NUM> (e.g., the axis about which the finger member <NUM> rotates). Further, the radius of the end of the distal portion 422c may be larger than the radius of the end of the proximal portion 422b or otherwise larger than a distance from the axis of rotation to the surface of the end of the proximal portion 422b (e.g., being at least three, four, or five times greater than).

The outwardly-extending segments 424a' of the central portion 424a of the base <NUM> extend laterally outward (e.g., left and right) from a central segment 424a" of the central portion 424a of the base <NUM>. For example, as shown, the outwardly-extending segments 424a' and the central segment 424a" may cooperatively form a cross-shape, such as with the outwardly-extending segments 424a' of the central portion 424a having a width (i.e., measured front to back) that is less than a width of the central segment 424a". Further, slots may be defined between central segment 424a" and the outer portion 424b in which the end segments 422b' of the finger member <NUM> are positioned, which may result in no portion of the base <NUM> being positioned between the proximal portions 422b of the finger member <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the camera <NUM>. A sum of widths of the end segments 422b' of the finger members <NUM> and the width of the outwardly-extending segments 424a' may be approximately equal to a width of the central segment 424a".

Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> may be configured to be arranged between the proximal portions 422b of the finger members <NUM> and the external housing <NUM>. For example, the base <NUM> may not define slots between the central segment 424a" of the central portion 424a and the outer portion 424b of the base <NUM> (e.g., with the base <NUM> having a generally constant thickness and/or width). For example, as described in further detail below with respect to <FIG>, the base <NUM> may instead include a generally planar portion of generally constant thickness and a cross-shaped portion (e.g., similar to that formed by the outwardly-extending segments 424a' and the central segment 424a" extending downward therefrom).

Further, the proximal portion 422b of the finger members <NUM> (e.g., the end segments 422b' thereof) may have a thickness (e.g., measured top to bottom in the collapsed state) that is approximately equal to a thickness of the central portion 424a of the base <NUM> (e.g., outwardly-extending segments 424a' and/or the central segment 424a" thereof). The thickness of the distal portion 422c (i.e., between the planar surfaces 422a) is less than the thickness of the end segments 422b' of the finger member <NUM>. A sum of the thicknesses of the distal portion 422c of the finger member <NUM> and the outer portion 424b of the base (e.g., measured top to bottom in the collapsed state) may be approximately equal to the thickness of the end segments 422b' of the finger member <NUM>, the outwardly-extending segments 424a', and/or the central segment 424a" of the central portion 424a.

When in the extended state, the finger members <NUM> (e.g., the proximal portion 422b and/or one of the planar surfaces 422a thereof) may abut the central portion 424a of the base <NUM> (e.g., the central segment 424a") to prevent further rotation toward each other. The finger members <NUM>, thereby, remain spaced apart to define the slot <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> between the finger members <NUM>. When in the extended state, the apertures <NUM> of the finger members <NUM> share a common axis (e.g., of the shaft <NUM>), which may extend perpendicular to both axes of rotation of the finger members <NUM> and may also be spaced below the bottom side 410a of the body <NUM>. When in the collapsed state, the apertures <NUM> have different axes, which may be parallel with each other and perpendicular to both axes of rotation of the finger members <NUM>.

When in the collapsed state, the finger members <NUM> abut the outer portions 424b of the base <NUM>. A sum of a thickness of the distal portion 422c of the finger member <NUM> and the outer portion 424b of the base <NUM> may be approximately equal to the thickness of the proximal portion 422b of the finger member <NUM> and/or the central portion 424a of the base <NUM>. When in the collapsed state, those planar surfaces 422a of the two finger members <NUM> that define the slot <NUM> face away from the body <NUM> and may be coplanar with each other. Further, when in the collapsed state, the apertures <NUM> of the finger members <NUM> have different axes that, for example, are parallel and spaced apart from each other (e.g., extending through the bottom side 410a and the top side of the body <NUM> of the camera <NUM>).

While the proximal portion 422b (e.g., the end segments 422b') have a thickness that is greater than the distal portion 422c, in other configurations, the finger member <NUM> may be configured differently, such as having a generally constant thickness and/or being substantially planar (e.g., with planar parallel surfaces), as is illustrated with the finger members 10A-10D and 18A-18E.

Referring again to <FIG>, the base <NUM> is coupled to the camera <NUM> at the bottom side 410a thereof. For example, referring to <FIG>, the bottom side 410a of the body <NUM> may define a recess <NUM> in which is received the base <NUM> of the device mount <NUM>. The base <NUM> is receivable by the recess <NUM> in a direction generally opposed to the side to which the base <NUM> is coupled (e.g., being received upward into the recess <NUM> on the bottom side 410a of the body <NUM> of the camera <NUM>). The recess <NUM> may also receive the finger members <NUM>, wholly or partially, in the collapsed positions. For example, as shown in <FIG> and additionally in <FIG>, the finger members <NUM> may not protrude from the recess <NUM> when in the collapsed state (e.g., are flush with or preferably recessed relative to surrounding surfaces of the bottom side 410a). With the device mount <NUM> being recessed relative to the surrounding surfaces of the bottom side 410a of the body <NUM> of the camera <NUM>, the bottom side 410a may define a flat surface that allows the camera <NUM> to rest in a stable manner on a flat support surface (e.g., a table).

The recess <NUM> may have multiple depths for receipt of the base <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> and for receipt of the finger members <NUM> when in the collapsed state. For example, the recess <NUM> may have an inner region 414a and an outer region 414b, the inner region 414a being positioned inward (e.g., laterally and vertically) of the outer region 414b relative to the body <NUM>. The inner region 414a of the recess <NUM> has a depth relative to the surrounding surfaces of the bottom side 410a that is greater than a depth of the outer region 414b of the recess <NUM>.

The base <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> is received in the inner region 414a of the recess <NUM>. The finger members <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> are received in the outer region 414b of the recess <NUM> when in the collapsed state. For example, the thickness of the finger members <NUM> (e.g., of the distal portion 422c) may be approximately the same as, or preferably less than, the depth of the outer region 414b of the recess <NUM>. An overall thickness of the device mount <NUM> formed cooperatively by the thickness of the outer portion 424b of the base <NUM> and the thickness of the finger members <NUM> (e.g., the distal portion 422c between the planar surfaces 422a) may be approximately equal to or preferably less than (as shown in <FIG>) the depth of the inner region 414a of the recess <NUM>. Further, the thickness of the finger members <NUM> (e.g., of the distal portion 422c between the planar surfaces 422a) may be approximately equal to or preferably less than (as shown in <FIG>) the depth of the outer region 414b of the recess <NUM>.

As referenced above, the outer portions 424b of the base <NUM> extend outward from the central portion 424a. As a result, the base <NUM> may be considered elongated. For example, the base <NUM> may have a length (e.g., measured left-to-right relative to the body <NUM>), which extends at least a majority (e.g., greater than <NUM>%) of an overall length of the device mount <NUM> (e.g., measured between ends of the distal portions 422c of the finger members <NUM>). For example, as shown, the base <NUM> may be sufficiently long to overlap the apertures <NUM> of the finger members <NUM>. By being elongated, the base <NUM> may distribute loading from the device mount <NUM> to the camera <NUM> (e.g., to the body <NUM> or an internal structure thereof, such as a chassis) over a large area. For example, as shown, the outer portions 424b of the base <NUM> may be connected to the body <NUM> with fasteners (e.g., screws) at outer ends of the device mount <NUM> (e.g., two of the fasteners <NUM> on each of the left and right ends). Alternatively, the length of the base <NUM> may be shorter, for example, less than half the overall length of the device mount <NUM>, or sufficiently short to not overlap the apertures of the finger members <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>).

The finger members <NUM>, when in the collapsed positions, may block access to the fasteners (e.g., cover the fasteners). As a result, the device mount <NUM> may not be removable from the body <NUM> when the finger members <NUM> are the collapsed state.

The overall length of the device mount <NUM> may be slightly less than a length of the outer region 414b of the recess <NUM>. By having a shorter length, ends of the distal portions 422c of the finger members <NUM> may be accessible within the recess <NUM> for a user to fold the finger members <NUM> outward from the collapsed state to the extended state. The distal portions 422c of the finger members <NUM> may further include indentations 422d (e.g., finger picks) on the ends thereof, which allow the user to pull the finger members <NUM> out of the recess <NUM> into the extended positions. Alternatively, the recess <NUM> may omit one or both ends thereof providing unrestricted access to the ends (e.g., the indentations 422d) of the finger members <NUM>.

Referring to the cross-sectional view <FIG>, the device mount <NUM> is configured to couple to a chassis <NUM> of the body <NUM> of the camera <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes the chassis <NUM>, which is a generally rigid structure to which the internal components of the camera <NUM> (e.g., the electronics, battery, etc., such as the processing apparatus <NUM>, image sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) are coupled, and an external housing <NUM> that contains the chassis <NUM> and the electronic components. For example, the external housing <NUM> may include one or more components formed of one or more polymer materials (e.g., elastomer overmolded to plastic) that define a compartment <NUM> that is waterproof, so as to protect the electronics therein. For example, the external housing <NUM> may include two external housing components that are coupled to each other with a seal therebetween and which define a waterproof cavity therein. Any apertures in the external housing components, such as for any input/output (I/O) components (e.g., microphones, speakers, displays, power, etc.) are sealed. The chassis <NUM> is formed of a metal material (e.g., one or more cast aluminum components) and also functions as a heat sink to conduct heat away from the electronic components. The chassis <NUM> is stiffer than the external housing <NUM>. In a variation of the body <NUM>, the compartment <NUM> is not waterproof.

The chassis <NUM> includes a bottom segment 418a at the bottom side 410a of the body <NUM> and an upright segment 418b (e.g., front or rear) extending upward from the bottom segment 418a at the front side 410b or the rear side of the body <NUM>. For example, the chassis <NUM> may be generally L-shaped. The bottom segment 418a sufficiently spans the thickness and/or the width of the camera <NUM> for being coupled to the device mount <NUM>, such as a majority of the thickness and/or the width of the camera <NUM>. In the case of the device mount <NUM>, the bottom segment 418a may instead span less than a majority of the width of the camera <NUM>. The upright segment 418b may span a majority of the width and/or height of the camera <NUM> (e.g., having a forward surface area that is greater than a majority of the surface area on the front side of the camera <NUM>). The external housing <NUM> similarly includes a bottom segment 419a at the bottom side 410a of the body <NUM> and outward of the bottom segment 418a of the chassis <NUM>, as well as a front segment 419b at the front side 410b of the body <NUM> and outward of the upright segment 418b of the chassis <NUM>. The bottom segment 419a of the external housing <NUM> defines the recess <NUM> and, further, allows the fasteners <NUM> (e.g., screws) to couple the base <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> directly to the chassis <NUM>. For example, the bottom segment 418a of the chassis <NUM> includes four screw holes 418a' that threadably receive the fasteners <NUM>, while the bottom segment 419a of the external housing <NUM> includes four corresponding through holes 419a' (labeled in <FIG>) through which the fasteners <NUM> extend. Seals <NUM> (e.g., O-rings) extend around the screw holes 418a' and the through holes 419a' and are positioned (e.g., compressed) between the chassis <NUM> and the external housing <NUM> to prevent water leakage therebetween. Further, the screw holes 418a' are blind screw holes or are otherwise sealed, such that water does not leak through the screw holes 418a' themselves into body <NUM>.

As referenced above, when the finger members <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> are in the collapsed positions, the fasteners <NUM> are covered, such that the fasteners <NUM> are not accessible and the device mount <NUM> is not removable from the camera <NUM>. When the finger members <NUM> are moved to the extended positions, the fasteners <NUM> are uncovered and accessible with a suitable tool (e.g., a screw driver) and the device mount <NUM> is, thereby, removable from the camera <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a variation of the body <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM> and a housing component <NUM> that cooperatively define a compartment <NUM> in which the various electronic components are positioned. Thus, rather than the chassis <NUM> being positioned within the compartment <NUM> as is the chassis <NUM>, the chassis <NUM> forms a surface that itself defines an interior surface of the compartment <NUM>. Any apertures in the chassis <NUM> and the housing component <NUM> (e.g., for I/O components) are sealed to ensure that the compartment <NUM> is waterproof. In a variation, the compartment <NUM> is not waterproof.

The chassis <NUM> generally includes a lower segment 918a and an upright segment 918a (e.g., a front or rear segment or portion) extending upward therefrom. For example, the chassis <NUM> may be generally L-shaped. The lower segment 918a sufficiently spans the thickness and/or the width of the camera <NUM> for being coupled to the device mount <NUM>, such as a majority of the thickness and and/or the width of the camera <NUM>. In the case of the device mount <NUM>, the lower segment 918a may span less than a majority of the width of the camera <NUM>. The upright segment 918b may span a majority of the width and/or the height of the camera <NUM> (e.g., having a surface area that is greater than a majority of the surface area on the corresponding side of the camera <NUM>). A cover 919a may be positioned over and/or cover from view the upright segment 918a, for example, having the same or complementary aesthetic and/or tactile properties as the housing component <NUM>.

The chassis <NUM> and the housing component <NUM> are coupled to each other with a peripheral seal <NUM> therebetween, such as a gasket. The lower segment 918a is positioned outside the compartment <NUM>, for example, being positioned below peripheral seal <NUM> and extending between the housing component <NUM> and the device mount <NUM> coupled thereto. With the lower segment 919b positioned outside the compartment <NUM>, the device mount <NUM> may be coupled to the chassis <NUM> (i.e., the lower segment 918b thereof) without further waterproofing (e.g., without the seals <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, a variation of the device mount <NUM> is removable from a variation of the camera <NUM> without a tool. The camera <NUM> is configured similar to the camera <NUM> but is configured to couple to the device mount <NUM> by including a stud <NUM> that engages a spring clip <NUM> of the device mount <NUM>. The stud <NUM> includes a base 1016a (e.g., a plate) and a boss 1016b coupled thereto and protruding therefrom. The base 1016a is coupled to the bottom side 410a of the camera <NUM>, for example, being embedded in material forming the bottom segment 419a of the external housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the base 1016a may be coupled to the chassis <NUM>, for example, in the manner by which the base <NUM> is coupled to the chassis <NUM> (e.g., with fasteners <NUM>, such as threaded screws). The bottom segment 419a of external housing defines a recess <NUM> in which the device mount <NUM> is received, including an inner region 414a for receiving the base 1016a, which is deeper than an outer region 414b of the recess <NUM> for receiving the finger members <NUM>.

The boss 1016b of the stud <NUM> has an outer surface with a generally constant diameter and includes opposed slots 1016c recessed into the outer surface. In an axial region that includes the slots 1016c, the boss 1016b has a variable diameter that increases moving circumferentially from a minimum diameter in the opposed slots 1016c to a maximum diameter (e.g., the generally constant diameter) at positions between the slots 1016c (e.g., rotated <NUM> degrees).

The device mount <NUM> includes finger members <NUM>, a base <NUM>, and a spring clip <NUM>. The finger members <NUM> are pivotally coupled to the base <NUM> in substantially the same manner as the finger members <NUM> (e.g., within hinge pins extending therethrough). The base <NUM> is a tubular member having an inner surface with a generally constant diameter that is larger than the diameter of the outer surface of the boss 1016b and having an outer surface with a generally constant diameter that is smaller than a dimension (e.g., diameter) of the inner region 414a of the recess <NUM>. The base <NUM> additionally includes slots 1024a that are opposed to each other and extend radially outward into the inner surface of the base <NUM> (e.g., being an aperture extending entirely through the wall thereof).

The spring clip <NUM> is configured to releasably couple the base <NUM> to the boss 1016b of the camera <NUM>. In particular, the spring clip <NUM> is configured to be received by both the slots 1016c of the boss 1016b and the slots 1024a of the base <NUM>. The spring clip <NUM> is a generally ring-shaped member having an end portion (e.g., a lower end) with flanges 1027a that are positioned within the slots 1024a of the base <NUM> and which are receivable by the slots 1016c of the boss 1016b. A central portion of the spring clip <NUM> extends axially between (e.g., along) the inner surface of the base <NUM> and the outer surface of the boss 1016b, and another end portion (e.g., an upper end) of the spring clip <NUM> extends radially outward between an axial end of the base <NUM> and the base 1016a of the stud <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, the device mount <NUM> is coupled to and retained on the stud <NUM> of the camera <NUM>, which may be referred to as a connected state. In particular, the flanges 1027a of the spring clip <NUM> are positioned in both the slots 1016c of the stud <NUM> (protruding radially inward therein) and the slots 1024a of the base <NUM> (protruding radially outward therein), so as to prevent relative axial movement between the stud <NUM> (i.e., the camera <NUM>) and the base <NUM> (i.e., the device mount <NUM>).

In <FIG>, the device mount <NUM> is axially removable from the stud <NUM>, which may be referred to as a disconnected or disconnectable state. More particularly, the device mount <NUM> is rotated by <NUM> degrees relative to the stud <NUM> in the connected state, such that the flanges 1027a of the spring clip <NUM> are not aligned with the slots 1016c of the boss 1016b but are instead aligned with those regions therebetween in which the outer surface of the boss 1016a has the maximum diameter. In the disconnected state, the finger members <NUM> are in the extended state (discussed above with the respect to the finger members <NUM>) and rotated <NUM> degrees relative to the outer region 414b of the recess <NUM>. As the base <NUM> of the device mount <NUM> is received on the stud <NUM> of the camera <NUM>, the boss 1016b presses the flanges 1027a of the spring clip <NUM> outward further into the slots 1024c of the base. The device mount <NUM> is subsequently rotated by <NUM> degrees into the connected state (e.g., by a user grasping the finger members <NUM>), such that the flanges 1027a of the spring clip <NUM> bias inward (e.g., spring inward) for receipt into the slots 1016c on the boss 1016b. The finger members <NUM> may then be pivoted into the outer region 414b of the recess <NUM> into the collapsed stated.

To remove the device mount <NUM>, the finger members <NUM> are pivoted out of the recess <NUM>, and the device mount <NUM> is rotated by <NUM> degrees, such that the flanges 1027a of the spring clip <NUM> are rotated out of the slots 1016c of the boss 1016b and biased outward as the diameter of the outer surface of the boss 1016b engaged thereby increases. The device mount <NUM> may then be removed axially from the boss 1016b of the stud <NUM>, since the flanges 1027a of the spring clip <NUM> are no longer retained in the slots 1016c of the boss 1016b.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> the camera <NUM> and the device mount <NUM>, or variations thereof, may be configured to hold (e.g., retain or maintain) the two finger members <NUM> in the extended state and/or in the collapsed state. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the finger members <NUM> may form an interference fit with the recess <NUM>. For example, outer surfaces of the finger members <NUM> (e.g., those extending between the planar surface 422a thereof) may engage inner surfaces of the bottom side 410a of the body <NUM>, which define the recess <NUM>, such that friction therebetween retains the finger members <NUM> in the recess (i.e., in the collapsed position).

As shown in <FIG>, the device mount <NUM> may include one or more retention mechanisms by which the finger member <NUM> is held in the extended position or the collapsed position relative to the base <NUM>. In an example shown in <FIG>, a spring <NUM> (e.g., a torsion spring) biases one of the finger members <NUM> about the axis of rotation into the extended state. For example, the spring <NUM> may bias the finger members <NUM> against the central segment 424a" of the central portion 424a of the base <NUM> into the extended state (shown in solid lines) from the collapsed state (shown in dashed lines). The spring <NUM> may alternatively normally bias the finger member <NUM> to the collapsed state. The retention mechanism may also be referred to as retainers and components thereof may be referred to as retaining components.

As shown in <FIG>, a retention mechanism is configured as a latch <NUM> that retains the finger member <NUM> in the collapsed state. For example, the latch <NUM> includes a sprung protrusion 1232a on an edge of the finger member <NUM>, which engages and is received by a detent 1232b in the body <NUM> (e.g., in the recess <NUM> of the body <NUM> as shown). The sprung protrusion 1232a may itself be elastic (e.g., being formed of an elastomer) or may include a biasing spring that presses the sprung protrusion 1232a into the detent 1232b. As the user forces the finger member <NUM> to move between the collapsed and extended states, the structure surrounding and defining the detent 1232b applies a lateral force (e.g., generally parallel with the axis of rotation) against the sprung protrusion 1232a, thereby biasing the sprung protrusion 1232a out of the detent 1232b for release thereof and of the finger member <NUM>. The sprung protrusion 1232a and the detent 1232b may be arranged in an opposite configuration with the sprung member 1232a as part of the body <NUM> of the electronic device and the detent 1232b on the finger member <NUM>. In a further alternative, the latch <NUM> may include a latch release interface, such as a button, that may be pressed by the user to release the finger member <NUM> for movement.

In another example shown in <FIG>, the proximal portion 422b of the finger member <NUM> may engage detents in the base <NUM> the extended and/or collapsed states (both as shown). The finger member <NUM> includes a sprung protrusion <NUM> that moves longitudinally (e.g., generally parallel with the finger member <NUM>). The base <NUM> includes two detents 1336a, 1336b in the central portion 424a and the outer portion 424b, respectively, which receive and hold the sprung protrusion 1334a and, thereby, the finger member <NUM> in the collapsed and the extended positions, respectively.

In another example shown in <FIG>, the finger member <NUM> is retained in the collapsed position magnetically. For example, the finger member <NUM> includes a magnetic component <NUM> (e.g., a permanent magnet or an attractor plate), while the base <NUM> includes another magnetic component <NUM> attracted thereby (e.g., an attractor plate or a permanent magnet). The base <NUM> may itself form the other magnetic component <NUM> (e.g., being formed of steel or other ferromagnetic material). The magnetic component <NUM> may instead be incorporated into the body <NUM> (e.g., in the external housing <NUM> and/or the chassis <NUM> therein).

In another example shown in <FIG>, the finger member <NUM> is retained in the collapsed and extend positions with an over-center device <NUM>. The over-center device <NUM> includes sprung surface that engages the proximal portion 422b of the finger member <NUM> (e.g., a protrusion <NUM> thereof). The sprung surface is biased generally toward the pivot axis to apply spring force to the proximal portion 422b of the finger member <NUM>, which generates torque about the pivot axis that biases the distal portion 422c into either the collapsed or extended position. As the finger member <NUM> is pivoted between the collapsed and extended positions and crosses a mid-point in the angular range of travel, the torque generated by the spring force changes direction so as to bias the finger member <NUM> toward the other of the collapsed or extended position.

As illustrated schematically, the over-center device <NUM> includes a spring surface 1542a that is normally biased by a spring 1542b toward the pivot axis. The spring surface 1542a may be a plate member, while the spring 1542b may be a coil spring that applies force between the base <NUM> and the plate member. Alternatively, the spring surface 1542a and the spring 1542b may be cooperatively formed by a single spring element (e.g., a flat torsion spring).

In another example shown in <FIG>, movement of one of the finger members <NUM> causes movement of the other finger member <NUM>. As illustrated, a right finger member 422R and a left finger member <NUM> include proximal portions 1622b that overlap each other. As the user moves one of the finger members <NUM>, the proximal portions 422b engage each other such that the other of the finger members <NUM> moves.

In another example shown in <FIG>, the finger member <NUM> is retained in the collapsed, extended, and/or intermediate positions frictionally. For example, the finger member <NUM> includes the hinge pin <NUM>. The finger member <NUM> and the hinge pin <NUM> are rotationally fixed, for example, with the hinge pin <NUM> being tightly received by the proximal portion 422b of the finger member <NUM> (e.g., being press-fit into apertures thereof). The hinge pin <NUM> is in turn frictionally engaged with the base <NUM> to prevent rotation therebetween. For example, the friction between the hinge pin <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be sufficient to prevent rotation of the finger member <NUM> relative to the base <NUM> due to the force of gravity.

The friction between the hinge pin <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be provided by a friction pad <NUM> (e.g., a friction component). For example, the hinge pin <NUM> may be received by and rotate within apertures of the base <NUM> (not shown), while the friction pad <NUM> presses against the hinge pin <NUM> in a radial direction to generate friction therebetween. The friction pad <NUM> may also press the hinge pin <NUM> against the base <NUM> (e.g., those portions defining the apertures in which the hinge pin <NUM> is received), such that additional friction is generated between the hinge pin <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The friction pad <NUM> may, for example, be an elastic material (e.g., an elastomer, such as rubber, or other polymer). Instead or additionally, the proximal portion 422b (e.g., an end thereof) may be frictionally engaged, such as with friction pad similar to the friction pad <NUM> or portion of the body <NUM> of the camera <NUM> engaging the end thereof, for example, with the end have a rounded surface concentric with the axis of rotation (e.g., of the hinge pin <NUM>).

It should be noted that the retention mechanisms disclosed in <FIG> may be used in any suitable combinations with each other. For example, the spring <NUM> of <FIG> may be used in combination with the latch <NUM> of <FIG> or the magnetic components <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG>. In another example, the finger member <NUM> may be retained both frictionally (e.g., as describe with respect to <FIG>) and magnetically (e.g., described with respect to <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, a variation of the device mount <NUM> is includes two finger members <NUM>, a base <NUM>, and hinge pins <NUM>.

The finger members <NUM> may have a substantially planar configuration with opposed planar surfaces 1822a that extend parallel with each other from a proximal end 1822b to a distal end 1822c thereof (e.g., similar to the finger member <NUM>). As with the finger member <NUM>, the finger member <NUM> includes an aperture 1822d that extends therethrough (e.g., in a normal direction to the planar surfaces 1822a). The aperture 1828d is for receiving the shaft <NUM> for coupling the device mount <NUM> to the support mount <NUM>. The finger members <NUM>, when extended, are inserted into the slots <NUM> of the support mount <NUM>, while the shaft <NUM> is inserted through the apertures 1822d of the finger member <NUM> and the apertures (not shown) of the support mount <NUM>.

The distal end 1822c of the finger member <NUM> may be rounded, for example, having a semicircular cross-sectional shape about the aperture 1822d to permit rotation of the finger member <NUM> when coupled o the support mount <NUM>. The distal end 1822c of the finger member <NUM> may include an indentation <NUM>, which forms a finger pick to facilitate the user removing the finger member <NUM> from a recess of the external housing <NUM> of the camera <NUM> in which the device mount <NUM> is positioned and for rotating the finger member <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The proximal end 1822b of the finger member <NUM> includes end segments 1822b' that are spaced apart to form a recess 1822e (e.g., a gap or slot) in which is received a hinge portion of the base <NUM> as described below. The proximal end 1822b further includes apertures 1822f extending through the end segments 1822b' in each of which is received one of the hinge pins <NUM>. The apertures 1822f and the hinge pin <NUM> are configured to be rotationally fixed to each other (e.g., to rotate with each other), for example, with the hinge pin <NUM> being press-fit into the apertures 1822f. The proximal end 1822b of the finger member <NUM> may be rounded (e.g., being semi-circular in cross-section along the axis of the hinge pin <NUM>) to permit rotation, while being in close proximity to other structures (e.g., the base <NUM>).

The base <NUM> generally includes a coupling portion 1824a (e.g., plate portion) and a hinge portion 1824b. The coupling portion 1824a is configured to couple to the camera <NUM>. As shown, the coupling portion 1824a is a generally planar structure having apertures through which fasteners (not shown; see, e.g., fasteners <NUM>) extend to couple the base <NUM> to the camera <NUM> (e.g., similar to the base <NUM> of the device mount <NUM>). The base <NUM> may have a length that is relatively short as compared to the base <NUM>, for example, being positioned between the apertures 1822d (e.g., not overlapping the apertures 1822d) of the finger members <NUM> when in the collapsed position. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> may be received in the recess <NUM> of the external housing <NUM> of the camera <NUM>. As a result, the finger members <NUM> may be flush against or otherwise contact the external housing <NUM> when in the collapsed position. Furthermore, as also shown in <FIG>, the finger members <NUM> and the base <NUM> may be slightly recessed relative to the external housing <NUM>, such that when the finger members <NUM> are collapsed, the camera <NUM> may rest stably on a surface without the interference from the finger members <NUM> engaging the surface.

The hinge portion 1824b protrudes from the coupling portion 1824a for the finger members <NUM> to hingedly couple thereto. The hinge portion 1824b generally includes a central segment 1824b' and two outwardly extending segments 1824b". Each of the two outwardly extending segments 1824b" is received by the recess 1822e of one of the finger members <NUM> and includes an aperture 1824c for receiving the hinge pin <NUM> therein. The aperture 1824c and the hinge pin <NUM> are cooperatively configured to permit the finger member <NUM> to rotate about an axis formed thereby (e.g., about the hinge portion 1824b of the base <NUM>).

The central segment 1824b' is positioned between the two outwardly extending segments 1824b" and the finger members <NUM>. As the finger members <NUM> are rotated from the collapsed positions to the extended positions, the central segment 1824b' may engage the finger members <NUM> (e.g., the planar surfaces 1822a thereof) to maintain proper spacing between the finger members <NUM> for receipt thereof into the slots <NUM> of the support mount <NUM> and to receive the central finger member 444c of the support mount <NUM> therebetween.

To facilitate coupling of the finger members <NUM> to the base <NUM>, the base <NUM> may include a base member 1824e and a base cap 1824f. The base member 1824e is a structure that forms the coupling portion 1824a and first part of the hinge portion 1824b, while the base cap 1824f forms a remaining part of the hinge portion 1824b. More particularly, the base member 1824e and the base cap 1824f cooperatively define the apertures 1824c, for example, each forming a semi-circular half thereof. Thus, to assemble the device mount <NUM>, the hinge pins <NUM> are coupled to the finger members <NUM> (e.g., being press fit therein), the hinge pins <NUM> are placed in the semi-circular half of the aperture formed by the base member 1824e of the base <NUM>, and the base cap 1824f is then coupled to the base member 1824e, capturing the hinge pins <NUM> therebetween. The base cap 1824f may be coupled to the base member 1824e, for example, with fasteners. In one embodiment, the base member 1824e is formed of a metal material (e.g., steel or other ferromagnetic material or aluminum), while the base cap 1824f is formed of metal, plastic, or other polymer material. The base cap 1824f being formed of plastic or other polymer may be advantageous by being a heat insulator, so as to hinder conduction of heat generated by the camera <NUM> to an exposed surface of the camera <NUM>.

Alternatively, the base <NUM> may be a unitary structure with the hinge pins <NUM> being received axially by the apertures 1824c. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a base <NUM>' and a base member 1824e' thereof, which are variations of the base <NUM> and the base member 1824e, may itself define the apertures 1824c in which are positioned the hinge pins <NUM> (i.e., without the base cap 1824f). For example, the hinge pins <NUM> may be inserted axially through the apertures 1822f of each of the finger members <NUM> of the aperture 1824c of the base member 1824e' of the base <NUM>, so as to couple the finger members <NUM> to the base member 1824e'. An outer surface of the base member 1824e' may be exposed, such that heat is conducted from the chassis (e.g., the chassis <NUM> or <NUM>) of the body <NUM> of the camera <NUM> to the surface of the base member 1824e' (e.g., by the metal structure formed thereby). Alternatively, an insulative cap (not shown) or other heat insulative layer or material, which may not function to retain the hinge pin <NUM> to the base, may be coupled to the base member 1824e' to insulate heat conducted through the base member 1824e'.

The device mount <NUM> may additionally be configured to hold the finger members <NUM> in the extended and/or collapsed states magnetically and/or fictionally. For example, the finger members <NUM> may be held frictionally in the extended state, and may be held magnetically in the collapsed state.

The device mount <NUM> frictionally maintains the finger members <NUM> in the extended state generally described above with respect to <FIG>. In particular, the device mount <NUM> includes a friction pad <NUM>, which may be considered part of the base <NUM>. The friction pad <NUM> presses against one or both of the hinge pins <NUM> to generate friction therebetween for holding one or both of the finger members <NUM> in the extended position. The friction pad <NUM> may further press the hinge pins <NUM> against the base <NUM> (e.g., the hinge portion 1824b, which may be formed by the base cap 1824f) to generate friction therebetween for holding one or both of the finger members <NUM> in the extended position. The friction between the base <NUM> (e.g., the friction pad <NUM> and/or the hinge portion 1824b) and each hinge pin <NUM> is sufficient to at least overcome the force of gravity acting on the finger members <NUM> to maintain the finger member <NUM> in the extended position.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the hinge pins <NUM> are pressed between the friction pad <NUM> and the hinge portion 1824b of the base <NUM> (e.g., against the surface defining the aperture 1824c, such as the base cap 1824f). As shown, the base <NUM> defines a cavity <NUM> (e.g., a recess) through which the hinge pins <NUM> extend and in which the friction pad <NUM> is positioned against the hinge pins <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> has a depth, which is less than the cumulative height of the friction pad <NUM> and the hinge pins <NUM>, such that the friction pad <NUM> is compressed by the hinge pins <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the cavity <NUM> has an upper opening from which the friction pad <NUM> protrudes, so as to engage a surface of the external housing <NUM> of the camera <NUM> (see <FIG>). Alternatively, the cavity <NUM> may be closed at an upper end (e.g., the coupling portion 1824a being continuous), while the friction pad <NUM> is received by a lower opening that is enclosed by the base cap 1824f.

The device mount <NUM> magnetically maintains the finger members <NUM> in the collapsed state as generally described above with respect to <FIG>. In particular, the finger member <NUM> includes a magnetic feature <NUM>, which forms a magnetic coupling with the base <NUM>. As shown, the magnetic feature <NUM> is arranged between the hinge pin <NUM> and the aperture 1822d of the finger member <NUM>. The magnetic feature <NUM> may, for example, be a permanent magnet that is embedded into the material forming the finger member <NUM>, for example, to be flush with or recessed relative to the planar surface 1822a nearest the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> has a length sufficient to overlap the magnetic feature <NUM> and, as referenced above, may be made of steel, another ferromagnetic material, or may include a permanent magnet of suitable orientation to form a magnetic coupling with the magnetic feature <NUM>. Alternatively, the magnetic feature <NUM> of the finger member <NUM> may be an attractor plate or otherwise include a ferromagnetic material, while the base <NUM> includes a permanent magnet that forms the magnetic coupling with the magnetic feature <NUM>. As a further alternative, the magnetic feature <NUM> of the finger member <NUM> may instead magnetically couple to the camera <NUM>, which includes a complementary magnetic feature for forming a magnetic coupling therewith.

Referring to <FIG>, in addition to each of the device mount <NUM> and the variations thereof (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, and variations thereof) being couplable to a camera <NUM>, the device mount <NUM> may instead or additionally be coupleable to or integrated with a detachable housing <NUM> that is adapted to releasably contain a camera therein. Thus, the detachable housing <NUM> (or <NUM> below) may be considered to form the device mount <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or variations thereof. The detachable housing <NUM> (e.g., an open frame or waterproof housing) is configured to couple to the device mount <NUM> or variations thereof (e.g., the device mount <NUM> as shown), or may otherwise include the finger members <NUM> (or others) that are rotatably coupled thereto. The detachable housing <NUM> is configured to couple to or otherwise contain a camera <NUM> therein, or other image capture device or system <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> therein. As referenced above, the detachable housing <NUM> may be a waterproof housing, which includes an outer housing structure that defines a receptacle <NUM> for containing the camera <NUM> therein. For example, the outer housing structure may tightly engage the camera <NUM> therein, so as to couple the detachable housing <NUM> to the camera <NUM>. Alternatively, the detachable housing <NUM> may be a frame having one or more open sides to the receptacle <NUM>. For example, the frame may have an open front face and/or an open rear face that allow a substantial majority of a front side and/or a rear side, respectively of the camera mounted therein to be exposed. Such a frame may be coupled to the camera, for example, by being clamped around left, top, right, and bottom sides of the camera and/or engaging edges of the front and/or rear sides of the camera. The combination of the camera (e.g., <NUM>), the detachable housing (e.g., <NUM>), and the device mount may be referred to cooperatively as a camera system.

The outer housing structure <NUM> may further include a recess <NUM> in which the device mount <NUM> (as shown) is positioned and that may be configured substantially similar to the recess <NUM>. For example, the finger members <NUM> may be substantially contained in the recess in the collapsed state (e.g., being flush or recessed relative to the surrounding surfaces of the outer housing structure <NUM>) and extend therefrom in the extended state.

Claim 1:
A device mount (<NUM>) of a camera (<NUM>), the device mount (<NUM>) comprising:
a base (<NUM>) including:
a coupling portion (1824a) configured to couple to the camera (<NUM>); and
a hinge portion (1824b) protruding from the coupling portion (1824a); and
first and second finger members (<NUM>) with opposed planar surfaces (1822a) and apertures (1822d) extending therethrough in a normal direction to the opposed planar surfaces (1822a), wherein the first and second finger members (<NUM>) are rotatably coupled to the base (<NUM>) about axes extending perpendicular to a direction that the apertures (1822d) extend through the first and second fingers members (<NUM>), the first and second finger members (<NUM>) corresponding to slots (<NUM>) of a support mount (<NUM>) on an external support (<NUM>) such that the device mount (<NUM>) and the support mount (<NUM>) couple to each other.