Patent ID: 12222632

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the technology relate to a collapsible softbox. The collapsible softbox may or may not include a support ring that is configured to removably receive light modification devices (e.g. gels). One advantage of the collapsible softbox disclosed in this application includes the collapsible elements not substantially obstructing the path of the light from the light source (e.g., a speed light) to the target (e.g., the subject of the photograph) when in an open position. Additionally, the support ring may be configured to receive light modification devices.

FIGS.1A-1Dillustrate various views of an embodiment of an obstruction-free collapsible softbox100.FIGS.1A-1Cillustrate the softbox in an expanded position, whereasFIG.1Dillustrates the softbox in a closed position. As illustrated, the obstruction-free collapsible softbox100includes a body102. The body102may include a cloth, webbing, or other flexible/semi-flexible, collapsible material. In aspects of the technology, the material of the body102has semi-opaque, reflective, and/or fully opaque properties to direct light from a light source to a target. The body102is supported by a collapsible-frame assembly103. The collapsible frame assembly103, and example components, are described in more detail with references toFIGS.2-7.

In aspects of the technology, the collapsible-frame assembly103includes a frame-arm assembly104. As illustrated, the material of the body102couples to the frame-arm assemblies104at coupling locations107. The coupling locations may be near the distal edge105of the body102. Coupling may occur through a variety of mechanisms. For example, an insert or receiving tab may be sewn or otherwise coupled to the body102at the coupling locations107. In aspects, an insert or receiving tab may facilitate the distal end of the frame-arm assembly104removably-inserting into the distal end of the body102. Other coupling means are contemplated including rivets, pins, screws, nails, adhesive, and any other means now known or later developed suitable for coupling the body to the distal end portion (or other portion) of a plurality of frame-arm assemblies104.

In aspects, the material of the body102defines an opening, which is proximate to the support-ring assembly, that fits around or is coupled to a support-ring assembly106. For example, the perimeter of the opening defined by the body102may be coupled to the perimeter of the support-ring assembly106. In aspects, the support-ring assembly106includes a support ring118and a light ring120. As such, the perimeter of the opening defined by body102may couple to either the outer annular edge of either the support ring118or the light ring120of the support-ring assembly106. As illustrated inFIG.1D, the perimeter of the body defining an opening is coupled to the support ring118. In aspects, the material/webbing of the body is stretched over the support ring118of the support-ring assembly such that the fabric is held in place by friction. In other embodiments, coupling may occur in a variety of ways, including through the use of rivets, pins, screws, nails, adhesive, and any other means now known or later developed suitable for such purposes.

Coupling the body102to the perimeter of the support ring assembly106or the light ring120allows the body102to be stretched from the support-ring assembly106to the distal end of the collapsible frame-arm assemblies104. Thus, the body102may form a variety of shapes, including a frustoconical shape, rectangular prism shape, or, as illustrated, a dome shape. In aspects of technologies, the result is such that the collapsible softbox100has a proximal opening108and a distal opening110. In aspects, the body102forms a convex shape over the collapsible frame assembly103on the back side112of the collapsible softbox100, and the body102forms a concave shape on the front side114of the collapsible softbox100.

As illustrated, the back side of the ring assembly116includes a light coupling mechanism119. The light coupling mechanism is a mechanism, such as magnets, hook and loop fastener, peg and hole, etc., that enables the back side of the ring assembly116to couple to a lighting source that has been adapted to receive such a mechanism. In aspects of the technology, the collapsible softbox100couples to a light source via a coupling mechanism119that are magnets, which are magnetically attracted to a Ferro-magnetic plate of the light source, for example.

Illustrated inFIG.1Dis a perspective view of an embodiment of an obstruction-free collapsible softbox100in a collapsed position. It will be appreciated that the body102has been removed for clarity. In a collapsed position the support-ring assembly106separates into two rings, a support ring118and a light ring120. When in a collapsed position, the distance124between the distal end of a first collapsible frame-arm assembly126and the distal end of a second collapsible frame arm assembly128is reduced. This may aid in the transport and storage of the collapsible softbox100.

FIG.2Aillustrates a perspective view of an example of a collapsible frame assembly103in an expanded position.FIG.2Billustrates a side view of an example of a collapsible frame assembly103in a collapsed position. For clarity, only one frame arm assembly104is illustrated inFIG.2B, but it will be appreciated that all of the frame arm assemblies described herein may share the same or similar properties.

As illustrated, collapsible frame-arm assembly104includes a frame arm202and a pivot arm204. In the example, the proximal end of the frame arm202is pivotally coupled to the perimeter of the support ring118of the support-ring assembly106. Pivotal coupling may occur using a variety of means including a screw, hinge, pin, or other means. The frame arm202may include a channel to receive a distal end of the pivot arm204. In alternative embodiments, the pivot arm204may include an integrated hinge in the body of the frame arm202. Elements of a frame arm202are further discussed with reference toFIG.5, and elements of the pivot arm are further discussed with reference toFIG.4.

As illustrated, the distal end of the pivot arm204is coupled to the proximal end of the frame arm202. In aspects of the technology, the distal end of the pivot arm204is pivotally inserted into a channel of the frame arm202such that the distal end of pivot arm204may pivot around the connection point. As illustrated, the proximal end of the pivot arm204is pivotally coupled to the light ring122of the support-ring assembly106.

In an expanded position, as illustrated inFIG.2A, the support ring118and the light ring122may be robustly coupled. This may allow light from a light source coupled to the back side of the support ring118to pass through support ring118and the light ring122relatively unobstructed. As illustrated, the frame-arm assemblies104to not obstruct light passing through the support ring118and the light ring122, when the light is parallel to the a center axis206of the frame assembly103.

To aid in robust coupling, the support ring118may have one or more light ring receiving elements on a front face of the support ring118. The receiving elements may be adapted to receive coupling members220. As illustrated, the coupling members220are pegs of fins protruding outwardly from a face of the light ring122. The pegs may removably insertable into the receiving elements so as to facilitate positioning of the light ring122with respect to the support ring when in the expanded position. In other embodiments, the receiving elements may be a seat and the coupling members may be protrusions that rest in the seat. In alternative embodiments, there are no coupling members.

In a collapsed position, as illustrated byFIG.2B, the support ring118and the light ring122separate along an axial direction. This movement pivots the pivot arm204relative to the light ring122and draws the distal end of the frame arm202inwards towards the center axis206. In aspects of the technology, when in a collapsed position, the proximal ends of the frame arms move toward the center206of the collapsible-frame assembly103.

FIG.3illustrates an embodiment of a collapsible frame-arm assembly300with a distal-portion304(also referred to as a distal end) and a proximal-portion306(also referred to as a distal end). The proximal-portion306is nearest the light source/ring assembly when used in a collapsible softbox as described herein. Opposite the proximal-portion306is the distal-portion304, which may be coupled to the body of a collapsible light box.

As illustrated, the collapsible frame-arm assembly300includes a frame arm302. Further as illustrated, the frame arm includes a channel309, which is adapted to receive a pivot arm, such as pivot arm308. The pivot arm308is shown as being inserted into a channel309. A coupling element310may couple a distal-portion of the pivot arm308to the frame arm302. The coupling element310may allow the pivot arm308to pivot around an axis of rotation314. The coupling element may be a screw, pin, or nail that is inserted into a side bore310of the frame arm302and through a bore at the distal end of the pivot arm308.

FIG.4illustrates an embodiment of a pivot arm400. As illustrated, pivot arm400has a body406that includes a distal portion402(also referred to as a distal end), and a proximal portion404. As illustrated, the distal portion402includes a bore408operative to receive a pivot element (such as a screw or pin). When in use, the distal portion402couples to a frame arm, such as a channel of a frame arm. In aspects, the pivot element facilitates the pivoting of the pivot arm400about axis of rotation when the distal portion402is inserted into a channel (or otherwise coupled to) a proximal end of frame arm, such as the frame arm described herein.

The body406of the pivot arm may be of unitary construction, and may be made of a semi-flexible or flexible metal/and or plastic. As illustrated, the body406is a shaft having a dog-leg. In other embodiments, the body406may be a rod, a tube, a dowel or the like. The body need not have a dog leg, and may be straight or curved.

Further the proximal portion404is illustrated as having a bore410. When used in conjunction with a collapsible softbox, the proximal end portion couples to a light ring of a support ring assembly. The bore410may receive a pivot element, such as screw or pin, which facilitates the pivoting of the pivot arm400about the bore410.

FIG.5illustrates an embodiment of a frame arm500. Frame arm500includes a body508having a proximal portion502(also referred to as a proximal end), a distal portion504(also referred to as a distal end504), and a channel506. The body508of the frame arm500is illustrated as being a slightly curved rod. The curved shape of the rod at least partially defines the overall shape of the softbox in the expanded position. In other embodiments, the body508is straight rod. Indeed, the body508may be of another shape such as a tube, dowel, or the like capable of supporting a body of a collapsible softbox. In an embodiment, the body508may be made of a flexible plastic or flexible metal. In aspects of the technology, a flexible plastic or flexible metal aids collapsing or expanding the softbox.

The proximal portion502of the frame arm500may have a bore507or other connection element to facilitate connecting the proximal portion to a support ring of a support-ring assembly. For example, the bore may receive a screw or pin, which enables the connection element to couple to the perimeter of a support ring as described herein.

In aspects of the technology, the body defines a channel506. The channel506may be sized to fit a distal portion of a pivot arm, such as the pivot arm described above. The distal portion of the pivot arm may be inserted into the channel506. A screw and bolt or other connection element may pivotally couple the distal end of the pivot arm to the proximal portion502of the frame arm500. In aspects, a channel bore510is operative to receive the connection element, such as a pin or a screw. It will be appreciated that other ways of pivotally connecting the frame arm500to a pivot arm are contemplated. For example, the pivot arm and the frame arm500may be hinged together.

With references toFIGS.6A-6C,FIG.6Aillustrates an exploded perspective view of a front side616of an embodiment of a light ring600.FIG.6Billustrates a perspective view of a back side636of an embodiment of the light ring600.FIG.6Cillustrates a cross-sectional view of and embodiment of the light ring600. As illustrated, the light ring600has a body602, which is illustrated as a ring. The body602defines an opening604, which, when in use, facilitates light passing from a light source (e.g., a SPEEDLITE) to a target, such as the subject of a photograph. While the body602is illustrated as a ring in this embodiment, other shapes are also contemplated as required or desired. For example, the body602may be a polygonal prism shape such as a rectangle, a hexagon, or any other shape as required or desired.

The body602includes an outer circumferential flange606having an outer annular surface608. A radially extending channel610is defined within the outer circumferential flange606and is open at the outer annular surface608. A plurality of radial recesses612are also defined within the outer circumferential flange606and are circumferentially spaced around the body602. The channel610within the circumferential flange606is shaped and sized to receive a connection element, such as a wire614.

In operation, a proximal portion of a pivot arm is disposable within the recess612. The pivot arm includes a bore which receives the connection element614so as to pivotally couple the pivot arm to the light ring600. Because the recess612extends through the flange606the pivot arm may freely pivot (e.g., towards the front face or the back face) in relation to the light ring600. Additionally, the channel610retains the wire614within the light ring600. It is appreciated that the pivot arms may be pivotally coupled to the light ring600via any other connection method that enables the pivot arms to function as described herein. For example, each pivot arm may be individually coupled within the recesses612with discrete pivots. The pivot arm may also be coupled to the body602by a pin or a screw.

The body602has a front side616that is configured to receive and secure a light manipulating device618for use with the light ring600. In some examples, the light manipulating device618may be removable from the body602. The light manipulating device618may be a gel, lens filter, grid, or the like such that light passing through the opening604is manipulated by the light manipulating device618. In the example, the light manipulating device618is a disk620with an outer surface622that covers the opening604. The front side616includes a front face624that is positioned proximate the flange606and an inner annular surface626that receives and secures the light manipulating device618.

In the example, the inner annular surface626includes a plurality of fin sections628and a plurality of curved sections630. The fin sections628and the curved sections630are circumferentially spaced and alternate around the inner annular surface626. The fin sections628include a projection portion632which is curvilinear to the front face624and extend away from front face624. Opposite the projection portion632, the fin sections628include a seat portion634formed within the inner annular surface626and which is configured to engage with the edge of the light manipulating device618. The seat portion634prevents the light manipulating device618from being pushed all the way through the opening604and to the back side when it is installed on the body602.

The curved sections630provide a taper from the front face624to the inner annular surface626. As the light manipulating device618is slid into the seat portion634, the curved sections630frictionally engage with the outer surface622of the light manipulating device618so as to secure and retain the light manipulating device618within the body602. The combination of the seat portions634and the curved sections630enable a robust coupling between the light manipulating device618and the body602, and reduce undesirable and unintentional de-coupling of the light manipulating device.618. This type of connection also enables more than one light manipulating device618to be stacked together and secured within the light ring600. The curved sections630may be used as access points to allow a user to slide an instrument, such as a finger, to dislodge the light manipulating device618.

In alternative examples, the light manipulating device618may be secured to the front side616of the light ring600by any other system that enables the light ring600to function as described herein. For example, the front face624may include one or more flexible tabs which enable the light manipulating device618to be removably secured, a slot that enables the light manipulating device618to be slidingly secured on the front face624, a hook and loop fastener connection, or any other connection as required or desired.

The body602also has a back side636that is configured to be received at least partially within the support ring. In the example, the back side636includes a plurality of pegs638extending from a back face640which is positioned proximate the flange606. The pegs638are circumferentially spaced around the opening604. The pegs638have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the inner annular surface626such that the pegs638are spaced away from and outside of the inner annular surface626. In the example, the pegs638are formed with a circumferential length around the body602. In other examples, the pegs638may be posts or any other element that engages with the support ring.

FIG.7Aillustrates a perspective view of a front side of an embodiment support ring700.FIG.7Billustrates a perspective view of a back side of an embodiment of a support ring700. As illustrated, the support ring700includes a body702defining an opening704, and attachment elements706. The support ring700additionally has a plurality of coupling elements708disposed about a face714of the front side712of the support ring700.

As illustrated, the support ring has a body702, which is in the shape of a ring. The body702defines an opening704. Other shapes are contemplated, such as a body702with a rectangular prism shape. As illustrated, the opening is defined by an inner annular surface716of the body702. The body702has an outer annular surface715. Disposed about the outer annular surface715is a plurality of frame arm attachment elements706. The frame arm attachment elements706may be a recess operative to receive a proximal end of a frame arm. The recess may further include a pin or screw that may be threaded into a bore of a proximal portion of a frame arm such that the frame arm is pivotally coupled to the support ring700. In the example, the attachment element706includes a recess with a wire extending through as described above.

The support ring700additionally has a plurality of coupling elements708disposed about a face714of the front side712of the support ring700. The coupling elements708are operative to couple to a light ring. As illustrated, the coupling elements708are channels (defined by the body702) that are disposed on the face714. The channels708form a partial race about the opening704. The channels708may be operative to receive (e.g., be a receiving element) an element of a light ring, such as a peg, protrusion, or other structure. In other aspects of the technology, the coupling element may be a gasket, a hook-and-loop fastener, or other means to couple the front side712of the support ring to the back side of a light ring.

On the back side718, the support ring700includes attachment elements710. The attachment elements710pair with attachment elements located on a light source. This allows for the collapsible softbox to be removably coupleable to a light source. That is, in aspects of the technology, the body702includes, on the back side718, a light source coupling surface709. In the example, the light source coupling surface709includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced magnets as attachment elements710so that the support ring700is magnetically coupleable to a connector element on a light source. In other examples, the light source coupling surface709may include components for any other connection system such as, but not limited to, a snap connector, a clamp connector, a threaded connector, a hook-and-loop connector, or a dovetail connector as required or desired. This may be chosen based on the corresponding connection element on the light source.

FIG.8illustrates an embodiment of a relatively obstruction free collapsible softbox800in an expanded position. One way to characterize the property of being relatively obstruction free is to identify a volume of a shape802that extends from the opening806of the support-ring assembly106to the end of the soft box, which volume of a shape802does not contain any portion of the frame-arm assemblies104. That is, when in an expanded position, the frame-arm assemblies104are entirely excluded from the volume of a shape802. In aspects of the technology, the shape802is a cylindrical shape. For example, the illustrated shape802is defined as having a base804that is the area of the circle formed by the opening806. In aspects, the opening806is defined by the inner annular wall of the light ring808. The height810of the cylindrical shape802may be defined as a line extending orthogonally from the plane formed by the opening806and terminating at the plane817formed by a first frame-arm assembly812, a second frame-arm assembly814, and a third-frame arm assembly816. In such an instance, the wall of the shape802is defined by the circumference of the circle of the opening806and the sum of all lines extending orthogonally from the circumference of the circle and terminating at the plane formed by a first frame-arm assembly812, a second frame-arm assembly814, and a third-frame arm assembly816.

A benefit of having a relatively obstruction free softbox is that light coming from a light source that is parallel to the height810may pass through the volume of the shape802and exit the soft box without being obstructed by any portion of the plurality of frame arm assemblies104. It will be appreciated that the shape may be of a different shape than a cylinder for a variety of reasons. This includes instances where the opening is not a circle, where the area of the opening and the plane are not parallel, etc. For example, where the opening is a square shape, the shape may be a rectangular prism.

FIGS.9A-9Cillustrate various stages of collapsing a collapsible frame assembly900. Specifically,FIG.9Aillustrates an embodiment of a fully opened collapsible-frame assembly,FIG.9Billustrates an embodiment of a partially collapsed collapsible-frame assembly, andFIG.9Cillustrates an embodiment of a fully collapsed collapsible-frame assembly. It will be appreciated that like-numbered elements have the same or similar properties as those elements so numbered described above.

As illustrated byFIG.9A, in a fully open position the support ring118and the light ring120of the collapsible frame assembly900are robustly coupled together. This causes the distal portion of the pivot arm204to push the frame arms202out such that the tips of the distal ends of the frame arms are spread outwardly away from a center axis902. This results in the distal opening110to widen to such that the distal opening is larger than when in a fully collapsed position.

To collapse collapsible frame assembly900, the support ring118may be separated from the light ring120. This may be done by hand by pulling apart the support ring118and the light ring120. This causes the distal end of the pivot arm204to swing inwardly pulling the proximate portion of the frame arms202toward the center axis902. That is, the pivot arm204pivots about a pivot point on the distal portion of the pivot arm204such that the proximate portion of the pivot arm moves closer to the opening110.

FIG.9Billustrates a partially collapsed collapsible frame assembly900. As illustrated, the support ring118and the light ring120have been partially separated. The pivot arm204has been pivoted such that the frame arms202have been drawn towards the center axis902.

In a fully collapsed position, collapsible frame assembly900, the support ring assembly106is separated into a support ring118and a light ring120. In aspects, the proximal portion of the frame arm202servers as a stop to prevent the proximal portion404of the pivot arm204from further pivoting. In pivoting the pivot arms204such that the proximate portion404has swung out towards the distal opening110of the collapsible light box900, the distal portion of the frame arms202of the collapsible light box900is moved toward a center axis902. The result is that opening110is smaller than when in a fully open position.

FIG.10AandFIG.10Billustrate an alternative embodiment of an obstruction-free softbox1000.FIG.10Aillustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an obstruction-free collapsible softbox1000.FIG.10Billustrates a front view of an alternative embodiment of an obstruction-free collapsible softbox1000. As illustrated the light ring1006has been modified as well as the frame-arm assembly1004from the light ring and frame arm assembly described with reference toFIGS.1A-1D. It will be appreciated that other elements ofFIGS.10A and10Bare like numbered as those elements described above with reference to figures above, and those like numbered elements share the same or similar properties.

Further, it will be appreciated that while only certain frame arm assemblies1004have labeled elements to improve clarity of the illustration, all of the illustrated frame arm assemblies1004will have same elements, such as distal end2005, engagement member3010, etc. As illustrated, alternative frame arm assembly1004includes alternative pivot arm2004. Alternative pivot arm2004has two protrusions at its distal end2005, which serve to receive the proximal portion2007of the frame arm2002. A pivot engagement member3010pivotally couples the distal end2005of the alternative pivot arm2004to the proximal portion2007of the frame arm2002. It will be appreciated that the collapsible motion of the collapsible-frame assembly103does not substantially change in the alternative frame arm assembly1004compared that as described above. Rather, alternative frame arm assembly1004provides an alternative means to pivotally couple the alternative frame arm2002to the alternative pivot arm2004.

Additionally illustrated is alternative light ring1006. Alternative light ring has a wall1604on the front face (e.g., the face that is towards the distal end of the body of the obstruction free soft-box). In aspects of the technology, the alternative light ring has a body that defines an opening108. As illustrated, the body opening108is a toris, with an inner surface. The alternative light ring1006is adapted to receive a gel, lens filter, grid, or the like such that light passing through the open108is manipulated by the light manipulating device.

In the alternative light ring1006, the light ring body includes an engagement wall1628and a plurality of curved sections1630. The curved sections1630are circumferentially spaced and alternate around the front face of the body of the light ring1006. The engagement wall1628is raised above the curved sections1630. The inner surface1628includes a seat portion formed within the inner surface1628and which is configured to engage with the edge of the light manipulating device. The inner surface1628seat portion prevents the light manipulating device from being pushed all the way through the opening108and to the back side when it is installed into the light ring. In aspects of the technology, the seat portion is a ledge. In other embodiments, the seat portion is a curved portion of the inner surface1628.

In aspects of the technology, as the light manipulating device is slid into the inner surface1628toward the seat portion, the inner surface1628frictionally engages with an outer surface of the light manipulating device so as to secure and retain the light manipulating device against (e.g., the inner surface of the toris) of the body of the alternative light ring1006. This type of connection also enables more than one light manipulating device1618to be stacked together and secured within the light ring1006. The curved sections1630may be used as access points to allow a user to slide an instrument, such as a finger, to dislodge the light manipulating device.

FIG.11illustrates a method1100for collapsing a relatively obstruction free softbox. The method begins with provide a relatively obstruction free soft box operation1102. In operation1102, a relatively obstruction free softbox is provided. The softbox may have a support ring assembly that is capable of being separated into a support ring and light ring. The support ring and the light may be aligned such that a circle of the opening formed by the body of support ring is substantially parallel (e.g., within 3 degrees of parallel with each other) with a circle of the opening formed by the body of light ring. When the softbox is in an open position, the support ring and the light ring may be robustly coupled together.

The method110then proceeds to separate support ring assembly operation1104. In operation1104, the light ring and the support ring are separated. Separation may occur by applying a force to move the light ring away from the support ring. In aspects, the circle of the light ring remains substantially parallel as the light rings are separated along a center axis. In aspects, such separation causes the distal end of a pivot arm to be drawn inward, which causes the distal end of a frame arm to be drawn inward.

The materials utilized in the mounting devices described herein may be those typically utilized for camera and camera accessory manufacture. For example, moldable plastics may be used for the housing, while aluminum, steel, stainless steel, zinc, or composite materials can be utilized for the other components. In some examples, the housing and the bracket may be unitary formed.

It will be clear that the systems and methods described herein are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems within this specification may be implemented in many manners and as such is not to be limited by the foregoing exemplified embodiments and examples. In other words, functional elements being performed by a single or multiple components and individual functions can be distributed among different components. In this regard, any number of the features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into one single embodiment and alternate embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described as possible.

While various embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are well within the scope of the disclosed methods. Numerous other changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the disclosure.