Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 09/723,007, filed Nov. 27, 2000. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention, relates generally to a filmstrip for a photographic camera. More specifically, the present invention relates to a collapsible filmstrip for a compact or collapsible camera that is capable of using standard 35 mm photographic film. 
     The sale of photographic film and single-use pre-loaded cameras to amateur photographers is a major industry worldwide. The market for these products is almost entirely “event-driven” in that the consumer purchases the film or the single-use camera because they intend to take photographs at a pre-planned event, such as a birthday party, wedding, and the like. Individuals do not typically carry a camera at all times for the capture of “impulse” photographs of non-planned events due to the bulk and weight of current design cameras and film, which inhibits their “constant carry”. This inconvenient size is largely the result of employment of traditional rolled film and rolled film transport mechanisms, which cannot be collapsed or compressed to achieve a smaller camera mass. As a result, the volume of film sold and developed is a fraction of its total potential usage. While extremely compact cameras have been developed and marketed in the past, such as the Minox-type cameras, the goal of these cameras was concealment, they still exhibited enough volume and weight so as to make them unsuitable for continuous carry, they were of expensive design, and importantly, they employed a specialized film which is not compatible with “fast-turnaround” one-hour film developing establishments geared for processing standard 35 mm film. 
     Therefore, in view of the concerns discussed above, it would be desirable for a camera to employ a collapsible filmstrip that enables it to be as compact as possible, such as in the configuration of a credit card for easy transport at all times. It is also desirable for a such a collapsible filmstrip to be very inexpensive to manufacture to reduce the overall cost to the consumer. Further, it is also desirable for a collapsible filmstrip to be compatible with a film transport that is easy to operate. It is further desirable for the collapsible filmstrip to be easy and inexpensive to develop while achieving high picture quality. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention preserves the advantages of prior art filmstrips. In addition, this filmstrip provides new advantages not found in prior art filmstrips, and overcomes many of the disadvantages of such filmstrips. 
     The invention is generally directed to a novel and unique collapsible filmstrip with particular application in taking quality photographs using standard 35 mm film. The collapsible filmstrip of the present invention enables compact transport of a camera which is well-suited for emergency use, and the like. The collapsible filmstrip of the present invention is compatible with film transports that permit fast transport of exposures and simplified camera operation. 
     The preferred embodiment of the collapsible filmstrip of the present invention includes frames of photographic film that reside in a compact camera which has a front panel. A rear panel is positioned substantially parallel and co-extensive to the front panel. A band of resilient material extends from approximately near the outer edge of the front panel to approximately near the outer edge of the rear panel. The rear panel is controllably movable relative to the front panel. An outer housing sheet member includes a number of strut members extending therefrom. The outer housing sheet member is affixed to the exterior side of the front panel. The strut members engage with the rear panel to fix the rear panel a distance away from the front panel to obtain the proper focal length. With the strut members in place, both front and rear panels may remain essentially planar, providing the rectangular outer shape of a standard camera. A back cover is affixed to the exterior side of the rear panel. A light-sensitive medium, such as photographic film, is positioned between the rear panel and the back cover. A shutter controls the light imparted to the light-sensitive medium. The light-sensitive medium is exposed to a scene through the lens. The light-sensitive medium may be separate individually stacked photographic film frames, a fan folded photographic film strip or individual film frames residing on a film carrier web. When individual frames are used, they may be assembled into a continuous strip configuration for development using standard photographic equipment. 
     The credit card camera is originally packaged, for example, at the point of purchase in a compact configuration substantially equal to the size and configuration of a standard credit card. A label which holds the camera in a closed position is removed, and the camera is then fully opened to obtain the proper focal length. The camera is retained in this operational condition by a series of struts about the periphery of the camera. To take a picture, the camera is aimed at the subject scene and the shutter is actuated by depressing a button at the top of the camera. The film is then advanced in accordance with the particular film transport employed. Such film transfer will be discussed in detail below. After all of the film is exposed, the camera, or a removable film cartridge, can be sent to a standard photographic film service for developing. The camera may be returned to a collapsed state for this purpose. Depending on the film transport employed, the film will be prepared accordingly so that it may be accommodated by a standard film developing service. Such preparation for film developing will be discussed in more detail below. 
     It is the intent of the present invention to provide a filmstrip that is of a shape and design so as to enable use in a compact camera that encourages constant and convenient carry by photographers for the capture of impulse as well as pre-planned photographs. It is further the intent to produce a collapsible filmstrip which can be employed in a credit card shaped “card camera” which may be constantly carried in an ordinary wallet, or on a key chain, for extended periods of time. Additionally, the present invention permits the collapsible filmstrip to use common 35 mm film compatible with development at “fast turnaround” one-hour film development establishments. It is further the intention of the present invention to enable extremely low-cost manufacture of a camera through elimination of the complex geared transport mechanisms to achieve a lower price for higher sales. Such a flat compact film design will also make mailing a one-time use camera version to a development facility easier and less expensive, as well as make it easier to package the camera with other consumer goods as a promotion. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible filmstrip that can be utilized in a camera configuration similar to that of a standard credit card. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible filmstrip that is inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible filmstrip that may employ standard 35 mm film. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a credit card camera, or a compact film cartridge employing a like film transport mechanism, that includes multiple frames of film for multiple pictures in a single camera. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a collapsible filmstrip that can be employed in a camera that is lightweight and compact to facilitate carry at all times for emergency and impulse photography. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a collapsible filmstrip for a camera that is suitable for carrying in a wallet. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a collapsible filmstrip that is compatible with a film transport that is simple to use. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a collapsible filmstrip that can be used in a common and familiar “point and shoot camera” design. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The novel features which are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention&#39;s preferred embodiments, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaged credit card camera in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the packaged credit card camera in FIG. 1 with sealing label removed; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the credit card camera of FIG. 1 prior to positioning of the struts; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the credit card camera of FIG. 1 with struts in place in preparation for taking a picture; 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the rear panel of the credit card camera; 
     FIG. 6 is a front exploded perspective view of the credit card camera of FIG. 1 illustrating the shutter and lens mechanism; 
     FIG. 7 is a rear exploded perspective view of the credit card camera of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the credit card camera that is partially broken away to show the film transport within the camera; 
     FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the credit card camera after one film frame has been exposed and stored; 
     FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the credit card camera after one film frame has been exposed and stored with back cover removed for illustration purposes; 
     FIG. 11 is a rear elevational view of the credit card camera after two film frames have been exposed and stored; 
     FIG. 12 is a rear elevational view of the credit card camera after two film frames have been exposed and stored with back cover removed for illustration purposes; 
     FIG. 13 is a rear elevational view of the credit card camera after all of the film frames have been exposed and stored; 
     FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the credit card camera after all of the film frames have been exposed and stored with back cover removed for illustration purposes; 
     FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of an alternative film transport configuration showing a fan folded arrangement; 
     FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the alternative film transport configuration of FIG. 15 with one film frame exposed; 
     FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the alternative film transport configuration of FIG. 15 with two frames exposed; 
     FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the alternative film transport configuration of FIG. 15 with all three film frames exposed; 
     FIG. 19 is a photographic film web for developing a number of film frames using standard photographic development equipment; 
     FIG. 20 is a first alternative photographic film web for developing a number of film frames using standard photographic development equipment; 
     FIG. 21 is a second alternative photographic film web for developing a number of film frames using standard photographic development equipment; 
     FIG. 22 is a third alternative photographic film web for developing a number of film frames using standard photographic development equipment; 
     FIG. 23 is a fourth alternative photographic film web for developing a number of film frames using standard photographic development equipment; 
     FIG. 24 is a fifth alternative photographic film web for developing a number of film frames using standard photographic development equipment; 
     FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of an alignment member used in the film web illustrated in FIG. 24; 
     FIG. 26 is plan view of a film frame in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 27 is a plan view of a stack of film frames residing in a camera body in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a film cartridge being installed on a camera body in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a film cartridge being installed on a camera body in accordance with yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring first to FIG. 1, the general configuration prior to use of the credit card camera  10  of the present invention is shown. The credit card camera  10  is preferably packaged as shown in FIG. 1 which is generally of a size and configuration of a standard credit card. This configuration is about 2.125 inches wide, about 3.375 inches long and about 0.135 inches thick. A label  12  is preferably positioned on the top surface  14  of the camera  10  to provide instructions regarding the operation of the camera  10 . While this is a preferred configuration, other configurations may be employed and still be within the scope of the present invention. This packaged configuration is for shipping, storage and transport of the camera  10 . For example, the compact configuration of the camera  10  makes it well-suited for storage in a user&#39;s wallet (not shown). As a result of this size and configuration, the camera  10  may be a “constant carry” item so that it will be available for use at all times for emergencies, unplanned events, and the like. The credit card camera  10  in the packaged form in FIG. 1 may be, for example, sold as a standalone unit or may be easily sold in a blister card for ease of point of purchase sale. 
     Turning now to FIGS. 2-5 the assembly of the credit card camera  10  for use is shown. As shown in FIG. 2, the label  12  affixed to the top of the camera  10  is removed to reveal a set of, preferably, four struts  16  and a collapsed camera body, generally referenced as  18 . In FIG. 3, the struts  16  are pivoted open to allow for a rear panel  20  of the camera  10  to be pulled in an upward direction as indicated by the arrows. A front panel  22  and the rear panel  20  are connected to one another by a band of preferably light blocking material  24 , such as Tyvek, vinyl, plastic, paper, or the like. The band of material  24  may be a single, unbroken band of material, or may consist of a broken band made up of an assemblage of more than one strip of material. Such material permits the front panel  22  to move relative to the rear panel  20 , while preferably preventing light from entering the body of the camera  10 , both may remain in an essentially planar state. Details of the operation of the camera  10  will be discussed in detail below. As seen in FIG. 5, the underside of the rear panel  20  includes a number of slots  24  for receipt of the protrusions  26  on the free ends of the struts  16  as seen in FIG.  3 . In FIG. 4, the struts  16  are urged underneath the rear panel  20  so that the protrusions  26  on the free ends thereof engage and seat within the slots  24  on the underside of the rear panel  20 . As a result, the struts  16  lock the rear panel  20  a predetermined distance away from the front panel  22  and hold both panels in rigid alignment. The rear panel  20  is retained on the struts  16  either due to a small spring-biasing force provided by the band of material  24  between the front panel  22  and the rear panel  20 , or by the band of material  24  being of a near exact length so as to hold the struts  16  engaged and seated within the slots  24  on the underside of the rear panel  20 . Protrusions  26  may also have abutment members on either side to enable them to lock into slots  24  for additional rigidity of the structure. Once the struts  16  are in place, the camera  10  is assembled and in condition for use. The length of the struts  16  and width of the band of material  24  between the front panel  22  and the real panel  20  provides the appropriate focal length of the lens  28 , as shown in FIG. 6, employed in the camera  10  which imparts the scene to be photographed. 
     It should also be understood that since the credit card camera  10  is of a rectangular configuration, four struts  16  are preferred where one strut  16  is employed for each of the four sides of the body of the camera  10 . If a different body configuration is used instead of one that is rectangular, the struts  16  may be modified accordingly. Similarly it should be understood that while the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrates struts  16  located outside the band of material  24  which connects the front panel  22  to the rear panel  20 , with the struts  16  being assembled by hand, the struts  16  may also be located inside of the described camera  10 , and pulled into place by the action of the panels  20  and  22  being drawn apart, or by force provided by rubber bands, springs, or the like. The configuration of the camera  10  of the present invention may be adapted for use in a digital camera embodiment with the use of solid state imaging components, such as CCD and CMOS cameras, and the like. 
     The construction of the credit card camera  10  of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 illustrates a front exploded perspective view of the affixation of the outer camera shell  30  to the main body  18  of the camera  10  which includes the front panel  22 , rear panel  20  and connective flexible material  24  therebetween. As described above, the front panel  22  is flexibly connected to the rear panel  20  by the flexible band of material  24 . The front panel  22  includes a number of clearance cuts  32  to receive a number of components relating to the operation of the camera  10 . A shutter mechanism  34  is provided with a shutter spring  36  to spring-bias a shutter plate  38  into a normally closed position. The shutter plate  38  is movable between an open position and a closed position controlled by a seat  40  and a stop  42 . The upper free end of the shutter plate  38  engages with a first protrusion  44  on a striker  46 . A striker spring  48  spring-biases the striker  46 , by bearing on second protrusion  60 , toward the right for engagement of the striker first protrusion  44  with the top edge  50  of the shutter plate  38 . A trigger button  52  includes a portion that is exposed for pressing by the user and is spring-biased upwardly by the button spring  54 . The free end of the button  52  includes a seat  56  to engage a corresponding seat  58  on the left free end of the striker  46 . 
     In operation, the button  52  is depressed which causes the free end of the button  52  to disengage with the left free end of the striker  46 . The striker  46  is driven to the right by the striker spring  48  which causes the first protrusion  44  of the striker  46  to pass over the shutter plate  38  for a sub-second thus causing the shutter  34  to open temporarily permitting light to enter through the lens  28  and shutter aperture  78  and into the camera  10  for exposure of the film therein. 
     A gap  62  behind the first protrusion  44  on the striker  46  enables the shutter plate  38  to return to its closed position. After a picture is taken, the striker  46  must be reset for the taking of another picture. A cocking button  64  connected to a striker post  66  emanating from the striker  46  is pulled toward the left so that the angled left edge  68  of the striker  46  rides over the angled right edge  70  of the button  52  to reseat the striker  46  on the button  52 . During the cocking of the camera  10 , the button  52  will temporarily move down then up when the striker  46  is camming over the free end of the button  52 . A viewfinder  72  is also provided to assist in framing the scene to be photographed. A viewfinder aperture  74  is provided as a pass-through in outer shell  30  because the outer shell  30  is, as shown in FIG. 6, affixed directly to the outer surface of the front panel  22  to secure the camera components therein. A flash mechanism (not shown) may also be employed to assist in the exposure of the film, when needed. The outer shell  30  is preferably permanently, or semipermanently affixed to the front panel  22  by adhesive, attached together by hot weld, pop-through fasteners, or other methods which may be employed. With the outer shell  30  affixed in place, the struts  16  are positioned to seat under the rear panel  20  to maintain the camera  10  in an uncollapsible condition in preparation for use. 
     During use, it is preferred that the user hold the camera  10  by the front panel  22  in similar fashion to holding a card, as opposed to squeezing both the front panel  22  and rear panel  20  together, to avoid altering the focal length of the lens  28  and thus ruining the focus of the film. 
     It should be understood that the foregoing shutter and lens mechanism for a camera  10  is shown by way of example. Various other well-known and commercially available camera mechanisms may be used to effectively introduce light into the camera  10  of the present invention. Similarly, while the embodiment disclosed illustrates a camera  10  with lens  28  and aperture  29  mounted directly on the outer shell  30 , the lens  28  and aperture  29  may also be mounted in an assembly above the shutter mechanism  34  on the front panel  22  itself, with an opening in the outer shell  30  permitting it to still be attached to the front panel  22 . As will be apparent below, the lens  28  and shutter mechanism  34  are offset to the right half or region of the camera  10  in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As will be described in detail below, the lens  28  and shutter mechanism  34  is offset because, preferably, an unexposed stack of film resides in one half of the camera  10  and is later moved to and stacked in the other half of the camera  10 , enabling multiple photographs to be taken from a camera no larger than a credit card when in a collapsed state. 
     Alternatively, the lens  28  may be made more compact by mounting it on a spring, flexible rubber, or twist mechanism to extend. Upon assembling the camera  10 , the lens in this alternative embodiment (not shown) extends to the appropriate length for use. 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, a rear exploded perspective view of the camera  10  of the present invention is shown. The rear panel  20  includes an extendable bellows  76  and the viewfinder  72  as shown in FIG.  6 . The extendable bellows  76  communicates with a light passageway that is lined with flexible light-blocking material, such as plastic, Tyvek, vinyl, paper, or the like. The light passageway terminates in the shutter aperture  78  on the front panel  22  for transmission of light. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a stack  80  of separate individual film frames  82  are provided, each with a corresponding tab  84 , such as tape, connected on the top surfaces of film frames thereof. The film frames  82  are preferably of a 35 mm size and configuration so as to facilitate the developing thereof at a commonplace film development facility, but film  82  may be of other size. The stacked film frames  82  slidably reside in a track  86  formed in the rear panel  22  of the camera  10 . A back cover  88  is positioned over the rear panel  20  and seals the stack  80  of film frames  82  therein. FIG. 8 further shows a rear elevational view of the camera  10  of the present invention with the back cover  88  partially broken away for illustration purposes. A number of buttons  90  are slidably received in a slot  92  running along the length of the back cover  88 . A strip of light-blocking material (not shown), such as felt, may be positioned above the slot  92  to prevent light from exposing the film  82 . The buttons  90  are affixed to corresponding tabs  84  connected to each of the individual film frames  82 . The tabs  84  are positioned on different portions of the film frames  82  or are offset from one another to not overlap one another. The back cover  88  also includes a pass-through viewfinder aperture  94 . The back cover  88  is preferably heat sealed to the rear panel  20  but may also be affixed by adhesive, or the like. Note that instead of tabs  84  manufactured of tape for connecting film frames  82  to buttons  90 , each tab  84  may be a protrusion of film from the film frame, or the button  90  may be affixed by adhesive, pop-through connectors, or the like. 
     The preferred film transport of the present invention is shown in detail in FIGS. 9-14. In FIG. 8, all of the tabs  84  and corresponding buttons  90  are positioned to the left side of the camera  10  which is in line with the extendable bellows  76  for receipt of light therethrough. The film frame  82   a  closest to the extendable bellows  76  will be the first to be exposed to a photographic scene. The individual film frames  82  in the stack may have a light blocking backing material (not shown), made of dark colored plastic or the like, to eliminate the chance of light passing directly through the (frame  82  during exposure to partially expose and ruin the film frame  82  located underneath. This first frame  82   a  is connected to the first tab  84  which corresponds to the rightmost button in the row of buttons  90  on the back cover  88 . As shown in FIG. 9, after the first frame  82   a  is exposed with light, it is slid to the right within the track  86  in the rear panel  20  to a storage location  96  within the camera  10  positioned generally to the right of the extendable bellows  76 . There may be a slight overlap between exposed film frames in storage location  96  and unexposed film frames behind expandable bellows  76  to permit unobstructed travel of film frames. Indicia  98  is provided on the back cover  88  to provide a visual indication to the user of how many photos have been taken. With back cover  88  removed for illustration purposes, FIG. 10 illustrates the sliding operation of the first frame of film  82   a  from its position for exposure to its storage position  96 . In the exposure-ready position of the camera  10  in FIGS. 9 and 10, a second frame of film  82   b,  which is now in front of the extendable bellows  76  is ready for exposure. After the second frame  82   b  is exposed, it is slid to the right as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 where it rests over the first frame  82   a  that has already been exposed. The third frame  82   c,  fourth frame  82   d,  fifth frame  82   e  and sixth frame  82   f  are similarly exposed and slid to the right so that they neatly nest in the storage region  96  to the right of the extendable bellows  76  within the light-protected body of the camera  10 . A stack  80  of six frames  82  are shown by way of example, Stacks  80  of less than or greater than six frames  82  may be employed and still be within the scope of the present invention. FIGS. 13 and 14 shows the stacking and storage of the exposed film frames  82  in preparation for development. 
     In addition, the film  80  may moved from right to left, or from left to right during operation. As above, the film  80  is moved to the right for stacked storage after exposure. Alternatively, the film  80  may be initially stacked on the right side of the camera  10  and moved to the left for exposure. When all of the film frames  82  are exposed, a stack  80  of film frames  82  will be in the left region of the camera  10 . Further, each of the film frames  82  may be held in a shallow curved position by forming approximately half of the rear panel  20  into a curved configuration to approximate the concavity of the field of the lens  28 . 
     As an alternative to the separate individual film frames  82   a-f  of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a film transport configuration in a fan folded film strip  100  may be employed. In FIGS. 15-18, a fan folded film strip configuration  100  is shown to include a number of film frames  102   a-c  to be exposed, and a number of carrier frames  104   a-c  which are each connected to respective pull tabs  106   a-c.  Each of the pull tabs  106   a-c  are routed through an exit slot in the body of the camera (not shown) but representationally shown as  108  in FIGS. 15-18, and which include indicia, such as a number, to identify the frame  102   a-c  that is being moved. The pull tabs  106   a-c  may be respectively attached to the carrier frames  104   a-c  or directly to the film itself. FIGS. 15-18 shown, by representation, the movement of the film frames  102   a-c  within a camera body. The camera body is not shown to clearly illustrate the film transport configuration of this alternative embodiment. The frames  102   a-c  are exposed from above. 
     In FIG. 15, a fan folded stack of film  100  is shown where a first film frame  102   a  is positioned with a light-sensitive side facing upwardly. The first tab  106   a  is attached to a carrier frame  104   a  which is connected to the first film frame  102   a.  After the first film frame  102   a  is exposed, FIG. 16 shows the first tab  106   a  is pulled to the right so that the first film frame  102   a,  that has just been exposed, is moved to the right a full frame length to a storage region, generally referenced as  110 , from an exposure region, generally referenced as  112 . Complete pulling of the first tab  106   a  causes the tab  106   a  to separate, or permit it to be torn off, from the first carrier frame  104   a  because, preferably, each of the tabs  106   a-c  are connected to their respective carrier frames  104   a-c  with the carrier frame  104   a-c  weakened about where the tab  106   a-c  is connected to a respective carrier frame  104   a-c.  For example, the center section of each carrier frame  104   a-c  may be scored or perforated so that the carrier frames  104   a-c  break away after their respective tab  106   a-c  has pulled the film frame  102   a-c  to its stored region  110  within the camera  10 , while still permitting film frames  102   a-c  to remain connected by the remaining sides of the carriers frames  104   a-c.  In FIG. 16, the first tab  106   a  that has been separated and removed is shown in broken lines. Similarly, in FIG. 17, the second tab  106   b  is pulled to the right and removed thus transporting the second frame  102   b  from an exposure region  112  to a storage region  110  after it has been exposed. FIG. 18 further shows a third film frame  102   c  being drawn to the right into a storage region  110  by a third pull tab  106   c  which has been now removed. In view of the foregoing, the fan folded film configuration  100  effectively moves a stack of film frames  102   a-c  from an exposure region  112  on one side, to a storage region  110  on other side after exposure, to store the connected exposed film frames  102   a-c  completely within the camera body for later development processing. As discussed above, it is preferred that the center of carrier frames  104   a-c  break away during movement but it is also possible to make the carrier frames  104   a-c  not break away during film transport. In such an embodiment, the carrier frames  104   a-c  would not be scored for a center section to break away, but would remain wholly intact during and after transport to the storage region  110 . 
     As discussed above, the alternative fan folded film configuration  100  above includes carrier frames  104   a-c  that are interdispersed between film frames  102   a-c  to be exposed. In this fan folded configuration  100 , the film media in the region of the carrier frames  104   a-c  is required to roll over itself to effectuate the transfer of the frames  102   a-c  from one side of the camera  10  to another. In the embodiment in FIGS. 15-18, the carrier frames  104   a-c  are unused portions of the film media on which the film frames  102   a-c  are intended to be exposed. As a result, the carrier frames  104   a-c  are of the same material as the film frames  102   a-c  to be exposed. However, the film media is frequently too thick and may make the carrier frames  104   a-c  rolling over themselves difficult, therefore carrier frames  104   a-c  may be made of flexible material such as plastic or the like. 
     In the further alternative embodiment of FIG. 19, the individual film frames  114  are mounted onto a flexible strip of material  116 , such as plastic with spaces in between, to address the aforementioned problem with the thickness of the carrier frames and the difficulty in the material rolling over itself. FIG. 19 shows the fan folded film strip  118  in an opened condition for illustration purposes. The flexible web  116  carries the exposable film frames  114 . The spaces  120  between the exposable film frames  114  serve as and are analogous to the carrier frames  104   a-c  in the fan folded configuration  100  of FIGS. 15-18. The configuration  118  of FIG. 19 is fan folded in similar fashion to the configuration  100  shown in FIGS. 15-18 where pull tabs (not shown) are affixed to the spaces  120  or to the back of film frames  114  to effectuate movement of the film frames  114  from an exposure region  112  to a storage region  110  within the camera  10 . Since the web  116  is very flexible and thereby the effective “carrier frames” are flexible, the transport from an exposure region  112  to a storage  110  is greatly facilitated. The web  116  may be a continuous whole strip of opaque or transparent flexible material or a combination thereof, or preferably openings may be formed in web  116  beneath film frames  114  during manufacture of film strip  118  to simplify photo printing during development by enabling light to pass through the openings, such as the light from an enlarger lamp. 
     As with the previously described embodiment utilizing separate individual film frame  82   a-f,  both of the connected fanfold film alternatives may utilize individual tabs and buttons in lieu of pull tabs to move the film. Similarly, as previously described, these alternatives may move the film from left exposure position to right storage position  96  during operation, or from right storage position to left exposure position during operation. 
     The present invention has a significant advantage over prior art cameras in that it is compact yet still can employ 35 mm film. If the preferred film stack  80  film transport is employed, as in FIG. 7, for example, the film frames  82   a-f  can be easily prepared for linear film strip feeding into standard film processing equipment. In accordance with the present invention, in a dark room, light-blocking bag or box, the individual film frames  82   a-f  may be linked together into a strip. FIG. 20 illustrates the interconnection of individual film frames  82  by adhesive tape  122  or film to provide a continuous strip suitable for loading into a circular film holder (not shown) for development and processing. Similarly, in FIG. 21, the individual film frames  82  may be interconnected together by directly adhering the frames  82  to one another. An overlapping edge  124  is affixed to an adjacent frame  82 . 
     In FIG. 22, a carrier frame  126  includes pockets  128  for receiving the individual frames  82  for processing. The sides of pockets  128  are open to permit exposure of film developing chemicals to the individual film frames  82 . In addition, in FIG. 23 fasteners  130  and apertures  132  may be die cut or attached into the opposing edges of the individual film frames  82  so that they may be linked together to form a continuous strip for processing. Alternatively, as in FIG.  24  and FIG. 25, individual film frames  82  may be connected together by means of a separate fastener  134  which includes a base  136  and a pair of posts  138  positioned through opposing notches  140  of film frames  82  to form a continuous strip for processing, or both sides of individual film frames  82  may have holes  132  formed to enable individual film frames  82  to be connected with separate fastener  134 . Still further, an individual fastener  134  may be used as an alignment tool to align exposed film frames  82  together for adhering them to create a continuous strip of easily processed film frames. Employed in this manner, the pair of posts  138  are positioned through an overlapping pair of opposing notches  140  in the sprocket pattern of each individual film frame  82  during alignment of each adjacent frame for adhering them together. Or, alternatively both sides of individual film frames  82  may have holes  132  enabling individual frames  82  to be connected with a fastener. Still further, as in FIG.  24  and FIG. 25, an alignment tool  134  may be employed to align exposed film frames  82  together for adhering the frames together to create a continuous strip of easily processed film frames. The tool  134  includes a base  136  and a pair of posts  138  that are positioned through an overlapping pair of opposing notches  140  in the sprocket pattern of each individual film frame  82  during alignment. The tool is used for aligning each adjacent film frame for adhering them together. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a stacked film frame configuration with individual film frames  82   a-f.  However, the configuration of the individual film frames  82   a-f  may be modified and still be within the scope of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the pull tab  150  for each film frame  152  may emanate laterally as opposed to downwardly as shown in the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG.  7 . Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, each pull tab  150  is connected to or part of a corresponding film frame  152  in a staggered manner so that the pull tabs  150  do not overlap one another. When located in the rear panel  154  of the camera  156 , they easily slide from left to right (or right to left if a reverse configuration is used) by pulling on the corresponding pull tab  150  that emanates from the body of the camera  156 . The pull tab  150 , in this embodiment, includes a perforation  158  to facilitate separation of the pull tab  150  from the film frame  152  after the respective frame  152  has been moved to a storage position subsequent to exposure. 
     Still further, FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate two alternative embodiments of the present invention where a removable cartridge carries the film frame stack to be exposed. The film can be provided within a cartridge that is affixed to the back of a camera or that is inserted into the camera itself. This cartridge provides the same functionality as described above. Such a cartridge includes a region for housing a stack of film to be exposed as well as an adjacent region for storing the stack of film that has been exposed. This cartridge permits the movement of the film from the exposure region to the storage region while maintaining a flat compact form factor. Such a cartridge facilitates use of the camera, particularly development of the film therein. 
     Specifically, FIG. 28 provides an alternative embodiment  149  with a cartridge  160  that connects to the camera body  162  via a number of “pop-on” fasteners  164  which emanate from the camera body  162 . The cartridge  160  includes a corresponding number of through-holes  166  to receive the fasteners  164  to retain the cartridge  160  in frictional engagement with the camera body  162 . The cartridge  160  includes a light receiving aperture  168  which is aligned with the light passageway  170  of the camera body  162 . A light-blocking felt  172  is also provided and divides the left side of the cartridge  160  from the right side of the cartridge  160 . 
     The cartridge is removably affixed to the back of the camera  162  so that the light receiving aperture  168  of the cartridge  160  and the light passageway  170  of the camera body  162  are aligned with one another. The first pull tab  150 , such as the tab labeled No. 1, is preferably a light blocking sheet. The remaining frames are actual film frames that are exposable. This enables the cartridge  160  to be easily installed without exposing the film frames therein. As the film frames are exposed, their respective pull tabs  150  are pulled to move each now exposed film frame along an internal track to the right side of the cartridge  160  for storage until development. Each pull tab  160  is severed from the film frame after the film frame has been moved. The remaining film frames are similarly exposed and then drawn to the right for storage. The felt barrier prevents light from entering the storage portion  174  of the cartridge  160  to prevent destruction of the properly exposed film frames. Once all of the film frames have been exposed and moved into a protected stored position  174 , the cartridge  160  is detached from the camera body  162  for the appropriate development processing. 
     FIG. 29 provides a further embodiment  175  to the cartridge configuration  149  shown in FIG.  28 . In the alternative embodiment  175  of FIG. 29, the structure for removably connecting the cartridge  176  to the main camera body  178  is slightly modified. In particular, a side slot  180  is provided to receive the cartridge  176  which is substantially identical to the cartridge  160  shown in FIG.  28 . In FIG. 29, the through-holes  166  in the cartridge  160  are not needed in the cartridge  176  because the cartridge  176  is inserted laterally into the slot  180  in the camera body  178  so that the light receiving aperture  182  in the cartridge  176  aligns with the light passageway (not shown in FIG. 29) to properly expose the individual film frames. While a side access slot  180  and pop-on fasteners  164  and through-holes  166  are shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, other attachment structures, such as clasps and adhesive, or an Instamatic-style access door may be employed to receive a cartridge and still be within the scope of the present invention. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Technology Category: 3