FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to the field of cellular telephone attachments and in particular to an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A camera lens is currently sold by SONY™ Corporation that attaches to a cellular telephone. There will hereinafter be described an alternative apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone and cellular telephone mountable camera lens.

[0003] This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone, comprising: a first body having a first engagement; a second body having a second engagement; a guide for guiding movement of the first body relative to the second body in order to clamp the cellular telephone between the first engagement and the second engagement; a locking mechanism for maintaining the first engagement and the second engagement in clamping engagement; and a connection body connected to the first body or the second body or both the first body and the second body, the connection body configured to couple with the camera lens.

I [0005] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone, comprising: a first body having a first pair of opposed engagements; a second body having a second pair of opposed engagements; a lens support on one of the first body or the second body, the lens support configured to couple with the camera lens; a guide for guiding relative rotational movement of the first body and the second body in order to clamp the cellular telephone between the first pair of opposed engagements and the second pair of opposed engagements; and biasing means to bias the rotational movement of the first body and the second body to maintain the first pair of opposed engagements and the second pair of opposed engagements into an engaged position.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone, comprising: a first body having a first engagement; a second body having a second engagement; a lens support on one of the first body or the second body, the lens support configured to couple with the camera lens; a guide for guiding movement of the first body and the second body toward each other in order to clamp a cellular telephone between the first engagement and the second engagement; and a lock for maintaining the first engagement and the second engagement in clamping engagement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the mounting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the mounting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 , with basing springs compressed.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the mounting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 .

[0011] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the mounting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 , with basing springs compressed.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the mounting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 , attached to a cellular telephone.

[0013] FIG. 7 is an exploded front perspective view of the mounting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6, in the process of having a camera lens attached.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the mounting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 7, with the camera lens attached.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the mounting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 7, in the process of having a camera lens attached.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 10, in the process of being positioned to engage a cellular telephone.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 10, clamped onto a cellular telephone.

[0019] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 12, in the process of being coupled with a camera lens.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an assembly including the mounting apparatus of FIG. 10, the camera lens, and the cellular telephone as viewed from the camera lens side of the cellular telephone.

[0021 ] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an assembly including the mounting apparatus of FIG. 10, the camera lens, and the cellular telephone as viewed from the opposite side of the cellular telephone.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone coupled with the camera lens, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a side view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 16. [0024] FIG. 18 is a rear view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of camera lens disconnected from the apparatus of FIG. 16.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a side view of the camera lens of FIG. 19. [0027] FIG. 21 is a rear view of the camera lens of FIG. 19.

[0028] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone coupled with the camera lens, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 23 is a side view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 22.

[0030] FIG. 24 is a rear view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 22.

[0031] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of camera lens disconnected from the apparatus of FIG. 22.

[0032] FIG. 26 is a side view of the camera lens of FIG. 25. [0033] FIG. 27 is a rear view of the camera lens of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

[0034] As used herein, the term "about" refers to a +/-10% variation from the nominal value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in a given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

[0035] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0036] The present invention provides an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone. The apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone includes a first body having a first engagement and a second body having a second engagement. A guide is provided for guiding movement of the first body relative to the second body in order to clamp the cellular telephone between the first engagement and the second engagement. A locking mechanism is provided for maintaining the first engagement and the second engagement in clamping engagement. The camera lens is connected with one or both of the first body and the second body via a connection body therefor.

[0037] In some embodiments the connection body is integrated into either or both of the first body and the second body. In some embodiments, the connection body interconnects with the camera lens and the connection body is subsequently interconnected with one or both of the first body and the second body. In some embodiments, the connection body is a housing with which the first body and second body are integrated.

[0038] According to embodiments, the connection body is configured for reversible coupling with a camera lens. In this manner, different camera lens can be coupled to the connection body. For example, camera lenses can be switched should varying picture taking opportunities be realized. For example switching between a wide angle and a telephoto lens, or a macro lens or the like.

[0039] In some embodiments, the camera lens is configured for wirelessly communicating with the cellular telephone with which is associated. A camera lens configured in this manner, will have integrated therein the necessary software, hardware, firmware or a combination thereof, for enabling this desired wireless connectivity with the cellular telephone.

[0040] In some embodiments, the camera lens is wired to the cellular telephone in a direct manner. For example, a cable with the suitable connections on either end thereof can be used to interconnect the camera lens with the cellular telephone. In this manner the camera lens can directly transmit the captured images to the cellular telephone.

[0041 ] In some embodiments, the camera lens is hardwired to the cellular telephone via the connection body. In these embodiments, the camera lens is interconnected with the connection body via a mating connection between the connection body and the camera lens for transmission of data therebetween. The connection body is further matingly connected with the cellular telephone enabling data transmission therebetween. In this manner, data captured by the camera lens is transmitted to the cellular telephone via the connection body. The connection body thus contains the required software, hardware, firmware or a combination thereof enabling this transfer of data between the camera lens and the cellular telephone, for Lens hardwired to the connection body, and connection body is hardwired to the cellular telephone

[0042] According to embodiments, there is provided an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone which includes a first body having a first engagement configured as a first pair of opposed engagements and a second body having a second engagement configured as a second pair of opposed engagements. A connection body can be configured as a lens support which is provided on one of the first body or the second body. The lens support coupling to the camera lens. A guide is provided for guiding relative rotational movement of the first body and the second body in order to clamp a cellular telephone between the first pair of opposed engagements and the second pair of opposed engagements. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism can be a biasing means, such as a spring, to bias the rotational movement of the first body and the second body to maintain the first pair of opposed engagements and the second pair of opposed engagements into an engaged position.

[0043] In some embodiments, it is desirable that a lock be provided for maintaining the first pair of opposed engagements and the second pair of opposed engagements in the engaged position. In the absence of a lock, one is relying solely upon spring tension to maintain engagement.

[0044] The guide can take various forms. According to embodiments, there is provided a guide which comprises a circular track on the first body and a raised profile on the second body that engages the circular track on the first body to support relative rotation of the first body and the second body.

[0045] According to embodiments, there is provided an apparatus for mounting a camera lens to a cellular telephone which includes a first body having a first engagement and a second body having a second engagement. A connection body can be configured as a lens support which is provided on one of the first body or the second body. The lens support coupling with the camera lens. A guide is provided for guiding movement of the first body and the second body toward each other in order to clamp a cellular telephone between the first engagement and the second engagement. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism is configured as a lock which is provided for maintaining the first engagement and the second engagement in clamping engagement.

[0046] According to embodiments, the guide can take various forms. The form of guide that will be hereinafter illustrated and described includes a lever pivotally mounted to the first body. The lever has a linkage with the second body. The linkage acts upon the second body during pivotal movement of the lever.

[0047] According to embodiments, the lock can take various forms. With a form of lock that will be hereinafter illustrated and described, the lever has a locking position and the lock comprises an eccentric cam lock incorporated into the locking position of the lever.

[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a mounting apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, mounting apparatus 10 includes a first body 12 having a first pair of opposed engagements 14 and a second body 16 having a second pair of opposed engagements 18. The connection body can be configured as a lens support, generally indicated by reference numeral 20, and can be provided on first body 12. The lens support 20 includes two fixed engagement members 22 and 24 and one flexible engagement member 26. A guide, generally indicated by reference numeral 28, is provided for guiding relative rotational movement of first body 12 and second body 16. This relative rotational movement results in movement of first pair of opposed engagement members 14 and second pair of opposed engagement members 18 in what may be termed a "scissor-like" movement, between three possible positions. There is a rest position or default position, illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, that first body 12 and second body 16 of mounting apparatus 10 normally assume. There is a manual adjustment position, as illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, that first body 12 and second body 16 can be moved to if a force is applied, as will be hereafter described. Referring to FIG. 6 through FIG. 9, there is an engaged position in which first body 12 and second body 16 do not reach the default position as first pair of opposed engagements 14 and second pair of opposed engagements 18 engage a cellular telephone 100. This results in cellular telephone 100 being clamped between first pair of opposed engagements 14 and second pair of opposed engagements 18. Referring to FIG. 1 , guide 28 includes a circular surface or circular track 30 on first body 12 and a raised profile 32 on second body 16 that engages circular track 30 on first body 12 to support relative rotation of first body 12 and second body 16. Referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, biasing means, such as springs 34, are provided to bias the rotational movement of first body 12 and second body 16 in order to maintain first pair of opposed engagements 14 and second pair of opposed engagements 18 in the engaged position when engaging cellular telephone 100 as shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 1 , it is preferable, but not essential, that a lock 36 be provided for maintaining first pair of opposed engagements 14 and second pair of opposed engagements 18 in the engaged position. In the absence of lock 36, one is relying solely upon such force as may be supplied by springs 34 to maintain engagement.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, a force is manually applied to overcome the biasing force provided by springs 34 and cause relative rotation of first body 12 and second body 16 into the manual adjustment position. Referring to FIG. 6, cellular telephone 100 is placed against first body 12 and second body 16 between first pair of opposed engagements 14 and second pair of engagements 18. The manual force is then released. When the manual force is released, springs 34 will urge first body 12 and second body 16 to return to the default position illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4. However, movement to the default position is prevented when first pair of opposed engagement members 14 and second pair of engagement members 18 engage edges 102 of cellular telephone 100. If a lock 36 is provided, lock 36 is now engaged. Referring to FIG. 7, a camera lens 104 is then attached to lens support 20. This is accomplished by having camera lens 104 engage fixed engagement members 22 and 24 and flexible engagement member 26. Flexible engagement member 26 flexes in order to allow camera lens 104 to "snap" in place. When it is desired to remove camera lens 104, flexible engagement member 26 flexes in response to manual pressure to release its engagement with camera lens 104. Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, there is illustrated how the resulting assembly of mounting apparatus 10, cellular telephone 100 and camera lens 104 appear when ready for use.

[0050] It will be appreciated that mounting apparatus 10 need not be exactly as shown. Changes may be made to first engagement 14 and second engagement 18. Changes may be made to lens support 20 and the manner in which camera lens 104 attaches. Changes may be made to the manner of guiding relative rotational movement of first body 12 and second body 16. Changes may be made in the manner of biasing first body 12 and second body 16.

[0051] FIG. 10 illustrates a mounting apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG 10, mounting apparatus 110 includes a first body 112 having a first engagement 114 and a second body 116 having a second engagement 118. The connection body can be configured as a lens support, generally indicated by reference numeral 120, which is provided on second body 116. The lens support 120 includes two opposed fixed engagement members 122 and 124 and a flexible engagement member 126. Referring to FIG. 1 1 , a guide, generally indicated by reference numeral 128, is provided for guiding movement of first body 112 and second body 116 toward each other in order to clamp a cellular telephone 100 between first engagement 114 and second engagement 118. Guide 128 includes a lever 130 pivotally mounted to first body 112. Lever 130 has a release position illustrated in FIG. 1 1 and a locking position illustrated in FIG. 12. Referring to FIG. 1 1, lever 130 has a linkage 132 that connects lever 130 with second body 116. Linkage 132 acts upon second body 116 during pivotal movement of lever 130 to draw second body 116 toward first body 112. Flexible engagement member 126 is positioned at a remote end 134 of lever 130. Referring to FIG. 12, a lock is provided for maintaining first engagement 114 and second engagement 118 in clamping engagement with cellular telephone 100. The lock is an eccentric cam lock incorporated into the locking position of lever 130.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1 1 , cellular telephone 100 is positioned against first body 112 and second body 116. Referring to FIG. 12, lever 130 is moved from the release position to the locking position. As lever 130 moves to the locking position, first body 112 and second body 116 are drawn together by the action of linkage 132 until first engagement 114 and second engagement 118 engage opposed edges 102 of cellular telephone 100. Once lever 130 is in the locking position, it is locked to maintain its position by what can be termed an eccentric cam lock. This eccentric cam lock is created by the over-centre or "eccentric" locking position. Referring to FIG. 13, a camera lens 104 is then connected by engaging fixed engagement members 122 and 124, along with flexible engagement member 126. Flexible engagement member 126 flexes in order to allow camera lens 104 to "snap" in place. When it is desired to remove camera lens 104, flexible engagement member 126 flexes in response to manual pressure to release its engagement with camera lens 104. Referring to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, there is illustrated how the resulting assembly of mounting apparatus 110, cellular telephone 100 and camera lens 104 appear when ready for use.

[0053] It will be appreciated that mounting apparatus 110 need not be exactly as shown. Changes may be made to first engagement 114 and second engagement 118. Changes may be made to lens support 120 and the manner in which camera lens 104 attaches. Changes may be made to the manner of guiding the first body and second body toward each other and in the manner of locking the first body and the second body against relative movement to maintain the clamping force.

[0054] FIGs. 16 to 18 illustrate a mounting apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein the mounting device is connected to a first type of camera lens 204a. FIGs. 22 to 24 illustrate a mounting apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein the mounting device is connected to a second type of camera lens 204b. In these particular embodiments, the mounting apparatus is configured in the same manner, while also providing for the interchangability of the camera lens.

[0055] The mounting apparatus includes a first body 220 having a first engagement 210 and a second body 225 having a second engagement 215. The connection body is configured as a housing, generally indicated by reference numeral 240, which has integrated therein the first body 220 and the second body 225. The housing 240 includes two opposed fixed engagement members (not shown), which are configured to matingly connect with the two opposed fixed engagement members 260 and 262 provided on the camera lens 204a or 204b and illustrated in FIGs. 21 and 27. Referring to FIG. 18, a guide, generally indicated by reference numeral 228, is integrated within the housing and provided for guiding movement of first body 220 and second body 225 toward each other in order to clamp a cellular telephone between first engagement 210 and second engagement 215. Associated with the first engagement 210 is a first locking lever 230 and associated with the second engagement 215 is a second locking lever 235. The first and second locking levers provide for the retention of the first engagement and second engagement in an engaged configuration with substantially the perimeter of the cellular telephone (not shown) when interconnected with the mounting apparatus. The first and second locking levers are reversible in their operation thereby enabling the connection and disconnection of a cellular telephone from the mounting apparatus. For example, lifting the first locking lever in an upward direction will cause the first locking lever to rotate about a hinge coupling with the housing, thus moving the first engagement into a disengaged configuration. The second locking lever operates in similar manner but would require downward rotation thereof for moving the second engagement into a disengaged configuration.

[0056] It will be readily understood that the configuration of the connection body, which may be configured as a housing as illustrated in FIG. 16, can take on a variety of different shapes and configurations. For example, the connection body can be configured to provide a shape which is in line with a SLR camera body. Other suitable shapes and configurations of the connection body would be readily understood by a worker skilled in the art.

[0057] With reference to FIGs. 19 to 21 illustrate the first camera lens 204a in isolation wherein it has been removed from the mounting apparatus. In addition, FIGs. 25 to 27 illustrate the second camera lens 204b in isolation wherein it has been removed from the mounting apparatus. As would be readily understood, these camera lens illustrated are merely example of same, and other suitably configured camera lens can be interconnected with the mounting apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention. Having specific regard to FIGs. 20 and 21 , the camera lens coupler 264 is clearly visible. T his camera lens coupler is matingly connected with a compatible coupler provided on the housing for operational information transfer between the camera lens and the housing. In this manner the images captured by the camera lens can be transmitted to the cellular telephone via the housing. In some embodiments, the mating engagement between the camera lens and the housing can provide for power transfer to the camera lens. This power can be transferred from a power storage device integrated into the housing or can be transferred from the cellular telephone to the camera lens via the housing.

] 1 [0058] Having regard to FIGs. 21 and 27 the camera lens coupler 264, 265 can be configured in different manners, provided that they are capable of interconnecting with the compatible coupler provided in the housing. In embodiments, the compatible coupler can be configured as a universal coupler, which can provide specific data and/or power on specific pins associated therewith. In this manner, know the configuration of the compatible couple provided in the housing, the variety of camera lens couplers can be configured such that they can be matingly connected to the compatible coupler.

[0059] In some embodiments, the variation of the camera lens coupler can be directly related to the functionality provided by the camera lens itself and the necessary control signals therefore and optionally for power transfer thereto. For example, in some embodiments, the camera lens is configured to autofocus, power zoom, manual focus, manual zoom or the like as would be readily understood by a worker skilled in the art.

[0060] In some embodiments, the connection body further includes a connection body coupler 250 which is configured to matingly couple with the cellular telephone upon insertion of the cellular telephone into the mounting apparatus. The mating coupling between the connection body coupler and the cellular telephone can provide for a hardwired connection between these components, which can be used for data transfer, power transfer or the like, between the connection body and the cellular telephone. In some embodiments, the connection body coupler is configured as a universal coupler, which can matingly connect with a variety of different cellular telephone configurations. However, due to the changing nature of cellular telephones, for example due to various models thereof, the connection body coupler may only be compatible with cellular telephones with sufficiently similar outputs. As such, in some embodiments, a particular connection body coupler, and thus that particular mounting apparatus, may be compatible with a particular subset of the cellular telephones available.

[0061] According to embodiments of the present invention, the connection body can provide one or more operational activations to one or both of the cellular telephone and the camera lens. For example, with reference to FIGs. 16 and 18 one or more of control buttons 270, 272 and/or control button cluster 274 may be provided. In some embodiments, the positioning and operational functionality of one or more of the control buttons can be aligned with that of a camera. The activation of one or more of the control buttons and/or control button cluster can at least in part generate one or more operational activations for operation of the camera lens and/or the cellular telephone.

[0062] In some embodiments, control button 270 can be configured as a capture button which provides instructions to the camera lens to take a picture. This capture button can also provide instructions for the transfer of the captured picture data to the cellular telephone. In some embodiments, control button 272 can be configured as a zoom button which provides instructions to the camera lens to zoom in or zoom out.

[0063] In some embodiments, a control button cluster 274, of which an example is illustrated in FIG. 18 may be configured lo control the presentation of a captured image(s) on the cellular telephone. This type of control button cluster can be similar to the cluster of buttons that can be provided on SLR digital cameras. However, due to the presentation of the captured images on the cellular telephone, which is operatively connected with the mounting apparatus, the activation of one or more functions provided by the control button cluster, one or more control signals will be transferred via the connection body coupler 250 to the cellular telephone providing for the desired functionality of the cellular telephone to be enable.

[0064] Depending on the embodiment of the present invention, the connection body can include one or more of various operatively interconnected electronic components which can include one or more of signal processing components, control components, RF front-end components, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory (random access memory, flash memory or the like), integrated circuits, and the like. The required components that are needed in the connection body can be directly related to the required functionality or connectivity provided by the connection body between the camera lens and the cellular telephone.

[0065] In addition, depending on the embodiment, the camera lens can include one or more of various operatively interconnected electronic components which can include one or more of signal processing components, control components, RF front- end components, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory (random access memory, flash memory or the like), integrated circuits, and the like. The required components that are needed in the camera lens can be directly related to the required functionality or connectivity required by the camera lens with one or both of the cellular telephone and the connection body.

[0066] With regard to all of the embodiments defined herein, as can be readily understood by a worker skilled in the art, it is desired that the clamping pressure being placed upon opposed edges 102 of cellular telephone 100 and not upon the comparatively brittle and fragile glass of the display screen.

[0067] In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.

[0068] It is obvious that the foregoing embodiments of the invention are examples and can be varied in many ways. Such present or future variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.