FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to audio-visual equipment and, more particularly, to cameras capable of capturing still images and/or video.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Digital photography and videography make up a massive global industry and have widespread applications. The advancement of cameras, specifically digital cameras and cellular phone cameras, has allowed both professional and amateur photography and videography to become accessible to the general public. The emergence and advancement in popularity of digital and social media has created a demand to capture and record any and every moment in life. For example, it is often desirable to be able to capture moments during a sporting activity, at a social gathering, or whilst on the move.

Due to this demand, cameras have been developed to be smaller, simpler, and more accessible to users. Furthermore, cameras have also been developed to either be used together with a camera-specific mount, or include a mount integrally formed with the camera. This allows cameras to be mounted onto the likes of sports equipment, such as bicycles, helmets, surfboards, and the like. Alternatively, a mount could be configured to be held comfortably in a user’s hand.

Whilst these cameras may make filming and photographing relatively easy whilst a user may be busy doing something else, these cameras do impose certain restrictions on a user.

In cases where the camera is configured to be connectable to a camera mount, a user is often required to purchase a separate mount. This mount may then be secured to an article of sports equipment, for example by means of an adhesive portion, screws, or other suitable securing means. This permanent or semi-permanent connection between the article of sports equipment and the camera mount may be undesirable to a user for a number of reasons. Firstly, a user may want to use their camera with a number of different articles of sports equipment. For example, a user may own or use both a bicycle and a surfboard, or even multiple bicycles for use on different roads or surfaces. This would therefore require the user to purchase a plurality of camera mounts, such that each article of sports equipment that they may want to connect their camera to, has a mount connected thereto. Secondly, sporting equipment is often very expensive, and a user may not want to connect a camera mount thereto, as connecting or removing the camera mount may leave a blemish on the article of sports equipment. This will tarnish the aesthetic appearance of the article of sports equipment and reduce the resale value thereof.

Furthermore, in cases where a camera user may not be using any equipment at all, such as running, hiking, or attending a social gathering or a concert, there is nothing onto which the camera could be mounted. Therefore, the user will need to carry the camera in their hand. This is obviously inconvenient in cases where a user may need to use both hands, or may not want to be restricted to constantly having to carry the camera.

In addition, whilst cameras available on the market may be relatively small, a reduction in size of the camera generally correlates to a reduction in the quality of the footage or photographs. Therefore, whilst cameras have been developed to be of a small size, they still generally of a size that is inconvenient to be constantly carried by a user.

The applicant believes that there is scope for improvement.

The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in the art as at the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a camera device comprising: an at least partially flexible and substantially planar body; a camera mounted in the body; and an at least partially flexible mounting arrangement secured to or securable to the body; wherein the mounting arrangement is arranged to secure the body to a surface with the at least partially flexible body configured to flex so as to at least partially conform to a shape of the surface to which it is secured.

The camera device may include one or more additional peripheral components of the camera mounted in the body.

The body may include an indentation along the body with the indentation configured to facilitate flexing of the body along the indentation. The mounting arrangement may include one or more straps configured to secure a flexible adhesive surface to the planar body such that the adhesive surface is configured to flex in conformity with the planar body.

The one or more straps may correspond to the one or more indentations along which the body is configured to flex.

In another embodiment, the mounting arrangement may be formed of a sleeve configured to receive the camera device and secure an at least partially flexible adhesive surface to the planar body such that the adhesive surface is configured to flex in conformity with the planar body.

The adhesive surface may be configured to be removably adhesive to human skin.

The one or more straps may be elastic to aid fitting or removal of the mounting arrangement to or from the planar body.

This mounting arrangement may be disposable.

The one or more additional peripheral components may include any one or more of the group consisting of: a data storage component, a battery component, and a control component.

The planar body of the camera device may include at least two indentations along which the body is configured to flex, wherein at least one indentation is positioned transverse a length of the planar body and at least one indentation is positioned transverse a width of the planar body such that the indentations facilitate flexing of the body in both a lengthwise and widthwise direction.

The control component may comprise at least two buttons, wherein a first button is operable to switch the camera on and off and a second button is operable to configure the camera into a capturing mode, to take a photograph, or initiate and/or terminate filming.

The data storage component may comprise a removable Secure Digital card.

The battery component may comprise a rechargeable battery integrated into the camera device and a charger port to enable electrical connection between the battery and an electrical power source to facilitate charging of the battery. The planar body may be substantially rectangular and may include at least two spaced apart indentations transverse to a length of the body and one indentation along a length of the body defining six internal compartments some of which are configured to house one of the camera and additional peripheral components.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a camera device with a mounting arrangement fitted thereto;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the camera device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a bottom end of the camera device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a front view of the camera device and mounting arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the camera device and mounting arrangement along line

B-B as indicated in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a sectional view of the camera device and mounting arrangement along line A-A as indicated in Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a side view of the camera device with the mounting arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of the camera device with the mounting arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 9 is a rear view of the camera device with the mounting arrangement in exploded view;

Figure 10 is a rear view of the camera device with the mounting arrangement of Figure 1 ;

Figure 11 is a side view of the camera device mounted onto a flat surface with the mounting arrangement;

Figure 12 is a side view of the camera device mounted onto a curved surface with the mounting arrangement;

Figure 13 is an exemplary illustration of the camera device in use, mounted onto a user’s chest; and

Figure 14 is an exemplary view of the camera device in use, mounted onto a user’s motorcycle and helmet.

Figure 15 is an exemplary illustration of two camera devices in use, wherein a first camera device is mounted to, and conforms to, a bottle and a second camera device is stuck directly to a user’s skin on their forehead.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary embodiment of a camera device is described below. The camera device finds particular application for use in filming and photographing whilst the camera device is adhered to a surface of interest, such as an article of sports equipment or a user’s skin. The camera device has a flexible configuration which allows the camera device to be bent to conform to the shape of the article or surface to which it is adhered.

The camera device comprises an at least partially flexible and substantially planar body. A digital camera is mounted in the body. The camera may be used for recording video, or capturing still photographs. The camera device includes an at least partially flexible mounting arrangement which may be secured to the body. The mounting arrangement may enable the camera device to be secured to a surface. The flexible nature of both of the body and the mounting arrangement allows the camera device to conform to the surface on which it is secured. The mounting arrangement includes a means of securing the mounting arrangement to the body, as well as an adhesive portion, to secure the mounting arrangement to a surface.

The mounting arrangement may include one or more straps configured to secure a flexible adhesive surface to the planar body of the camera device. The one or more straps may be configured to correspond with one or more indentations present on the body of the camera device, along which the body is configured to flex.

Alternatively, the mounting arrangement may be in the form of a sleeve configured to receive the body of the camera device, and thereby secure a flexible adhesive surface thereto. The sleeve includes a gap, the gap configured such that the camera mounted in the body

Therefore, the mounting arrangement is used to secure the camera device to a surface of interest, such that the camera can be used whilst it is stuck to a surface. The flexible nature of the mounting arrangement allows for the unimpeded flexing of the camera device. The adhesive surface of the mounting arrangement may be suitable to be removably stuck to human skin. The mounting arrangement may be disposable, such that a user may purchase multiple mounting arrangements to be used for a single camera device, and once the adhesive material has been used at least once, the mounting arrangement can be discarded, and a new mounting arrangement can be used with the same camera device.

The camera device includes certain additional components, which are mounted into the one or more internal compartments. These additional components may include any one or more of a data storage component, a battery component, and a control component. The control component may be in the form of buttons to allow for the camera to be switched on and off, and activated and deactivated into and from capture mode. The data storage component may comprise read/write memory, either or both of a built-in read/write memory and removable (such as a removable Secure Digital (SD) card). The battery component may comprise a rechargeable battery which may be connectable to a charging port to allow for recharging of the battery via an electricity source.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a camera device (10) together with a mounting arrangement (22). The camera device (10) comprises a substantially planar body (12) having a plurality of internal compartments (14). A camera (16) is mounted into one of these internal compartments (14). The planar body (12) includes at least one indentation (18) along which the body (12) can be bent. The body (12) may be manufactured from a flexible material, such as silicone or rubber. In alternate embodiments, the majority of the body (12), including the internal compartments (14), may be manufactured from a substantially solid material, such as a hard plastic, with only the indentations (18) manufactured from a flexible material. This may prevent the camera device (10) from being flexed anywhere except for along the lines (18).

In alternate embodiments, the entire body (12) of the camera device (10) may be constructed of flexible material, such as rubber or silicone. This may allow the camera device (10) to flex along any arbitrary section of the body.

The mounting arrangement (22) comprises at least one strap (24) to hold the camera device (10) in a secure connection with the mounting arrangement (22). In this embodiment, the mounting arrangement (22) includes three straps (24): a pair of straps (24) run parallel lengthways, and a third strap (24) intersects this pair of straps (24), running widthways across the body (12). These straps (24) are configured to correspond with the indentations (18) on the front of the body (12) of the camera device (10). The mounting arrangement (22) is manufactured from a flexible material, such as silicone or rubber, which allows flexing of the mounting arrangement (22). The straps (24) are manufactured from an elasticated material (for example, silicone) which allows the straps (24) to be stretched to a limited degree, such that the straps (24) can be stretched to allow the camera device (10) to be inserted into the mounting arrangement (22).

In an alternate embodiment (not shown) the mounting arrangement may be in the form of a sleeve configured to receive the body of the camera device. The sleeve is at least partially flexible. The sleeve includes an adhesive portion to enable the mounting arrangement to be used to secure the camera device to a surface. The sleeve includes a gap or aperture through which the camera is exposed when the camera device is held within the sleeve, such that the camera can be used whilst the camera device is held by the sleeve.

Figure 2 shows the camera device (10) without the mounting arrangement (22) connected thereto. The body (12) includes three indentations (18) along which the camera device (10) can be flexed. These indentations (18) form grooves running along the length and width of the body (12) and have a V-shaped cross section. The indentations (18) are included on both a front side and a rear side of the camera device (10) to facilitate flexing in multiple directions. Two indentations (18) run parallel to each other along the length of the body (12), on both the front and the rear sides of the camera device (10). A third indentation (18) intersects the other two indentations (18) to divide the body (12) into six separate internal compartments (14) within the camera device (10).

Referring to Figure 3, the camera device (10) includes a data storage component (38) and a battery component (30). In this embodiment, the data storage component (38) consists of a Secure Digital (SD) card (not shown) which can be inserted into an SD card port (46). This enables a user to insert an SD card into the SD card port (46) prior to use of the camera device (10). Data can therefore be recorded and stored on the SD card, which can later be removed to extract the stored data therefrom. The camera device (10) may also have on-board data storage, such as an on-board flash memory, or the like. The battery component (30) may include at least one rechargeable battery housed within one of the internal compartments (14) of the camera device (10). The camera device (10) includes an electrical connection to a charger port (32) which enables the charging of the battery component (30). The charger port (32) may be in the form of a micro-USB port and may also allow data connection between the camera device (10) and further devices, such as laptops, tablets and the like, by means of a USB cable. The connection may offer an alternative means to access the data stored by the camera device. For example, the camera device (10) may be connected to a laptop, by means of a cable having a micro-USB connection at a first end and a USB connection at a second end. The user can therefore access the data stored on the camera device, on the laptop to which it is connected.

In alternate embodiments, the camera device may include Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connection capabilities. This may enable a user to livestream data from the camera in the camera device, directly to a further device, such as a cellular phone or a laptop, in real-time or near real-time. This allows a user to broadcast visuals from the camera live. This livestreaming may be operated by a camera device-specific application. The application may be loaded onto a cellular phone or a laptop prior to use of the camera device with the application. The application may enable a user to remotely control the camera and the functioning thereof from the cellular phone or laptop, and view the real-time or near real-time footage being streamed from the camera. This Bluetooth capability may also allow a user to wirelessly transfer data captured and stored on the camera device, to a further device, such as a cellular phone or a laptop, at a later stage, after the photographs or videos have been recorded.

Figure 4 shows a front view of the camera device (10) together with the mounting arrangement (22). Lines A and B are indicated in the Figure, across which cross sections shown in Figures 5 and 6 are cut.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera device (10), cut along line B which is indicated in Figure 4. A cross section of the camera (16) is clearly shown in this Figure. The camera includes a lens (54) which faces towards the front of the camera device (10). The camera (16) is mounted in one of the internal compartments (14) of the camera device (10) and is positioned near a top end of the camera device. In alternative embodiments, the camera (16) may be positioned elsewhere in the camera device (10), in any other suitable internal compartment (14). The camera (16) may be used for either or both of recording video and capturing still photographs. The camera may record videos which may have a full HD or ultra HD resolution, or any other suitable resolution, and may recorded in any suitable output format. The camera may include a sensor of any suitable number of megapixels to enable capturing of images and videos. The camera may be any suitable camera or camera module of a size configured to fit into the camera device (10).

As shown in Figure 4, the camera (16) is operated by buttons (34, 36) which are also mounted in internal compartments (14) of the camera device (10). Two buttons (34, 36) are included in the camera device (10) to perform two different functions. For example, one button (34) may be used to turn the camera (16) on and off, and another button (36) may be used to activate the camera (16) to initiate filming, and end filming, or to capture a photograph when the button (36) is pressed. The functionality of the buttons (34, 36) and camera (16) are not limited to what is described here, as this is merely an exemplary description of the functionality of these components. Alternate embodiments may provide for further functionality, such as shooting in a timer mode, burst shots to capture a plurality of photographs at once, or slow-motion filming. It should be foreseen that any further camera functionality may be included in the camera (16) which is integrated into the camera device (10). Various input mechanisms may be utilised to perform alternate functions, such as long-presses. For example, a short press of one of the two buttons (34, 36) may start and stop video recording, while a long press of the button may cause a still photograph, or a burst thereof, to be captured.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the camera device (10) includes three holes (56, 57, 58) positioned along line B-B, on the front side of the body (12). Two of these holes (56, 57) correspond to indicator lights (40) included within the camera device (10), to allow the lights (40) to be visible to a user. These lights (40) may serve different purposes, for example, a light (40) may shine to indicate that the camera (16) is switched on. Further features provide for either or both of the lights (40) to shine or blink to indicate that the camera (16) is busy recording a video, the camera (16) has captured a photograph, or to indicate that the camera device (10) is busy charging, when the camera device (10) is plugged into an external power source, via the charging port (32). The functionality of these lights (40) may also extend beyond what is described here, for example a light (40) may flash to indicate a countdown when the camera (16) is shooting in a timer mode. In alternate embodiments, the camera device (10) may include more or fewer lights (40) and corresponding holes (56).

The third hole (58) corresponds to a microphone (60) which is also housed within the camera device. This microphone (60) enables audio recording functionality of the camera device (10). Therefore, video footage may be recorded by the camera (16), whilst audio is simultaneously recorded by the microphone (60). The microphone (60) also allows for livestreaming of audio data from the camera device (10) to a further electronic device, as described above.

As shown most clearly in Figure 8, which illustrates an exploded view of the camera device (10), the camera device (10) includes a plurality of internal compartments (14). These internal compartments (14) house the different components of the camera device (10). In this embodiment, the camera device (10) includes three upper internal compartments (14) across the width of the camera device (10), and three lower internal compartments (14), below the upper internal compartments (14). Therefore, six internal compartments (14) are provided for by this embodiment of the camera device (10). Alternate embodiments may provide for fewer or more internal compartments within the camera device.

The camera (16) component is mounted in the top, central internal compartment (14). The buttons (34, 36), presently tactile switches, are also mounted in the top internal compartments (14), such that one button is present on either side of the camera (16). The lower, central internal compartment (14) is positioned adjacent to the internal compartment (14) which houses the camera (16). The lower, central internal compartment (14) houses a printed circuit board (PCB) (39) on which the SD card connector (46) and USB port are populated. The USB port performs the dual role of charger port (32) and provides data connection between the camera device (10) and a host computing device (such as a personal computer). Either or both of the other lower internal compartments (14) house a battery (30). In this embodiment, two batteries (30) are mounted in the camera device (10), with one battery (30) on each of the lower left- and right-side internal compartments (14). These batteries (30) are in electrical connection with the charger port (32) to enable charging of the batteries (30). The PCB (39) may have an appropriate charging and controlling circuitry populated thereon (not shown) to facilitate charging of the relevant battery or batteries (30).

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the camera device (10) cut along line A which is indicated in Figure 4.

Figure 7 shows a side view of the camera device (10). This side view shows how the strap (24) which runs widthways across the body (12) of the camera device (10) extends from the adhesive patch (26) portion of the mounting arrangement (22) to wrap around the camera device (10). One of the straps (24) which runs lengthways along the body (12) of the camera device (10) is also shown in this Figure.

As is more clearly shown in Figure 8, the indentations (18) divide the internal compartments (14). This enables flexing of the camera device (10) whilst simultaneously protecting the internal components (14) from being bent. Therefore, the camera device (10) can be bent, whereas the internal compartments (14) will not be bent.

Figure 9 shows the camera device (10) together with an exploded view of the mounting arrangement (22). The mounting arrangement (22) includes an adhesive patch cover (28) which covers the adhesive patch (26) whilst the mounting arrangement (22) is not in use. When a user wishes to stick the mounting arrangement (22) to a surface, the adhesive patch cover (28) is removed, and the adhesive patch (26) is exposed. This allows the mounting arrangement (22) to be stuck to any desired surface. The adhesive patch may be manufactured from an acrylic adhesive to allow it to be safe to be used on human skin. For example, this acrylic adhesive may be any suitable acrylate such as methacrylate or epoxy diacrylate (vinyl resin). This adhesive material also allows the adhesive patch to be stuck to any other suitable surface, such as the surface of an article of sports equipment, or a helmet.

Figure 10 shows the camera device (10) and the mounting arrangement (22) when not in use. Therefore, in Figure 10 the adhesive patch cover (28) is covering the adhesive patch (26) and the sticky side is not exposed.

Figures 1 1 and 12 show the camera device (10) stuck to a surface (44). Therefore, the adhesive patch cover (28) has been removed and the adhesive patch (26) has been used to stick the mounting arrangement (22), together with the camera device (10) to the surface (44). In Figure 1 1 , the surface (44) is uniformly flat, and therefore the camera device (10) is also in a flat configuration and no portion thereof is bent. However, in Figure 12, the surface (44) is curved in a convex manner. Therefore, the camera device (10) is bent along the indentations (18), such that the shape of the camera device (10) corresponds to the uneven surface (44).

Figures 13, 14, and 15 show the camera device (10) in use by exemplary users (42). Figure 13 shows the camera device (10) stuck to a user’s clothing (48) whilst the user (42) is skiing. Figure 14 shows two camera devices (10) in use, by a user riding a motorcycle (52). A first camera device (10) is stuck to the user’s motorcycle helmet (50). A second camera device (10) is shown stuck to the user’s motorcycle (52).

Figure 15 shows two camera devices (10). A first camera device (10) is shown stuck to a user’s (42) forehead, directly onto their skin. A second camera device (10) is stuck to a bottle held by the user. The second camera device (10) is clearly shown to be flexing to conform to the convex surface of the bottle. These Figures do not accurately illustrate the size of the camera device (10) relative to a person. The size of the camera device (10) has been exaggerated in Figures 13 and 14, for illustrative purposes.

Certain embodiments of the camera device may be constructed from waterproof or water-resistant materials. This may allow the camera device to be used under water, or in situations where the camera device may be exposed to some water. This allows for the use of the camera device for water sporting activities, such as surfing or water skiing.

In use, the camera device is used to capture photographs and videos whilst stuck to any desired surface. As a first step, a user will connect the mounting arrangement to the camera device, by stretching the straps to accommodate the camera device. The straps, which correspond to the indentations on the body of the camera device, will therefore run along the indentations of the camera device and firmly, but removably, connect the camera device to the mounting arrangement. A user may then remove the adhesive patch cover to expose the adhesive patch. The adhesive nature of the adhesive patch allows the mounting arrangement, together with the camera device, to be adhered to any desired surface. The surface may be, for example, a user’s skin, an article of sports equipment, or a vehicle.

The flexible character of both of the camera device and the mounting arrangement will enable the camera device to confirm to the shape of the surface to which it is stuck, by flexing along the indentations on the body of the camera device. Therefore, the camera device will be relatively flush to the surface, and due to the substantially planar shape of the body of the camera device body, the camera device will not extend any substantial distance from the surface. Once adhered to a surface, a user may choose to capture any moment with the camera which is mounted in the camera device. The user may activate this capture mode by pressing one or more of the buttons of the camera device. For example, a user may be required to first press a button to turn the camera on, after which they can press a further button to capture a photograph or begin filming. If the user is filming, they may then press the same button to terminate the filming, after which, a user may press the alternate button to switch the camera off. The camera device need not be adhered to a surface in order for a user to make use of the camera, as the camera can be used at any time.

When a user no longer wishes to use the camera device or wishes to use the camera device on a different surface, the user can pull the mounting arrangement off from the surface to which it is adhered. Due to the nature of the adhesive material used, the mounting arrangement can be removed from a surface relatively easily, without leaving a residue behind. The foregoing description has been presented for the purpose of illustration; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure.

The language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Finally, throughout the specification and accompanying claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word ‘comprise’ or variations such as ‘comprises’ or ‘comprising’ will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.