CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 61/800,421, filed on March 15, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to devices for mounting a camera or video camera and methods of using the same.

Description of the Related Art

Digital cameras were first invented nearly forty years ago, and have eventually become the dominant technology in consumer photography. ¹ In addition to stand-alone devices such as compact digital cameras and digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, digital cameras have now become commonplace as integrated elements of portable electronic devices such as cellular phones, smart phones, and tablets. Both stand-alone digital cameras and integrated digital cameras are now capable of recording videos as well. Stand-alone cameras have a well- developed array of accessories for use therewith, such as electronic flash units, constant lighting sources, microphones and other recording devices, and tripods and other mounting devices. By

¹ http ://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/ digital_camera ras on portable electronic devices do

available accessories for use therewith.

Integrated digital cameras on portable electronic devices such as cellular phones, smart phones, and tablets are useful in part because of the multi-functionality and portability of these devices. Thus, when in possession of such a device an individual does not have to have a standalone camera available whenever an occasion or opportunity for photography or videography arises. However, this also limits the utility of integrated digital cameras, as the user does not have access to accessories that can enhance the user's photography or videography like those available for stand-alone cameras. While the quality of photographs and videos generated using integrated digital cameras is rapidly increasing, the lack of available accessories still limits the use of such cameras to certain types of situations. The unavailability of accessories for mounting integrated digital cameras limits the use and effectiveness of such cameras in capturing many types of images and video recordings.

In addition, accessories used to mount stand-alone digital cameras are designed for a single type of use. Thus a separate mounting accessory is required for each type of use.

Thus there remains a need for a multi-functional device that enables users to mount or otherwise secure stand-alone and integrated digital cameras, video cameras, and other photo- or video-enabled devices while taking photographs and generating video recordings.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a multi-functional device for mounting a camera or video camera and methods of using the same. The device comprises a base unit and one or more accessories. In preferred embodiments, the base unit may comprise mounting channels and an ecured to the base unit using a qui

preferred embodiments, the accessories may comprise one or more accessories from the group consisting of a main handle assembly, adjustable feet, a tripod mount, a gimbal stabilization assembly, a dolly assembly, interlocking articulating feet, and a shoulder support assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit with various preferred accessories attached.

Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit with various preferred accessories attached.

Fig. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit with various preferred accessories attached.

Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit while collapsed with various preferred accessories attached.

Fig. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit while collapsed with various preferred accessories attached.

Fig. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit with various preferred accessories attached while securing a smart phone integrated digital camera.

Fig. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit with various preferred accessories attached while securing a smart phone integrated digital camera.

Fig. 8 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit connected to a tripod with various preferred accessories attached while securing a smart phone integrated digital camera. embodiment of the base unit conned

preferred accessories attached while securing a smart phone integrated digital camera.

Fig. 10 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit connected to a tripod with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera.

Fig. 11 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a cage assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera and a camera accessory.

Fig. 12 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a cage assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera and a camera accessory.

Fig. 13 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a cage assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera.

Fig. 14 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a cage assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera.

Fig. 15 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a gimbal stabilizer assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera.

Fig. 16 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a gimbal stabilizer assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera.

Fig. 17 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a gimbal stabilizer assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera.

Fig. 18 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a dolly assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera.

Fig. 19 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a dolly assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera. i embodiment of the base unit in a d

preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera.

Fig. 21 shows a preferred embodiment of two interlocking articulating feet accessories.

Fig. 22 shows a preferred embodiment of two interlocking articulating feet accessories.

Fig. 23 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a shoulder support assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera.

Fig. 24 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a shoulder support assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera.

Fig. 25 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit in a shoulder support assembly with various preferred accessories attached while securing a DSLR camera.

Fig. 26 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit with various preferred accessories attached.

Fig. 27 shows an exemplary base unit with its various components.

Fig. 28 shows an exemplary middle handle support of a main handle support accessory and an exemplary adjustable foot accessory.

Fig. 29 shows an exemplary top handle support of a main handle support accessory.

Fig. 30 shows an exemplary base unit X-Y table and an exemplary camera mount thumb wheel.

Fig. 31 shows an exemplary small thumb screw cap and an exemplary tripod mount. Fig. 32 shows an exemplary bottom Y mount, an exemplary top Y mount, and an exemplary T-channel clamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure describes a multi-functional device for mounting a camera and methods of using the same. The device comprises a base unit and one or more removable mounting accessories that interface with the base unit. In preferred embodiments, the mounting accessories are adjustable to accommodate a variety of camera designs.

In preferred embodiments, the device operates as a universal handle and photo/video accessory platform that allows a user to hold, maneuver, and stabilize a stand-alone digital camera, integrated digital camera, video camera, or any other photo- and video-enabled device in a variety of different ways. In highly preferred embodiments, the mounting accessories are attached to and detached from the base unit using quick-release attachments.

In preferred embodiments, the base unit comprises one or more mounting channels and mounting accessories are attached to the base unit via the mounting channels, as shown in Figures 1-3. In highly preferred embodiments, the camera or video camera is attached directly to the base unit, creating a central platform around which various mounting accessories may be readily assembled and disassembled. In such embodiments, the camera or video camera may be attached to the device via a camera mount thumb wheel and may be secured in place via a base unit X-Y table and a T-channel clamp. This allows a user to adjust his or her setup without having to completely disassemble one camera accessory platform and then reassemble the camera to connect it to a new accessory platform. The camera remains attached to the base unit while the accessories surrounding it may be readily changed. A user can thus work fluidly without significant interruptions to change accessories, thereby drastically reducing preparation : provides the user with many diffen

that would otherwise not be possible to achieve using a single device.

In preferred embodiments, the accessories comprise a main handle assembly that attaches to the base unit via a rotatable joint that can rotate 360 degrees. The main handle assembly may be used as a top handle and is adjustable to accommodate different sized cameras. The main handle assembly may also be used as an interface for other accessories. For example, the main handle assembly may be used as a counterweight mount for the device when used in the gimbal stabilized assembly described below. The main handle assembly may also be used in a variety of ways to hold and maneuver the device. In preferred embodiments, the main handle assembly may also be folded into the base unit to compact the device for ease of transportation, as shown in Figures 4-5.

In preferred embodiments, the main handle assembly comprises holes. The holes may be used by the user to insert fingers into the main handle assembly to permit greater control of the device while in use. The holes may also be used as a mounting interface for other accessories.

In preferred embodiments, the accessories may comprise adjustable feet to stabilize the device on a flat surface, as shown in Figures 6-7.

In other preferred embodiments, the accessories may comprise a tripod mount, which allows the device to be readily mounted to a tripod without having to modify the position of the camera or other accessories, as shown in Figures 8-10.

In other preferred embodiments, the device may be configured as a cage assembly, as shown in Figures 11-14.

In other preferred embodiments, the accessories may comprise a gimbal stabilization assembly comprising a gimbal mount and counterweights, as shown in Figures 15-17. The stabilizer without modifying the base

gimbal stabilization assembly the base unit may be converted into a stabilizer using a gimbal and counterweights. This may be achieved by attaching the counterweights via the base unit or by orienting the handle assembly away from the camera, attaching the gimbal to the main handle assembly, and attaching the counterweights to the other end of the main handle assembly.

In other preferred embodiments, the accessories may comprise a camera dolly assembly. The base unit may be converted into a camera dolly simply by attaching wheels, as shown in Figures 18-20.

In other preferred embodiments, the accessories may comprise an interlocking articulating foot accessory, as shown in Figures 21-22. This accessory may allow the user to position the device on a surface in a preferred position that is not necessarily horizontal. The ability of the accessory to interlock allows the feet to be extended in length and thereby allows the user to position the device on a wider variety of surfaces. The interlocking articulating foot accessory may also be used as a shoulder support or for hand support.

In other preferred embodiments, the accessories may comprise a shoulder support, as shown in Figures 23-25. The shoulder support allows the device to be supported by the user's shoulder, reducing fatigue and allowing for more comfortable operation of the device.

Examples

Figure 26 shows a preferred embodiment of the base unit with various preferred accessories attached.

Figure 27 shows an exemplary base unit CI 001-01 with nominal dimensions A approximately 11.0", B approximately 1.97", C approximately 8.00", D approximately 0.38", E [lately 10.00", G approximately 0.57'

approximately 0.16", and J approximately 0.20".

Figure 28 shows an exemplary middle handle support CI 002-01 with nominal dimensions A approximately 7.0", B approximately 1.97", C approximately 0.90", D approximately 1.10", and E approximately 0.42"; and an exemplary adjustable foot accessory CI 004-01 with nominal dimensions A approximately 2.16", B approximately 1.70", C approximately 0.68", and D approximately 0.40".

Figure 29 shows an exemplary top handle support CI 003-01 with nominal dimensions A approximately 11.20", B approximately 1.67", C approximately 0.90", D approximately 1.12", and E approximately 0.42".

Figure 30 shows an exemplary base unit X-Y table CI 005-01 with nominal dimensions A approximately 2.26", B approximately 3.00", C approximately 2.25", D approximately 1.77", E approximately 0.13", and F approximately 0.30"; and an exemplary camera mount thumb wheel CI 006-01 with nominal dimensions A approximately 1.95", B approximately 0.25", C approximately 0.30".

Figure 31 shows an exemplary small thumb screw cap C 1010-01 with nominal dimensions A approximately 0.70", B approximately 0.63", and C approximately 0.54"; and an exemplary tripod mount C 1011-01 with nominal dimensions A approximately 2.36", B approximately 0.90", C approximately 2.25", D approximately 3.0", E approximately 1.77", F approximately 0.30", G approximately 0.12", and H approximately 0.13".

Figure 32 shows an exemplary bottom Y mount CI 007-01 with nominal dimensions A approximately 3.00", B approximately 1.13", C approximately 0.60", D approximately 0.88", E approximately 0.70", and F approximately 0.14"; an exemplary top Y mount C1008-01 with ately 3.00", B approximately 1.13", ε

and an exemplary T-channel clamp CI 009-01 with nominal dimensions A approximately 1.30", B approximately 0.88", and C approximately 0.13".

The disclosure and examples above are intended to be illustrative and are not intended to limit or otherwise restrict the invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon full appreciation of the above disclosure.

For example, one skilled in the art will understand that the components and parts of the camera mounting device may be modified by scaling up or scaling down the dimensions of the device without altering the dimensional ratios of these components and parts, and will also understand that the dimensional ratios of the components and parts of the camera mounting device may be altered significantly without affecting its functionality. Examples of such scaling or altering of the dimensional ratios include scaling the device up or down in size by a factor of five or ten, or altering the ratio of the components of the device such as using a larger or smaller main handle assembly compared to the base unit, respectively.

It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference.