Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080245452 | Weatherproofing Apparatus and Method for Cameras and Video Recorders - This application relates to the improvement to the current state-of-the-art for weatherproofing a camera or video recorder (or a cell phone having those functionalities). That allows an avid photographer to take their camera out into the rain and use all the controls through the skin, without the camera getting wet. (It is not submersion-proof, but for all practical purposes, it is waterproof) It features plug-in covers for gaps, plus any or all of the below: Double layer (with ultra thin layer on inside and/or also outside), Zip Lock features around the holes, Hot shoe drape over top of camera, or Finger Condom. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures. | 10-09-2008 |
20080245453 | Battery Grip Protective Device for Cameras, Video Recorders, and Other Electronic Devices - In one example, we have a rubber skin that fits a range of battery grips. It has a number of cut-outs that allow the material to stretch and accommodate different cameras (or sizes/models), and also, access the different camera control locations, knobs, or buttons. This can apply to video recorders or any electronic devices, in general. This provides protection for device, for impact, scratch, or water, for example. In addition, it provides easy access or change of battery. Thus, convenience, adjustability, and protection are provided at the same time. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures. In addition, the skin can be solid/rigid or soft. Furthermore, using a band or Velcro, with multiple pieces or attached pieces, one can easily adjust the sizes for different cameras or models. | 10-09-2008 |
20080245945 | Modified tripod and "multi-pod" for cameras and other equipment - As one of the examples, one of the main features is that the setup is small enough that it can live with the camera full-time, and carried around by the user. The legs fold into a very compact size that fit within the footprint of the camera, used for any type camera, e.g. compact point-and-shoot camera, camera phone, or SLR camera. The tripod can then live unnoticed on the bottom of the camera, until a shot requiring a tripod is needed. Then, the legs can be deployed to act as a firm stand. Another one of the main features of this tripod is that all the legs do not share a common end-point or pivot-point. This allows the legs to form a very wide stable platform, even when they are short. In general, for N legs, some legs may have common end-points or pivot-points, but not for all N legs. (N is a positive integer, greater or equal to 3.) This invention can be applied to any camera (e.g. compact camera) and any measurement equipment that uses a conventional tripod or similar setup, such as the ones used by civil engineers or surveyors for the survey of the land and construction measurements or calibrations, or the ones used in optical measurements or laser experiments (e.g. for general level measurements and adjustments). Other variations are also discussed. | 10-09-2008 |
20080247746 | Tripod Mounting, Stand, or Support Attachment, Accessory, or Mechanism for Cameras and Similar Devices or Objects - Most cameras have a tripod mounting hole in the bottom with a standard screw thread. All current tripods mount use a threaded fastener that screws into this hole and tightens the camera to a tripod or other auxiliary devices. Often, the tripod will mount a small intermediary part that can remain with the camera, but which allows the camera to be quickly removed from the tripod. This disclosure obviates the need for the intermediary part. Here are some of the main features and embodiments: “Expanding Rubber Bung”: A flexible elastomeric part or other material, that when tightened, expands in girth. “Pivoting metal Christmas tree”: Similar to the above concept, except that a hard material pivots out, to clamp the sides of the hole, once it has been easily inserted in its collapsed state. The following are some of the applications and examples of the current disclosure: cameras, video recorders, civil engineering equipment for leveling measurement or surveying, laser equipment for tracking, leveling calibration, or marking, optical equipment, astronomical equipment, telescopes, binoculars, lab equipment, or calibration equipment are some examples of tripod usage or similar setups, e.g. setups with more legs, different shapes, stands, supports, or foldable/mobile setups. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures. | 10-09-2008 |
20080247749 | Camera Wrap Cover - Currently, there are many compact cameras from multiple vendors. These come in all shapes and sizes. The majority of the cases (e.g. for protection, security, and safety) on the market are generic loose-fitting cut-and-sew products. The camera is stowed in the case and then brought out to take a picture. The person then has to find a place to put the case while they take the picture and often the case becomes misplaced or damaged (e.g. by water or dirt). The solution that we are showing is a wrapping cover which is permanently attached to the camera (as one example), to protect the camera, for example. The cover wraps around the camera and forms a very close fitting protective cover for the camera. Because the user wraps the material around the camera, the size of the cover is as small as possible (for better stowing in pockets and purses (for better mobility and more convenience)). There are no extra air spaces because of a generically sized cover (in this example). The wrap cover is attached full-time to the bottom of the camera, using the standard tripod mounting hole that exists on the majority of cameras. When there is no mounting hole, there is a hook, ring, or similar attachment device that can perform the same function. When the person wants to take a picture, he/she simply unwraps the wrap cover, which then hangs below the camera, and then he/she takes the photograph. Other variations are also discussed. | 10-09-2008 |
20080247750 | Skin Cover for Cameras - As an example, we are introducing an elastomeric molded skin, that covers the camera and provides rigorous protection against drop, dirt, and general wear-and-tear on the camera. The skin covers most, many, or all possible surfaces and replicates the existing camera buttons with elastomeric/rubber buttons, which the user can press on, to activate all the existing functions of the camera, without exposing the buttons to any dirt or moisture. The skin has both open and “open-able” areas, to allow the user access to functional areas on the camera (in this example), e.g. to replace the battery or memory card. This is particularly useful for all SLR cameras, and compact cameras with one or more LCDs. | 10-09-2008 |
20090002823 | Permanently-Affixed Lens Cap - A permanently-affixed lens cap is presented here. This is a lens cap which one does not have to separate from the camera, to use the camera. Unlike the existing lens caps which clip on the front, and are then removed, these caps remain on the front of the lens practically at all the times. Thus, they do not get lost, and the camera/lens is much safer because of it. Some of the features are: Crystal Clear: a Lens cover which looks like a filter, in that it screws into the filter thread at the end of the lens. This protects the expensive lens from impact and scratches. As an option, the user never has to remove it. Nano-Technology coating: Two separate layers of fine silica particles prevent scratches, and fluorine-containing resins in each layer repel ink marks. This has been used for DVD protection in the industry. Bullet-Proof: Layers of glass and (clear) plastic sandwiched to give great optical clarity, but an incredibly impact resistant front. Non-clear lens, which is permanently attached. The lens cap has a mechanism to flip out of the way. Press a button and the lens cap expands to become a shade, and exposes the front of the lens. Many other variations and extensions are also discussed in the specification and figures. | 01-01-2009 |
20090003820 | Strap for Cameras and Video Recorders - As one example, it features: “Gel Strap”: It is a removable strap, whose position or length can be adjusted at the gel pads, by the user, to provide an optimal and personalized comfort solution. It also features: “Male-female plug strap”, for connectivity for electricity, data, Internet, network, computer, wired or wireless, transfer of data, printing, provisioning, upgrading, uploading, downloading, synchronization, automatic backup, security, tel., or text messaging. Another example is: Adjusting the strap length and size from the body section of the strap: Straps generally have a padded (fatter) section and then smaller straps at the 2 ends, which attach to the camera. Previously, the length of the strap was adjusted at the ends of the smaller straps, near the camera. However, here, in this disclosure, in one of the examples, the adjustment is done in the body of the center-padded section. This allows the ends of the strap to be clean and uncluttered, and the adjustment is hidden in the fat padded area of the strap, for a better look and more security. These can apply to other devices, as well. More examples are given in the specification. | 01-01-2009 |
20090083272 | Role-based user tracking in service usage - Devising a centralized usage database for tracking and recording the usage of various services by various users may be difficult for several reasons, including the volume of data generated by each user in interacting with each service. Techniques are disclosed for streamlining usage data transmitted between the services, the users, and the usage database, such as by redistributing a portion of the computational burden to the users, and by characterizing the usage data based on the role of each user in interacting with each service. Additional techniques are disclosed for caching and authenticating the usage data, and for improving the response rate in the interaction of the usage database with users in order to provide a better user experience. | 03-26-2009 |
20090083367 | User profile aggregation - User profile data that may be spread across different service providers and that may vary across different service providers can be aggregated to provide an aggregate user profile. An aggregate user profile can be generated regardless of, among other things, varying user profile semantics, differing data formats, data item conflicts, evolving server protocols and interfaces, and updates to the number, identity, location, and type of servers upon which the service providers are maintained. | 03-26-2009 |
20090194445 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE CARRYING SLEEVE - An inflatable carrying case for sensitive electronic device and other delicate devices are described herewith. The inflatable carrying case is made by stitching an outer sleeve to an inner sleeve with a layer of open cell foam glued in between. Two rigid top and bottom surfaces or plates (as 2 examples) are attached to the outer sleeve. An inflating mechanism comprising of an air valve assembly is positioned where the latch hooks over it to secure the carrying case. The inflating mechanism is used to inflate the carrying case and thus increase fortification against movement, sudden jolts and direct impact to the enclosed sensitive electronic device. The inflating mechanism is easily accessible and simply operated. Detachable pockets to carry accessories and shoulder strap are included in this invention. Many embodiments, examples, and variations are given. | 08-06-2009 |
20100203931 | One Piece Co-formed Exterior Hard Shell Case with an Elastomeric Liner for Mobile Electronic Devices - A one-piece co-formed exterior hard shell case with an elastomeric liner formed on the interior of the exterior hard shell for mobile electronic devices. This hard protective exterior shell allows the device maximum protection from impacts with sharp objects while the interior elastomeric portion that provides shock protection for the device from impacts. The exterior hard shell part is formed to fit the device closely with a small offset from the devices surface. The exterior hard shell raps around the edges of the device. To allow the shell to be able to be mounted on the device the corners of the hard shell are cut open. This allows each sidewall to flex away when a device is inserted and snap back once it is in place. The elastomeric material fills in the gaps created at the corners of the exterior hard shell to allow flex for mounting. | 08-12-2010 |
20100240495 | Modular Isometric and Speed Training Device - A modular exercise device that provides isometric and speed training in a plurality of embodiments by providing a single sensing core that can be encased in multiple housings. A force measurement smart core is an electronic piece although a pressure indicator or physical force gauge could be used also. A feedback interface providing visual/auditory tactile interaction could be visual using an LCD or LEDS, audible, or tactile (vibration feedback) Means to setup the device include buttons or dials to set the goal force or change the exercise program. A memory allows the device to be programmed to walk the user through a routine or to allow the user to see previous workouts. A connection means to connect to a computer, the network or other electronic device using standard known architecture would be utilized. This could be wireless, wired or through memory cards. | 09-23-2010 |
20110000945 | Electronic Device Holder - In one example, we describe a holder for an electronic device, such as a cell phone. The holder allows the user to attach the device to the user, as well as straps, such as car seat belts and purse straps. This holder has the unique property of being able to accommodate a range of sizes of electronic devices. We can adjust length, width, and thickness, or use angles in 3 different directions, for multiple degrees of freedom, in Cartesian, polar, or cylindrical coordinates, or combinations, to adjust the size, for different devices, to make that very easy and cost effective/flexible for the consumers, to adjust very fast and secure, as an example. | 01-06-2011 |
20110236577 | Case Printing - This is a process of hydropainting a case, box, container, shell, protector, or holder for an electronic device or communication device. In one example, we describe a method which offers the advantage of eliminating the need to mask the device, and therefore, it reduces the cost of using this printing method to add graphics to the case. One example is based on an over-molded or dual-shot case. The case has a hard external shell manufactured by injection molding. This external shell is then over-molded in key areas with a soft rubber material, to provide a case that cushions the electronics with the rubber, but also provides the hard case protection of the external shell. It also provides excellent printing quality, at a lower cost and production time. | 09-29-2011 |
20120132682 | Duty belt system - One example of the invention describes a belt that is to be used by uniformed professional field personnel (e.g. law enforcement, fire, park department, search and rescue, private security, utilities personnel, military, etc.). Some examples of the invention introduce many new features which allow for improved access, comfort, reliability, ruggedness and cosmetics. In one embodiment, the description describes a metal rail on a belt, to which accessories attach. The other items of the inventions are the details of the buckle and its various designs. Other attachments and accessories, plus various setups and arrangements for the belts and buckles, are also presented here. For example, the elastomeric belt variation helps the user, when sitting, with the belt on. | 05-31-2012 |
20120198602 | Duty Belt System - One example of the invention describes a belt that is to be used by uniformed professional field personnel (e.g. law enforcement, fire, park department, search and rescue, private security, utilities personnel, military, etc.). Some examples of the invention introduce many new features which allow for improved access, comfort, reliability, ruggedness and cosmetics. In one embodiment, the description describes a metal rail on a belt, to which accessories attach. The other items of the inventions are the details of the buckle and its various designs. Other attachments and accessories, plus various setups and arrangements for the belts and buckles, are also presented here. | 08-09-2012 |
20120317703 | Duty Belt Buckle - A duty belt buckle for securing a duty belt around the waist of a user. A duty belt buckle is fixed to one end of a duty belt and employs a mating element that engages with an attachment member on the distal end of the duty belt. A cover which rotates with respect to the buckle body and has securing extrusions which prevent the mating element from disengaging with the attachment member when the cover is in a closed position. | 12-20-2012 |