Photography – Camera combined with or convertible to diverse art device – With diverse compound lens system
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-07
2001-12-11
Gray, David M. (Department: 2851)
Photography
Camera combined with or convertible to diverse art device
With diverse compound lens system
C359S480000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06330401
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a camera and binocular preamplifier combination and to a method for photographing distant objects with a relatively inexpensive camera. The invention relates more particularly to the use of a camera with a relatively simple lens and a binocular telescope of limited power to take relatively sharp photographs that are relatively free of blurring due to shaking while taking a photograph.
BACKGROUND FOR THE INVENTION
In photographing distant objects such as monuments, scenery, wild animals, athletes and the like, it is customary to employ a telescopic lens such as those employed with sophisticated cameras. Such cameras and telescopic lenses are not only expensive but are also cumbersome and frequently require the use of a tripod of other support to eliminate a problem associated with an individual's inability to hold the camera steady while taking a photograph. When a photographer having a telescopic lens for his or her camera sets out to take certain types of subjects, such as wild animals, it is customary to first employ relatively high powered binoculars to locate the animal and then to photograph the animal through the use of the telescopic lens. For such occasions, it is necessary to have three pieces of relatively expensive equipment, namely an expensive camera, a telescopic lens and an expensive pair of binoculars. It may also be necessary to have a tripod which adds to the bulk of what needs to be carried.
One approach to overcoming such problems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,765,718 which relates to a combination binocular telescope and camera. As disclosed therein, an adapter is used for connecting one eye portion of a binocular telescope with the lens of a camera. The adapter is easily removable when it is desired to employ both eye portions of the binoculars. As disclosed in the patent, the combination binocular telescope and camera permit an individual to view the subject through one portion of the binoculars and photograph the subject through the other portion so that focusing of the binoculars may be constantly carried out when either the subject or the photographer is moving.
With the introduction and growing popularity of disposable cameras, an increased mobility of individuals more and more individuals are unwilling to pay the high prices for sophisticated cameras. They are also unwilling to travel with or even carry bulky equipment from place to place. Nevertheless, many of these same individuals may carry compact binoculars such as opera glasses and/or binoculars having a power of 7 or less for use on a boat, in national parks and on other outings. A number of such individuals may also carry an inexpensive compact camera and will from time to time be dissatisfied with the shortcomings of such cameras.
Accordingly, it is presently believed that there may be a relatively large demand for a camera binocular preamplifier combination in accordance with the present invention. It is believed that there may be a significant demand because such combinations are relatively compact, light in weight and durable. The combinations are also relatively inexpensive and allow an individual to photograph distant objects with an inexpensive camera and to obtain relatively close-up sharp photographs of such objects. At the same time, the present invention does away with any need for a separate adapter and the use of a threaded eyepiece portion of the binoculars to attach a camera to a binocular telescope.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In essence, the present invention contemplates a camera and binocular preamplifier combination. The combination includes a binocular telescope having a housing, two eye portions and two independent optical systems disposed within the housing. Each of the independent optical systems include at least a pair of lenses which are aligned along an optical axis and which are adapted to receive light from an object for transmission to one of the eye portions. The binocular telescope also includes a pair of generally circular eyepieces disposed in the housing adjacent to the eye portions. Each of the eyepieces have a smooth outer surface and are adapted to be pressed comfortably against an individual's face in the area around the individual's eye. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the binocular telescope has a power or magnification of 7 or less and preferably in excess of 3.
The combination also includes a camera preferably of relatively lightweight having a light-tight body with front and rear portions. A lens and shutter assembly are disposed in the front portion of the light type body. A film support is disposed in the rear portion of the body for positioning a piece of photographic film opposite the lens. Then when the shutter is open, light will pass through the lens to thereby form an image on the film in a conventional manner. In the present invention, the face of the camera is constructed and arranged to have an eyepiece of a binocular pressed against it and held in place with the optical axis of one of the independent optical systems in general alignment with the optical axis of the camera lens and is free of any adapter therebetween. In this way, one of the independent optical systems acts as a preamplifier for the camera.
The invention also contemplates a method for photographing distant objects with an inexpensive camera and binocular preamplifier. The method includes the following steps: The first step is to provide a camera such as a relatively inexpensive or disposable camera having a relatively flat face portion, a rear portion and a lens and shutter assembly disposed in the front portion of the camera. The camera also includes a viewfinder. A photographic film is positioned in the rear portion of the camera so that the lens forms an image of an object on the film when the shutter is in an open position. The method also includes the step of providing a binocular telescope having two independent optical systems each with a power of between 3 to 7 and two eyepieces. Each of the optical systems are focused on a distant object and the object is then viewed through the camera viewfinder. In the next step, one of the binocular eyepieces is pressed against the relatively flat-face portion of the camera and the optical axis of the binocular in general alignment. The object is then viewed through the camera viewfinder and the shutter opened and closed to thereby form an image of the object on the film.
The invention will now be described in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to indicate like parts.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2765718 (1956-10-01), Beecher
patent: 5634164 (1997-05-01), Isozaki
Wolfgang, S 10 Tele-Fotos Dec. 30, 1999, www.dpreview.com,Forum: Cannon Talk.
Blackman Rochelle
Dougherty & Troxell
Gray David M.
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