Photography – Camera detail – Shutter
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-01
2001-01-09
Perkey, W. B. (Department: 2851)
Photography
Camera detail
Shutter
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173126
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to cameras and, more specifically, to improvements in actuators and controls for camera shutters and strobe circuits.
The prior art also includes a variety of cameras containing dual functioning elements; such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,227, issued to Tanaka, wherein a movable lens cover also serves to energize a strobe circuit, as well as operate a shutter release mechanism. Another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,891, issued to Hirohata, wherein a mechanism is disclosed for cocking the shutter and energizing the flash circuit. Yet another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,135,797, issued to Ohmura, which discloses a camera having an interrelated shutter lock and strobe circuit.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In summary, the present invention includes a control device for a camera having a first portion for preventing actuation of a shutter actuator and a second position for releasing the shutter actuator and at the same time energizing a strobe. In one illustrated embodiment, provision is made for a camera having a shutter actuator, such as a finger button that is spring loaded towards one position and moved manually by the user's finger toward an opposite position in order to actuate the shutter mechanism. A control member in the form of a shield is provided to prevent inadvertent actuation of the shutter actuator. The shield is movable between a first position, preferably, overlying the actuator and preventing engagement of the actuator by the finger or other elements, and a second position spaced from the actuator to allow it to be engaged by a finger to operate the shutter to take a picture. The shield is operatively connected to a strobe or flash circuit so that when the shield is moved away from the shutter actuator, the strobe circuit will be energized to ready the camera for taking a picture.
In another illustrated embodiment of the present invention, control is provided by a control member movable between a first position, whereat it is engageable with the actuator to lock it against operation, and a second position whereat it releases the actuator for operation of the shutter. The control member has a portion which engages a switch to energize a strobe, whenever the control member is moved to the second position.
The camera of the present invention also includes an improved transmission between the actuator such as a finger button and the shutter blade including a hammer mounted for rectilinear as well as pivotal movement such that when the actuator is operated, the hammer will first move toward and downwardly with respect to the shutter blade and then upwardly striking and thereby actuating the shutter blade, and then finally returning to the starting position upon release of the finger button.
One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a camera having a novel control for locking the shutter actuator against operation in one position and releasing the shutter actuator for operation in another position while at the same time energized a strobe circuit. Included herein is such a control which is located adjacent the shutter actuator which may include a finger button.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved camera having a cover or shield for the shutter actuator, typically a button, and which also is effective to energize a strobe or flash circuit when the shutter actuator is exposed for operation.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a camera including a novel and improved mechanism for operating the shutter. Included herein is such a mechanism that enhances the speed of the shutter.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a camera that may incorporate the aforementioned improvement in a relatively compact or miniature body suitable for economical manufacture while at the same time allowing the camera to be easily operated and readily handled without accidental operation of the shutter.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings:
REFERENCES:
patent: 3810227 (1974-05-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 4112451 (1978-09-01), Asker
patent: 4135797 (1979-01-01), Ohmura et al.
patent: 4168891 (1979-09-01), Hirohata et al.
patent: 5870633 (1999-02-01), Norris
PCT International Search Report, 23.04.99. p. 1.
Kurokawa Toshiharu
Togashi Nobuhiko
Payne Leslie
Perkey W. B.
Polaroid Corporation
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