Photography – Self-developing camera
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-11
2001-01-16
Rutledge, D. (Department: 2851)
Photography
Self-developing camera
C396S348000, C396S429000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175691
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a folding imaging apparatus and, in particular, a foldable image acquisition apparatus having multiple modes of operation and, preferably employing self-developing film.
A variety of foldable photographic apparatus, especially of the self-developing type are known. Typically, such apparatus have a plurality of interconnected housing members mounted for movement between a folded inoperative position, and an unfolded or erect operative position. Examples of such cameras are represented by U.S. Pat. Nos.: 3,810,211 issued to Wareham et al; 4,387,978 issued to Pizzuti; 3,832,726 issued to Finelli; 5,027,142 issued to Douglas; 5,151,728 issued to Hendry et al.; and, 5,687,411 issued to Matsuzaki et al.
However, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved foldable multiple mode imaging acquisition apparatus which is operative in either a folded or collapsed mode and an erect or unfolded mode.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention provision is made for a foldable multiple mode imaging acquisition apparatus. The apparatus comprises, in combination: a first housing assembly; a second housing assembly; an erecting assembly operatively interconnected to and between the first and second housing assemblies for allowing movement of the housing assemblies between a folded first condition and a second unfolded condition. Included is a viewfinder assembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the second assembly; and, a pair of spaced apart and generally longitudinally extending hand gripping sections on the first housing assembly. The viewfinder assembly is oriented in such a fashion that an operator can hold the apparatus in a generally vertical mode when the housing assemblies are in the first condition, and in a generally horizontal mode when the housing assemblies are in the second condition. The hand gripping sections are sized and constructed to allow a user to easily and in a stable manner grip the apparatus in both the first and second conditions without having to remove hands from the first housing assembly.
In an illustrated embodiment, provision is made for g a viewfinder assembly being mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the second assembly. The viewfinder assembly is oriented in such a fashion that an operator can hold the apparatus in a generally vertical mode when the housing assemblies are in the first condition, and in a generally horizontal mode when the housing assemblies are in the second condition.
In another illustrated embodiment provision is made for a first housing assembly which houses photographic film of the self-developing type; and, wherein the second housing assembly comprises an electronic image acquisition apparatus thereon.
In another illustrated embodiment, provision is made for a strobe assembly being mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the second assembly so that the strobe can illuminate a scene to be imaged when the housing assemblies are in either of the first or second conditions.
In another illustrated embodiment, provision is made for a viewfinder assembly being constructed and oriented with respect to the second housing assembly so that when the apparatus is held in the vertical mode the second housing assembly does not obstruct an operators face.
In an illustrated embodiment, provision is made for an electronic camera comprising, in combination: a housing means for defining a recess; a cover assembly connected to the housing assembly for folding movement between covering and uncovering positions with respect to the recess; an LCD assembly connected to the cover assembly in such a manner that it is within and faces the recess when the cover assembly is in the covering position; and, means within the recess for detachably coupling a flash memory card which is constructed to be received therein.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement that allows the user to easily and in a stable manner grip the apparatus in both operative modes without having to remove his/her hands from the apparatus; thereby facilitating reliable and ergonomic use in either folded or unfolded modes.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a multiple mode image acquisition apparatus which in the collapsed condition operates in an electronic image acquisition mode, and in the erect condition operates in a photographic image acquisition and/or an electronic image acquisition mode.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a multiple mode image acquisition apparatus which is ergonomically operable in the different operative modes as well as when transitioning between the modes.
It is a still further object of the present invention to use common photographic features, such as the viewfinder, strobe, and shutter button without having to physically orient anyone of the features regardless of which of the acquisition modes is operative.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide for the effective utilization of a flash memory card in combination with an LCD display apparatus, wherein the LCD display can be moved from a folded position to a plurality of positions; wherein a user is allowed to insert and remove the card from a cavity in the digital camera which was, in part, occupied by the LCD display.
It is a still further object of the present invention to multiple mode image acquisition apparatus which is highly compact in the folded position, corresponding to the electronic imaging mode, and yet may be easily and smoothly erected into the photographic mode without requiring the user to remove his hands from the imaging apparatus.
Further still it is an object of the invention to provide such an apparatus which utilizes self-developing film units.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3810211 (1974-05-01), Wareham et al.
patent: 3832726 (1974-08-01), Finelli
patent: 4226519 (1980-10-01), Gervais et al.
patent: 4387978 (1983-06-01), Pizzuti
patent: 4508440 (1985-04-01), Costa et al.
patent: 4949117 (1990-08-01), Van Heyningen et al.
patent: 5027142 (1991-06-01), Douglas
patent: 5150215 (1992-09-01), Shi
patent: 5151728 (1992-09-01), Hendry et al.
patent: 5687411 (1997-11-01), Minoru et al.
patent: 5790907 (1998-08-01), Reibl
patent: 5950020 (1999-09-01), Ball et al.
Payne Leslie
Polaroid Corporation
Rutledge D.
LandOfFree
Multiple mode imaging system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Multiple mode imaging system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multiple mode imaging system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2492237