Photography – Camera support – Operator supported
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-13
2002-07-30
Adams, Russell (Department: 2851)
Photography
Camera support
Operator supported
C396S419000, C352S243000, C042S106000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06425697
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to mounts for cameras or the like and, more particularly, to an improved universal mounting assembly for supporting a camera, such as a movie or video camera, from a structure or other object, such as a weapon.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When hunting wild game, it is often desirable to record the shoot on film, such as through the use of a movie or video camera. Obtaining such a record of the hunt allows the hunter to later review his or her shots and receive valuable feedback, particularly when the selected target is missed. Additionally, after group hunts, reviewing the film with the other members of the hunting party is entertaining and builds camaraderie by allowing the hunters to discuss both the big kills and the “one that got away.”
However, it should be recognized that it is extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible, for a single hunter to both accurately aim and discharge a firearm or other weapon while simultaneously holding a camera on the target. To solve this problem, others in the past have proposed devices for mounting a movie, video, or even still camera to a firearm to capture a single shot or the entire shoot on film. Unfortunately, all of these devices suffer from significant drawbacks. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 1,190,000 to Pfander, U.S. Pat. No. 2,943,547 to Martin, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,427,102 to Wade all disclose stationary mountings for securing a camera directly to a firearm. The most significant disadvantage of such stationary mountings is that most of the shock and recoil forces resulting from the discharge of the firearm is transferred directly to the camera. In addition to disrupting or severely distorting the images recorded on film, the shock force may also damage the sensitive electronic components of the camera. Another limitation is that the mountings disclosed in these patents are specially adapted for use only on firearms, and in particular rifles, and are not suitable for use on bows, crossbows, or other types weapons.
Recognizing the limitations of such stationary firearm mountings, U.S. Pat. No. 3,062,114 to Palos discloses an active mounting for supporting a camera from a rifle. The camera is connected directly to the rifle using mating mounting plates that slide relative to each other. To dampen this relative movement, a spring is provided in a channel formed between the plates. The camera includes a dovetail for mating with a groove formed in the lower plate to secure it in a position parallel to the lower mounting plate. Thus, when the gun is discharged, the relative movement of the plates in combination with the biasing force supplied by the spring is designed to reduce to recoil or shock effects.
Although this mounting results in an improvement over stationary mountings and absorbs some of the recoil force created when the rifle is discharged, significant limitations still remain. One limitation is that the camera is still directly connected to the rifle and, thus, experiences the deleterious shock force generated upon discharge. A second limitation is that the mounting includes a specialized plate for direct attachment to the firearm using bolts or screws. Not only is such a mounting difficult and time consuming to install, but it also may not readily adapt for use on different types or styles of rifles, or on other weapons, such as bows. Moreover, a specialized camera or housing is required, since the camera forms an integral part of the assembly by virtue of the dovetail. Finally, the fixed mounting plate does not permit the position of the camera relative to the line of sight of the firearm to be adjusted. All of these disadvantages greatly complicate the mounting process, and in the case of rifles or other firearms, result in poor capture of the shoot on film due to the transfer of shock forces or the potential for camera misalignment.
Thus, a need is identified for an improved arrangement for mounting a camera, and in particular a video camera, to an object, such as a weapon or other structure that is subjected to significant, but usually intermittent, shock forces. The mounting would easily attach to existing structures found on many objects or weapons, and thus, would not require extensive installation time or retrofitting. Active, full support would be provided without directly connecting the camera to the weapon. This would of course reduce the effect of both the shock and recoil forces on the camera when the weapon is discharged, which in turn reduces distortion in the capture of the shoot on film and lessens the potential for damage to sensitive camera components or circuitry. The mounting would be adapted for use with all conventional types of cameras, thereby avoiding the need for specialized cameras, adaptors, or housings. Additionally, the mounting would be adjustable for fine tuning the camera alignment to ensure that it corresponds to the line of sight of the weapon and fully captures the shoot or other event.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, keeping the above needs in focus, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a camera mounting assembly for a weapon that overcomes the limitations and disadvantages of the prior art mountings described above.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a camera mounting assembly having a unique suspension system that keeps the camera substantially aligned with the line-of-sight of the weapon at all times, while simultaneously absorbing substantially all of the shock or recoil force created upon discharge, thereby preventing any substantial interruption in the capture of the shoot on film and reducing the potential for shock damage to the camera.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a camera mounting assembly wherein the camera is indirectly connected to the weapon, thereby significantly reducing the amount of shock or recoil force transferred to the camera upon discharge.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a camera mounting assembly adapted for attachment to structures typically found on conventional weapons to permit easy and convenient installation and avoid the need for installing a specialized mounting plate on the weapon or other extensive retrofitting procedures.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a camera mounting assembly having a camera support adapted for connection to conventional cameras, including home video cameras, thereby avoiding the need for a specialized camera, complicated camera adaptor, or the use of a separate housing for mounting the camera.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a camera mounting assembly wherein the position or alignment of the camera relative to the line-of-sight of the weapon is easily adjusted to ensure that the shoot or other event is reliably captured on film.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a related method of reliably capturing a shoot on film by mounting a camera on a weapon such that it swings to and fro in response to any recoil forces created upon discharge.
Additional objects, advantages and other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, an improved assembly is provided for mounting a camera on an object, such as a weapon, and in particular, for mounting a conventional home video camera to a rifle, shotgun, bow or the like. The mounting assembly includes a novel active suspension system having at least one, and preferably a pair of swing arms that, together with one or more dampers, absorb substantially all of the recoil force crea
Allen Richard M.
Potts Jeff C.
Adams Russell
King & Schickli PLLC
Smith Arthur A
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